Gao Qian, courtesy name Qianyong, was a native of Zhaixian County in Bohai. His father Gao Yi, courtesy name Citong, was a magnanimous and honorable man, known for his elegance and respected in the community. During the reign of Emperor Xiaochang, Ge Rong rebelled in the Yan and Zhao regions. The court recognized Gao Yi as a prominent figure among the powerful clans in Shandong, so they directly appointed him as the Prefect of Bohai. However, shortly after taking office, the rebels became increasingly powerful, prompting Gao Yi to relocate the entire population to the region near the Yellow River and Jishui. Later, the Wei dynasty established Dongji Province, appointed Gao Yi as the governor, and also bestowed upon him the titles of General of Zhendong and Marquis of Lecheng. When Erzhu Zhao assassinated Emperor Zhuang, Gao Yi defended his territory and refrained from getting involved in the ensuing chaos.
He told his sons, "When the monarch is in distress, the subjects will be humiliated; when the monarch is humiliated, the subjects will die. The country is in imminent danger now; the people and even the deities are filled with resentment. It's time to serve our country and protect our state! The Erzhu brothers are ruthless and suspicious; suspicion leads to easy killings, so you must find a way quickly! Opportunities are rare; we cannot miss them!" Before Gao Yi could take any action, he passed away. Following the resurgence of Northern Wei, the court posthumously honored him with the title of Grand Commandant, Palace Attendant, Grand Preceptor, Director of the Imperial Secretariat, Commander of the military affairs of Yuyou in Jizhao, Governor of Jizhou, and posthumously named him Wenxuan.
Gao Qian had several brothers: Gao Shen, Gao Ang, and Gao Jishi; his son was Gao Hui, and his grandsons included Gao Xiaowan and Gao Xiaoyan.
This person is intelligent and perceptive, handsome, strategic, and carries himself with grace. When he was young, he was a bit reckless, got into trouble, and even broke the law. Later on, he gradually changed, becoming very generous, loyal, and made many friends. At that time, the powerful general of the Wei Kingdom, Yuan Cha, shared a close bond with him and looked after him. He was initially appointed as a Cavalry Attendant, later promoted to Grand Commandant of the Palace Garrison, Minister of War Affairs, and finally promoted to attendant gentleman. When Emperor Xiaozhuang of Wei was a prince, he secretly aligned himself with him. Later, when Er Zhu Rong invaded Luoyang, he escaped to Yizhou. After Xiaozhuang became Emperor, he appointed him as the Dragon Cavalry General and an advisor. He and his brother had always wanted to accomplish something great, and seeing Er Zhu Rong indiscriminately killing innocent people, they sensed that chaos was looming. So they led the Hebei refugees to revolt between the Yellow River and Jishui, and even accepted official positions from Ge Rong, defeating the army of Qizhou several times. Later, Emperor Xiaozhuang sent Yuan Luo to pacify the Three Qis, and he and his brother surrendered together as one. The court appointed him as a Yellow Gate Attendant. However, Er Zhu Rong felt that he had committed crimes in the past and should not hold any significant positions again, so Emperor Xiaozhuang agreed to his resignation and allowed him to return home. He then recruited some brave people and spent his days hunting and enjoying leisure. After Er Zhu Rong's death, he quickly went to Luoyang, where Emperor Xiaozhuang was delighted to see him. At that time, Er Zhu Rong's subordinates still held military power, so Emperor Xiaozhuang appointed him as a Grand Master of the Purple Ribbon and the Ambassador of Hebei, allowing him to recruit locals to form an army and support one another. He accepted the imperial decree with tears in his eyes, while his brother Ang unsheathed his sword and danced, showing his willingness to go through fire and water for the country.
After Erzhu Zhao entered Luoyang, he quickly sent his military inspector Sun Baiyao with more than a hundred cavalry to Jizhou, under the pretense of collecting horses from the people, but actually intending to seize the opportunity presented by the Gao brothers sending horses to capture them all. Gao Gan had long sought revenge. When Sun Baiyao suddenly appeared, he realized he was in danger, so he immediately devised a plan, secretly mobilized elite soldiers, swiftly seized control of the city, and then issued proclamations to various states and counties, killing Sun Baiyao and capturing the governor Yuan Zhongzong. Gao Gan appointed Feng Long as the temporary acting governor, held a mourning ceremony for Emperor Zhuang, and the entire army donned mourning attire. Gao Gan ascended the altar, swore an oath to his soldiers, tears streaming down his face with emotion, and the soldiers were overcome with grief and anger.
The Northern Youzhou governor Liu Lingzhu also pledged their support to Gao Gan, and both sides supported each other. Unfortunately, the good times were short-lived, and Liu Lingzhu was later assassinated. At this time, Gaozu (Gao Huan) marched from Shandong with great momentum, vowing to punish the Erzhu clan, which instilled fear in everyone. Gao Gan said to his subordinates: "I've heard that Gao Huan is highly regarded in Jinzhou, with exceptional talent and ambition, and he won't settle for being second best. Moreover, the Erzhu clan is ruthless and tyrannical, killing the monarch and mistreating the people. This is an excellent opportunity for heroes to prove themselves. Gao Huan's arrival this time must be well thought out. I should ride out to meet him with a small contingent, gather intelligence on his intentions, and do not fear; follow my lead." So, Gao Gan led a dozen riders to the pass to greet Gao Huan.
Gao Gan, known for his extensive knowledge and understanding of worldly affairs, spoke eloquently and passionately, resonating with Gao Huan's intentions. Gao Huan greatly appreciated him and allowed him to stay overnight in his tent. At that time, although Gao Huan had grand plans in his heart, he did not show it outwardly. Erzhu Yusheng served as the governor of Yinzhou, and Gao Huan secretly sent Li Yuanzhong to attack the city of Yinzhou, having Gao Gan lead the troops to feign a rescue. Gao Gan then rode lightly to meet Erzhu Yusheng and discussed battle plans with him. Erzhu Yusheng and Gao Gan left the city together, only to be captured by Gao Huan, and Yinzhou was subsequently pacified. Afterwards, they jointly decided to enthrone the new ruler, and Gao Gan was appointed as the Imperial Attendant and Minister of Works. Previously, Xindu had just been established, and Gao Gan was responsible for all military and state affairs. Due to the death of a family member, he was unable to complete the mourning period. When Emperor Wu (Xiaowu Emperor) ascended the throne and the situation stabilized, Gao Gan submitted a request to resign from his position in order to complete the three-year mourning period. The court allowed him to resign from the position of Imperial Attendant, while his position as Minister of Works remained unchanged. He was also granted the title of Marquis of Changle County, with a fief of one thousand households. Although Gao Gan requested to resign, he did not expect his request to be approved so quickly. After stepping down from his important position at court, he was seldom called upon for duties, and he often felt depressed. Emperor Wu of Han sought to win over Yuchi Qian and bring him into his inner circle. Once, after a banquet in the Hualin Garden, Emperor Wu left Yuchi Qian alone and said to him, "Your Yuchi family has been loyal ministers and good generals for generations. Today, you have also made great contributions. Although we are in a monarch-subject relationship, in truth, we are like brothers. We should establish a covenant to deepen our bond." Emperor Wu spoke with particular warmth, trying to persuade Yuchi Qian in every way possible. Yuchi Qian replied, "My Yuchi family has served the court for generations, and Your Majesty has bestowed great favor upon me. I have long entrusted my life to the country; how could I possibly think otherwise!" Although Yuchi Qian said this, it was not what he truly felt in his heart. At that time, the situation was urgent, and he did not expect Emperor Wu to have other motives, so he did not firmly refuse him, nor did he inform Emperor Gaozu.
Later, Emperor Wu began to form his own army, and Wei Chi Qian privately told those close to him, "The emperor does not value meritorious ministers but has gathered a motley crew. He has repeatedly sent Yuan Shibi and Wang Sizheng back and forth to the western regions to conspire with He Ba Yue. He also appointed He Ba Sheng as the governor of Jingzhou, pretending to distance himself from them, but in reality, he wants to win them over and bring their brothers closer together to scheme for control over the western territories. Chaos is about to break out, and I will definitely be implicated." So, Wei Chi Qian secretly informed Emperor Gaozu of this situation.
Emperor Gaozu summoned Wei Chi Qian to Bingzhou and discussed the situation with him face to face. Wei Chi Qian took the opportunity to persuade Emperor Gaozu to accept the abdication of the Wei dynasty. Emperor Gaozu motioned to silence Wei Chi Qian with his sleeve and said, "Don't speak recklessly! I have now reappointed the Minister of Works as my personal advisor, and all matters at court are entrusted to him." Emperor Gaozu repeatedly wanted to implement Wei Chi Qian's suggestion, but the edict was ultimately never issued.
Xiao Qian repeatedly requested a transfer, but the emperor did not agree. Xiao Qian knew the situation was dire and wanted to leave quickly, so he secretly wrote to Gaozu, requesting a position in Xuzhou. The emperor then granted him the official title: Envoy with Special Authority, Commander of Military Affairs in the Three Xuzhou Regions, and Governor of Xuzhou. Just as he was about to depart, the emperor discovered that Xiao Qian had leaked previous matters and wrote to Gaozu saying, "Xiao Qian had previously made some private agreements with me, but now he is being fickle." Gaozu immediately took out the memorials Xiao Qian had submitted earlier and sent them to Emperor Wu.
The emperor summoned Xiao Qian, showed him the memorial, and confined him to the Ministry of State Affairs, and sent someone to question Gaozu, saying that Xiao Qian's words and actions were contradictory. Xiao Qian said, "I am wholeheartedly devoted to the country, loyal and steadfast, yet Your Majesty has other plans and blames me for being fickle. Even an ordinary person would struggle to avoid such accusations, let alone a monarch who wants to punish you; where could I possibly escape to? If you want to frame me for a crime, you'll always find a reason! Great achievements often bring peril, as has been true throughout history. If there's any awareness after death, I hope I won't let Emperor Zhuang down." In the end, Xiao Qian was granted death; he was only thirty-seven years old that year. As Xiao Qian faced death, he remained calm and showed no signs of panic, drawing pity from those who witnessed him. At that time, General Yuan Zheng was in charge of the execution and asked Xiao Qian, "Do you have any words to leave for your family?" Xiao Qian replied, "My brothers are scattered in various places; given what happened today, I doubt anyone can get away. My son is still young and knows nothing; I fear our family will be torn apart. What else can I say?" Later, Gaozu launched a campaign against Hushi Chun and his allies, and when passing by Mengjin, he said to Xiao Qian's brother, Xiao Ang, "If we had heeded Sikong (Xiao Qian) earlier, we wouldn't have ended up in this mess!" In the early years of the Tianping era, Xiao Qian was posthumously honored as a high-ranking envoy, governor of the ten provinces: Jiding, Cangying, You, Qi, Xu, Qingguang, and Yan, Grand Master, and held the position of Minister of the Interior, and was given the posthumous title Wenzhao. His eldest son, Xiao Jishu, inherited the ancestral title of Marquis of Lecheng, and his brother's two sons inherited Xiao Qian's title.
Qian Dishen, also known as Zhongmi, had a strong interest in studying history and literature, which set him apart from his brothers, but his father was particularly fond of him. During the early period of the Northern Wei's revival, he became the governor of Cangzhou and the Secretary of Southeast Circuit. During the Taichang era, he was promoted to governor of Guangzhou and also granted the titles of General of the Cavalry and Grand Minister. At that time, the realm had just been pacified, and he brought several thousand troops from his hometown with him. He was very strict as an official and also indulged his subordinates, making life unbearable for both the common folk and officials. After his brother Qian died, he resigned from his provincial post to return to the side of Emperor Gaozu, but Emperor Wu ordered Qingzhou to block his return route. As a result, he managed to sneak away to Jinyang, where Emperor Gaozu appointed him as the Left Chancellor of the Grand Council, and he was later promoted to Secretary. He was never one to shy away from his duties, and at that time, everyone was both afraid of and wary of him. After the Yiqi Uprising, the people of Anzhou, taking advantage of their terrain, refused to submit to the court, so he was sent as the Chancellor of the Grand Circuit to lead troops to pacify Anzhou. During the Tianping era, he was appointed as a Palace Attendant and also granted the title of Grand Minister. During the Yuanzhang era, he was appointed governor of Yanzhou. Soon after, he was recalled to court and became the Deputy Censor-in-Chief. However, when he selected censors, he mostly promoted his relatives and friends, leading to dissatisfaction in the court, and Emperor Shizong requested a re-selection. His previous wife was the sister of Cui Xian, a minister in the Ministry of Personnel, whom he had divorced. At that time, Cui Xian was a person whom Emperor Shizong trusted very much, and he suspected Cui Xian of scheming against him. Given his already irritable temperament, he harbored resentment and seldom criticized others, turning a blind eye to many things. Emperor Gaozu reprimanded him for this, which only made him more anxious. He was later appointed as the governor of Beiyuzhou, and eventually surrendered to the Western Wei at Wulao. He first entered Guanzhong, where Emperor Wen of Zhou led a large army eastward, but was defeated by Emperor Gaozu in Mangshan. His wife and children were getting ready to flee west but ended up getting captured along the way. Out of consideration for his previous contributions, Emperor Gaozu only confiscated the property of his household of wives and concubines.
Gao Ang, also known as Ao Cao, is the third younger brother of Qian. He has been bold-spirited since childhood. As he grew up, he became even more carefree and unruly, with a bravery unmatched by anyone else, thick eyebrows and big eyes, a tall and strong build, and a very distinctive appearance. His father sought a strict teacher for him, subjecting him to harsh discipline. However, he never listened to his teacher and only enjoyed horse riding and hunting, often saying that a man should roam the world and create his own fortune, instead of obediently studying to become an old scholar! He and his brother Qian often committed robberies together, and the local officials were helpless against them. He also recruited a group of swordsmen, squandering all his family wealth, and the villagers feared him; no one dared to oppose him. His father often remarked to others, "If this child doesn’t bring ruin to our family, he will definitely bring glory to our door, and he won’t simply be a local tyrant."
At first, Gao Ang and his brothers rebelled, but later they disbanded their forces under the emperor's orders. The emperor appointed him as a Cavalry Officer and granted him the title of Marquis of Wucheng with a fief of five hundred households granted to him. After resigning from his official position and returning home, he secretly recruited strong men from the village with his brother Gao Zhao.
When Er Zhu Rong heard about this, he was furious; he secretly instructed Governor Yuan Zhongzong to capture Gao Zhao and escort him to Jinyang. Towards the end of the Yong'an era, Er Zhu Rong entered Luoyang, taking Gao Zhao with him and imprisoning him in the Camel Bureau. After Er Zhu Rong's death, Emperor Wei Zhuang immediately summoned Gao Zhao to offer him comfort and encouragement. At that time, Er Zhu Shilong attacked the palace again, and the emperor personally went to the Daxia Gate to oversee the battle.
After Gao Zhao was released, he immediately donned armor, picked up his weapon, exuding an imposing presence, fearless in the face of the enemy. He charged into battle alongside his cousin Gao Changming and others, unstoppable, routing the enemy completely. The emperor and the onlooking citizens held him in great admiration. The emperor quickly appointed him as General of the Direct Pavilion and rewarded him with a thousand bolts of silk.
Gao Zhao believed that the ongoing conflict was still quite severe and could not be resolved by a single individual, so he requested to return to his hometown and recruit an army. The emperor appointed him as the Chief of the Imperial Guards and bestowed upon him the title of General Who Pacifies the North. Courageous heroes from all corners eagerly came to his side. Later, when the capital was lost, Gao Zhao and his father and brothers rebelled in Xindu.
The Inspector of Yinzhou, Erzhu Yusheng, led his troops to launch a surprise attack and quickly arrived at the city gates. Gao Zhao, unable to put on his armor in time, charged out with just a dozen cavalry to meet Erzhu Yusheng in battle, driving him away and stabilizing the morale of the army. Later, the usurped emperor took the throne and appointed Gao Zhao as Commissioner and Inspector of Jizhou, a position he held until his death.
He was also appointed as Grand Commander and led his troops to victory against Erzhu Zhao in Guang'a following Gaozu. After pacifying Ye City, Gao Zhao led his troops to garrison Liyang. He also joined Gaozu in attacking Erzhu Zhao in Hanling, leading three thousand men recruited from his hometown, including figures like Wang Taotang, Dongfang Lao, and members of the Huyan clan.
Gaozu said, "General Gao, your army is all Han Chinese troops. I'm concerned it may not suffice. I will allocate over a thousand Xianbei soldiers to mix with your army. What do you think?" Gao Zhao replied, "The troops I lead have been trained for a long time and have fought many battles before. They are not inferior to the Xianbei soldiers. If we mix now, there may be discord among us. If we win, there will be disputes over credit, and if we lose, blame will be shifted. I would prefer to command the Han troops independently without any additional forces." Gaozu agreed to his request.
During the battle, Gaozu's forces found themselves at a disadvantage and had to fall back briefly, with Erzhu Zhao and others about to pursue. Gao Yue, Han Xiongnu, and others led five hundred cavalry to charge ahead, while Huludun led scattered soldiers to hold the rear. Gao Zhao and Cai Jun led a thousand cavalry to break out from Liyuan and attacked Erzhu Zhao's army from the side, resulting in a significant defeat for Erzhu Zhao's forces. Had it not been for Gao Zhao and his men that day, Gaozu would have faced grave danger.
At first, he was appointed to work in Jizhou. Before long, he was promoted to the position of Imperial Advisor and was granted the title of marquis with control over seven hundred households. Later, when his brother was killed, he fled to Jinyang with a dozen cavalrymen to join Gaozu. During the rebellion led by Husi Chun, Gaozu launched a southern campaign and appointed him as the vanguard. When Emperor Wu retreated westward, he led five hundred cavalrymen to march quickly through a shortcut to Mount Xiaoshan and Hangu Pass, but was unable to catch up to Emperor Wu and had to turn back. Afterwards, he served as the governor of Yuzhou and subdued the rebellious prefectures in the Sanjing region.
During the Tianping period, he was appointed as Imperial Advisor and Minister of Works. Because his brother had died in this position, he firmly declined the position and was eventually appointed as Minister of Education. At that time, Gaozu was fighting in the Guanlong region and appointed him as the Grand Commander of the Southwest Road, heading directly to Shangluo. The mountain roads were dangerous and steep, and the enemy had already occupied key strategic positions, but he charged ahead, unstoppable by anyone. Finally, he defeated Shangluo, capturing the governor of Luozhou, Quanqi, and dozens of other generals. At that moment, after Dou Tai’s defeat, Gaozu summoned him back. He was shot by a stray arrow in battle, seriously wounded, and said to those around him, "I have served my country, and I die without regrets, but it's a pity that I won't be able to see Jishi become governor!" Upon hearing this, Gaozu promptly dispatched a messenger to inform Jishi and appointed him as the governor of Jizhou.
After he returned to court, he once again served as the Grand Military Commander, commanding seventy-six generals and stationed troops at Wulao alongside General Hou Jing. At that time, Liu Gui, the Deputy Censor, was also leading troops in Northern Yuzhou, and there were some minor conflicts between them. In a fit of anger, he sounded the drum to gather the troops to attack Liu Gui. Hou Jing and the governor of Jizhou, Wanqi Shouluo, rushed to the rescue, which ultimately led him to call off the attack. His chivalrous and righteous character was truly unmatched! At that time, the Xianbei people looked down on Central Plains officials, yet they held him in considerable respect. Whenever Emperor Gaozu gave orders to the military, he would use the Xianbei language, but if he was present, Emperor Gaozu would switch to Chinese. Once, when he went to the Prime Minister's residence on business, the gatekeeper blocked his entry. In his anger, he drew his bow and shot at the gatekeeper in anger. When Emperor Gaozu learned of this, he did not blame him.
In the year 550, my father was granted the title of Duke of Jingzhao, granting him a fief of one thousand households. Later, he joined forces with Hou Jing and others to assault Dugu Ruyaun, at a location in Jinyong City. At that time, Emperor Wen of Zhou personally led troops to rescue, and the two sides clashed in battle at the foot of Mang Mountain. My father's side lost the battle, and the troops scattered. He rode east on horseback, hoping to make it to the southern city of Heliang, but the city gate was shut tight, blocking his entry. Ultimately, he was killed by the western troops; he was only forty-eight years old at the time of his death. After his death, the court posthumously bestowed upon him the titles of Imperial Envoy and Deputy Minister, Commander of the Military Affairs of Jiding, Cangying, and Yin provinces, Grand Master, Grand Marshal, Duke of Tawei, Registrar of the Ministry of Personnel, and Governor of Jizhou, with the posthumous title of Loyal and Martial.
After he passed away, my elder brother inherited his title but sadly passed away young. Later, Emperor Shizong of Zhou summoned us brothers and personally chose my third brother Daohuo to inherit the title. During the Huangjian period, the court posthumously granted my father the title of King of Yongchang. My third brother Daohuo inherited the title and, during the Wuping period, he rose to the position of Minister of the Three Departments. He later defected to the Zhou Dynasty and was appointed General of the Three Departments. During the Kaihuang period, he passed away in office as the Governor of Huangzhou.
Ji Shi, styled Zitong, was the fourth son of the emperor. He was quite bold. In the early period of the Northern Wei Dynasty, he was appointed as General of Zhenyuan and Regular Officer, later promoted to Guard General, Jinziguanglu Dafu, then added as a Cavalier Attendant, concurrently serving as the Chief Clothing Director. During the Taichang era, he was reassigned as the Minister of Imperial Food. During the Tianping period, he was sent as an inspector to Jizhou.
In Shandong, the former bandits Liu Panduo and Shi Mingyao often robbed roads, burned and looted villages, causing havoc in the four provinces of Qizhou, Yanzhou, Qingzhou, and Xuzhou. The previous officials were unable to deal with them. When Ji Shi arrived, he eliminated all these bandits. Subsequently, the common folk of Puyang, under the leadership of Du Lingchun, rose up in rebellion, attacking cities and seizing territory, amassing tens of thousands of troops. Ji Shi only dispatched three hundred cavalry, and they captured them all in one battle. Later, the subordinates of Xuxian under Shuwenshi of Yangping Road rebelled and built fortifications, but Ji Shi managed to quell them as well. Some other bandits broke into Nanhe County, but Ji Shi sent troops over and immediately defeated them. Since then, the area has been peaceful.
Several of Ji Shi's brothers held high positions and had achievements at the time. He commanded over a thousand soldiers, eight hundred warhorses, and well-equipped weapons, so every time they pursued thieves, they swiftly secured victories. Someone once advised him, "Puyang and Yangping are near the capital, they have not received orders from the court, nor have they invaded our territory. Why do you rush to send personal forces to fight? If you lose, won't you bring trouble upon yourself?" Ji Shi said, "That’s not very loyal of you! I stand with my country in both honor and disgrace; how can I just sit back and watch bandits wreak havoc? Besides, the bandits know that the court's army won't arrive soon, and they wouldn't expect reinforcements from other provinces. They must not be prepared, so attacking them now will surely lead to victory. War is all about speed; how can we delay? Even if I get in trouble for this, I have no regrets!"
During the Yuanxiang period, the western enemy launched a massive invasion. Emperor Gaozu personally led the three armies to resist, setting up a formation north of Mangshan. The outcome was a catastrophic defeat, with countless corpses drifting in the Yellow River and a continuous stream of fleeing soldiers. The common folk were filled with panic, lamenting how hard life had become. The soldiers under Ji Shi's command pleaded with him, "The situation is dire; it's not looking good. You should quickly flee to Liangzhou with your two hundred trusted cavalry, so you can save your life and secure your status and wealth. Why sit here and wait for death?" Ji Shi said, "We brothers have received great grace from the court, fighting alongside Emperor Gaozu to establish the country. Now that the country is in a critical situation, fleeing would be an act of betrayal. If the country is destroyed, I should fight to the end. How can I sneakily survive?" In that battle, the Minister of Works fell in battle.
He was initially appointed as a Cavalry Attendant. During the Xinghe period, he traveled to Jinzhou on official duty. He was later transferred to Jiezhou and continued to defend the Yong'an Garrison. Later, Gao Shen staged a rebellion in Wulao and sent word to Ji Shi. After receiving the message, Ji Shi was taken aback and filled with dread, and he rushed to report to Emperor Gaozu. Emperor Gaozu, seeing his loyalty, treated him just as he always had. During the Wuding period, he was appointed as an Attendant again, and shortly thereafter, he was promoted to Grand Central Supervisor of Jizhou, a position that Ji Shi specifically requested to assume.
He served as a military governor and followed Duke Qinghe in defeating the enemy at Hanshan Mountain, and also defeated Hou Jing in Guoyang. After returning, he was appointed as the Minister of the Imperial Guards. He served as a military governor again, following Duke Qinghe to attack Wang Sizheng in Yingchuan, and successfully captured the area. Due to his previous military achievements, he was promoted to the title of Yitong Sansi. In the early years of the Tianbao era, he was granted the title of Count of Chengshi County. He continued to serve as a military governor, accompanying Minister Pan Le to campaign in the Jianghuai region. Due to secretly trading with entertainers at the border, he was punished upon his return to the capital and barred from holding office, but was soon pardoned. In the summer of the fourth year, he died from a festering illness at the age of thirty-eight. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the titles of Palace Attendant, Envoy with Imperial Authority, Governor of Cangji Province and Military Affairs, Minister of Yitong Sansi, and Governor of Jizhou, with the posthumous title of Gongmu.
Ji Shihau had a particular fondness for drinking and, relying on his family's past achievements, did not pay much attention to rules. He had a very good relationship with Li Yuanzhong, the governor of Guangzhou. One night while drinking in Jizhou, he missed Li Yuanzhong and had someone go so far as to open the city gate and send a jar of wine to Guangzhou on horseback to encourage Li Yuanzhong to join him for a drink. The court learned of this incident but the court turned a blind eye. After his brother Ji Shen rebelled, Ji Shihau was dismissed shortly thereafter.
At that time, Sima Xiaonan, a Yellow Gate Attendant, was the son of Zuo Pushe Ziru and also the son-in-law of Emperor Gaozu, holding considerable influence. One day, after having a meal, Sima Xiaonan had some free time, so he went to find Ji Shihau to have a good time drinking. After drinking, he stayed overnight at Ji Shihau's house. The next morning, the front door was tightly closed, leaving him unable to get out. Sima Xiaonan quickly said, "I’m a Yellow Gate Attendant, someone close to the emperor; how can I not attend court? Besides, I have already spent the night outside, my father will definitely be worried. If you keep me drinking here, I can’t be held responsible, and I fear you might face punishment too." Ji Shihau replied, "You call yourself a Yellow Gate Attendant and say you're afraid your father will worry; are you trying to use your rank to pressure me? I, Ji Shihau, would rather die than be intimidated by that!"
Sima Xiaonan repeatedly bowed and begged to leave, but Ji Shihau refused to agree. The drinks came out, and Sima Xiaonan refused to drink. Ji Shihau said, "I keep you here to drink heartily; who do you think you are to turn me down?" He ordered his men to bring a cart wheel, putting it around Sima Xiaonan's neck, and put one around his own neck as well, then urged him to drink while he downed his own. With no way out, Sima Xiaonan just smiled and went along with it. After they took off the wheels, he stayed another night. At that time, Sima Xiaonan had been missing for two days, and no one knew where he was, causing panic both inside and outside the court. After Sima Xiaonan came out and detailed the incident, Emperor Shizong, who was in the capital assisting Emperor Wei with state affairs, heard about it and rewarded Sima Xiaonan with several stones of fine wine and ten carts of precious food. He also ordered officials who had good relationships with Ji Shihau in the court to go to Ji Shihau's house to drink together. You see, Ji Shihau was quite favored at that time!
My eldest brother's son Yongle and my second brother's son Yanbo are both very good and respected individuals. They both followed my eldest brother in rebellion. Yongle served as General of the Guards, Right Guanglu Daifu, and Grand Central Inspector of Ji Province, and was later appointed as the Administrator of Boling. He ultimately took his own life due to poor governance. He was posthumously honored with the titles of Commissioner-in-Chief, Commander of Military Affairs for Cang and Ji Provinces, Supervisor of the Left, and Governor of Ji Province. His son, born into humble beginnings, lived a long life and was selected by the court to serve as an official in his twenties. He had a violent temperament and had a penchant for violence, but was brave in battle. He made a name for himself defending Daxia Gate against Erzhu Shilong, which led to his promotion to Left Guanglu Daifu. The Emperor posthumously granted him the title of Governor of Yong Province, awarded him the title of Marquis of Juyangxiang and a fief of one hundred households. He was later elevated to Count of Yanling County, with his fief expanded to three hundred households. During the Wuding era, he joined forces with Liu Feng in a campaign against Hou Jing, but was killed by Hou Jing. He was posthumously honored as Governor of Ji Province. Yanbo achieved the rank of Middle Cavalry Officer and Administrator of Anzhou, and was granted the title of Marquis of Wannian County, with a fief of two hundred households. During the Tianbao era, he was promoted to General Who Conquers the West, receiving an elevated title. After his death, he was posthumously honored as Junior Minister of the Imperial Household.
I initially made a name for myself as a hero and was joined by many talented individuals, such as Hu Yanzu, Liu Guizhen, Liu Changdi, Dongfang Lao, Liu Shirong, Cheng Wu, Han Yuansheng, and Liu Taobang. Later, I was joined in rebellion by Li Xiguang, Liu Shuzong, Liu Menghe, and others, who eventually rose to high-ranking official positions.
Menghe, named Xie, was a native of Rao'an in Fuyang. Menghe had a passion for archery from a young age and had a bold personality. When Liu Lingzhu, the Inspector of Youzhou, raised an army, Menghe also gathered troops to join my elder brother, providing him with secret support. After Liu Lingzhu's failure, my elder brother occupied Jizhou, and Menghe dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his service. When Emperor Gaozu rose in rebellion and took over Jizhou, Menghe was appointed as a military commander. In the early years of the Zhengxing period, he was appointed as an imperial attendant. Two years later, he was promoted to General of Andong. Shortly after, he was further appointed as General for Conquering the East and a Grand Master of Radiant Happiness. Due to his merits in the rebellion, he was granted the title of Count of Changguang County. During the Tianping era, he served as Guard General and Interior Minister of Shangdang, later dismissed from his position as prefect and appointed as Grand Marshal Sima. In the first year of Wuding, he was executed for his offenses.
Shuzong, styled Yuanzuan, was a native of Pingchang in Leling. He was cautious, knowledgeable, and passed the imperial examination as a scholar. He gradually rose to the position of Administrative Officer in Cangzhou. During the Yong'an era, he was promoted to General for Guarding the Distant and a Grand Counselor. His brother Haibao had a bit of a reckless streak in his youth, liked to stand up for injustices, but was well-liked by the villagers. When Gaoang rebelled, Haibao led the villagers to attack Cangzhou in response to Gaoang's uprising, and Gaoang appointed Haibao to manage the affairs of Cangzhou. Previously, the Prefect of Fanyang, Diao Zheng, defected to Erzhu Rong and sent his student An Shou to assassinate Haibao. Shuzong later allied himself with Gaoang. After the Northern Wei dynasty's establishment, Gaozu (Gao Huan) appointed him as General of the Front and a Minor Official in the Court of Judicial Review. During the Taichang era, he was promoted to General for Guarding the Army and a Grand Master of Radiant Happiness. In the second year of the Tianping era, he passed away and was posthumously honored with the titles of Commissioner Bearing Credentials, Equalizing with the Worthy, and Inspector of Dingzhou.
Lao Ziande hailed from Ge County. His family was poor. He was very tall, around seven feet, and very strong. In his youth, he was quite rough and unruly, hanging out with some ne'er-do-wells and turning to banditry, causing quite a headache for the locals. In the late Northern Wei period, amidst the chaos, he joined the army under Gao Ang. After Gao Ang's uprising, he continued to fight and was promoted to General of the Palace thanks to his military prowess. He later rose to the position of General Pingyuan and became the Governor of Luyang. Subsequently, he served as the Inspector of Southern Yizhou and concurrently as the Governor of Yiyang, and was granted the title of Duke of Changle as well. Ziande held official positions in two prefectures for several years, often traveling to border regions close to barbarian territories and western foes, where battles were common. He always led the soldiers into combat, often achieving victories against larger forces, striking fear into the hearts of western foes. After Gao Huan declared himself emperor, he was granted the title of Earl of Yangping, and later promoted to Inspector of Southern Yanzhou. Ultimately, he fought across the river alongside Xiao Gui and others, where he met his end in battle.
Xi Guang hailed from Su County in Bohai. His father was the Governor of Changguang during the Wei dynasty. Xi Guang joined forces with Gao Qian in the uprising at Xindu. After the Northern Wei was restored, he was appointed General of Annam and the Governor of Ande County. He later became the Chief of Staff for Gao Huan. During the Wuding period, he accompanied Gao Yue to subdue Yingchuan and was bestowed the title of Marquis of Yining. He served as Inspector of Yingzhou, Liangzhou, and Southern Yanzhou in succession. During the Tianbao period, he served as Inspector of Yangzhou and fought across the river with Xiao Gui and others, where he was killed in battle. Following his death, he was posthumously honored with the title of Chief of Staff at the rank of San Si and Inspector of Xiyanzhou. His son, Zi Ling, held a position in the Ministry of War. During the Wuping period, he became a regular attendant. He died while serving as Inspector of Yizhou during the Kaihuang era of the Sui dynasty. Xi Guang's cousin, Gong, participated in Gao Huan's uprising and rose to the position of Minister of Personnel, later becoming Inspector of Yanzhou. He was ultimately executed by Emperor Shizong (Gao Zhan) for corruption.
The Emperor Xianzu blamed Chen Wu for deposing Xiao Ming and ordered Yitong Xiao Gui to lead several tens of thousands of infantry and cavalry to attack him. In July, they crossed the Yangtze River and captured Shitou City by surprise. The five generals had similar status, with Pei Yingqi serving as the Attendant and Military Commander, which led to conflicts and lack of cooperation among the troops. They camped under Danyang City and were defeated in battle because their weapons were ruined by over fifty days of continuous rain. Only about 20-30% of the soldiers returned, suffering countless losses in equipment and military supplies. The achievements of Xiao Gui and Wang Jingbao were not documented in the historical records.
Pei Yingqi was from Hedong. His ancestors crossed the Huai River during the late Jin Dynasty and settled in Shouyang County in Huainan. His grandfather Yanxian followed Xue Andu to Wei and became the Prefect of Zhao Jun County. His father Yue was the Prefect of Bohai. Pei Yingqi was intelligent, quick-witted, and unrestrained by formalities. He served as the Chief Historian of Dingzhou under Wei and was later summoned by Emperor Shizong to serve as the Left Minister of the Imperial Government. During the Tianbao period, he rose to the position of Shangshu of the Imperial Secretariat and died in battle, posthumously honored with the title of Kaifu and appointed as the Left Minister of the Shangshu.
Feng Longzhi, nicknamed Pippi, was from Ze County in Bohai. His father Hui was the Minister of Works in Wei. Feng Longzhi was gentle and magnanimous, initially serving as the chief scribe and later taking on military duties. When Prince Yue of Runan was appointed Kaifu, he served as a military officer.
Legend has it that during the Yan Chang period of the Northern Wei Dynasty, a Taoist named Fa Qing rebelled in Jizhou, claiming to be the "Great Vehicle," and astonishingly gathered over fifty thousand followers! The court sent the Grand Commanders Yuan Yao and Gao Longzhi to capture him. Gao Longzhi successfully captured Fa Qing and was even granted the title of Wuchengzi by the Emperor! He was soon promoted to Minister of Works and Deputy Prefect of Henan. At that time, the common people in Qingzhou and Qizhou also rebelled, and Gao Longzhi was ordered to pacify them, and the rebels surrendered without resistance.
During the Yong'an period, Gao Longzhi became the Chief Historian of the Military Affairs Bureau. Later, the Erzhu clan occupied Jinyang, and the Wei court deemed Henan a strategically vital region, so Gao Longzhi was sent as the General of Longxiang, Prefect of Henan, and was later promoted to the rank of Grand Commandant, Rear General, Acting General for Northern Pacification, and Inspector of Henan Commandery. However, before he could assume his new role, Erzhu Zhao invaded Luoyang and imprisoned Emperor Zhuang, who later died in captivity. Gao Longzhi's father had died at the hands of Erzhu Zhao, and he had always wanted to avenge his father, so he took his official seal and headed east to embark on a great mission.
At this time, Gao Qian said to Gao Longzhi, "Erzhu Zhao is too ruthless, even killing the Emperor. You and your brother have received the favor of the late Emperor; how can you just stand by and not seek revenge?" Gao Longzhi replied, "The shame suffered by the country and the hatred in my family have cut deep into my heart. Now is the perfect time for revenge!" So, he and Gao Qian devised a plan and successfully launched a nighttime attack on the prefectural city, seizing control. Because Gao Longzhi had great prestige in his hometown, he was elected Prefect. Gao Longzhi earnestly reassured the people, and they were all very grateful to him.
Before long, Gaozu set out from Jinyang to the east. Gao Longzhi dispatched his son Gao Hui to greet Gaozu at Fuku, and Gaozu was very happy. When they arrived in Xindu, Gaozu summoned the governors and officials of various states and counties for a meeting. He said, "Erzhu Zhao, this treacherous Erzhu Zhao is too cruel. Even heaven and earth cannot tolerate him, and he has been forsaken by both heaven and man. Uprisings are happening everywhere; this is heaven's way of destroying him! I want to unite with all of you to eliminate these ruthless Jie people. Does anyone have any good ideas?" Gao Longzhi replied, "Erzhu Zhao is too cruel; heaven wants to destroy him. The heavens are angry, the people resent him, and one by one, his subordinates are betraying him. Though his army appears strong, he is, in fact, quite weak. And you, Your Majesty, were the first to raise the banner of rebellion for the royal family. Who in the world would not support you? Your Majesty, do not hesitate!" After establishing a new regime, Gaozu appointed Gao Longzhi as Left Guanglu Dafu and Minister of Personnel. Erzhu Zhao's army was in Guang'a. In October, Gaozu and his troops fought a battle with them and secured a resounding victory! Then, Gaozu sent Gao Longzhi as the Northern Road envoy with the official seal. Gaozu prepared to go to Hanling to fight Erzhu Zhao and left Gao Longzhi to guard Ye City. Erzhu Zhao and his men fled; Gaozu placed Gao Longzhi in charge of Jizhou’s affairs and assigned him more than 30,000 surrendered troops, distributing them to different states.
I was granted the title of Imperial Attendant. At that time, Emperor Gaozu returned from Luoyang to Ye City. As I was heading to the capital for my new appointment, I took the opportunity to pay him a visit. I told Emperor Gaozu, "Husi Chun, Heba Sheng, and Jia Xianzhi once aligned themselves with Erzhu Rong, but later they turned against him; when they attacked Erzhu Zhongyuan, they cooperated with him again. These individuals are bound to cause trouble in the future." Emperor Gaozu pondered for a night, then said to me, "Your words yesterday, Imperial Attendant, reflect great foresight!" After that, I was appointed as the Duke of Ande County, with a fief of two thousand households, and my official position was promoted to the rank of Yitong Sanqi.
At that time, some members of the court proposed that Erzhu Rong, having once served the previous emperor, should be included in the temple sacrifices with Emperor Ming. I disagreed, stating, "Erzhu Rong was merely a subject who personally assassinated the previous emperor. How can he share sacrifices with the victim's mother and son? If we examine history and consider the present, there is no justification for this." Everyone listened to my opinion, and the proposal was canceled. The emperor also invited me to participate in the deliberations at the Linzige to help formulate new systems. He also posthumously honored my wife, Lady Zu, as the Lady of Fanyang County. I submitted a request to transfer my titles of Fuchengzi and Wuchengzi to my son Xiaowan and his brothers, and the court approved my request.
Later, Husi Chun and his associates falsely accused me before Emperor Xiaoming of Wei, forcing me to flee back to my hometown. Emperor Gaozu knew I was innocent and sent for me to come to Jin Yang. Emperor Xiaoming of Wei also issued an edict for me to return to work, but I firmly refused. Later, the emperor appointed me as the Governor of Bingzhou. Prince Yuan Dan of Wei was appointed Grand Marshal, and I served as his Chief of Staff.
During the Tianping period, he was appointed as an Imperial Attendant and participated in discussions regarding the relocation of the capital. Emperor Jing of Wei issued an edict for him to serve as an Imperial Lecturer, then promoted him to Minister of Personnel while continuing to serve as an Imperial Attendant, and at the same time allowed him to handle political affairs in Jizhou in his official capacity. Jizhou was not peaceful, as a man named Lu Shaozun rebelled in Yangping, declaring himself a governor and attacking Dingzhou and Boling commanderies, even capturing the Prefect Gao Yongle, with his sights set on seizing Jizhou. Gao Longzhi quickly ordered his subordinates, including Prefect Gao Jing, to mobilize troops, resulting in Lu Shaozun's defeat and capture, after which he was brought to Jinyang.
During the Yuanxiang period, he was appointed as the Inspector of Jizhou, and shortly after was granted the title of Governor. At that time, the court had just begun recruiting elite soldiers, but several commanders, including Be Ba, Gao Faxiong, and Feng Ziyuan, refused to serve in distant garrisons and even incited rebellion. Gao Longzhi led the Jizhou army to quell the rebellion. In the first year of the Xinghe era, he was summoned back to the court and appointed as an Imperial Attendant. Gao Longzhi was well-regarded and deeply loved by the local populace. He served in Jizhou multiple times, showing genuine concern for the people's suffering and diligently governing the region. As a result, the local people greatly missed him and even erected a monument to honor him! Later, he successively handled political affairs in Liangzhou and Jizhou, and was eventually appointed as the Right Deputy Minister of the Secretariat by the court, with his official rank increasing steadily.
During the Wuding period, Gao Zhongmi, the governor of Northern Yuzhou, plotted to rebel and secretly contacted some prominent figures in Jizhou to coordinate their efforts. Some lightweights also joined in the uproar, prompting the court to send Gao Longzhi to swiftly calm them down. As a result, the situation was brought under control. Emperor Shizong secretly wrote to Gao Longzhi, saying, "Gao Zhongmi's accomplices and those who want to flee west should have their families arrested to serve as a warning!" Gao Longzhi believed the emperor's order for pacification had already been given, and now to arrest people would make the court seem untrustworthy. If trouble were to arise, the consequences could be severe. Therefore, he reported this matter to Emperor Gaozu, and the emperor's order was rescinded.
Since the establishment of the Yiqi banner, Longzhi had been involved in military affairs, devising strategies and consistently reporting to the emperor in secret. He personally drafted memorials and seldom shared them with others. Emperor Gaozu greatly appreciated his loyalty and caution, often following his advice. Later, Longzhi served as the acting governor of Jizhou, maintaining his original position, and then he was promoted to governor of Qizhou. He died in the third year of Wuding at the age of sixty-one. The emperor ordered the chief scribe Jian Shengui to offer his condolences, granted him five hundred bolts of cloth, and posthumously awarded him the titles of envoy with authority over military affairs in Cang and Ying provinces, General of the Flying Cavalry, governor of Yingzhou, and Minister of Works.
Emperor Gaozu felt that the posthumous honors and rewards given to Longzhi were not enough, so he posthumously appointed him as the Imperial Envoy, Commander of Military Affairs for the five provinces of Ji, Ying, Cang, Qi, and Ji, Governor of Ji Province, and Grand Preceptor, while his other official positions remained unchanged. Longzhi was posthumously granted the title "Xuanyi." When Emperor Gaozu passed by Jiajin while visiting Ji Province, he remembered Longzhi and told the Magistrate of Ji Province, Ziru, "Duke Feng, referring to Longzhi, was a man of accumulated virtues and good deeds, with a heart full of benevolence and righteousness, who understood and handled national affairs for nearly twenty years, enduring various hardships while remaining steadfast. Because of his loyalty and reliability, I entrusted him with significant responsibilities. I never expected that before I could repay his kindness, he passed away. Thinking of this loyal and capable general truly fills me with sorrow!" As he spoke, Emperor Gaozu shed tears. He also ordered the military official Song Zhongxian to offer sacrifices to Longzhi. Longzhi's eldest son passed away at a young age, and his second son, Zihui, inherited his title.
Zihui, styled Zhongzao and nicknamed Sao, had a gentle personality, was rational and highly talented. He initially served as a Secretary. When Erzhu Zhao conspired against Emperor Wen of Wei, he and his father Longzhi led a rebellion in Xindu and were then sent to meet with Emperor Gaozu. Upon arriving in Xindu, he was appointed as the Chief Registrar, tasked with managing documents and records. In the first year of the Zhongxing era, he was promoted to Chief Registrar under the Grand Chancellor and also appointed as General of Fubo. He followed Emperor Gaozu in the campaign against Erzhu Zhao. After pacifying Zhongshan, as the army returned, he was appointed as the Palace Attendant, Left General, and concurrently as the Gentleman of the Imperial Library. Upon his mother's passing, he resigned from his official duties to observe mourning, but he soon returned to his original position.
During the Tai Chang era, he followed Emperor Gaozu to pacify several regions, including Bingzhou, Fenzhou, and Sizhou, defeating forces such as Er Zhu Zhao and the Mountain Hu. He was promoted to General of the Southern Expedition and granted the title of Grand Minister of Ceremonies. When Emperor Wei Wu was nearing death, treacherous sycophants like Hu Si Chun were in power. His father, Long Zhi, fearing suspicion and potential trouble, secretly returned to their hometown, and Zi Hui resigned from his official position to follow his father back home. When Emperor Xiao Jing ascended the throne, Zi Hui served as an assistant minister and, together with Minister of Rites Li Yuanzhong and others, was dispatched on missions to various regions to assess the people's conditions and understand their hardships. After returning, he went to Jinyang to join Emperor Gaozu in the campaign against Xizhou.
Two years later, he was appointed as the General of the Guards and the Governor of Pingyang, and shortly after, he was further promoted to Cavalry Commandant. In the northern border of Jinzhou, there was a mountain called Huo Tai Shan, where the old road, known as Qian Li Jing, was steep and treacherous. Every time the army passed through, the soldiers and horses struggled greatly. Zi Hui suggested to Emperor Gaozu to open a new road in the valley east of the old road. The founding emperor agreed and assigned Zi Hui to organize the local laborers from Fenzhou and Jinzhou to construct the road, which was completed in just over ten days' time. The founding emperor personally led the army along the new road and was very pleased with its convenience, rewarding him with two hundred hu of grain. Later, the army campaigned against Dong Yong, subduing regions like Chai Bi, Qiao Shan, Zi Gu, and Jiang Shu. Zi Hui always led as the governor, comforting the troops, overseeing conscription and supplies, and ensuring the army faced no worries. During the Xing He era, he was summoned from his governorship to serve in the court as a minister in the Department of Personnel.
In the year 550 AD, Gao Zhongmi rose in rebellion west of Wulao, and Emperor Wen of the Zhou moved his army east to launch an attack. My grandfather defeated him at Mangshan and pursued him all the way to Tongguan. Some people advised my grandfather, saying, "We cannot wear our troops thin with endless warfare!" My grandfather then gathered everyone to discuss whether to continue the pursuit. My father said at that time, "Gao Zhongmi isn't a formidable opponent at all; he just borrowed a title and dares to lead those rebels to their deaths. Heaven will punish him, and he’ll be done for soon. Even if he somehow escapes, he’ll be scared out of his wits. Now is the perfect chance to unify the country; Heaven has given us a chance, and if we don’t seize it, we’ll face the consequences. Opportunities don’t last long! In the past, after Cao Cao pacified Hanzhong, he did not pursue and capture Bashu because of hesitation, and he ended up regretting it. I hope Your Majesty will not hesitate!" My grandfather agreed with his words. However, since it was the peak of summer and to make future plans, he ordered the troops to head back to court.
Three years later, my father resigned from his official post following my grandfather's death. Four years later, my grandfather marched west and appointed my father as the Grand Commander, leading the troops from Jizhou to Ye City, accompanying my grandfather in the campaign against Jinzhou from Fukou, where they met up with the main army at Yubi. My grandfather then appointed my father as the Minister of Personnel of the Grand Chancellor's office. When my grandfather fell seriously ill and the army returned to Jinyang, he called my father into his private chamber and secretly assigned him the task of maintaining order in Shandong. After my grandfather's death, the funeral was initially kept private. My uncle, Emperor Shizong, appointed my father as the Governor of Bohai, urging him to hurry to his post. My uncle personally held my father's hand and said, "I know this governor's position does not match your achievements and reputation, but the situation is still unstable, and we need you to guard this area. Moreover, the ancients placed great importance on returning home in glory; you should govern the region well and pacify the coastal people, unlike the previous governors who always reported to the provincial government." He was also provided with a thousand soldiers. Later, he was promoted and conferred the title of General of the Cavalry. In the second year of the Tianbao era, he was appointed as the Chief of Staff of the Grand Chancellor. Three years later, he was again responsible for the affairs of Southern Qingzhou in his official role. Four years later, he was dismissed for making a mistake. Six years later, he was in charge of the affairs of Southern Yanzhou and was then appointed as the Inspector of Haizhou, but he did not take up the post. Seven years ago, he was transferred to be the Inspector of Hezhou. Shortly after arriving in Hezhou, he faced the defeat and retreat of the Jiangdong army led by Xiao Gui and Pei Yingqi, and the Grand Chancellor's Sima Gong fled back to Shouchun from Liyang, causing panic among the border population. Moreover, the military supplies in Hezhou were nearly exhausted along with the army, and the defensive facilities such as city walls, towers, and arrow towers were severely damaged. He immediately began repairing the city walls, towers, and arrow towers, replenishing military supplies, and preparing everything needed to defend the city, which gradually reassured the local people. Later, the court ordered the construction of ships in Hezhou, and he was appointed as the envoy to oversee this project.
Emperor Chen Wu once sent General Xu Du and others to lead light vessels from Zhakou through Dongguan into Chaohu, intending to launch a surprise attack on Hefei and burn the ships. They quietly approached the city under the cover of night, and he led his soldiers bravely in resistance, repelling the Chen army. Nine years later, he was promoted to Governor of Zhengzhou. He was adept at political matters and skilled in pacifying the people, and wherever he served as an official, the local people held him in high regard. Later, the court appointed him as the Left Chief Historian of the Ministry of Works, acting as the Governor of Weizhou. In the early Qianming years, he was promoted to Grand Minister of Agriculture, and shortly after officially appointed as the Governor of Weizhou. In the middle of Huangjian, he was promoted to Grand General of the Valiant Cavalry. In the second year of Daning, he was promoted to Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. When Gao Guiyan rebelled, the court summoned him to the Zhao Yang Palace. The Emperor personally issued a decree saying, "Jizhou is adjacent to the capital, yet Gao Guiyan dares to rebel so brazenly. I have already ordered the Grand Marshal, King Pingyuan Duan Xiaoxian, to lead a strong force to quickly attack; the Minister of Works, King Dong'an Lou Rui, to follow closely with various armies. Your family has been a prominent and respected lineage in Jizhou, deeply loved by the people, so I am sending you to assist in military operations and pacify the people. You should plan carefully and not disappoint the trust placed in you." After speaking, he was sent to the front lines by horse that same day. His ancestors had served in Jizhou for generations, and the people held him in high regard. Upon arriving in Jizhou, he inspected the cities, explained to the people the fortunes and misfortunes, and officials and people surrendered in droves; he could keep track of even the slightest movements within the rebel army. After the rebellion was quelled, the court appointed him as the acting Governor of Jizhou.
Not long after, he was recalled to the court and ordered to discuss and formulate laws with other officials, being promoted to the position of Ceremonial Officer of the Three Departments. Later, the Turks invaded and threatened Jinyang, prompting the court to send him to Huai Prefecture to handle political affairs, and he was allowed to travel on a fast horse from the relay station. After returning to court, he served as the Minister of Military Affairs and later transferred to the Ministry of Sacrifices. In the third year of Heqing, he passed away due to illness at the age of fifty. Emperor Shizu was very saddened by his death and posthumously conferred upon him the titles of envoy with authority, military governor of Ying and Ji Prefectures, Governor of Ji Prefecture, and Ceremonial Officer of the Three Departments, with the posthumous title "Jian." His son Baogai inherited his title. In the later years of Wuping, Baogai served as a regular attendant in Tongzhi.
Speaking of Zi Xiu, he was the son of Zi Long, and his embroidery skills were exceptional! Later, he became the governor of Bohai and then the inspector of Huo Prefecture, steadily rising in rank. However, he encountered General Wu Mingche of the Chen Dynasty, who attacked Huainan, and the city he defended fell, leading to his capture and being taken to Yangzhou. It was only after the fall of the Qi Dynasty that he managed to escape back home. During the Kaihuang period of the Sui Dynasty, he became the inspector of Tong Prefecture. This Zi Xiu, despite his gentle and refined appearance, was actually a person of chivalrous spirit and loyalty.
His brother-in-law, Lou Dingyuan, was at that time the inspector of Ying Prefecture. One time, Lou Dingyuan went to Bohai to visit Zi Xiu, bringing along his wife and children, and held a banquet at Zi Xiu's home. During the feast, Lou Dingyuan spoke somewhat frivolously and excessively, which really angered Zi Xiu! Without a word, he immediately beat the war drum, summoned soldiers, and prepared to attack his brother-in-law! In no time at all, thousands of soldiers and over a thousand warhorses had gathered, charging forward with great momentum. Lou Dingyuan, terrified, quickly removed his hat and knelt down to beg for mercy. It took Zi Xiu a while to calm down before he finally let him go.
Zi Xiu's younger brother, Zi Yanzhi, also known by his courtesy name Zuye, was a clever and capable young man from an early age. He started as a minor official in the court and later rose through the ranks to become a key general. Emperor Gaozu even promoted him to the title of Grand Minister of State and entrusted him with the governance of Bohai Commandery. He later followed General Lou Zhao to fight against the rebel Fan Zihu, and after the war ended, he was appointed as the Governor of Qingzhou. However, Zi Yanzhi had a major flaw: he was excessively fond of money, and during his time as an official in Qingzhou, he accepted a great number of bribes. Later, when he was assigned to Jinzhou, Emperor Gaozu suffered a defeat at the Battle of Shawan and was making a disgraceful return home; Zi Yanzhi abandoned his post and fled! Emperor Gaozu was furious, and those who shared in his mistakes were executed; if it hadn't been for his elder brother Zi Long's influence, he would have been sentenced to death as well! In the second year of the Xinghe era, Zi Yanzhi passed away at the age of fifty-four. After his death, the court posthumously awarded him numerous titles, including the titles of Envoy with Authority, Commander of Military Affairs in the Three Provinces of Ji, Yin, and Ying, General of the Flying Cavalry, Left Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, Minister of Works, and Governor of Jizhou, and he received the posthumous name "Wengong." His son, Zi Xiaozuan, succeeded him in his title.
Longzhi's son, Xiao Wan, whose courtesy name was Ziqian, had both his grandfather and father served as officials in the Cao Wei state. His grandfather was the Chief Clerk of the Pingbei Prefecture in Jizhou. Due to Longzhi's significant contributions, the court posthumously conferred upon his father the title of Inspector of Yongzhou and Minister of the Palace. Xiao Wan lost his father at the age of seven, and it was Longzhi who raised him with great affection. At the age of sixteen, he was appointed as a chief clerk by the local government. In the second year of the Yongxi era of Wei, Longzhi bestowed his title of "Fuchengzi" upon him. Three years later, Xiao Wan was promoted to Chief Military Officer. During the Tianping period, he became the Chief Clerk of the Xianzu and was later promoted to Deputy General of the Palace and concurrently held the position of Stable Master of the Eastern Palace. In the second year of Tianbao, Xiao Wan passed away at the age of thirty-six, and the emperor was deeply saddened upon hearing the news. The court posthumously granted him the titles of Left General and Minor Minister of the Treasury. Xiao Wan was known for his serene demeanor and his love for writing poetry and essays. The Crown Prince's tutor, Xing Shao, and the Minister of War, Wang Xin, were both renowned talents of the time. Despite the significant age and status differences between them and Xiao Wan, they formed a close bond after they met. Xiao Wan's coffin was to be taken back to his hometown, and Xing Shao and Wang Xin personally escorted it to the outskirts, crying deeply, which moved even the passersby.
Xiaowan's younger brother, Xiaoyan, courtesy name Shiguang. He has been focused on self-cultivation and diligent in studying since childhood, and is very refined. At the age of sixteen, he was appointed as the chief clerk by the local government, and later promoted to the position of secretary. In the first year of Tianbao, he became an attendant to the Crown Prince, frequently visiting the Eastern Palace, and he was seen as having a bright future. After his mother's death, he resigned from his official position to mourn at home. After the mourning period ended, he was appointed as a military judge in Jinzhou. Shortly afterwards, he was summoned back to the court and once again served as an attendant to the Crown Prince. In the early years of Qianming, he was promoted to an official in the Imperial Secretariat. In the early years of Huangjian, he was further promoted to the roles of secretary and supervisor in the Imperial Secretariat, and later sent on a mission to the state of Chen. Just before he was set to depart, he was given the position of assistant in the Imperial Secretariat. Upon his return, he was dismissed due to some misconduct. In the third year of Tiantong, he was appointed as an official in the Ministry of Personnel of the combined provinces and as a confidant of the Prince of Nanyang, and was sent to Jinyang to manage confidential affairs.
When Shikai's mother passed away, many people went to mourn, feigning deep sorrow. Several wealthy merchants in Ye City, such as Ding Zou and Yan Xing, also cried as if their lives were at stake, putting on an act of being dutiful sons and virtuous grandsons. At that time, a scholar was crying particularly loudly. After Xiaoyan finished paying his respects and came out, he remarked to others, "To the south of Yan Xing, and to the north of Ding Zou, there's a court official crying his heart out!" When this remark reached Shikai's ears, he exploded with anger.
Later, the court official Li Huai reported that Wang Chuo of Nanyang was overstepping his authority, and Shi Kai took the opportunity to malign Xiao Yan, saying, "Xiao Yan went out with Chuo to handle affairs, riding his spare mount, leaving the ranks to chat and have fun alone." At that time, Xiao Yan's daughter held the title of Princess of Fanyang, and because of a ceremonial matter, she needed to enter the palace to bid farewell. The emperor directly had him whipped over a hundred times! After being released, Gao Anagong ordered him to be whipped another fifty times, almost killing him. After returning to the capital, he could no longer make a living in the Ministry of Books, and from then on, he fell into obscurity. After Shi Kai's death, Xiao Yan became an attendant in the Tongzhi department. Later, he established better relations with the Zhou Dynasty, and Zhao Yanshen petitioned the emperor to appoint Xiao Yan as the deputy envoy to the Zhou Dynasty. After Zu Ting came to power, he also petitioned for Xiao Yan to be admitted to the Wenlin Academy and compile the "Imperial Gazette." Xiao Yan's literary talent was, in fact, quite average, but he relied on his charming demeanor and strong connections, being very articulate and humorous, with elegant manners and measured conduct, endearing him to everyone. He once told Zu Ting, "You truly exemplify the qualities of a prime minister, unlike anyone else." This remark was overheard by some envious individuals, who took great offense.
Not long after, Xiao Yan was promoted to Left Chancellor, and most of the officials he impeached were those the emperor wanted to deal with. At that time, there was a Taoist priest named Tan Xian, who was favored by the Empress Dowager and received extravagant rewards that exceeded the norms for carriages, horses, and clothing. He even requested to be the head of the monastic order, which the emperor initially opposed, but the empress dowager insisted he take the position, which further displeased the emperor. Later, some monks and nuns were involved in a lawsuit over unrelated matters, which implicated Tan Xian. The emperor ordered the appropriate authorities to investigate Tan Xian. Xiao Yan discovered that Tan Xian had accepted bribes, and the evidence was irrefutable. He was sentenced to death, and his estate was confiscated, revealing numerous treasures that were seized. Because of this incident, Xiao Yan was formally appointed as the Left Chancellor and was also tasked with handling affairs in the Ministry of Personnel. He was quite aloof and proud, never fitting in; despite his rising favor, he grew increasingly arrogant and sluggish, never bowing his head, and was scorned by those of discernment. In the end, he was executed alongside Cui Jishu and others for their candid counsel; he was fifty-one years old that year. His sons, Jun Que and Jun Jing, were exiled to the northern frontier, while his younger sons, Jun Yan and Jun Zan, were exiled to the silkworm production facility. After the defeat at the Battle of Nan'an, both brothers Jun Que were executed.
In historical records, it is said that Gaozu and Feng Gong, who initially had nothing, boldly took up arms in the area north of the Yellow River, ready to support the rightful king and seek revenge for past grievances. They first secured their own territory, then exhibited the virtue of modesty, which is completely different from Han Fu, who was cowed by Yuan Shao. However, their strength ultimately could not match the heroes and legends of their time, and their talents were insufficient to alter the course of history, so they eventually chose to yield to Liu Bang in order to fulfill their ambitions. Liu Bang thus rose to power. Gaozu's bravery and commanding presence were second to none, while Han Xin's performance in the Battle of Hanling was swift and fierce. Therefore, the Qi family's accomplishments were primarily due to this household. However, because they were not part of Liu Bang's original supporters in Yingchuan, nor were they old friends from Pei County, Liu Bang always harbored some reservations about them. In the end, Liu Bang seized the opportunity to reveal their misdeeds and pretended it was heaven's decree to eliminate them, which was utterly excessive! Qi Zihui's skills and character were still admirable, as he was able to inherit the family business and bring honor to his ancestors, which was quite an achievement in itself.
Praising their poetry, it says: King Wen Zhao is brave and mighty, his grand ambitions have come to fruition; King Zhong Wu is honest and upright, his remarkable talents stand unrivaled. Their family's experiences were caught in a predicament, much like being trapped in a deep valley; by the Yellow River, they laid down their lives for righteousness. Feng Gong was upright and resolute, jointly overcoming the challenges of their era; upholding their ancestors' virtues, shining ever brighter.
