Lang Mao, courtesy name Weizhi, was born in Xinshi, Hengshan, Hebei. His father, Ji, once served as the Prefect of Yingchuan in the Northern Qi dynasty. Lang Mao was bright from a young age, able to recite the "Chu Ci" and the "Book of Songs" at the age of seven, reciting more than a thousand characters a day. At the age of fifteen, he became a student of Quan Hui in Hejian. Quan Hui was a Doctor of the Imperial Academy, and Lang Mao studied the "Book of Songs," "Book of Changes," "Three Rites," and various subjects like astronomy and law with him. He was studying tirelessly under Zhang Shuili, an assistant teacher of the Imperial Academy, learning the "Zuo Zhuan," "Gong Yang Zhuan," "Guliang Zhuan," and various literary works. His family worried about his health and often helped him adjust the lighting. As he grew older, Lang Mao became a renowned scholar, excelling in writing. At the age of nineteen, his father passed away, and he observed the mourning period with great diligence, even more strictly than required.
He later served as an official in the Northern Qi dynasty, starting as an aide in the Sikong Mansion. By chance, the Chen Kingdom sent the envoy Fu Zi to visit Northern Qi, and Lang Mao was assigned to receive him. Later, Lang Mao was ordered to proofread books in the Secretariat. He was then promoted to the position of Magistrate of Baocheng County, achieving remarkable results, prompting the locals to compose a "Song of Clear Virtue" in his honor. After Emperor Wu of Zhou conquered Northern Qi, the Grand Preceptor Wang Yi recommended Lang Mao to Emperor Wu, who appointed him as Chenzhou's Household Officer. At that time, Yang Jian (later Emperor Wen of Sui) served as the Governor-General of Bozhou, and he held Lang Mao in high regard, appointing him as his secretary.
At that time, Emperor Wu of Zhou was compiling the "I Ching." Yang Jian chatted with Lang Mao and said, "The things the emperor does will shake the heavens and the earth, even affecting ghosts and gods. But there are many strict laws in this 'I Ching.' How can it govern the world well?" Lang Mao admired him in silence, thinking, "This is not something an ordinary person can say!" From then on, Lang Mao secretly befriended Yang Jian, and Yang Jian also respected him. Later, Lang Mao returned to his hometown and became the chief clerk of the province. After Yang Jian became the prime minister, he wrote a letter to summon Lang Mao. The two recalled the past and were very happy. Yang Jian appointed Lang Mao as the registrar of Wei Zhou, and Lang Mao's performance was outstanding. Soon, he was promoted to the magistrate of Wei Guo County.
At that time, there were more than two hundred prisoners in Wei Guo County. Lang Mao personally reviewed the cases and released more than one hundred people in a few days. Over the years, the official cases in Wei Guo County were not escalated to higher authorities. The Inspector of Wei Zhou, Yuan Hui, said to Lang Mao, "The county magistrate said that the people of Wei Guo dare not appeal because they are afraid of you!" Lang Mao replied, "The people are like water, while laws act as dams. As long as the dam holds, what do you have to worry about?" Yuan Hui was speechless by Lang Mao's words.
There was a man named Zhang Yuan Yu, who had a bad relationship with his cousin Si Lan, leading to significant conflict. The county's magistrate suggested using strict laws to punish them, but Lang Mao said, "Zhang Yuan Yu and his brother already hate each other, and now they have committed a crime, which will only deepen their animosity. This is not the way to educate the people!" So, Lang Mao sent some respected elders from the village to persuade them, and the elders came in droves. Zhang Yuan Yu and his brother were both moved, felt deep remorse, and went to the county office to confess their wrongdoings. Lang Mao talked sense into them, and in the end, the two brothers reconciled and became close friends again.
Mao Xian first served as the Chief Historian in Yanzhou, and later was promoted to be the Deputy Minister of Rites, and then became the Deputy Minister of Personnel. At that time, the Right Deputy of the Ministry of Personnel, Su Wei, issued a directive requiring local authorities to report annually on any misconduct involving officials ranked five or higher. Some local officials were nonchalant, saying, "There are no families of rank five or above within our jurisdiction." They often ignored it, and this was common in many regions. Su Wei also established a surplus grain ledger, intending to adjust surplus grain from various places to areas in need. Mao felt this was too cumbersome and impractical, so he submitted a petition to abolish these measures. After a few years, his mother passed away, and he resigned from his post to fulfill his mourning obligations at home. Before his mourning period had concluded, the court asked him to return to work. He also submitted a memorial stating that the sons of those who died for the country should not lose their land; and that older officials should not see their land reduced. These suggestions were all made by Mao. He was intelligent and decisive, dealing with matters efficiently, and everyone praised his strong ability to handle affairs. During the Renshou era, he served as the District Magistrate of Daxing and concurrently held his official position. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, he was promoted to be the Military Advisor of Yongzhou, and shortly after was appointed as the Taichang Shaoqing. Two years later, he was appointed as the Left Deputy of the Ministry of Personnel, participating in the selection of officials. Mao was well-versed in legal principles, which was well-respected during that period.
At that time, the Minister of the Ministry of Works, Yu Wenkai, and the General of the Right Wing, Yu Zhongwen, were in an intense conflict over the silver mines in Hedong. Wang Mao accused them in a memorial, saying, "I have heard that different social statuses have their own etiquette, and each profession has its own duties, so that people can be in their proper places, knowing what to do and what not to do. Yu Wenkai already holds a high position and receives a high salary. He should grow quietly like a sunflower, instead of fighting over things that don't matter, and even competing for interests with others without a hint of shame. Yu Zhongwen is a general, a close attendant to the emperor, serving the emperor in the palace every day. He should learn the humility exemplified by Yu Shun and Rui Bo, instead of fighting for insignificant benefits. How can you set a good example for lower officials? How can you set a good example for the common people? If such behavior is not corrected, it will damage the court's political and moral integrity!" As a result, both Yu Wenkai and Yu Zhongwen were punished. Wang Mao also compiled a hundred volumes of "Provincial and County Maps and Classics" to present to the court, and he was rewarded with three hundred bolts of silk, and his book was kept in the imperial treasury. At that time, the emperor often went on tours, and the national laws and regulations were in disarray, with many laws being ineffective. Wang Mao, a former senior official of the previous emperor, was well-versed in worldly affairs, but he was skilled at self-preservation and dared not speak. He saw that the emperor was irritable and dared not speak, merely sighing to himself. Because he was old, he submitted a request for retirement, but the emperor did not approve. The emperor happened to lead the expedition to Liaodong, so Wang Mao was assigned to guard the Jinyang Palace.
Wang Wentong, the Prefect of Hengshan, had conflicts with Wang Mao, accusing him of factionalism, private dealings, and deceiving both superiors and subordinates. The Emperor ordered Minister Su Wei and Imperial Censor Pei Yun to investigate the matter together. Wang Mao already had a bad relationship with these two individuals, so they deliberately fabricated charges to make Wang Mao's offenses seem severe. The Emperor was furious, dismissing Wang Mao and his younger brother, Wang Chudou, from their official posts and exiling them to Qiemo. Wang Mao accepted the order with calmness, showing no signs of worry. On the way, he composed a piece titled "Ascending the Hill" as a means of self-comfort, and the piece was excellently written. He also submitted a memorial to explain his grievances, and the Emperor began to understand. Ten years later, the Emperor summoned him back to the capital of Jingzhao. A year later, Wang Mao passed away at the age of 75. He was survived by a son named Wang Zhinian.
Gao Gou, styled Xiaoji, was from Beihai, Shandong. He had a humorous and witty personality, exceptional intelligence, excellent eloquence, enjoyed reading, and was adept at handling political affairs. When he was young, he was appointed Chief Clerk of the prefecture. Later, he served as a military officer under the King of Henan in Qi, and successively held positions as the Sima of Xuzhou, the Prefect of Lanling County, and the 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 the Sima of Jizhou, where he achieved notable political success and earned a strong reputation. He was later summoned by the court to serve as the Assistant Minister of Personnel, and shortly after, he was transferred to the Assistant Minister of Civil Affairs.
At that time, the Minister of the Interior Affairs, Jin Pingdong, and his nephew Jin Changmao were fighting for the inheritance rights. The Ministry of Appointments could not make a decision, and the courtiers discussed it three times without a result. Gao Gou rendered a judgment on the spot, and it was remarkably sound. The emperor admired his talent and summoned him to the inner palace, praising him, "I heard that the talent of a Shangshu Lang should be as bright as the stars. Seeing your talent, I realize that the wisdom of the ancients holds true. The distinction between legitimate and illegitimate offspring is very important in etiquette. I have read your judgment several times; the wording is appropriate, the reasoning is sufficient, and I didn't expect it to be so good." The emperor also rewarded him with a hundred shi of rice. From then on, Gao Gou became famous.
Later, he was promoted to the Sima of Yongzhou and earned a reputation for his decisiveness. Over a year later, he was promoted to the Minister of Personnel, and everyone said he was competent. He was reassigned to Yongzhou as the Sima, but was demoted to the position of County Magistrate of Zhufei for making a mistake. However, he managed the county well, and the emperor was very satisfied, so he was reappointed as the Sima of Yongzhou. Later, he became the Minister of Personnel again, but was eventually removed from his post due to political issues. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended to the throne, he was reinstated. At that time, many officials of the Ministry of Personnel were dismissed for incompetence, but Gao Gou, who was the most prestigious, was irreplaceable by anyone who had previously been responsible for selecting officials.
Although some people said that Gao Gou liked to tell jokes and was a bit frivolous, he was, in fact, quite principled, especially valued by the Minister of Personnel, Niu Hong. Later, he retired due to old age and frailty. Niu Hong, who oversaw official appointments at the time, would always send someone to Gao Gou's house to ask for his opinion whenever he needed to promote someone. "Xue Daoheng from Hedong is exceptionally talented, a rarity in his generation. He always said that Gao Gou had a unique vision. He would always present his articles to Gao Gou for review before publication. If Gao Gou had any criticism or corrections, Xue Daoheng would humbly accept them."
In the seventh year of Daye, Gao Gou passed away at the age of seventy-two in his home. The individuals he recommended, such as Du Ruhui and Fang Xuanling, later became important officials in the court, and people said that Gao Gou had a keen eye for judging people.
During the Kaihuang period, Doulu Shi from Changli served as the Attendant of the Yellow Gate, known for his careful and meticulous work. Pei Shu from Hedong served as the Right Chancellor, often correcting mistakes. Shi Xie from Hedong, Dongfang Ju from Pingyuan, and Huangfu Yudao from Anding all worked in the Ministry of Justice, handling matters with impartiality and integrity. Liu Shilong from Hongnong and Fang Shanji from Qinghe worked in the Department of Merit, while Pei Jingmin from Hedong worked in the Ministry of War, all known for their high efficiency and strong abilities. Wei Kun from Jingzhao served in the Ministry of Civil Affairs, frequently offering candid advice. Han Ze from Nanyang served as Chief Historian of Yanzhou, implementing many benevolent policies. These officials, although some of their achievements were omitted from records, were all considered capable officials, praised by the people at the time.
These officials were all quite remarkable! Doulu Shi as the Attendant of the Yellow Gate was extremely cautious and meticulous; Pei Shu as the Right Chancellor focused on correcting mistakes without any sloppiness; the officials in the Ministry of Justice, Shi Xie, Dongfang Ju, and Huangfu Yudao, were all impartial and fair; Liu Shilong and Fang Shanji in the Department of Merit, Pei Jingmin in the Ministry of War, their work efficiency was top-notch! Wei Kun in the Ministry of Civil Affairs dared to speak up and often provided advice to the emperor; Han Ze, Chief Historian of Yanzhou, was praised by the people. Although some things were not recorded, the abilities of these officials were clearly visible, and everyone at the time praised their competence.
Zhang Qianwei, also known by his courtesy name Yuanjing, was from Wucheng in Qinghe Dong. His father, Zhang Yanzhi, served as the Inspector of North Xuzhou. Zhang Qianwei was intelligent from a young age and widely read. His grandfather, Zhang Songzhi, once told someone, "Qianwei is the outstanding talent in our family!" At the age of twelve, he was appointed as the Chief Clerk of the province. At the age of eighteen, he became a military officer in the Office of the Grand Commandant, and gradually rose through the ranks to become the Minister of Ceremonies. After the fall of Northern Qi, he served as a Chamberlain in the Northern Zhou dynasty. When Emperor Yang Jian of the Sui Dynasty ascended the throne, he was summoned to the palace and appointed as a signatory in the Ministry of Works.
During the Kaihuang era, Prince Jin Yang Guang was sent to guard Bingzhou. He carefully selected his staff and appointed Zhang Qianwei as a military officer responsible for criminal matters, later promoting him to several positions. Prince Jin admired his talent, and he, along with Zhang Heng from Henan, were highly regarded by Prince Jin. In Prince Jin's mansion, they were both referred to as the "Two Zhangs." When Prince Jin became the crown prince, Zhang Qianwei was promoted to Gentleman of the Imperial Gate and an attendant in the crown prince's court. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, Zhang Qianwei was appointed as an official in the imperial secretariat and a ceremonial officer in the Ministry of Rites. Due to his previous service in Prince Jin's mansion, he was also granted the title of Kaifu. Shortly after, he was appointed as a Master of Ceremonies, accompanying Emperor Yang to Jiangdu, where he served as a deputy in local governance and was known for his adept management of affairs.
Once, Zhang Qianwei found a lost package on the road and, fearing that the owner would be worried, had his attendants carry it until the owner was found and the package returned intact. When the Huainan Governor, Yang Chen, visited Emperor Yang with a dozen attendants, Emperor Yang asked Zhang Qianwei, "Who is the one standing in the front?" Zhang Qianwei took a moment to observe before responding, "It is the Huainan Governor, Yang Chen." Emperor Yang then questioned why Zhang Qianwei, as a Master of Ceremonies, did not recognize the visitor, to which Zhang Qianwei explained that he was cautious to avoid misidentifying anyone, comparing it to Shi Jian's meticulous counting of horse hooves. Emperor Yang praised him for his integrity and carefulness, which defined his character.
At that time, Emperor Yang of Sui often went on inspections, and the people were all exhausted. Zhang Qianwei submitted a memorial advising him. Emperor Yang of Sui was displeased, and he grew distant from him. Not long after, Zhang Qianwei passed away. He had a son named Zhang Shuang, who later became the magistrate of Lanling County. Zhang Qianwei's younger brother, Zhang Qianxiong, was also very talented. When Prince Xiao of Qin, Yang Jun, served as the governor of Qinzhou, he recruited him as a legal officer. Once, Prince Xiao of Qin personally tried a prisoner, and Zhang Qianxiong, in a moment of negligence, did not bring the case file. He clearly explained the case to over a hundred people, and his colleagues all admired him. Later, he served as magistrate of Shouchun and Yangcheng counties, both with good achievements.
Rong Pi, who was styled Zichen, was from Wuzhong County, Beijing. His father, Rong Quan, was the Minister of War of Northern Wei. Rong Pi was upright and honest from a young age, with a wide-ranging knowledge of literature. He served in the Northern Zhou government, starting as a secretary to the Prince of Han and later rising to the rank of a junior official in the Ministry of Interior. During the reign of Emperor Wen of Sui, he continued to rise through the ranks and became an imperial censor.
At that time, there were many bandits in Huayin County, and the court needed to carefully select local officials. Yang Su recommended Rong Pi to be the Chief Historian of Huazhou, and he was widely regarded as highly capable. Many of Yang Su's fields and houses were in Huayin, and his subordinates often engaged in misconduct. Rong Pi enforced the law rigorously and impartially, without any favoritism. During a court meeting, Yang Su said to Rong Pi, "I recommended you as a way to punish myself!" Rong Pi replied, "I wholeheartedly enforce the law, afraid of failing your recommendation." Yang Su smiled and said, "I was merely joking. Your strict law enforcement is exactly what I hope to see."
At that time, Prince Jin was in Yangzhou, often sending people to secretly gather intelligence from the capital. He sent Zhang Heng to build horse stables along the roads, claiming it was for the purpose of raising horses, but in reality for his own benefit. All the prefectures and counties were too afraid to defy him; only Rong Pi firmly stopped this matter. Emperor Wen of Sui was very pleased when he heard about it, rewarding him with a hundred pieces of silk and promoting him to Sima of Puzhou. Later, Prince Han Liang rebelled, and the local heroes of Hedong rallied to his cause, opening the city gates to surrender. Governor Qiu He was frightened and fled back to Guanzhong. The Chief Secretary Gao Yiming said to Rong Pi, "Hedong is an important strategic location, the eastern gateway of the realm. If it is lost, the consequences would be unimaginable. Although the people in the city are in panic, not everyone is in rebellion. If we can capture and publicly execute a dozen or so rebel leaders, we can stabilize the situation." Rong Pi agreed to his suggestion.
Gao Yiming rode out in pursuit of Qiu He, hoping to discuss strategies with him. Unfortunately, he was killed by the rebel forces at the city's west gate, and Rong Pi was also captured. After Prince Han Liang quelled the rebellion, Rong Pi was appointed as an Imperial historian. The emperor said to him, "Today I promote you because of your handling of the horse farm incident. Do not change your heart." The emperor also respected him greatly. Rong Pi always had a firm attitude and spoke honestly in court, making all the officials fear and respect him. Later, due to his mother's death, he resigned and returned home to mourn. Over a year later, he was reappointed, but soon passed away, posthumously honored with the title of Junior Minister of the Imperial Household Department.
His brother Jian Xu was known for his straightforward character and extensive knowledge. He served in the Zhou dynasty, achieving the esteemed ranks of Zai Shi Xia Daifu and Yitong Sansi. When the pacification of the Qi state began, he was assigned to defend the city of Ye, and during this time, he wrote a thirty-volume work titled "Chronicles of Qi." Jian Xu knew Emperor Gaozu (Yang Jian) before, and later rose to become Prime Minister, receiving further promotions and ultimately being appointed as the governor of Xizhou.
When he was about to take office, Gaozu was secretly plotting to usurp the throne. He said to Jianxu, "Let's wait and see, and we'll get rich and honored together." Jianxu, considering himself a minister of the Zhou Dynasty, put on a righteous front and replied, "I have never heard of what you are saying." Gaozu was displeased by this response, so Jianxu left. During the Kaihuang era, Jianxu visited the emperor, who asked him, "Do you regret it?" Jianxu bowed and said, "My status is not as high as Xu Guang's, but my ambition is like Yang Biao's." The emperor smiled and said, "Although I don't really understand these elegant words, I know that what you said was not very polite!" Later, Jianxu became the governor of Shizhou and Hongzhou, and he achieved great political success in both positions.
Lu Zhiming, style name Zhongtong, was from Fuchun in Wu County. His father, Lu Ao, had served as a cavalier attendant in the Chen Dynasty. Lu Zhiming loved studying from a young age, had broad knowledge, and was upright and incorruptible. Initially, he served as a military officer under the Prince of Chu in the Chen Dynasty, and later became a doctor in the Imperial Academy and the prefect of the southern prison. After the fall of the Chen Dynasty, he returned to his hometown. At this time, a rebellion broke out in the Jiangnan region led by Gao Zhihui and others. Prince Jin Yang Guang was stationed in Jiangdu and, acknowledging Lu Zhiming's influence across the three counties of Wu, asked him to convince the rebel forces to lay down their arms.
Lu Zhiming successfully persuaded seventeen cities to surrender and captured over three hundred rebels, including the leaders Chen Zhengxu and Xiao Sixing. As a reward for this significant achievement, he was appointed as a deputy to the Three Excellencies, granted land and property, and his younger brother Lu Ke was appointed as the magistrate of Jianyang. Lu Zhiming felt that his brother Lu Ke was not capable enough to handle the responsibilities of a county magistrate, so he wrote to the court requesting to resign his brother's official position, which the court granted.
After the unification of the realm, Lu Zhiming advised Yang Guang to establish the capital in Luoyang. He also wrote a "Song of Great Peace" to express his thoughts, but I won't go into details. After several years without promotion, he personally went to the court to request to be sent as an envoy to Goguryeo. In his memorial, he said, "I have heard that a wise ruler welcomes talents, regardless of their background, as long as they possess abilities that can benefit the country. I hope Your Majesty can take the time to look at my request. In ancient times, Emperor Huangdi used military force and still forgave the Su family; Emperor Shun waited for the right time to attack the Miao family while in power. Your Majesty is now presiding over a prosperous era and a peaceful realm, with only Goguryeo continuing to stir unrest. Your Majesty is benevolent and advocates for kindness and virtue, as you abhor violence and cherish peace, wishing to influence them through your benevolence. Please allow me to go to Goguryeo as an envoy to promote your holy virtue and let their king and officials come to pay homage to you." The emperor thought his memorial was well written and appreciated him.
A year later, Lu Zhiming was appointed as the commander of Puning Town. Because of his integrity, he was later transferred to the Imperial Censorate. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, he appointed him as a supervising censor. He was upright, and many officials were afraid of him; even Emperor Yang of Sui respected him. Later, he was dismissed from office due to certain matters but reinstated a year later. At that time, Prince Qi Yang Jian was arrogant and associated with villains. Lu Zhiming filed a memorial against him, which led to Yang Jian's punishment, and the officials in the court were all afraid. During the campaign in Liaodong, he served as the envoy for surrender negotiations and ultimately died on the battlefield at the age of sixty-seven. He was posthumously honored with the title of Grand Master of the Imperial Censorate.
Fang Yanqian, courtesy name Xiaochong, is from Qinghe. His ancestors held the position of Grand Commandant in Yan State seven generations ago. They migrated to Qi State with the Murong clan and have since settled there. His family has always been noble. His great-grandfather, Fashou, served as the Inspector of Qingzhou and Jizhou in Wei State, and was titled the Marquis of Zhuangwu. His great-grandfather and great-uncle respectively served as the Prefect of Qi Commandery and Pingyuan Commandery. His grandfather, Yi, served as the Prefect of Anzhou in Song State, and both held the inherited title of Marquis of Zhuangwu. His father, Xiong, initially served as the Registrar of a prefecture and later served as the Prefect of Qinghe and Guangchuan. Fang Yanqian lost his father when he was very young and was raised by his mother and elder brother. His brother, Fang Yanxun, was very upright and appreciated Fang Yanqian's intelligence, personally teaching him. At the age of seven, he could already recite tens of thousands of characters, earning the admiration of everyone in the clan. At fifteen, he served his stepmother with a level of filial piety that surpassed that of her own sons, earning her great affection. When she passed away, he observed a five-day fast. He also served his uncle, the Prefect of Leling, Fang Bao, with dedication, always saving the precious fruits brought during festivals to eat last. Whenever there was a funeral in the family, he observed vegetarianism to show his filial piety, serving as a role model for the clan.
Later, he studied with Dr. Yin Lin and was often engrossed in his studies, eventually coming to master the Five Classics. He was good at writing, had excellent calligraphy skills, and was particularly eloquent, with a graceful demeanor reminiscent of a reclusive sage. At the age of eighteen, when Prince Guangning Gao Xiaoheng was appointed Inspector of Qizhou, he recruited him as his chief secretary. At that time, the laws were quite lax, and the officials in the state and counties were somewhat lax in their duties. However, after Fang Yanqian took office, he strictly followed the laws and regulations, governing the state efficiently, earning the respect and admiration of all. Later, when the Zhou army attacked Ye City and Prince Qi fled east, Fang Yanqian was appointed as the magistrate of Qizhou. Seeing the downfall of the country, Fang Yanqian was heartbroken and sought to rally loyal and righteous men to secretly support the court, but ultimately his efforts were in vain. After the fall of the Qi state, he returned home. Emperor Wu of the Zhou sent Xin Zun as Inspector of Qizhou, but was captured by the rebel leader along with soldiers bearing swords. Fang Yanqian wrote a letter to persuade those soldiers, who, feeling ashamed, returned Xin Zun to the state capital, and other rebels soon followed suit. Later, after Emperor Yang Jian ascended the throne, Fang Yanqian enjoyed a leisurely life in the countryside, vowing never to take office again. In the seventh year of the Kaihuang era, the Inspector Wei Yi strongly recommended him, and, with no choice, he accepted the appointment. The Minister of Personnel, Lu Kai, recognized his potential immediately, promoted him to the position of attendant, and soon promoted him to the position of censor. Later, he was sent to Chen Ping's place, tasked with pacifying ten states including Quanzhou and Kuozhou. For completing the task, the emperor was very pleased and rewarded him with one hundred bolts of cloth, one hundred measures of rice, a set of clothing, and seven servants. He was later promoted to the position of military recorder in the Qinzhou General's Office.
During a morning court session, Left Chancellor Gao Feng was evaluating the performance of officials. Yan Qian said to Gao Feng, "It is stated in the texts that officials' performance is evaluated every three years, and based on the evaluation results, officials are promoted or demoted. This system has existed since the times of Tang Yao and Yu. Evaluations should be fair and reasonable, with clear rewards and punishments, so that promotions should go to the capable and demotions to the unfit. If there are deviations in the evaluation, then the system becomes a mere facade. Recently, I have seen evaluation results from various states, and the evaluation criteria vary, with varying numbers of promotions and demotions. Some evaluation results are clearly influenced by personal favoritism, leading to a blurring of truth and falsehood. Honest and upright officials may not necessarily receive high praise, while those who flatter and manipulate may receive high praise instead, causing confusion. Superiors often fail to scrutinize and select officials carefully, often favoring those with whom they have established connections, while officials who have not worked in the central government are often considered incompetent and demoted. Furthermore, the distances between regions are vast, making it difficult to have a detailed understanding of the situation, so evaluations often only consider numbers, with half deemed qualified and half unqualified. By only counting the number of officials, without considering the quality of good and bad officials, achieving fairness and justice becomes impossible. Your insight and sense of fairness are commendable, so this evaluation will definitely not be biased. If these problems did exist before, I wonder how such issues were addressed? I only hope that you can collect information widely, conduct thorough investigations, recognize even the smallest acts of virtue, and condemn minor acts of wrongdoing, as this not only exemplifies wise and just governance but also helps in selecting talents." Yan Qian spoke with a very firm tone, and the onlookers gazed at him intently. Gao Feng was moved by his words and greatly appreciated him. Therefore, Gao Feng inquired in detail about the performance of officials in the Hexi and Longyou regions, and Yan Qian answered fluently. Gao Feng remarked to the governors and magistrates of other provinces, "Talking to you is not as good as talking to the Chief Inspector of Qinzhou (Yan Qian) alone." A few days later, Gao Feng reported this matter to the emperor, but the emperor chose not to act on it.
When his term was over, he was transferred to Changge County as the county magistrate. He did many things for the benefit of the people, and the common people called him a benevolent father. During the Ren Shou period, the emperor ordered envoys to inspect various prefectures and counties to evaluate the performance of local officials. Yan Qian was rated as the best in the realm and was directly promoted to the position of Yuezhou Sima. Officials and common people cried and said to each other, "Magistrate Fang is leaving, what will we do without him!" Later, the people missed him and erected a monument in his honor. Yuezhou had not had a governor for a long time, and Yan Qian was responsible for all the affairs of the prefecture, achieving many extraordinary administrative accomplishments.
Xue Daoheng was a literary luminary of his time, holding a high official position and having a good reputation. He had connections with many famous figures nationwide. He had a particularly good relationship with Yan Qian and respected him greatly. Later, Xue Daoheng became the governor of Xiangzhou, and the two of them often corresponded by letter and met frequently. After Emperor Yang of Sui succeeded to the throne, Xue Daoheng was transferred to Fanzhou as the governor. When passing by Yan Qian's place, he stayed for a few extra days and said goodbye with a heavy heart, which was truly touching! There was also a Huangmen Shilang named Zhang Heng, who also had a good relationship with Yan Qian.
At that time, Emperor Yang of Sui was vigorously building the Eastern Capital, which was marked by extravagance and waste, causing public discontent and widespread disappointment throughout the country. To make matters worse, the Prince of Han rebelled, leading to many people being implicated and facing punishment. Yan Qian saw that Zhang Heng was in favor at the time, but he felt powerless to intervene as these events unfolded, filled with anxiety. He wrote a letter to him, saying:
I've heard that rewards are meant to encourage good deeds while punishments are intended to deter bad ones. Therefore, when a person of low status does something good, they should definitely be rewarded; conversely, when a person of high status does something wrong, they must be held accountable. I've never heard of anyone letting a relative off the hook out of fear of punishment, nor ignoring someone of low status simply because of rewards. Currently, all provincial governors are tasked with governing their regions, and they report matters of good and evil back to the court. They all fear the court's rules and don’t dare to be negligent. The country bears the mandate of heaven and is like a parent to the people; the fairness of rewards and punishments will ultimately reach the heavens. Heaven is always watching over us, so we need to be careful. As King Wen said, "I will work hard day and night, and respect the majesty of heaven." So, while there are differences between provinces and counties and disparities in status, caring for the people and being cautious in law enforcement are principles that remain the same.
As for the rebellion in Pingzhou, it must be thoroughly investigated. If Yang Liang was truly recruiting troops and purchasing horses out of concern for the state's crisis and not with the intention of rebellion due to the failure of the imperial decree to reach him, then his true intentions ought to be examined before deciding his punishment. This is in line with the emperor's compassion for the people and can also address the doubts in the people's hearts. If it is found that there is peace both internally and externally and Yang Liang is inciting rebellion and plotting wrongdoing after inheriting the throne, then, like Guan Shu and Cai Shu, he should be publicly executed and have his entire lineage implicated, according to the consistent laws of the country. However, there may be individuals who were not genuine conspirators, lacked the power to protect themselves, were coerced, and were dragged into the rebellion, resulting in their properties being confiscated, being displaced, and possibly being wronged. Heaven's justice is boundless; how can it allow the wicked to escape punishment while wronging the innocent? Suspected crimes should be punished lightly; what kind of justice is that? In the past, when Shu Xiang sentenced a prisoner to death, the people of Jin lauded him; when Emperor Wen of Han pardoned those guilty of minor offenses, he was also praised. Yang She did not show favoritism towards his brother, and the court officials were not intentionally defying the king's orders; they were simply enforcing the law justly and not allowing favoritism to pervert justice.
Furthermore, the sage's greatest treasure is the divine artifact, which cannot be obtained casually unless it is ordained by heaven. Therefore, even though Chi You and Xiang Yu were both brave warriors, Yi Yin and Huo Guang had immense power, Li Lao and Confucius were exceptionally wise, and Lv Shang and Sun Wu were experts in military strategy, and Wu and Chu had strategic locations, Chan and Lu inherited the foundation left by the Empress Dowager, none of them ascended to the throne in accordance with heaven's will. Let alone Yang Liang, who rules over a mere patch of land with a disorganized rabble; he is so ignorant, and the villains are so cruel and evil that they actually want to invade the capital region, which is a foolish ambition! Since the beginning of time, the legacies of emperors throughout history are well-documented. Without a foundation of virtue and good deeds, who can gain the support of the people and the blessings of heaven? Therefore, wise rulers of ancient times worked diligently from morning till night, always remembering to be cautious and prevent gradual harm. In later generations, the rulers became indulgent and careless, oppressing the people at will, indulging in wine and women, and the list goes on and on, but I will briefly mention a few examples.
Speaking of the states of Qi and Chen, these two countries hold important positions, thinking that they are in harmony with the virtues of heaven and earth, shining like the sun and moon, without considering dangers and not caring about the law. Their close officials received favor and only spoke good words to hide the bad, while the historians distorted facts and covered up shortcomings to only record strengths. Therefore, the common folk lamented in despair, and eventually their voices were stifled, with false praises from court officials presented to the emperor every day. Although the laws were strict, the number of punishments escalated, and forced labor became frequent, leaving the common folk, young and old alike, utterly exhausted.
In the past, Zichan was in the state of Zheng, Yan Ying was in the state of Qi, Shu Ao was in the state of Chu, and Shi Hui was in the state of Jin. Even these small states had such famous wise ministers, so didn't the states of Qi and Chen have good advisors? It is just because the rulers are blinded by their personal interests, forgetting about the country's troubles. They appear to cooperate but are actually suspicious of one another. If they encounter upright and capable ministers who can shoulder heavy responsibilities, but do not benefit them personally, they will exclude and oppress them. If they come across sycophants who act in a dirty and secretive manner but benefit themselves, they will promote and use them. With this approach to seeking talent, where will the wise ever come from?
Wise talents aren't just about strength or literary flair; most importantly, they are about being honest, capable of bearing responsibilities, and steadfast like a pillar. Just like the pillars of a house or the bones in a body, this is what is called the talent of being a pillar, the talent of integrity. The states of Qi and Chen did not use honest talents, instead believing in flatterers and sycophants. The heavens could no longer stand their debauchery and corruption, so they eventually took back their power, which returned to the great Sui dynasty.
If these two states could respect heaven, care for the widowed, appoint honest talents, reject extravagance, be humble, and show compassion, then even if the regions are rich and prosperous, and the rivers and lakes dangerous, each defending their own territories, the common people wouldn't even think of rebelling. The country would be as stable as Mount Tai, unshakeable. However, they indulged in pleasure, like sleeping on a pile of firewood, immersed in comfort and pleasure, eventually leading to the destruction of the country. It's like crops overtaking temples, dew soaking their clothes, only to regret and sigh endlessly. Therefore, as the poem goes: "The Yin has not yet lost its teacher, and it is suitable to be the emperor. It should be reflected in the Yin, and a good destiny is hard to come by." When dealing with national affairs, every matter needs careful thought!
Your Majesty, you are benevolent, righteous, and filial, and your merits are great. Your governance of the country is exemplary, and the people live in peace and happiness; all of us support you. Although your time in office has not been long, your kindness has spread throughout the land, and the common people are overjoyed. The rebellion in Bianzhou erupted too suddenly, all because of Yang Liang's deception and misleading, leading the people down the wrong path. They did not initially harbor resentment towards the court but were deceived into rebellion by Yang Liang. However, those officials and generals asserted that the people had always intended to rebel, which not only wronged the innocent but could also undermine the Emperor's wise decisions. You have always been trusted by the Emperor, holding important positions in the court since your youth, and you are a pillar of the court. You deserve to be remembered for ages, like the wise ministers Jizi, Qi, Yi, and Lü, who are celebrated in history. Now that you are in a prosperous era, you should boldly speak out and set an example for future generations, becoming a role model for later generations. How can you ignore justice just to please the Emperor and let those forced to participate in the rebellion also be punished? I boldly write these heartfelt words; I am merely a humble observer; please forgive me if I have overstepped.
After reading the letter, Heng sighed but dared not report to the court. Mr. Yanqian witnessed the decay of the court's integrity and resigned to seclusion, planning to build a home at the foot of Meng Mountain for a peaceful retirement. Later, the court established the position of Sili Official, selecting renowned individuals from all over the country. The court recognized Mr. Yanqian's noble character and his deep affection from the people, so they summoned him to serve as the Sili Governor. Mr. Yanqian was also driven by the ambition to restore order to the world, recommending only virtuous and exemplary individuals. Those he called out bore him no ill will. The deputy Sili, Liu Na, misled both his superiors and subordinates while pretending to be upright, and the governors all feared him, bowing and scraping to him. Only Mr. Yanqian stood by his principles, treating him with respect without being subservient, gaining the admiration of many wise individuals.
Liu Zha did not dare to hold hatred in his heart against him. In the ninth year of the Daye era, Mr. Yan Qian followed the emperor across the Liao River and oversaw military affairs along Fuyu Road. Later, as the political situation of the Sui Dynasty became increasingly chaotic and corrupt, many people turned traitor. However, Mr. Yan Qian insisted on his principles, maintaining an independent stance, and as a result, he aroused the jealousy of the ruling officials and was demoted to Jingyang Prefect. Shortly after, he died in office at the age of sixty-nine.
When Li Yanqian was at home, whenever his nephews came to visit, he would always talk to them, encouraging them to strive for improvement, talking endlessly without feeling tired. His family had a solid financial background, and his assets were always abundant. Before, when he held office, all his salary was used to help relatives and friends, and there was hardly any money left at home; even his mounts, clothes, and utensils were very simple. From youth to old age, his words and actions were always honest, never involving personal gain. Although he often found himself financially embarrassed because of this, he was content with himself. Once, he leisurely smiled and said to his son Li Xuanling, "Others become rich because of holding office, but I became poor because of holding office. The only legacy I leave for my descendants is a good name."
His writings were expansive, elegant, and relaxed, reaching the profound realm of ancient literati. He was also skilled in cursive script and clerical script, and those who received his letters treasured them like precious artifacts. Wang Shao from Taiyuan, Gao Gou from Beihai, Li Gang from Liao County, Liu Yu and Xue Ru from Hedong, were all renowned for their elegance and indifference to material wealth, and Li Yanqian was friends with them. Although high-ranking officials often came to visit, his home was always well-kept, and the visitors were all dignified and respected. He was elegant and knowledgeable in government affairs, and astute observers believed he had a promising future.
Initially, during the Kaihuang reign, after pacifying the Chen Dynasty, the world had been unified, and everyone believed that a peaceful and prosperous era was on the horizon. Li Yanqian privately confided in his relative, Zhao Jun Li Shaotong, "The emperor is suspicious and does not accept advice and debate. The crown prince is weak, the princes hold significant power, and the court enforces only harsh and brutal policies, without pursuing any grand political strategies. Although the world is stable, I fear that unrest may soon arise." Li Shaotong was initially skeptical, but by the time of the Renshou and Daye eras, Li Yanqian's predictions had all come to pass. After the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, he was posthumously honored as the governor of Xuzhou and Duke of Linzi County, and given the posthumous title "Ding."
Historians note: A grand palace cannot be built from just one piece of wood; the achievements of an emperor cannot be accomplished by one person alone. Each has its own purpose, much like the beams and pillars of a house; none can be overlooked. Individuals like Li E, some possessing remarkable literary talent and the ability to uphold justice, while others had exceptional skills suited for their roles at the time, their talents and contributions were evident, and their deeds are chronicled in history. The many talents of the Sui Dynasty laid the groundwork for the nation, made significant contributions, and became its pillars, much like the stars surrounding the North Star.
