Sun Chu, courtesy name Jigao, was from Yongxing, Zhejiang. Everyone called him Jigao, so this courtesy name was commonly used. When he was young, he had a hot temper. When Liu Yu marched against Sun En, Jigao joined him without hesitation. After Liu Yu pacified the capital, he appointed Jigao as the General of Zhenwu and granted him the title of Fifth Marquis of Xinyi County. In the Battle of Guanggu, he was the first to charge and achieved remarkable success.
During the rebellion of Lu Xun, Jigao defended the city walls of Shitoucheng, stationed at Yuecheng and Chapu, and defeated Lu Xun's army at Xinting. Liu Yu told Jigao, "To completely eliminate these rebel soldiers, we must first destroy their base, forcing them to flee and have nowhere to hide. This task can only be entrusted to you!" He then sent Jigao to lead three thousand men to attack Panyu by boat. Initially, Lu Xun did not expect an attack from the sea. When Jigao reached Dongchong, only about ten miles away from Panyu, the people in the city were still unaware. Lu Xun had several thousand soldiers under his command, and the city was well fortified. Jigao first burned the ships, landed with full force, capitalized on the thick fog, and attacked the city from all sides, breaking through Panyu on the same day. Lu Xun's father, Lu Gu, Chief Historian Sun Jianzhi, and Marshal Yu Wufu, among others, fled to Shixing by small boat. Liu Yu then sent General of Zhenwu Shen Tianzi and others to pacify Lingnan areas such as Shixing, Nankang, Linhe, and Shi'an. Lu Xun fled to Zuoli, where his forces were still strong, and launched attacks on Guangzhou from the mountain roads of Lingnan. Jigao engaged him in battle for over twenty days before Lu Xun was defeated and forced to flee, resulting in over ten thousand casualties. When pursuing him to Yulin, Jigao fell ill and could not continue the pursuit, allowing Lu Xun to escape to Jiaozhou.
In April 411 AD, Sun Jigao passed away in Jinkang at the age of 53. The court posthumously conferred upon him the title of Dragon Cavalry General and Prefect of Nanhai, and granted him the title of County Marquis with a fief of one thousand households.
Two years later, in the year 413 AD, Emperor Gaozu reflected on the past achievements of Sun Jigao and wrote in a memorial: "Sun Jigao's accomplishments in Lingnan have already been rewarded. However, I still find myself pondering that Lu Xun, this infamous scoundrel, has been entrenched in Lingnan for over a decade, controlling the entire region. If his foundation is not completely uprooted, he could make a comeback and rally remaining forces, becoming a threat once more; the court is preoccupied with planning military campaigns. Meanwhile, Sun Jigao made the long journey to the court, arriving in a flash, quickly bringing peace to the South China Sea, taking down Lu Xun's stronghold, and leaving him in a bind, forcing him to flee on a small boat. In less than a month, Lu Xun was eliminated. His role in quelling the rebellion was nothing short of monumental. The previous rewards from the court were insufficient. I think he deserves another provincial appointment, using his original title, to ensure his loyalty and contributions are recognized and to motivate other ministers to work even harder." Therefore, the court appointed Sun Jigao once more as the Inspector of Jiaozhou, with his title of General still intact. His son, Sun Zongshi, later died, and Sun Qingong inherited his title. After Sun Qingong's passing, Sun Yanzu inherited the title. When the Qi dynasty fell, the Sun clan's titles were abolished.
Kuai En, also known as Dao En, was a native of Chengxian in Lanling. When the founding emperor was campaigning against Sun En, Kuai En was drafted as a laborer and served as a soldier hauling supplies. He always carried twice as much forage as others, and whenever he put down the supplies, he would sigh and say, "A true man should be able to pull a three-stone bow; how can I be just a soldier hauling supplies here!" When the founding emperor heard about this, he immediately outfitted him with weapons and armor. Kuai En was very happy. Throughout the campaign against the rebels, he consistently led the charge and took down many enemy leaders. Due to his extensive combat experience, extraordinary courage, and unwavering loyalty, he never made any mistakes and was held in high regard and trusted by the founding emperor. During the battle in Lou County, he was shot in the left eye by an arrow.
I set off from Pingjing City and reached Dingjingyi, where I was appointed General Ningyuan and tasked with leading troops into battle. Later, I followed General Daogui in the conquest to the west, defeated the enemy Huan Xianke, captured Yan Yuandie, and finally pacified Jiangling.
In the second year of Yixi, Zhang Jian rebelled in Yingcheng, and I defeated him with my troops. The emperor appointed me as the Marquis of Duxiang. Later, I participated in the battle to attack Guanggu, where I distinguished myself in battle. Lu Xun led his troops near Dingjingyi, and I fought against him in Chapu, driving him back. I pursued with Wang Zhongde and others, defeating Lu Xun's general Fan Chongmin in Nanling. After Lu Xun fled back to Guangzhou, I led over a thousand troops alongside Liu Fan to pursue Xu Daofu and killed him in Shixing.
Later, I was promoted to General Longxiang and also took on the role of Prefect of Lanling.
When Emperor Gaozu went on a campaign to the west, he sent Liu Yi and Wang Zhen'e to launch a surprise attack on Jiangling with a small force, which is recorded in the "Biography of Zhen'e." At that time, I held the position of Grand Commandant and Acting Military Advisor, leading two thousand troops alongside the Governor of Yizhou, Zhu Lingshi, to engage the Shu army. When we reached Pengmo, my troops were at the forefront, fiercely engaging the enemy from morning until the sun was low in the west, our morale soared, ultimately driving the enemy away. We then captured Chengdu, and I was promoted to Acting Military Advisor and granted the title of Fifth Rank Noble of Beizhi County.
Later, when Emperor Gaozu launched an attack against Sima Xiuzhi and Lu Zongzhi, General Jianwei Xu Kui and I charged into battle together. Xu Kui was killed in action, and I was surrounded under the embankment. Lu Zongzhi's son, Lu Gui, pursued us, arrows raining down like a storm, battle cries echoing through the skies. I quickly reorganized our troops into a solid defensive formation. Lu Gui's repeated charges could not break through our defenses; realizing he couldn't break through, he withdrew. Emperor Gaozu greatly admired my calmness and courage. After we pacified Jiangling, I pursued Lu Gui to Shicheng. Lu Gui abandoned the city and fled; I pursued him to Xiangyang, while Lu Zongzhi fled to the Qiang territory. Along with other generals, I pursued him to Lu Yang Pass before we returned.
I followed the emperor into battle for many years. Every time danger arose, I always charged into the forefront, often breaking through the enemy's strong positions, undaunted by hardships. I participated in more than a hundred battles, receiving many serious injuries. The emperor commended my previous achievements, appointing me as a noble of Xinning County with a fief of five hundred households. The emperor's heir became the General of Conquering the Barbarians, and I was appointed as the Chief Military Aide of the Dafu, leading the central army. When the emperor launched a northern expedition, he ordered me to stay behind to serve the heir, commanding all the court officials to interact with me. I became even more modest and prudent, always mentioning my official position when speaking to others, referring to myself as "this humble person." I treated the soldiers with kindness while upholding strict military discipline, and I was highly respected by all. Later, I was promoted to Military Counselor, then transferred to the General of the State and the Prefect of Huailing. After the heir established his own residence, I became the Household Attendant, and later served as the Marshal, retaining both the positions of General and Prefect.
Later, I escorted the Duke of Guiyang, Yizhen, into the pass. When Yizhen returned to Qingni, he was pursued by the enemy, and I held them off, fighting fiercely for several days. The vanguard of Yizhen was scattered, and all my soldiers died in battle, eventually being captured and killed by the enemy. My son Guocai inherited my title. After Guocai's death, my grandson Huidu inherited the title. Upon Huidu's death without an heir, the title was revoked.
Liu Zhong, styled Shizhi, was a native of Pengcheng in Xuzhou. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by a fellow villager, Liu Gu, who was the Prefect of Zhongshan. He was ambitious from a young age and very open-minded, showing no concern for poverty. In the fourth year of Long'an, when Liu Yu (Gaozu) went to fight Sun En, Liu Zhong volunteered to join the army, participating in the attacks on Juzhang, Haiyan, and Loxian, making significant contributions in each battle. Later, he became the Military Supervisor of Liu Laozhi. Every time Liu Yu went to war, Liu Zhong fearlessly and diligently carried out his tasks, gaining Liu Yu's trust and respect.
When Liu Yu raised his troops, he appointed Liu Zhong as the district magistrate. The next day, he accompanied Liu Yu into the city of Jiankang. As they approached Jiankang, Liu Yu ordered, "All those who responded to the uprising in Pengcheng and Peixian can go to register with Master Liu." Thus, Liu Zhong assembled a militia and followed Liu Yu, winning many battles. The following day, Huan Qian camped at Dongling, Bian Fanzhi camped at Fu Zhou Mountain. Liu Yu suspected an enemy ambush, so he looked around and saw Liu Zhong, and said to him, "There must be an ambush at the foot of the mountain; take your men and investigate." Liu Zhong immediately led his troops up and indeed found hundreds of hidden enemies, who quickly scattered. Huan Xuan fled westward that night, and Liu Yu camped at Huan Qian's original camp, assigning Liu Zhong to guard the Eastern Palace and promoting him to military inspector. Later, when Huan Xin attacked Liyang, Liu Yu sent Liu Zhong to assist the governor of Yuzhou, Wei Yongzhi, in suppressing the rebellion, causing Huan Xin to flee in fear. Afterwards, Liu Zhong was appointed as the Domestic Historian of Southern Qi and was granted the title of Fifth Marquis of Anqiu County. He also presented his situation to Liu Yu, requesting to reinter his parents and relatives, who generously provided him with financial support. Later, Liu Zhong was promoted to Chief of Chariots and Cavalry, concurrently serving as a military officer. Sima Shufan, Liu Shi from Pengcheng, Liu Huaiyu, and others attacked Zoushan from Fancheng. Lu County Prefect Xu Yong failed to hold the line, but Liu Zhong successfully quelled the rebellion with his troops. He also participated in the battle of Guanggu, where Meng Longfu was slain; Liu Zhong led soldiers to charge into the enemy's formation and recover Meng Longfu's body. Finally, Liu Zhong was appointed General of Zhenwu and Middle Army Officer, succeeding Meng Longfu as Prefect of Guangchuan.
Lu Xun's troops closed in on the capital, but Xu Chi's army disobeyed orders and suffered defeat on the south bank. General Zhong and his soldiers held the camp against the enemy, despite him being seriously injured, but the enemy still did not break through. Lu Xun retreated southward, and General Zhong and General Wang Zhongde pursued him. Lu Xun left his deputy, Fan Chongmin, behind, who occupied Nanling with elite soldiers and large warships, deploying troops on both banks. General Zhong personally scouted the enemy's position, and on that foggy day, the enemy snagged General Zhong's boat. General Zhong led his men to attack the enemy's cabin, prompting General Zhong to withdraw. He and Wang Zhongde together attacked Fan Chongmin, who was defeated and fled. General Zhong pursued him for over a hundred miles, destroying all of Fan Chongmin's ships. Later, he pursued Xu Daofu with Liu Fan and took him down in Shixing. After that, he was promoted to military advisor, General of Ning Shuo, and Prefect of Xiapi, also taking on key responsibilities for defending Shitou City from Meng Huaiyu.
This battle was truly thrilling! Lu Xun almost attacked the capital, but fortunately General Zhong held on to it with his life. Xu Chi's army didn't follow orders, almost leading to the total annihilation of the army. General Zhong, even when injured, personally went to scout the enemy, showing his bravery as a general! Although his boat was hooked by the enemy, he remained calm in the face of danger, commanding his men to counterattack, and eventually managed to escape successfully. He then pursued all the remaining troops of Lu Xun, cleaning them up completely, which was truly heartwarming! Finally, he was promoted and given key responsibilities for defending Shitou City, truly a life winner!
Legend has it that when Emperor Gaozu fought against Liu Yi, Zhong Hui accompanied Wang Zhen'e on the campaign. After they captured Jiangling City, he joined Zhu Lingshi in the fight against the Kingdom of Shu, taking on the role of vanguard. They set out by boat and fought their way to Pengchengmo, two hundred miles from Chengdu. The Shu army's champions, led by Commander Qiao Kang, established defensive positions on both banks of the river, with layers of camps, multiple checkpoints, and a total of thirty thousand troops. At that moment, Zhong Hui had a foot injury and was unable to walk. Zhu Lingshi personally went to consult Zhong Hui, saying, "It's really hot, and the enemy's defenses are tight. A direct assault might not succeed and would just wear us out more. I can tell their morale is low, and they won’t last much longer. We should save our strength, wait for the right moment, and then strike for victory. However, the key decision still rests with you. What do you think?" Zhong Hui replied, "No! We intentionally spread rumors that our main army would take the inland water route, so Qiao Daofu wouldn’t dare leave Fucheng. Now that our main army is here, they definitely didn’t see this coming. The Shu army has to be scared stiff. The enemy is just using the terrain to defend themselves because they’re scared to fight, not because they can actually hold out for a long time. We need to capitalize on their fear, gather our forces, and hit them hard; we will definitely win! If we charge in fiercely, Chengdu won’t stand a chance! If we stall now, they’ll figure out our strengths and weaknesses, and the troops from Fucheng might come to back them up. By then, their morale will be up, reinforcements will show up, we won’t be able to fight, we’ll run out of food, and we’ll end up getting captured by the Shu army!" Zhu Lingshi followed his advice.
The next day, they launched an attack, breaking through two enemy cities and killing the enemy generals Hou Hui and Qiao Shen. They advanced all the way to Chengdu. Due to his great achievements in this battle, Zhong Hui was appointed as the Lord of Yongxin County, with a fief of five hundred families. Later, he was promoted to Assistant Minister, Military Advisor to the Grand Commandant, General of Dragon Cavalry, and Prefect of Gaoyang, also serving as the garrison commander of Shitou Shu.
Gaozu wanted to attack Sima Xiuzhi, so he left General Dao Lian in Dongfu to guard and manage the stationed troops. However, hundreds of bandits led by Yeting attacked Zhong Lei in the middle of the night, but Zhong Lei's troops repelled them. As the main army was away on expedition, the people in the capital were quite fearful because Zhong Lei could not completely suppress the thieves, so his official position was reduced to General Jianwei. After pacifying Shu territory, he should have been rewarded with four hundred households, but since he already had a title, the number of households was decreased, and the remainder of the reward was granted to his second son Jing Shun, who was appointed as the Lord of Gaochang County with a fief of one hundred households. Later, he was reinstated as General of Dragon Cavalry. In the twelfth year, when Gaozu marched north, he stayed behind to guard the capital, with an increased troop count and a historian assigned to his office. Governor of Jingzhou Dao Lian sent three good horses and exquisite horse equipment to Gaozu, who then distributed them among Zhong Lei's three sons. In the fourteenth year, he was promoted to Right Guard General, while retaining his position as General of Dragon Cavalry. He passed away in the first year of Yuanxi, at the age of forty-three.
His son Jing Yi inherited his title. Jing Yi died after becoming the Commandant of Maotou. His son Guozhong succeeded to the title, but after the abdication of the Qi dynasty, his title was stripped. After the death of Zhong Lei's second son, Lord of Gaochang Jing Shun, his son Guoxu inherited the title. Guoxu passed away without a son, so the title was subsequently stripped.
Yu Qiu Jin, courtesy name Yu Zhi, was a native of Tan County in the East Sea area. He followed Xie Xuan to fight against Fu Jian at a young age and distinguished himself, being granted the title of Marquis of the Passes. During the Long'an period, he followed Gaozu in the attack on Sun En, stationed at Juzhang City, and was besieged for several days, fighting daily and sustaining multiple injuries. After reaching Yuyao and Hepu, he defeated the rebel leader Zhang Biao, pursuing him all the way to Haiyan and Lou County. In the naval battles at Putao Pass against Sun En, he was seriously wounded again. Chasing Sun En to Yuzhou, then to Shilutou, and back to Haizhen Dazhu, he made significant contributions in several battles. In the first year of the Yuanxing era, he followed Gaozu in the eastern expedition to Linhai and faced off against Lu Xun at Shibugu for over twenty days. The following year, he accompanied Gaozu to Dongyang, where he defeated Xu Daofu. In the same year, he defeated bandits in Linsong Cave, chased them to Qianjiang in Yongjia, and reached Angu, contributing in numerous battles. In the third year, he took part in pacifying the capital, restoring order, and was appointed Interior Historian of Yanguo.
In 406 AD, he was appointed Dragon Soaring General and enfeoffed as the Fifth Marquis of Longchuan County. He joined the emperor in the attack on Guanggu, defeating the enemy forces at Linqu. Later, when Lu Xun approached the capital, Meng Chang, Zhuge Changmin, and others suggested moving the emperor across the Yangtze River. He vehemently opposed this in court, openly criticizing Meng Chang and others, which earned him high praise from the emperor. He also suggested using trees to construct barricades.
Subsequently, he was appointed Prefect of Poyang while retaining his military rank. Commanding eighteen units of infantry and cavalry, he set out from the east, traveling through Poyang to Wumiaoqiao. Lu Xun appointed Ying Jiu as the magistrate of Shangrao, with over a thousand men guarding the old city, which he successfully breached. Lu Xun then appointed Tong Minzhi as the Prefect of Poyang, taking control of the county seat and advancing on Poyang from the road to Yugan, only to be defeated, resulting in the loss of hundreds of men in his pursuit. Later, he followed Liu Fan to Shixing, defeating and executing Xu Daofu.
In the year 410 AD, he was appointed as the Ningman Protector and the Prefect of Xunyang, holding both civil and military positions. The following year, he accompanied the emperor in the campaign against Liu Yi. After the war ended, he was appointed as the Acting General and soon promoted to the General Who Shakes the Might. In 411 AD, due to his previous military achievements, he was granted the title of Lord of Wangcai County, with a fief of five hundred households, and further appointed as the Dragon-Soaring General. Later, he participated in the campaign against Sima Xiuzhi and once again achieved military success. After the war, he was appointed as the General Who Aids the State and the Prefect of Shanyang. He was appointed as the Prefect of Qin County by a decree from the Song Dynasty, overseeing the affairs of Chenliu County, while retaining his military position. In 414 AD, the Song Emperor ordered his appointment as Yikang's Right General, the fourth son of the founding emperor. In 416 AD, he was promoted to Right Guard Commander. The following year, he died at the age of sixty. The court honored his achievements posthumously in the campaign against Sima Xiuzhi, granting titles to his son and increasing his fief by three hundred households.
His son Geng's title was inherited by his grandson Xizhu. After Xizhu's passing, his great-grandson Shibao inherited the title. After the Qi Dynasty's abdication, his title was revoked.
Historians note that "The Book of Songs" says: "No words go unrewarded, and no virtues go unrecognized." These individuals all rose from commoners and lower-ranking soldiers, only due to their steadfast loyalty to the emperor, which allowed them to achieve success. They charged into battle, fearless of death, all because of their unwavering loyalty! In the end, they all received the rewards of nobility, proving the truth of "The Book of Songs!"
