Bao Hong, courtesy name Runshen, was from Tan County in Shandong. His father, Bao Ji, was well-known for his talents and served as an official in the Liang Dynasty, eventually becoming the Imperial Secretary of the Academy. Bao Hong became an orphan at the age of seven, but fortunately, his brother Bao Quan raised him. By the age of twelve, he was already able to compose essays and even wrote poems with Prince Xiaoyi of Xiangdong. Xiaoyi greatly admired him and brought him on as a junior official in the Imperial Library. He later rose to the position of Advisor of Zhen Nan Prefecture, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Water, and finally became an Assistant Supervisor of the Imperial Guards. After the pacification of Jiangling, Bao Hong returned to Northern Zhou. Emperor Ming of Zhou highly respected him and appointed him as a scholar at the Linzidi Hall. He continued to advance in rank and became Sui Marquis' Junior Official. He also went on a mission to the Kingdom of Chen with Du Zihui to discuss the campaign against the state of Qi. Chen subsequently sent troops to attack Qi. Emperor Ming of Zhou once asked Bao Hong how to defeat Qi, to which Bao Hong replied: "We are strong, Qi is weak; the strength is simply not proportional. The emperor of Qi is close to villains, and the political situation is becoming increasingly chaotic, while our emperor is kind and lenient, with strict laws. It's like pouring water from a height into a jar; how could we fail? The reason why the previous attempts to invade Luoyang had failed is because Qi was prepared. I believe the best strategy is to first seize Fenzhou and Luzhou, then advance directly to Jinyang to catch them off guard." Emperor Ming of Zhou accepted his suggestion. After the pacification of Shandong, Bao Hong was appointed as a Junior Imperial Secretary, granted the title of Count of Pingyao with a fief of six hundred households, and given the official title of Equaling Three Excellencies.
After the founding emperor Yang Jian became Prime Minister, he sent Bao Hong on a mission to Shannan. While passing through Tongzhou, Wang Qian raised a rebellion in Shu, and Bao Hong was captured by Wang Qian's general Daxi Ji. He was taken to Chengdu, but he never yielded. After Wang Qian's failure, someone quickly reported the news to the court. Emperor Yang Jian held Bao Hong in high regard and rewarded him with a golden belt. When Yang Jian became emperor, he granted Bao Hong the right to establish a residence, appointed him as the governor of Lizhou, and elevated him to the rank of duke. Later, he was transferred to be the governor of Qiongzhou and returned to the capital only after completing his term.
At that time, there was a man named Wei Yichen, whose father Wei Chong refused to surrender to Wei Jiong and later died in battle against the Turks. The emperor was very moved and wanted to grant him the surname Jin. This matter needed to be discussed among everyone. Bao Hong said, "In the past, Xiang Bo refused to surrender to Xiang Yu, and Emperor Gaozu granted him the surname Liu; Qin Zhenfu sacrificed himself for the country, and Emperor Wu of Wei granted him the surname Cao. I believe he should be given a royal surname." The founding emperor Yang Jian said, "Good!" and granted Wei Yichen the surname Yang. Later, Bao Hong was appointed as the governor of Junzhou, but he resigned from his position due to eye disease and died at home at the age of ninety-six. In his youth, Emperor Wu of Zhou ordered Bao Hong to compile a work titled "Imperial Genealogy," divided into three sections: "Imperial Origin," "Family Relations," and "Surname Grants." Bao Hong also wrote a collection of essays in ten volumes, which has been well-regarded.
Pei Zheng, courtesy name Debiao, was from Wenxi in Hedong. His great-grandfather was the grandson of Emperor Wu of the Song, and he moved with Emperor Wu to Shouyang. He served as the Chief of the Front Army and the Prefect of Lujiang. His grandfather Pei Sui was the Central Attendant, Left Guard General, and Grand Commander of Yuzhou in the Liang dynasty; his father Pei Zhili was the Prefect of Justice. Pei Zheng was intelligent and knowledgeable from a young age, with exceptional memory and understanding of politics at the time, earning praise from his contemporaries. At the age of fifteen, he was summoned to serve as a military legal advisor in the Prince Shaoling's residence, later rising to the position of Lang of the Ministry of Works and Magistrate of Zhijiang. When the Prince of Xiangdong arrived in Jingzhou, he summoned Pei Zheng to serve as a scribe in the Xuanhui Mansion, and shortly after, he was promoted to the position of Cavalry Attendant in the Palace Library.
During the rebellion of Hou Jing, Pei Zheng was appointed as the General of Valiant Might, leading troops to join Wang Lin in suppressing Hou Jing. He captured the rebel leader Song Zixian and delivered him to Jingzhou. After pacifying Hou Jing, he led the vanguard into Jianye and was granted the title of Marquis of Yiling for his military achievements. The court summoned him to serve as an Attendant Secretary of the Yellow Gate, and he assisted Wang Lin in resisting Xiao Ji, defeating him at Xiakou. He was later promoted to the General Who Maintains the South and Chief Clerk of Zhen Nan Prefecture. When the Zhou army besieged Jingzhou, Wang Lin rushed from Guizhou to provide relief, marching to Changsha. Pei Zheng requested permission to take a secret path to report to Emperor Yuan. When he reached Bailizhou, he was captured by the forces of Zhou. Xiao Cha asked Pei Zheng, "I am the grandson of Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou, why can't you submit to me? Why do you have to sacrifice yourself for those seven emperors? If you listen to me, your descendants will be prosperous and wealthy; if you don't, I will execute you!" Pei Zheng pretended to agree, saying, "I will listen to you."
Xiao Cha imprisoned him and escorted him to the city gate, allowing him to speak to Emperor Yuan: "Wang Sengbian has heard that Taicheng is under siege and has declared himself emperor. Wang Lin is weak and cannot come again." Pei Zheng complied with the order. Then he said to the people in the city: "Reinforcements are about to arrive; everyone must work hard to hold on! As a captured envoy, I must dedicate myself to the country!" The guards struck him, but he never changed his words. Xiao Cha, furious, ordered his immediate execution. Cai Daye urged him, "He is the hope of the people. If he is killed, the capture of Jingzhou will be impossible." So Pei Zheng was spared. After Jiangling City was captured, he and the officials in the city were escorted to the capital. Emperor Zhou Wen heard of his loyalty and appointed him as a cavalry attendant, permitting him to engage in court affairs. Emperor Zhou Wen ordered him and Lu Bian to establish the Six Ministers according to the "Rites of Zhou," establish the official ranks of nobles and ministers, and together formulate court etiquette, chariots, horses, clothing, and utensils, largely adhering to ancient rites while abolishing the old laws of the Han and Wei dynasties, all of which were implemented. Soon after, Pei Zheng was appointed as a senior official in the Ministry of Justice and later elevated to a junior judge. Pei Zheng was proficient in the laws and regulations and also participated in the revision of the "Laws of Zhou." He had a remarkable tolerance for alcohol, able to consume several dou without becoming intoxicated. Case files were piled high on the table, but he handled public matters with remarkable swiftness, with lenient and fair law enforcement, resulting in no wrongful convictions. For prisoners sentenced to death, he permitted their wives to visit them in prison. In winter, when the time came to carry out the death sentences, the prisoners all said, "Master Pei sentenced me to death, and I die without any regrets." He handled cases with such fairness and justice. He was also well-versed in music theory, having once discussed music with Changsun Shaoyuan, as recorded in the "Records of Music Theory." During the reign of Emperor Xuan, he was dismissed for breaching the emperor's decree.
Gaozu reinstated Yang Su to his former official position. In the first year of Kaihuang, Yang Su was promoted to the title of Commander of the Guards and was appointed as the Minister of the Three Departments. The Emperor also tasked him with revising the laws together with Su Wei and others. Yang Su consulted criminal law texts from the Wei and Jin dynasties through to those of the Qi and Liang dynasties, assessing their severity and relevance, and selecting the most suitable for adoption. More than ten people participated in the revision, with Yang Su resolving all difficult issues. Yang Su was later promoted to Cavalier Attendant and subsequently to Left Imperial Clerk. He took significant steps to rectify errors, earning a reputation for his integrity and honesty. Yang Su was entrusted with managing all major affairs in the Eastern Palace.
Right Assistant Liu Rong, who was quite stubborn. At that time, the military officers took turns on duty, and the steward Zhao Yuankai was supposed to write a memorial for the crown prince but had not finished it yet. The crown prince repeatedly urged him, and Liu Rong told Zhao Yuankai, "Just report it orally, no need to write a memorial." After Zhao Yuankai reported orally, the crown prince asked, "Where is the memorial?" Zhao Yuankai said, "He reported to the crown prince, Liu Rong did not allow the writing of the memorial." The crown prince questioned Liu Rong, who denied it, claiming, "That never happened." The crown prince assigned the investigation to Yang Su. Before Yang Su could submit his report, someone defended Liu Rong in front of the crown prince, saying, "Yang Su is trying to frame Liu Rong; this matter is not true." The crown prince summoned Yang Su for questioning, and Yang Su reported, "Investigating this matter has two main points: one is to find out the truth of the matter, and the other is to find evidence, carefully verify the right and wrong, and judge the truth. I investigated Liu Rong; he holds a high position and heavy responsibilities. Even if he did say that to Zhao Yuankai, it would just be a minor mistake. Logically, there is no need to conceal it. I also investigated Zhao Yuankai; he is under the control of Liu Rong, how could he accuse him without a reason? Both of their accounts make sense. Zhao Yuankai also asked Left Guard Cui Qian and others to testify, and their testimonies were consistent with Zhao Yuankai's statement. The truth has been established, but we still need evidence to confirm it. I believe Liu Rong did say those things to Zhao Yuankai, so this matter is definitely true." The crown prince ultimately decided not to punish Liu Rong but praised Yang Su for his fairness and integrity.
Pei Zheng is a very straightforward person. He dares to criticize others face-to-face and never regrets it afterwards. At that time, there was a person named Ding Xing, who often frequented the Prince's Palace, brought him some strange clothes and objects, and even gave gifts to the harem, maintaining chaotic relationships with the concubines, with no restraint in his actions. Pei Zheng advised the prince several times, but the prince ignored him completely. Later, Pei Zheng said to Ding Xing, "What you’re doing is completely out of line! Moreover, Consort Yuan just died suddenly, creating quite a stir in the city. This is very damaging to the prince's reputation! You better step back, or you’re bound to get into hot water!" Ding Xing was furious when he heard this; he ran to the prince to complain. As a result, the prince disliked Pei Zheng even more and demoted him to Xiangzhou as the governor.
After Pei Zheng took office in Xiangzhou, his wife did not follow him. He shared his salary with his subordinates. If the local people broke the law, Pei Zheng knew about it in secret. Sometimes he would not take action for a whole year, waiting for them to commit a second or third offense. When a big gathering came around, he would pull them out of the crowd and judge them publicly, executing those who deserved it and sending many others into exile. The entire Xiangzhou was terrified and began to follow the laws obediently, and the people lived in peace and contentment, revering him like a god. Later, the Xiangzhou prison was hardly used, and there were very few lawsuits. Pei Zheng served as an official in Xiangzhou until he passed away at the age of eighty-nine, authoring a book called "Records of the Chengsheng," consisting of ten volumes. After the prince was deposed, Emperor Gaozu remembered Pei Zheng and lamented, "If only I had kept Pei Zheng and Liu Xing around to help the prince, the situation might not have turned out like this." Pei Zheng's son, Pei Nanjin, later became the Minister of Food.
Liu Zhuang, styled Si Jing, was a native of Jie County in Hedong. His grandfather Liu Ji Yuan served as the Minister of Works in the Liang Dynasty; his father Liu Xia served as the Governor of Huozhou. Liu Zhuang had lofty ambitions from a young age, read extensively and was skilled in rhetoric. Cai Dabao from Jiyang was well-known in the Jiangnan region, serving as an advisor to Prince Yueyang Xiao Cha. Upon meeting Liu Zhuang, Cai Dabao exclaimed, "The Water Mirror Master, Zhuge Liang of Xiangyang has appeared here again!" Cai Dabao then gave his daughter in marriage to Liu Zhuang. Not long after, Xiao Cha appointed Liu Zhuang as a military officer, and later promoted him to the position of a legal officer. After Xiao Cha proclaimed himself emperor, he appointed Liu Zhuang as a Senior Palace Attendant, and later he served as an Assistant Minister, a Ministry of Personnel official, and a Minister of Protocol.
When Yang Jian (Emperor Gaozu) was assisting in governance, Xiao Kui sent Liu Zhuang with a letter to the border. At that time, the three powers in the world were fighting each other, and Yang Jian was concerned that Xiao Kui might have ulterior motives. Upon Liu Zhuang's return, Yang Jian said to him, "I used to work with the Prefect (referring to Xiao Yan) in Jiangling and had received the Emperor of the Liang Dynasty's deep favor. Now that the young Emperor of the Liang Dynasty is going through a difficult period, and Xiao Kui has entrusted me with governance, I find myself reflecting in the dead of night, filled with shame and fear. The imperial family of the Liang Dynasty has been prominent for generations, loyal to the imperial court, and only in the future can they truly embody the unwavering integrity akin to that of pine and bamboo. When you return to the Liang Dynasty, please help me convey this sentiment to the Emperor of the Liang Dynasty." After saying this, Yang Jian grasped Liu Zhuang's hand tightly and bid him farewell.
At that time, the generals of the Liang Dynasty were secretly urging to send troops to unite with Wei Jiong and others to resist the Sui Dynasty, to remain loyal to the Zhou Dynasty while seizing the opportunity to annex the Shannan region. Only Xiao Kui was hesitant. At this time, Liu Zhuang returned from Chang'an and conveyed Yang Jian's sincerity in detail. He then said to Xiao Kui: "In the past, figures like Yuan Shao, Liu Biao, Wang Ling, and Zhuge Dan were prominent. They occupied important strategic locations and had numerous brave and skilled armies, but ultimately, they failed to accomplish their ambitions and were swiftly defeated. The reason lies in Cao Cao and the Sima family's manipulation of the emperor's authority to command the princes, defending the capital and using righteousness as a pretext, which allowed them to achieve victory and establish dominance. Now, although Wei Jiong is an old general, he has become senile and incompetent, and both Xiao Nan and Wang Qian are mere talents with no ability to support the state. Furthermore, the Shandong and Bashu regions are gradually submitting to the Sui Dynasty, and the Zhou Dynasty's grace has not yet fully reached these areas. Most of the ministers and generals in court are only looking out for themselves, all eager to pledge loyalty to Yang Jian. In my view, Wei Jiong and the others will ultimately fail, and Yang Jian will certainly destroy the Zhou Dynasty. It would be better for us to safeguard our territory and maintain peace while observing the changes." Xiao Kui agreed with him, and the discussion of sending troops ceased. Shortly afterwards, Xiao Nan defected to the Chen Dynasty, and Wei Jiong and Wang Qian were killed one after another. Xiao Kui said to Liu Zhuang, "If I had heeded others' advice back then, our country would have been lost by now!"
After Liu Bang became emperor, Liu Zhuang returned to his post at court, and Liu Bang offered him much comfort and encouragement. Later, when Prince Jing of Jin married the Princess of Liang as his concubine, Liu Zhuang made four or five trips back and forth regarding this matter and received several thousand pieces of cloth as rewards. After Xiao Cong ascended to the throne, Liu Zhuang was promoted to Minister of Works. After the downfall of the Liang Dynasty, he was appointed as the Minister of Works with the title of "Imperial Secretary," and he was also rewarded with land and houses. Liu Zhuang had a deep understanding of the old rules and regulations, and he handled government affairs with great propriety. The memorials he revised always received praise from the emperor. Su Wei, as the Grand Secretary, valued Liu Zhuang's knowledge and ability, frequently remarking to the emperor, "People from Jiangnan, those who are knowledgeable often do not understand how to handle government affairs, and those who understand how to handle government affairs do not have much knowledge. The only one who can balance both is Liu Zhuang." Gao Feng also had a good relationship with Liu Zhuang.
Liu Zhuang and Chen Mao worked in the same department, but Liu Zhuang did not think highly of Chen Mao. Chen Mao, seeing that the emperor and the court officials all valued Liu Zhuang, felt increasingly resentful, always feeling that Liu Zhuang looked down on him. The emperor and Chen Mao had known each other before, and the emperor regarded Chen Mao highly, often disparaging Liu Zhuang to the emperor. Over the years, Chen Mao's slander began to take its toll. Once, the Ministry of Personnel proposed handling criminals according to the law, but the emperor sentenced them to death. Liu Zhuang presented a memorial stating, "I heard that Zhang Shizhi once said, 'The law is to be obeyed by the emperor and the people of the world together.' Now that the law stipulates this, and you have increased the punishment, the law would lose the people's trust. The country is at peace and free of turmoil; it is the right time to demonstrate the court's credibility. I urge Your Majesty to reflect on Zhang Shizhi's words, as this would benefit all the people!" The emperor did not listen to him, and as a result, Liu Zhuang offended the emperor.
Not long after, the official responsible for delivering tribute pills to the emperor presented pills that did not match his taste. Chen Mao secretly complained to the emperor that Liu Zhuang had failed to personally oversee the inspection, which angered the emperor. In the eleventh year of the reign, Xu Zheng and others rebelled in Jiangnan, and Liu Zhuang, as the chief military officer and historian, went with the army to suppress the rebellion. After quelling the rebellion, Liu Zhuang was appointed as the governor of Raozhou and accomplished significant achievements. Several years later, Liu Zhuang passed away while in office at the age of sixty-two.
Yuan Shi, styled Jianyan, was from Luoyang, Henan. His father, Wen Zong, was well-known in Northern Qi and passed away during his tenure as the governor of Juzhou. Yuan Shi gained a good reputation early on, beginning his career as an officer in the Ministry of Works, gradually rising to the position of Supervisor of the Left External Military Department, and even acting as the Supervisor of the Ancestral Temple.
During one summer, someone claimed to have seen a dragon and requested a rain prayer ceremony. At that time, Gao Anagong was the prime minister. Upon hearing it was a real dragon, he became quite excited and asked where the dragon was. Yuan Shi straightened his clothes and replied, "This is the appearance of a dragon star. According to ritual, a rain prayer ceremony should be held at the suburban altar, and it does not mean that a real dragon has appeared." Upon hearing this, Gao Anagong's face immediately changed, and he angrily said, "How do you know it's a star?" Consequently, the rain prayer ceremony did not take place. Afterward, Yuan Shi let out a sigh, saying, "The country's major events lie in sacrifices and military affairs. If rituals are abandoned now, can it endure? The day of Qi's downfall is not far away!"
Seven years later, Emperor Wu of Zhou conquered Northern Qi, and Yuan Shi was appointed as a senior official in charge of finance. After Emperor Yang Jian of the Sui Dynasty ascended the throne, he appointed Yuan Shi as the chief military officer of Weizhou, later transferring him to the imperial court as the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Personnel, while also acting as the acting Minister of Personnel. Many of the court's regulations and national laws were formulated with his participation. In the seventeenth year, he held the position of Supervisor of the Left and Right Secretariats, becoming famous for his efficient work.
At that time, the King of Shu, Yang Xiu, repeatedly violated the law, so the court sent Yuan Shi to Yizhou to serve as the governor Sima. Shortly after, Yang Xiu was summoned back to the capital by the court. Yang Xiu was worried about potential upheaval in the capital and wanted to feign illness to avoid going. Yuan Shi urged him repeatedly, saying that he could not disobey the imperial edict. Yang Xiu angrily said, "This is a family matter, what does it have to do with you!" Yuan Shi replied with tears, "I have been greatly favored by the state, serving as an official in the mansion. How can I not do my best? But in recent years, the country has been in turmoil. King Xiao of Qin fell seriously ill and suddenly passed away. The commoner-born heir was deposed in quick succession. How difficult it must be for the emperor! Now the emperor has ordered the recall of the King of Shu, which has been delayed for a long time. If he continues to delay, the people will not understand the king's intentions. In case of dissent and suspicion, if the emperor sends a minor envoy, how will the King of Shu justify his actions? I hope you think about it carefully, Your Highness!" Yang Xiu finally agreed to go to the capital.
After Yang Xiu was deposed, many officials in Yizhou were implicated, but Yuan Shi was spared because of this incident. Later, he was promoted to the position of Deputy Minister of Rites by Emperor Yang of Sui.
Once, Emperor Yang of Sui was in Xianren Palace and ordered the guards stationed outside the palace not to leave their posts without permission. There was a chief commander who secretly permitted the guards to leave for personal matters. Emperor Yang of Sui handed this matter over to the Dali Temple for handling. Yuan Shi sentenced the chief commander to imprisonment in accordance with the law, but Emperor Yang of Sui ordered him to be killed. Yuan Shi responded, "This man's crime is certainly unforgivable. If Your Majesty had killed him from the beginning, there would be no need for further deliberation. Since it has been handed over to the Dali Temple, it should be handled according to legal procedures. What will we do if the palace guards commit such offenses in the future?" Emperor Yang of Sui then relented. Later, Yuan Shi was promoted to the position of Deputy Minister of Justice. Yuan Shi was efficient and shrewd in his work and was an eloquent speaker, but he did not have a reputation for honesty and integrity. Not long after, he passed away. He had a son named Kunyu.
Lang Mao, styled Weizhi, was a native of Xinshi in Hengshan. His father was the Prefect of Yingchuan in the Qi state. Lang Mao was intelligent from a young age; at seven years old, he could recite the "Songs of Chu" and the "Book of Songs," reciting more than a thousand characters in a single day. When he was fifteen years old, he studied under Quan Hui from Hejian, who was a National Scholar, learning the "Book of Songs," the "Book of Changes," the "Three Rituals," astronomy, calendar, and law. He also studied the "Zuo Zhuan," "Gongyang Zhuan," "Guliang Zhuan," and various classics with Zhang Shuili, an assistant teacher at the National Academy, studying day and night, often neglecting his rest. His family worried he would overwork himself, so they always adjusted the candles for him.
As he grew older, Lang Mao became a renowned scholar and wrote excellent articles. When he was nineteen, his father passed away, and during his mourning period, he did even better than required. Later, he served as a military officer in the Qi state, initially as an aide-de-camp in the Sikong Mansion. When the envoy from the Chen state, Fu Zi, came to visit the Qi state, Lang Mao was assigned to receive him. Later, Lang Mao was appointed as a proofreader of classics in the Secretariat. He was then promoted to be the magistrate of Baocheng County, with outstanding achievements; the people even erected a monument in his honor.
After Emperor Wu of Zhou destroyed the Qi country, King Zhu Guo Wang Yi recommended Lang Mao, and Emperor Wu of Zhou appointed him as the Chenzhou household registrar. Later, Yang Jian (Gaozu) became the governor of Bozhou, and after meeting Lang Mao, he greatly appreciated him and appointed him as the chief clerk. At that time, Emperor Wu of Zhou was compiling the "I Ching," and Yang Jian chatted with Lang Mao, saying, "The actions of a ruler will affect the heavens and the earth, move ghosts and gods. There are many strict laws in the 'I Ching,' so how can a country be governed well?" Lang Mao couldn't help but sigh internally, "This is not something an ordinary person can say!" So he secretly befriended Yang Jian, and Yang Jian also respected him. Later, Lang Mao returned to his hometown and became the chief registrar of the province.
After Yang Jian became the prime minister, he wrote a letter to summon him, and they reminisced about the past with great joy. Yang Jian appointed Lang Mao as the registrar of Weizhou, and Lang Mao's achievements were outstanding. Shortly afterwards, he was promoted to the magistrate of Weiguo County. At that time, there were more than two hundred prisoners in the prison. Lang Mao personally reviewed their cases over several days and released more than one hundred of them. During his tenure, no cases were ever escalated to the provincial government. The governor of Weizhou, Yuan Hui, said to Lang Mao, "The chief official said that the people of Weiguo fear you!" Lang Mao said, "The people are like water, and laws are like dams. If the dam is not strong, the water will overflow. As long as the dam does not break, what is there to worry about?" Yuan Hui was speechless for a moment.
There was a man named Zhang Yuanyu, who had a strained relationship with his cousin Silan. The county magistrate wanted to punish them severely, but Lang Mao said, "The Zhang brothers originally hated each other, and now because they committed crimes, it will only deepen their hatred. This isn't the right approach to educate the people!" So he sent some respected elders from the village to persuade them, and the respected elders came in numbers. In the end, Zhang Yuanyu and his cousin repented, went to the county office and confessed their guilt. Lang Mao reasoned with them, and in the end, the two brothers reconciled and became close brothers once more.
Mao Xian first served as the Chief of Historical Records in Yanzhou, then was promoted to the Deputy Minister of Rituals, and later became the Deputy Minister of Civil Affairs. At that time, the Right Supervisor of the Imperial Secretariat, Su Wei, issued a notice requiring local authorities to report misconduct of officials with a rank of fifth grade or higher every year. Some local officials responded, "There are simply no families of fifth grade or higher officials within our jurisdiction!" They did not report as required, and many places just ignored it. Su Wei also established a surplus grain register, intending to coordinate the surplus grain from various regions. Mao felt this was too troublesome and impractical, so he petitioned the emperor to cancel these requirements. A few years later, his mother passed away, so he resigned and returned home to observe a mourning period. After completing the mourning period, he was reinstated and returned to duty. He also proposed that the descendants of those who died for the country should not lose their land; and older officials should not have their land taken away. These suggestions were all proposed by Mao. He was sharp and capable, managing government affairs with speed and decisiveness, and at that time, everyone praised his knack for getting things done.
During the Ren Shou period, his original official position was the magistrate of Daxing County. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, he was promoted to Commander of Yongzhou, and shortly after, he was promoted to Deputy Minister of Rites. Two years later, he was appointed as the Deputy Left Minister of Personnel, in charge of selecting officials. Maofu was knowledgeable about legal principles and was praised by the people. At that time, the Minister of Works Yu Wenkai and the Right Guard General Yu Zhongwen were in a heated dispute over the Donghe silver mine. Maofu submitted an impeachment against them, stating, "I have heard that there are different customs for the noble and the common, and different professions for scholars and farmers, so that people can each stay in their place, each hold their position, and know what is honorable. Yu Wenkai already holds a high position and receives generous pay; he should live a simple life like the ancient hermits, quietly and without pursuing external benefits, without feeling ashamed. Yu Zhongwen is a general, a close attendant of the emperor, who can hear the emperor's teachings every day; he should learn the spirit of humility of Yu Shun and Rui Bo, and should not strive for trivial benefits. By doing this, how can you set a good example for the officials under you, and how can you establish a good atmosphere for the people? If you are not punished, it will harm the laws and education of the country." As a result, Yu Wenkai and Yu Zhongwen were both punished for this matter. Maofu also compiled a hundred volumes of "Maps and Records of Prefectures and Counties" to present to the court, and the emperor rewarded him with three hundred bolts of silk and kept the book in the imperial treasury. It is said that at that time, the emperor often went on tours, state affairs were in disarray, and most of the laws and regulations were ineffective. Wang Maofu was an old courtier of the former dynasty, very knowledgeable about worldly matters, but he was skilled at self-preservation and dared not speak openly. He saw that the emperor was irritable and could only let out a quiet sigh. Because he was old, he submitted a request for retirement, but the emperor denied it.
By chance, the emperor was heading to Liaodong to fight, so he left Wang Mao in charge of the affairs at Jinyang Palace. That year, the governor of Mount Heng, Wang Wentong, had a dispute with Wang Mao and complained to the emperor that Wang Mao was forming factions for personal gain, deceiving both superiors and subordinates. The emperor ordered the Grand Secretary Su Wei and the Imperial Censor Pei Yun to investigate Wang Mao. Wang Mao had never gotten along with these two, so they deliberately distorted the facts and framed him. The emperor was furious upon learning this and dismissed Wang Mao and his brother Wang Chudu from their positions, exiling them to the remote county of Qiemo. Wang Mao accepted the punishment with calmness and no worries.
On the way, he wrote a poem titled "Climbing the Hill" to comfort himself, which was beautifully written. He also wrote a petition to defend himself, and the emperor began to understand his grievance. Ten years later, the emperor ordered him to be summoned back to Chang'an, and a year later Wang Mao passed away at the age of seventy-five. He left a son, Wang Zhinian.
Gao Gou, courtesy name Xiaoji, was from Beihai, Shandong. He had a rather humorous personality, was exceptionally intelligent, was an eloquent speaker, enjoyed reading, had a strong work ethic, and was skilled in handling political affairs. Before he was twenty, he was appointed as the chief clerk by the state. Later, he served as a military officer under the Prince of Henan in the Qi state, and then served as the Sima of Xuzhou, the governor of Lanling County, and the governor of Pingyuan County. After the fall of the Sui Dynasty, Yang Jian (Emperor Wu of Zhou) of the Sui Dynasty appointed him as the Sima of Xuzhou. After Emperor Yang Guang (Emperor Gaozu) of the Sui Dynasty ascended the throne, he transferred him to be the Sima of Jizhou; by then he was already quite well-known. Later, the court summoned him as the Assistant Minister of Personnel, and shortly thereafter, he was transferred to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
At that time, the Minister of Rites, Jin Pingdong, and his nephew Jin Changmao were in a fierce dispute over succession rights. The Ministry of Officials could not make a decision, and the courtiers held three discussions without reaching a conclusion. Gao Gou quickly made a clear judgment, backed by compelling reasoning. The emperor was impressed by him and summoned him to the palace, praising him, "I have heard that the position of Minister of Rites is esteemed. Now that I see your talent and insight, I realize that the words of the ancients are indeed correct! The distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children is a crucial aspect of etiquette. I have read your judgment several times. Your reasoning is clear, and your arguments are sufficient, which truly impresses me!" The emperor also rewarded him with one hundred dan of rice. From then on, Gao Gou's reputation skyrocketed. Not long after, he was promoted to the position of Sima of Yongzhou because of his decisive actions. Over a year later, he was transferred to the Ministry of Officials as a ministerial assistant, and everyone said he was competent. Later, he was transferred back to Yongzhou as Sima. Following a minor infraction, he was demoted to be a county magistrate in Zhuofei County. However, he governed the region effectively, and the emperor recognized his talents and reappointed him as Sima of Yongzhou. Later, he became a ministerial assistant at the Ministry of Officials again, but was eventually dismissed for official reasons.
After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, he recalled him to office. At that time, many officials of the Ministry of Personnel were dismissed for incompetence, but Gao Gou remained well-regarded. No one who had previously overseen official selections could match his reputation. Contemporaries viewed Gao Gou as someone who enjoyed humor and appeared somewhat frivolous, but in truth, he was quite cultured, especially valued by the Minister of Personnel, Niu Hong. Later, he stepped down due to advancing age and declining health. Niu Hong, who was in charge of selecting officials at the time, would always send someone to Gao Gou's home to ask about anyone he wanted to promote. Xue Daoheng from Hedong, who was remarkably talented at the time, often remarked that Gao Gou possessed great insight. He would present his writings to Gao Gou for review before publication, and he would always humbly accept any criticism or corrections from Gao Gou. In the seventh year of the Daye era, Gao Gou passed away at the age of seventy-two. He had recommended figures such as Du Ruhui and Fang Xuanling, who later became important ministers in the court, which led people to recognize Gao Gou's keen eye for talent.
During the Kaihuang period, Dou Lushi from Changli served as a Yellow Gate Attendant, renowned for his meticulous nature. Pei Shu from Hedong served as the Right Minister, frequently rectifying errors. Pei Shixie from Hedong, Dongfang Ju from Pingyuan, and Huangfu Yudao from Anding all worked in the Ministry of Justice, administering justice fairly and impartially. Liu Shilong from Hongnong and Fang Shanji from Qinghe worked in the Department of Merit, while Pei Jingmin from Hedong worked in the Ministry of War, all recognized for their exceptional efficiency and strong capabilities. Wei Kun from Jingzhao served as the Minister of Civil Affairs, frequently offering candid advice. Han Ze from Nanyang served as the Chief Historian of Yanzhou, enacting numerous policies aimed at benefiting the populace. These officials, though some of their accomplishments are not thoroughly documented, all had strong capabilities and were praised by the people at that time.
To put it simply, during the Kaihuang period of the Sui Dynasty, several officials performed exceptionally well. Dou Lu served as the Attendant of the Yellow Gate, known for his meticulous and cautious work; Pei Shu served as the Right Chancellor, specializing in correcting mistakes; Pei Shixie, Dongfang Ju, and Huangfu Yudao from the Ministry of Justice were all fair and just officials; Liu Shilong and Fang Shan Ji from the Ministry of Civil Service, as well as Pei Jingmin from the Ministry of War, were all efficient and highly capable individuals; Wei Kun was known for his candor in the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Han Ze served as the Chief Historian of Yanzhou and did many good deeds for the people. Although the deeds of some individuals are not fully recorded, they were all famous and capable officials at that time, and everyone praised them.
Zhang Qianwei, styled Yuanjing, was from Dongwucheng, Qinghe County. His father, Zhang Yanzhi, once served as the Governor of Xuzhou in Northern Qi. Zhang Qianwei was intelligent and well-read from a young age. His grandfather, Zhang Songzhi, once told someone, "Qianwei is the outstanding talent in our family!" He was appointed as the Chief Clerk of the province at the age of twelve. At the age of eighteen, he became a Military Officer in the Grand Commandant's Office and gradually rose to the position of Assistant Minister of the Grand Preceptor. After the fall of Northern Qi, he served as the Chamberlain for Judicial Affairs in Northern Zhou. When Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, came to power, he summoned Zhang Qianwei to the palace and appointed him as an official of the Ministry of State.
During the Kaihuang period, Prince Jin Yang Guang was sent to guard Bingzhou and selected officials, appointing Zhang Qianwei as a military officer in the judicial branch, and later he was promoted to several positions. Prince Jin greatly admired his talents and, like Zhang Heng from Henan, received special treatment from Prince Jin. In Prince Jin's mansion, they were referred to as the "Two Zhangs." After Prince Jin became the Crown Prince, Zhang Qianwei was promoted to Gentleman of the Yellow Gate Attendants and Attendant to the Crown Prince. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, Zhang Qianwei was appointed as an Attendant Officer of the Palace Secretariat and a Supervisor of the ceremonial rites. Due to his previous service in Prince Jin's mansion, he was also granted the title of the Kaifu. Shortly after, he was promoted to a Grand Master of Ceremonies and accompanied Emperor Yang to Jiangdu, efficiently handling government affairs, as everyone noted.
Once, Zhang Qianwei saw an abandoned package on the road and, worried that the owner was anxiously searching for it, asked his subordinates to take the package with them as they continued on their journey. After a few days, the owner of the package found him, and Zhang Qianwei returned the package to him in its original condition. When the Governor of Huainan, Yang Chen, brought more than ten people to pay their respects to Emperor Yang of Sui, Emperor Yang asked Zhang Qianwei, "Who is the person standing at the front?" Zhang Qianwei carefully examined them and replied, "It is the Governor of Huainan, Yang Chen." Emperor Yang said, "You are a ceremonial official, yet you do not recognize the person who came to pay respects. What is the matter?" Zhang Qianwei replied, "I do recognize him as Yang Chen, but I was afraid of mistaking him, so I did not dare to answer lightly. Just like Shi Jian counting the horse's hooves, it is to be cautious." Emperor Yang highly praised him. He was known for his integrity and caution, which characterized his approach.
At that time, Emperor Yang of Sui often went on inspections, and the people were exhausted. Zhang Qianwei submitted a memorial advising him. Emperor Yang was displeased and subsequently distanced himself from Zhang Qianwei. Not long after, Zhang Qianwei passed away. His son, Zhang Shuang, later served as the magistrate of Lanling County. Zhang Qianwei's younger brother, Zhang Qianxiong, was also highly capable. When Prince Xiao of Qin, Yang Jun, served as the General Manager of Qinzhou, he appointed Zhang Qianxiong as a legal advisor. Once, when Prince Xiao of Qin personally presided over a trial, Zhang Qianxiong accidentally neglected to bring the case file, but he clearly laid out the case to over a hundred people, and his colleagues all admired him. Later, he served as the magistrate of Shouchun and Yangcheng counties, achieving notable successes in both.
Rong Pi, also known as Zichen, was originally from Wuzhong, a district in Beijing. His father, Rong Quan, served as the Minister of War in the Wei Kingdom. Rong Pi was known for his strong character and sense of responsibility from a young age and was well-read. He served as a secretary to the King of Han during the Zhou Dynasty and was promoted to a junior position in the Ministry of Interior. During the reign of Emperor Wen of Sui, he was promoted through several ranks, ultimately becoming an Imperial Attendant.
At that time, there were many thieves in Huayin County, so a particularly capable official was needed to take charge. Yang Su recommended Rong Pi to be the Chief Historian of Huazhou, and everyone agreed he was quite capable. Yang Su owned extensive land and properties in Huayin, and his subordinates often ran amok. Rong Pi strictly enforced the law and did not show favoritism to anyone. During one court meeting, Yang Su said to Rong Pi, "I recommended you, actually causing trouble for myself!" Rong Pi replied, "I’m just focused on enforcing the law wholeheartedly; I’m worried about letting you down." Yang Su smiled and said, "I was just joking earlier; your serious law enforcement is 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 set up horse farms along the roads, claiming it was for raising horses, but actually for personal gain. None of the states or counties dared to resist; only Rong Pi firmly stopped this matter. Emperor Wen of Sui was very pleased to hear about it, rewarding him with a hundred bolts of silk and transferring him to Puzhou as a Sima. Later, Prince Han Liang rebelled, and the local heroes of Hedong rallied to his cause, opening the city gates to surrender. Inspector Qiu He fled back to Guanzhong. Chief Historian Gao Yiming said to Rong Pi, "Hedong is an important strategic location, the eastern gateway of the country. If it is lost, the consequences would be unimaginable. Even though the city is in chaos, not everyone has joined the rebellion. If we can capture and execute a dozen or so of the ringleaders, we can quell the rebellion." Rong Pi agreed with his suggestion.
Gao Yiming rode out to pursue Qiu He, hoping to discuss strategies with him. However, when he arrived at the west gate of the city, he was killed by the rebels, and Rong Pi was also captured. After King Liang of Han quelled the rebellion, Rong Pi was appointed as the Imperial Secretary of Supervision. The Emperor said to him, "Today, I promote you because of your handling of the horse stable incident. I hope you continue to uphold your integrity." The Emperor also respected him greatly. Rong Pi was known for his integrity and unwavering principles in court, speaking and acting with honesty, earning respect from all officials. Later, after his mother passed away, he resigned and returned home to mourn. More than a year later, he was called back to service, but soon passed away, posthumously appointed as a Minister of Protocol.
His brother, Jian Xu, was a man of integrity, uprightness, and knowledge. He held high positions in the Zhou Dynasty, including positions like Chief Instructor and Yitong Sisi. As the pacification of Qi was underway, he remained in Ye city and authored a thirty-volume work titled "Qi Ji." Jian Xu was already acquainted with Emperor Gaozu (Yang Jian) before, and later became a Prime Minister, rising through the ranks to become a Marquis and later appointed as the Inspector of Xizhou.
When he was preparing to take up his new post, Emperor Gaozu was secretly plotting to seize the throne and said to Jian Xu, "Wait, let's make ourselves rich and powerful together." Feeling loyal to the Zhou Dynasty, Jian Xu replied firmly, "I have never heard of such intentions!" Emperor Gaozu was displeased, and Jian Xu left. During the Kaihuang era, Jian Xu visited the Emperor, who asked him, "Do you regret your decision?" Jian Xu bowed and said, "While my status may not compare to Xu Guang's, my integrity is akin to Yang Biao's." The Emperor laughed and replied, "Although I may not understand those flowery words, I know that your words were not very polite!"
Later, Jian Xu served as the Inspector of Shizhou and Hongzhou, where he excelled and made significant political achievements.
Lu Zhiming, also known as Zhongtong, was a native of Fuchun in Wu County. His father, Lu Ao, once served as a Cavalier Attendant in the Chen Dynasty. Lu Zhiming loved learning from a young age, was well-versed in many subjects, and was known for his honesty and integrity. He initially served as a military officer under the King of Chen of Shixing, later becoming a scholar at the Imperial Academy and then the head of the Southern Prison. After the fall of the Chen Dynasty, he returned to his hometown. At that time, Gao Zhihui and his followers were causing unrest in Jiangdong, with Prince Jin Yang Guang stationed in Jiangdu. Recognizing Lu Zhiming's influence in the Three Wu regions, Prince Jin summoned him to negotiate the rebels' surrender.
Lu Zhiming successfully persuaded seventeen cities to surrender, capturing over three hundred rebels including the leaders Chen Zhengxu and Xiao Sixing. In recognition of his significant contributions, he was appointed as a Sima, granted land and property, and had his brother Lu Ke appointed as the magistrate of Jianyang. However, Lu Zhiming felt that his brother was not capable of effective governance, so he petitioned the court to revoke the appointment, which was approved.
As the country was on the brink of unification, Lu Zhiming advised Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, to relocate the capital to Luoyang. He even wrote a "Song of Great Peace" to express his suggestion, the details of which are beyond the scope of this account. After several years without receiving any promotions, he personally submitted a memorial to request a diplomatic mission to Goguryeo. In the memorial, he wrote: "I have heard that wise rulers evaluate all kinds of talents, even common people; as long as they have ability, they are often rewarded. I earnestly request Your Majesty to temporarily set aside state affairs and consider my request. In ancient times, Emperor Huangdi forgave the Su Sha clan during his military campaigns; Emperor Shun waited for the right time to conquer the Youmiao clan. Your Majesty currently reigns during a time of prosperity, with peace and stability across the land, except for the restless Goguryeo. Your Majesty, out of kindness and a desire for peace, aims to enlighten them through virtuous means. I request to go to Goguryeo to spread your benevolence and let the Goguryeo rulers and ministers come to your court to atone for their actions."
The emperor greatly appreciated the memorial. A year later, Lu Zhiming was appointed as the military governor of Puning. Many praised his integrity, so he was summoned to the Imperial Censorate to await further assignments. After Emperor Yang Guang of the Sui Dynasty ascended the throne, he appointed Lu as an imperial censor tasked with editing documents. He was upright and respected by all officials, and Emperor Yang Guang also held him in high regard, but he was later dismissed for unspecified reasons. A year later, he was reinstated to his position. At that time, Prince Qi, Yang Jian, was arrogant and associated with unscrupulous individuals, and Lu Zhiming filed a memorial accusing him. Yang Jian was found guilty, and the other officials were filled with fear. During the Liaodong Campaign, Lu Zhiming served as the envoy for negotiating surrenders in Dongxu, and ultimately died in the army at the age of sixty-seven. He was posthumously elevated to the rank of Grand Censor.
Fang Yanqian, styled Xiaochong, was originally from Qinghe. Seven generations earlier, his ancestor Chen held the position of deputy to the Grand Commandant in Yan State, and later followed the Murong clan to move to Qi State, where his family has lived ever since. They have been a respected family for generations. His great-grandfather Fashou held the positions of Inspector of Qingzhou and Jizhou in Wei State, and was also granted the title of Marquis of Zhuangwu. His grandfather Yi held the position of Administrator of Anping in Song State and inherited the title of Marquis of Zhuangwu from his father. His father Xiong began his career as a chief scribe in a prefecture and later took on the roles of Prefect of Qinghe and Guangchuan.
Fang Yanqian lost his father when he was very young and had never seen his father. He was raised by his mother and older brother. His brother, Fang Yanxun, was very upright and honest. Seeing that Fang Yanqian was talented, he liked him very much and personally taught him to read. At the age of seven, he could recite tens of thousands of characters from books, and people in the clan thought he was very special. At the age of fifteen, he served his stepmother and younger brother Fang Zhen, showing greater filial piety than a biological son. Fang Zhen was very grateful to him and treated him well. After his stepmother's death, he went without food for five days. He also served his uncle, Prefect Fang Bao, with dedication, always saving the precious fruits brought during festivals to enjoy last. Whenever there was a death in the family, he always observed vegetarianism to show filial piety, and he was regarded as a role model by the clan.
Later, he studied with the scholar Yin Lin, devoted to his studies, and eventually mastered the Five Classics of Confucianism. He excelled in writing articles, had excellent calligraphy skills, especially in cursive and official script, and had good eloquence and an elegant demeanor. At the age of eighteen, when Prince Xiaoheng of Guangning became the Inspector of Qizhou, he recruited Fang Yanqian as his chief secretary. At that time, the laws were relatively lenient, and local officials were somewhat negligent. However, after Fang Yanqian took office, he strictly followed the laws and managed the state in an orderly manner, earning the respect of everyone. Later, when the Zhou army attacked Ye City and the Emperor of Qi fled east, Fang Yanqian was appointed as the magistrate of Qizhou. Seeing the downfall of the court, he was heartbroken and wanted to rally loyal and righteous men to secretly assist the court, but unfortunately, he was unable to do so. After the fall of Qi, he returned home. The Emperor of the Zhou Dynasty appointed Zhu Guo, Xinzun as the Inspector of Qizhou, but Xinzun was captured by local bandits and his men. Fang Yanqian wrote a letter persuading them, and the bandits felt ashamed and sent Xinzun back to the state, with others surrendering as well. After Emperor Gaozu Yang Jian ascended to the throne, Fang Yanqian chose to live a leisurely life in the countryside, vowing never to hold an official position again.
In the seventh year of the Kaihuang reign, Wei Yi, the governor, strongly recommended him, and he had no option but to comply. When Lu Kai, the Minister of Personnel, saw him, he took a great interest in him and promoted him to be a court official. Not long after, he was promoted to be a censor. Later, he followed Chen Ping and was tasked with pacifying ten provinces, including Quanzhou and Kuazhou. Due to his outstanding performance in fulfilling the mission, the emperor rewarded him with one hundred bolts of cloth, one hundred measures of rice, a set of garments, and seven servants. After that, he was promoted to be a recording officer in the Qinzhou Military Command.
During a morning court session, the Left Minister of Works, Gao Jiong, was evaluating officials. Yan Qian said to Gao Jiong, "It is stated in the texts that officials' achievements are evaluated every three years, and based on their achievements, they are either promoted or dismissed. This system has existed since the times of Tang Yao and Yu Shun. Evaluations for promotion must be reasonable, and rewards and punishments must be fair, in order for the promotions to be given to the talented individuals and the demotions to the incompetent ones. If there are deviations in the evaluation, then this system becomes meaningless. I have recently seen the evaluation results of several provinces; the standards are inconsistent, and the numbers of promotions and demotions are inconsistent. Not to mention that some evaluations are tainted by personal biases, leading to unfair results. Honest and upright individuals may not receive due recognition, while those who flatter and manipulate may receive high praise. This makes it difficult to distinguish between truth and falsehood, right and wrong. Those high-ranking officials often fail to thoroughly assess and select officials; many of those they promote are successful because of flattery. Those who have not worked in central departments are easily demoted. Moreover, it is difficult to understand the situation in distant places in detail, resulting in evaluations that are primarily based on numbers, with half deemed qualified and half unqualified. It is impossible to achieve fairness and justice by simply counting the number of officials without considering their quality. I hope you will gather information broadly and conduct thorough investigations, commend minor acts of virtue, and condemn minor acts of vice. This will not only make the country's politics clear, but also better select talents." Yan Qian spoke with conviction, captivating everyone present. Gao Jiong was moved by his words and held him in high regard. So Gao Jiong asked in detail about the achievements of officials in Hexi and Longyou, and Yan Qian answered fluently. Gao Jiong then told the governors of other provinces, "Engaging with you is not as valuable as having a one-on-one discussion with the Chief Examiner of Qinzhou (Yan Qian)!" A few days later, Gao Jiong recommended Yan Qian to the emperor, but the emperor chose not to act on the recommendation.
After his term was over, he was transferred to Changge County as the county magistrate, and his performance was very good. The locals affectionately referred to him as "kind father." During the Ren Shou era, the emperor sent envoys to inspect the states and counties, evaluating the abilities of local officials. Yan Qian was recognized as the best in the land and was directly promoted to Sima of Yuezhou. The locals wept and said to one another, "Prefect Fang is leaving, what are we going to do without him!" Later, the locals missed him so much that they erected a stele to honor his virtues. Yuezhou had not had a county magistrate for a long time, and Yan Qian was responsible for all the affairs of the state, achieving many political accomplishments.
Xue Daoheng, a renowned literary figure of the time, held a high official position and had a good reputation. All his friends were well-known talents nationwide. He had a particularly good relationship with Yang Su and respected him greatly. Later, Xue Daoheng became the governor of Xiangzhou, and he often corresponded with Yang Su, and they frequently met up. After Emperor Yang Guang ascended the throne, Xue Daoheng was transferred to Fanzhou as the governor. As he passed through Yang Su's territory, he stayed for a few more days. When he left, he was even in tears as he bid farewell to Yang Su. Zhang Heng, the Yellow Gate Attendant, also had a good rapport with Yang Su.
At that time, Emperor Yang Guang was busy building the Eastern Capital Luoyang, which was marked by extravagance and waste, leaving the people disappointed. In addition, Prince Han Yang Liang rebelled, leading to many people facing punishment. Yang Su noticed that Zhang Heng was currently in favor but felt powerless to prevent these unfortunate events, so he decided to write him a letter, saying:
I heard that rewards are given to encourage good deeds, and punishments are given to deter bad deeds. Therefore, those of low status who do good deeds should be rewarded, and those of high status who commit bad deeds should be punished. No one has ever ignored their relatives in order to avoid suspicion, nor has anyone overlooked rewarding those of low status in order to show favoritism. Now, all the governors of various provinces are entrusted with managing their respective regions. The good and bad deeds they do will all be reported to the court. They are all fearful of the court's rules and regulations and dare not be negligent. The country is blessed by heaven, seeing the people as its own parents. The fairness of rewards and punishments is known to the heavens, which is always watching. We should also be cautious. Therefore, King Wen said, "I will be diligent day and night, and fear the majesty of heaven." From this perspective, although the sizes and statuses of provinces and counties vary, the principle of being concerned for the people and cautiously enforcing the law remains the same.
As for the rebellion in Bingzhou, it needs to be carefully investigated. If Yang Liang was truly unable to receive the imperial decree and was worried about the safety of the country, leading him to recruit soldiers and buy horses, without the intention of rebellion, then his true intentions should be investigated before deciding his punishment. This would align with the emperor's magnanimous intentions and dispel doubts in the people's hearts. If it is found that there is peace both internally and externally, and Yang Liang, after inheriting the throne, enjoys causing chaos, plotting treason, and attempting to usurp the throne, then he should be dealt with as King Wu of Zhou dealt with Guan Shu and Cai Shu. Such evil acts are unforgivable, and he should be executed publicly and his family exterminated, as per the consistent laws of the country. There may be some individuals who were not truly conspiring, and whose power was insufficient to protect themselves, and were forced into the rebellion. These families would be destroyed, displaced, and likely suffer injustice. Can heaven, in its magnanimity, easily forgive them? Doubtful crimes should be punished lightly; where's the justice in that?
In the past, when Uncle Xiang sentenced a prisoner to death, the people of Jin praised him; when Shi Zhi pardoned a criminal, Emperor Wen of Han also praised him. Yang Shenning did not harbor ill feelings towards his younger brother, and the Court Minister did not deliberately disobey the monarch's orders; they were simply upholding the law impartially, without favoritism, so they did not consider the severity of the crime. Moreover, the position of an emperor is a sacred position, and it cannot be easily attained unless destined by heaven. Therefore, even though Chi You and Xiang Yu were brave warriors, Yi Yin and Huo Guang held immense power, Li Lao and Confucius had exceptional wisdom, Lv Shang and Sun Wu were experts in military strategy, Wu and Chu had treacherous terrain, and Chan and Lu inherited their mother's legacy, none of them rose to power in accordance with the mandate of heaven. Not to mention that Yang Liang was merely a local warlord, rallying a band of unruly followers; he was ignorant, and those scoundrels were even more ruthless and malevolent, daring to encroach upon the capital, coveting things they shouldn't have!
Since time immemorial, historical records have documented the achievements and failures of emperors throughout history, which can be thoroughly examined. If it weren't for accumulating virtue and doing good deeds, achieving great feats, who could earn the people's support and the favor of heaven? Therefore, wise ancient monarchs were diligent and cautious from morning to night, walking on eggshells, constantly vigilant of themselves, avoiding arrogance and complacency. By Shi Shi's time, the monarch had become indulgent and extravagant, without a sense of restraint, acting capriciously towards the people, indulging in wine, women, and excessive corruption, with offenses too numerous to list.
Speaking of the states of Qi and Chen, they were considered great powers at the time, believing their virtues were as vast as heaven and earth, as bright as the sun and moon, with no worries or fears, and disregarding laws or regulations. Their close ministers were all favored, only knowing how to flatter and conceal flaws; the historians distorted facts in their records, only documenting strengths and covering up weaknesses. Therefore, the common people were full of grievances, their voices never reaching the rulers' ears, as the ministers exaggerated their achievements and boasted to the rulers daily. Although the laws were strict, the number of punishments and corvee labors increased, leaving everyone, young and old alike, exhausted.
Back in the day, the state of Zheng produced Zichan, Qi produced Yan Ying, Chu produced Shu Ao, and Jin produced Shi Hui. These small states were able to produce famous ministers, so why couldn't Qi and Chen, despite their vast territories and abundant resources? The problem was that their rulers were incompetent and only pursued their own interests, forgetting about the safety of the nation and its people. While they appeared united on the surface, they actually distrusted each other. If they encountered honest advisors who dared to speak up, they would suppress and ostracize them; if they encountered flatterers and deceitful individuals who benefited them, they would promote and favor them. With such a method of choosing talent, how could they ever find virtuous individuals? True talent is not based on brute force or eloquence, but on honesty, selflessness, and unwavering dedication, like the pillars of a building or the backbone of society. Qi and Chen rejected these upright individuals, instead believing the slander. The divine saw their debauchery and injustice, and thus stripped them of their power, yielding it to our great Sui dynasty.
If these two countries can honor the heavens, show compassion for the people, abandon extravagance and vanity, make humility the foundation, and prioritize compassion, then even if one region is strong and prosperous while another is remote and dangerous, they can each live peacefully and happily; the people will not want to rebel, and the country will stand as stable as Mount Tai, unshakeable. However, they are indulging in pleasure and seeking comfort, ultimately leading to the country's downfall, only to find themselves regretting it too late! As the ancient poem says: "Before the fall of the Yin and Shang dynasties, they were still able to worship the heavens and receive their blessings. You should take this as a warning; do not easily lose the blessings bestowed by the heavens." When dealing with national affairs, every decision requires careful consideration.
Your Majesty, your renowned benevolence and filial piety are well-known, your achievements have surpassed those of your ancestors, your governance of the country is effective, and all the people are pleased. Although your time in power has not been long, your kindness and generosity have already spread throughout the land, bringing great joy to the common people. The rebellion in Bingzhou erupted unexpectedly, all because Yang Liang played tricks and deceived the people and officials; it was not due to their resentment of the court and willingly joining the rebels. However, those officials and generals claimed that those people were originally planning to rebel; isn't this wrongfully accusing innocent people? Isn't this casting a shadow over Your Majesty's wise governance? You have always valued me, allowed me to work by your side, trusted me since you were still a prince, seeing me as a pillar of the state. I should be making a significant contribution to the state, leaving a lasting legacy, becoming a wise and loyal minister like Ji, Qi, Yi, and Lv. Now is a time of peace and prosperity; I should speak frankly and offer advice, setting a precedent for both the present and future. How can we overlook the crimes of offenders merely to appease Your Majesty? How can we punish those who were forced to participate in the rebellion? With the grace of Your Majesty, I dare to speak frankly; I am but a humble servant, and my words may inadvertently offend you, please forgive me.
After finishing reading the letter, he sighed but did not dare to report to the court. Yan Qian knew that the court was corrupt, so he resigned and withdrew, planning to build a house at the foot of Mengshan to live out his remaining years. Later, the court established the position of Sili Official to select famous talents from all over the world. The court believed that Yan Qian was upright and highly respected, so they summoned him to serve as the Sili Inspector. Yan Qian was determined to rectify the customs of the world, recommending individuals of high moral character. Those he criticized bore him no ill will. The Deputy Sili, Liu Yu, was arrogant and domineering, considering himself upright. The inspectors feared him and treated him with great respect. Only Yan Qian held firm to his principles and treated him with disdain, earning the admiration of many wise individuals. In the ninth year of Daye, Yan Qian followed the emperor across the Liao River and supervised the military in Fuyu. Later, as the political situation in the Sui Dynasty grew more chaotic, officials defected one after another. Only Yan Qian adhered to his principles, standing alone in the face of chaos. As a result, he incurred the jealousy of those in power and was demoted to Jingyang magistrate. Shortly after, Yan Qian died in office at the age of sixty-nine. Whenever Li Yanqian was at home, his nephews and nieces visited, he would impart moral lessons, encourage them to strive for progress, and talk to them endlessly without ever tiring. His family was well-off and had substantial assets, but all the salary he earned from his previous official positions was used to support relatives and friends, leaving the family with no extra money. Even his horses, clothes, and daily necessities were quite modest. From youth to old age, his words and actions were always upright, never compromising the law for personal benefit. Even though he often found himself financially strapped, he always kept an optimistic and cheerful outlook. One day, smiling to himself, he said to his son Li Xuanling, "Others get rich from holding office, but I become poor and destitute because of it. All I leave my descendants is a good name."
His writings are expansive and free-spirited in style, showcasing a deep-rooted foundation in classical scholarship. He is also skilled in cursive script and clerical script. Those who receive his letters cherish them like treasures. Wang Shao from Taiyuan, Gao Gou from Beihai, Li Gang from Liao County, Liu Yu and Xue Ru from Hedong—these were renowned scholars known for their simplicity and detachment, and Li Yanqian was friends with them. Although high-ranking officials often visited, his home was always calm and unassuming. Li Yanqian was elegant and knowledgeable in government affairs. Insightful individuals believed he was destined for greatness.
In the early days of the Kaihuang era, after quelling the Chen Dynasty and unifying the realm, everyone said that a peaceful and prosperous era was about to come. Li Yanqian privately told his relative Zhao Jun Li Shaotong, "The emperor is suspicious and self-willed, not accepting advice from others. The crown prince is timid, and the princes hold excessive power. The court only implements harsh policies without any leniency in governance. Although the country is stable, I am worried that turmoil will happen soon." Li Shaotong initially did not believe him, but during the Renshou and Daye eras, Li Yanqian's words all came true. After the Tang Dynasty unified the country, he was posthumously honored as the Governor of Xuzhou and the Duke of Linzi County, and his posthumous title was "Ding."
Historical texts state: A towering structure cannot be erected from a single piece of timber; an emperor's accomplishments cannot be realized through the strategy of a single individual. Each has its own purpose, and nothing is expendable. Individuals like Li E, some possessing exceptional literary talent, champion justice, while others have outstanding abilities and can serve the country. Their talents and contributions were apparent during that era, and their deeds are recorded in history. Looking at the numerous talents of the Sui Dynasty, they were all able to establish careers and achieve great success, all serving as pillars of the state, much like the stars surrounding the North Star.
