Zhang Zuan, courtesy name Huizuan, was from Pingcheng in Dai County. His father, Zhang Lie, served as the governor of Sangqian. Zhang Zuan initially allied himself with Er Zhu Rong, and later served as the chief of staff for Er Zhu Zhao. Er Zhu Zhao sent him to meet Emperor Gaozu (referring to Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei, Yuan Hong), who immediately took a liking to him. When Gaozu raised his army in Shandong, Liu Dan was defending the city in Xiangzhou, and Zhang Zuan was also there. After Gaozu captured Xiangzhou, he included Zhang Zuan in the Chancellor's military affairs.
Zhang Zuan had a somewhat eccentric personality, but he got along well with those around Gaozu, and quickly rose to the position of Langzhong at the Xingtai. Later, when Gaozu reduced the fiefs of the princes and awarded the land to civil and military officials, Zhang Zuan also benefited from this and was granted the title of Marquis of Shouzhang County. As the Wei Emperor's health was declining, Gaozu went to Luoyang and appointed Yuan Chen, Duke of Zhao, as the Xingtai commander to defend Jinyang, while also appointing Zhang Zuan as the Right Chancellor. He was later promoted to the position of military advisor in the Chancellor's residence, and eventually became a Right Grand Minister. He was sent on a mission to Ruru, where he successfully conveyed Gaozu's orders. After that, he served in both the Zhongshu Province and the Chancellor's office as a Zhonglang.
During the Battle of Mangshan, they won a decisive victory and captured many prisoners. Gaozu tasked Zhang Zuan with escorting the prisoners back to the capital, and the Wei Emperor rewarded him with five hundred rolls of silk and bestowed upon him the title of Earl of Wuan. He then became the Right Chancellor of Gaozu and accompanied him in the campaign against Yubi.
The army was on its way back to Shandong, and when they reached Jinzhou, heavy rain suddenly poured down. The soldiers were cold and starving, and some even froze to death. As a border town, Jinzhou did not permit the army to enter. At that time, Zhang Zuan was the vanguard commander. Seeing this situation, he quickly ordered the city gates opened, allowing the soldiers to enter and arranging for them to stay with local families, providing them with warmth and food, saving many lives. Emperor Gaozu praised him highly upon hearing this. Zhang Zuan served under Emperor Gaozu for over twenty years, tasked with delivering orders, and was greatly valued by him. After Emperor Shizong, also known as Yuan Xu of Northern Wei, ascended the throne, Hou Jing rebelled in Yingchuan and colluded with Western Wei. The court appointed Zhang Zuan as the Southern Dao Xingtai commander to quell Hou Jing's rebellion. After the conflict, he was appointed governor of Yingzhou. Later, after Emperor Shizong became Crown Prince Shaofu, he, along with Wang Duan Xiaoxian from Pingyuan and Minister Xin Shu, besieged Eastern Chu, capturing several cities such as Guangling and Jingzhou, and killed the bandit chief Dongfang Ba. He was granted the title of Yitong Sansi and served as the ambassador responsible for overseeing the construction of the Great Wall, leading thousands of infantry and cavalry to secure the northern border. Upon returning to court, he was promoted to General of the Guard, but he soon passed away.
Zhang Liang, courtesy name 'Bode', was from Xicheng, Shanxi. He demonstrated exceptional abilities from a young age. Initially, he followed Er Zhu Zhao and was appointed General Pingyuan. Due to his achievements, he was granted the title of Earl of Xicheng, overseeing five hundred households. Later, when Gaozu waged war against Er Zhu Zhao in Jinyang, Er Zhu Zhao retreated to Xiurong. Er Zhu Zhao's subordinates secretly contacted Gaozu to express their surrender, but Zhang Liang chose not to. After Er Zhu Zhao's defeat, he fled into the deep mountains and forests, ordering Zhang Liang and his companion Chen Shan to behead him as a means of surrender, but they couldn't bring themselves to go through with it, and in the end, Er Zhu Zhao hanged himself. Zhang Liang cried over Er Zhu Zhao's corpse. Gaozu held him in high regard and appointed him as a military advisor in the chancellery, gradually promoting him and tasking him with administrative duties. During the Tianping era, he became the Chief Minister in the administration of Emperor Shizong, overseeing the military of the seven armies. Although he held the title of chief minister, he often stayed close to Gaozu. He was later promoted to Deputy Prime Minister of the Administrative Office.
When Gao Zhongmi rebelled, he defended Heyang together with Grand Marshal Huli Jin. The Western Wei's Emperor Wen launched fire boats upstream to incinerate the river bridge. Zhang Liang prepared more than a hundred small boats, each equipped with long iron chains, with nails affixed to the chain ends. As the fire boats drew near, he steered his small boat forward, using the nails to secure the fire boats, then pulled the iron chains toward the shore, preventing them from reaching the bridge. The river bridge was saved, thanks to Zhang Liang's efforts.
In the early years of the Wuding period, he was appointed as the Grand Master of the Palace. Xue Huai once dreamed that Zhang Liang was hanging silk threads from a mountain, so he told Zhang Liang, and the next day, the divination revealed: “Silk on the mountain is a sign of the 'Yōu' character. You will probably go to Youzhou, right?” A few months later, Zhang Liang was indeed appointed as the Governor of Youzhou. When the rebellion of Hou Jing broke out, he was appointed as General of Pacification and the Inspector of Liangzhou. He was subsequently appointed as the military governor of eleven states including Yangzhou and Yingzhou, also serving concurrently as the Minister of the Interior. Later, he was promoted to the military governor of eight states including Yuzhou, Yangzhou, and Yingzhou, the General to the West, the Inspector of Yuzhou, the Right Chancellor, and the Acting Governor of the Southwest. He attacked and captured seven cities including Jiangxia and Yingyang of the Liang dynasty.
Zhang Liang was upright, diligent, and highly capable, earning the trust of Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Shizong, who entrusted him with important tasks. However, he had a few minor flaws; he did not pay much attention to his personal image, was fond of wealth, and, having spent a long time close to the emperor, was unable to maintain integrity. Later, when he served in various regions, he was rumored to have engaged in corruption and bribery. In the later years of the Wuding period, he was summoned back to court and served as the Shizhong and the Chief Justice of Fenzhou. In the early years of the Tianbao period, he was appointed as the Grand Master of Ceremonies, awarded the title of General of Cavalry, and also conferred the title of Marquis of Anding County. He was later promoted to Zhonglingjun. Shortly thereafter, he passed away while in office and was posthumously granted the title of Grand Minister.
Zhang Yao, courtesy name Lingguang, hails from Changping in Hebei. His father, Zhang Feng, was the chief historian in Jinzhou. Zhang Yao was upright and cautious from a young age, and he was knowledgeable about the workings of government. He began his career as a court official and was later promoted to the position of military advisor in the Water Office of the Ministry of War. When Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei raised an army, he appointed Zhang Yao as the chief historian to Grand General Han Gui. Han Gui later became the governor of Yingzhou and Jizhou, and appointed Zhang Yao as his advisor. Later, Zhang Yao was impeached by the censor, and at that time, over a hundred officials from the provincial government and Han Gui's circle were arrested for corruption, but Zhang Yao was fortunate to escape unscathed due to his integrity. After that, he was summoned by the court and appointed to the Granary Department of the Prime Minister's Office.
After Emperor Xiaowen ascended the throne, Zhang Yao was promoted to a secretary in the Prime Minister's Office. During the Tianbao era, the emperor granted him the title of Duke of Dutingxiang, entrusting him with managing storage operations. Zhang Yao was in charge of all court-awarded items. He was later promoted to the position of Secretary of the Ministry, and then to Right Minister in the Ministry of Personnel. One night, when Emperor Xiaowen returned, Zhang Yao, unable to see well in the dark, was worried the visitor could be an imposter, so he did not open the door immediately and remained on guard. The emperor waited outside for a long time and urged him to open the door. Zhang Yao said it was too dark to tell who was who, and he must wait for the torches to light up the area before opening the door. Thus, Zhang Yao went out alone to meet the emperor. The emperor smiled and said, "You want to learn from Zhi Junzhang, right?" He then asked Zhang Yao to open the door and went in himself, praising him warmly and rewarding him with brocade. Later, Zhang Yao was appointed as the governor of South Qingzhou, but he hadn't taken office yet. After Emperor Xiaowu assumed regency, Zhang Yao was again promoted to the position of Secretary General.
Zhang Yao served several generations of emperors, working diligently and steadfastly, gaining the emperor's trust and having never erred. Whenever he received his salary and rewards, he would share them with his family and relatives. He lived a simple and frugal life, being frugal in his clothing and meals. He enjoyed reading the "Spring and Autumn Annals" once a month, and his contemporaries likened him to Jia Yi and Liang Qiu He. Zhao Yan Shen once asked Zhang Yao, "Are you studying the 'Zuo Zhuan' so intently to identify errors in Fu Qian and Du Yu's annotations?" Zhang Yao replied, "How could I possibly do that? The 'Zuo Zhuan' provides detailed accounts of various events; bad examples serve as warnings, while good ones offer lessons to emulate. Therefore, I strive to study not to pick faults with the ancients." In the first year of the Tian Tong era, when Emperor Xianming took the throne, Zhang Yao suddenly fell ill before the emperor while presenting matters. The emperor stepped down from his throne to check on him, calling out several times, but Zhang Yao did not respond. The emperor wept, exclaiming, "Am I to lose my loyal minister?" Ten days later, Zhang Yao passed away at the age of sixty-three years. The court issued an edict praising Zhang Yao for his loyalty, integrity, gentleness, respectfulness, and cleanliness. He was posthumously awarded the titles of Minister of State, Right Assistant Minister, and Governor of Yanzhou, and was posthumously honored with the name Zhen Jian.
Zhao Qi, courtesy name Xingluo, hailing from Guangping. His father, Zhao Da, worked as a registrar in Youzhou. Zhao Qi was known for being steady and reliable, and was quite capable. When the banner of righteousness was raised, Emperor Gaozu appointed Duan Rong as the governor of Dingzhou, and Zhao Qi became Duan Rong's deputy, later promoted to the position of Cavalry Commander. During the Tianping era, he was summoned to the Xiangfu to take on the role of Cavalry Officer and rose through the ranks to the position of Junior Grand Master. Under Emperor Shizong, Zhao Qi was appointed as the governor of Jianzhou and later promoted to Shizhong. He spent many years in the cavalry department at the Xiangfu, overseeing military affairs for over a decade. After Emperor Xianzong took the throne, Zhao Qi resigned from his position as governor and returned to the capital. Although he held the title of Ninth Minister and Shizhong, he continued to serve as the military inspector, often engaged in court affairs, holding a key position similar to the "Two Zhangs" (referring to Zhang Jianzhi and Zhang Tinggui). He was later appointed as the governor of Xiyanzhou, where he seriously worked on reforming the bureaucracy and strictly prohibited illegal activities, but after over a year, he was dismissed for not achieving significant results. In the second year of Heqing, he was recalled to Jinyang. Three years later, he was promoted to Minister of the Cults, given the title of Opening Office, equivalent to a rank shared by three ministers. In the early years of Tiantong, he was promoted to Taichangqing and granted the fief of Langya County. Two years later, he was appointed as the governor of Cangzhou and concurrently served as the commander of six provinces. He died in office during the Wuping era.
Xu Yuan, styled as Yanxia, was from Shimen, Guangning, originally from Guangping. His great-grandfather, Xu Ding, was a military general in Yunzhong and the commander of the Pingshu garrison troops, later settling in Shuofang. Xu Yuan began learning to manage political affairs at a young age and was appointed as an official by the prefecture. Not long after, he joined the governor in supporting the righteous cause and was appointed as the commander of the defensive forces, later becoming the magistrate of Yingtiao County. Emperor Gaozu valued Xu Yuan's familiarity with documents and appointed him as a military advisor for the cavalry, where he frequently took part in battles and earned many military honors, earning the emperor's great admiration. He served as the governor of Julu and Chenliu counties successively. During the early years of the Tianbao era, he was impeached by the censors but was later pardoned and remained in obscurity for two years. Emperor Xianzu, considering Xu Yuan an old minister, specially appointed him as the chief of military history, later promoting him to the governor of East Xuzhou Province, and then returned to the court as a Grand Official. In the early years of the Heqing era, he was promoted to the position of General of the Guard. In the second year of Heqing, he was appointed as an envoy with the authority to command military affairs in East Chuzhou Province and as the governor of East Chuzhou Province. In the second year of Tiantong, he was awarded the titles of Yitong Sansi and Weiwei. Four years later, he was further promoted to the position of Kaifu Yitong Sansi and Right Guanglu Grand Official. He passed away in the early years of the Wuping era.
Xu Yuan was known for his generosity and kindness, greatly beloved by the people. During his tenure in East Chuzhou Province, that winter, a devastating fire broke out in the provincial capital, devastating many families who lost everything. Xu Yuan personally went to the disaster site, and upon seeing this scene, he was moved to tears. He took charge of the disaster relief efforts himself, helping everyone rebuild their homes and get back on their feet. His eldest son, Xu Shirong, served as a member of the Central Secretariat and an attendant at the Yellow Gate.
Wang Jun, style name Luan Song, was from Lingqiu. He was intelligent, witty, and very talented. His grandfather, Emperor Gaozu, appointed him as a military officer in the Ministry of War, but he was later dismissed after he committed an offense. After a while, Emperor Xianzu appointed him as a ceremonial official and then as a military officer in the Chengju. He was promoted several times and eventually became the Grand Justice of Hengzhou, later serving as a military officer in the Xiangfu of Emperor Shizong. He followed the army to suppress the rebellion in Huaiyin and was granted the title of Baron of Beiping. He later became the Governor of Yingzhou.
Yingzhou, located on the border, often faced harassment from bandits, causing great distress among the common folk. After Wang Jun took office in Yingzhou, he sent scouts to scout enemy movements from a distance and set up many decoy troops to confuse the enemy. Whenever the bandits attacked, he consistently launched surprise attacks, catching them off guard. Over time, the bandits no longer dared to act recklessly, and peace was finally restored in Yingzhou. Previously, the Governor of Yingzhou, Lu Shimao, had used schemes to kill over eight hundred Shiwai people, leading to a halt in tribute payments from them. After Wang Jun took office, he set an ambush on the road that the Shiwai people had to pass, successfully capturing them and securing a significant victory, even capturing their leader and bringing him back to the capital. Afterward, Wang Jun treated them kindly and released them. From then on, the Shiwai people wholeheartedly submitted and resumed paying tribute to the court, for which Wang Jun played a significant role.
At first, the leader of the Ruru tribe, Anluo Chen, migrated east with his remaining forces. Wang Jun anticipated that they would pass through Yingzhou, so he prepared in advance. Not long after, Anluo Chen indeed brought his army and set up camp west of Yingzhou City. Wang Jun then set up an ambush and inflicted a crushing defeat on Anluo Chen's army, capturing many important figures, including notable figures like Wang Yujiliu Doubati and others, totaling dozens of people, all sent to the capital. Anluo Chen then retreated in disgrace. The emperor was very pleased and promoted Wang Jun to Secretary of the Council.
First, after the废帝 ascended to the throne, he was first appointed as the governor of Luozhou and the Left Chancellor of the Hengyang Circuit. Later, during the reign of Emperor Jian, the emperor ordered the construction of a 300-li-long trench west of Luozhou, establishing cities and garrisons there to guard against spies. In the first year of Heqing, he was summoned to serve as the Minister of Rites. After that, the emperor sent him to Jin Yang (晋阳) to inspect the military, and not long after, he was reassigned back to Ye City, changing his position to the Minister of the Imperial Stables.
Whenever the emperor traveled, he always assisted the Crown Prince and various princes in handling state affairs alongside Wei Jin, the Minister of Personnel. He was also granted land in Liangjun, and later promoted to the position of Palace Attendant, and then served as the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. Later, when the Zhou army invaded, the emperor ordered him to lead troops from Ye City to He Yang to repel the enemy, in his official capacity, along with Wang Lou Rui of Dong'an and Wang Pu of Wuxing.
When the emperor arrived in Luoyang, Xuan Hu City had been occupied by the Zhou army, and the emperor appointed him as the Southern Circuit Inspector, ordering him to march south with Lou Rui to suppress the enemy. Before they reached their destination, the Zhou army abandoned the city and retreated. The emperor then sent him to pacify Yongzhou and Yingzhou. In the spring of the fourth year, he returned to the capital. As a result of violating regulations by transporting prohibited goods and intercepting military rations, the authorities intended to execute him in accordance with regulations, and his family was to be conscripted. The emperor specially ordered that he be given one hundred lashes, removed from his official position, and exiled to Jiafang, while his family was spared punishment. Later, upon encountering a general amnesty, his family was freed from servitude.
In the second year of Tiantong, he was appointed General of the Cavalry and Minister of the Three Departments, and soon after was further promoted to the position of Chancellor. In the early years of Wuping, he was appointed as Palace Attendant. He passed away four years later and was posthumously granted the title of Duke of Sikong.
Wang Hong, courtesy name Shiluo, was a native of Tai'an from the Di ethnic group and originally the chief of a small tribe. His father, Wang Ji, liked to read and was very wise and strategic. At first, he followed Ge Rong to rebel, and Ge Rong appointed him as the King of Jibei and the Inspector of Ningzhou. Later, after Ge Rong's defeat, Wang Ji held the city and refused to surrender; he eventually surrendered only after Er Zhu Rong sent someone to persuade him. After Er Zhu Rong's death, He Douling captured Wang Ji and brought him to Hexi, but Wang Ji later managed to escape back to Er Zhu Zhao. After Gaozu subdued Er Zhu Zhao, he appointed Wang Ji as Governor and also made him the Prefect of Yining.
Wang Ji had known Emperor Wen of the Zhou Dynasty since his early years in Ge Rong's army. When Emperor Wen occupied Guanzhong, Gaozu sent Wang Ji and the Chief of Staff Hou Jing as envoys to Emperor Wen, but Emperor Wen chose to detain Wang Ji. Later, Wang Ji escaped back and was appointed as the Chief of Staff of Jizhou, and later acted as the official in charge of Sizhou. In the early years of the Yuanxiang era, he was promoted to Inspector of South Yizhou and North Yuzhou. In the regions where he served as an official, he was known for extracting wealth from the people, but he was generally straightforward, and the common people did not hold much resentment toward him. In the winter of the fourth year of the Xinghe era, he was murdered by a servant at the age of sixty-five. Following his death, he was posthumously awarded the titles of General of the Eastern Expedition, Minister of Personnel, and Inspector of Dingzhou.
Zhang Hong loved horseback riding and archery from a young age and was also passionate about literature. He was clever, quick-witted, and had excellent oratory skills. At the age of thirteen, he met the Inspector of Yangzhou, Guo Yuanzhen of Taiyuan, who gave him a friendly pat on the back and asked, "What books have you read?" Zhang Hong replied, "I've read the 'Classic of Filial Piety'." Guo Yuanzhen asked, "What does the 'Classic of Filial Piety' say?" Zhang Hong answered, "'The Classic of Filial Piety' says: 'Do not be arrogant when in a position of authority, and do not create chaos for those below you.'" Guo Yuanzhen said, "As an inspector, would I be arrogant?" Zhang Hong replied, "Even if you aren't arrogant, a gentleman should be cautious and take steps to prevent issues before they arise. I hope you will pay more attention to this." Guo Yuanzhen appreciated him very much.
At the age of fifteen, he followed his father in Northern Yuzhou, where Duke Huanjing debated with others whether a garment's opening should be on the left or right. Minister Jing Xianjun remarked, "Confucius once said: 'Without Guan Zhong, I'd have to let my hair down and wear my garment open to the left.'" Thus, the opening should be on the right." Zhang Huan then said, "In our country, where the dragon soars high in the sky and dominates the Central Plains, the rituals of the Five Emperors differ, and the systems of the Three Kings vary. What’s there to debate about which side the opening should be on?" Hou Jing was astonished by his precocity and rewarded him with a fine horse.
During the Xinghe period, Emperor Shizong summoned him to the palace as a warehouse supervisor and later promoted him to the position of Fengchao Qing. After Emperor Shizong died suddenly, Zhang Huan stepped up to protect the emperor, risking his own safety. Due to his unwavering loyalty, he was granted the title of Baron of Pingchun and awarded seven hundred bolts of cloth, fifty bolts of silk, thirty thousand coins, along with a gold belt and a fine horse, and was appointed as the Magistrate of Jinyang. During the Tianbao period, he was promoted to General of Ningyuan, earning the favor and trust of Emperor Xianzu.
Once, the emperor and his ministers were drinking, and he joyfully said, "What a truly delightful experience!" Zhang Huan replied, "There is great joy, but also great suffering." The emperor asked, "What do you mean by great suffering?" Zhang Huan said, "A long night of reckless drinking, unaware of fatigue, the downfall of a nation and the ruin of a family, death and the obliteration of one's name—this is what we call great suffering." The emperor fell silent. Later, the emperor reproached Zhang Huan, saying, "You served my brother alongside He Xi She Le, and when She Le died, why did you not die?" Zhang Huan replied, "It is a common principle that when a ruler dies, his subjects should die. However, the rebels are weak and unable to attack, which is why I have not died." The emperor ordered Yan Zi to bind Zhang Huan, and Prince Changguang seized his hair. The emperor personally took up a knife, ready to kill him. Zhang Huan said, "Yang Zunyan and Cui Jishu fled to escape disaster, yet both later became Ministers. Those who risked their lives to be loyal ended up being killed—this has never happened before in history!" The emperor threw the knife to the ground and said, "The royal army cannot indiscriminately kill the innocent!" Thus, he spared him.
In 73 BC, during the reign of Emperor Zhao, Zhang Huan was appointed as a military officer in the Central and Outer Government, marking his official entry into politics. By 69 BC, he was promoted again and granted the title of Duke of Yiyang, becoming a nobleman. In 67 BC, he followed the army to fight the Turks and was further promoted to General of the Cavalry, earning significant military achievements. In 65 BC, he was promoted to the position of Deputy Minister of the Court and also added the title of Shooting Sound Officer. He continued to climb the ranks and eventually became a Palace Attendant. By the time of the Wuping era, he had attained the position of Minister of State with the title of Chancellor of the Three Departments, holding a high and powerful position.
Zhang Hong once wrote to the emperor, saying: "The Turks and the Yuwen clan have close ties and are likely colluding with each other, which will disturb both the north and south. We should select the nine most elite soldiers from the states and equip them with strong bows and crossbows, occupying key strategic positions. I hope Your Majesty can show compassion for loyal ministers and former officials, care for orphans and widows, reward the good, forgive mistakes, acknowledge their contributions and strengthen familial ties, open the path of kindness, emulate the virtuous deeds of Yao and Shun, learn from the achievements of Yu and Tang, restrain oneself, and restore propriety, so that peace can prevail in the world and the people can live and work in joy."
Five years later, the army of Chen invaded Huainan, and the court summoned ministers to discuss countermeasures. Some suggested sending troops to attack, but Zhang Hong opposed, saying: "Our army has lost several battles before, and morale is low, with the people in a state of panic. If we raise troops again to fight in the Jianghuai region, the Turks in the north and the enemies in the west will likely take the opportunity to attack us, which could be dangerous! It would be better to reduce taxes, reduce corvée labor, recuperate and stabilize the people's hearts, unite the court, and win over both distant and nearby subjects through benevolence and moral integrity. This way, the world will naturally stabilize, and it will not just be about pacifying the state of Chen!"
Gao Anagong said to everyone: "Wang Wuwei advocates moving south." Everyone agreed with this opinion. Soon, Zhang Hong was also appointed as Shizhong and was sent on a diplomatic mission to the Zhou Dynasty. Shortly after returning to court, he passed away. Zhang Hong loved writing and composed twenty-four essays titled "Jianjie," that were quite well-written.
The historical records state: Zhang Zuan and others served during the Ba Dynasty period and contributed to the country, all of whom were outstanding ministers of the Qi State. Bo De wept bitterly at the sight of the corpse, Ling Guang steadfastly guarded the passes and stationed troops; their actions reflected the demeanor of renowned ancient ministers.
It is said: Zuan, Liang, Yao, Qi, Xu Yuan, Hong, and Jun, serving the sun, rising high, and soaring far with the wind. The tree stands firm at the pass, ultimately bright and loyal.
