Xue Yuan, from Fenyin in Shanxi Province, was the son of An Du, who was the governor of Xuzhou during the Song Dynasty. Originally named Xue Daoyuan, he changed his name to avoid sharing a name with the founding emperor. His father An Du surrendered to the northern enemies, and the whole family moved to the north. Later, when the founding emperor was stationed in Huaiyin, Xue Yuan secretly made his way south and voluntarily pledged allegiance to the emperor. He was capable and strong, so the founding emperor assigned him to lead troops responsible for protecting his camp and even fought alongside him. By the end of the Yuanhui period, due to his achievements, Xue Yuan was promoted to Fuguo General, Right Army General, Valiant Cavalry General, and Army Master, and was granted the title of Marquis of Jingling.
Shen Youzhi rebelled, and the founding emperor went into the palace, leaving Prince Yuzhang in the Eastern Palace, while Xue Yuan led troops to garrison at the Situ Left Mansion, responsible for the defense of the capital. Yuan Can occupied the Stone City, and Prince Yuzhang climbed the West Gate in the middle of the night, calling out Xue Yuan's name from a distance. Xue Yuan was taken aback and quickly led his troops to provide support, being the first to arrive at the Stone City, setting fire to the city gate and charging into battle. After the situation calmed down, the next morning, the troops gathered at Grandma Du's Mansion, with crowds filling the streets, yet the palace gate remained shut. The founding emperor ascended the South Yamen Tower, directing everyone to return to their camps, and opened the city gate only after finishing breakfast. Xue Yuan then entered and saw the founding emperor, overwhelmed with joy and excitement, he began to cry. After becoming emperor, the founding emperor increased Xue Yuan's fief to 2,500 households, appointed him Governor of Huailing, and promoted him to the rank of Ning Shuo General, while retaining his position as Valiant Cavalry General. He was soon promoted to Direct Pavilion General and Champion General, before being transferred to the position of Left Leader of the Crown Prince.
The enemy's pretender general Xue Daobiao launched an attack on Shou Chun. Emperor Taizu knew that Xue Daobiao and Xue Yuan were relatives, so he ordered Liu Huaiwei, the governor of Qi County, to say, "It is said that Xue Daobiao is coming aggressively; his wife and children are all in the capital, and his brothers did not come with him. In such a situation, do not use forceful means; even if you cannot completely trust him, keep him on his toes." Then he had Liu Huaiwei write a letter to Xue Daobiao, expressing a willingness to negotiate with him. Upon receiving the letter, the enemy indeed pursued Xue Daobiao and replaced him with another general to attack Shou Chun.
When Emperor Shizu ascended to the throne, Xue Yuan was elevated to the position of Left Guard General. Initially, Xiao Yuan's mother Suo Shi was left in the south. Xiao Yuan tried his best to redeem her but was unsuccessful. Suo Shi had no choice but to remarry into the family of the Yangs in Chang'an. Xiao Yuan discreetly sent someone to inquire about his mother's whereabouts, and the Governor of Liangzhou, Cui Huijing, replied to him saying, "Suo Shi is in Jieshou; I've already sent someone to bring her back." Xiao Yuan then submitted a petition to resign from his position and go to Jieshou to meet his mother, and the emperor granted it. After that, Xiao Yuan was appointed as Cavalier In Regular Attendance and General Who Conquers the Caitiffs. It turned out that his mother's return to the south was actually a misunderstanding.
In the first year of Yongming, Xiao Yuan again submitted a petition to resign and even presented a decorative fur (here, "Diao Chan" refers to the decoration on official attire, not the Three Kingdoms character). The emperor said, "You and your mother are thousands of miles apart; communication is challenging. Xiao Yuan, I see you're in such a hurry to resign. Historically, officials were allowed to marry across the Eastern Pass, let alone your mother's remarriage, and there is still communication. Follow the previous rules; no need to petition again, hurry back to your post!" Xiao Yuan, because he could not redeem his mother, once again petitioned to resign, but the emperor did not agree. Later, a messenger from the north arrived, and the emperor specifically instructed Xiao Yuan to deliver a letter to his mother.
Once, the emperor went to Anle Temple, and Xiao Yuan followed the emperor across Luqiao. It was previously stipulated that military troops were not allowed to pass through Luqiao, which resulted in Xiao Yuan's dismissal. However, he was later reinstated. Four years later, Xiao Yuan was appointed as the commander, overseeing military affairs in Sizhou and serving as the Prefect of Sizhou, while retaining his title as general. The following year, he was promoted to Right Army Sima, with his title as general remaining unchanged. He was later promoted to Grand Marshal and the Prefect of Jiyang, still keeping his title as general. Seven years later, he was appointed as an official and the Right Guard General, but he resigned due to illness. After returning home, he was unable to even ride in a carriage and had to be carried by others. The authorities learned of this incident, and he was eventually pardoned.
Eight years later, Xiao Yuan was appointed as Right General and Grand Marshal, leading troops against the Prince of Badong, Zhang. One of Zhang's military leaders, Liu Chaozhi, was captured. In a desperate attempt to escape, he tried to bribe Xiao Yuan with various items, including bedding and other miscellaneous goods. Xiao Yuan hid Liu Chaozhi in the military camp, which the authorities discovered. Despite this, the emperor ultimately pardoned him. Ten years later, Xiao Yuan was appointed as Cavalier Attendant, with his title as general remaining unchanged.
After the death of the emperor, the court was concerned about the invasion of northern minority groups, so they allowed Xiao Yuan to lead troops while his position remained unchanged. Shortly after, Xiao Yuan was further appointed as Valiant Cavalry General, with his position remaining unchanged. In the first year of the Long Chang era, he was appointed as the commander, overseeing military affairs in Sizhou and serving as the governor of Sizhou, while retaining his title as Right General. In the first year of Yanxing, Xiao Yuan was promoted to General of the Northern Expedition, but he passed away before he could take up the position. After Emperor Ming ascended the throne, he posthumously awarded Xiao Yuan fifty thousand coins and five hundred pieces of cloth, and held a memorial ceremony for him on a designated day.
Dai Sengjing is from Yongxing in Kuaiji. His grandfather, Dai Shi, conspired with Sun Faxian from Fuyang to revolt during the Jingping era of the Song Dynasty, resulting in their execution and the entire family’s exile to Qingzhou. Dai Sengjing had always been brave since childhood and was also skilled in horseback archery. Later, he served as an official under the governor Shen Wenxiu but was later captured by enemy forces. He then fled back to Huaiyin with his family as a defector, and Emperor Taizu took him under his wing, often having him serve by his side.
One time, while wearing fine silk in the capital, Dai Sengjing was arrested by Ouyang Shu and thrown into prison in Yanzhou. Emperor Taizu had Xue Yuan deliver food and wine to him and even concealed a knife inside a fish for him. Dai Sengjing shared drinks with the jailer, and after getting drunk, he used the knife to sabotage his shackles, snapped the chains, and escaped from the roof. After his escape, Emperor Taizu sheltered him in his palace. Since Dai Sengjing was impoverished, Emperor Taizu provided him with a thousand shi of grain annually.
Later, when enemy forces besieged Jiaocheng, Emperor Taizu sent Dai Sengjing to fight, and he won many battles, eventually rising to the rank of chief of the camp. After returning to the capital city with Emperor Taizu, his official rank continued to climb, ultimately reaching General of Accumulated Shooting and Commander of the Imperial Guards.
When Shen You rebelled, Emperor Taizu entered the palace for court with military commander Dai Sengjing by his side. Yuan Can occupied Shitou City, and Emperor Taizu sent Dai Sengjing with elite troops to go to Shitou City first. At that time, Su Lie occupied Cangcheng, and Dai Sengjing wrote him a letter, sneaking into Cangcheng at night. Yuan Can lit torches at the southwest gate of the city to command the battle. When the imperial army arrived, they shot at the torches, extinguishing them, and Yuan Can ran to the east gate. His subordinate, Fu Guo General Sun Yanguan, was brave and skilled in battle, killing many enemies with each charge, resulting in a stalemate between the two sides as hundreds of imperial soldiers fell. From nine o'clock in the evening to eleven, a red meteor streaked across the sky, illuminating the ground and landing in the city. Dai Sengjing led the soldiers to fiercely attack the city gate, leading from the front, causing the enemy to flee in defeat. Dai Sengjing personally killed Yuan Can, and then the imperial army set fire to the city gate and charged in.
Earlier, Yuan Can traveled with Xiao Huikai and Zhou Lang in a carriage during the Daming period. They encountered a bridge under repair, so the carriage stopped, and they chatted together. Xiao Huikai took out a mirror and looked at himself, saying, "I don't have many years left, and I probably won't get another chance to hold an official position." Zhou Lang looked at himself in the mirror for a long time and said, "I face death without fear." Yuan Can finally said, "I should be able to hold the position of San Gong, but I am afraid I won't have the chance to complete it."
Dai Sengjing was promoted to Front Army General and Ning Shuo General for his achievements in this battle. Emperor Taizu personally gathered the bodies of the fallen soldiers and paid his respects.
In the year 474 AD, I was appointed as the general of the guerrilla forces. After Shen Youzhi pacified the chaos, the court bestowed upon me the title of Marquis of Xingping County with a fief of 1,000 households. Later, Emperor Taizu ascended the throne and further granted me 1,200 households. Afterwards, I was appointed as the Governor of Nanjiyin while retaining my original position. Later, I was promoted to the position of General of Assistance, with the title changed to Marquis of Jianchang County. In the year 475 AD, I was promoted to General of the Agile Cavalry, appointed as a Court Secretary, and transferred to the position of Commander of the Left Guard of the Crown Prince.
During my time in Xuzhou, I also bought cattle to distribute to the poor people for farming, gaining the affection and respect of the local populace. Afterwards, I was recalled to the court and appointed as a Court Advisor, Commander of the Right Guard of the Crown Prince, and soon granted the title of Imperial Secretary. In the year 481 AD, I followed the Guardian Chen Xianda to suppress the rebel leader Huan Tiansheng in Biyang. I, along with the Western General Han Mengdu and the Prefect of Huashan Kang Yuanlong, advanced as the vanguard. Before reaching Biyang, we camped at Shenqiao. Huan Tiansheng led a sudden attack with an army of a hundred thousand, and we engaged in a fierce battle, achieving a decisive victory and inflicting heavy casualties. Huan Tiansheng retreated to Biyang, where I surrounded him with my troops. Huan Tiansheng led his troops out of the city, but I defeated him again. Huan Tiansheng remained barricaded in the city, and we found ourselves exhausted and had no choice but to withdraw. Afterwards, I was appointed as General of the Southern Conquest, Marshal of the Southern Army, and Prefect of Huainan.
In the year 484 AD, Prince Xiang of Ba Dong killed his subordinate. The Emperor summoned me and commanded me to lead troops to Jiangling. I personally reported to the Emperor, saying, "Prince Xiang of Ba Dong is still young, and his chief of staff was too strict with him. He made a mistake in a moment of impulse. It's not a grave offense for the Emperor's son to err and take a life! If the court suddenly sends troops westward, the people will undoubtedly panic and act unpredictably. I cannot in good conscience obey the order to march." The Emperor did not speak, but he admired me in his heart. Therefore, I was reassigned as the Sima of the Central Army of Prince Lu Ling and the Prefect of Gaoping, with the rank of general unchanged. In the year 485 AD, I passed away. The Emperor issued a decree stating, "Monk Jing Zhi has a firm aspiration, noble character, and has shown loyalty in difficult times. He pacified the rebellion in the west with remarkable achievements. It is a pity that he passed away at a young age, and I am deeply saddened. I award him fifty thousand coins and one hundred rolls of silk, and posthumously name him as Zhuang Hou."
Chen Yinshu, originally named Chen Chengshu, was from Yuyao. He changed his name to avoid the name of Emperor Xuan. He was particularly eloquent, quick-witted, and exceptionally brave in battle. He initially served as a Left Guard Commander. During the Taishi era, he accompanied Emperor Taizu on his eastern campaign and continued to follow him in battles to the south and north. He was very cautious in his actions and was granted the title of Marquis of Dangyang County for his military achievements, eventually rising to the position of Left Commander of the Crown Prince. He once advised Emperor Shizu that the quantity of iron used for forging arrowheads was excessive and proposed a new casting method. At that time, the Eastern Metallurgical Officer Zhang Houbai also attempted to improve the casting method, but the resulting arrowheads were too blunt to be effective, so the matter was not pursued. Chen Yinshu passed away in the third year of Yongming.
Huan Kang, a native of Beilanling, was fierce in battle. During the Song Dynasty under Emperor Taizu, he served as a soldier and later followed Emperor Shizu to Gan County. During the Taishi era, Emperor Shizu led a rebellion but was captured by the magistrate, which led to the scattering of his followers. Huan Kang, however, proved to be formidable. He carried Empress Mu on one shoulder and Crown Prince Wen Hui along with Prince Ziliang on the other, hiding in the mountains. He also joined forces with his followers, including Xiao Xinzhu, Yang Zhuyi, Gao Fenxi, Qian Sannu, Xiang Sinu, and more than forty others to break into the magistrate's prison and rescue Emperor Shizu. When the magistrate's troops chased after them, Huan Kang and his followers fought fiercely and defeated their pursuers.
After joining Emperor Shizu's rebellion, Huan Kang displayed exceptional bravery and strength on the battlefield, wreaking havoc and plundering the villages he passed. People in Jiangnan feared him so much that they used his name to frighten children and even drew his likeness to ward off malaria, which was said to work wonders. He was later promoted to serve in Emperor Shizu's Champion House, then promoted to General of the Palace, Military Cavalry Attendant, and finally sent to serve as the Prefect of Xiangben. After a rebellion broke out in Guiyang, Huan Kang resigned as county magistrate and returned to the capital to seek shelter with Emperor Taizu. Once the rebellion was suppressed, he was appointed Assistant Minister.
In the fifth year of Yuanhui, on the night of the sixth day of July, the Young Emperor disguised himself and secretly visited the General's Mansion. Those around the Young Emperor said, "Everyone in the mansion is asleep; why not sneak over the wall?" The Young Emperor replied, "I want to rest tonight and take action tomorrow night." Huan Kang and the two strong soldiers trained by Emperor Taizu, Lu Huang and Xiang Hei, heard their conversation outside the door. The next night, Wang Jing brought the Young Emperor's head and knocked on the door. Huan Kang sensed something was amiss, so he, Lu Huang, and Xiang Hei drew their swords and prepared to charge out before dawn. Then they entered the palace together. After Emperor Taizu took command of the East Palace, he appointed Huan Kang as Military Commander of Wuling Wang, General Ning Shuo, and concurrently Prefect of Lanling, often serving at the emperor's side.
Zhu Yuanzhang defeated Huang Hui. Huang Hui was a general in Southern Yan Province at the time, commanding several thousand troops. Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to capture him, fearing that he would rebel. He summoned Huang Hui to the Eastern Palace, arranged for him to stay in a small outer chamber, and sent General Kang with several dozen men to interrogate Huang Hui about his alleged crimes before killing him. Huang Hui had previously conspired with Wang Yi, the Commandant of the Garrison Cavalry, to rebel in Shitoucheng. Zhu Yuanzhang kept this a secret, entrusted him with a large force, and assigned him a few trusted aides. Wang Yi was quick and adept with weapons, and even when over ten men tried to splash water on him, none could touch him. Later, Huang Hui worried that Wang Yi would oppose him, so he stripped him of his military command. When Wang Yi refused, Huang Hui became angry, disobeyed orders and killed Wang Yi. Other generals reported to Zhu Yuanzhang that Huang Hui commanded a formidable army and would definitely rebel. General Kang requested permission to assassinate Huang Hui on his own, but Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Why are you so suspicious? He's not capable of much." When Huang Hui was summoned into the carriage, his beloved concubine saw a red glow surrounding him, desperately clinging to him as he tried to leave. At that time, people created a rhyme: "If you want to please Zhang Shicheng, ask Huan Kang."
Later, Huang Hui was appointed as Rear Army General, Direct Pavilion General, and Prefect of Nan Puyang, while his position as Prefect remained unchanged. In the first year of the Jianyuan Era, he was enfeoffed as the Earl of Wuping County, with a fief comprising five hundred households. Later, he was promoted to Assistant General, General of the Left Army, and General of the Guard, while his position as Prefect remained unchanged. Zhu Yuanzhang addressed General Kang, "You have been following me for so long, but have not yet become a regional Earl. You may not have grasped my intentions yet. In fact, I want to first eliminate the northern enemies together with you." When the northern enemies made a move, Zhu Yuanzhang sent General Kang, granting him the power of a military governor. He was soon promoted to Champion General. In the spring of the third year, he fought against the enemy in Huaiyang, achieving a great victory and capturing the city of Fanxie from the enemy. Zhu Yuanzhang was very pleased and ordered General Kang to welcome the righteous citizens of Huaibei, but he was unsuccessful. The following year, General Kang was appointed as Commissioner, Supervisor of the Eastern Xu of Qing and Ji Provinces, and military affairs in Dongguan, Langye, Qushan, Beixu, Donghai, and Liankou, while retaining the position of Champion General. After the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, General Kang was promoted to Valiant Cavalry General, and his previous military and county positions were restored. He died that same year at the age of fifty-seven. The court issued a decree that said, "General Kang had made great contributions in the south in the past, and his loyalty and righteousness were always evident. We are deeply saddened. All arrangements for the funeral should be taken care of properly."
Yin Lue, a native of Huainan, followed Emperor Taizu when he was young and only began to learn equestrian archery in his later years. Because of his talent, he was quickly promoted and became a general. During the Shengming period, he served as General of the Tiger Guards and Commandant of the Yue Cavalry. In the early years of the Jianyuan Era, he was enfeoffed as Baron of Pinggu, with a fief of three hundred households. In the eighth year of Yongming, he was appointed as General of the Guard and went to attack Prince Xiang of Badong, where he died in battle. He was posthumously promoted to Assistant General and the Governor of Liangzhou.
Next, let's talk about Jiao Du. Jiao Du, whose courtesy name was Wen Xu, is a Di tribe person from Nan'an. His ancestor Jiao Wengui fled to Xiangyang to escape the war. During the Song and Yuan dynasties, the court established Tianshui County in Lueyang County, and the Jiao family settled there. Jiao Du later returned to his hometown and was appointed as a guest official at Beiguan (similar to a low-ranking official position). In the early period of Emperor Xiaowu, the governor of Qingzhou, Yan Shibai, went to Qingzhou to take up his post, and the court sent Jiao Du to serve as the leader of the troops to escort Yan Shibai. At that time, the Suolu tribe invaded Qingzhou, and Yan Shibai sent Jiao Du to lead the army to fight against the Suolu at Shagou Duliang. Jiao Du personally led the charge and secured a decisive victory. Yan Shibai then appointed him as a military officer in his auxiliary command. Later, the Suolu sent Qing Shuigong Shibian to lead the army to attack Qingkou, and Jiao Du led his troops to the rescue. He even personally dispatched the enemy cavalry commander, Baopi Gong, seized the enemy's armor and weapons, and personally dispatched dozens of enemy soldiers. Yan Shibai reported to Emperor Xiaowu, praising Jiao Du's exceptional martial prowess, immense strength, and unparalleled equestrian skills. Emperor Xiaowu summoned Jiao Du to the court, noted his tall and imposing stature, and remarked to Yan Shibai, "This is indeed a formidable figure!" He then appointed Jiao Du as the military commander and concurrent military officer for Prince Xiyang Wang, and also appointed him as the captain of Prince Jinan Wang Zi Xun's guard unit, accompanying Prince Jinan Wang Zi Xun in the defense of Jiangzhou.
Prince Xun of Jin'an rebelled and appointed Jiao Du as General Longxiang, leading three thousand men as vanguard stationed in Zheqi. In every battle with the imperial army, Jiao Du always led from the front, charging into battle and winning every time. Unfortunately, his actions were later exposed, and Jiao Du fled and became a bandit at Gongting Lake. The court heard of Jiao Du's bravery and was quite concerned, so they sent the Governor of Jiangzhou, Wang Jingwen, to negotiate his surrender. Jiao Du surrendered with his subordinates, and Wang Jingwen appointed him as his military aide, then later as the commander of the imperial troops, affording him considerable favor. Jiao Du followed Wang Jingwen back to Jiankang (modern-day Nanjing) and stayed at Wang Jingwen's mansion. The night before Wang Jingwen's assassination, Jiao Du was extremely upset and advised Wang Jingwen to resist the orders from the court, but Wang Jingwen did not listen. Emperor Ming was oblivious to these events. Due to Jiao Du's martial prowess, the court appointed him as an official serving Prince Xie of Jinxi, and as a military officer in charge of capturing enemy soldiers, accompanying Prince Xie in defending Xiakou. Later, Prince Zan of Wuling replaced Prince Xie of Jinxi as the Governor of Yingzhou, but Jiao Du continued to serve at Xiakou, acting as a military advisor for Prince Zan.
After Shen You's incident, Du Du was promoted and became the Central Direct Military, and was also appointed as the Commander of the Army and the General of Ning Shuo. The Emperor also sent people to confer him the titles of Fuguo General and Tunqi Colonel. Shen You led a large army to Xiakou, planning to attack the capital directly, leaving only a small number of soldiers to guard Yingcheng. Du Du, on the other hand, cursed Shen You from the city tower and even made some very vulgar and obscene gestures to humiliate him. Shen You, angered, changed his plan and started to attack the city. Du Du personally led the battle, and when Shen You's army with shields was about to charge, Du Du ordered his men to throw filth at them, preventing Shen You's soldiers from advancing. To this day, that tower is still called "Jiao Du Tower." After things calmed down, due to Du Du's greatest contribution, he was promoted to Houjun General, granted the title of Dongchang County, and became the General of the Eastern Palace.
Du Du had a rather rough personality. He sought to be appointed as a provincial governor by the Emperor, but when he finally met the Emperor, his demeanor shifted and he didn't say a word. The Emperor felt that he didn't understand how to handle civil affairs, so he didn't give him an official position. It wasn't until the fourth year of Jianyuan that he was appointed as the Taishou of Huailing, without any change in rank. When Du Du met the officials in the court, he talked about the events in Yingcheng, exactly as he had before, without any hesitation. He especially loved to drink, and when drunk, he would fly into a rage. The Emperor often sent people to advise him to drink less. Although he was old, his strength remained the same as before. Later, he was promoted to Youji General. In the first year of Yongming, he passed away at the age of sixty-one. He was posthumously appointed as the Fuguo General and the Governors of Liang and Qin provinces.
His son, Du Shirong, served as a military officer under the King of Badong during the Yongming period. Later, when his son Du Xiang ran into trouble, Du Shirong fled to Yongzhou. The Emperor appreciated his actions and appointed him as a military officer at Shixing.
Cao Hu, style name Shiwei, was from Xiapi. Originally named Hutou. When Emperor Song Ming was about to die, he became a minor official in the imperial guard. Later, there was a rebellion in Guiyang, and he followed Taizu (referring to Liu Yu) to fight after leaving Xinting. He was the first to rush up and cut off the enemy's head to claim credit, and Taizu got to know him because of this.
After Taizu became the commander of the army, Cao Hu told him about his military exploits and was promoted to the captain of the guard, in charge of the West Chamber's defense. When Cangwu City was lost, the next day, Cao Hu planned to sneak away to avoid trouble, but met Taizu at Dongzhonghua Gate. Taizu asked him where he was going, and Cao Hu said, "I just want to come and join you!" So he was left to continue serving as a guard.
Later, Taizu guarded the Eastern Palace and let Cao Hu and Dai Sengjing each lead three hundred elite guards. Cao Hu was promoted all the way to the rank of cavalry commander and also served as the South City Prefect. After Yuzhang pacified Shitou City, he was granted the title of Lord of Luojiang County and appointed as the former general. After Taizu became emperor, Cao Hu's land grant increased to four hundred households. He was also promoted to the rank of direct pavilion general, responsible for the emperor's ceremonial troops. Shortly after, he was appointed as the Ning Shuo General and the Prefect of Dongguan.
In the winter of the first year of Jianyuan, Cao Hu requested to be granted the title of marquis, but the Ministry of Personnel reported that the number of households in the marquisate was too large and too wealthy, so he was granted the title of Lord of Jianli County. In the second year of Jianyuan, he was promoted to the rank of general of guerrilla forces, with no change in other official positions. Later, the rebel forces in Pengcheng and Peixian revolted, and the court sent Cao Hu to lead six thousand troops to march to Woyang. As a result, Shen Youzhi's troops were cut off at Hengguan Pass, communication with the capital was severed, and Cao Hu requested to follow Shen Youzhi in action. The rebel army was slow to arrive, so Cao Hu took the initiative to attack the enemy's other encampments, leading to a victory. However, the soldiers became greedy for loot, captured prisoners, and were ultimately defeated by the enemy, resulting in over two thousand casualties.
After Emperor Wen of the Song Dynasty, Liu Yilong, ascended the throne, Cao Hu was appointed as a Court Attendant. He was later promoted to the position of Southern Zhonglang Marshal and was also given the titles of General of Ning Shuo and Prefect of South Xincai. In the first year of the Yongming era, he was transferred to the position of General of the Conquest of the Barbarians for Prince Ancheng, Liu Xiuren, while retaining his other official positions. In the second year, the barbarians in Jiangzhou rebelled, and the court ordered Cao Hu to lead troops to station in Xunyang. He was also appointed as the General of State Defense, Commander of the Conquest of the Barbarians, and concurrently served as the Prefect of Xunyang. Shortly after, he was promoted to General of the Rapid Cavalry, while retaining his previous titles. Emperor Wen of Song felt that the name "Hu" was too ordinary, so he ordered him to change his name.
In June, a bandit called Huan Tiansheng once again occupied Gecheng with enemy troops, and the court sent General Hu to suppress them. General Hu first sent General Zhu Gong'en with a hundred cavalry to scout the enemy situation. They encountered a small enemy force, engaged in battle, and defeated them. They then advanced to Gecheng. The enemy held the city, so General Hu surrounded the city walls and cut off their supply routes. After a while, scouts reported that enemy reinforcements had arrived. Soon after, Huan Tiansheng led tens of thousands of infantry and cavalry to challenge them. General Hu fought bravely, won a decisive victory, and captured over two thousand enemy soldiers. The next day, they captured Gecheng, killed the false General Hu Wei, Prefect of Xiangcheng, Beiwuzhu, and over two thousand enemy soldiers. The enemy deserted Pingshi City and retreated.
In the seventh year, General Hu was promoted to Champion General while retaining his previous title of Valiant Cavalry General. In the following year, he was appointed as the Crown Prince's Left Commander, and then transferred to the position of the Crown Prince's Marshal of Xiyang and Prefect of Guangling. The Emperor specifically told General Hu, saying, "Guangling requires someone I trust deeply. Only those I truly trust can hold this position." Later, Prince Zilong replaced Prince Xiang of Badong as the Inspector of Jingzhou, preparing to lead troops westward. General Hu was appointed as the General of State Defense, Marshal of the West, and Interior Minister of Nanping.
In the eleventh year, the court captured Wang Huan, the Governor of Yongzhou. The Emperor then ordered General Hu to lead several hundred infantry and cavalry troops to launch a land attack on Xiangyang. He was also appointed as the Commander-in-Chief, overseeing military affairs in the four provinces of Liang, North and South Qin, and Sha, and also as the Colonel of the Western Frontier, while retaining his position as General. Not long after, he was promoted to General Who Conquers the Barbarians. After Emperor Yulin ascended the throne, he was subsequently promoted to Chief General. In the first year of Longchang, he was promoted to Commander overseeing military affairs in Yongzhou, Yizhou, Jingling, Sizhou, and Suijun, as well as Champion General and Governor of Yongzhou. In the first year of Jianwu, he was promoted to Right General. In the second year, his title was changed from "Commander" to "Inspector of Military Affairs," and he was promoted to General Who Pacifies the North, being granted the title of Marquis and an additional three hundred households of land.
After four years, the northern invaders assembled at Xiangyang like a pack of tigers. They were at odds with Fang Boyu, the Governor of Nanyang, and failed to actively seek reinforcements, eventually settling in Fancheng. The enemy leader, Yuan Hong, wrote a letter to Shi Hu, saying, "The Emperor thanks the false Governor of Yongzhou: with the blessing of heaven, the imperial palace has been moved to Luoyang. Grace and favor have spread throughout the world, and the hearts of the people have returned to the four seas. However, in the south, the state of Wu has not yet submitted, leading to a division between the north and south. The people are anxious and resentful, with grievances echoing throughout the land. Furthermore, north of the Han River, in places like Mixian and Qianxian, therefore, we should first escort the Emperor to Luoyang and stabilize the capital. You, who lack the wisdom of Chen Ping, who aided Liu Bang, and lacking the loyalty and righteousness of Guan Yu who died for his country, are trapped in a lonely city, filled with anxiety and devoid of both courage and strategy. This is truly lamentable! I had intended to meet you in person earlier, but various matters have prevented that from happening. Now that I have returned to Xindu, I will reward the troops and plan to march south in the spring. Devise a strategy and be ready for my arrival!"
The messenger sent by the Stone Tiger replied, "Since you lost the mandate of heaven and the imperial palace moved to Luoyang, the once-prosperous glory is long gone, only weeds have taken over. The seven minority ethnic groups are attacking each other, and the five Hu tribes are causing chaos in turns. Looking at the Central Plains, we always feel sorrowful. I know you abandoned Gaolan and followed along the Luo River and Jian River downstream; the sights of Luoyang are now before you. As the ancients wisely noted, 'It's not because of choosing to live in this place that you choose your neighbors, but because of the neighbors that you choose to live in this place.' Fancheng and Hanzhong, while geographically close, their customs are vastly different. You braved the severe cold to enter the border, invading during autumn. Your relatives were killed, your people were captured. You colluded with that foolish Left Noble King, mutually dependent, devoid of righteousness, only cruel tyranny. You even changed your attire, thinking yourselves so important. Our emperor established a prosperous era, pacifying the world, while you betrayed the court, abandoned your own kind, and slaughtered each other. I've always wanted to lead a mighty army against you rebels, hoping you would lay down your weapons and submit to the court. Yet you persist in rebellion, allowing bandits to run rampant. I lead tens of thousands of troops, holding a thousand banners; with this strength, what can't we accomplish? The emperor always pities the people, sympathizes with the suffering, hoping to subdue the enemy without bloodshed. That's why we stationed a small army, fortified the walls, cleared the fields, to demonstrate our strength, hoping you would submit. If you remain stubborn, prepare for our golden swords and iron horses, charging straight to victory, conquering the feudal lords, ensuring you small officials and clerks will never rise again! War is not far away; let's both show compassion for one another!"
In the year 494 AD, Xiao Hong was promoted to the position of Censor and General of the Right Guard, and was ordered to follow the commander Chen Xianda to Xiangyang to fight and suppress the enemies in the north. However, the Minister of Revenue, Cui Huijing, suffered a disastrous defeat in the Dengzhou area, and the enemy pursued them to the north bank of the Mian River. Xiao Hong led a hundred thousand troops, with a grand display, and surrounded Fancheng. The defenders of Fancheng held their ground. The enemy camped a few miles outside the city, set up camp, built tents, and then re-surrounded Fancheng before camping by the Mian River, looking towards Xiangyang. The defenders of Fancheng sent troops led by General Tian Anzhi to pursue the enemy, leading to skirmishes with mutual losses.
Later, Xiao Baojuan became emperor, and Xiao Hong was promoted to the position of General and Commander of the Army. In the year 499 AD, Prince Shi'an Xiao Yaoguang rebelled, and Xiao Hong stationed his troops at the Qingxi Middle Bridge. After the rebellion was quelled, he was appointed as a Cavalier Attendant and Right Guard General. Xiao Hong was tall and imposing, with a dignified appearance, skilled at winning people's hearts, and hundreds of refugees ate at his place daily. However, in his later years, he became greedy and miserly; despite amassing a fortune of fifty million coins in Yongzhou, he subsisted on pickled vegetables, lacking any decent meals. Whenever he encountered beautiful scenery, he would open the treasury and indulge himself lavishly. The emperor suspected Xiao Hong of being a former general and coveted his wealth, so before he could assume his new position, he was assassinated. He was in his sixties at the time. In the first year of the Zhongxing era of Emperor He of Han, he was posthumously honored as the General of Pacification in the North and the Governor of Xuzhou.
Historical records evaluate him as follows: Xiao Hong defused the crisis at the Hongmen Banquet with the majesty of Wuyang; the armies that surrendered relied on Xiao Hong's formidable power. With his brave and dignified appearance and his authority, the enemy did not need to surrender to be defeated. Therefore, the reputations of Huan Wen and Xiao Hong were enough to intimidate the Jianghuai region.
It is said: Xue Zong said goodbye to his family and returned to the banks of the Huai River; Dai Zhou's name will be remembered for generations, and people still talk about this emperor's son. Huan Wen was courageous, Jiao Zhongqing was heroic, both were pillars of the nation. Xiao Hong defended the western frontier, but his accomplishments were undermined in the north.
