Duan Rong, styled Zimao, was from Wuwei, Gansu. His grandfather, Duan Xin, was an official in the Juqu political regime and later defected to the Wei dynasty. Because his family was from a prominent background, they were relocated to the northern border, settling in Wuyuan County. His father, Duan Lian, was a military official in the Anbei Prefecture. From a young age, Duan Rong was fond of studying calendars, particularly focusing on astronomy and celestial phenomena. At the beginning of the Zhengguang era, he told others, "The Book of Changes states, 'Observe the heavens to discern changes in time,' and also says, 'Heaven shows signs, indicating good and bad fortune.' I am currently observing celestial phenomena and predicting events on Earth; within ten years, there will definitely be great chaos." Someone asked him, "Where will this chaos begin? Can it be avoided?" Duan Rong replied, "This chaos will start here; I'm afraid the entire world will be thrown into disorder, and there will be nowhere to hide." Not long after, his predictions came true.
When chaos broke out, Duan Rong fled south with his family and his fellow villagers to Pingcheng. When he encountered Du Luozhou's rebellion, he discussed with Gaozu the necessity of eliminating him, but they were unsuccessful and both fled to Er Zhu Rong. Later, when Gaozu raised an army in Shandong, Duan Rong strongly supported his plans. He was appointed as the Right Vice Minister of the Executive Office and the Northwest Ambassador for Comforting and Encouraging, overseeing inspections and explaining court policies to the people; wherever he went, he earned the respect of the people. When Gaozu marched south to attack Ye City, he left Duan Rong to guard Xindu and conferred upon him the titles of General Who Pacifies the North and Governor of Dingzhou. At that time, the campaign against Ye City had not yet succeeded and required substantial military supplies, which Duan Rong efficiently managed to transport. After Gaozu captured Luoyang, he rewarded achievements and conferred upon Duan Rong the title of Marquis of Guzang County, with a fief of eight hundred households. He was later promoted to Governor of Yingzhou.
Duan Rong's wife was the sister of the queen. Duan Rong was worried that Gaozu might accuse him of nepotism, so he strongly recommended other generals, ultimately declining his own appointment to Yingzhou. Shortly after, he went to Xiangzhou for official business and later served as the governor of Jizhou. In the third year of Tianping, he was assigned to Taizhou for official duties. Duan Rong was known for his gentleness and kindness, earning the love and respect of both the common people and officials. Initially, Gaozu planned to attack the Guanzhong area and consulted with Duan Rong privately. However, Duan Rong believed the timing was not right and strongly advised against it. As a result, they suffered a defeat in the Wei River area. Gaozu, filled with regret, remarked, "I should have listened to Duan Rong's advice; that’s why we find ourselves in this predicament." In the fourth year of Tianping, Duan Rong was appointed as the Grand Chancellor and Grand Commander of Shandong, and he was greatly loved by the people. In the first year of Yuanxiang, he was appointed as the official of the Three Excellencies. He passed away in the second year of Yuanxiang, at the age of sixty-two. He was posthumously honored with the title of Commissioner with Credentials, Commander of the military affairs of Ding, Ji, Cang, and Yingzhou, Governor of Dingzhou, Grand Commandant, Prefect of the Masters of Writing, and received the posthumous title of Zhaojing. In the early years of Huangjian, he was enshrined in the temple of Gaozu. Two years later, he received further posthumous honors as Grand Marshal, Prefect of the Masters of Writing, and Prince of Wuwei. His eldest son, Duan Shao, succeeded him in his titles.
Tiefa, whose childhood nickname is 'Tiefa,' has been skilled in horseback riding and archery since childhood, demonstrating great talent for becoming a general. Emperor Gaozu particularly favored him because he was the son of his wife's sister, often keeping him close as a trusted confidant. At the start of the Jianyi era, he served as a close deputy to the emperor. In the first year of the Revival, he accompanied Emperor Gaozu to resist Er Zhu Zhao and fought in Guang'a. Emperor Gaozu asked Tiefa, "The enemy has many troops while we have few; what should we do?" Tiefa replied, "The term 'many' refers to those who can be rallied to sacrifice themselves for a cause; the term 'powerful' refers to those who can gain the people's support. Er Zhu Zhao is arrogant and ruthless; wherever he goes, he leaves destruction in his wake, undermines the government, and harms the people. In the battle of Mangshan, what crimes did those loyal and virtuous men commit to deserve being killed by him while he installs a new ruler? Within a month, the people are longing for chaos, with nine out of ten households thinking this way. Your Majesty, you are renowned for your benevolence and righteousness; if you eliminate the treachery around the king, what place is there where you cannot succeed?" Emperor Gaozu said, "Although I am acting on behalf of heaven to suppress the rebellion and uphold justice, we are weak and face a powerful enemy. I fear we may not have the mandate of heaven on our side; haven't you heard?" Tiefa replied, "I have heard that 'the small can overcome the large'; the weak can also triumph over the strong, depending on righteousness. Heaven does not show favoritism; it only aids those with virtue. Er Zhu Zhao is an enemy to the world outside, and internally he has lost the people's hearts. Those with insight will not offer him strategies, the brave will not serve him, the unworthy will neglect their duties, while the capable will take their place. What is there to question?"
They engaged Er Zhu Zhao in battle, and Er Zhu Zhao's army was defeated. After that, they attacked Liu Dan in Ye. During the Hanling Campaign, Tie Fa led his troops into battle, leading the charge. He then followed Emperor Gaozu to Jin Yang, pursuing Er Zhu Zhao to Chihuan Ridge, ultimately suppressing the rebellion. Due to his military achievements, he was awarded the title of Baron of Xiaoluo County. Later, he accompanied the emperor in attacking Xiazhou, capturing Hule Mi'e Tu, and was promoted to General Longxiang and Censorate Advisor, eventually rising to the position of General of the Imperial Guard. Subsequently, the emperor posthumously granted his father the title of Marquis of Guzang County, while he relinquished his title of Baron of Xiaoluo County to his stepmother's brother, Ning'an.
In the fourth year of Xinghe, he followed Emperor Gaozu in fighting against the Western Wei Emperor Wen at Mang Mountain. At that time, Emperor Gaozu was in the midst of the army and was recognized by the Western Wei general He Ba Sheng, who approached with an elite force. Tie Fa galloped over from the side, drew his bow, and fired an arrow, killing He Ba Sheng's vanguard. The pursuing cavalry were so frightened that they dared not advance. The Western Wei army retreated, and the emperor rewarded him with war horses and gold and silver, promoting him to Duke.
In the year 548 AD, I accompanied the army in the siege of Yubi. At that time, Gaozu, also known as Emperor Wenxuan of Northern Qi (Gao Yang), was in poor health, and before the city had been captured, he gathered the generals to discuss their next steps. He said to the Grand Marshal Hulü Jin, Minister of Works Han Gui, and Left Guard General Liu Feng, "I once discussed military matters with Duan Xiaoxian (Duan Shao's father), who was quite insightful. If I had heeded his strategies over the years, we wouldn't be in such a difficult predicament today. My condition is critical, and I fear unexpected events may arise. I want to entrust the matter of Ye City to Xiaoxian (Duan Shao); what are your thoughts?" Hulü Jin and the others said, "No one understands your intentions better than you, and indeed no one is more suitable than Duan Xiaoxian." Then Gaozu said to Duan Shao, "I have experienced many dangers with your father in the past, assisting the royal family and achieving great success. Given my serious illness, I may not survive; you must support one another and take on this responsibility." Thus, Gaozu assigned Duan Shao to accompany Xianzu (Emperor Xiaozhao of Northern Qi, Gao Yan) to guard Ye City, while also recalling Shizong (Emperor Wu of Northern Qi, Gao Zhan) to return with the army. As Gaozu's condition deteriorated, he instructed Shizong on his deathbed, "Duan Xiaoxian is loyal, upright, kind, and brave. Among my relatives, only he possesses such qualities. Consult with him on important military matters." In the spring of 549 AD, Gaozu passed away in Jinyang, but this news was not disclosed to the public right away. Shortly thereafter, Hou Jing staged a rebellion, and Shizong returned to Ye City, while Duan Shao remained in Jinyang. Upon returning to Ye City, Shizong rewarded Duan Shao with a dozen musicians, ten jin of gold, and numerous silk fabrics, and conferred upon him the title of Marquis of Changle County. Later, Shizong campaigned in Yingchuan, while Duan Shao continued to guard Jinyang. He was also appointed as the Marquis of Zhending County, serving as the acting Inspector of Bingzhou. After Xianzu ascended the throne, he further appointed him as the Marquis of Chaoling County and the Marquis of Bache County, and promoted his official rank to Special Advocate.
Duan Shao requested to abdicate the title of Marquis of Chaoling County and requested that his stepmother, Lady Liang, be appointed as the Lady of the County. Xianzu greatly admired him, so he appointed Lady Liang as the Princess of Anding County. He also conferred the title of Marquis of Bache County upon his stepmother's younger brother, Xiaoyan. Everyone praised him.
In the year 547 AD, he became the Governor of Jizhou and the Grand Commander of the Six Provinces, governing with benevolence and winning the people's affection. In the twelfth month of 548 AD, the Liang Dynasty general Dongfang Bai'e secretly infiltrated Suyu, colluded with the border residents, and even killed local officials, causing chaos in the Huai River and Sishui River basins.
In February of 549 AD, the court ordered him to go and suppress the rebellion. As soon as he arrived, he encountered the Liang general Yan Chaoda and others' army approaching Jingzhou; at the same time, Emperor Chen Wu led a large army to attack Guangling, and the Guangling Governor Wang Jingbao sent for help; to make matters worse, Yin Siling led more than ten thousand troops planning to launch a surprise attack on Xuyi. The three armies were thrown into panic.
But he told his soldiers, "Since the Liang Dynasty plunged into internal strife, there has been no stable ruler in the country, and the people are watching and attaching themselves to the strong. Although Hou Jing and his men are ambitious, they lack wisdom, their policies are inconsistent, and although they appear united on the surface, they are actually divided internally. There's no need to worry; I can see through their facade." He left Jing Xianjun, Yao Nanzong, and others to guard Suyu, and led several thousand infantry and cavalry to rush to Jingzhou day and night.
When passing through Xuyi, Yin Siling did not expect the army to suddenly arrive, and upon seeing his banner, he was scared and fled north. He then fought against Yan Chaoda and won a great victory, seizing their ships and weapons. He told his soldiers, "The people of Wu are reckless and have no great strategy. With Yan Chaoda defeated, Hou Jing will undoubtedly flee." He immediately returned to rescue Guangling. Sure enough, Emperor Chen Wu fled. He chased him to Yangzizha, saw the city of Yangzhou from afar, and then returned to Suyu with a large cache of military supplies and equipment.
In June, he sent someone to persuade Dongfang Bai'e, using reason and emotion to persuade him and informing him of the stakes involved. Dongfang Bai'e then opened the city gates and asked for peace talks. After consulting with Xingtai Xin Shu and others, they decided to accept his request. After the pact was signed, he believed that Dongfang Bai'e was ultimately untrustworthy, so he had him arrested and executed, sending his head and those of his brothers to the capital. The Jianghuai region returned to peace, and the people enjoyed peace and prosperity. The emperor was pleased and rewarded him with seventy households from Wukou and bestowed upon him the title of Prince of Pingyuan. King Yue of Qinghe captured Yingzhou and took captive the Minister of Works, Lu Fa; he also took part in this campaign, and afterwards rebuilt Luzhong, establishing a garrison for Guo Mo in Xincai before returning.
In 550 AD, he was appointed Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. In 552 AD, he was appointed Governor of Bingzhou. Gao Guiyan rebelled in Jizhou, and the emperor ordered him and Prince Lou Rui of Dong'an to put down the rebellion. He was promoted to Grand Preceptor and rewarded him with ten musicians and a thousand acres of Gao Guiyan's orchard. He continued to serve as Governor of Bingzhou, focusing on big-picture policies without getting lost in the details, winning the hearts of the people.
In December, Emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou sent generals with Qiang and Yi troops, alongside the Turks, to launch a grand attack on Jinyang. Our forefather Gao Zu set out from Yecheng, taking a shortcut to rush to the rescue. The Turkic army formed up from the north, preparing to attack, with the Fen River to the east and Feng Valley to the west. At that time, the situation was critical, and the army wasn't fully ready. Upon seeing the situation, Gao Zu thought about avoiding confrontation and pulling back east. Later, he took Wang Xiaowan of Hejian's advice, allowing Prince Zhao Jun to command all the generals.
At that time, a heavy snowfall had just occurred, and the Northern Zhou army used infantry as vanguards, charging down from the Western Mountains, about a mile away from Jinyang City. Our generals were eager to take the initiative and engage in battle. At this moment, Wei Xiaoshao said, "The combat effectiveness of infantry is ultimately limited, and with the snow being so thick now, it is not appropriate to take the initiative in attacking. It would be wiser to set up a formation and wait for them to come. Let them tire themselves out; we can wait and strike when they are exhausted, and defeating them will definitely not be a problem!" As a result, when the battle began, we achieved a resounding victory! The Northern Zhou army's vanguard was completely wiped out, with not a single survivor left, and the remaining troops hurriedly fled, running all night. Emperor Shizu ordered Wei Xiaoshao to lead the cavalry in pursuit, but they failed to catch up even at the border, so they returned. Emperor Shizu was thrilled and rewarded him handsomely, additionally granting him the title of Duke of Wude in Huaizhou and promoting him to Grand Chancellor.
Yu Wenhu's mother had previously married the King of Zhongshan, and later when Yu Wenhu heard that his mother was still alive, he wrote to Northern Zhou about border issues, mentioning this and expressing goodwill. At that time, the Turks were constantly raiding the borders, and Gao Shao was stationed outside the pass with his troops. The emperor sent Xu Shirong, a palace attendant, riding a swift horse with the emperor's letter to ask Gao Shao what to do. Gao Shao said, "The Zhou are fickle and completely untrustworthy, just like the situation in Jinyang; everyone knows what happened there. Yu Wenhu is nominally the chancellor, but in reality, he is just a local emperor. Since he is seeking peace for his mother, why doesn’t he send an envoy to discuss it properly? Instead, he directly used a letter to bring his mother back; doesn’t that make us look weak? I believe we should agree to their demands first, then deal with them later." The emperor dismissed his advice. Ultimately, an envoy was sent, and Yu Wenhu's mother was returned with all due respect.
As soon as Yu Wenhu's mother was captured, he immediately sent Wei Chijiong and his men to attack Luoyang. The emperor dispatched Prince of Lanling Changgong and General Huli Guang to lead the troops. The army camped at the foot of Mang Mountain but remained inactive. The emperor asked Gao Shao, "I want to send the Prince of Lanling to attack Luoyang, but the Turks are still at the border, and someone needs to guard it. What's your take?" Gao Shao replied, "The Turk invasion from the north is just a minor problem; the real threat is the Qiang people in the west, who are watching us closely. Please allow me to go to Luoyang." The emperor said, "I think the same." So, Gao Shao gathered a thousand elite soldiers and set off from Jinyang. In five days, they crossed the Yellow River and discussed battle strategies with the generals.
Early in the morning, Gao Shao took two hundred cavalrymen and joined the army at Mang Mountain to scout the formation of the Zhou army. Upon reaching Dahe Valley, he encountered the Zhou army and quickly sent word to each camp to assemble their troops. Then, together with the other generals, he organized the troops for battle. Gao Shao was on the left wing, the Prince of Lanling was in the center, and Huli Guang was on the right wing, facing off against the Zhou army. Gao Shao called out to the Zhou army from a distance, "Yu Wenhu has finally brought his mother back, yet you don’t even know how to show gratitude. What are you here for today?" The Zhou army replied, "Heaven sent us here; why ask?" Gao Shao said, "The cycle of fate has brought you here to meet your end!" The Zhou army still sent their infantry to attack the mountain first. Gao Shao saw that they were all infantry while they were all cavalry, so they fought a fighting retreat. When the Zhou troops became exhausted, they dismounted to engage them in close combat. After the clash, the Zhou army was soundly defeated. The center of the Zhou army crumbled in an instant, and many fell into the valley and died. The Zhou troops in Luoyang quickly made their escape, leaving their tents behind. From Mang Mountain to Gu Shui, a distance of thirty miles, military supplies and equipment were strewn everywhere from the Zhou army.
The emperor personally visited Luoyang to commend and reward the soldiers and hosted a celebratory banquet in Heyin. Gao Shao was appointed Grand Preceptor and Duke of Lingwu County. In January of the second year of Wuping, I set out from Jinzhou and arrived in the area of Longxi in Dingzhou, where I constructed Weidi City and Pingkou City to defend against enemy forces before heading back. In February, the Zhou army launched an invasion, and the emperor dispatched me, Right Prime Minister Huluguang, and Prince Changgong of Lanling to mount a defense. We finally reached the western border by the end of March. There was a place called Baigu City, which was heavily fortified by the enemy, with towering walls. While other generals hesitated to attack, I proposed a plan to cut off the enemy's reinforcements, which led to our successful capture of the city. We captured Xue Jingli, defeated numerous enemy troops, captured Huagu City, and then returned before returning. After that, I was appointed Duke of Guangping County.
In the same month, the Zhou Dynasty dispatched troops to harass the border once more. The Right Chancellor Hulei Guang led the army to attack first, and I also asked to join the campaign. In May, we seized Qin City. The Zhou army constructed a settlement south of Yao Xiang City, connecting eastward to Dingyang, and dug deep trenches to block the roads. I discreetly chose elite soldiers to carry out a surprise attack from the north. I also dispatched troops to secretly cross the Yellow River to inform those inside Yao Xiang City, coordinating our efforts. There were over a thousand soldiers who crossed the river, and only then did the Zhou army notice. As a result, we engaged in a major battle, achieving a resounding victory and capturing several high-ranking officials, including their ceremonial officials. Other generals proposed to assault their newly constructed city, but I said, "This city is flanked by the river on one side and has steep terrain on three sides, rendering it nearly impregnable. Even if we succeeded in capturing it, it would merely be one city. Instead, we should build another city to block their roads, first take Qin City, and then concentrate our forces to attack Dingyang; this is the strategy for the long haul." The soldiers all agreed with my view.
In June, we began to besiege Dingyang, and the city lord Yang Fan steadfastly defended the city. I ascended to a vantage point to survey the city's terrain and then ordered a full-scale assault by the entire army. In July, we breached the outer city of Dingyang and killed many enemies. At that time, I fell ill while in the army, and since the inner city had not yet been captured, I said to Prince Langling Chang Gong, "This city has steep ravines on three sides with no viable routes for advance; only a potential path exists in the southeast. If the enemy wants to break out, they will definitely come this way. As long as we position elite troops to lie in wait there, we can capture them all." Chang Gong then sent over a thousand elite soldiers to set up an ambush at the ravine entrance in the southeast. That night, just as I expected, the enemy charged out from the city, and the ambushing troops quickly launched their assault. The enemy was thrown into chaos, and Yang Fan and others were captured, with all enemy forces being taken by us.
Ah, General Shao's health was not very good, so he returned to the barracks. Because he had made great contributions, the emperor specially granted him the title of Duke of Yeling. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter, he passed away. The emperor held a solemn mourning ceremony for him in the East Hall and bestowed many gifts, such as a thousand bolts of silk, precious artifacts, and luxurious carriages. He sent military officers and soldiers to escort his coffin to the Ping'en cemetery for burial and also sent people to help build the tomb. The emperor posthumously conferred numerous official titles upon him, such as the honorary title of Yellow Seal, envoy with a decree, and commander of military affairs across twelve states, including Shuobing, Ding, Zhao, Ji, Cang, Qi, Yan, Liang, Luo, Jin, and Jian, as well as chancellor, Grand Marshal, and recorder of the Ministry of Personnel, and he was also made the governor of Shuozhou, receiving the posthumous title of "Loyal and Martial."
General Shao was capable of leading large armies and participating in court decision-making, making significant contributions. Coupled with his marriage alliance with the royal family, his prestige reached its peak at that time. He was particularly skilled in strategy and tactics and excelled in managing soldiers, earning the troops' deep affection; in battle, they fought with great determination. Moreover, he was gentle and cautious, exuding the demeanor of a prime minister. He was strict in educating his children, and his family had a good moral atmosphere. He was exceptionally filial to his stepmother, a rare quality among the high-ranking nobles of his time. However, he had a flaw—he had a weakness for women. Despite his high status, he often disguised himself for secret visits. There was a woman named Huangfu, the wife of Yuan Yu, a chamberlain of the Wei state. Her brother was involved in a rebellion, so her family was confiscated. General Shao found her beautiful and requested the emperor to grant her to him. The emperor initially disagreed but eventually relented and bestowed Huangfu upon him. He was also particularly stingy, rarely giving alms to relatives and friends. His son married a princess and held an official position at court. After helping with household matters for more than ten days, he returned home, and his father merely rewarded him with a cup of wine. His eldest son, Yi, succeeded him in his title.
Yi, with the courtesy name Deyou, was imposing in appearance, knowledgeable in music, and skilled in horseback riding and archery. During the Tianbao era, he married the Princess of Yingchuan. He later rose through the ranks to become the Right Vice Minister of the Executive Council and concurrently the Minister of the Imperial Palace, and then was appointed as the Governor of Yanzhou. After his death, his son Baoding succeeded him in title. Baoding married the Princess of Zhongshan and rose to the position of Minister of the Three Departments during the Wuping era. During the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty, he attained the rank of Minister of the Three Departments and General of Cavalry, and he passed away while serving as the Governor of Raozhou in the early Daye period.
Shao's second son was named Shen, with the courtesy name Deshen. He was handsome, generous, and cautious, inheriting his father's virtues. During the Tianbao era of the Northern Wei, he inherited his father's title and was granted the title of Duke of Guzang County. In the early years of the Daming era of the Northern Qi, he was appointed as the Cavalry Assistant Minister. Two years later, the court commanded him to marry Princess Yongchang, but unfortunately, the princess died before the marriage could occur. In the third year of Heqing, he was again commanded to marry Princess Dong'an. Due to his father's repeated military achievements, he continued to rise through the ranks, eventually becoming a Palace Attendant, General, and the Grand Chancellor of Yuanzhou, with fiefdom in Zhao County. When Shao fell seriously ill, the court issued an edict bestowing the title of King of Jibei on Shen as a consolation. During the Wuping era of the Northern Qi, he served as the Left Vice Minister of the Executive Council in Xuzhou and the Governor of Xuzhou. After the fall of the Northern Qi, he defected to the Northern Zhou, was appointed as a General and Duke, but was later executed for misconduct.
Shao's third son was named Deju. During the Wuping years of the Northern Qi, he held the official title of Deputy Minister. In the seventh year of the Jiande period of Northern Zhou, he conspired with Gao Yuanhai and others to rebel in Ye City and was executed. Shao's fourth son was named Deheng. During the Wuping years of the Northern Qi, he held the official title of Governor of the Imperial Secretariat, and during the Longhua years of the Northern Qi, he was appointed as the governor of Jizhou. After surrendering to Northern Zhou, he was appointed as a General of the Imperial Secretariat. Shao's seventh son was named Dekan. During the Wuping years of the Northern Qi, he held the official title of Deputy Minister. In the early years of the Daye period of the Sui Dynasty, he was the governor of Bianzhou and later died while serving as the governor of Runan.
Rong's second son is named Xiaoyan, who was clever and handsome from a young age. During the period of Wuding in Northern Wei, he began his career as a military advisor. After the Northern Qi dynasty, his brother Shao, who was granted the title of Marquis of Bacheng County, passed it on to him. He continued to rise in ranks, eventually becoming Yitong Sanqi (Equivalent to the Minister of Rites), Duzhi Shangshu (Minister of Revenue), and Qing Duyin (Governor of the Capital). Xiaoyan originally gained his prominent official position due to his family's achievements, but once he reached this point, he began to indulge in extravagance and disregard for the law. One night, he stayed at his friend Song Xiaowang's house and woke up the neighbors to help him keep watch. When they did not arrive in time, he brutally tortured them to death. He also engaged in affairs with several married women, and when their husbands found out, he used his influence to have the husbands tortured to death. The palace needed fruit trees, so he forced the common people and local temples to provide the trees, which he planted in his own home. When the palace and gardens needed stones, he dispatched carts to transport stones from the Zhang River, and then he had the stones sent back to his own home. All of these actions were exposed, and he was demoted to serve as the governor of Haizhou. Soon after, due to issues involving his brother, he was summoned back to the court and appointed as the Minister of Imperial Affairs, with a fief in Yangcheng County and was also granted the title of Kaifu. He later rose to the position of Taichang Qing and was appointed as the governor of Qizhou, but was later impeached by the censors for corruption and bribery. Just as Emperor Shizu passed away, he received a pardon. He was then reappointed as Taichang Qing, transferred to the governorship of Henan County, and ultimately promoted to Minister of Personnel.
When Zu Ting was in power, he wanted to remove Zhao Yanshen, so he colluded with Yang Xiaoyan for help. Yang Xiaoyan was appointed as a concurrent palace official, entering the inner court and managing confidential affairs. Not long after, he was promoted to a formal position and also served as the Minister of Personnel. However, Yang Xiaoyan was a person without real ability and was particularly unfair to others; those he promoted were either bribers or people he had known before. Once, in front of all those present, he directly confronted the Minister of Works, Cui Cheng, saying, "There are so many ministers in the world. Is it only the Duan family that can become a minister?" Yang Xiaoyan was left momentarily speechless and could only glare at him fiercely before dismissing him. Shortly after, Yang Xiaoyan was promoted to the Director of the Central Secretariat and also received the title of Special Assistant. Together with Han Changluan, he colluded to undermine Zu Ting. After Zu Ting stepped down, Yang Xiaoyan was appointed as the Right Deputy Minister, continuing to be responsible for selecting officials, and he appointed officials entirely based on personal preference, with a constant stream of people seeking his favor.
The emperor also ordered the dredging of the moat north of the capital, and Yang Xiaoyan was in charge of supervising the work. Officials such as Cui Shun, who held a rank equivalent to that of the three departments, the chief craftsman Yuan Shijiang, the Deputy Minister of Finance Li Xiaoyu, the left minister of the people Xue Shuzhao, the Judicial Officer of the State of Shi Cui Longzi, the Deputy Governor of Qingdu Yin Cheng Li Daolong, the magistrate of Ye County Wei Changqing, the magistrate of Linzhang Cui Xiang, and the magistrate of Cheng'an, Gao Ziche, among others, all worked under Yang Xiaoyan. During the supervision period, Yang Xiaoyan often held banquets, and everyone was required to kneel to toast and celebrate him. Some took the opportunity to express their grievances and request promotions, and Yang Xiaoyan, feeling quite pleased with himself, took all these as his achievements, promising each one, and even promoting them additionally. Many wealthy merchants were promoted and favored by him, and those he promoted were all uncouth, frivolous, and debauched characters. Later, he was promoted to the Left Deputy Minister, while retaining his titles of Special Assistant and Palace Official.
After Yang Xiaoyan became wealthy, his life became particularly extravagant, especially when it came to women. Later, he married Dong Shi, a concubine of Lou Dingyuan, and he particularly doted on her, which caused unrest both within and outside the household, resulting in mutual accusations. Ultimately, due to their conflicts, he was dismissed from office and exiled to Guangzhou. When the Northern Qi dynasty fell, the emperor ordered him to be recalled. Although Yang Xiaoyan was greedy and indulgent, lacking restraint, he was elegant in demeanor and very skilled at befriending notable figures. He never wasted beautiful scenery or wonderful moments, enjoying poetry and music, and having a great time. Even some obscure literati, as long as they had some talent, he would invite to his home to enjoy together, and he would occasionally help those who were destitute. Because of these actions, people praised him greatly. After the fall of Northern Qi, he sought refuge in Northern Zhou, where he was appointed as Minister of State and later promoted to a higher position.
Historical records indicate that Duan Rong, leveraging his connections with the royal family, seized favorable opportunities and achieved significant accomplishments, which can be considered a successful career. He assisted seven rulers, enhanced his family's reputation, frequently held important positions in remote areas, and sometimes was entrusted with the heavy responsibility of guarding the capital. In that court rife with suspicion, he ultimately met a favorable end and enjoyed a long life. Considering the many urgent situations at the border, with a general from Qi pressing on, he managed to remain safe and sound—was this just a coincidence? He must have understood the importance of being humble and cautious, that one's achievements should not outshine their actual contributions, that one should not use power to oppress others, nor employ schemes to seize opportunities. How could one hope for endless riches and glory? As the saying goes, "To follow one's true nature is the way to success," perhaps this is his secret to success?
Praise says: "Honor your roots and broaden your horizons. Position is gained through merit, and reputation is respected through virtue."
