Real Histories
Li Hun, styled Jichu, was from Baishan County, Zhao Commandery. His great-grandfather, Li Ling, was the Duke of Julu of the Wei state. His father, Li Zun, served as the Sima of the Eastern Expedition in Jizhou for the Wei state, but was later killed by Wang Yu during a rebellion in Jizhou. Due to his father's death in service to the king, Li Hun was appointed as an Assistant to the Palace. At that time, the country was in turmoil, and he feigned illness to request a transfer to Qingzhou to serve as Sima of the Eastern Expedition. Together with Xing Shao from Hejian and Wang Xin from Beihai, he took his elderly mother, wife, and children to Qingzhou and Qi. Before long, Er Zhu Rong attacked Luoyang, and many high-ranking officials were killed. People regarded Li Hun as having great foresight. In the early years of the Yong'an era, he was appointed as a Regular Attendant.
During the Putai era, Cui Sheke rebelled in the Haidai region and besieged the city of Qingzhou. The court ordered Li Hun to be appointed as General of the Eastern Expedition and Minister of the Imperial Guards, sending him to lead troops for rescue. However, Cui Sheke's forces were seasoned veterans, cunning and resourceful, with each city holding out and employing a strategy of fortification and scorched earth. At that time, opinions were divided. Li Hun said, “Cui Sheke's army is the core of the rebellion, and they had besieged the city for over a month. They are just a ragtag group and can be easily defeated. If we choose elite soldiers and quietly conduct a night raid into the enemy camp, we can catch them off guard and swiftly capture him. Once we capture Cui Sheke, the other commanderies will surrender without a fight. Why should we risk an attack on the city in the scorching heat and waste our troops?” Other generals hesitated, so Li Hun decided to lead the troops himself. Before dawn, they reached the city, and the rebels were thrown into a panic, scattering in all directions. Cui Sheke was captured alive, beh
Later, Li Hun was appointed as the Minister of Rites and also served as a courtier, being sent to the Liang state as an envoy. The Emperor Wu of Liang said to him, "The descendants of Boyang have become increasingly prosperous over time, and the Li family of Zhao County has produced many talents, indeed quite a few now. As a courtier, you have previously served as a general and now as an envoy, possessing both literary and martial talents; you truly are a remarkable talent!" After Li Hun returned from his mission, he was appointed as the governor of Dongjun, but later faced investigation by the court for corruption and bribery. Emperor Shizong sent guards to bring him to the palace, and Li Hun boldly said, "General, do you still value respecting the worthy today?" Emperor Shizong laughed heartily and released him.
During the Tianbao period of Northern Wei, Hun Zhan was dismissed from his position as the Prince's Grand Guardian. Afterwards, Xing Shao took on the role of Grand Teacher, and Yang Yin became the Grand Tutor; at that time, people regarded this as a great honor. Hun Zhan was reassigned to engage in Chan Buddhism and replaced the ceremonial official, and he was granted the title of Marquis of Jingyang, also participating in the revision of the "Linzhi Code." Not long after, he was appointed as the governor of Haizhou.
The local inhabitants of Haizhou revolted and jointly attacked the city. The city had many stones but lacked wells, and the residents had no choice but to drin
His son, Hun Zhan, courtesy name (zi) Chuyuan, was well-read and knowledgeable in both literature and history, upholding the family's esteemed traditions. He served as an attendant to the crown prince and also held the position of ordinary attendant, and he was once sent as a deputy envoy to the State of Chen. He inherited his father's title of Baron of Jingyang County. Hun Zhan, along with his brothers Hun Hui and Hun Wei, served as official envoys to the State of Liang, and Hun Zhan also acted as a deputy envoy, earning their family the nickname "Gate of Four Envoys" among the people of Zhao County.
Hun Hui, courtesy name Jingwen, expressed his wish to start school at six. His family initially intended to refuse him due to the customs of that time, but eventually agreed. He secretly used his older cousin's writing materials to study and soon studied "The Urgent Essay." People inside and outside the family believed he was extraordinary and considered him a genius. As he grew up, Hun Hui was handsome and poised, radiating charm and vitality. Xing Yan, Hun Hui's maternal uncle from Hejian, engaged in discussions about academics with Hun Hui and praised his talents, saying, "You seem to weave through clouds and mist, and you shine like pearls and jade. Your family's good fortune depends entirely on this nephew!" Prince Qi, Xiao Baoyin, recommended him to serve as a chief clerk, responsible for managing documents, and treated him like a guest friend. Minister Gao Yong further appointed him as a subordinate official and called him to Luoyang.
At that time, Wang Xihe, the Minister of State, and Chang Jing, the Secretary Supervisor, were ordered by the court to select ten Confucian scholars to compile the "Five Rites," with Hunhui and Wang Yi, both from Taiyuan, jointly responsible for the compilation of military ceremonies. Emperor Jing of Wei lectured on the "Classic of Filial Piety" and the "Book of Rites" in the Xianyang Hall, and Hunhui, his brother Hunqian, Pei Boma, Wei Shou, Lu Yuanming, and others participated in recording and discussing the lectures. Hunhui was skilled in calligraphy, particularly adept at teaching writing techniques; his articles and discussions were concise and clear, making them well worth reading. During the early years of the Tianping era of Northern Wei, Emperor Shizong appointed him as Chancellor. After each morning court session, civil and military officials would gather to report to the emperor, who always allowed Hunhui to speak first, placing him at the forefront of the court. Hunhui's words were clear and precise, and his demeanor was elegant and graceful, earning him the respect of all listeners.
In the Wuding era of Northern Wei, Gao Yun was appointed as a court attendant and sent as an envoy to the Southern Liang. Emperor Wu of Liang asked him, "Where is Gao Xiang (Gao Huan) now?" Gao Yun replied, "He is currently in Jinyang, busy defending against border bandits." The Emperor then asked, "What are those northern black otters (referring to the Northern Wei army) like? What is Gao Xiang's strategic deployment?" Gao Yun said, "Those black otters wander like restless spirits in the Guanzhong region; the common people deeply detest them, as they have suffered continuous disasters for years, and they long to return home. The Chancellor (Gao Huan) possesses rare strategies and plans; he gathers strength, waits for the right moment, and is poised to break through the enemy's defenses." Upon hearing this, Emperor Wu praised him repeatedly, exclaiming, "You have spoken excellently!"
Later, Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty and Gao Yun chatted in a light-hearted manner, discussing their family backgrounds. A man from the Liang Dynasty named Yuan Xia boasted, "Our family can be traced back to the Yellow Emperor; our surname ranks among the fourteen ancient surnames!" Gao Yun laughed and replied, "Although your family has a distinguished lineage, we can all claim descent from the Yellow Emperor. A thousand years later, aren't we all of the same descent?" Everyone laughed heartily. The other Wei envoys took the opportunity to promote their goods to the Liang people, but Gao Yun remained incorruptible and did not participate, which earned him even greater respect for his integrity.
After returning from the mission, Gao Yun was appointed as the General of Pingnan and the Interior Minister of Gaoyang. Gaoyang County had previously been frequently terrorized by wild beasts, causing great harm to the people. Gao Yun wanted to build fences to solve this problem, but tragically, he lost his life in the battle against the beasts. Everyone believed that his efforts to protect the people had pleased the heavens, and they all requested the court to recognize his contributions, but he had not agreed to this during his lifetime. Later, Emperor Gaozu (Emperor Xiaowen) toured east to Yingzhou and stayed at the west of the city for a long time, specifically sending someone to pay tribute to Gao Yun: "I knew back when I was in Jinyang that you were the only one in Shandong who truly cared for the people. Now that I see it with my own eyes, it truly is well-deserved. I hope you keep this spirit alive; your contributions will not be overlooked."
Cui Mou, the Governor of Hejian, relied on the power of his brother Cui Xian to demand deer antlers and the feathers of the lark bird from Gao Yun. Gao Yun replied, "I’m just a clumsy person with limited ability, unable to keep up with flying birds or running beasts, much less to flatter those treacherous and insidious folks!" At that time, Emperor Wenxuan of Northern Qi tasked Cui Xian with selecting the Grand Historian, and Cui Xian also recommended Gao Yun, but ultimately, it was unsuccessful, and many believed it was due to Gao Yun’s response. During the Tianbao period, Gao Yun was appointed as the Right Grand Historian. Gao Yun was an upright man who never flattered the powerful, which made his career fraught with difficulties, ultimately leading to his frustrating demise.
Gao Yun's cousin, Gao Gongxu, known by his courtesy name Mu Shu, was intelligent and well-read. In the late Northern Wei period, he served as the Sima of Jizhou, but he resigned due to illness. Later, the court summoned him to be a Palace Attendant, but he declined the position and eventually passed away from illness.
Gongxu was particularly fond of studying metaphysics and was indifferent to worldly affairs, thus he vowed never to hold an official position. He particularly excelled in studying yin and yang, the five elements, and prophetic texts. He once told others, "Every time I look at the territorial map of the Qi state, I feel that its fortune is limited; the country's mountains and rivers will ultimately fall in the year of forty-seven." As a result, the year Qi fell was exactly twenty-eight years after the first year of Tianbao (forty-seven = 28). Gongxu lived in seclusion at home, frequently writing, producing "Dian Yan" in ten volumes, "Zhi Yi" in five volumes, "Sang Fu Zhang Ju" in one volume, "Gu Jin Lue Ji" in twenty volumes, "Xuan Zi" in five volumes, and "Zhao Yu" in thirteen volumes, all of which gained considerable fame at that time.
Li Yu, courtesy name Daofan, was a native of Chengji in Longxi and a fifth-generation descendant of King Li Mao of Liang. His father, Li Shao, was also quite famous during the Wei dynasty. Li Yu was known for his elegance, insight, and demeanor. He initially served as the Grand Commandant and later gradually promoted to Right Chief Historian. When the court moved to Ye City, he stayed in his original position, managing the imperial granaries and later overseeing the transportation of timber for palaces and temples. Because of his efficiency and competence, he received much praise. He was later promoted to General of Cavalry and Governor of Eastern Xuzhou. After resigning and returning to his hometown, he declared he was too old and unwell to continue his official career. After the Qi dynasty took over, Li Yu was posthumously promoted to General of the Front and invited to participate in the sacrificial ceremonies at the Round Mound. Li Yu was unwilling to serve under two different dynasties; although he was summoned due to previous connections, he immediately resigned after completing his duties and no longer participated in political affairs. He died in the fourth year of Tianbao.
He had three sons: Quan, Yun, and Song. The second son, Yun, was of questionable character. The third son, Song, married his daughter to Huai Ai, the son of Mu Ti Po, which facilitated his swift rise in rank, eventually becoming the magistrate of Linzhang and achieving the title of Yi Tong San Si. The second son, Yun, had an affair with Lu Lingxuan's younger sister and, after being reported by Lu Lingxuan, was instead appointed as a palace attendant.
My brother Jin, courtesy name Daoyu, is recorded in the "Book of Wei." His talent and insights were outstanding, and he was highly regarded by his contemporaries. Jin had six sons: Chanzhi, Qianzhi, Shouzhi, Lizhi, Xingzhi, and Ningzhi, all of whom were exceptional and promising. Xingzhi shared a particularly strong bond with his brothers, was recognized for his integrity and simplicity, and earned the respect of many friends. Lu Sidao from Fanyang was his brother-in-law and once wrote a poem praising him: "The water scale measures the free-spirited man; Pan and Yang have worldly connections; with form and appearance already crowned, thoughts transcend the mundane." People at that time found the poem very fitting.
My cousin, Xiao, whose courtesy name is Renlüe, is the son of Qian, the Grand Commandant of Wei. He is well-read and thoughtful. He first served as an Assistant Minister. Later, when Er Zhu Rong was about to attack the court officials, a mouse ruined Xiao's clothes and hat, so he did not go and thus escaped the Hexin incident. After the capital moved to Ye City, Xiao lived in Qinghe, staying with his maternal uncle, Cui Quan. Cui Quan gave him thirty acres of fertile land, where Xiao built a home and settled in, educating his children and nephews, and he no longer wished to pursue an official career. As the Wuding era was coming to a close and peace returned to the land, he went to the capital to take up an official position. He was eventually appointed as the County Magistrate of Dunqiu, where he eventually died.
Zheng Shuzhu, also known as Gongwen, is from Xingyang, Kaifeng. His grandfather Zheng Xi was the Minister of the Central Secretariat of Wei, and his father Zheng Daozhao was the Secretary Supervisor of Wei. Shuzhu was bright and eager to learn from a young age, enjoyed writing and was known for his integrity and strong moral principles, earning praise from many notable figures. He first served as a military advisor to the Minister of Works. During the Tianbao era, he received several promotions, eventually becoming the Crown Prince's Teacher, akin to the Minister of Ceremonies, and the Inspector of Yanzhou. At that time, Mu Zirong, who served as the Inspector, sighed and remarked, "The ancients said: 'Upon hearing the wind of Bo Yi, greedy people will become honest, and cowardly people will have ambition.' Now I see this in Zheng, the Inspector of Yanzhou!"
Once, Shu Zu's grandfather, Zheng Dao Zhao, built a memorial pavilion on a small hill in the southern part of Guangzhou and erected a stone tablet to commemorate the occasion. At that time, Shu Zu was only nine years old. Later, Shu Zu became the governor of Yanzhou and went to search for the old site, where he discovered a weathered stone tablet inscribed with the words "Baiyun Hall of Master Zhongyue Zheng Dao Zhao." Shu Zu cried in front of the stone tablet, and his sorrow moved the officials around him. Once, someone stole cloth from the market, and his father was furious, exclaiming, "How could you betray the ruler!" He captured the thief, but Shu Zu showed him mercy and let him go. From that moment on, thefts in the area ceased. People sang his praises: "Great Zheng Gong and Little Zheng Gong, fifty years apart, yet their teachings remain unchanged."
My grandfather was particularly skilled at playing the guqin and even composed a set of pieces called "Dragon's Whisper, Ten Variations." He said he heard someone playing in a dream and wrote it down when he woke up. At the time, everyone thought the piece was extraordinary. He especially loved building gardens, which made for a beautiful setting, and our home was filled with pine trees and bamboo. He was very hospitable to guests, always preparing sumptuous meals and never growing tired of it. Before he became an official, he traveled in the countryside on horseback. One day, suddenly, hundreds of riders appeared, and when they saw my grandfather, they dismounted and bowed in reverence, saying, "There you are!" They lined up to pay their respects. My grandfather inquired of those nearby, but no one recognized these people, which he found very strange. Before long, he became an official and ultimately attained a high office. Before he departed this life, he mentioned this incident and said, "Now that I am old, I have had enough glory and wealth in my life. If I can leave a clear reputation for my descendants, I can die in peace." He then passed away in the state. My grandfather's daughter was the consort of Prince Rui of Zhao. When my grandfather was alive, every time Prince Rui came to visit him, he would always ask him to sit down first before sitting himself. After my grandfather's daughter passed away, Prince Rui married the daughter of Zheng Daoyin. Whenever the prince met Zheng Daoyin, he would also ask him to sit down first before he could sit. The prince also said to Zheng Daoyin, "With such admirable character, and as an old friend of mine, you cannot be compared to him!" My father, Yuande, was talented in many areas and served as the Prefect of Langya.
My father, Yuan De, has a younger brother named Yuan Li, whose courtesy name is Wengui. He loved studying since childhood and enjoyed writing articles, and became quite well-known. Emperor Shizong invited him to the palace to serve as a scholar in residence, and later he became attendant to the crown prince. Cui Ang's wife is the sister of my uncle Yuan Li, and Wei Shou is also Cui Ang's brother-in-law. Cui Ang once shared some poems by my uncle Yuan Li with Lu Sidao and asked Lu Sidao, "What do you think of the poems Yuan Li has written recently? Aren't they as good as Wei Shou's?" Lu Sidao replied, "I think Yuan Li isn't much better than Wei Shou, but I only know that your brother-in-law isn't as good as your wife's brother." My uncle Yuan Li later went to the Zhou Dynasty and eventually passed away while serving as the Deputy Prefect of Shizhou.
Yuantan is a descendant of Emperor Wei Xianwen and the seventh son of King Xi of Xianyang. After his father Xi was killed, his brothers—Yi, Shu, and three others—fled to the south. Therefore, Yuantan inherited the title and was titled King of Fucheng. During the Yong'an period, he restored his original title as the Prince of Xianyang, and his official position eventually rose to the position of Palace Attendant. Emperor Zhuang once remarked to him casually, "Your abilities are not on par with Xun Yu or Cai Yong, and you’ve climbed the ranks so quickly at such a young age, and that’s why you got a special promotion."
In the early years of Emperor Xiaowu's reign, Yuantan's brother Shu was captured. Yuantan worried that his older brother Shu, though talented, might replace him in the future, so he secretly suggested to the court that they execute him as per the law. His brother Shu learned of this and cried as he said, "I couldn’t die in battle because of our family’s misfortunes and could only run for my life, which is how I ended up with this title. I am now coming to you not for any grand cause, just to stay alive; how could I even dream of wealth and honor? How can you suspect me like this and forget our brotherly bond? Although you are tall and strong, you have no commendable qualities!" Yuantan's expression darkened, and he walked away. When Shu died, Yuantan didn’t shed a single tear.
Yuan Tan later became the Minister of State, Grand Commandant, and Grand Tutor, and was additionally appointed as Palace Attendant, Grand Master, Registrar of the Ministry of Personnel, Clan Elder, and Governor of Sizhou. Although his salary was substantial and his official rank was prominent, he was insatiable, selling official positions and abusing his power without any shame. He was later impeached by the censors and stripped of his office, returning home to live in relative luxury. Not long after, he was reinstated and became the Inspector of Jizhou, continuing to exploit the common people. When the people paid taxes, in addition to the regular taxes, he extorted five bolts of silk from every household before he would accept the tax. He particularly enjoyed hunting and fishing, going out almost every day, hunting rabbits and wild chickens in autumn and winter, and fishing and catching crabs in spring and summer, with hundreds of hunting dogs and trained hawks. He himself said he would rather skip three meals than miss a single day of hunting. Later, he returned to court as Grand Tutor. During the reign of Emperor Tianbao, his title was demoted as per the regulations, and he was granted the title of Duke of Xinfeng County, holding the position of Special Advisor with ministerial rank. Because his son Yuan Shibao and the Cavalry Attendant Peng Guiping spoke recklessly after drinking, making outrageous claims about prophecies, the relevant authorities petitioned for their execution, but the emperor ultimately pardoned them. Yuan Tan was then exiled to Beiyingzhou, where he eventually died in exile.
Yuan Bin, styled Shanjiji, was a descendant of Emperor Xianwen of Wei. His father, Prince Gaoyang Yuan Yong, was killed alongside Emperor Xiaozhuang at Heyin. Yuan Bin inherited his ancestral title at a young age and later became Palace Attendant and Left Minister of the Ministry of Rites. He was handsome, gentle in character, and cautious in his official duties, earning the favor of Emperor Wenxiang of Qi. At the beginning of the Tianbao era, his title was reduced according to regulations, making him Duke of Gaoyang County, and he was then appointed as Right Grand Master. Two years later, he accompanied Emperor Wenxuan to fight against the Khitan and, upon returning to Bailanghe, was sentenced to death for his offenses.
Yuan Xiaoyou was a descendant of Emperor Taiwu of the Northern Wei dynasty. His elder brother, Prince Linhuai Yuan Yu, had no sons, so he designated Yuan Xiaoyou as his heir. He gradually rose through the ranks to become the governor of Cangzhou. He was relatively gentle in his official duties and liked to do small favors, and while he wasn't particularly incorruptible, he never committed any acts that harmed the common people, who generally felt this was a good thing. One time, Emperor Jing of Wei hosted a banquet for Emperor Wenxiang of Qi in Hualin Garden, and Yuan Xiaoyou got drunk and started bragging, saying, "Your Majesty, you promised to reward me with talented individuals." The emperor smiled and replied, "I've always heard you say you're honest!" Emperor Wenxiang of Qi interjected, "Prince Linhuai has been pardoned by decree." Everyone then laughed heartily, and the matter was considered settled.
Yuan Xiaoyou was very knowledgeable about government affairs and once submitted a memorial that stated:
"System: One hundred families form a clan, twenty families form a neighborhood, and five families form a community. Within one hundred families, there are twenty-five leaders, and all are exempt from conscription, leading to unequal hardships and joys. There are few sheep and many wolves, and there is also the problem of encroachment. This has been a long-standing issue. In the capital, there are neighborhoods with seven or eight hundred families but only one neighborhood head and two historians, with no issues in public affairs, let alone in the outer provinces. I propose we keep the titles of the three leaders as they are, while one hundred families form a clan, four neighborhoods, and two communities. Each clan with twelve males would receive twelve bolts of silk fabric. Rough estimates suggest that, with the households under management, there should be over twenty thousand clans, producing two hundred forty thousand bolts of silk in a year. Fifteen males form one unit of soldiers, resulting in a total of sixteen thousand soldiers. This is how to strengthen the country and safeguard the people."
In ancient times, nobles married nine wives, while commoners had one wife and one concubine. Historically, according to the Jin Dynasty's regulations, kings could have eight concubines, and dukes and marquesses could have six concubines. According to the "Official Ranks Order," first and second rank officials could have four concubines, third and fourth rank officials three concubines, fifth and sixth rank officials two concubines, and seventh and eighth rank officials one concubine. Therefore, in the past, having many children and grandchildren was valued, and adherence to rituals and laws was emphasized. Having many children and grandchildren was seen as a manifestation of filial piety, and following rituals and laws was necessary for maintaining social order. However, the court has suddenly abandoned this tradition, and over time, it has become a habit. Many high-ranking officials and nobles marry princesses or daughters of royal relatives as their wives, and there are virtually no concubines in the households of lords and ministers; this has become the norm. Those unfortunate women born into this era live in a court that has no concubines, and the world has largely adopted a monogamous system.
If we force everyone to marry multiple wives now, families will definitely be in chaos, life will be difficult, and relatives and friends will laugh at us. Nowadays, people have no real rules. When parents marry off their daughters, they teach them to be jealous; when mothers-in-law and sisters meet, they advise daughters to be petty, viewing jealousy as a woman's virtue and a sign of being dutiful. Women all say they cannot be bullied and fear others will laugh at them. Even nobles and ministers have only one wife, let alone common folks. If jealousy grows stronger, the concubinage system will be abolished; once it is abolished, many adulterous affairs will occur, and that's what I detest. Therefore, I suggest that first-rank officials should take eight concubines, plus one legal wife, totaling nine; second-rank officials seven, third and fourth ranks five, and fifth rank one legal wife and two concubines. This quota must be met within a month. If the number is not reached or if there is disrespect towards the concubines that leads to the wife being jealous and beating them, the official will lose their position. If a wife has no children but does not take concubines, she is cutting off the family lineage and cannot worship the ancestors, and should be deemed unfilial and divorced.
My sincere intention is only to benefit the country and families, hoping that fortune and misfortune are in accordance with propriety, and that everyone, regardless of status, has their own rules. I work hard to train soldiers, stockpile food, set bounties to catch thieves, and issue decrees to regulate the court, hoping that the country can be strong and the people can live in peace and prosperity. I risk proposing an increase in the number of wives and concubines, hoping that the sons of nobles, ministers, and loyal officials will prosper and have many descendants, securing the nation's stability. This is my wish.
As a result, after my suggestion was reported to the court, various departments discussed it, but their opinions were divided.
Xiao You said, "Now, when people are alive, they are like lowly servants, but when they die, they want to throw a grand celebration as if they were nobles or generals. Living and dying are two different matters, and there's no sense of moderation at all. The graves are built high and grand, and the sacrificial ceremonies are made particularly elaborate, with neighbors getting in on the action and praising their filial piety. As for marriage, it is one of the first things emphasized by the state; as long as they can eat together, that's all that matters. But now, wealthy people are becoming increasingly extravagant, with wedding banquets that are even more extravagant than sacrificial feasts, with fish stacked up like a mountain, and trees and phoenixes displayed on top. In the end, after all the hustle and bustle, it all ends up as just a heap of junk, doesn't it? When you think about what Heaven really wants, it probably isn’t meant to be like this. So, from now on, if anyone's wedding or funeral is excessive, they will be treated as if they're defying orders. Officials who do not correct this in time will also bear responsibility!"
Xiao You had been an official in the local area for many years, always acting according to the rules and earning a good reputation. However, he was a bit of a smooth talker and adept at flattering those in power, which brought him some criticism for not being straightforward. During the Qi Tianbao period, he was demoted as per the rules, granted the title of Duke of Linhuai, and appointed as a Grand Minister of Ceremonies. Two years later, in winter, he was summoned to Jinyang Palace and was eventually killed along with Yuan Huiye.
Yuan Huiye, styled Shaoyuan, was the great-grandson of Emperor Jingmu of Wei. In his youth, he was pretty reckless and hung out with some bandits. As he grew up, he changed, began to read historical texts, could write essays, and showed a lot of integrity. He served as Minister of Works and Grand Commandant, and was further promoted to the position of Director of the Secretariat, in charge of the Ministry of Rites. Wenxiang once asked him, "What have you been reading lately?" Yuan Huiye replied, "I have been reading the stories of Yi Yin and Huo Guang, not the bios of Cao Man and Ma Teng."
Gao Huiye gradually lost his former power as his fortunes declined, no longer pursuing fame and wealth, but instead indulged in food, drink, and pleasure, eating a sheep daily and a cow every three days. He once wrote a poem lamenting: "Once I resided in the royal way, surrounded by the rich and talented; now I now face obstacles in life, with foxes and rabbits running wild." In the early years of Northern Qi, he was demoted to Duke of Meiyang and served as a Grand Official of the Three Departments and a Special Advisor. During this time, he wrote "The Family of the Wei State's Feudal Lords," subtitled "Discourse on the Sect," a forty-volume work which has been handed down through the ages. Although he held a prominent position, his eccentric personality often made him the target of suspicion. In the second year of the Tianbao era, he accompanied the emperor to Jinyang and, pointing outside the palace gate, shouted at Yuan Shao: "You're worse than an old woman, handing the imperial seal to someone else—why not just smash it? I know I'm saying this at the cost of my life, but how long do you think you can live?" Upon hearing this, Emperor Wenxuan ordered his execution, along with that of Duke Gao Xiaoyou of Linhuai. Gao Xiaoyou was in a panic at his execution, while Gao Huiye stayed calm. Afterwards, they were both frozen in ice and their bodies sunk beneath the surface. Gao Huiye's brother, Gao Zhaoye, was very learned and rose to the position of Grand Counselor. When Emperor Zhuang vi
Gao Yuanbi, styled Fuzong, was the son of Wei Sikong Gao Hui. (The following text is his own account.) He was known for his integrity and literary talent, and he rose to the position of Central散大夫. According to the hereditary system, he should have inherited his father's title. However, due to the favor his uncle, the Minister of Personnel Gao Li, received from the emperor, Gao Yuanbi's noble title was revoked and granted to his full-brother Gao Dan. Thus, Gao Yuanbi completely abandoned his official career, feigning illness and returning home. Later, Emperor Xuanwu summoned him to serve as Shizhong, but he resolutely declined the offer. He fled to Songshan, lived in a cave, dressed in simple clothes, and ate vegetarian meals, eventually passing. In the first year of the Jianyi era, his son Gao Huiye petitioned, and his noble title was reinstated. In the third year of Yong'an, he was posthumously honored with the title of Minister of Personnel and given the posthumous name Wenxian. Initially, Gao Yuanbi had a dream in which a figure told him, "Your title cannot be inherited; the one who will inherit your title will be your eldest son Gao Shaoyuan." Upon waking, Gao Yuanbi immediately told Gao Huiye, and ultimately, it unfolded just as the dream had foretold.
Yuan Shao, styled Shizhou, was the nephew of Emperor Xiaozhuang of Wei. To escape the chaos caused by Er Zhu Rong, he hid in Mount Song. He had a particular love for learning and was also quite handsome. At first, when Er Zhu Rong was about to enter Luoyang, his father Yuan Shao was deeply fearful and entrusted his son Yuan Shao to Zheng Zhongming, the governor of Xingyang. As a result, Zheng Zhongming was later killed by the townspeople, and Yuan Shao got separated from his nurse amid the chaos and fled alongside Zheng Zhongming's nephew, Seng Fu. On the way, they encountered bandits, and Seng Fu, fearing they would be caught, urged Yuan Shao to get off his horse. Seng Fu said to the bandits, "Even a weary little bird draws sympathy from people; how much more so for a prince? How can you abandon him like this?" Seng Fu raised his knife and forced the bandits to retreat. Later, Yuan Shao met an elderly woman surnamed Cheng, who took pity on him and hid him in her home for more than ten days. Eventually, Emperor Xiaozhuang found him and allowed him to inherit the title of Prince of Pengcheng. Emperor Shenzu of Bei Qi later married his daughter to him. Many treasures of the Wei dynasty followed Yuan Shao to his home. Among them were two jade bowls, one fitting inside the other, which could spin but could not be taken out; there was also an agate wine cup that could hold three liters of wine, crafted with jade. These items were rumored to be crafted by spirits from the Western Regions. Yuan Shao later rose to the positions of Grand Marshal, Palace Attendant, Minister of the Interior, and Governor of Sizhou, and eventually promoted to Grand Tutor. In the first year of the Tianbao era of Bei Qi, his title was downgraded to that of a county duke.
Yuan Shao was gentle and generous, and as the son-in-law of the Gao family, he was favored by the emperor. However, he was humble and cautious, treating others with kindness. He was fond of Confucian teachings, respected the worthy, and loved nature and pastoral life, building residences that were luxurious but not excessive. Later, Emperor Wenxuan even shaved Yuan Shao's beard, put makeup on him, dressed him in women's clothing, and had him follow closely, saying, "I treat King Pengcheng like my concubine." This was a jab at the Yuan family's lack of power, likening him to a woman.
A decade later, the historian noted, "This year we should reform and innovate." Emperor Wenxuan asked Shao (referring to Yuan Shao), "How did Emperor Guangwu of Han restore the dynasty?" Shao replied, "Because he did not completely exterminate the Liu clan." Therefore, Emperor Wenxuan decided to execute the Yuan clan to prevent any future threats.
In May, Emperor Wenxuan ordered the execution of Yuan Shizhe, Yuan Jingshi, and twenty-five other families, while the remaining nineteen families faced strict prohibitions. Yuan Shao was imprisoned in the dungeons of the capital, went on a hunger strike and ultimately starved to death while clutching his sleeves. By July, the large-scale massacre of the Yuan family began, with no one spared, starting from King Zhao Cheng. No matter if their ancestors were princes, they were high officials, or if their brothers were strong, all were executed. Those infants were thrown into the air and then caught on long spears. In total, seven hundred twenty-one people were killed, and their bodies were thrown into the Zhang River. Later, when people cut open fish bellies, they often found human nails, and the entire capital city refrained from eating fish for a long time.
It was said: The Yuan family was powerful, thriving on the merits of their ancestors; however, the dynasty's fortunes had run out, and the Yuan family ultimately faced brutal punishment.
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!
Xue Huan, courtesy name Tan Zhen, was a native of Henan. His family originally had the surname Chigan. His father was Xue Baozi, who once served as the Inspector of Xuzhou in the State of Wei. Xue Huan was tall and imposing, and he became known for his ability to get things done at a young age. He later became the Chief of Guests, and every time he brought guests to meet the Wei Emperor, he carried himself with great dignity. When the Wei Emperor summoned him, he said, "You have an impressive appearance and are quite handsome; you will surely be promoted in the future. How do you feel about your current position?" Xue Huan replied, "Regarding sacrifices at the ancestral temple, I dare not be disrespectful; concerning court affairs, I dare not be disloyal. Beyond that, other matters are not something an ordinary official like me can manage."
During the Zhengguang period, Xue Huan became the magistrate of Luoyang County, and the area under his jurisdiction quickly became orderly. When someone committed a crime, he did not need to resort to torture; through rigorous logical reasoning and investigation, he was able to uncover the truth. As a result, local thugs and troublemakers feared him, which made his job significantly easier. At that time, there was a severe drought, and prisoners in the capital were assembled at Hualin Garden to address wrongful convictions, resulting in only three prisoners remaining in the Luoyang prison. Emperor Xiaoming of Wei held him in high regard and rewarded him with one hundred rolls of silk. After Xue Huan was promoted to the Ministry of Personnel, Minister Cui Liang proposed implementing a seniority-based ranking system, without evaluating the abilities of candidates, only looking at years of service and qualifications. Xue Huan submitted a letter of dissent, stating, "The well-being of the common people rests in the hands of local officials. If the right individuals are chosen, the common people can enjoy a peaceful and prosperous life; if the wrong people are chosen, the consequences could be even more severe. If the Ministry of Personnel only selects older officials without assessing their abilities and virtues, it's like a queue, one after another; it would be enough to have officials who can just register names. Why do we need so many people? How can this be considered talent selection? Therefore, I urge you not to implement this system." However, his petition was not adopted.
Later, Xue Liu was summoned again, and he advised, "Governing the realm is a shared responsibility of all officials. The Han Dynasty often had the Three Grand Ministers recommend virtuous and upright talents who were bold enough to speak their minds to serve as local officials to win the people's trust. This practice was abandoned from the late Jin Dynasty onwards. Now that the world has just stabilized, the priority now is to win the people's trust. I request to follow the example of the Han Dynasty and re-establish four positions, allowing the Three Grand Ministers to recommend talented individuals to serve as governors of the commanderies and counties, and to formulate clear regulations to prevent them from engaging in corruption." The Wei Emperor ordered the courtiers to discuss this matter, but in the end, there was no result.
Yuan Tianmu wanted to attack Xing Gao and appointed Li Liu as the Minister of the Executive Council. At that time, Yuan Hao had already occupied Can City. Yuan Tianmu summoned civil and military officials to discuss whom to attack first. Everyone felt that Xing Gao had a large army and should be dealt with first. However, Li Liu believed that Xing Gao was gathering a rebellion, which lacked legitimacy; even though he was powerful, he was ultimately just a bandit. In contrast, Yuan Hao was a royal relative, claiming to fight for justice, making the situation more complicated and harder to assess. Xing Gao was like a rat in the shadows, a dog scavenging for scraps, lacking great ambitions; thus, Yuan Hao should be dealt with first. Since everyone believed Xing Gao was the bigger threat, Yuan Tianmu decided to attack him first. As a result, Xing Gao surrendered, but Yuan Hao entered Luoyang. Yuan Tianmu said to Li Liu, "I didn't listen to you, and that's how things turned out."
During the Tianping years of the Western Wei, Emperor Gaozu of the Western Wei promoted him to the position of Chief Minister. Li Xuan had long been renowned for his talents and received high regard from Emperor Gaozu. He was involved in significant military and state matters and was diligent and responsible, consistently providing earnest advice. When Emperor Gaozu planned a large-scale westward expedition, preparing to cross the Pujiang River, Li Xuan advised, "The bandits in the west have been suffering from famine for several years and have nothing to eat, which is why they risk their lives to invade Shan Prefecture to seize grain. Now that Minister Gao has surrounded Shan Prefecture, no grain can get out. We just need to station troops at all the road junctions, avoid direct confrontation with them, and wait until next year's wheat harvest; they will starve, and Baoyu and Heitan will naturally surrender. I urge Your Majesty not to cross the river!" Hou Jing also said, "Even though we have a large force this time, if we were to lose, the consequences could be disastrous. It would be wiser to divide the army into two columns, advancing in succession; if the front column is victorious, the rear column can then launch a full-scale attack; if the front column is defeated, the rear column can provide support." Emperor Gaozu did not heed this advice, which ultimately led to the disastrous defeat at the Battle of Shayuan.
Li Xuan later rose to the position of Minister of Rites and then passed away. Before his death, he instructed his son to bury him in ordinary clothes, to be interred a month later, and forbade anyone from seeking official positions on his behalf. He even made his own funeral cart, without any decorations, using only hemp twine for tassels and plain hemp rope. No burial items were allowed either. Li Xuan had long served in the court, skillfully handling documents and accounts, and was quick in adjudicating cases. However, he was inherently suspicious and resentful, seeming upright and honest on the outside, while being restless and uneasy on the inside. He took bribes, twisted legal provisions, was harsh and ungrateful, and offended many, causing scholars and commoners to fear and detest him. Zhang, the concubine of Wang Yuankuang of the Eastern Ping Kingdom, was known for her promiscuous behavior; Li Xuan initially had an affair with her and later married her. He was deceived by Zhang's slanders, divorced his first wife, and did not acknowledge his son, resulting in widespread complaints within his household and accusations flying back and forth, leading to Li Xuan being ridiculed by people. After his death, he was posthumously honored as the Inspector of Qingzhou.
Jing Xianjun, styled Xiaoying, was from Pingyang. In his youth, he was brave and chivalrous, with a strong sense of honor, and associated with many heroes and outstanding figures. He later became the Supervisor of the Imperial Guards. When Emperor Gaozu attacked Jinzhou, Jing Xianjun was sent to pay him a visit, and they hit it off well, which led to his promotion to Deputy. After Emperor Gaozu raised his army, he appointed Jing Xianjun as the Minister of Logistics. During the attack on Ye City, Emperor Gaozu assigned Jing Xianjun to oversee the construction of earthen mounds. Once the city fell, he accompanied Emperor Gaozu in quelling the rebellion of the Western Hu. He was later promoted to Minister of the Capital and participated in campaigns alongside various generals, earning numerous military accolades. He also helped Emperor Gaozu put down the disturbances caused by Kou Nan, defeating Emperor Wen of Zhou, vanquishing Hou Jing, stabilizing Shouchun, and securing the Huainan region. He expanded the territory of Sanjiangkou, constructing many cities and military camps. Ultimately, he was promoted to Inspector of Yanzhou, and later passed away.
Ping Jian, styled Mingda, was a native of Jixian in Yanjun. His father, Ping Sheng, had served as the governor of Anzhou. From a young age, Ping Jian was clever and quick-witted, with great ambition and capability. He studied under Xu Zunming, without being confined to textual interpretation; although he revered Confucianism, he also had a strong sense of chivalry. In the late years of Xiaochang, as bandits rose and chaos threatened the world, he went to Luoyang and became friends with Murong Yan, the two rode horses together. Ping Jian was skilled with his hands, painting at night to sell for a living to support himself. He told his relatives, "The rise and fall of the world follows a set course; when chaos reaches its peak, it will turn to stability. Bingzhou is a battleground for military strategists, and Er Zhu Rong is a hero of our time. He has raised the banner of righteousness to suppress rebels; we should serve him loyally and wholeheartedly; now is the time!" Thus, they joined Er Zhu Rong in Jinyang and presented strategies for quelling the rebellion and stabilizing the people. Er Zhu Rong held him in high regard and immediately appointed him as a military advisor, following Er Zhu Rong to pacify Gong County and Mi County, always charging into battle at the front. He was later promoted to the position of General and governor of Xiangzhou.
When Emperor Gaozu rose in rebellion at Xindu, Ping Jian joined him. Gaozu said to Ping Jian, "During this time of lax governance in the court, you have already shown your loyalty to your country. Now that Er Zhu Rong is causing chaos, you can turn from darkness to light; truly, it is in times of turmoil that loyal and steadfast individuals are revealed!" Thus, Gaozu promoted him to governor of Huai Prefecture in the west.
Ping Jian submitted a memorial to the court, requesting the construction of fortifications along the old Zhi Road in the west of the province to defend against the Western invaders, and the court approved his request. Soon after, the Western Wei army came to attack. At that time, the newly built fortifications had not yet received provisions, and there was already a water shortage, instilling great fear in the people. There was a well inside the south gate, but it ran dry as soon as water was drawn. Ping Jian then put on his armor, knelt by the well, and prayed until dawn, when the well water finally surged forth, allowing the entire city to drink. The Western Wei army ultimately retreated, and because of this achievement, Ping Jian was promoted to the position of Minister of State, holding the rank of San Si.
At this time, Shi Heshikai, relying on his good relationship with the emperor and his great power in the court, would suppress anyone he found displeasing. He even had someone ask the Minister of State, Zhang Jian, to take his concubine Liu for himself. Without hesitation, Zhang Jian sent Liu to Shi Heshikai. Zhang Jian also told others, "If I, old Zhang, lose Liu, what's the difference between that and dying? You all should think about your own situations; there's nothing we can do about it!" As a result, Zhang Jian was reassigned as the governor of Qizhou. Zhang Jian had served as governor of eight provinces and had been the governor of Huaizhou twice. Wherever he went, the local officials greatly missed him, and some even erected monuments in his honor. Later, he was later promoted at court and became the Minister of the Interior.
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.
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