Yang Su, courtesy name Chudao, hailed from Huayin in Hongnong. His grandfather, Yang Xuan, was the Assistant General and Grand Counselor of the Kingdom of Wei; his father, Yang Fu, was the Inspector of Fenzhou during the Western Zhou Dynasty, and he died in Northern Qi. When Yang Su was young, he was quite free-spirited and ambitious, often overlooking the small details, so many people didn't understand him. Only his great-uncle, Yang Kuan, the Supervisor of the Shangshu of the Kingdom of Wei, held him in high regard and often told his descendants, "Chudao will definitely be very outstanding in the future; you can't hold a candle to him." Later, Yang Su became good friends with Niu Hong from Anding; they studied diligently and tirelessly together, exploring a wide range of subjects. He possessed exceptional calligraphy skills, especially in cursive script and clerical script, and he was also deeply fascinated by astronomy. With a striking beard and a heroic demeanor, he made a strong impression.
Yuweng Hu, the Grand Preceptor of the Western Zhou Dynasty, valued Yang Su and appointed him as Secretary of the Interior and Exterior. Later, he transferred to the Ministry of Rites, where he was promoted to Grand Commander. After Emperor Wu of Zhou took power, Yang Su persisted in his requests to the court to posthumously honor his father for sacrificing his life for the country, but Emperor Wu refused his requests each time. Yang Su kept requesting, and Emperor Wu finally became angry and ordered Yang Su to be executed. At this moment, Yang Su loudly said, "I serve an unreasonable emperor; it is right for me to die!" Emperor Wu was stunned by his demeanor and subsequently posthumously honored Yang Su's father as Grand General with the posthumous title of "Loyal and Valiant." He then appointed Yang Su as Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry and as a General of the Household, placing increasing importance on him.
Emperor Wu asked Yang Su to draft an edict, and Yang Su wrote it quickly and beautifully, conveying the intended meaning effectively. Emperor Wu admired him and said, "Work hard; there's no need to worry about not achieving wealth and status." Yang Su replied, "I am worried that wealth and status will come to force me; I have never sought after wealth and status."
In the battle of Pingqi, my father led the troops to the forefront, and I had already petitioned the Emperor early on. The Emperor agreed and rewarded me with a bamboo command baton, saying, "I am about to mobilize a large number of troops, so I am rewarding you with this." I fought against the Qi army alongside Prince Xian of Qi in Heyin, distinguished myself in battle, and was granted the title of Marquis of Qinghe County, with a fief of 500 households. That year, I was also appointed as the Grand Master of the Army.
The following year, I accompanied Prince Xian in the campaign against Jinzhou. Prince Xian stationed the army at Jiqi Yuan, and the Emperor of Qi led a large army to attack. Prince Xian was so frightened that he fled in the dead of night, leading to a rout of his troops. Alongside a dozen valiant generals, I fought to safeguard Prince Xian, allowing him to escape. After that, I achieved merit in every battle. After Qi was pacified, I was elevated to the rank of Kaifu, changed to the Duke of An County, with a fief of 1,500 households, and was rewarded with many grains, cloth, slaves, and livestock. Later, I defeated the Chen Dynasty general Wu Mingche with Wang Gui in Luliang, and was tasked with overseeing the administration of Dongchu Prefecture, and also appointed my brother as the Marquis of Yian. Chen Dynasty general Fan Yi built a city at Sikou; I commanded the troops to drive him off and razed his city.
After Emperor Xuan ascended the throne, I succeeded to my father's title and became the Duke of Linzhen County, and also appointed my brother as the Duke of Ancheng. Subsequently, I accompanied Wei Xiaokuan in quelling the rebellion in Huainan, where I was solely responsible for the battles in Xuyi and Zhongli.
Later, Gaozu became Chancellor, and I had a particularly close relationship with him. He highly valued me and appointed me as the Governor of Bianzhou. When I arrived in Luoyang, I encountered a rebellion instigated by Wei Jiong, and the Governor of Yingzhou, Yu Wenzhou, supported Wei Jiong in Wulao. I was forced to halt my advance. Gaozu appointed me as the Grand General, gathered troops from Henan, and sent me to defeat Yu Wenzhou, and I defeated him. I was subsequently promoted to Governor of Xuzhou, achieved the rank of Pillar of the State, was granted the title of Duke of Qinghe County with a fief of two thousand households, and my brother was also granted the title of Duke of Linzhen. After Gaozu became emperor, I received another promotion to the rank of Pillar of the State. In the fourth year of Kaihuang, I was appointed as Grand Historian. My wife, Lady Zheng, had quite a fiery temper. I once remarked in anger, "If I became the emperor, you definitely wouldn't become the empress!" Consequently, she reported me, and I was dismissed from office.
The text "Shangfangtu Jiangbiao" means that he was appointed by the court to confront the Chen Dynasty. Initially, the court sent him to devise strategies for attacking the Chen Dynasty. Not long after, he was promoted to Governor of Xinzhou and was awarded one million coins, over a thousand bolts of silk, and two hundred warhorses, which acknowledged his capabilities. He built a giant warship in Yong'an named the "Five Teeth," which stood five stories tall and measured over a hundred feet in height, with six masts each fifty feet high, designed to carry eight hundred soldiers, decorated with flags, giving it a formidable presence. Additionally, he constructed another warship called the "Yellow Dragon," that could accommodate a hundred soldiers, along with various other ships, each serving different purposes.
When the formal assault on the Chen Dynasty commenced, he was appointed as the marshal of the army, leading the navy directly to the Three Gorges. When the army reached Liutou Beach, Chen Dynasty's general Qi Xin led more than a hundred green dragon warships, along with several thousand soldiers, to set up an ambush at Langwei Beach, intending to block his advance. The terrain was treacherous, posing challenges for many generals. But he said, "The outcome of this battle will determine our fate. If we attack during the day, the enemy will see us, and the rapids will make it difficult for us to control the ships, resulting in a loss of initiative." So, he decided to launch a night attack.
He personally led thousands of warships, including the flagship "Yellow Dragon," advancing stealthily downstream. At the same time, he sent Wang Changxi, the governor of Kaifu, to lead the infantry to attack Qi Xin's flank from the south bank, and ordered General Liu Ren'en to lead the cavalry to attack from the north bank of Baisha. At dawn, they launched the attack, and Qi Xin was defeated and fled. They captured all the enemy troops without inflicting any harm, showing them mercy, and the people of the Chen Dynasty were very happy.
He continued to lead the navy eastward, with ships stretching endlessly, their flags blocking out the sun, creating a magnificent scene. He sat on the large ship named "Pingcheng," looking dignified and majestic. When the Chen Dynasty's people caught sight of him from a distance, they were awestruck and murmured, "The Duke of Qinghe is like a river god!" The internal governor of Nankang in the Chen Dynasty, Lv Zhongsu, fortified Qiting, occupied the Jiangxia fortress, and also carved stones on the north bank, setting up three iron chains to block the river, attempting to halt the passage of the warships. He and Liu Ren'en landed together, first breaching Lv Zhongsu's defenses, and then slowly dismantling the iron chains. Lv Zhongsu fled to Yanzhou in Jingmen. He then sent a thousand soldiers from Ba and Shu, riding on four "Wuya" warships, using cypress wood oars to shatter over ten enemy ships, decimating the enemy forces, capturing more than two thousand soldiers, while Lv Zhongsu made his solitary escape.
Emperor Chen quickly dispatched Gu Jue, the Governor of Xinzhou, to guard Anshu City, and Chen Ji, the Governor of Jingzhou, to guard Gong'an. However, both of them were so frightened that they fled. East of Baling, no one dared to resist any longer. Chen Shushen, the Inspector of Xiangzhou and Prince of Yueyang, sent envoys to surrender. Upon arriving at Hankou, he met with King Xiao of Qin. After his triumphant return, he was appointed as the Governor of Jingzhou, elevated to Duke of Yingguo, granted a fief consisting of three thousand households, and also awarded a sealed fief of one thousand households in Changshou County. His son Xuangang was appointed as Yitong, and Xuangjiang was ennobled as Duke of Qinghe Commandery. The court rewarded him with tens of thousands of bolts of silk, tens of thousands of stones of grain, a large quantity of gold and silver, and also bestowed upon him the sister of Emperor Chen and fourteen singing girls. However, he replied to the emperor, "As the Book of Rites states, 'Zengzi did not enter,' I do not wish to be enfeoffed alongside the treacherous Wang Yi in Ying." Therefore, the emperor changed his title to Duke of Yue. Shortly after, he was appointed as a Privy Councilor, and a year later, he was promoted to the position of Intendant of the Interior.
It is said that not long after, the people of Jiangnan led by Li Leng rose up in rebellion, with groups numbering in the tens of thousands and thousands colluding with one another and even killing local officials. The court appointed General Su as the Commander of the Expeditionary Forces to lead the troops to suppress them. The rebel Zhu Mowen proclaimed himself the Inspector of Southern Xuzhou and took control of Jingkou with a large force. Su set out with the navy from Yangzijin, launched an attack, and defeated him.
Gu Shixing of Jinling, the self-proclaimed governor, and his commander Bao Qian came to mount a resistance. Su launched a counterattack and defeated them, capturing Bao Qian and over three thousand others. He then went to attack the rebel leader Ye Lue in Wuxi and restored order in the region. Shen Xuanti, Shen Jie, and others from Wu County surrounded Suzhou with troops, and Suzhou's governor Huang Fuji was at a disadvantage in multiple battles. Su led troops to support, and Shen Xuanti realized the situation was dire, so he fled and sought refuge with the rebel leader Lu Mengsun in Nansha. Su defeated Lu Mengsun in Songjiang, capturing him and Shen Xuanti alive. The rebel leaders Shen Xue and Shen Neng in Youzhou and Shezhou relied on fortifications to defend but were also defeated by Su's forces.
The rebel leader Gao Zhihui in Zhejiang, self-proclaimed governor of Dongyangzhou, boasted a formidable military force with over a thousand ships occupying important strategic positions. Su attacked him, fighting from dawn until dusk, and finally defeated him after fierce fighting. Gao Zhihui fled into the sea, with Su hot on his heels, chasing him from Yuyao to Yongjia by boat. Gao Zhihui resisted again, but Su bested him again, capturing thousands of people. The rebel Wang Wenjin claimed to be the emperor, occupied Dongyang, and appointed his subordinate Cai Daoren as the Minister of Works to guard Le'an against disturbances. Su led troops to suppress them all. He also defeated the rebel leader Shen Xiaochi in Yongjia. Afterwards, he advanced towards Tiantai while continuing to pursue the remaining bandits. After fighting hundreds of battles, Gao Zhihui fled to Minyue to hide.
The emperor, hearing of his long toil in the field, quickly sent someone to summon him back to the capital. He promoted him, appointed him as a Grand Chancellor, and rewarded him with three thousand rolls of silk. However, Yang Su felt that the rebels were not completely eliminated, and he was worried that there might be future troubles, so he volunteered for another campaign.
The emperor issued a decree, stating: "I manage the affairs of state, worrying day and night for the people, wishing to personally take care of everything. The kingdom of Wang Guoqing in the south has become too arrogant and has even rebelled. Although the rebellion has been suppressed, the common people are still unsettled. There are still a few bandits hiding in caves, and I am worried they will regroup and cause trouble again. Yang Su is knowledgeable and strategic, with a proven record of great contributions, so I appoint him as Marshal to quell the rebellion and pacify the people. All military and civilian affairs are under his full responsibility." Upon receiving the decree, Yang Su promptly set off for Kuaiji.
Earlier, Wang Guoqing, a prominent member of a local family in Quanzhou, Nan'an, killed the governor Liu Hong, rebelled in Quanzhou, and other fleeing bandits sought refuge with him. Wang Guoqing thought that the sea route was difficult to travel and northerners were not familiar with it, so he did not take precautions. Consequently, Yang Su launched a surprise naval attack, catching him off guard. Terrified, Wang Guoqing fled, leaving the remaining followers scattered on islands or hiding in caves. Yang Su dispatched troops to pursue them. Later, Yang Su secretly sent someone to tell Wang Guoqing: "Your crimes are unforgivable. Only by handing over Zhihui can you atone for your sins." Upon hearing this, Wang Guoqing quickly handed over Zhihui, who was then beheaded publicly. The remaining followers surrendered one after another, and finally, peace was restored in the Jiangnan region.
The emperor dispatched General Dugu Tuo to Junyi to welcome Yang Su. Upon his return to the capital, Yang Su received many visitors daily. The emperor also promoted Yang Su's son Yang Xuan, granting him forty pounds of gold, silver bottles, money, three thousand bolts of silk, two hundred horses, two thousand sheep, a hundred acres of land, and a house. Yang Su also took over as the Right Deputy of the Ministry of Personnel from Su Wei, jointly managing state affairs with Gao Feng.
Yang Su was straightforward, who had his own opinions. Most of the court officials admired Gao Jiang, respected Niu Hong, had a good relationship with Xue Daoheng, and held Su Wei in contempt. He often disdained other court officials. His talent and demeanor were stronger than Gao Jiang's, but when it came to loyalty, handling political affairs, and the foresight of a prime minister, he was not as good as Gao Jiang.
Yang Su was ordered to supervise the construction of the Ren Shou Palace. In order to complete the project, he extensively reshaped the landscape, pressuring the workers excessively and causing many to die from exhaustion. The wails of the exhausted workers could often be heard near the palace. After the palace was completed, the emperor sent Gao Jiang to inspect it. Gao Jiang reported that while the palace was magnificent, the human toll was staggering, and the emperor was displeased. Terrified, Yang Su sought the help of the Empress Dowager, presenting the argument that with peace in the realm, constructing such a palace was not worth the effort. The Empress Dowager used this reasoning to persuade the emperor, soothing his displeasure. Consequently, Yang Su was granted one million taels of silver and three thousand bolts of silk.
Eighteen years later, the Turkic chieftain invaded the border. The emperor appointed Linghu Su as the commander-in-chief of the Lingzhou army, mobilized troops for a campaign, and rewarded him with two thousand bolts of silk and one hundred jin of gold. Previously, various generals were concerned about the Turkic cavalry's relentless charges, so they used mixed formations of war chariots and infantry, forming a square formation with cavalry inside. However, Linghu Su said, "This merely serves to defend, not to achieve victory!" So he discarded the outdated tactics and ordered all troops to form cavalry units. When the Turkic chieftain heard this, he was overjoyed and led over a hundred thousand elite cavalry to attack. Linghu Su fought bravely, defeated the Turkic army, and the chieftain fled with heavy injuries, leading to countless casualties. The Turkic soldiers wailed as they fled. The emperor happily issued a proclamation commending Linghu Su, rewarding him with twenty thousand bolts of silk and a belt adorned with ten thousand gemstones. He also promoted his son Linghu Xuan to the rank of Grand General, and Linghu Xuanjiang, Linghu Xuanzong, and Linghu Jishan were all elevated to the rank of Yitong San Si.
Linghu Su is very strategic, adept at seizing opportunities to attack the enemy, and has extremely strong adaptability. However, he is very strict when leading troops, and anyone who violates military orders is beheaded on the spot, without mercy. Every time before engaging with the enemy, he always finds fault with some soldiers and executes them, sometimes over a hundred, other times a dozen. Even with rivers of blood flowing, he remains unfazed, calm and composed. When preparing for battle, he first sends around a hundred soldiers to charge, and if they fail to break through, they are ordered to return, and all are executed, no matter how many. Then he sends three to five hundred soldiers to attack again, following the same protocol. The soldiers are all terrified, fighting with a determination to die, which is why they always emerge victorious, earning Linghu Su a reputation as a renowned general. Linghu Su was powerful at the time, his words held great weight, and he always took note of even the smallest achievements of his soldiers. Other generals, even if they accomplished great deeds, were often overshadowed by civil officials, who stole their credit. Thus, despite Linghu Su's harshness and cruelty, the soldiers were still willing to fight for him. Twenty years ago, Jin Prince Li Yuan appointed Gao Shilian as chief of staff to the Ling Shuo Dao Expeditionary Marshal. Prince Li consistently showed respect and courtesy towards Gao Shilian. Later, when Prince Li ascended to the position of crown prince, Gao Shilian played a significant role in that.
During the early years of the Renshou period, Gao Shilian succeeded Gao Jia as the Left Deputy of the Imperial Secretary. The emperor rewarded him with one hundred fine horses, two hundred mares, and one hundred servants. In the same year, the emperor appointed Gao Shilian as the Marshal of the Expedition and sent him with troops to Yunzhou to fight against the Turks. Gao Shilian achieved consecutive victories over the Turkic army. As the Turkic army retreated in defeat, Gao Shilian led his cavalry to pursue them until nightfall. Realizing that another battle was about to occur, Gao Shilian was worried that the enemy would escape, so he instructed the cavalry to ease their pace. He then personally led two cavalrymen, along with two surrendered Turks, to blend in with the Turkic army unnoticed. Before the Turkic army had fully settled in their camp, Gao Shilian commanded the cavalry in the rear to launch a sudden attack, securing a decisive victory. From then on, the Turks fled in disarray, and there were no longer any Turkic camps in the Qinan region. For this military merit, the emperor elevated Gao Shilian's son, Gao Xuangan, to the rank of Marquis, bestowed upon him the title of Duke of Huainan, and rewarded Gao Shilian with twenty thousand rolls of silk. Upon the passing of the Empress Dowager, many of the plans for the imperial tomb's construction were proposed by Gao Shilian. The emperor was greatly pleased and issued a decree:
I am the emperor, and the ministers are my right and left hands. Together we govern the world, with common goals and shared honor and disgrace. The Grand Preceptor, Left Chancellor, Chief of Ren Shou Palace, Duke of Yue, Su, has a broad mind and unique vision. He has strategies to assist the king and the ability to govern the country. When the country was just established and the great cause had just begun, he dedicated himself to the cause, led troops on expeditions, captured rebels, and pacified the states of Guo and Zheng. He was ordered to expedition many times, marched south to Jianghuai, adhered strictly to military discipline, and advanced north to the borders, pacifying the Wu and Yue regions in the south and conquering the barbarians in the north. He served as prime minister, assisted me in governing the country, was unafraid to speak his mind in court, and never held back his opinions. His writing was eloquent and fluid, while his military strategies were both unique and ingenious. He excelled in both civil and military matters, and only I could truly command him. He toiled day and night on every task without faltering. After the empress passed away, I was very sad. Su Gong took meticulous care in arranging the empress's burial site. The empress's funeral was kept simple, only seeking a good feng shui location. Su Gong was devoted and principled, always focused on ensuring the empress's peace in the afterlife and securing the imperial family's legacy. He understood the principles of yin and yang as taught by the sages and recognized the importance of handling blessings and misfortunes with care. He personally searched mountains and fields for a suitable burial site, and even if he found the slightest fault, he would continue his search, with the sole purpose of finding the best place for the empress, investing tremendous effort. With his dedicated efforts and divine help, he finally found the perfect feng shui location and built the empress's tomb. Thinking of Su Gong's filial piety, this achievement surpassed even that of quelling a rebellion! He was not only a pillar of the court but also a hero of the country. If I don't reward him generously, how can I inspire others?
By this decree, he was appointed as the Duke of Yikang County, with a fief of ten thousand households, to be inherited by his descendants forever. Other benefits remain unchanged. He was also rewarded with thirty hectares of land, ten thousand piculs of rice, ten thousand pieces of silk, a gold bowl filled to the brim with gold, a silver bowl overflowing with pearls, and five hundred pieces of brocade.
At that time, Gao Zhihui wielded immense power and influence. His younger brother Gao Yue, cousin Gao Wensi, another younger brother Gao Wenji, and uncle Gao Yi were all high-ranking officials at court. Despite lacking merit, the younger members of his family were all elevated to high-ranking official positions. Their household employed thousands of slaves, and thousands of concubines adorned in silk and satin in the backyard. Their residence was vast and opulent, akin to a palace. Notable writers such as Bao Heng and renowned calligraphers like Yin Zhou from the Jiangnan region were brought into Gao Zhihui's household as servants. All his relatives and friends held high-ranking official positions, and Gao Zhihui's power and influence were extraordinary for his time.
During the time when Emperor Yang of Sui was the crown prince, he held a grudge against Prince Yang Xiu of Shu. He teamed up with Gao Zhihui to set up and ultimately remove Yang Xiu. Any ministers who dared to resist him, even those loyal to the country, such as He Ruobi, Shi Wansui, Li Gang, and Liu Yu, Gao Zhihui would quietly handle them. He would promote and favor those who flattered him or were connected to him, even if they had no real talent. The ministers were both fearful and sycophantic towards him. Only Liu Shu, the Minister of War and the emperor's son-in-law, openly criticized Gao Zhihui several times. The Minister of Justice, Liang Pi, also submitted a memorial accusing Gao Zhihui of being overbearing. The emperor grew increasingly suspicious of him and later issued an edict saying, "The Minister of Works is an assistant minister of the state and should not handle everything personally. As long as he comes to the palace every three to five days to discuss important matters, it will suffice." Though it appeared to be a gesture of respect, it was really a tactic to strip him of his power. By the later years of the Renshou period, Gao Zhihui could no longer participate in political affairs. The emperor organized an archery competition for officials below the rank of nobles, and as a result, the emperor gifted him a priceless gold plate from a foreign tribute.
Four years later, the emperor went to Ren Shou Palace to enjoy himself, hosting a banquet for the ministers and rewarding Gao Zhihui generously. Later, when the emperor fell ill, Gao Zhihui, along with the Minister of War Liu Shu and the Yellow Gate Attendant Yuan Yan, took care of him in the palace. At that time, the crown prince was staying in the Tai Ji Hall, worried that if the emperor passed away suddenly, preparations needed to be made in advance. He personally wrote a letter to Gao Zhihui to inquire about the situation. Gao Zhihui wrote back to the crown prince about what had happened. However, the letter was mistakenly delivered to the emperor, who became furious upon reading it. The emperor's favored concubine, Chen Guiren, accused the crown prince of disrespect. Enraged, the emperor wanted to summon Yang Yong back to the capital. The crown prince sought help from Gao Zhihui, who falsely proclaimed an imperial decree to mobilize soldiers from the Eastern Palace to secure the palace gates, assigning Yu Wen Shu and Guo Yan to be in charge of security, with Zhang Heng attending to the emperor. On that day, the emperor passed away, and the events that followed led to numerous differing accounts.
Han Wang Liang rebelled, sending Ru Ru Tian Bao to occupy Pu Zhou and burn the bridge over the river. He also sent the son of Wang Dan with tens of thousands of troops to hold Pu Zhou at all costs. Later, (the protagonist) led five thousand light cavalry to launch a surprise attack on them, sneaking across the river at Wei Kou, and attacked at dawn. Tian Bao was defeated and fled, while Wang Dan's son was frightened and surrendered the city. The emperor ordered him to return.
Initially, (the protagonist) estimated that it would take several days to defeat the enemy, and the outcome was just as he anticipated. As a result, the emperor appointed him as the General Manager of Bingzhou Road and the Peace Envoy of Hebei, leading tens of thousands of troops to punish Han Wang Liang. At that time, Jinzhou, Jiangzhou, and Lvzhou were all under the control of Han Wang Liang. (The protagonist) sent two thousand troops to hold them at bay and then led his own troops to leave. Han Wang Liang sent Zhao Zi Kai with over a hundred thousand troops, choosing a remote route and occupying advantageous terrain, establishing a formation spanning fifty miles.
(The protagonist) sent the generals to confront them, while he quietly infiltrated Huoshan with his elite troops, advancing along the valley to directly attack the enemy's camp. They engaged in battle and defeated them, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands. The Jiezhou Intendant appointed by King Han Liang, Xiu Luo, stationed in Jiexiu, heard that (the protagonist) had arrived and was so frightened that he fled.
(The protagonist) reached Qingyuan, just thirty miles from Binxian. King Han Liang led his generals Wang Shizong, Zhao Zikai, Xiao Moha, and others, totaling more than 100,000 troops to intercept him. They were once again defeated by (the protagonist), who captured Xiao Moha. King Han Liang retreated to Binxian to defend his position, while (the protagonist) surrounded Binxian with his troops. With no other options, King Han Liang surrendered, and the remaining rebels were also subdued. The Emperor sent (the protagonist)'s younger brother Duke Xiuwu with an imperial decree to commend him, saying:
I have been the Emperor for 24 years. Although there have been invasions and rebellions by foreign tribes, the realm has enjoyed peace internally. I have diligently governed, and the world is peaceful. Yet I have always felt uneasy, restless both day and night, praying to the heavens, but it has been in vain. I was merely a prince, yet unexpectedly inherited the throne. In truth, I feel inadequate to bear this heavy responsibility. This world was established by the late Emperor, and I am always cautious, daring not to slack off, let alone the throne is of utmost importance, and the safety of the people's lives weighs heavier than Mount Tai!
That traitor harbored evil intentions from a young age, appearing harmless on the surface but harboring ambition, pretending to be loyal and honest, yet not abiding by the national laws. He long ago had rebellious intentions, disobeyed the king's orders, and committed atrocious crimes. He deceived kind-hearted people, promoted wicked individuals, rebelled with an army, and harmed the people. He unlawfully established official positions and arbitrarily planned killings, bullying the weak and oppressing the strong, causing public grievances and alienating friends and family. Committing various evils, he ultimately led himself to destruction. I have few brothers, and even though I can no longer endure it, I have never said anything; thus, I opened the city gates to await the enemy and sheathed my weapons instead of launching an attack.
I heard that Heaven created the people and established monarchs for them. I always think of the teachings of the former emperor and always keep the people in mind. How can I simply stand by and watch the people suffer? In the name of the greater good, the "Spring and Autumn Annals" records that the Duke of Zhou killed two uncles, and Emperor Gaozu of Han also killed seven kings of different surnames, all for the greater good! At this point, I have no choice but to order troops to march against Taiyuan. Furthermore, rebellious sons and treacherous officials—what dynasty hasn’t faced them? I just didn't expect it to happen around me this time; it's truly unfortunate for the country. I am deeply saddened. I never expected things to develop to this point. It's all because my brothers are not in harmony, unable to bring peace to the people. My benevolence has not yet reached the people, yet I have already resorted to military force. Though there is but one group of rebels, millions of people are suffering. I fear not only Heaven’s punishment but also that I have failed the former emperor’s trust. My virtue is insufficient, and I am ashamed before the world.
Your Majesty, you are a hero of the former dynasty, with outstanding achievements and a glorious reputation. When the dynasty was just established and there was much to be done, you returned to the court on horseback to serve all on your own, showing both insight and loyalty! From Bianzhou to Zhengzhou, the battles spread as quickly as autumn leaves falling; from southern Jing to the northern frontier, the flames of war spread, and you had already achieved great merit early on, demonstrating loyalty. Later, your suggestions and advice in court were very appropriate, assisting me in governing the country and overcoming difficulties. You are no less worthy than Zhou Bo or Huo Guang.
The rebels occupied Puzhou, and all the mountain passes and roads were blocked. You quickly devised a plan to eliminate them with a small force. The rebels took advantage of the treacherous terrain to resist the imperial forces. With your superb strategy, you launched a surprise attack against them, rapidly disintegrating the enemy like mist dissipating and snow melting, charging straight into the enemy's stronghold. South of Jinyang, the rebel forces numbered tens of thousands; they overestimated their own strength, foolishly daring to rebel. You led a formidable force to crush them, driven by anger and disregarding your own safety, bravely fighting on the battlefield. Shortly after the two sides engaged in battle, the rebel forces were thrown into chaos, fleeing in all directions, with bodies littering the ground and weapons piled high. The rebel leader Liang Suikun was holed up in a besieged city, trying to hold out against the imperial forces. You commanded brave soldiers to surround them on all sides, leaving them too intimidated to fight or escape, ultimately exhausting their will to fight and forcing their surrender. You defeated the enemy generals and captured their flags, quelled the rebellion, and the rebels were defeated, restoring peace to the Dongxia region; your contributions and achievements are evident here.
In the past, Lord Wu'an Bai Qi pacified the state of Zhao, and Marquis Huaiyin Han Xin pacified the state of Qi. Their achievements cannot compare to your swift and effortless victory! I am filled with worry, unable to personally lead the army or inquire about governing at the school. I can only watch you labor tirelessly on the battlefield. Just thinking about this makes it hard for me to eat or sleep. You have built a lasting legacy of achievement, with unwavering loyalty. As the ancients wisely said, "The strong wind reveals the sturdy grass, and chaos reveals the loyal ministers." You embody that spirit! I want to inscribe your accomplishments on a bronze vessel, far beyond simply writing on bamboo slips or silk books. Your accomplishments are so outstanding that I struggle to find the words to express my admiration. Please take a short rest; you have worked hard. Given the busy military affairs, you must be exhausted, so I have sent your younger brother to convey my regards. The journey is arduous, and the circumstances are challenging.
Submitted in a memorial by Su to express gratitude.
My abilities are limited, and my ambitions are not lofty. I am willing to serve as a local official with all my heart and effort, but aspiring to become a high-ranking official is simply out of reach. However, now is a time of prosperity for the country, and the great undertaking has only just begun. Even if I am as inconsequential as a tiny stream flowing into the vast ocean, I will still do my best. But like dust falling on Mount Tai, my power is truly minimal. I am just a rural man from Nanyang, with a humble background. To receive high office and fleeting glory and wealth is already satisfying. Then I return to the court, responsible for military affairs, bearing the heavy burden of both civil and military matters, participating in the planning of national affairs. This is not due to my abilities, but rather the emperor's immense grace! I want to repay your kindness; my gratitude is greater than the heavens. I hope Your Majesty will shine on me, someone far from the center, bestowing grace and radiance, like receiving a decree from the south, as if to flatter the imperial will. However, even plants and trees know that there are seasons of prosperity and decline, so how can I not? I feel anxious but cannot find an opportunity to contribute to the country. I toss and turn all night, unable to eat or sleep a wink, always worried that like morning dew, it will be gone in an instant, failing to live up to your grace. Those bandits have long harbored rebellious intentions. Taking advantage of the country's misfortune, they have become more brazen in their chaos, raising troops to attack Jinzhou and Daizhou, disrupting the Shandong region. Your Majesty promoted me from the common people, entrusted me with the army, and entrusted me with important tasks, allowing me to devise strategies to pacify the chaos. Prince Xiao was loyal and courageous; everyone died for him. Emperor Gaozu of Han was magnanimous, and everyone submitted to him. Now that the rebellious bandits have been pacified, this is not due to my merit! The emperor even sent an envoy with a decree to console us. The tone and style of the imperial edict feel as if heaven has descended; this kindness is as vast as the sea. I am both sad and joyful, ashamed and grateful; my emotions are in turmoil, leaving me at a loss for words. Even if I were to be broken into pieces, I could not repay your kindness.
That autumn, he returned to the capital, then followed the emperor to Luoyang, and was appointed as the Grand Overseer of the Eastern Capital, responsible for managing the camp. Due to his achievements in pacifying the rebellion, his sons Wanshi and Renxing, and his nephew Xuanting were all promoted to the rank of Yitong San Si (Equivalence to Three Officials), and were rewarded with fifty thousand pieces of cloth, one thousand pieces of silk, as well as twenty singers and dancers.
In the first year of Daye, he was promoted to the position of Minister of Rites and was granted the best residential area in the Eastern Capital, along with two thousand bolts of cloth. Not long after, he was appointed as the Grand Preceptor of the Crown Prince, while retaining his other official positions. The rewards and grants he received were countless. The following year, he was appointed as the Minister of State, granted the title of Duke of Chu, and given a fief of 2,500 households. In the same year, he passed away. After his death, he was posthumously honored as Jingwu and was posthumously appointed as a Senior Grand Master, Grand Commandant, and the Prefect of ten counties: Hongnong, Hedong, Jiangjun, Linfen, Wencheng, Henei, Jiji, Changping, Shangdang, and Xihe. The court arranged for a funeral carriage, forty sword-bearing guards, a procession, as well as five thousand shi of grain and five thousand pieces of cloth for his funeral. The Ministry of Rites was responsible for overseeing his funeral.
The emperor also issued an edict, stating: "Engraving and casting, erecting steles to commemorate achievements, is to ensure that merits will be remembered for generations, and that a good name will be immortal. Duke Jingwu of Chu, for his outstanding contributions, devoted himself to the royal family, exerted his utmost loyalty, and assisted Us in governing the country. His achievements can be compared to the ancient Three Heroes, and his efforts in quelling the rebellion rival those of ten major uprisings. It is regrettable that he passed away at a young age, causing sorrow. Though time passes, his merits will forever be remembered. A stele will be erected in his honor to highlight his achievements." He once wrote an impressive 700-character five-word poem for the Inspector of Fanzhou, Xue Daoheng, which was regarded as an exceptional work of its time. Shortly after, he passed away, and Xue Daoheng lamented: "When someone is nearing death, their words often ring true, don't you think?" He left behind ten volumes of his works.
Although Yuwen Shu has made many contributions, such as quelling Yang Liang's rebellion, the emperor harbors deep suspicion towards him. On the surface, he respects him, but in reality, he doesn't regard him as a serious threat at all. It is said that astrologers predicted a great loss for the Sui Dynasty, so the emperor reassigned him to the state of Chu. The astrological signs of Chu and the Sui Dynasty were similar, and the emperor wanted to use this to avert misfortune. When Yuwen Shu was sick, the emperor often sent renowned physicians to treat him and rewarded him with the best medicine. However, the emperor privately asked the doctors, always worried that Yuwen Shu might not survive. Yuwen Shu himself felt that he had reached the peak of his official position, so he refused medication and neglected his health, often remarking to his brother Yuwen Yue, "Do I still need to live that long?"
Yuwen Shu was notoriously greedy, amassing wealth and properties. His residences in Chang'an and Luoyang were luxurious and opulent, perpetually under renovation. Not only that, in major cities across the country, his shops, mills, and countless acres of prime land and residences were abundant. People of that era scorned him for this. The exploits of his son Yuwen Xuan are documented elsewhere. His other sons were all killed because of Yuwen Xuan's rebellion.
Yuwen Yue, styled Huibo, was Yuwen Shu's half-brother. When he was young, he fell from a tree and sustained an injury to his genitals, becoming a eunuch. He had a calm and composed demeanor, but was cunning and an exceptional learner with a remarkable memory. Yuwen Shu loved him very much and always sought his counsel before acting. In the late Sui Dynasty, due to Yuwen Shu's military achievements, he was appointed as the Duke of Ancheng County and held the official position of Chief Minister of the Three Departments. After Li Yuan ascended the Tang throne, he appointed him as the Changqiu Qing. After some time, he was sent to Shaozhou as the governor, then returned to the court as the Assistant Minister of the Imperial Clan, and later elevated to Senior Assistant Minister of Justice.
At that time, it was said that the crown prince had fallen out of favor with the emperor, while Prince Yang Guang wanted to seize the throne. Yang Guang had always been favored by the emperor and had a close relationship with Yuwen Huaji. Therefore, Yang Guang employed Zhang Heng's strategy, sending Yuwen Huaji with a large amount of gold and silver to bribe Yuwen Huaji and secretly conveyed the intentions of Prince Jin to him, saying: "While loyalty is the duty of a subject, adapting to circumstances is the mark of wisdom. Throughout history, wise individuals have known how to assess situations to avoid calamity. Your brothers have made great contributions and hold high positions for many years. There are countless people in the court who have been humiliated by your family members! Moreover, the crown prince has harbored resentment towards the ministers because his ideas have not been accepted. Even though you seem to have a good relationship with the emperor, there are still many who wish you harm. If one day the emperor no longer trusts his courtiers, who can you rely on? The emperor is contemplating deposing the crown prince, as you may already know. If you advocate for Prince Jin to be named the crown prince now, it will reflect well on your eldest brother! If you can make a significant contribution now, Prince Jin will surely be grateful to you, thus ensuring your safety and stability."
After Yuwen Hua-ji heard it, he agreed and then told his older brother Yuwen Shu about it. Yuwen Shu, who had ulterior motives, was very happy to hear the news and clapped his hands, saying, "I owe it all to your reminder!" Yuwen Shu recognized that this plan could work and said to Yuwen Hua-ji, "Now that the emperor listens to the empress, you should take this chance to get on good terms with the Prince of Jin quickly. This way, not only will you keep your wealth and status, but your descendants will enjoy good fortune too. Moreover, the Prince of Jin is humble, courteous, frugal, and has the qualities of a true ruler. In my opinion, he will definitely govern the world well. Big brother, if you hesitate and something unexpected happens, and the Crown Prince takes control, I'm afraid your good days will be over." Yuwen Shu then acted according to this strategy, and the Crown Prince was indeed deposed.
After the Prince of Jin entered the Eastern Palace, he promoted Yuwen Hua-ji to Left Imperial Secretary, granted him the title of Duke of Xiuwu County, and promoted him to Grand General. Later, Yuwen Shu was alienated by Emperor Gaozu, and Yuwen Hua-ji was appointed governor of Yizhou. When he returned to the Renshou Palace to pay his respects, he arrived just in time for Emperor Gaozu's death. After Emperor Gaozu's death, Yang Guang sent Yuwen Hua-ji to the capital, had him take over the guards, secretly killed the commoner Yong, and then spread rumors that Emperor Gaozu met an untimely death. Upon hearing this, Emperor Yang of Sui said, "The younger brother of the Chancellor is indeed capable of handling great responsibilities!" A few days after Yang Guang ascended the throne, he promoted Yuwen Hua-ji to the position of Minister of the Interior. Yuwen Hua-ji was knowledgeable and savvy, and Yang Guang trusted him greatly. Several years later, Yuwen Hua-ji was promoted to Right Grand Master of Joy.
The emperor was in Luoyang, the eastern capital, and ordered Wang Yue to come to the capital to pay respects at the ancestral temple. When Wang Yue arrived at Huayin, he saw his brother's tomb and detoured to pay his respects and mourn. As a result, he was reprimanded by the Imperial Censorate and lost his position. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed Prefect of Xiyang. Wang Xuangang, his brother's son, who served as the Minister of Rites at that time, had a very close relationship with Wang Yue. Wang Xuangang was sorrowful due to the separation from Wang Yue, and his sorrow was clearly visible. The emperor asked him, "You look very troubled recently, is it because of your uncle?" Wang Xuangang knelt down and cried, saying, "Yes, it is because of this." The emperor, remembering Wang Yue's past contributions, summoned him back to the court. Soon after, Wang Yue passed away, and the emperor looked after his nephew Wang Xuangang.
This passage recounts how Wang Yue was dismissed from his post for honoring his brother, then reinstated, and ultimately passed away. The emperor's evaluation and treatment of Wang Yue also reflect the political climate of the court at that time. From "The emperor was in Luoyang" to "to care for his nephew Wang Xuangang," it fully narrates the changes in Wang Yue's career path and the emperor's attitude towards him. The sentence "The emperor said to him, 'You seem very troubled, is it because of your uncle?'" vividly shows the emperor's perception and concern for Wang Xuangang's emotions.
Wen Cai, known as Wensi, was a child from his uncle's family. His father was Wen Kuan, who had once served as the Left Supervisor of Wei State and the Minor Prime Minister of the Zhou Dynasty (equivalent to a prime minister). When Wensi was still in the Zhou Dynasty, at just eleven years old, he was appointed Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, the Equal of the Three Offices, and a Cavalier Attendant. He quickly rose through the ranks thanks to his father's accomplishments, and was then granted the title of Count of Xinfeng, with a fief of five hundred households.
At the beginning of the Tianhe era, he was appointed as the Prefect of Wudu. When the Liao people of ten local clans rebelled, Wen Si led his troops to quell the rebellion before moving on to manage affairs in Yizhou. Later, the Dangxiang and Qiang tribes revolted as well, and Wen Si led the state's army to pacify them. He then launched successive attacks against the Liao people in regions such as Zizhong, Wukang, Longshan, and the Dongshan Liao, defeating them all. Afterwards, he accompanied Prince Chen in an assault on the city of Heyin in the Qi state, and then helped Emperor Wu capture Jinzhou. Due to these military accomplishments, he was promoted to the rank of Sanji Sima, and his fiefdom was increased to one thousand households.
In Shouyang, Liu Shuren instigated a rebellion, and Wen Si allied with Duke Yuwen Shenju of Qinghe to suppress him. They fought at Zhuanjing, where Wen Si captured Liu Shuren alive during the battle. He also joined Wang Yi in defeating the rebels at Liyuzha. Later, due to his repeated military successes, he was promoted to Daifu of the Guoyi Right Brigade. When Gaozu ascended to the position of Prime Minister, Wen Si joined Wei Xiaokuan in resisting Yu Jiong at Wuzhi. Yu Jiong dispatched his general Li Jun to besiege Huaizhou, but Wen Si and the marching general Yuwen Shu together drove Li Jun away. He also defeated Yu Dun, pacified Ye city, and for these accomplishments, he was promoted to Grand General and granted the title of Duke of Luochuan. He was then appointed as the Inspector of Longzhou.
In the first year of the Kaihuang era, he was conferred the title of Duke of Zhengping, with his fiefdom increased to two thousand households. Later, he became the Governor of Weizhou, noted for his exceptional governance and beloved by the people. When he left his post, the people missed him greatly and erected a monument in his honor. He was subsequently appointed as the Governor of Jizhou. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, he summoned him to the capital to take up the role of Minister of Civil Affairs. He was later appointed as an imperial counselor and then promoted to Right Guanglu Daifu. He followed Emperor Yang to Jiangdu Palace, but due to a foot condition that hindered his ability to attend court, he was appointed Minister of Civil Affairs again, with his rank further elevated to Left Guanglu Daifu. He died in office at the age of seventy, posthumously given the title "Ding." Initially, Wen Si was supposed to inherit his father's title, but he felt he was not the legitimate son and voluntarily passed the title to his younger brother Wen Ji, a gesture that earned him much praise.
Wen Fan, courtesy name Ji, was known for his integrity and leadership abilities since his youth. He inherited the title of Duke of Huashan during the Northern Zhou dynasty, governing 2,700 households. Rising through the ranks from Right Attendant Officer, he rose to the rank of General of Chariots and Cavalry, concurrently serving as Chief Steward of Anzhou. He led troops to welcome the surrender of the Chen dynasty general Li Yuan at Qi'an, defeating the forces of Chen dynasty general Zhou Fashang en route. For his military achievements, he was granted the title of Kaifu and later appointed as a Junior Officer in the Ministry of Yu. After Emperor Gaozu (Yang Jian) became Prime Minister, he was further enfeoffed as Duke of Fenyin. He joined Liang Rui in suppressing Wang Qian and was promoted to Grand General for his meritorious service, increasing his fiefdom by three thousand households. He was then appointed as the Governor of Zizhou. Later, he was reinstated and appointed as the Governor of Xiongzhou, and further enfeoffed as Duke of Shangming. He later served as a Junior Officer of the Ministry of Ancestors, concurrently holding the positions of Attendant Yellow Gate and acting Minister of Rites. In the second year of the Renshou period, he was promoted to the position of Governor-General of Jingzhou. Over a year later, he died in office at the age of fifty-eight, posthumously given the title "Gong."
Historical records state that Yang Su was youthful and brash, with a bold and free-spirited personality, possessing both literary and martial talents, outstanding strategic abilities, and ambitious aspirations, motivated by the desire to establish his name. When Emperor Yang Jian raised his army to pacify the world, Yang Su became a trusted strategist, taking on significant responsibilities. He pacified the northern rebellion, restored stability to the Jianghai region; he defeated the elite cavalry of the northern nomadic tribes, forcing the Xiongnu to retreat. Considering his achievements in pacifying the rebellion and stabilizing the situation, no other minister could match his merits; seeing his unique strategies and brilliant writings, he was undoubtedly a hero of his time. However, he secured his position through treachery and manipulation, abandoning the path of virtue, flattering the rulers of the time, and being fickle. He built luxurious palaces, causing the monarch to indulge in extravagance; he plotted to depose the crown prince, plunging the country into crisis. Ultimately, the ancestral shrine lay in ruins, the court was in chaos, and the root of his downfall lay within himself. Fortunately, he met a peaceful end, but his son participated in a rebellion, and before his grave was sealed, his entire family was executed, his tomb was dug up, and his clan was exterminated. This serves as a reminder that accumulated evil deeds ultimately lead to disaster; this is not just an empty warning. "Those who do evil will perish on their own," this saying perfectly describes him! He appeared gentle and cultured on the surface, but his heart was full of sinister calculations, like drawing legs on a snake, ultimately overthrowing the foundation of the country, causing future generations to be unable to escape; he truly got what he deserved!
