Liu Shanjing from Hejian was knowledgeable and especially skilled in writing articles and poems. He served as an editorial assistant and prince's attendant, and wrote "The Biography of Chou De" in thirty volumes, "The Genealogy of the Zhu Liu Clan" in thirty volumes, and "A Guide to the Four Tones" in one volume, which have been passed down through the ages.
Zu Junyan from Fanyang was the son of Zuxiaozheng, the Minister of Works of Northern Qi. He was short in stature and awkward in speech, but exceptionally talented. In the late years of the Sui Dynasty, he became a book assistant in Dongping County. Dongping County was captured by Zhai Rang and was subsequently taken over by Li Mi. Li Mi held him in high regard, appointing him as a scribe, tasked with handling military correspondence and urgent notices. Following Li Mi's defeat, Zu Junyan was executed by Wang Shichong.
Kong Deshao from Kuaiji was exceptionally talented; he served as the magistrate of Jingcheng County. After Dou Jiande proclaimed himself king, he appointed Kong Deshao as the Minister of the Central Secretariat, specifically in charge of drafting documents and proclamations. After Dou Jiande's defeat, Kong Deshao was executed.
Liu Bin from Nanyang was highly articulate; he served as a book assistant in Xindu County. Dou Jiande appointed him as an attendant to the prince. He later became the Minister of the Central Secretariat under Liu Ta, fleeing to the Turks with him, after which he disappeared.
The historical texts state: "Emperor Wen of Wei once said, 'Most scholars, both ancient and modern, often overlook minor virtues, and very few can stand independently based on their reputation and moral integrity.'" This statement rings absolutely true! People like Wang Zhou, Yu Chuo, as well as Cui Nao and Xiao Yi, some are arrogant because of their talent and neglect worldly affairs; some, although knowledgeable, have unfortunate destinies, being demoted to low positions, feeling depressed and resentful, their aspirations often fluctuating, looking down on everyone around them and disregarding officials and nobles. It can be seen that those with eccentric and dissolute behavior are often cast aside, and those who hold grudges and offend others include not just Zhao Yi from Hanyang but also Ni Heng from Pingyuan. Therefore, they often leave behind regrets and remorse, rarely able to end well. However, their knowledge encompasses ancient classics, and their writings are magnificent, like a rare flower in Denglin or a beautiful jade from Mount Kunshan. During the unification of the country under the Sui Dynasty, many talented individuals emerged, but only about a dozen were truly exceptional. The Zhengxuan brothers were among them, both exceptionally talented—a truly rare pair of siblings!
