Wei Shi, courtesy name Gongying, was from Duling, a district in Chang'an. His father, Wei Zhen, was the Grand General of the Northern Zhou. Wei Shi was steady and mature from a young age, with a kind heart. When he first started school while reading the "Classic of Filial Piety," he put down the book and sighed, "The pinnacle of moral teachings is probably here!" When he was young, his parents passed away in quick succession, and he was deeply devoted to his mourning duties, praised by the people in his village for his filial piety. As he grew older, he extensively studied the classics and historical texts, especially excelling in archery.
The Prime Minister of the Northern Zhou, Yu Wenhu, recognized his talent and appointed him as a scribe in the Ministry of Interior, later promoting him to an official in the Ministry of War. Wei Shi was very knowledgeable about the customs of various ethnic groups and the geography of the land. Whenever minority groups came to pay tribute, he personally received them, inquiring in detail about their country's situation, as if it were the back of his hand. The people of those minority groups were all impressed by his remarkable knowledge and felt compelled to be completely open with him. Later, Prince Qi, Yu Wenxian, became the Governor of Yongzhou and appointed him as the registrar, retaining his original position. When Emperor Wu took power, Wei Shi was promoted to Grand Minister of Palace Supplies. After pacifying the Gao clan rebellion, the court dispatched him to Shandong to restore order among the people and appointed him as a Grand Master in the Ministry of Rites.
After the founding of the Sui Dynasty, Yang Jian appointed him as Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Justice, bestowing upon him the title of Marquis of Jingxing along with a fief of five hundred households. Several years later, he was promoted to the Minister of War for the Hebei Circuit and appointed as the Chief Pacification Envoy for the eighteen states of Shandong and Henan. He consistently impressed the Emperor with his performance, so the Emperor rewarded him with three million coins and also appointed him as the military advisor to Prince Jin, Yang Guang. His cousin, Wei Shikang, held the position of Minister of Personnel and was in a covert rivalry with Wei Shi. At that time, Prince Jin, Yang Guang, was in charge of Yongzhou and valued his staff greatly, appointing Yang Xiong as the Governor of the province and Wei Shi as the Chief Clerk. Wei Shikang's younger brother, Wei Shiyue, served as a legal officer under Wei Shi. Furious about this, he reprimanded Wei Shiyue for taking such a position and then proceeded to beat him severely. Later, Emperor Wen of Sui summoned Wei Shi, Gao Feng, and Han Qinhui to Li Quan Palace for a feast, where they reminisced about past events for their amusement. During the war to pacify the Chen Dynasty, Wei Shi served as a military advisor and managed the treasury with integrity and incorruptibility, earning praise for his incorruptibility. Emperor Wen of Sui later gave his daughter in marriage to Prince Changning, Yang Yan, and appointed Wei Shi as the Governor of Bianzhou, where he made notable contributions before passing away in office, posthumously granted the title "Ding." His son, Wei Dezhen, later rose to the rank of official during the reign of Emperor Yang of Sui.
Yang Yi, courtesy name Wenshu, was from Huayin, Hongnong. His grandfather, Yang Jun, was the Minister of Works of the Wei Kingdom; his father, Yang Jian, was a court official. Yang Yi was good-looking, composed, and had great leadership abilities. He started studying at a young age, able to recite over a thousand characters daily, impressing everyone. When he was nine years old, his father passed away, which plunged him into deep grief, nearly costing him his life. After the mourning period, he turned down all celebrations and condolences, choosing to focus on his studies. Over the years, he read extensively.
During the reign of Emperor Ming of Jin, he served as the Prefect of Ningdu, attaining notable political achievements and gaining a strong reputation. The court granted him the title of Marquis of Changle. Later, due to his numerous military accomplishments, he was appointed as a marquis. When Gaozu became the Prime Minister, he assigned Yang Yi to Jizhou for official duties. After Gaozu became Emperor, he appointed him as the Minister of the Imperial Clan, entrusting him to establish his own office. When Prince Xiu of Shu was stationed in Yizhou, the court carefully selected officials to supervise the region, and due to Yang Yi's integrity, he was appointed as the Chief Clerk of Yizhou, with rewards that included two hundred thousand coins, three hundred rolls of silk, and fifty horses. Shortly after, he was promoted to the Minister of War of the Southwest Circuit. Years later, he returned to his position as the Minister of the Imperial Clan. Not long after, he was promoted to the Minister of Justice. Over a year later, he was appointed as the Prefect of Wuzhou, achieving outstanding political success and building a stellar reputation. At that time, Prince Guang was stationed in Yangzhou, and the court mandated that Yang Yi visit him annually to discuss current affairs and offer insights. Yang Yi passed away at sixty-two several years later. His son was named Yang Qianxun.
Su Xiaoci is from Fufeng. His father, Su Wuzhou, was the governor of Yanzhou during the Western Wei Dynasty. Su Xiaoci has always been steady and responsible since he was young, and he is also good-looking. In the early Western Wei period, he served as a junior official. Later, he was appointed as a commander and sent to the Qi Kingdom. Due to his outstanding performance in completing the mission, he was promoted to chief commander. In the same year, he was sent to the Qi Kingdom again, and upon his return, he was granted the title of senior officer. Later, he followed Emperor Wu to conquer the Qi Kingdom and was granted the title of Kai Fu, with the title of Duke of Wen'an and a fief of 1,500 households. Shortly after, he was reassigned as the Duke of Linshui, with his fief increased to 2,700 households, and later promoted several times, eventually becoming a senior official in the Ministry of Works.
After the founding emperor stepped down in favor of the current emperor, Yang Xiaoci was promoted to Duke of Anping and became the Minister of the Imperial Household. At that time, the country had just been established, and many things were just beginning. The emperor wanted to gather craftsmen from all over the country, regardless of their skill level. Yang Xiaoci was responsible for this task, and everyone thought he did a good job.
Not long after, he was promoted to Minister of Agriculture, and a year later, he became the Minister of War. The emperor increasingly valued him. At that time, Crown Prince Yong was politically savvy, and the emperor aimed to elevate the status of court officials, so many ministers were appointed to important positions in the court. Therefore, Yang Xiaoci was appointed as the Right Guard for the Crown Prince, while still retaining the position of Minister of War.
The following year, the emperor built the Changping Granary at Shanzhou and needed to transport grain from various places to the capital. Because the Wei River was sandy and the water level fluctuated, it was challenging to transport grain. The emperor ordered the digging of a canal to divert water from the Wei River to the Yellow River, and Yang Xiaoci oversaw this project. After the project was completed, the emperor was very satisfied. He was subsequently appointed as the Right Imperial Secretary to the Crown Prince and later promoted to the Left Guard position, concurrently serving as the Minister of Works and the Minister of Civil Affairs. He held significant power, and everyone said he was very skilled at handling government affairs.
Years later, he was promoted to Grand General once more, and later transferred to the Minister of Works, while keeping his other roles. Previously, because the expenses of the officials were insufficient, each department set up its own money houses to collect interest to subsidize the expenses. Yang Xiaoci believed that this would cause officials and civilians to compete for profits, which was detrimental to the country's development. He submitted a proposal to the emperor requesting the abolition of this system and suggested distributing land to court officials based on the different ranks of their positions. The emperor accepted his suggestion.
In the eighteenth year of the Kaihuang era, the emperor considered abolishing the Crown Prince. Because the Crown Prince was in the Eastern Palace, the emperor had some concerns, so he assigned him to Xizhou as a regional governor. The Crown Prince was displeased with Yang Xiaoci's departure from the court, which was evident in his words and actions. It can be seen how much the emperor valued Yang Xiaoci at that time!
During the Ren Shou period, Yang Xiaoci was appointed as the Governor of Hongzhou, where he also did many good deeds. Later, the Shanyue people in Guilin rose in rebellion, and the emperor appointed Yang Xiaoci as the Commander-in-Chief to suppress the rebellion. That year, he passed away in office. He had a son named Yang Huichang.
Sha Luo, known by his courtesy name Zicui, was the son of the Inspector of Meizhou in the Zhou Dynasty. Sha Luo served as an official during the Zhou Dynasty, beginning his career as a commander. Later, he followed Wei Xiaokuan in defeating Yu Jiong, achieved notable success, was appointed as a Supervisor of the Imperial Staff, and was also appointed as the Duke of Tongqin County. During the Kaihuang period of the Sui Dynasty, the Prince of Shu, Yang Xiu, defended Yizhou, and Sha Luo followed him, being appointed as the Inspector of Zizhou.
Eight years later, the Ranmao Qiang tribe rose in rebellion, attacking Wenshan and Jinchuan. Sha Luo led his troops to victory against them and was subsequently promoted to the Inspector of Qiongzhou. After a few years, he was appointed as the deputy of the Governor of Lizhou. Later, he followed Shi Wansui to fight against the Xicuan, achieving success in numerous battles. He was promoted to Grand General and rewarded with a thousand rolls of cloth. Shortly after, he was appointed as the Chief Historian under the Governor of Yizhou.
At this time, Wang Feng, the leader of the Yue Xi people, rebelled, and Sha Luo followed Duan Wenzhen to suppress the rebellion together. The court rewarded him with a hundred slaves and servants. Consequently, Yang Xiu, the King of Shu, was deposed. Someone accused Sha Luo, saying, "Wang Feng was killed by his slaves, but Yang Xiu falsely claimed that he had sent people to kill Wang Feng. He also mobilized the Shu forces and took away all the slaves and servants, but Sha Luo concealed this information." Because of this, Sha Luo was dismissed from office and eventually died at home. He left behind a son named Kang.
Li Xiong, style name Pi Lu, was from Gaoyi, Zhao County. His grandfather was the Grand Master of the Wei Dynasty, and his father was the Governor of Shanzhou in the Qi Dynasty. After the Qi Dynasty was overthrown by the Zhou Dynasty, Li Xiong followed the army to Chang'an. Li Xiong showed great ambition from a young age. His family had a long lineage of scholars, but he preferred horseback riding and archery. His nephew advised him, "You shouldn't give up studying to practice martial arts; that's not what scholars do!"
Li Xiong replied, "I believe that throughout history, loyal subjects aiming for success in their careers must be proficient in both literature and martial arts. While my abilities may be limited, I’ve read some history and don't strictly follow rigid rules. With proficiency in both literature and martial arts, so why worry, brother?" His brother was left speechless by his words.
During the time of Emperor Taizu of the Zhou Dynasty, he (referring to the character in the text, the same below) began his official career as the Assistant General. He followed Daxi Wuping in suppressing the unrest in Hanzhong, stabilizing Xingzhou, and then went to suppress the rebellion of the Hu people in Fenzhou. For these military achievements, he was appointed as the Grand General of the Cavalry and awarded the honorary title of Yitong Sanqi. Later, when Emperor Min ascended the throne, he was promoted and ennobled, becoming a duke and transferred to work in the Xiaobin department. He later followed Daxi Wuping to Mount Mang to fight against the people of Qi, and while other armies suffered defeats, his troops emerged unscathed.
When Emperor Wu was in power, he followed Chen Wangchun to welcome back the queen of the Turks and was promoted and enfeoffed as the Duke of Xi. He was also appointed as the Governor of Xiazhou. After a few years, he was summoned back to the court and appointed as a Senior Official of the Central Government. Not long after, he was sent to Liangzhou as the Chief of Staff. Later, he followed Prince Tengyou to defeat the Tuyuhun in Qinghai and was granted the title of Yitong for his achievements. After Emperor Xuan succeeded to the throne, he accompanied the military commander Wei Xiaokuan in pacifying the Huainan region. With only a few hundred light cavalry, he reached Haishi and persuaded over a dozen cities to surrender using his persuasive skills, thus being appointed as the Governor of Haozhou.
After Gaozu took control of the court, he was summoned back and appointed as the Assistant Minister of Rites. Due to his contributions in Huainan, his official position was raised, becoming the Senior Prefect. After Gaozu became emperor, he was appointed as the Minister of Ceremonial Favor, promoted to Duke of Gaodou County, and granted a food estate of two thousand households. Several years later, Prince Jin Guang was sent to guard Bingzhou, and he was appointed as the Minister of War in the Hebei Military Department. Gaozu said to him, "My son is still young and inexperienced. You are both civil and military talents. I am now entrusting this important task to you, relieving my concerns about the north." He bowed and thanked him, saying, "Your Majesty, you do not despise my inadequate abilities and entrust me with such an important task. Although I am foolish, I am not without feeling. I will definitely repay your kindness with all my heart!" Moved to tears, he was comforted by Gaozu before leaving. He was righteous and upright in his position, and Prince Jin held him in great awe, while the people praised him highly. Over a year later, he died in office, and his son Gongting inherited his title.
Zhang Ji, also known as Shihong, was from Mao County, Hejian, Hebei. His father, Zhang Xian, had a deep passion for learning when he was young and had a wide range of knowledge. He became the General of Defending the South in the Wei Kingdom. He served under Emperor Wu of Wei and rose through the ranks, eventually reaching the high position of Grand Master of Ceremonial Favor.
Later, Emperor Zhou valued his talents and appointed him as an official in the imperial court, bestowing upon him the surname Chiluo. He later served as a senior official in charge of state affairs, a magistrate of Yongzhou, the governor of Yongzhou, and an equal of the Three Excellencies. He was granted the title Duke of Yuxiang County and achieved a high-ranking position. Later, he returned to the court and served as a senior official responsible for compiling national history. Most court officials during the Zhou Dynasty were former military generals, but Zhang Xian was highly respected for his extensive knowledge and scholarship and was greatly esteemed. As he aged, he chose to retire and return home.
When Emperor Yang Jian of the Sui Dynasty ascended the throne, he held Zhang Xian's virtue and reputation in high regard and personally wrote to invite him to return to official service. In the letter, he said, "I have just ascended the throne and am contemplating how to govern the realm effectively. I have always wanted to employ esteemed elder statesmen like yourself. During your tenure as an equal of the Three Excellencies in the Zhou Dynasty, your virtue and achievements were well-known. Although you have retired, you still possess remarkable vitality. You should return to the court to assist me in realizing my ambitions." When Zhang Xian went to meet Yang Jian, the emperor instructed him to remain standing and personally helped him up to the hall, even descending from the throne to grasp his hand and sit together for an extended conversation, and he rewarded him with a cane and seating.
Later, when the Sui Dynasty planned to move the capital to Longshou (present-day Luoyang), Zhang Xian counseled Yang Jian on the importance of frugality. Yang Jian issued a special edict to express his gratitude. Shortly after, Zhang Xian passed away at the age of eighty-four years. The court posthumously granted him the title of governor of Cangzhou and bestowed upon him the posthumous title "Ding." He also authored commentaries on Laozi and Zhuangzi entitled "The Way of Words," consisting of fifty-two chapters.
Jing (pronounced: xiāo) loved learning from a young age and fully inherited his father's excellent qualities. He served as an official in the Wei Dynasty, starting as a Court Gentleman and later rising to the position of Deputy Minister of Personnel. Emperor Zhou Taizu recognized his talent and appointed him to the Ministry of War. Later, during the reign of Emperor Min, Jing was promoted to General. During the reigns of Emperor Ming and Emperor Wu of the Sui Dynasty, he held various positions such as Master of the Imperial Kitchen, Grand Minister of the Imperial Clan, and was bestowed upon the title of Duke of Beiping with a fief consisting of four hundred households. In the era of Emperor Xuan, he was further promoted to the rank of Yitong and his title was elevated to Count.
When Prime Minister Yang Jian became Prime Minister, Jing actively cultivated a good relationship with him. Emperor Yang saw Jing's abilities and held him in high regard. After Emperor Yang became the emperor, he promoted Jing to the position of Right Deputy Minister and bestowed upon him the title of Marquis. Shortly after, Jing was promoted to Deputy Minister of the Imperial Household and concurrently served as the Supervisor of the Construction of the New Capital. After his father passed away, Jing resigned from his official position to observe mourning at home, demonstrating profound grief. Upon completing the mourning period, the court requested his return to office, but he firmly declined. Eventually, the court appointed him to the Yitong Sanqi position and allowed him to inherit the title of Duke of Yuxiang County, with his fief expanded to one thousand five hundred households. Soon after, he was promoted to Minister of the Imperial Household and eventually rose to the position of Minister of Civil Affairs. Later, when Prince Jin Yang Guang became the Governor-General of Yangzhou, Jing was appointed as his Military Commissioner and was further granted the title of Grand Master of Ceremonies. Jing was known for his gentle and kind personality, remarkable insight, and judgment, earning him a good reputation at the time. He was later appointed as the Inspector of Jizhou, and Prince Jin Yang Guang repeatedly requested his services, appointing him as the Prince's Chief Clerk and putting him in charge of affairs in Jiangzhou. When Prince Jin ascended to the throne, Jing returned to Jizhou as the Inspector, with his official rank elevated to Superintendent, and the populace held him in high esteem, praising him as an outstanding official of the second rank. During the fourth year of Renshou, Jing passed away at the age of seventy-four. His son Huibao later rose to the position of Magistrate of Jiang County.
During the Kaihuang era, there was a man named Liu Ren'en, whose background was unknown, but he was outstanding in both civil and military matters and very capable. He initially served as the Prefect of Maozhou, with his achievements standing out nationally, and was later promoted to Minister of Justice. He also served as a military commander following Yang Su to campaign against the Chen dynasty, and in the Battle of Jingmen, he and Yang Su together defeated the Chen dynasty general Lv Zhongsu, with Liu Ren'en's strategies being pivotal. Consequently, he was bestowed the title of Grand General, earning him great renown at the time. Guo Jun from Fengyi and Feng Shiji from Shangdang, both intelligent and strategic, served in succession as Ministers of War. Dai Ren She Di Yao, renowned for his open-mindedness, wisdom, and bravery, rose to the position of Minister of Civil Affairs. While these four individuals were prominent figures, their specific deeds were recorded rather briefly, with no detailed accounts in historical records.
Historical records state: Two officials from Zhao commandery were very familiar with historical allusions and were recognized talents at the time. However, after assuming important positions, they did not achieve any significant accomplishments. This illustrates that everyone’s talents and capacities are inherently limited, varying in size, and suitability for different positions cannot be forced.
Chang Sun Ping strongly advised the Emperor to pardon those falsely accused, which was a truly benevolent and righteous act! The Emperor was very pleased and accepted his advice, leading to numerous benefits. Yuan Hui rose to prominence due to his intelligence and wisdom, Wei Shi was renowned for his integrity and honesty, Yang Shangxi and Yang Yi were outstanding royal descendants, enjoying high reputation and status. Su Xiaoci, Li Xiong, and Zhang Jing were known for their integrity and competence during their service both inside and outside the court. They were all highly regarded in the early years of the Kaihuang era and are considered some of the most outstanding talents of that time.
