Ah, it's really something else. The treacherous and deceitful characters at the end of the Qi Dynasty are unlike anything seen since records began! They're all heartless and cruel, yet they hold the nation's fate in their hands; they're completely out of it, yet they control the fate of the nation. Those brutal eunuchs, servants, and the ugly Hu folks from the West, as well as the entertainers from Kucha, have been made nobles and set up their own estates, one after another, following in each other's footsteps. They are not only toys for the emperor but also interfere extensively in state affairs. The emperor showers them with riches, emptying the national treasury; they extort the common people, squeezing every last bit out of them. Even if their ancestors were virtuous and the throne could be passed down for several generations, encountering these foolish and tyrannical individuals would inevitably lead to the nation's downfall. It's no surprise that the Qi Dynasty didn't last long. Emperors Gaozu and Shizong were somewhat concerned about running the country and appointed many civil and military officials, but unfortunately, it was a small-time guy like Guo Xiu who messed it all up. Even though the emperor calmed down a bit after the fifth year of the Tianbao era, the emperor's favorites were just his lackeys and yes-men, showing no interest in major court matters. After the Daming era, the number of treacherous and deceitful people increased, and thus the good times of the Qi Dynasty went down the drain because of them. The common people, saved from the heartbreak of losing their country, can consider themselves fortunate. Now, we've put together the stories of these bad guys in "The Chronicles of the Deceitful and Fortunate." Those eunuchs are definitely one of the biggest reasons for the Qi Dynasty's fall. They've done so many shameful things, and I'll just list their names at the end of "The Chronicles of the Deceitful and Fortunate." The emperor's lackeys and the Hu entertainers, riding on the emperor's coattails, have gotten all cocky; their stories are also included.
Guo Xiu, from Zhuo County in Fanyang, served Emperor Gaozu and held the position of Right Chancellor of the Executive Council. Because he was known to accept many bribes and was deeply favored by the emperor, he fell ill. Emperor Gaozu personally visited him and asked what official position he wanted. Guo Xiu requested to be appointed as the Minister of War, but before the appointment was finalized, he passed away. He had no adult children, so Emperor Gaozu personally went to his home, sent officials to take stock of his grain and property, and then left. He also ordered Guo Xiu's son, Xiao Yi, and the Duke of Taiyuan, among others, to study together. Initially, Guo Xiu was jealous of Yang Yan and used deceitful threats to force Yang Yan to flee. After Guo Xiu's death, Yang Yan returned, and Emperor Gaozu, angered, immediately reprimanded Guo Xiu's son, Xiao Yi, ensuring he would never be able to hold his head up again.
He Shikai, styled Yantong, was from Linzhang in the Qing Dynasty. His ancestors were merchants from the Western Regions of China, originally surnamed Suhe. His father, He An, was respectful and cautious, adept at navigating social situations, and gradually rose to the position of a secretary in the Central Secretariat. Emperor Xiaojing of Wei once held a midnight gathering with court officials and asked He An to identify the direction of the Big Dipper. He An replied, "I cannot recognize the North Star." Upon hearing this, Emperor Xiaojing's grandfather considered He An to be straightforward and honest. Later, He An became the governor of Yizhou.
He Shikai was exceptionally bright from a young age and was selected as a student at the Imperial Academy, showing exceptional learning ability, surpassing his classmates. In the early years of the Tianbao era, Emperor Gao Huan was titled King of Changguang and recruited He Shikai to serve as a military aide in his residence. Emperor Gao Huan enjoyed playing games that involved spear throwing, and He Shikai was also skilled at it, which earned him favor with Gao Huan. Furthermore, He Shikai was clever and could play the Hu pipa, which led to a very close relationship with Gao Huan. He once said to Gao Huan, "Your Highness, you're not just an emperor of the mortal realm, but the heavenly emperor!" Gao Huan replied, "You're not just an ordinary person; you're the protector of the realm!" Their bond was deep to such an extent.
Gao Huan's father, Emperor Wenxuan Gao Yang, knew that Zhang Shikai was a lighthearted person and did not want his son to get too close to someone like him. He reprimanded Gao Huan for excessive interaction with Zhang Shikai and demoted him to the other side of the Long Wall. Later, he was appointed as a military officer in the capital, a position that was requested for him by Wang Changguang Gao Huan.
After the emperor ascended to the throne, he gradually promoted Zhang Shikai to the position of Imperial Counselor and later further conferred upon him the title of Kaifuyitong Sansi. When Zhang Shikai's mother passed away, the emperor was deeply saddened upon hearing the news and sent General Lü Fen of the Imperial Guard to keep Zhang Shikai company day and night until Zhang Shikai completed his mourning period.
On the same day, the emperor also sent someone to bring Zhang Shikai into the palace in an ox cart. When the emperor saw Zhang Shikai, he personally held his hand, wept in sorrow, and spoke with him for a long time before allowing him to return. The emperor also restored the original official positions of Zhang Shikai's four brothers. This clearly shows the emperor's high regard for Zhang Shikai! Later, Zhang Shikai was appointed as Right Minister.
The emperor already suffered from asthma, and drinking alcohol worsened his condition. Zhang Shikai advised the emperor to drink less alcohol on each occasion, but the emperor always ignored him. One time, when the emperor's asthma flared up and he still wanted to drink, Zhang Shikai became so distressed that he broke down in tears and couldn't speak. The emperor said, "Your silent admonition has made me understand." Thus, he stopped drinking.
Zhang Shikai spoke and acted very casually with the emperor, showing no regard for formalities, accompanying him day and night without any sense of the relationship between ruler and subject. Zhang Shikai even told the emperor, "Since ancient times, emperors have ultimately turned to dust. Yao, Shun, Jie, and Zhou all ended up the same; what difference does it make? Your Majesty should take advantage of your youth and strength to indulge in pleasures, do whatever you want, even if it’s just to enjoy one day, it’s worth a thousand years. Let the ministers handle the major affairs of the state; what's there to worry about? Why put yourself through this?" The emperor was very pleased to hear this.
In December of that year, the Emperor fell gravely ill and was staying at Qianshou Hall. Zhang Shikai cared for his diet, daily needs, and medical care. The Emperor said that Zhang Shikai had talents like Yi Yin and Huo Guang, and earnestly entrusted him with matters after his death. Before passing away, the Emperor held Zhang Shikai's hand and said, "Don't let me down!" After saying this, he breathed his last, and his hand fell limp.
After ascending to the throne, the Emperor trusted Shikai greatly due to the late Emperor's wishes. Moreover, Shikai had previously gained the favor of Empress Dowager Hu, which brought the Emperor even closer to him. At this time, Prince Rui of Zhao and Lou Dingyuan conspired to get rid of Shikai, gathering a group of court officials to join their scheme.
Coincidentally, the Empress Dowager was hosting a banquet for the officials in the front hall of the palace, and Rui publicly accused Shikai of wrongdoing in front of her, saying, "Shikai is the favored minister of the late Emperor, just like the foxes in the city and the mice in the temple, greedy and corrupt, wreaking havoc in the palace. We can’t stand by any longer and have risked our lives to bring this to your attention." The Empress Dowager replied, "Why didn’t you speak up when the late Emperor was still around? Drink up, and let’s not dwell on it!" However, Rui continued to speak with greater righteousness. Someone said, "If we don't eliminate Shikai, there will be unrest in the court and the countryside!" Some of Rui's group threw their hats on the ground, while others left in a huff, arguing heatedly and without holding back.
The next day, Rui and others went to Yunlong Gate, asking Wen Yao to enter the palace to report to the Empress Dowager, but she refused. Duan Shao had Hu Changcan convey the Empress Dowager's message, saying, "The late Emperor's coffin is still here, and this is a serious matter; we can't rush it. You all need to think it over carefully." The Prince of Zhao and others had no choice but to bow in thanks and fell silent.
Later, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor summoned Shikai and asked him about the matter. Shikai said, "The late Emperor valued me more than anyone else among all the officials. Your Majesty, you are still young and do not understand court intrigues very well. The ministers all have their own schemes. If you remove me, it would weaken your influence. You should tell Rui and the others: 'Let Shikai be appointed as a governor, and after the late Emperor is buried, we can send him off.' Rui and the others will think I will really be demoted, and they will surely be very pleased." After hearing his words, the Emperor and the Empress Dowager followed Shikai's suggestion and informed Rui and the others, appointing Shikai as the Governor of Yanzhou.
After the late Emperor was buried, Rui and the others urged Shikai to take office. Shikai brought you two beautiful women, pearl curtains, and many treasures to pay a visit to Lou Dingyuan, thanking him, "The ministers wanted to kill me, but thanks to you, my lord, you saved my life and allowed me to become a local official. Now I am about to leave the capital and brought you two beautiful women and a curtain of pearls as a token of my gratitude." Lou Dingyuan was very pleased and asked Shikai, "Do you want to return to the palace?" Shikai replied, "I have been in the palace for too long and have always felt uneasy. Now that I can come out, it's just what I wanted, and I do not wish to return. I just ask that you protect me and let me keep my position as Governor of a large province. I'm leaving the capital today and would like to say my goodbyes to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor." Lou Dingyuan agreed.
Thus, Shi Kai was able to meet with the Empress Dowager and the Emperor again. He said, "The late Emperor passed away suddenly, and I feel so guilty that I feel like I could die. I see that the ministers in court want to shape Your Majesty into a wise ruler. After I leave, there will surely be great changes in the court, and how will I face the late Emperor in the afterlife?" As he spoke, Shi Kai began to cry bitterly. The Emperor and the Empress Dowager also began to cry and asked him what to do. Shi Kai said, "I have returned; what is there to worry about? Just issue a few edicts." The Emperor then issued an edict removing Lou Dingyuan from his post as Governor of Qingzhou, charged Zhao Junwang Rui with treason, and summoned him to the capital for execution. Then, he restored Shi Kai's positions as Imperial Attendant and Right Vice Minister. Lou Dingyuan presented the gifts from Shi Kai along with some of his own treasures to Shi Kai. In the first year of the Wuping era, Shi Kai was conferred the title of King of Huaiyang and appointed as the Minister of State and Director of the Ministry of State, restoring all his previous official titles.
During the reign of Emperor Shizong of the Northern Qi, there was a man named Shi Kai, who was surprisingly allowed by the Emperor to play a spear-throwing game with the Empress Dowager, and he had no time restrictions when entering the Empress Dowager's palace, which was utterly outrageous, and he became involved with the Empress Dowager. After Emperor Shizong died, Shi Kai became increasingly reckless and indulged his every whim.
Wang Yan of Langya could no longer stand by and conspired with General She Di Fulan, Imperial Attendant Feng Zicong, Censor Wang Ziyi, and Wu Wei Gao Sheluo, among others, to eliminate Shi Kai. She Di Fulan mobilized the troops from the capital, blocking access to both the Shenwu Gate and the Qianqiu Gate, and secretly issued orders prohibiting Shi Kai from entering the palace.
On the morning of July 25th, Shikai attended the morning court as usual. She Di pulled Shikai's hand and said, "Today there is tremendous news!" The prince immediately presented him with a box and said, "There is an imperial decree for you to go to the steps of the palace." Then he sent soldiers to escort Shikai to the Hall of Imperial Historians, where he was confined. Wang Yan, the King of Langya, sent the governor Feng Yongluo to kill Shikai on the steps; at that time, Shikai was forty-eight years old. The authorities subsequently seized and confiscated his property. Later, Wang Yan and others were also killed. The emperor mourned for several days, refusing to eat or drink, constantly lamenting Shikai. Later, the emperor issued an edict restoring Shikai's son Daosheng to his position as chamberlain and allowed Shikai's brother Shixiu to enter the palace to participate in confidential affairs, as well as posthumously bestowing a false yellow seal upon Shikai, military positions in ten provinces, the title of Left Chancellor, and Grand Preceptor, thus granting him a posthumous honor.
Shikai was inherently coarse, uneducated, and relied on flattery to rise through the ranks. Beginning in the Heqing and Tiantong eras, his power grew stronger, as wealthy merchants came to curry favor with him daily, and shameless officials in the court also gravitated towards him. Even more outrageous, some even regarded him as a godfather, mingling with commoners and calling each other brothers.
There was even an incident: a scholar once visited the sick Shikai. At that moment, the imperial physician stated, "The prince has a severe cold; medicine is ineffective; he should drink Huanglong soup." Shikai was hesitant. The scholar said, "This medicine is easy to obtain; the prince need not worry. Let me try it first." After saying this, he drank the entire potion. Shikai was deeply moved by his action, forced himself to drink the medicine, then broke into a sweat, and his illness was cured. This illustrates the extent of Shikai's influence in the court.
Even those who flattered him through underhanded methods, whether wise or foolish, were promoted by Shikai (士开); while those who advised him with righteousness were also dismissed by him. When Shikai saw someone about to be executed, he often rescued them, and after saving them, he would make them write a letter of thanks, then demand treasures, claiming it was a ransom for their lives. Although it appeared on the surface that he had saved people, in reality, what he did was not the right path.
Mu Ti Bo (穆提婆), originally surnamed Luo, was from Hanyang. His father, Luo Chao, was executed for conspiracy. Mu Ti Bo's mother, Lu Lingxuan, had once been selected to serve in the palace as a maid, and later, when the emperor was still an infant, she was brought in to care for him, being called "Gan Anai," which made her particularly favored by Empress Hu. Lu Lingxuan was cunning, skilled in manipulation, and adept at pleasing others; in the harem, she had the final say. Starting from the Tian Tong era, she got Mu Ti Bo into the palace to serve the emperor, and they were particularly close, engaging in all sorts of playful antics. Mu Ti Bo's favor grew increasingly, and his official positions rose rapidly; he lost count of how many positions he had held, eventually becoming the Grand Minister and being granted the title of Wang of Chengyang. Lu Lingxuan was also very good at flattery; Mu Zhaoyi treated her like a mother, which led him to change his surname to Mu. When Empress Mu became empress, Lu Lingxuan was bestowed the title of "Tai Ji," a title reserved for the mothers of empresses in the Qi dynasty, holding a very high status, even higher than that of a princess. Starting from the Wuping era, the power of Lu Lingxuan and her son became very great, with the entire court and public having to bow to their wishes; the number of killings and plundering they committed was incalculable. Later, after losing the Battle of Jinzhou, the emperor returned to Yecheng, but Mu Ti Bo ran to join the Zhou army. Lu Lingxuan committed suicide in despair; all her descendants were executed, and their family fortune was seized.
Gao Anagong is a people person. His father, Gao Shigui, participated in the uprising alongside Emperor Gaozu. Gao Anagong was in charge of the warehouse but later accompanied the emperor in battles. Due to his significant contributions, he was promoted to the position of General of the Imperial Guard. He was particularly skilled at horseback riding and archery, and he was very good at buttering up others. Every time the emperor held a banquet for archery, the emperor always had a soft spot for him. He was also especially good at buttering up He Shikai, maintaining a very good relationship with him. He Shikai often spoke highly of him in front of the emperor, which led to the emperor treating him better and better. After the emperor ascended to the throne, Gao Anagong’s career skyrocketed, eventually becoming the Left Minister of the Department of State Affairs in Bingzhou and being granted the title of King of Huaiyin. Later, he also became the State Minister in Bingzhou.
This fellow, Anagong, was pretty average, not very educated, and even less clever than Shikai; he was totally out of his depth in matters of cunning and scheming. However, he was lucky to catch the eye of Emperor Shizu and often served the crown prince in the Eastern Palace, thus thriving. After Shikai's death, the crown prince (who later became emperor) believed that Anagong's insights could replace Shikai's, so he made him Chancellor. In the fourth year of Wuping, he was put in charge of the Ministry of State Affairs and tasked with overseeing military matters and palace secrets.
The State Minister, Yuan Shi, once asked Anagong, "The Dragon Star has appeared; a rain prayer ceremony should be held." Yuan Shi then asked him, "Where did you see the dragon? What color was it?" Yuan Shi explained, "The Dragon Star showing up means it’s time for a rain prayer, not an actual dragon!" Upon hearing this, Anagong replied, "You scholars are always just obsessed with the stars!" That was just how he was. Later, he also became the Right Chancellor, and everything else was pretty much the same.
The Zhou army was approaching Pingyang, and the later king was hunting at Tianchi at that time. Jinzhou continuously sent messengers on swift horses to deliver reports; the horses at the post were changed three times from morning to noon. Gong remarked, "Everyone is in high spirits; why the hurry to send the memorial?" By evening, another messenger arrived, saying, "Pingyang City has fallen, and the enemy army is about to arrive!" This was the message delivered to the later king.
The next morning, the later king was ready to lead the troops out, but the noble consort suggested establishing another encirclement. Upon reaching Jinzhou, the later king ordered Gong to lead the vanguard and command the other troops. The later king asked Gong, "Should we engage in battle?" Gong replied, "No need to fight; let’s retreat to Gaoliang Bridge." However, Antugen countered, "There are only a few bandits; charge straight in and capture them to throw them into the Fen River!" The later king hesitated. Some court officials argued, "They are also emperors, and we are also emperors. They can come from afar, so why should we hide in the city and show weakness?" The later king said, "You make a good point!" Thus, the army began to advance cautiously.
Tiboh was watching the battle unfold, and some soldiers on the east began to retreat. Tiboh yelled, "Charge forward! Charge forward!" The later king fled with the noble consort to Gaoliang Pass. Minister Xi Changle advised, "Half advancing and half retreating is the norm in warfare. The troops are strong and unscathed; why does Your Majesty want to give up this advantageous situation? Once the imperial carriage moves, morale will plummet. Hurry back and reassure the soldiers!" Wu Wei Zhang Changshan soon arrived and also said, "The army has already regrouped and is orderly, and the encircling enemy has not moved. Your Majesty should return quickly. If you do not believe me, then send internal ministers to take a look." Just as the later king was about to heed their advice, Tiboh grabbed the later king's arm, saying, "This is not trustworthy!" So the later king fled north.
At this time, a soldier reported that Gao Anahong had sent someone to entice the army from the west, which is why this report reached the ruler. The ruler ordered the attendant Hu Lixiaoqing to investigate, and Hu Lixiaoqing said, "This is nonsense!" After returning to Jinzhou, someone claimed that Gao Anahong was plotting rebellion. The ruler thought it was also absurd, so he killed the informant. Then, the ruler hurriedly fled back to Ye City, and the guards dispersed, leaving only Gao Anahong and a few dozen inner guard cavalry with him.
After the ruler of Northern Qi fled to the Taihang Mountains, Gao Anahong led thousands of soldiers to Jizhou Pass and even sent people to gather information. Each time he reported, he said, "The Zhou army hasn't arrived yet; they are still gathering forces in Qingzhou, so there's no need to head south at this time." When the Zhou general Yuchi Jing arrived at Jizhou Pass, Gao Anahong surrendered. People at the time said that Gao Anahong wrote a letter to Zhou Wudi expressing his willingness to surrender, certainly intending to capture the Qi ruler alive, which is why he intentionally delayed reporting the Zhou army's arrival, leading to the capture of the ruler. Gao Anahong arrived in Chang'an, was named Grand General, and was also granted the title of Duke, becoming the governor of Longzhou, but he ultimately met his end.
It is said that during the Tianbao period of Northern Qi, when Northern Qi's Emperor Wenxuan Gao Yang was returning to Ye City from Jinyang, a bald monk named A Tu loudly shouted the name of Emperor Wenxuan, saying, "Anahui will ultimately destroy your country!" At that time, the Rouran leader Anahui was very powerful in the northern frontier, and Emperor Wenxuan was particularly wary of him, so he led troops to campaign against him every year. Later, when Northern Qi was destroyed, the responsibility fell on Gao Anahong. Although his name was written as "Hong," everyone called him "Gui," similar to how "the one who caused Qin's downfall was Hu," indicating that fate has its own predetermined course.
Han Feng, whose courtesy name was Changluan, was from Changli. His father, Han Yongxing, served as the governor of Qingzhou. Han Feng was smart and resourceful from a young age, was very strong, and excelled at horseback riding and archery. He gradually climbed the ranks to become a general. When the future ruler of Northern Qi was still young in the Eastern Palace, Emperor Gao Zhan chose twenty generals to serve as his guards, and Han Feng was one of them. The future ruler personally took Han Feng's hand from the group and said, "General, look at me!" This way, the future ruler got to know Han Feng and often invited him to join in his games.
After the later emperor ascended to the throne, he gradually rose through the ranks to become the Imperial Attendant and Commander, and also managed the court's confidential affairs. Zu Ting once discussed matters in front of the emperor with Yang Feng, saying to him, "A strong bow and a hard crossbow cannot yield to each other; how can we dispute national matters?" Yang Feng replied, "Everyone should express their opinions; how can we determine superiority based on whether one is a civil official or a military general?" Later, Yang Feng was conferred the title of Prince of Changli. His son Baoren married a princess and was bestowed the finest residence in Jinyang. When the princess gave birth to a son named Chang Manyue, the emperor personally went to Yang Feng's home to celebrate, and the celebration lasted all day. In matters of state, there was no matter that did not pass through Yang Feng's hands. Together with Gao Anagong and Mu Tipoba, he held great power, and they were referred to as the "Three Nobles" of the court. They brought calamity to the nation, worsening the situation. When Shouyang City fell, Yang Feng and Mu Tipoba, upon learning of their defeat, kept playing with their spears, casually saying, "Let others' affairs be!" Later, the emperor sent them to Liyang and Linhe to construct fortifications, and Yang Feng said, "In times of emergency, just hold this place, serve as a prince of the Qiuzi Kingdom; life is like being a hermit, even more pitiful, so you should enjoy life while you can; why worry?" The emperor and Yang Feng echoed each other in this way. Yang Feng's brother Wansui, along with his two sons Baoxing and Baoxin, all attained high-ranking positions as Ministers of the Three Departments. Baoxin even married a princess, and the emperor personally visited his home, while Yang Feng's relatives were granted official positions and rewards.
Yang Feng's mother, Xianyu Shi, is the elder sister of Duan Xiaoyan's stepmother. Therefore, they colluded to have Yang Feng in charge of the construction of Jinyang Palace. Chen Dexin rushed to check the progress of the project and discovered that Duan Xiaoyan was using government craftsmen to build his own house. Chen Dexin said, "The Minister hasn’t finished building the Emperor’s palace yet; how can he build a house for himself first?" Yang Feng and Mu Tipu also had Duan Xiaoyan assign craftsmen to build their own homes. When Chen Dexin returned, he reported all this to the Emperor. When the Emperor visited Jinyang, Yang Feng let others use the government horses. The Emperor was furious about what he discovered, dismissed both Yang Feng and Mu Tipu without publicly disclosing their crimes, and had their houses demolished. The princess also ended her marriage with Baoxin. Later, Yang Feng was assigned to Yecheng as a low-ranking official. After the Later Emperor returned to the capital from Jinyang, Yang Feng was summoned back to the palace and quickly regained his noble rank. Eventually, he followed the Later Emperor across the Yellow River to Qingzhou, where they were all captured by the Zhou army.
During his time in power, Yang Feng harbored a particular jealousy toward talented people. The injustices faced by people like Cui Jishu were all due to Yang Feng. Whenever court officials brought matters to his attention, they wouldn’t dare meet his gaze; if he was even slightly annoyed, Yang Feng would explode in anger, saying, "These worthless dogs are unbearable; they should all be killed!" However, if he encountered military officials, even the lowest-ranking soldiers, Yang Feng would show some politeness. Later, Yang Feng defected to the Sui Dynasty and eventually rose to become the Governor of Longzhou.
Han Baoye, Lu Lecha, and Qi Shao were all longtime associates of Emperor Gaozu but were treated like eunuchs and received little respect. From the Tianbao era to the Huangjian era, they did not receive any special treatment, just gradually climbed the ranks. Baoye became the Changqiu Minister, while Lecha and the others were appointed as Central Regular Attendants.
During the reign of Emperor Shizu, there emerged figures like Cao Wenpiao and Deng Changrong, and some held positions such as Yitong Sansi and local officials with fiefdoms. However, only Deng Changrong served as prime minister during the Wuping years and participated in state affairs. Later, Han Baoye, Lu Lecha, Qi Shao, and their sons were all conferred titles of kings, but they were all domineering and tyrannical figures.
When Emperor Houzhu was in power, dozens of people like Chen Dexin appeared, each committing heinous acts, oppressing the common people, and undermining the government, which is rare in both ancient and modern history. Many were granted the title of Kaifu with the title of Yitong Sansi, with very few who merely held the title of Yitong Sansi; some were promoted to Guanglu Daifu and awarded gold seals and purple ribbons. Many simultaneously held the important positions of Shizhong and Zhongchangshi, with dozens occupying just these two roles, and they were all conferred titles of kings and granted official positions.
They frequently entered and exited the palace, moving about in the gardens, circling around the emperor, attending to him for several days and nights at a time. They were always keenly observing the emperor's words and expressions, desperately flattering him, constantly trying to read his thoughts through every word and gesture. When the emperor rewarded them even the smallest reward, the rewards often amounted to tens of thousands, accumulating over time, driven by insatiable greed. They even conferred the title of Yitong Sansi and county lord to Persian dogs, distributing salaries to enjoy.
Outside the Divine Beast Gate was a designated resting area for court officials, which people at the time called the "Unloading Hall." Sometimes, those eunuchs would stay inside for several days, only coming out after they had rested enough. When they rode horses, they first led the horses to the steps below the Divine Beast Gate before mounting, cracking their whips and galloping off, with dozens of them stirring up dust. Court officials from families like Tang, Zhao, Han, and Luo all avoided them, not daring to utter a word.
During the time of Emperor Gaozu, there were several people named Chen Shanti, Gai Fengle, and Liu Taozhi, along with a bunch of similar folks, who were mostly doing errands and odd jobs, and they managed to earn some favor. By the years of Tianbao and Daning, they gradually rose to prominence, and by the time of Wuping, they were all made kings and set up their offices. Those who missed out on the Wuping period were later posthumously granted noble titles.
There were also two guys named He Hai and Zi Hongzhen, both of whom became kings and had a particularly close relationship with the emperor. Hongzhen, taking advantage of his power, sold positions and abused his authority, which was quite arrogant. There were also people like Shi Chou, Duo Zhi, and Hu Xiao'er, along with a bunch of others who were all good at singing and dancing, and in the end, they were all granted the title of king, reaching the rank of Yitong Sansi and setting up their offices. As for the eunuchs, they initially only ran errands in the palace and served others, but gradually, as they became familiar with the emperor, they climbed to high positions. Those who were born into their master's household, having grown up there, had a particularly close relationship with the emperor, especially during the reign of the later emperor. They relied on their service to their masters to rise in rank and wealth. As for folks like Hu Xiao'er, they all looked shady, had no real skills, and only knew how to flatter and exclude ministers in the court, which was really frustrating. For instance, look at those who became big shots through music: Shen Guo'er made it to Yitong Sansi, and Wang Changtong became the governor of Tongzhou at just fourteen or fifteen years old.
At that time, there was a man named Xue Rongzong who was an official and boasted all day about being able to summon ghosts. As the Zhou army was approaching, he told the emperor, "I have already sent General Hulü Mingyue with a large army to the front to resist them." Astonishingly, the emperor actually believed him! As they passed by an ancient tomb, Xue Rongzong asked his attendant Yuan Xinggong whose tomb this was. Yuan Xinggong jokingly said, "It's the tomb of Lin Zong." Xue Rongzong then asked who Lin Zong was, and Yuan Xinggong replied, "He's Guo Yuanzhen's father." Xue Rongzong rushed to report to the emperor, saying, "I just saw Guo Linzong come out of the tomb, wearing a large hat, in jimo boots, and holding a riding whip, asking me, 'Has my son Yuanzhen arrived?'" Back then, most of those spouting such nonsense were just like Xue Rongzong.
Praise: In times of crisis and chaos at court, the small fry thrive while the noble fall.
