This is a partial directory of biographies from the *Book of Sui*, recording the life stories of many figures from the Sui Dynasty. Let's explore them one by one, starting from Volume Sixty-One.
Volume Sixty-One records the deeds of Yuwen Shu and Guo Yan. Yuwen Shu, as we all know, was a prominent figure in the Sui Dynasty; Guo Yan, though his name might not ring a bell, also had his own stories.
In Volume Sixty-Two, there are even more figures: Wang Shao, Yuan Yan, Liu Xingben, Liang Pi, Liu Yu, Zhao Chuo, Pei Su, all officials of the Sui Dynasty, each with their own experiences; some might have outstanding achievements, while others might have their shortcomings, but they are all documented in the text.
Volume Sixty-Three tells the stories of Fan Zigai, Shi Xiang, Yuan Shou, Yang Yichen, Wei Xuan, and Liu Quan. These individuals could be military generals or civil officials, but all are part of the history of the Sui Dynasty.
Volume Sixty-Four records the lives of Li Yuantong, Chen Mao, Zhang Dinghe, Zhang Yuan, Mai Tiezhang, Shen Guang, Lai Huer, Yu Juluo, Chen Leng, Wang Bian, Hus Wan Shan, and others. This volume features more military generals, each one a fierce warrior on the battlefield, making your blood boil just thinking about it.
Volume Sixty-Five records the deeds of Zhou Luohou, Zhou Fashang, Li Jing, Murong Sanzang, Xue Shixiong, Wang Rengong, Quan Wu, Tu Wanxu, Dong Chun, Zhao Cai, and others. The names in this volume sound pretty impressive, suggesting they were all significant figures in the Sui Dynasty.
In Volume Sixty-Six, the lives of Li E, Bao Hong, Pei Zheng, Liu Zhuang, Yuan Shi, Lang Mao, Gao Gou, Zhang Qianwei, Rong Pi (his brother is named Rong Jianxu), Lu Zhiming, Fang Yanqian, and others are recorded. This volume features more civil officials, all skilled at governing the nation.
Volume Sixty-Seven is relatively short, primarily highlighting Yu Shiji, Pei Yun, and Pei Ju. These three were all well-known figures at the time, leaving a lasting impact in the history of the Sui Dynasty.
Volume 68 records the tales of Yu Wenkai, Yan Pi, He Chou, Liu Long, Huang Gen (whose younger brother is named Huang Gun) and others. Yu Wenkai's name should be quite familiar to everyone, as he is a famous architect.
Volume 69 is relatively brief, listing only Wang Shao and Yuan Chong.
Volume 70 records the exploits of Yang Xuangan, along with Li Zixiong, Zhao Yuanshu, Hu Si Zheng, Liu Yuanjin, and other related generals. The story of Yang Xuangan's rebellion was a major event in the history of the Sui Dynasty.
Volume 71 centers on "Sincerity and Integrity," recording the deeds of Liu Hong, Huang Fu Dan (as well as Tao Mo, Jing Zhao), Tao Mo, You Yuan, Feng Ciming, Zhang Xudu, Yang Shanhui, Dugu Sheng, Yuan Wendu, Lu Chu, Liu Ziyi, Yao Junsu, Chen Xiaoyi, Zhang Jixun, Song Yun and others. The characters in this volume are all known for their loyalty and integrity.
Volume 72 focuses on "Filial Piety and Righteousness," recording the deeds of Lu Yanshi, Tian Demao, Xue Jun, Wang Ban, Yang Qing, Guo Jun, Tian Yi, Niu Hui, Liu Shijun, Lang Fanggui, Zhai Pulin, Li Derao, Hua Qiu, Xu Xiaosu and others. The characters in this volume are all known for their filial piety and benevolence.
Volume 73 highlights "Honest Officials," recording the deeds of Liang Yanguang, Fan Shulue, Zhao Gui, Fang Gongyi, Gongsun Jingmao, Xin Gongyi, Liu Jian, Guo Xuan, Liu Kuang, Wang Jia, Wei Deshen and others. The characters in this volume are all upright and clean officials.
Volume 74 focuses on "Harsh Officials," recording the deeds of She Di Shiwen, Tian Shi, Yan Rong, Zhao Zhongqing, Cui Hongduo (whose younger brother is named Cui Hongshi), Yuan Hongsi, Wang Wentong and others. The individuals in this volume, while employing strict measures, also made contributions to the stability of the Sui Dynasty.
Volume 75 is the final volume of the "Book of Sui Biographies," with more content to follow...
Wow, this is quite a long list! Let's take a look one by one. These are all figures recorded in *The Confucian Forest*, translated into modern terms, making it sound more relatable.
First, in Volume 76, Biography 41, it talks about some literary masters. Yuan Shan, Xin Yanzhi, He Tuo, as well as Xiao Gai, Bao Kai, Fang Huiyuan... These names sound very culturally profound. There are also Ma Guang, Liu Zhuo, Liu Xuan, Chu Hui, Gu Biao, Lu Shida, Zhang Chong, Wang Xiaoji, all famous literati and poets of the time. They were all talented individuals who were prominent figures of that time.
Next is Volume 77, Biography 42; this section focuses on reclusive scholars. Li Shiqian, Cui Kuo, Xu Ze, Zhang Wenxu, they chose to live a quiet life away from the world. Think about it, in that era, it took a lot of courage to make that choice.
In Volume 78, Biography 43, this section highlights talented individuals in the arts. Yu Jicai, Lu Taiyi, Geng Xun, Wei Ding, Lai He, Xiao Ji, Yang Bochou... These individuals were all renowned masters of their craft during that period, and their works must have been exceptionally brilliant. There are also Lin Xiaogong, Liu You, Zhang Zhouxuan, Xu Zhicang, Wan Baochang, and many others, all giants in the field of art.
In Volume 79, Biography 44, this chapter discusses the imperial relatives. The Lv family, relatives of Gaozu, the Dugu brothers, as well as Xiao Kui and his descendants, were all imperial relatives who surely held important positions in the court.
In Volume 80, Biography 45, this section is about remarkable women, highlighting their achievements. Princess Lanling, Princess Nanyang, Princess Xiangcheng, Princess Huayang, Lady Qiao, Lady Zheng Shanguo, Filial Daughter Wang Shun, as well as the wives of Han Ji, mother of Lu Rang, daughter of Liu Chang, mother of Zhong Shixiong, Filial Woman Tan, mother of Yuan Wuguang, wife of Pei Lun, wife of Zhao Yuankai, these women made their mark in a male-dominated society.
Volumes 81 to 83 record the various countries and regions of the Dongyi, Nanman, and Western Regions, such as Baekje, Silla, Mohe, Wa, Linyi, Chitu, Zhenla, Poli, Tuyuhun, Dangxiang, Gaochang, and Kang, etc. These are all ancient countries and regions that now sound distant and mysterious. This section mainly documents the interactions with these regions at that time.
Volume 84, Biography 49, talks about Beidi, Western Turks, Tiele, Xianbei, and Khitan (Shiwei); these are all ancient northern ethnic groups, and their relationship with the Central Plains dynasties was quite intricate.
Finally, Volume 85, Biography 50, records some historical figures, Yuwen Huaji and his brothers, Sima Dekan, Pei Qiantong, Wang Chong, and Duan Da. Their life experiences must have been filled with legendary tales. While some of these individuals achieved great success, others faced turbulent fates, and their stories are worth savoring.
In conclusion, this extensive list highlights the rich tapestry of characters from ancient society, from literati to hermits, from artists to royal relatives, from outstanding women to representatives of various ethnic groups, all recorded, truly inviting us to marvel at the weight of history and the brilliance of humanity.
