Bao Xian, whose courtesy name is Si Zu, was from the Chiqiu area of Wei County. His grandfather, Bao Kui, had served as the governor of Langya and the commissioner of Shuozhou in the state of Wei, so their family lived near Shuozhou. His father, Bao Dan, had served as the commissioner of Hengzhou and the general of the Left Guard in Wei, and was granted the title of Duke of Le'an. When Bao Xian was young, a monk pointed at him and said, "This child has remarkable looks and will surely become an excellent general in the future, perhaps even a high-ranking minister." After the monk spoke, he left, and no one knew where he went.
Next is the introduction of Pi Jinghe, Xianyu Shirong, Qi Lianmeng, Yuan Jing'an, Dugu Yongye, Fu Fu, Gao Baoning, and others. (The subsequent content is not provided, so I cannot continue the translation.)
He didn't participate much in wars since childhood, but he was skilled in horseback riding and archery. Once, while hunting with Emperor Xiaozhuang of Wei, he shot and killed seventy-three birds and beasts in one day—quite impressive, isn't it? In the second year of Xiaochang, he became the Commander of the Imperial Guards. In the first year of the Restoration, he was promoted to General of Xiangwei and served as the chief clerk of the Chariots and Cavalry Office in Jinzhou.
Later, he followed Emperor Gaozu to raise an army in Xindu and was appointed as the General of the Central Army, Gentleman of the Light Cavalry, and Grand Commander of the Tent. He was later additionally appointed as General of An Dong and Grand Master of the Silver and Blue Court, and was granted the title of Marquis of Tunyin County, with his rank steadily increasing! In the second year of Tianping, he became the governor of Bohai County. In the first year of Yuanxiang, he served as the Grand Commandant of Yun Prefecture and concurrently as the General of the Martial Guard, and was later additionally appointed as General of Zhendong. Two years later, he was promoted to Inspector of North Xuzhou and became the Grand Commander of the Province.
He also followed Emperor Gaozu to fight against the troops from the west at Mangshan. Emperor Gaozu assigned him to guard Heqiao Town and control Zhongluancheng. In the second year of Wuding, he was appointed General of the Southern Expedition and Inspector of Guangzhou. Later, when Hou Jing rebelled in Henan and attacked him, he burst out of the enemy camp with more than twenty cavalry and successfully escaped; he was truly brave! At that time, Gao Yue, Murong Shaozong, and others were on a campaign against Hou Jing, and they provided him with troops. Together with Gao Yue and others, he defeated Hou Jing in Guoyang. In the sixth year of Wuding, he was appointed Grand Minister of the Treasury.
He then followed Emperor Shizong to quell the rebellion of Wang Sizheng in Yingchuan and was appointed Inspector of Yingzhou. Seven years later, he was transferred as Inspector of Zhengzhou. Eight years later, he was promoted to General of the Cavalry, and his marquis title was elevated to duke, with his fief expanded to 1,300 households. In the first year of Tianbao, he was once again promoted to Grand General of the Guard while retaining his position as inspector. Three years later, he, along with King Qinghe Gao Yue, attacked Liyang and successfully occupied the area.
Later, due to corruption and bribery, he was removed from his position as Inspector of Zhengzhou and faced an investigation by the Dali Temple. Before the investigation concluded, Hefei was besieged, and he was dispatched to join forces with Bu Hansa, Murong Yan, and others to attack Northern Xuzhou of the Liang Dynasty, capturing Inspector Wang Qiang alive. He also battled Yan Chaoda, the Liang Dynasty's Inspector of Qinzhou, in Jingcheng, defeating Yan Chaoda. Five years later, he was appointed to the position of Yitong Sansi.
In the same year, he and Gao Yue advanced south to the Han River, capturing the Western Chuzhou region of the Liang Dynasty and taking Inspector Xu Faguang prisoner. Meanwhile, Liang generals Xiao Xun and Hou Zhan were besieging Murong Yan in Yingzhou; he was appointed Grand Commander of the Naval Forces and entered the Yangtze River at Shekou to rescue Murong Yan. After the war ended, he was elevated to the position of Kaifu Yitong Sansi and was rewarded with five hundred bolts of silk. Ten years later, he was appointed Gangan of Fanyang County, Youzhou.
In the first year of the Qianming era, he was appointed Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry. In the first year of the Huangjian era, he was re-granted the title of Duke of Le'an County. Two years later, he was once again appointed Governor of Zhao Prefecture. In the first year of the Heqing era, he was promoted to Governor of Luo Prefecture. Two years later, he was appointed Governor of Shuozhou, and retired after his term ended. In the first year of the Tiantong era, he was further elevated to the titles of Special Advisor and General of the Cavalry, and was enfeoffed as King of Dingyang. He passed away four years later, at the age of sixty-six.
Pi Jinghe was from Xiapi, Langya. His father, Pi Qingbin, served as a military advisor to the Prince of Huainan in the Wei state. During the Zhengguang years, he went to Huaishuo for official business and, encountering great chaos in the world, moved his family to Shimen County, Guangning. Pi Jinghe was clever and quick-witted as a child, excelling in horseback riding and archery. Initially, he followed Emperor Gaozu as a trusted confidant and was later promoted to Deputy Commander.
In the second year of the Wuding era, he was sent to campaign against Buluoqi. At that time, the emperor suspected the enemy might have set an ambush and ordered Pi Jinghe to take five or six cavalrymen deep into a valley for reconnaissance. They encountered over a hundred enemies and immediately engaged in battle. Pi Jinghe shot and killed dozens, each with a single arrow. Emperor Gaozu once had him take a shot at a wild boar, and he hit it with one arrow. Gaozu held him in high regard and promoted him to Chief Supervisor of the Granaries. In the early years of the Tianbao era, he was awarded the title of Acting General and appointed Governor of Tongzhou, and was enfeoffed as Duke of Yongning. He later followed Emperor Gaozu in the campaign against the Kumoxi and was promoted to Chief Commander. He also took part in the Battle of Huanglong, campaigning against the Khitan and subduing the Jihu. He subsequently participated in the campaign against the Ruru leader, Anluochen, in northern Xingshan and helped defeat the remaining forces of the Ruru. Pi Jinghe was agile and had exceptional military talent, earning accolades in every battle. Ten years later, he was appointed Governor of Anle County.
In the first year of the Qianming era, he was appointed General of the Imperial Guard and concurrently served as Deputy Minister of the Inner Palace. When Emperor Su was Prime Minister, he allowed him to serve in the Grand Chancellor's office as a mid-level official. In the first year of the Daming era, he was appointed Minister of Ceremonies, a Regular Attendant, and Grand General of the Imperial Guard, and soon after, he opened the palace. The following year, he was appointed as the Governor of Liangzhou. In the third year, when Turkic forces besieged Jinyang, the court ordered Pi Jinghe to ride swiftly to the capital and oversee the rear army to Bingzhou; however, by the time he arrived, the enemy had already retreated. After that, he was appointed General of the Left and Right, enjoying the status of a Duke of Qijun, and was also appointed Minister of War for the combined provinces of Bingzhou. In the first year of the Tiantong era, he was promoted to Minister of the Imperial Court. The following year, he was promoted again to Chamberlain.
While serving in military roles, Pi Jinghe was skilled in political affairs and was recognized for his fairness, which led to his frequent reemployment. After Zhou Tong came to power, high-ranking officials often visited and frequently asked Pi Jinghe to host them. Every time he shot arrows with envoys, he hit the bullseye every time, earning him great respect. During the Wuping years, most court criminal cases were handled by officials from the Central Yellow Gate, who often had Pi Jinghe review them. He consistently enforced the law fairly, so no wrongful convictions occurred.
He later rose to the position of Special Advisor and Deputy Commander, and was conferred the title of Duke of Guanghan. He then accompanied General Hulü Guang on a western expedition, capturing the cities of Yao Xiang and Bai Ting, and was conferred the title of Duke of Yongning. After that, he was appointed General of the Army. He also took part in the campaign against Yiyang and was conferred the title of Duke of Kaifeng.
It is said that Wang Langya killed He Shikai, and the military threat was directed at the Western Capital, causing panic among the court and the populace, unsure of how to respond. At this moment, Jinghe advised the Emperor to personally lead the army through the Qianqiu Gate. After the crisis was resolved, he was appointed Right Minister of the Secretariat and Governor of Zhao Prefecture. Not long after, he was promoted to Right Minister of the Henan Circuit and Governor of Luozhou.
General Wu Mingche of Chen State came to trouble the Huainan region. The court ordered Jing He to lead the army to resist and appointed him to the position of Grand General, granting him the title of Prince of Wencheng County, and transferred him to serve in Gaoyang County. When the army arrived at Kankou, local people such as Chen Xuan rebelled, and Jing He quelled the uprising.
There was also a matter involving Zheng Zirao from Yangping, who pretended to be a Buddhist and frequently held vegetarian banquets. He used very little rice and flour yet managed to feed many people, secretly producing cakes and rice from underground, fooling the locals into believing he had divine powers. He was well trusted between Weizhou and Weizhou. Later, he plotted a rebellion, but his plan was leaked, and he was pursued, causing many people to flee. Zheng Zirao secretly crossed the Yellow River, gathered thousands of followers, and declared himself King of Changle. He had already captured Chengshi County and intended to attack Xiyanzhou City. Jing He dispatched several hundred cavalry from Nanyanzhou to strike back, achieving a great victory, killing over two thousand enemies, and capturing Zheng Zirao, who was escorted to the capital and executed.
When Wu Mingche besieged Shouyang, the court ordered Jing He and He Ba Fuen and others to go to the rescue. Jing He was afraid because he had previously failed in the battle against Weipo Hu and did not dare to advance, so the army stayed by the Huai River. The court sent people to urge him several times before he finally crossed the Huai River. As a result, Shouyang City had already been breached, and he had to make a hasty retreat north, losing many weapons and military supplies. General Xiao Mohe of Chen State led infantry and cavalry to intercept Jing He’s army at Cangling City on the north bank of the Huai River. Jing He reorganized his troops for a counterattack, at which point Xiao Mohe retreated. At that time, most generals opposing Wu Mingche had been defeated, and only Jing He managed to withdraw his entire army; therefore, he was rewarded, appointed as Minister of Personnel, and additionally granted the title of Duke of Xihe County, which included a reward of two hundred thousand coins and ten carts of wine and rice.
At that time, the people of Chen declared their intention to cross the Huai River, and the court ordered Jing He to lead the army to garrison in Xiyanzhou for defense duties. In the sixth year of Wuping, Jing He passed away at the age of fifty-five years. After his death, the court posthumously awarded him the titles of Shizhong, Envoy with Imperial Edict, and Commander of Military Affairs in the Six Prefectures of Ding, Hang, Shuo, You, and Ping, as well as the titles of Duke of Tawei and Director of Document Affairs, and the position of Governor of Dingzhou.
The eldest, Xin, was clever, witty, and charming, though not very well-read. During the Wuping era of the Northern Zhou, he was appointed as the Minister of State and General of the Martial Guard, and among the noble families, he was regarded as having notable insight and judgment. Later, he successfully subdued the Zhou army in Bingzhou and was granted the titles of Upper Minister and Military General. He passed away during the Kaihuang period of the Sui Dynasty while serving as the Governor of Taozhou.
The second, Sudai, served as the prince's ceremonial supervisor during the Wuping era of the Northern Zhou, extremely talented and of good character. During the Kaihuang period of the Sui Dynasty, he was appointed as a Communication Officer. After his mother passed away, he returned home to observe the mourning period for his mother, and once it concluded, he resumed his position, preparing to travel to the capital. However, he wept excessively in front of his mother's spirit and fainted from the grief. After some time, he regained his strength but was unable to eat, and three days later, he passed away.
Xian Yu Shihong was from Yuyang. His father, Bao Ye, was a general in Huaishuo. In the early years of the Northern Zhou dynasty during the Wuping era, he was posthumously honored with the titles of Yitong Sansi, Minister of the Sacrificial Department, and Governor of Shuozhou. Shihong was calm and intelligent from a young age, showing great talent. In the second year of Northern Zhou's Xinghe, he became a trusted deputy commander of Emperor Gaozu, gradually rising to the position of General of Pingxi, and was granted the title of Marquis of Shimen. Later, he followed the emperor multiple times to suppress the Ruru and defeated the Qihu. He also assisted Gao Yue in pacifying Yingzhou and was appointed as the Inspector and Governor of Hezhou, with a fief in Chaoge County. Soon after, he became an advisor in Emperor Suzong's Prime Minister's office. During the reign of Emperor Huijian of Northern Zhou, he was appointed as Yitong Sansi and General of Wuwei. In the second year of the Tian Tong era, he was promoted to the position of Minister of the Interior Affairs and also became the Governor of Zhengzhou. During the Wuping years of Northern Zhou, he was appointed as General Lingjun to quell the rebellion in Xinzhou and later transferred to the fief of Shangdang Commandery. He participated in the suppression of Gao Sihao and was bestowed the title of King of Yiyang. In the seventh year, when the Later Ruler arrived in Jinyang, he had Shihong act as the Right Minister of the Ministry of Personnel in his official capacity, while concurrently serving as the regent of Prince Beiping. Later, he received orders to conduct examinations for the Jinshi degree in the Ministry of Personnel alongside Minister Yuan Yuxiu. He rode his horse to the outside of Yunlong Gate, entered the Ministry from the north gate, but was reported by the Censorate and was dismissed from his position.
When the Later Ruler besieged Pingyang, Shihong was again appointed as General Lingjun. As the Zhou army prepared to enter Yecheng, he was appointed as Grand General Lingjun and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, defending on the western side of the city. However, he was defeated in battle and captured, and was executed by Emperor Wu of Zhou. Although Shihong was a military general with limited formal education, he often privately lamented the rampant corruption within the court and the instability of the country. He could not help but sigh upon seeing the endless taxation and excessive rewards. His son, Zizhen, was appointed as the acting Yitong Sansi during the Wuping years of Northern Zhou.
Qilian Meng, styled Wuer, was from Dai County. His ancestors were of the Ji surname, and during the late Warring States period, they fled beyond the borders to escape the chaos of war, establishing a home in the Qilian Mountains. Thus, they took the mountain as their family name, and due to the dialect differences among northern people, they were called the Qilian clan. His father, Qilian Yuancheng, had once served as the governor of Yanjun Prefecture. From a young age, Qilian Meng was ambitious and talented in horseback riding and archery. In the third year of the Yong'an era, Er Zhu Rong recruited him as a trusted confidant. After arriving in Luoyang, Er Zhu Rong was assassinated, and he followed Er Zhu Shilong to seek refuge in Jianzhou, later returning to Luoyang with Er Zhu Zhao. That same year, he joined Er Zhu Zhao in a campaign against Hedouling Bufen and was appointed as a commander. In the first year of Putai, he was promoted to General of Exterminating Barbarians and Zhong San Dafu.
Qilian Meng's parents and brothers were in Shandong. Er Zhu Jingchan was seeking to surrender to Gaozu and said to Qilian Meng: “The emperor knows that your parents and brothers are in Shandong, so he has never completely trusted you. If you don't leave, you will definitely be killed tonight. You should hurry and leave!” Qilian Meng was always grateful for Er Zhu Zhao's kindness and refused to leave. Er Zhu Jingchan then said: “I also want to surrender now; how about you come with me?” Qilian Me
Bu Luoji and his followers revolted, and at Fushan, Emperor Gaozu sent Qi Lianmeng to suppress them and achieved a significant victory, and the emperor generously rewarded him with numerous gifts. In the first year of the Yuanxiang period, he followed Emperor Gaozu to Heyang and fought against Emperor Wen of Zhou at Mangshan. The following year, he was appointed as General of Pacifying the East and Counselor of the Central Secretariat. In the same year, he was promoted to Commander of the Inner and Outer Offices of the Imperial Secretariat, in recognition of his contributions during the battle at Mangshan, and was also granted the title of Founding Lord of Guangxing County.
In the fifth year, the Liang Dynasty sent envoys to offer tribute, stating that they had a formidable warrior eager to witness the northern champions and compete with them. Emperor Shizong sent Qi Lianmeng to host him at the inn. Qi Lianmeng was dressed in a double-belt outfit with two quivers, shooting arrows as he galloped on horseback. They also engaged in a strength contest, drawing powerful bows. The Liang envoy was able to draw two bows, each with a pull of three stones, while Qi Lianmeng effortlessly drew four bows simultaneously, stacking them together and exceeding the limit of strength. The Liang envoys were utterly impressed by him.
That year, he was appointed as the General of the Garrison and was also granted the title of Duke of Shicheng, receiving the tax revenue from Pingkou County in Sizhou. In the first year of the Tianbao era, he was promoted to the position of Governor and Inspector of Dongqin Province, and was additionally conferred the title of Marquis of Fucheng in Jingzhao County, Yongzhou. He accompanied Emperor Xianzhu to campaign against the Khitan, achieving a significant victory and capturing many prisoners. Later, he followed General Huli Dun to the north to campaign against the Ruzhu, who tasked him with leading a hundred cavalry deep into the enemy camp for reconnaissance. After completing the reconnaissance, he returned to Baidao to rejoin the main army, which allowed him to pursue the enemy, leading to another significant victory. The emperor rewarded him with three hundred rolls of silk. In the seventh year, he was promoted to the position of General of the Military Guard and was given the title of Yitong Sansi. In the ninth year, he was further promoted to Grand General of the Military Guard. In the early years of the Qianming era, he was additionally granted the title of Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry. In the first year of the Huangjian era, he was conferred the title of Earl of Shicheng, and was soon promoted to Duke of Shicheng. In the second year, he was appointed as the General in Charge of the Left and Right Flanks, accompanying Emperor Suzong to quell the rebellious Xizhu, achieving another great victory and capturing two thousand horses and thirty thousand cattle and sheep.
In the second year of the Heqing era, he was granted the title of Duke. When the Turks invaded and approached Jinyang, the emperor commanded him to lead three hundred cavalry to scout the enemy's situation. When he reached fifteen li north of the city, he encountered the enemy's vanguard. Seeing that the enemy was numerous and powerful, he began to withdraw cautiously. Among the enemy troops was a fierce general who emerged to duel him. He immediately stepped forward to engage in battle with the enemy general. After several rounds, he successfully unseated the enemy general and killed him on the spot. Three years later, he was appointed as the founding lord of Wuan County and also promoted to General of the Flying Cavalry. In the first year of Tiantong, he was promoted to Grand General of the Right Guard. The emperor, known as the Great Ancestor, always had him serve the crown prince and entrusted him with managing important internal and external confidential matters. Three years later, he was appointed commander of the central army. Four years later, he was promoted to General of the Army and also granted the title of founding lord of Yining County. In the fifth year, he was appointed as the Left Vice Minister of Bing Province, while his other positions remained unchanged. Later, he was promoted to Minister of Bing Province, Grand General of the Army, and was granted the title of King of Shanyang.
Following He Shikai's death, Gao Huan gradually engaged in court politics. Whenever difficult issues arose, everyone would consult him for his opinions. Zhao Yanshen felt that although Gao Huan was a military general, he held a strong disdain for treacherous individuals, and his insights were often quite sound. Therefore, he recommended him for the position of confidential secretary. As a result, Zu Ting, due to Gao Huan's good relationship with Zhao Yanshen, pushed him aside and reassigned him as the governor of Guangzhou.
Gao Huan had just arrived in Niulan when someone reported that he had known about He Shikai's victimization for a long time, so he was called back. After returning to the capital, he was confined within the inner court, and his family members were registered and recorded. It wasn't long before he was released, but he was stripped of his noble title, and he retained only the title of Minister of State of the Three Departments, allowing him to take office. During his time as an official in Guangzhou, he was known for his generosity and kindness, being prudent and cautious, winning the affection of the common people. King Huaiyin, Anagong, had known Gao Huan for a long time and always wanted to promote him, even issuing an edict for him to come to the capital, seemingly intending to assign him an important position. However, Han Changluan and others obstructed this and appointed him as governor of Jiaozhou. Not long after, he was recalled to take charge of defense in Nanyanzhou. Later, after Gao Huan was defeated at Pingyang and retreated, he was summoned to Ye City and appointed as Grand General. After the fall of Northern Qi, he submitted to Western Wei and soon passed away.
Yuan Jing'an was the fifth-generation descendant of Emperor Zhao Cheng of Wei. His father, Gao Zuqian, was the King of Chenliu in Wei. Yuan Jing'an's father Yuan Yong served as a court official in his youth. He later began his career as a General of Accumulated Arrows and was recommended to Er Zhu Rong by Yuan Tianmu, participating in the plan to install Emperor Xiaozhuang, and was granted the title of Duke of Dai County. He was then promoted to General and Grand Master, also serving as the Left Vice Minister of the Xings of Er Xia and You Sanzhou, tasked with persuading over four thousand households to surrender. Er Zhu Rong then petitioned the court to grant Yuan Yong the title of County Lord of Chaona, with a fief comprising three hundred households, and appointed him as the Governor of Nanyouzhou with the honorary title of General of the Suppressing Army. During the Tianping era, Gao Zu appointed him as the Left Vice Minister of the Xings, and not long after, he made him the Governor of Yingzhou, and later the Governor of Northern Yangzhou. During the Tianbao years, the court summoned him to serve as Minister of Agriculture, and he was later promoted to Silver Blue Grand Master of the Palace, and, in accordance with regulations, his title was downgraded to Count of Qianxiang. In the second year of Danning, he was again promoted to Golden Purple Grand Master.
Jing An has been steady and capable since childhood, skilled in equestrianism and archery, and adept at managing interpersonal relationships. Initially, he served as a junior military officer in the residence of General Er Zhu Rong, and later moved to the residence of Prime Minister Er Zhu Rong as a military officer. After Emperor Gaozu's pacification of Luoyang, Lou Zhao recommended him for the position of governor of the capital region, and his father Yongqi granted him the title of Duke of Dai County, and further promoted him to General of the Front and Grand Minister of the Interior. Later, he accompanied Emperor Wu on the western expedition. During the Tianping years, as the army campaigned westward, Jing An defected on the battlefield, yet Emperor Gaozu still recognized his worth and immediately appointed him as a governor. In the Xinghe years, he was promoted to a trusted governor. In the Battle of Mangshan, he made significant contributions and was granted the title of Gentleman of Xihua County, while retaining the title of Duke of Dai County.
After Emperor Shizong entered the capital, Jing An accompanied him to Ye City. At that time, the southern regions were continuously submitting tributes. Jing An navigated these diplomatic occasions with ease, displaying elegance and propriety. Whenever envoys from the Liang Dynasty visited, Shizong would always have him accompany the envoys along with Hu Luguang, Pi Jinghe, and others in equestrian archery, earning much admiration from onlookers. After Shizong ascended to the throne, he reduced some national titles to reward the soldiers, and Jing An was granted the title of Founding Duke of Shibao County, with an estate of 300 households, and was further promoted to General of Anxi. He later became the governor of Tongzhou, was promoted to General of Zhenxi, and his title was elevated from duke to count, with his estate increased to six hundred households, while retaining his other official positions. In the early Tianbao years, he was further promoted to General of Zhengxi and also granted the title of Founder Count of Xingshi County, while also serving concurrently as the magistrate of Dingxiang County, and the emperor also conferred upon him the surname Gao. Three years later, he accompanied the army to Daichuan and defeated the Kumo Xi, and was promoted to Left and Right Grand Governor, while other official positions remained unchanged. Four years later, he joined the campaign against the Khitan at Huanglong and was appointed governor of Beiping. He later accompanied the emperor on several expeditions, defeating the Rouran twice, and was promoted to Grand General of the Military Guard, and later to Left and Right Grand General, while also serving as Minister of War.
At that time, the construction of the Great Wall had just begun, and the stationed troops were not yet fully organized. The Turks were quite formidable, and everyone was worried that they would invade the borders, so the court ordered Jing An and other troops to be stationed along the borders for defense. He commanded many troops, and his soldiers were relatively wealthy, which fostered a culture of bribery. When Emperor Xianzu heard about this, he sent people to investigate. Other generals were found to be corrupt and accepting bribes, but only Jing An was found to be completely clean, with no issues whatsoever. The emperor was very pleased and ordered that the confiscated goods, totaling five hundred bolts of silk, be awarded to him as a recognition of his integrity.
He was later promoted to Minister of the Interior, awarded the title of Yitong Sansi, and received a salary from Gaoping County. After that, he was again appointed as Yitong Sansi. In the first year of the Qianming era, he was promoted to Minister of War and granted the title of Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry. In the first year of Huangjian, he also concurrently served as the Palace Attendant, hastening to Ye City to comfort the officials and observe the local customs and conditions.
On one occasion, Emperor Su held a banquet and archery contest in the Western Garden with over two hundred civil and military officials in attendance. The target was set more than one hundred and forty paces away from the shooting hall, and those who hit the target would be rewarded with fine horses and gold, jade, and silk items. One person hit the section of the target shaped like an animal's head, just over an inch away from the nostrils. Jing An was the only one left to shoot, and the emperor ordered him to shoot. Jing An calmly adjusted his attire, picked up the bow, drew the bowstring fully, and hit the animal's nose dead on. The emperor was thoroughly impressed and specially awarded him two horses, along with more jade and silk than the others.
In the first year of Danning, he was promoted to the position of Governor. The following year, he was promoted to General of the Right Guard, and soon after to Grand General of the Right Guard. In the early years of Tiantong, he was appointed as the Right Minister of State Affairs for Bing Province, and shortly thereafter was appointed Governor of Xuzhou. Four years later, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Bing Province and concurrently as the Governor of Yuzhou, receiving the title of Kaifu, equivalent to the rank of Three Excellencies. In the third year of Wuping, he was promoted to Minister of the Executive Council, while retaining his governorship, and was granted the title of Prince of Liyang. During his tenure in the border province, Jing'an pacified the borders and avoided conflicts with neighboring countries, allowing the people to live and work in peace. Moreover, with many local tribes and relatively few Han people, Jing'an used his prestige and kindness to bring stability to them. By the end of Wuping, tens of thousands of tribes had submitted and paid taxes. Six years later, he was summoned back to court and appointed as the General-in-Chief. He led a large army, holding the titles of Grand General and Duke of Dayi, ultimately falling in battle. His son Ren held the title of Three Excellencies and was a general in the Sui Dynasty, eventually dying while serving as the governor of Danyang at the end of Wuping.
Initially, Jing'an's brother Zuo inherited the title of King of Chenliu, and after Zuo's passing, his son Jinghao succeeded to the title. During the Tianbao period, many individuals closely related to the royal family were put to death. Jing'an's relatives sought to change their surname to Gao, but Jinghao said, "How can we abandon our ancestral surname and adopt another? A true man would rather be shattered like jade than remain whole like tiles!" Jing'an relayed Jinghao's words to Xianzu, who subsequently ordered Jinghao's arrest and execution, and his family was exiled to Pengcheng. Thus, only Jing'an was granted the surname Gao, while he retained his original surname in public.
Dugu Yongye's younger brother, Dugu Yu, known as Jingyu, was tall and strong, and very capable. During the Yong'an period, he served in the Yulin Guard. Later, when Yuan Hao invaded Luoyang, Dugu Yu was granted the title of Duke of Yong'an for his contributions in defending the Henan region. He then became the Prefect of Puyang. Prince Gao Shao of Pengcheng in Wei valued his talents and appointed him as an advisor in the Cabinet. When Prince Gao Shao was stationed in Dingzhou, he brought Dugu Yu with him to serve as the Sima there.
During the Jing'an period, someone reported that Jing Hao had been indiscreet, implicating Dugu Yu as well. Dugu Yu said, "I covered Jing Hao's mouth with my sleeve and said, 'Brother, don't speak carelessly.'" Later, when questioned, Jing Hao's testimony matched Dugu Yu's exactly, so Jing Hao was exonerated. Several others involved in the incident were exiled to remote locations. Dugu Yu ultimately died while serving as the Inspector of Xuzhou.
Dugu Yongye, known as Shiji, originally surnamed Liu, hailed from Zhongshan. His mother remarried into the Dugu family, and Dugu Yongye lost both parents at a young age, growing up in the care of the Dugu family, which led him to adopt their surname. He grew up in the military barracks, was highly skilled, excelling in horseback riding and archery. He was later promoted to the Commander of the Six Prefectures of Dingzhou and served as a guard in Jinyang. Many praised him for his keen insight, and after a conversation with Emperor Shizong, who was impressed, he promoted him to an exceptional position as a military advisor in the Outer Court. During the Tianbao era, he was appointed as a Secretary in the Central Secretariat and Sima of Yuzhou. Dugu Yongye was adept at managing documents and accounts, and he was also a talented singer and dancer, earning high praise from Emperor Xiaowu.
In the early years of the Qianming era, he was dispatched to Heyang as the Right Chancellor of the Circuit, and later promoted to the Prefect of Luozhou, then transferred to the Left Chancellor, while retaining the position of prefect and additionally being granted the title of Special Cavalry Officer. Yiyang was located in enemy territory, where the Zhou built fortifications at Heijian and stationed troops to cut off the supply routes. Dugu Yongye also constructed defenses there to resist. He administered the border with great skill and gained considerable prestige, later being promoted to the Minister of the Circuit. By the third year of Heqing, the Zhou army attacked Luozhou, and Dugu Yongye, concerned that Governor Duan Siwen might not be able to defend the city, hurried to Jinyong City to assist in the defense. The Zhou army attacked the city with earthen ramps and tunnels, assaulting fiercely day and night for three months until reinforcements finally arrived, forcing the Zhou army to retreat. Dugu Yongye had long been in the Henan region, adept at winning over the populace, with tens of thousands surrendering to him. He selected two hundred of them as personal guards, charging into battle each time, winning battles against larger armies, which struck fear into the Zhou troops. Later, he was promoted to the title of Yitong Sansi and received many rewards. He was respected for his integrity and avoided the powerful. Huli Guang once asked him for two maidservants, but when he did not receive them, he slandered him at court. By the end of Heqing, he was summoned by the court to serve as the Minister of Imperial Horses, but was later replaced by Qifu Gui, leaving the western border defenses vulnerable and creating widespread anxiety among the people of the Heluo region.
In the year 573 AD, the court sent Hu Lu Yongye to attack Hu Lu Fengluo, and then appointed him as the Deputy Minister of the Northern Circuit and the Governor of Youzhou. Not long after, he was summoned back to court to serve as General. The people of the Heluo region greatly missed him, and because of unrest along the border, the court appointed him as the Deputy Minister of the Heyang Circuit and the Governor of Luozhou. Emperor Wu of Zhou personally attacked Jinyong City, and Yongye led his troops to resist. The Zhou soldiers asked, "Which high official is this, and what is he up to?" They replied, "It's His Majesty the Emperor himself; why hasn't the host come out to greet him?" Yongye said, "Guests come and go quickly, so I didn't come out." He then prepared two thousand horse troughs in one night. Upon hearing this news, the Zhou soldiers thought a large force was on its way, so they lifted the siege and retreated. Yongye was promoted and granted the title of Duke and King of Linchuan, with 30,000 elite soldiers under his command. Initially, upon hearing that Jinzhou had fallen, he requested to march north to attack, but his memorial was suppressed, which infuriated Yongye. Later, he heard that Bingzhou had also fallen and was cornered by the Zhou general, the Duke of Changshan, so he sent his son Xu Da to surrender to the Zhou Dynasty. Emperor Wu of Zhou appointed Yongye as Senior State Minister. In the later years of the Xuan Zheng era, he was appointed as the Governor of Xiangzhou. In 579 AD, he was killed by Army Commander Cui Yanmu.
Fu Fu was from Tai'an. His father, Yuanxing, held the titles of Yitong and Governor of Beiwai Prefecture. Fu Fu joined the army at a young age and gradually rose through the ranks to become the Grand Chancellor and the Commander of Yongqiao. When the emperor of the Zhou Dynasty attacked Heyin, Fu Fu crossed the bridge at night and entered Zhongzhu City to defend it. After the southern city was captured, he was besieged for twenty days without surrendering. When reinforcements arrived, the Zhou forces retreated. Fu Fu said to Qi Fu Guihe, "The enemy is already exhausted. If I could have two thousand elite cavalry to pursue them, we would definitely achieve a great victory!" However, Qi Fu Guihe did not agree. In 576 AD, he was appointed Governor of Dongyong Prefecture. Just then, the Zhou army invaded, and Fu Fu went into battle, repelling the enemy. After the Zhou forces captured Jin Prefecture, they captured the acting commander Wei Xianggui to persuade Fu Fu to surrender, but Fu Fu did not yield. Later, the emperor personally rescued Jin Prefecture and appointed Fu Fu as the Right Minister of the acting commandery. When the Zhou forces came to pillage, Fu Fu led his troops to repel them. After the Zhou forces captured Bing Prefecture, they sent Wei Xiaokuan and his son Wei Shikuan to persuade Fu Fu to surrender, saying, "Bing Prefecture has been pacified, so I am sending my son to deliver the message. Please surrender as soon as possible." They also conferred upon him the title of Grand General and Duke of Wuxiang, and brought official seals along with a gold horse and an agate wine vessel as tokens. Fu Fu did not accept this and said to Wei Xiaokuan, "In serving a ruler, one must remain loyal until death, with no second thoughts. Your son is unable to be loyal as a minister or filial as a son; he is despised by all under heaven. I hope you will kill him immediately to serve as a warning to the world!"
After Emperor Wu of Zhou returned to Jinzhou from Ye City, he sent Gao Anagong with more than a hundred men to Linfen to summon Fu Fu to capitulate. Fu Fu gazed skyward and wept bitterly, leading his troops into the city. He wept for a long time facing north before finally surrendering in front of the hall. When Emperor Wu saw him, he said, "Why didn't you surrender earlier?" Fu Fu, crying, replied, "My ancestors and I have benefited from the Qi state for three generations. Now entrusted with an important responsibility, I am ashamed that I cannot sacrifice myself for my country as it falls. I truly feel unworthy to face the heavens and the earth." Emperor Wu took his hand and said, "A minister should be like you. I have subdued the Qi state, and you are the only one I hold in such high regard." Then Emperor Wu ate a piece of lamb rib and offered the bone to Fu Fu, saying, "We are bound by blood, so I give you this bone." He then invited Fu Fu to dine with him and arranged for him to stay at the residence of the attendant Bo Yi, granting him the title of Senior Official and advising him, "If I immediately grant you high office and rich rewards, those who have surrendered might be tempted. You must strive to excel, and don’t worry about not becoming rich." He also asked Fu Fu what position he had received for his contributions in the Battle of Heyin. Fu Fu said, "I was promoted one rank and awarded the title of Special Jin, Duke of Yongchang." Emperor Wu said to the later ruler, "Three years ago, I trained the army and was determined to attack Heyin. It was precisely because Fu Fu could hold his ground and the city could not be breached that I withdrew my troops. The reward you gave him back then was far too little!" He then granted Fu Fu a golden goblet. Later, Fu Fu was appointed as the governor of Minzhou, but soon passed away, leaving behind a legacy of loyalty.
After the Qi army was defeated in Jinzhou, few generals managed to maintain their honor. Among those who sacrificed themselves for the country was Yi Tong Chigang Gousheng, who valiantly defended South Yanzhou. After Emperor Wu broke through Ye City, a pardon reached him, and Gousheng hanged himself.
There was also a eunuch named Tian Jingxuan, who held the position of Chief Palace Attendant. His original name was Peng, and he was from a non-Han tribe. He enjoyed reading since he was about fourteen or fifteen years old. After becoming a palace gate guard, he seized every chance to ask questions. Whenever he got to the Wenlin Pavilion, he was out of breath and soaked in sweat, only asking about books and having no time for anything else. When he saw stories of ancient people's integrity and righteousness, he was always deeply moved and would think deeply. Yan Zhitui valued his diligence and eagerness to learn, and he thought highly of him. Later, Tian Jingxuan rose to a high-ranking position. After the Later Qi Emperor fled to Qingzhou, he sent Tian Jingxuan westward to gather intelligence, but he was captured by the Zhou army. When the Zhou army asked where the Later Qi Emperor was, he lied, saying that he had already left. The Zhou army beat him severely, and with every hit, he grew more defiant until he was beaten to death, his limbs broken.
Lei Xianhe, after the defeat at Jinzhou, became the Left Vice Minister of Jianzhou. The Zhou emperor sent his son to persuade him to surrender, but Lei Xianhe turned down his son's request to surrender. Later, upon hearing that Yecheng had also fallen, he finally surrendered.
He Xiyong'an, after the Later Qi Emperor lost Bingzhou, was sent to the Turks to urgently seek help from the Turkic Khagan, Bolo. Later, upon hearing that the Later Qi had been destroyed, Bolo handed Yong'an over to the envoy of Tuyuhun. Yong'an resolutely said, "The country is gone; what's my worthless life worth! I was planning to suffocate myself, but I fear that the world will not know that there are loyal and righteous men in the Later Qi, so I earnestly request you to give me a knife, so I can die a heroic death and so everyone will know!" Bolo appreciated his loyalty and integrity and sent him back with seventy horses.
Gao Baoning was a native of Dai, and his exact origins are unclear. During the latter years of the Wuping period of the Northern Qi, he became the prefect of Yingzhou, stationed in Huanglong. Both Han people and ethnic minorities held him in high regard. As the Zhou army was closing in on Ye City, Pan Zihuang, the acting governor of Youzhou, summoned the troops from Huanglong for rescue. Gao Baoning immediately led over ten thousand Khitan and Mohe cavalry to respond. Upon arriving in Beiping, he learned that Pan Zihuang had already departed from Jixian and that Ye City could not hold out any longer, so he returned to Huanglong. The Zhou emperor sent envoys to persuade him to surrender, but he didn't even bother to receive the imperial edict. At that time, Wang Yuwen Shaoyi of Fanyang was in the Turkic region and recommended Gao Baoning in a memorial, even privately appointing him as chancellor. Later, when Lu Changqi occupied Fanyang and raised an army, Gao Baoning brought Yu Wenshao along and gathered tens of thousands of cavalry for rescue. Upon reaching Luhe, he heard that the Zhou army commander Yuwen Shenju had already captured Fanyang, so he returned to Huanglong to continue the defense, ultimately never surrendering to the Zhou dynasty. Historians say that Pi Jinghe and others, who had devoted themselves to the military since the early establishment of Northern Qi, faced countless dangers and hardships, yet they held important positions until the fall of Northern Qi, maintaining their loyalty throughout, which can be seen as a twist of fate. Figures like Fu Fu and others showed unwavering loyalty; otherwise, how would their names be recorded in history? It is said: Only these generals, whose glorious names have been preserved, neither erring nor forgetting, would live out their days this way. As for those like Fu Zizi, they did not encounter such fortune; if they hadn't faced fierce winds, who would know of their strength?
