Helou Zigang, also known as Wanshou, was a notable figure of his time. He migrated south along with the Wei Dynasty, and his family settled in the Guanzhong region for generations. His grandfather, Helou Daocheng, served as the Imperial Attendant and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince of Wei, while his father, Helou Jingxian, was the Right Guard General. Zigang was renowned for his bravery and combat skills from an early age.
During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Zhou Dynasty, he rose from a commoner to the position of Chief of the Water Bureau and was praised for his strong abilities. He continued to advance in his career, becoming a minor official in charge of water management. As a result of his hard work, he was appointed as the Marquis of Sian County and later granted the titles of Commander and General of the Imperial Standard. During the reign of Emperor Daixiang, he was appointed as the Director of Military Supplies, and shortly after promoted to the Inspector of Qinzhou, with his title elevated to Count.
When the rebel Wei Jiao rose up, Zigang joined forces with Wei Xiaokuan to suppress the rebellion. During the siege of Huaizhou, Zigang and others defeated the enemy forces. The Emperor was pleased and personally praised him in a letter, commending his swift action in quelling the rebellion. Zigang continued to take the lead in battles, pursuing Wei Jiao with Cui Hongdu until they reached the city walls. He was later promoted to Grand Chancellor, granted the title of Duke of Wuchuan County with a fief of 3,000 households, and passed on the title of Marquis of Sian County to his son, Helou Jiao.
In the first year of the Kaihuang reign, Yang Su was promoted to the position of Duke of Julu Commandery. That same year, the Tuyuhun invaded Liangzhou, and Yang Su accompanied General Yuan Xie in battle, achieving significant victories and receiving special commendation from the Emperor. Concerned about the unrest in the border regions, the Emperor appointed Yang Su to defend Liangzhou.
In the second year, the Turks launched another attack on Lanzhou. Yang Su led his troops to resist the attack and encountered the enemy at Keluo Gai Mountain. There were many enemies, so Yang Su strategically camped by the river, using the terrain to trap the enemy. The enemy suffered from a lack of water for several days, leaving both their men and horses exhausted. Yang Su seized the opportunity and delivered a decisive defeat. The Emperor was delighted and promoted Yang Su to the rank of Grand General, issuing a special edict: "Listen closely to my commands! You possess exceptional abilities, great ambitions, courage, and decisiveness. You are a rare talent with remarkable achievements. In the past few years, the border has been unstable, and you have bravely fought the enemy multiple times, defended the territory, and suppressed rebellions, making significant contributions! Therefore, I will reward you generously, promote you, and you must cherish it! Do not disappoint my expectations!" Subsequently, Yang Su was appointed as the Deputy Supervisor of the New Capital Camp, and then the Minister of Works.
In the same year, the Turks invaded the border again, and Yang Su accompanied General Dou Rongding into battle. Yang Su attacked from another route, resulting in the deaths of over a thousand enemies. The Emperor was very pleased and sent a letter of commendation. Yang Su wanted to return to the capital to see the Emperor, so the Emperor sent someone to rush him to the capital.
The Tuyuhun launched another invasion, inflicting significant losses in the west. The Emperor sent Yang Su to punish them. Yang Su swiftly traveled to Hexi, mobilized troops from five states, penetrated Tuyuhun territory, and resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of men, women, and children. He returned victorious within twenty days. The Emperor was increasingly troubled by the ongoing attacks in Longxi. Since the local populace lived dispersed rather than in villages, the Emperor instructed Yang Su to direct the populace in building fortresses, cultivate fields, and stockpile food as a precaution.
Yang Su wrote a letter to the emperor, saying, "Recently, these bandits keep invading. Completely eliminating them isn't something that can be achieved overnight. I hope Your Majesty won't be overly anxious. I am currently here, constantly observing the situation, and will decide how to proceed. I cannot act entirely according to your orders. Furthermore, the Longxi and Hexi regions are vast and sparsely populated, which is not suitable for large-scale farming. I see that the reclaimed lands have low yields, high costs, waste manpower, and are frequently attacked. I suggest we cancel the reclamation of farmland far from the garrison. The people in Longyou primarily rely on herding for their livelihood. If they are forced to reclaim land, their situation will become even more unstable. We just need to strengthen our vigilance and concentrate people and livestock where necessary. Key routes just need stronger defenses. As long as the garrisons are linked and the beacon towers support one another, even if the common people are scattered, we need not worry." The emperor agreed with his suggestion. Soon after, the enemy invaded Minzhou and Taozhou again, and Yang Su led his troops in pursuit, and the enemy fled at the sound of his approach.
Emperor Gaozu instructed his son, Li Zigang, to study border affairs from a young age. He later appointed him as the commander of Yuguan, commanding the military in ten garrisons. Over a year later, he was promoted to the governor of Yunzhou, and the northern nomadic tribes feared him greatly. After a few years, envoys from the Tujue's Yuyulu clan came to surrender, bringing a large number of sheep and horses as tribute. The court then appointed Li Zigang as the commander of the expedition, to welcome them at the northwestern border. Upon his return, he was appointed as the governor of Yunzhou, and the court rewarded him with the hundred horses and thousand sheep presented by the Tujue. The Emperor also wrote to him saying, "Since you have guarded the northern border, there has been no disturbance here. The gifts brought by the Tujue are bestowed upon you." Later, after the death of his mother, Li Zigang resigned to observe mourning. The court deemed Yuguan a crucial military stronghold, and without Li Zigang it would not do, so he was soon called back to service. Fourteen years later, Li Zigang passed away at the age of sixty after a prolonged illness. Emperor Gaozu grieved for him deeply for a long time and bestowed upon him one thousand bolts of silk and one thousand hu of rice and wheat, posthumously conferred upon him the governorship of Huai, Weizhou, and four other states, and bestowed upon him the posthumous title "Huai." His son, Li Shanzhu inherited his title and later served as the Taishou of Qian'an.
Li Zigang's brother, Li Quan, was also quite talented and rose to the ranks of Yinqing Guanglu Daifu, governor of Sanshou, Beidi Taishou, and Duke of Dong'an County.
Shi Wansui hails from Duling in Jingzhao. His father, Shi Jing, served as the governor of Cangzhou during the Zhou Dynasty. Shi Wansui was brave and skilled in combat from a young age, excelling in horseback riding and archery. He was agile and as fast as an arrow. He had a passion for military strategy and was well-versed in astrology. At the age of fifteen, during the battle between the Zhou and Qi dynasties at Mangshan, Shi Wansui followed his father to join the army. When the two armies stood ready to clash, Shi Wansui immediately instructed his companions to gather their gear and prepare to retreat. Not long after, the Zhou army suffered a major defeat, leaving his father astounded. Under the reign of Emperor Wu of the Sui Dynasty, Shi Wansui rose to the rank of senior official. In the war to pacify the Qi dynasty, his father died in battle. Because of his loyalty, Shi Wansui was appointed as the Governor of Taiping and inherited the title of County Duke.
During the rebellion of Wei Jiong, Shi Wansui followed Liang Shiyan to suppress the rebellion. While stationed in Fengyi, Shi Wansui and his troops spotted a flock of wild geese flying by. Shi Wansui said to Liang Shiyan, "Let me shoot down the one in the middle." He shot an arrow, and the goose fell to the ground, earning the admiration of all the soldiers. In confrontations with Wei Jiong's forces, he always led the charge. During the Battle of Ye City, as the imperial army faltered, Shi Wansui said to those around him, "The situation is dire; I must charge forward and break through the enemy lines!" He then charged on horseback, slaying dozens of foes and lifting the spirits of his comrades. Following Wei Jiong's defeat, Shi Wansui was elevated to Grand General in recognition of his military prowess.
Erzhu Ji plotted a rebellion and was killed, which implicated the emperor, leading to his removal from office and sending him to serve in Dunhuang. The garrison commander there was quite formidable, often venturing deep into the territory of the Turks alone on horseback, raiding sheep and horses, always returning victorious. The Turks dared not face him head-on, regardless of their numbers. This commander was notably arrogant, frequently insulting the emperor. The emperor, irritated, remarked that he was quite capable in battle himself.
The garrison commander let him try riding horses and shooting arrows, and the emperor performed quite well. The garrison commander smiled and said, "I’m sure I can take you on!" The emperor asked for bows, arrows, and horses, and then went to the Turkic camp to capture a large herd of cattle, sheep, and horses. Only then did the garrison commander begin to regard him differently and always include him in his actions, often going deep into Turkic territory for hundreds of miles, scaring the Turkic people sufficiently each time.
When Dou Rongding led troops to fight the Turks, the emperor ran to the entrance of Dou Rongding's camp and asked to personally join the battle against the enemy. Dou Rongding had long heard of his name and was thrilled to see him. He sent a message to the Turkic forces, saying, "What crime have our soldiers committed that they deserve death? Why not send out a champion from each side for a duel!" The Turkic forces agreed and sent out a cavalryman to challenge. Dou Rongding then sent the emperor to fight, and the emperor quickly charged over and returned with the man's head.
The Turkic forces were too frightened to fight again, so they retreated. The emperor was subsequently appointed as the Right Division Supervisor and General of Chariots and Cavalry. In the war to pacify the Chen Dynasty, he earned further accolades and was further appointed as a Grand Marshal.
Let me tell you about Shi Wansui; he was quite a formidable figure! When there was turmoil in Jiangnan, he followed Yang Su to fight and was appointed as the chief commander of the campaign. The emperor personally led 2,000 troops, took an alternate route from Dongyang, crossed mountains and seas, and overcame countless strongholds. He fought more than 700 battles, traveled over 1,000 miles, and for a full ten days, there was complete radio silence, and everyone assumed he had perished.
As a result, because all water and land communication was cut off and messengers could not be reached, Shi Wansui wrote a letter, sealed it in a bamboo tube, and cast it into the water to float away. Someone found it and quickly informed Yang Su. Yang Su was elated and promptly reported the news to the emperor. The emperor, upon hearing this, commended him, rewarding his family with a hundred thousand coins, and promoted him to Left Guard General.
Earlier, the barbarian chieftain from Nanning surrendered and was appointed as the governor of Kunzhou, but later revolted. The emperor sent Shi Wansui as the military commander to subdue him. Shi Wansui set out from Qinglong River, passed through Nongdong, then onto Xiaobonong and Dabonong, and advanced toward the southern regions. The bandits who camped in key locations were all vanquished by Shi Wansui.
After trekking hundreds of miles, he saw the monument of Zhuge Liang, with the inscription on the back saying: "In ten thousand years, those who conquer me shall pass this way." Shi Wansui ordered the monument to be toppled and continued forward. He crossed the West Second River, entered the Qulan River, marched over a thousand miles, defeated more than thirty tribes, and captured over twenty thousand men and women. The terrified barbarians hastily sent envoys to surrender, even presenting a pearl the size of a thumb. Shi Wansui then erected a monument there to commemorate the accomplishments of the Sui Dynasty.
Shi Wansui sent messengers to hurry back to court with the battle report, requesting permission to return to court and report on his duties, which the emperor approved. However, Cuan Wan, the rebel leader, harbored malicious intentions and did not want to go to the capital, so he secretly gave Shi Wansui a lot of gold, silver, and jewels, hoping to evade scrutiny. Shi Wansui allowed Cuan Wan to escape and made his way back to court.
At that time, the King of Shu, Yang Xiu, was in Yizhou when he learned that Shi Wansui had accepted bribes, so he dispatched envoys to demand an explanation. Upon hearing this, Shi Wansui quickly disposed of all the gold, silver, and jewels he had received by throwing them into the river, and nothing was found. As a result of his significant achievements, Shi Wansui was appointed as a pillar of state. Prince Yang Guang of Jin held him in high regard and treated him like a friend, and the emperor valued Shi Wansui's abilities, appointing him to supervise the military affairs of Jinwang Mansion.
The following year, Cuan Wan rebelled again. King Yang Xiu of Shu accused Shi Wansui of accepting bribes, tolerating bandits, causing border troubles, and lacking the integrity expected of a high-ranking official. The emperor ordered a thorough investigation, which ultimately confirmed that Shi Wansui was deserving of death.
The emperor scolded him: "You accepted bribes and let the thief escape, wasting the soldiers' efforts! I can't eat or sleep; are you still a loyal subject?" Shi Wansui said: "I left Nuanwan to keep watch, fearing chaos in the state, wanting him to guard the area. I returned to Lushui, and the imperial decree arrived, so I did not go to court; I truly did not accept any bribes!" The emperor felt that Shi Wansui was being evasive and angrily said: "I thought you were a good person, holding a high position and receiving a generous salary, but you have become a criminal of the country!" The emperor said to the officials: "Execute him tomorrow!" Shi Wansui was terrified and quickly confessed, begging for mercy. Left Supervisor Gao Feng, Left Guard General Yuan Min, and others quickly pleaded: "Shi Wansui is outstanding, always in the forefront of battle, good at soothing the soldiers; the soldiers would gladly lay down their lives for him— even the famous generals of ancient times cannot compare to him!" The emperor calmed down somewhat, dismissed his official position, and allowed him to return home as a commoner. More than a year later, he was reinstated to his official position and title, appointed as the Inspector of Hezhou, and continued to serve as the Commander of the Army, defending against the Turks. As the Kaihuang era was coming to an end, the Turkic Khan launched an invasion at the border. The emperor ordered Prince Jin Yang Guang and Yang Su to deploy troops from Lingwu Road, and Prince Han Yang Liang and Shi Wansui to deploy troops from Mayi Road. Shi Wansui led the Pillar of the Country Zhang Ding and the Grand General Li Yaowang, Yang Yichen, and they went out to the border. Upon reaching Dajin Mountain, they encountered the Turkic army. The Khan sent a messenger to inquire, "Who are the Sui Dynasty's generals?" The scout replied, "It's Shi Wansui." The Turkic asked again, "Is he a garrison soldier from Dunhuang?" The scout said, "Yes." Upon hearing this, the Khan was frightened and ordered his troops to retreat. Shi Wansui pursued them for over a hundred miles before catching up and decisively defeating them, killing thousands of them, and driving them hundreds of miles into the desert, causing the Turkic army to flee.
Yang Su was jealous of Shi Wansui's achievements, so he falsely accused Shi Wansui, claiming, "The Turks had already surrendered; they hadn't come to invade initially, they were merely grazing at the border." The emperor then downplayed Shi Wansui's military achievements. Shi Wansui submitted memorials several times outlining the situation, but the emperor did not understand. Just after the emperor returned to the capital from Renshou Palace, having deposed the crown prince and targeted the supporters of the Eastern Palace, he asked where Shi Wansui was, and at that moment, Shi Wansui was in the court. Yang Su saw the emperor was angry and said, "Shi Wansui went to see the crown prince." This was a deliberate provocation aimed at the emperor. The emperor believed it to be true and ordered Shi Wansui to be summoned. At that moment, hundreds of soldiers brought by Shi Wansui were crying out for justice in the court. Shi Wansui said to them, "Today, I will present a reasoned argument to the emperor on your behalf, and we will resolve this matter!"
After seeing the emperor, Shi Wansui said that the soldiers had achieved merit but were suppressed by the court, speaking very excitedly and rebuking the emperor. The emperor was furious and ordered the guards to kill him. Later, the emperor regretted his decision but could not reverse it, so he issued a decree accusing Shi Wansui, saying: "Shi Wansui, the pillar of the country and the Taiping Duke, I promoted and entrusted you, allowing you to lead the army every time. Previously, there was a rebellion in Nanning, and I sent you to lead the troops to suppress it. However, the governor of Kunzhou, Cuan Wan, harbored rebellious intentions and harmed the people. I had already issued orders for you to bring the troops back to the court. However, you accepted substantial bribes, defied the orders, delayed your return, which ultimately led to Cuan Wan's rebellion, requiring significant military effort to quell. According to the law, you should be executed, but in light of your past merits, I will spare your life. Not long after, I reinstated your official position. Recently, I let you lead the army again to attack the border minority. The Turkic Khan led his army to resist, but upon seeing your military might, they fled without a fight, and the enemy was defeated without any casualties. This victory is a significant achievement for the nation, and I intend to reward you handsomely. However, when you and Zhang Ding reported your military achievements, you were dishonest and falsely reported direct combat, not reporting truthfully, being inconsistent, and deceiving the country. A loyal and upright person with no ulterior motives makes a good general. However, someone like you, Shi Wansui, who fabricates accomplishments, is a traitor to the nation, and the laws of the court cannot be abolished, and I can no longer forgive you." On the day Shi Wansui died, people from all walks of life, whether familiar with him or not, felt a deep sense of injustice and sorrow. It is said that General Wansui was not the type to micromanage or enforce strict military discipline. He allowed the soldiers to remain in their posts without concern for nighttime vigilance, and the enemy was too intimidated to launch an attack. On the battlefield, he could adapt to the situation and command flexibly, establishing him as an exceptional commander. His son, Huaiyi, was also very good.
The general's name was Liu Fang, from Chang'an, who was known for his resolute character, decisive temperament, and exceptional courage. He started as a minor official in the Zhou Dynasty, later rose through the ranks thanks to his military accomplishments, and eventually became the Grand Chancellor. During the time when Gaozu was the Prime Minister, Liu Fang, along with General Wei Xiaokuan, defeated Yu Jiong in Xiangzhou, leading to his appointment as the Marquis of Heyin County, with a fief that included eight hundred households. After Gaozu became Emperor, he was further promoted to Duke. In the third year of the Kaihuang era, he followed General Wei Wangshuang in defeating the Turks at Baidao and was appointed as the Grand General. Later, he successively served as the Inspector of Ganzhou and Guazhou, but he remained relatively obscure.
It wasn't until the Ren Shou era when the local rebel Li Fuzi in Jiaozhou seized the former capital of the Yue King and sent his nephew Li Daquan to occupy Longbian City, while another general, Li Puding, occupied Wuyan City. At this time, the Minister of Personnel, Yang Su, praised Liu Fang's military talents, which led the emperor to appoint him as the Commander-in-Chief of the Jiaozhou Expedition, with the Assistant Minister of Revenue, Jing Deliang, serving as his Chief Clerk, commanding twenty-seven battalions in the campaign. Liu Fang strictly enforced military discipline, ensured that his troops maintained a disciplined appearance, and executed on the spot anyone who disobeyed military orders. However, he was kind and compassionate towards his soldiers, personally cared for any soldiers who fell ill. When his Chief Clerk Jing Deliang fell seriously ill in Yinzhou and could not continue, he had to stay in the town's inn. Upon parting, Liu Fang was deeply saddened by his illness, shedding tears of sorrow, even moving passersby. He embodied both dignity and compassion, earning praise as a good general.
Upon reaching Dulong Ridge, over two thousand bandits launched an attack on the imperial forces, which led Liu Fang to send battalion leaders Song Zuan, He Gui, Yan Yuan, and others to defeat them. The army continued to advance, nearing Li Fuzi's main camp. Liu Fang first attempted to reason with them, outlining the consequences of their rebellion. Fearing the consequences, Li Fuzi surrendered and was escorted to the capital. However, Liu Fang, concerned that the more stubborn and cunning rebels would cause trouble in the future, ordered their execution.
Once upon a time, the court sent General Fu Fang, the Grand Commander of the Army, to attack Linyi (an ancient kingdom in southern Vietnam). They also appointed Right Chancellor Li Gang as his deputy, sharing responsibility for this military campaign. Fu Fang first sent the governors of Qingzhou and Huizhou, Ning Changzhen and Li Yun, as well as the governor of Shangkaifu, Qin Xiong, to lead infantry and cavalry from Yuechang, while he took command of the navy himself with General Zhang Shen and his deputy Li Gang, heading straight to Bijing.
After Emperor Gaozu's death, Sui Yangdi ascended the throne. In the first month of the first year of Daye, the army finally reached Haikou. King Fan Zhi of Linyi sent troops to seize strategic positions for defense, but was routed by Fu Fang and fled in disarray. When the army arrived at the Shali River, the enemy seized the southern bank and erected barricades to resist. Fu Fang ordered the troops to deploy, beat the drums and gongs loudly, causing the enemy to fall into chaos. After crossing the river and advancing thirty miles, the enemy charged from all directions on their elephants. Fu Fang ordered the use of crossbow arrows to shoot the elephants, wounding them and causing them to trample their own soldiers in confusion. Our army took advantage of the situation to pursue and attack, and the enemy fled back to the barricades, which were eventually breached, resulting in the capture or death of tens of thousands.
Next, the army crossed the Qushe River and marched six miles, encountering the enemy multiple times and capturing them in each battle. The army advanced to the Dayuan River, where the enemy once again fortified their position with barricades, but we still defeated them. The army then marched directly toward the Mayuan Bronze Pillar, traveling south for eight days, finally arriving at the capital of Linyi. Realizing the situation was hopeless, King Fan Zhi of Linyi abandoned the city and made a hasty retreat to the sea. Fu Fang and his men seized the golden statues from Linyi's temples, looted the palaces, engraved their accomplishments on local stones, and then triumphantly returned to the capital.
In this war, many soldiers suffered from foot rot, and about one in seven soldiers died. Unfortunately, Fu Fang died of illness on his way back to the army. Emperor Yang of Sui was deeply mournful over this and issued a decree saying: "Fu Fang faithfully executed the court's strategy, diligently carried out the task of quelling the rebellion. He faced icy rapids and treacherous terrain as if it were flat ground; he bravely advanced, caught the enemy off guard, completely annihilated them, destroyed their nests, ensured the soldiers did not overexert themselves, and successfully quelled the overseas rebellion. He served the country faithfully, made remarkable achievements, and was posthumously awarded the titles of Duke of Shuzhou and Duke of Lu." His son, Fu Tongren, inherited his titles.
During the Kaihuang period, several frontier generals, Feng Yu, Wang Ya, Li Chong, Yang Wutong, Chen Yonggui, and Fang Zhao, were all renowned throughout the realm. Their exact origins are lost to history. Feng Yu was a wise and resourceful person with strong martial arts skills. When Emperor Wen of Sui first ascended the throne, he appointed Feng Yu as the commander of the army, along with Wang Yi and Li Wei, to quell the barbarian uprising. After the war, he was appointed as a Marquis. In the early years of Kaihuang, he was appointed as the commander of the army stationed at Yifu Po to guard against the Turks. However, tens of thousands of Turkic cavalry launched a surprise attack, and Feng Yu resisted desperately for several days but was ultimately outnumbered and defeated, losing several thousand men, although he also killed many Turk soldiers. He then guarded the frontier for several years, achieving resounding victories in every engagement. He was brave and skilled at archery, and Emperor Wen of Sui greatly admired his military talents, often appointing him as the commander of the army to defend Jiangnan against invasions from the Chen Dynasty. He achieved numerous military successes, striking fear into the hearts of the Chen Dynasty. During the attacks on the Chen Dynasty and the quelling of the rebellion led by Gao Zhihui, Feng Yu made remarkable achievements, eventually rising to the ranks of Marquis and Duke of Baishui County.
Li Chong was from Chengji in Longxi. He was bold and strategic from a young age. During the Kaihuang period, he served as a military commander several times, winning numerous victories in battles against the Turks. He rose to the rank of Shangzhuguo, the Duke of Wuyang County, and was appointed as the military commander of Shuozhou. His reputation spread far and wide, causing the Turks to hold him in great fear. Later, he was falsely accused of treason and summoned back to the capital, angering the emperor. Li Chong, always upright and honest, died from illness brought on by grief. Yang Wutong was from Huayin in Hongnong. He was fierce and adept at horseback riding and archery. He served as a military commander multiple times, fighting against the southwestern tribes and winning significant victories. He was granted the title of Duke of Baishui County and later promoted to General of the Left Wuwei Guard. At that time, the Qiang and Tibetan tribes frequently harassed the border, and the court valued his reputation, appointing him as the military commander of Minzhou and Lanzhou to suppress the unrest. Later, he and Zhou Fashang together fought against the rebel Lao tribe in Jiazhou. At first, Zhou Fashang's forces struggled, but Yang Wutong led thousands of troops to cut off the enemy's retreat. Yang Wutong ordered a halt to the advance, hid the war chariots, and launched a surprise attack, routinely defeating the enemy. Seeing him deep behind enemy lines, the enemy swarmed out. Yang Wutong fought for hundreds of miles, surrounded by the enemy with no way out. He attempted a breakout with a small cavalry force, but was captured, killed, and reportedly even eaten by the enemy. Chen Yonggui was from Huren in Longyou, originally surnamed Bai, and renowned for his courage. Emperor Wen of Sui held him in high regard, appointing him as a military commander to guard the border several times. He always led the charge into enemy lines single-handedly. He rose to the rank of Duke of Beichen County. Fang Zhao was from the Dai people, originally surnamed Wuyin, recognized for his determination, decisiveness, and military prowess. He served as a military commander multiple times, fought against the Turks, and was promoted to the military commander of Xuzhou. His exploits are scarcely recorded in historical texts.
In the historical records, it is said that these generals, such as Changru, have devoted themselves to the military since childhood, each one a brave and skilled hero. They led the army and made significant contributions to the defense of the nation. Changru led only two thousand infantry soldiers against a hundred thousand enemy troops, ran out of arrows, and still fought bravely, which is truly remarkable! General Zigang crossed the Qinghai to the west and reached the border to the north, causing the barbarians to think twice before acting rashly, and the border remained peaceful, which is also commendable. General Wansui is indeed very wise and courageous, skilled at rallying his troops; everyone would willingly lay down their lives for him, and the troops never tire. He attacked the Xiongnu in the north, pacified the barbarians and the Lao tribe in the south, and wherever the army went, it intimidated the border. Later, during the time of merit rewards, he offended the powerful because of his outspokenness, was betrayed by treacherous individuals, and died unjustly, which is truly a shame! He resembles the renowned Han Dynasty general Li Guang, upright and resolute. General Liu Fang, with his just commands and strict discipline, successfully pacified Linyi, thereby securing the South Sea, and all the Baiyue tribes along the border respected his authority. These generals harbor ambitions that surpass those of ordinary individuals; they hold important positions and heavy responsibilities. While their accomplishments may not rival the fame of Ma Yuan in the southern campaigns or the heroic deeds of Zhao Chongguo in the Western Qiang region, in terms of military achievements, they are all distinguished figures of their times!
