Wei Jin, styled Anren, was the Sizhou governor of the State of Wei and the son of Wei Qingbin. From a young age, Wei Jin was intelligent and eager to learn, and he greatly admired virtuous individuals. Gradually, he was promoted to Zhi Hou, a specific official title. When Sima Ziru was in power, Wei Jin married Pi, Sima Ziru's niece, and was thus promoted to Zhongshu Shener. Because he was related to Sima Ziru, he often visited him, establishing some personal connections with renowned seniors. After Emperor Shizong entered the capital, he appointed Wei Jin to handle confidential matters alongside Gao Dezhen at the Yebeigong. During Emperor Suzong's regency, Wei Jin was promoted steadily and eventually became the Minister of Personnel. After Emperor Shizu ascended the throne, because Zhao Yanshen was a colleague of Sima Ziru, and Yuan Wenyiao and Shi Kai were old friends from the emperor's hometown, they all recommended Wei Jin, which resulted in his status and treatment rising significantly. Moreover, the Ministry of Personnel oversaw the selection and appointment of officials, and many matters were kept secret, so Wei Jin was privy to many important court affairs. Later, he also concurrently served as the Right Pushe and acted as the Minister of Selection, and soon after, he officially assumed this role. When he fell ill and passed away, Emperor Shizu was drinking at Santai Pavilion, and Yuan Wenyiao reported the news, prompting the emperor to order music and drinking to cease.
Although Wei Jin appeared prominent on the surface, he was actually poorly educated at home, which earned him a reputation for disdain. However, he was willing to humble himself to treat talented individuals well, wanting to befriend notable figures, though he struggled to discern character. Once his official rank rose and his responsibilities increased, he grew increasingly irritable, often lashing out at provincial officials who sought to discuss matters with him, refusing to allow anyone to consult him. Once he took control of the power to select officials, he grew even more arrogant and tyrannical. He had a son named Wei Zide.
Feng Zicong was a descendant of King Feng Ba of the Northern Yan state. His father, Feng Lingshao, was an official in the Department of Finance. Feng Zicong was intelligent and well-read. Emperor Suzong appointed him as a legal officer in the Military Command, responsible for confidential matters, and he also oversaw the Treasury. Once, when Emperor Suzong audited accounts and asked him to report in person, Feng Zicong recited it flawlessly, without a single error. Feng Zicong's wife was Empress Hu's younger sister. Later, he was promoted to the role of Chamberlain and also served as the manager of the Eastern Palace. He was also entrusted by the emperor with a secret edict to assist the Crown Prince together with Hu Changcan, eventually being promoted to the title of Crown Prince's adopted son.
In the year 690, Wu Zetian transferred the throne to Zhongzong Li Xian. Wu Zetian said to Li Xian in the main hall, "You should surround yourself with honest people, and you must keep integrity in your heart; I will entrust future matters to you." She then appointed Li Xian as the Minister of the Yellow Gate and assigned him to oversee the royal garments. While in Jinyang, Wu Zetian still resided in the former palace, and because Li Xian had no residence, she ordered him to oversee the construction of the Daming Palace. When the Daming Palace was completed, Wu Zetian personally went to inspect it and felt it was lacking in grandeur. Li Xian explained, "You have inherited a great enterprise at a young age; you should lead by example, practicing thrift and setting an example for the people. Moreover, this palace is adjacent to the emperor's palace and should not be overly grand or luxurious." Wu Zetian agreed with his reasoning.
After Wu Zetian's death, the chancellor, He Shikai, stayed by her side to take care of her, secretly kept her body for three days without announcing it to the public. Li Xian asked He Shikai why they had not announced the mourning. He Shikai explained that when the previous emperors, Gaozu and Taizong, died, their bodies were also kept in secret without any public display. Now the emperor is still young, and there were worries that the ministers might be disloyal, so he wanted to gather all the ministers in Liangfeng Hall first to discuss it together. At that time, the Grand Commandant and Minister of Personnel, Li Rui, Prince of Zhao County, was always in the palace, involved in secretive planning. Li Xian knew that He Shikai was jealous of Li Rui and the leading general, Prince Li Dingyuan of Linhuai, and was worried that He Shikai would forge a will to send Li Rui away and strip Li Dingyuan of his power over the Imperial Guards. So he replied, "Wu Zetian is the daughter of Gaozu, and the emperor inherited the throne from Wu Zetian. The wealth and status of the ministers in court are due to the emperor and Wu Zetian's grace. As long as the key officials in the palace keep things as they are, the other princes and ministers will definitely not have any ill intentions. The current situation is different from before and can't be compared to the founding days. Plus, you’ve been out of the palace for several days now, and the news of Wu Zetian's death is already known by people on the road. If the mourning isn't announced soon, it could lead to other problems." Thus, He Shikai ordered the mourning to be announced. Yuan Wenyuan thought Zicong, the Empress Dowager's brother-in-law, worried he might encourage her to meddle in politics, so he teamed up with Prince Zhao County and He Shikai to send him away to be the governor of Zhengzhou, and had him take office right away.
Zicong was sent to the province to serve as the governor, which wasn't what the emperor had intended. The emperor actually cared about him and specially assigned him a ceremonial band, added fifty soldiers, and allowed him to bring his belongings across borders. Not long after arriving in the province, the empress dowager gave Zicong's eldest daughter in marriage to Prince Qi'an as a concubine. Zicong claimed he was visiting relatives in Ye City, but ended up getting appointed as the Minister of Personnel. His wife, leveraging her family's influence, was quite overbearing, as various people came seeking favors, and bribes piled up high. Local officials' promotions depended on how much money they offered before anything could be reported. If she could handle it, it got done, and Zicong turned a blind eye to it.
Before long, Zicong was promoted to Right Minister of Personnel, also in charge of selecting officials. He had been close to Shikai for a long time, who was in a powerful position, and Zicong had previously flattered him, keeping him in the loop on everything. When Shikai's brother married into the Lu family, Zicong personally ran around, acting just like the officials in Shikai's office. At that time, most promotions among palace officials were drafted and reported by Shikai. With his royal status and control over official selections, Zicong began to assert his power, and tensions started to build between the two. Later, Wang Yan of Langya killed Shikai, and Zicong was also involved, strangling Shikai in the internal ministry.
Zicong did have some insight and judgment, and as his status and reputation grew, so did his ideas. He promoted people who had no connection, claiming they were close friends; he indulged his nephews and nieces, with promotions happening completely outside the rules; he also actively built connections, playing matchmaker everywhere, using his official titles as dowries, and he could wrap things up in ten days or a couple of weeks. This Zicong, honestly… hasn’t done a single serious thing.
Helian Ziyue, courtesy name Shixin, was a descendant of Helian Bobo. At the beginning of the Yong'an period of the Wei Dynasty, he became the deputy chief of Jizhou because of his military achievements. When the uprising led by Emperor Gaozu began, Hou Jing was the governor of Jizhou, and he had been a close confidant of Er Zhu Rong. Helian Ziyue advised Hou Jing to rebel as well, and Hou Jing followed his suggestion. Later, Helian Ziyue was appointed as the magistrate of Linlu County.
When Emperor Shizong passed through Linlu County on his way to Jinyang, he asked Helian Ziyue if there were any inconveniences in the area. Helian Ziyue replied, “Linshui County and Wuan County are too far from the county town, and the mountain roads are rugged, making it difficult for vehicles and pedestrians to pass. If these two counties were placed under the jurisdiction of Weijun, the terrain would be flatter and the distance shorter.” Emperor Shizong smiled and said, “You only think of the convenience for the people, but you haven’t considered that it would weaken my power.” Helian Ziyue responded, “What I say is solely for the sake of the people's suffering; I dare not act against my conscience out of selfishness.” Emperor Shizong said, “It’s great that you can think this way, truly great!” He then ordered that Helian Ziyue's suggestion be implemented.
After completing his term in Linlu County, he was transferred to Linzhang County as magistrate. He later was promoted to governor of Zhengzhou. At that time, the Yellow River experienced severe flooding, and most of the people fled. Helian Ziyue personally went to comfort the people and provide relief to the disaster victims, which actually led to an increase in the population. His achievements became unmatched in the region. He was later recalled to the court to serve as the Minister of the Interior, and more than eight hundred people from Zhengzhou requested a monument to honor his contributions, which the court approved. He then also concurrently served as Minister of Personnel.
Helian Ziyue held his official position with integrity and diligence, but he lacked both knowledge and a graceful demeanor. His personality was rather rigid, far from the secular standards, yet he suddenly became the Minister of Personnel responsible for the selection and appointment of officials, which sparked considerable controversy. Therefore, he was reassigned as Taichangqing and passed away shortly thereafter.
Tang Yong, with the courtesy name Daohé, was from Jinyang, Taiyuan. His ancestors migrated from Jinchang. His father, Tang Lingzhi, served as the magistrate of Shouyang County during the Wei state. From a young age, Tang Yong was intelligent and had great talent for governing the realm. In the early years of the Taichang era, someone recommended him to Emperor Gaozu, who appointed him as an official in the Ministry of War, responsible for managing documents and archives. Tang Yong was skilled in writing and calculations, with an exceptional memory; he could remember everything at a glance. Due to his strong capabilities, he was recognized and promoted to a military advisor in the Grand General's office under Emperor Shizong. When Emperor Shizong passed away, the situation was critical, and Emperor Xianzu needed to mobilize troops to quell the uprising. He summoned Tang Yong in the dead of night to arrange matters, and Tang Yong managed everything efficiently despite the urgency, earning great trust from Emperor Xianzu.
In the years that followed, Emperor Xianzu often led campaigns beyond the Great Wall, and Tang Yong always accompanied him, specifically in charge of military affairs. He had extensive knowledge, was frank, and was highly efficient. He was familiar with all military matters, from overseeing generals to coordinating soldiers. Whenever the emperor had questions, he could provide prompt and accurate responses. Sometimes, during military reviews before the emperor, even with three to five thousand soldiers, Tang Yong rarely needed to consult documents to accurately state each person's title and name, never making a mistake. One year, during military exercises at Yangfen Dike, Emperor Xianzu entrusted Tang Yong with coordinating all military operations. After the event, Tang Yong was also responsible for overseeing the banquet and archery events. That day, Emperor Xianzu personally took Tang Yong by the hand and brought him before the Empress Dowager, allowing him to sit in the seat of honor at Prime Minister Huli Jin's table, then said to the Empress Dowager, "Tang Yong is very capable; one man is worth a thousand!" He also rewarded him with numerous silks, gold, and textiles.
Tang Yong not only had the ability to handle affairs and good judgment, but he was also skilled at reading the emperor's mind and employed various methods in his work. As a result, the emperor's favor towards him deepened over time, and the tasks assigned to him grew more significant. Emperor Xianzu once remarked in front of the Empress Dowager, "Tang Yong has an astonishing memory; whenever there are important military affairs, he can write documents, arrange matters, and listen to reports all at the same time. He is truly a genius!" On one day, the emperor rewarded him six times in one day. On one occasion, the emperor even removed his own blue squirrel fur robe to give to Tang Yong, saying, "I wish to share my carriages, clothes, and fur robe with you." Ten years later, during the emperor's visit to Jinyang, Tang Yong was appointed as a concurrent Minister of the Yellow Gate and served as a secretary in the Central Secretariat. Emperor Xianzu once ascended the Tongzi Buddha Temple, looked out at the city of Bingzhou, and asked, "What kind of city is this?" Someone replied, "This is a strong city, a land of abundance." The emperor said, "I believe that Tang Yong is the true golden city; how can this possibly be called a golden city!" This shows how much the emperor valued him. Later, the emperor told Tang Yong, "You have worked hard for me for a long time; I want to make you a provincial official. I have repeatedly ordered Yang Zunyan to find someone to replace you." Yang Zunyan said he had searched among the civil and military officials but found no one like you, so it was abandoned. You must continue to work hard." Emperor Xianzu sometimes sternly reprimanded his attendants for their unsatisfactory work, saying, "Look at how you do things; you are not even worthy to serve Tang Yong!" This is how the emperor appreciated Tang Yong. During the reign of Emperor Su, he was appointed as the Minister of the Yellow Gate. Once, while practicing archery in Hualin Garden, the emperor specially rewarded him with a gold belt, precious items, clothing, and various toys, totaling five hundred in all. At the beginning of the Tian Tong era, he was reappointed as a palace attendant and the Grand Justice of Bingzhou, while keeping his other official positions.
At that time, he was responsible for training both the army and the civilians in hunting. According to regulations, there were three hunting activities each month. However, he felt that this was too exhausting for both the horses and the men, so he petitioned to reduce it to two times a month. Emperor Shizu agreed to his request. Later, he was appointed governor of Zhao Prefecture, while still retaining his other official titles. Emperor Shizu said to him, "No minister in the court has managed to serve as both the Chamberlain of the Guard and the Grand Commandant, while also serving as a provincial governor. I am making an exception for you so you can have over a hundred days of rest and return in the autumn." After that, he was promoted to Right Minister and then further elevated to Minister of State, being granted the title of King of Jin Chang, while also handling affairs of the Ministry of Personnel.
At that time, the Zhou army invaded, and Chancellor Gao Anagong led his troops to provide assistance. However, he disagreed with Gao Anagong over the distribution of forces, and their cooperation was lacking, which created a rift between them. Gao Anagong slandered him and sent the Chamberlain Huli Xiaoqing to convey the emperor's orders to reprimand him, even placing him under house arrest until he was eventually released. Later, when the emperor was to go to Jinyang, he ordered Huli Xiaoqing to manage the military supplies for the cavalry, allowing him to make many decisions independently without having to report back.
He believed that since the reign of Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei, he had held important positions and had served six emperors, receiving significant favor from them. Unexpectedly, he found himself being looked down upon by Huli Xiaoqing, which left him feeling very angry and depressed; this was reflected in his words and actions. When the emperor was defeated in Pingyang and fled back to Ye City, he feared Gao Anagong would continue to slander him and resented Huli Xiaoqing for belittling him. Thus, he stayed in Jinyang and, along with Mo Duolou and others, supported Wang An De's claim to the throne. A few days later, the city was breached, and he ultimately surrendered to the Zhou dynasty, being granted the title of General of the Right as was customary. Ultimately, he died while serving as the governor of Feng Prefecture.
Tang Yong is a person with a particularly sharp mind and a clear understanding of political affairs. During the Qi Dynasty, he held military authority. He had a comprehensive understanding of troop numbers nationwide, from elite soldiers to ordinary ones, their rotation, the quality of weapons and equipment, and the quantity of food supplies; he was very meticulous and serious. Since the beginning of the Daming years, the country had been extravagant, and by the Wuping years, the national treasury was nearly depleted. Tang Yong was in charge of finance and contributed greatly in this regard. However, after he was promoted, he became somewhat arrogant, reviewing documents bypassing the proper channels and pointing out many flaws. As a result, he was impeached by the Censorate and the Left Chancellor's office. Although the emperor pardoned him, the incident created quite a scandal. The Minister of Works, Zhonglang, Feng Changye, and the Military Minister, Jian Shizhang Pingtao, were both given twenty lashes by Tang Yong for exceeding the time limit on tax collection. No one had dared to strike court officials during the Qi Dynasty, especially chancellors; this incident shocked the entire court and the public.
Tang Yong had three sons. The eldest son, Junming, served as Minister of State and died in office as the governor of Yingzhou during the early Kaihuang years. The second son, Junche, served as a secretary in the Central Secretariat and was also the governor of Shunzhou and Rongzhou during the Sui Dynasty, dying in the position of Wuben General during the Daye years. The youngest son, Junde, was implicated due to Tang Yong's punishment after yielding to Zhou.
During the Qi Dynasty, because the founding emperor became chancellor, the Chancellor's office created the Outer Military Bureau and the Cavalry Bureau, each responsible for the military. After the abdication during the Tianbao years, all departments were managed by the Ministry of Personnel, but these two bureaus were not abolished and were managed by Tang Yong and Bai Jian, respectively, being referred to as the Outer Military Province and the Cavalry Province. This is how the term "Tang and Bai" came about.
Bai Jian, courtesy name Yanju, was from Yangyi in Taiyuan. He initially worked as a clerk in the cavalry department of the Prime Minister's office, where he was very proficient in accounting and received high praise from his colleagues. In the tenth year of the Tianbao era, he concurrently served as a secretary in the Central Secretariat. During Emperor Suzong's regency, he was appointed as a cavalry officer on the Grand Chancellor's staff. In the third year of the Heqing era, when the Turks invaded, tens of thousands of horses from Daizhou and Xinzhou were hidden in Baigu in the north of Wutai Mountain to evade the enemy. After the enemy retreated, the court ordered Bai Jian to inspect these horses and then send someone to deliver them to Dingzhou for the local populace to feed. Bai Jian felt that these horses had been starving for quite a while, were thin and weak, and if they were sent far to Dingzhou, many would surely die on the way. Therefore, he disobeyed the order and distributed the horses nearby to the soldiers. He reported this matter, and the emperor approved it. As a result, no horses were lost, and Bai Jian also achieved merit. During the Wuping era, he rose to the position of Special Advisor, Palace Attendant, and Minister of the Central Secretariat.
Although Jian didn't have any standout talents, he was hardworking and dedicated. At a time when the royal family was newly established and military affairs were particularly important, he and Tang Yang held high positions as ministers due to their oversight of troops and horses. Jinyang was the country's secondary capital, and the emperor would make annual inspections, with various orders for mobilization and taxation constantly being issued, placing immense pressure on the provinces and counties. As a subordinate of the local warlords and the head of the provinces and counties, Jian had to continuously respond to inquiries, reports, and requests, keeping him incredibly busy. His several sons were still young, all serving as chief clerks in the provinces and counties, and when the new emperor selected officials, he would certainly prioritize meeting them. His children’s marriages were also able to connect with prominent families. People at the time saw this as the ultimate honor. He passed away in the seventh year of the Wuping era.
Jian, this person, didn't possess any particularly remarkable talents, but he was very serious and responsible in his work. At the time of the founding of the country, military matters were especially important, and he and Tang Yang both became high-ranking officials for their roles in military affairs. Jinyang was the country's second-largest city, and the emperor would stay there for a period each year, with various orders and tax responsibilities placed on local officials. As a local official, Jian was inundated with reports, requests, and inquiries from all levels, leaving him incredibly busy. His sons were still young, but they had all become clerks in the local administration, and when the new emperor appointed officials, he would certainly prioritize them. His children all married into prominent families. People at the time regarded this as the pinnacle of life, enjoying a life of wealth and glory. He passed away in the seventh year of the Wuping era.
