Zhao Yao, courtesy name Xiantong, was from the western part of Tianshui. His grandfather Zhao Chaozong served as the Prefect of Hedong in the Wei Kingdom, and his father Zhao Zhongyi was the Left Chancellor. Zhao Yao lost his father at a young age, but he was especially filial to his mother. When he was fourteen years old, someone secretly went to chop trees at his father's grave. Zhao Yao was so distraught that he captured the tree thief and handed him over to the authorities. Later, when he met Zhou Huida, the Right Supervisor of the Wei Kingdom, he just bowed deeply without kneeling, and then he cried while sharing his childhood misfortunes. Zhou Huida was moved by him and cried and sighed for a long time.
As Zhao Yao grew up, he was composed, showed strong leadership qualities, and was well-read. Emperor Zhou took notice of him and appointed him as a military advisor in the Chancellor's Office. Later, he followed Emperor Zhou to attack Luoyang. When Emperor Zhou returned to the capital after the campaign, Zhao Yao requested to stay behind to reassure those who had surrendered but then rebelled, which Emperor Zhou agreed to. Zhao Yao led his troops against the Qi forces in five battles, killing five magistrates and military commanders, and capturing many prisoners. For his great achievements, he was granted the title of Lord of Pingding County with a fief of three hundred families. He was later promoted to Assistant Minister.
After Min Emperor ascended the throne, Zhao Jue was appointed governor of Shan Prefecture. At that time, a foreign leader rebelled against the Heavenly Sovereign and attacked Xinling and Zigui. With just five hundred men, he launched an unexpected ambush, defeated them, and successfully defended both Xinling and Zigui. During that time, the Zhou Dynasty built Anshu City on the south bank of the Yangtze River to guard against the Chen Kingdom. After days of heavy rain, the city walls collapsed by more than a hundred meters. The tribal leader Zheng Nanxiang betrayed his own people and colluded with the Chen Kingdom's general Wu Mingche to sneak attack Anshu City. Everyone thought they should strengthen the city defenses, but Zhao Jue said, "No need, I have a plan." He sent someone to communicate with the tribal leaders beyond the river, enabling them to attack Zheng Nanxiang's hometown, resulting in the capture of Zheng Nanxiang's parents, wife, and children. Upon hearing this news, Zheng Nanxiang's men scattered, and the Chen Kingdom's army had to retreat.
The following year, Wu Mingche came to harass again, and Zhao Jue led the troops to resist, engaging in sixteen battles and defeating Wu Mingche each time. They also captured three officials from the Chen Kingdom, Qin Jiong, Wang Zuzi, and Wu Lang, and executed one hundred sixty of them. Due to his outstanding military achievements, Zhao Jue was appointed to the position of Privy Seal of the Three Provinces, promoted to the Chief Secretary of Jingzhou, and later transferred back to the imperial court as a senior official in the Ministry of Personnel.
Emperor Hanwu led troops to attack Gong County and Luoyang, wanting to reclaim the territory of Henan. Gao Jue advised him, "Luoyang in Henan is surrounded by enemies on all sides. Even if we capture it, we won't be able to hold it! It would be better for us to advance from the north, directly attack Taiyuan, and capture their stronghold in one move!" The emperor did not listen to him, and as a result, the army returned without any gains.
Later, Gao Zhan followed Shang Zhuguo Yu Yi and led tens of thousands of soldiers to attack the state of Chen via Sanya Road. He captured nineteen cities of Chen in one fell swoop before returning. However, someone spoke ill of him behind his back, and his achievements went unrecognized. In the end, he was only appointed as the Chief Historian of Yizhou Province. Not long after, he was transferred back to the court and became a judge of the Ministry of Heaven, eventually rising to the position of Grand Master of Ceremonies.
Gao Zhan had always had a strained relationship with Zongbo Husi Zheng. Husi Zheng was later sent to Qizhou as a governor. However, Husi Zheng got into trouble and was imprisoned. Realizing the gravity of his situation, he escaped from prison. The emperor was enraged and ordered a manhunt for Husi Zheng. At that moment, Gao Zhan discreetly penned a memorial to the emperor, stating, "Husi Zheng, feeling guilty and fearing execution, escaped. If he doesn't flee to the Xiongnu in the north, he will go to Wuyue in the south. Although this old fool is somewhat simple-minded, he has served as an official before. If he flees to an enemy state, it wouldn't bode well for the court. There's a severe drought currently, so why not grant a general amnesty?" The emperor heeded his advice and declared a general amnesty, thus sparing Husi Zheng from disaster. However, Gao Zhan never revealed his role in this affair.
The Emperor appointed him as the Prime Minister, allowed him to establish his own residence, then appointed him as the head of the Tian Guan Supervisor, and soon promoted him to the rank of Grand Minister of Ceremonies. After the Emperor ascended to the throne, he granted him a seal and official robes, promoted him to Grand General, bestowed upon him the title of Duke of Jincheng County, granted him a fief of 2,500 households, and appointed him as the Governor of Xiangzhou. The court found him to be very knowledgeable and summoned him to be the Right Chancellor of the Secretariat. However, he did not last long in this position, as he fell out of favor with the Emperor and was then sent away as the Governor of Shanzhou, and later transferred to be the Governor of Jizhou, where he gained high prestige and won the hearts of the people. When he fell ill, the common people came to pray for him, showing how beloved he was by the people! Jizhou was a barren land with many unscrupulous merchants in the market, so he made copper measuring tools and iron rulers, which he placed in the market for everyone to use, making it convenient for the people. The Emperor was pleased to hear this and ordered it to be promoted nationwide as the standard for measurements. Once someone stole weeds from his land and was caught by the officials. He said, "This is because I, as the Governor, did not do well in setting a good example. What crime has he committed?" After saying this, he reassured the thief, released him, and even had someone send him a cart of weeds. The thief was so ashamed that he felt worse than if he had been severely punished. He used virtue to influence the people; this was his approach to governance. When the Emperor went to Luoyang, he went to pay his respects. The Emperor praised him, saying, "Jizhou is an important province, the people live in prosperity, and your governance has indeed met my expectations." He passed away in the 19th year of the Kaihuang era at the age of sixty-eight. His son, Zhao Yichen, inherited his title, achieved the position of Imperial Stableman, and later rebelled with Yang Liang, resulting in his death.
Zhao Fen, styled Shi Mao, is from the west side of Tianshui. His father, Zhao Yan, was the Prefect of Qinzhou during the Zhou Dynasty. Zhao Fen was intelligent from a young age and studied numerous classics and historical texts. Emperor Zhou summoned him to the court to serve as a military officer, and he eventually rose to the position of Prefect of Xiongzhou. He was skilled at pacifying surrendered individuals, which earned him an increase in his fief and the title of 'Three Excellencies.' The Chancellor Yuwen Hu summoned him to serve in the central administration, and he later became an official in the Ministry of Personnel. Zhao Fen consistently achieved outstanding results in every role. When Emperor Wu took power, he appointed Zhao Fen as a junior minister and later as the Supervisor of the Imperial Stables. Zhao Fen was knowledgeable in laws and regulations, often providing sound judgments in times of uncertainty. He earned the admiration of all. He later served as the Chief of Staff during the campaign against Qi and was granted the title of Marquis of Huai'an. He was then sent to serve as the Prefect of Xizhou and later as the Duke of Xiaozong in the Eastern Capital, guarding Luoyang.
During the reign of Emperor Wen of Sui as Prime Minister, Wei Jiong and Sima Xiaonan were conducting secretive schemes. Zhao Fen noticed this and secretly informed Emperor Wen. As a result, Emperor Wen trusted him greatly and promoted him to Left Deputy Director of the Eastern Capital, granting him the title of Duke of a County and further elevating his status.
During the Kaihuang era, the official positions in the Eastern Capital were abolished, and Zhao Fen was appointed as the Left Deputy Director of the Ministry of Personnel, responsible for revising laws and regulations with Duke Wang Yi of Ying. He also concurrently served as the Supervisor of the Imperial Stables, demonstrating the Emperor's profound trust in him. After a few years, due to his advancing age and deteriorating health, he retired to his hometown and was appointed as the Prefect of Puzhou, while also holding the title of Golden Purple Grand Master, overseeing the grain transport in the eastern region. The Emperor rewarded him with one million coins and five thousand stones of grain, enabling him to enjoy a comfortable retirement.
After a few years, he requested retirement again, and the emperor summoned him back to the capital, rewarding him with two horses, a carriage, and various daily necessities like walking sticks and bedding, allowing him to return home comfortably. The crown prince also gave him a magnificent piece of clothing. After a few more years, he passed away. The emperor sent people to mourn him and assigned officials from the Honglu Temple to handle his funeral, showing the emperor's high regard for him.
His son Yuan Ke inherited his position and became the Governor of Yangzhou, later being transferred to the somewhat lower position of Chief of the Imperial Guards. He also had a son named Yuan Kai, who, like his brother Yuan Ke, was quite capable and intelligent. During the reign of Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty, Yuan Kai became the magistrate of Liyang County and, together with Xu Zhongzong, the magistrate of Lujiang County, collected goods from the common people as tribute for the emperor. Xu Zhongzong later rose to become the magistrate of Nan County, while Yuan Kai was directly promoted to the magistrate of Jiangdu County, also serving as the palace steward, steadily rising in rank.
Yang Shangxi, from Hongnong, had a grandfather named Yang Zhen, who was the governor of Wei State, in charge of the Tianshui region. His father, Yang Chengbin, served as the governor of three states: Shangzhou, Zhizhou, and Xizhou, holding significant official positions. Yang Shangxi lost his father young and became an orphan.
At the age of eleven, he told his mother that he wanted to study in Chang'an. Upon arrival in Chang'an, Lu Bian, a man from Zhuojun, immediately recognized his potential and allowed him to enter the Taixue. Yang Shangxi studied diligently, earning the admiration of his classmates for his hard work. During a sacrificial event at the Taixue attended by Emperor Taizu of Northern Zhou, Yang Shangxi, at eighteen years old, was asked by the emperor to explain the "Classic of Filial Piety," which he did exceptionally well, demonstrating remarkable insight. Emperor Taizu admired him greatly, not only granting him the surname of "Pu Luru" but also appointing him as a National Scholar. Over time, he continued to rise in rank and served as a court official.
During the reigns of Emperor Ming and Emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, he successively served as Doctor of the Imperial Academy, Palace Minister of the Crown Prince, and Chief Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. He was also granted the title of Marquis of Gaoduxian County, and later became the Chief Officer of the Eastern Capital's Administration. His official rank kept rising. After Emperor Xuan ascended the throne, the Emperor sent Yang Shangxi to Shandong and Hebei to pacify the people. However, when they reached Xiangzhou, the Emperor suddenly passed away. Yang Shangxi confided to those around him, "Wei Jiong's tears are fake, his demeanor is not right; he must have ulterior motives. If I don’t leave, I’m definitely in trouble." So, in the middle of the night, he quietly took a back road and made his escape. It wasn't until dawn that Wei Jiong discovered Yang Shangxi had fled, and he quickly sent a dozen cavalrymen to chase along the official road, but they were unable to catch him. Yang Shangxi successfully returned to the capital. Emperor Gaozu held Yang Shangxi in high regard for being a member of the imperial family and for risking his life to escape from Wei Jiong. After Wei Jiong stationed his troops in Wuzhi, Emperor Gaozu sent Yang Shangxi to guard Tongguan with three thousand soldiers from the imperial family. Before long, Yang Shangxi was promoted once more, taking on the role of Chief Officer of the Ministry of Works.
Emperor Gaozu appointed Shang Xi to an official position, initially appointed as the Minister of Revenue, and subsequently promoted to Duke. Over a year later, he was assigned to Henan Province as the Minister of War, and was also given the title of Silver and Green Grand Chancellor. Shang Xi felt that there were too many provinces and counties in the country at that time, so he submitted a memorial to the Emperor saying: "Since the unification of the country by the Qin Dynasty, the feudal states were abolished, and counties were established. The Han, Wei, and Jin Dynasties all made changes to the provinces and counties. I believe, in my humble opinion, that the number of counties now exceeds twice that of ancient times, with some regions smaller than a hundred miles in size having multiple counties; some counties with fewer than a thousand people are jointly administered by two provinces. There are too many officials, spending more and more money; the number of officials and soldiers is rising, while taxes continue to decline each year. Truly honest and competent talents are hard to find, and it takes tens of thousands of people to handle things. Where can so many people be found? This illustrates the saying, 'few people and many officials, like ten sheep with only one shepherd'! The ancient zither has the principle of 'geng zhang', while the se cannot 'stick to the old ways'. It is essential to eliminate some redundant institutions, merging smaller ones into larger ones, to prevent waste of food and textiles, and it will be easier to select talents. I dare to express my opinion; please make a decision, Your Majesty." After reviewing the memorial, the Emperor greatly appreciated his suggestions and therefore ordered the abolition of many counties nationwide.
Next, Shang Xi was appointed governor of Yingzhou. Before he could take office, he was ordered to inspect the Huainan region. Upon his return, he was appointed Minister of War. Not long after, he was promoted to Minister of Rites and was granted the position of Senior Official. Shang Xi was kind and knowledgeable, highly respected, and deeply valued by the court. The emperor held court every morning, managing numerous affairs and working very hard. Shang Xi advised him, "King Wen of Zhou shortened his life due to excessive labor, while King Wu of Zhou lived long due to ease and enjoyment. I hope Your Majesty can focus on the bigger picture and delegate responsibilities to the prime ministers, as trivial matters shouldn't be handled personally by the ruler." The emperor happily replied, "You truly have my best interests at heart!" Shang Xi had a foot ailment, and the emperor told him, "Puzhou is known for its fine wine, which is great for recovery. Go to Puzhou as governor to take care of your health." Thus, Shang Xi was appointed governor of Puzhou, while also serving as the local garrison commander. During his tenure in Puzhou, Shang Xi made significant achievements in governance. He even dug irrigation canals, built embankments, and reclaimed thousands of acres of rice fields, benefiting the people. In the tenth year of the Kaihuang reign, Shang Xi passed away at the age of fifty-seven and was posthumously honored with the title "Ping." His son, Shang Min, inherited his title and was later elevated to Duke of Danshui County, eventually holding the position of Governor of Anding Commandery.
Chang Sun Ping, styled Chujun, was from Luoyang, Henan. His father, Chang Sun Jian, was a senior general of the Northern Zhou dynasty and held a high position. Chang Sun Ping was handsome, capable, and well-read. He initially served as the attendant reader to Prince Wei (Yuwen Zhi) in Northern Zhou, equivalent to being a tutor to the prince. At that time, Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou was pressured by Yuwen Hu and sought to eliminate him alongside Prince Wei, often sending Chang Sun Ping to discuss this with the emperor. After Yuwen Hu's death, Chang Sun Ping was promoted to Director of the Palace and Director of Music.
After Emperor Xuan ascended the throne, the court established some government offices in the eastern capital (Luoyang), appointing Changsun Ping as the Junior Minister of Justice, and together with Zhao Fen, managed the affairs of the six ministries. Before Emperor Yang Jian became emperor, he had a particularly good relationship with Changsun Ping. Later, when Yang Jian became chancellor, he favored Changsun Ping even more.
Later, Wei Jiong, Wang Qian, and Sima Xiaonan all rebelled, and Yang Jian was deeply concerned about the situation in Huainan. At that time, He Ruobi was stationed in Shouyang. Yang Jian was afraid that He Ruobi would also rebel, so he quickly sent Changsun Ping to Shouyang to replace He Ruobi. As feared, He Ruobi did not comply, so Changsun Ping directly commanded the soldiers to arrest He Ruobi and bring him back to the capital.
In the third year of the Kaihuang era, Changsun Ping was promoted to the Minister of Finance, in charge of finances. He found that there were frequent floods and droughts across the country, and the common people were facing food shortages. He suggested that every autumn, the common people should set aside some grain, varying in amount depending on their wealth, stored in the villages for use in case of famine in the future. These grain storehouses were called "public granaries." He wrote: "I understand that the state regards the common people as its foundation, and the common people consider eating as the root of life. Therefore, emperors of all generations have attached importance to agricultural production and encouraged everyone to store more grain. In ancient times, they emphasized three years of farming and leaving one year of grain; nine years of farming and leaving three years of grain. Even in the event of floods and droughts, the common people would not go hungry because rulers valued agriculture and made preparations in advance. Last year, due to severe drought, many people in the Guanzhong region starved to death. Your Majesty transported grain from Shandong and established the Changping granary to provide relief to the disaster victims. Your Majesty's generosity is truly profound! However, governing the country demands long-term consideration, so I suggest ordering the governors and county magistrates of each province to prioritize advising the common people to engage in farming and grain storage as their main task." The emperor greatly appreciated his suggestion and adopted his advice. Since then, there have been abundant harvests across the country, and the common people have reaped significant benefits from it.
After a few years, he was promoted to the position of Minister of Construction and did a pretty good job. At this time, someone accused General Bing Shao of slandering the court by claiming it was incompetent. The emperor was furious and wanted him dead. Ping quickly remonstrated, saying, "The river can accommodate mud, which is why it becomes deep and wide; mountains can contain diseases, which is why they become tall and majestic. I hope Your Majesty can be as tolerant as the mountains and the sea, showing great character. There is a saying: 'If you’re not a little foolish or deaf, you’re not cut out to be a leader.' Even though it’s a simple saying, it holds a lot of truth. Bing Shao's words shouldn't have been brought up at all; if you go ahead and kill him, I worry that people in the future will think you’ve damaged your wise reputation." After hearing this, the emperor pardoned Bing Shao. He also told the officials not to bring him any more slanderous reports.
Later, the Turkic Khans, Datou Khan and Dulan Khan, fought each other, and both sent envoys to request the court to appoint them as officials. The emperor sent Ping as an envoy to persuade them to make peace, rewarding them with three hundred pieces of high-quality silk and a good horse. Ping arrived in the Turkic lands, explained the pros and cons to them, and as a result, they both stopped fighting. The Khan gifted him two hundred horses. When Ping returned, he presented all the horses to the emperor, who rewarded him in turn. Not long after, he was demoted and appointed as a Shangshu to manage affairs in Bianzhou. Over a year later, he was promoted to the post of Governor of Bianzhou. He later served as Governors of Xuzhou and Beizhou, making significant achievements in these regions. The customs in Yedou were difficult to govern, and previous governors were mostly incompetent. Because of Ping's good governance in various places, the court transferred him to Xiangzhou as Governor. He also performed well in Xiangzhou and had a good reputation. After a few years in Xiangzhou, during the Lantern Festival, the people put on a large performance, dressing in costumes resembling armor, which angered the emperor, resulting in his dismissal. Not long after, the emperor remembered his achievements during his time in Huainan and promoted him to Grand General, appointing him as Taichang Qing and acting Minister of Personnel. He died during the Renshou era and was posthumously honored as "Kang." His son, Shixiao, was frivolous, deceitful, greedy, and corrupt, committing numerous offenses. Due to his father's merits, the emperor sent condolences. Shixiao later became the registrar of Bohai County during the Daye era, a time of court corruption and social turmoil. Shixiao acted recklessly, engaging in corruption, causing immense suffering among the county's residents. Eventually, he met his end at the hands of Wang Shichong.
Yuanhui, courtesy name Shuiping, was from Luoyang, Henan. His grandfather, Yuan Chen, served as the provincial governor of Hengzhou and Shuozhou during the Northern Wei dynasty. His father, Yuan Yi, held a high position as the Minister of Personnel. Yuanhui was handsome, graceful, and a keen learner, having read many books. He gained fame in the capital at a young age, catching the eye of Emperor Taizu of Northern Zhou, who invited him to join his sons in play and study, forming a close relationship.
Around the age of twenty, Yuanhui was summoned to the imperial court to serve as a military officer, quickly rising in rank to become a junior official. During that time, the Turks were frequently at war, and the court wanted to establish a diplomatic relationship with them, so Yuanhui was sent as an envoy with ten thousand pieces of silk to the Turks. Yuanhui reasoned with the Khan of the Turks and presented him with many gifts, which greatly pleased the Khan, who then sent his own prince with gifts. Subsequently, Yuanhui was promoted to the rank of Yitong Sansi. During the reign of Emperor Bao of Northern Zhou, the powerful minister Yuwen Hu appointed him as his chief historian. When the Kingdom of Qi sought an alliance with Northern Zhou, Yuanhui, known for his eloquence, was sent as an envoy alongside Cui Mu. He was later promoted to the rank of Zhenwei Zhong Dafu. When Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou married a Turkic princess, Yuanhui was dispatched to welcome her. He was later appointed as a palace attendant, then as a chief censor. After restoring order to the eastern regions, the court sent Yuanhui to pacify the people in Hebei, granting him the title of 'Yiningzi' and four hundred households as his fief.
During the reign of Emperor Yang Jian of the Sui Dynasty, Yuan Hui was promoted to the position of Grand Chancellor and was also granted the title of Duke. During the Kaihuang period of the Sui Dynasty, he was appointed as the Minister of the Interior and also served as the Grand Minister of Construction. He submitted a memorial to the court, suggesting the construction of water conservancy projects to irrigate the saline-alkali fields with the water of the Du Yang River, turning thousands of hectares of barren land into fertile fields, benefiting the common people. The following year, he was promoted to the position of General of the Left Guards, while retaining his position as Grand Minister of Construction. Shortly after, he was promoted to Minister of Military Affairs, responsible for overseeing the canal system's construction. However, he was later dismissed due to unspecified reasons. After a period of time, he was appointed as the Governor of Weizhou, where he did many good deeds and was held in high regard by the locals. After serving as the Governor of Weizhou for several years, he resigned from his position due to illness. Over a year later, he passed away in the capital city at the age of sixty. Emperor Wen of Sui was very saddened by his death and appointed officials from the Honglu Temple to handle his funeral, posthumously bestowing upon him the title "Yuan." His son, Yuan Su, inherited his title and later became the Chief of the Palace Attendants. Yuan Su's younger brother, Yuan Renqi, was intelligent and capable, and became the Magistrate of Jinan County.
Wei Shi, styled Gongying, was from Duling, a district in Chang'an. His father, Wei Zhen, was the Grand General of the Northern Zhou Dynasty. Wei Shi was known for his calm demeanor and maturity from a young age, with a kind heart. When he first started studying, he exclaimed as he read the Classic of Filial Piety, "Perhaps the highest realm of moral teachings lies here!" When he was young, his parents passed away one after another, and he devoted himself wholeheartedly during the mourning period, earning the villagers' praise for his filial piety. As he matured, he explored the classics and historical texts, excelling particularly in horseback riding and archery.
During the Northern Zhou dynasty, Grand Chancellor Yúwén Hù recognized his talent and brought him into the Ministry of Central Affairs as a clerk, later promoting him to a military aide. Wèi Shī had a deep understanding of the customs and geography of various ethnic groups, and whenever a minority group came to pay tribute, he personally received them, discussing their customs with the clarity of someone looking at their own palm. Members of minority groups were all amazed by him and dared not hide anything. Later, when Prince Qí Yúwén Xiàn was appointed as the Governor of Yōng Province, he recruited him as a registrar while keeping his previous position. When Emperor Wǔ personally took control, Wèi Shī was promoted to Grand Minister of Palace Supplies. After subduing the Gāo clan, the court sent him to Shāndōng to pacify the people, and he was appointed as a Grand Master of the Ministry of State Affairs.
After Emperor Gāozǔ of the Sui dynasty ascended the throne, he appointed Wèi Shī as the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Rites, ennobling him as the Marquis of Jǐngxíng with a fief of five hundred households. A few years later, he was promoted to Minister of War in Héběi Province, and the court also appointed him as the Grand Ambassador for the eighteen prefectures of Shāndōng and Hénán. He managed affairs in line with Emperor Gāozǔ's wishes, and the emperor rewarded him with three hundred thousand taels of silver, and appointed him as the Marshal for Prince Jìn, Yáng Guǎng. His kinsman Wèi Shìkāng was the Minister of Personnel at the time, and he and Wèi Shī had a longstanding rivalry. At that time, Prince Jìn, Yáng Guǎng, had great power as the Governor of Yōng Province, appointing Yáng Xióng as Minister of Works, Gāo Fēng as Chief Clerk of the Left, and Wèi Shī as registrar. Wèi Shìyuē, Wèi Shìkāng's younger brother, served under Wèi Shī as a legal officer. Wèi Shìkāng was very angry about this, lost his appetite, and felt humiliated because his brother was working under Wèi Shī. He called Wèi Shìyuē and berated him severely: "Why did you choose to work under him?" He then physically punished Wèi Shìyuē.
Later, Emperor Wen of Sui went to Liquan Palace and summoned Wei Shi, Left Chancellor Gao Qing, Han Qinhu, and others to host a banquet and invite them to share stories from the past for entertainment. During the war to pacify the Chen Dynasty, Wei Shi served as the Marshal's aide in an official capacity, managing the treasury of the Chen Dynasty with integrity and without any corruption, earning widespread praise for his uprightness. Later, Emperor Wen of Sui gave his daughter in marriage to Prince Changning, Yang Yan, and Wei Shi was appointed as the Governor of Bianzhou, where he made significant political achievements. He eventually passed away in office and was posthumously honored with the title "Ding." His son, Wei Dezhen, later became an official during the Daye era of Emperor Yang of Sui.
Yang Yi, courtesy name 'Wenshu,' was from Huayin, Hongnong. His grandfather, Yang Jun, served as the Minister of Works in the Wei state, while his father, Yang Jian, was a Palace Attendant. Yang Yi was handsome, calm in demeanor, and possessed strong leadership skills. He started studying from a young age, memorizing thousands of characters daily, impressing everyone with his talents. When he was nine years old, his father passed away, causing him profound grief that nearly cost him his life. Once the mourning period was over, he turned down all celebrations and condolences, preferring to stay home and focus on his studies. Over the years, he immersed himself in a wide range of books.
During the reign of Emperor Zhou Min, Yang Yi was appointed as the Prefect of Ningdu, achieving remarkable political accomplishments and gaining a stellar reputation for his outstanding governance. The court also granted him the title of Duke of Changle. Later, due to his numerous military achievements, he was promoted to marquis. When Gaozu became the Chancellor, he sent Yang Yi to work in Jizhou. After Gaozu ascended to the throne, Yang Yi was appointed as the Assistant Minister of the Imperial Clan and was also granted the title of Kaifu. "The Prince of Shu, Xiuzhi, was governing Yizhou, and the court recognized him for his integrity, appointing him as the Chief Secretary of Yizhou, granting him twenty thousand coins, three hundred pieces of silk, and fifty horses before sending him off." Later, he was promoted to Minister of War for the Southwest. Several years later, he returned to his position as Assistant Minister of the Imperial Clan. Not long after, he was promoted to the Minister of Justice. Over a year later, he was appointed as the Prefect of Wuzhou, where he achieved outstanding political accomplishments and gained a stellar reputation. At that time, Prince Jin Guang was stationed in Yangzhou, and the court mandated that Yang Yi visit Prince Jin annually to discuss political matters and remind each other of their shortcomings. Several years later, Yang Yi passed away at the age of sixty-two. He was survived by his son, Yang Qianxun.
Su Xiaoci was from Fufeng. His father, Su Wuzhou, served as the Inspector of Yanzhou during the Zhou Dynasty. Su Xiaoci was calm and prudent from a young age, very capable, and also handsome. In the early Zhou Dynasty, he served as a Senior Court Attendant. Later, he was appointed as a Commander and sent on a mission to the State of Qi. For his exemplary performance in the mission, he was promoted to Grand Commander. In the same year, he was sent on another mission to the State of Qi, and upon his return, he was appointed as a Senior Officer of Public Affairs. Later, he followed Emperor Wu in the campaign against the State of Qi, and due to his military achievements, he was granted the title of Kaifu and named Duke of Wen'an County, with a fief of fifteen hundred households. Shortly after, he was re-titled as the Duke of Linshui County, with his fief increased to twenty-seven hundred households. He was subsequently promoted multiple times, eventually becoming a Senior Official of the Ministry of Works.
After the abdication of the founding emperor, he was appointed as the Duke of Anping and later became the Minister of Works. At that time, the Sui Dynasty had just been founded, and there was much to accomplish. Skilled craftsmen from all over the country were summoned, and various skilled techniques were brought together. Xiaoci coordinated these efforts, and everyone thought he did a great job. Not long after, he was promoted to Grand Minister of Agriculture, and over a year later, he was appointed as the Minister of War, with increasingly favorable conditions. At that time, the Crown Prince Yong also had a good understanding of political affairs, and the emperor sought to elevate the status of court officials, so many ministers were appointed to important positions in the court. Therefore, Xiaoci was appointed as the Right Commander of the Crown Prince's Guard, while retaining the position of Minister of War.
The following year, the emperor established a granary in Shan Prefecture to transport grain to the capital. Due to the sandy conditions and fluctuating water levels of the Wei River, transportation was very difficult. Therefore, the emperor decided to dig a canal from the Wei River to the Yellow River and entrusted Xiaoci with overseeing this project. When the canal was successfully built, the emperor was greatly pleased. He was subsequently appointed as the Chief Scholar to the Crown Prince and later promoted to Commander of the Left Guard, while also holding the positions of Minister of Works and Minister of Civil Affairs, holding significant power and responsibility.
Several years later, he was promoted to Grand General and continued to serve as Minister of Works while retaining his other positions. Previously, due to insufficient funding for officials, government offices at all levels established "office funds" to subsidize their budgets through interest collection. Xiaoci believed that this practice caused officials and the people to compete for benefits, which undermined social stability. He therefore submitted a memorial requesting the cancellation of this practice and suggested distributing different grades of official fields to court officials. The emperor highly valued his suggestion and implemented it.
In the eighteenth year of the Kaihuang reign, the emperor wanted to depose the Crown Prince but was worried about the Crown Prince's considerable influence in the Eastern Palace, so he appointed him as governor of Xizhou. The Crown Prince was clearly displeased by Xiaoci's departure. This illustrates the high regard in which the emperor held Xiaoci at that time.
During the Renshou period, he was transferred to Hongzhou to serve as the governor, where he also did a lot of good deeds. Later, the Ranmang Qiang people in Guilin gathered to revolt, and the emperor appointed Xiaoci as the military commander to suppress the rebellion. In the same year, he died in office. He had a son named Huichang.
Sha Luo, styled Zicui; his father was the governor of Meizhou during the Zhou Dynasty. Sha Luo served as an official in the Zhou Dynasty, beginning his career as a commander. Later, he followed Wei Xiaokuan to defeat Yu Jiong, earned merit, and was appointed as the Chief of the Palace Attendants, and also granted the title of Duke of Tongqin County. During the Sui Dynasty's Kaihuang period, Prince Yang Xiu was stationed in Yizhou, and Sha Luo followed him, later being appointed as the deputy governor of Zizhou.
Eight years later, the Ranmang Qiang people revolted, attacking Wenshan and Jinchuan. Sha Luo led his troops to defeat them and was subsequently promoted to governor of Qiongzhou. After a few years, he was appointed as the deputy governor of Lizhou. Later, he followed Shi Wansui to fight against the Western Cuans, fought many battles, earned many merits, was promoted to Grand General, and was rewarded with many gifts. Shortly after, he was appointed as the chief aide to the governor of Yizhou.
At this time, the Yue Xi people, led by Wang Feng, rebelled, and Sha Luo, along with Duan Wenzhen, suppressed the rebellion, and the court rewarded him with one hundred slaves. However, later, Prince Yang Xiu was deposed, and someone accused Sha Luo of saying, "Wang Feng was killed by his slaves, but Yang Xiu pretended that it was done by his subordinates. He also mobilized the Shulao to release the slaves, but Sha Luo concealed this and failed to report it." Because of this incident, Sha Luo was dismissed from office and ultimately died at home. He had a son named Kang.
Li Xiong, courtesy name Pilu, was from Gaoyi, Zhao Prefecture. His grandfather was the Grand Minister of State in the Wei Dynasty, and his father was the Inspector of Shanzhou during the Qi Dynasty. After the Qi Dynasty was overthrown by the Zhou Dynasty, Li Xiong followed the army to Chang'an. Li Xiong was ambitious and full of aspirations from a young age. Although his family had been scholars for generations, he had a passion for horseback riding and archery. His nephew advised him, "A scholar shouldn't just give up studying to pursue martial arts!" Li Xiong replied, "In my view, loyal subjects throughout history who want to make their mark in the court need to master both literature and martial skills. Although I may be dull, I have read some historical texts. I just don't limit myself to rigid rules. What is there to worry about when I can both study and practice martial arts?" His nephew was speechless. Under Emperor Taizu of the Zhou Dynasty, he was appointed as the Assistant General. He followed Daxi Wuping to pacify Hanzhong, stabilize Xingzhou, and then went to suppress the rebellion of the Hu people in Fenzhou. Due to these achievements, he was appointed as the Grand General of the Cavalry and was granted the position of the Three Excellencies. Later, during the reign of Emperor Min, he was ennobled as a duke and transferred to work in the Ministry of the Interior. Later, he followed Daxi Wuping to fight against the people of Qi at Mangshan, where his troops were the only ones to emerge unscathed. When Emperor Wu came to power, he accompanied Prince Chen to meet the Empress from the Turks and was granted the title of baron, being appointed as the Governor of Xiazhou. After a few years, he was summoned back to the court and appointed as the Grand Minister of the local government. Shortly after, he was sent to Liangzhou as the Chief Steward. He defeated the Tuyuhun alongside Prince Tengyou in Qinghai and was promoted to the rank of the Three Excellencies. After Emperor Xuan ascended the throne, he followed the Military Commander Wei Xiaokuan to pacify the Huainan region. Arriving at Heshi with just a few hundred light cavalry, he successfully persuaded over ten cities to surrender and was appointed as the Governor of Haozhou.
After Gaozu took control of the imperial power, he summoned him back to the court and appointed him as a Grand Master of Ceremonies. Due to his achievements in Huainan, his official position was once again raised, and he was bestowed the title of Shang Kaifu. After Gaozu became emperor, he was appointed as the Minister of Rites, promoted to Duke of Gaodu, and granted a fief of two thousand households. Several years later, Prince Jin Guang was sent to guard Bingzhou, and he was appointed as the Minister of War in Hebei Province. Gaozu said to him, "My son is still young and inexperienced. You are both civil and military talents. I entrust you with all major matters so that I need not worry about the north." He bowed and thanked him, saying, "Your Majesty, you do not disdain my lack of ability and have entrusted me with important tasks. Although I am foolish, I am not heartless. I will definitely do my best to repay your grace." As he spoke, he broke down in tears, and the emperor comforted him before letting him leave. He was upright and serious in his position, unyielding, and Prince Jin respected him greatly, while the people praised him. Over a year later, he passed away, and his son Gong Ting inherited his title.
Zhang Zhuan, styled Shihong, was a native of Cangzhou, Hebei Province (also known as Hejian Mo). His father, Zhang Xian, was particularly fond of learning when he was young and had a wide range of knowledge. Later, he became the General Who Pacifies Rebellions in the Wei Kingdom. He followed Emperor Wu of Wei into Guanzhong, rose through the ranks, and eventually became a Gentleman of the Palace Attendants. Later, Emperor Taizu of Northern Zhou valued his talents and appointed him as a Gentleman of the Palace Attendants, also granting him the surname of Chiluo. He later served as a Grand Master of Ceremonies, the magistrate of Yongzhou, the governor of Yongzhou, the equivalent of the Three Excellencies, and was bestowed the title of Duke of Yuxiang County. He continued to rise in official rank. Later, he returned to the court and served as a Grand Master of Ceremonies, responsible for compiling national history. At that time, most of the high-ranking officials in the Zhou Dynasty were former military commanders, but Zhang Xian was highly valued for his solid scholarship, which was truly exceptional. As he grew older, he retired to his hometown.
When Emperor Yang Jian of the Sui Dynasty became emperor, he greatly respected the virtues and reputation of Zhang Xian and specially wrote a letter inviting him to serve as an official. The letter stated: "I have just ascended to the throne and am considering how to govern the country. You are a venerable elder of great virtue. I have long thought of you. You have made great contributions during the Zhou Dynasty. Though you are retired, you are still vigorous and should come forth to assist me." After Zhang Xian went to meet Emperor Yang Jian, the emperor ordered him to be exempt from the kneeling ritual, personally helped him up to the hall, descended from the dragon throne to take his hand, and invited him to sit beside him, where they conversed and shared a meal for an extended time. The emperor rewarded him with a cane and a seat. Later, when the capital was moved to Luoyang (modern-day Xi'an, Shaanxi), Zhang Xian advised the emperor to be frugal, and the emperor wrote him a warm and enthusiastic reply. Shortly thereafter, Zhang Xian passed away at the age of eighty-four. He was posthumously appointed as the Governor of Cangzhou and posthumously honored as "Ding." He also wrote commentaries on Laozi and Zhuangzi, titled "Dao Yan," totaling fifty-two chapters.
Mr. Jiong had a passion for learning from a young age and fully inherited the excellent qualities of his father. He served as an official in the Wei Dynasty, beginning his career as a low-ranking official and eventually rising to the position of minister. Emperor Zhou Taizu valued his talents and transferred him to the military department. Later, during the reign of Emperor Min, Mr. Jiong was promoted to the position of General. During the reigns of Emperor Ming and Emperor Wu of the Sui Dynasty, he held important positions such as Grand Master of the Palace Kitchen and Minister of Works, and was granted the title of Viscount of Beiping County, with a fief of four hundred households. During Emperor Xuan's reign, he was further ennobled as a Junior Grandee, and his title was elevated to Count.
After Gaozu became Chancellor, Jiong took the initiative to establish a good relationship with him. Gaozu also thought highly of his abilities and valued him greatly. After Gaozu became Emperor, he appointed him as the Right Chancellor and his title was elevated to Marquis. Not long after, he was promoted to the position of Junior Minister of the Imperial Household and also served as the Deputy Supervisor of the New Capital Construction. Later, his father passed away, and he resigned from his official position to observe a mourning period at home, showing great sorrow. After the mourning period ended, the court requested him to resume his duties, but he firmly declined. Eventually, the court bestowed upon him the title of Palace Attendant of the Three Excellencies and allowed him to inherit the title of Duke of Yuxiang County, with his fief increased to fifteen hundred households. Shortly after, he was promoted to Minister of the Imperial Household and eventually rose to the high position of Minister of Civil Affairs.
When Prince Yang Guang was appointed as the Governor of Yangzhou, he appointed Jiong as his Chief of Staff and also conferred upon him the title of Grand Master of Joy. Jiong was renowned for his gentle and kind nature, as well as his intelligence and strategic thinking, and he had a good reputation at the time. Later, he was appointed Governor of Jizhou. Prince Yang Guang repeatedly petitioned the court to have him return to his side as the Chief Historian and oversee the affairs of Jiangzhou. When Prince Yang became the Crown Prince, Jiong was once again appointed Governor of Jizhou, with his title elevated to Upper Prefect. He was greatly respected by the local people, and everyone regarded him as an outstanding second-rank official. In the fourth year of the Renshou reign, he passed away at the age of seventy-four. His son, Huibao, later served as the Magistrate of Jiang Prefecture.
During the Kaihuang period, there was a man named Liu Ren'en. His origins are unknown, but he was generous and talented in both civil and military affairs, and very capable. He initially served as the Prefect of Maozhou, with his achievements ranking among the best in the country. He was later promoted to Minister of Justice. He also served as the commander-in-chief under Yang Su in the campaign against the Chen dynasty. During the Battle of Jingmen, he and Yang Su defeated the Chen general Lv Zhongsu together. Liu Ren'en's strategies played a significant role, and he was later awarded the title of General-in-Chief, gaining significant renown at the time. Guo Jun from Fengyi and Feng Shiji from Shangdang were both intelligent and strategic, and they successively served as the Minister of War. Dai Ren She Di Yun was generous and insightful, rising to the position of Minister of Civil Affairs. These four individuals were well-known at the time. However, their specific deeds are recorded rather briefly, with no detailed accounts in historical texts.
Historical records indicate that the two Zhao brothers were well-versed in historical allusions, and everyone praised them at the time. However, once they attained high office, they lacked any particularly remarkable accomplishments. This illustrates that a person's talents and capabilities have inherent limitations, and they must be appropriate in size and measure, without forcing it.
Changsun Ping suggested pardoning those who were falsely accused, which was indeed an act of righteousness! The Emperor Gaozu was very pleased and followed his advice, yielding significant benefits! Yuan Hui became prominent for his intelligence and competence, Wei Shi was famous for his honesty and integrity, and Yang Shangxi and Yang Yi were talented members of the royal family, with a high reputation and considerable prestige. Su Xiaoci, Li Xiong, and Zhang Jie, whether serving in the court or in local positions, were considered upright and capable talents. They were all highly regarded at the outset of the Kaihuang period, recognized as the most outstanding candidates of that time!
