Li Jing, courtesy name Daoxing, is a native of Tianshui. His father, Li Chao, once served as the governor of Zhou and Rong prefectures. Li Jing is tall and strong, much stronger than the average person, with a striking beard and first-rate archery skills. He distinguished himself in the war to pacify the Qi kingdom and was later awarded the title of Sima. For his great achievements in suppressing the rebellion of Wei Jiong, he was promoted to Kaifu, granted the title of Duke of Pingkou County, and given a fief of 1,500 households. In the ninth year of the Kaihuang era, he accompanied Wang Shiji in the campaign against the Chen dynasty. After the fall of the Chen dynasty, he was promoted to Shang Kaifu and rewarded with sixty servants and concubines, as well as 1,500 pieces of cloth. Later, when Gao Zhihui and his associates revolted in Jiangnan, he followed Yang Su to suppress the rebellion. He also single-handedly pacified the rebellion in Cangling and was appointed as the governor of Fuzhou. In the seventeenth year of the Kaihuang era, he served as the cavalry commander during the war in Liaodong. After the war, he was assigned to work under the Prince of Han. Emperor Gaozu held great admiration for his bravery and predicted that he would one day rise to a high position. Later, he followed Shi Wansui to defeat the Turks at Dajin Mountain, achieving a resounding victory by outflanking the enemy. He then escorted Princess Yicheng to the Turks with Yang Ji, but encountered a Turk incursion at Heng'an. Li Jing led his few hundred men to aid the defeated General Han Hong of Daizhou. They fought fiercely for three days, killing many Turks. For his efforts, Li Jing was awarded 3,000 pieces of cloth and appointed as the governor of Hanzhou. However, due to certain circumstances, he did not assume the position.
During the Ren Shou era, he was appointed as the Governor of Daizhou. Prince Yang Liang of Han rebelled in Bingzhou, and Li Jing led his troops in resistance. Yang Liang sent Liu Hao to attack Li Jing, and the two sides clashed in the eastern part of the city. Li Jing climbed the city tower and shot arrows, striking down enemy after enemy. He then selected elite soldiers to attack the enemies, effectively annihilating the enemy forces. Yang Liang then sent Qiao Zhongkui, the Governor of Lanzhou, to lead thirty thousand elite soldiers to attack. Li Jing's soldiers numbered only a few thousand, and the city was poorly fortified, resulting in relentless enemy assaults that caused the city walls to crumble repeatedly. Li Jing fought valiantly while repairing the city walls, and his soldiers fought valiantly, repelling the enemy's attacks multiple times. His Sima Feng Xiaoci, judicial military officer Lv Yu, and Yitong Sansi Hou Mochen Yi were all brave and skilled in battle, with Hou Mochen Yi especially adept at defensive strategies. Li Jing knew that these individuals were capable, so he delegated authority to them, while he himself controlled the overall situation behind the scenes, occasionally coming out to lift morale.
A month later, Yang Yichen, the Governor of Shuozhou, arrived with reinforcements, and together they decisively defeated the enemy. Prior to this, lotus-like flowers bloomed in the well of Li Jing's mansion, and a dragon appeared, which later transformed into an armored warrior. A towering figure several meters tall emerged outside the city, leaving behind footprints measuring four feet five inches. Li Jing consulted the wizard, who replied, "This is an ominous sign; it craves human blood." Li Jing was furious and drove the wizard away. Ten days later, the enemy arrived, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands. Subsequently, Li Jing was summoned back to the capital, promoted to the rank of Pillar of the State, appointed as the General of the Right Martial Guard, and rewarded with nine thousand bolts of silk, a troupe of musicians, and numerous treasures.
Li Jing, though his military skills were average, was loyal and straightforward, and was deeply trusted by the emperor. He led troops to defeat the rebellious barbarian Xiang Siduo, and the emperor rewarded him with eighty servants. The following year, he defeated the Tuyuhun in Qinghai, and was promoted to Grand Master of Splendor, and was rewarded with sixty servants and two thousand rolls of silk. Five years later, when the emperor went on a tour to Tianshui, Li Jing hosted a banquet, and the emperor remarked, "You are my master!" and even let him sit at the top seat next to Prince Qi, Yang Jian. When they reached Longchuan Palace, the emperor wanted to go hunting, but Li Jing and General Guo Yan of the Left Guard were reported for reasons that were not disclosed. The emperor was furious and imprisoned them both, which resulted in Li Jing's dismissal.
Over a year later, Li Jing was reinstated and involved in selecting officials. The next year, he launched an attack on Wuli City in Goryeo and achieved victory, and was appointed Marquis of Yuanqiu and rewarded with one thousand pieces of cloth. Eight years later, he marched to Hunmi Road; nine years later, he marched to Liaodong. When the army returned, Li Jing stayed behind to guard the rear. The Goryeo forces launched a major attack, but Li Jing repelled them. The emperor rewarded him with three thousand pieces of cloth and promoted him to Duke of Huaguo. During the rebellion of Yang Xuangan, many courtiers' sons were involved, but Li Jing remained unimplicated. The emperor said, "You are truly upright by nature, and a pillar of my country!" and rewarded him with beautiful women. The emperor consistently referred to Li Jing as "General Li" instead of directly by his name, showing his high regard for Li Jing.
Twelve years later, the emperor ordered Li Jing to prepare military supplies for Liaodong at Beiping and rewarded him with an imperial horse named "Shizi." At that time, the bandit chieftain Yang Zhongxu led over ten thousand men to attack Beiping, and Li Jing commanded his troops to defeat them, killing Yang Zhongxu. With bandits rampant and roads blocked, Li Jing recruited soldiers as a precaution. The military officer Luo Yi falsely accused Li Jing of plotting rebellion out of personal conflict. The emperor sent his son to comfort Li Jing, saying, "Even if someone claims you’re plotting to usurp the throne and seize the capital, I have no doubts about you!" Later, Li Jing was besieged by Gao Kaidao, defending the city on his own without outside assistance. Over the course of a year, soldiers died from swollen feet, making up sixty to seventy percent of the casualties, but Li Jing continued to console them, and no one betrayed him. Most of the military resources in Liaodong were in his hands, with food and cloth piled up like mountains, yet he did not succumb to corruption. When the emperor passed away in Jiangdu, the Governor of Liaoxi, Deng Hao, led troops to rescue Li Jing, and Li Jing retreated to Liucheng. Later, as he prepared to return to Youzhou, he was tragically ambushed and killed by bandits on his way back. The Khitan and Mohe peoples mourned his loss and were grateful for his kindness, and upon hearing of his death, they wept bitterly. People in Youzhou and Yandi continue to mourn him to this day. Li Jing had a son named Li Shimu.
Murong Sanzang is from Yan State. His father, Murong Shaozong, was the Left Deputy Minister of the Shangshu and Grand Secretary of the Southeast Road in Qi State; he was quite an influential figure. Sanzang was clever and resourceful from a young age, inheriting his father's military ability. He served as a military officer in the Taiwei's office and quickly rose to Deputy Commander. During the Wuping era, he inherited his father's title, becoming the Duke of Yanjun, with a fief that included eight hundred households. That year, he defeated the forces of Western Wei at Xiaoshui, which earned him the title of General Wuwei. He then defeated the forces of Western Wei at Heyang and was promoted to Grand General of Wuwei. He was later elevated to Right Guard General and was also granted the title of Duke of Fanyang with a fief of one thousand households. When Western Wei besieged Ye City, the last emperor of Qi abandoned the city, entrusting the defense of Ye City to Sanzang and his men. All the nobles and ministers of Qi surrendered, but Murong Sanzang and his men held out against the Western Wei army. After Qi's downfall, Emperor Wen of Sui summoned him and treated him favorably, issuing a decree that read: "Murong Sanzang and his son are loyal and upright, well-known for their reputation, and should be granted higher official ranks." He was then appointed Grand General of the Household. During the Jihu Rebellion, the Emperor sent Sanzang to suppress the rebellion, which he successfully quelled.
In the first year of the Kaihuang era, he was appointed as the Governor of Wuzhou. Nine years later, he was ordered to serve as the Chief Envoy for the Liangzhou Circuit, equivalent to a supervisory official. In the same year, Wang Zhongxuan, the chieftain of Lingnan, rebelled and besieged Guangzhou. The court appointed Wei Guang, the Pillar of the State and Duke of Xiangyang, as the Commander of the Army, with Murong Sanzang as his deputy. They arrived in Guangzhou and fought against the rebels. Wei Guang was hit by a stray arrow and died. The court then appointed Murong Sanzang to replace Wei Guang and be in charge of military affairs in the Guangzhou Circuit. Ten years later, the rebels attacked Guangzhou from all sides, and Murong Sanzang defended the city for over a month. With food running low and arrows running out, Murong Sanzang realized he couldn't hold out much longer. He led his elite troops to break through the enemy lines under the cover of night, defeated the rebels, and saved Guangzhou. For this feat, he was appointed as Grand General and rewarded with one hundred servants, along with gold, silver, and other treasures. In the twelfth year, he was appointed as the Inspector of Kuozhou. Kuozhou was located at the far western frontier, adjacent to the Tuyuhun, and many criminals were exiled there, leading to a large number of fugitives. After Murong Sanzang arrived there, he pacified and won over the local populace. The locals greatly admired him, and many people came to seek refuge with him every day. Both officials and commoners praised him. Emperor Wen of Sui heard of his talent and inquired about him multiple times. That year, animal husbandry in Kuozhou developed well, and they even offered up special dairy products, for which the emperor rewarded him with a hundred rolls of cloth.
Thirteen years later, Lianyun Mountain in Kuozhou resounded three times, signifying a portent of great significance. The court ordered the news to be announced nationwide and sent officials to conduct rituals on the mountain. On that day, auspicious clouds appeared in the sky, and the pheasants and rabbits on the mountain behaved unusually tamely. The messenger returned and reported these situations to the emperor, who was very pleased. In the fifteenth year, he was appointed as the governor of Diezhou. The Xianqiang tribes often rebelled, but Muzong Sanzang was able to quickly pacify them each time. The various ethnic groups in his jurisdiction enjoyed peace and prosperity. In the first year of Renshou, he was reappointed as the Count of Henei County. In the first year of Daye, he was appointed as the inspector of Hezhou. Three years later, he was promoted to the governor of Huainan County, promoting benevolent governance throughout his territory. That year, he was appointed as the Grand Master of Jinzi Guanglu. In the seventh year of Daye, he passed away peacefully.
Tang Sazang's disciple Zixia served as the magistrate of Chanzhou. Later, when Han Wang rebelled, Zixia remained loyal to the court and did not surrender due to his integrity and loyalty. This is not an isolated incident. Xue Shixiong, styled Shiyin, originally from Fenyin, Hedong, later relocated his family to Guanzhong. His father, Xue Hui, styled Daohong, served as an official in the Northern Zhou Dynasty and became the governor of Jingzhou. During the Kaihuang period of the Sui Dynasty, he was titled as the Duke of Wuyin County and oversaw canal management. Later, he retired and returned home to enjoy his later years. Xue Shixiong was different from other children since he was young. When playing with his friends, he always drew cities on the ground and assigned everyone roles as attackers and defenders. If anyone dared not to follow his command, he would scold them! The children were all afraid of him and obedient. His father was astonished by this behavior and said to others, "This child will definitely bring honor to our family in the future!"
When Xue Shixiong was seventeen years old, he followed Emperor Wu of Zhou to suppress the Qi state. Due to his achievements, he was appointed as a general. During the Kaihuang period of the Sui Dynasty, he achieved many military successes and gradually rose in rank, eventually becoming Right Guard General. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, the Yi and Liao tribes in Panyu united in rebellion, and the court sent Xue Shixiong to quell the uprising. After pacifying the rebellion, Xue Shixiong was promoted to Right Guard of the Palace Gate. Later, he followed Emperor Yang of Sui to campaign against the Tuyuhun and was appointed as Grand Master of the Palace. Xue Shixiong was known for his seriousness and caution, never causing harm to the people after battles, and the Emperor greatly appreciated him for that. One time, the Emperor was chatting with his ministers and said, "I want to promote a good person; can you guess who it is?" The ministers all said, "How could we guess your intentions, Your Majesty?" The Emperor said, "The person I want to promote is Xue Shixiong." The ministers all agreed. The Emperor continued, "Shixiong is honest and upright, with the qualities of a man of integrity from ancient times." Therefore, the Emperor directly promoted him to the position of General of the Right Guard. Over a year later, the Emperor appointed Xue Shixiong as the Grand General for the Yumen Road campaign, and together they attacked Yiwu with the Turkic Qimin Khan. When the army reached the Yumen Pass, Qimin Khan broke the agreement and did not bring his army, so Xue Shixiong bravely ventured alone into the desert. At first, the people of Yiwu believed the Sui army wouldn't arrive and were unprepared. When they heard that Xue Shixiong's army had crossed the desert, they were terrified and quickly surrendered, even sending cattle and wine to the camp. Xue Shixiong then constructed a city east of the old Yiwu, called New Yiwu, leaving behind Wang Wei, the Silver Qingshuang Grand Master, and over a thousand soldiers to guard it before returning to his army. The Emperor was very pleased and promoted Xue Shixiong to Grand Master, rewarding him with two thousand bolts of cloth.
The Battle of Liaodong, Xue Shixiong served as commander of the Wozhu Army and suffered a defeat alongside Yu Wenshu in Pyongyang. When retreating to Baishishan, he found himself heavily surrounded by the enemy, with arrows raining down from all sides. Xue Shixiong rallied the remaining soldiers into a square formation and selected two hundred elite cavalry to charge first. When the enemy began to pull back, he pursued them and ultimately defeated them, safely retreating. This battle incurred heavy losses, which led to Xue Shixiong's dismissal.
The following year, the emperor launched another campaign in Liaodong, appointing Xue Shixiong as the Right Guard General, aiming for Tadun Road. When the army arrived at Wugucheng, Yang Xuangan rebelled, forcing the army to return to the capital. Upon reaching Liucheng, the emperor appointed Xue Shixiong as the Ambassador to the Northeast, while also serving as the Prefect of Yanjun, tasked with guarding Huaiyuan. At that time, the Turks were frequently raiding, causing significant suffering in several border counties. The emperor ordered Xue Shixiong to mobilize forces from twelve counties to patrol the borders before returning to the capital. A decade later, Xue Shixiong accompanied the emperor back to Liaodong and was promoted to Left Imperial Guard General, while also serving as the Prefect of Zhuo County.
Before long, Li Mi approached Dongdu, resulting in turmoil across the Central Plains. The Emperor ordered Xue Shixiong to lead the elite troops of You Province and Ji Province to attack Li Mi. The army arrived at Hejian, set up camp south of the county seat, and gathered forces from all the counties in Hejian to join Xue Shixiong's army, preparing to attack Dou Jiande. Dou Jiande moved his family away and selected a few hundred crack troops to launch a night attack on Xue Shixiong's army. They first attacked the Hejian army, causing them to flee to Xue Shixiong's camp. At that time, thick fog enveloped the area, preventing the troops from forming ranks. They all fled in panic, leading to a devastating defeat. Xue Shixiong fled into Hejian County with a few dozen cavalry, overcome with shame and anger. He fell ill, returned to Zhuojun County, and soon passed away at the age of sixty-three. He left behind four sons: Wanshu, Wanshu, Wanjun, and Wanche, all known for their bravery and skill in battle.
Wang Rengong, whose courtesy name was Yuanshi, was from Tianshui, Gansu. His grandfather, Wang Jian, was the Prefect of Fengzhou during the Zhou Dynasty, and his father, Wang Meng, was the Prefect of Shanzhou. Wang Rengong had a strong and cautious character from a young age, and he was skilled in horse riding and archery. When he was young, he was appointed as a registrar by the state, and later King Xiaowang of Qin recruited him as a secretary, then promoted him to Changdao Ling, and finally appointed him as the General of Chariots and Cavalry.
He followed Yang Su to Lingwu to fight against the Turks, distinguished himself, and was awarded three thousand bolts of cloth. Later, he became the General of the Valiant Cavalry, overseeing military affairs for the Prince of Shu. At that time, the mountain tribes rose in rebellion, and the Prince of Shu sent Wang Rengong to suppress the rebellion. He emerged victorious, and the Prince of Shu rewarded him with three hundred captives. Later, the Prince of Shu fell from grace due to a crime, leading to the implication of many who had served under him. However, the Emperor considered Wang Rengong to be a man of integrity and did not hold him responsible.
After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended to the throne, Han Prince Liang rebelled, and Wang Rengong followed Yang Su to suppress the rebellion. For his achievements, he was promoted to Grand General, appointed as the Governor of Lüzhou, and rewarded with four thousand pieces of cloth and ten concubines by the emperor. Over a year later, he was reassigned as the Governor of Weizhou, and shortly after as the Prefect of Jijun. His governance received widespread acclaim.
Later, the court summoned him back to the capital, where the emperor personally consoled and encouraged him, and bestowed upon him six hundred pieces of colored cloth and two fine horses. He was then transferred to Xindu as Prefect, and the people of Jijun knelt in the road, weeping and begging him to stay, showing his high prestige among the common people.
During the war in Liaodong, Wang Rengong led the army. As the emperor returned to the capital, Wang Rengong stayed behind and encountered the enemy on the way, defeating them. Consequently, he was promoted to Left Guanglu Daifu and rewarded with six thousand pieces of silk and forty horses by the emperor.
The following year, he was sent to Fuyudao to lead troops in battle. The emperor said to him, "Most of the generals in the past did not fare well in battles, but you alone led a troop to defeat the enemy. The ancients said that defeated generals cannot be called brave. Can those generals be entrusted with important tasks? Now, I entrust you with the vanguard, hoping you will live up to expectations." The emperor then rewarded him with ten fine horses and one hundred taels of gold.
Wang Rengong then advanced the army to Xincheng, where tens of thousands of enemy troops had fortified their defenses outside the city. Leading a thousand elite cavalry, he charged and defeated them. The enemy retreated into the city, and Wang Rengong launched a siege from all directions. The emperor was delighted upon hearing this, sending envoys to the military camp to congratulate him and presenting him with many valuable gifts. Wang Rengong was promoted to Guanglu Daifu and was rewarded with five thousand pieces of silk.
Later, Yang Xuangan rebelled, and Yang Xuangan's nephew, General Yang Zhongbo, also participated in the rebellion, leading to Wang Rengong being dismissed from his position. Not long after, the Turks invaded again. The Emperor recalled that Wang Rengong was a seasoned general who had achieved numerous victories, so he reappointed him to his previous position and also appointed him as the Governor of Mayi. That year, Khan Shibi led tens of thousands of cavalry to attack Mayi, and he also sent two special agents to lead troops from the south. At that time, there were less than three thousand soldiers in the county. Wang Rengong selected elite troops to confront the enemy and defeated them. The forces led by the two special agents were also routed, and Wang Rengong pursued the enemy, capturing thousands of enemy soldiers and killing the two special agents. The Emperor was very pleased and rewarded him with three thousand bolts of silk. Later, the Turks invaded Dingxiang, and Wang Rengong led four thousand soldiers to attack, killing over a thousand enemies and capturing many livestock before returning. At this time, the realm was in turmoil, the people were starving, and the roads were blocked. Wang Rengong abandoned his former principles and began accepting bribes, and he was reluctant to easily open the granary to help the people. His subordinate Colonel Liu Wuzhou was involved with Wang Rengong's maid and feared being exposed, so he planned to rebel. He began to incite discontent among the people, saying, "The elders and villagers are starving to death, while the Wang family keeps the granary closed and refuses to help the people. What kind of conduct is this?" This angered everyone, and the common people resented Wang Rengong. Later, while Wang Rengong was in his office, Liu Wuzhou and dozens of people rushed in and killed him. He was sixty years old at the time. Liu Wuzhou then opened the granary to help the people, and the people in the county followed him. He declared himself emperor, established a government, and then attacked the nearby counties.
Quan Wu, courtesy name Wunan, is from Tianshui. His grandfather Quan Chao was the governor of Qinzhou during the Northern Wei Dynasty. His father Quan Xiqing was a Kai Fu of the Zhou Dynasty, who once fought against the Qi army in Bingzhou under Emperor Wuyuan, but ended up besieged for over a hundred days. Quan Xiqing fought valiantly, exhausting his arrows, engaging in hand-to-hand combat, and killing many enemies until all his weapons were broken. He took off his helmet, threw it to the ground, and shouted at the enemy, "Why don't you come and chop off my head?!" In the end, the enemy still killed him.
As a descendant of loyal officials, Quan Wu was appointed as a Kai Fu right from the start, inheriting the title of Duke of Qijun, with a fief of 1,200 households. Quan Wu was brave and strong when he was young, with remarkable strength, capable of riding a horse in full armor. He once jumped headfirst into a well and jumped out before reaching the bottom, demonstrating his incredible agility. He fought alongside Wang Qian, capturing five cities from the Qi kingdom, which added another 800 households to his fief. In the campaign to pacify the Qi kingdom, he captured Shaozhou, as well as six other cities, adding another 300 households to his fief.
During Emperor Xuan's reign, Quan Wu was appointed as the Chief Officer of the Agile Left Regiment, later promoted to Chief Kai Fu. When Gaozu was the Prime Minister, he kept Quan Wu close. After Gaozu became emperor, he added an additional 500 households to Quan Wu's fief. Six years later, Quan Wu was appointed as the governor of Xizhou. During the campaign to pacify the Chen kingdom, he served as the commander of the marching army, accompanying the Prince of Jin into battle at Liuhe, and upon his return, he was appointed as the governor of Yuzhou. After several years in this position, in recognition of his contributions as a founding hero, he was promoted to Grand General while also taking on the role of commander of Tanzhou.
Li Shixian, a resident of Guizhou, led a rebellion that year, alongside General Yu Qing, the Marquis of Wu, to quell the uprising. Yu Qing was later executed for committing a crime, but Quan Wu's contributions were not recorded, and he returned to the state. He crafted many gold belts and presented them to the chieftains of Lingnan. In return, those chieftains bestowed upon him numerous treasures, which Quan Wu graciously accepted, leading to his newfound wealth. In his later years, Quan Wu fathered a son. Once, while drinking with relatives and friends, he became intoxicated and unilaterally pardoned the prisoners. Quan Wu often stated that the remote regions of Nanyue needed governance that aligned with local customs, starting from convenience, and not strictly adhering to the law. He also frequently remarked that the existing laws were overly harsh, making it increasingly difficult to serve as an official.
The emperor ordered the appropriate authorities to investigate his actions, and the results were all confirmed. The emperor was furious and ordered him to be beheaded. Quan Wu wrote a letter in prison, stating that his father died in battle for Emperor Wuyuan, requesting the emperor's mercy. Ultimately, the emperor stripped him of his title and reduced him to commoner status. During the Renshou period, he was appointed as a general again, retaining his previous title. Not long after, he was appointed as the Right Guard of the Crown Prince. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, he was appointed as the Right General of the Wuwei but was later dismissed due to misconduct and reassigned as the Governor of Guizhou. Shortly after, he was transferred to be the Prefect of Shi'an. After a considerable time, he was called back to court and appointed as the Right Guard General, but was subsequently dismissed for misconduct. He eventually died at home, leaving a son named Quan Hong.
Tu Wanxu, styled Changxu, was a Xianbei tribesman from Daijun. His father was called Tu Tong and held the position of Governor of Yingzhou during the Zhou Dynasty. Changxu exhibited military talent from a young age. During the Zhou Dynasty, he first served as a General of the Army and later inherited the title of County Duke Yuan Shou. He participated in many battles, and his official rank steadily rose, eventually attaining the titles of Grand General and Minister of War.
After the founding emperor ascended the throne, he appointed him as the governor of Xiangzhou, titled him as the Duke of Gucheng County, and granted him a land grant of 2,500 households. Not long after, he was transferred to Qingzhou as the governor, where he excelled in his duties and garnered significant political achievements. Over a year later, the Turkic tribes invaded the border, and the court valued Chang Xu's prestige and ability, so he was transferred to Shuozhou as the governor, causing the northern tribes to fear him. Later, the founding emperor secretly plotted to eliminate the Chen dynasty, so he transferred Chang Xu to Xuzhou as the governor to prepare military supplies.
When the large-scale campaign against the Chen dynasty crossed the river, Chang Xu was appointed as the commander, stationed north of the river with Duke Ge Douling of Xihe and Hong Jing. After the fall of the Chen dynasty, he was appointed as the governor of Xiazhou. When Prince Jin Yang Guang was a regional king, he maintained a close relationship with Chang Xu, and later when Yang Guang became the crown prince, he promoted him to command the Left Imperial Guard.
After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, Prince Han Yang Liang was stationed in Bingzhou at the time. Emperor Yang of Sui was worried that Yang Liang would rebel, so he sent Chang Xu to serve as the governor of Jinzhou and Jiangzhou, issuing an urgent decree to him. Before Chang Xu could leave, Yang Liang had already sent troops to occupy Puban and even cut the bridge over the Yellow River, preventing Chang Xu from entering. Therefore, the court ordered Chang Xu to lead troops to attack Yang Liang together with Yang Su, resulting in Yang Liang's defeat and Chang Xu's appointment as Left Martial Guard General.
At the beginning of the Daye period, Chang Xu was promoted to Guangluqing. Later, when He Ruobi was framed by villains, the court summoned Chang Xu to testify, and Chang Xu attested to He Ruobi's innocence, but he was dismissed from his position. Over a year later, he was appointed as the Prefect of Dongping. Not long after, Emperor Yang of Sui went to Jiangdu and passed through Dongping, where Chang Xu greeted him by the roadside. Emperor Yang of Sui invited him aboard the dragon boat, and Chang Xu seized the opportunity to recount his past achievements to the emperor. Emperor Yang of Sui was very pleased and bestowed upon him the title of Golden Purple Guanglu Grand Master, with his position as prefect remaining unchanged.
During the Battle of Liaodong, Zhang Xu requested to be the vanguard. Emperor Yang of Sui appreciated him greatly and appointed him as the Grand General of the Left Guard, leading tens of thousands of cavalry and infantry to secure the Ma Dao. When the troops returned to the capital, he was left to guard Huaiyuan, and his rank was promoted to Left Grand Master of Palace Attendants.
At that time, Liu Yuanjin rebelled in Jiangnan and attacked Runzhou. Emperor Yang of Sui sent Zhang Xu to suppress him. Zhang Xu led his troops to Yangzijin, where Liu Yuanjin was planning to cross the river at Maopu. Zhang Xu defeated him in battle. After crossing the Yangtze River, Zhang Xu set up camp with his back to the river. The next morning, Liu Yuanjin attacked again but was defeated once more by Zhang Xu, forcing Liu Yuanjin to abandon the siege of Runzhou and flee.
Zhang Xu stationed his troops in Qu'a, where Liu Yuanjin built a camp to resist. Zhang Xu taunted Liu Yuanjin, who came out to fight. Before Liu Yuanjin's formation was set, Zhang Xu led his cavalry to charge, causing Liu Yuanjin's army to be defeated, with tens of thousands jumping into the river to their deaths. Liu Yuanjin escaped at night and returned to his own camp. The self-proclaimed officials Zhu Xie and Guan Chong were stationed in Pilin, with camps stretching over a hundred li. Zhang Xu pursued and defeated them again, forcing the enemy to retreat to Huangshan. Zhang Xu surrounded Huangshan, and the enemy, left with no choice, surrendered. Liu Yuanjin and Zhu Xie managed to escape. Zhang Xu killed more than 5,000 people, including Guan Chong and his general Lu Yi, capturing over 30,000 of their children and sending them to Jiangdu Palace.
Later, Zhang Xu lifted the siege of Kuaiji. Liu Yuanjin occupied Jian'an, and Emperor Yang of Sui ordered Zhang Xu to suppress him. However, Zhang Xu claimed that the soldiers were too exhausted and requested to wait until the next spring to march again. Emperor Yang of Sui was displeased and secretly searched for Zhang Xu's faults. The relevant authorities reported that Zhang Xu was cowardly and disobedient, resulting in his dismissal from office and assignment to guard Jian'an as a commoner.
Not long after, the court issued an edict calling Chang Xu to the emperor's temporary palace. Chang Xu, feeling disheartened, returned to Yongjia and died of illness. Dong Chun, whose courtesy name was Dehou, was from Chengji, Gansu. His grandfather Dong He was the Left Guard of the Crown Prince of Wei, and his father Dong Sheng was the Grand General of the Zhou Dynasty. Dong Chun was incredibly strong from a young age and excelled in horseback riding and archery.
During the Zhou Dynasty, he held positions as a Senior Officer in the Ministry of Works and a Lower Official of the Ministry of Chariots and Horses, and was granted the title of Lord of Gushi County with a fief of two hundred households. He accompanied Emperor Wu in pacifying the Qi Kingdom and was granted the title of Yitong, elevated to Marquis of Daxing County, with his fief increased to eight hundred households. After Emperor Yang Jian of the Sui Dynasty proclaimed himself emperor, Dong Chun was later further promoted to Duke of Hanqu County and eventually rose to the position of General of the Cavalry. Later, due to his military achievements, he was appointed as a Grand Marshal.
Towards the end of the Kaihuang reign of the Sui Dynasty, in recognition of his past achievements, Dong Chun was once again appointed as Duke of Shunzheng County. Later, when Prince Han Yang Liang rebelled in Bingzhou, the court appointed Dong Chun as the Commander of the Army and Deputy Commissioner for Pacification of Hebei, and he followed Yang Su in suppressing the rebellion. For his accomplishments in this campaign, Dong Chun was granted the title of Pillar State, promoted to Duke of a Commandery, with his fief increased to two thousand households. He was later promoted to General of the Left Guard, and the emperor rewarded him with ten concubines and five thousand bolts of silk.
After a few years, Dong Chun was promoted to the position of General of the Left Cavalry and was also appointed as the Governor of Pengcheng. Later, Prince Qi, Yang Zhan, made a mistake, and Dong Chun was questioned by the emperor because of his close relationship with Prince Qi. The emperor asked, "You started as a low-ranking official and have risen to such a high position now. Why are you still conspiring with my son, trying to drive a wedge between us?" Dong Chun replied, "I came from humble beginnings, and it was Your Majesty who promoted me. The late emperor valued my carefulness in handling affairs and showed me extraordinary favor. You also entrusted me with the rank of general. I wish to repay the country's kindness with the time I have remaining. I often visit Prince Qi because when the late emperor and empress were still at Renshou Palace, they once held Crown Prince Yuande and Prince Qi on their knees and said to me, 'Take a good look at these two children and remember my words.' I followed the late emperor's orders, and whenever I had a break, I would visit Prince Qi in the palace. I truly cannot forget the late emperor's words. At that time, you were also by the late emperor's side." After hearing this, the emperor's expression softened as he said, "So that's how it is." And then he dismissed Dong Chun.
A few days later, Dong Chun was appointed as the Prefect of Wenshan. Over a year later, the Turks launched an invasion at the border, and the court, recognizing Dong Chun's experience as a seasoned commander, transferred him to Yulin to serve as Prefect. Whenever the Turks invaded, Dong Chun successfully repelled them.
At this time, the bandit leaders Zhang Dabiao, Zong Shimo, and others led tens of thousands of troops to occupy Xuanbo Mountain, burning, killing, and looting throughout the regions of Xuzhou and Yanzhou. The Emperor ordered Dong Chun to attack them. Dong Chun initially refused to leave the camp, and the bandits repeatedly provoked him, but Dong Chun did not engage in battle. Believing Dong Chun to be cowardly and unprepared, the bandits plundered rampantly. Dong Chun selected elite troops, engaged the bandits in a decisive battle at Changlu, achieved a great victory, beheaded over ten thousand enemies, and even piled up a mound of heads. The bandit leader Wei Qilin led over ten thousand troops to occupy Danfu, but Dong Chun led his army to attack and defeated them once again.
Later, the Emperor launched another campaign against Liaodong and appointed Dong Chun as the defender of Pengcheng. The East Sea bandit Peng Xiaocai led a few thousand men to plunder Huairen County, fled to Yishui, and occupied Wubuji Mountain. Dong Chun led his elite soldiers to pursue, captured Peng Xiaocai alive on the battlefield, executed him by being torn apart by horses, and the remaining bandits scattered.
At that time, the people were in turmoil, and banditry was on the rise. Although Dong Chun had won many battles, bandits continued to rise in various places. Some falsely accused Dong Chun of being cowardly and unable to quell the bandit attacks. The Emperor, enraged, sent officials to escort Dong Chun to the capital. Fearing the Emperor's wrath, the court officials complied with his wishes and sentenced Dong Chun to death. Ultimately, Dong Chun was executed.
Zhao Cai, courtesy name Xiaocai, was from Zhangye Jiuquan. His grandfather Zhao Wei was the Silver-ranked Guanglu Daifu of the Wei Kingdom and the Governor of Lelang; his father Zhao Shou was the Governor of Shunzheng during the Zhou Dynasty. Zhao Cai was brave and skilled in battle from a young age, excelling in archery, but he had a rough personality and did not understand etiquette. During the Zhou Dynasty, he held the position of a Yuzheng Senior Officer. After Sui Gaozu Yang Jian declared himself emperor, Zhao Cai rose through the ranks due to his military achievements, eventually becoming the Third Minister of the Department of Rites. Later, he served Prince Jin Yang Guang, and after Jin Wang became the Crown Prince, he was appointed as the Right Yu General. When Yang Guang became emperor, Zhao Cai was promoted to Left Commander of the Imperial Guards, and later to Right General of the Imperial Guards. As an old minister from Yang Guang's time as Crown Prince, the emperor became increasingly close to him, and Zhao Cai worked diligently and performed well. A year later, he was promoted to Right Houwei General. He followed the emperor to campaign against the Tuyuhun, appointed as the general in charge of the campaign, leading officials such as Liu Quan, Minister of Defense, and Ming Ya, Assistant Minister of War, starting from Hehedao, encountering and defeating the Tuyuhun army, and was promoted to Jinziguang Lu Daifu (a high-ranking official) for his military achievements. Later, during the war in Liaodong, he led two campaigns from Jieshidao, and upon his return, he was appointed as the Left Houwei General, shortly after promoted to Grand General of the Right Imperial Guards. Whenever the emperor went on inspection tours, Zhao Cai always served as the scout, strictly enforcing laws and regulations, never showing favoritism. If he encountered relatives of officials violating orders on the road, Zhao Cai would reprimand them harshly without hesitation. He offended many people, even though many considered him overly blunt; they had no choice but to acknowledge his fairness in handling matters.
In the tenth year, the emperor went to Fenyang Palace, leaving Zhao Cai to defend the Eastern Capital. Twelve years later, the emperor was in Luoyang, preparing to go to Jiangdu. Zhao Cai recognized that the state of the country was dire, fearing that disaster was imminent, and felt that he had received such great favor from the emperor that he could not just watch the country fall. He advised, "The people are exhausted, the treasury is empty, bandits are rampant, and the laws are ineffective. I urge Your Majesty to return to the capital and restore order among the people. Although I am foolish, I dare to guarantee with my life to request Your Majesty to do so!" The emperor was furious and handed Zhao Cai over to the officials. After a few days, the emperor's anger subsided somewhat, and he released him. The emperor proceeded to Jiangdu, growing even closer to Zhao Cai.
The food in Jiangdu ran out, and the soldiers' morale had plummeted. The officials Yu Shiji, Yuan Chong, and others advised the emperor to go to Danyang. The emperor debated this matter in court; Zhao Cai strongly advocated returning to the capital, while Yu Shiji strongly advocated crossing the river. The emperor did not speak, and Zhao Cai and Yu Shiji argued and left. When Yuwen Huaji rebelled, Zhao Cai was in Yuanbei. Yuwen Huaji sent his subordinate Xie Defang with a forged edict to capture him. When Zhao Cai heard about the edict, he came out, and Xie Defang ordered his men to arrest him and bring him to Yuwen Huaji. Yuwen Huaji said to Zhao Cai, "Today's matter can only end like this; I hope you don't take it to heart." Zhao Cai did not say a word. Due to Zhao Cai's silence, Yuwen Huaji contemplated executing him, but released him three days later. Zhao Cai resumed his original position, feeling deep resentment.
Once at a banquet hosted by Yuwen Huaji, Zhao Cai advised Yuwen Huaji's eighteen co-conspirators, including Yang Shilan, to drink. Yuwen Huaji agreed. Zhao Cai raised his glass and said, "Eighteen people, this can only happen once; there must not be a next time!" No one else said anything. When they reached Liaocheng, Zhao Cai fell ill. Shortly after, Yuwen Huaji was defeated by Dou Jiande, and Zhao Cai was captured again. He passed away a few days later, at the age of seventy-three.
During the Ren Shou period and Da Ye period of the Sui Dynasty, there were two individuals, Lan Xingyu and Helan Fan, both served as military generals. They were upright and forthright, unafraid to offend the powerful, and earned a reputation for their diligence and responsibility. Historical records mention Luo Hou, Fa Shang, Li Jing, Shi Xiong, and Murong Sanzang, who all earned wealth and honor through their bravery and military prowess in wartime. Ren Gong, initially a diligent and capable official in Ji County, rose in rank due to his integrity. However, his greed and stinginess led to his downfall when he reached Mayi. Few manage to see things through to the end; it’s truly unfortunate! Tu Wanxu and Dong Chun received high positions and rewards for their earlier contributions. Wanxu was reprimanded for requesting a ceasefire, while Dong Chun was falsely accused and murdered. As the Da Ye period of the Sui Dynasty neared its end, bandits roamed freely and lawlessness prevailed, rendering resistance futile. Zhao Cai, despite his rough demeanor, harbored noble aspirations and refused to compromise his integrity and rejected suggestions from Shi Ji. Quan Wu, notorious for his reckless behavior and disregard for the law, was ultimately dismissed in disgrace, a result of his own actions.
