He Ruo Yi, also known by his courtesy name Daoji, was a native of Luoyang, Henan. His grandfather, He Ruofu Lian, was the Governor of Yunzhou during the Wei Dynasty; his father, He Ruotong, was the Right Guard General. He Ruo Yi was known for his strong and decisive character, as well as his strategic thinking. During the Wei Dynasty, he was granted the title of Baron of Rongcheng due to his ancestors' contributions. He gradually rose through the ranks to become the General of the Direct Pavilion, Grand Commander, Imperial Secretariat of the Palace Attendants, and Director of the Imperial Food Supply.
Zhou Taizu occupied the Guanzhong region and summoned He Ruo Yi to his side for service. On one occasion, Zhou Taizu sent him to Xingcheng, where internal conflicts had arisen within the Ruru tribe, with some people stationed north of the Yellow River. He Ruo Yi persuaded them to submit to the Zhou Dynasty using both reason and emotion, which led to the surrender of over ten thousand people. Zhou Taizu greatly appreciated him and rewarded him with one hundred taels of gold and silver combined. Later, Northern Qi sent their attendant Yang Chang to establish relations with the Ruru tribe. Zhou Taizu was concerned that their alliance could pose a border threat, so he sent He Ruo Yi to negotiate with the Ruru tribe. By offering substantial bribes, He Ruo Yi gained the trust of the Ruru tribe, who subsequently allied with the Zhou Dynasty and surrendered Yang Chang to He Ruo Yi. Zhou Taizu was pleased and promoted him to Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry and Supervisor of the Left, and appointed him as the Chief Historian of Lueyang Manor.
After Emperor Min of the Zhou Dynasty ascended the throne, he appointed He Ruo Yi as the Master of Archery, changed his title to Viscount of Bacheeng, and soon after granted him the title of Kaifu. He subsequently served as the Governor of Lingzhou, Shaoshu, and General Manager of Yuanzhou and Xinzhou, excelling in every role he took on. His brother, He Ruodun, once served as the General Manager of Jinzhou but was later wrongfully accused and executed. As a result of this incident, He Ruo Yi was also relieved of his duties.
When Emperor Wu took power and took full control, he summoned He Ruoyi back and appointed him as the Prefect of Xiongzhou. During the campaign against Northern Qi, He Ruoyi led his troops out of Hangu Pass, first capturing Luoyang. He was subsequently appointed as the Prefect of Luozhou and granted the title of Marquis of Jianwei. Gao Shaoyi, the Prince of Fanyang in Northern Qi, fled to the Turks, and He Ruoyi pursued him and captured him in a battle at Mayi. In recognition of this achievement, he was promoted to Grand General. After Gaozu became Chancellor, he appointed He Ruoyi as the Governor of Bozhou and urged him to quickly take up his post. He defended against Sima Xiaonan in the west and intercepted Yu Jiong in the east. When the Governor of Shenzhou, Li Hui, rebelled, He Ruoyi quelled the rebellion and was ennobled as Duke of Fanyang County, and appointed as Grand General.
At the beginning of the Kaihuang era, he was appointed as the Right Martial General. Later, when Prince Hong of Hejian went to the north to campaign against the Turks, he was appointed as Vice Marshal. After the war ended, he was promoted to Left Martial Grand General. However, he was later dismissed due to some incidents. Over a year later, he was appointed as the Governor of Huazhou, shortly after transferred to the Governor of Fuzhou, and further ennobled as Duke of Hailing County. He was then reassigned as the Governor of Jingzhou. At that time, the Turks frequently harassed the border, and the court, knowing of his reputation and prestige, appointed him as the Governor of Lingzhou and promoted him to Grand General. By then, he was already quite old, but still in good health, able to wear full armor and ride a horse, causing fear among the Turks. After a few years, he requested retirement in a memorial to the emperor, which the emperor approved. He was wealthy and built a villa in the countryside, planting many fruit trees. He often invited friends for gatherings, featuring music and dance performances, enjoying leisure time together at the villa. He passed away at home at the age of seventy-seven. His son inherited his titles.
His eldest son is named Xie, who served as the General of Chariots and Cavalry; Xie's younger brother Xiang achieved the rank of Commandant of Chariots; Xiang's younger brother is named Yu, who became the General of Chariots and Cavalry; his older brother's son, Bi, is also noted in a separate biography.
Historical records state: individuals such as Yu Yi and Dou Rongding had family ties with the nobility of Nanyang, while others maintained friendships with old acquaintances from Fengyi. They all seized the opportunity, received important positions, made significant contributions to the country's stability, received generous rewards, retained their official positions, and secured prosperity for their descendants. They were like a fire constantly fueled, with a strong foundation that would not falter—truly remarkable! Dou Luyu sacrificed his life in a national crisis to uphold his integrity; Yin Shishi stayed loyal even after being deposed by the court, unwavering until his death. If these loyal subjects who have passed away were aware, they would have felt justified before the king and their parents.
