Wanqi Pu, courtesy name Pubo, was from Taiping County, and his ancestors were descendants of the Xiongnu. He was strong and exceptionally skilled in martial arts. During the Zhengguang era, when Liu Han Balin rebelled, Wanqi Pu defeated him and was appointed as Grand Marshal. Later, he led his subordinates to surrender to Northern Wei and was appointed as General of the Rear, also holding the title of chief of the second civilian tribe. When Emperor Gaozu started his uprising, Wanqi Pu voluntarily pledged allegiance, and Emperor Gaozu greatly admired him. Later, when Hushi Chun compelled the emperor to flee westward, Wanqi Pu was appointed as Minister of Construction and Governor of Qinzhou, stationed at Fumacheng Fortress. After Emperor Gaozu pacified Xiazhou, Wanqi Pu led his tribe to join him, and Emperor Gaozu personally came out to welcome him, bestowing upon him the title of Duke of Hexi. He was then promoted to Grand Marshal and Governor of Shuozhou, before eventually passing away.
His son Wanqi Luo, courtesy name Shouluogan, was tall and powerful, with exceptional martial arts skills, far surpassing those of his peers, earning him great respect in his hometown. During the Liu Han Balin rebellion, he followed his father to surrender to Emperor Gaozu and was appointed as General of Extraordinary Valor. He fought alongside Er Zhu Rong, gaining military honors, and was later promoted to Governor of Fanzhou and General of Galloping Cavalry. When Emperor Gaozu's uprising took place in Xindu, Wanqi Luo again sent a sincere message pledging allegiance, which pleased Emperor Gaozu, who treated both father and son exceptionally well, appointing him as General of Peacekeeping and concurrently as Governor of Lingzhou. After Emperor Wu entered the Pass, he was again appointed as Left Minister. During the Tianping era, he followed his father back to the east and was granted the title of Duke of Jianchang, later being promoted to General of the Leading Army. He earned military honors during the siege of Jinyong City against Dugu Ruyuan and in the Battle of Heyin.
Emperor Gaozu held his father, Wanqi Puyan, in particular respect due to his old age and once personally helped him onto a horse. Wanqi Luo took off his hat, deeply bowed to Emperor Gaozu, and said, "I am willing to risk my life to repay your grace!" During the Battle of Heyin, as other troops crossed the bridge, only the army led by Wanqi Luo stood still. He yelled at the enemy to the west, "Wanqi Shouluo is right here; come if you dare!" His fierce presence intimidated the enemy to the west, causing them to flee. Due to his bravery, Emperor Gaozu named his camp Huiluo City. Wanqi Luo was generous, honorable, and fought valiantly, making him one of the most formidable generals of the time, praised by the world as a renowned general. He passed away during the Xihe period.
Zhu Hunyuan, styled Daoyuan, claimed he was from Liaodong. His family had served as local leaders for generations, and during the Wei dynasty, they surrendered with their followers to the court. His great-grandfather, Hu Yegong, eventually became a general at Huaishuo Town, and that’s where their family settled. Zhu Hunyuan was known for his generosity and military talent, and he became acquainted with Emperor Gaozu (referring to Northern Zhou's Emperor Wu, Yuwen Yong) when he was young.
Later, amidst the constant turmoil in the north, he took his family to Dingzhou. Just as Xianyu Xiuli was leading a rebellion, Zhu Hunyuan joined him. Ge Rong then allied with Xianyu Xiuli and made Zhu Hunyuan the King of Liang. Afterwards, Zhu Hunyuan switched allegiance to Er Zhu Rong and took on a subordinate general role, following Er Zhu Tianguang to attack Guanzhong, and was appointed governor of Weizhou in recognition of his contributions.
After He Ba Yue was murdered by Hou Mo Chen Yue, Wen of Zhou (referring to Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou, Yu Wen Yong) led He Ba Yue's former troops back to come up with a plan to confront Hou Mo Chen Yue. At that time, Zhu Hun Yuan was assisting Hou Mo Chen Yue, but after Hou Mo Chen Yue fled, Zhu Hun Yuan incorporated his army and occupied Qinzhou. As a result, he was besieged by the Zhou army, fought a tough battle, and finally both sides reached an alliance to cease hostilities. Zhu Hun Yuan had gained the favor of the founding emperor early on, and since his mother and brothers were in the east, he always thought about returning home. He frequently sent messages and secretly contacted the founding emperor.
Wen of Zhou was wary of Zhu Hun Yuan's talent and military power, knowing he was dissatisfied with the Zhou dynasty, so he sent troops to attack him. Zhu Hun Yuan led his army from Weizhou, crossing the Wulanjin to the northwest. Wen of Zhou repeatedly sent troops to intercept him, but Zhu Hun Yuan managed to beat them every time. He led his army through the territories of Hezhou and Yuanzhou, eventually broke through to the east. Liu Feng, the son-in-law of the governor of Lingzhou, Cao Ni, was on good terms with Zhu Hun Yuan, who told Liu Feng about the founding emperor's bravery and his destined success. From then on, Liu Feng decided to ally with the founding emperor and supported Zhu Hun Yuan.
Zhu Hun Yuan entered Yunzhou from the northeast of Lingzhou. Upon hearing of his arrival, the founding emperor sent General Gao Song from Pingyang with a gold ring to reward him and provided food supplies while sending people to welcome him. After Zhu Hun Yuan arrived in Jinyang, the founding emperor personally met him, and they shook hands and had a chat. The founding emperor rewarded him with a thousand bolts of cloth, servants, and land. His four brothers in Bingzhou were also promoted and granted titles. The generals under Zhu Hun Yuan also received titles and fiefs. The founding emperor made Zhu Hun Yuan a County Duke and appointed him as the Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry.
Once upon a time, this fellow Yuan Shan captured Yi Tong Jin Zuo and Huang Fu Zhi Da of the Western Wei in Dong Yong. After that, he was promoted and became the governor of Bingzhou. He then participated in battles alongside everyone, winning every fight and capturing many prisoners. During the Tianbao era, he was even bestowed the title of King of Fufeng! He repeatedly followed the emperor to campaign against the Shan Hu and Ru Ru, earning numerous military achievements, and eventually rose to the position of Grand Preceptor, but unfortunately, he died young. After his death, the court posthumously awarded him high honors such as the ceremonial yellow staff, Grand Chancellor, and Minister of Personnel, highlighting the court's high regard for him! Yuan Shan was always level-headed in battle and never suffered a defeat. The entire court mourned deeply, and in the early years of the Huangjian reign, he was honored to be worshiped alongside Emperor Shizong!
Liu Feng, courtesy name Fengsheng, was from Pule. This fellow was strong and imposing, was bold-hearted, spoke powerfully, and loved discussing military matters. When Liu Han Ba Ling led a rebellion, he defended the city successfully and was appointed as the governor of Pule. In the early years of Wei Yong'an, he became the Commander-in-Chief of Lingzhou. Later, Emperor Wen of Zhou wanted him to be the Grand General of the Guards, but he declined. So, Emperor Wen sent troops to besiege him, but their siege was unsuccessful. Liu Feng always admired the prestige of Emperor Gaozu, so he brought tens of thousands of households to pledge their allegiance to him. Emperor Gaozu appointed him as General of Pacifying the West and Governor of South Fenzhou. After that, he participated in quelling rebellions and achieved many merits. He also fought alongside Emperor Gaozu at Heyin, where he played a crucial role in that battle, and Emperor Gaozu even held his hand to praise him! Later, he was promoted to General of the Left Guards and then transferred to serve in Yinzhou.
Wang Sizheng occupied Changshe; therefore, Emperor Shizong dispatched Liu Feng and King Yue of Qinghe to attack him. Liu Feng devised a strategy to besiege the city by channeling water from the Weishui River into it, flooding the city walls and allowing fish and shrimp to swim in. The siege lasted from September to April, and the city was on the verge of falling. Consequently, Liu Feng and the acting commander, Murong Shaozong, boarded a boat to survey the situation and noticed a white mist rising in the north. Suddenly, a storm erupted, transforming day into night, accompanied by swirling sand and flying debris. The boat's cable snapped, causing it to drift directly to the foot of the city. Liu Feng attempted to swim towards the earthen hill but was capsized by the waves and could not reach it. He was hooked by the people on the western side and ultimately perished at the hands of the enemy. Liu Feng was known for his bravery and exceptional combat skills, which earned him widespread respect. Following his death, both the court and the public were shocked and mourned his loss. The court posthumously conferred upon him the titles of Grand Marshal, Minister of Works, and Chancellor, and bestowed upon him the posthumous title "Zhong" (Loyal). His son, Wang Ye, succeeded him in his title.
Po Liu Han Chang, whose courtesy name was Baonian, was a loyal subject of the court and a descendant of the Xiongnu chieftains. His ancestor, King Pan Li of Yougu, died in the state of Wei, and his descendants adopted Pan Li as their surname. Later, due to a transcription error, it was mistakenly recorded as Po Liu Han. His family had governed the tribe for generations. His father, Kongque, held the hereditary title of chieftain. Kongque was renowned for his bravery in his youth. At that time, a rebellion was led by a man named Ba Ling, and his father Kongque was appointed Grand Commander, Minister of Works, and King of Pingnan. His father Kongque surrendered with over ten thousand followers to Er Zhu Rong, and the court subsequently appointed him General of Pingbei and the first chief of the people, after which he passed away.
Po Liu Hanchang was a particularly intelligent and bold person, skilled in horseback riding and archery, who gradually became the General of Pacifying the West. During the time of Gaozu's uprising, he faithfully defended the borders and later returned to the court with Wanqi Shouluogan. Gaozu appreciated him greatly and promoted him to the position of Defender General. He fought alongside other generals and participated in battles against bandits with Gaozu, eventually being promoted to Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, and then appointed as the Duke of Pingyang and Governor of Luozhou.
Po Liu Hanchang told Emperor Shizong: "Since I have been stationed at Heyang, I frequently pass through the passes and am very familiar with the important areas along the two roads from Taigu, north to Jingzhou and south to Luozhou. However, the journey from the southern exit of Taigu to Jingzhou exceeds one hundred miles and must pass through Red Worker Slope, which is a major route for bandits traveling east and west. Between them lies a desolate stretch of one hundred fifty miles, and the bandits can only supply their provisions via this route. We should select a strategic location along this road to build cities and military camps to station troops and cut off their retreat, thus preventing them from transporting supplies." Emperor Shizong adopted his suggestion and dispatched Grand Marshal Huli Jin and others to construct the three towns of Yangzhi, Baijia, and Huyan. After Po Liu Hanchang's term ended, he returned to Jinyang and was appointed as Grand Guardian and Governor of Cangzhou, later passing away. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the titles of Minister of the Interior, Duke of Situ, Grand Tutor, and First Chief of the Common People, and he was also honored as a king and given the posthumous title of Loyal and Martial.
Jin Zuo, whose courtesy name was Shenjing, was from Anding. He had a brave character, valued his reputation, and loved to uphold justice. During the reign of Wei Zhengguang, a rebellion broke out in the Longyou region, and the court ordered the Governor of Yongzhou, Yuan Meng, to suppress it, recruiting locals familiar with the terrain to guide the troops. Jin Zuo signed up to participate. Through his military achievements, he was promoted step by step, eventually becoming the General of Dragon's Might and Governor of Lingzhou.
When Emperor Gaozu mobilized his forces, Er Zhu Tianguang led the troops from the Guanzhong region to resist Emperor Gaozu's forces alongside Zhongyuan and others. Er Zhu Tianguang left Jin Zuo in Dong Qin to command the troops of three provinces, responsible for defending two provinces. After Er Zhu Tianguang was defeated, Jin Zuo surrendered to Emperor Gaozu and was appointed as the General of Chariots and Cavalry. During the Battle of Mangshan, he served as the Grand Commander in defeating the Western Wei army. Later, Jin Zuo was appointed as the Governor of Huazhou and awarded the title of Minister of the Three Departments, and he was also granted the title of Count of Linji. He eventually died and was posthumously honored as Minister of Works.
Wei Zican, known as Huimao, was from Jingzhao. His great-grandfather Wei Lang was the commander of Xianyang during the Wei dynasty, and his father Wei Jun was the envoy of the capital. Wei Zican initially served as a clerk in the county, later promoted to the position of Langzhong in the Grand Chancellor's office, and followed Er Zhu Tianguang in pacifying the Guanzhong region. After Emperor Xiaowu entered Guanzhong, he appointed him as the Governor of Nanfan Province. Later, Gao Huan sent troops to attack, which led to the city's fall. Wei Zican's brothers and nephews were captured and taken to Jinyang, but they were later released. Gao Huan appointed Wei Zican as the Chief of Bingzhou, and he was later promoted to Governor of Yuzhou, eventually passing away.
At first, Wei Zican had thirteen brothers, and along with their nephews and relatives, the entire family of more than a hundred people was under the control of Western Wei. Because Wei Zican did not die in battle when the city fell, many of his family members were killed as a result, and only Wei Zican and his brother Wei Daoxie survived and returned to Northern Wei. After Wei Daoxie returned to Northern Wei with Wei Zican, once Wei Zican became prosperous, he abandoned Wei Daoxie, leaving him to fend for himself, and did not share any of his salary with his brother. He truly showed his ingratitude!
