Pei Rangzhi, courtesy name Shili, lost his father at the age of sixteen and was devastated. His mother, Mrs. Xin, cried as she stroked him and said, "Can you forsake your true nature and still be a good son?" From that moment on, Pei Rangzhi strived even harder to better himself. His mother, Mrs. Xin, was a remarkably wise woman who valued etiquette highly. After his father's death, with her sons still young, Mrs. Xin brought in many teachers and friends to educate them, sometimes even teaching them herself. For any significant family occasions, whether joyful or sorrowful, relatives would seek Mrs. Xin's opinion.
Pei Rangzhi loved learning from a young age, was gifted in literature, and had a way with words, gaining fame early on. During the Tianping years of Emperor Xiaowen of Wei, he passed the xiucai examination and scored highly in the essay exam. He gradually rose through the ranks and became the chief of the Tun Tian Zhu Ke Lang Zhong. People at court would say, "If we are talking about someone who can write poetry, it must be Pei Rangzhi!" He also served as the recorder for the Taiyuan Public Office. He shared a close friendship with Yang Yin, and they could chat for a whole day whenever they crossed paths. Yang Yin often said, "This guy is charming and talented; Pei Wenji (his courtesy name) is bound to make a name for himself!" Later, when the Liang dynasty sent envoys, the emperor assigned Pei Rangzhi to temporarily oversee the reception of the envoys.
His second brother, Pei Zouzhi, ran off to Guanzhong, which led to all five brothers being captured. Gao Yang of the Northern Qi asked, "Where is Pei Zouzhi?" Pei Rangzhi replied, "In the past, during the Wu and Shu states, the Zhuge brothers were able to find their rightful places; especially since my mother is still at home waiting for me. Between ruler and subject, each should perform their duties. If one cannot even uphold loyalty and respect for one's parents, then I am not worthy of being called a person. I hope you'll treat others with sincerity; if you use deceitful means to deal with others, how can anyone trust you? Trying to conquer the world this way is like trying to walk backward on a path to wisdom; it just won’t work." Gao Yang greatly appreciated his words and released all the brothers. Later, Pei Rangzhi became the chief clerk of General Wenxiang and also held the position of a palace attendant, then he served as a regular attendant and was sent as an envoy to the Liang Dynasty. General Wenxiang once attended court, and Pei Rangzhi was responsible for guiding him, displaying very proper demeanor and conduct. Upon seeing this, General Wenxiang remarked, "Shi Li is truly a good attendant!" Subsequently, Pei Rangzhi was promoted to be the long-term Deputy Minister of the Central Secretariat, leading the attendants. After the emperor of the Qi Dynasty abdicated, Pei Rangzhi was arranged to live in a side palace. When he bid farewell to the ministers, everyone was crying profusely, making for a very emotional farewell. Later, he was granted the title of Count of Ningdu and was responsible for some ceremonial duties. The emperor originally intended to make him a palace attendant, but someone suggested he was not fit for palace duties due to his size, so he was reassigned as the governor of Qinghe.
Not long after arriving in Qinghe County, Yang Yin told Pei Rang's younger brothers, "I have a close relationship with your brother and have been paying close attention to his governance. Recently, someone returned from Qinghe and said that the corrupt officials there have been behaving much better, and there are fewer thieves. There have been some big changes in just a month!" Qinghe County originally had two very notorious officials, Tian Zhuangu and Sun Shexing, who had long engaged in bribery and corruption, oppressed the common people, and frequently extorted money. Legally, their crimes didn’t warrant the death penalty. However, Pei Rang felt they had seriously violated the law, so he had them executed.
At that time, Wang Yue of Qinghe was the Governor of Sizhou and sent someone to investigate the matter. The Court Official Gao Dezheng, who didn't get along with Pei Rang, reported, "When Your Majesty abdicated, Pei Rang was still thinking of the Wei Dynasty and cried uncontrollably; having him in office is not something he wanted." Later, Yang Yin stepped in, saying, "He shouldn't be put to death." Emperor Wenxuan was furious and snapped at Yang Yin, "Do you want to be buried with Pei Rang?!" At that point, nobody dared to say anything more. The memorial was submitted, and Pei Rang was ultimately sentenced to death at home.
Pei Zou, courtesy name Shizheng, had a passion for Confucianism since childhood and became a Doctor of the Imperial Academy. He once borrowed a hundred volumes of books from Chang Jing and returned them in just over ten days' time. Chang Jing doubted that he could possibly finish them all, so he quizzed him on every single volume, and Pei Zou answered each question fluently without making a single mistake. Chang Jing exclaimed, "This proves the saying 'the five elements are fully present'; Ni Heng had an excellent memory, and now I see the same in Pei Sheng!" Yang Yin arranged for his reburial and asked Pei Zou to write more than ten epitaphs, all of which were excellently composed. Pei Rang, Pei Zou, and the younger brother of Huangfu He, Huangfu Liang, were all quite famous in Luoyang, and people often said, "Pei Zou surpasses Pei Rang, and Huangfu He is not as good as Huangfu Liang." Sikong Gao Qian wrote a letter inviting Pei Zou to be a military advisor, but Pei Zou politely declined the invitation. Prince Pei established the Grand Marshal's residence and hired him as a secretary. Later, after the capital was moved to Ye City, Pei Zou remained in Henan. When Dugu Xin, a general of the Western Wei, captured Jinyong City, he appointed Pei Zou as an official in his administration, praising him as a "talent from Luoyang." After Dugu Xin faced defeat, Pei Zou lived in Nanshan, and Wang Yuangui, the governor of Luozhou province, summoned him to serve as an assistant. The Western Wei army launched a sudden attack but retreated soon after, so Pei Zou followed the Western Wei army into Guanzhong. Emperor Wen of Zhou appointed him as the Grand Secretary, and following his death, he was posthumously granted the title of Governor of Xuzhou.
Yan Zhi, courtesy name Shiping, began studying earnestly at the age of seven and became well-known early on. He later rose through the ranks step by step, eventually becoming the chief official of the Minister of Public Works. Yang Yin praised him every time, saying, "Among the gentry of Hedong, there are many officials in the capital, but only the Yan brothers and their close friends have no rural accent at all." Although Yan Zhi was young, he was selective about his friendships; he only maintained close ties with a few friends who were much older than him, such as Xin Shu of Longxi, Li Hui of Zhao Jun, Li Gou of Dunqiu, and Cui Zhan of Qinghe. When the casket of Emperor Xiaozhao of the Northern Qi was to be transported back to Ye City, Yan Zhi was promoted to the position of ceremonial official. He was particularly well-versed in historical references and ceremonial systems, and he was able to correct errors in funeral rites. When he was the governor of Yongchang, he would use his own money to assist travelers passing through his county, which was a rarity at the time. He proactively considered the needs of the people and was highly regarded by both the common folk and officials. After the fall of the Qi dynasty, he served in the Zhou dynasty and ultimately died in office as governor of Yichuan.
Huangfu He, courtesy name Changxie, was from the Anding region. His ancestors lived in Hanzhong because of their government service. His grandfather, Huangfu Cheng, was the governor-general of Qinzhou and Liangzhou during the Southern Qi dynasty. His father, Huangfu Hui, courtesy name Zixuan, was the governor-general of Anding County and Lueyang County during the Liang dynasty. In the second year of the Wei Zhengshi era, he moved to the Wei state with his father-in-law, Xiahou Daoqian, who specifically recommended Huangfu Hui to the emperor of Wei, hoping to make him a high official. Huangfu Hui said, "I had no part in planning this matter from the start; although I may desire wealth and honor, I feel guilty in my heart." As a result, he turned it down. The governor-general of Liangzhou, Yang Lingyou, valued his integrity and recommended him to be the Sima of the Bureau of Capturing Enemies, but he later died. Huangfu He became an orphan at the age of eleven. His mother, from the Xiahou clan, was very talented and emphasized etiquette, personally teaching him to read. As he grew up, Huangfu He was composed and dignified, especially proficient in etiquette. Whenever there were important family events, whether joyful or sorrowful, they would seek his advice. He ultimately passed away while serving as the governor of Jiyin.
Li Gou, courtesy name Zuji, was from Liyang. His grandfather, Li Ping, was a minister in the Wei court. Li Gou was known for his integrity from a young age. He began his official career as a military officer in the Ministry of War and gradually rose through the ranks to become the governor of Qiao Prefecture, where he eventually passed away.
Wei Dasi Nong's son, Wei Shu, my father's younger brother, has loved studying since childhood, is charismatic and refined, and adheres to propriety and etiquette, fully embodying the family's noble traditions. Later, he was promoted to the position of county magistrate of Linzhang. After the publication of the "Book of Wei," Wei Shu, along with Lu Fei and Wang Songnian, accused Wei Shou of unfair practices in his writing, and as a result, they were all imprisoned. Wei Shou claimed in his book that Wang Huilong hailed from Taiyuan and accused Wang Qiong of misconduct; Lu Fei also involved the "Biography of Lu Xuan" in the controversy; Li Ping claimed to be from Chenliu and mentioned his family's poverty. This prompted Lu Fei and the others to accuse Wei Shou and told Yang Yin, "Wei Shou is out to get us!" Yang Yin sided with Wei Shou and informed Emperor Xianzhu about Lu Fei and the others, who had them shaved bald and whipped them two hundred times. Wei Shu ultimately perished in Linzhang prison, and his brother Wei Yue was heartbroken over this, never daring to set foot in Linzhang County again.
Zhang Yanzhi, whose courtesy name is Xide, was orphaned at a young age but was kind-hearted and deeply filial. His mother, Zheng, was a wise and nurturing teacher, and his every word and action adhered to the norms of propriety. He followed Er Zhu Rong to quell Yuan Hao's rebellion and was granted the title of Wuchengzi. Later, he rose through the ranks to become a Langzhong in the Ministry of Personnel, with a salary of two thousand stones. When Gao Yue was dispatched to campaign in Yingchuan, he appointed Zhang Yanzhi as the military commander and concurrently as the chief recorder. Zhang Yanzhi was not only exceptionally talented in literature but also skilled in martial arts. He often discussed military affairs with Gao Yue in the military tent and frequently charged into battle, personally slaying enemy leaders, gaining Gao Yue's high regard. During the Tianbao era, Emperor Wenxuan arranged for Wang Gaoyang to take Zhang Yanzhi's daughter as a concubine and sent him to Jinyang for the wedding. At the banquet, everyone composed poetry, and Zhang Yanzhi also wrote a poem: "When the world is governed, / The ruler is wise and the ministers are upright; / Even when they rest, they do not rest, / Eternally benefiting the world." Emperor Wenxuan replied with a smile, "Hearing your advice truly comforts my heart!" Later, Zhang Yanzhi served as the governor of North Xuzhou and soon officially took office, winning the affection of the local people. Inspector Cui Ziwu inspected the states and counties, arriving at North Xuzhou, where he found no signs of misconduct, only receiving a few poems titled "Praise for Clear Virtue" from the locals. He lamented, "I set out to find evidence of wrongdoing, but instead, I heard praises." He was subsequently promoted to governor of Yanzhou, but before he could assume office, he passed away and was posthumously honored with the title of governor of Qizhou.
Lu Ang, courtesy name Yunjü, was exceptionally clever and bright from a young age, handsome and charming, and especially studious, often reading day and night, mastering the core teachings of the Five Classics. His writing was also excellent, and even Xing Shao of Hejian held him in high esteem. Xing Shao had a good relationship with Lu Ang and once said to Lu Ang's son, Lu Zhang: "I compare you to an old clam that has finally produced a pearl; I'd like to write a family history for your family; what do you think?" From then on, Lu Ang's reputation grew, and he gained recognition from many knowledgeable and influential figures.
He was first appointed as an official in the Imperial Secretariat and later served as the chief clerk to General Wenxiang and a member of the Imperial Secretariat, while also concurrently holding the position of Horsekeeper to the Crown Prince. After relations between the Liang and Wei dynasties warmed, envoys visited each other annually, and Lu Ang was often responsible for hosting. When reciting poetry in front of the emperor, Lu Ang was always the first to finish, and although his poems were not necessarily perfect, his speed left a deep impression.
Later, he was promoted to a position in the Imperial Secretariat, responsible for compiling the national history. After his father's death, he resigned from his official position to observe mourning rites, fulfilling his filial obligations, and grew thin from grief. The court issued an edict to reinstate him to his former position. At that time, King Wenxiang was stationed in Ye City and greatly admired Lu Ang's filial piety, personally visiting to offer his condolences and encouragement. Lu Ang's mother was a princess of the Wei state, initially titled Princess of Lantian, and was a woman of great wisdom and integrity. Lu Ang had six brothers, all born of the princess. Therefore, Xing Shao often said, "Lantian produces jade; it is indeed not an empty saying!" The princess educated her children with strong principles in her teachings; although their family experienced tremendous upheaval and suffering, it was all part of their nature, yet their conduct adhered to the norms of propriety, thanks to their mother's teachings.
Lu Ang and his brothers constructed a modest shelter beside their mother's grave to fulfill their mourning duties and together raised soil to mound the grave. The court was deeply moved by this and specially issued a decree to commend them, renaming their neighborhood to Filial Endurance Lane. Once the mourning period ended and it was time to inherit the title, Lu Ang felt unworthy of inheriting the marquis title and was unwilling to accept it.
During the Tianbao period of the Northern Qi, King Changshan recognized Ang's talents and recommended him for the position of Deputy Minister of the Yellow Gate. He was later promoted to the position of Minister of Personnel. Subsequently, when Wang Sizong of Shangluo became the Governor of Qingdu, he summoned Ang to serve as County Chief, in charge of the affairs of Beiqiu County. During this time, Ang's mother passed away, and he was heartbroken, nearly unable to cope, suffering from a serious illness and lying in bed in a daze all day long. He later contracted a cold.
His fifth brother, Tuan, also fell gravely ill and, before his death, told his brothers, "Be sure he doesn't find out, and he must not hear any sounds of weeping, lest he be too saddened." Therefore, the family kept it from him until after his brother was buried, and then they told him. Upon hearing the news, Ang was devastated and fainted from grief; he was only forty-eight years old at that time. While serving in the court, Ang was cautious and careful, never speaking ill of others or boasting about his own achievements. He was very steady in his words and actions, with strong principles and insight, and both the court and the public mourned his passing.
The court posthumously granted him the titles of General of the Guard and Governor of Qingzhou, with the posthumous title of "Wen." He left behind fourteen volumes of writings that have survived through the ages, and many of the ritual songs for the Northern Qi ancestral temple were composed by him. His son Yi inherited his title and was made Marquis of Shiping.
Wang Songnian was fairly well-known in his youth. Later, when King Wenxiang was an official in Bingzhou, he summoned him to be the chief scribe. He was promoted all the way to the rank of Tongzhi Sanqi Changshi and accompanied Li Wei on a diplomatic mission to the Liang Kingdom. After returning, he became the Minister of the Shangshu. After Wei Shou finished writing the "Book of Wei," Wang Songnian made some critical remarks, which angered Emperor Wenxuan, who forbade him from speaking and even punished him physically. More than a year later, he was released and appointed as the magistrate of Linzhang County, and then promoted to the positions of Sima, Biejia, and Dazhongzheng in Bingzhou. After Emperor Xiaozhao ascended the throne, he promoted him to be the Attendant of the Yellow Gate. The emperor often had him sit beside him to discuss state affairs and held him in high esteem. After Emperor Xiaozhao passed away, Wang Songnian hurried day and night to Ye to read the imperial edict. While reading the edict, he cried bitterly, and his face remained unchanged, speaking clearly until he finished. After he completed the reading, he wept loudly and collapsed to the ground, deeply moving all the officials. After returning to Jinyang, he also served as Shizhong, escorting the coffin back to Ye. Other old officials avoided expressing their grief publicly, but only Wang Songnian cried sorrowfully, striking fear into the hearts of the court officials. Although Emperor Wucheng was angry that Wang Songnian was too attached to his former master, he respected him greatly, allowing him to continue in his original position and also promoting him to Sanqi Changshi, allowing him to receive a salary in Gaoyi County and participate in drafting laws. Many important matters in the court were entrusted to him. He also concurrently served as the Deputy Inspector. Later, he fell ill on the way from Jinyang to Ye and died. After his death, he was posthumously granted the titles of Minister of Personnel and Governor of Bingzhou, with the posthumous title "Ping." His third son, Wang Shao, also gained considerable fame.
Liu Yi, courtesy name Yan Ying, was from Pengcheng. His father, Liu Shiming, had served as the Governor of Yanzhou in the State of Wei. Liu Yi was known for his generosity and kindness, and he was highly esteemed; even his closest friends treated him with deep respect. He loved learning and was knowledgeable about the "Three Rites," particularly focused on the rituals for auspicious and inauspicious sacrifices. During the reign of Emperor Xiaochang of Wei, he resigned from his official position and became a doctor at the Taixue (Imperial Academy). He later rose through the ranks to become the Inspector of Juzhou, and the people at the border respected his authority, leading to stability in the region. When Shizong reigned, he even wrote a letter to commend him, writing: "Your family has served loyally for generations, and your ancestors have held high positions for several generations. Your brothers and sons also serve the court, and I have great trust in you. I trust you will continue to work hard and live up to my expectations, and do not worry about wealth and glory." After his term ended, he returned home to care for his father and never returned to court again. After his father's death, he was devastated and bedridden for several years, only managing to stand with the help of a cane. Shizong called on him several times, but he declined each time, citing illness. His five sons—Liu Xuan, Liu Qi, Liu Pu, Liu Yuan, and Liu Zan—all had ambition and integrity, earning the respect of many.
