Yuan Shi, also known by his courtesy name Jianyan, was a native of Luoyang, Henan. His father, Wenzong, was well-known in Northern Qi and passed away while serving as the Inspector of Juzhou in the early years of the Kaihuang era. Yuan Shi earned great respect at a young age. He initially served as a military official in the Office of the Grand Minister, later promoted to the position of Left Military Officer of the Ministry of Personnel, and also took on a role in the Department of Ancestral Worship. One year in midsummer, there were reports of a dragon sighting, leading to a rainmaking ceremony. At that time, Gao Ana Gong served as the Prime Minister and was thrilled to hear about the sighting of a real dragon, asking where the dragon was. Yuan Shi straightened his clothes and replied, "This is merely the appearance of a dragon star. According to ritual, the rainmaking ceremony should be held at the suburban altar; that doesn’t mean a real dragon has actually appeared." Upon hearing this, Gao Ana Gong's expression shifted instantly and he snapped, "How do you know it’s a star?" Consequently, the rainmaking ceremony was canceled. Afterward, Yuan Shi sighed and said, "The important matters of the country revolve around sacrifices and military affairs. If rituals are neglected, how can it endure? The fall of Northern Qi isn’t far off!"
Seven years later, Emperor Wu of Zhou conquered Northern Qi, and Yuan Shi was appointed as a Senior Official of the Ministry of Revenue. After Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, ascended the throne, he later appointed Yuan Shi to the imperial court as the Deputy Minister of Personnel, also taking on responsibilities in the Ministry of Personnel. Many of the court's regulations and national laws were formulated with his participation. In the seventeenth year, he was promoted to Deputy Minister of Personnel for the Left and Right, gaining a reputation for his efficiency. At that time, Prince Yang Xiu of Shu was notorious for flouting the law, so Emperor Wen of Sui sent Yuan Shi to Yizhou as the Chief Commandant to supervise him. Not long after, Yang Xiu was summoned back to the court, but he feared that there might be unrest in the capital and feigned illness to avoid the trip. Yuan Shi repeatedly advised him not to disobey the imperial decree, but Yang Xiu angrily retorted, "This is a matter within my family; what concern is it of yours?" Yuan Shi replied, tears in his eyes, "I am deeply grateful for the state's kindness, serving as a servant of the state. How could I not give my all? However, in recent years, the state has faced many challenges, with Prince Xiao of Qin falling seriously ill and passing away suddenly, and one after another, the commoner-born princes have been deposed. His Majesty must be feeling great sorrow! His Majesty has long since decreed the recall of Prince Yang Xiu, yet he procrastinates. The people are unaware of Prince Yang Xiu's intentions. If any dissent arises, both internally and externally will be left in confusion. If His Majesty becomes angry and issues a decree, sending an envoy, how will Prince Yang Xiu explain himself? I hope Your Highness will think this over carefully!" Only then did Yang Xiu agree to return to the capital.
After Yang Xiu was deposed, many officials in Yizhou were implicated, but Yuan Shi was spared from punishment. Later, he was appointed as Yitong San Si. When Emperor Yang Guang of the Sui Dynasty ascended the throne, he appointed Yuan Shi as the Deputy Minister of Dali. Once, Emperor Yang Guang ordered the guards outside the Palace of Xianren not to leave their posts at will. One general secretly let the guards go out, and Emperor Yang Guang entrusted the matter to the Dali Temple. Yuan Shi sentenced him to exile in accordance with the law, but Emperor Yang Guang wished to execute him. Yuan Shi said, "This person deserves to die a thousand times. If Your Majesty had killed him from the beginning, there would be no need for the hassle of drafting paperwork. Since it has been handed over to the Dali Temple, it should be handled according to the usual legal procedures. How should such offenders be punished in the future?" Emperor Yang Guang then relented. Yuan Shi was later promoted to the role of Deputy Minister of Justice. Yuan Shi was decisive in handling matters during his tenure, eloquent in speech, but did not have a reputation for integrity and fairness. Shortly afterwards, he passed away, leaving behind a son named Kunyu.
Lang Mao, styled Weizhi, was from Xinshi, Hengshan in Hebei Province. His father, Ji, had served as the Prefect of Yinchuan during the Northern Qi dynasty. Lang Mao was intelligent from a young age, able to recite both the "Chuci" and the "Shijing" at the age of seven, memorizing over a thousand characters daily. At the age of fifteen, he studied under Quan Hui in Hejian, a National Scholar. Lang Mao studied the "Shijing," "Yijing," "Sanli," astronomy, law, and other subjects with him. He also studied the "Zuo Zhuan," "Gongyang Zhuan," "Guliang Zhuan," and other classics with Zhang Shuili, an assistant of the National Academy, studying so diligently that he often neglected sleep and meals. His family worried that he would tire himself out, often helping him with the lighting.
After Lang Mao grew up, he became a famous scholar and wrote well-written articles. When he was nineteen years old, his father passed away, and he observed the mourning period with utmost dedication, even stricter than the prescribed etiquette. Later, he served as an official in Northern Qi, starting as a military officer in the Office of the Grand Minister. Coincidentally, the state of Chen sent an envoy named Fu Zai to visit Northern Qi, and Lang Mao was assigned to receive him. Afterwards, Lang Mao was ordered to proofread and compile historical texts in the Secretariat. He was later promoted to be the magistrate of Baocheng County, achieving remarkable results, and the local people even composed a "Praise of Virtue" in his honor.
After Northern Qi was conquered by Northern Zhou, King Yi recommended Lang Mao to Emperor Wu of Zhou, who appointed him as the head of household affairs in Chenzhou. Later, Yang Jian (later Emperor Wen of Sui) became the governor of Bozhou and held Lang Mao in high regard, appointing him as the secretary of the governor's office. At that time, Emperor Wu of Zhou was compiling the "Book of Rites." During a casual chat with Lang Mao, Yang Jian said, "The actions of the emperor will affect the heavens and the earth, move ghosts and gods. There are many strict laws in the 'Book of Rites,' how can we govern the country well?" Lang Mao secretly sighed in his heart, "That's not something just anyone would say!" From then on, Lang Mao secretly befriended Yang Jian, who also respected him greatly.
Later, Lang Mao returned to his hometown and became the chief clerk of the prefecture. After Yang Jian became the prime minister, he wrote a letter summoning Lang Mao to his side, and they reminisced about old times and enjoyed a pleasant chat. Yang Jian appointed Lang Mao as the recorder of Weizhou, where he distinguished himself in governance. Shortly after, he was promoted to be the magistrate of Weiguo County. At that time, there were more than two hundred prisoners held in Weiguo County, and Lang Mao personally examined the cases over several days, releasing over a hundred of them. Over the years, no official complaints had been filed from Weiguo County to the prefectural government. The Inspector of Weizhou, Yuan Hui, said to Lang Mao, "County officials say the people of Weiguo are too afraid to appeal because of you!" Lang Mao replied, "The people are like water, and laws and regulations are like embankments. If the embankments are not strong, the water will break through. As long as the embankments hold, what’s there to worry about?" Yuan Hui was convinced by Lang Mao's words and had nothing to say.
Once, in Weiguo County, there was a man named Zhang Yuanyu who had a bad relationship with his cousin Si Lan. The county magistrate wanted to impose strict legal penalties on them. Lang Mao said, "Zhang Yuanyu and his cousin already dislike each other; now, because they have committed a crime, their conflict will intensify. This is not a good way to educate the people." So Lang Mao sent some respected elders to persuade them, and the elders came one after another. In the end, Zhang Yuanyu and his cousin both repented and confessed their wrongdoing at the county yamen. Lang Mao reasoned with them, and ultimately, the cousins reconciled and became friends, becoming a popular story among the people.
Mao started out as a Changshi in Yanzhou, later promoted to Taichang Cheng, and then to Shilang of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. At that time, the Right Vice Minister of Personnel, Su Wei, issued an annual directive to investigate irregularities involving fifth-rank officials among the civilian population. Some people replied, "There are no families of fifth-rank officials in the areas we oversee." Such perfunctory responses were common. Su Wei also established a surplus ledger, intending to register whether there were any surplus grains in various places for coordination. Mao considered this too cumbersome and ineffective, so he petitioned the emperor to cancel these matters. A few years later, his mother passed away, and he resigned from his position to return home for his mother's funeral. Not long after, the court summoned him back to duty. He then reported that the sons of those who sacrificed for the country should not lose their land, and the land of elderly officials should not be reduced. All these suggestions were proposed by Mao. Mao was intelligent and quick-witted, handling government affairs decisively, and at that time, everyone praised his abilities.
During the Renshou period, his original official position was the magistrate of Daxing County. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, he was promoted to the Commander of Yongzhou, and shortly after, he was promoted to the position of Junior Minister of the Ministry of Rites. Two years later, he was appointed as the Left Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, in charge of selecting officials. Wang Mao was renowned for his expertise in legal texts, which was well-known at the time. At that time, the Minister of Works Yu Wenkai and the General of the Right Guard Yu Zhongwen had a conflict over the silver mines in Hedong. Wang Mao accused them in a memorial, saying, "I have heard that there are different rites for the noble and the common people, different professions for scholars and farmers, so that people know their status and position, and families know what is honorable. Yu Wenkai holds a high position with a generous salary; he should have lived a quiet life, but instead he insists on fighting for interests without any shame. Yu Zhongwen is a general, a close confidant of the emperor, who hears the teachings of the emperor every day, yet he does not learn from the incorruptible styles of Yu Shun and Rui Bo, but instead quibbles over trivial gains. How can they set an example for their subordinates and set an example for the people! If not corrected, it will damage the country's laws and education." As a result, Yu Wenkai and Yu Zhongwen were both punished. Wang Mao also compiled a hundred volumes of "Maps and Records of Prefectures and Counties" and presented it to the court, for which the emperor rewarded him with three hundred bolts of silk and stored the manuscript in the imperial treasury.
At that time, the emperor often went on tours, and the country's laws and order were in disarray, with most laws and regulations rendered ineffective. Wang Mao was an old minister from the previous dynasty, very knowledgeable about worldly affairs, but he knew how to protect himself and lacked the courage to speak up. Seeing the emperor being suspicious and ruthless, he didn't dare to speak and could only sigh in silence. Because he was old, he submitted a request for retirement, but the emperor did not grant it.
Just in time for the emperor to personally go to Liaodong to fight, Wang Mao was left to guard Jinyang Palace. That year, Wang Wentong, the Prefect of Mount Heng, had a conflict with Wang Mao, so he reported to the emperor that Wang Mao was forming factions and engaging in private activities, deceiving his subordinates and misleading his superiors. The emperor ordered Minister Su Wei and Grand Master Pei Yun to jointly investigate him. Wang Mao already had a bad relationship with these two, and they deliberately distorted the facts and fabricated charges. The emperor was furious and demoted Wang Mao and his brother Wang Chudu to commoners, exiling them to Qiemo County. Wang Mao accepted the order calmly, showing no signs of worry.
On the way, he wrote a poem titled "Climbing the Hill" to comfort himself, and it was excellently composed. He also wrote a memorial to defend himself, and the emperor began to understand. Ten years later, the emperor summoned him back to the capital. More than a year later, Wang Mao passed away at the age of seventy-five. He was survived by a son, Wang Zhinian.
Gao Gou, courtesy name Xiaoji, was from Beihai, Shandong. He was quite humorous, sharp-minded, and exceptionally eloquent; no one could out-argue him. He loved reading and was skilled in handling political affairs. By the age of twenty, he had been appointed Chief Clerk of the prefecture. Later, he served as a military officer under the King of Henan in the Qi Kingdom, and then as Sima of Xuzhou, Prefect of Lanling County, and Prefect of Pingyuan County. After the fall of Northern Qi, Emperor Wu of Zhou appointed him as Sima of Xuzhou. After Emperor Yang Jian ascended to the throne, Gao Gou was promoted to Sima of Jizhou, where he performed exceptionally well and gained a strong reputation.
Next, the court summoned him to serve as Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Personnel, and shortly after he was transferred to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. At that time, the Deputy Minister of the Interior, Jin Pingdong, was in a dispute over inheritance rights with his nephew Jin Changmao. The Ministry of Personnel was at an impasse, and after three discussions by court officials, no conclusion was reached. Gao Gou quickly assessed the situation and provided sound reasoning. The Emperor admired his talent and summoned him to the palace, praising him by saying, "I have heard that a Shangshu Lang's talents should shine like the stars. Now that I see your talent and knowledge, I realize that the words of the ancients are indeed reliable! The distinction between legitimate and illegitimate offspring is a very important aspect of etiquette. I have read your judgments several times; the wording is precise, and the reasoning is clear, which I find difficult to achieve." The Emperor also rewarded him with one hundred dan of rice. From then on, Gao Gou became famous.
Later, he was promoted to the position of Sima of Yongzhou, renowned for his decisiveness. Over a year later, he was promoted to the position of Minister of Personnel, and everyone said he was competent. He was then transferred back to Yongzhou as Sima, but due to a slight infraction, he was demoted to the position of County Magistrate of Zhufei. However, he had a remarkable approach to governance, which the Emperor recognized and valued, reappointing him as Sima of Yongzhou. He later served as Minister of Personnel again, but was eventually dismissed for official reasons. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, he was summoned back to his position. At that time, many officials in the Ministry of Personnel were dismissed for incompetence, but Gao Gou maintained the highest reputation. All those who were responsible for selecting officials were his subordinates.
People often say that Gao Gou enjoys telling jokes and consider him somewhat frivolous, but in reality, he is quite principled, especially valued by the Minister of Personnel, Niu Hong. Later, he resigned from his position due to old age and physical weakness. At that time, Niu Hong was responsible for selecting officials, and whenever he wanted to promote someone, he would always send someone to Gao Gou's house to ask for his opinion. Xue Daoheng from Hedong was regarded as the most talented individual of his time, and he always made it a point to show his drafts to Gao Gou before presenting them to others. Whenever Gao Gou offered any critiques or suggestions, Xue Daoheng accepted them with humility. In the seventh year of the Daye era, Gao Gou passed away at the age of seventy-two. The individuals he recommended, including Du Ruhui and Fang Xuanling, later became significant officials in the court, and people all say that Gao Gou had a keen eye for talent.
During the Kaihuang era, Dou Lushi from Changli held the position of Minister of the Yellow Gate, and everyone said that he was careful and meticulous in his work. Pei Shu from Hedong became the Right Chancellor and frequently rectified errors. Shi Xie from Hedong, Dongfang Ju from Pingyuan, and Huangfu Yudao from Anding County all worked in the Ministry of Justice, and they adjudicated cases with fairness and justice. Liu Shilong from Hongnong, Fang Shanji from Qinghe worked in the Department of Examination, and Pei Jingmin from Hedong worked in the Ministry of War; they were all recognized for their high efficiency and exceptional abilities. Wei Kun from Jingzhao served as the Minister of Civil Affairs, and he frequently spoke candidly and provided counsel. Han Ze from Nanyang served as the Chief Historian of Yanzhou and implemented many policies to benefit the people. Although some of these officials' accomplishments are not fully documented in historical records, they all possessed strong capabilities, and at that time, they were highly regarded by everyone.
These officials are all capable and diligent, making contributions to the country in their respective positions. Dou Lu's caution and meticulousness, Pei Shu's remarkable ability to correct mistakes, Shi Xie, Dongfang Ju, and Huangfu Yudao exemplifying fairness and integrity, Liu Shilong, Fang Shanji, and Pei Jingmin known for their high efficiency, Wei Kun known for his forthrightness, and Han Ze recognized for his policies that benefit the people all reflect their responsibilities and commitments as officials. While their names may fade over time, their legacy is one we should always remember. Although their deeds may have some gaps in historical records, their contributions still shine brightly.
Zhang Qianwei, courtesy name Yuanjing, was from Wu Cheng in Qinghe, Dong. His father, Zhang Yanzhi, once served as the Governor of North Xuzhou. From a young age, Zhang Qianwei was known for his intelligence and wide-ranging knowledge. His grandfather, Zhang Songzhi, once said to someone, "Qianwei is the outstanding talent in our family!" At just twelve years old, he was appointed as the chief clerk in the province. At eighteen, he became a military officer in the Taiwei's office and later rose to the position of Tai Chang Cheng. After the fall of Northern Qi, he served as an official in Northern Zhou. When Sui Emperor Yang Jian ascended the throne, he was recruited to the imperial court as a signing official.
During the Kaihuang era, Prince Jin Yang Guang was sent to guard Bianzhou and recruited many advisers. Zhang Qianwei was appointed as a military officer in the judicial system and subsequently received several promotions. Prince Jin greatly admired and valued his talent, similar to Zhang Heng from Henan, and both were highly regarded. In Prince Jin's residence, they were referred to as the "Two Zhangs." Later, when Prince Jin became Crown Prince, Zhang Qianwei was promoted to the position of attendant cavalier and an inner chamberlain for the Crown Prince. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, he was appointed as a chamberlain of the interior, holding an equal rank to the Three Excellencies. Given his previous service in Prince Jin's residence, he was also given the title of Kaifu. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to the position of Grand Master of Ceremonies and followed Emperor Yang to Jiangdu, where he took on administrative duties and managed governmental affairs.
Zhang Qianwei once saw a lost package on the road and, worried about the owner feeling anxious, had his subordinates take the package with them. After a few days, the owner came to claim it, and Zhang Qianwei returned the package to him intact. When Governor Yang Chen of Huainan brought more than ten people to pay their respects to Emperor Yang Guang, Emperor Yang Guang asked Zhang Qianwei, "Who is the one standing in the front?" Zhang Qianwei carefully observed before replying, "It is Governor Yang Chen of Huainan." Emperor Yang Guang said, "You are a high-ranking official, yet you couldn't recognize the person paying their respects. What’s going on?" Zhang Qianwei replied, "I know Yang Chen, but I was afraid of mistaking someone, so I didn't dare to answer easily. Just like counting a horse's legs, caution is the most important." Emperor Yang Guang greatly appreciated his cautious and meticulous attitude. He was known for his integrity and caution, which was his style.
At that time, Emperor Yang Guang often toured, and the common people were exhausted. Zhang Qianwei submitted a memorial advising against this. Emperor Yang Guang was displeased and henceforth treated him coldly. Not long after that, Zhang Qianwei passed away. His son, Zhang Shuang, later became the magistrate of Lanling County.
Zhang Qianwei's brother, Zhang Qianxiong, was also talented. When Prince Xiao of Qin, Yang Jun, was the governor of Qinzhou, he recruited him to serve as a legal assistant. Once, when Prince Xiao of Qin personally interrogated a prisoner, Zhang Qianxiong forgot to bring the case file. However, he was able to recount accurately the case in front of over a hundred people without any mistakes, earning the admiration of his colleagues. He later served as the magistrate of Shouchun and Yangcheng counties, achieving notable success in both roles.
Rong Pi, styled Zichen, was from Wuzhong County, Beijing. His father, Rong Quan, was the Minister of War of Northern Wei. Rong Pi was upright and knowledgeable from an early age, having read many books. He served in the Northern Zhou government, starting as a scribe for the Prince of Han and eventually rising to the position of Junior Interior Officer. During the reign of Emperor Wen of Sui, he was promoted several times and eventually rose to the position of Palace Attendant.
At that time, there were many thieves in Huayin County, and there was a need to select a capable official to govern. Yang Su recommended Rong Pi as the Chief of Huazhou, and everyone said he was a capable person. Many of Yang Su's fields and houses were in Huayin, and his subordinates often engaged in wrongdoing. Rong Pi enforced the law strictly, without any favoritism. One time, during a court session, Yang Su said to Rong Pi, "I recommended you, actually causing trouble for myself!" Rong Pi replied, "I enforce the law wholeheartedly; I just fear disappointing your trust in me." Yang Su smiled and said, "I was just joking. Your strict law enforcement is exactly what I hope to see."
At that time, the Jin Prince was in Yangzhou, often sending people to secretly inquire about the news in the capital. He sent Zhang Heng to construct stables along the roads, claiming it was for raising horses, but it was really for his own benefit. All the prefectures and counties dared not resist, except Rong Pi who firmly stopped this matter. Emperor Wen of Sui was very pleased when he heard about it, rewarding him with a hundred rolls of silk and promoting him to the position of Sima of Puzhou.
When Han Wang Liang rebelled, the heroes of Hedong rallied to his cause, opening the city gates to surrender. The Governor Qiu He was scared and fled back to Guanzhong. The Chief Clerk Gao Yiming said to Rong Pi, "Hedong is an important strategic location, the eastern gateway of the realm. If we lose it, the consequences would be unimaginable. Although the city is chaotic, not everyone in the city has turned against us. As long as we capture and kill a dozen or so leading rebels, we can stabilize the situation." Rong Pi agreed with his view. Gao Yiming went to chase Qiu He on horseback to discuss countermeasures with him. Unfortunately, he was killed by the rebels at the city’s west gate, and Rong Pi was captured as well.
After Han Wang Liang quelled the rebellion, Rong Pi was appointed as the Imperial Secretary. The Emperor said to him, "I am appointing you today because of your handling of the stable incident. Stay true to yourself." The Emperor also respected him greatly. Rong Pi always had a straightforward attitude in court, speaking forcefully, earning the respect of all the officials. Later, due to his mother's death, he resigned and went home to mourn. Over a year later, he was appointed again, but soon after, he passed away and was posthumously honored as the Minister of Ceremonies.
Pi Xiongjianxu was a person of great integrity and knowledge. He held high positions during the Zhou Dynasty, reaching the titles of Zai Shi Xia Daifu and Yi Tong San Si. When the pacification of the Qi State was just beginning, he stayed behind in Ye City and wrote a 30-volume "Qi Ji." Jianxu had previously known Gaozu (Yang Jian) and later became the Prime Minister, where he was promoted to Prime Minister and appointed as the Marquis of Kaifu, as well as the Inspector of Xizhou.
When he was about to take office, Gaozu was secretly planning to seize the throne and said to Jianxu, "Let's wait and enjoy glory and wealth together!" Jianxu, feeling that he was a minister of the Zhou Dynasty, firmly replied, "I have never heard of such a thing!" Gaozu was displeased, prompting Jianxu to leave. During the Kaihuang period, Jianxu came to pay his respects, and the Emperor asked him, "Do you regret it?" Jianxu kowtowed and said, "My status may not match that of Xu Guang, but my intentions are like Yang Biao's." The Emperor smiled and said, "Although I may not understand these scholarly words very well, I know that what you said was not very polite!" Later, he successively served as the Inspector of Shizhou and Hongzhou, where he performed excellently and had a good reputation.
Lu Zhiming, styled Zhongtong, was from Fuchun in Wu County. His father, Lu Ao, had served as the Cavalry Attendant of the Chen Dynasty. Lu Zhiming loved learning from a young age, had broad knowledge, and was upright and incorruptible. He first served as a military officer under the Prince of Chen and later became an Imperial Academy Scholar and the Director of the Southern Prison. After the fall of the Chen Dynasty, he returned to his hometown. At this time, the ongoing rebellion led by Gao Zhihui and others in the Jiangnan region was occurring, and Prince Jin, Yang Guang, was stationed in Jiangdu. Recognizing Lu Zhiming's significant influence in the Sanwu region, he summoned him to convince the rebels to surrender.
Lu Zhiming successfully persuaded the surrender of seventeen cities, capturing more than three hundred rebels, including the leaders Chen Zhengxu and Xiao Sixing. For this achievement, he was appointed Equivalent to the rank of Sanqi and was rewarded with land and estates. The court also appointed his brother Lu Ke as the magistrate of Jianyang. Lu Zhiming believed that his brother Lu Ke lacked the ability to govern, so he petitioned the court to revoke his brother's appointment, which was approved.
After the unification of the country, Lu Zhiming advised Emperor Yang Jian on moving the capital to Luoyang and submitted the "Taiping Song" as a proposal. After several years without promotion, he personally appeared at court and requested to be sent as an envoy to Goryeo. He said, "I have heard that a wise ruler will recruit talents; even common people with abilities can serve the country. I hope Your Majesty can consider my request. In ancient times, even the Yellow Emperor forgave the Su Sha clan in battle. Emperor Shun also stopped wars after conquering the Miao tribe. Now Your Majesty rules in a prosperous era, with peace across the land; only Goryeo remains unsettled. Your Majesty is kind and does not want to harm the innocent, hoping to influence them with virtue. I wish to travel to Goryeo to promote the emperor's benevolence and have their rulers come to pay homage." The Emperor greatly appreciated his memorial. One year later, he was appointed as the commander of Puning Town.
Many praised him for his integrity, leading to his appointment as an official in the Imperial Censorate. After Emperor Yang Guang ascended the throne, he was appointed as the Imperial Censor for Records. He was upright and strict, respected by all officials and highly regarded by Emperor Yang Guang. Later, he was dismissed for undisclosed reasons but reinstated a year later. During the campaign in Liaodong, he served as the envoy for negotiations of surrender and died while in service at the age of sixty-seven. He was posthumously elevated to Grand Master of the Imperial Censorate.
Fang Yanqian, courtesy name Xiaochong, hails from Qinghe. His ancestor seven generations ago, Fang Chen, served as the Prefect of the Yan Kingdom. Later, he migrated to the Qi Kingdom along with the Murong clan and settled there. Their family has been a prominent family for generations. His great-great-grandfather, Fang Fashou, served as the governor of Qingzhou and Jizhou in the Wei Kingdom, and was also conferred the title of Marquis of Zhuangwu. His great-great-grandfather's brother held the position of prefect in both Qi County and Pingyuan County. His grandfather, Fang Yi, was the governor of Anzhou during the Song Dynasty and inherited the title of Marquis of Zhuangwu. His father, Fang Xiong, started as the registrar and later served as the prefect of Qinghe and Guangchuan.
Fang Yanqian lost his father at a young age and never knew his father's appearance. He was raised by his mother and older brother. His brother, Fang Yanxun, was known for his integrity and honesty. Seeing Fang Yanqian's intelligence, he liked him very much and personally taught him to read. At the age of seven, Fang Yanqian could recite tens of thousands of words, which was quite remarkable for the family. At the age of fifteen, he showed even greater filial piety to his stepmother and her son Zhen than to his own mother. Zhen was touched and treated him exceptionally well. When his stepmother passed away, Fang Yanqian went without food for five days, only drinking a little water. He also served his uncle, the Prefect of Leling, Fang Bao, with dedication. Whenever seasonal fruits were available, he always allowed others to enjoy them first. When there was a funeral at home, he consistently adhered to a vegetarian diet to demonstrate his filial piety, and he was seen as a role model within the family.
Later, Fang Yanqian studied with Dr. Yin Lin, and he was always engrossed in his studies, eventually becoming well-versed in the Five Classics. He excelled in writing articles, was skilled in calligraphy, especially in cursive and clerical scripts, and had exceptional eloquence and outstanding demeanor. At the age of eighteen, when Prince Guangning, Xiaoheng, was appointed inspector of Qizhou, he appointed Fang Yanqian as his chief secretary. At that time, Qi's laws were relatively lenient, and local officials were somewhat negligent. However, after Fang Yanqian took office, he insisted on integrity and adherence to the law, and public security in Qizhou improved significantly. He commanded both respect and fear. Later, when the Zhou army attacked Ye City and the Qi prince fled east, Fang Yanqian was appointed magistrate of Qizhou. Seeing the country fall, Fang Yanqian was heartbroken. He wanted to rally loyal and righteous men to secretly support the court, but unfortunately, he ultimately failed.
After Qi's downfall, Fang Yanqian returned to his hometown. Emperor Wu of Zhou sent Zhuguo Xin Zun as the inspector of Qizhou, but he was captured by local bandits and their armed henchmen. Fang Yanqian wrote a letter to persuade them, and the armed soldiers felt ashamed, so they returned Xin Zun to the local government, and other bandits surrendered en masse. Later, after Emperor Gaozu Yang Jian proclaimed himself emperor, Fang Yanqian enjoyed a relaxed life in the countryside, vowing never to take on an official role again.
In the seventh year of the Kaihuang era, Inspector Wei Yi strongly recommended him, and he reluctantly agreed. When Minister of Personnel Lu Kai saw him, he valued him highly and promoted him to attendant gentleman, and soon after, he was promoted to imperial censor. He was later sent to Chen Ping to pacify ten states, including Quanzhou and Kuozhou. Because he performed excellently, the emperor rewarded him with one hundred bolts of cloth, one hundred stones of rice, a set of clothes, and seven servants. He was later promoted to chief recorder of the Qinzhou garrison.
Once, during a court session, the Left Minister Gao Qiang was in charge of assessing officials. Yan Qian said to Gao Qiang, "It is said in the books that officials should be assessed for their political achievements every three years; promotions and demotions must be conducted fairly and impartially. This system has existed since the times of Tang Yao and Shun, with assessments being fair and reasonable, and rewards and punishments clear. Only then can talented individuals be promoted and incompetent ones eliminated. If there are errors in the assessment, then this system becomes meaningless. Recently, I have seen the assessment results from various provinces; the standards vary, and the number of promotions and demotions is also uneven. Not to mention, some assessments are influenced by personal preferences, resulting in unfair outcomes. Honest and upright individuals may not necessarily receive good evaluations, while flatterers and sycophants may receive high praise. This blurs the line between truth and falsehood. Senior officials often fail to review the assessments diligently; most of those they promote are individuals they know well, while those who have not worked in the central government are eliminated. Furthermore, it is difficult to understand the situation in distant places in detail, so many assessments are often simply based on numerical ratios, with half passing and half failing. Only looking at the number of officials, without considering their competence, makes fair assessment impossible. Your insight is exceptional; you have a keen eye for detail; this assessment will definitely not be biased, but if there were issues with previous assessments, I am curious about how you intend to address these issues. I hope you can collect information widely, conduct serious investigations, commend small acts of kindness, and punish minor wrongdoings; this will not only clarify the governance of the country but also facilitate better talent selection." Yan Qian spoke loudly and resolutely, and the people around them were all watching. Gao Qiang was touched by his words and held him in high regard. So Gao Qiang inquired in detail about the political achievements of officials in the Hexi and Longyou regions, and Yan Qian answered fluently. Gao Qiang told the governors and officials from other provinces, "Speaking with you is not as effective as having a private conversation with the assessment officer from Qinzhou." A few days later, Gao Qiang reported this matter to the emperor, but the emperor did not accept it.
After his term expired, Yan Qian was transferred to Changge County as the county magistrate. He governed the local area with great success, and the people all called him a benevolent father. During the Ren Shou period, the emperor sent envoys to inspect various places and assess the abilities of local officials. As a result, Yan Qian was rated as the best in the realm and was directly promoted to the position of Sima of Yuezhou. Officials and people were crying and saying to each other, "Now that Prefect Fang is leaving, what will become of us?" 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 matters in the state, accomplishing numerous political feats.
Xue Daoheng was a renowned literary figure of his time, holding a high-ranking position and a stellar reputation. His friends were all famous figures nationwide. He had a close relationship with Yan Qian and respected him very much. Later, Xue Daoheng became the governor of Xiangzhou, and the two of them often exchanged letters and met frequently. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, Xue Daoheng was transferred to Fanzhou as the governor. When passing through Yan Qian's region, he stayed for a few days. When they parted, they both cried uncontrollably. Zhang Heng, the Huangmen Shilang, also shared a good rapport with Yan Qian.
At that time, Emperor Yang of Sui was notorious for its extravagance and wastefulness, leaving the populace disillusioned nationwide. In addition, Prince Han rebelled, resulting in widespread suffering among the people. Yan Qian saw that Zhang Heng, who held a high position of power, was unable to prevent any of it, so he wrote him a letter in which he expressed:
I heard that rewards are meant to encourage good deeds, while punishments are meant to deter bad deeds. Therefore, those of low status who do good deeds should be rewarded, and those of high status who do bad deeds should be punished. I've never heard of anyone avoiding punishment for relatives to prevent suspicion, or withholding rewards from those of low status. Now, the governors in each state are responsible for managing their areas, and their good and bad deeds are reported to the court. They fear the court's laws and dare not be negligent. The country follows heaven's orders, caring for the people like parents. The fairness of rewards and punishments will be seen by heaven, as heaven is always watching, so we should be cautious. Just as King Wen said: "I should be vigilant day and night, in reverence of heaven's majesty." In this regard, although there are differences between states and counties, and disparities in status, the principles of caring for the people and enforcing laws cautiously remain the same.
Regarding the rebellion in Bingzhou, it requires a thorough investigation. If Yang Liang truly raised troops and bought horses out of concern for the state's safety due to the court's orders not being conveyed, instead of plotting rebellion, his true situation should be investigated, and his punishment decided accordingly. This would show the emperor's compassion for the people and clear their doubts. If it is found that there was no threat to internal and external security, and Yang Liang engaged in rebellion and conspiracy after inheriting the throne, then he should be punished as Guanshu and Caishu were in the past, with his accomplices also being punished, and their heads displayed as a warning. This is the consistent punishment of the state. Of course, there may be those who were forced into the rebellion, unable to resist, or coerced, resulting in family destruction, displacement, and innocent suffering. Heaven's justice cannot let the wicked go unpunished, nor can it wrong the innocent. Doubtful crimes should receive lighter punishment; isn't that fair?
In the past, when Uncle Xiang sentenced people to death, the people of Jin praised him; when Shi Zhi exempted those guilty of offenses from punishment, Emperor Wen of Han also praised him. Yang Shengning did not hold any ill will towards his younger brother, and the Chief Justice did not intentionally disobey the orders of the monarch; they were simply upholding the law impartially. Furthermore, the position of a sage, referred to as the "sacred authority," cannot be easily obtained without the will of heaven. Therefore, while Chi You and Xiang Yu were known for their bravery, Yi Yin and Huo Guang wielded significant power; Li Kui and Confucius had exceptional wisdom; Jiang Taigong and Sun Wu were proficient in military strategy; Wu and Chu had dangerous terrain; and Empresses Lü and Dowager Dou had power, none of them ascended to the throne without fulfilling the will of heaven. Not to mention that Yang Liang was just a minor official who gathered a band of unruly followers, yet he dared to attack the capital and covet what was not rightfully his!
Since time immemorial, there have been records in historical books detailing the achievements of successive emperors, all of which can be carefully examined. Without accumulating virtue and performing great deeds, who can earn the people's support and the blessings of heaven? Therefore, wise rulers of ancient times worked diligently from dawn till dusk, always mindful to be cautious like walking on thin ice, always wary of not becoming arrogant or complacent. However, in later generations, monarchs became indulgent, without a sense of caution, acting recklessly and indulging in excess. Their crimes are too numerous to count; I won't enumerate them all, but I'll just mention a few.
Speaking of the states of Qi and Chen, both held high positions and thought their virtues were in harmony with heaven and earth, as bright as the sun and moon. They were unconcerned about disasters or the laws of governance. The courtiers close to the emperor only focused on flattery, concealing flaws, and singing praises; the historians distorted facts, covered up mistakes, and only recorded their achievements. Therefore, the common people complained loudly, but their voices were completely suppressed, while the false praises of the ministers surrounded the emperor every day. Although the laws were strict, punishments became more frequent, and forced labor became heavier, leaving the common people, whether old or young, worn out.
In the past, the state of Zheng had Zi Chan, Qi had Yan Ying, Chu had Shu Ao, and Jin had Shi Hui. Even these smaller states had renowned wise ministers, so why couldn't Qi and Chen, with their vast lands and abundant resources, find good advisors? This was due to the rulers being foolish and blind, only concerned with personal gain, forgetting about the safety of the country and the people. Though they seemed united, they actually distrusted one another. If they encountered honest advisors who spoke their minds, they would immediately suppress and exclude them if it was not in their favor; but if they met flatterers and despicable individuals who benefited them, they would immediately promote and use them. How could they ever find true talent with a system like that! Genuine talent is not just about brute force or fancy words, but requires upright character and firm will, like the pillars of a house or the bones of a body, that supports the country. This is what we call the backbone of the country!
The states of Qi and Chen did not use these upright talents, but instead believed in those flatterers. Even the gods in the heavens could not stand to witness it, punishing them for their debauched behavior. In the end, they lost their power and were subjugated by our great Sui Dynasty. If these two states could respect the heavens, care for the people, employ upright talents, abandon superficial decorations, be humble, and prioritize compassion, then even if the Hebei region were strong and prosperous, and the rivers and lakes were dangerous and impassable, they could each live and work in peace, and the people would remain peaceful, making the country as stable as Mount Tai, unshakable. However, they indulged in pleasure, like lying on a pile of firewood while drinking poison to quench their thirst, which ultimately led to the country's downfall, only to be left with lifelong regrets. Alas! As the ancient poem says: "Before the downfall of the Shang Dynasty, they could still sacrifice to the heavens and receive divine protection. We ought to learn from the fall of the Shang Dynasty, not to easily change the good fortune bestowed upon us by the heavens." In handling national affairs, every decision requires careful consideration! "Before the Shang Dynasty perished, they were able to match the will of God. We should learn from the Shang Dynasty, for a glorious destiny is not easily attained."
Your Majesty, you are renowned for your benevolence and filial piety, with great achievements, and the people eagerly await your blessings. Your governance of the Huaihai region has seen remarkable progress, with new achievements emerging daily, and people everywhere have turned their hearts towards you. Although your time in office has been short, your benevolent policies have spread across the land, bringing immense joy to the common folk. The rebellion in Bianzhou erupted too suddenly, all due to Yang Liang spreading rumors and misleading the people, rather than the people originally harboring grievances against the court and actively joining the rebels. However, officials and generals of the court claim that those people are all plotting rebellion, which not only wrongs innocent individuals but could also impact Your Majesty's wise decisions. You have always been trusted by the Emperor, holding important positions in the court since your youth, and have been an indispensable pillar of the court. You deserve to be remembered in history, leaving a lasting legacy like that of virtuous ministers such as Jizi, Qi, Yi, and Lü. You have the ability to do so! In this time of peace and prosperity, you should speak frankly and offer your counsel, establishing standards for today and setting an example for future generations. How can one twist the law just to curry favor with the Emperor? How can those who were forced to participate in the rebellion be unjustly punished? I humbly write these heartfelt words as a simple peasant with limited knowledge; I hope you won't take offense.
After reading the letter, Heng sighed but did not dare to submit it to the court.
Mr. Yanqian saw the corruption within the court and resigned from his position, planning to build a residence at the foot of Mengshan to fulfill his aspirations. Later, the court established the position of a magistrate and sought out talents from all over the country. Recognizing Mr. Yanqian's noble character and high reputation, the court summoned him to serve as the magistrate. Mr. Yanqian boldly sought to restore the moral fabric of society, recommending only those of exemplary morality. Those he called out bore no grudges against him. The deputy magistrate Liu Yu was arrogant and deceitful, self-proclaiming his righteousness, causing fear among the magistrates who treated him with utmost respect. Only Mr. Yanqian stood by his principles, treating him with respect, earning praise from many discerning individuals.
Liu Zha also did not dare to hold a grudge against Mr. Yan Qian. In the ninth year of Daye, Mr. Yan Qian followed the emperor to cross the Liao River and supervised the army in the Fuyu region. Later, as the political situation in the Sui Dynasty grew increasingly chaotic and the court fell into corruption, many turned traitor and sided with the rebel forces. Mr. Yan Qian, however, insisted on his principles; standing alone, he remained upright and unyielding, which aroused the jealousy of those in power, and he was demoted to the position of magistrate of Jingyang County. Not long after, Mr. Yan Qian passed away in office at the age of sixty-nine.
When Li Yan Qian was at home, whenever his relatives came to visit, he always reasoned with them, encouraged them to work hard, and talked endlessly, never tiring of it. His family had a solid ancestral background and was well-off, and he had previously served as an official, using his salary to support relatives and friends, leaving no money in the house; even his horse, clothes, and daily necessities were quite modest. From youth to old age, his words and actions were always upright, never compromising his integrity for personal gain. Although he often felt financially strapped, he always maintained an optimistic and cheerful attitude. Once, he leisurely smiled and said to his son Li Xuanling, "While others get rich from being officials, I find myself poorer for it. What I leave to my descendants is only a clean reputation." His writings were broad-minded, elegant, and relaxed in style, rooted in a deep understanding of classical literature. He was also skilled in cursive and clerical script, and those who received his letters treasured them like treasured heirlooms. Wang Shao from Taiyuan, Gao Gou from Beihai, Li Gang from Liao County, Liu Yu and Xue Ru from Hedong were all renowned literati admired for their integrity and detachment, and Li Yan Qian was friends with them. Despite frequent visits from high-ranking officials, his home remained tranquil, free from unnecessary guests. He was refined in manner and well-versed in government affairs, and those who recognized his talents believed he was destined for greatness.
Originally, during the reign of Emperor Kaihuang, after pacifying the Chen dynasty and unifying the realm, everyone said that they were entering an era of peace and prosperity. Li Yanqian confided in his relative Zhao Jun Li Shaotong, "The emperor is suspicious and stubborn, refusing to accept advice or criticism. The crown prince is weak and ineffective, the princes are overbearing and haughty, and the court only implements harsh and cruel policies, without any policies of kindness or benevolence. Although the realm is stable, I fear that unrest may soon arise." Li Shaotong was initially skeptical, but by the time of the Renshou and Daye periods, 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, with the posthumous title of "Ding."
Historical records say: A tall building is not built with one piece of wood; the accomplishments of an emperor cannot be achieved by one person alone. Each serves its own purpose, and much like the beams and pillars of a roof, none should be discarded. People like Li E, some are skilled writers and champions of justice, some have outstanding talents and serve the country; their talents and achievements were already evident at that time, and their deeds are recorded in historical records. Many talented individuals from the Sui Dynasty managed to forge careers and attain great success; all of them were pillars of the nation, like the stars surrounding the North Star.
