This man from Jingzhao Province has always been successful, knowledgeable, and skilled in writing. He became the secretary to the Qin King. After the Qin King's death, he visited the old palace and wrote a five-character poem, with ornate language and a tragic tone. His poem was highly regarded by people of his time. He also wrote an essay titled "On Brothers," which was equally praised for its insightful arguments.
Yin Shi from Hejian was another talented and knowledgeable writer who rose to fame early in his life. During the Renshou era, he served as the secretary to the Han King, who held him in high esteem. Following the Han King's downfall, Yin Shi took his own life. His relatives, Zheng Qing and Yan Qing, were also gifted and prominent figures.
Liu Shanjing from Hejian was knowledgeable, well-rounded, and particularly skilled in writing. He held various positions, including Assistant to the Imperial Secretariat and Prince's Attendant. His works, including "In Praise of Virtue" in thirty volumes, "Genealogy of the Various Lius" in thirty volumes, and "Returning to the Four Tones" in one volume, were well-known and widely circulated.
Zu Junyan from Fanyang was the son of Zu Xiaozheng, a notable Minister of Works during the Qi Dynasty. Despite being short and stuttering, he was very talented and knowledgeable. In the final years of the Sui Dynasty, he served as the bookkeeper of Dongping County. After Dongping County was captured by Zhai Rang and subsequently fell to Li Mi, Li Mi treated him with great respect and appointed him as his secretary. He was overseeing military documents and urgent communications. After Li Mi's failure, Zu Junyan was killed by Wang Shichong.
Kong Deshao from Kuaiji was highly articulate and was appointed as the magistrate of Jingcheng County. After Dou Jiande proclaimed himself king, he appointed Kong Deshao as the Minister of the Central Secretariat, in charge of drafting documents and urgent messages. After Dou Jiande's failure, Kong Deshao was beheaded.
Liu Bin from Nanyang was also an accomplished writer who became the bookkeeper of Xindu County. Dou Jiande appointed him as the Prince's Attendant. Following Dou Jiande's downfall, he served as Liu Ta's Prince's Attendant, and they escaped to the Turks together, and their subsequent fate remains unknown.
The historical texts record that Emperor Wen of Wei remarked, "Most intellectuals, past and present, do not pay attention to details, and very few can establish themselves based on reputation." This statement is truly accurate! People like Wang Zhou, Yu Chuo, Cui Nao, and Xiao Yi—some of them are arrogant due to their talents, disinterested in worldly matters; some are knowledgeable, but unfortunate in their fates, assigned to lowly positions, feeling frustrated and resentful, drifting aimlessly, and looking down on the powerful and elite. It can be seen that those who exhibit eccentric and independent behavior are easily abandoned, because they tend to offend the powerful; this is not an experience limited to Zhao Yi of Hanyang or Ni Heng of Pingyuan. Therefore, they often end up with regrets and remorse, rarely finding a good conclusion. However, their knowledge spans a wide array of ancient texts, and their writings are exquisite, like a rare bloom in Denglin, a precious jade from Kunlun Mountain.
After the unification of the Sui Dynasty, there was a wealth of talent, but only a handful were selected from various regions. The three Zheng brothers were among them, all three were outstanding, truly remarkable brothers! "Most intellectuals, past and present, do not pay attention to details, and very few can establish themselves based on reputation," "Radiant like flowers, yet difficult to be brothers."
