When it comes to gentlemen and villains, it’s akin to classifying animals: a gentleman is someone who follows morals, while a villain is someone who goes against them. Killing pigs and selling fish are considered despicable livelihoods, while building city walls is seen as lowly labor. Take Jiang Taigong, for instance; he eventually became the military advisor to the Zhou Dynasty; Fu Shuo, the same, rose to the position of prime minister of the Yin Dynasty. This illustrates that, regardless of whether one is born into nobility or comes from a wealthy background, as long as one has talent, they can become famous.
During the Han Dynasty, this situation did not change. Hu Guang's ancestors were all farmers, but he eventually became the prime minister; Huang Xian, the son of a veterinarian, rose to great fame in the capital. Look at the officials of the Han Dynasty; each of them had their own position, even those from long-established noble families, such as those who have worn marten hats for seven generations. Although they were highly valued in the Western Han Dynasty, they each had distinct responsibilities in court affairs, such as Dongfang Shuo serving as the Yellow Door Chamberlain, guarding the emperor. Local officials mostly came from prestigious families, and the soldiers guarding the imperial palace also came from noble backgrounds, unlike later on when the path to officialdom split into two.
By the end of the Han Dynasty, the country was in turmoil. Cao Cao founded the Wei Kingdom, and military affairs became hectic, leading to the establishment of the Nine Ranks system. The system was originally intended to assess individual talents, not to elevate the status of noble families. However, this system persisted and turned into an unwritten rule. From Wei to Jin, no one dared to change it. Officials at the provincial, prefectural, and county levels were ranked according to their abilities, resulting in little social mobility, as people prioritized their backgrounds and engaged in constant comparison. Local officials adjusted the ranks according to actual circumstances, as Liu Yi stated, "There are no lowly families among the high-ranking, nor noble families among the low-ranking."
Over time, this atmosphere became increasingly severe; nearly all high-ranking officials were of the second rank or higher, and from that point on, the status of commoners continued to decline. During the Zhou and Han dynasties, people were governed according to their abilities, with clear distinctions in official ranks. However, after the Wei and Jin dynasties, distinctions were made based on social status, and the divide between scholars and commoners became more pronounced. The emperor, high above in the palace, was surrounded by esteemed officials every day, and those responsible for court affairs should also be seasoned individuals.
However, later on, the emperor's favoritism often stemmed from personal whims, which further solidified the emperor's trust. Those favored courtiers grew bolder and became increasingly close to the emperor. During the Xiaojian and Taishi periods, the emperor wielded absolute power and created various official positions, relying on his close attendants due to the complexity of government affairs. The authority over rewards and punishments rested with the state, and the emperor's commands were controlled by them. Those who sought favor with the powerful rushed to align themselves with them.
The emperor saw his position as lowly and his power as limited, but he did not realize that those who attached themselves to the powerful were like rats clinging to the state to gain prominence, or foxes relying on tigers to show strength. Although they seemed harmless to the emperor, they actually wielded significant power, shaping the country's overall situation, unbeknownst to the emperor. They formed factions, indulged in corruption, and even stirred trouble before the emperor, dressed in lavish clothing, riding in luxurious carriages, flaunting their power before him.
They accepted bribes, embezzled public funds, and abused the law. The historians in the western capital could not record their crimes, and the Wang and Yu families of the Jin Dynasty were nothing compared to them. In the later years of Emperor Taizong of Tang, the nation started to decline. These powerful ministers were afraid of the royal family and sought to isolate the young emperor to maintain absolute control over the country. So they stirred up conflict, leading to the emperor's brothers and relatives turning against one another. The people forgot the contributions of Emperor Taizong. Although the reasons are multifaceted, the country's decline was mainly due to these powerful ministers. Alas! In the "Book of Han," there is the "Marquis of Enze Table" and the "Ningxi Biography." I will now compose an "Enxi Chapter" based on these accounts.
Dai Faxing was from Shaoxing, Zhejiang. His family struggled financially, and his father Dai Shuoxi earned a living selling hemp cloth. Faxing had two older brothers, Yanshou and Yanxing, all of whom showed great promise. The eldest brother Yanshou was skilled in calligraphy, and Faxing himself had a great passion for learning. There was a wealthy man named Chen Zai in Shaoxing, whose family boasted a fortune of three million. Villagers would often say, "The three sons of Dai Shuoxi are worth as much as Chen Zai's three million fortune!"
When Dai Faxing was young, he sold hemp cloth in Shaoxing City. Later, he became a minor official, serving as a clerk in the Ministry of Revenue. Subsequently, Prince Pengcheng Liu Yikang selected a few capable and intelligent minor officials in the Ministry of Revenue, including Dai Faxing. There were a total of five people, and Liu Yikang promoted Dai Faxing to be his personal clerk. Later, when Liu Yikang fell out of favor, Dai Faxing followed Emperor Wen of Song, Liu Yilong, and became a clerk for the General for Conquering the Barbarians and the General for Pacifying the Army. When Emperor Wen of Song went to Jiangzhou, Dai Faxing was promoted to be the Deputy General of the Southern Zhonglang. When Emperor Wen of Song raised troops in Baku, Dai Faxing, along with two other Deputy Generals, Dai Mingbao and Cai Xian, were promoted to be military advisors. After Emperor Wen of Song became emperor, they were all promoted to be Imperial Censors of the Southern Court and also served as secretaries of the Imperial Secretariat. They were in charge of the emperor's internal affairs and held great power at the time. In the first year of Xiaojian, Dai Faxing was promoted to be General of Establishing Martial Might and Prefect of Nanlu County, resigning from his position as secretary and serving the Crown Prince at the Eastern Palace. In the second year of Daming, the three Deputy Generals were granted titles for their involvement in a secret mission to the south, with Dai Faxing being granted the title of Lord of Wuchang County, Dai Mingbao Lord of Xiangxiang County, and Cai Xian Lord of Gaochang County, each with a fief of three hundred households. Cai Xian had already passed away at that time, and his title was posthumously conferred. Dai Faxing was later promoted to be a Cavalier Attendant, Censor, and General of the Palace Gentlemen of the Household for the Crown Prince, while retaining his position as Prefect.
Emperor Wen of the Song Dynasty took charge of state affairs, and he didn't heavily rely on high-ranking officials, but he still needed suitable individuals to serve as his trusted aides and informants. Dai Faxing was knowledgeable about history, and Emperor Wen highly valued him. Even though Dai Faxing served the Crown Prince at the Eastern Palace, Emperor Wen trusted him deeply. Chao Shangzhi, hailing from Lu County, was another capable figure. During the Yuanjia era, he assisted Prince Shixing Liu Jun with his studies and gained extensive knowledge of historical classics, drawing the attention of Emperor Wen. In the early years of the Xiaojian era, Chao Shangzhi was appointed as the Assistant Minister of Donghai Province, also serving as a Middle Councilor. For major matters like appointments, promotions, and disciplinary actions, Emperor Wen consulted with Dai Faxing and Chao Shangzhi; while other miscellaneous matters inside and outside the court were mostly handled by Dai Mingbao.
The Emperor had a quick temper and was quick to resort to executions, but Faxing was skilled at reading between the lines, always managing to defuse tense situations, making the Emperor heavily rely on him. Faxing's colleague Mingbao and his son, on the other hand, used bribery to advance in their careers and amass considerable wealth. The individuals they recommended were well-received by the Emperor, and those seeking their help were endless, accumulating significant wealth. Mingbao was particularly arrogant, and his son Jing, while serving as an official in Yangzhou, dared to challenge the Emperor in acquiring items from the palace. Once, when the Empress left the palace, Jing, dressed extravagantly, rode a horse next to the Empress's carriage and even galloped around. This infuriated the Emperor, resulting in his execution. Mingbao was imprisoned in the Shangfang but was later released, retaining his official position.
The Emperor Shizu died, and the deposed emperor ascended to the throne, while Fa Xing was promoted. At that time, the Grand Preceptor Wang Yigong of Jiangxia was in charge of court affairs, but Fa Xing, the Grand Eunuch, gradually gained power, growing increasingly powerful and intimidating. Yigong was always afraid of them, especially at that time. The deposed emperor was young and naive; all decrees were decided by Fa Xing, and even the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel were entirely under Fa Xing's control. Yan Shibai and Yigong were just figureheads. As the deposed emperor grew older, he became more ruthless and wanted to take action, but Fa Xing always stopped him, often saying, "Are you trying to imitate those in history who usurped the throne?" The deposed emperor felt increasingly frustrated.
The deposed emperor favored a eunuch named Huayuan'er, showering him with countless riches, but Fa Xing always skimmed off the top, which made Huayuan'er resent him. The deposed emperor frequently sent Huayuan'er to gather intelligence, and people said that Fa Xing was the true emperor, while the deposed emperor was just a puppet. Huayuan'er told the deposed emperor, "People say there are two emperors in the palace: one is you, Your Majesty, and the other is Fa Xing. You keep to yourself in the palace and hardly interact with anyone, while Fa Xing is close to the Grand Preceptor, Yan Shibai, and the Liu family, with hundreds of followers, and everyone fears him. Fa Xing was a trusted confidant of the late emperor and has been in the palace for a long time. Now you are favoring others; I'm worried this kingdom won't be yours for long." The deposed emperor was enraged by this, dismissed Fa Xing from his position, exiled him to a remote area, and later had him executed at home. Fa Xing was fifty-two years old. Before his death, Fa Xing sealed his family's belongings and entrusted the keys to his relatives. The night after he died, both of his sons were also killed, his coffin was opened and set ablaze, and his property was confiscated. Fa Xing was also a writer, and his works enjoyed popularity during that era.
After the emperor's death, he ordered Chao Shangzhi, saying, "I have inherited the legacy, ruling over all nations, always placing trust in loyal, accomplished officials, which is well known far and wide. I never expected Dai Faxing to bite the hand that feeds him, acting with arrogance and violating laws, embezzling and perverting justice, acting recklessly, committing numerous offenses, ultimately leading to this fate. I am fully aware of your loyalty and dedication. However, the rumors outside have shocked the populace, and even the heavens have shown unusual signs. My earlier decisions were indeed misguided. I am now personally managing the government affairs, attending to all matters. You must all give your utmost effort and live up to my expectations." At that time, Chao Shangzhi served as a military officer under Prince Ziluan of Xin'an and the Prefect of Huailing. Later, he resigned from his role as an attendant and was appointed as a military advisor for the pacification forces, while retaining his position as Prefect.
In the second year of Emperor Taizong's Taishi, the emperor decreed: "The former Colonel of the Yue Cavalry, Marquis of Wu Chang County, Dai Faxing, who had loyally served Emperor Xiaowu in the past, was devoted to defending the state and made great contributions. He later served the Crown Prince with dedication and was tragically killed. I feel great sympathy for him. His title and fiefdom can be restored." The relevant officials petitioned for Dai Lingzhen, Dai Faxing's grandson, to inherit the title. The emperor further decreed: "Although Dai Faxing was a corrupt individual who wielded power oppressively, his killing was his own fault and the result of state retribution. His descendants should not enjoy his rewards. The title is hereby revoked." During the early years of Emperor Taizong's reign, Chao Shangzhi held the positions of Imperial Secretary and Prefect of Nanqinghe. Two years later, he was promoted to the Deputy Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat while continuing to serve as Prefect. Before he could take office, he was reassigned as the General of the Front Army, while still retaining his position as Prefect and assisting the Crown Prince in the Eastern Palace. After Prince Xun of Jin'an suppressed the rebellion, Chao Shangzhi led the army to guard the area and was granted the title of Marquis of Shaoling County with a stipend of four hundred households, but he resolutely declined the offer. He was later promoted to the Yellow Gate Attendant, then assigned as the Prefect of Xin'an, and ultimately passed away from illness.
Dai Mingbao, from Dantu, Jiangsu, served as an Attendant of the External Cavalry and a Grand Master of Rites. During the reign of Emperor Shizu, he was appointed Prefect of Nanqinghe. However, when Emperor Feidi ascended the throne, power fell into the hands of Fa Xing, which led to Dai Mingbao falling out of favor and being demoted to General Xuanwei and Prefect of Nandongguan. During the Jinghe period, his fiefdom expanded by one hundred households. When Emperor Taizong had just ascended the throne, the country was in chaos, with battles erupting everywhere. Due to Dai Mingbao's status as a senior official and his extensive military experience, the Emperor reinstated his trust in him and appointed him as General of the Vanguard. After the wars were settled, he was promoted to General Xuanwei and Prefect of Jinling, and was granted a marquisate with an additional four hundred households. In the third year of the Taishi era, he was accused of accepting bribes while in charge of military affairs, resulting in the loss of his titles and positions, along with imprisonment. He was subsequently pardoned. He later served as Prefect of Anlu and rose through the ranks to General of Ning Shuo, General of the Vanguard, General of the Agile Cavalry, Minister of Interior of Wuling, and Prefect of Xuancheng, ultimately serving as the Cavalry Marshal during the reign of Emperor Shun. At the start of the Xingming era, he was advanced in age and appointed as Grand Master of the Palace, and shortly thereafter, he passed away.
Dong Yuansi, the Director of the Classics Office of Wuling, like Fa Xing and Dai Mingbao, once served as the Deputy Commander of the Southern Zhonglang during the reign of Emperor Taizu. In the 30th year of the Yuanjia era, Dong Yuansi was sent on a mission and happened to encounter a coup during which the emperor was assassinated. A new emperor was enthroned, and Dong Yuansi was sent back to the south to report to the court about the conspiracy involving Xu Zhan and others. At that time, the emperor was in Ba口, and Dong Yuansi provided a detailed account of the regicide. The emperor sent Dong Yuansi to Jiankang to submit a memorial to the new emperor, Liu Shao. Later, the emperor mobilized troops to confront Liu Shao, who questioned Dong Yuansi. Dong Yuansi replied, "I just arrived in Jiankang and have not been involved in the rebellion." Liu Shao did not believe him, subjected him to severe torture, and Dong Yuansi refused to confess and ultimately died from the torture. After Emperor Taizu quelled the rebellion, Dong Yuansi was posthumously honored as a Cavalier Attendant, and the scholar Su Baosheng was commissioned to write a eulogy in his honor.
During the Ming Dynasty, there was a man named Xi Xiandu, who was from Tan County in the East China Sea. He held the high position of Assistant Minister of the Imperial Court. However, Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty often tasked him with managing the laborers, and he often resorted to brutal beatings. Regardless of wind, rain, or snow, he did not allow them to rest, inflicting immense suffering on the populace, with some unable to endure the torment, leading some to take their own lives. When the common folk learned they were to be assigned to work for Xi Xiandu, it felt to them like a death sentence. During interrogations in Jiankang County at that time, wooden blocks were sometimes pressed against the foreheads and ankles of prisoners. A popular saying went, "Rather be pressed in Jiankang than be beaten by Xi Xiandu." People joked, "Don’t look back, or Xi Xiandu will get you!" This illustrates just how ruthless he was. Later, Emperor Huidi jokingly remarked, "Xi Xiandu is too ruthless, the people hate him; he should be killed." Those around him shouted, "Absolutely!" and that day a decree was swiftly issued for his execution. People of that era likened this incident to Sun Hao’s execution of Cen Hun.
Next, let's talk about Xu Yuan, styled Changyu, from Kaiyang, in the region of Nanlangye. His original name was Xu Yuan, but later he changed his name to Xu Yuan to avoid sharing a name with Fu Liang's father. He initially served as a military officer at the residence of the Grand Marshal of the Langye King during the Jin Dynasty and took part in the Northern Expedition. He was meticulous and thoughtful in his work, and was held in high regard by Emperor Gaozu. When the Young Emperor was in the Eastern Palace, Xu Yuan served by his side. After Emperor Taizu ascended the throne, he also valued him highly, assigning him various tasks, eventually becoming a Censor in the Palace. In the twelfth year of the Yuanjia era, he was promoted to Southern Bureau Censor and served as the rear guard for Prince Jin of Shixing. Later, he returned to serve the Crown Prince in the Eastern Palace and eventually rose to the position of Cavalry Attendant. Every time Emperor Taizu went on expedition, he frequently involved Xu Yuan in developing military strategies. In the twenty-ninth year of the Yuanjia era, the court dispatched Wang Xuanmo and others for another Northern Expedition, assigning five hundred troops to Xu Yuan to accompany the army to Qiaoao, and giving him the Emperor's secret edict, instructing him to read it as necessary.
When Emperor Shizu arrived at Xinting, Grand General Prince Yigong of Jiangxia fled to the south, and Xu Yuan was in the palace at the time. He deceived them by claiming he wanted to pursue Yigong and took the opportunity to escape. At that time, Emperor Shizu was on the verge of ascending the throne, and military affairs were in disarray, with many court protocols being unfamiliar. Xu Yuan was very familiar with these matters, and his arrival was met with great joy, so he was appointed as the Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Rites, responsible for formulating various ceremonial norms. In the early years of the Xiaojian era, he was appointed as the Minister of Water in the Ministry of Personnel Affairs, later promoted to Chamberlain of the Palace, and also served as the Right Minister. In the third year of the Xiaojian era, northern invaders breached the border, and the Emperor consulted the court officials for defense strategies. Xu Yuan offered his recommendations:
The emperor said, "The enemy has invaded the border, the journey is long, the lone city is in peril, and there is really no way to increase troops." I think the barbarians are growing increasingly arrogant and should be sent troops to scout and find opportunities for battle. It is not necessary to send a large number of troops; only limited military operations are needed to eventually quell the chaos. However, long-distance wars are costly, and the country is in the midst of rejuvenation, with the treasury empty, so we can only temporarily hold off on sending troops.
Now the emperor's grace is vast, and his reputation is far-reaching. Those remaining enemies are afraid of being eliminated and want to cause trouble everywhere, like swarming poisonous insects, to show their strength. Although we dare not enter enemy territory, we can take some small-scale military actions on the border. The imperial guards are out of reach, and the rescue will not arrive in time. Therefore, the garrison forces stationed at the border should enhance their training, build defenses, and the generals at all levels should stockpile food and make adequate preparations to be able to counter the enemy. Once a small town is in distress, the generals should rush there immediately, establish defenses en route, and ensure coordination from front to rear. If the enemy dares to attack, they will meet their demise.
The emperor continued, "The barbarian cavalry comes and goes like the wind, suddenly attacking. The people encounter the enemy while farming; their food is stolen, and by the time troops are mobilized, it is already too late. Jiangdong cannot afford to deplete its entire military force, so how can we support them?" I believe that the local armies should farm and defend at the same time. If we fortify our defenses while tending to the fields, not farming in spring and not harvesting in autumn, the people will have no livelihood, and the country will be empty. This approach is unsustainable in the long term. The solution is to defend with all our might, resist when the enemy comes, pursue when the enemy leaves, occupy key positions, and coordinate from front to rear. When the barbarians retreat, the people will have plenty to eat and wear, and after three years, we will be ready to take the offensive.
The emperor also said, "The enemy's attack direction is not predetermined, and our army's marching route does not have a fixed target. In recent years, the border garrisons and warehouses have been emptied. If we gather the troops in advance, it will consume a large amount of food. When the enemy arrives, there will not be enough food supply." I believe that taking the initiative requires a large amount of supplies. We should first establish a solid foundation before seeking development, without needing to concentrate a large number of troops. Currently, the enemy lacks overwhelming strength, and cities can support one another as long as they are well-trained, have capable leaders, and remain calm in battle. By adapting to the situation, victory can be achieved without the need to gather a large army in advance to prepare for unforeseen circumstances.
The imperial decree stated, "Those uncivilized people are insatiable and only seek to take advantage. If we do not strike them hard, their schemes will succeed year after year." I believe that if we don’t take action, they will certainly invade. If the invasions continue, the common people won't be able to farm or weave, and without good harvests, the country’s army cannot be sustained. To maintain the army, fighting is the key.
The imperial decree also said, "If the border regions are constantly in fear, causing unemployment both publicly and privately, the national finances will be strained due to long-distance transportation, and long-term plans cannot be realized. This passive approach to dealing with the enemy is wrong." I believe that the way to deter the enemy is by stockpiling food at the borders. If the border residents are unemployed and the border garrisons lack food reserves, not only will long-term plans be impossible to achieve, but also the defense against enemy invasions will be compromised. Currently, small units should first repel minor enemy incursions, while the main forces should strike when the enemy breaches our territory. Once the enemy is in our grasp, they will be utterly destroyed.
Later, I was appointed as the Left Chancellor. During the Yuanjia period, the court appointed Imperial Scholar He Chengtian to draft and compile the national history. In the early years of the emperor's reign, the court tasked Shan Qianzhi and Imperial Historian Su Baosheng with continuing this work. Six years later, I was appointed as the Imperial Scholar to complete this work. Although I built upon the work of my predecessors, this national history can be regarded as my original work. I submitted a memorial stating:
I have heard that during the time of Emperor Shun, the historians' records were magnificent, and the historical records from the Xia Dynasty also documented the accomplishments of the ancient kings. Although the virtues of the emperor can be passed down to future generations, it ultimately depends on historical records for documentation and inheritance. The "Songs" and "Eulogies" of the Shang Dynasty, and the "Yongbo" of the Zhou Dynasty, all recorded the achievements and governance strategies of the ancient kings. The Han Dynasty also followed the same practice; the Wei Dynasty had the "Records of the States," and the Jin Dynasty had the "Yangqiu." These historical records documented the successes and failures of both virtue and vice. However, some meritorious officials were executed by the court but not recorded in historical records, while some guilty officials were prominently listed; doesn't this distort the truth?
Your Majesty, the Song Dynasty emerged from the decline of the Jin Dynasty, and at a critical moment of national crisis, it rose like a phoenix, soaring high, and like a true dragon, ascended into the heavens, pacifying the rebellion. Even the heavens await the prosperity of the Song Dynasty. The fate of the Jin Dynasty has ended, and the heavens have chosen the Song Dynasty. You should accept the throne, emulate the achievements of Yao, Shun, and Yu, be modest and yield to talents, and not pass the throne to descendants. Your achievements will shine through the ages, unprecedented, and future generations will forever remember. Therefore, it should be in accordance with your decree to modify the historical records, change the era name, and designate the first year of Yixi as the founding year of the Song Dynasty, to document your achievements and act as a benchmark for the contributions of your loyal officials.
As for those illegitimate dynasties that usurped power, such as the Xin Dynasty, although they have all been eliminated, they are recorded in the historical records of the Jin Dynasty. Those who committed treason and were ultimately killed, even before the abdication, are also recorded in the historical records of the Song Dynasty. The nation's laws and institutions are crucial for its long-term stability; please consider carefully and implement according to this opinion.
Extensive discussions were held among the officials, both high and low, and a total of 35 people, including King Yi Gong of Jiangxia, collectively believed that the first year of Yi Xi should be regarded as the founding year of the Song Dynasty. The Cavalier Attendant Ba Ling Wang Xiu Ruo and the Minister of Finance Tang Dao Luan, on the other hand, believed that the third year of Yuan Xing should be considered as the founding year. The Imperial Academy Scholar Yu He believed that the first year of Song Gong should be regarded as the founding year. The emperor issued a decree saying, "In the compilation of historical records, there are established examples for both the Chu and Han dynasties. The biography of Huan Xuan should be included in the Song Dynasty's historical records, and other matters should be handled according to everyone's opinions."
Seven years ago, he was promoted to the rank of Guard General. That year, Emperor Shi Zu went on a southern tour and temporarily appointed him as the Deputy Left Minister, a position that was revoked after the emperor returned to the palace. The following year, he was once again appointed as the Deputy Left Minister, concurrently serving as a Gentleman of the Imperial Writers, just like before. After the death of Emperor Shi Zu, during the construction of the Jingning Mausoleum, he was temporarily appointed as the Grand Supervisor of Works in charge of the construction of the tomb.
He was very skilled at reading people's words and expressions, adept at understanding the thoughts of leaders, and well-versed in a wide range of books, particularly knowledgeable about court etiquette and systems. During the Yuan Jia period, he began serving by the emperor's side, participating in court decisions. He was adept at pleasing the emperor and embellishing his speech with allusions, which earned him the emperor's favor. During the reign of Emperor Da Ming, the emperor's trust and appointments towards him grew even stronger, to the point that no court matters, big or small, could proceed without his approval. Even renowned scholars at the time, more knowledgeable than him, dared not voice dissent, as their opinions were often disregarded. After the death of Emperor Shi Zu, he was dismissed from his position. At that time, Prince Xun of Jin'an served as a Scholar-in-Waiting, and he asked him, "Should one study during the mourning period?" He replied, "During the mourning period, studying mourning rites; why not?" Not long after, Prince Zhen of Shi'an also became a scholar and asked him the same question, to which he replied, "During the minor mourning period, one can stop studying; how can one study during a three-year mourning period?" His fickle and contradictory approach to handling matters was typical of him.
The previous tyrannical emperor was cruel and oppressive; many veteran officials in the court were punished and removed from their posts by him. Only this individual was adept at flattery and consistently avoided punishment. After the previous tyrannical emperor executed a group of ministers, he promoted him to the position of Minister of the Yellow Gate, while concurrently serving as Director of Archery and retaining his role as Compiler. He was also granted the title of Marquis of Wuping County, with a stipend of five hundred households. The emperor held him in high regard, surpassing all other courtiers. Whenever the emperor traveled, he would always share a carriage with Shen Qingzhi and Princess Shanyin, and he often accompanied them. After Emperor Taizong ascended the throne, in accordance with tradition, he stripped him of his title, reassigning him from Minister of the Yellow Gate to Chief of Changshui, while still concurrently serving as Deputy Minister of the Left in the Ministry of Personnel. The next year, he was appointed Grand Master of the Palace Library, while still retaining his position as Compiler.
This individual had wielded power for a long time, and even before Emperor Taizong's ascension to the throne, he had already been dissatisfied with him during his time in the fiefdom. During the Jinghe era, he was constantly restricted, and his status was lowly, with minimal gestures of respect towards him, which further deepened Emperor Taizong's resentment towards him. In the third year of the Taishi era, the emperor issued an edict:
This old rascal, Xu Yuan, has no sense of decorum as an official. He spends all day buttering people up, brags about how amazing he is, completely ignoring moral integrity. He started with a low official position, but by currying favor with the powerful, he gradually rose in rank and wealth. His rank kept climbing, and he was just plain lucky. However, his ingrained habit of flattery and sycophancy shows no signs of changing since childhood; he is full of lies and always speaks flattering words. Though he puts on a diligent front, he always wants to climb higher in his heart. The emperor once saw him as somewhat knowledgeable, so he was allowed to work in the palace. When Emperor Taizu ascended the throne, he worked hard to flatter him. When the rebels revolted, he followed the emperor to the south. During the reign of Emperor Xiaowu, he continued to flatter, obey the emperor's orders, acted high-handedly, leading to political chaos, rampant construction, and suffering for the people. All these misdeeds were his doing! During the reign of Emperor Jinghe, he colluded with the emperor, resorting to any means necessary to curry favor with the emperor and keep his position, lacking any integrity and employing various schemes and tricks. That's how he managed to hold high positions across seven dynasties and still be regarded with respect in his old age. He still fancies himself as respectable and knowledgeable, but the deeper he gets into this mess, the less he seems to want to change.
I have quelled the rebellion and stabilized the world. With the blessing of the heavens, all the traitors have been eliminated. However, Xu Yuan returned kindness with malice, did nothing and secretly harbored ill intentions, which was quite evident. He put on an act of foolishness, said nothing, performed his duties half-heartedly, and resorted to petty tricks. Now the court is filled with wise ministers and good generals, with no treacherous villains in sight, yet he harbors ulterior motives that jeopardize the court. I recall that he had voluntarily resigned, so I let him retire and gave him high honors, which I considered a significant act of grace. I never anticipated he would harbor resentment and escalate his power grabs, spreading malicious gossip everywhere, finally showing his true colors. Though a villain's nature is hard to change, I still offered him a chance to redeem himself and had no intention of punishing him. Yet he exploited my mercy, believing I would always protect him.
A few days ago at a banquet, he audaciously criticized my decrees, saying they were all ideas from others. He also claimed the prime ministers were incompetent and that there were few talented ministers in the court. Relying on his old age and deep experience, he displayed a haughty and disrespectful attitude. The border conflicts have not yet subsided, and I am trying to appease the people, reorganize military affairs, and simplify government affairs, but this old fool seized the opportunity to act recklessly. Now I have decided to hand him over to the authorities for strict punishment to restore order in the court. However, given his old age and frailty, he does not deserve the death penalty, so I shall exile him to Jiaozhou.
After Xu Yuan set off, the emperor issued another decree: "The provision for the 'Eight Discussions' on reprieve had previously been limited to one; for crimes punishable by five penalties, the elderly should receive lighter punishments. Xu Yuan's past mistakes are indeed beyond dispute. The punishment for abandoning the island is also in accordance with national law. However, he had previously been recognized by the emperor, who also understands his foolishness and advanced age. Since the emperor has already forgiven him, he wants to extend him further grace. He was specially appointed as the magistrate of the county under Guangzhou’s jurisdiction." Officials requested his appointment as the Prefect of Songlong. Once the appointment decree was issued, Xu Yuan had already arrived in Jiaozhou. Just as Jiaozhou's governor Zhang Mu passed away, the local leader Li Changren led a rebellion, killing all the northern refugees without sparing a single one. Li Changren had long heard of Xu Yuan's reputation and used deception to lure him, which is how Xu Yuan managed to avoid harm. Eventually, Xu Yuan was allowed to return and was reappointed as the magistrate of Nankang. After the death of Emperor Taizong, Xu Yuan returned to the capital and was appointed as the Prefect of Nanjiyin, and later promoted to Grand Master of the Palace Library. In the third year of the Yuanhui era, Xu Yuan passed away at the age of eighty-two.
Ruan Dianfu was from Zhuji County in Kuaiji Commandery. During the Yuanjia era, he started as a low-ranking official in a minor position. When Emperor Taizong was just appointed as a cabinet minister, he chose Ruan Dianfu to be his chief clothing attendant. Emperor Shizu summoned him back to the palace to serve as an internal supervisor. During the Yongguang era, Emperor Taizong asked him to be the teacher of the crown prince, demonstrating great trust in him. As the Jinghe era was coming to an end, Emperor Taizong was confined in the palace, living in the Secretariat, facing the emperor's suspicion; a great disaster loomed, and he felt both afraid and anxious, not knowing what to do. Ruan Dianfu conspired with Wang Daolong, Li Dao'er, and Chunyu Wenzu from Langye to depose the emperor. At that time, the Direct Guard General Liu Guangshi also conspired with Miufangsheng from Langling and Zhoudengzhi from Danyang around the emperor, not knowing who their allegiance lay with. Zhoudengzhi had known Emperor Taizong before, and Miufangsheng and others asked Zhoudengzhi to contact Ruan Dianfu, which he readily agreed to. Before this, the emperor had appointed an empress, temporarily removing all the princes' attendants, including Qian Lansheng around Emperor Taizong. Once the matter was settled, Qian Lansheng was not dismissed, and the emperor secretly dispatched him to gather intelligence, fearing a leak. Qian Lansheng was reluctant to go out, so he kept Chunyu Wenzu updated on the emperor's every move, who then passed on the information to Ruan Dianfu. On the afternoon of November 29, 504 AD, the emperor went to Hualin Garden for leisure, with Prince Jian'an, Prince Shanyang, and Princess Shanyin by his side. At that time, the crown prince was still in the Secretariat, and the emperor did not summon him, increasing the crown prince's anxiety. A farmer reported this to Zhu You from Dongyang, responsible for external surveillance, as well as to Shoujizhi from Wuxing and Jiang Chanzhi from Nanpengcheng, who was responsible for the emperor's clothing and armor. Jiang Chanzhi then informed his subordinate armor officer, Prince Linhuai Jingze. Zhu You also informed the palace attendant Dai Mingbao, and everyone expressed their agreement.
Ming Bao and Zhu You wanted to take action while it was getting light, but they thought it would be more prudent to wait until after the night watch. Zhu You covertly reached out to contacts inside and outside and had Qian Lansheng discreetly inform King Xiuren. At that time, the emperor was preparing for a southern tour, and his most trusted general, Song Yue, and others were preparing outside that night; only the team leader, Fan Sengzhi, remained at Hualin Pavilion to keep watch. Jiang Chanzhi contacted the deputy team leader, Yang Ping Nie Qing, and several of his strong men: Fulingfu from Kuaiji, Yudao Long from Wu County, Song Kui from Danyang, and Tian Si from Yangping, asking them to gather at Nie Qing's house. The farmer thought their numbers were insufficient, and Shou Jizhi said, "The plan is too ambitious and likely to leak; there is no need for too many people."
It is said that at that time, a wizard said, "There are ghosts in the backyard!" That night, the emperor stood before the Bamboo Forest Hall, "hunting ghosts" alongside the wizard. King Xiuren and Princess Shanyin also followed. The emperor harbored a deep hatred for Jizhi, and as soon as he saw him, he gritted his teeth. Jizhi, who had already discussed a plan with the tenant farmer and sensed that danger was imminent, quickly drew his sword and rushed in; Jiang Chanzhi followed him, followed by Chunyu Wenzu, Miao Fangsheng, Zhou Dengzhi, Fulingfu, Nie Qing, Tian Si, Wang Jingze, Yudao Long, and Song Kui, who also rushed in. Hearing the commotion, Xiuren turned to Xiuyou and said, "Something's about to go down!" The brothers hurriedly made their escape to Jingyang Mountain.
The emperor saw Ji Zhi rushing over, so he pulled his bow and shot at him, but missed. Ji Zhi ran away, and the emperor chased after him and killed him. After the situation calmed down, the emperor instructed the guards to announce, "The King of Xiangdong acted on the orders of the Empress Dowager and eliminated this arrogant scoundrel. Now everything has been settled." Later, Emperor Taizong ascended to the throne, rewarded the achievements, and appointed Ji Zhi as the Marquis of Yingcheng County with a fief of one thousand households; Jiang Chanzhi as the Marquis of Runan County with a fief of eight hundred households; Wang Daolong as the Marquis of Wuping County, Chunyu Wenzu as the Marquis of Yangcheng County with a fief of five hundred households; Li Dao'er as the Marquis of Xintu County, Miao Fangsheng as the Marquis of Liuyang County, Zhou Dengzhi as the Marquis of Qulin County with a fief of four hundred households; Fu Lingfu as the Viscount of Huihuai County, Nie Qing as the Viscount of Jianyang County, Tian Si as the Viscount of Jiangle County, Wang Jingze as the Viscount of Zhong'an County, Yu Daolong as the Viscount of Chaling County, Song Kuizhi as the Viscount of Lingling County with a fief of three hundred households.
That tenant was later promoted to the position of Assistant Imperial Secretary of the Southern Terrace. At this time, a man named Xue Suo crossed the Huai River and turned to banditry, and the Governor of Shanyang, Cheng Tianzuo, also rebelled. The tenant joined the army to quell the rebellion, defeated Xue Suo, and Cheng Tianzuo surrendered.
Afterwards, he was promoted to General Longxiang and appointed as an Attendant to the Minister of War. He led troops to support Zheqi in the south, then was promoted to Colonel of Infantry of the Crown Prince, Prefect of Nanlu County, and served the Crown Prince in the Eastern Palace. In the fourth year of the Taishi era, because of his merit in defeating Xue Suo, the emperor granted him an additional two hundred households of land, bringing his total to one thousand households. He was also appointed as a Guerrilla General, temporarily granted the title of General Ning Shuo, and collaborated with the General of the Guards and two of his aides.
Speaking of him, this Meng Ciyang, styled Chongji, is from Pingchang Anqiu. At the beginning of the Taishi era, he served as a cavalry officer under the command of Shan Yang Wang Xiuyou. At that time, Xue An's son, Xue Daobiao, attacked Hefei, and Meng Ciyang defeated him. For this merit, he was granted the title of Viscount of You County, with a fief consisting of three hundred households. Later, he was promoted to the Right Army and cavalry officer; by the sixth year, he was appointed as the Assistant General and Governor of Yanzhou, stationed in Huaiyin. This marked the beginning of North Yanzhou. Later, he was promoted to Champion General. In the fourth year of Yuanhui, he passed away.
At that time, the influence of tenant farmers like Wang Daolong and Yang Yunchang was overwhelming, almost comparable to the emperor. You know, back when Chao and Dai were in power, we didn't even dare to think about such things! Once, it happened to be New Year's Day, which should be celebrated together with the first day of the month, the new moon. The Ministry of Personnel submitted a request to change the date, but the tenant farmer said, "New Year's celebration is a national event; why must it be celebrated together with the new moon?" Just look at him; he completely disregards historical references!
At that time, money was circulating freely, and everything had to be done with a lot of money. Someone gave him two hundred rolls of silk, and he thought it was too little; he didn't even bother to reply. The houses, gardens, and ponds on his estate were more magnificent than those of any prince. He kept dozens of singing girls, each one beautiful and exceptionally skilled, dressed in exquisite gold, silver, pearls, and jewels, more lavishly adorned than the concubines in the palace! Whenever he had a piece of clothing or item made, the entire city would follow his lead. He even dug a canal in his own courtyard, extending more than ten miles to the east, with well-maintained banks. When he had nothing to do, he would row a small boat and listen to the singing girls perform.
Liu Xiu, the Zhongshu Sheren, once went to visit him and coincidentally met the sharecropper on his way out. The sharecropper then took Liu Xiu back home with him. Upon arriving home, he immediately ordered a banquet with various delicacies, all freshly prepared. There were dozens of hot dishes alone. The sharecropper frequently hosted large gatherings, inviting dozens of guests for meals, so his family was always able to prepare a table of delicious dishes despite being busy, an efficiency that even the likes of Wang Dao and Shi Chong from the Jin Dynasty couldn't rival! During the Taishi period, due to winning many battles, official positions and titles were chaotic, and the sharecropper's servants and subordinates received many undeserved high positions and rewards. The cart driver became a General of the Tiger Guards, and the horse handler became a Court Gentleman. Officials in the court, regardless of their status, flattered him, but he was very arrogant and did not give face to anyone. The only people allowed into his home were Shen Bo of Wuxing and Zhang Dan of Wujun.
In the first year of Taiyu, he was appointed as General of Ning Shuo, Governor of Huainan, later promoted to General of Agile Cavalry, and then concurrently appointed as Governor of Huailing. After the death of Emperor Taizong, the usurper took the throne, and the sharecropper's power grew stronger. He also held the concurrent title of Zhongshu Tongshi Sheren, was promoted to the position of Gesi Zhong, and Assistant General-in-Chief, while maintaining his other official positions. He wanted Zhang Dan to serve as Governor of Wuling Commandery, but officials under General Wei Yuan opposed his appointment. However, he insisted that it was the emperor's decree and forced it through, and they dared not oppose. In the third year of Yuanhui, he was promoted to Huangmen Shilang, while retaining his governorship as Right Guard General. The following year, he was appointed as the General of Agile Cavalry. In the same year, he was also appointed as the Commissioner, Supervisor of Military Affairs in Southern Yuzhou, Champion General, Governor of Southern Yuzhou, and Prefect of Liyang, still overseeing his previous duties. For suppressing the rebellion led by Prince Jing Su of Jianping, he was granted an additional five hundred households.
The deposed emperor was incredibly arrogant back then, always running around. When he first left the palace, he put on a grand show, pretending to bring along a large entourage. But before long, he ditched the entourage, taking only a few trusted followers, sometimes running to the outskirts, sometimes sneaking into the city, creating widespread panic both inside and outside the palace. A man named Dianfu secretly conspired with General Shen Bozong, Infantry Colonel Zhu You, and Yu Tianbao to depose the emperor and support Prince Ancheng.
In the spring of the fifth year, the emperor planned to go hunting in Jiangcheng. Every time the emperor left the palace to the north, he would leave the entourage and ceremonial guards at Leyou Garden and sneak off. Dianfu planned to call back the entourage under the guise of an order from the empress dowager, then close the city gates, arrange for men to guard the Stone City and the East Palace, and have the emperor arrested and deposed, taking over as the Yangzhou Governor to assist the new emperor. He had already discussed this plan with Zhu You and the others, but the emperor ended up not going to Jiangcheng that day, so their plan was not implemented. Yu Tianbao later told the emperor about this, and the emperor had Dianfu, Zhu You, and Shen Bozong arrested and executed near Guanglu Temple. Dianfu and Zhu You were executed, but the others faced no repercussions. Dianfu was fifty-one years old at the time.
In the early years of Taishi, Zhu You served as an external supervisor, performed exceptionally well, rising to the third rank and serving as part of the Imperial Entourage. He was granted the title of Marquis of Anpu County, with a fief of two hundred households. Yu Tianbao, his ancestors were of Hu descent and had played a role in the Bamboo Grove Hall. During the Yuanhui period, he voluntarily reported his achievements and requested a promotion, so he was titled as the Viscount of E County, with a fief of two hundred households. He exposed Dianfu's rebellion plot and was appointed Prefect of Qinghe and General of the Right Army. In the first year of Mingyuan, he was exiled and became Prefect of Shanyang. Prince Qi deemed him fickle and ultimately had him executed.
Shou Ji, in the early years of the Taishi period, was granted an additional fief of two hundred households due to his military achievements. He served as the Commander of the Imperial Guards, was promoted to Colonel of the Prince's Mounted Troops, and later appointed as the General of Ningshuo and the Prefect of South Taishan. He was known for accepting bribes, with people constantly coming to him for favors. If someone did not comply with his demands, he would curse and threaten angrily, often saying, "With a knife in hand, what's there to fear about getting things done?" He often beat his subordinates and wounded patrol officers. After seven years, he was accused and exiled to Yuezhou. When passing through Yuzhang, he attempted to escape and rebel, but was ultimately killed.
Jiang Chan, in the early years of the Taishi period, was granted an additional fief of two hundred households due to his military achievements. He served as a Military Officer under King Xiu You of Jin, the General Longxiang, and the Prefect of South Jiying. In the third year, during a campaign to the north, he fought the enemy and was killed in action when his army was defeated. He was posthumously appointed as the General of the Left Army, with no change in his position as Prefect.
Li Dao'er, from Linhuai by the Huai River, initially served as a soldier for Prince Xiangdong, gradually rising to become an official in the national academy of Xiangdong. After Emperor Taizong ascended the throne, Li Dao'er also received promotions, eventually becoming an Attendant Cavalry Officer, and later serving as the Prefect of Huailing. In the second year of the Taishi period, he also concurrently held the position of Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat, and later was promoted to Censor. Unfortunately, he died from illness in the fourth year of the Taishi period.
Wang Daolong, from Wuxing Wucheng, is the brother of Wang Daoqi, who was knowledgeable, skilled in calligraphy, and handsome. The Prefect of Wuxing, Wang Shao, once praised him, saying, "If I had a son like Wang Daoqi, I would be completely satisfied." Later, Wang Jun of Shixing even appointed him as the teacher of the heir apparent. Due to his skill in calligraphy, Wang Daoqi first worked as a minor official in the Central Secretariat and eventually rose to the position of Chief Librarian. Wang Daolong also understood calligraphy and started from a low-ranking position, gradually advancing. Once, the emperor sent him to deliver a decree, but he failed to complete the task and was expelled from the palace, never to return to court. Later, when Song Taizong was stationed in Pengcheng, Wang Daolong was appointed as a court official. After Taizong ascended the throne, Wang Daolong became an Assistant Censor of the Southern Terrace, and later rose to the position of Cavalry Commander, and was appointed as the Prefect of Nanlanling. In the second year of Taishi, he also served as an Assistant Imperial Secretary of the Imperial Library. For his achievements in the battle of Polingling, he was granted an additional hundred households, bringing his total to six hundred. In the fifth year of Taishi, he was sent to the Eastern Palace to serve the Crown Prince while continuing to serve as an Assistant Imperial Secretary of the Imperial Library. Later, when the usurper ascended the throne, Wang Daolong was promoted from the Crown Prince's Military Officer to the General of the Right Flank, retaining the positions of Prefect and Assistant Imperial Secretary. Wang Daolong was deeply trusted by Taizong, and his status even surpassed that of Dianfu, a powerful figure at the time. He was cautious and never slandered others casually. After holding power in the court for many years, he amassed considerable wealth, though not as extravagant as Dianfu's, his household management was notably more meticulous.
In the second year of Yuanhui, the Grand Commandant, King Xiufan of Guiyang, suddenly led his troops to Xinting. The tenant stayed in the palace, while Wang Daolong led the elite Yulin troops to guard Zhuque Gate. At that time, the rebel army had already reached south of the Qinhuai River. Wang Daolong suddenly dispatched someone to Shitou City to summon General Liu Meng. After Liu Meng arrived, Wang Daolong ordered him to open the Qinhuai River waterway. Wang Daolong angrily said, "The enemy is coming; we should attack quickly. How can we open the waterway and weaken our own strength?" Liu Meng dared not say anything else. Wang Daolong urged Liu Meng to go to battle quickly, but Liu Meng felt that opening the waterway would be unfavorable, resulting in defeat and the rebel army chasing after them. Wang Daolong deserted his army and fled to Taicheng, but his horse was so frightened it wouldn't budge, and he was caught and killed by the rebel army. Afterwards, the emperor personally went to mourn him and posthumously conferred upon him the titles of Fuguo General and Governor of Yizhou. His son Wang Fazhen inherited his title. After the abdication of the Qi dynasty, the Wang family's title was revoked.
Yang Yunchang hailed from Huai'an in Xuan City. He started as a low-ranking official in Xuan City, but later the Prefect of Xuan City, Fan Ye, thought highly of him and recommended him. He was exceptionally skilled in archery, and when Emperor Taizong was still a prince, he appointed him as his archery teacher. Yang Yunchang was cautious and honest, earning the trust of Emperor Taizong. After Taizong became emperor, he valued him even more, allowing him to hold power with the tenants, Li Daolong, Li Daoer, and others, gradually rising in rank to be a Squire of the Outer Court, and later becoming the Prefect of Nanpingchang. In the seventh year of Taishi, he was sent to serve the Crown Prince. Later, when the deposed emperor ascended the throne, he and the tenants were appointed as Attendants of the Imperial Household, and he was also appointed as the Dragon Cavalry General, later promoted to Gentleman of the Palace. Because of his merits in suppressing the rebellion of King Xiufan of Guiyang, he was bestowed the title of Nan Cheng County Lord, with a fief consisting of eight hundred households. In the third year of Yuanhui, he was promoted to the position of Rear General of the Army from the Cavalry of Prince Ancheng, while concurrently serving as a Gentleman of the Palace.
Yang Yunchang was upright and lived a very simple life, never buying property or accepting bribes. However, he was knowledgeable but lacked deep wisdom, and he only associated with two friends, Pan Zhi and Xu Wensheng, both from humble backgrounds, consulting with them on everything. Xu Wensheng later was granted the title of a nobleman of Guangjin County after participating in quelling the rebellion of King Xiufan of Guiyang, and he was appointed as General of Ning Shuo and Prefect of Xuan City. Shortly after Emperor Shundi ascended the throne, Yang Yunchang resigned from his post and returned home. Later, when Shen Youzhi rebelled, Yang Yunchang had some reservations, and Prince Qi sent Marshal Cui Wenzhong to deal with him.
Historical records commend Yang Yunchang for his unwavering loyalty, making him a model servant; he was able to flexibly adapt to situations, setting an example of a wise ruler. His initial relationship with Emperor Taizong was not close, but it grew closer due to work; conversely, his relationship with Emperor Taizong was not initially intimate, but became so due to distance. This illustrates that different paths can ultimately lead to the same goal; even with power in the hands of close individuals, the same principles can be followed. Even the simplicity of Emperor Gaozu and the caution of Emperor Guangwu could not avoid the grandeur of the Fengbei Group and the precedent set by Baishui Xianhua, let alone the vulgarity of Emperor Taizu and the stubbornness of Emperor Taizong. How could the harem possibly remain orderly? It's simply not feasible!
