Gao Mei, style name Jingde, was from Bohai County and was the son of Qi's Grand Marshal and Prince of Qinghe, Gao Yue. He was bright and clever from a young age, handsome, righteous, filial, and greatly loved by Qi Xianzu. At the age of seven, he inherited the title of Prince of Qinghe. At fourteen, he became the Inspector of Qingzhou, and later served as the Right Guard General, Commanding General of the Army, Minister of Rites, and was later granted the title of Prince of Le'an. He had an upright character, exceptional talent, and was highly respected by the people of his time. Hulü Mingyue greatly respected him and always brought him as his deputy in battles. Later, he was promoted to Court Attendant and Supervisor of the Right of the Secretariat.
After Qi's last ruler was defeated by the Zhou army, Gao Mei escorted the Empress Dowager back to Ye City. At that time, the eunuchs in the palace were exceedingly arrogant and overbearing, especially Yitong Gou Ziyi, who enjoyed considerable favor. Gao Mei wanted to kill him as a warning to others. The Empress Dowager pleaded for mercy, so he spared Gou Ziyi. Liu Wenshu privately said to Gao Mei, "People like Gou Ziyi, who can determine the fate of others with just a word, how can you do this?" Gao Mei rolled up his sleeves and said, "The enemies from the west invade daily, many ministers in the court have betrayed, all because of these guys in power, leading the country to the brink of destruction! Even if I kill them today and get killed tomorrow, I have no regrets!" Liu Wenshu felt ashamed after hearing this.
Upon arriving in Ye City, Gao Mei advised the last ruler of Qi, "Gather the families of officials of rank five or above at the Three Platforms, then threaten them by saying, 'If we lose the battle, we will burn all their families alive!' These people will fight to the death for their wives and children, ensuring victory!" However, the last ruler of Qi did not listen to him and fled, leaving Ye City behind. Gao Mei stayed in the palace and was eventually captured by the Zhou army. Emperor Wu of Zhou spoke with Gao Mei, and after a few words, he was very pleased and asked him about the reasons for the fall of Qi. Gao Mei couldn't hold back his tears as he spoke, overwhelmed with grief, and Emperor Wu of Zhou was moved by him. Later, Emperor Wu of Zhou appointed him as Grand Attendant.
When Liu Bang became the Prime Minister, he said to Xue Mai, "The reason for the downfall of the Qi state was the over-reliance on those treacherous villains. You and your father are both loyal and upright, and your reputation has spread to neighboring states and counties. You should take good care of yourself." Xue Mai repeatedly expressed his gratitude, saying, "I only sought refuge at the court after the fall of Qi. Although my family has received imperial favor for generations, we failed to stabilize the situation, which ultimately contributed to the country's destruction. Now, I have received the Emperor's forgiveness and many favors. Moreover, I am occupying this high position undeservedly, which easily attracts criticism from others."
Liu Bang highly valued him and appointed Xue Mai as the Inspector of Yangzhou. Later, he promoted him to the Governor of Chuzhou, and the people enjoyed peace and stability. Before this, there was a temple of Wu Zixu in the north of Chuzhou City, where there was a local superstition regarding ghosts and deities. People had to sacrifice cattle, sheep, and wine when praying, even leading some to ruin. Xue Mai sighed, "Wu Zixu was a virtuous man; how could this practice harm the people?" So he ordered the abolition of this practice, benefiting the people.
Seven years ago, I was transferred to Gwangju as the governor. I presented five strategies to the court and wrote a memorial, stating: "I have heard that the eradication of tyranny is the hallmark of a true emperor; suppressing rebellion is the model of ancient wisdom. Therefore, the Miao people's defiance of the heavenly mandate sparked the 'Two Stages Dance' rebellion; the Hou family's disobedience to the king's orders ultimately led to the punitive expedition of King Wu of Zhou. All of this is for the stability of the world and the salvation of the people! Since the Jin Dynasty lost control, the celestial order has been disrupted, and various rogues have risen, dividing the world into three parts. The Chen Dynasty took advantage of the situation, growing from small to large; Chen Qian extended his influence like a serpent, occupying the Wuhui area; Chen Shubao was both inept and tyrannical, causing harm to Jinling. In recent years, the tyranny of the Chen Dynasty has become increasingly severe. Corrupt officials and evil men are favored, and oppressive corvée labor has resulted in the deaths of countless people; border defenses have been manned by soldiers for three consecutive years. Sometimes Chen Shubao disguises himself and lingers in the homes of nobles; at other times, he rides a fast horse, charging through the bustling streets. Those who have achievements are not rewarded, innocent people are killed, the beacon fires are constant, yet Chen Shubao remains indifferent, reveling in excess. Heaven detests the tyranny of the Chen Dynasty; demons and spirits run rampant, strange sounds are often heard in empty places, ghost stories are passed down in some areas, in some places human livers are offered in sacrifice to Tian Gou, and in some places people volunteer to sacrifice themselves to appease the demons. The people and the deities are filled with resentment and fury, disasters continue one after another, and celestial phenomena and human affairs clearly indicate the downfall of the Chen Dynasty. Although I am just a mediocre person, I have received the court's favor, serving in border positions multiple times and being familiar with the situation of the Chen Dynasty. Now is the perfect opportunity to overthrow the Chen Dynasty. If the army marches out, I will not shy away; allow me to serve with utmost loyalty." Emperor Gaozu was very pleased after reading my memorial and issued a commendatory decree in response.
Later, the imperial army attacked the Chen dynasty, and I was appointed as the commander of the army, following Duke Yiyang, Wang Shiji, to attack Jiangzhou, a territory of the Chen dynasty. Because of my military achievements, I was appointed as the Grand Prefect and was granted three thousand bolts of cloth.
The Qiang people from Longyou were always causing trouble, so the court heard that Xue Mai was very capable and sent him to be the governor of Taozhou. Upon his appointment, Xue Mai vigorously implemented policies of benevolence and severity, which made both the local people and minority ethnic groups very happy, leading them to pledge their loyalty to him. The Qiang people from the valleys all came to pay their respects to him at the government office, amounting to several thousand households! The troublemakers no longer dared to commit crimes, and the streets were so safe that there was nothing to pick up. Xue Mai served as governor of Taozhou for several years, achieving remarkable results, and everyone praised his good governance.
Later, the Tuyuhun people launched an attack, and Xue Mai happened to be sick and unable to resist, so the enemy looted extensively before retreating. Someone accused Xue Mai of not protecting the people well and of accepting gifts from the Qiang people, which led to his dismissal. Xue Mai later died at home at the age of fifty-six. His son, Xue Shilian, became a prominent figure.
Erzhu Chang, styled Qianluo, was a Qihu person from Xiurong (present-day Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province), and he was a descendant of the Erzhu clan. His father, Erzhu Yanbo, held the position of Minister of Works and King of Boling. Later, Emperor Shengwu of Qi won a battle at Hanling and wiped out the entire Erzhu clan. Erzhu Chang was still young at the time and was raised in the palace by his mother.
When he was twelve years old, he sneaked out of the palace and ran to the main street. Seeing a group of children playing, he took off his lavish silk garments and gold and silver jewelry, changed into plain clothes, and ran away. The pursuers chased after him but initially failed to recognize him, only catching the beautiful clothes. By the time they realized it wasn't him, it was already dark, so he managed to escape.
Then he ran to a village and saw an old lady whose surname was Changsun sitting on a couch. Erzhu Chang bowed to her for help, and the old lady surnamed Changsun took pity on him and hid him in a wall cavity. After three years, the pursuit intensified, and the pursuers were closing in. Changsun said, "The situation is critical; I can’t hide you any longer." She gave him some provisions and let him go.
So Erzhu Chang disguised himself as a Taoist, changed his name, and hid in Mount Song, studying various classical texts. Over the years, people began to regard him with respect. He once sat alone under a cliff, sighing and saying, "Is this how my life will be forever? What was Wu Zixu like back then?" So he disguised himself and sneaked westward, returning to the territory of the Zhou Dynasty.
The founder of the Zhou Dynasty held him in high regard, appointed him as Grand Commander and Langzhong of the Xingtai, and titled him as the Earl of Lingshou County with a fief of 1,500 households. Later, he was promoted to the General of the Cavalry, Yitong Sanqi, and his title was elevated to Marquis.
During the Baoding era, he was promoted to the General of the Chariots and Cavalry and Yitong Sanqi. During the Tianhe era, his fief was increased by an additional five hundred households. He successively served as the governors of Xinzhou, Linzhou, Xiongzhou, and Tongzhou, and his title was raised to Duke.
When the Emperor of Northern Wei launched his eastern campaign, Erzhu Chang requested to follow the expedition, and the Emperor consented. He conquered cities and territories, achieved victories, and his official rank was elevated to Shang Kaifu. Later, he was subsequently appointed as the governor of Guangzhou, and then returned to the court as Grand General. Over a year later, he was transferred to be the governor of Jiaozhou. At that time, he brought the old lady surnamed Changsun and his brother to his house, caring for them well.
After the Emperor abdicated, Erzhu Chang was further appointed as the Duke of the Border City County. When the Qianan tribes rebelled, the court dispatched Erzhu Chang to quell the rebellion, and he successfully suppressed the uprising. He was then subsequently appointed as the Governor of Jinzhou, and shortly after, he was transferred to be the Governor of Xuzhou.
He worked in these positions for several years, renowned for his stern and solemn demeanor, both the people and officials were afraid of him. Later, when he grew older, he submitted a request for retirement, and the court granted him two horses and a carriage, permitting him to return to his hometown of Hanoi. He ultimately passed away at home, reaching the age of seventy-two. His son, Erzhu, inherited his title.
Zhou Yao, styled Shi'an, shared a lineage with the Northern Wei imperial family, originally bearing the surname Punai, which was later changed to Zhou after relocating to Luoyang. His great-grandfather was named Baba, his grandfather was named Youliugong, both held the title of King of Beiping. His father was named Shuyan, who held positions as Minister of Works and Governor of Southern Jingzhou. Zhou Yao had a strong and decisive character from a young age, excelled in martial arts, was known for his caution and integrity, always adhering to the law. He served as a high-ranking official in the Wei Dynasty, achieving the rank of Grand Marshal.
After Emperor Zhou Min usurped the throne and declared himself emperor, he bestowed upon Zhou Yao the surname Che Feishi and titled him the Duke of Jinshui Commandery. He subsequently served as the Inspector of Suzhou and Chuzhou, and earned the people's deep respect. He followed the emperor in pacifying the Qi state, proving himself in every battle, and was elevated to the Duke of Kuiguo and appointed as the Governor of Jinzhou. Not long after, he was appointed as the Governor of Jinzhou. At that time, Yang Jian (Emperor Gaozu) was the Governor of Dingzhou, and Empress Wenzhao came from the capital to visit Yang Jian, passing through Zhou Yao's jurisdiction. Zhou Yao received the empress with modest hospitality. Later, Zhou Yao explained to the empress, "Although the government has a lot of money, I do not dare to violate regulations by spending it freely, and as a subject, I cannot engage in private dealings." This exemplifies his integrity. Yang Jian held him in high regard for his strict adherence to the law.
Later, Zhou Yao became the Prime Minister, was granted the title of Duke of Jibei, and then served as the Governor of Yuzhou. After Yang Jian declared himself emperor, Zhou Yao resumed his Zhou surname. In the early years of the Kaihuang reign, the Turks invaded the borders, wreaking havoc in the regions of Yanzhou and Jizhou. The former governor, Li Chong, was killed by the Turks. Emperor Yang Jian pondered in court about how to defend the borders and finally said, "No one is more suitable than Zhou Yao!" He appointed Zhou Yao as the Governor of Youzhou, commanding the armies of six states and fifty towns. Zhou Yao repaired the border defenses, closely monitored the enemy situation, and the people living along the border could enjoy peace. Six years later, Zhou Yao was transferred to Shouzhou. Initially, Zhou Yao, feeling old, requested retirement, so the emperor called him back to the capital. The emperor met with him and praised him, "You have been honest throughout your career, with outstanding achievements, serving three dynasties, ultimately enjoying wealth and honor, and being able to live a long life; this is truly remarkable!" The emperor also gave him a cushion and let him rest at home. More than a year later, Zhou Yao passed away at home at the age of eighty-four, posthumously honored with the title Gong. Dugu Kai, style name Xiuzhe, his exact origins are unknown; he originally surnamed Li. His father, Li Tun, followed Emperor Wen of Qi in fighting against the Zhou army at Shayuan. The Qi army lost and was captured by the Zhou general Dugu Xin. He became a soldier and served in Dugu Xin's household. Gradually, he became close to Dugu Xin, who granted him the Dugu surname.
Dugu Kai has been honest and kind since he was young, and he is especially skilled in horseback riding and spear dancing. Later, he served as a guard for Yuwen Hu and gradually rose through the ranks to become General of Chariots and Cavalry. After leading troops into battle several times, the emperor rewarded him with the title of Duke of Guang'a County, granted him one thousand households of land, and appointed him as the Right Assistant Minister. One weekend, he accompanied Wei Xiaokuan in pacifying Huainan, and because of his achievements, the emperor also rewarded his son Dugu Jing with the title of Duke of Xihexian. After Gaozu became prime minister, he promoted Dugu Kai to lead the emperor's elite troops. After Gaozu became emperor, Dugu Kai was appointed Right Guard General and granted the title of Duke of Ruyang. Several years later, he was promoted to Right Guard General.
During the reign of Ren Shou, he was sent to serve as the governor of Yuanzhou. At that time, Prince Yang Xiu was stationed at Yizhou, and the court wanted to summon him back, but he was hesitant to leave. Fearing that Yang Xiu might rebel, the court urgently sent Dugu Kai to Yizhou to replace him. As expected, Yang Xiu had rebellious intentions. Dugu Kai persuaded him for a long time before Yang Xiu finally set out. Dugu Kai noticed a look of regret on Yang Xiu's face, so he put his troops on high alert. When Yang Xiu reached Xingle, over forty miles from Yizhou, he planned to launch a surprise attack on Dugu Kai. However, after sending someone to investigate, he realized that Dugu Kai was not someone to be trifled with and decided against it. Dugu Kai did many good deeds while in Yizhou, and the people of Shu still fondly remember him.
After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended to the throne, Dugu Kai was transferred to Bingzhou as the governor. Later, he fell ill and lost his eyesight, so he submitted a request for retirement to the court. The emperor said, "You are an old minister of the previous dynasty; you have served two emperors, your character is noble, and your reputation is far-reaching. Take a good rest at home and don't worry about work anymore." He then sent his eldest son, Dugu Lingyun, to Bingzhou to take over his duties. The emperor held Dugu Kai in high regard! After a few years, he was appointed to the Prefect of Changping, but he died before he could take office. He was posthumously granted the title "Gong." His sons, Dugu Lingyun, Dugu Pingyun, and Dugu Yanyun, were all well-known. The deeds of his brother Dugu Sheng are recorded in the "Chengjie Zhuan."
Qifu Hui, styled Linghe, was from the Xianbei tribe in Mayi, Shanxi. His grandfather Qifu Zhou was the Grand Master of Ceremonies in Wei, and his father Qifu Zuan was the Grand Master of Ceremonies in Jin. Both were prominent leaders among the Xianbei. Qifu Hui had a bold and straightforward personality from a young age, with a strong sense of honor. He was skilled in horseback riding and archery and enjoyed training falcons and hunting dogs. During Emperor Wenxuan's reign in Northern Qi, he became the Left Chancellor and later rose to the position of General of Pacification. He was promoted to Right Guard General, Grand Minister of Ceremonies, and was ultimately granted the title of Prince of Yimin County. His brother Qifu Guihe was also granted a princely title for his military accomplishments. The two brothers were both princes, and their family held significant prominence.
After the Northern Zhou Emperor Wu defeated the Northern Qi, he appointed him as the General with the authority to command and later transferred him to Xiongqu as a Grand General. When Emperor Wen of Sui was in power, Qifu Hui followed Wei Xiaokuan to defeat Yu Dun in Wuzhi, achieving a decisive victory. As a result, he was appointed as a Grand General and granted an additional 800 rolls of cloth. After pacifying the rebellion of Wei Jiong, he was promoted to Duke of Xihe County, with a fief of 3,000 households, and was also granted an additional 2,300 rolls of cloth. He requested to pass on his title to his elder brother, but the court refused his request, and many people praised his behavior at the time.
After Emperor Yang Jian of Sui declared himself emperor, he appointed Qifu Hui as the Governor of Caozhou. Caozhou had a reputation for poor local customs, with many people hiding their population and wealth, and household registrations were frequently falsified. After Qifu Hui took office, he conducted a thorough investigation and discovered tens of thousands of unreported households. Later, he was transferred to Liangzhou as the Commander. At that time, the Turks frequently raided, but Qifu Hui strengthened the border vigilance and patrols, which instilled fear in the Turks, deterring them from invading.
A year later, he was reassigned as the Governor of Qizhou, and again discovered thousands of unreported households. Afterwards, he was transferred to Shouzhou as the Commander. In that year, he was appointed as the Governor of Qizhou, and after a few years, he was promoted to the Commander of Xuzhou. At that point, he was already in his seventies, and he petitioned the court to retire, but the court denied his request. Shortly after, he was transferred to Jingzhou as the Commander, also overseeing Tanzhou and Guizhou, commanding military affairs in a total of thirty-one states. The locals in Jingzhou were known for their frivolity and tendency to fight, but Qifu Hui set an example with his simple lifestyle, effectively transforming the local culture.
Once, he saw someone using a bamboo cage to catch fish, so he took out some money to buy the fish and released them, showing how kind-hearted he was! The common people all liked him and called his jurisdiction "Xihugong Valley." Later, he was transferred to be the governor of Qinzhou. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, he was appointed as the governor of Tianshui. In the fifth year of Daye, Emperor Yang of Sui launched a campaign against the Tuyuhun. Because Tianshui County was close to the border, the people were heavily burdened by labor, and with Emperor Yang of Sui's western inspection tour, the roads were poorly maintained and the food supplies were inadequate. Emperor Yang of Sui was enraged and ordered him to be beheaded. Noticing his white hair, Emperor Yang of Sui spared his life and demoted him to commoner. Finally, Qifu Hui passed away at home.
Zhang Wei's origins are unknown. His father, Zhang Chen, was the governor of Hongnong in the Wei Kingdom. Zhang Wei was charismatic and ambitious in his youth, skilled in horseback riding and archery, and much stronger than the average person. During the Western Wei period, he followed the army into battle multiple times, rising through the ranks to become a key figure in the state, the Prefect of Jingzhao, and was even titled as the Duke of Changshou County with a fief that included a thousand households. Later, when Wang Qian led a rebellion, the Emperor appointed Zhang Wei as the marching general to assist Marshal Liang Rui in quelling the rebellion.
The army arrived at Tonggu, and Wang Qian's general Li Sanwang led elite soldiers to defend fiercely. Liang Rui appointed Zhang Wei as the vanguard. At first, Li Sanwang initially kept the camp gates shut and refused to engage. Zhang Wei had his men shout insults at them to provoke a reaction. Li Sanwang's troops finally emerged to fight, and Zhang Wei ordered the warriors to bravely attack. Li Sanwang's army was defeated, and the main forces arrived and captured over four thousand enemies, executing them. The army advanced to Kaiyuan, where Wang Qian's general Zhao Yan commanded an army of a hundred thousand, establishing a camp thirty miles out. Zhang Wei carved a route through the mountains, launching a surprise attack on Zhao Yan from the West Ridge, leading to Zhao Yan's retreat. Zhang Wei pursued him to Chengdu and fought a significant battle against Wang Qian, leading the main forces. After Wang Qian was pacified, Zhang Wei was promoted to Shangzhuguo and appointed as the governor of Luzhou. After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, Zhang Wei successively served as the governor of Youzhou and Luozhou, and was granted the title of Duke of Jinxi. He was then appointed as the Prefect of Hebei and later oversaw the affairs of the Jin Prince's military estate.
Years later, Zhang Wei was appointed as the overall manager of Qingzhou. The court rewarded him with 800,000 coins, 500 sheng of rice, and 300 pieces of various silk fabrics. During his time in Qingzhou, Zhang Wei was more interested in managing industries and even sent his servants to sell radishes to the people, which led to the oppression of the populace. The emperor was furious about this and sternly reprimanded him. As a result, Zhang Wei was dismissed and sent back home. Later, Zhang Wei followed the emperor to Mount Tai for sacrifices. When they arrived in Luoyang, the emperor said to Zhang Wei, "Since I have taken over the world, I have consistently entrusted you with important positions, showing great trust in you. Why don't you focus on cultivating your reputation and morals, instead of focusing solely on personal gain? This not only disappoints my trust in you but also tarnishes your reputation." The emperor then asked Zhang Wei, "Where is the tablet you carry?" Zhang Wei kowtowed and apologized, saying, "I have sinned and violated the law, and I have no face to carry it anymore. I have hidden it at home." The emperor said, "Bring it here." The next day, Zhang Wei presented the tablet to the emperor, who said, "Although you have not followed the rules, your contributions have indeed been significant. I will not forget your achievements. Now I return the tablet to you." Therefore, the emperor appointed Zhang Wei as the governor of Luozhou and later granted him the title of Duke of Xuan City. Shortly after, Zhang Wei was transferred to be the governor of Xiangzhou, and he passed away in office. His son, Zhang Zhi, rose through the ranks to become a military general during the Daye period.
He Hong, from Runan, was exceptionally strong and brave since childhood. During the reign of Emperor Wu of Zhou, he followed him into battle multiple times and gradually rose through the ranks based on his military achievements, eventually becoming the General of Chariots and Cavalry and the Chief Palace Attendant. At that time, the barbarian chieftains of Longzhou, Ren Gongxin and Li Guoli, rebelled, and the governor Dugu Shan could not suppress them. The court decided that He Hong had great military talent, so they sent him to replace Dugu Shan as governor. In less than a month, he captured Ren Gongxin and Li Guoli, executing them in public and quelling the remaining rebels.
Later, he fought bravely alongside the emperor in the attack on Heyin, breaking through the enemy's west gate. The emperor greatly admired him and rewarded him with thousands of rolls of silk. He then helped the emperor pacify the state of Qi, and was promoted to Grand Attendant, appointed as Marquis of Beiping with a fief of 800 families, and named as the Deputy Chief of the Left Military Affairs. When Wang Gui captured Wu Mingche, He Hong also contributed and was promoted to the rank of Chief of Staff, then further promoted to Chief of the Military Affairs. When Yu Jiong rebelled in Xiangzhou, the court appointed He Hong as the commander of the expedition, to join forces with Wei Xiaokuan in the campaign. When the army arrived at Heyang, Yu Jiong's forces surrounded Huaizhou, but He Hong and Commander Yu Wenshuo successfully drove them off. He also defeated Yu Dun in Wuzhi. After pacifying Xiangzhou, he was appointed as a Guardian of the State, titled Duke of Guangwu County with a fief of 2,000 families. In total, the emperor granted him 10,000 rolls of silk, fifty slaves, one hundred pounds of gold, one hundred pounds of silver, and one hundred horses and cattle.
At that time, Dong Xia had just been brought under control, and the people's sentiments were still unsettled. Emperor Gaozu recognized He Hong's reputation and appointed him to oversee affairs in Jizhou. He did very well and gained the people's trust. After a few years, he was summoned back to the court and appointed as the Grand Canal supervisor, and later he was subsequently promoted to Governor of Sizhou. Just as the Turkic tribes invaded the border, the court appointed He Hong as the commander of the Northern Army, and he repelled the Turkic tribes, pushing all the way to the desert before returning. He was subsequently promoted to Governor of Xuzhou, and he passed away at the age of sixty-four.
Hou Mo Chen Ying, whose courtesy name was Zundao, was from Daijun. His family migrated south with the Wei kingdom, with a long line of military officers in their family. His father, Hou Mo Chen Chong, held numerous important posts during the Wei and Zhou dynasties, ultimately rising to the position of Grand Minister of Works. Hou Mo Chen Ying exuded the demeanor of a great general from a young age, with exceptional qualities that garnered him the respect of his peers. As the Wei Dynasty was nearing its end, thanks to his father's military accomplishments, he was bestowed the title of Marquis of Guangping, and later elevated to the position of Sanqi in the Prince's household.
During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Zhou Dynasty, he accompanied Prince Teng Xiao You in suppressing the Hu people who rebelled in Longquan and Wencheng. He and General Dou Lu Ji led their armies to attack separately. General Hou Mo Chen Ying led his troops over five hundred miles deep, breaking through three enemy camps. Previously, these Hu people rebelled, often plundering the border residents and enslaving them. At that time, the court ordered that if any Hu person dared to hide innocent civilians, they would be executed, and their wives, children, and property confiscated. There were reports that some innocent civilians had been hidden by the Hu villagers. Dou Lu Ji wanted to eliminate everyone in the Hu village, but Hou Mo Chen Ying persuaded him, saying, "General, while commanding troops in the field, some court orders can be overlooked. Not all of these Hu people are truly rebellious; they were compelled to rebel out of desperation. Now that the army is pressing in, the leaders who instigated the rebellion are now fearful, and those who were forced to participate in the rebellion also want to surrender. We should gradually appease them now, so we can achieve victory without conflict. If we kill them immediately, it will only instill greater fear in them and complicate matters further. It would be wiser to summon their leaders and return the hidden civilians to them, allowing them to surrender on their own, so all the Hu people can be settled down." Dou Lu Ji followed his advice. The Hu people were very moved and came to surrender one after another, thereby restoring stability to the northern border.
Hou Mo Chen Ying was promoted to Minister of War and appointed as the Zhenwei Grand Master. When Emperor Wen of Sui became Emperor, he appointed him as the Governor of Changzhou. After Emperor Wen of Sui ascended the throne, Hou Mo Chen Ying did not take up his post, but instead was appointed Duke of Shengping. Not long after, he was appointed as the Governor of Yanzhou. Years later, he was reassigned as the Governor of Chenzhou. During the war to pacify the Chen dynasty, he followed Prince Qin Yang Jun as the Commander-in-Chief and marched out from Lushan Road. After Chen dynasty generals Xun Fashang and Chen Ji surrendered, Hou Mo Chen Ying and Commander-in-Chief Duan Wenzhen crossed the Yangtze River to reassure the newly surrendered people. He was then appointed as the Governor of Raozhou, but before taking office, he was transferred to Yingzhou as the Governor, where he enacted beneficial policies. After serving in Yingzhou for several years, he was dismissed from office due to his connections with Prince Qin Yang Jun. The people bid him farewell in tears, and erected a monument to praise his integrity. Not long after, he was appointed as the Governor of Fenzhou, and shortly after that, he became the Governor of Xingzhou.
During the Renshou period, the Minister of Personnel, Niu Hong, was ordered to inspect Shandong, and he believed that Hou Mo Chen Ying was the best official in Shandong. Emperor Wen of Sui greatly appreciated this and issued a decree praising him. At that time, the court found most governors and magistrates in Lingnan to be corrupt and unscrupulous, leading to resentment and rebellion among the local populace. Therefore, they carefully selected honest officials to appease them, and the court called Hou Mo Chen Ying to the capital. Hou Mo Chen Ying entered the palace to meet Emperor Wen of Sui, and they enjoyed a lively conversation about his life experiences. After a few days, Hou Mo Chen Ying was promoted to Grand General, appointed as the Commander of Guizhou, commanding military affairs across seventeen provinces. The Emperor also bestowed numerous gifts upon him before he took up his new post. Upon taking office, he placed great emphasis on benevolence and trustworthiness, and the local people and ethnic minorities were happy to follow him, with even the minority groups in the mountains coming to submit to him.
After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, Hou Mochen Ying's brother, the Duke of Liang, Hou Mochen Rui, was exiled to the border for committing a crime. The court worried that Hou Mochen Ying might be unsettled by this, so they summoned him back to the capital. A few years later, he was appointed Prefect of Mount Heng. That year, many areas in the Lingnan and Minyue regions resisted the court. The Emperor remembered Hou Mochen Ying's past achievements in Guizhou Province, where he gained the trust and support of the local people, so he appointed him as Prefect of Nanhai once again. Four years later, he passed away in office and was posthumously honored with the title "Ding." His son, Hou Mochen Qianhui, became the most renowned.
Historical records indicate that Du Yandong fought in the Xia region and the southern borders, achieving many merits, and later guarded the northern border, where there was peace and no chaos. When Gao Mei was on his deathbed, his spirit remained high, and he harbored a strong disdain for treacherous villains, leaving behind a commendable reputation. Erzhu Chang showed great talent from a young age, and ultimately managed to maintain a low profile. He rebuilt the crumbling foundation of his family, which can certainly be seen as an act of benevolence and wisdom, don’t you think? Zhou Yao was appreciated for being reliable, and Dugu Xin had a good reputation for caring for the people. Qifu Huineng gave away the country, and the areas governed by the Hou Mochen family were all well-managed. Some of these individuals understood how to govern effectively, while others practiced benevolence and righteousness, all of which are worthy of praise. Huineng was demoted due to the simplicity of his tent, but he entered the court at a young age and experienced three dynasties, eventually receiving a salary and living until a ripe old age, likely because he was straightforward and never hypocritical or pretentious. "At the time of Gao Mei's death, his spirit was high; he detested treacherous villains and left behind a commendable reputation." "Erzhu Chang had great talent from a young age. He was able to keep a low profile and rebuild the crumbling foundation; isn't this an act of benevolence and wisdom?"
