Xiao Zike, styled Jingchong, was a man from Lanling and the second son of Xiao Yi, the Duke of Yuzhang and Wuxian during the Qi Dynasty. During the Yongming period, he was appointed as the Marquis of Nankang County. At the age of twelve, he and his brother, the King of Jinglei, co-wrote the "Gaosong Fu," which impressed General Wang Jian at the time.
Initially serving as the General of Ning Shuo and the Prefect of Huailing, during the Jianwu period, he was promoted to the General of Fuguo and the Prefect of Wu County. Later, Grand Marshal Wang Jing led a rebellion in Kuaiji under the banner of supporting Xiao Zike. Emperor Qi Ming summoned him, his brother, and over seventy close associates to the Western Province, planning to execute them that night. Xiao Zike left his post in Wu County and fled home, arriving in Jiankang on the same day. Emperor Qi Ming then decided against it and appointed Xiao Zike as the Prince's Middle Chamberlain.
After Xiao Luan (the Marquis of Donghun) ascended to the throne, Xiao Zike was promoted to Director of the Imperial Secretariat, concurrently serving as General of the Right Army, and soon after as Palace Attendant. In the second year of Zhongxing, he was further promoted to the Adviser to the General of Fuguo. In the first year of Tianjian, his title was downgraded to Viscount, and he was appointed as a Cavalier Attendant, concurrently serving as Colonel of Infantry. However, due to illness, he did not take up the position and was later appointed as Grand Master of Splendor, then shortly after promoted to Left Chief Historian of the Minister of Works.
Xiao Zike and his disciples, including Fan, visited the Xie family for various reasons. Emperor Gaozu received them in the Hall of Wendie and kindly said to them, "I would like to have a chat with you brothers. The treasures of this world are meant for everyone, not something you can take by force. Even with the strength of someone like Xiang Yu, without the Mandate of Heaven, you will ultimately fail. As Ban Biao said in the 'Wangming Lun': 'Seeking only one gold, yet end up dead in the ditch.' You should really read this book carefully."
Emperor Xiaowu of the Song dynasty was suspicious by nature. As long as his brothers had a little bit of fame, none of them survived various poisoning incidents. In the end, only Jing and one other remained. Among the courtiers, some suspected that they were victims of fate, and there were continuous cases of injustice and indiscriminate killing. But there were also those who suspected that they were victims of fate but were not killed, and there were those who were unaware of fate and had no suspicions at all. At that time, although some people suspected your ancestors, there was no way to do anything to them. This is a situation of suspicion without any means to take action. There were also those who did not suspect, like Emperor Ming of the Song dynasty, who was just an ordinary person and was dismissed from office; how come he was fine? Besides, I was only two years old at the time; how could they have known I would end up like this? Therefore, things destined by fate cannot be harmed by humans, even if they want to.
When I first pacified the city of Jiankang, people inside and outside the court advised me, "The times have changed, people's minds are stable, and some actions should be taken." At that time, I did as advised; who said it couldn't be done? I observed the political situation since the Jiangzuo era, and the change of dynasty is inevitably accompanied by mutual killings, which hurts the harmony. Therefore, the nation's fortunes usually do not last long, as the saying goes in the "Shangshu," "The warning of Yin is not far, in the era after Xia." This is a truth. Second, although the Qi and Liang dynasties are said to have changed, it is different from the previous situation. Although there are two generations between us brothers, the family relationship is not distant. Don't say that brothers are relatives; brotherly relationships can be both good and bad. Moreover, what about relatives beyond the five degrees of kinship? When the Qi dynasty was first established, we shared weal and woe, and my trusted aides were in your family. You brothers are still young and may not understand these situations well. I consider you brothers to be like family; how can we overlook these matters as if they don't exist? This is the second truth.
The position I hold today isn't what I initially aimed for. Besides, Emperor Jianwu massacred your family, bringing suffering to your brothers. I rose up not only to avenge my family but also to avenge your brothers. If you can set things right during the Jianwu and Yongyuan periods, even if I were to rise up like Fan Kuai or Deng Tong, I would lay down my weapons and support you; even if you want to continue fighting, it would be without justification. I'm seeking revenge for you now, and the times have changed. I hope you brothers will repay me wholeheartedly. Moreover, I have replaced the Ming Emperor's family amidst the chaos, not seizing your family's power. Previously, Liu Ziyu claimed to be the son of Emperor Cheng, but Emperor Guangwu remarked, "Even if Emperor Cheng were to come back to life, the world would not return to him, let alone Ziyu." In the early period of the Liang Dynasty, some advised me to kill you, and my response was similar to the advice given to Emperor Xiaowu of Song about killing people: if it's their fate to die, I can't kill them; if they do not have a predestined fate, why should I do this? It would just show a lack of perspective. Cao Zhi is the grandson of Emperor Wu of Wei, the son of Prince Chen Si, and he could still be a loyal minister during the reign of Emperor Wu of Jin. This is your model. You are of the royal family, with a bond that's different from others, and should treat each other openly, without barriers. Soon enough, you'll understand my intentions.
Later, during the reign of Emperor Wenxian, the eunuch Zhao Shuzu, the head of the inner palace accounts, became the commander of Taiqizhai in Shouguang Province in the early years of Tianjian. Gaozu summoned Zhao Shuzu and said, "I knew you back in Beidi, and because you are an old acquaintance of mine, I often sent you on errands. Have you seen any of those young folks from Beidi lately?" Zhao Shuzu replied, "I have been on duty recently and rarely go out. Even if I do occasionally go out, I can't go there." Gaozu said, "If you see those young people from Beidi, convey my message to them: although there has been a change of dynasty today, we're still like family; it's just that the foundation is not yet stable, so I have not been able to use those young people. This is not only because the timing is not right, but also to let them rest easy. Let them be at ease at home, and in the future, you will understand my intentions." Zhao Shuzu then went out and conveyed Gaozu's words to them.
Laosiao was first appointed as the governor of Yongjia. Later, he was transferred back to the court and became a Grandee of the Palace, then the Director of the Imperial Secretariat. After that, he was appointed as the General of State Assistance and the Prefect of Lingling. In the seventeenth year, he returned to the court and became the Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary and the General Who Assists the State. In the first year of Putong, he was promoted to the Minister of Works. Three years later, he was promoted to the Minister of the Imperial Clan. Four years later, he was transferred to the Ministry of Personnel. Six years later, he was promoted to the Supervisor of the Crown Prince's Household. In the second year of Datong, he was sent on an external mission and became the General Who Maintains Distant Frontiers and the Prefect of Wu County. Three years later, he passed away in office at the age of fifty-two. The court posthumously honored him with the titles of Palace Attendant and Prefect of the Palace Library, and he was posthumously honored as "Gong."
The Laosiao family had a total of sixteen brothers, all of whom held official positions in the Liang Dynasty. Among them, the five more scholarly brothers were Laosiao, Zizhi, Zixian, Ziyun, and Zihui. Laosiao once told his close associates, "My brothers have taken care of matters related to literature and history, so I don’t have to stress about it. I just want to live my life peacefully and not mess up." When Laosiao was young, he also studied some things and wrote some articles, but he later gave up on them, so he didn't leave behind any written works.
His younger brother Ziruo was also quite famous during the Taiqing period and held the position of an official in the Ministry of Personnel. Later, he fled to Dongyang amidst the chaos of war, but unfortunately was killed by bandits.
Fan Jingze was the sixth younger brother of Zike. In the tenth year of Yongming (488 AD), he was appointed as the Marquis of Qiyang County and served as the Prince's stableman. In the early years of Tianjian (502 AD), his title was demoted to Viscount, and he successively served as a military officer in the rear army, the Prince's stableman, and then was promoted to Chief Clerk of the Minister of Works. Later, due to his mother's passing, he resigned from his official position to fulfill his mourning duties. Fan Jingze was a filial son, and during the mourning period, he was deeply saddened, a fact known to all. After the mourning period ended, he resumed his position as Chief Clerk of the Minister of Works and was later promoted to Intendant of Danyang, then to the Prince's Attendant. He was later sent to serve as the Administrator of Jian'an, and upon returning to the court, he served as Chief of Household Affairs for Prince Nanping, handling the affairs of the palace. The Nanping Prince admired talented scholars and held Fan Jingze in high regard, once saying, "This is a rare talent in the royal family!" He even had Fan Jingze write the "Thousand-Character Classic," which was masterfully composed, and had the scribe Cai Wei provide annotations for it. From then on, all official documents for the Nanping Prince were drafted by Fan Jingze. After the Nanping Prince passed away, Fan Jingze was promoted to military adviser to the Xuanhui Consultative Officer and also served as Chief Historian to the Protector of the Army, Linhe Wang Zhengde. When Zhengde served as the Intendant of Danyang, Fan Jingze served as his Chief Historian, concurrently serving as the Intendant.
He has been an official for more than ten years, always serving as a local official in a distant region. He often felt dissatisfied because several of his brothers were promoted quickly to high-ranking positions, which left him feeling quite unsettled. So he wrote a memorial saying, "I have twice held the position of chief assistant to a border governor. My brothers in Henan occupy high-ranking positions, while I have not been promoted. Due to the differences in age and fortune, even with the emperor's favor, I still feel ashamed." Fan Jingze, when he was young, and his brothers Zixian and Ziyun, were almost equally talented, but he lacked their demeanor and appearance, which created a disparity in their careers. He often read the "Book of Han," and when he read about the Du brothers, he often recited it as a metaphor for his own situation.
Later, he was appointed as the Sima of Prince Xuanhui of Wuling, but he did not accept it and continued to serve as a court official, then was promoted to Grand Herald and Minister of Justice. He was then sent to serve as General of the Guards and Prefect of Shixing. Upon returning to the court, he served as the Grand Master of Ceremonies and was subsequently promoted to Chief of the Secretariat. When Emperor Taizong ascended the throne, he summoned him to serve as Grand Herald and bestowed upon him the Golden Seal and Purple Robe, but he did not accept it because he needed to defend against rebels. In the same year, Empress Jian passed away, and the court asked him and Zhang Zuan to compose a eulogy. After reading it, Emperor Taizong said, "Although the funeral is simple, this piece is no less worthy than previous eulogies." Shortly thereafter, Fan Jingze fell ill and died at the age of sixty-four. After the rebels were pacified, Emperor Gaozong posthumously awarded him the title of Grand Herald with the Golden Purple, and he was posthumously honored with the title "Wen." He left behind a collection of thirty volumes.
Panghe and Que, the two brothers, were very talented in literature from a young age. When Tang Taizong was still the Crown Prince, he often discussed the literary talents of the Xiao family with Prince Shaoling, and Panghe and Que were also involved. Panghe became a Gentleman of the Palace Library and Secretary to the Prince of Xuan of the Central Army after his father passed away. As for Que, during the Taiqing era, he served as Friend to the Prince of Xuan and Right Chief Historian of the Ministry of Works. After the rebellion was quelled, he went to Jiangling, where he ultimately passed away.
Xian, whose courtesy name is Jingyang, is Ke's eighth younger brother. He has been clever and quick-witted since he was a child, and King Wenxian particularly valued him, favoring him over his other sons. At the age of seven, he was appointed as the Marquis of Ningdu County. At the end of the Yongyuan era, he was appointed as a Palace Attendant with the privileges of a prince. In the early years of Tianjian, his title was downgraded to that of a commoner. Later, he was promoted to various positions, including Outer Military Commander of Anxi, a junior officer in the Office of Benevolence and Authority, the Registrar of the Ministry of Works, and the Recorder of the Grand Commandant.
Xian was tall and handsome, standing at eight feet. He loved studying and was good at writing. He once wrote a poem titled "Hongxu Fu," which was praised by the Minister of State, Shen Yue, who said, "This truly reaches the highest realm of elucidating principles and can be compared to 'You Tong Fu'!" He also collected and organized various versions of the "Book of the Later Han," examined their similarities and differences, and compiled a book with unique characteristics. He took the initiative to compile the "History of Qi," and after completing it, he presented it to the court, where the emperor ordered it to be stored in the imperial archives. Later, he was promoted to positions such as the Crown Prince's Chamberlain, the Prefect of Jiankang, the friend of King Shaoling, the Deputy of Danyang, and the Secretary of the Central Secretariat, while also acting as the Minister of Rites. He was subsequently appointed as the Internal Historian of Linchuan and, upon his return, was made a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate. In the second year of the Zhongdatong era, he was promoted to the position of Senior Attendant to the Emperor. Emperor Gaozu greatly appreciated Xian's talents and valued his demeanor and eloquence; every time at the imperial banquet, Emperor Gaozu would pay special attention to him and converse with him. One time, Emperor Gaozu casually said to Xian, "I am writing 'Tongshi,' and once this book is completed, all other history books can be discarded." Xian replied, "Confucius praised the principles of the 'I Ching' but discarded 'Ba Suo,' 'Shu Zhi Fang,' and 'Jiu Qiu.' The sages did this, and it is the same today." At that time, everyone thought this was a brilliant response. Three years later, while continuing in his original position, he also took on the role of Doctor of the National University. The classics written by Emperor Gaozu had not yet been included in the curriculum for scholars, and during his tenure, Xian petitioned the court to appoint an assistant and enroll ten students. He also took the initiative to compile Emperor Gaozu's collected works and the "Record of the Northern Expedition." That year, he was promoted to the Ritual Wine Master of the National University and additionally appointed as Senior Attendant, systematically teaching Emperor Gaozu's "Five Classics" at the university. Five years later, he was appointed as the Minister of Personnel, while still retaining the position of Senior Attendant.
Xiao Zixian was a rather proud personality and very talented. Later, when he became an official, he met many high-ranking officials and nobles, but he kept to himself, just lightly waving his fan. The dignitaries were visibly displeased. However, the emperor had recognized his worth early on. Even when he was a prince, the emperor often shared drinks and conversations with him. Once, when Xiao Zixian got up to change his clothes, the emperor said to the others present, "I've only heard tales of extraordinary talent, but today I realize that Minister Xiao is genuinely exceptional!" This shows just how highly the emperor regarded him. In the third year of the Datong era, Xiao Zixian was appointed as the General of Renwei and Prefect of Wuxing. Unfortunately, he passed away not long after, at the age of forty-nine. The emperor issued a decree saying, "General of Renwei and Prefect of Wuxing, Xiao Zixian, was full of talent and was a pillar of the court. It is a pity that he passed away at a young age, and I am profoundly saddened! He is posthumously honored with the titles of Minister and head of the Imperial Secretariat, and a mourning ceremony will be held for him." When it was time to bestow upon him a posthumous title, the emperor personally wrote the decree: "He was proud of his abilities and looked down on others, so let him be posthumously honored with the title 'Proud'!"
Xiao Zixian once wrote a "Preface," which roughly states: "I used to be the teacher of King Shaoling, and later returned to the capital. Looking back, I am like Tang Mei and Song Yu of Chu State, Yan Ji and Zou Yang of Liang State. In my life, I really like writing articles. Although I have not achieved great success, I feel quite content. As for my works, whether it is about enjoying the view from high places, bidding farewell by the water, feeling the spring breeze, gazing at the autumn moon, watching the geese fly south, or the falling leaves, as long as inspiration strikes, I can write about anything. Scholars of previous dynasties such as Jia Yi, Fu Yi, Cui Hao, Ma Rong, Han Danchun, Miao Xi, Lu Qiao, and others all became famous through their writings, so I often write poems to praise them and compare myself with the ancients. In the sixteenth year of Tianjian, I attended the court banquet for the Double Ninth Festival. With so many people present, the emperor singled me out to compose a poem, saying, 'The scenery is so beautiful now, you should write a good poem.' After writing the poem, the emperor said, 'You are truly a talented scholar!' I thought to myself, the emperor values me so highly; this isn’t something I sought! How do I measure up to Jia Yi? It's hard to say. When I write, I rarely chase after fame and fortune. I write when inspiration strikes, never forcing myself. The poems and essays I wrote in my youth, like 'Hong Xu,' integrated various styles and were rich in content. My works were widely praised, and as a result, my reputation spread quickly."
Xiao Zixian left behind a hundred volumes of "Book of Later Han," sixty volumes of "Book of Qi," five volumes of "Records of the Northern Expeditions," and thirty volumes of "Biographies of the Noble and Frugal," as well as twenty volumes of collected works.
It's said that brothers Xiao Xu and Xiao Kai were quite famous from a young age. Xiao Xu, during the Taiping period, served as the Prince's Household Manager and Middle Privy Secretary, tasked with recording documents. Later, he died in the city during the war.
Xiao Kai started out as a student at the Imperial Academy, excelled in his exams, and was recommended by the local government to become a xiucai. He then served as a secretary, before being promoted to junior attendant to the Crown Prince, chief steward of the Prince's residence, and stable master. After his father's death, he resigned from his official duties to return home and observe the mourning period. After the mourning period, he was reappointed as stable master to the Crown Prince, and later advanced to assistant imperial secretary, where he was responsible for record-keeping. He continued to rise in ranks, becoming the literary official for Prince Xuan of Xuan Cheng, a palace secretary, and the household manager for the Crown Prince, all while managing record-keeping. Xiao Kai was well-respected for both his talents and reputation, often compared to his father. Emperor Taizong of Tang had recognized his potential even while he was still in the Eastern Palace.
On one occasion, when the assistant imperial secretary Xie Gu was sent to Jian'an for official duties, a farewell banquet was hosted at the Pavilion of Propriety, where everyone was invited to compose poetry using fifteen specific rhyme patterns. Xiao Kai was the first to finish, and his poem was especially impressive. Emperor Taizong and Prince of Xiangdong praised him, saying, "Xiao Yun (Xiao Kai's father) was already an accomplished scholar, and now we have Xiao Kai among the younger generation, truly a talented individual!"
Previously, the Imperial Academy scholar Gu Yewang was tasked with compiling the "Jade Book," but Emperor Taizong felt that the book's organization was not quite right. Given Xiao Kai's extensive knowledge, particularly in writing, he was invited to revise and refine the book alongside other scholars. Xiao Kai was later appointed as assistant imperial secretary, but before he could take up the position, he was reassigned to the Ministry of Personnel as a deputy. In the second year of the Taiqing era, he was promoted to Deputy Imperial Censor. Shortly after, during the Hou Jing rebellion, Xiao Kai was promoted to the position of attendant in the city, but soon after, he passed away at the age of forty-four. His collection of writings has since been lost.
Ziyun, courtesy name Jingqiao, is the ninth younger brother of Zike. At the age of twelve, in the fourth year of Qi Jianwu, he was granted the title of Marquis of Xinpu County. He wrote a memorial to the court, and his writings were quite eloquent. During the Tianjian period, his title was reduced to Viscount. As he grew older, he was diligent and had a thirst for knowledge. Realizing that the classics of the Jin Dynasty were incomplete, he decided to compile books. By the time he was twenty-six, the book was finally finished. He presented it to the court, and the emperor entrusted it to the secretariat for safekeeping.
Ziyun had a calm and quiet personality and did not like to pursue official positions. He only began his official career at the age of thirty, becoming a Secretary to the Crown Prince. He later rose to become a military officer of the Northern Zhonglang, a literary official of Prince Jin'an, the registrar of the Ministry of Works, and the magistrate of Danyang County. At that time, the King of Xiangdong served as the magistrate of the capital and held him in high regard, treating him like a close friend among the common folk. He was promoted to military advisor to Prince Luling, while also serving as the Deputy Left Secretary of the Ministry of Personnel. In the first year of Datong, he was appointed as a Yellow Gate Attendant, shortly after being promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry, while also serving as the Left Chief Historian of the Ministry of Works. The following year, he was transferred back to the court to serve in the Ministry of Personnel. In the third year, he was promoted to the Minister of Personnel, while also serving as an attendant. In the middle of Datong, he was promoted to the Minister of the Imperial Household. Three years later, he was assigned as General of Zhenwei and Intendant of Linchuan. He was renowned for his gentle governance in the region, and both the people and officials admired him greatly. After returning to the court, he was appointed as a Cavalier in Attendance and shortly after, he once again took on the role of an attendant. In the second year of Datong, he was promoted to External Cavalier in Attendance, the Libationer of the Imperial Academy, and concurrently serving as the Grand Supervisor of Nanxu. After some time, he once again served as an attendant, with the positions of Libationer and Grand Supervisor remaining unchanged.
During the early Liang Dynasty, the lyrics of the music used for sacrifices were all written by Shen Yue and have continued to be used to this day. Later, a man named Ziyun submitted a memorial to the emperor, suggesting that these lyrics be modified. In his memorial, he said, "Your Majesty, you advocate ritual music and value the sacrifices at the ancestral temples. You understand the teachings of the Duke of Zhou and Confucius. You have reformed the sacrificial animals, your virtue has touched the heavens, and you sincerely offer sacrifices with items like millet and aquatic plants. The nation's system shines like the sun and moon, and your teachings will be passed down to future generations of emperors. It is my duty to educate the people, and I have found that the musicians are still singing the old songs associated with the previous sacrificial animals. During the sacrifice to the Circular Mound Altar, the lyrics still include the phrase 'ritual offerings of livestock'; during the sacrifice at the Northern Suburbs, the song 'Xian Ya' includes the line 'livestock clouds and offerings to Confucius'; in the songs for the Qing Temple sacrifice, it still includes the line 'my livestock is pure'; during the morning court sacrifice, it still includes the line 'vermilion tail and azure scales.' These songs, accompanied by drumming and bell ringing, are not in line with the new sacrificial system. I wonder if Your Majesty would agree to modify the lyrics?" The emperor replied, "This is a matter of the relevant departments clinging to outdated practices; it should be changed promptly!" He then had Ziyun rewrite the lyrics. The emperor also ordered, "The lyrics of the temple sacrifices should be in elegant and solemn language and should not include simplistic terms like 'subordinate history'; many of the lyrics written by Shen Yue are flawed."
Ziyun replied to the Emperor, saying: "During ancestral worship in the Yin and Shang dynasties, when court meetings were held, the music used was named Ya Yue, and it should be selected from the 'Five Classics' for suitable material. This was the educational framework established by the sages. However, the sacrificial music since the Han dynasty has not completely adopted classical texts; the lyrics written by Shen Yue are often simplistic and disorganized. I previously modified ten pieces of music by Shen Yue because I knew that the sacrificial offerings had changed, so the lyrics should be modified as well. However, I had always followed the old rules and didn't think anything was wrong. It wasn't until I received your decree that I suddenly realized. I am not particularly bright, but after considerable effort, I have finally grasped your intentions. I have revised all of Shen Yue's lyrics in accordance with your decree. I mainly referenced the 'Five Classics', followed by 'Erya', 'I Ching', 'Book of Documents', and 'The Book of Rites', all of which are classics. I also referenced the classics of the Tang, Yao, and Shun periods, as well as the 'Songs' of the Yin and Shang dynasties and the 'Ya' of the Zhou dynasty. While the content of these songs of praise is similar, they each reflect the specific circumstances of their time. The reforms in Daliang promoted clothing, culture, and the establishment of the ritual music system, significantly exceeding those of the Three Dynasties; while Shen Yue's lyrics merely reiterate the virtues of the sage, neglecting the court's achievements. The precedent set by 'Ya' and 'Song' shows that Shen Yue's actions go against this tradition. Your Majesty's 'Theory of Music', with its profound musical theory, principles, and literary style, serves as a timeless model, a model of ritual music education, and a symbol of successful national governance. I drew upon these texts to clarify the court's achievements based on the specific circumstances. After extensive contemplation, I have completed this work and now present it for your review." The Emperor approved and began using Ziyun's newly written lyrics.
Xie Tiáo, courtesy name Ziyun, was exceptionally skilled in calligraphy and was widely regarded as a role model in his time. He himself said that he excelled in imitating the calligraphy of Zhong Yao and Wang Xizhi, but would make slight changes. He once replied to an imperial decree, "I didn't have any great talent before; I merely followed the trends of the time, copied Wang Xizhi's characters, and spent many years on it. When I was twenty-six years old, I wrote the 'History of Jin,' and when I was writing the 'Biographies of the Two Wangs,' I wanted to write a commentary in cursive script, but always felt that I couldn't quite express my thoughts, so I didn't finish it, just briefly mentioning the style of feibai script. More than ten years later, when I saw your decree asking me to write an article about calligraphy, I carefully studied the strokes and thoroughly understood the essence of the characters; I also understood that Wang Xizhi was not as good as Zhong Yao, just like Wang Xianzhi was not as good as Wang Xizhi. From that time on, I delved into contemplation, truly understood the essence of clerical script, surpassed Wang Xianzhi, and completely imitated Zhong Yao. Since then, I have felt that my calligraphy skills have improved significantly." His calligraphy works were highly appreciated by Emperor Gaozu, who once commented on Xie Tiao's calligraphy, saying, "His brushwork is vigorous and powerful, the harmony between mind and hand is seamless, his skill surpasses that of Du Du, and his beauty exceeds that of Cui Shi, and can be compared to Zhong Yao!" The Emperor held his calligraphy in very high regard. Seven years later, Xie Tiao was appointed as the General of Renwei and the Prefect of Dongyang. In the first year of Datong, he returned to the court and served as the Minister of the Imperial Clan. In the first year of Taiqing, he was appointed as the Palace Attendant, the Libationer of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and also served as the Grand Central Inspector of Nanxu Province. Two years later, with the Hou Jing rebellion looming, Xie Tiao fled into hiding among the common people. In the third month of the third year, the palace fell, and he fled east to Jinling, eventually dying of starvation in a monk's quarters at Xianling Temple, at the age of sixty-three. He left behind 110 volumes of "History of Jin" and 20 volumes of "New Records of the Eastern Palace."
His second son, Xie Te, styled Shida, became famous early on and was also skilled in cursive script and clerical script. The founding emperor of the dynasty once said to Xie Tiao, "Wang Xianzhi's calligraphy cannot compare to Wang Xizhi's. Recently, I saw Xie Te's calligraphy, and it can actually rival yours!" Xie Te held various official positions such as Assistant to the Imperial Library, Attendant to the Crown Prince, Registrar of the Bureau of Benevolence, and Recorder of the Central Army. He was later appointed as the magistrate of Haiyan, but was dismissed due to an error in judgment. He passed away at the age of twenty-five, before his father, Xie Tiao.
Xie Hui, styled Jingguang, was Xie Tiao's younger brother. He read historical books from a young age and had literary talent. He initially served as a Gentleman of the Imperial Guard, and later rose to the position of Recorder of the Southern Command. He was later appointed as the magistrate of Lin'an. He had a calm personality and few hobbies, participating in activities where the emperor attended lectures on the "Three Wisdoms Sutra" at the Chongyun Hall. He later wrote a poem for the emperor on the subject, which was highly praised. He was promoted to Adviser to the Prince of Wuling in Anxi, while also serving as the magistrate of Xinfan, and after the Prince of Wuling was promoted to Attendant Officer and Chief Clerk of the Cavalry, he eventually passed away.
Yao Cha, the Minister of Personnel in the Chen Dynasty, said: In the past, the State of Wei relied on military force to overthrow the Han Dynasty's rule, while the Jin Dynasty replaced Wei by controlling the government through its ministers. This is different from the ancient tradition of ruling by virtue and abdication. Therefore, the Jin Dynasty suppressed the royal family of the previous dynasty, cutting off the people's nostalgia for the Han Dynasty. However, figures like Liu Ye and Cao Zhi still held prominent positions in the Jin court; by the time of the Song Dynasty, the descendants of the Han royal family had become a deposed surname. In the Qi Dynasty, all the relatives of the Song were exterminated. The short duration of the Qi Dynasty was also due to this. During the Liang Dynasty's revolution, the rulers did not learn from the lessons of the previous dynasties, so the brothers Xiao Ke and their relatives were all appointed to official positions based on their talents, filling the court with their people, which was no different from before. How could it possibly compare to the ruthlessness of Wei towards the Han, or Jin towards Wei? It can be seen that Emperor Gaozu (Liang Wudi) was far more magnanimous and wise than the emperors of previous dynasties!
"The former Wei relied on military might to alter the fate of the Han, while Jin changed Wei through its ministers, which is different from the ancient peaceful abdication and the transmission of virtue. Therefore, it suppressed the branches of the previous dynasty and severed the people's hopes." This refers to the power transition between Wei and Jin, which is completely different from the peaceful abdication of ancient times. In order to consolidate its rule, the Jin Dynasty suppressed the royal family members of the Han, cutting off the people's longing for the Han Dynasty.
"Yet Liu Ye and Cao Zhi still held prominent positions in court; by the time of the Song, they became a deposed surname. In the Qi Dynasty, all the relatives of the Song were exterminated. Their duration was short, which was also due to this." But you see, between Wei and Jin, the old officials of the Han Dynasty, Liu Ye and Cao Zhi, still held important positions in the Jin court. However, by the time of the Song Dynasty, the Han royal family had become a deposed surname; and in the Qi Dynasty, all the relatives of the Song were killed, leading to the short duration of the Qi Dynasty, which was the result of the previous rulers not learning their lessons.
During the Liang Dynasty, they did not adopt the practices of the Wei and Jin dynasties. The Xiao brothers and their relatives could hold official positions according to their talents, and they had a strong presence throughout the court, which was no different from the previous dynasties. This illustrates that Emperor Wu of Liang possessed a far broader vision than the emperors of previous dynasties.
