Wang Hui, courtesy name Lingming, is a native of Langya Linyi. He is a distant cousin of the Grand Protector Wang Hong. His grandfather Wang Shao served as a general of chariots and cavalry, and his father Wang Mo served as Left Minister of Rites. Wang Hui has always been gentle and unpretentious since childhood, earning the appreciation of his uncle, the Minister of Works, Wang Mi. He has a calm personality, does not interact much with others, and leads a simple life without many distractions. Chenjun Xie Zhan, gifted and articulate, once brought his friends to visit Wang Hui. As they discussed vigorously, citing classics and debating, Wang Hui responded with calm clarity, leaving Xie Zhan and his friends feeling inferior and departing in shame.
The Emperor Gaozu heard of Wang Hui's reputation and asked his cousin Wang Dan, "How is Wang Hui?" Wang Dan replied, "Wang Hui will definitely be outstanding in the future; he is the pride of our family!" So the Emperor Gaozu appointed Wang Hui as a military advisor in the Grand Commandant's Office, the Chief Clerk of the Grand Commandant's Office, and an Attendant in the Palace. Later, when the Crown Prince established his own office, he appointed Wang Hui as the Chief Clerk for Pacifying the Xiongnu, and later promoted him to Chief Clerk of the Central Army. When the Prefect of Kuaiji, Liu Huaijing, returned to his county, the capital was bustling with people seeing him off. Wang Hui also went to bid farewell and then went to visit his younger brother Wang Qiu. Wang Qiu asked him, "Who did you meet today?" Wang Hui replied, "I just felt like I met a lot of people today." Once, by the Qu River, a sudden strong wind and rainstorm came, causing everyone to scatter in panic. Wang Hui calmly got up, composed and unfazed, as if nothing was out of the ordinary. After the Crown Prince was appointed as the Inspector of Jingzhou, Wang Hui continued to serve as his Chief Clerk. Later, he was appointed as the Administrator of Nanjun, but he chose to decline the appointment.
When the Song Dynasty was first established, the Emperor needed to appoint a Minister of Imperial Physicians. Unable to find a suitable candidate, the Emperor asked Fu Liang, "The new Minister of Imperial Physicians must be at least as capable as Yuan Yaoqing!" After a while, he said, "I have found the right person!" This person was Wang Hui. Later, Wang Hui was promoted as the Minister of the Imperial Clan, then transferred to be a Minister of State, and finally became the Governor of Wuxing. When the young Emperor ascended the throne, he wanted Cai Kuo to serve as the Minister of Personnel, but Cai Kuo refused. So Wang Hui was appointed to the position instead. Wang Hui immediately assumed his position after receiving the appointment. He never entertained guests, and any letters asking for his help in securing an official position were piled up in the attic. When he left office, the seals on those letters remained unbroken. People remarked on how, while Cai Kuo had refused the appointment, Wang Hui had accepted it without hesitation.
Wang Hui's brother, Wang Jian, loved to accumulate wealth and buy land. Wang Hui disagreed with this and asked, "Why do you need to buy so much land?" Wang Jian angrily replied, "How can we eat without land?" Wang Hui then said, "Then why do we need to eat?" Wang Hui's aspirations and pursuits were remarkably unconventional. Wang Hui passed away at the age of forty-two in the third year of Yuanjia and was posthumously appointed as the Grand Minister of Ceremonies. He never married and had no children.
Xie Hongwei hailed from Yangxia in Chen County. His grandfather, Xie Shao, served as the General of Chariots and Cavalry. His father, Xie Si, was the Governor of Wuchang. His great-uncle, Xie Jun, was the second son of the Minister of Works, Xie Yan, and, having no descendants, adopted Xie Hongwei as his son. Originally named Xie Mi, he changed his name to Xie Hongwei to avoid a conflict with his adopted uncle's name.
When he was young, Xie Hongwei was focused, composed, and spoke cautiously, never casually. His adopted uncle, Xie Hun, had a keen eye for character. When he saw Xie Hongwei, he felt that he was different and said to Xie Hongwei's father, Xie Si: "This child is deep-thinking, intelligent, and perceptive; having a son like this is more than enough." When Xie Hongwei was ten years old, he was adopted into Xie Hun's family. Xie Hongwei treated his adoptive father, Xie Hun, and his biological relatives and friends he had never met with great respect and courtesy. Early in the Yixi era, Xie Hongwei inherited the title of Marquis from Xie Jun and became the Marquis of Jianchang County. Xie Hongwei came from a poor family and lived a modest life, while his adopted uncle's family was very wealthy. Xie Hongwei accepted only a few thousand books and a handful of servants from the family, refusing any money or official salary. Xie Hun was taken aback and praised Xie Hongwei, saying: "The salary of the Marquis of Jianchang should have been shared with our family. Since the Marquis himself does not want it, we can follow protocol and give him a share." Xie Hongwei repeatedly declined Xie Hun's kindness and only accepted a small amount in the end. Xie Hun was a proud and aloof man who rarely socialized with others. He only discussed poetry and literature with his relatives Xie Lingyun, Xie Zhan, Xie Yao, and Xie Hongwei, whom he admired. They often gathered in Wuyi Alley, hence they were called the "Wuyi Circle." In one of Xie Hun's five-character poems, he wrote: "In the past, while playing in Wuyi Alley, those relatives and friends were all my nephews," referring to this situation. Despite Xie Hun's fame at the time, few dared to visit him.
Xie Zhan and a few others have great eloquence and debating skills, but Xie Hongwei is always able to persuade them with concise language. Xie Hun especially respects him and calls him "Master Wei." Xie Hun addressed Xie Zhan and the others, saying, "Although you are talented and eloquent, not everyone will recognize you. Xie Hongwei is highly perceptive and speaks concisely, so we should recommend him together." Xie Hun often said, "Xie Zhan, also known as Zi Yuan, has a strong and irritable personality; Xie Lingyun, also known as Ke Er, has broad knowledge but lacks restraint; Xie Yao is arrogant and lacks reliability; and Xie Hui (Xie Hun himself) is self-aware but often fails to appreciate others' kindness. Even if he achieves success in the future, he will eventually regret it. Only Xie Hongwei, I have no complaints against him." He also said, "Xie Hongwei stands apart from the rest; he does not condone wrongdoing and adheres to the right path. If he lives to be sixty, he will undoubtedly rise to a high-ranking position in the court."
Once, after a banquet, Xie Hun used poetic verses to encourage Xie Lingyun and Xie Zhan: "Lingyun, you are gifted and articulate, from a prestigious family. If you practice diligently, you can become a true treasure; Zhan, you are knowledgeable and talented. If you can get rid of stubbornness, you can achieve great success; Lingyun, you are young and talented, but remember, talent should be paired with moral character; Tongyuan (referring to Xie Zhan), you are broad-minded and talented, but be cautious and avoid mistakes; Hongwei, your foundation might be lacking, but you are diligent and studious. Like Lin Xiangru, don't underestimate the value of gradual learning; keep working hard, and you will reach the peak. You all need to strive to make your talents known far and wide. As long as you avoid major mistakes, don’t sweat the small stuff." Xie Lingyun and the others took Xie Hun's advice to heart, and only Xie Hongwei earned his highest praise. Xie Yao is Xie Hongwei's older brother, "Duo" is Xie Yao's nickname, "Yuan" is Xie Zhan's style name, and "Ker" is Xie Lingyun's nickname.
During the Jin Dynasty, prestigious families often started their rise to nobility from the position of a Cavalry Officer. Xie Hongwei first served as a Cavalry Officer before becoming the Chief Military Advisor to the Prince of Langye. In the eighth year of the Yi Xi era, Xie Hun was killed because of involvement in Liu Yi's case, and his wife, Princess Jinling, was forced to remarry the Prince of Langye, Sima Lian. Despite the princess's refusal, the court ordered her to cut ties with the Xie family. The princess entrusted Xie Hongwei to manage Xie Hun's estate. Xie Hun held a high position and was influential in his time, with the family having been ennobled for two generations, owning over ten fields and with thousands of servants, yet only having two young daughters. Xie Hongwei managed the family estate with the same meticulous care he applied to official duties, keeping detailed records of every financial transaction and every piece of fabric. He later rose to the rank of Supervisor. After Emperor Liu Yu ascended the throne, Princess Jinling was demoted to Princess Dongxiang. Because of Xie Hun's offenses against the previous dynasty and the Princess Dongxiang's integrity, she was allowed to return to the Xie family. By this time, nine years had passed since Xie Hun's death, but the Xie family's properties had been renovated, the granaries were stocked with grain, the household staff and tenants were well-managed, and even more land had been cultivated. The Princess Dongxiang exclaimed with a sigh, "Prefect Xie An valued this child during his lifetime, truly a discerning judge of character! Prefect Xie truly recognized his potential!"
Relatives and friends of the Xie family, as well as scholars and common people who had connections with the Xie family, all came to visit and express their condolences when Dongxiang Jun returned to the Xie family. Some even shed tears, deeply moved by Xie Hongwei's acts of righteousness. Xie Hongwei was of strict character, and his words and actions were in accordance with etiquette. He treated the relatives and friends of Xie Hun with exceptional respect, far beyond what was customary. He served his two aunts and two maternal grandmothers with utmost diligence, day and night. Even for a simple message from a family member, he would first tidy up his attire. He never allowed himself to joke around in front of servants. Therefore, whether high or low, everyone held him in awe, like a deity.
When Liu Yu was stationed at Jiangling, he was appointed as the King of Yidu during the early years of the Song Dynasty. He befriended Sima Qiu, the King of Langya, and appointed Xie Hongwei as a literary official. Later, when Xie Hongwei's mother passed away, he resigned from his official position. During his mourning period, he gained a reputation for his filial piety and continued to eat vegetarian food even after the mourning period, which lasted over a year. He was later appointed as a military advisor for the western front. After Liu Yu became emperor, Xie Hongwei was appointed as the Yellow Gate Minister, along with Wang Hua, Wang Tan Shou, Yin Jingren, Liu Zhan, and others, collectively known as the "Five Ministers." He was then promoted to the position of Minister of Personnel in the Ministry of Rites, engaging in confidential matters. Shortly after, he was transferred to the position of Right Guard General. Xie Hongwei was responsible for selecting and appointing the subordinates of senior officials in the court. He lived a simple life, dressing simply, yet he appreciated fine dining and relished exquisite dishes.
My elder brother Yao once served as the Inspector General and the Chief Historian of the Cavalry of Prince Yikang of Pengcheng. He passed away in the fourth year of the Yuanjia reign. After my brother's death, I have been eating vegetarian for a long time, exceeding the prescribed mourning period because I was overwhelmed with grief. Although the mourning period has passed, I still refrain from eating fish or meat. A monk named Huilin came to visit me at home. We had a meal together, and I still only ate vegetarian dishes. Huilin said, "Benefactor, you were not in good health to begin with, and your complexion has worsened recently. Even though the mourning period has passed, you have not resumed normal eating habits. Continuing like this will only harm your body; it is not a healthy approach." I replied, "There are rules for changing mourning attire; etiquette cannot be overstepped. I am truly grieving in my heart; I have not recovered yet!" After that, I couldn't help but cry again, overcome with grief. I lost my parents at a young age, and I regarded my brother as a father figure. Our relationship as siblings was exceptionally good, rare in the world. I never gossip about others, but my brother liked to criticize others. Every time my brother made a comment about someone, I always changed the subject to something else.
In the sixth year of the Yuanjia reign, the Eastern Palace began construction, and I was appointed as a Middle Privy Councillor, later also appointed as an Attendant. I had modest ambitions; I did not like power and status, so I declined the position of Attendant and ended up only being a Middle Privy Councillor. Whenever I had any suggestions or wanted to discuss current affairs, I would jot them down and then burn the drafts, so that no one knew my thoughts. The Emperor was aware of my cooking skills and once sent someone to ask me to cook a meal. I carefully prepared it with my family and friends, and when they asked what the Emperor had eaten, I said nothing and casually changed the subject. People at that time compared me to Kong Guang from the Han Dynasty. In the autumn of the eighth year of the Yuanjia reign, I fell ill, resigned from my position as the Right Guard Commander, and was appointed as the Commander of the Crown Prince's Right Guard, returning home to recuperate. The court wanted me to resign as an Attendant and be appointed as the Minister of Personnel, but I firmly claimed to be seriously ill, thus avoiding that position.
It is said that Xie Hongwei's father, Duke Dongxiang, passed away nine years ago, leaving behind a vast fortune, numerous houses, and more than ten properties, as well as several businesses in places such as Kuaiji, Wuxing, and Langye. These were all accumulated during his time as Grand Tutor and Minister of Works. His household boasted hundreds of servants! Everyone felt that these assets should go to Duke Dongxiang's two daughters, and that the fields, houses, and servants should all belong to Xie Hongwei. However, Xie Hongwei refused any inheritance and instead used his salary to arrange his father's funeral.
Xie Hongwei's sister Xie Hun's husband, Yin Rui, had a particular fondness for a game called chupu (an ancient pastime). When he heard that Xie Hongwei did not want the family assets, he seized the opportunity to gamble away the properties that rightfully belonged to his wife Xie Hun, her sister, his mother-in-law, and two sisters-in-law. Witnessing Xie Hongwei's generosity, the rest of the household ceased their competition for the assets. Xie Hongwei's brother-in-law, General Liu Zhan, could not tolerate this behavior and advised Xie Hongwei, "There should be a limit to everything in this world. By remaining indifferent, how will you be able to manage the government well in the future?" Xie Hongwei just smiled and chose to remain silent.
Some even mocked him, saying, "The family wealth accumulated over generations by the Xie family was entirely squandered by Yin Rui through gambling. This is completely unreasonable! You, as a relative, remain silent, as if throwing things into the sea, pretending to be virtuous. If the family ends up destitute in pursuit of reputation, that's not what we want!" Xie Hongwei replied, "Arguing among relatives over money is beneath us. Since no one in the family is saying anything, why should I stir up trouble? We have divided things fairly now, everyone has enough, and there are no shortages. After I'm gone, what will it matter to me?"
After Duke Dongxiang's burial, Xie Hun's grave was opened. Xie Hongwei, despite his illness, hurried to the funeral, which worsened his condition. Ten years later, Xie Hongwei died at the age of forty-two.
At that time, there was a peculiar ghost haunting Sima Wenxuan's house, claiming to have been ordered to kill Xie Hongwei. Whenever Xie Hongwei's condition worsened, he would always notify Sima Wenxuan in advance. After Xie Hongwei's death, the ghost took its leave from Sima Wenxuan and departed. Before his death, Xie Hongwei instructed those around him, "I have two letters that must be burned in front of General Liu Lingjun when he arrives; do not open them!" Both letters were personally penned by Emperor Taizu. The Emperor grieved deeply for Xie Hongwei and sent two thousand guards to handle his funeral, posthumously awarding him the title of Tai Chang. His son, Xie Zhuang, has a separate biography recorded.
Wang Qiu, also known as Qianyu, was a native of Linyi in Langye, and was the younger brother of the Tai Chang Hui Cong's father. His father, Wang Mi, once served as the Minister of Works (Si Tu). Wang Qiu was renowned from a young age for his striking looks and talents. The court appointed him as an assistant in the Imperial Library (Zuo Lang), but he did not take up the position. Later, he was appointed as a military officer in the household of the Grand Marshal of Langye Wang, then promoted to the position of registrar, and later served as the military officer of the heir to the Duke of Yuzhang. After the founding of the Song Dynasty, he was initially appointed as an attendant to the Crown Prince. After the ascension of Emperor Gaozu, he continued to serve as an attendant to the Crown Prince, and also served as an assistant to the Prince of Yidu. Later, he was promoted to the position of advisory military officer, but resigned due to illness. In the fourth year of Yuanjia, he was reappointed as the Prefect of Yixing. His brother, Wang Hong, served as the Inspector of Yangzhou, but could not meet him due to mourning, so the court bestowed upon him the honorary title of General Xuanwei. While serving as the Prefect of Yixing, he was known for his fairness and compassion, and later reassigned as the Right Guard of the Crown Prince. He later returned to the court as an attendant, leading the Crown Prince's army, and also serving as the Chief Censor of the province, before being transferred to the position of Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, while retaining his position as an attendant. Ultimately, he rose to the position of Minister of Personnel.
Wang Qiu was known for his aloofness, rarely socializing with others. The banquets at his home were always sparsely attended, with hardly any guests visiting. At that time, the Minister of Works Yin Jingren and the military commander Liu Zhan held great power and influence in court and among the people. Although Wang Qiu was related to them, he never maintained contact with them. Wang Qiu had a passion for literature and had a good relationship only with Yan Yanzhi from Langye. When selecting talents for official positions, he rarely entertained guests or read letters seeking positions, but his selection of talents was highly praised by all. He often requested to resign due to poor health. Later, he was appointed as the Grand Minister of Rites, bestowed the Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon, and appointed as the teacher of Prince Luling.
His nephew Wang Lv was greedy and had close ties with Liu Zhan. He also courted General Yikang of Pengcheng and conspired with Liu Bin, Kong Yinxiu, and others. Wang Qiu advised him several times, but he refused to listen. Wang Lv was promoted from attending the General to the Imperial Household Attendant of the Crown Prince. He cried to Yikang, pleading not to be removed from his position, so he returned to his previous role. The Emperor Gaozu was infuriated by this. On the night Liu Zhan was executed, Wang Lv ran barefoot to Wang Qiu pleading for help. Wang Qiu ordered someone to bring him shoes, warmed some wine for him, and asked, "Have you forgotten how I usually teach you?" Wang Lv was too scared to speak, so Wang Qiu slowly said, "Your father is still alive, what do you have to worry about?" He then instructed his attendants, "Help your uncle back home to rest." Thanks to Wang Qiu, Wang Lv was spared from death but was stripped of his official position and lived in seclusion at home.
At the age of seventeen, Wang Qiu was appointed as the Crown Prince's Minister, still holding the positions of official and military commander, with no change in his position. Before officially taking office, the death of Yin Jingren occurred, thus Wang Qiu was promoted to the position of Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, while retaining his military command. He had a pre-existing foot ailment. Wang Yigong and He Shangzhi, both Supervisors of the Imperial Secretariat, said, "There is a shortage of talent now; everyone should work harder, but Wang Qiu is rather unruly and should likely face legal consequences." He Shangzhi said, "Wang Qiu has always been very principled, and he often falls ill. He should be gently persuaded to step down, rather than reprimanded with official notices." As a result, Wang Qiu continued to wear casual clothes to work.
At that time, many ministers summoned by the emperor did not respond immediately. Those of lower rank had to wait for several days, while those of higher rank had to wait over ten days for an audience. Only Wang Qiu would immediately respond to every summons without delay. In the eighteenth year, Wang Qiu passed away at the age of forty-nine. He was posthumously awarded the titles of Special Minister, Golden Purple Radiant Fortune Official, and was also granted the title of Cavalier Attendant. Having no sons, his grandson, Wang Huan, inherited the family legacy. In the later years of the Ming Dynasty, Wang Huan became the Prefect of Wuxing.
A person asked the historian, "What about Wang Hui?" The historian replied, "He was decisive in his actions, highly capable, and succinct." They then asked, "What about Wang Qiu?" The historian replied, "He was gentle as jade and had a calm demeanor." They then asked, "What about Xie Hongwei?" The historian said, "He was concise without losing moderation and calm without being indulgent. According to ancient wisdom about renowned ministers, Xie Hongwei embodies that ideal!"
