Zong Yue is from Yexian, Nanyang. His ancestral home is in Henan. Due to the chaos during the Jin Dynasty, he moved to Wuan County in Nanyang, and his household registration was later restored to Yexian. He started out as a minor official in Nanyang Commandery. Later, General Zhao Lun stationed in Xiangyang in the north, where people of various surnames resided. Zhao Lun ordered the Chief Clerk Fan Ji to organize these families and rank their status. Fan Ji arranged for Zong Yue to be a minor official responsible for registration.
He started out as a minor official, but later his father was killed by barbarians. The man who had killed his father later came to the commandery, and Zong Yue killed him in the marketplace. The Governor Xiahou Mu admired his actions and promoted him to be a squad leader. At that time, barbarians often came to raid, so the commandery often dispatched Zong Yue to combat them, and he won every battle. His family was very poor and could not afford a horse, so he often walked to the battlefield with a sword and shield, charging into battle alone, unstoppable by anyone. After each victory, he was rewarded with five thousand coins by the commandery, allowing him to save enough money to buy a horse. Later, he was summoned by the court and assigned to a prefecture as a squad leader. When Emperor Wen of Song guarded Xiangyang, he appointed Zong Yue as the General of Yangwu, in charge of a military unit.
In the twenty-fourth year of Yuanjia, he requested Emperor Wen of Song to restore his original household registration and transfer his household to Guanjun County, which Emperor Wen granted. In the twenty-seventh year of Yuanjia, he followed Liu Yuanjing in a northern expedition, serving as the commander of the horse standard under General Liu Yuanhu, and achieved military honors, as recorded in "The Biography of Liu Yuanjing." After returning to the court, he was appointed as the Rear Army's Military Advisor, and General Wang Dan jokingly asked him, "Who are you, to actually hold a 'four-character' official title in my mansion?" Zong Yue replied, "Liu Yu (Foli) is not dead yet, so you don't have to worry about not becoming a Military Advisor." Wang Dan laughed heartily at this.
I followed Yuan Jing to fight against the Xiyang Man, and during the time of Jianyi, I was promoted to the position of General of Nan Zhonglang and concurrently served as a military advisor, where I achieved military merits. After the Emperor ascended the throne, I was appointed as the Grand Marshal and Military Advisor to Wang Yigong of Jiangxia, and later became the Governor of Jiyang County, and later promoted to Longxiang General.
Later, Zang Zhi and Lu Shuang rebelled, and I led troops to occupy Liyang. Lu Shuang sent General Zheng Dexuan to occupy Daxian Mountain, and Dexuan sent Yang Huxing and Liu Shu with three thousand infantry to attack Liyang. I engaged them with only five hundred cavalry about ten miles west of the city and secured a decisive victory, killing Yang Huxing, Liu Shu, and their forces. After Lu Shuang was pacified, I led troops to intercept Zang Zhi at Liangshan, driving him away and achieving great success in this battle, pursuing him all the way to Jiangling. At that time, the Inspector of Jingzhou, Zhu Xiuzhi, had not arrived yet, and I took many lives. I also captured the children of Prince Yixuan of Nanjun, and I was dismissed from my position and imprisoned in Shangfang for this incident. I was released shortly after, reinstated to my original position, and my prior accomplishments were acknowledged, being appointed as the County Lord of Zhuyang with a fief of four hundred households. Later, I was promoted to the position of Military Advisor to the Fubing of Prince Shang of Xiyang, with the rank of General remaining unchanged. In the third year of Daming, I was subsequently promoted to Colonel of Changshui.
Prince Jingling Dan rebelled in Guangling, and I led the cavalry alongside Shen Qingzhi to confront him. After the city was breached, Emperor Shizu ordered all adult males in the city to be killed, and I was commanded to carry out the execution, personally going to kill them, first beating them, some even receiving lashes to their faces. I felt a strange sense of satisfaction, as if I had gained something. In total, I killed several thousand people. In the fourth year of Daming, I was reappointed as the County Lord of Shi'an, with the fief unchanged. In the eighth year of Daming, I was promoted to the position of Military Advisor to the Fubing of Prince Luan of Xin'an, and appointed as the Assistant General. That year, I was also appointed as the Military Commander overseeing Ruzhou, Yuzhou, Runan, Xinchai, Ruyang, and Yingchuan in Sizhou, as well as the General of Ning Shuo, and the Inspector of Sizhou, later also serving as the Prefect of Runan and Xinchai.
In the year 465 AD, the deposed Emperor Liu Ziye appointed me as a general of the guerrilla forces and entrusted me with important court affairs. Shortly after, I was appointed as the Governor of Nanjiyin, bestowed a noble title upon me, and my fief was expanded to include two hundred more households. Later, I was promoted to Champion General, transferred to the Governor of South Donghai, while still retaining the position of general of the guerrilla forces. Emperor Liu Ziye was a cruel and ruthless tyrant, completely lacking in morality, yet Yue, Tan Jin, and Tong Taiyi were loyal to him, aiding him in the massacre of ministers, including He Mai; no one could escape their clutches. So the Emperor acted with impunity, doing as he pleased without fear. He rewarded them with beautiful women, gold, and silver treasures, stuffing their homes with wealth. Military leaders like Yue were brutish and shortsighted, only concerned with immediate benefits, each one devotedly following the Emperor.
The Emperor planned a southern expedition, departing early the next morning, but that night he had Yue and the others stay outside, which provided Emperor Taizong the opportunity to suppress the rebellion. The next morning, Yue and the others returned to the palace, and Emperor Taizong treated them generously, allowing Yue to continue as the Governor of Nanjiyin, retaining their original positions.
However, since Yue and the others had already worked hard for the deposed Emperor, they were filled with doubt, worried that Emperor Taizong would not spare them. Although Emperor Taizong treated them well on the surface, he remained wary. He also did not want them to continue staying at the center of the court, so he seized the opportunity to tell them, "You have suffered under a tyrant for these years; it's time for you to rest and find a comfortable place to settle down. Choose a county with strong military forces for yourselves." Upon hearing this, they exchanged fearful glances and then secretly plotted a rebellion.
They informed Shen Youzhi about this, who promptly informed Emperor Taizong of the situation, and that very day, Yue and the others were arrested and sentenced to death. Yue was fifty-eight years old at the time of his death.
I'm skilled at arranging formations. When tens of thousands of troops are camped out, I always lead the way on horseback, letting the soldiers follow me. When I stop my horse, the camp forms automatically, and there's never any chaos. Later, Shen Youzhi took over from Yin Xiaozu as the vanguard of the Southern Expedition. At that time, everyone was scared because Yin Xiaozu had just died. Shen Youzhi sighed, "It's a shame about Yin Xiaozu; he had qualities that set him apart from others." However, Shen Youzhi was strict and quick to punish, dealing with even the smallest offenses under military law. Wang Xuanmo was also tough on his subordinates at that time. The soldiers would say, "We'd rather do five years of hard labor than follow Wang Xuanmo. Wang Xuanmo isn't too bad, but if we end up under Zong Yue, we might as well be dead!"
Tan Jin, a common man living in the remote wilderness. Back when they were in the wilderness, he was quite familiar with Xue An, but later Xue An moved to Xinye and settled in Niumen Village. When Xue An returned to the court, Tan Jin often followed him into battle. From the north to Hangu Pass in Mount Xiaoshan, then to Baku to establish a base, Tan Jin had always been Xue An's right-hand man, charging into battle with extraordinary strength. He defeated the main culprits, stormed Liangshan, and vanquished Zang Zhi, earning military accolades each time. Gradually, he rose to the position of Chief Military Advisor to King Jianping Liu Hong, was appointed as General Jianwu, and soon promoted to General Longxiang and Prefect of Pia, while retaining the position of Military Advisor. In the third year of Xiaojian, he was subsequently promoted to Commandant of the Cavalry and Director of the Pavilion, concurrently serving as Prefect of South Qinghe. In the first year of Jinghe, when the former emperor plotted to assassinate the ministers, Tan Jin and others participated. The emperor issued a decree saying: "Commandant of the Cavalry and Prefect of South Qinghe Tan Jin, General of Strong Crossbows Tong Taiyi, Military Advisor of Chariots and Cavalry Shen Youzhi, you fought bravely and decisively, loyal and courageous, eliminated the rebellion, and subdued the fierce enemies first; you should be generously rewarded to honor your achievements." Tan Jin was granted the title of Baron of Pingdu County, Tong Taiyi was titled as Baron of Yiyang County, Shen Youzhi was titled as Baron of Dongxing County, each receiving a fief of three hundred households. Tan Jin was promoted to General of Valiant Cavalry, with an additional one hundred households added to his fief. Tong Taiyi, from Dongguan, was promoted from General of Strong Crossbows to General of the Left Army, with an additional one hundred households added to his fief. Ultimately, Tan Jin and Tong Taiyi both fell in battle alongside Zong Yue. Liu Hu, Wu Nian, Jiao Changsheng, Cai Na, and Cao Xinzhi in Yuezhou also made a name for themselves through their military exploits. The exploits of Liu Hu are chronicled in the "Biography of Deng Wan."
Wu Nian is a native of Xinye, Henan. He started out as a low-ranking official in the local area, overseeing three to five gatekeepers. Later, he rose to the rank of general in the county. After Xiao Si was appointed governor of Yongzhou, he appointed a local named Pang Daofu to manage the fields of six gates, and Wu Nian followed Pang Daofu as a junior officer. Later, the court recognized Wu Nian's good reputation and his family's substantial horse stock, so he was subsequently summoned to court and appointed as a general. Emperor Wen of the Song inspected Yongzhou, and Wu Nian led the team to welcome him. At that time, the barbarians in the Mian River area rebelled, so Emperor Wen of the Song suppressed the rebellion in Yongzhou. When passing by Dadiyanzhou, thousands of barbarians suddenly appeared, firing arrows from their elevated position. Wu Nian immediately rushed up to fight bravely and quickly repelled the enemy, and was immediately promoted to the position of military advisor. From then on, Wu Nian distinguished himself in every battle. During Emperor Wen's Xiaojian era, Wu Nian was appointed General of Jiawei and Prefect of Guiyang. Later, when Prince Ling of Jing and Liu Dan rebelled, Wu Nian was appointed as the Grand Marshal for Prince Jiangxia Liu Yigong and followed Shen Qingzhi to attack Guangling City. After Liu Dan escaped from the city and returned, Wu Nian was unable to pursue him, so he was dismissed from his position. Later, he was appointed as a court attendant, and then became the Grand Marshal of Longxiang and Prefect of Nanyang. During the reign of Emperor Fei Liu Ziyue, Wu Nian was appointed General of the Right Army and was granted the title of county lord, with a fief consisting of three hundred households.
When Liu Yu, known as Emperor Song Ming, ascended the throne, there were rebellions in various regions. The court sent Wu Nian on horseback to hurry back to Yongzhou to pacify the western regions and also allowed him to retain his position as the Governor of Nanyang. After Wu Nian arrived, everyone supported him. However, a few of Liu Hu's close aides feigned surrender, captured Wu Nian while he was off guard, and delivered him to Yuan Yi, who killed him and delivered his head to Prince Xun of Jin'an. Wu Nian's associate, Yuan Chuzhen, escaped to Shouyang, where he was captured by the rebel Liu Shun, severely tortured, yet he remained loyal. Eventually, he managed to escape to Liu Men. Emperor Song Ming admired him and appointed him as an official. After his death, Wu Nian was posthumously appointed Champion General, Governor of Nanyang and Xinye, Marquis of Sui'an County, with a fief consisting of four hundred households. In the fourth year of Taishi, Sui'an County was abolished and reestablished as Shaoling County.
Jiao Changsheng was from Guangping, Hebei. He began his career as a minor official in a county, but because of his imposing stature and great strength, the court summoned him to serve as a military officer. He made a name for himself in battle against Lu Xiu to the south of Xianshan, gradually rising in rank. When Emperor Song Ming ascended the throne, Jiao Changsheng became the Minister of War for Prince Jian'an, Liu Xiuren, and was appointed General of Ningyuan. He was rewarded for his achievements in the southern campaign and granted the title of Marquis of Qianling County, with a fief of eight hundred households. Later, he served as the Ningyuan Marshal under Zhang Yue and as the Colonel of Ningman. He passed away in the fifth year of Taishi and was posthumously honored as General Who Conquers the Enemies and Governor of Yongzhou.
Cai Na, from Nanyang, came from a wealthy family. His brother Cai Ju was particularly skilled at hosting guests. No matter how many guests came, he warmly welcomed them and attended to their needs. This made him quite famous in the area, and the local authorities exempted him from taxes and labor. Cai Na initially served as the commander of the Jianfu garrison and later gradually rose to the position of a senior general. In the early period of Emperor Taizong's reign, he served as the Chief Military Officer for Prince Jianan Xiu Ren, taking part in campaigns in the south. His son and brother were both in Xiangyang and were captured by Liu Hu. Every time Liu Hu went to battle, he would hang them outside the city as a warning, but Cai Na became even more determined in battle. Due to his military achievements, he was granted the title of Marquis of Pingyang with a land grant of five hundred households. He was later promoted to be the Marshal of the Fu Army under Liu Yun, the Colonel of Ningman, and further ennobled as the General of Ningshuo. In the first year of Taiyu, he was appointed as the Inspector of Yizhou and the Prefect of Songning. Before he could take up his new position, he passed away. He was posthumously elevated to Assistant General while retaining his other titles, and was posthumously honored as the Marquis of Ping.
Cao Xinzhi, from Xinye, was known for his diligence and hard work. In the early years of Emperor Feidi Yuanhui, he rose to the rank of military commander. For his role in quelling the rebellion of Prince Guifang Xiu Fan, he was given the title of Viscount of Xinshi with a fief of five hundred households. He was later promoted to General of the Left Army and further ennobled as the General of Fuguo. In the fourth year of Yuanhui, he was appointed as the Inspector of Xuzhou and the Prefect of Zhongli, and was promoted to Champion General. In the second year of Shundi Shengming, he was called to serve as a Cavalier Attendant and the General of the Cavalry. He passed away three years later.
Wu Xi, from Lin'an in Wuxing, was originally named Xigong. Later, Emperor Taizong changed his name to Xi. He started as a minor official in the military office, a low-level bureaucratic position. He was well-read from a young age, and General Shen Yanzhi asked him to write a daily report, and he could recite it from memory. Shen Yanzhi once lost a draft of a memorial he had written, and after only a brief glance, Wu Xi was able to rewrite it perfectly, which greatly impressed Shen Yanzhi. He thoroughly studied "Records of the Grand Historian" and "Book of Han," developing a profound understanding of historical and contemporary affairs. Shen Yanzhi's student Zhu Chongmin recommended Wu Xi to be the Chief Historian, and he was later promoted to various official positions. Once, Emperor Taizu requested a book, and Wu Xi presented it to him upside down, angering the emperor and leading to his dismissal.
When Crown Prince Shen Qingzhi went to pacify the barbarians in his capacity as Infantry Colonel, Wu Xi volunteered to accompany him as a liaison officer. Emperor Shizu learned of this and granted him a reward. Later, when Emperor Shizu mobilized troops in Baku, Wu Xi was unable to accompany Shen Qingzhi due to illness. Once the situation was stabilized, Emperor Shizu requested Wu Xi to compose articles for him and promoted him to various official positions.
During the Ming Dynasty period, Yixian and Shexian experienced disturbances, where thousands of outlaws stormed the county and killed officials. Prince Yuzhang in Yangzhou dispatched a general with three thousand troops to quell the uprising, but both attempts ended in failure. Emperor Shizu then sent Wu Xi, accompanied by a small contingent of men, to negotiate with the rebels, who promptly surrendered that very day.
Emperor Taizong had just ascended the throne when rebellions broke out in various regions, with the rebels in the east being particularly fierce. Wu Xi volunteered to lead three hundred elite soldiers to the east to suppress the rebellion. The Emperor was delighted and immediately appointed him as General of Jianwu, and assigned him elite soldiers from the Feathered Forest Army. Some believed that Wu Xi, a former civil official with no combat experience, should not be sent. However, Chao Shangzhi, a palace official in the Central Secretariat, said, "Wu Xi fought alongside Shen Qingzhi before, experienced battles multiple times, is brave and decisive, and is well-versed in military tactics. If he is used, he will surely achieve good results. Those who oppose him do not understand talent!" Wu Xi then set out east with Zhu Chaozhi, the Gentleman of the Household, and Du Jingzhen, the Palace General.
Upon arriving in Yongshi, Wu Xi received letters from Yu Ye, Liu Yanxi, and the Prince of Xunyang, Zifang. The letters said, "We heard that you have already led troops nearby. Your reputation in the past was so good, why are you now serving them? Quickly turn your back on them, and we can enjoy wealth and glory together!" Wu Xi replied, "I have just arrived at the front lines and received your letters. After reading them, I am both surprised and disappointed. The current Emperor is both wise and martial; he will soon suppress the rebellion with outstanding achievements, and you rebels will soon be eliminated. You have made contributions in the past and enjoyed the country's favor, but now you are doing such things; it is truly a disgrace to the country. I will not be complicit in your wrongdoing. I am currently training my troops and will march soon. We will meet soon, so I will not say more." During Emperor Xiaowu's reign, Wu Xi was often dispatched on missions and was well-liked for his generosity. This time, when the common people heard that Wu Xi had arrived, they surrendered one after another, thus, Wu Xi advanced with ease, as detailed in the "Biography of Kong Ji."
He was first promoted to the rank of infantry lieutenant, retaining the title of general. Later, he was granted the title of Marquis of Jingling County, with a fief consisting of one thousand households. After pacifying the rebellion in the east, he led his troops south to conquer, and was promoted to the rank of Assistant General and appointed as the Prefect of Xunyang. When the fleeing rebels in the south fled, he joyfully pursued them and defeated them, restoring peace in Jingzhou. He was then promoted to General of the Vanguard, with his fief increased by three hundred households. In the fourth year of Taishi, he was reassigned the title of Marquis of Dongxing County, with the same fief as before. He was then appointed as the Commissioner and Governor of Jiaozhou and Guangzhou, with military command over Yulin and Ningpu counties, as well as the Assistant General and Governor of Jiaozhou. However, he chose not to assume this position and was instead appointed as the General of the Right Army and Prefect of Huailing, with the title of Assistant General, while also serving as the Left Guard of the Crown Prince.
Five years later, he was promoted to General of the Valiant Cavalry, with the same titles and positions as before. In that year, the Hu people launched a raid on Yuzhou, and he led various armies to march out, achieving a decisive victory against the enemy at Jingting. The self-proclaimed Duke of Changshe fled, while the garrison commander, Bogi Nu, surrendered. After the victorious army returned, he returned to his previous position, while also serving as the Left Guard General. Six years later, he led troops to resist the invasion of the Hu people in Yuzhou, was granted command over military affairs in Yuzhou, and was honored with the title of Champion General. His roles as General of the Valiant Cavalry and Prefect remained the same. The next year, he returned to the capital.
Initially, during his initial eastern campaign, he captured Prince Fang of Xunyang alive and other rebel leaders, executing them immediately. After pacifying the east, he recognized the formidable strength of the southern rebels, fearing they might revolt later and pose a threat to him, so he sent Prince Fang back to the capital; he also released generals like Gu Chen and Wang Yansheng. The emperor overlooked his recent achievements but harbored a secret resentment. After pacifying Jingzhou, he indiscriminately plundered and captured prisoners, engaging in numerous acts of corruption and bribery; he even discussed the backgrounds of Emperor Gaozu of Han and Emperor Wu of Wei in front of guests, which infuriated the emperor even more upon hearing it. Following the execution of Shou Jizhi, he became afraid and requested an idle position as Middle Doctor, which only heightened the emperor's suspicions and shock. When he fell ill, the emperor, contemplating the aftermath of his death, doubted his ability to assist the young ruler in the future, so he ordered him to take his own life when he was just forty-five.
On the day he died, the emperor summoned him to the inner hall for a friendly chat and laughter. Once he left, the emperor rewarded him with a lavish feast and gold and silver utensils, and instructed the messenger not to allow the utensils to stay overnight at his home. The emperor had many superstitions and did not want the utensils lingering in a place where misfortune could strike. The day prior to his death, the emperor issued an edict alongside Liu Ben, Zhang Xingshi, and Prince Qi, stating:
Wu Xi was born into a poor family and was often made to run errands as a child. He had a sharp tongue, loved to play clever tricks, and was full of cunning schemes. Starting from the Yuanjia period, he became a small official, showing off his influence everywhere, buttering people up and making connections, all of whom became his followers. He always pretended to be upright on the surface, but in reality, he was good at flattery. When settling accounts, he used his sweet words to please his superiors, demonstrating disloyalty and unfairness in his dealings. In the past, he worked in various government offices, always trying to find faults in others when his superiors disagreed with his ideas, shifting the blame onto others to appear virtuous. However, he turned a blind eye to others' wrongdoings, which earned him a good reputation.
During the Ming Dynasty, there were thousands of outlaws in Yi County and She County who stormed the town, killing officials. Liu Zishang failed twice in his attempts to subdue them as commander with three thousand elite soldiers. Emperor Xiaowu then sent Wu Xi with a few dozen men to persuade the bandits to surrender, and thanks to his smooth talk and cunning, he pulled this off, handling the strategizing for every military campaign. During the Taishi period, he led three hundred men to the east and successfully pacified ten counties from the Yangtze River to the seaside after two small-scale battles. The people were scared when they heard Wu Xi was coming from the east, but his good reputation in the region helped him easily quell the rebellion. He had a relaxed management style, allowing his subordinates to act freely, which made them eager to fight for him. From his actions, it was evident that he aimed to serve the country once the rebellion was quelled.
Oh, I heard that the first Eastern expedition was a remarkable success, truly impressive! It is said that Liu Zifang wiped out all of Yuan Biao's kind, leaving not a single one alive. After the battle, he adopted a lenient approach, showed kindness to the people, accepted the wealth of those criminals, and even tricked the bandit leaders into fleeing on their own. The bribes and loot he collected were beyond counting! The bandit leaders feigned surrender, and as a result, Liu Zifang safely returned to the court. He gathered all those rebels as his henchmen, treating them even better than the loyalists!
He did this for a good reason. It is said that the rebel forces in the south are getting stronger, and Yin Xiaozu was killed in battle, causing widespread fear and panic. He did this to protect himself. Xishan is a master of schemes and trickery, always calculating what is advantageous to himself. He kept sending good news from the Sanwu region to the court, celebrating his victories; towards the southern rebels, he did not kill their allies, but secretly bought their loyalty. The folks in the east were naturally timid and easily frightened; as soon as they heard the wind, they scattered. In fact, they were not forced to do so, but because there was no way to command them. He kept Liu Zifang and the others safe, showing his loyalty, and managed to resolve the dilemma of both advancing and retreating.
The southern rebels have not yet been pacified, and the top priority is ensuring military supplies. The roads to the southwest and north have been cut off, the east has only just been stabilized, and trade is still pretty scarce. The court even resorted to selling off official posts to fix its financial woes, but even so, there is still not enough food. While Xishan was in Zheqi, a military supply officer stole 130 bushels of rice, and he didn't bother to investigate at first; the other supply officers insisted he should be punished, but Xishan had no option but to give him thirty lashes and did not pursue the matter further. That was pretty much his style.
Upon arriving in Jingzhou, he spared no public funds or resources. Leveraging the army's might, he plundered and extorted indiscriminately, imposing arbitrary tax demands, inflicting immense suffering on the populace. The people he sent out were all cunning individuals who mixed personal interests with official duties, and threats and intimidation were the order of the day. The items collected were largely pocketed by him, as he accepted bribes and requests for favors, never satisfied. Although the war in the west had subsided, he intentionally postponed his return to court, claiming he needed to guard the Shu region. In reality, it was because of his corrupt practices and unfinished business. He also sent people to the barbarian areas, forged imperial edicts to console them, and seized all the looted spoils of war for himself. His subordinates were sent to places like Xiangyang or Shu Han, colluding with local officials to exploit the people and amass wealth through various schemes.
Upon returning from the west, boats of all kinds, including makeshift ones, were overloaded with money, food, cloth, and silk. From Xi himself to the junior officers, everyone was loaded with goods, and not a single one was exempt from corruption. Xi was originally a petty man, being shuffled around and traversing the country, visiting almost all the provinces and counties; wherever he went, he ingratiated himself with local power players, boasting of his accomplishments and posing as a figure of power. His reputation spread far and wide, yet his intentions were malicious, concealed from all. The military officers under Xi, instead of engaging in battle with the enemy, would remark, "Why kill the enemy when we can just take their belongings and make use of them?" Even the weak soldiers would say, "It's a shame for the brave warriors; the world isn't at peace yet, but if we earn our merits, we can redeem ourselves."
The way he handles things actually makes him more popular than those who work seriously. These people are merely grateful and do not see it as the court's favor. Xi's evil deeds have not changed at all, continuing to commit disgraceful acts. Those who take their work seriously and have a sense of justice feel a deep sense of regret, lamenting, "We are not afraid of death. If we catch this thief, the court does not kill him, but treats him the same. If there are thieves in the world, how can we catch them?" These individuals follow Xi in his actions, yet they achieve no merit. Some hide behind the crowd, while others sleep in the tent. When the bandits are dealt with, they receive rewards just like those who have genuinely worked hard. When questioned, they offer a variety of excuses, saying, "Since these people have been forgiven and have made contributions, they should of course be rewarded according to the rules." Chu Yuan went to the south to select soldiers, and Xi favored those who had done bad things in the army, so he requested an official position from Chu Yuan, surpassing even those who had truly earned it. Chu Yuan, because Xi was the first to present a victory, had already built a formidable reputation, and as the deputy commander, it was difficult to oppose him, so Xi also received an official position and rewards, even more than those who had merits. Although those with merits are very dissatisfied with Xi, they also feel that his way of doing things is more relaxed.
Once upon a time, Zhu Chao heard that there were rebellions everywhere, and the common people were afraid of bandits, so no one dared to work for the court. Zhu Chao, however, was filled with bravado and took the initiative, volunteering to join the army and becoming a vice general. After experiencing the battles firsthand and returning from the eastern front, he fell out of favor. Some claimed Zhu Chao was a heavy drinker and hard to manage, which led to his neglect. Although Gao Jingzu was young, he was strong and capable, well-liked in the army. However, Commander Xike dismissed him as too old and of little use, when in reality it was because both were loyal and honest, unlike him. Zhu Chao did love to drink, but are there no drinkers among the army commanders? Xike simply didn't like Zhu Chao, so he used his drinking habit as a pretext. Seeing no opportunity to fulfill his ambitions, Gao Jingzu claimed to be old and requested retirement, but in reality, he was subtly pushed out by the commander. The other generals were all greedy, conniving, and sycophantic, always by the commander's side.
Whenever Xike heard of criminals or wanted individuals, he would recruit them into the army, giving them positions and benefits. Those who should have been executed survived because of Xike, living comfortably. People aren't made of stone; of course they'd feel grateful! If I were to go after Xike, who wouldn't fight to the death for him? It's just that Xike doesn't dare to have such thoughts. The people in Xike's army are nothing but his lackeys, showing no interest in the nation's affairs.
Since gaining military power, he has appointed numerous cronies who commit outrageous crimes with impunity. He has forcibly seized several eastern counties for his brothers, nephews, and other relatives and friends, totaling four or five counties, all of whom are skilled in plundering property, embezzling state funds, and extorting from the populace. Those fugitives evade capture by local authorities; they remain hidden due to the protection of powerful allies. Imperial edicts are nearly impossible to enforce. Ships, vehicles, cattle, and sheep that should have been lent to the government have all been appropriated by the general, and the officials dare not challenge him. The slaves and servants from other counties are captured the moment they cross into his territory. The common people's cattle and sheep are snatched and slaughtered for meat at his whim. The people conscripted by the local authorities are forced into labor at his estate. Xi's brother Ru Gong and others are raiding wealth from every corner, and every village is teeming with their henchmen. Xi's relatives in Wudi are extorting money from the populace indiscriminately, resulting in widespread discontent and suffering among the populace. Xi is fully aware of these issues yet chooses to turn a blind eye.
The crimes committed by Su Hui-zi are not particularly serious, and he has already received my grace to avoid punishment, but he resorts to killing at the slightest provocation. Zhang Yue is the main leader of the rebel forces. As he was being forced to surrender, I instructed Shen Youzhi to hand Zhang Yue over to Xi, saying, "Whether to execute him or let him go is a matter for the court to decide." Generals leading armies must adhere to proper protocols. Matters that should be referred to the appropriate authorities must be handled by them. Consequently, Xi said nothing and promptly shackled Zhang Yue, changed his clothes into prison garb, then played chess with him and showered him with gifts, treating him exceptionally well in private, showing favoritism at every turn. Zhang Lingduo is a ruthless and foolish scoundrel, the leader of the insurrection. Xi showed him leniency while in the west, even secretly brought him to Xiaodu, maintaining a close relationship with him, as if they were friends. This guy is ambitious and full of nefarious schemes, conspiring with Liu Xinwei and others to support Liu Yi. I ordered Xi to apprehend them, but he secretly allowed them to escape. They were apprehended by the Jiankang forces before they could get far. Xi betrayed the nation and colluded with the enemy, leading to this dire situation.
Initially, he rebelled in the west, wanting to take over the position of Right Chancellor, greedy for wealth and involved in various deceitful schemes. I was concerned he would resort to flattery and deceit, so I didn't agree with him. Since then, he has harbored resentment towards me and felt deeply wronged. When he went west to rescue Ruyin, he allowed his soldiers to rob the people, assault women, steal chickens, ducks, and dogs, burn, kill, and pillage, and no official dared to question him along the way. If anyone accidentally apprehended a criminal, he would fly into a rage. The common people were in an uproar, and everyone was utterly disillusioned with him. Recently, Forong requested to return to the capital and wanted to replace him with Xi. When the people in the west heard that he was coming, they all wanted to rebel and escape, saying, "The soldiers of Wu are all ruthless devils who would devour you whole. If he becomes the governor, do we still have a way out? Since there is no other way, let's surrender to the enemy!" Warfare should be about punishing criminals, calming the populace, and governing with integrity. How can we allow harm to the innocent and looting for its own sake? He jeopardizes state affairs, deceives, and conceals the truth while committing heinous crimes; how much longer can he be tolerated?! Zang Wenzhong famously stated, "When you see something beneficial to the monarch, do it, like serving your parents as a filial child; when you see something harmful to the monarch, resolutely stop it, like an eagle catching a small bird." Geng Yan failed to inform his ruler about the traitor, and this was regarded as a commendable tale in history. Furthermore, all five thousand men in his army were involved in the rebellion; how could they possibly be loyal to the court?!
Oh, this Zhang Xi is really full of hot air, always comparing himself to Han Gaozu and Emperor Wu of Wei. Recently, he had the audacity to write to me, asking for a military position and even requesting the title of Middle Counselor. Moreover, with the border still unstable, this is precisely the time for Zhang Xi to buckle down; he should be honest, frugal, and cautious, staying home and avoiding outside contact, wholeheartedly serving the court. How can he be so arrogant, comparing himself to dragons and mythical creatures?
The reason he did this must be that he has a guilty conscience, afraid of being exposed. He also saw that Shou Ji was exiled and Shi Xiulin was killed. Those who engage in wrongdoing ultimately face consequences, so he is afraid and came up with this method to protect himself.
The officials and ministers of the court, the local officials in the fiefdoms, likely don't fear Zhang Xi; he only fears me. The length of one's life is uncertain; if I can live to be a hundred years old, even without Zhang Xi, it wouldn't be a loss to me. But if I fall ill in April and cannot be cured, how can the world put up with someone like Zhang Xi? Considering Zhang Xi's mindset, he's not the type to serve a disciplined emperor. What happens if he exploits any weaknesses in the country?
People always say, "the times are dire, and the state of the nation is grave." Look at all the emperors in history; which emperor ruled the world and commanded millions without resorting to intimidation? Therefore, in ancient times, they used symbolic punishments (using objects as instruments of punishment); the people were straightforward and seldom committed crimes. Later wise rulers frequently employed severe punishments to address wrongdoing. Emperor Yao was kind, but he did not spare four extremely guilty individuals; Emperor Gaozu of Han was magnanimous, yet he decisively executed three treacherous ministers. When Jiang Taigong held power, he first executed Huashi; when Confucius held office, he also executed Shao Zhengmao. From ancient times to the present, those who stabilize the country and seek welfare for the people, with soldiers opening the way in front and bands playing behind, may not necessarily survive. There are countless such examples. Of ten people, only one is likely to come to a good end. Like Zhang Xi, who committed such a serious crime, can he escape punishment?
They say, if someone becomes wealthy and influential, even if it's through merit, they must uphold it with morality. Therefore, starting well is not remarkable; what truly deserves admiration is the ability to see things through to the end. When we employ people and cultivate talent, the ultimate goal is the benefit of the nation. When they are beneficial to the country, we should treat them as if they were our own children; but if they harm the country, we must treat them as enemies, without the luxury of considering their past merits, and endure the harm they ultimately bring.
The principle of hiring is like taking medicine. When a person's body is weak, they need to take tonics to boost their health; but if the condition worsens, they must quickly remove the toxins accumulated in the body in order to stop the deterioration of the condition. How can one recall the benefits of medicine in the past yet ignore the potential drawbacks in the future? Is it right to only remember past rewards while ignoring present consequences? This is not forgetting their merits, but rather being compelled by circumstances! If sins pile up like mountains and become intolerable, even great merits cannot make up for them, and they may turn into a national disaster; they must be swiftly dealt with, right? Furthermore, to prevent small issues from developing into major problems, one should address concerns before they become problems, rather than waiting for the situation to be exposed before imposing severe punishment. Strict decrees should be issued in advance to encourage self-restraint. Generals and ministers, you are the backbone of the country, and the matter of rewards and punishments is of great importance. We should discuss this matter with you. What do you think about this?
After Huang Hui's death, the court issued a decree honoring him, and his son Huang Huimin inherited his title, and the Qi state was also abolished. Huang Hui was a soldier from Jingling County. He started out doing odd jobs in the county government and later gradually became an official. Zang Zhi became the county magistrate, and Huang Hui was promoted to battalion commander. When Zang Zhi resigned, Huang Hui followed him. When Zang Zhi was transferred to Yongzhou, Huang Hui was promoted to battalion commander again. When Zang Zhi went to Jiangzhou to suppress the ringleader, Huang Hui served with distinction, exempting him from his military status. When Zang Zhi was in Jiangzhou, he promoted Huang Hui to be the leader of the White Direct Team. Later, after Zang Zhi's defeat at Liangshan, he fled to Yuzhang, where he was sheltered by the military commander Xie Chengzu, sent to Jiangzhou as a subordinate, and later granted amnesty. Huang Hui later went to the capital, got into a fight at Xuanyang Gate, falsely claiming to be the stable hand for Prince Yigong of Jiangxia, and was given two hundred lashes and imprisoned in the Right Shangfang.
Later, the Imperial Secretary Dai Mingbao was detained, and Huang Hui was sent to be his household steward. Huang Hui was honest and hardworking, serving Dai Mingbao wholeheartedly. Dai Mingbao was later pardoned and reinstated to his original position. He requested that Huang Hui be relieved of his guilt and appointed as his personal bodyguard, in charge of managing the mansion and estates in Jiangxi. Huang Hui was talented and capable; Dai Mingbao valued him greatly.
Huang Hui was skilled in martial arts, strong and powerful. He mingled with local powerful figures in Jiangxi and often engaged in banditry. At the time when Emperor Taizong had just ascended to the throne, there were rebellions happening everywhere. A man named Dai Mingbao, acting on the orders of Emperor Taizong, recruited soldiers in Jiangxi, and Huang Hui led eight hundred sharpshooters to join. The Emperor appointed him as the General of Ning Shuo and Commander of the Army, following General Liu Meng's expedition to the west. At Di Hu (a place), he defeated the army of Du Shubao and was later promoted to the position of General of Biaoqi and Longxiang under Prince Xiuyou of Shanyin. He also won the battle of Hefei. He rose through the ranks to become a notable figure, being appointed as the Lord of Geyang County with a fief of two hundred households.
During the reign of Emperor Fei Hui, Prince Xiu Fan of Guiyang rebelled. Huang Hui, who was then Colonel of the Tuntian, was sent to the command of Prince Qi and employed a ruse of feigned surrender at Xinting. This event is documented in the "Biography of Xiu Fan." Feeling that the timing was right to capture Xiu Fan, Huang Hui told Zhang Jing'er, "Go capture him, I promise not to kill the princes." Zhang Jing'er killed Xiu Fan that same day. Once order was restored, Huang Hui was promoted to General of the Valiant Cavalry, further promoted to Deputy General, and his title was elevated to Marquis, with his fief transferred to Wenxi County and an increase in his holdings to one thousand households. Four years later, he was promoted to Champion General and appointed Prefect of both Nanlangye County and Jiyang County.
Prince Jianping, Jing Su, has rebelled again. Lao Hui once again led his troops to quell the rebellion, and the Emperor granted him a temporary commission. On the day the city fell, Lao Hui's troops were the first to break in. Furthermore, he surrendered Jing Su to Zhang Ni Nu. As a result, Lao Hui's fiefdom was expanded by five hundred households, and he was promoted to General of the Cavalry Troops, awarded the title of Cavalier Attendant, and he continued to hold his position as Governor. The following year, he was elevated to General of the Right Guard, while also retaining the title of Cavalier Attendant.
Shen Youzhi rebelled, so the court sent back an imperial envoy to appoint him as the military commander of the Yiyang region of Yingzhou and Sishou, with the official title of General of Pacifying the West and Inspector of Yingzhou. He was also given a ceremonial guard and ordered to lead the troops from Xinting as their vanguard. Before the troops set out, Yuan Can rebelled in Shitoucheng (now Qingliangshan in Nanjing). The returning generals Ren Houbo, Peng Wenzhi, Wang Yixing, and Sun Tangguan discussed whether to support Yuan Can. Consequently, Yuan Can's rebellion was uncovered, and they all went to Shitoucheng by boat, with only Sun Tangguan arriving first and entering the city. When the others arrived, Yuan Can had already been subdued. Shen originally planned to lead the troops straight to the palace gates via the Imperial Road early the next morning to attack Prince Qi (Emperor Xiaowu of Song), but this plan failed, and Prince Qi continued to treat him kindly as before. Shen and Wang Yixing had a poor relationship, and fearing that Wang Yixing would betray him, he used the pretext of Wang Yixing's disobedience to have him executed. Wang Yixing, a native of Wuxing, was small in stature yet resolute and courageous. When he was young, he was a bandit who managed to evade capture by the county despite being surrounded. During the reign of Emperor Wen of Song, he became a general and fought against the Suolu in Shouyang, often achieving victory despite being outnumbered, showing fearlessness in battle. The Suolu would retreat at the sight of him, avoiding confrontation. Later, he was appointed General of Ning Shuo and Supervisor of the Imperial Guards. For his role in pacifying King Jing Su of Jianping, he was granted the title of Baron of Changshou County with a fief consisting of three hundred households. This time, he was appointed Colonel of the Garrison Cavalry and promoted to General of the State.
Before Huang Hui even arrived in Yingzhou, Shen Youzhi had already been defeated and fled. After returning to his position, he was promoted to General of the Western Garrison, and his title was changed to Commander. Huang was reluctant to stay in Yingzhou and continuously requested a transfer to Nanyanzhou, so he returned with his troops. Later, he was granted the title of Duke of Anlu County, with his fief increased by two thousand households, bringing the total to three thousand seven hundred. He was also appointed as the Commander overseeing military affairs in the five provinces of Nanyanzhou, Xuzhou, Yanzhou, Qingzhou, and Jizhou, General of the Northern Garrison, and Governor of Nanyanzhou, while also being granted the title of Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, with his duties remaining unchanged.
Prince Qi was concerned that Huang Hui would eventually cause chaos, so he submitted a memorial stating: "Huang Hui comes from a humble background and has little credibility. He has been favored by the Emperor, entrusted with important tasks, and has been promoted repeatedly. When Shen Youzhi rebelled, the situation was critical, and I misjudged his character, hoping he would bravely fight the enemy; I allowed him to lead the vanguard, but he hardly contributed. After the army reached Yingcheng, he abused his power, looted everywhere, targeting high-ranking officials first. The horses and clothes of Prince Wuling were taken, and all the civil and military officials in the city were stripped of their belongings by him. Upon returning to the capital, he became even bolder, taking two imperial carriages from the previous dynasty, along with bows and arrows that were still in his possession. Huang Hui even dared to request that the Emperor grant him these rewards for personal use, overstepping his authority and completely disregarding the law. He harbored fugitives, accepted stolen goods, and treated these people as his close confidants. Given his ruthless and cunning behavior, I genuinely fear he might act unpredictably. His numerous and intolerable crimes cannot be overlooked; he must be eliminated as a warning to others. According to his crimes, he should be punished severely, but because he once served as a general and had some merit, his crimes can be mitigated. Following previous precedents, I request that the Emperor lighten his punishment, penalizing only him and sparing his family. I recognize my limitations and my misjudgment of people. Reflecting on the past, I feel a deep sense of shame."
The emperor said, "Huang Hui comes from a humble background and has his shortcomings. Considering his past contributions, I have chosen to forgive him. Even though he has achieved a lot, he has repeatedly violated the law. During the Xinting Rebellion, he sided with the enemy, incited rebellion, and almost caused a major disaster. Fortunately, Zhang Jing'er bravely fought and eliminated this major villain. Later, during the Jingsu Rebellion, Huang Hui had been secretly colluding with them, providing them with weapons and equipment. His plot was revealed only after the rebellion was put down. I’ve always wanted to give him a chance to turn his life around, so I promoted him, granting him titles and honors. However, he's inherently vicious and cunning, and even tried to frame Zhang Jing'er. Although his plot failed, he became even more arrogant and domineering. Recently, when the army was stationed in Yingzhen, he actually robbed the mansion owner, extorted money, and resorted to violence when confronted, acting recklessly and showing complete disregard for the law. I sent him to the Western Regions, showing him kindness, but he is ungrateful and harbors resentment. Li Anmin was serving in the Heji area with limited jurisdiction, but Huang Hui coveted the important position there and begged me to transfer Li Anmin away. He was never satisfied, extravagant, and even requested royal vehicles and used royal ornaments privately. He even recruited thieves behind my back, corrupting the morals of others and committing terrible crimes. He deserves to be punished severely to uphold the law's dignity. I will hand him over to the judicial officer for punishment."
When Shen Yue died, he was fifty-two years old. His son Shen Sengnian, who was then the Left Minister, later served as the magistrate of Jingling County, but he was implicated and executed before he even took office.
After Shen Yue became an official, he was particularly respectful to Dai Mingbao, always referring to himself as "your servant." Whenever he went to visit Dai Mingbao, he would avoid others and go in alone, never daring to sit down. He would personally go to Dai Mingbao's tent, even entering the inner quarters to check if there was anything needed. If something was lacking, he would immediately send it over, which was his consistent practice.
Earlier, Wang Yun served as the Inspector of Xiangzhou, and Yingchuan native Yu Peiyu was Wang Yun's Chief Clerk of Ning Shuo Prefecture and Changsha Interior Minister. After Wang Yun left office, before Nanyang Wang Hui officially took office as the General of the South and Inspector of Xiangzhou, he temporarily let Yu Peiyu act as the acting prefect. Wang Hui first sent the Middle Army Military Advisor and Linxiang Prefect Han Youzong to station troops in Xiangzhou, working together with Yu Peiyu, but they didn’t get along well. Later, when Shen Youzhi rebelled, Yu Peiyu and Han Youzong both did not believe Shen Youzhi would succeed, but Han Youzong secretly plotted a rebellion. Yu Peiyu found out about his plan and had him killed. After Shen Yue arrived in Yingzhou, he sent the Assistant General Ren Houbai to Xiangzhou to act as the agent of affairs. Ren Houbai felt that he did not please both sides, so he just had him killed. So, when Lu Anguo became the Inspector of Xiangzhou, Prince Qi ordered Lu Anguo to have Ren Houbai killed.
Peng Wenzhi was from Mount Tai, slowly rising in rank through military achievements to become the General of Longxiang. Due to his merit in the campaign against Prince Jian Su of Jianping, he was enfeoffed as the Baron of Geyang County, with a fief of three hundred households. In the early years of Emperor Shun, he served as Assistant General, General of the Left Army, Prefect of Nanpuyang, and Direct Pavilion, and also served as the Chief of the Right Xizhang Dang. After Shen Youzhi's rebellion was quelled, Prince Qi had him arrested and imprisoned, and sentenced him to death.
Sun Tanguan was a native of Fuyang in Wu County, brave, skilled in battle, and exceptionally strong. He gradually rose through the ranks based on his military achievements, eventually becoming the General of Ning Shuo and the Governor of Yuezhou. During the rebellion in Shitoucheng, he fled and evaded capture for a considerable time, but was eventually caught in Moling County and executed.
Originally a soldier, he later became a farmer along the Huai River. Zhou Ningmin of Pei County and Gao Daoqing of Nanchun were both recognized for their military talents by him. This farmer gradually rose through the ranks and became the General of Crossbowmen.
In the early days of Emperor Taizong's reign, he was granted the title of Viscount of Guangjin County with a fief comprising five hundred households for his role in suppressing the rebellion in the east. After pacifying the east, he participated in the southern campaigns, and his fief was expanded by two hundred households. He was later appointed as the Colonel of Archers and the General of the Left Army. When Prince Xiu Fan of Guiyang harbored rebellious intentions in Jiangzhou, the court appointed this farmer as the General of the Auxiliary Army and the Governor of Huainan to guard against Xiu Fan in Gushu. However, when Xiu Fan marched towards the capital, the farmer abandoned Gushu's defense and returned to the capital to assist in its protection. After Xiu Fan was defeated, he was elevated to Marquis of Chanling County with an increased fief of one thousand households, totaling one thousand seven hundred households. He later served as the General of the Auxiliary Army and the Governor of Yuzhou, and soon rose to the rank of Champion General. The following year, he was transferred back to the capital as the General of the Valiant Cavalry and was also appointed as the Imperial Secretariat of the Cavalry. Previously, only the title of Imperial Secretariat was granted, without the designation of the Cavalry. However, after Emperor Taizong, many who rose to high positions due to military achievements but had shallow qualifications were often appointed as Imperial Secretariats, also holding the title of Imperial Secretariat of the Cavalry. Five years later, he was posthumously appointed as the General of the Conquering Troops, with the title of Imperial Secretariat of the Cavalry replacing the designation of Cavalry, while retaining the rank of General of the Valiant Cavalry. He passed away in the same year, posthumously honored with the title of Left General, with the title of Imperial Secretariat of the Cavalry unchanged, and the posthumous title of Zhen Su. His younger brother held the title of marquis.
Zhou Ningmin led a rebellion in the countryside, defeated Xue Andu, and was promoted to the rank of military due to his military achievements. During the Taishi period, he was granted the title of Baron of Gan County, with a fief of three hundred households. He served as General of Ning Shuo, Inspector of Xuzhou, and Prefect of Zhongli.
Gao Daoqing also rose to the rank of the Valiant Cavalry and was granted the title of Baron of Lean County with a fief of three hundred households for his merit in pacifying Prince Xiufan of Guiyang. Later, when Prince Jing Su of Jianping rebelled, Daoqing led troops north to suppress him, but ultimately colluded with Jing Su. After the situation was settled, he voluntarily requested an increase in his fief by five hundred households, and the court awarded him an additional two hundred households, totaling five hundred households. Daoqing was cruel and ruthless, insatiable in greed, and if anyone made him unhappy, he would beat and even kill them. Court officials feared him as they would a tiger or a wolf. After discussions among Prince Qi, Yuan Can, and others, he was handed over to the Chief Justice for trial and was eventually sentenced to death.
Historians note that those from humble origins who are able to achieve success, if it weren't for the chaos in the world, would they have had such opportunities? The merits accumulated in troubled times, when used in times of peace and prosperity, may not falter, which could also be seen as fortunate!
