Wang Yan, courtesy name Shiyan, is from Linyi in Langya. His grandfather, Wang Hongzhi, served as the Supervisor of the Palace Attendants; his father, Wang Puyao, served as the Director of the Imperial Secretariat. Wang Yan started his official career during the late years of the Song Dynasty, first as a court attendant of the Kingdom of Linhe, then as an Assistant Minister, followed by serving as a military advisor for the Prince of Baling, and later as a military advisor for the Prince of Ancheng, responsible for judicial affairs. He was promoted along the way and eventually became General of Chariots and Cavalry. Later, when Sima Xie became the Inspector of Yingzhou, Wang Yan became his Chief Clerk for the Western Region. After Emperor Wu (Liu Yu) became the Grand Historiographer, he became acquainted with Wang Yan. After Emperor Wu was promoted to General of the Western Guard, he appointed Wang Yan as his Secretary and Advisor. Handling the Shen You incident proved to be quite challenging, and all the officials in the General's office followed Emperor Wu to Pengcheng. Although Emperor Wu had great power at the time, there were still some doubts in people's minds, but Wang Yan wholeheartedly assisted him, handling all military correspondence. Wang Yan was clever and efficient, gradually gaining Emperor Wu's trust and favor. Therefore, Emperor Wu kept Wang Yan in the office of General Who Conquers the Caitiffs as a Consultant and also as a Secretary. When Emperor Wu returned to Jiankang, Wang Yan was promoted to Marshal of the Army and Attendant Officer of the Central Army. He often attended confidential discussions at Emperor Wu's residence. During the Jianyuan era, he was further promoted to the Imperial Household Department of the Crown Prince. When Emperor Wu was in the Eastern Palace, holding great political power, many matters were not reported to the court. Wang Yan was worried about getting into trouble and pretended to be ill to resign from his position. Later, he was appointed as Archery Colonel but did not take up the position. After Emperor Wu ascended the throne, Wang Yan was promoted to Grand Preceptor and concurrently Privy Secretary, with a status and power comparable to his previous role, as Emperor Wu continued to trust him.
In the year 483 AD, Yan Daoyuan was appointed as the Colonel of Infantry and later promoted to the position of Attendant and Sacrificer, while retaining the position of Colonel of Infantry. After his mother passed away, he was appointed as the General of State Assistance and Left Chief Historian. Taking advantage of Yan Daoyuan's status and power, his father Yan Puyao also rose through the ranks. Yan Daoyuan was then promoted to General of the Guard, with the additional position of Palace Attendant Officer. Before he could take up the position, his father passed away, and Yan Daoyuan mourned at home, showing great filial piety. After the mourning period, he was appointed as Champion General, Left Chief Historian, and Governor of Jiyang, but before he could take up these positions, he was promoted to General of the Guard, while retaining the title of General. In the year 486 AD, he was transferred to the position of Minister to the Crown Prince, with the additional title of Cavalier Regular Attendant. In the year 488 AD, he was transferred to the position of Governor of Danyang, while retaining the title of Cavalier Regular Attendant.
Yan Daoyuan held significant status and power at the time, and he had to meet the emperor every morning and evening to report on important state matters. Even prominent figures like Prince Yuzhang and Minister of Personnel Wang Jian treated him with great respect. However, Yan Daoyuan often received criticism from the emperor due to his work negligence, and he even claimed illness and took leave several times. Considering that Yan Daoyuan needed to take care of his health, in the year 489 AD, the emperor appointed him as the governor of Jiangzhou. Yan Daoyuan firmly declined, preferring not to leave the capital for a provincial position. The emperor eventually agreed to his request, allowing him to remain in the capital as Minister of Personnel while also serving concurrently as the commander of the Crown Prince's Right Guard. This was due to the emperor's appreciation of his past contributions and trust in him. Even though Minister Wang Jian was highly placed, he was arrogant and had a poor relationship with Yan Daoyuan. Yan Daoyuan held significant power in selecting officials, often frequented the court, and had many conflicts with Wang Jian. After Wang Jian's death, the officials deliberated on a posthumous title for him, and the emperor wished to honor him with the title "Wenxian," following the example of Wang Dao. However, Yan Daoyuan petitioned the emperor, saying, "Wang Dao received the title 'Wenxian' because, since the Song Dynasty, only members of prestigious families were granted this title." He then privately told his family, "The matters of commoners have already been resolved."
In the year 490 AD, Yan Daoyuan was reassigned as the General of the Right Guard due to illness. The Emperor wanted Emperor Gao Zong to take over Yan Daoyuan's authority over official appointments and specifically sent someone to ask for his opinion. Yan Daoyuan stated, "Although Emperor Gao Zong is very intelligent and capable, he is not very familiar with various classics, so he may not be suitable for this position." The Emperor decided against this idea after hearing his words. In the year 491 AD, Yan Daoyuan was promoted to the position of Palace Attendant, concurrently serving as the Minister of the Crown Prince and the Chief of the Central Province, but resigned due to illness. In the year 493 AD, he was appointed as the Cavalier In Regular Attendance, the Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, and was allocated twenty trusted guards, while retaining his position as the Chief of the Central Province. In the year 494 AD, he was promoted to the position of Right Minister of Works, concurrently serving as the Commander of the Right Guard of the Crown Prince.
When the Emperor passed away, he left a testament before his death, entrusting the duties of the Imperial Secretariat to Duke Yan and Xu Xiaosi, permitting them to retain their previous roles. After the new Emperor Yulin ascended the throne, Duke Yan was promoted to the position of Left Minister of Works, while retaining his position as the Imperial Secretary. In the first year of Long Chang, he was additionally appointed as Palace Attendant. Later, when Emperor Gao Zong wanted to remove the Crown Prince and install a new ruler, Duke Yan immediately responded and actively supported Gao Zong's decision.
In the first year of Yanxing, Duke Yan was promoted to Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and also appointed as General of the Rear, while retaining his positions as Palace Attendant and Imperial Secretary. He was granted the title of Marquis of Qujiang County, with a fief comprising one thousand households, and was given a band and fifty fully armed guards who were permitted to enter the palace. Once, Emperor Gao Zong shared a meal with Duke Yan in the Eastern Palace and discussed state affairs. Duke Yan banged the table and said, "Your Majesty, you used to say that I was timid and fearful, how do you see me now?"
In the first year of Jianwu, Duke Yan was promoted to the Grand General of the Cavalry, with twenty guards bearing swords, while retaining his positions as Attendant, Minister of Rites, and Minister of the Palace Secretariat. He was also given an additional one hundred soldiers, appointed as the Tutor to the Crown Prince, elevated to the title of Duke, and his fief increased to two thousand households. Due to enemies invading from the north, the court also provided him with one thousand soldiers.
Duke Yan Shu was known for his loyalty to friends, and Emperor Renzong praised him. However, he considered himself instrumental in helping the new ruler establish a great enterprise, often criticizing the actions of Emperor Renzong in his speeches, which led to growing suspicions among others. Although Emperor Gaozong needed Duke Yan Shu due to the situation, he still harbored doubts about him. He read over the edicts left by Emperor Renzong and discovered over three hundred personal letters written by Duke Yan Shu, all discussing national affairs, which only deepened his suspicions.
When Emperor Gaozong first ascended the throne, Prince Shi'an advised him to kill Duke Yan Shu. But Emperor Gaozong replied, "Duke Yan Shu has merits towards me and has not committed any crimes." Shi'an responded, "If Duke Yan Shu couldn't even assist Emperor Wu properly, how could he assist Your Majesty?" Emperor Gaozong fell silent, his expression shifted. At that time, Emperor Gaozong often sent trusted aides like Chen Shifan to gather various pieces of information, which only intensified his scrutiny of Duke Yan Shu. Duke Yan Shu was impulsive and careless, often aspiring to become a high-ranking official, consulting fortune-tellers who predicted great wealth and prosperity for him. He enjoyed speaking with guests in private, which eventually reached Emperor Gaozong, leading him to suspect Duke Yan Shu of plotting a rebellion, ultimately deciding to have him executed.
A commoner called Xianyu Wencan and Yan Shu's younger brother Yan Deyuan became close, secretly gathering intelligence on the court's intentions, and then told Yan Shu that the court harbored suspicions about him. Chen Shifan and others reported to Gaozong that "Yan Shu plans to rebel alongside Renzong's former subordinates and generals" on the way to the annual South Suburban Sacrifice to Heaven. At that moment, a tiger burst into the sacrificial grounds, which further terrified Gaozong. The day before the heavenly sacrifice, he ordered the suspension of the sacrificial ceremonies. After the Lantern Festival, Gaozong summoned Yan Shu to Hualin Province and had him executed.
The decree reads: "Yan Shu came from a commoner background, lacking moral integrity in his youth, relying on ingratiating himself with the powerful to advance. Renzong promoted and valued him while in the fief, overlooking his shortcomings, which allowed him to rise to a high position. However, he became increasingly suspicious and offended many. Therefore, the royal family could no longer tolerate him, and the courtiers were united in their opposition. Feeling guilty and fearing responsibility, he feigned illness to avoid taking office for many years. He repeatedly declined appointments to positions in other regions, appearing humble outwardly while secretly harboring sinister intentions. Since the Longchang period, the country has faced many challenges, and he did make some contributions. Yet, despite being granted the title of marquis and rising to the position of prime minister, he remained ungrateful. Insatiable, he even plotted treachery, consulting shamans and forming factions with his followers throughout the court. He had his brother Yan Deyuan recruit soldiers and conspire with outlaws, amassing a large group of assassins. His brother Yan Xu was both ruthless and foolish, colluding with Yan Deyuan and exchanging secret messages. At the beginning of last year, at the court's request, Xian Yu Wencan reported his treachery. I suspected he was lying, but to be fair, I entrusted him with an important task, hoping he would reform. Instead, he intensified his schemes, conspiring with Sima Xiaoyi of the Northern Guards and Liu Mingda of the Taiwei to rebel. He thought Prince Xuanyu of Hedong was incompetent and could be his puppet, planning to manipulate him with deceitful tactics. The testimonies from Liu Mingda and others are undeniable. The empress of the Han Dynasty was executed for treason, and Wei's subjects were killed for growing long beards, not to mention Yan Shu's obvious treason! How can we allow someone like him to exist? He must be punished according to the law! Turn him over to the Ministry of Justice to uphold the rule of law."
A few days before Yanzi was killed, he went to Beishan Temple to participate in a sacrificial activity. By the time he returned that night, Yanzi was already drunk, and his soldiers were just as intoxicated. The troops were in complete disarray, and there was no one in control for over ten miles. Those who understood the situation all said, "This won't end well."
Yanzi, originally named Deyuan, was very talented and ambitious, achieving the prestigious rank of Chief of Chariots and Cavalry. He was originally named Zhan, but Song Shizu advised him, "Liu Zhan, Jiang Zhan, none of them met a good end. This name is not good." So Yanzi changed his name. In the end, he and his younger brother, Prince Jin'an Youde, were both killed.
Yanzi's younger brother, Yan Xu, served as the Minister of Construction during the Yongming period. In the sixth year of Yongming, the court decreed that anyone below the rank of Yellow Gate Attendant could not keep female entertainers. Yan Xu and the Captain of Archers Yin Xuanzhi were dismissed from their positions for keeping female entertainers and were imprisoned for ten years. Later, the emperor pardoned him and released him from prison. He was then appointed as the General of Fuguo and the Interior Minister of Shixing County. Later, when the Governor of Guangzhou, Liu Zuan, was killed by his own servant, Yan Xu led the local troops to bring the culprit to justice. In the first year of Yanxing, the court appointed Yan Xu as the Governor of Guangzhou. Yan Xu was known for his loyalty and strong sense of friendship. After Yanzi was killed, the emperor dispatched Colonel Sima Jichang from Southern Zhonglang to assassinate Yan Xu.
Xiao Shen, courtesy name Yanfu, was from Lanling in Nanlanling. His grandfather, Xiao Daoqing, served as an Assistant Minister; his father, Xiao Xianbo, served as a military officer for the State of Guiyang. Xiao Shen initially served as a state official and later became the Assistant Minister of the State of Jinxiguo and Left Supervisor. Xiao Shen was a distant relative of Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty. During the Yuanhui period, when Emperor Shizu of the Song Dynasty was in Yingzhou and wanted to know the situation in the capital, Emperor Taizu sent Xiao Shen to report military intelligence and strategies to Emperor Shizu and kept him close by. During the Shengming period, Xiao Shen served as the Middle Army Criminal and Prison Officer under Emperor Shizu, as well as the Governor of Dongguan. Due to his achievements, he was granted the title of Lord of Anfu County with a fief of three hundred households. In the early years of the Jianyuan period, he served as the Crown Prince of Wuling King, Military Officer of the Vanguard under the King of Linchuan, and was later promoted to Court Gentleman of the Ministry of Justice and General of Jianwei, serving as the Middle Army of Zhenxi under the King of Linchuan.
Xiao Shen initially served as a guard by the side of the Crown Prince (Emperor Shizu). Once, when Emperor Taizu killed Zhang Jingzhen, the Crown Prince sent Xiao Shen to intercede, but Emperor Taizu was displeased, causing Xiao Shen to fearfully retreat. Later, when the Crown Prince ascended the throne, he promoted Xiao Shen to be the Grand Commandant, then shortly after transferred him to be the Infantry Colonel, followed by an appointment as the Shexiang Commandant, then promoted to the Governor of Nan Puyang County, while also overseeing the Imperial Forest Army. In the second year of Yongming, he was appointed as the Governor of Nanlanling, retaining the title of General Jianwei. He was later reassigned as the Infantry Colonel, while retaining the position of Governor. The Emperor entrusted him with all military authority in the palace, and he was also involved in managing many important confidential matters. He was subsequently promoted to Zhengyuan Lang, Left Middle General, and Rear Army General, while still retaining the position of Governor. When Emperor Shizu fell ill in Yanchang Hall, he ordered Xiao Shen to stay by his side at night. After the Emperor's death, the Emperor's will instructed Xiao Shen to continue overseeing palace affairs, ensuring everything continued as usual.
Xiao Chen was deeply trusted by Emperor Yulin, often taking leave in the middle of the night, causing the Emperor to be unable to sleep until Xiao Chen returned. Later, Xiao Chen was promoted to the position of General of the Guard, concurrently serving as the Guard Officer, and was appointed General of the Auxiliary State. After his mother passed away, the Emperor ordered him to return home to observe mourning, and later reinstated him to his original position as Guard Officer. During the regency of Emperor Gaozong, Xiao Chen frequently offered advice, as the Emperor resided in the harem and rarely appeared in public, which made Xiao Chen's role significant. Xiao Chen sided with Emperor Gaozong, persuading him to depose the reigning Emperor. He secretly gathered the princes to sign an agreement and forbade them from contacting the outside world. Because of Xiao Chen's great power, everyone was afraid of him and obeyed his commands. On the day Emperor Yulin was deposed, upon hearing of the unrest outside, he secretly wrote to summon Xiao Chen to the palace, demonstrating the Emperor's trust in him. Xiao Chen was cunning but was not particularly strategic. On the day of the Emperor's deposition, he led his troops into the harem, and the Imperial Guards complied with his orders without resistance. After Emperor Hailing ascended the throne, Xiao Chen was promoted to General of the Imperial Army, granted the title of Duke, with a fief of two thousand households and fifty armored soldiers. He had to be on duty in the palace for ten days every month, returning home for the rest of the time. In the first year of Jianwu, Xiao Chen was promoted to General of the Army, Left General, and Governor of South Xuzhou, was granted support, and elevated to Duke of Hengyang County, with a fief of three thousand households. Emperor Gaozong had originally promised to hand over Yangzhou to Xiao Chen, but ended up giving it to someone else. This angered Xiao Chen, who remarked, "The meal is cooked, yet given to someone else to eat." Upon hearing this, Wang Yan remarked, "Who else would cook for Xiao Chen and set the table?" Using his influence, Xiao Chen intervened in court affairs, requiring the Ministry of Personnel to advocate for him in all court appointments and dismissals. After the new Emperor ascended the throne, he sent trusted individuals to gather information outside and learn about Xiao Chen, harboring significant suspicion and fear of him.
In June, the emperor went to Hualin Garden to host a banquet for Xiao Chan, Minister Wang Yan, and others, and everyone had a great time. After the banquet, the emperor specifically asked Xiao Chan to leave later than the others. Xiao Chan went to Hualin Pavilion and then returned to the court alone. The emperor sent Mo Zhiming to reprimand Xiao Chan, saying, "During the Longchang period, if it weren't for you, today's situation would not exist. Now both your brothers are governors, your three brothers have also been ennobled, the court has rewarded you plenty, why do you keep blaming others? What's wrong with you? Do you think you've made it and can just throw away the cooked rice and hand the pot to someone else? Now, I sentence you to death!" Xiao Chan said to Mo Zhiming, "After you die, heaven isn't far away. I killed the two princes Gao and Wu with the emperor back then; this was your personal order. Now that I am dead, don't think you'll have it easy; I will come for you!" Then Xiao Chan killed Mo Zhiming in the court. In the autumn, Mo Zhiming died; they say it was Xiao Chan's ghost coming to collect his debt.
The emperor issued an imperial edict, saying, "Xiao Chen, of humble origins, has swiftly risen in rank due to his adventurous nature and luck. During the Yongming era, I showed him great favor. During the Yulin rebellion, he indeed rendered meritorious service. I have bestowed upon him great favor, generous rewards, allowing him to wield military power, intimidating all around. His brothers have also become wealthy and influential, causing quite a stir in the court. However, he offers no gratitude at all. He believes his merits are immeasurable and surpass those of everyone else at the time, thereby looking down on others. He has arbitrarily altered imperial orders, consolidating power for himself, always suspicious and distrustful of others. He secretly spies on the court, trying to obtain things he should not have. He deceives and misleads, acting unworthy of a loyal subject; his crimes have become widely known. He also illegally distributes money, recruits outlaws, colludes with the Imperial Guards and conspires with royal relatives, preparing for rebellion. Due to his important position and noble title, I have repeatedly shown him leniency, hoping he would repent. However, his ambitions and schemes only grow bolder. As military strategy dictates, 'Without a commander, there can be no punishment,' especially considering his numerous crimes and heinous acts. Hand him over to the court officials for legal punishment. Only Xiao Chen will be held accountable; there is no need to investigate anyone else."
Xiao Chen was superstitious, and Shen Wenyu, a man from Wuxing, once told Xiao Chen, "Your appearance is not inferior to that of Emperor Gaozu." Xiao Chen happily replied, "Thank you for your kind words; please don’t mention this to anyone else." Later, Shen Wenyu was also executed.
Brother Chen, whose courtesy name was Yanwei, initially held the position of General in the Imperial Court. During the Yongming era, he became the Governor of Jiankang. He and Sima Di, the magistrate of Moling, traveled together in a carriage, with four soldiers clearing the way ahead. Left Chancellor Shen Zhaolu reported: "Officials with ceremonial escorts should not have additional attendants when traveling by carriage. Please exempt Brother Chen and others from this treatment." The Emperor issued an edict granting this request. In the first year of the Yanxing era, he was promoted from Auxiliary General of Fuguo to Governor of Suzhou, while retaining his military rank. After Emperor Ming ascended the throne, he was titled the Marquis of Ande, with a fief consisting of five hundred households, and further promoted to Champion General. In the spring of the second year of the Jianwu era, the Northern Wei army attacked Suzhou. Brother Chen put up a fierce resistance, and eventually the enemy withdrew. The Emperor rewarded him with an additional four hundred households in his fief. He was later called to serve as the Left Guard General. The Emperor initially intended to execute Xiao Chen, but because Brother Chen was defending the border from the enemy, he temporarily refrained from doing so. After the enemy withdrew for a month, Xiao Chen was put to death. The Emperor sent the Yellow Gate Attendant, Prince of Liang, as the escort to Suzhou to carry out the execution. Brother Chen was captured and subsequently executed, and his family were imprisoned in the Shangfang Prison. Brother Chen's younger brother, Xiao Lei, was involved in the events of deposing and enthroning emperors. He achieved the rank of General of Ningshuo, Prefect of Dongguan, and later was promoted to the position of Marshal of the Western Commandery. In the early years of Jianwu, he was titled the Marquis of Xichang, with a fief of one thousand households, and further promoted to Left Commander of the Crown Prince. He participated in the relief of the siege of Suzhou and was also executed upon his return to the capital. Brother Chen's uncle, Xiao Xianmin, attained the position of Grand Master of the Palace and later passed away.
Xiao Tan was from Nanlanling. His grandfather, Xiao Daoji, served as Grand Master of the Palace; his father, Xiao Xinzhu, made contributions during the reign of the founding emperor and was appointed magistrate of Wujin. Xiao Tan and Xiao Chen were from the same clan. He initially served as a palace general and was later promoted to a military officer in the central army of the founding emperor. He was frequently transferred due to family connections. He was later appointed as a military officer for Prince Jingling's Northern Expedition and then served as a direct guard in the Eastern Palace. Because of his diligence and integrity, he earned the favor of the founding emperor. He subsequently served as an imperial censor, magistrate of Huailing, magistrate of Lanling, and retained his position as an imperial censor. He also served as an official in the Ministry of Personnel and a military officer in the Ministry of War. After the founding emperor passed away, Xiao Tan followed the crown prince to the throne and was appointed as an archery captain while keeping his original position. Before he could assume his new role, he was appointed as a regular attendant and governor of Nanlu County. The young emperor viewed Wei Tan as a loyal subordinate of the founding emperor and trusted him greatly, granting him frequent access to the palace. The young emperor enjoyed engaging in mischievous antics in the palace, even when he stripped down, and Wei Tan was always by his side. Sometimes when the young emperor got drunk, Wei Tan had to support him and caution him about his behavior. Wei Tan realized the young emperor was out of control, so he decided to secretly seek favor with Emperor Gaozong, becoming his informant. Later, Wei Tan was appointed as the Northern Adviser to Prince Jin'an. In the first year of Longchang, the court posthumously recognized Wei Tan's father's contributions and granted Wei Tan the title of Baron of Linru County, with a fief of three hundred households. He was later transferred to the position of Southern Adviser.
Emperor Gaozong planned to depose the young emperor, Shao Di, and he discussed this plan with Xiao Chan and Wei Tan. The young emperor's trusted general, Cao Daogang, felt that something felt off and secretly took some precautions, preventing Xiao Chan's plan from succeeding. At this time, the Internal Historian of Shixing, Xiao Jichang, and the governor of Nanyang, Xiao Yingji, were about to return to the capital. Xiao Chan wanted to wait for them to return and use their power to launch a coup. Emperor Gaozong was worried that the situation might change, so he quickly informed Wei Tan. Wei Tan hurried to tell Xiao Chan: "Deposing the emperor is a major event that has been happening since ancient times! I heard that Cao Daogang and Zhu Longzhi have already started to suspect. If the Guard Commander does not act tomorrow, it will be too late. I still have a mother who is over a hundred. How can I watch the situation fail and bring disaster upon us? We need to think of something else!" When Xiao Chan heard this, he panicked and deposed the young emperor the next day. Wei Tan played a significant role in this.
After Emperor Hailing took the throne, he appointed Wei Tan as a Palace Attendant, concurrently serving as the Minister of Guard. His title was elevated to Count, and his fiefdom increased to six hundred households. In the first year of Jianwu, Wei Tan was promoted to Cavalier In Regular Attendance and Right Guard General, with his title raised to Marquis and his fiefdom increased to one thousand five hundred households. The following year, minority tribes from the north invaded, and the emperor granted Wei Tan the authority to command the military in Xuzhou. The enemy had surrounded Zhongli City and cut off communication in Huai Prefecture in the spring, but Wei Tan's army defeated them. Upon his return, he was appointed as the Prince's Chief Scholar, but before he took office, he was promoted to Leading Army General. In the first year of Yongtai, Wei Tan was appointed as an attendant and Leading Army General.
Xiao Tan was appointed as the Privy Councilor and General of the Army. In the first year of Yongyuan, his mother died. After taking care of the funeral arrangements, he returned to his position, received a promotion to Right General, and was given a mansion. The Jiang brothers plotted to support Prince Liu Yaoguang as emperor and secretly discussed this with Xiao Tan. Xiao Tan replied, "Emperor Ming took power in an irregular way, and many people are still discontented. If we were to try something like this again, it would probably lead to chaos. I dare not participate!" After speaking, he returned home to mourn. His home was in the east of the Eastern Capital. Liu Yaoguang rebelled and sent men to capture Xiao Tan in the middle of the night. Xiao Tan fled without time to dress, climbing over the wall in his nightclothes. He found a ferry at Dongye, crossed the Yangtze River, took a back road to Taicheng, and then led troops to suppress Liu Yaoguang, stationed at Xianggong Temple.
After the situation had settled, Xiao Tan was promoted to Right Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and Governor of Danyang, while keeping his position as Right General. He was also made a duke, with his fiefdom expanded by one thousand households. Xiao Tan was fat, dark-skinned, beardless, and had a hoarse voice, which led people to call him "Xiao Ya" at the time. He was strong-willed and decisive, both feared and hated by the unscrupulous. Twenty days after the Liu Yaoguang incident was resolved, the emperor appointed Yan Ming as the commander and Huang Wenji as the general to surround Xiao Tan's home and execute him. His son, Xiao Shang, who was a secretary at the time, was also executed.
Xiao Yizong, the cousin of Xiao Tanzhi, was about to take up a new position in Hailing County and was preparing to set off. Xiao Tanzhi said to Huang Wenji, "My cousin's house in Hailing should be okay, right?" Huang Wenji asked, "Where is your cousin's house in Hailing?" Xiao Tanzhi told him. Huang Wenji said, "I think he might get caught up in this too." So he sent someone to arrest Xiao Yizong. When they searched Xiao Yizong's home, they found it really poor, with just a few hundred pawn slips. Huang Wenji reported this to the emperor, asking him to spare Xiao Yizong. In the end, Xiao Yizong was detained in the Shangfang.
In the first year of the He Emperor Zhongxing, the court posthumously named Xiao Tanzhi as the General of the Central Army and the Supervisor of the Left Capital.
Jiang Ji, whose courtesy name was Hongye, was from Kaocheng, Jiyang. His grandfather, Jiang Zun, worked as a military officer in Ningshuo, and his father, Jiang Delin, served as the Chief of Staff in the Ministry of Works. Jiang Ji's aunt was Empress Jing, and he had been favored by Emperor Gaozong since childhood; they were like real brothers. After the fall of the Southern Song Dynasty, he first served as a Court Official of the Jinxi Kingdom, then as an Assistant Officer of the Western Ministry in Xuzhou under the Taizu, while also serving as the Champion Military Officer of Emperor Gaozong, and also as the Prefect of Sheyang County. He later became the Northern Military Officer of the Prince Jingling, and also an official in the Ministry of Water. When Emperor Gaozong became the Prince of Wuxing County, he appointed Jiang Ji as the County Magistrate and also promoted him to General of Xuanwei. He later served as the Chief Scribe of the Central Army for the Prince Luling, the Left Military Advisor for the Prince Anlu, concurrently serving as a Recorder and the Intendant of Jingzhao. He was later appointed as a Direct Consultant, then was appointed as the Deputy of Southern Xuzhou. After Emperor Gaozong took power, he trusted Jiang Ji greatly, treating him like a trusted friend. In the first year of Longchang, he got promoted from a regular official to the Danyang Magistrate, and then became an official in the Imperial Library. When Emperor Gaozong became the Grand General of the Valiant Cavalry and stationed in the Eastern Palace, he appointed Jiang Ji as a Military Advisor, concurrently serving as the Prefect of Nanpingchang, and together with Xiao Lei, they worked in the Eastern Palace.
At that time, the newly appointed Prince Hailing did not have the support of the people. Emperor Gaozong had a red birthmark on his shoulder that he kept hidden from others. Jiang Ji suggested that Gaozong reveal this birthmark to others. Later, when Wang Hongfan, the former Governor of Jinshou, returned to the capital, Gaozong took off his clothes and showed the birthmark to him, saying, "Everyone says this is a sign of the sun and moon, please do not reveal it." Wang Hongfan replied, "Your Highness's sun and moon are on your body; how can it possibly be hidden? I will surely inform the court ministers." Gaozong was very pleased to hear this. At that time, Zhang Bo, Yin Zan, and others plotted multiple rebellions. Jiang Ji and Xiao Gui were very worried and couldn't find a solution, so they would go out every night on the pretext of something else. Once the situation settled, Jiang Ji was promoted to the position of General of Ning Shuo. After Gaozong became the King of Xuan, the Imperial Historian discreetly presented a divination chart, stating, "The first will last for fourteen years." After Jiang Ji entered the palace, Gaozong happily showed him the result of the divination, saying, "With this result, what is there to worry about?" After Gaozong ascended the throne, Jiang Ji was promoted to the position of Guard Captain while retaining his position as General. He was also appointed as the Marquis of Anlu County, with a fief of one thousand households. Jiang Ji's grandfather, Jiang Zun, was posthumously honored as a Grand Master of Splendid Happiness because he was the father of the Empress; his father, Jiang Delin, was posthumously honored as a Grand Master of Splendid Happiness because he was the Emperor's uncle. In the second year of the Jianwu era, Jiang Ji was promoted to Right Guard General, responsible for managing weapons and enforcing military discipline. In the fourth year of Jianwu, he was appointed as the Prince's Chief Advisor. Jiang Ji, as a member of the imperial family, wielded significant power and influence at the time, receiving gifts from all over and sometimes asking the princes for rare books and treasures. Despite this, his family maintained a strong moral character, showing great care for his children and nephews.
The emperor fell ill in the first year of Yongtai. Xiao Shi was promoted to be the Imperial Attendant and the Minister of the Interior, and he frequently entered and exited the palace. After the emperor's death, a decree appointed him as the Right Vice Chancellor. Xiao Shi's younger brother Xiao Si became an attendant, and Empress Jing's brother Liu Xuan became the Chief of the Imperial Guards. When the new emperor Dong Hunhou ascended the throne, Xiao Shi was involved in the appointment of officials. Although Emperor Gaozong entrusted many ministers with the care of his heir before his death, he actually trusted the Xiao brothers more. At this time, the Xiao brothers were often seen in the palace, and any action of the emperor had to be discussed with them. In the first year of Yongyuan, Xiao Shi was appointed as the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor. Liu Xuan was also promoted to be the Gentleman of the Imperial Court and the General of the Right Wing. The Xiao brothers, Liu Xuan, Prince Shaian Xiao Yaoguang, Grand Preceptor Xu Xiaosi, and Commander Xiao Tanzhi, these six men took turns managing the emperor's edicts, and they collectively came to be known as the "Six Nobles."
The emperor slowly began to act on his own accord, and Xu Xiaosi was unable to dissuade him. Although Xiao Tanzhi occasionally voiced differing opinions, Xiao Shi, however, remained steadfast in carrying out the emperor's orders, which only fueled the emperor's anger. The emperor's incompetence and tyranny had become increasingly apparent, and Xiao Shi believed that Prince Xiaobao Xuan of Jiangxia should be declared emperor. Liu Xuan had previously served as the Chief Secretary of Yingzhou under Prince Xiaobao Xuan of Jiangxia and was known for his strictness. Once, when someone presented a good horse, Xiaobao Xuan wanted to take a look, but Liu Xuan replied, "What's so good about this horse?" Later, when the concubine wanted to eat boiled chicken breast and asked Liu Xuan what to do, Liu Xuan replied, "We already boiled goose this morning; there's no need to prepare this." Xiaobao Xuan was furious and said, "Uncle, you are nothing like the one in the 'Wei Yang Song'!" Liu Xuan was equally displeased to hear this. At this juncture, Liu Xuan found himself at odds with Xiao Shi and secretly conspired with Xiao Yaoguang to establish Prince Xiaobao Yin as the emperor. Xiao Yaoguang believed his age entitled him to the throne and hinted at Xiao Shi. Xiao Shi's younger brother, Xiao Si, thought it would be difficult to protect the young emperor, so he advised Xiao Shi to support Xiao Yaoguang. Liu Xuan believed that if Xiao Yaoguang became emperor, he would lose his status as a powerful relative, so he refused to agree. Therefore, Xiao Shi hesitated, delaying his decision for an extended period. Xiao Yaoguang was enraged and dispatched his subordinate Huang Tanqing to carry out an assassination on Liu Xuan, but Huang Tanqing noticed the crowd surrounding Liu Xuan and hesitated to proceed. Once the plot was uncovered, Liu Xuan reported to Xiao Shi about his involvement in the conspiracy. The emperor ordered the arrest of Xiao Shi's brothers. At that moment, while on duty in the inner hall, Xiao Si sensed that something was amiss and sent someone to deliver a message to Xiao Shi saying, "It seems Liu Xuan is involved in a conspiracy; what should we do?" Xiao Shi replied, "We must stay calm and handle this with composure."
Not long after, the emperor summoned Xiao Zhi and relieved him of the position of Minister of the Central Secretariat. Previously, the Imperial Scholar Yuan Wenkuang believed that Wang Jingze deserved a reward for his contributions, but Xiao Zhi strongly opposed. The emperor then had Yuan Wenkuang bring Xiao Zhi in and struck his chest with a knife ring, saying, "Can you still stop me from rewarding him?" Xiao Zhi and Xiao Si were both killed on the same day.
Jing Chang, whose courtesy name was Si, initially served as an attendant in the Kingdom of Prince Nanjun, and later rose through the ranks, serving as the Libationer for the High Ancestor Emperor's Imperial Guards, Chief Secretary, Chief Historian of the Prince of Jin'an, Prefect of South Donghai, and also acting in the affairs of the Prefecture and State. He was in charge of Confucius' temple, which had long been in disrepair, so Jing Chang personally cleaned and rebuilt it.
His younger brother Xi died at a young age while in mourning. Xi's son Xin, styled Weiqing, was only twelve years old at the time. Upon hearing the news of his father's death, he said to his family, "If my brother is gone, I have no desire to live." He then threw himself into a well and drowned.
Later, the emperor was riding horses in the palace and said to the people around him, "If Jiang Ji were still here, would I dare to ride like this?"
Xuan, styled Shimu, initially served as an attendant in the Kingdom of Nanyang. Yao Guang rebelled, claiming to be avenging against Xuan. After the situation calmed down, Xuan was promoted to General of the Army, enfeoffed as Marquis of Pingdu County with a fief of one thousand households. However, he was killed in the same year. In the first year of Emperor Zhongxing, the court posthumously conferred the title of General of the Guard upon Jiang Ji, posthumously conferred the title of Attendant Cavalry and General of the Army upon Xuan, and granted him privileges equivalent to those of a Palace Attendant. The court also posthumously conferred the title of Attendant Cavalry and Minister of Rites upon Jing Chang.
In the historical records, it is said: to die for a kindred spirit is a common human emotion, though wisdom and folly may vary; the fate of those who flatter the powerful is no different. Those talented individuals who receive the appreciation of a wise ruler remain unmoved by external temptations; this is only natural, for they hold a heart full of gratitude. Moreover, they were colleagues with shared aspirations, who helped each other and surpassed others, yet passed away before them, even to the point of abandoning their own children and betraying past kindness, evoking the ancient tale of "sacrificing a dog," inviting criticism from future generations, leaving them filled with shame and regret. I would never do such a thing! Alas! Perhaps this explains why Lu Ji wrote the "Ode to the Valiant."
Praise be to Wang, Xiao, Ti, and Qi, the emperors who founded the empire; Yue Yang sacrificed his son, while Li Rick toiled tirelessly. The Jiang and Liu families are related to the royal family, and their descendants are equally remarkable. The rise and fall of fortunes each come with their own explanations, ultimately resulting in a tragic outcome fueled by suspicion.
