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Written by: Realhistories

Category: Book of Liang （梁書）

Published: 05 January 2025

Created: 05 January 2025

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Jiang Yan, style name Wentong, was a native of Jiyang Kaocheng. He was poor from a young age but particularly studious, with a quiet demeanor, rarely engaging with others. He initially served as a low-ranking official in Southern Xuzhou and was later promoted to serve the court. Song Jianping King Jingsu had an appreciation for talent, and Jiang Yan accompanied King Jingsu in Southern Yanzhou. Later, the county magistrate Guo Yanwen fell into disgrace, which led to Jiang Yan's imprisonment in the local jail. While in prison, Jiang Yan wrote a letter to King Jingsu:

I have often read stories of commoners who sacrificed their lives for the nation, like the tales of Yan Di Feishuang and Qi Tai Zhenfeng. Every time I read these stories, I find myself moved to tears. Why? Because those noble individuals adhere to their principles, and those virtuous women maintain their integrity. Even when faced with suspicion or death, they stand firm, so those men with integrity, those loyal individuals, would rather die than yield! I once heard that benevolence and righteousness cannot be entirely trusted, kindness cannot be completely relied upon; I thought it was mere rhetoric, but now I truly grasp its meaning. I hope Your Majesty can momentarily set aside any prejudice against me, consider my circumstances more thoughtfully, and grant me some leniency.

I was just an ordinary farmer to begin with, wearing coarse clothes and a belt, not one to flaunt poetry or books, nor seeking fame in the world. Recently, I've been granted the honor of entering and leaving the palace. How could I not be cautious and careful? I admire Your Majesty's benevolence and am fortunate to be your subject, using my meager abilities to offer some simple skills. Your Majesty has shown me great favor and appreciation. I feel as honored as Jing Ke and as appreciated by the king as Yu Rang. I've always wanted to serve Your Majesty loyally, repaying your kindness with my life, even if it means sacrificing everything. But I never imagined that someone as foolish as I would attract slander, make mistakes, and end up imprisoned. I worry every day, suffering unbearable pain. I've heard that ruining one's reputation is even more shameful than losing one's looks, so whenever I think about it, I can't eat or sleep. Moreover, I've been locked up for so long now, and deep autumn is just around the corner; the weather is dreary, and everything around me feels dark. I'm not made of stone or wood, trapped here with the jailer all day. That's why I pound my chest and stomp my feet day and night, crying until my eyes bleed.

Although I have no reputation, I have heard of the conduct of gentlemen. Some live in seclusion in the mountains, some serve as officials in the court, some fight on the battlefield and achieve great military feats; their names are all inscribed in the annals of history. Why should I vie for such trifles? But I have also heard that prolonged slander can destroy a person. In ancient times, upright people were also suspected of theft, and in modern times, upright people have been slandered as unjust. If talented people can be treated like this, how could someone like me escape it? In the past, famous generals like Jiang Hou were imprisoned, and the renowned historian Sima Qian also suffered punishment. What more is there to say? Lu Zhonglian was talented, yet he chose to resign from office; Jieyu was virtuous and sang for his own pleasure; Yan Ziling lived in seclusion in the East Sea, and Yang Zhen lived in the western Qin; these are all excellent examples. If I commit a crime, I deserve punishment, and I would remain silent, even choosing to take my own life to atone for my sins. Why should I pursue so-called heroic spirit?

We are in an era of peace and prosperity; the common people are living in peace and contentment, and everywhere is thriving and prosperous, even the border areas basking in imperial favor. From Lin Tao and Di Dao in the west to Feihu and Yangyuan in the north, everywhere is filled with righteousness and benevolence, a peaceful atmosphere. But I am trapped in prison, suffering and tortured; this seemingly trivial matter is still worthy of sorrow! I humbly implore the king to look into this matter, so that I may close my eyes in peace and without regrets after my death. My heart is at ease; even in death, I shall be remembered for generations!

After Jing Su read my letter, he sent someone to release me from prison on the same day. Later, I was recommended as a scholar in South Xuzhou, took part in the policy examination, came in first, and was appointed as the Left Chamberlain of the Kingdom of Baling. When Jing Su served as the governor of Jingzhou, I followed him to work in Jingzhou. After the young emperor took the throne, he made numerous blunders. Jing Su held the military power in Jingzhou and was plotting a rebellion. I repeatedly advised him: "Listening to rumors will lead to disaster. In the Spring and Autumn Period, the two uncles perished because of this; mutual suspicion and resentment led to the downfall of the Seven Kingdoms. Your Highness should consider the welfare of the country and its people, instead of trusting the schemes of those around you; otherwise, history will repeat itself, and the deer will be left to suffer in the cold frost and dew of Gusu Platform." Jing Su completely ignored my advice. Later, he was transferred to Jingkou for garrison duty, and I was appointed as his military counselor, also serving as the Prefect of South Donghai County. Jing Su and his inner circle plotted day and night to stage a rebellion, and I sensed that things were about to come to light, so I composed fifteen poems to mock him. Lu Cheng became the Prefect of Kuaiji County and was struggling. He believed that the county magistrate Shen Yue should take over the county's affairs. However, Lu Cheng insisted on appointing Sima Liushilong. Shen Yue firmly opposed this, which angered Lu Cheng. He filed a complaint with the selection department and demoted Shen Yue to the position of county magistrate in Jian'an Wuxing. Shen Yue remained in the county for three years.

Later, during the reign of Emperor Qi Gaodi Xiao Daocheng, it was heard that Shen Yue was very talented, so he was summoned to the court and appointed as the Minister of the Imperial Chariots and Cavalry and Military Advisor. Not long after, the Governor of Jingzhou, Shen Youzhi, rebelled. Emperor Xiao Daocheng asked Shen Yue, "Given the current chaos in the world, what's your take?" Shen Yue replied, "In the past, Xiang Yu was so strong and Liu Bang was so weak; Yuan Shao had many people and Cao Cao had few; Xiang Yu commanded the princes but was eventually killed by someone with a single sword; Yuan Shao occupied several states but ended up as a fugitive. This illustrates that success or failure hinges on character, not merely on strength. What more is there to hesitate about?" Xiao Daocheng said, "I've heard this plenty of times; think of a solution." Shen Yue said, "You are brave and skilled in battle; that’s the first victory; you are kind and merciful; that’s the second victory; you can use talented individuals; that’s the third victory; the people support you; that’s the fourth victory; you are carrying out the mission to suppress the rebels on behalf of the emperor; that’s the fifth victory. Regarding Shen Youzhi, while he may be ambitious, he lacks the strength necessary; that’s the first defeat; although he has authority, he lacks virtue; that’s the second defeat; his soldiers are disheartened; that’s the third defeat; the literati do not back him; that’s the fourth defeat; his forces are spread thin over thousands of miles and lack mutual support; that’s the fifth defeat. Therefore, even if he commands a hundred thousand troops, he will ultimately be defeated by us." Xiao Daocheng laughed and said, "You might be pushing it a bit."

Since then, all military orders, memorials, and documents were drafted by Shen Yue. After Xiao Daocheng became the prime minister, he promoted Shen Yue to be the secretary for military affairs. In the early years of Jianyuan, Shen Yue also served as the secretary of the Prince of Biaoqi, Yuzhang (son of Xiao Daocheng), while also serving as the magistrate of Dongwu County, responsible for drafting edicts and classics, and in charge of national history. Shortly after, he was promoted to the position of Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. In the early years of Yongming, he was appointed Valiant Cavalry General, in charge of national history. Later, he served as the General of Military Establishment and the Interior Minister of Luling. After serving as an official in Luling for three years, he returned to the court, serving as the Valiant Cavalry General and concurrently as the Deputy Minister of Personnel. Shortly after, he resumed his original position, concurrently serving as the National Scholar. After Emperor Xiao Zhaoye ascended the throne, Shen Yue also served as the Deputy Imperial Censor. During Emperor Ming's reign, he said to Shen Yue, "When you worked in the Ministry of Personnel before, you never took non-official matters lightly, and you were both lenient and strict as an official, able to strike a good balance; now as the Minister of the Southern Bureau, it is enough to awe all the officials." Shen Yue replied, "Today's work can be said to be done according to the duties of the official position, but I am worried that my abilities are low, my aspirations are small, and I am not enough to meet your expectations." Therefore, Shen Yue accused Xie Ai, the Minister of the Central Secretariat, Wang Hui, the Chief Historian of the Ministry of Works, and Yu Hongyuan, the Chief Historian of the Imperial Guard, all because they were absent from the sacrificial activities at the imperial tombs due to prolonged illness; he also reported to the Ministry of Justice to handle the former Governor of Yizhou Liu Quan and the Governor of Liangzhou Yin Zhibo for embezzlement and accepting large bribes. The Prefect of Linhai Shen Zhaolu, the Prefect of Yongjia Yu Tanlong, as well as officials ranked at the Two Thousand Stone level in various counties and the main officials of various counties, many of them were accused and investigated, causing a stir among officials and the public. Emperor Ming said to Shen Yue, "Since the Song Dynasty, there has never been such a strict Deputy Imperial Censor like you; you can be considered a unique figure of our time."

After Emperor Ming ascended to the throne, Shen Yue was appointed as the General of the Chariots and Cavalry and the Chief Historian to the Prince of Linhai. He was soon appointed as the Minister of Justice and Law, promoted to the position of Imperial Clerk, further promoted to the Chief Historian of the Crown Prince, and granted the title of General Assisting the State. He was then sent to serve as the Administrator of Xuan Cheng, while maintaining his military rank. After serving as the Administrator of Xuan Cheng for four years, he returned to the court to serve as a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, concurrently holding the position of Colonel of Infantry, and later serving as the Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat. During the Yongyuan era, when Cui Huijing rebelled and surrounded the capital, all the high-ranking officials and nobles submitted letters pledging their loyalty, but Shen Yue claimed to be ill and did not go. After the situation was resolved, everyone admired his foresight and wisdom.

As the reign of the Eastern Emperor drew to a close, Shen Yue was appointed as the Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat and also concurrently as the Commandant of the Guards. He strongly declined but ultimately could not turn it down and had to take on the positions himself. He said to others, "This isn't my real job; everyone knows it’s just for appearances. Besides, with the changes in time and circumstances, a major upheaval is imminent. Confucius said, 'Those who excel in peaceful pursuits must also be prepared for war.' Why worry about making plans on the battlefield?" Shortly thereafter, he also took on the role of deputy to the Deputy Chief of the Army, Wang Ying. When the rebel army reached Xinlin, Shen Yue disguised himself and sought refuge with Emperor Liang Wu. Emperor Liang Wu appointed him as the General of the Crown Prince, while keeping his position as Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat, and shortly thereafter, he also took on the role of Left Chief Historian under the Minister of Works. In the first year of the Zhongxing period, he was promoted to the position of Minister of Personnel. The following year, he was reassigned as the Right Chief Historian to the Prime Minister, while retaining his position as the General of the Crown Prince.

In the year 502 AD, Ren Yan was appointed as the Cavalier Attendant and General of the Left Guard, and was granted the title of Baron of Linju County with a fief of four hundred households. Ren Yan said to his children, "I was just an ordinary official, never thought of getting rich, but unexpectedly achieved this. I have done everything I wanted to do in my life. Life is about enjoying happiness; why worry about wealth and status? My reputation is established, and I am thinking of retiring and living in the countryside!" That same year, due to illness, he was promoted to the rank of Grand Master of the Golden Purple and granted the title of Marquis of Liling. He passed away four years later, at the age of sixty-two. The Emperor mourned him personally in plain robes and rewarded him with thirty thousand coins and fifty rolls of silk, posthumously bestowing upon him the title "Xianbo."

When Ren Yan was young, he was famous for his writings, but his creativity waned in his later years, and people at the time said he had exhausted his talent. He wrote over a hundred articles in his lifetime, compiling them into two collections, along with his ten volumes of "History of Qi," which have been passed down through the ages. His son Ren Fang inherited his title, rising from the position of Subprefect of Danyang to Prefect of Changcheng, but later lost his title due to an error. In the year 509 AD, the Emperor remembered Ren Yan's contributions and regranted him the title of Marquis of Wuchang, with the same fief as before.

Ren Fang, whose courtesy name was Yansheng, was from Bochang in Le'an, and was a descendant of the Han Dynasty's Grand Master of the Imperial Secretariat, Ao. His father, Ren Yao, was the Middle Attendant of the Qi Dynasty. Ren Fang's mother, Lady Pei, once had a dream during a daytime nap of a colorful flag with bells hanging from its four corners, which fell from the sky, with one bell landing in her lap. She was frightened and later became pregnant, who later gave birth to Ren Fang. Ren Fang was seven feet and five inches tall and was passionate about learning from a young age, becoming famous early on. The Prefect of Danyang in the Song Dynasty, Liu Bing, invited him to be his registrar. At the age of sixteen, Ren Fang had a disagreement with Liu Bing's son due to their differing temperaments. After some time, Ren Fang participated in the provincial examination in Yanzhou and was appointed as a Doctor of the Imperial Academy, and later advanced to the role of Military Advisor for the Northern Campaign.

In the early years of Yongming, General Wei Wang Jian served as the Governor of Dan Yang and invited Ren Fang to serve as his chief clerk once more. Wang Jian admired Ren Fang very much and considered him a one-of-a-kind talent. Ren Fang later rose to the position of Military Officer in the Office of Justice, joined the court as a palace official, and was later appointed as the secretary to Prince Jingling, but resigned following the death of his father. He was extremely filial and devoted himself wholeheartedly during the mourning period. Once the mourning period ended, he suffered the loss of his mother, and he lived next to his mother's grave, where the grass wouldn't grow because he was always crying. After the mourning period was over, he was appointed as the Captain of the Prince's Infantry, responsible for managing the documents of the East Palace.

After Emperor Qi Ming deposed Prince Yulin, he began to promote Xiao Yi, appointing him as the Minister of Court Rites, Chief of the Imperial Secretariat, General of the Valiant Cavalry, Supervisor of the Palace Attendants with equal authority to the Three Excellencies, Governor of Yangzhou, Director of the Imperial Secretariat, and granting him the title of Duke of Xuancheng County. He also provided him with five thousand troops. The Emperor asked Xiao Yi to draft a letter of thanks, and Xiao Yi wrote a beautifully worded memorial. In the memorial, it was written: "I am originally a mediocre talent with limited intelligence. The late Emperor Taizu was full of fatherly love for his sons and kindness towards his family; the late Emperor Wuzu treated people as if they were commoners, with deep emotions like brothers. When the late Emperor Wuzu was seriously ill, I was commanded to serve him. Although I thought I could see clearly, I was still misled by some unscrupulous courtiers, until I, as dull as I am, barely realized my limited abilities. I really could not bear to stand idly by while the Emperor was in critical condition, not fulfilling my duty to serve faithfully, which is why I accepted the Emperor's trust and assisted him in handling the aftermath. Although the new Emperor's actions were unreasonable, causing me to be accused by the Emperor, it was not the fault of the royal family, but the responsibility of the subjects. Why do I say this? Because the Emperor's relatives are in Dongmou, and the Emperor's important officials are in Bolu, I can only worry about the state like Zimeng, but I cannot avoid being criticized like Changyi. How can I escape the discussions of the people? The Emperor's tomb is not yet dry, the admonitions are still fresh in my ears, and the affairs of the state have come to this point, which is not my fault; who should be responsible for this? How can I solemnly worship the Emperor's resting place and faithfully serve the late Emperor Wuzu? I am in despair, weeping daily. How can I tolerate achieving honor and wealth amidst family disgrace, enjoying peace in the face of national crisis? The achievements of the General of the Valiant Cavalry, the heavy responsibility of the state, the Imperial Secretariat's management of court affairs, the Secretariat's management of the Emperor's words. However, these decorations of honor, used to resist external threats, I know I am inadequate; who can say it is appropriate? My life is as light as a feather, but my responsibility is as heavy as Mount Tai; life and death, honor and disgrace, are all the same to me. Resigning from a position will not relieve my responsibilities; adding a position will only make me more guilty. I should be loyal to the country, not shirk responsibility. As for achievements that can compare to stabilizing the state, rewards that can compare to a thousand households, the privilege of residing honorably near the capital, owning the entire country, these are things I dare not hope for. I only hope that the Emperor can understand my difficulties and listen to my advice."

Not provided.

Xiao Yi's words were sincere and candid, pointing out the shortcomings of the court and his own lack of ability. Emperor Qiming was very angry after reading the memorial and was very dissatisfied with Xiao Yi. Therefore, during the Jianwu period, Xiao Yi's official position did not get promoted, only held the position of a mere Colonel.

Old Fan, he was quite talented in literature, especially skilled in writing articles, and he had a wealth of ideas. At that time, all the high-ranking officials and nobles sought his help when writing memorials. Mr. Fan could write with ease, requiring no revisions. Even literary giants like Shen Yue held him in high regard! After the death of Emperor Ming, he was promoted to the position of Assistant Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. Towards the end of the Yongyuan period, he was appointed as the Right Chancellor of the Ministry of Works.

Emperor Gaozu captured the capital city and established his rule, inviting Master Fan to serve as a military aide. Legend has it that when Emperor Gaozu and Master Fan first met at the residence of Prince Jingling, Emperor Gaozu smiled and said to him, "If I become a senior official in the future, I will definitely make you my secretary." Master Fan jokingly replied, "If I become a senior official in the future, I will definitely make you my cavalry!" This is because Emperor Gaozu was skilled in horseback riding. This time, Emperor Gaozu invited him, bringing their playful banter to fruition. Master Fan expressed his gratitude in a letter, saying, "I heard that you accepted this important position on an auspicious day, your accomplishments are remarkable, your blessings extend throughout the world, and the people now have a place to call home. Moreover, I have had the privilege of learning from you for nearly twenty years; every word and action of yours has made me deeply grateful. I owe my life to you. I have had the honor of dining with you before, and the words you said, your desire to mentor me, are all reflected in those jokes. I never imagined I would be so fortunate; your words have indeed come true. Although my abilities cannot compare to your foresight, my actions may come off as rash, you have been incredibly generous to me, not reproaching me, but sharing in my joy. Your achievements are unparalleled, exceeding those of ancient sages. You will surely have advisors like Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou to assist you in the future, people like Duke Huan of Qi and Duke Wen of Jin to support you; your merits will be recorded in history forever, and your blessings will be passed down to future generations. The rule has just begun, talented individuals are plentiful, and I feel out of place, disguising myself among true gems. I know my abilities are limited; I feel truly honored to have encountered such a wise ruler. It's a once-in-a-lifetime encounter, and I find it impossible to repay your kindness. Even when my time comes, I know that my life has not been lived in vain."

Liang Taijian, this guy, started off as an official quite high up, directly involved in drafting the abdication documents, which was quite significant! Later, when the founding emperor ascended the throne, he promoted him to Huangmen Shilang, then further promoted him to Li Bu Langzhong, and tasked him with overseeing the compilation. In the second year of Tianjian, he was sent to serve as the Governor of Yixing. He was known for his integrity and honesty in office, and his family survived on little more than wheat. His friend Pengcheng went to Gaixi, and even his younger brother went to Qia; they all went out together to enjoy the mountains and rivers. Later, he was transferred from Yixing, and when he set sail, he brought five bushels of rice. When he arrived at the new place, he didn't even pack any clothes, but General Shen Yue of Zhenjun kindly sent him a robe and a shirt. Later, he was appointed as Li Bu Langzhong again, participating in the selection of officials, but he struggled in this role. Then he was promoted to Yushi Zhongcheng, Mishu Jian, and also concurrently served as the former military general. Since the first year of Qiyong, the royal library was cluttered with books; he personally organized and cataloged them, bringing clarity to the book list.

In the spring of the sixth year, he was sent out again as the General of Ningshuo and the Governor of Xin'an. When he was in office locally, he was completely unconcerned with formalities, often dressed casually, strolling through the city with a cane, and addressing the people's grievances directly on the street. He ruled with integrity and simplicity, and the townspeople collectively supported him. After serving as the governor for a year, he died in office, at the age of only forty-nine. The whole city mourned for him, and the townspeople collectively built a shrine for him in the southern part of the city. When the founding emperor heard about it, he immediately declared a period of mourning and was deeply saddened. He was later posthumously appointed as Tai Chang Qing and given the posthumous title of Jing Zi.

He loved making friends and promoting talented friends, all of whom he helped were promoted. Therefore, many high-ranking officials and nobles sought to befriend him, and his home was often bustling with dozens of guests. People admired him in those times, calling him "Renjun" and likening him to the Three Lords of the Han Dynasty. Chen Jun Yin Yun wrote to Jian'an Prefect Dao Ji, "A wise man has passed away, and his admirable presence has vanished forever. Where has a person like Yuan Gui gone? Who can inherit his aspirations?" This shows how much respect his friends had for him. He did not pay much attention to managing his family's wealth, and he didn't even own a house. Some people laughed at him for frequently borrowing money from others, but he would then give that money to relatives and friends. He often lamented, saying, "Those who understand me will see me this way; those who do not will also see me this way." Despite his family's poverty, he amassed over ten thousand volumes of books, most of which were rare and unique editions. After his death, Gaozu asked scholars He Zong and Shen Yue to inspect his collection, taking any books that the court did not have. He authored hundreds of thousands of words in articles that were quite popular at the time. Initially, he held a high position among scholars, promoting many individuals and vigorously promoting the reputations of those who treated him well. However, after his passing, his sons were still quite young, and few people looked after them. Pingyuan Liu Xiaobiao wrote a commentary on this...

A guest asked the host, "Is Zhu Gongshu's 'Theory of Breaking Off Relations' right or wrong?" The host asked, "Why do you ask?" The guest said, "Look, when a small insect chirps, the locusts begin to leap; when a hawk roars, a gentle wind stirs. Therefore, all things interact with each other; the mist rolls and the clouds rise; birds chirp to each other, stars shine, and lightning strikes. So when Wang Yang is promoted, Gong Gong rejoices; when Han Sheng dies, Guo Zi is sad. Furthermore, people with similar aspirations have emotions as harmonious as a zither, words as sweet as orchids, friendships bonded like glue, and ambitions as beautiful as the melodies of a xun and chi. The sages engraved these on gold and stone, wrote them on jade slips, and cast them on bells and cauldrons. Just like skilled craftsmen making musical instruments, Boya played beautiful music. Fan Li and Zhang Liang had deep friendship in their seclusion, and Yin Jifu and Ban Gu had a harmonious friendship in their old age. Their interactions were intricate and unpredictable; their clever strategies were unpredictable, and their intentions were inscrutable. However, Zhu Yizhou abandoned these beautiful relationships, cut off his friends, viewed the common people as prey for hawks and falcons, and compared human relationships to those of jackals, wolves, tigers, and leopards. I find this perplexing and would appreciate your insight."

The master said happily, "What you said is like tuning a harp, thinking about the nuances of sound before it is even heard; casting a net in the marsh to catch fish, imagining the flight of swans and geese before they are seen. In fact, the sage is like holding a mirror to illuminate the changes of wind and clouds, dragons soaring and phoenixes dancing, bending and stretching freely, adapting to the changes and developments of things. The sun and moon illuminating one another, inspiring awe with their grandeur; clouds racing and lightning flashing, revealing profound truths. This is like the various changes in music, coming together into a beautiful symphony. Zhu Sheng is akin to discovering precious pearls in the Red River, eloquently expounding his views. As for cultivating benevolence and righteousness, honing morality, sharing happiness, helping each other, cherishing friendship deep within our souls, leaving marks of friendship in the world, no storm can hinder the expression of friendship, no blizzard can alter the essence of friendship; such noble friendships are rare, occurring only once in many millennia. But in the era of Zhu Gongshu, the world was in decline, and deceit was rampant; even the valleys could not contain the spread of deceit, and even the gods could not fathom its changes. People were competing for trivial pursuits, chasing insignificant benefits. As a result, sincere friendship disappeared, while the pursuit of profit-driven interactions flourished, deceiving the people of the world, filling people's hearts with panic and fear, like birds startled by thunder." "However, while profit-driven interactions may stem from the same root, they diverge in their paths. In simple terms, there are five methods:

If a person has unfathomable power, like Dong Zhuo and Shi Chong, with power surpassing that of Liang Ji and Dou Wu, then he controls all the resources of the country, can summon the wind and rain, and everyone bows and fawns over him. Every morning at cockcrow, there is a constant stream of people outside his mansion, eager to be seen by him, willing to sacrifice everything, even if it means burning their own wives and children, in a desperate attempt to emulate Jing Ke's assassination of the Qin, ready to face annihilation. This is the essence of power and influence.

If a person is wealthy enough to rival that of a nation, like Tao Zhugong and Bai Gui, with vast wealth comparable to Cheng Zheng and Luo Yang, owning mines in Tongling, hiding gold in their homes, with a grand cavalry unit at their command and the sound of bells resonating at home. Then the poor and lowly will try to flatter him, hoping for a favor, like fish swimming upstream and bees swarming around, eager to sacrifice anything for a share. They will try to please, show loyalty, compare their loyalty to evergreen pines, and their integrity to clear water. This is the essence of financial exchange.

Doctor Lu commands respect in the western state of Yan, while Guo Youdao is revered in the eastern country; the nobles envy their fame, while scholars admire their talent. Their eloquence and debating skills can warm a chilly valley or cause vibrant flowers to wither in an instant. Their words sway the fortunes and misfortunes of others. Therefore, young noble sons and wealthy heirs, even those who are not well-known, seek their advice, hoping to bask in their brilliance, like riders following a renowned steed, eager for their guidance. This is the essence of intellectual exchange.

In life, joy, anger, sorrow, happiness, sadness, and separation are all part of life. Fish sigh because the spring water dries up, and birds mourn because they are dying. Those who share the same plight will sing lamenting songs together, and fearful people will pray together. Therefore, true emotions are revealed in times of hardship, as they share life and death, much like Wu Zixu seeking refuge with Zai Xi and Zhang Yi receiving aid from Chen Zhen. This is the essence of friendship in adversity, and it is all the same.

Ah, the current social climate has made human relationships very materialistic. Who doesn’t wield some power? Who doesn’t possess a bit of cleverness? Weighing the pros and cons is like using a scale to determine what’s light or heavy; those subtle gestures are like using a piece of cotton to gauge the other person's breath, to see what kind of person they are. If you lack power or influence, it’s like being a weight that can't be lifted, and the cotton can’t soar. Even if you are a saint like Yan Hui or Ran Geng, a talented person like Zhuge Liang or Sima Yi, with noble character like Lan Zhi or Xue Tao, talented like Shu Juan or Xiang Xiu, or have a prominent status like Qing Yun or Fu Fu, in their eyes, you’re just dust—nothing of value. If you encounter someone of similar status, they won’t even spare half a bean, let alone offer any benefits.

However, if you have immense power and clever means, even if you are a cunning villain of humble origins, like the mythical figures Gong Gong and Huan Dou, who are overbearing and unreasonable, or like Nan Jing and Dong Ling, who are arrogant and oppressive bullies, people will still bow and scrape before you, grovel, flatter, and try their best to please you. Therefore, those who mingle with the powerful are certainly not the honest and upright; those who accept bribes are certainly like Zhang Tang and Huo Guang. They carefully weigh the pros and cons before doing anything and will not make any mistakes. This is what is called the concept of "measured exchange," probably with five types.

These five ways of interaction are actually similar to doing business, so Huan Tan compares it to market transactions, while Lin Hui compares it to sweet wine. In this world of alternating fortune and misfortune, rise and fall, some people go from rich to poor, some from glory to decline, some exist at first but are eventually destroyed, some were poor in the past but are now wealthy; the changes are as unpredictable as the ebb and flow of waves. This shows that people's pursuit of interests has never changed, and the ways of change will never be just one. From here, we can see why Zhang Tang and Queen Chen ultimately met a tragic end, why Xiao He and Duke Zhu eventually failed; the reasons become evident. But Zhai Gong is still there, dutifully guarding his home and advising guests, isn't that a bit late?

However, these five ways of interaction will bring three evil consequences: corrupting morals, extinguishing justice, becoming beastly; this is the first of the three consequences; unstable relationships, easily turning against each other, leading to lawsuits; this is the second consequence; tarnishing reputation, being greedy and shameless, causing honest individuals to feel shame; this is the third consequence. The ancients knew the dangers posed by these three consequences and were afraid of the rapid deterioration brought about by these five ways of interaction. So Wang Dan and Wei Zi used wine glasses to warn others, while Zhu Mu directly severed relationships; their actions were indeed significant!

Once upon a time, there was an extraordinary figure named Ren Fang, from Le'an, who was truly remarkable! He had a great reputation from a young age, and everyone praised him. His writing was exceptional, on par with Cao Zhi and Wang Can, bursting with talent, comparable to Xu Yun and Guo Pu. He especially enjoyed making friends with talented individuals, just as Tian Wen cherished his guests, and Zheng Zhuanggong valued virtuous talents. He would get excited at the sight of something good, and meeting a talented person would fill him with joy. His comments and critiques were always insightful and accurate, and high-ranking officials and nobles vied for his favor. His home was a constant hub of visitors, almost like a pilgrimage to Confucius' temple, or as if he had ascended to the Dragon Gate. Those who wanted to flatter him would go to great lengths to gain his appreciation; even high-ranking ministers would compete to get close to him. Ren Fang managed his relationships with these people very well; everyone helped each other, like Hui Shi and Zhuangzi, lofty and pure, and like Yang Xu and Zuo Bo Tao, full of love and righteousness.

Unfortunately, after Ren Fang passed away and was buried in Luopu, although the mourning cloth was still hanging, very few literati came to pay their respects; the grave had not even grown grass, and no one came to visit. The few orphans he left behind faced immense hardship, drifting southward to a place thick with miasma. Thinking about his close friends in the past, no one extended a helping hand; it's truly heartbreaking. Alas, the unpredictability of life and how it has all turned out! Life can be as treacherous as the Mengmen Pass in the Taihang Mountains! Therefore, those upright souls who can't bear the harsh realities of life have chosen to retreat from the world, seeking solitude in the mountains, living alongside deer, as a way to express their discontent and fears.

Ren Fang wrote 247 volumes of "Miscellaneous Biographies," 252 volumes of "Geographical Records," and 33 volumes of essays. His fourth son, Ren Dongli, also inherited his father's talent and became the Minister of External Affairs. Yao Cha, the Shangshu of the Ministry of Personnel of the Chen Dynasty, said: "In the Han Dynasty, the selection of talents was mainly based on academic achievements; now, the selection of talents emphasizes literary achievements." The literary works of the father and son Ren are elegant and truly fit the current era. Ren Fang was a steady and reserved person. With his reputation and status, he was able to achieve a fulfilling legacy, which is quite admirable! If it were not for Jiang Zongxian's earlier support and his longstanding friendship with Ren Fang, the court would likely not have conferred a posthumous title upon him.

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Written by: Realhistories

Category: Book of Liang （梁書）

Published: 05 January 2025

Created: 05 January 2025

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Fan Yun, courtesy name Yanlong, was from Wuyin in Nanxiang and was the sixth-generation grandson of Wang Shi, the General of the Jin Dynasty who Pacifies the North. When he was eight years old, he met Yin Yan, the Prefect of Yuzhou in the Song Dynasty, while traveling. Yin Yan found him very special and invited him to have a meal together. Fan Yun spoke eloquently and confidently, without any sign of shyness. Yin Yan asked him to write a poem, and he picked up a pen and wrote, leaving everyone present in awe.

He once studied with his relative Yuan Zhao, studying tirelessly day and night. Yuan Zhao patted his back and said, "You're full of spirit and diligence; you'll surely become a high-ranking official one day!" Fan Yun was always clever and insightful from a young age, excelling in writing. He could write letters quickly and without drafts, leading people to wonder if he had prepared them in advance. His father, Fan Kang, served as a military officer in Yingzhou, and Fan Yun followed his father in the prefectural government. At that time, Shen Yue from Wuxing and Yu Gaozhi from Xinye were also working in the same yamen as Fan Kang, and they all knew Fan Yun and became friends with him.

Fan Yun initially served as a scribe in the Western Cao in Yingzhou and was later promoted to a military officer in the legal department. Not long after, Shen Youzhi rebelled and besieged the city of Yingzhou. Fan Yun's father was the chief officer in the prefecture and defended the city, leaving his family outside the city. Fan Yun got captured by Shen Youzhi's soldiers, and Shen Youzhi summoned him. Even with Shen Youzhi's stern tone and fierce look, Fan Yun remained calm and explained calmly. Surprisingly, Shen Youzhi laughed and said, "You can really keep your composure. Go, rest in your quarters." The next morning, Shen Youzhi summoned Fan Yun again and asked him to deliver a letter into the city. Some people in the city wanted to kill him, but Fan Yun said, "My elderly mother and young brother's lives are in Shen Youzhi's hands. If I disobey his orders, it will bring disaster to my family. Even if I die today, I accept it willingly." The Chief Clerk Liu Shilong had always been on good terms with Fan Yun, so he let him go.

In the Jianyuan era of the Qi Dynasty, Prince Liang of Jingling became the Governor of Kuaiji. Wang Jingze followed Prince Liang, who at first didn’t recognize him. One time, they went to Qinwang Mountain for sightseeing. Prince Liang asked someone to read the words carved into the stone, but no one could read them except for Wang Jingze, who read them perfectly. Prince Liang was delighted, and from that point on, he favored Wang Jingze greatly, raising his status in the mansion. Later, when Prince Liang became the Governor of Danyang, he summoned Wang Jingze to be his chief clerk, placing great trust in him.

Once, Wang Jingze accompanied Prince Liang to pay respects to Emperor Gao of Qi. They witnessed the presentation of a white crow. Emperor Gao asked what this auspicious omen meant. Since he held a low rank, Wang Jingze finally replied, "I have heard that if a king respects the ancestral temple, a white crow will appear." He had just returned from the ancestral temple. Emperor Gao said, "You are right! It’s remarkable to have such insight!" He then promoted Wang Jingze to be an officer in the army under the Prince of Zhengbei Nanjun, while retaining his position as chief clerk. Later, he was further promoted to be a Chamberlain of the Imperial Secretariat.

When Prince Liang became the Minister of Works, Wang Jingze was promoted to be a military secretary. Shortly after, he was appointed to be a Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary and concurrently served as the Grand Master of the Palace in his home province. He was later transferred to Lingling as Minister of Internal Affairs. During his tenure, he was known for his honesty and integrity, cutting down on excessive regulations and unnecessary costs, winning the people's support. Emperor Ming of Qi recalled him to the capital, where he was appointed as a Cavalier Attendant. He was later assigned to Shixing as Minister of Internal Affairs.

In Shixing County, there were many powerful and influential families, and the former county governor was ineffective in his administration. These powerful families conspired to kill him or drive him away. Shixing County is close to tribal regions, where theft was rampant. Previous officials had to carry weapons for self-defense. Wang Jingze, upon taking office, sought to win them over with kindness, eliminated checkpoints and guard posts, allowing merchants to rest easy overnight. The people in the county held him in such high regard that they viewed him as a deity. He was promoted to the rank of Fajie, General of Jianwu, General of Pingyue, and Governor of Guangzhou.

Initially, Wang Jingze had a good relationship with the Minister of Works, Jiang Shi. Xu Yi, Jiang Shi's nephew, was appointed as the magistrate of Qujiang and sought Wang Jingze's support. There was a man named Tan Yan, an influential local leader in Qujiang County. After Xu Yi physically confronted Tan Yan, the latter, feeling humiliated, went to the capital to lodge a complaint. This incident drew Wang Jingze into the matter, and he was arrested and imprisoned, but was later released under a general amnesty. In the second year of the Yongyuan era, he was appointed as a national scholar.

At first, Fan Yun and Xiao Yan, later known as Gaozu, met at the residence of Prince Liang of Jingling during the Qi Dynasty, and later met privately several times. Xiao Yan held him in high regard. When Xiao Yan's army arrived in Jiankang (the capital), Fan Yun was in the city at that time. After Xiao Baojuan (Donghun) was killed, the court official Zhang Ji dispatched Fan Yun out of the city to convey orders. Xiao Yan retained him, to involve him in the planning of military matters, appointing him as a chamberlain of the Yellow Gate, to assist Xiao Yan alongside Shen Yue. Before long, Fan Yun was promoted to the position of Grand Marshal's Advisor and concurrently held the position of Recorder. After the establishment of the Liang Dynasty, he was further promoted to attendant. At that time, Xiao Yan took Xiao Baojuan's concubine, impacting court affairs. Fan Yun offered his counsel, but Xiao Yan disregarded it. Later, Fan Yun and Wang Mao entered Xiao Yan's palace, and Fan Yun once again offered his advice, stating, "When Emperor Gaozu, Liu Bang, was in Shandong, he was known for his greed and lust. However, after he entered Guanzhong and defeated the Qin, he neither seized the wealth of the Qin Dynasty nor favored its women. Fan Zeng believed this was due to his lofty ambitions. Now that you have just pacified the realm, and the people look up to you, how can you emulate the chaotic behavior of Xiao Baojuan and allow women to interfere in your political matters?" Wang Mao immediately knelt and remarked, "Fan Yun is correct. You must prioritize the realm and not become attached to these women." Xiao Yan fell silent for a moment, contemplating. Fan Yun drafted a memorial proposing to reward Xiao Baojuan's concubine to Wang Mao. Xiao Yan approved of this proposal and consented. The following day, Xiao Yan rewarded both Fan Yun and Wang Mao with one million coins each.

In the first year of the Tianjian era, Xiao Yan proclaimed himself emperor and held a grand ceremony to worship the heavens at the southern outskirts. Fan Yun accompanied him as a Minister of the Privy Council. After the ceremony, Xiao Yan mounted the imperial chariot and said to Fan Yun, "My current position is like driving six spirited horses with an old and frayed rope; I feel quite uneasy." Fan Yun replied, "I hope Your Majesty will be cautious every day." Xiao Yan appreciated his words. On that day, Fan Yun was promoted to the position of Cavalier Attendant and Minister of Personnel; for assisting Xiao Yan in establishing his achievements, he was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Xiaocheng County with a fief of one thousand households. Fan Yun was promoted and valued due to his earlier contributions, surpassing other deserving officials. He wholeheartedly assisted Xiao Yan, performing his duties diligently. Xiao Yan also trusted him, and most of the suggestions he made were adopted. Once, during a banquet in the palace, Xiao Yan said to the princes of Linchuan and Poyang, "I had a good relationship with Minister Fan when we were young, and we respected each other very much; now that I am the emperor, this formality should change, and you should address Fan Yun as 'older brother' on my behalf." The two princes immediately got up and bowed, riding in the same carriage with Fan Yun back to the Ministry of Personnel, which made others envious. In the same year, the Eastern Palace was finished, and Fan Yun continued to hold his original position while also serving as an Imperial Secretariat to the Crown Prince. He was soon promoted to the position of Right Supervisor of the Imperial Secretariat, still concurrently holding the position of Minister of Personnel. After some time, he was dismissed from the position of Minister of Personnel for appointing officials in violation of imperial decrees, but continued to serve as Supervisor. This man was especially filial, especially respectful towards his widowed sister-in-law, and always consulted her on family matters. He was upright in character and especially eager to help others, specializing in resolving urgent matters for others. When Wang Ge died in his official residence, his family was too poor to afford a place to stay, Fan Yun brought Wang Ge's coffin back to his home and personally took care of the funeral arrangements.

His relationship with Prince Liang of Jingling is also very good, and Prince Liang treats him with great respect. Every time Prince Liang has an idea, he will offer his own suggestions, without ever resorting to flattery. Once, Prince Liang recommended him to be a county magistrate to Emperor Qi Wu. Emperor Qi Wu said, "I heard that this person always shows off and does not conduct in-depth research on laws and regulations; let's keep him at a distance." Prince Liang said, "No! He always advises others, and the memorials he submitted are still on file; please take a look." When the memorial was brought out, it consisted of over a hundred pages, all very straightforward. Emperor Qi Wu exclaimed, "I didn't expect him to be like this! If you let him assist you, how could you still serve as a local official?"

Crown Prince Qi Wenhui once went to Dongtian to observe the harvest, and when he returned, he told the guests, "The sight of the harvest is quite spectacular." Everyone agreed. Only he said, "Farming all year round is the hardest work. I hope Your Highness can appreciate the hardships of farming and not just seek temporary enjoyment." After he left, Xiao Mianzhi, who had not known him previously, quickly got off the carriage, shook his hand, and said, "I didn't expect to hear such honest words today!"

Later, he became a selected official, with a high position and heavy responsibilities. His desk was filled with official documents, and his home was full of guests, but he managed everything with ease and never delayed. Dealing with official business, writing and drafting, he was so quick that people at the time admired his talent. He had a strong character and was not particularly diplomatic, and he would directly speak out if he saw something he didn't like, which led some people to perceive him as somewhat rash. Upon becoming a county magistrate, he gained a reputation for his integrity, but as his rank rose, he also accepted some gifts; however, he had no savings at home, as he had given everything to relatives and friends.

Two years later, he died at the age of fifty-three. The Emperor cried uncontrollably and, on that same day, took a carriage to attend his funeral. The Emperor decreed, "It is only natural for people to remember and mourn the deceased; especially considering he was our esteemed minister who made huge contributions to the country! Sanqi Changshi (散骑常侍), Right Deputy of the Ministry of Personnel, and Marquis of Xiaocheng, Yun, was a man of integrity, broad-minded, and great insight. He gained a good reputation early in his official career. After coming out of retirement to serve again, he achieved notable accomplishments. He handled state affairs in the court with diligence, responsibility, and dedication. He faithfully assisted me, worked earnestly, always met my expectations, and we often discussed state affairs together. I was about to allow him to achieve great things and continue to assist me in governing the country, but unexpectedly he passed away, and I am deeply saddened. He should be posthumously honored with a promotion. He is posthumously awarded the titles of Palace Attendant and General of the Guards, while his positions as Deputy and Marquis remain unchanged. At the same time, he is granted a ceremonial escort." The ritual official suggested the posthumous title of "Xuan," but the Emperor decreed it to be "Wen." He left behind thirty volumes of collected works. His son, Xiaocai, also had a promising future and held the position of Taizi Zhongsheren (太子中舍人).

Shen Yue, courtesy name Xiuwen, was born in Wukang, Wuxing. His grandfather, Shen Linzi, served as a general during the Song Dynasty. His father, Shen Pu, was the Governor of Huainan. Shen Pu was assassinated in the late years of Yuanjia, and Shen Yue had to hide in his childhood. It was not until the imperial court issued a general amnesty that he was able to escape punishment. After that, he lived a poor and wandering life, but he studied hard day and night. His mother was afraid that he was studying too hard and exhausting his body, so she often reduced the oil for the lamp and even extinguished the light. However, Shen Yue was able to recite everything he had read during the day at night, so he was knowledgeable and could write good articles. His first official position was as a court attendant. When Cai Xingzong from Jiyang heard of his talent, he greatly appreciated him. When Cai Xingzong was the Inspector of Yingzhou, he recruited Shen Yue as an army officer for Anxi and also appointed him as a secretary. Cai Xingzong once told his sons, "Secretary Shen is a good example of being a teacher and model for others; you should serve him well." Later, when Cai Xingzong became the Inspector of Jingzhou, he appointed Shen Yue as an army officer of Zhengxi, while also serving as the magistrate of Juexi County. After Cai Xingzong's death, Shen Yue first served as a legal officer for Prince Jina of Anxi, then was promoted to army officer, also serving as a secretary. Finally, he entered the imperial court and became the Supervisor of the Ministry of Revenue.

Initially, he served as a secretary for the military office, while also serving as the magistrate of Xiangyang County, and his loyalty was to the Crown Prince Qi Wenhui. After the Crown Prince moved to the Eastern Palace, he was appointed as the Captain of Infantry, responsible for managing documents while on duty in Yongshou Province and proofreading the Four Classics. At that time, many literati gathered in the Eastern Palace, but he was especially close to the Crown Prince and held in high regard, waiting until the sun began to set before leaving the palace after each duty. At that time, many nobles and aristocrats went to the Eastern Palace, but not everyone could enter. However, he could always intercede for them with the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince said, "You know I'm usually too lazy to get up early. Only when I talk to you can I forget about sleeping. If you want me to get up early, just come see me earlier every day."

Later, he was promoted to the position of Household Manager of the Crown Prince, then concurrently served as a Gentleman of the Secretariat, followed by a promotion to Gentleman of the Palace Library, Chief Official of the County, Chief Clerk of the Ministry of Works, and Gentleman of the Yellow Gate. At that time, Prince Jingling was also recruiting talents, and he had connections with Lanling Xiaochen, Langye Wang Rong, Xie Mao from Chen County, Fan Yun from Nanxiang, and Ren Fang from Lean. People at the time remarked on his keen eye for talent. Not long after, he also served as Deputy Minister of Personnel, then was promoted to Deputy Minister of the Imperial Censorate, and later transferred to the position of Chief Clerk of the Imperial Cavalry. In the first year of Longchang, he was appointed as a Gentleman of the Ministry of Personnel, then was sent away to the positions of General of the Agile Cavalry and Prefect of Dongyang. After Emperor Ming ascended the throne, his official position was promoted to General Who Aids the State, and he was summoned back to the court to serve as Minister of War, later promoted to Ritual Master of the Imperial Academy. After Emperor Ming's death, the power of the court fell into the hands of the Prefect of the Imperial Secretariat, Xu Xiaosi, who asked him to draft the imperial edict. He was then promoted to General of the Left Guard and shortly after further appointed as a Regular Mounted Attendant of the Palace. In the second year of Yongyuan, due to his elderly mother, he requested to resign from his post and was appointed as Champion General of the Army, Chief Clerk of the Ministry of Works, General Who Subdues Rebels, and Prefect of Nanqinghe.

At that time, Gaozu was still in the Western Mansion, hanging out with his old friends. After Jiankang City was captured, Gaozu promoted him to Marshal of the Cavalry, but he retained his position as General. By that time, Gaozu had already achieved great success, and it seemed like fate was on his side. Shen Yue once inquired about this with Gaozu, but Gaozu remained silent.

After a few days, Shen Yue went to Gaozu again and said, "Things are different now than they were in ancient times. We can't hold everyone to the old moral standards. Those scholars are all flattering the powerful, trying to gain some credit and hold onto their wealth and status. Even kids and shepherds know that the Qi dynasty is at its end, and they all say that you will be the next emperor. The signs in the stars and in people's lives show that a change of dynasty is coming, especially since the Yongyuan era; these signs have become more obvious. The prophecy says 'walk in water, become the emperor,' it's all very clear! You can't go against Heaven's will, and you can't lose the people's trust. If it's really your time to be emperor, you won't be able to stay humble, no matter how hard you try!" Gaozu said, "I am still considering it." Shen Yue said, "When you led troops in Fancheng and Mianyang, you should have considered this matter. Now that your royal ambitions have been achieved, what else is there to consider? When King Wu attacked King Zhou, as soon as he entered the city, the common people called him 'my lord.' King Wu did not go against the will of the people, so there was nothing to consider. Since you arrived in the capital, you have already changed the situation, just like King Wu of Zhou, only the time is different. If you don't establish your great cause sooner, you will disappoint the mandate of heaven and the expectations of the people. If someone stirs up trouble, it'll hurt your prestige and virtue. Moreover, nobody's as solid as gold and jade, and the situation is unpredictable. How can you leave a mess for your descendants with the fief of Jian'an? If the emperor and the courtiers are all in place, then the relationship between ruler and subjects will be straightforward, and there will be no disloyalty. With a wise ruler up top and loyal subjects below, who would dare to rebel against you?" Gaozu listened and thought it made sense.

After Shen Yue finished speaking, he left. Gaozu called for Fan Yun and conveyed Shen Yue's words to him. Fan Yun shared a similar opinion to Shen Yue. Gaozu said, "It’s surprising that these two clever individuals have such consistent views. You two should discuss the matter of enthronement together tomorrow morning!" After Fan Yun left, he relayed this to Shen Yue, and Shen Yue replied, "You have to wait for me." Fan Yun agreed, but Shen Yue went into the palace first. Gaozu instructed him to draft the necessary documents. Shen Yue pulled out the edict and the list of appointments he had hidden in his sleeve, and initially, Gaozu made no changes. After a while, Fan Yun came from outside. Unable to enter the hall, he lingered outside Shouguang Pavilion and simply said, "Hmm." Shen Yue stepped out and asked, "How did it go?" Shen Yue gestured to the left, and Fan Yun smiled, "Just as I expected." After a while, Gaozu summoned Fan Yun and said, "I used to live alongside Shen Xiuwen and the others, and I never thought he was anything special; but today I’ve realized his exceptional talents; he truly is a wise man!" Fan Yun said, "Now you see Shen Yue as he truly is, just as he now understands you." Gaozu said, "I’ve been fighting for three years now, and the meritorious generals have indeed made significant contributions, but it’s you two who have truly achieved the imperial cause!" Liang Taijian was first appointed as a Cavalier Attendant, Minister of Personnel, and concurrently as Right Protector. After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, he was appointed as Minister of the Imperial Household, with a fief of one thousand households, while retaining his position as Cavalier Attendant. The Emperor also posthumously honored his mother, Xie, as the Lady of Jianchang. On the day he accepted the Emperor's appointment, over twenty officials, including Fan Yun, the Right Protector, came to congratulate him. Both the court and the public regarded this as a significant honor. Shortly after, he was promoted to Minister of the Left of the Imperial Household, and he continued to hold the position of Cavalier Attendant. He was also appointed as General of the Army and further honored with the title of Palace Attendant.

In the second year of Tianjian, Liang Tai's mother passed away. The emperor personally dispatched a carriage to express his condolences. Considering his old age, it was considered inappropriate for him to grieve too much, so a court official was sent to manage the crowd of mourners and prevent excessive weeping. After the mourning period, he was appointed as the General of the Garrison and Intendant of Danyang, while also being assigned a subordinate historian to assist him. After the mourning period, he was promoted to Palace Attendant and Right Guanglu Daifu, concurrently serving as the Prince's Consultant and Grand Chief of Yangzhou, in charge of managing eight affairs of the Imperial Secretariat. He was later promoted to Prefect of the Imperial Secretariat, while keeping his roles as Palace Attendant, Consultant, and Grand Chief. Even though he repeatedly requested to resign, the emperor refused and instead appointed him as the Left Deputy Director of the Imperial Secretariat, while also serving as the Director of the Palace Library and former General, with a subordinate historian and retaining his position as Palace Attendant. Soon after, he was promoted to Prefect of the Imperial Secretariat, while also serving as the Prince's Tutor. By the ninth year of Tianjian, he was promoted to Left Guanglu Daifu, keeping his roles as Palace Attendant and Tutor, and the emperor also assigned him a ceremonial guard.

At first, Yue Gong aspired to serve as Prime Minister for an extended period and hoped to hold a high position in the imperial court. At that time, everyone believed he was quite suitable, but the emperor ultimately did not appoint him. He then requested a transfer, but it was denied. He had a good relationship with Xu Mian, so he wrote a letter to Xu Mian expressing his thoughts in a letter: "When I was young, I was lonely and without any support. The past felt like it was about to crumble, enduring numerous hardships and difficulties, living in poverty while holding a low-ranking official position; everything I did was not for my own benefit; I merely hoped to receive a modest salary and then return to my hometown. More than a decade passed, and I was fortunate enough to be appointed as the magistrate of Xiangyang County, handling both official duties and personal matters poorly, having to comply with arrangements just to make a living. In the late years of Yongming, I was appointed as the Prefect of Dongyang, hoping to live out my remaining years in peace; however, chaos engulfed the world during the Jianwu period, and I had to return to official service again, never going back since, the difficulties in this can be imagined. When the court became incompetent and suspicious, and politics were chaotic, I wished to retire, hoping to realize this aspiration; I kindly ask you to convey my thoughts to Xu Linggong, hoping you still remember my wish. The emperor is diligent in governing, and I am fortunate to live in a prosperous era, but my wish has never been realized. Now in the Kaiyuan era, I am old; I request retirement, which should be granted. I genuinely cannot promote the court's policies or uphold its prestige; I only wish to organize some documents and gather everyone's opinions. But since the new year, my illness has deteriorated, and my worries have intensified, all due to my physical weakness and excessive fatigue. My body is gradually weakening; in old age, even moving has become difficult. From the outside, I may seem healthy, but my body and energy can no longer support me; I often need to force myself to barely persevere. Once lying down, my whole body aches and feels weak; my upper body is hot, and my lower body is cold. My condition worsens day by day; warmth is uncomfortable, cold is uncomfortable, and my condition is getting worse, more severe than before. In just a hundred days, I had to adjust my belt several times; when I grasp my arm, it feels like it has shrunk by half. How long can I hold on like this? If this continues day after day, it will leave the emperor with regrets. I humbly submit this letter to request retirement. If heaven grants me a few more years of life and my health improves, as long as I am able, I wish to do this.

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Xu Mian told Emperor Gaozu about Yue Gong's request to process the request according to the standards of the Three Departments, but the emperor did not agree, only added a ceremonial band. Yue Gong does not drink, has few desires, and even in formal occasions, lives very frugally. He built a home in Dongtian, overlooking the mountains beyond the city. He also wrote a piece called "Ode to Suburban Living," in which he wrote: It is said that those who truly have wisdom do not care about what others think of them at all; they have long forgotten the distinction between "self" and "the world." Those of average or below-average intelligence often regard their own nature as the cornerstone of their existence. Look at the wild beasts; they can only run freely when they have a cave; birds can only fly freely when they have a nest. Although Chen Zhongzi came from a poor family, his career was prosperous; although Ying Qi lived in a simple house, his morals were very noble. People living in East Lane have kind hearts; the phoenix in West Hall remains unnoticed. But we, with narrow minds, lack any lofty aspirations of making a difference in the world. We just want to seek a tree to conceal our wings, a pond to take refuge in. We feel no attachment to lavish homes, nor do we harbor expectations for grand avenues. We like to walk in the vast wilderness of the eastern suburbs and also like to enter the overgrown wilderness. Sometimes we stroll sideways, sometimes we wander upright, sometimes avoiding the wind, sometimes avoiding the rain.

My ancestors, notable figures from the Western Han Dynasty, later fell on hard times and wandered far and wide. In order to avoid the chaos of war, they eventually came to Haihun, cleared land by the river, and planted mulberry trees. Their family experienced the rise and fall of several dynasties over more than ten generations. Some family members resigned from their official positions and returned to officialdom, while others resumed their public service. During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the country fell into chaos once again. Aristocratic families fought among themselves, displacing the people who fled in every direction; society was in turmoil, the land desolate, and there was no one to turn to in the vastness above. My great-grandfather, in his youth, found himself caught in the country's turmoil and faced great hardships. In order to escape the chaos of war, he searched for a stable place to live, and finally moved to Zhufang, built a small house, and lived a peaceful life. Later, when the situation in the court improved, he seized the opportunity to return to public service, heading south to the capital, navigating obstacles along the way before finally settling in the capital, establishing a new home in the bustling streets.

Days passed by, and the social atmosphere changed. Our family has lived here for four generations, over a hundred years. However, this simple house is hard to maintain for long, like leaves on the verge of falling, easily swept away by the wind. To survive, our ancestors were constantly on the move, sometimes clearing land to farm, other times relocating to new places. At times residing in Baishu, at other times staying with Botong.

Throughout my life, I have always maintained a noble character, longing for a reclusive life, often thinking of those hermits, and often gazing at the Eastern Hills, yearning for that kind of life. I never wanted to pursue fame and fortune, but I find myself trapped in this mundane world, often sighing at being bound by worldly constraints, and often lamenting the unpredictable changes in the world. Although my aspirations are grand, they have been difficult to achieve, and although my path is rough, my state of mind has become increasingly expansive. I possess a heart as pure as an orchid, yet I have lofty ideals. Although I long to retire to the countryside, I am also hesitant, torn between my desire to retreat and my struggle to voice these inner conflicts.

Ah, I encountered a time when the emperor's morality was corrupted, and the chaos was overwhelming! Even before the war began, the suffering of the people was beyond imagination. The common people sighed like lambs waiting to be slaughtered. Looking up at the sky, there is nowhere to escape. Although they were not thrown into prison, it felt as painful as being cut apart! At first, I only vaguely felt that something was wrong, but in the end, I truly experienced the bitterness. I pray for mercy from heaven; the suffering of the people is probably no worse than this. I accepted the mission from above. It was my destiny. When the emperor was about to begin his rule, the accumulated evil deeds were ready to be reaped. I would willingly sacrifice my comfort to dispel this oppressive atmosphere. I toiled day and night, even having no time to eat breakfast, and worried about how I would manage to find a decent outfit to wear at night. I labored for the Gui and Xia dynasties, and worked hard for the Xuanyuan and Zhuanxu dynasties. My benevolence reaches far and wide; my vision sees through everything. I cultivate fertile fields in the wilderness, spreading the wind of benevolence to remote areas. I reflect on the long river of history, contemplating the governance of the ancient kings, shining like beautiful jade.

At this prosperous time, catching up with the Emperor's flourishing era, what a wonderful time it is! In the early days of the Emperor's reign, I was fortunate enough to be given significant responsibility and involved in assisting. Although I do not have grand ambitions like throwing a stone to seek guidance, nor do I have flowery words, I can serve the country, and that is truly an honor. I have been entrusted with important tasks, responsible for governing a region and participating in the country's development. I strive to achieve the three goods and carry out my responsibilities among my fellow officials. I am always vigilant about my propensity for error, and I am worried about being unable to handle the glory and wealth. Look at those high-ranking officials in the past; few of them can remain humble and low-key, like the prized blooms of the states of Chu and Zhao, all indulging in luxury and indulgence, competing with each other. They build luxurious mansions, with expansive courtyards, entering and exiting the royal gates. They live in large mansions; how can common scholars even compare? Their descendants also enjoy these privileges as a result, so why worry about making a living? I reflect on the teachings of the sages; this is what I most desire in my heart. I do not envy the powerful people in the city, nor will I compromise my principles for fame and fortune. I write poems, live a quiet life, and hope to live out the rest of my days in peace.

As for me, I ran to the remote countryside and built a simple hut. I thatched the roof with frost-kissed reeds, and the walls were built from winter thatch. I created a haven for birds and made pathways for neighbors to visit each other. In order to build the house, I had to fell trees near the eaves and removed nests that obstructed the foundation. I cleaned up the standing water, filled in low-lying areas, planted camphor trees by the northern water channel, and tall poplar trees by the southern water bank. I relocated the simple windows to the orchid room, blending the simple walls of my hut with the grander structures nearby. I wove thorns into a gate and used branches from outside as the door leaf. I used the trees in the courtyard for shade and fragrant azaleas as fences. I built a high pavilion for a sweeping view and tall windows to look around. I dug a pond behind the house and constructed paths through the fields in front of the house. The pond teemed with water chestnuts, water caltrops, water celery, algae, bulrushes, and reedmace; also rockweed, seaweed, yellow watercress, and green bulrush. Red lotus flowers danced on the gentle ripples, and green lotus leaves covered the calm lake surface. I enjoyed a long life, living like an immortal in a peaceful and beautiful place. On land, I found purple watercress, green arrowhead, wild chives, and water plantain. These plants flourished under the sunlight by the southern pond and bloomed all over behind the north tower. Some plants nestled against the grassy banks, while others twisted around the windows, peeking inside.

My garden and home are unique in design, and the fields and vegetable gardens are also different. Li Heng's orange trees number in the thousands, while Shi Chong's fruit trees number in the tens of thousands. This reflects the extravagance and waste of the wealthy, rather than the joys of those who are frugal. I hope that my garden will be lush, with green leaves and red flowers intermingling, extending all the way to the eaves. The red veranda is illuminated, and the emerald leaves stretch toward nine paths. Red flowers extend from purple stems, and white stamens emerge from green flower bases. Different types of birds flit around the garden, singing in harmony; various sparrows chirp melodiously, harmonizing with each other. Some birds sport beautiful tails and vibrant wings, while others have emerald green necks and crimson foreheads. They like to hide among the leaves, flying around from time to time. Birds in the water include geese, ducks, herons, and coots, as well as autumn snipes, cold herons, long-billed egrets, and short-legged ducks. They pull long strands of water grass, playing in the clear water; flapping their wings and splashing water, stirring up droplets. Fish in the pond include red carp, blue carp, small fish, and giant catfish. Their scales are emerald green, their tails crimson, and their heads long and flat. The small fish play by the water's edge, while the large fish spout water and leap into the air. I don’t envy the vastness of rivers and seas; I just want to be one with my home.

My bamboo is a one-of-a-kind treasure in the southeast region, and all nine estates take pride in having it. It has not been transplanted to the Qi River, nor will it take root by the Lechi Pond. The autumn cicadas sing, and the winter sparrows chirp on the branches. A gentle breeze blows under the southern pavilion, and thick snow accumulates under the eaves of the northern hall. I explore the footsteps of the past, observing the genuine emotions of those who came before. I’m always looking for ways to make tough tasks easier. I’m not satisfied with the status quo, always wanting more, which results in more trouble. This is precisely what baffled the ancient scholars, but I’ve managed to steer clear of that.

Speaking of our ancestors, when they first started farming, they pondered how to transform wild grasses and flowers into food. Food is a matter of life and death! Take a look at historical records, examine the patterns of the fields, think about how Yan Hui could be happy with just simple meals, and then look at the large granaries of Zheng Guo, piled high but ultimately left empty.

You see, even if each acre yields 400 bushels, it is not enough, and each mu yields 50 bushels just enough to get by. I’m really worried, just hoping our little plot of land can sustain us. I plow the fields to the east with an old plow and dig a canal to the north. I don’t have to wake up early to cook or stress about breakfast. I get rid of the things I don’t need, focus on farming, and let everything else slide. Why do we need so much food? I don’t envy the rich folks at all!

In the early days of agriculture, the first clouds of Juebo appeared. The shift from raw to grain food sustains human life. Searching for the records of the irrigated fields, studying the ancient records of fields. Finding joy in simple meals, the granary in Zheng is empty. Four hundred (units) is insufficient, while fifty acres are abundant. Reflecting on the past with gratitude, fortunately receiving gifts at home. Utilizing the old plow from Dongzhi, irrigating the new canal of Beimu. Not lighting the stove in the morning, nor worrying about breakfast. Dismissing external distractions, leaving only the burdens behind. Calmly gathering experiences, not envying the ruins of Menyang.

Standing on a high place and looking around, all I see are graves. Although these are just ordinary mounds, they used to be where Wenjing Gong feasted. The carriages move slowly, the music is melodious, and the sound of the flute is clear and pleasant. The surrounding scenery is picturesque, with mountains, rivers, and streams all in sight, truly magnificent! What worth does temporary power hold? A family's wealth can fade to insignificance in the blink of an eye. I can't help but sigh; how can one not be moved by such a sight? Only the enlightened grasp the profound meaning; the vulgar remain oblivious.

I turn my gaze, seeking a place to settle. This area was once Gui Zhu, where people began to cultivate during the Qin Dynasty. The winding roads link Wu and Yue, extending all the way to Fujian. I long for the three birds from my hometown; that yearning is as precious as my homeland. I arrived here in my later years, not in my youth. As I gaze at Dongchuan's vast scenery, tears stream down my face. I foolishly compared myself to ancient sages, yet I now find myself lost in this desolate place. I once served high officials, attended grand banquets, recited poetry, and enjoyed drinks. In an instant, the once vibrant scenes have faded into mere memories, and Xiling has long since transformed.

I looked into the distance, let out a long sigh, but felt comforted by the scenery before me. Once magnificent, now only ruins reminiscent of fish and dragons remain. Once a strict hierarchy, now it lies in desolation. Once a gathering of the powerful, with Emperor Jing, Emperor Wei, Emperor Xiao, Emperor Cao, Emperor Wu of Liang, and King Xuan of Zhou, now they have all vanished like smoke in the wind. I gaze upon the tomb of Sun Quan's descendants, tracing the traces of those once-dominant figures. This place was once the land of the descendants of the Han Dynasty, as well as the territory of the founding monarch of Wu. They once ruled here, with vast territories. However, now only inscriptions on stone tombs and remnants of golden-threaded silk garments remain. Now overgrown with weeds and left untended, as desolate as the original burial mounds. Ants, foxes, woodcutters, herdsmen—what difference is there?

I look once again at the mountains to the east, my heart filled with sadness and helplessness. This was once the old garden of the heir apparent and the site of the Marquis of Bowang. Tall cassia trees, fragrant herbs, multi-tiered pavilions, moonlit pavilions adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, thousands of pillars reaching toward the sky, hundreds of beams supporting each other, carriages and horses constantly passing by, boats shuttling back and forth. In the blink of an eye, three years have slipped away, and two decades have passed. Everything has changed; nothing is as it once was.

I turned back and looked in the direction of Genyue (Genyue is the royal garden of the Song Huizong period) and saw this tall palace standing on the mountain. Although it has been abandoned and no traces can be found, the lessons it left behind can still be learned from. It was once shrouded in ethereal mist and surrounded by a sense of the divine, but in the end, only the empty palace and its reflection in the water remained. Imagining its former glory, I saw the undulating mountains, like dragon boats, drifting across the vast Milky Way. I gazed at it, filled with boundless imagination, hoping to receive guidance from the immortals.

This mountain, towering into the clouds, majestic and grand, reminiscent of a royal capital, is an object of admiration and reverence. It contains the spiritual essence of the heavens and earth, exuding vigorous vitality. Its towering and lofty appearance, with tall trees stretching toward the sky; peaks soaring into the clouds, massive rocks scattered like stars across the landscape. Some peaks rise high while others are low and flat; some are as flat as plates, some are like lying giants; the shapes are varied and unique. Some peaks stand alone, some caves stretch out at an angle; some peaks soar thousands of feet high, while others are layered and rugged. It encircles cities and towns and stretches across the countryside; in the evening, a gentle haze envelops the mountains, and in the morning, white mist blankets the mountains. Upon closer inspection, each peak boasts its own distinct color, and from a distance, all the peaks appear lush and green.

I went to the ancestors' gravesite and saw that the tomb had been ravaged beyond recognition; it was a heartbreaking sight! Those villains left the gravesite in disarray, and I could only silently clean up the mess, arranging the broken sacrificial offerings. The ancestors worked diligently and honestly in court during their lifetime, but now they have met such a fate; it is truly heartbreaking! They faced misfortune for their integrity; do they have to endure such torture even after death? In the past, my ancestors were so heroic and outstanding, famed across the land! Only a wise monarch can carry on their ancestors' great legacy and bring about a peaceful and prosperous era for the country. Descendants can only gaze upon their ancestors' achievements and weep in silence. The ancestors' graves are not limited to one location; they are scattered far apart. I laid out offerings, presented fine wine, as if under the auspices of the Purple Star, or as if two concubines had arrived at the banks of the Xiang River. The scent of osmanthus trees wafted through the gravesite, and I seemed to hear the chants of ancient wizards. I rang the jade chimes, held the offerings, sang out into the wind, stood for a long time, unwilling to leave. I know that the path to my ancestors is long and winding, their footprints covering all directions. Life passes like a white horse through a crack, fleeting, yet I am still here to pay my respects. I entrust my spirit to this humble gravesite, opening the door to the three realms, hoping to release the burdens I carry in my heart and break free from worldly constraints.

Perhaps building a humble dwelling at the foot of the cliff, or setting up a simple platform among the treetops. Inside, the house is dim and overgrown with vines, and the eaves are adorned with pine and cypress. Here, I found comfort and forgot about hunger and the cold. Sometimes I would climb the branches alone, and other times I would gaze into the distance, standing high above the clouds. I repaired these graves and erected monuments to commemorate my ancestors and express my respect. Being able to pay tribute to my ancestors today brings me satisfaction; as for future rewards, I do not seek extravagance. Heaven has granted me this filial piety, enabling me to endlessly honor my ancestors. I have earned praise from my elders and recognition in the imperial court. Though I lack the remarkable talents and esteemed status of my ancestors, I still hold dear the kindness of the late emperor and remain loyal to the reigning emperor.

I follow the teachings of my elders, and at sunset, I do my utmost to serve my country. Although my position is not high, I continue to serve faithfully in the palace. When I retire in old age, I will return to my simple cottage and enjoy my twilight years. I place my hopes in a tranquil nation, and my heart belongs to the temple. Wild animals linger at the gate, yet do not dare to intrude; fish play in the pond without being caught. I find myself lost in the traces of the past, reminiscing about the passing time. Trees bloom in late autumn while flowers fade in early spring. Various trees, colorful, some blown away by the wind, others dancing in the breeze. Purple lotus blossoms at night, red lotus blooms in the morning. A gentle breeze stirs, carrying the fragrance of blossoms. The flowers, grass, and trees in the garden, and the bamboo in the pond, appear particularly enchanting under the moonlight. The osmanthus branches on the roof are lush, and the golden chrysanthemums in the courtyard bloom vibrantly. Ice pillars hang on the cliffs, and white snow covers the pine trees and fields. Flocks of wild ducks soar in formation, and geese soar high in the sky, preparing to land. These scenes bring me a sense of peace and joy, even though they are not man-made; they exist truly. These are the emotions deep in my heart, and the worries I cannot shake off.

Alas, in my old age, my mood is low; worries surge like a tidal wave, and sad events happen one after another, making me sigh at the twists of fate and wander everywhere. Sometimes, I take comfort in the company of fish and birds, hiding in a simple thatched cottage. There are no beautiful women of Wu around me, and no musical instruments of Zhao in front of me. I while away my remaining days in this manner, letting time drift by. I am ashamed for failing to repay the kindness of the universe; ashamed of not leaving any achievements for the court; leaving behind only the experience of high office and riches, but unable to be etched in history. With a long sigh, what more is there to say? I am truly ashamed; my heart is not at ease.

Later, he was promoted to Special Grandee, and he held the positions of Guanglu Daifu, Shizhong, and Shao Fu. Twelve years later, he died at the age of seventy-three. The court posthumously conferred upon him his original title, rewarding him with 50,000 coins and 100 bolts of cloth, and posthumously naming him "Yin."

He had overlapping pupils in his left eye, a purple birthmark on his waist, and remarkable intelligence. He loved reading and collected as many as twenty thousand books, unrivaled in the capital. When he was young and poor, he turned to his clan for help and received several hundred bushels of rice, but was insulted by his clan members, so he dumped the rice. Even after becoming a high-ranking official, he did not hold a grudge against them, instead noting the incident in the county records. Once at a palace banquet, there was a courtesan who was one of Emperor Qi Wen's concubines. The Emperor asked if he recognized any of the guests. He replied, "I only know Shen Ling." Shen Yue, who was present, started to cry, and the Emperor became sad, and the banquet was called off. Shen Yue served three generations of emperors, was well-versed in ancient customs, and had profound knowledge, serving as a model for others at the time. Xie Lingyun excelled in poetry, Ren Fang excelled in writing, and Shen Yue had both, yet he could not surpass either of them. He was confident in his talents, not seeking fame or fortune, but sometimes capitalizing on the situation and engaging in empty chatter. It was only after he became Prime Minister that he began to temper his behavior. He often requested to retire, but in the end, he was never able to retire as he had hoped, and people likened him to Shantao. He served for over ten years, never put forward any recommendations, merely nodding in agreement with the political successes and failures.

It is said that Emperor Gaozu had some grievances against Zhang Ji before he died. After Zhang Ji died, Gaozu told Xie Yue about this issue. Xie Yue said, "The Left Minister of Personnel has been sent to be the governor of a border province. Is it worth bringing up those past matters again?" Gaozu was furious when he heard this, believing Xie Yue was defending Zhang Ji because they were in-laws. He shouted, "Are you a loyal minister for saying this?!" and then angrily went back to the inner hall. Xie Yue was scared, and when Gaozu left, he sat there like a statue. When Gaozu returned, Xie Yue had not even reached the bedside before suddenly collapsing at the doorway.

He fell ill and dreamt that Emperor Qi and Emperor Han were slicing his tongue with a sword. He consulted a witch, who said that dreams were like reality. So Xie Yue asked a Taoist to submit a memorial to the heavens, stating that he was not the one who instigated the incident. Emperor Gaozu sent the imperial physician Xu Zhang to see Xie Yue's illness, and Xu Zhang came back and reported the situation. Earlier, Xie Yue had accompanied Gaozu for a meal, and the province of Yuzhou presented a type of chestnut that was about an inch in size. Gaozu found it remarkable and asked Xie Yue, "Is the yield of this kind of chestnut high?" After some contemplation, Gaozu remembered three things, while Xie Yue remembered fewer things than Gaozu. Gaozu told others, "Xie Yue is too protective of his own interests. If I don't allow him to speak, he'll be mortified." Gaozu thought Xie Yue's remarks were too disrespectful and wanted to punish him, but after Xu Mian strongly advised him against it, he ultimately backed down.

Later, Gaozu heard about Xie Yue's memorial and became even angrier, sending several envoys to rebuke him. Xie Yue was frightened and soon died. The court posthumously honored him with the title "Literary," but Gaozu said, "He died before finishing his thoughts; let's give him the title 'Yin'." So it was changed to "Yin." Xie Yue wrote 110 volumes of "Jin Shu," 100 volumes of "Song Shu," 20 volumes of "Qi Ji," 14 volumes of "Gaozu Ji," 10 volumes of "Er Yan," 10 volumes of "Shi Li," 30 volumes of "Song Literary Works," and a collection of 100 volumes, all of which have been passed down. He also wrote a book called "Si Sheng Pu," claiming that he was the only one to understand the mysteries of the four tones that others had not figured out for thousands of years, calling it a masterpiece, but Emperor Gaozu was not fond of it. Gaozu asked Zhou She, "What are the four tones?" Zhou She replied, "The emperor is wise and virtuous," as an example of the four tones. But in the end, Gaozu did not adopt Xie Yue's theory.

Xie Yue's son, Xie Zixuan, had already reached the ranks of Gentleman of the Central Secretariat, Yongjia Prefect, Attendant Officer of the Minister of Works, and Chief Historian of the Minister of Works while his father was in office. After Xie Yue's death, Xie Zixuan became the Prince's Attendant but later resigned from his position due to his mother's death, became a vegetarian and practiced abstinence. Even after the mourning period, he continued to abstain from refined rice and white flour. He later became the Yellow Gate Attendant Officer of the Imperial Secretariat and the Chief Military Historian. He was later sent away and became the General of Zhaoyuan and the Interior Minister of Nankang, where he earned a reputation for his integrity and clean governance. He eventually passed away while in office, posthumously bestowed the title of Gonghou, and his son Xie Shi inherited his title.

Yao Cha, the Minister of Personnel of the Chen Dynasty, said: In the past, the moral virtues (referring to the Han Dynasty) were on the verge of decline, with a tyrannical and cruel emperor at the helm, causing unbearable suffering to the common people, who were living on the edge. Gaozu (Liu Bang) rose up in rebellion, pacifying the world, and it was Zhang Liang and Chen Ping who strategized behind the scenes.

When it comes to Fan Yun and Shen Yue, they also participated in the establishment of the great undertaking, assisting the emperor in achieving his imperial ambitions; Fan Yun was sharp in his dealings, well-informed, and capable of addressing numerous practical issues that benefited the populace; Shen Yue was talented and knowledgeable, whose reputation rivals that of Yang Xiong and Dong Zhongshu. All of them were remarkable figures of their time during a flourishing period!

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Written by: Realhistories

Category: Book of Liang （梁書）

Published: 05 January 2025

Created: 05 January 2025

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Liu Tan, courtesy name Wentong, was from Jie County in Hedong. His father, Liu Shilong, once served as the Minister of Works, which is akin to the Chancellor of the State of Qi. When Liu Tan was seventeen years old, Emperor Wu of Qi became the Grand General of the Central Army and appointed him as a military staff officer, later promoting him to a chief clerk. During the early establishment of the Qi dynasty, Liu Tan entered the court as a junior official in the Three Excellencies, gradually advancing to become the Attendant to the Crown Prince, and serving as an aide to Prince Xiaoxiang of Badong. When Xiaoxiang later became the Inspector of Jingzhou, Liu Tan followed him there. However, sensing impending trouble as Xiaoxiang was associating with unsavory characters, Liu Tan feigned illness to return to the capital. Subsequently, Xiaoxiang did indeed face trouble, and Liu Tan narrowly escaped disaster by departing early.

Afterwards, he served as the Deputy Minister of the Palace Library and the Chief Military Advisor. He was later dispatched as the Prefect of Xin'an, but due to his lack of political accomplishments, he was dismissed and returned. After some time, he became the Military Advisor to the Right Army. Towards the end of the Jianwu era, he was appointed as the Colonel of the Western Qiang, the Inspector of Liangzhou, and the Inspector of Southern Qinzhou. When Xiao Yan launched his rebellion, Liu Tan supported him in Hanzhong. After Xiao Yan became Emperor, he appointed Liu Tan as an Attendant to the Emperor, and later as the General of the Front Army. Following his ascension, Xiao Yan called him to serve as the General of the Guard, but before he could assume the position, he was promoted to be the Minister of the Crown Prince, along with the title of Cavalier in Regular Attendance. In recognition of his accomplishments, he was granted the title of Marquis of Qujiang County, with a fief of one thousand households. Xiao Yan even composed a poem for him: "You truly stand out among the crowd; only I truly remember your contributions." Once, while serving alongside Xiao Yan, Xiao Yan asked him: "Xu Yuanyu disobeyed orders and went to Lingnan. The 'Book of Zhou' says 'punishment does not extend to descendants.' I have already pardoned his sons; what is your opinion on this?" Liu Tan replied, "Punishment does not affect descendants, but rewards can extend to future generations. Our dynasty has achieved this now." Xiao Yan found his reasoning sound. Not long after, Liu Tan was promoted to the position of Right Deputy Minister of the Secretariat.

In the fourth year of Tianjian, Xiao Yan launched a large-scale northern expedition, with Prince Linchuan Xiao Hong leading the army and Liu Yan serving as his deputy. After the war ended, Liu Yan returned to his position as an official. Due to long-term illness, he was appointed as the Grand Master of the Golden Purple Court and was also given the title of Sanqi Changshi, along with twenty trusted aides. Before he could take up his new position, he was sent south as a commissioner, General of Annan, and Governor of Xiangzhou. In October of the sixth year of Tianjian, he passed away in Xiangzhou at the age of forty-six. Xiao Yan held a mourning ceremony for him dressed in simple garments, posthumously conferring upon him the titles of Shizhong and Fuzhong General, and providing him with a set of musicians. He was posthumously honored with the title "Mu." Liu Yan had written "Ren Zheng Zhuan" and some poems and essays, demonstrating considerable literary talent. His son Liu Zhao succeeded him in his title.

Liu Cheng, the fourth younger brother of Liu Yan, was also well-regarded and served as Shizhong and Chief of Zhenxi. He passed away in the twelfth year of Tianjian and was posthumously granted the titles of General of Ningyuan and Governor of Yuzhou.

Wen Ruo, styled as Chen, was the fifth younger brother of Liu Yan. When he was young, his father Shilong and mother Yan both fell seriously ill, and Wen Ruo did not take off his belt for several years, always serving by their bedside. After his parents passed away, his devotion during the mourning period touched many hearts. He was later appointed as an Attendant Official and gradually rose through the ranks to become the Junior Attendant to the Crown Prince, Chief Clerk of the Western Command, and Historiographer of Merit.

Qi Dong, the Marquis of Hun, sent Liu Shanyang, the Governor of Bashu, to launch a surprise attack on Gaozu (Xiao Daocheng) from Jingzhou. Xiao Yingzhou, the Chief of the Western Command, was momentarily indecisive, so he called Wen Ruo and his relatives Xi Chanwen and others to discuss countermeasures together at night. Wen Ruo said, "The court is currently incompetent and tyrannical, committing numerous wrongs. I’ve heard that the officials and nobles in the capital are all on edge, too scared to act recklessly; fortunately, we are far away and can temporarily keep safe. As for what’s happening in Yongzhou, let them fight it out among themselves. Haven't we learned from Lord Xiao’s example? He led a few thousand elite soldiers to defeat the Cui clan's 100,000 army, but in the end was framed by those treacherous people, which brought about a string of calamities. We should learn from past mistakes and be cautious about the future! If Liu Shanyang’s plot succeeds, who knows if we’ll be next? Furthermore, the troops in Yongzhou are strong and well-supplied, Lord Xiao is exceptionally brave, Liu Shanyang is no match at all; even if Liu Shanyang somehow manages to win, Jingzhou will bear the blame for negligence. It’s a tough situation, and we need to think it through carefully!" Xi Chanwen also strongly persuaded Xiao Yingzhou to help Gaozu. Xiao Yingzhou then devised a plan to lure and kill Liu Shanyang, appointing Wen Ruo as the General of Ning Shuo.

After Emperor He ascended to the throne, Wen Ruo was appointed as a Minister in the Ministry of Personnel, later promoted to the General of the State and the Governor of Nanping. Shortly after, he was promoted to the Palace Attendant and the General of the Crown, while retaining his position as Governor. He was then appointed as the Minister of Personnel, but he did not accept the position. After Yingzhou was pacified, Xiao Yingzhou planned to move the capital to Xiakou, but Wen Ruo once again urged against it strongly, believing that the Ba and Xia regions weren’t fully pacified yet, and it wasn’t wise to easily abandon our foundation and shake the people's trust. Xiao Yingzhou did not heed his advice. Soon after, the army from Badong advanced to Xie Kou, and the plans to relocate the capital were scrapped. People regarded Wen Ruo as having great foresight.

After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, he appointed him as the Minister of Military Affairs and also concurrently as General of the Valiant Cavalry. Because of his contributions during the uprising, he was granted the title of Zhouling Count, with a fief of seven hundred households. In the second year of Tianjian, he was dispatched as Chief of Anxi, Champion General, and Governor of Nanjun. Six years later, the court summoned him back to the capital, appointing him as Cavalier Attendant and Commander of the Right Guard for the Crown Prince. Before he could depart, he was promoted to the position of Military Commissioner, Commander of Military Affairs in Xiangzhou, General Who Supports the State, and Governor of Xiangzhou. In the eighth year, he was punished for unlawfully releasing soldiers on duty. Shortly after, he returned to the court, serving as Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat, then promoted to Cavalier Attendant, and later transferred to the position of Minister of Rites. Before he could assume the new position, he fell ill. The emperor issued an edict changing his appointment to Censor and Grand Secretary, but his illness worsened, and he was unable to take up the new role. In the tenth year of Tianjian, he died at home at the age of forty-one. The court posthumously appointed him as the Minister of the Palace Library and bestowed the posthumous title of Mu. His son Fan succeeded him in his title.

Xi Chanwen was from Linjing County in Anding Commandery. He grew up in poverty but extensively read historical texts. In the early Qi Dynasty, he served as a military officer under the governor of Yongzhou, Xiao Chifu, and befriended Xiao Yingzhou, Chifu's son. Later, he held positions as a military officer in the Western Central Army, responsible for managing city defense affairs. When Emperor Gaozu was preparing to rebel, Xi Chanwen strongly persuaded him, with Xiao Yingzhou joining in his persuasion. They secretly sent a message to Emperor Gaozu through Tian Zugong, presenting a silver-inlaid dagger, who in return gifted him a golden ruyi. He was appointed as a Minister of the Yellow Gate and soon after promoted to Minister of War. When Xiao Yingzhou suddenly passed away, causing chaos in the province, Xi Chanwen, given the emperor's youth and his own high office, took on the responsibility of managing the province. He, along with ministers from the Western Dynasty, welcomed Prince Dan, who was stationed in Yongzhou, to oversee provincial affairs and restore order. After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, he appointed Xi Chanwen as Minister of Justice and General of the State, granting him the title of Count of Shanyang with a fief of 700 households. He was later assigned as the Prefect of Dongyang, and later changed to Count of Xiangxi, with the fief unchanged. He served as the Prefect of Dongyang for two years, renowned for his integrity, and eventually passed away in office. The court awarded him thirty thousand coins and fifty bolts of cloth for his funeral expenses, and posthumously granted him the title of Wei.

Wei Rui, courtesy name Huaiwen, was from Duling, in the Jingzhao region. Coming from a line of distinguished ancestors, his family had long been a prominent clan in the Sanfu area. His grandfather, Wei Xuan, retreated to the southern mountains of Chang'an to escape government conscription. When Emperor Wu of the Song Dynasty, Liu Yu, entered Guanzhong, he summoned him to serve as a staff member in the Ministry of War, but he did not go. His uncle, Wei Zuxing, held the position of Guanglu Xun during the late Song Dynasty. His father, Wei Zugu, was the chief historian of Ningyuan County. Wei Rui was renowned for his filial piety towards his stepmother, which was well-known at the time. His older brothers, Wei Zuan and Wei Chan, had already gained recognition. Wei Zuan and Wei Rui both enjoyed studying, while Wei Chan was known for his high moral standards. Wei Zuxing was appointed county magistrate multiple times, and each time he took Wei Rui with him, treating him as if he were his own son. At that time, Wei Rui's uncle, Wang Cheng, and cousin, Du Yun, were both respected figures in the community. Wei Zuxing asked Wei Rui, "Do you think you measure up to Wang Cheng and Du Yun?" Wei Rui humbly felt unable to respond. Wei Zuxing said, "Your writing may be slightly inferior, but your knowledge should surpass theirs; however, to make a meaningful contribution to the nation, they cannot compare to you." Wei Rui's older brother, Du Youwen, was appointed inspector of Liangzhou and wanted Wei Rui to join him. Liangzhou was fertile and rich, but many had previously fallen from grace because of corruption. Although Wei Rui was still young at the time, he was already recognized for his integrity.

During the early years of the Yongguang era, Yuan Yi became the Inspector of Yongzhou and was very impressed by Wei Rui. He brought him on as an advisor. After Yuan Yi took office, he joined Deng Wan in rebellion. Wei Rui requested a transfer to Yicheng County and managed to steer clear of Yuan Yi's troubles. Later, he was appointed as the Left Attendant of Prince Jinping and was promoted to Acting Military Advisor to General Xiao Shuo, the King of Guiyang. He served under Prime Minister Liu Shilong of the Qi Dynasty to defend Yingcheng against the Inspector of Jingzhou, Shen Youzhi. After Shen Youzhi was defeated, Wei Rui was promoted to Military Advisor of the Front Army. Eventually, he was appointed as the Magistrate of Guangde County. He continued to rise in ranks, serving as the Governor of Xing in Qi, the Prefect of Benzhou, the Colonel of Changshui, and the General of the Right Army. As chaos engulfed the Qi Dynasty, Wei Rui was reluctant to leave his hometown and requested to be appointed as the Prefect of Shangyong, and was promoted to General Jianwei. Not long after, the Grand Commandant Chen Xianda and the General of the Guards Cui Huijing frequently attacked the capital, leading to widespread panic among the populace. The situation remained unstable, and people from the Western regions came to Wei Rui for advice. Wei Rui said, "While Chen Xianda may be an experienced general, he is not the type to accomplish anything significant; although Cui Huijing has been through a lot, he is weak and not good at warfare. Their attack on Jiankang is inevitable! The real talents will likely rise from our province." So he sent two of his sons to join the ancestor Xiao Daocheng. When the call for the righteous army came, Liu Rui quickly rallied the county folks to cut bamboo and build rafts, taking a shortcut to arrive with over 2,000 people and 200 horses to lend support! The ancestor was thrilled to see Liu Rui and said, "I have only heard of your reputation before; today I finally see you in person, my great cause is finally in good hands!" The righteous army captured Yingcheng and Lu Di, bringing peace to the Jiahu region. Liu Rui had plenty of great ideas, and the ancestor embraced them all.

The army set out from Yingcheng, and Emperor Gaozu was worried about who to leave behind as a defender. After some thought, he turned to Liu Rui and said, "Why are we looking elsewhere when we have such a fine steed available?" That day, Liu Rui was appointed as the Champion General and the Prefect of Jiangxia, in charge of the matters of Yingzhou. When Yingcheng was besieged, with a population of 100,000 people, the city gates were shut for several years. Seventy to eighty percent of the population perished from the plague, with bodies stacked beneath beds while the living slept on top. Liu Rui carefully arranged and handled these matters, giving the dead a proper burial and helping the living resettle, for which the common people were grateful.

Later, after Liangtai was built, Liu Rui was summoned to serve as the Minister of Rites. After Gaozu became emperor, Liu Rui was promoted to Minister of Works, granted the title Duke of Liangzi, with a fief of 300 households. In the second year of Tianjian, he was further enfeoffed as Marquis of Yongchang County, with the same number of households. When the Eastern Palace was completed, he was transferred to the Commander of the Crown Prince's Right Guard, and later served as the General of Fu State and Governor of Yuzhou, concurrently holding the position of Governor of Liyang. Three years later, when Wei sent troops to invade, Liu Rui led the army of Yuzhou to repel them.

Four years later, the court ordered Wang Rui to lead the army on a northern expedition. Wang Rui sent his Chief Clerk Wang Chaozong and the Prefect of Liang County, Feng Daogen, to attack the Wei army at Xiaoxian City, but they couldn't take it. Wang Rui personally inspected the camp when suddenly hundreds of Wei soldiers burst out of the city and formed a battle formation outside the gate. Wang Rui was eager to strike right away, but his officers urged him, "They're being overconfident; we're not ready for battle yet. Let's hold off until everyone's suited up before we attack."

Wang Rui said, "No! There are more than two thousand people in Weicheng, fiercely guarding the city gates. They are capable of defending themselves. If they send people out, they must be elite soldiers. If we can defeat them, we can take the city." Everyone hesitated, but Wang Rui pointed to the commander's token in his hand and said, "The court gave me this, not to be a decoration! My military strategy must not be violated by anyone!" So he ordered an attack. The soldiers fought bravely, and the Wei army was decisively defeated and retreated. Wang Rui pursued them and captured Xiaoxian City overnight. Then, he led his troops to attack Hefei.

Previously, the Right Army's Sima Hulue led an attack on Hefei for a long time without success. Wang Rui surveyed the local terrain and said, "I have heard that 'Fenshui can irrigate Pingyang, and Jiangshui can irrigate Anyi.' The situation here is similar!" So he ordered the construction of a dam on the Feishui River, taking charge of the construction himself. In no time, the dam was built, the river was flowing, and warships began to arrive. The Wei army had built two small fortifications on the east and west sides of Hefei, and Wang Rui first captured these two fortifications.

At this time, the Wei army's reinforcements led by General Yang Lingyin suddenly arrived with fifty thousand troops. Everyone was afraid and worried about not being able to win, so they requested additional troops from the court. Wang Rui smiled and said, "The enemy has already reached the city, and now they request reinforcements? Sharpening their swords in the heat of battle, there is no time! Besides, if I request reinforcements, they are also recruiting troops. It's like Wu State reinforcing Baxiu and Shu State reinforcing Baide; it's the same idea. 'The key to victory for an army lies in unity, not in the number of troops,' this is an age-old principle!" So he led his troops to battle, defeated Yang Lingyin's army, and boosted the morale.

At first, the Feishui Dam was built, allowing the military commander Wang Huaijing to fortify a position on the riverbank for defense. As a result, the Wei army breached Wang Huaijing's defenses, and more than a thousand people died in battle. The Wei army pursued their victory and advanced to Ruiti, with great momentum. The military supervisor Pan Lingyou advised Lu Rui to retreat to Chaohu, and other generals also requested a retreat to Sanchakou. Lu Rui retorted angrily, "How can this be? Generals who die in battle should charge forward, not retreat!" He then ordered umbrellas, fans, and military flags to be taken out and inserted under the embankment, demonstrating his unwavering resolve. Lu Rui was originally in poor health, never rode a horse in battle, instead being carried in a cart to urge and motivate the army. When the Wei army attempted to breach the embankment, Lu Rui personally fought with them. When the Wei army retreated slightly, Lu Rui built fortifications on the embankment to strengthen the defense line. Lu Rui constructed warships nearly as tall as the walls of Hefei City, surrounding the Wei army on all sides. The Wei army was at their wits' end, lamenting their fate. Lu Rui's siege engines were ready, the dam was full of water, and the Wei army's reinforcements were of no use. The Wei army's defending general, Du Yuanlun, climbed the city wall to supervise the battle and was shot dead by crossbow arrows, leading to the eventual breach of the city. Over ten thousand enemy soldiers were captured, and thousands of cattle and horses were seized. The captured silks filled ten rooms, and these spoils of war were distributed as rewards to the troops.

Lu Rui hosts visitors during the day and handles military affairs at night. He often works late into the night, tending to and reassuring his soldiers. He always feels pressed for time, so soldiers flock to him. Wherever he goes, the camp is meticulously organized, with barracks, fences, and walls all in accordance with regulations. After the capture of Hefei City, Gaozu ordered all troops to camp at Dongling. Dongling is only twenty miles from the Wei State's Pichi City, and a decisive battle was imminent. At that point, he ordered a retreat. Fearing being pursued by the enemy, Lu Rui sent all the supplies ahead while he rode in a simple cart at the back. Upon hearing of Lu Rui's reputation, the Wei army dared not approach. Lu Rui led the entire army safely back. After this incident, the provincial capital of Yuzhou was moved to Hefei.

Five years ago, Yuan Ying, the King of Zhongshan in Wei, led troops to attack North Xuzhou, besieging the governor Chang Yi in Zhongli with a strong army of a million, capturing over forty cities in a row. Our emperor sent General Cao Jingzong with two hundred thousand troops to resist. When Cao Jingzong arrived at Shaoyangzhou, he built fortifications for defense. The emperor then ordered Wei Rui to lead the Yuzhou troops in support. Wei Rui set out from Hefei, took a shortcut through Yinling Daze, and quickly constructed bridges over mountain streams and valleys. The soldiers, fearing the might of the Wei army, urged Wei Rui to take it slow. Wei Rui said, "The people in Zhongli City are all hiding underground, using buckets to drink water. The chariots are speeding, the soldiers are running, and they are still afraid of the Wei army catching up. Why should we take our time? The Wei army has already entered our encirclement, so you don't have to worry!" Ten days later, Wei Rui reached Shaoyang.

At the beginning, the emperor said to Cao Jingzong, "Wei Rui is your fellow townsman; you should show him proper respect." Cao Jingzong met Wei Rui and paid him great respect. When the emperor heard about this, he said, "The harmonious relationship between the two generals will ensure victory in this battle!" Wei Rui, twenty miles in front of Cao Jingzong's camp, dug a long trench at night and erected deer antlers, transforming the area into a stronghold, completing the defense works before dawn. Yuan Ying was taken aback and exclaimed, "What is this? It's like a miracle!" The next morning, Yuan Ying personally led the army to launch an attack. Wei Rui sat in a modest wooden cart, holding a white horn-shaped scepter to command the troops. After several skirmishes that day, Yuan Ying was very afraid of the strength of Wei Rui's army.

The Wei army attacked the city again at night, arrows raining down like a deluge. Wei Rui's son An requested to descend from the city to avoid the arrow rain, but Wei Rui disagreed. The soldiers were in panic, but Wei Rui shouted at them from the city wall, reassuring them. Earlier, the Wei army had built two bridges on both sides of Shaoyangzhou, with hundreds of paces of barricades spanning the Huai River as a passage. Wei Rui prepared a fleet of warships and had officials like Feng Daogen, Pei Sui, and Li Wenzhao form a naval force. With the Huai River rising, Wei Rui immediately sent them out to attack. The warships surged toward the enemy's position, loading straw onto small boats, pouring oil on them, and setting them on fire, burning down the Wei army's bridges. The fierce wind fanned the flames, thick smoke covered the sky, and the vanguard soldiers dismantled the barricades and cut off the bridges. The river surged swiftly, and in no time, both the bridges and barricades were destroyed. Feng Daogen and others also personally led the charge; the soldiers bravely killed the enemy, the sound of battle shook the heavens, one soldier could hold off a hundred foes, leading to the Wei army's rout.

Yuan Ying saw that the bridge had been burned and fled. Over 100,000 Wei soldiers drowned, and almost as many were killed. The rest surrendered, knelt down, and begged for mercy, requesting to be taken prisoner, bringing the total to several hundred thousand. The captured military supplies, cattle, and horses were innumerable. Wei Rui sent someone to report to Chang Yi, who felt a mix of sadness and joy, shouting, "We survived! We survived!" The emperor sent Zhou She, a palace attendant, to offer comfort to Wei Rui by the Huai River. Wei Rui displayed the captured spoils of war at the entrance of the camp. After Zhou She saw them, he said to Wei Rui, "Your spoils this time are as plentiful as those from the Battle of Xionger Mountain!" Due to his achievements in this battle, Wei Rui was promoted to Marquis with a fief of seven hundred households, appointed as an imperial attendant, and promoted to General of the Right Guard.

He served as General of the Left Guard for seven years, shortly after being promoted to Chief of Anxi and Administrator of Nan County, a mid-level official position. When the governor of Sizhou, Ma Xianpin, returned from campaigning in the north and was pursued by Wei troops, chaos erupted in the Sanguan region. The court ordered Pei Rui to lead troops to provide support. Pei Rui arrived in Anlu, increased the height of the city walls by over two zhang, dug a large moat, and built tall towers. Many viewed this as a sign of weakness. Pei Rui said, "It's not like that. When leading troops into battle, sometimes you have to show weakness, not to always appear aggressive." At that time, Yuan Ying went to pursue Ma Xianpin again to seek revenge for the defeat at Shaoyang. Upon hearing that Pei Rui had arrived, he decided to retreat. The emperor also ordered a halt to military operations.

The following year, he was promoted to General of Trust and Martial Valor, as well as Governor of Jiangzhou. Nine years later, he was called back to serve as an imperial attendant and General of the Right Guard, then promoted to General of the Left Guard and Prince's Advisor, followed by an appointment as an imperial attendant. Thirteen years later, he was promoted to General of Wisdom and Martial Valor and Intendant of Danyang, but was dismissed due to administrative issues. After some time, he was reinstated and appointed as Central Protector.

In the fourteenth year, he was again appointed General of Pingbei, Colonel of Ningman, and Governor of Yongzhou. When Pei Rui first raised his troops, his friend Yin Junguang pleaded with him not to go. After Pei Rui returned home to become an official, Yin Junguang visited him, and Pei Rui smiled and said to him, "If I had taken your advice, I would have ended up begging along the way." He then gifted him ten plow oxen. Pei Rui was always generous to his old friends. He arranged temporary county magistrate positions for scholars over seventy, and the villagers held him in fond memory. In the fifteenth year, he petitioned for retirement, and the emperor granted his request with special favor. In the seventeenth year, he was summoned again to be Cavalier Attendant and General of the Guard, and shortly after, he was even assigned a ceremonial guard while serving in the palace. In the court, he was humble and cautious, never speaking out of turn, and the Emperor Gaozu respected him greatly. He showed more kindness to orphans and widows than to his own sons, and he distributed all his official salaries and rewards to relatives and friends, without saving any money at home. Later, when he had nothing to do at home as General of the Guard, he envied figures like Wan Shi and Lu Jia, so he painted their portraits on his wall to admire. Even in his old age, he spent his leisure time teaching children to read. His third son, Pei Leng, was particularly knowledgeable in the classics and histories, and people at the time all said he was well-versed. Pei Rui often asked Pei Leng to explain books to him, and he could explain them clearly. Emperor Gaozu was then enthusiastic about Buddhism, and everyone was following suit. Pei Rui felt his faith was shaky and, given his high position, he didn't want to just go along with everyone else, so his actions were not much different from before.

In the first year of the Common Era, during the summer, he was appointed as an attendant and General of Chariots and Cavalry, but due to illness, he had not yet assumed his post. In August, he died at home at the age of seventy-nine. Before his death, he left a will requesting a simple burial and to be buried in his everyday clothes. Emperor Gaozu mourned him on the same day, deeply saddened. The court granted him one hundred thousand coins, two hundred pieces of cloth, a set of precious items from the East Garden, a set of court attire, one additional piece of clothing, and covered all funeral expenses. A supervisor was appointed to oversee the funeral arrangements. After his death, he was posthumously appointed as an attendant, General of Chariots and Cavalry, and a supervisor of the palace, and he was posthumously honored with the title "Yan".

During the Battle of Shaoyang, he displayed great integrity and virtue. Some individuals wanted him to compete against Cao Jingzong and brought out two hundred thousand coins for a gamble. Cao Jingzong rolled the dice and got a "pheasant"; he casually rolled a "horse", then quickly turned over a die and said, "This is an unexpected situation," and so the competition was called off. While other generals eagerly reported their victories to the court, he chose to stay back. He never sought victory, and there were many such instances, which is why he earned praise from future generations. He had four sons: Fang, Zheng, Leng, and An, with Fang having a separate biography.

His son Zheng, styled Jingzhi, initially served as a military officer under the King of Nankang, gradually rising to become a secretary in the Imperial Secretariat, and later being sent to Xiangyang as a governor. Initially, he had a good relationship with the Prince of Donghai, but later, when the prince became a minister responsible for selecting officials, many people tried to win his favor, but his son Zheng maintained a detached attitude. After the prince was dismissed, his son Zheng treated him with even greater sincerity than before, which earned him the admiration of the people. He later attained the position of Supervisor of the Yellow Gate.

His son Ling, courtesy name Weizhi, had a calm personality and pursued a career in studying the classics. He was knowledgeable, had an exceptional memory, and people sought his advice. He initially served as a military staff officer in the Ancheng Prince's residence and gradually rose to the positions of Imperial Secretary, Prince's Attendant, and Minister of Rites. He also wrote three volumes of "The Continued Instruction of the Book of Han." His son An, courtesy name Wuzhi, was strong-willed and upright. He studied history and literature from a young age and was quite articulate. He started as an attendant in the Prince's residence and eventually became Minister of the Household, Governor of Nanyuzhou, and Minister of the Imperial Stables. When Hou Jing crossed the Yangtze River, he defended the city’s six gates and later took command of the western military forces. He fought tirelessly to defend the western earthworks, and for his achievements, he was appointed General of Light Cavalry and bestowed with additional honors. He died in the city and was posthumously granted the title of Cavalier Attendant and General of the Left Guard. He had a younger brother named Ai. From a young age, he was filial to his parents, calm, and responsible. His great-grandfather was a general of the Jin Dynasty, his grandfather served as the Prefect of Yiyang during the Song Dynasty, and his father passed away early. Orphaned at a young age, he was known for his extraordinary devotion to his mother. He was reserved and rarely socialized with others, but he dedicated himself to studying diligently. At the age of twelve, he went to the capital and encountered the Emperor visiting the Southern Park. While everyone else gathered to watch the spectacle, he sat alone reading, completely absorbed in his reading. His family was astonished by his behavior. As he grew older, his extensive knowledge and literary talent, particularly in the Book of Changes and the Zuo Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals, became widely recognized.

When Yuan Yi served as the Inspector of Yongzhou, he invited him to serve as his aide and appointed him as the chief clerk. After his mother passed away, he set up a shelter beside her grave to observe the mourning period and personally dug her grave. At that time, his grandfather was serving in Yongzhou and went to console him upon hearing the news. After the mourning period ended, he was appointed as a junior military officer. When the rebel forces rose up, he was appointed as the General of Valiant Martial Arts, the Marquis of Nanping, and also served as the magistrate of Xiangyang. At that time, the capital was still in turmoil, Yongzhou was vacant, and the Wei Xing Prefect Yan Sengdu and others occupied the county city in rebellion, resulting in chaos across the province and widespread panic among the populace. He was calm, intelligent, and strategic, with great prestige in the local area. He made every effort to pacify the people, appealing to their reason and emotions. He also recruited strong men from his hometown, gathering over a thousand men, and achieved a decisive victory over Yan Sengdu and his forces in a major battle at Shiping County, bringing peace to the people.

After the death of Xiao Yingzhou, Emperor He mobilized forces to Xiangyang, and he accompanied Prince Shixing Wang Dan to Xiangyang. Previously, the Ba Dong Prefect Xiao Gui and Lu Xiulie raised troops to attack Jingzhou. Upon Prince Shixing Wang's arrival, he wrote a letter urging surrender, and Xiao Gui surrendered on the same day.

In the second year of the Zhongxing era, he followed Emperor He eastward. After his grandfather's abdication, he was promoted to the position of Vice General of the Nation, still serving as the General of Valiant Cavalry, and later appointed as the Prefect of Ningshu. He and the Inspector of Yizhou, Deng Yuanqi, went west to campaign against Liu Jilian. When they reached Gong'an, he fell ill and passed away, posthumously honored with the title of Minister of Guard. His son Qianxiang later attained the rank of General of Valiant Cavalry, Chief of Staff for the Northern Expedition, and Prefect of Ruyin and Zhongli.

Yao Cha, the Minister of Personnel of the Chen Dynasty, said: In the past, Dou Rong led the Hexi region to submit to the Han Dynasty and eventually established a prominent family; Liu Yan responded to the call of Nanzheng, and his family's reputation has remained strong; he really caught a lucky break! Your plans are bound to succeed; you're really clever! Wei Rui rose up from Shangyong to join the righteous cause; his territory is smaller than that of Liu Yan, but in the battles of Hefei and Shaoyang, his contributions were significant, yet he stayed modest and humble, not boasting about his achievements; he truly embodies the qualities of a gentleman! Yao Cha's remarks are essentially assessing the different political choices and final results of several people. He uses the examples of Dou Rong, Liu Yan, and Wei Rui to encourage or suggest to "Chen." Dou Rong and Liu Yan both found success and built a reputation by making the right choices. Wei Rui achieved his goals without arrogance, making him a true role model. Yao Cha's intention is quite clear: he hopes "Chen" can also follow in their footsteps, make wise choices, find success, and uphold a humble character.

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Written by: Realhistories

Category: Book of Liang （梁書）

Published: 05 January 2025

Created: 05 January 2025

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Zhang Hongce, whose courtesy name was Zhenjian, was from Fangcheng, Fanyang. He was the cousin of Empress Wenxian. From a young age, he was renowned for his filial piety. When his mother fell ill and was unable to eat for five days, Zhang Hongce also fasted for the same period. When his mother finally managed to drink some porridge, he ate what was left. After his mother passed away, he refrained from eating pickled vegetables for three years, nearly costing him his life. He shared a particularly close bond with his brothers and was reluctant to be separated from them, even for a moment. Even though they had all started their own families, they still slept and woke up together. People frequently compared him to the Jiang brothers, Jiang Gong and Jiang Zong. He initially served as an attendant in the Kingdom of Qishao Ling, later rising to the positions of Palace Attendant and General of the West Central Army, and also acted as a military advisor to the King of Jiangxia.

Zhang Hongce and Gaozu were of similar age, and they had known each other since childhood. They shared a very close relationship and often played together. Every time he entered Gaozu's room, Zhang Hongce always felt an ethereal atmosphere, which made him feel particularly solemn, so he respected Gaozu very much. As the Jianwu era was drawing to a close, Zhang Hongce and Gaozu spent the night together. After drinking too much, they moved their mats and sat under the stars, discussing national affairs. Zhang Hongce asked Gaozu, "What do you make of the celestial signs? Will the country be peaceful?" Gaozu replied, "Is it appropriate to say?" Zhang Hongce said, "Please tell me, what signs are there?" Gaozu said, "There are signs of losing the earth energy in the northern part of the Han Dynasty, and signs of urgent military action in the eastern part of Zhejiang. At the beginning of winter this year, Wei will definitely send troops; if Wei sends troops, the northern part of the Han Dynasty will be lost. Now the emperor has been ill for a long time, and there are many differing opinions in the court. If someone takes advantage of the situation to cause chaos, the Ji clan might seize the opportunity to rebel, which will not ultimately succeed, only lead to self-destruction. Next year, the capital will be in turmoil, and the death toll will be as chaotic as a tangled mess. The fortunes of the Qi Kingdom will begin to wane from this point. Heroes will appear in the regions of Liang, Chu, and Han." Zhang Hongce asked, "Where are the heroes now? Are they already wealthy, or are they still among the people?" Gaozu smiled and said, "Emperor Guangwu once said, 'Who knows if it's me?'" Zhang Hongce stood up and said, "The words spoken tonight are the will of heaven! Please let me formalize our bond as ruler and subject!" Gaozu said, "Do you want to emulate Deng Chen?" That winter, the army of Wei attacked Xinye, and Gaozu led the troops to rescue them. He also secretly accepted the imperial order to replace Cao Hu as the Inspector of Yongzhou. Zhang Hongce was very happy to hear this news and said to Gaozu, "What you said last night has really come to pass!" Gaozu smiled and said, "Let's not talk about this anymore." Zhang Hongce followed Gaozu westward, continued to participate in military decisions, personally joined the battle, and was unafraid of hardship.

In the autumn of the fifth year of his reign, Emperor Ming passed away. In his will, he appointed Gaozu as the Governor of Yongzhou. He then recommended Hongce to be the Military Secretary and concurrently serve as the Magistrate of Xiangyang County. Gaozu saw the chaos in the world and was determined to save it. He quietly began to prepare, discussing all his plans exclusively with Hongce. At that time, the King of Xuanwu returned from Yizhou and continued to serve as the Chief of Staff of the Western Command, responsible for the affairs of Yingzhou. Gaozu sent Hongce to Yingzhou to share his strategies with the King of Xuanwu, the details of which are recorded in the "Annals of Gaozu." Hongce counseled the King of Xuanwu, saying: "During the decline of the Zhou Dynasty, the feudal lords were embroiled in conflict. Duke Huan of Qi, an ordinary man, managed to restore order to the world, convening nine meetings with the feudal lords. Even now, the common people praise him. The court's virtue is declining, the world is in chaos, and the fate of the common people hinges on who can take on the great responsibility. Yingzhou is strategically important, and Yongzhou has a strong military presence. Your brothers are brave and skilled in battle, and now they are invincible, controlling the territories of both provinces, effectively ruling over a third of the realm. As long as you gather righteous forces, uphold justice for the people, abolish the incompetent emperor, and enthrone a wise monarch, it would be as easy as flipping a switch. In this way, you can achieve the same greatness as Duke Huan of Qi and Guan Zhong, establishing eternal merits for generations to come. Do not be deceived by those young people, leaving future generations with a laughing stock. I have a thorough understanding of the situation in Yongzhou, and I hope you will take my advice into serious consideration." Although the King of Xuanwu was not very pleased, he had no choice but to accept.

As the saying goes, war was imminent, so the Emperor secretly summoned Hongce and Lv Sengzhen to discuss at home that night, and the next morning the troops set out at dawn. The Emperor appointed Hongce as the Deputy General and Commander of the Army, leading ten thousand troops responsible for logistics. Hongce had previously served as a junior official in the West Division, later promoted to Infantry Colonel, and then served as a Chariot and Cavalry Advisor. After they captured Yingcheng, many generals, such as Xiao Yingda and Yang Gongze, wanted to rest in Xiakou. However, the Emperor felt they should capitalize on their victory and head directly to the capital, so he discussed this with Hongce, who agreed with the Emperor's plan. The Emperor also consulted General Yu Yuanyu, who also agreed. Therefore, the Emperor ordered the army to set off that day, marching along the Yangtze River straight to Jiankang. Along the way, Hongce had everything mapped out in his mind regarding where the army would camp at the river banks, docks, and villages.

When the army arrived at Xinlin, they encountered Wang Mao and Cao Jingzong fighting at Dahang. The Emperor sent Hongce to bring them gifts of encouragement, and everyone fought hard, defeating the Zhuque Army that day. The Emperor took up residence in Shitou City, with Hongce in charge of guarding the city gates and comforting the people and saving many from the ravages of war. After the city fell, the Emperor sent Hongce and Lv Sengzhen to enter the palace first to inspect the treasures in the treasury. At that time, the treasures in the city were stacked high, but Hongce firmly instructed his subordinates not to take anything—not even a single coin. Later, Hongce was promoted to Guard Captain and appointed to the Ministry of Personnel. During the Tianjian era, he was promoted to Cavalry Attendant, conferred the title of Marquis of Taoyang County, and granted a fief of 2,200 households. Hongce was loyal to the Emperor, carrying out his orders with unwavering loyalty; he also helped elevate his friends and fellow villagers, earning the respect of court officials.

Speaking of the remnants of the Eastern Hu, who had just been pardoned, they were still uneasy in their hearts. Under the cover of night, several hundred people sneaked into the palace with torches and clubs, causing chaos and setting fire to the Divine Tiger Gate and the General's Hall. At that time, Sima Lü Sengzhen, the commander of the front army, happened to be on duty in the palace, and he and the guards repelled the rioters. However, the rioters fled to the Weiwei Mansion. Hongce was trying to put out the fire at that time, but he was ambushed from behind by the rioters. He was just 47 at the time. Emperor Gaozu was especially saddened by this.

The Emperor bestowed numerous gifts upon Hongce's family, including a set of clothes, 100,000 coins, 100 bolts of cloth, and 200 jin of candles. He also issued a decree that read: "My cousin Hongce, who served as the Weiwei General, died at the hands of these treacherous rebels due to his negligence. He was upright, honest, knowledgeable, and experienced a difficult journey from local official to court official. His family was in decline and lived in poverty, which brings to mind the sorrow expressed in the 'Wei Yang Song'! I had high hopes for him to serve the court, but I never expected such misfortune. He lost his chance to serve the country, and I am truly heartbroken over this! He is posthumously honored with the title of Cavalier Attendant, General of Chariots and Cavalry, accompanied by a ceremonial band, with the posthumous title 'Min'."

Hongce was a generous and understanding person, treating others with kindness and decency, and held loyalty and righteousness in high regard. Even when his official position rose later on, he did not put on airs and treated old friends and acquaintances with the same courtesy. He generously shared his salary and rewards with his relatives and friends. As a result, after his passing, everyone mourned his loss. His son, Hongmian, later rose to an official position, but that is a tale for another time.

Yu Yu (courtesy name Sida) was a man from Xinye. He served as the Liangzhou Recorder for the Xuanwu King of Changsha and also served as the Prefect of Huayang. When the Wei army attacked Nanzheng, there were dozens of empty granaries across Liangzhou. Yu Yu had the granaries sealed and put up notices on them, telling the soldiers, "These granaries are filled with food, enough for us to last two years. As long as we defend with determination, we will surely succeed!" The soldiers were reassured by this. After the Wei army retreated, Yu Yu was promoted to Yulin Supervisor for his contributions, and later rose to the rank of Army Secretary of the Southern Zhonglang.

In the later years of Yongyuan, Emperor Gaozu raised an army and sent someone to write a letter to Yu Yu asking for his help. After the establishment of the Western Terrace, Yu Yu was appointed as the General of Ning Shuo, responsible for selecting talents and following Emperor Gaozu on his eastern expedition. When the army reached Yangkou, the Emperor sent the Chief Imperial Censor, Zong Chuo, to visit and comfort the troops. Yu Yu told Zong Chuo, "The Emperor has not yet formally granted full authority to Emperor Gaozu (the imperial seal has not been bestowed), so it is not the time for you to lead the vassals." After Zong Chuo returned, he transferred military authority to Emperor Gaozu. At that time, Xiao Yingzhou was in command of all military affairs, and some suggested that Emperor Gaozu should send him a letter of thanks. Yu Yu strongly opposed this idea, and the matter was set aside. After the capture of Yingcheng, Yu Yu and Zhang Hongce's suggestions were in line with Emperor Gaozu's thoughts, so Emperor Gaozu ordered the entire army to attack, successfully capturing Yingcheng. Emperor Gaozu consistently heeded Yu Yu's counsel and strategies. When the Ba Fu was first established, Yu Yu was granted the title of Marquis of Guangmu County and later served as Rear Marshal. He subsequently served as General of Ning Shuo, Prefect of Baxi County, and Prefect of Zitong County.

Liangzhou's Chief Historian Xiahou Daoqian surrendered the entire region to the Wei Kingdom, and Wei cavalry launched an attack on Baxi County. Yu Yu defended the city for over a hundred days; when the food in the city ran out, the soldiers could only gnaw on grass and eat soil. Though half of them perished, none were willing to surrender. The Wei army finally withdrew, and the court issued a decree to grant him an additional two hundred households of land and promoted him to a count. Yu Yu passed away in office six years later.

Zheng Shaoshu, courtesy name Zhongming, was from Xingyang Kaifeng, and his ancestors had lived in Shouyang for generations. His grandfather Zheng Kun served as the High Ping Prefect of the Song Dynasty. Zheng Shaoshu lived in poverty after losing both parents at a young age. In his twenties, he became the magistrate of Anfeng County and made significant achievements in his role. The county transferred him to the prefectural government as the chief scribe, and later he was promoted to the official historian. At that time, the governor Xiao Dan sent troops to arrest the soldiers under his command because his brother Xiao Chen was killed, and everyone was scared and fled. Zheng Shaoshu heard about the incident and rode there alone. After Xiao Dan's death, Zheng Shaoshu even sent his coffin, earning praise from everyone. When he arrived in the capital, the Minister Xu Xiaosi saw Zheng Shaoshu and regarded him highly, saying, "He is a hero like Zu Ti!"

When the founding emperor was an official in Sizhou, he appointed my uncle as the Middle Army Attendant, in charge of the affairs of Changliu County. My uncle established a good relationship with the founding emperor at that time. Later, when the founding emperor left Sizhou to return to the capital, he dismissed a group of guests, but my uncle resolutely insisted on staying. The founding emperor replied, "Your talents will be useful sooner or later, and I can't help you much now. You'd better find another way." My uncle responded, "I have decided to follow you and will not change my mind." The founding emperor still did not agree, so my uncle returned to his hometown of Shouyang. The Shouyang Prefect Xiao Yaochang tried hard to win over my uncle, but my uncle refused to yield. In a fit of rage, Xiao Yaochang sought to arrest him, but fortunately, someone helped him escape.

When Gaozu became the Governor of Yongzhou, my uncle secretly returned to Gaozu's side by a back route. Later, he was appointed as the Commander of Ningman, and then became the Prefect of Fufeng. Later, Dong Hunhou executed many court officials and began to suspect Gaozu. My uncle's brother, Zhi, was working for Dong Hunhou and was sent to Yongzhou by Dong Hunhou, under the pretense of visiting my uncle, but in reality, he was sent as a spy. My uncle found out about this and secretly informed Gaozu. When Zhi arrived in Yongzhou, Gaozu hosted a banquet for him at my uncle's residence and playfully said to Zhi, "The court sent you to spy on us. Let's enjoy a drink today and take a good look around." They all laughed heartily. Then Gaozu asked Zhi to climb the city tower and take a good look at the government office, soldiers, weapons, ships, and warhorses, all of which were plentiful. When Zhi returned, he told my uncle, "Yongzhou is very strong. It's not an easy target." My uncle said, "Brother, when you go back, report back to the emperor with the facts. If the emperor really wants to attack Yongzhou, I am willing to lead our troops into battle against them." Later, my uncle said goodbye to his brother at Nanxianshan, and they embraced and cried, reluctant to part.

Once upon a time, when the army set out, he was appointed as the Champion General and later promoted to the Brave Cavalry General. He followed the emperor to Jiangzhou, leaving his uncle Shaoshu to handle state affairs, overseeing the grain and fodder transport between Jiangzhou and Xiangzhou, ensuring that there were no problems at all. At the start of the Tianjian era, he was appointed as the Warden of the Guards. Shaoshu was fiercely loyal to the emperor, reporting every little movement outside in detail. Every time he reported to the emperor, if things went well, he would say, "I am foolish and did not think thoroughly; all these are the wise decisions of the emperor!" If things were not done well, he would say, "I did not think thoroughly, thought it should be done this way, almost causing a major event for the court; I deserve to be punished severely!" The emperor had great trust in him. Later, when his mother passed away, he resigned and returned home to mourn. Shaoshu was a devoted son, and the emperor even sent someone to comfort him in his mourning. After some time, he was appointed as the Champion General, Right Army Sima, and was also granted the title of Marquis of Yingdao, with a fief of one thousand households. Not long after, he became the Warden of the Guards again and was also promoted to Champion General. Due to the population decline and economic hardship in Yingdao County, he was later reassigned as Marquis of Dongxing County, with the same fief of one thousand households. He lost his father at a young age and was particularly filial to his mother and grandmother, which was well-known locally. He was also very respectful to his older brother. Once he became a high-ranking official, he shared his salary, rewards, and gifts from various regions with his older brother.

After three years, the Wei army surrounded Hefei. He was appointed to lead the various armies to guard the East Gate in his original capacity. After the siege ended, he was promoted to the position of Commander of the Guard. Later, Yiyang was occupied by the Wei army, and the capital of Sizhou was relocated south of the pass. In the fourth year, he was appointed as the General of Pacification, General of Barbarian Conquest, and Governor of Sizhou. Upon taking office, he built city walls and moats, repaired weapons, reclaimed wasteland, stored food, and resettled refugees, ensuring the common people could live in peace. He was somewhat proud and arrogant, and could be somewhat overbearing, but he was very approachable and warm-hearted in his dealings with others and promoted many talented individuals, so many were willing to follow him. In the sixth year, he was appointed as the General of the Left and was also granted the title of Imperial Attendant. He concurrently held the position of Grand Supervisor of Sizhou and Yuzhou. His uncle Zheng Shaoshu fell seriously ill at this time. The court specially sent people to his home to bestow an official title upon him, and then returned him to his residence in a carriage. The Emperor even dispatched eunuchs to bring him medicine, making several visits a day.

Seven years later, Zheng Shaoshu passed away at his residence at the age of forty-five. The Emperor Gaozu originally planned to attend his funeral, but the alley to Zheng Shaoshu's house was too narrow to accommodate the emperor's procession, so Emperor Gaozu did not go. The emperor decreed: "In remembrance of his contributions, which the late emperor also valued; his loyalty and integrity are timeless virtues. Zheng Shaoshu, the founding marquis of Dongxing County, served as a Palace Attendant and General of the Right Guard. He was known for his integrity and loyalty to the emperor and made remarkable achievements from the outset, excelling in local governance. Just as he was being entrusted with important responsibilities by the court and was preparing to dedicate himself even further, he suddenly passed away, causing me great sorrow. He should be posthumously granted higher honors as a sign of our gratitude. He is hereby posthumously honored with the titles of Palace Attendant and General of the Guard, and will be provided with a set of ceremonial instruments, a set of secret items, court attire, mourning attire, and all funeral expenses shall be covered by the court. He shall receive the posthumous title of 'Loyal'." After Zheng Shaoshu's death, Emperor Gaozu tearfully said to his courtiers: "Zheng Shaoshu was loyal and accomplished, attributing his successes to the emperor and his failures to himself. Few people today can compare to him." The emperor's deep appreciation and regret for him were evident. His son, Zheng Zhen, succeeded him in his title.

Lv Sengzhen, also known as Yuan-yu, was from Fan County in Dongping, and his family had resided in Guangling for generations. He was born into a poor family. When he was young, he studied under his teacher. A fortune teller once observed the students in his class and pointed at Lv Sengzhen, telling the teacher, "This child will have extraordinary achievements in the future, and might even rise to the rank of marquis or high official." In his twenties, he worked under the command of Liu Bing, the magistrate of Danyang. After Liu Bing was killed, he served as a secretary under Emperor Wen of the founding dynasty. He was seven and a half feet tall and very handsome. Among his peers, few would dare to disrespect him, and everyone respected him greatly.

Legend has it that our ancestor, the founding emperor, when he was young, served as an aide to the governor of Yuzhou and also held the position of magistrate in Meng County, where he performed well. Later, he was promoted to be the deputy general and registrar of the army. At that time, there was a troublemaker named Tang Yu who rebelled in Dongyang, and our ancestor led troops to suppress the rebellion, with a man named Sengzhen in charge of logistics. This Sengzhen lived east of Jianyang Gate, and since receiving his assignment, he walked from Jianyang Gate every day without even returning home. Our ancestor thought this young man was quite reliable.

Later, our ancestor became the magistrate of Danyang and appointed Sengzhen as the county postal supervisor. When the Qi dynasty's prince was appointed governor of Jingzhou, Emperor Wu of Qi assigned Sengzhen to accompany the prince as his bodyguard to Jingzhou. In the ninth year of Yongming, the governor of Yongzhou, Wang Huan, rebelled, and the court dispatched Sengzhen to assist General Cao Hu in quelling the rebellion, and appointed him as the magistrate of Xincheng County. At that time, the Wei army invaded the north bank of the Mian River, and the Minister of Works, Chen Xianda, saw that Sengzhen was extraordinary and quietly pulled him aside, saying, "You have the appearance of a nobleman; you have a bright future ahead of you, so put in the effort!"

In the second year of the Jianwu era, the Wei Kingdom launched a massive invasion to the south, with five major armies launching a coordinated attack. Emperor Gaozu led his troops to rescue Yiyang, with Monk Zhen joining him. At that time, Xuanwu King of Changsha was serving as the Inspector of Liangzhou. The Wei army besieged Yiyang for several months, with Wei spies everywhere, cutting off communication between Yiyang and Yongzhou. Emperor Gaozu wanted to send someone to Xiangyang to inquire about the situation in Liangzhou, but everyone was afraid to go except for Monk Zhen, who volunteered and set out on a boat that same day. Upon reaching Xiangyang, he urged the local forces to support and brought back a letter from Xuanwu King, which made Emperor Gaozu very happy. After the matter was resolved, Monk Zhen was appointed as the Commander of the Feathered Forest.

After Xiao Yan became Emperor, Xu Xiaosi was in charge of handling court affairs and wanted to work together with Monk Zhen, but Monk Zhen felt that it would not be stable in the long run, so he declined. By that time, Emperor Xiao Yan had already arrived in Yongzhou, and Monk Zhen kept requesting to return to the west. He was later appointed as the Prefect of Qixian. Upon arriving in Qixian, Emperor Xiao Yan appointed him as a Military Advisor, demonstrating great trust in him. Monk Zhen secretly trained a group of elite warriors.

Emperor Xiao Yan recruited many strong warriors, and the people responded by gathering over ten thousand. Emperor Xiao Yan had them clear the open space in the west of the city to build thousands of houses as residences. They cut down a lot of wood and bamboo, sinking them into Tanxi River, forming piles of thatch that resembled small mountains, but these materials were not put to use. Only Monk Zhen understood Emperor Xiao Yan's intentions and had secretly prepared hundreds of oars.

After the uprising of the righteous forces, Emperor Xiao Yan summoned Monk Zhen and Zhang Hongce for a discussion that night, and the next day they mobilized the army to retrieve the wood and bamboo from Tanxi River, build ships, and cover them with thatch. When the army was about to depart, the generals indeed started quarreling over the oars, but Monk Zhen produced the oars he had prepared ahead of time, distributing two to each boat, which finally ended the argument.

General Xiao Yan appointed Buddhist Monk Zhen as the General for the State and Infantry Colonel, entrusting him to enter and exit the palace to convey imperial edicts. When the army arrived at Yingcheng, Monk Zhen led the troops to set up camp at Yan Yue Lei, and soon moved to Qi Cheng. Once Yingzhou was captured, General Xiao Yan promoted Monk Zhen to the Grand General of the Vanguard. When the army reached Jiangning, General Xiao Yan ordered Monk Zhen and Wang Mao to lead the elite troops to launch an attack on Chibilo. That day, General Li Jushi of Dong Hunhou led his troops into battle; Monk Zhen and his men took the initiative and secured a resounding victory. Then, Monk Zhen and Wang Mao constructed a fort at Bai Banqiao. After the fort was completed, Wang Mao moved to Yuecheng, while Monk Zhen remained alone to guard Bai Banqiao.

Li Jushi secretly observed that the defending forces were outnumbered, so he led ten thousand elite soldiers to directly attack the city. Monk Zhen said to his soldiers, "Our forces are insufficient now; we cannot engage in a direct confrontation with them. Do not shoot arrows from a distance; wait for them to approach the moat, and we will concentrate our strength to defeat them." Soon, the enemy crossed the moat and removed the barriers. Monk Zhen sent people to climb the city wall; arrows and stones were shot simultaneously, and he personally led three hundred cavalry and infantry to charge from behind. The soldiers guarding the city corners also came down from the wall, mounting a pincer attack; Li Jushi's army immediately dispersed, seizing countless weapons and equipment. Monk Zhen then moved to Yuecheng. The Dong Hunhou's general Wang Zhen Guo arranged his chariots into a camp, positioned along the Huai River. When Wang Mao's army attacked him, Monk Zhen set fire to his camp, leading to its collapse that very day.

After capturing Jiankang City, Emperor Gaozu had Buddhist Monk Zhen lead the advance troops into the imperial palace to inspect the treasury with Zhang Hongce. That day, he promoted Buddhist Monk Zhen to continue serving as the Prefect of Nanpeng City, and also appointed him as a Gentleman-in-Waiting of the Yellow Gate and Commander of the Tiger Ben. After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, he further appointed Buddhist Monk Zhen as the Champion General and Marshal of the Vanguard, and bestowed upon him the title of Marquis of Pinggu County, with a fief comprising 1,200 households. Shortly after, he was promoted to Gentleman of the Palace Secretariat and Right Guard General. After some time, he was promoted to Left Guard General, assigned to serve as a Cavalier Attendant, and responsible for the security of the imperial palace during the night in the Secretariat.

In the winter of the fourth year of Tianjian, the Emperor initiated a large-scale northern campaign. During this busy time, Buddhist Monk Zhen served in the Chancellery by day and returned to the Secretariat at night. In the summer of the fifth year, the Emperor sent Buddhist Monk Zhen to lead the elite Feather Forest Army on a campaign to Liangcheng. Upon the army's return that winter, Buddhist Monk Zhen also took on the additional role of Tutor to the Crown Prince, with no change in his official position.

Seng Zhen had been away from home for a long time, so he submitted a request to return home to pay respects to his ancestors' graves. The Emperor wanted to give him a good position, so he appointed him as the Governor of South Yan Province, with the titles of General of the North and Governor of South Yan Province. During his time as Governor, Seng Zhen was fair and treated his subordinates equally, without showing favoritism to his relatives. His father's brothers and their sons had made a living selling onions, and after Seng Zhen became Governor, they wanted to use his power to gain official positions. Seng Zhen said, "I am grateful for the Emperor's favor and have not had a chance to repay it. You all have your own livelihoods; how can you seek official positions recklessly? Go back to selling onions!" Seng Zhen's old house was in the north of the city, with a post office in front of it. The villagers advised him to tear down the post office and expand his own house. Seng Zhen fiercely replied, "The post office belongs to the government and has been here since its establishment. How can it be torn down for the sake of my private house?" His sister married into the Yu family and lived in a small house on the west side of the city, crammed in among other shops. Every time Seng Zhen passed by his sister's house with his entourage, he did not feel ashamed. After serving in the province for a hundred days, he was summoned back to the court to serve as the General of the Army and was soon promoted to the position of Cavalier Attendant, given a band to play music, and continued to work in the Secretariat. Seng Zhen achieved remarkable success and gained the Emperor's deep trust. The Emperor's favor for him was unmatched. Seng Zhen was very respectful and cautious. When on duty in the palace, he didn't dare to take off his robes even in the heat. Every time he served the Emperor, he held his breath, bowed deeply, and never took the initiative to use chopsticks during meals. Once, after drinking too much, he ate an orange. The Emperor laughed and said, "This can be considered progress!" On top of his salary, the Emperor granted him one hundred thousand coins each month, along with continuous rewards.

For ten years, Seng Zhen was constantly ill. The emperor sent people to visit him and deliver medicine at least four or five times a day. Seng Zhen told his old friends, "When I was in Meng County before, I had a severe case of jaundice. Everyone thought I wouldn't survive, but the emperor said, 'You have the appearance of wealth and nobility, you will definitely not die, and you will get better after some time.' And it did get better. Now, although I am wealthy and noble, I have jaundice again, just like before, and this time I definitely won't recover." As he predicted, he passed away in his residence at the barracks at the age of fifty-eight.

On that day, the founding emperor personally went to pay his last respects and issued a decree saying, "Remembering old friends until death, this is the principle of emperors throughout history; bestowing posthumous titles and honors is also a longstanding tradition. Seng Zhen, Attendant Cavalry, General of the Army, and Marquis of Pinggu County, was extraordinarily talented, with vast knowledge, unwavering dedication, and unparalleled loyalty. He and I have known each other for many years, with deep affection. At the beginning of the founding of the dynasty, he made many contributions. Later, in the palace guard, he was loyal day and night. Just as I was about to appoint him to an important official position, he suddenly passed away, which caused me great sorrow. It is only fitting to bestow upon him a higher title in recognition of his service. He is to be awarded a set of secret items from the Eastern Garden, a set of court attire, an additional garment, and all funeral expenses will be covered by the court. His posthumous title will be Marquis of Loyalty and Respect." The founding emperor mourned Seng Zhen's passing deeply, shedding tears as he spoke. Seng Zhen's eldest son had died young, and his grandson, Tan, succeeded him.

Minister of Official Personnel Yao Cha of the Chen Dynasty said: Zhang Hongce is kind and cautious, Lu Sengzhen is diligent and dedicated, and Zheng Shaoshu is loyal and upright. The three of them have all made great efforts to establish the royal enterprise. Sengzhen is respectful and prudent in the court, while Zheng Shaoshu is adept at discerning the emperor's will and employing flattery and eloquence, which all exemplify their integrity as ministers.