Gao Gou, courtesy name Xiaoji, was from Beihai, Shandong. He had a humorous and witty personality, was exceptionally intelligent, was a great speaker, enjoyed reading, and was skilled in handling government affairs. When he was young, he was appointed as the main clerk of the state. Later, he served as a military advisor to the King of Henan in Qi, and subsequently held positions as Sima (a military title) of Xuzhou, Prefect of Lanling County, and Prefect of Pingyuan County. After the fall of Northern Qi, Emperor Wu of Zhou appointed him as the Sima of Xuzhou. After Emperor Yang Jian of Sui declared himself emperor, Gao Gou was promoted to Sima of Jizhou and performed exceptionally well, gaining a great reputation.
He was later called to serve in the Ministry of Personnel, and shortly after, he was transferred to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. At that time, the Minister of the Interior, Jin Pingdong, and his nephew Jin Changmao were in a dispute over inheritance. The Ministry of Personnel couldn't decide, and after three discussions, they still had no resolution. Gao Gou quickly made a fair and just judgment, which really impressed the Emperor. The Emperor praised him, saying, "I've heard that a Shangshu Lang's talent should shine like the stars. Seeing your talent and insight, I understand that the words of the ancients are true. The distinction between legitimate and illegitimate offspring is a very important part of etiquette. I have read your judgments several times; the writing is concise, the reasoning is clear, I did not expect it to be so good." The Emperor also rewarded him with a hundred measures of rice. From then on, Gao Gou became famous.
He was then promoted to Sima of Yongzhou because of his decisive actions. Over a year later, he was promoted to the Ministry of Personnel, and everyone said he was competent. He was later transferred back to Yongzhou as the Sima, but was demoted to county magistrate of Zhoufei County for a minor offense. He ended up governing the county really well, which pleased the Emperor, so he was reappointed as the Sima of Yongzhou. He later served as the Ministry of Personnel, but was eventually dismissed due to some official issues. After Emperor Yangdi of Sui ascended the throne, he was summoned back to office. Many officials of the Ministry of Personnel were dismissed for incompetence, but Gao Gou had the best reputation, and everyone in charge of selecting officials was his subordinate.
Although people at that time perceived Gao Gou as someone who enjoyed joking and was somewhat frivolous, he was, in fact, quite cultured, especially valued by the Minister of Personnel, Niu Hong. Later, he retired from his official position due to old age and frailty. Niu Hong oversaw the selection of officials, and whenever he wanted to promote someone, he would always send people to Gao Gou's house to ask for his opinion, to determine whether he deemed the candidate suitable. Xue Daoheng, a renowned scholar from Hedong, always said that Gao Gou had a unique insight. He would always show his articles to Gao Gou before publishing them, and he always accepted Gao Gou's criticisms and corrections with humility. In the seventh year of the Daye era, Gao Gou passed away at the age of seventy-two years. Those he recommended, including Du Ruhui and Fang Xuanling, later became important officials in the court, and people all said that Gao Gou had a keen eye for talent.
During the Kaihuang period, Dou Lushi from Changli served as the Minister of the Yellow Gate, and he was widely regarded as meticulous in his duties. Pei Shu from Hedong became the Right Assistant Minister and frequently rectified errors. Shi Xie from Hedong, Dongfang Ju from Pingyuan, and Huangfu Yudao from Anding County all worked in the Ministry of Justice, upholding the law with fairness and integrity. Liu Shilong from Hongnong, Fang Shanjian from Qinghe, and Pei Jingmin from Hedong worked in the Department of Merit Evaluation, renowned for their strong work ethic and high efficiency. Wei Kun from Jingzhao served as the Minister of Civil Affairs, frequently providing candid advice. Han Ze from Nanyang served as the Chief Historian of Yanzhou, introducing numerous policies aimed at benefiting the populace and gaining the affection and respect of the populace. These officials, even though some held less prominent positions, were all dedicated workers, deeply respected by the populace, and were renowned at that time. Their achievements, although not all detailed in historical records, were evident to all through their diligent and upright service. Consequently, they received significant praise during that era.
Zhang Qianwei, courtesy name Yuanjing, was from Wucheng, Qinghe Dong. His father, Zhang Yanzhi, once served as the Governor of Xu Zhou during the Northern Qi. Zhang Qianwei was bright and well-read from a young age. His grandfather, Zhang Songzhi, once remarked, "Qianwei is the outstanding talent in our family!" At the age of twelve, he was appointed as the Chief Clerk of the prefecture. At the age of eighteen, he became a Junior Officer in the Ministry of War, and gradually rose to the position of Deputy Minister of Rites and Ceremonies. After the fall of Northern Qi, he served as an official under the Northern Zhou dynasty. When Emperor Yang Jian of Sui came to power, he was summoned to the imperial court to serve as a registrar.
During the reign of Sui Emperor Yang, Prince Jin Yang Guang was sent to defend Bingzhou and recruited talents, appointing Zhang Qianwei as a Military Officer in the judicial department. He was later promoted to several positions. Prince Jin greatly valued his talents, and he, along with Zhang Heng from Henan, were favored by Prince Jin. In the prince's residence, they were referred to as the "Two Zhangs." After Prince Jin ascended to the throne, Zhang Qianwei was promoted to Gentleman of the Household in the Office of Imperial Horsemen and an Attendant Gentleman of the Crown Prince. Upon the accession of Emperor Yang of Sui, he was appointed as an official of the Palace Library and the Yitong Sanqi (a title referring to a high-ranking official in the imperial court). Due to his previous service in Prince Jin's household, he was also awarded the position of Supervisor of the Imperial Household. Shortly after, he was appointed as the Grand Minister of Ceremonies, accompanying Emperor Yang of Sui to Jiangdu, where he managed administrative affairs and oversaw governmental matters.
Zhang Qianwei once saw a lost parcel on the road and, worried the owner might be anxiously searching for it, had his followers carry the parcel away. After a few days, the owner found him, and Zhang Qianwei returned the parcel to its owner, completely intact. Huainan Prefect Yang Chen once brought more than ten people to meet Emperor Yang of Sui. Emperor Yang of Sui asked Zhang Qianwei, "Who is standing at the forefront?" Zhang Qianwei carefully inspected and replied, "It is Huainan Prefect Yang Chen." Emperor Yang of Sui said, "As a court official, you don't even recognize the people who come to pay their respects, what's the matter?" Zhang Qianwei replied, "I do know Yang Chen, but I fear I might mistake him for someone else. It's like Shi Jian counting horse legs; that's the epitome of caution!" Emperor Yang of Sui greatly admired him. He was honest and cautious; that was his style. At that time, Emperor Yang of Sui often toured various places, and the common people were exhausted. Zhang Qianwei submitted a letter of advice. Emperor Yang of Sui was unhappy and grew distant from him. Shortly thereafter, Zhang Qianwei passed away. His son Zhang Shuang later became the magistrate of Lanling County.
Zhang Qianwei's younger brother, Zhang Qianxiong, was also quite talented. When Prince Xiao of Qin, Yang Jun, served as the general manager of Qinzhou, he selected Zhang Qianxiong as a judicial officer. Once, Prince Xiao of Qin personally tried a prisoner, and Zhang Qianxiong forgot to bring the case file. He laid out the case to over a hundred people, and his colleagues were very impressed. Later, he successively served as the magistrates of Shouchun and Yangcheng counties and made notable achievements in governance.
Rong Pi, styled Zichen, was from Wuzhong County, Beijing. His father Rong Quan was the Minister of War of Northern Wei. Rong Pi exhibited a strong sense of responsibility from a young age, was well-read and knowledgeable. He served in Northern Zhou as an aide to the King of Han and later rose to the rank of Junior Official of the Interior. Eventually, during the Kaihuang period of the Sui Dynasty, he continued to rise in ranks and became an imperial censor.
At that time, there were many thieves in Huayin County, and it was necessary to select outstanding officials to govern. Yang Su recommended Rong Pi as the Prefect of Huazhou, and everyone said he was very capable. Yang Su owned many fields and houses in Huayin, and his subordinates often misbehaved. Rong Pi enforced the law strictly, without any favoritism. Once at a court meeting, Yang Su said to Rong Pi, "I recommended you, actually causing trouble for myself!" Rong Pi replied, "I'm dedicated to enforcing the law; I just fear letting you down." Yang Su smiled and said, "I was just kidding earlier. Your ability to enforce the law seriously is what I hope to see."
At that time, the Jin Prince was in Yangzhou, often sending people to secretly inquire about the news in the capital. He sent Zhang Heng to build stables along the road, saying it was for raising horses, but really for his own benefit. All the states and counties dared not resist; only Rong Pi decisively stopped this matter. Emperor Wen of Sui was very pleased when he heard about it, rewarded him with a hundred rolls of silk, and transferred him to Puzhou as a Sima. When Prince Han Liang rebelled, the local heroes of Hedong rallied to his cause, opening the city gates to surrender. The governor Qiu He fled back to Guanzhong in fear. The Chief Official Gao Yiming said to Rong Pi, "Hedong is an important strategic location, the eastern gate of the country. If lost, the consequences would be unimaginable. Although the people in the city are panicking, not everyone is rebelling. As long as we capture and kill a dozen or so leading rebels, the situation can be stabilized." Rong Pi agreed to his suggestion. Gao Yiming rode to pursue Qiu He to discuss countermeasures with him. As a result, he was killed by the rebels at the west gate of the city, and Rong Pi was also captured.
After Prince Han Liang suppressed the rebellion, Rong Pi was appointed as a Censor. Emperor Wen of Sui said to him, "Today you are promoted because of your handling of the stable incident. I hope you stay true to your principles moving forward." The emperor also respected him greatly. Rong Pi was upright and incorruptible in the court, earning the respect and fear of many officials. Later, due to his mother's death, he resigned and returned home to observe a period of mourning. Over a year later, he was appointed again, but shortly after, he passed away and was posthumously honored as a junior minister in the Ministry of Rites.
Jian Xu of Pilin was a person of integrity and knowledge, serving as an official in the Zhou Dynasty and reaching the high positions of Zai Shi Xia Da Fu and Yi Tong San Si. After pacifying the State of Qi, he was appointed to guard the city of Ye and composed a thirty-volume work titled "Qi Ji." Jian Xu had known Emperor Gaozu (Yang Jian) before and later became the Prime Minister, receiving promotions to the position of Kai Fu and serving as the Governor of Xizhou.
When preparing to take office, Emperor Gaozu was already planning to usurp the throne and secretly said to Jian Xu, "Let's do it together and enjoy wealth and glory together!" Jian Xu, as a minister of the Zhou Dynasty, immediately expressed opposition, saying, "I cannot agree with what you are saying!" This displeased Emperor Gaozu, prompting Jian Xu to leave.
During the Kaihuang era, Jian Xu came to the court to see the Emperor. Yang Jian asked him, "Do you regret it?" Jian Xu lowered his head and said, "I may not hold the same status as Xu Guang, but my intentions are the same as Yang Biao." Yang Jian smiled and said, "Although I may not understand these elegant words, I know that your words are rather blunt!" Later, Jian Xu became the Governor of Shizhou and Hongzhou, where both places flourished under his rule and earned a good reputation.
Lu Zhiming, styled Zhongtong, was from Fuchun in Wu County. His father, Lu Ao, had served as a Cavalier Attendant to the Emperor in the Chen Dynasty. Lu Zhiming had a passion for learning from a young age, possessing broad knowledge, integrity, and a strong sense of principles. He initially served as a military officer under the Prince of Chen, later becoming an Imperial Academy Scholar and the Warden of the Southern Prison. After the fall of the Chen Dynasty, he returned to his hometown. At that time, a rebellion led by Gao Zhihui and others was stirring unrest in Jiangdong, with Prince Jin Yang Guang stationed at Jiangdu. Recognizing Lu Zhiming's influence in the Sanwu region, he summoned him to negotiate the rebels' surrender.
Lu Zhiming successfully persuaded the surrender of seventeen cities, capturing over three hundred rebel leaders including Chen Zhengxu and Xiao Sixing. For this achievement, he was appointed as an Assistant Minister, granted land and a residence, and his brother Lu Ke was appointed as the magistrate of Jianyang County. Lu Zhiming believed that his brother Lu Ke was not competent enough for the magistrate position, so he submitted a memorial requesting the court to rescind the appointment, which was approved.
After the unification of the country, Lu Zhiming persuaded Emperor Yang Jian to move the capital to Luoyang and even wrote a "Song of Great Peace" to express his thoughts, but the details are not elaborated upon here. After several years without a new appointment, he personally presented a memorial to the court, requesting to be sent as an envoy to Goguryeo. In the memorial, he wrote: "I understand that a wise ruler will seek out talent far and wide, even if they are common people; as long as they have abilities, they will be valued. I humbly request that Your Majesty consider my request. In ancient times, the Yellow Emperor of Xuanyuan used military force, but also forgave the Su family; even Emperor Shun of Yu, when he wanted to subdue the Miao family, still left room. Your Majesty is currently in a peaceful and prosperous era, with peace and stability in the borders, except for the repeated provocations from the small country of Goguryeo. Your benevolence is well-known, and it is said that you abhor violence, and wish to influence them with virtue. I request to go to Goguryeo, to promote your esteemed virtues, and make their rulers bow down." The Emperor, after reading the memorial, regarded him with newfound respect.
A year later, Lu Zhiming was appointed as the General of Puning Town. He was praised for his integrity and was therefore summoned to serve in the Imperial Censorate. After Emperor Yang Guang ascended the throne, he appointed Lu Zhiming as the Assistant Imperial Secretary in charge of editing. He was upright and respected by the officials, and Emperor Yang Guang also highly valued him. However, he was dismissed from his position due to certain incidents. A year later, he was reinstated to his office. At that time, Prince Qi Yang Jian was arrogant and surrounded himself with sycophants, so Lu Zhiming filed a memorial accusing him, resulting in Yang Jian's downfall and causing fear among the officials. During the campaign in Liaodong, he served as the surrender envoy of the Eastern Expedition, and eventually died while on campaign at the age of sixty-seven, posthumously elevated to the rank of Grand Master of the Imperial Secretariat.
Fang Yanqian, courtesy name Xiaochong, hails from Qinghe. His ancestor Fang Chen, seven generations ago, held the position of lieutenant in the Yan Kingdom. They moved to the Qi Kingdom along with the Murong clan and have lived there ever since. His family has been a prominent lineage for generations. His great-grandfather Fang Fashou once served as the governor of Qingzhou and Jizhou in the Wei Kingdom and was granted the title of Marquis of Zhuangwu. His grandfather and great-uncle both served as governors of Qijun and Pingyuan counties, respectively. His father Fang Xiong began his career as a county registrar and later served as the governors of Qinghe and Guangchuan counties.
Fang Yanqian lost his father at a young age and did not know what he looked like. He was brought up by his mother and uncle. His elder brother Fang Yanxun was upright and knowledgeable, and seeing Fang Yanqian's intelligence, he took it upon himself to teach him to read. At the age of seven, Fang Yanqian was able to recite tens of thousands of characters, and people in the clan thought he was special. At the age of fifteen, he served his stepmother and younger brother with greater filial piety than that shown by his own sons. His younger brother Fang Zhen was touched and treated him with great kindness. When his stepmother passed away, Fang Yanqian went without food for five days. He also served his uncle Fang Bao, the Prefect of Leling, with utmost dedication. Whenever the family received precious fruits during festivals, he would always wait until last to eat. Whenever someone in the family passed away and mourning rites had to be observed, he strictly observed a vegetarian diet. He became a role model for the family.
Later, Fang Yanqian studied with Dr. Yin Lin and mastered the Five Classics. He wrote well, excelled in cursive and clerical scripts, had good eloquence, and surpassed most people in demeanor and temperament. At the age of eighteen, Prince Xiaoheng of Guangning appointed him as the chief clerk when he became the governor of Qizhou. Although the laws were not very strict at the time, most officials in the state were relatively lax. However, after Fang Yanqian took office, he was honest and upright, and the administration was orderly, earning everyone's respect. When the Zhou army attacked Ye City and Prince Qi fled east, Fang Yanqian was appointed as the deputy governor of Qizhou. He was heartbroken by the fall of the country and wanted to gather men of loyalty and righteousness to secretly assist the court. Unfortunately, his plan was unsuccessful. After the fall of Qi, he returned home. The Zhou emperor appointed Zhuguo Xin Zun as the governor of Qizhou, but Xin Zun was captured by bandits. Fang Yanqian wrote a letter urging them, and the soldiers with swords felt ashamed and intimidated, so they sent Xin Zun back to the state capital, and the remaining bandits also surrendered. After the founding emperor passed away, Fang Yanqian lived a leisurely life in the countryside, vowing never to serve as an official again. In the seventh year of the Kaihuang era, Governor Wei Yi strongly recommended him, and he felt compelled to accept. The Minister of Personnel, Lu Kai, valued him upon first sight and promoted him to the role of attendant, and shortly after he was promoted to the position of censor. Later, he followed Chen Ping and was tasked with pacifying ten states including Quanzhou and Kuozhou. Because he successfully completed the mission, the emperor was very pleased and rewarded him with one hundred rolls of fabric, one hundred dan of rice, a set of clothes, and seven slaves. He was then promoted to the position of General Manager of Qinzhou and military officer.
Once, during a court session, the Left Supervisor Gao Qiang was evaluating officials. Yan Qian said to Gao Qiang, "It is said that officials' political achievements are evaluated every three years, and this system of evaluating officials has been in place since the times of Yao and Shun in ancient China. Evaluations need to be fair and just, with clear rewards and consequences, in order to promote talented individuals and eliminate the incompetent. If there are discrepancies in the evaluation process, the system becomes meaningless. Recently, I have seen evaluation results from various states, and the standards vary widely, with varying numbers of promotions and demotions. Moreover, some evaluations are tainted by personal biases, leading to unfair results. Honest and upright officials may not necessarily receive high ratings, while those who flatter and please superiors may be promoted. This blurs the distinction between truth and falsehood, right and wrong. If senior officials fail to review thoroughly and promote individuals based on merit, then most of those promoted succeed mainly through flattery. Officials who lack experience in the central government are deemed unqualified and dismissed. Moreover, officials from distant regions often struggle to grasp the full situation in the capital, so evaluation results often turn out to be 'half pass, half fail.' Merely counting the number of officials without considering their quality makes it impossible to achieve a fair evaluation. You are wise and impartial, so this evaluation is sure to be fair. If there have been any of the aforementioned issues in previous evaluations, I’m curious how you intend to tackle these issues. I hope you can gather information extensively, conduct thorough investigations, recognize small acts of kindness, and address minor wrongdoings. This will not only showcase wise and just governance but also aid in selecting the right talents." Yan Qian spoke with a loud and resolute voice, and all the onlookers watched him. Gao Qiang was deeply moved by him and held him in high regard. So Gao Qiang asked him about the performance of officials in Hexi and Longyou, and Yan Qian responded fluently. Gao Qiang then told the governors of other provinces, "Talking to you isn’t as productive as having a chat with the inspector from Qinzhou." A few days later, Gao Qiang reported this matter to the emperor, but the emperor chose not to act on it.
When his term was over, he was appointed as the county magistrate of Changge County. He governed the place very well, and the people affectionately referred to him as a kind father. During the reign of Ren Shou, the emperor ordered officials to inspect the states and counties, evaluating the abilities of local officials. He was recognized as the best official in the realm, and was promoted to be the Sima of Yezhou. Officials and common folk wept and lamented to one another, "Prefect Fang has left, what will we do now?" In time, the people longed for him and erected a monument to commemorate his virtues. Yezhou had been without a governor for many years, and all the affairs of the state were handled by Yan Qian, who achieved many political accomplishments.
Xue Daoheng was a renowned literary figure of his era, holding a prestigious official position and enjoying a stellar reputation. He associated with famous scholars and virtuous men from all over the country. He held Yan Qian in high esteem and respected him greatly. Later, Xue Daoheng became the governor of Xiangzhou, and the two frequently exchanged letters and often met. After Sui Emperor Yang ascended the throne, Xue Daoheng was appointed governor of Fanzhou. When passing through Yan Qian's territory, he stayed for several days, leaving only with great reluctance, with tears at their farewell.
Chamberlain Zhang Heng also shared a close relationship with Yan Qian. At that time, Emperor Yang of Sui was building the Eastern Capital in a lavish and extravagant manner, leading to widespread disappointment among the populace. Additionally, the Han prince's rebellion resulted in the punishment of many. Yan Qian, realizing that Zhang Heng, despite his official position, could not avert these events, wrote a letter to him, saying:
I heard that rewards are given to encourage good deeds, and punishments are given to combat bad deeds. Therefore, people of low status who do good should be rewarded; people of high status who do wrong should be punished. There has never been favoritism shown to relatives to avoid suspicion, nor has there been a case of ignoring rewards due to someone's low status. Now, all the provincial governors are tasked with governing their regions, and their good and bad deeds are reported to the court. They fear the court's rules and dare not be negligent. The country is blessed by heaven, and its people are like its children. The fairness of rewards and punishments will be seen by heaven, as heaven is watching, so caution is necessary. As King Wen said, "I will remain vigilant day and night, honoring the majesty of heaven." Thus, while there are differences between provinces and counties, and disparities in status, the concern for the people, love for the people, careful law enforcement, and reasoning remain consistent.
As for the rebellion in Bingzhou, it must be carefully investigated. If Yang Liang really recruited soldiers and gathered supplies out of concern for the safety of the country, rather than plotting rebellion because the imperial orders were not conveyed, his true intentions must be clarified before deciding on his punishment. Only then can it be in accordance with the Emperor's benevolence and dispel the doubts of the people. However, if it is found that there was peace inside and out, but he still delighted in causing chaos and scheming treason after inheriting the throne, like Guan Shu and Cai Shu, he should be executed for his crimes, and his accomplices should also be punished together, executed publicly as a warning to others, as this is the consistent law of the country. Of course, some may have been forced or coerced into participating in the rebellion, resulting in the destruction of their families and displacement, which would be unfair. The eyes of the heavens are clear; how could they possibly wrongfully accuse innocent people? Crimes that raise doubts should be treated leniently; isn't that only fair? In the past, Shu sentenced those guilty of selling prisoners to death, and the people of Jin praised him; Emperor Wen of Han also agreed with him for pardoning those who had committed minor offenses. Yang She and the Chief Justice did not intentionally defy the king's orders; they were merely upholding the law without bias.
Furthermore, the supreme power of the sage, known as the sacred power, cannot be easily obtained if it is not destined by heaven. Therefore, although Chi You and Xiang Yu are brave and good at war, Yi Yin and Huo Guang have overwhelming power, Li Kui and Confucius are talented, Jiang Taigong and Sun Wu are proficient in military strategy, Wu and Chu are in dangerous locations, and Empress Lu and Empress Dowager Dou hold power, none of them became emperors according to the mandate of heaven. Not to mention that Yang Liang is merely an official from a small territory, a rabble, yet he dared to invade the capital region, harboring foolish ambitions! Since time immemorial, historical records have documented the deeds of emperors throughout history, which we can examine in detail. Without accumulating virtue and merit, who can gain the support of the people and the blessings of heaven! Therefore, wise rulers of ancient times were diligent and cautious from morning to night, always vigilant, treading on thin ice, and dared not slack off in the slightest. However, in later generations, rulers indulged in luxury, lacked vigilance, acted recklessly, and indulged in wine and women; their absurd behaviors are countless, and I need not enumerate them all.
Speaking of the states of Qi and Chen, they were great powers at that time, believing their virtues matched those of heaven and earth, their brilliance as bright as the sun and the moon, not worrying about any danger, and not caring about governing the country. The courtiers surrounding them were all in their good graces, only speaking good words and hiding the bad things; those who wrote historical records only sugarcoated the status quo, covering up the flaws and only writing the advantages. Therefore, the common people were in deep distress, their voices could not reach the ears of those in power; the ministers donned masks of hypocrisy, surrounding the rulers every day. Although the laws were strict, the number of punishments escalated, and the burden of corvée grew heavier, the common people, young and old alike, were utterly exhausted.
In the past, Zheng had the notable minister Zi Chan, Qi had Yan Ying, Chu had Shu Ao, and Jin had Shi Hui. These small states all produced famous ministers. Qi and Chen were both vast and rich in resources, so how could they lack talented individuals? The problem was that their rulers were incompetent and only concerned with their own selfish interests, forgetting about the safety and well-being of the country. Though they seemed harmonious on the surface, they were suspicious of each other in their hearts. If they encountered honest and outspoken individuals who posed no benefit to them, they would swiftly suppress them. However, if they encountered flatterers, they would promote them regardless of their wrongdoings as long as it benefited them. With such criteria for selection, how could they ever discover true talent? True talents cannot be evaluated solely on physical strength or literary prowess; they must be honest, selfless, and steadfast, serving as the pillars that uphold the state, akin to the backbone of a body. Qi and Chen disregarded these honest individuals and instead believed the flatterers. Ultimately, the heavens withdrew their power and submitted them to our mighty Sui dynasty. Had these two states revered the heavens, cared for their people, employed honest individuals, and abandoned vanity while embracing humility and compassion, then even with strong northern borders and treacherous southern rivers, they would have prospered, and the people would not have rebelled. The country would have been as stable as Mount Tai, impervious to any threats. However, they indulged in pleasure, leading to the downfall of their nations, which is indeed lamentable. As an ancient poem aptly states: "Before the fall of the Yin and Shang dynasties, they still worshipped the gods and received their blessings. You should take this as a warning and not easily lose the grace of heaven." In managing national affairs, every decision demands careful consideration. "Before the fall of the Yin dynasty, it was able to align with the will of the gods. Take heed of the lessons from the Yin dynasty; a noble destiny is not easily attained."
Your Majesty, you are renowned for your benevolence and filial piety, with ever-growing merits and virtues. The people all hope that you can continue to govern diligently to ensure the nation's peace and prosperity. During your administration of the Huaihai region, your remarkable achievements won the hearts of the people, and all regions came under your rule. Although your time in power has not been long, your kindness and generosity have spread across the land, bringing joy to the common folk. However, a sudden rebellion has erupted in Bianzhou, which has caught us all by surprise. This is all due to the deception and manipulation of Yang Liang, leading the people down the wrong path. They do not inherently resent the court, but were deceived by Yang Liang into rebellion. Nevertheless, some officials and generals have inflated the rebels' intentions, which not only wrongfully accuses innocent people but could also impact Your Majesty's wise decisions. You have always valued me, allowing me to participate in confidential matters, showing trust in me since your time as a prince. I should be making significant contributions to the nation, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations, like the ancient sages Ji, Qi, Yi, and Lv, making significant contributions to the nation. In this prosperous era, I must speak frankly and offer my counsel, setting an example for today's society and creating a legacy for future generations. I cannot sacrifice justice to curry favor with Your Majesty, nor allow those who are coerced to be implicated. I am grateful for Your Majesty's favor, and I take the liberty of speaking frankly; if I have caused any offense, I humbly ask for Your Majesty's forgiveness. After penning these words, I let out a deep sigh but hesitate to submit them to the court.
Mr. Yan Qian saw that the court's discipline was in decline, so he resigned from his post and withdrew from public life, planning to build a small house at the foot of Meng Mountain to devote himself to self-cultivation. Later, the court established the position of Sili Governor and widely selected famous people from all over the world. The court believed that Mr. Yan Qian was upright, honest, and highly respected, and was a candidate favored by the people, so they summoned him to serve as the Sili Governor. Mr. Yan Qian was also ambitious and wanted to reform the customs of society. The people he recommended were all models of high moral character. None held grudges against him for his accusations. The Sili Assistant Liu Na was arrogant and overstepped his bounds, bullying those weaker than himself while claiming to be upright. The other officials were all wary of him and treated him with great respect. Only Mr. Yan Qian stood by his principles, showed no fear, and treated him with indifference, earning praise from many wise observers. Liu Na did not dare to resent him. In the ninth year of Daye, Mr. Yan Qian accompanied the emperor to cross the Liao River and supervised the military in Fuyu Road. Later, as the political landscape of the Sui Dynasty grew more chaotic and the court became corrupt, many people turned traitor. However, Mr. Yan Qian remained steadfast in his principles, standing alone, honest, and unyielding, which led to resentment from the ruling class and his demotion to Jingyang magistrate. Shortly thereafter, he passed away while in office, at the age of sixty-nine. When Li Yan Qian was at home, whenever his children and nephews visited, he always lectured them, encouraged them to work hard and improve themselves, lecturing them endlessly, never tiring of it. His family had a solid financial foundation, with ample assets. He had served as an official before, and he used all his salary to support relatives and friends. The household had no extra money; even their mounts, clothes, and utensils were kept simple. From youth to old age, his actions and words were never motivated by personal gain. Though he often felt embarrassed by his empty pockets, he remained content. One day, he smiled leisurely and said to his son Li Xuanling, "While others grow rich from their official positions, I find myself poorer because of mine. All I leave my descendants is a good name."
His articles are broad in style, leisurely and elegant, possessing a profound aesthetic depth of ancient literati. He is also skilled in cursive and clerical script, and those who receive his letters cherish them as treasures. Wang Shao of Taiyuan, Gao Gou of Beihai, Li Gang of Liao County, and Liu Yu and Xue Ru of Hedong were all renowned literati celebrated for their elegance and simplicity, and Li Yanqian was friends with them. Although high-ranking officials often came to visit, his home was always peaceful and free of unwelcome visitors. He was refined in character, well-versed in statecraft, and those in the know believed he was destined for greatness.
Initially, during the Kaihuang era, after the Chen dynasty was subdued and the realm unified, everyone thought they would usher in a peaceful and prosperous era. Li Yanqian privately told his relative Zhao Jun Li Shaotong, "The emperor is suspicious, stubborn, and refuses to accept advice and criticism from others. The crown prince is weak, and the princes hold power. The court enforces only harsh policies, neglecting generous and compassionate measures. Although the world is stable, I worry that turmoil is on the horizon." Li Shaotong initially did not believe him, but by the time of the Renshou and Daye eras, Li Yanqian's words had all come true. After the Tang Dynasty unified the country, he was posthumously honored as the Governor of Xuzhou and the Duke of Linzi County, with the posthumous title "Ding."
Historians note that a grand palace cannot be built from just one piece of wood; the achievements of an emperor cannot be completed by one person alone. Each has its own purpose, from the large beams to the smallest pieces of wood; none should be discarded. Individuals like Li E, with remarkable literary talent and a commitment to justice, or exceptional abilities dedicated to serving the nation, had their talents and achievements widely recognized in their time, and their deeds are recorded in history books. Many talented individuals during the Sui Dynasty forged careers, achieved great success, and became pillars of the nation, much like the stars surrounding the North Star.
