Fan Zigai, courtesy name Huazong, was from Lujiang. His grandfather, Fan Daoze, served as the Governor of Yuezhou during the Liang Dynasty. His father, Fan Ru, fled to Northern Qi during the chaos of the Hou Jing Rebellion and became the Governor of Renzhou.
Fan Zigai initially served as a military officer under Prince of Wuxing, then became the county magistrate of Shenxian, and later served as the governor of Dongru and Beichen. He eventually rose to the rank of an official known as the Marquis of Fuyang County, with a fief that included 500 households. After the Sui Dynasty conquered Northern Qi, Fan Zigai was appointed as the Deputy Director of the Imperial Secretariat, overseeing the affairs of the Governor of Yingzhou. Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, later ordered him to lead local troops and appointed him as the governor of Zongyang.
Due to his outstanding military achievements in the war against the Chen Dynasty, he was promoted to the rank of General, granted the title of Count of Shangcai County with a fief consisting of 700 households, and rewarded by the Emperor with 3,000 pieces of cloth and 9,000 measures of grain. He was then appointed as the Governor of Chenzhou, and shortly after transferred to be the Governor of Songzhou. After his mother's passing, he resigned from his government post.
Shortly after, he was appointed as the Governor of Qizhou, but he firmly declined, and the Emperor did not press him. That year, he was reassigned as the Governor of Xunzhou, with the authority to manage local affairs independently. Eighteen years later, he returned to the imperial court, presented a map of Lingnan, and was rewarded by the Emperor with fine horses and various goods. He was put in charge of four provinces before he was returned to his original position. The court also sent the Gentleman of the Palace, Liu Jian, to see him off in Bashang.
After Emperor Yangdi ascended the throne, Fan Zigai was summoned back to the capital, and later transferred to be the Governor of Liangzhou. Fan Zigai told the Emperor: "I have spent ten years in Lingnan and have developed deep feelings for the place. I am reluctant to leave. I now wish to return to the capital, even if it costs me my life, I am willing!" The Emperor generously rewarded him and consoled him, promoting him to the position of Senior Grand Master of Ceremonies in Silver, and appointed him as the Prefect of Wuwei, in recognition of his outstanding governance of the region.
In the third year of the Daye era, Fan Zigai returned to the capital to meet the emperor. The emperor called him to the inner chamber and praised him highly. The emperor also issued an imperial decree: "When selecting officials, we must choose talented and capable individuals; the best way to win the people's hearts is through good governance. The two virtuous ministers Gong and Ji in the past were renowned for their moral leadership in their regions, and the two virtuous ministers Zhang and Du also left behind a reputation for honesty later on. They all governed the realm with the help of capable officials like you. You are highly capable and possess great integrity. Since you took office in the west, you have always put the people first, governed the region effectively, treated people with kindness, and enforced the law firmly. Despite being in a position of wealth and honor, you stand firm against the temptations of corruption. Your accomplishments are outstanding, and you consistently rank among the top in evaluations. All officials in office should be dedicated to their duties and responsibilities as you are, so I can govern the country with peace of mind!" Therefore, the emperor promoted Fan Zigai to the rank of Golden Purple Guanglu Daifu, bestowing upon him numerous rewards, while maintaining his position as the Prefect of Wuwei.
In the fifth year of the Daye era, the emperor embarked on a western expedition and prepared to enter the Tuyuhun region. Fan Zigai knew that the Tuyuhun region had thick fog, so he offered Qingmuxiang to help clear the fog for the emperor. Upon his return, the emperor asked him, "Everyone says you are honest; is that true?" Fan Zigai replied, "How could I claim to be honest? I merely exercise caution and refrain from accepting bribes." Because of this, the emperor rewarded him generously. Later, the emperor issued a proclamation: "Encouraging the people to act kindly and adhere to etiquette and laws is essential for governing the realm together; punishing wrongdoers and rewarding the virtuous is crucial for maintaining clear justice. I personally toured the Hexi region, assessed their governance performance, and found that many officials did not abide by the law and were punished for their crimes. Jin Zi Guanglu Dafu, Wuxian Taishou Fan Zigai, you are honest and uncorrupted by a tainted environment, with an upright character and a humble demeanor. You strike a balance between kindness and firmness, earning both the respect and affection of the people. You govern effectively without resorting to harshness. You are truly a pillar of the state and an exemplary servant to the nation; you should be recognized and celebrated, inspiring others. I hereby promote you to Right Guanglu Dafu, while your position as Wuxian Taishou will remain unchanged." The emperor generously rewarded him once more.
Fan Zigai said to himself, "I journeyed from the south to the west, always remaining an outsider, never serving in the court. Even in death, I cannot serve by the emperor's side. If I die on the frontier, I will have no regrets; I only hope Your Majesty can understand my intentions." The emperor said, "Though you stand as just one person beside me, your governance in the west carries the weight of thousands. You should understand the weight of this responsibility." In the sixth year of Daye, the emperor was spending the summer at Longchuan Palace and expressed a desire to visit Hexi. Fan Zigai hoped the emperor's entourage would come to inspect his jurisdiction. Upon learning this, the emperor issued an edict: "You have always been loyal and respectful, wholeheartedly serving the country. I have heard that I am going on a western tour, and you eagerly await my visit to your jurisdiction. Your loyalty is moving. I hope you can maintain this loyalty and continue to do your best." That year, Fan Zigai went to Jiangdu Palace to see the emperor, who said, "Wealth and status should not prevent you from returning to your hometown; it is like walking at night in splendid attire." The emperor commanded a grand banquet to be held in Lujiang County in his honor, bestowed numerous gifts, and permitted him to pay respects at his ancestors' tomb and host a feast for the elders in his hometown. At that time, he was the envy of all. Later, Fan Zigai was appointed Minister of Civil Affairs. At that time, the Khagan of Chuluo and the King of Gaochang presented tributes to the court, and the emperor also appointed Fan Zigai as the Prefect of Wuwei, in charge of receiving envoys from these two minority groups. Speaking of the conflict in Liaodong, my father was appointed Left Martial Guard General and led troops on an expedition, taking the Cen Road. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, he did not go and was instead appointed Left Guanglu Grand Master, while still retaining his position as a senior official. That year, when the emperor returned to Luoyang that year, my father arranged for me to remain in Zhuo County. Nine years later, when the emperor returned to Liaodong again, he arranged for me to stay in Luoyang this time.
Just as Yang Xuangan was rebelling, his troops were at the gates, ready to break in. I quickly sent Pei Hongce, the Governor of Henan, to engage in battle, but he was defeated by Yang Xuangan, who had Pei Hongce beheaded as a warning. The Imperial Scholar Yang Wang showed a hint of disrespect, and I almost had him executed. Yang Wang was so scared that he quickly kowtowed to apologize, kowtowing until his head bled, and it took me a while to spare him. Now the entire army was in fear, and none of the generals dared to meet my gaze.
Yang Xuangan consistently launched fierce assaults on the city, while I methodically prepared our defenses, managing to repel his attacks every time, so he never succeeded. Later, reinforcements arrived to aid us, and Yang Xuangan had to retreat. In this battle, my father claimed the lives of many, totaling tens of thousands!
I was appointed as the Interior Minister of Henan. The Emperor arrived in Gaoyang, and I hurried to the emperor's temporary residence. I was then summoned by the Emperor, who praised me, saying, "In the past, Emperor Gaozu left Xiao He in Guanzhong, Emperor Guangwu left Kou Xun in Henan, and you, you are just as talented!" I quickly replied humbly, "I have a heavy responsibility but limited abilities, how can I compare myself to those two wise ministers! It’s only because Your Majesty is so wise and powerful that those rebels pose no threat." The Emperor then promoted me to Grand Master of Splendor, granted me the title of Marquis of Jian'an, while my duties as a secretary remained unchanged. He also rewarded me with three thousand bolts of silk and fifty musicians. I firmly declined, but after the Emperor's persistent generosity, I reluctantly accepted.
The emperor looked at me and said, "I am assigning Prince Yue to guard the Eastern Capital, signaling the stability of the royal family's foundation; the important matters of the state will ultimately be entrusted to you. You must exercise caution and take 500 soldiers with you, as this embodies the principle of 'brave warriors remain in the shadows.' Those who disobey orders or break the rules shall be executed without hesitation. As long as results can be achieved, do not be bound by formalities. Now I have crafted a jade qilin token for you, to replace the original bronze beast token." The emperor then gestured towards Prince Yue and Prince Dai, saying, "I am entrusting these two grandsons to you and Wei Wensheng. You must select individuals who are honest, kind, experienced, and talented to instruct them. You must carefully consider their words and actions." The emperor then rewarded me with fertile land and a mansion.
Ten years later, in the winter, the emperor visited the Eastern Capital and said to me, "The rebellion of Yang Xuangan serves to test your loyalty. Due to your merits, you have been promoted and are entitled to a corresponding decree." On that day, a decree was issued, elevating me to the rank of Ji Gong, which signifies that my merits benefit the world, and this title was specifically created for this purpose, with no historical precedent. The emperor also bestowed upon me 3,000 rolls of silk and twenty servants. Later, I, together with Su Wei and Yuwen Shu, accompanied the emperor to a banquet at the Jicui Pavilion. The emperor personally raised a golden cup in a toast to me, saying, "Effective strategies and plans must be evaluated after you take action. Now, I reward you with this golden cup as a symbol of everlasting good fortune." He also granted me one hundred rolls of brocade.
In the eleventh year, it is said that the emperor set out from the Fenyang Palace. When he reached Yanmen Pass, the emperor's carriage was besieged by the Turkic army, and after many battles, they had not achieved victory. The emperor wanted to break through with his elite cavalry, but Gaozu urgently advised against it, saying, "Your Majesty, as the Son of Heaven, how can you charge out so recklessly? If the situation turns critical, there will be no time for regrets. It is better for us to defend the city, first weaken the enemy's resolve, then call for reinforcements from all directions, and wait for the right moment. Your Majesty, what is there to worry about? Why must you personally break through?" With tears in his eyes, Gaozu pleaded, "I hope Your Majesty will consider pausing the war in Liaodong to calm the people's hearts. Your Majesty, personally comfort and encourage the soldiers, and generously reward them; then the people's hearts will be at ease, and there will be no need for concern." The emperor heeded his advice. Eventually, reinforcements began to arrive, and the Turkic army withdrew.
Neishi Su Wei later felt that the rewards were too generous and should be reconsidered. Gaozu Gai insisted that he could not betray the people's trust. The emperor asked him, "Are you trying to win people's hearts?" Gaozu Gai remained silent and did not dare to answer. Later, the emperor's procession returned to the eastern capital. At that time, bandits Jingtanduo and Chaibaochang gathered tens of thousands of troops in the Fenzhou and Jinzhou areas, causing immense suffering to the local people. The emperor ordered Gaozu Gai to go and suppress them. Many locals, innocent or not, found their villages burned in the area north of the Fenshui River. Frightened locals flocked to join the bandits. Those who surrendered, young and old alike, were all executed. Gaozu Gai commanded tens of thousands of troops and fought for an extended period without being able to eliminate the bandits. Finally, the emperor ordered him to be recalled. Later, he led troops to attack the bandits in Yiyang, but stopped due to illness and eventually died in his own mansion at the age of seventy-two. The emperor was deeply saddened and took a long time to compose himself. He asked Huangmen Shilang Pei Ju, "What did Zigai say before he died?" Pei Ju replied, "When Zigai was seriously ill, he deeply regretted the shame of Yanmen being besieged." After hearing this, the emperor sighed and ordered officials to offer condolences, rewarding him with three hundred bolts of silk, five hundred bushels of rice, posthumously honoring him with the title of Palace Attendant of the Third Rank, and posthumously naming him "Jing." Over ten thousand people attended his funeral. The people and officials of Wuwei heard of his death and grieved deeply, erecting a monument to commemorate his contributions. Gaozu Gai did not have any special strategies. He was cautious in command, never facing defeat, and governed with keen insight into the needs of the people, so no one dared to deceive him. However, he was harsh and lacked compassion, being resolute in his killings. On the day he died, it was said he saw a haunting vision of overlapping ghosts of decapitated heads, creating a gloomy and terrifying scene.
Shi Xiang, courtesy name Shi Xiu, was from Shuofang. His father, Ning, once served as the Junior Minister of State in the Zhou Dynasty. Shi Xiang had both literary and martial talents from a young age. During the Zhou Dynasty, he served as the Right Charioteer to the Crown Prince and inherited the title of Duke of Wusui County.
After the founding emperor ascended the throne, Shi Xiang was appointed as an Imperial Counsellor, responsible for managing Jiaozhou, and his title was elevated to Duke of Yangcheng County. During his tenure in Jiaozhou, Shi Xiang performed numerous benevolent acts for the people. Several years later, he was promoted to General of the Horse.
In the war against the Chen Dynasty, Shi Xiang followed the Duke of Yiyang, Wang Shiji, leading the navy from Jiujang. As the vanguard, he fought against the Chen Dynasty army, defeated the enemy, and captured Jiangzhou. The emperor was greatly pleased upon hearing this and issued an edict saying, "I commanded the various armies to rescue the people from the tyranny and insurrection of Chen Shubao and his son. Those small enemy forces dared to confront our army with boats, relying on the natural defenses of the Yangtze River. You personally led the troops, capitalized on the opportunity, fought bravely, sank enemy ships, captured enemies, and achieved remarkable feats! I also heard that you led the army to capture Jiangzhou. The Grand Marshal, Duke of Xiangyi, He Ruobi, has captured Jingkou, and Duke of Xinyi, Han Qintiger, has captured Gushu. Your cavalry crossed the Yangtze River and made unstoppable progress wherever they went. The army of the Prince of Jin will soon enter Jianye, pacify the Wuyue region, and victory is imminent. Your talents as General of the Horse are outstanding, and your ambitions are great; I have always known that. Develop strategies well, strive for greater achievements, and let your wealth and fame be forever recorded in history!" Shi Xiang was then promoted to Senior Minister. Shortly after, he was appointed as the General of Qizhou, and soon after, he was appointed as the Left Leading General.
Later, Shi Xiang served as the Grand Marshal, following Prince Jin Yang Guang to Lingwu to campaign against the Turks, defeating the Turkic army. After that, he was promoted to General of the Right Wing.
During the Renshou period, Shi Xiang led the army stationed in Honghua to guard against the invasion of the Turks. When Yang Guang was still in the Eastern Palace, he once wrote a letter to him, which said:
General, you guard the frontier and rout the barbarians, take care of the horses, and occasionally go hunting. Your achievements put Li Guang and Wei Shang to shame; you are truly a unique hero! I recommended you to lead troops before, and you showed great power on the frontier, driving the barbarians deep into the desert. We fought together in the past, experienced ups and downs, felt a rush of excitement at the sight of Dragon City, and wanted to give them a good thrashing upon seeing their lair. You are extremely brave, undefeated in battle, but unfortunately, things did not go as planned; now you find yourself laboring in silence. Every time I think of this, I feel sorry for you.
Your ambitions and aspirations have always been bound together like glue. I have long admired you; our relationship is as harmonious as fish and water. Recently, I followed the emperor on a trip and heard that we are returning to the capital. I was supposed to go to the south for duty and make proclamations in various places, but unexpectedly, the emperor suddenly appointed me to serve in the Shaoyang Palace. I'm shaking in my boots, feeling like I'm walking on thin ice. If I could build achievements on the border, fight in all directions, govern the people, follow the court's rules, and fulfill my duties as a subject, that’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I have always admired those predecessors who have made contributions, hoping to build achievements like them and serve the country. But now, with the responsibility of guarding the country and governing the world, I have my limitations and can’t shoulder such a heavy responsibility! I hope my old friend can help me bridge my gaps.
During this time, I've had some free time due to state affairs, resting in the palace. I'm getting tired of the quiet life at the North Pavilion and have also given up the hunting activities in Nanpi. Bowang Garden is missing some scholars, and the banquets at Feigai Garden just aren't the same. My relatives and friends are all far away, and I only have music and books to keep me company. I miss you so much it feels like I'm seriously ill.
Xiang replied in a letter:
Ah, I received your gift, and I'm really grateful and moved. I'll always remember this kindness. I never thought that while I was stuck in the freezing wilderness, I would suddenly be transferred to a warm and comfortable place. It is truly surprising! Going from the cold frontier to the warm inland in an instant, the change is just too much! I'm not sure how to react, having never learned to fight and having always lived in peace. Thanks to my ancestors' legacy, I'm able to work in the palace. I'm worried I'm not capable enough for such big responsibilities, and I wouldn't dare compare myself to the heroes of old.
In the past, when the court sent troops to battle, with some divine help, the army charged ahead and made a name for itself overseas. At that time, there were many valiant generals and wise strategists! As for me, I was just a regular soldier, lucky enough to hear the generals' plans and stay out of trouble. I liken my experiences to those of Generals Lei and Chen, and Liu and Ge. I believe that sages are humble, and that's something ordinary folks can't match. Why do I say this? Because rivers and lakes take in all the dirty water, and tall pine trees have vines climbing on them. You probably get my little thoughts, Marquis. Your virtue shines bright, and by bettering yourself, managing your home, ruling the country, and bringing peace, that's how the world can be at peace. This is something only a sage like Duke Zhou or King Tang can achieve; how can we regular folks understand?
I’ve heard you’ve been enjoying some leisure time lately, cultivating yourself, reading the Six Classics, and hosting guests in the West Garden. You also enjoy visiting Nanpi, and I will always cherish your past kindness. I have been working diligently, going through the ups and downs of life. Although I am in the borderlands, my thoughts are always with the court. When the night is quiet, the cool breeze blows, and the bright moon hangs overhead, I think of your words and hope to return to your side one day. From the border to the capital, the journey is long, and looking at the floating clouds in the sky, I feel a whirlwind of emotions! The Crown Prince has treated me exceptionally well. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, Prince Liang of Han rebelled. General Qi Liang attacked Liyang from Fukou, blocking the Baima Ferry, while General Yu Gongli came down from Taihang Mountain to Henan. The Emperor appointed Yang Su as the army's commander, stationed in Heyin, but they struggled to cross the river for quite a while. Yang Su remarked to his officers, "Yu Gongli is overconfident and inexperienced. He has just won some small victories and now thinks his troops are reliable. Having many troops makes one prone to arrogance. Moreover, the people in northern Hebei have no military experience; they are just a bunch of city folks brought in to fight. I believe they’re not a real threat." So, Yang Su ordered his troops to get ready with siege equipment. Yu Gongli's scouts caught wind of Yang Su's plans and set up defenses in the inner city of Heyang.
Yang Su moored his boat on the southern bank, and Yu Gongli consolidated his forces to defend. Yang Su selected an elite force and secretly crossed the river downstream, while Yu Gongli led a large army to resist. When Yang Su arrived at Xushui, the two armies confronted each other. Before Yu Gongli could form his battle lines, Yang Su launched a fierce attack and achieved a decisive victory. Yang Su then marched east to Liyang to defeat Qi Liang and others. Qi Liang assembled his troops and awaited battle, but before the conflict could begin, Qi Liang abandoned his army and fled. Consequently, his army was routed, and Yang Su pursued and killed over ten thousand people. Yang Su was promoted to the rank of Grand General, and the emperor rewarded him with seven thousand bolts of silk, ten singing girls, twenty fine horses, and appointed him as Minister of Ceremonies.
The emperor personally composed a poem for Yang Su:
"Bo Jue conveys his significance at dawn, Xia Hou meets him deeply. Your ears hear only of the past, while your eyes remain blind to the present. The early cliffs boast resilient grasses, long-standing loyalty to the Huai River. Sweep away the rebels outside Li Mountain, rally the forces by the banks of the He River. Your achievements are already inscribed in the royal annals; may the title of 'Minister of Ceremonies' be remembered with favor."
Yang Su expressed his gratitude in a memorial, and the emperor issued a decree saying: "Last year, you diligently led troops to quell the rebels in Hebei. At that time, the rebels blocked the passes, occupied the granaries, and cut off the Yellow River, forcing many people to join the rebellion. You devoted yourself wholeheartedly, fought bravely, and quickly quelled the rebellion. As the Book of Songs says, 'After the turmoil, there is peace and tranquility.' Without your exceptional talents and strategic brilliance, who else could have achieved this? So I just wanted to express my gratitude, and you don't need to thank me."
He was first appointed as the Minister of Rites. At that time, the Turkic Khan wished to pay his respects to the emperor, and the emperor sent him to welcome him. Later, he also participated in the war against the Tuyuhun, leading his troops on a surprise attack along a narrow path, defeating them and capturing more than a thousand men and women. The emperor rewarded him with sixty servants and three hundred horses. He was promoted to the position of Left Minister of Guanglu and later appointed as the Left General of the Valiant Guard. During the campaign in Liaodong, he took the Tadun route, but the battle turned against him, so he withdrew his troops. Due to this defeat, he was dismissed from his post and returned to being a commoner. Not long after, he was appointed as the Prefect of Yan County, but was besieged by bandits under the leadership of Gao Kaidao. He feigned illness to avoid handling government affairs. When the city fell, Gao Kaidao still treated him with courtesy. Later, Gao Kaidao allied with Luo Yi and sent him back to Zhuo County, where he passed away during the journey.
He had a son named Yilong, who served as the county magistrate of Yongnian. His elder brother, Yun, was styled Shigao; his younger brother was Wei, styled Shi'yi, and all the brothers were very capable. His elder brother held the position of Governor of Laizhou and Count of Wuping; his younger brother held the titles of Wubeng Langjiang and Count of Wudang.
Yuanshou, with the courtesy name Changshou, was from Luoyang, Henan. His grandfather, Dun, was the Shizhong of the Northern Wei and the Prince of Shaoling. His father, Bao, was the Circuit Governor of Liangzhou during the Zhou Dynasty. Yuanshou lost his father at a young age and was recognized for his benevolence and filial piety. At the age of nine, when his father passed away, he was grief-stricken and became very thin, which surprised his relatives and friends. He was deeply devoted to serving his mother and became well-known for it. As he grew older, he was known for his integrity and studied numerous classical texts. In the early years of the reign of Emperor Wu of the Zhou Dynasty, he was appointed as the Marquis of Longcheng with a fief of one thousand households. In the fourth year of Baoding, he was subsequently reappointed as the Marquis of Yilong and granted the title of Yitong Sansi. In the early years of the Sui Dynasty, the court planned to attack the Chen Kingdom. Due to his keen insights, Yuanshou was sent to Huai Pu to oversee the construction of ships and was highly commended for his exceptional administrative skills. In the fourth year of Kaihuang, he also participated in supervising the construction of canals and was appointed as the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Rites. In the eighth year of Kaihuang, he followed the Prince of Jin to attack the Chen Kingdom and was appointed as the Left Chancellor of the Council, responsible for the affairs of the Marshal's Office. After the fall of the Chen Kingdom, he was appointed as the Left Deputy of the Ministry of Rites. Emperor Gaozu went to the hunting grounds for archery, and all civil and military officials followed. The wife of the Duke of Kaifu, Xiao Moho, was dying, and he requested the emperor to allow his son to go to Jiangnan to collect the family property. The censors noticed this but remained silent. Yuanshou then submitted a memorial to impeach him, saying:
I have learned that the workings of the heavenly Dao are silent and unseen, and all things follow the laws of the changing seasons. Your Majesty is dedicated to governance, and all important matters of the country are entrusted to the officials. The role of the censor is to oversee the officials and uphold the law. If even the censors dare not enforce the law impartially, then to whom can the law be entrusted?
On the fifth day of this month, the emperor visited the imperial hunting grounds, and the Minister of Works and concurrently one of the Three Excellencies, Xiao Mohe, was present to observe. While watching the ceremony, Xiao Mohe unexpectedly requested the emperor to allow his son, Xiao Shilue, to return to their old home in Jiangnan to handle family affairs. His wife was critically ill and could pass away at any time. Is it really appropriate for him to send his son back to deal with family matters at such a critical time? In my opinion, the bond between husband and wife is of utmost importance, just like crows that feed their young. Xiao Mohe, however, for the sake of money, he forgot the bond that should exist between husband and wife and actually let his son abandon his sick mother to chase after wealth, just to accumulate money. His words show a complete disregard for ethics and morals! What's even more infuriating is that the court officials, including Han Weizhi, witnessed this firsthand yet did not accuse him! If they knew it was wrong but were too afraid to speak up, that’s favoritism and injustice; if they thought it was fine, then their judgment is seriously lacking!
After giving it some thought, Liu Xingben, who serves as the Minister of Works, the Crown Prince’s Imperial Tutor, and an Assistant Imperial Censor, has earned the emperor's trust and has been serving in the court for quite a while. He should be someone who upholds the law and promotes proper conduct. Yet, during his time in the Ministry of Justice, he broke the law, which is absolutely disgraceful! Even though I’m just a low-ranking official, I can’t just look the other way, so I decided to report this. As for Liu Xingben and Han Weizhi, I think they should be turned over to the Grand Court for investigation.
The emperor was very pleased after hearing my report and immediately promoted me to the position of Minister of Rites. Several years later, I was appointed as the governor of Jizhou, where I was renowned for my integrity. Upon returning to the court, I was appointed as the Minister of Finance and was later promoted to the position of Chief of Three Departments. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, Prince Liang of Han rebelled. Yang Su, the Left Chief Minister, was appointed as the commander-in-chief, and I served as his chief historian. Whenever we encountered enemies, I consistently led the charge and earned numerous military accolades, earning me the title of Grand General. I was later promoted to Tai Fu Qing. Four years later, I was appointed as the Minister of the Interior and accompanied the emperor on his expedition against the Tuyuhun. I led a large army stationed at Jinshan, with camps extending over three hundred miles on both the east and west sides, besieging the Tuyuhun king. After the war, I was appointed as the Right Guanglu Daifu. Seven years later, I also served as the Left Yiwu General, following the emperor in the campaign against Liaodong. When we reached Zhuojun, I died of illness at the age of sixty-three. The emperor was profoundly saddened and personally mourned my passing, posthumously promoting me to the position of Right Chief Minister of Personnel and Guanglu Daifu, with the posthumous title of "Jing."
Zimin was quite talented and eloquent, but he was impulsive, adventurous, and cunning. After his death, the emperor still remembered him and promoted him to be the attendant of the Minister of the Interior. However, he consorted with gamblers and frequently leaked palace secrets. Later, during a rebellion, Zimin got involved in the planning and even feigned an appointment as Deputy Minister of the Interior, only to be killed by Shen Guang.
Zimin had the ability, but his character was lacking; he was unreliable in his actions and enjoyed playing tricks. The emperor, out of old affection, arranged for him to be an attendant of the Minister of the Interior, but he ended up mingling with unsavory characters, leaking palace secrets. Later, during a rebellion, Zimin actually participated and even obtained a false title of Deputy Minister of the Interior, only to be killed by Shen Guang in the end, which can be seen as a classic case of reaping what he sowed.
Yang Yichen, from Daizhou, originally had the surname Yuchi. His father, Yuchi Chong, served as a general in the Northern Zhou and stationed his troops at Hengshan. At that time, Yang Jian (Emperor Gaozu) was the Governor of Dingzhou. Yuchi Chong was impressed by Yang Jian's looks and made an effort to befriend him. Yang Jian became close to him as well. Later, when Yang Jian became Chancellor, Yuchi Jiong staged a rebellion. Yuchi Chong, being related to Yuchi Jiong, locked himself away and sent someone to apologize. Yang Jian sent him a comforting letter, immediately dispatched a fast horse to bring him to the capital, and often kept him close. During the Kaihuang period, Yuchi Chong was granted the title of Duke of Qinxing County. More than a year later, Yuchi Chong accompanied the Chief Military Commander Daxi Changru to battle the Turks at Zhoupan and fell bravely in battle. The court posthumously elevated him to the rank of General and Governor of Yuzhou, allowing Yang Yichen to succeed to his father's title.
At that time, Yang Yichen was still young, growing up in the palace. Before he was twenty years old, he was ordered to serve as a palace guard for several years, and the emperor bestowed many rewards upon him. One day, during a casual conversation, the emperor talked about his former subordinates. Looking at Yang Yichen, he sighed deeply and then issued a decree that stated: "When I first ascended to the throne, rebellions broke out everywhere. Those who are perceptive deserve my attention. Yu Chi Chong and Yu Chi Jiong are relatives. Yu Chi Jiong rebelled in Ye City, and his father Yu Chi Chong was in Changshan at the time, in charge of the army. They were neighbors and close relatives. He understood the meaning of loyalty and righteousness, as well as the will of heaven. He voluntarily declared his loyalty to the court, fearing repercussions, and chose to imprison himself, requesting the court to take action. Later, when the Turks invaded, he fought valiantly against the enemy, willing to die, and eventually died in battle. His loyalty and accomplishments were remarkable. Although I have granted him a high official rank and rewards, along with blessings for his descendants, this alone cannot adequately express his loyalty or commend his righteousness. Therefore, I grant that Yu Yichen may change his surname to Yang, give him thirty measures of cash, thirty measures of wine, one hundred measures each of rice and wheat, and include him in the imperial genealogy, making him a great-grandson of the imperial family." Shortly thereafter, Yang Yichen was appointed as the governor of Shanzhou.
Yang Yichen was a prudent and honorable man, an adept horse archer, and possessed great military talent, so the emperor valued him highly. Later, the Turkic Khaganate invaded the borders, and Yang Yichen, as the commander of the army, commanded thirty thousand infantry and cavalry in an assault from the White Road, encountering the enemy and winning a great victory. The following year, the Turkic invaders came again, inflicting severe damage on the Yanmen and Mayi regions. Yang Yichen went to meet the enemy, expelling the Turkic forces from the borders and pursuing them to Jinshan, where another encounter took place. At this time, General Taiping, Shi Wansui, soon arrived with his troops, and together with Yang Yichen, they attacked the Turkic invaders and secured a decisive victory. Unfortunately, Shi Wansui was later framed and assassinated by Yang Su, and Yang Yichen's contributions were not recorded. In the early years of the Renshou era, Yang Yichen was appointed as the commander of Shuozhou, and the emperor bestowed armor upon him. When Emperor Yang of Sui just ascended the throne, Prince Han Liang instigated a rebellion in Bingzhou. At that time, the commander of Shidaizhou, Li Jing, was besieged by Qiao Zhongkui, a lieutenant of Prince Han. The emperor commanded this unnamed loyal official to come to his rescue. This loyal official departed from Xixing at night, covering several dozen miles by dawn. Upon seeing the loyal official's limited forces, Qiao Zhongkui mobilized all his troops to intercept them.
General Wang Ba, under Qiao Zhongkui's command, was exceptionally brave and skilled in using a weapon called the "Mao Xiao." Others could not hit him at all, and he often led a few cavalrymen to charge into the enemy lines. Yichen was quite troubled by this situation and openly recruited someone who could deal with Wang Ba. General Yang Sien of the Cavalry volunteered. Yichen saw Yang Sien's imposing and exceptionally brave demeanor and said to him, "Good job, brave warrior!" and rewarded him with a cup of wine. When Yang Sien saw Wang Ba standing behind the formation, he smashed the wine cup on the ground, mounted his horse, and charged. He made two unsuccessful charges, so Yichen sent a dozen cavalrymen to follow him. Yang Sien eventually broke through the enemy lines, killed several people, and charged all the way to Wang Ba's flag.
The two sides clashed in close combat, and all of Yang Sien's cavalrymen fell back. Yang Sien was killed by Wang Ba. Wang Ba pursued the advantage, and Yichen's army fled north for more than ten miles. Later, Yichen retrieved Yang Sien's body, weeping bitterly, and all the soldiers wept with him. Those cavalrymen who had retreated with Yang Sien were all killed. Yichen felt his forces were lacking, so he gathered all the cattle and donkeys in the camp, around a few thousand, and mobilized several hundred soldiers, each with a drum. They secretly drove the cattle and donkeys into a valley and launched a surprise assault.
In the evening, Yichen once again engaged in battle with Qiao Zhongkui's army. At the beginning of the battle, he ordered the men driving the cattle and donkeys to charge quickly. For a moment, the drumbeats shook the ground, and dust filled the air. Qiao Zhongkui's army were confused about what was happening and thought it was an ambush, resulting in a major defeat at the hands of Yichen. As a result of this victory, Yichen was promoted to the rank of Grand General, awarded two thousand bolts of silk, five hundred pieces of multicolored silk, ten beautiful maidens, and twenty good horses. Soon after, he was appointed governor of Xiangzhou. Three years later, he was called to serve as the Minister of Ceremonies. Before long, he was promoted to Grand Minister of Ceremonies.
Later, he followed the emperor to campaign against the Tuyuhun people and was ordered to establish a camp that stretched eighty li at Pipa Gorge, with Yanshou to the south and Duan Wenzhen to the north, to besiege the king of Tuyuhun at Fuyuanchuan. Afterwards, he also participated in the war against Liaodong, serving as the vanguard and responsible for leading the army through the Sushen Road. Upon reaching the Yalu River, he engaged in battle with Yizhi Wende, achieving victory seven times a day. Later, he suffered defeat alongside other armies and was dismissed from his position. Shortly after, he was reinstated in his official position.
The next year, he was appointed as the deputy general and, together with the grand general Yu Wenshu, attacked Pyongyang. Upon reaching the Yalu River, they encountered Yang Xuangan's rebellion, so they returned to the capital, and he was appointed as the acting Prefect of Zhao County. Later, bandits gathered along the coast, creating chaos in Fufeng and Anding, and loyal officials were tasked with quelling the rebellion. Then, he once again followed the emperor to campaign against Liaodong and was promoted to Left Guanglu Daifu. At that time, Gao Shida from Bohai and Zhang Jincheng from Qinghe joined forces to become bandits, numbering in the tens of thousands and seizing many counties. The emperor sent General Duan Da to suppress them, but he was unsuccessful. The emperor ordered the loyal official to lead the tens of thousands of troops withdrawn from Liaodong to confront them, and the loyal official defeated Gao Shida and killed Zhang Jincheng. He also persuaded many rebels to surrender, entered Douzi, subdued Ge Qian, and captured him, reporting the situation to the court.
The emperor, wary of his growing reputation, quickly summoned him back to court, leading to a resurgence of the rebels. The loyal official was promoted to Guanglu Daifu due to his military accomplishments and shortly thereafter appointed as the Minister of Rites. Not long after that, he passed away.
Wei Xuan, style name Wensheng, was a native of Luoyang, Henan. His grandfather Wei Yue was the Minister of Agriculture in the Wei Kingdom, and his father Wei Piao served as the Palace Attendant and General of the Left Military Guard. Wei Xuan showed intelligence and talent from a young age. When Emperor Wu of Zhou was still a prince, he recruited Wei Xuan as a secretary. Later, Wei Xuan was promoted to the rank of Senior Censor, inherited the title of Duke of Xingshi, was granted a fief comprising four thousand households, and was transferred to serve as the Grand Master of Xuanna. After Emperor Wu personally took control, he appointed Wei Xuan as the Chief Steward of Yizhou Province and also rewarded him with a belt studded with ten thousand nails. He continued to rise in ranks, eventually becoming Minister of the Household, responsible for managing internal affairs, and also serving as the Intendant of Jingzhao Prefecture, where everyone recognized his abilities. During the reign of Emperor Xuan, he was dismissed from office for disobeying the emperor's orders.
When Emperor Wen of Sui became Prime Minister, he appointed Wei Xuan to oversee the administration of Xiongzhou. Later, when the tribes in Hezhou rebelled, Wei Xuan led the troops as the Commander-in-Chief to quell the rebellion. After Emperor Wen declared himself emperor, Wei Xuan was appointed Governor-General of Huaizhou and was granted the title of Duke of Tonggui County, but he was later dismissed for unspecified reasons. Not long after, he was appointed as the Inspector of Lanzhou. During the construction of the Great Wall, the court assigned Wei Xuan to supervise the project. Shortly after, he was appointed Acting Governor-General of Shuozhou. He later became Junior Minister of the Guard. During the Reign of Renshou, the mountain tribes rose in rebellion, and Wei Xuan was sent to serve as the Inspector of Zizhou to pacify the rebellion.
After Wei Xuan took office, he arrived just in time for the Liao tribes to attack Dalao Town. Wei Xuan only brought one horse and went to the camp of the Liao tribes, saying to them, "I am the governor, and I've come to pacify you on behalf of the emperor; there's no need to be afraid!" The bandits were hesitant to act. So Wei Xuan appealed to their sense of reason and emotion, and the leaders were touched, so they lifted the siege and withdrew. Over ten thousand people surrendered. Emperor Wen of Sui was delighted, rewarding him with two thousand rolls of silk, appointing him as the governor of Suizhou, while also overseeing pacification efforts in the Jiannan region. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, he summoned Wei Xuan back to court and appointed him as the Minister of the Imperial Guard. The Yi and Liao tribes were very sad to see him go, escorting him for hundreds of miles. Wei Xuan said to them, "The emperor has decreed, I can't stay long." So he bid farewell to them, and the Yi and Liao tribes tearfully said goodbye. Over a year later, Wei Xuan was promoted to Minister of Construction.
Later, he was appointed as the Prefect of Weijun, while still serving as a minister. The emperor said to Wei Xuan, "Weijun is a famous large city and an important strategic location, with many deceitful people among the commoners, and that's why I'm sending you there. Weijun is not far from the capital; you should come back regularly to keep me updated on court affairs." The emperor rewarded him with five hundred rolls of cloth before letting him go. Shortly after, Wei Xuan was appointed General of the Right Houwei, while also overseeing the Left Houwei's affairs. In the eighth year of Daye, he was promoted to Minister of Justice. During the Liaodong campaign, he was appointed Acting General of the Right Imperial Guards, leading troops to support the efforts in Liaodong. Many armies were defeated at the time, but only Wei Xuan's forces returned intact. He was subsequently granted the title of Golden Purple Guanglu Daifu. In the ninth year of Daye, the emperor went to Liaodong, leaving Wei Xuan and Prince Dai Yang You to oversee the capital, and appointing Wei Xuan as the Interior Minister of Jingzhao, while continuing to serve as a minister. The emperor gave him the authority to act as he saw fit and ordered Prince Dai to treat him with the respect of a mentor.
Yang Xuangan launched a rebellion and besieged the Eastern Capital, Luoyang. Yang Xuangan mobilized seventy thousand troops, both infantry and cavalry, to provide assistance. When he reached Huayin, he dug up Yang Su's grave, burned his remains, and leveled the site to demonstrate his resolve to fight the rebels to the bitter end.
After passing Tongguan, some were worried about ambushes at Mount Xia, suggesting they follow the Yellow River downstream to launch a surprise attack on the rebels from behind at Heyang. Wei Wensheng remarked, "In my view, this plan is hardly fit for a child to conceive." So he ordered his troops to advance. After successfully passing through Hangu Pass, as he expected, there were no ambushes. Then, he dispatched Wu Benlang to lead Zhang Jun and a detachment in a feigned attack on the southern road, while he led the main force straight to the north of the city. Yang Xuangan met them in battle, and both sides fought while moving, and finally the rebels eventually took up position at Jinggu.
In the military camp, Wei Wensheng swept the ground and paid homage to his ancestors, saying, "Minister Wei Wensheng, Minister of Justice and Prefect of Jingzhao, specially addresses the spirit of Emperor Wen of the Gaozu: Since the founding of the royal family, it has been more than thirty years, with both military and civil achievements, and blessings that have spread far and wide. Yang Xuangan has betrayed the imperial grace, leading a rabble to invade our Great Tang territory like venomous snakes and scorpions. My Wei family has enjoyed the imperial favor for two generations, dedicated to serving the court and leading our soldiers; we vow to eradicate the rebels. If Heaven favors the nation, these rebels should be wiped out; if the fate of Great Tang has come to an end, then let this old minister be the first to fall." His impassioned speech left all the soldiers moved to tears.
At that time, the imperial army was outnumbered and at a disadvantage in multiple battles with the rebel army, suffering over fifty percent casualties. Yang Xuangan threw himself into the attack, while Wei Wensheng fought valiantly to push back the rebels and then took up position at Beimang. At this time, the reinforcements led by Yu Wenshu and Lai Huer arrived, which made Yang Xuangan panic and flee westward. Wei Wensheng dispatched the official Hu Siwan and the supervisor Pang Yu to lead the vanguard in pursuit, catching up to Yang Xuangan at Wanxiang and, alongside Yu Wenshu and others, defeated the rebels.
Upon arriving at Gaoyang, the emperor summoned Wei Wensheng and praised him, saying, "You are a loyal minister of the state! Thanks to you, I can rule without concern." He then issued a decree stating, "Recently, there has been turmoil in the Guanzhong and Hedong regions. Wei Wensheng led his soldiers to fight bravely and respond in time, eliminating the rebels from inside and outside. He should be promoted and rewarded. Promoted to Right Guanglu Dafu." He also granted him fine farmland, lavish estates, and substantial wealth.
Wei Wensheng returned to the capital, and the emperor said to him, "The defense of the Guanzhong region is entirely your responsibility. Your safety is the state’s safety; your peril is the state’s peril. You must have military escorts at all times, remain vigilant even in your sleep, and be cautious at all times. This is your responsibility. I am assigning you a thousand soldiers as your personal guard." He also bestowed upon him the Yu Lin Fu.
Eleven years later, the emperor dispatched Wei Wensheng to pacify the Guanzhong region again. At that time, banditry was rampant, and the people were starving, yet Wei Wensheng struggled to provide effective relief to the people. Furthermore, corruption and bribery had become rampant in the government. Feeling aged and frail, Wei Wensheng submitted a formal request for retirement. The emperor dispatched the court historian Feng Deyi to persuade him, saying, "The capital is the foundation of the country, the cornerstone of the monarchy, and the ancestral shrines and tombs are all there, requiring seasoned ministers like you to maintain public confidence. For the sake of the country's great cause, I cannot agree to your request; therefore, I have sent Deyi to clarify the situation to you." Wei Wensheng reluctantly agreed.
Later, the rebel forces invaded Guanzhong, and Wei Wensheng knew he was unable to defend the city. Worried, he claimed to be ill and did not attend court, and he ignored political affairs. After the city was lost, he returned home. He passed away during the Yinian era, at the age of seventy-seven.
Liu Quan, styled Shilue, was a native of Fengxian in Pengcheng. His grandfather, Liu Gui, once served as the magistrate of Luozhou in the Qi state. Liu Quan was known for his sense of honor from a young age, keeping his word and standing up for justice. Even fugitives did not dare to seek refuge in his home. Later, he transformed his character, studying diligently and following the rules in all things. Initially serving as a registrar in the province, he later held official positions in the Qi state, eventually rising to the ranks of a court official and a Langzhong of the Xingtai. After the downfall of the Qi state, Emperor Wu of the Zhou dynasty appointed him as the acting magistrate of Huaizhou. Following Emperor Yang Jian's ascension to the throne of the Sui dynasty, he was appointed as the General of Chariots and Cavalry, commanding local troops. He later accompanied Prince Jin Yang Guang in pacifying the Chen dynasty. For his military achievements, he was granted the title of Yitong Sanqi and awarded three thousand bolts of cloth. At that time, Duke He Ruobi of Song held him in high esteem.
In the twelfth year of the Kaihuang era, he was appointed as the governor of Suzhou and granted the title of Duke of Zongcheng. At that time, Jiangnan had just been pacified, and the people's sentiments were still unsettled. Liu Quan used kindness and trust to win over the people, winning their hearts. After Emperor Yang Guang of the Sui Dynasty ascended the throne, he was appointed Minister of Defense and later promoted to the rank of Yinqing Guanglu Dafu. In the fifth year of Daye, he followed the emperor to campaign against the Tuyuhun, leading the army from Yiwu Road, where they encountered the enemy and defeated them. He pursued the enemy to Qinghai, capturing over a thousand and triumphantly arriving at Fusicheng. The emperor then ordered Liu Quan to traverse Mantou and Chishui, establish Heyuan County and Jishi Town, actively develop farmland, and station him at the western border. He stayed on the frontier for five years, with all tribes submitting to the court and providing continuous annual tributes, while the remnants of the Tuyuhun fled far away, and the roads were unimpeded. He was later recalled to the court, appointed Minister of Agriculture, and granted the title of Jinzi Guanglu Dafu. Soon after, he was appointed Governor of Nanhai.
On his way to the South China Sea, he ran into a group of bandits causing a ruckus that blocked his way. The court ordered him to raise an army to deal with them. Liu Quan led the army to meet the bandits, but instead of directly engaging in battle, he took a small boat alone to the bandit camp, talking to them, appealing to their feelings, and laying out the pros and cons. The bandits were touched by him and surrendered one by one. When the emperor heard about this, he praised him highly. After arriving in the South China Sea, Liu Quan achieved a lot of impressive political feats. Several years later, when the bandits repeatedly attacked the county town, many influential families were eager to back Liu Quan as their leader, but he always did his best to fend off outside threats. His son Liu Shiche secretly sent someone to deliver a message to him, saying that the world was in chaos and heroes were emerging, urging him to rise up. Liu Quan gathered his subordinates and, without a second thought, he remained loyal in guarding the South China Sea until he passed away at seventy. His son Liu Xiao went on to hold positions like Attendant of the Bureau of Transmission and Assistant Officer of the Ministry of War, but he died young.
As for Lao Shiche, he was carefree and free-spirited, and many people admired him at that time. During the reign of the Sui Dynasty, when chaos prevailed and warlords fought for supremacy, wherever he went, people were wary of him, and he often got arrested and locked up, until he was finally killed by the bandit leader Xu Yuanlang in Yanzhou.
Now, let’s talk about Quan's dad, a loyal guy named Zijiang, who was strong and had great leadership skills. His son was named Dewei, and he was pretty famous too.
The history books say: Quan Congfu Lie was indeed very talented, strict, and quick-witted, and was willing to stand up for what was right, decisive in critical moments, defending the city with diligence and a strong sense of duty! When Yang Liang rebelled, Shi Xiang alone secured a victory; when a group of bandits invaded, Quan Congfu Lie won three battles, all of which made him famous at that time and has been celebrated by later generations. When Yuan Shou submitted a memorial, he aimed to uphold Confucian moral values, but when it came to merit and reward, his achievements still could not compare to Quan Congfu Lie, and the posthumous title he received was quite respectable! Wen Sheng's lifting of the siege in the eastern capital was acknowledged as a significant achievement, but his defense of the western capital was marred by bribery, which was truly despicable and hardly worth mentioning. Liu Quan came from an established family in the Huai-Chu region and had already gained fame early on. During the chaos in the world, he defended his post under Wei Tuo's command, resisting temptation and avoiding treachery. Although he did not respond to the court's call to support the king diligently, he can still be regarded as a loyal and honorable man.
