Goodness, these four princes have such resounding names! The Prince of Changsha is the brothers Zixiao Yan and Zao, who jointly inherited the title; the Prince of Yongyang is Boyou, the Prince of Hengyang is Yuanjian, and the Prince of Guiyang is Xiang. Just hearing these princes' names evokes a sense of high status; all of them are royal relatives, each with royal blood. It's quite rare for the brothers to inherit the throne together like in the case of the Prince of Changsha; I wonder if this is due to a division of inheritance or some other reason. The Prince of Yongyang, the Prince of Hengyang, and the Prince of Guiyang, each with their own fiefdom, sound quite grand. Thinking about these princes, living lavishly in fine clothes.
Unfortunately, this merely presents a list of names and their fiefdoms, without any details on what they did or how they lived. It would truly be fascinating to hear more about their stories, like their relationships, any interesting anecdotes, or their contributions to the country; that would be even more perfect! Seeing their portraits would be even more perfect! These names have a sense of history to them, making one curious to research their backgrounds and life stories.
In any case, these names alone are enough to ignite the imagination. "Changsha Heir Prince Ye (Zixiao Yan and Zao), Yongyang Heir Prince Boyou, Hengyang Heir Prince Yuanjian, Guiyang Heir Prince Xiang," these names are remembered! Changsha Heir Prince Ye, styled Jingkuang, is the son of the elder brother Yi of the founding emperor. His father Yi, styled Yuanda, was well-known in his youth. Initially, he served as a military officer under the Prince of Shaoling in Qiannan, later inheriting the title of Marquis of Linxiang County. He then advanced to serve as the Prince's personal aide, stable master, and confidant. He was then appointed as the Prefect of Jinling, where he effectively resolved local issues within a month, winning the people's satisfaction, a notable political achievement. He later returned to the imperial court, serving as the Assistant Minister of the Imperial Secretariat.
During the end of the Yongming era, he was appointed as the military governor of Liangzhou, Southern Qinzhou, Northern Qinzhou, and Shazhou, as well as the Colonel of the Western Barbarians, and additionally held the title of Champion General. That year, the Northern Wei army invaded Hanzhong, besieging Nanzheng. His father Yi immediately led troops to resist, killing many Wei soldiers, forcing them to retreat. Yi also sent Yang Yuanshou, the leader of the Di tribe, to attack six military strongholds of the Wei kingdom, and successfully captured them all. The Wei soldiers were terrified, and the border regions were finally stabilized. As a result, his father was promoted to General of Conquering the Barbarians, granted an additional three hundred households of land as fief, and appointed as the governor of Yizhou and Ningzhou. Later, he returned to the court and became the Right Guard of the Crown Prince's Escort, a Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and the Minister of the Guards. In the second year of Yongyuan, Pei Shuye rebelled in Yuzhou. His father Yi was appointed as the military governor of Yuzhou, in charge of military affairs, and the governor of Yuzhou, as well as the Prefect of Liyang County and Nanqiao County, to suppress Pei Shuye. Pei Shuye surrendered to the Northern Wei out of fear. Not long after, General Xi Cui Huijing led troops to attack the capital, together with Prince Baoxuan of Jiangxia, besieging the imperial palace. The Qi dynasty was in chaos, and the court urgently summoned his father Yi back to the capital to defend it. At that time, his father Yi was in the middle of a meal and didn’t even put down his chopsticks; he immediately led three thousand elite soldiers to defend the capital. Cui Huijing sent his son Cui Jue to intercept, but Yi led his troops to charge and defeated Cui Jue, who fled on horseback. Yi pursued and defeated Cui Huijing's army, finally catching up and killing him. Yi was appointed as a Palace Attendant and the Deputy Director of the Right of the Secretariat, but before he had a chance to take office, he was promoted to Minister of the Secretariat, in charge of both land and naval operations, maintaining his previous titles and receiving an additional two thousand five hundred households of land as fief.
At that time, the emperor was incompetent and cruel, with powerful figures like Ru Fazhen and Wang Xuan in power; many veteran officials and generals were executed. Because of his significant contributions and high rank, his father Yi was feared by Ru Fazhen and his associates, so they said to the emperor, "Yi Gonggong will follow the tale of Long Chang in the future; Your Majesty, you must act quickly to deal with him!" The emperor believed their words and prepared to kill his father Yi. Yi's loyal friends secretly arranged a boat for him and advised him to escape. Yi said, "All ancient people face death; how could a prime minister flee?" As a result, Yi was killed. In the first year of Zhongxing, he was posthumously appointed as Attendant, Director of the Palace Library, and Minister of Works. After Empress Xuande ascended to power, he was posthumously appointed as Grand Tutor. In the first year of Tianjian, he was honored as Prime Minister, titled as Prince of Changsha County, with the posthumous title Xuanwu. His funeral was grand, akin to that of the Prince of Anping during the Jin Dynasty, featuring nine mourning coaches, phoenix carriages, yellow flags, and feathered banners, drums and trumpets, two mourning songs, and a hundred swordsmen clad in tiger armor.
When he was young, he was intelligent and sharp, with knowledge and judgment exceeding that of ordinary people. Later, he became an official and an attendant to the Crown Prince in the State of Qi. During the period of Emperor Xuanwu, he hid with his two brothers, Zao and Xiang, during the chaos of war. After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, he joined the army and was appointed General Ning Shuo. In the second year of Zhongxing, he was promoted to General Who Assists the State, also serving as the Prefect of Nan Langye County and Qinghe County. In the second year of Tianjian, he inherited the title of King of Changsha and was appointed General Who Champions, able to arrange his own staff. Later, he was promoted to Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat. Four years later, he was appointed as Palace Attendant. In the sixth year, he was transferred to Cavalry Commander, then promoted to General of the Guards, responsible for military defense of Shitoucheng. In the seventh year, he was sent out as Commissioner, Commander of the military forces in the five provinces of Nanyuan, Yuan, Xu, Qing, and Ji, as General of Benevolence and Might, and Governor of Nanyuan Province. In the eighth year, he was summoned back to the court as General of the Guard. In the ninth year, he was appointed as Prefect of the Palace Library, later changed to General Who Maintains Peace, stationed in Langye County and Pengcheng County, also serving as Governor of Nanyuan Province. In the tenth year, he was summoned back to the court as General Who Maintains Peace on the Right, and Palace Attendant. In the fourteenth year, he once again served as General of the Guard, stationed in Langye County and Pengcheng County. He was summoned back to the court as Prefect of the Palace Library, then sent out as General of Chariots and Horses, and Governor of Xiangzhou.
He was honest and kind, leaving a good reputation wherever he went. He firmly believed in karma, devoutly practicing Buddhism, and was often praised by Emperor Gaozu. In the third year of Putong, he was summoned back to the court as Cavalry Commander and Guard General. In the fourth year, he was appointed as Palace Attendant and Grand Master of Radiant Splendor. In the seventh year, he passed away at the age of forty-eight, posthumously granted the title Yuan. He left behind a collection of writings that has been passed down through generations. His son Xiaoyan inherited his title.
His son Xiaoyan, courtesy name Xizhuang, was intelligent and talented. He participated in the examination and ranked among the top, being appointed as a secretary and an attendant to the prince. Once, the Emperor Gaozu visited the Hualin Garden for leisure, and Xiaoyan presented poems such as "Xiangfeng Wu," "Huaguang Palace," and "Jingyang Mountain" at the banquet, with beautifully crafted verses. The Emperor Gaozu greatly appreciated his talent. In the first year of the Puyuan era, Xiaoyan died at the age of twenty-three and was posthumously honored with the name Zhang. His son Shen inherited his title.
Jingyi, a younger brother of the Yuan dynasty's royal family, was well-known from a young age for his integrity and honesty. In the early years of the Yongyuan era, he became a junior editorial assistant. In the first year of Tianjian, he was appointed as the Marquis of Xichang County, in charge of five hundred households. Later, he was sent to serve as the Governor of Yizhou and Ningzhou, the General of Champions, and the Governor of Yizhou. At that time, the country had just stabilized, and the border was still not peaceful. There was a man named Jiao Senghu in Yizhou who incited tens of thousands of people to rebel, occupying Pixian and Fancheng counties. Jingyi, who was not yet twenty years old at the time, gathered his officers to discuss plans for leading the troops into battle himself. Some people advised against it, but Jingyi, enraged, executed those who tried to dissuade him! He then rode a makeshift sedan chair directly to inspect the enemy's camp. The rebels shot arrows in all directions, but his followers held up shields to block the arrows. He ordered the removal of arrows that couldn't be blocked, boosting the morale of his troops. Seeing the situation was unfavorable, the rebels fled in the night. Jingyi immediately sent cavalry to pursue and killed thousands of them, successfully quelling the rebellion.
Later, he was promoted to General of the Xinwei. Nine years later, he was summoned back to the court and appointed as the Chief Minister to the Crown Prince. Ten years later, he became the General of the Left Cavalry and concurrently served as the Governor of Nanlangye. Later, he returned to the court as an imperial attendant. Jingyi was modest and cautious, never seeking fame or fortune. He excelled in writing, especially in ancient-style poetry. Unless it was a formal banquet, he never wrote informally, and even if he wrote a little something, he would discard it after finishing. Eleven years later, he was assigned to an external post, serving as the Commissioner, Commander of Yongzhou, Liangzhou, and Qinzhou, as well as the military commander of Jingling and Sui Counties, General Renwei, Colonel Ningman, and Governor of Yongzhou. Twelve years later, he was recalled to the court and appointed as the Commissioner, Commander of Nanyanzhou, Yanzhou, Xuzhou, Qingzhou, and Jizhou, with his military position unchanged. He held various local official positions, and both the people and officials praised him. He treated others with humility, always feeling that he was not doing well enough. Later, he was recalled to the court to serve as the Prince's Attendant.
In the third year of the Putong Era, he was promoted to General of the Leading Forces and appointed as an attendant. In the sixth year, he became the General of Military Advisers and, alongside Marquis Zhengde of Xifeng, launched a northern campaign against Guoyang, which ended in defeat. He was impeached by court officials, dismissed from office and stripped of his title. Seven years later, he was reinstated as the Chief of the Imperial Family. Eight years later, he regained his title and then served as the General of the Left Wing, concurrently holding the position of Infantry Colonel.
In the first year of Datong, he was promoted to Attendant and Central Protector of the Imperial Guard. At that time, Guoyang had just surrendered, and he was appointed as the Commissioner, Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Expedition, and General Conquering the North to secure Guoyang.
In the second year, he was promoted to the position of General of Central Command, Grand Minister of Splendid Purple and Luxuriant Grace, and was also appointed an assistant historian, and granted the title of Palace Attendant. In the first year of Datong, he was promoted to the position of General of the Guard, while retaining the position of General of Central Command. Three years later, he was promoted to General of the Central Army and Taizi Zhan Shi, and later appointed Intendant of Danyang. Emperor Gaozu often sighed and said, "My descendants are all like Kasyapa, what else do I have to worry about?" Kasyapa was his nickname. Later, he returned to the court and served as the General of the Left Guard, Left Assistant Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, and retained his title as Palace Attendant, but he firmly declined, and the emperor insisted he remain in office. In the fifth year of Datong, he was promoted to General of the Central Guard, Chancellor and Chief of Staff, while his position as Palace Attendant remained unchanged.
He was known for his gentle personality, often staying alone in a room, with the bedpost worn smooth from his knees. The royal family regarded him as a paragon of virtue. He always felt that his title and salary were too high, often thinking of resigning and retiring, so his mansion was always very quiet, with few visitors. Emperor Taizong held him in great esteem. Since the misfortune in his family, he always dressed in plain garments, slept on a mat of rush, abstained from meat and wine, and never listened to music except at court. Emperor Gaozu often praised him for this. Later, he was appointed as an envoy and Governor of Southern Xuzhou. During the rebellion of Hou Jing, he sent his eldest son to command the troops in the rescue. After the city was captured, he was further appointed as a Cavalier Attendant and Grand General. Hou Jing sent his Yitong Xiao Yong to replace him and occupy Jingkou, which caused him great worry and led to illness, yet he refused treatment. Some advised him to flee to Jiangnan, but he said, "As a pillar of the nation, holding a high position, if I cannot kill the traitors, I should live and die with the court; how could I seek refuge with traitors and live in disgrace?" He then fasted for several days and passed away in the third year of Taiqing, at the age of sixty-seven years.
Yongyang Prince Boyou, courtesy name Shiren, was the son of Fu, the second brother of the founding emperor. His father Fu, courtesy name Zhongda, initially served as General of the Rear, Military Advisor for Conquering Barbarians, then was promoted to the Prince's Attendant, Stable Master, and later became the Intendant of Danyang. He later returned to the court as the Prince's Attendant, then was promoted to General Who Establishes Might and Prefect of Sui County. He pacified the people near and far, who lived in peace and contentment, and it was said that none of his predecessors could compare to him. Later, he was promoted to General of Ning Shuo and was appointed as a Military Advisor to the Prince of Luling. In the fourth year of Jianwu, he passed away. After the founding emperor ascended the throne, he posthumously appointed him as Palace Attendant and Minister of Works, granted him the title of Prince of Yongyang, and posthumously honored him with the title of Zhao.
Boyou was a handsome and eloquent young man, with an air of ethereal grace. In April of the first year of Tianjian, the emperor decreed: "My nephew Boyou, although young and lacking in experience, is still capable. The situation in Eastern Zhejiang is complex and requires someone to pacify it. Let him be appointed as Inspector, in charge of military affairs in five counties including Kuaiji, Dongyang, Xin'an, Yongjia, and Linhai, and granted him the titles of Assistant General and Governor of Kuaiji!" He inherited the title of Prince of Yongyang two years later. He passed away five years later at the age of twenty-three and was posthumously honored as Duke of Gong.
Prince Yuan Jian of Hengyang, styled Xi Yuan, was the fourth son of Emperor Gaozu's fourth younger brother, Chang. His father Chang held official positions in the Qi dynasty, eventually becoming the Marquis of Jiangling County before passing away. In the first year of Tianjian, the emperor posthumously appointed him as an attendant, General of Chariots and Cavalry, and bestowed upon him the title of Prince of Hengyang with the posthumous title of Xuan Wang. Thirteen years into his reign, he was appointed as a Gentleman of the Imperial Library and later promoted to the position of Governor of Kuaiji. Thirteen years later, he returned to the court as the Keeper of the Yellow Gate, and was later sent out to serve as the Inspector-General of the military affairs of Guang, Jiao, and Yue provinces, as well as the General Who Pacifies Yue and the Governor of Guangzhou. He returned to the court as a Tutor to the Crown Prince and was later sent out again to serve as the Inspector-General of the military affairs of Ying, Si, and Huo provinces, as well as the General of Trustworthy Valor and the Governor of Yingzhou. In the first month of the eighteenth year, he died in office, with the posthumous title of Filial King. His son Jun succeeded to his title.
Prince Xiang of Guiyang, styled Shi Yi, was the ninth son of Prince Xuanwu of Changsha. Initially, his uncle Rong worked as the Crown Prince's Equerry during the Qi dynasty. During the Yongyuan era, the Xuanwu Rebellion broke out, resulting in the assassination of his uncle Rong. After Emperor Gaozu pacified the capital, he posthumously appointed his uncle as Keeper of the Yellow Gate. In the first year of Tianjian, his uncle was further appointed as a Cavalry General and General Who Pacifies the Army, and posthumously titled as Prince of Guiyang with the posthumous title of Jian Wang. As his uncle had no sons, the emperor decreed that Xiang should inherit the title and become the Prince of Guiyang.
Xiang was known for his refined and courteous demeanor, his ability to interact with people, and his exceptional filial piety towards his mother. Initially appointed as General of Ningyuan and Intendant of Danyang, he resigned from his post to observe a period of mourning at home after the death of his consort shortly after taking office. After completing his mourning period, he was appointed as General of Mingwei and Intendant of Danyang. Growing up in the palace, this was his first real involvement in political affairs, and he managed them exceptionally well, earning accolades from everyone at court.
Later, he was sent out to serve as an official, holding the seal and supervising the military affairs of Huo, Ying, and the three states, as General of the Expeditionary Forces and governor of Yingzhou. Before long, he was promoted again, becoming the General of Military Affairs of Xiang and Heng states, General of Light Cavalry, and governor of Xiangzhou. There used to be many tigers in Xiangzhou, and the locals were very afraid. But since he took office, the tigers became tame, and the locals praised his effective governance, attributing it to his virtue. Later, he was promoted to Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, and shortly after, he also took on military matters of Shitou Shu, then was promoted to Minister of the Yellow Gate, while also overseeing military matters, and then was made Minister of the Imperial Clan. He was then promoted to Palace Attendant and Prince's Consultant, but before he could take office, he was reassigned as General of Military Affairs of Jiangzhou, General of Trustworthy Forces, and governor of Jiangzhou. Later, due to illness, he resigned from his position. Not long after, he was appointed as Minister of the Imperial Ancestral Temple and was also made Palace Attendant, then promoted to Director of the Imperial Secretariat, concurrently holding the position of Colonel of Infantry. In the second year of Datong, he passed away, posthumously honored with the title "Dun." His son, Zao, inherited his title. The historical records say: the descendants of the King of Changsha inherited their fiefs, wearing magnificent royal attire. Prince Xiang of Guiyang was known for his filial piety. When he served as an official in Xiangzhou, even the tigers became docile, and it was all thanks to his kindness! In the past, who among the good officials could compare to him?
