Xiao Sihua, hailing from Nanlanling, was the nephew of Empress Xiaoyi. His father, Xiao Yuanzhi, styled Junliu, served as a Yellow Gate Attendant, Governor of Xuzhou, Governor of Yanzhou, and eventually rose to the rank of Champion General and Governor of Nanlangye. He passed away in the first year of Yongchu and was posthumously honored as Former General. When Sihua was about ten years old, he only knew how to run around and play, climbing rooftops to play a small waist drum. He often bullied his neighbors and was disliked by everyone for his mischievous behavior. However, he underwent a remarkable transformation and became outstanding within just a few years. He developed a passion for reading, studying history, playing the qin, and excelling in horseback riding and archery. The Emperor immediately recognized his talent when they met. At the age of eighteen, he was appointed as a military officer in the household of the Prince of Langye, and later transferred to the household of the Prime Minister as a military officer. After his father's death, he resigned from his official duties to mourn at home. After completing the mourning period, he was appointed as the Commander of the Imperial Guards, tasked with defending Shitoucheng. He inherited his father's title and was granted the title of Marquis of Yangxian, later promoted to General of Xuanwei, Prefect of Pengcheng Commandery, and Prefect of Pei Commandery. He was well-read, skilled in clerical script, knowledgeable about music theory, and proficient in both horseback riding and archery. In the first year of Yuanjia, Xie Hui, the Inspector of Jingzhou, wanted to appoint him as a military advisor, but Sihua declined the offer.
Five years later, he was promoted to the position of Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, while also overseeing military affairs in the Qingzhou, Xuzhou, and Dongguan regions, holding the titles of General of Zhenwu and Governor of Qingzhou. At that time, he was just twenty-seven. There were several fugitives at the time, including the brothers Sima Lang, Sima Yuan, and Sima Ke, who were gathering in the Dongguan Fagan County area to plot a rebellion. Si Hua sent Xiao Wangzhi, the Prefect of Beihai, to crush them and eliminate their threat, and the rest of the rebels were subdued. Eight years later, he was appointed as the Left General to Prince Yixuan of Jingling and the Prefect of Nanpei County. Before he could take office, the northern Suolu invaded the south, and Tan Daoji marched north to confront them, but later pulled back. Si Hua feared a large-scale invasion by the Suolu, so he deserted the city and fled to Pingchang. Previously, Si Hua had sent the army officer Liu Zhenzhi to guard Xiapi. Hearing that Si Hua had fled, Liu Zhenzhi also deserted the city. The Suolu did not come in the end, but the military supplies in Dongyang were set ablaze by the locals. Because of this, Si Hua was apprehended by the court and thrown into Shangfang Prison. When he was an official in Qingzhou, he often kept a bronze bucket under the medicine cabinet. One day, he found two dead birds trapped under the bronze bucket—what an ominous sign! Later, he was indeed arrested.
In the ninth year, there was a great famine in the Chouchi region, but Yizhou and Liangzhou were abundant in crops. Unfortunately, the governor of Liangzhou, Zhen Fahuzhi, did not govern well and had strained relations with the local populace. As a result, the leader of the Di tribe, Yang Nandang, took the opportunity to attack Hanzhong. The court then sent Si Hua to arrange a series of official positions for him: overseeing Liangzhou and Nanqin, general of the two provinces, general of Hengye, and governor of Liangzhou and Nanqin, to restore order. Si Hua had just set off when he heard that Zhen Fahuzhi had already abandoned Liangzhou and fled to Xicheng. Si Hua immediately sent his Sima, General Jianwei, and the governor of South Hanzhong, Xiao Hui, with five hundred elite soldiers to set off first; and then sent the Western Rong historian, Xiao Wangzhi, to follow. Xiao Hui recruited many soldiers along the way and finally commanded a thousand elite soldiers.
In the first month of the tenth year, Xiao Hui occupied Qiaotou. After Yang Nandang rampaged through Hanzhong, burning, killing, and looting, he withdrew to the west, leaving his deputy general, governor of Liangzhou and Nanqin, Zhao Wen, to guard Liangzhou, and the governor of Weixing, Xue Jian, to guard Huangjin. Xiao Hui stationed his troops at Qiaotou and sent the governor of Yinping, Xiao Tan, to attack Huangjin. Xue Jian and Jiang Bao defended Tiecheng together, with Tiecheng and Huangjin separated by a mile. Xiao Tan and his men felled trees to obstruct the road and then attacked both strongholds, capturing them.
In February, Zhao Wen led Xue Jian, his General Ning Shuo, and Governor Pu Zaozi to attack Xiao Tan's camp. Xiao Tan fought back valiantly and achieved a resounding victory, thoroughly routing them. Although Xiao Tan was injured, the enemy retreated back to Xishui. Sima Xiwenzu, under Xiao Huo's command, subsequently occupied Huangjin, and Xiao Wang arrived with five hundred cavalry. General Linchuan Wang Yiqing sent General Longxiang Pei Fangming with three thousand troops to reinforce them. Xiao Huo and his troops then stationed in Huangjin, while Pu Zaozi, Xue Jian, and others had to retreat to defend Xiaotao. Earlier, Si Hua also sent Xing Canjun Wang Lingji with a detachment to attack Yangchuan, and then attacked Nancheng. The so-called Lingjiang General Zhao Ying defended a strategic position but was defeated by Wang Lingji, who captured him alive. Nancheng was left unguarded and its supplies were cut off, so Wang Lingji withdrew to join Xiao Huo.
In March, Liu Yu stationed a large army at E Gonggu. Given the urgent circumstances, he sent his son Liu Yizhen, as well as Zhao Wen, Pu Zaozi, Left Guard General Lv Ping, and General Ning Shuo Sima Feilong, leading over ten thousand infantry and cavalry to cross the Hanshui, set up camp, and build a pontoon bridge in the middle. They launched a full-scale attack on the rebel army, encircling them from all sides, engaging in close combat where arrows were of no use. The rebels were clad in armor made from rhinoceros leather, making it impossible for spears to pierce through. Liu Yu then shortened the spears, leaving only a few feet, and used a large axe to strike, piercing through multiple rebels with a single strike. Overwhelmed and unable to resist, the rebels were defeated, burned their camps, and fled, retreating to Datao.
During the intercalary month, Liu Yu and the large army arrived, and General Longxiang Yang Pingxing and Chief Dianzhong Jiangjun Liang Tanzhi pursued the rebels directly with crossbows. The rebels were once again defeated, suffering heavy casualties and many captured. Following the pacification of Han Zhong, all occupied territories were reclaimed, and a garrison was established at Jiameng River.
Before this, Huan Xuan usurped the power of the Jin Dynasty and appointed Huan Xi as the governor of Liangzhou. Later, Huan Xuan failed and fled, and the leader of the Di tribe, Yang Sheng, occupied Hanzhong, while the governors Fan Yuanzhi and Fu Xin only controlled the three counties of Weixing, Shangyong, and Xincheng. Later, Suo Miao served as the governor in Nancheng. Because Nancheng was burned down by the rebels and could not be held, Suo Miao thought of relocating to the southern region. The court then promoted his official position, appointing him as General Ning Shuo, and summoned Liu Yu to serve as the Prince's Stablemaster. Fa Hu, a man from Zhongshan Wujin, lived in Nanjun after crossing the river. His brother Fa Chong was promoted from the Ministry of Personnel to the governor of Yizhou in the tenth year of Yuanjia. Fa Hu was arrested for committing a crime while stationed in the area and was ultimately executed in prison. To protect Fa Chong's official position, Taizu instructed the prison officials to announce that Fa Hu died of illness. Taizu also had Suo Miao write down the process of pacifying Hanzhong and hand it over to the historians for filing.
In the fourteenth year, he was appointed as the Chief of Staff, the Chief Historian of Linchuan King Yiqing, and the Colonel of the Southern Barbarians. The emperor also gave him a bow and a zither, and wrote a personal letter saying: "What have you created recently, old sir? In your spare time, use the zither to entertain yourself with music. Isn't this a wonderful state to achieve! I have always been thinking about you, and I know you must be thinking of me as well. The zither I gave you before is said to be an old item, quite famous in the capital, and now I lend it to you. When Dai Yong plays, the sound is particularly beautiful—truly remarkable! I also gave you a mulberry wood bow, the material is excellent. I used to use it for archery, but as I got older and sicker, I can hardly use it anymore; it's a real reminder of aging, I must say! Such fine materials and tools deserve to be used well; you truly are a rare talent!"
In the sixteenth year, Wang Yiji succeeded Wang Yiqing as the King of Hengyang and was appointed as the Grand Historian of Anxi, with other positions unchanged. In the nineteenth year, he was summoned to the court as the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, concurrently serving as the General of the Front Army. Before he could assume his new role, he returned to his previous position. In the following year, he was promoted to the position of Envoy, supervising Yongzhou, Liangzhou, the four states of North and South Qin, Nanyang, Jingling, Shunyang, Xiangyang, Xinye, and Sui, as well as the military affairs of six commanderies, Colonel of Ningman, the Governor of Yongzhou, and the Prefect of Xiangyang. In the twenty-second year, he was appointed as Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, concurrently serving as the Right General to the Crown Prince. In the twenty-fourth year, he was reassigned as the General of the Left Guard. Once, he accompanied the Emperor to climb the northern ridge of Zhongshan, and halfway up there was a rock spring. The Emperor asked him to play the qin on the rock and rewarded him with a silver bell and wine, saying, "This scenery truly captures the essence of the pines and rocks!" He also held the title of Grand Prefect of Nanxuzhou. In the following year, he supervised the military affairs of Jingling and Sui in Yongzhou, with his official positions remaining as Right General, Colonel of Ningman, and the Governor of Yongzhou. In the twenty-sixth year, he was summoned to the court as the Minister of Personnel. The Emperor said, "Minister Shen passed away suddenly from a serious illness. He was upright and honest, and still young, just at the time when he could be of use, but he passed away suddenly, truly a cause for grief! The Minister of Personnel position is crucial, as it is responsible for the selection and appointment of talents. Father-in-law, only you can understand the state affairs, so I entrust this matter to you." Due to health reasons, he resigned from his provincial and county positions, leaving only nine military garrisons. The Emperor quipped, "Father-in-law, you'll never go back to the countryside to farm, will you?" Before he could take office, in the twenty-seventh year, he was promoted to the position of General of the Guard.
In that spring, the enemy attacked Xuanhu, and the founding emperor planned a large-scale northern expedition. The court ministers unanimously agreed, with no dissenting voices. However, Si Hua strongly advised against the plan, but his counsel was ignored. So, he took three thousand elite soldiers to support Pengcheng. After the enemy retreated, Si Hua took over as the commander of military affairs for Liangjun in Xuyan, Qingji, and Yanzhou, as well as the governor of Yuzhou. In the twenty-ninth year, Si Hua led the army commanded by General Yangwu and Governor of Jizhou Zhang Yong to besiege Qiaoao. Initially, military advisors Shen Tan and Wang Xuanmo besieged Huatai but failed to take it, resulting in their dismissal. The Governor of Qingzhou, Xiao Bin, appointed Shen Tan as General Jianwei, the Governor of Jinan Pingyuan, to defend Licheng, and appointed Ren Zhongren as his deputy to lead the advance north of the Yellow River. In May, the army set out from the river mouth, and Zhang Yong's Sima Cui Xun and Jianwu General, the Governor of Qi County, Hu Jingshi, led the Qingzhou army to join forces. In July, Si Hua and the various armies arrived at Qiaoao, establishing three attack routes. The founding emperor sent the attendant Xu Yuan to oversee the campaign. Zhang Yong and Hu Jingshi were responsible for the eastern attack route, Shen Tan and Ren Zhongren were responsible for the western attack route, and Cui Xun was responsible for the southern attack route. Consequently, the enemy dug a tunnel during the night, burning down Cui Xun's camp and siege equipment, then burned down Hu Jingshi's camp and siege equipment, and then destroyed Cui Xun's attack route, but the city remained unconquered. Si Hua quickly arrived and ordered a retreat. The siege lasted eighteen days before it was finally lifted, allowing them to return to Lixia. As a result of the camp being burned and the failure to maintain the attack route, Cui Xun was killed at Qiaoao; Zhang Yong and Shen Tan were subsequently imprisoned.
The court issued a decree saying, "Upon receiving General Si's report that Qiaozhu has not been captured and the soldiers are exhausted, we have decided to withdraw the troops to Qingji and formulate new strategies. Qiaozhu is located in a strategic position, controlling the crucial passage of Heshuo. Its geographical position is vital and has always been a contested area for military strategists. He should have his position revoked to reflect the actual situation. Si is allowed to exchange his official position in Xuzhou for one in Jizhou, with all other positions remaining the same. Civil and military officials in the Pengcheng area should be reassigned, with Si assigned to Licheng." Not long after, following an impeachment by Prince Yigong of Jiangxia, Si was relieved of his duties.
It is said that the assassin who murdered the emperor was appointed as the commander of military affairs in Liangjun and the four provinces of Xu, Qing, Yan, and Ji, as well as Yuzhou, while his position as a general remained unchanged. Upon hearing this, he immediately led his men back to Pengcheng and rose in rebellion against the emperor. He then sent a letter, which read: "Recently, I was in Lixia when I heard the news of the emperor's death. At that time, I had just received the court's appointment and was unaware of the gravity of the situation. As I gradually learned more about the situation on the way, I found this situation utterly intolerable. I couldn't help but sigh repeatedly in private, yet I dared not speak further. Now that I have received your command, it has truly exceeded my expectations. I am even more saddened and regretful, unable to control my emotions. This situation is truly intolerable to both heaven and earth, and unacceptable to mortals and deities alike. The people of the world are all indignant and sad, especially for someone like me, who has received the court's favor and should be even more loyal to the nation. On the fifth day of this month, I was urgently summoned back to the court by the courier. I was so furious that I ground my teeth, pounded my chest, and stomped my feet, and I have fallen ill. Even if my family is in the capital, I can't care for them. I was planning to write to you to ask about your strategic policy when I received your command, a mix of sorrow and fear. I heard that the Lord Sima is wise and martial, and Your Highness is extremely brave and loyal. These events have happened coincidentally, in line with the will of heaven, and the situation is like chopping through rotten wood; victory is within our grasp. I have already organized the army, assembled troops, and dispatched the generals Shen Tan and Liang Tan with five thousand elite soldiers, led by Shen Tan, ready to advance by land and water immediately. I will lead all civil and military officials closely behind. Your authority will intimidate the timid and fearful; the task will be as easy as chopping through rotten wood, and victory is within our grasp." The emperor arrived at Xinting, and Shen Tan has also captured Jingkou.
The emperor had just ascended the throne and wanted to appoint him as the Cavalier Attendant and the Minister of the Left, but he firmly declined the offer and refused to accept the appointment. So the emperor instead appointed him as the Governor of Danyang and the Prefect of the Palace Secretariat, while retaining the title of Cavalier Attendant. At that time, there were many robberies in the capital, with seventeen incidents reported in just twenty days. He felt very guilty about this and wanted to resign, but the emperor did not agree.
The following year, he was sent to serve as the Imperial Commissioner and Commander overseeing military affairs in Liang Commandery and the five provinces of Xuzhou, Yanzhou, Qingzhou, Youzhou, and Yuzhou, as well as the General of the Northern Frontier and the Inspector of Xuzhou, with an additional ceremonial guard. Before he was able to leave, the Inspector of Jiangzhou, Zang Zhi, instigated a rebellion. The emperor then appointed him as the Imperial Commissioner and Commander of military affairs in Xiyang, Jinxi, and Xincai commanderies of Jiangzhou and Yuzhou, as well as the Inspector of Jiangzhou. After the rebellion was suppressed, the court established Yingzhou by carving out territories from Jingzhou, Jiangzhou, and Yuzhou, and he was appointed as the Commander of military affairs in the provinces of Ying and Xiang, General Who Guards the West, and Inspector of Yingzhou, while he retained the titles of Imperial Commissioner and Cavalier Attendant, stationed at Xiakou.
In the second year of Xiaojian, he passed away at the age of fifty. The court posthumously appointed him as General Who Conquers the West and bestowed upon him the title of Grand Counselor, while keeping the titles of Imperial Commissioner, Cavalier Attendant, Commander, and Inspector, and posthumously honored him with the title of Marquis Mu. He came from a noble family background and gained favor from the court early on, serving successively as the Inspector of twelve provinces and nine times as the supervisory official of the Commander. Although he was not particularly upright, he was certainly free from corruption or bribery. He valued talent and enjoyed promoting capable individuals, earning the respect of many.
His eldest son, Hui Kai, is documented in another biography. His second son, Hui Ming, was also highly esteemed, serving as a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, the Chief Inspector, the Chief Clerk of the Minister of Works, and the Administrator of Wuxing. He later passed away while in office during the reign of Emperor Fei in the Yuanhui era. His fourth son, Hui Ji, held the position of Attendant during the reign of Emperor Shun.
His paternal cousin, Yuan Mo, served as the magistrate of Danyang and was posthumously appointed as the General Who Conquers the Enemies. His son, Bin, was recognized by Emperor Taizu. When Prince Yikang of Pengcheng was stationed in Yuzhang, he appointed him as Grand General and Adviser, Prefect of Yuzhang. Later, he held the positions of Colonel of the Southern Barbarians, Palace Attendant, General Who Assists the State, and Governor of the provinces of Qing and Ji.
In the year 450 AD, General Wang Xuanmo led troops on a northern expedition. Our general, Wang Sengbin, dispatched General Cui Meng to assault Zhang Huai, the Inspector of Qingzhou under Northern Wei, at Le'an. Zhang Huai promptly deserted the city and escaped. Previously, Cui Meng and the aide of Wang Sengbin, Fu Rong, captured Le'an and Qiaoao together. As the water route to Le'an was impassable, they first took Qiaoao and later captured Le'an. They then attacked Huatai, but were unsuccessful in capturing it. Wang Sengbin led the troops back to Lixia. These events are recorded in the "Biography of Wang Xuanmo."
In the year 451 AD, a fugitive named Sima Shunze, claiming to be a relative of the Jin dynasty royal family, proclaimed himself as the Prince of Qi and gathered a group of people to seize Liangzhou City. There was also a monk who called himself Sima Bai Nian, claiming to be the Prince of Anding, as well as fugitives Qin Kaizhi, Zu Yuanming, and others, who each occupied villages in response to Sima Shunze. Initially, the defenders of Liangzhou City, including General Xuanwei and Cui Xunzhi, the Prefects of Le'an and Bohai Counties, left the provincial city, allowing Sima Shunze to exploit the situation and seize Liangzhou. Sima Caojing, under Cui Xunzhi, mounted a defense but was defeated and fled. Wang Sengbin immediately sent Cui Xunzhi with the General of Establishing Prestige, the Prefects of Jinan and Pingyuan Counties, Shen Tan and Luo Wenchang, to attack Sima Shunze, but they failed to capture him. Initially, Cui Xunzhi and his men thought that the people in the city were compelled to join Sima Shunze, and when the army arrived, they would flee. However, these individuals remained steadfastly loyal to Sima Shunze and even inflicted significant casualties on the officials and soldiers.
Wang Sengbin sent Prefect Sima, General Jianwu, and the Governor of Qi County, Pang Xiuzhi, to lead the various armies. Zu Yuanming occupied Anqiu City, and Wang Sengbin sent General Zhenwu, Liu Wuzhi, and Army Master Liu Hui with a thousand elite soldiers to attack Sima Bai Nian, which resulted in the death of Sima Bai Nian. Sima Shun lost his backing, and his men started to disperse. Luo Wenchang sent a man named Daolian to feign surrender, which Sima Shun fell for. Daolian secretly showed the city's reward to the people, which led traitors like Li Jishu to consider surrender. However, Daolian's scheme was revealed, and Sima Shun had him executed. Li Jishu surrendered, and the traitors then scattered. The army attacked from all sides, causing several sections of the city walls to collapse. Qin Kaizhi escaped to Hebei. Wang Sengbin was relieved of his post following his defeat at Huatai. He was later reinstated as the Right Army Historian under Nanping Wang Shuo. His later exploits are documented in the "Biography of Two Villains." Wang Sengbin's brother, Jian, once served as the Interior Minister of Changsha. Prince Guangling Sima Dan was appointed as the Governor of Guangzhou, and before he took office, appointed Jian as Counsellor and Prefect of Nanhai to oversee state affairs. Later, Prince Donghai Sima Yi took over from Sima Dan, and Jian continued as Counsellor and Prefect of Nanhai. Eventually, Emperor Jin Wudi Sima Yan dispatched General Fuguo and Governor Liu Wan of Nanhai to confront Jian. Jian held out for a time, but eventually the city fell and he was killed, along with Wang Sengbin and Jian's sons, who were all executed.
Pang Xiuzhi was from Henan. Because he was a former colleague of Bin, he was highly trusted by the rebel Sima Shao and appointed as a general of guerrilla forces. Later, he defected to the Jin Emperor Sima Yan at Xinting. At that time, none of Sima Shao's generals had surrendered; only Xiuzhi was the first to do so. After the situation was settled, he was appointed Governor of Liangzhou. Nearly ten of his relatives were killed by Sima Shao, but he himself continued to live a carefree life, showing no sorrow, and as a result, was dismissed from his position. Later, he became the Governor of Xuzhou and Right Guard Commander of the Crown Prince. He passed away in the first year of the Xiaojian era and was posthumously restored to his original position, as well as granted the title of Cavalier Attendant. His son, Pang Mizhi, served as the Prefect of Guangxing County during the reign of Song Emperor Shun, Liu Zhun. Xiuzhi's younger brother, Pang Kuangzhi, served as the Prefect of Shixing County during the reign of Song Emperor Tai, Liu Yu.
Liu Yansun was from Lüxian, Pengcheng, and was the son of the Governor of Yongzhou, Liu Daochan. He initially held the position of Registrar in Xuzhou, later passed the imperial examination, and subsequently held various positions such as the Minister of the State for Prince Pengcheng Sima Yikang, the Master of Writing in the Imperial Secretariat, and the Prefect of Qiantang County. He also served as the Northern Army Liaison Officer and the Prefect of Nanqinghe during the period when Jin Emperor Sima Yan was the Inspector of Xuzhou. After Jin Emperor Sima Yan became the Inspector of Xuzhou, Liu Yansun was appointed as the Records Officer. When Suolu surrounded Huzi County and sent the looted people to Ruyang, Jin Emperor Sima Yan issued an order for an attack. Liu Yansun was recommended for the position of Marshal, but he firmly declined and instead recommended Liu Taizhi as his replacement. After Liu Taizhi went, Jin Emperor Sima Yan was very angry and dismissed Liu Yansun from his position. Later, he served as the Lieutenant Colonel of the Northern Army Staff and the Southern Middle Advisor, as well as concurrently serving as a Recorder. During Jin Emperor Sima Yan's campaign against rebels, there was a shortage of senior officials in the prefecture, so Liu Yansun was promoted to Chief Clerk and Acting Prefect of Xunyang County.
After the emperor ascended the throne as the founder of the dynasty, he appointed him as a Court Attendant and also concurrently as the General of the Vanguard. The emperor issued a decree saying, "Relying on the talents of all of you, I have cleared away a great disgrace. With my humble strength, I have been elevated above the court officials. I have been thinking about how to establish achievements and bring glory to future generations. The newly appointed Court Attendant and General of the Vanguard, Yan Sun, is loyal, agile, steady, upright, and assists me in establishing a great undertaking with all his heart and effort. General Jun of the Left Guard has great ambitions, clear thinking, provides counsel and strategies, plans for the future, and lays a solid foundation for the country, all very diligent. They should be given prominent titles to revitalize the nation. Yan Sun was appointed as the Marquis of Dongchang County, while Jun was appointed as the Marquis of Jiancheng County, each with a fief of two thousand households." In the same year, the Court Attendant was appointed as the Commander of the Guards.
In the first year of the Xiaojian era, he was promoted to the Intendant of Danyang. When Zang Zhi rebelled, the emperor was very worried about the security of the eastern region, so he sent him to serve as the Champion General and Administrator of Wuxing, along with his subordinates. After the rebellion was quelled, he was summoned back to the court and appointed as the Right Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, concurrently serving as the Grand Master of the Central Inscriptions of Xuzhou. The emperor sent him to Jiangling to oversee various cases and fairly administer rewards and punishments. Three years later, he was assigned to an external post as the Inspector of Southern Yanzhou, with the additional title of Cavalier Attendant. He was then appointed as Commissioner Bearing Credentials, Inspector of Yong, Liang, North and South Qin, and Jingling and Sui of Yingzhou, as well as General of the Guard, Colonel in Charge of Pacifying the Barbarians, and Inspector of Yongzhou. However, because of illness, he could not assume the position. He remained as a Court Attendant, Guard of the Army, and continued to concurrently serve as the Grand Master of the Central Inscriptions of Xuzhou. He had been suffering from ailments due to overexertion, and his condition worsened this year. The emperor specifically dispatched a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate to check on his health.
In the year 414 AD, Liu Yu became emperor and appointed me as the Grand Master of Splendid Purple Light and Grace, in charge of the education of the crown prince, while keeping my other official positions unchanged. That same year, I was also sent on a mission as the General of the Garrison and Governor of Southern Xuzhou. Before that, my grandfather Liu Yu left a testament before his death, stating that Jingkou was deemed too important and too close to the capital, and no one except for the imperial family could hold office there. Although both the emperor's family and mine hailed from Pengcheng, we lived in Luyu County while the emperor's family lived in Pengcheng County. In Pengcheng County, the Liu family had several branches living in different areas - the emperor's family in Suiyu, my uncle Liu Huaisu in Anshang, my other uncle Liu Huaiwu in Congting, and our family in Luyu, resulting in four branches of the Liu family in Pengcheng County. Although we all descended from the Prince of Chu Yuan, the generational relationships were never clearly defined. In fact, the emperor's family and my family were not even from the same branch, so technically I should not have been sent to Jingkou. At that time, the Minister of Construction, Prince Jingling Liu Dan, was serving in Xuzhou, and the emperor was quite wary of him, not wanting him to be near Jingkou, so he was transferred to Guangling. Guangling and Jingkou faced each other across the river, and the emperor wanted a trusted general to guard Xuzhou while also keeping an eye on Liu Dan, so I was sent to Southern Xuzhou to build relationships with the imperial family and clarify our lineage. Three years later, Prince Jingling Liu Dan, the Governor of Southern Yanzhou, committed an offense and refused to respond to the court's summons. I immediately sent my Chief Military Advisor Du Youwen with troops to subdue him. When they arrived, Liu Dan had already closed the city gates and Du Youwen was forced to retreat. Liu Dan sent his envoy Liu Gontai to seek peace, but I executed Liu Gontai and sent his head to the capital. I then sent Du Youwen with troops to cross the river and follow the command of Shen Qingzhi. That year, my official position was promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry, along with the title of Cavalier Attendant and the assignment of a ceremonial escort.
Five years later, the emperor summoned Sun Yansun and said, "Family matters have always been permitted. The other suggestions you made earlier should now be entrusted to your youngest son since the situation has stabilized." So, the emperor appointed Sun Yansun as Attendant, Left Secretary, and concurrently General of the Guard. Sun Yansun was sick at the time and unable to take up the position personally, so the emperor sent people to Wucheng to confer the title upon him. He traveled by boat from Qingxi to Pingchang Gate, then returned to his residence in the Ministry of Personnel. The emperor also wanted Sun Yansun to replace Zhu Xiuzhi as the Inspector of Jingzhou, but before this could be done, Sun Yansun passed away the next year at the age of fifty-two. The emperor was deeply saddened and issued a decree saying, "The late Attendant, Left Secretary, General of the Guard, and Marquis of Dongchang County, Sun Yansun, was a man of integrity, deep insight, and strategic acumen, who maintained the past friendship with the court for nearly twenty years. Whenever there were changes in national affairs, he was always the first to offer advice; when the court issued orders, he consistently fulfilled his duties. With exceptional abilities and notable achievements, he served the court. He had held multiple military official positions and served as a local official, governing wisely and achieving significant political success, earning the love and respect of the people. His loyalty and integrity truly touched me. At a time of peace in the court, he could have long assisted the court, but suddenly passed away, resulting in profound grief. According to regulations, he should receive the highest honors of mourning. He is posthumously granted the title of Minister of Works, given twenty soldiers, and his titles of Attendant, Secretary, and Marquis remain unchanged." The relevant authorities proposed that he be posthumously honored with the title "Loyal and Respectful," but the emperor changed it to "Cultured and Respectful." The emperor further decreed, "The late Minister of Works, Cultured and Respectful Duke Yansun, was known for his integrity, frugality, and simplicity. His family had always been modest, and he consistently pursued honesty and integrity. I feel a deep sense of regret over this. It is certain that his funeral expenses will be inadequate, so I hereby bestow three hundred thousand coins and one thousand bushels of rice."
Sun Yan's son, Sun Zhi, inherited the title, but he committed a crime during the reign of Emperor Taizong of the Tang dynasty, resulting in the revocation of his title. Sun Yan's younger brother, Sun Yanxi, once served as the Prefect of Yixing, as noted in the 'Biographies of Confucius' (Kong Ji Zhuan).
Historians noted that during Sun Yan's dealings with foreign tribes, his achievements surpassed those of Yan Hui and Yuan An. Although he did not hold a clear official rank, his high reputation and favor must have been the result of careful selection for his appointment. Why is this so? The reason is that, at a time when the nation was emerging, Sun Yan was seriously ill, and although he had a long-standing relationship with the emperor, he was recognized for his integrity and simplicity. Those who are close because of shared experiences often grow distant and become respected; those who are distant often miss each other; those who are close are easily bored. Boredom and longing are two distinct emotions, which is why he was never meant for wealth and glory. This ultimately led him to become a renowned minister, probably for this reason. Confucius once said, "If you serve a ruler too often, you will grow distant." Indeed, indeed!
