Emperor Xiaozhao, whose name was Yuanyan and courtesy name Yan'an, was the sixth son of Emperor Shenwu and the younger brother of Emperor Wenxuan. He was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, displaying extraordinary talent early on, and was greatly favored by Empress Dowager Wuming. In the first year of Wei Yuanxiang, he was titled Marquis of Changshan. When Emperor Wenxuan came to power, he sent the Grand Secretary, Li Tonggui, to the capital to teach the imperial princes. The emperor always focused on the main ideas of the texts he studied, rather than on flowery language. He would often sigh and say, "Even in the critical moments of the Battle of Mengjin, when the horses on the left side of the chariot were startled, the army did not collapse." He believed this exemplified true talent. He then devoted himself to reading the "Book of Han," and when he read the biography of Li Ling, he always admired his actions. He was exceptionally intelligent, and as long as he was aware of someone's taboos, he would never offend them. After Li Tonggui passed away, he appointed Diao Rou, a military officer from the Imperial Household Department, to replace him. Diao Rou was strict and ill-suited as a teacher, so the emperor eventually sent him away. When the emperor saw Diao Rou off, his expression was grave, with tears streaming down his cheeks, and those around him wept in sorrow. His respect for his teachers and old friends demonstrated his character.
Emperor Xiaozhao, originally named Yuan Yan, with the courtesy name Yan'an, was the sixth son of Emperor Shenwu and the younger brother of Empress Wenxuan. He was exceptionally talented from a young age, displaying imperial qualities early on, and even the Empress Dowager Wuming doted on him. In the first year of the Wei Yuanxiang era, he was given the title of Marquis of Changshan. Later, when Empress Wenxuan ruled, she appointed the Minister of the Central Secretariat, Li Tonggui, to teach the princes. Yuan Yan focused on practicality in his studies, without pursuing flowery language. He often said, "Even in critical moments like the Battle of Mengjin, when the horses on the left became startled, the army did not collapse." He believed this exemplified true ability. He dedicated himself to studying the "Book of Han," and when reading the biography of Li Ling, he always admired Li Ling's conduct. He was very intelligent, remembering the taboos of everyone he interacted with, never offending anyone throughout his life. After Li Tonggui passed away, he appointed Diao Rou, a strict and harsh teacher, to replace his teacher, but Diao Rou was not suitable for teaching the princes and was ultimately dismissed by the Emperor. He wore a solemn expression and shed several tears when bidding farewell to Diao Rou, making those around him feel sorrowful. It is evident how much he respected his teachers and friends! In the early years of the Tianbao era, he was granted the title of king. Five years later, he was appointed as the Governor of Bingzhou. He was adept at handling state affairs, with excellent literary talent and ability, earning both respect and fear from the people of the province. In the seventh year, he accompanied Empress Wenxuan back to Ye City. When Empress Wenxuan dealt with memorials, he often held differing opinions on various matters, so he had the Emperor and court officials discuss the right and wrong of the matters before they were officially submitted. He was highly knowledgeable in politics, always adept at identifying key issues, which earned him great admiration from Empress Wenxuan.
Eight years later, he was promoted to the position of Minister of Works, overseeing the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel. Nine years later, he was appointed as Grand Marshal, still overseeing the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel. At that time, Emperor Wenxuan was indulging in pleasure, causing the emperor's worry and distressed appearance. Noticing this, Emperor Wenxuan remarked, "As long as you are here, why can't I enjoy myself?" The emperor could only kneel in tears, speechless. Emperor Wenxuan was equally saddened; he smashed a wine cup on the ground and said, "If you hate me for this, then anyone who dares to toast me in the future will be killed!" Then he smashed and threw away all the wine cups. Later, Emperor Wenxuan became increasingly indulgent, sometimes visiting the homes of officials and nobles to wrestle and fool around, regardless of their status. Only when Prince Changshan arrived did everyone quiet down. The emperor privately drafted a memorial, intending to advise him, but his friend Wang Xi advised against it. The emperor did not listen to him and ended up angering Emperor Wenxuan with his blunt private advice. Emperor Shuncheng, a descendant of the Northern Wei imperial family, was someone Emperor Wenxuan wanted to distance the emperor from, so he secretly amassed beautiful women for the emperor, hoping to divert his affections. Although the emperor complied with the order to take concubines, his bond with Emperor Shuncheng only grew stronger.
The emperor was quite strict. If the Shangshu Langzhong made a mistake, he would punish them harshly. If his subordinates committed deceitful crimes, he would immediately conduct a severe investigation. Emperor Wenxuan had the emperor sit in front of him, pointing a knife ring at those who had been punished, and forced them to confess the emperor's faults. None of them could speak up, which clarified everything. Since then, Emperor Wenxuan no longer permitted corporal punishment for the Langzhong. Later, Emperor Wenxuan rewarded him with some palace maids from the Wei Dynasty. When the emperor woke up from drunkenness, he forgot about the reward and thought he had taken them himself. He then used a knife to lash out, injuring himself. The empress dowager was in tears all day, while Emperor Wenxuan did not know what to do. His friend Wang Xi, who had been previously banned, was later released to serve the emperor. A month later, the emperor's injury gradually healed, but he no longer dared to advise the emperor.
When Emperor Wenxuan died, the emperor was in mourning in the palace. The young emperor took the throne, and he attended court. He was appointed as Grand Tutor and Recorder of the Imperial Secretariat, with the final say on government affairs. A month later, he moved back to the fiefdom, and many decrees no longer needed his sign-off. Someone advised him, "A fierce bird leaving its nest is bound to risk having its eggs stolen! With your current position, why do you keep going out?"
In the first year of Qianming, he accompanied the deposed emperor to Ye City and stayed at the military headquarters. At that time, Yang Yin, Yan Zixian, Ke Zhuhun Tianhe, Song Qindao, and Zheng Zimo, worried about the emperor's high prestige and power, proposed that he be appointed Grand Preceptor, Governor of Sizhou, and Recorder of the Secretariat; and appointed Prince Changguang Zhan as Grand Marshal, Recorder of the Secretariat, relieving him of his duties as Commander of the Capital Region. The emperor felt sidelined and suspicious due to his good relationship with his relatives, so he arranged to go hunting with Prince Changguang to discuss countermeasures in the wilderness.
On the 3rd of March in the year of Jiaxu, the emperor held court for the first time. He set out early in the morning from the Ministry of War, but a fierce storm arose, damaging the curtains of his carriage, which made him very unhappy. When he arrived at the court, all the ministers were present. After sitting down and having a few drinks, he called for the Minister of Personnel Yang Yin, the Minister of Works Yan Zixian, General Zhu HUntianhe, and the Palace Attendant Song Qindao. The emperor, dressed in armor, entered the hall with the King of Pingyuan Duan Shao, the King of Pingqin Gao Guiyan, and General Liu Honghui, where he encountered the Cavalier Attendant Zheng Zimo at the Ministry of Personnel's gate, and had him arrested and killed in the palace.
As the emperor reached the gate of the Eastern Pavilion, Commander Cheng Xiuning drew his sword to attack him. The emperor sent Gao Guiyan to persuade him, but Cheng Xiuning shouted loudly and refused to stop. Gao Guiyan, who was a former military leader and was highly respected by the soldiers, successfully persuaded the soldiers to lower their weapons. Cheng Xiuning sighed and finally stopped. The emperor entered the Zhao Yang Hall, where the young prince, the Empress Dowager, and the Empress were all present. The emperor detailed the crimes of Yang Yin and the others and requested to take responsibility for the abuse of power. At that time, there were more than two thousand guards in armor waiting for orders in the courtyard and on both sides of the corridors. The warrior E Yongle was highly skilled in martial arts and was highly regarded by Emperor Wenxuan, and was poised with a knife, ready to strike. The deposed emperor spoke hesitantly and hurriedly, unsure of what to say. The Empress Dowager swore on behalf of the Empress, saying that the emperor had no ulterior motives but just wanted to escape from the forced situation. Gao Guiyan ordered the guards to lay down their weapons, and E Yongle finally put away his knife and cried. The emperor ordered Gao Guiyan to take the guards to the Hualin Garden, let the military of the capital guard the palace gates, and ordered E Yongle's execution in the garden. Then he issued a decree appointing him as the Grand Chancellor, Commander of all military forces, and Recorder of State Affairs, and all the officials in the imperial household were promoted by one rank. The emperor soon went to Jinyang, and he determined all major court affairs.
After the emperor ascended to the throne, he took it upon himself to manage everything, carefully studied the beneficial traditions left by his ancestors, validated various assertions, and then ensured that the deposed emperor would obediently follow his directives. The Empress Dowager then ordered the removal of the young emperor, allowing this emperor to inherit the throne. In the first year of the Huang era, on the Renwu day in August, the emperor ascended to the throne in the Xuande Hall in Jinyang, issuing a general amnesty and changing the first year of Qianming to the first year of the Huang era. The emperor honored the Empress Dowager with the title of Empress Dowager, posthumously conferred the title of Empress Wenxuan upon her, and Zhaoxin Palace was designated as the Empress Dowager's palace. On the day of Yiyou, the emperor ordered that since the founding of the dynasty, if the descendants of meritorious officials had died without heirs, thereby breaking the national lineage, the government should conduct a thorough investigation to identify any close relatives and establish descendants to inherit the family line. Officials from various counties and regions were granted official titles, rewarded with yellow hats and ivory staffs.
The emperor also ordered that those who dared to speak frankly and offer advice could come to see him and present their issues; soldiers who laid down their lives for the country on the battlefield should be promptly recognized and honored; those who were well-regarded and held high positions in court but did not receive posthumous honors during the Tianbao era should also be recorded and given posthumous titles; it was also mandated that the Judicial Department, the Censorate, and other law enforcement agencies should strictly enforce the law, not engage in legal loopholes or bend the law for personal gain; officials, slaves, and servants over the age of sixty could be exempted from servitude and become commoners. On the day of Wuzi, Grand Tutor Changguang Wang Zhan was appointed as the Right Chancellor, Grand Commandant Pingyang Wang Yan was appointed as Grand Tutor, and Prefect Yuzhang Wang You was appointed as Grand Marshal. On the day of Renchen, the emperor ordered envoys to be dispatched to various regions to gather public sentiment, assess local conditions, and scout for talent.
On the Jia Wu day, the emperor issued a decree saying: "After King Wu destroyed the Shang Dynasty, he first bestowed titles upon two descendants of the Shang Dynasty. The Han Dynasty, Wei Dynasty, Former Jin, and Later Jin all followed this rule. However, during the Yuan Dynasty, this rule was not followed. I have inherited the imperial authority and wish to uphold and enhance the ancient rituals and systems. However, the accounts of the 'Two Kings and Three Kneelings' are different in ancient books. Let’s discuss this and report back to me with the findings. I would also like you to discuss the related ceremonial systems." The emperor also ordered that the Imperial Academy should be equipped with complete officials and students to continue teaching classics and hold regular examinations. The stone scriptures brought by Emperor Wenxiang should be displayed in the academy. The universities in each state should also be urged to take their teaching seriously. On the day of Bing Shen, the emperor ordered that those who have made great contributions in the nine states may pass their titles down to their descendants as a gesture of favor. On the day of Ren Shen in September, the emperor ordered to settle on the ritual music and dance for honoring the three ancestors.
On the 11th day of the 11th month of winter, Empress Yuan Shi was named Crown Prince, and Crown Prince Bai Nian was established as Crown Prince. Titles were conferred upon those who honored their fathers across the realm. On the day of Gui Chou, the officials reported that the Emperor was to perform the 'Wu De' music and 'Zhao Lie' dance at the Temple of the Martial Emperor; the Emperor was to perform the 'Wen De' music and 'Xuan Zheng' dance at the Temple of Emperor Wen Xiang; the Emperor was to perform the 'Wen Zheng' music and 'Guang Da' dance at the Temple of the Manifest Ancestor. The Emperor approved the performances. On the day of Geng Shen, the Emperor ordered the posthumous titles for twelve individuals to be honored at the Temple of the Ancestor Emperor, seven individuals to be honored at the Temple of the World Emperor, and three individuals to be honored at the Temple of the Manifest Ancestor. In this month, the Emperor personally led his army northward against the Kumo Xi, crossed the Great Wall, and the Kumo Xi fled. The Emperor divided his troops to pursue and captured a large number of cattle and horses, bringing back the spoils of war to the Jin Yang Palace. On the day of Bing Wu in the twelfth month, the Emperor's chariot returned to Jin Yang.
In the second year of the Christian era, on the Xin Hai day in spring, the Emperor went to the Yuan Qiu to offer sacrifices. On the day of Ren Zi, the Great Sacrifice was conducted at the ancestral temple. On the day of Gui Chou, the Emperor issued a decree outlining different punishments for various crimes.
On the day of Ding Chou in the second month, the Emperor issued another decree requiring all officials above the fifth rank, as well as the chief clerks from the three ministries, the recorders, the literati of the princes, the imperial secretaries, the officials of the Ministry of Justice, the deputy secretaries of the Imperial Academy, and the secretaries of the Imperial Library, to recommend a talented individual every two years. On the day of Bing Zi in the tenth month of winter, the Emperor appointed Liu Shu, the Shangshu Ling and Prince of Pengcheng, as Grand Guardian, and Liu Can, the Prince of Changle, as Grand Commandant. On the day of Ji You, a wild pheasant unexpectedly settled in the courtyard before the main hall.
On November 1st, the Emperor issued a decree stating: "I have fallen gravely ill and have suddenly reached a critical condition. My son is still young and does not yet understand how to manage state affairs. National affairs are of utmost importance and must be entrusted to someone who possesses both virtue and talent. The Prime Minister, Prince Changguang Sima Zhan, is wise and astute, well-versed in the art of governance. He is a paragon among men, held in high esteem across the nation. We are of the same lineage, and the nation depends on him. Therefore, I have dispatched the Minister of the Left, Prince of Zhao, Sima Rui, to inform him of his succession to the throne. The funeral arrangements will adhere to the standards set by Emperor Wen of Han, during which all official duties will be suspended for thirty-six days, and the construction of the tomb will be kept simple and frugal." Prior to this, the Emperor had been in declining health yet continued to manage state affairs diligently. This month, the Emperor passed away at Jinyang Palace, at the age of twenty-seven.
In the first year of Daning, on the day of the intercalary twelfth month, the Emperor's coffin returned to Ye City, and he was posthumously titled Emperor Xiaozhao. On the day of Gengwu, he was interred in Wenjing Tomb.
This Emperor was intelligent and perceptive, profound and decisive, often leaving others unable to fathom his thoughts. He stood eight chi tall, with a waist measuring ten chi, and possessed a strikingly majestic appearance. As a provincial official, he was deeply engaged with state affairs, managing them so effectively that other officials struggled to keep pace. Upon ascending the throne, he diligently pursued effective governance, reducing taxes and showing compassion for the people's hardships. There were no favored concubines in his harem, and he actively sought talent from outside. Even his brothers were promoted alongside other officials, without any preferential treatment. He worked late into the night each day before attending court, striving to understand the strengths and weaknesses of his officials, frequently seeking counsel from his close advisors, hoping to receive candid and honest feedback.
Once, he asked his courtier Pei Ze what people outside were saying about him. Pei Ze replied directly, "Your Majesty, you are wise and fair, fully comparable to ancient wise rulers. However, some knowledgeable people say you focus too much on details and lack a broader vision as an emperor." The emperor smiled and said, "You are right! When I first began handling state affairs, I didn’t think things through enough, which is why it has come to this. This approach can't last long, and I worry I’ll still face criticism for my oversights." Pei Ze thus gained the emperor's favor. It can be seen how eager this emperor is to listen to criticism!
Prince Zhao Rui and She Di Xian'an accompanied the emperor. The emperor said, "I need to promote my cousins. Xian'an is my close cousin, so let’s set aside the formalities of ruler and subject according to family etiquette, and tell me what my shortcomings are." Xian'an said, "Your Majesty, you’ve been rambling a lot." The emperor asked, "What do you mean?" Xian'an replied, "Your Majesty, you used to think it was wrong when Emperor Wenxuan whipped people, so isn’t it hypocritical for you to do the same?" The emperor held his hand in gratitude and encouraged him to keep speaking his mind. Xian'an further said, "Your Majesty, you focus too much on details. An emperor shouldn’t handle every little matter like a minor official." The emperor said, "I know, but I can’t change it overnight; I plan to gradually adopt a hands-off approach." The emperor also asked Wang Xi, whose response was similar to Xian'an, and the emperor accepted them all gladly.
He was very filial. When the Empress Dowager fell ill, he moved to Nangong to live. He dressed plainly, looked haggard, and wore his clothes without unfastening them, hardly resting properly for almost forty days. Nangong was more than five hundred steps away from the imperial palace, and he would set off at cockcrow every day, returning around 7 a.m., all on foot without using a carriage. Whenever the Empress Dowager's condition worsened slightly, he would immediately sleep outside her chamber, taking care of her meals and medicine personally. The Empress Dowager often endured unbearable pain, and the Emperor would stand in front of the curtain, pinching his palms with his nails until blood soaked his sleeves. He was extremely affectionate towards his brothers, treating them as equals. He was talented and ambitious during a prosperous and powerful era for the country. He wanted to erase the grievances left by the Divine Martial Emperor, planning to personally lead an expedition to Pingyang as a strategy for further conquests. Sadly, this grand ambition ultimately went unfulfilled.
At first, he made an agreement of non-aggression with King Jinan. Later, the emperor's army was stationed in Jinyang, and King Wucheng guarded the city of Ye. Observers of celestial phenomena said that the city of Ye had the presence of imperial energy. The emperor was always worried that King Jinan would revive, so he secretly ordered someone to poison him. King Jinan did not drink it and was ultimately strangled to death. He later felt profound regret for this. He often felt hot and frequently consumed medicinal soups. At that time, Zhao, the Secretary of the Ministry of Personnel, saw Emperor Wenxuan, Yang Yin, Yan Zixian, and others heading west in Ye City, claiming they were heading west to seek revenge. The emperor and Lady Mao also spotted them at Jinyang Palace. Consequently, the emperor's health began to deteriorate. He performed many rituals to avert disasters and drive away enemies, such as boiling oil and sprinkling it in all directions, or holding torches to burn away ghosts. Those fierce ghosts emerged from the palace beams, rode on the roof, sang and shouted, appearing calm and unafraid. When a celestial dog appeared, he went to the training grounds to make sacrifices for peace. Once, a rabbit startled his horse, causing him to fall and break a rib. The empress dowager paid him a visit and asked him three times where King Jinan was, yet the emperor remained silent. The empress dowager angrily said, "He ignored my advice and deserves to die!" In his final moments, he clung to the bedpost and kowtowed, pleading for mercy. He sent a messenger to decree that Prince Changguang should inherit the throne, writing, "My wife and children should be settled in a good place, unlike those of the previous dynasty."
Speaking of it, Gao Huan brought peace to the realm and held power firmly. After moving the capital to Ye City, although he had many capable subordinates, he personally issued all the decrees. Emperor Wenxuan inherited the empire he had established, and both the court and the people supported him. The entire Eastern Wei rallied around him with joy, and not long after, he became emperor. At first, he was determined to govern well, and the social atmosphere was good. However, later on, he became increasingly indulgent in wine and women, his behavior became more and more unrestrained, and he became incompetent and cruel to an unprecedented degree. As a result, the country soon declined, all because of his own actions.
After King Jinan of Jinan ascended to the throne, he vigorously reformed the previous shortcomings, and the social climate underwent a transformation. Everyone felt very fortunate. Those ministers who assisted him, although very loyal, failed to help him enhance his moral character, manage his relationship with the imperial family, or plan ahead for the emperor's safety. When decisions needed to be made, they often hesitated, and in the end, they reaped what they sowed. Ministers were executed, and the emperor was deposed, all due to improper personnel decisions.
Emperor Xiaozhao served in the court when he was young and was well-versed in court affairs, handling all matters big and small. After Emperor Wenxuan's death, he vigorously reformed the previous shortcomings. After becoming emperor, he dedicated himself even more diligently, and his contemporaries admired his intelligence, but also criticized him for being too meticulous. He had a passion for studying ancient texts, conducted all his actions in accordance with ritual laws, planned to honor the imperial relatives of the previous dynasty, emphasized school education, and recruited many talents, both civil and military, to gather around him.
At that time, the political power in Northern Zhou was concentrated in the hands of the prime minister, and there was growing mutual suspicion among the generals, making the situation increasingly precarious. Emperor Xiaozhao turned his attention to Guanzhong, with ambitions to annex the region. His strategy was far-sighted, marking him as one of the few wise monarchs of his time, but unfortunately, he died young. Why did this happen? Was it a form of retribution? Was the foundation of the Qi dynasty nearing its end? He aspired to strengthen the country, but alas, fate had other plans.
