Pei Zheng, courtesy name (字) Debiao, was from Wenxi, Shanxi. His great-grandfather was the grandson of Emperor Wu of the Song Dynasty and moved to Shouyang following Emperor Wu. He served as the Chief Historian of the Frontline Army and the Prefect of Lujiang. His grandfather Pei Sui was the Palace Attendant, Left Guard General, and Grand Commander of Yuzhou in the Liang Dynasty; his father, Pei Zhili, served as the Minister of Justice. Pei Zheng was bright and well-informed from a young age, with exceptional memory and a deep understanding of current affairs. At the age of fifteen, he was hired as a military law officer in the Prince Shaoling's Mansion, later promoted to the Lang of the Ministry of Works and the Magistrate of Zhijiang. When the Prince of Xiangdong arrived in Jingzhou, he was summoned to serve as a secretary in the Xuanhui Mansion, and soon promoted to the Yellow Gate Attendant of the Imperial Secretariat.
During the rebellion of Hou Jing, Pei Zheng was appointed as the General of Zhuangwu and led his forces to join Wang Lin in suppressing Hou Jing. He captured the rebel leader Song Zixian and presented him to Jingzhou. After pacifying Hou Jing, he led the vanguard forces into Jianye and was granted the title of Marquis of Yiling for his military achievements. The court summoned him to serve as an Attendant Yellow Gate of the Imperial Secretariat, and he led troops to assist Wang Lin in resisting Xiao Ji, defeating him at Xiaokou. Subsequently, he was further appointed as the General Who Maintains the South and the Chief Historian of Zhen Nan Prefecture.
Later, when the Western Wei army surrounded Jingzhou, Wang Lin rushed from Guizhou to provide assistance, marching to Changsha. Pei Zheng requested to go ahead through a secret route to inform Emperor Yuan. When he reached Bailizhou, he was captured by the Western Wei army. Xiao Cha said to Pei Zheng, "I am the grandson of the Emperor Wu of the Northern Wei, why can't you submit to me? Why sacrifice yourself for those seven (referring to the emperors of the Liang Dynasty)? If you listen to me, your descendants will be wealthy and noble; if you don't, I will have you executed!" Pei Zheng feigned agreement, replying, "I will heed your words." Xiao Cha imprisoned him, brought him to the city gates, and ordered him to convey a message to Emperor Yuan: "Wang Sengbian has heard that Tai City is surrounded and has proclaimed himself emperor. Wang Lin's forces are weak and unlikely to come again." Pei Zheng complied with the
Then, he told the people in the city, "Reinforcements are on their way; everyone has to hang in there! As a captured messenger, I must give my all for the country!" The soldiers guarding him slapped him, but he stood firm in his words. Xiao Cha was furious and ordered his immediate execution. Cai Daye urged Xiao Cha, "He’s the people's hope." As a result, Pei Zheng’s life was spared. After the fall of Jiangling City, he and the officials in the city were escorted to the Western Wei capital.
When Emperor Wen of Western Wei learned of his loyalty, he appointed him as a junior official in the Ministry of the Household, enabling him to take part in state affairs. The Emperor also had him and Lu Bian establish the Six Ministers based on the "Rites of Zhou," established official positions, and formulated court etiquette, ceremonial dress, and utensils, largely based on ancient rituals, abolishing the old laws of the Han and Wei dynasties, which were all successfully implemented. Shortly after, he was appointed as a senior official in the Ministry of Justice and later promoted to magistrate. Pei Zheng was well-versed in legal matters and also took part in revising the "Rituals of Zhou." He could really hold his liquor, never getting drunk even after several dou of wine. Even with mountains of cases, he handled them quickly, enforcing the law with leniency and fairness, ensuring there were no wrongful convictions. For those sentenced to death, he allowed their wives to visit them in prison. When it was time for winter executions, the prisoners would say, "Master Pei sentenced me to death, but I can go peacefully." This shows just how fair his law enforcement was. He was also knowledgeable in music theory and often discussed music with Changsun Shaoyuan, which was recorded in the "Records of Music Theory." However, during Emperor Xuan's reign, he was dismissed for disobeying the emperor's orders.
During the reign of Emperor Gaozu, he was reinstated to his former official position. In the first year of the Kaihuang era, he was promoted to a higher rank and also appointed as the head of the Three Departments. The Emperor instructed him, along with Su Wei and others, to revise the laws. He referred to the criminal law codes from the Wei and Jin periods all the way to the laws of the Qi and Liang dynasties, analyzing and comparing the severity and urgency, selecting appropriate solutions. More than ten individuals were involved in the revision, and he made decisions on all difficult matters. He was promoted to the Cavalry Attendant and then to the Left Imperial Clerk, rectifying numerous errors, and everyone praised him for his simplicity and honesty. Yang Su was entrusted with all major matters in the Eastern Palace.
The Right Imperial Clerk Liu Rong had a very stubborn character. At that time, military officers took turns on duty, and Attendant Officer Zhao Yuankai was in the process of writing a memorial but had not completed it. The Crown Prince repeatedly urged him, and Liu Rong told Zhao Yuankai, "Just give an oral report; there's no need to write a memorial." After the report, the Crown Prince asked, "Where is the memorial?" Zhao Yuankai said, "I informed Lord Liu, and he instructed me not to write a memorial." The Crown Prince questioned Liu Rong, who denied saying such a thing. The Crown Prince handed the matter over to Yang Su for investigation. Before Yang Su had completed his report, someone came to Liu Rong's defense, saying, "Yang Su is trying to frame Liu Rong; this matter is not true." The Crown Prince summoned Yang Su and questioned him, to which Yang Su reported, "Investigating this matter involves two aspects: assessing the situation and finding evidence, carefully examining right and wrong to judge the truth. I believe that Liu Rong holds a high position and heavy responsibilities, so even if he did say that to Zhao Yuankai, it was a minor fault. Logically, there is no need to conceal it. I also examined Zhao Yuankai, and he is under the influence of Liu Rong, so he wouldn't fabricate things to frame him. Their situations are consistent logically. Zhao Yuankai also asked Left Guard Leader Cui Qian and others to testify, and their testimonies were consistent with Zhao Yuankai's account. The situation has been clarified, but further evidence is required for confirmation. I believe that Liu Rong did indeed say those words to Zhao Yuankai; this matter is certainly true." The Crown Prince ultimately chose not to punish Liu Rong, instead praising Yang Su for his fairness and integrity.
Pei Zheng was a straightforward person, criticizing others face-to-face without holding back, and never regretting it afterwards. There was a person named Ding Xing at that time, who often served the crown prince in the palace, providing him with strange and extravagant clothing and trinkets, and even sending gifts to the harem, having questionable relationships with the concubines and behaving indiscreetly. Pei Zheng advised the crown prince several times, but the crown prince simply did not listen. Later, Pei Zheng said to Ding Xing, "What you're doing is totally out of line. Moreover, Consort Yuan has just died suddenly, creating quite a scandal in the city. This does not bode well for the crown prince's reputation! You should back off, or you will inevitably run into trouble!" Ding Xing was furious when he heard this and went to complain to the crown prince. The crown prince grew even more resentful towards Pei Zheng, and then shipped him off to Xiangzhou as an administrator.
After arriving in Xiangzhou, Pei Zheng's wife did not accompany him, and he distributed his salary to his subordinates. He kept a close eye on commoners' crimes, some he let slide for over a year. He would wait until the offender repeated the offense two or three times and then call them out at meetings to handle their trials himself, sentencing some to death and exiling many others. The locals lived in peace and saw him as a god. Later on, the prison in Xiangzhou was hardly used anymore, and there were very few lawsuits. Pei Zheng served in Xiangzhou until he was eighty-nine years old before passing away, leaving behind a book called "Records of the Holy Lineage" in ten volumes. Only after the crown prince was deposed did Emperor Gaozu remember Pei Zheng, saying, "If I had let Pei Zheng and Liu Xingben stick around to help the crown prince from the start, things might not have turned out so badly." Pei Zheng's son, Pei Nanjin, eventually made his mark as a government official.
Liu Zhuang, with the courtesy name Sijing, was a native of Jie County in Hedong. His grandfather Liu Jiyuan served as a Minister of Works in the Liang Dynasty; his father Liu Xia was once the Prefect of Huozhou. Liu Zhuang had lofty ambitions from a young age; he was well-read and had a talent for rhetoric. Cai Dabao from Jiyang was famous in the Jiangnan region, serving as an advisor to Prince Yue of Yueyang, and upon seeing Liu Zhuang, he exclaimed, "The Water Mirror Master Zhuge Liang from Xiangyang has appeared here again!" Cai Dabao then married his daughter to Liu Zhuang. Not long after, Prince Yue appointed Liu Zhuang as a military officer, and later promoted him to the Ministry of Justice. After Prince Yue ascended to the throne, he appointed Liu Zhuang as a Palace Attendant in the Imperial Secretariat, and subsequently held positions including Assistant Minister of Personnel, Assistant Minister of Rites, and Minister of War.
Later, Yang Jian took over the government, and Xiao Kui sent Liu Zhuang with letters to the border. At that time, the realm was in chaos, and Yang Jian was concerned that Xiao Kui might have ulterior motives. When Liu Zhuang returned, Yang Jian said to him, "I followed the Liang Dynasty army in Jiangling before, and I was deeply favored by Emperor Liangwu. Now the young sovereign of the Liang Dynasty is in danger, and Xiao Kui has entrusted me with heavy responsibilities. I pondered this at night, feeling ashamed and fearful. The Liang Dynasty has had wise monarchs throughout its history, loyal to their sovereign and the court, and only then can they show the steadfast spirit like that of pine and bamboo. When you return to Liang, please convey these words to Xiao Kui for me." After he finished speaking, Yang Jian grasped Liu Zhuang's hand and bid him farewell.
At that time, the generals of the Liang Dynasty secretly sought to mobilize troops and join forces with Wei Jiong and others to resist the Sui Dynasty. This way, they could remain loyal to the Zhou Dynasty and also take advantage of the opportunity to occupy the Shannan region. Only Xiao Kui hesitated about this. At this time, Liu Zhuang returned from Chang'an and conveyed Yang Jian's intentions in detail, then said to Xiao Kui, "In the past, people like Yuan Shao, Liu Biao, Wang Ling, and Zhuge Dan were all heroes of the time, occupying strategic locations and commanding a large army, but ultimately, they all met swift defeat. The reason is that Cao Cao and the Sima clan manipulated the emperor to dominate the vassals, occupied the capital, and used righteousness as a pretext, allowing them to achieve victory and establish dominance. Now, although Wei Jiong is an old general, he is already old and incompetent. Xiao Nan and Wang Qian are even more incompetent, lacking the ability to assist the monarch. Moreover, the Shandong and Bashu regions were gradually coming under Sui control, and the Zhou Dynasty's benevolence has not yet fully extended to them. Most ministers in the court were primarily concerned with their own interests and strove to be loyal to Yang Jian. In my opinion, Wei Jiong and others will eventually be eliminated, and Yang Jian will definitely destroy the Zhou Dynasty. It is better for us to protect the country and the people and wait and see." Xiao Kui wholeheartedly agreed, and everyone stopped discussing sending troops.
Soon, 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 listened to those people in the first place, our country would have been lost long ago!"
After Liu Bang became emperor, Liu Zhuang returned to work in the court, and Liu Bang specially comforted and encouraged him. Later, Prince Jin married the Princess of Liang, and Liu Zhuang made four or five trips back and forth for this matter, being rewarded with several thousand bolts of cloth. After Xiao Cong ascended the throne as emperor, Liu Zhuang was promoted to the position of Minister of Works. After the fall of the Liang Kingdom, he was appointed as the Minister of the Guards, and shortly after, he was promoted to the position of Attendant Yellow Gate. He was also granted land and property. Liu Zhuang was well-versed in the established rules and regulations, and he handled government affairs very appropriately. Whenever he offered corrections, the emperor consistently praised his judgments.
Su Wei became the Grand Minister of Rites and highly valued Liu Zhuang's knowledge and abilities. He often said in front of the emperor, "People from Jiangnan either possess knowledge without practical skills or practical skills without knowledge. The only one who can balance both is Liu Zhuang." Gao Feng had a good rapport with Liu Zhuang. Liu Zhuang and Chen Mao served together, but Liu Zhuang regarded himself as superior to Chen Mao. Chen Mao felt increasingly resentful as he noticed the emperor and court officials held Liu Zhuang in high regard, and he always felt that Liu Zhuang looked down on him. The emperor and Chen Mao knew each other before, and Chen Mao took the opportunity to speak disparagingly of Liu Zhuang in front of the emperor several times.
Over the years, Chen Mao's slander began to take its toll. Once, the Ministry of Justice reported that the criminals should be exiled as per the law, but the emperor wanted to sentence them to death. Liu Zhuang submitted a memorial saying, "I heard Zhang Shizhi say that the law is to be observed by both the emperor and the people. If the law prescribes one course of action, yet you choose to impose a harsher penalty, the people will lose faith in the law. Now the country is peaceful; it is a time to demonstrate the credibility of the court. I hope Your Majesty can consider Zhang Shizhi's words, which will benefit the people!" The emperor did not listen to him, and Liu Zhuang offended the emperor as a result.
Not long after, the medicinal pills presented by the official responsible for tributing herbs did not meet the emperor's approval. Chen Mao secretly told the emperor that Liu Zhuang did not personally supervise the inspection, which angered the emperor. In the eleventh year of the emperor's reign, Xu Rong instigated a rebellion in Jiangnan, and Liu Zhuang, as the chief military officer, led the forces to quell the rebellion. After quelling the rebellion, Liu Zhuang was appointed as the governor of Raozhou and achieved notable success. Several years later, Liu Zhuang passed away at the age of sixty-two.
Yuan Shi, with the courtesy name Jianyan, was from Luoyang, Henan. His father was named Wenzong and was very famous in Northern Qi. He died in the early years of the Kaihuang era while serving as the governor of Juzhou. Yuan Shi earned great respect from a young age. He initially served as a military official in the Ministry of Works and was later promoted to the rank of Left External Brigade Major in the Ministry of War, also overseeing the Department of Ancestral Temples.
One year in late spring, someone reported seeing a dragon and requested a rain prayer ceremony. At that time, Gao Ana Gong was the prime minister, and upon hearing that a true dragon had manifested, he was very surprised and eagerly inquired about the dragon's whereabouts. Yuan Shi adjusted his robes and responded, "This is merely the appearance of a dragon constellation. According to the ritual, a rain prayer ceremony should be held at the suburban altar, not due to the appearance of an actual dragon." When Gao Ana Gong heard this, his expression shifted instantly, and he retorted angrily, "How do you know it's a star?" As a result, the rain prayer ceremony was not held. Yuan Shi later sighed privately, "The fortunes of a nation hinge on sacrifices and military matters. If rituals are neglected now, how can it endure? The day of Northern Qi's downfall is not far away!"
Seven years later, Emperor Zhou Wu conquered Northern Qi, and Yuan Shi was appointed as a senior official in the Ministry of Revenue. When Emperor Yang Jian of the Sui Dynasty ascended the throne, he appointed Yuan Shi as the Chief Historian of Weizhou, and later reassigned him to the imperial court as the Assistant Minister of Personnel while concurrently in charge of the Ministry of Personnel. He played a significant role in formulating many of the court's regulations and laws. In his seventeenth year of service, he held the positions of Left and Right Assistants to the Imperial Secretary and gained a reputation for his exceptional efficiency.
At that time, Yang Xiu, the King of Shu, often violated the law, so Emperor Wen of Sui sent Yuan Shi to Yizhou as the Governor of Sima to supervise him. Soon, Yang Xiu was summoned back to the capital by the court, but he feared turmoil in the capital and wanted to feign illness to avoid going. Yuan Shi advised him many times, insisting that he must not disobey the imperial edict. Yang Xiu angrily said, "This is my family's affair; what does that have to do with you!" Yuan Shi cried and said, "I have received great favor from the state, serving as an official in the government office. As a court official, I must do my utmost. However, in recent years, the nation has faced numerous challenges. King Xiao of Qin passed away from a serious illness, and the sons of commoners have been deposed one after another. How heavy must the emperor's heart be! Now that the decree has been issued to recall the King of Shu, this has already been delayed for far too long. If it is delayed further, the people will misunderstand the king's intentions. If differing opinions arise, both inside and outside the court will be unsettled. If the emperor becomes furious and sends an envoy, how will the king justify his actions? I hope you, my lord, will consider this carefully!" Yang Xiu finally agreed to return to the capital. After Yang Xiu was deposed, many officials in Yizhou were implicated, but Yuan Shi was spared from repercussions due to his counsel. Later, he was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Rites by Emperor Yang Guang of Sui.
Once, Emperor Yang of Sui was in the Palace of Xianren and ordered the palace guards not to leave their posts without permission. A general privately allowed the guards to leave, and Emperor Yang referred the matter to the Dali Temple. Yuan Shi sentenced the general to imprisonment based on the law, but Emperor Yang wanted to execute him. Yuan Shi said, "This man’s crime is truly unforgivable. If Your Majesty had killed him from the beginning, there would have been no need for legal formalities. Since it has been referred to the Dali Temple, it should follow the legal process. What if the palace guards make similar mistakes in the future? How should we handle that?" Emperor Yang listened to his words and abandoned the idea of killing him. Later, Yuan Shi was promoted to the position of Assistant Minister of Justice. Yuan Shi was known for his efficiency and sharp wit in his work, but he lacked a reputation for integrity and fairness. He passed away shortly thereafter, leaving behind a son named Kunyu.
Lang Mao, style name Weizhi, was from Xinshi, Hengshan, Hebei. His father, Ji, had served as the Prefect of Yingchuan in Northern Qi. Lang Mao was bright from a young age, could recite the "Songs of Chu" and the "Book of Songs" by age seven, memorizing over a thousand characters daily. At the age of fifteen, he studied under Quan Hui in Hejian, a Doctor of the Imperial Academy. Lang Mao learned the "Book of Songs," "Book of Changes," "Three Rituals," as well as astronomy, law, and other subjects from him. He also studied the "Zuo Commentary," "Gongyang Commentary," "Guliang Commentary," and various other books with Zhang Shuili, an assistant lecturer at the Imperial Academy, studying so hard that he often forgot to eat and sleep. His family was worried about him being exhausted and constantly adjusted the candles for him. As he grew older, everyone regarded him as a scholar and an excellent writer. When he was nineteen, his father passed away, and during the mourning period, he adhered to even stricter rituals than necessary.
He later served as an official in the Northern Qi Dynasty, starting as a military advisor in the Office of the Grand Minister. By chance, the Chen Kingdom sent an envoy named Fu Zai to visit the Qi Kingdom, and the Qi Kingdom assigned Lang Mao to receive him. Later, Lang Mao was ordered to proofread and organize historical records in the Secretariat. After that, he was promoted to be the magistrate of Baocheng County due to his outstanding performance. The common people even wrote a Qingde Song specifically for him. After the Northern Zhou Dynasty defeated the Northern Qi Dynasty, Prime Minister Wang Yi recommended him, and Emperor Wu of Zhou appointed him as the registrar of Chenzhou. Later, Yang Jian (later Emperor Wen of Sui) became the governor of Bozhou, and after meeting Lang Mao, he admired him greatly and appointed him as the secretary of the governor's office. At that time, Emperor Wu of Zhou was compiling the "Book of Changes," and Yang Jian once casually said to Lang Mao, "The emperor's actions resonate with heaven and earth, but there are many strict legal provisions in the 'Book of Changes.' How can this effectively govern the country?" Lang Mao praised him inwardly, thinking, "This is not something an ordinary person can say!" From then on, he secretly befriended Yang Jian, who also respected him greatly. Later, Lang Mao returned to his hometown and became the chief registrar of the state. After Yang Jian became the prime minister, he wrote a letter summoning him, and the two of them happily talked about past events. Yang Jian appointed him as the registrar of Weizhou, and he performed excellently. Not long after, he was promoted to be the magistrate of Weiguo County. At that time, there were over two hundred prisoners detained in the county, and Lang Mao personally tried them for several days, releasing more than a hundred prisoners. During his tenure, there were virtually no cases that required reporting to the prefectural government. The Inspector of Weizhou, Yuan Hui, told Lang Mao, "The chief official said that the people of Weiguo are too afraid to appeal because they are afraid of you!" Lang Mao replied, "The common people are like water, and laws and regulations are like embankments. If the embankments are not sturdy, the water will overflow. As long as there are no breaches, what’s there to worry about?" Yuan Hui was left at a loss for words.
Once, there was a person named Zhang Yuanyu who had a bad relationship with his cousin Si Lan. The county magistrate wanted to deal with them harshly using the law. Lang Mao said, "Zhang Yuanyu and his cousin have never seen eye to eye, and now that they have committed a crime, this will only deepen their conflict. This is not the way to educate the people!" So, he sent some respected elders from the village to mediate. These people came and went in droves. Zhang Yuanyu and his cousin were moved by them, felt deep remorse, and went to the county office to confess. Lang Mao explained the reason to them, and in the end, the two brothers reconciled and became good friends, turning their story into a well-known tale.
Mao first served as the Chief Clerk in Yanzhou, then was promoted to the position of Taichang Cheng, and then became the Right Assistant Minister of Personnel. At that time, Su Wei, the Right Assistant Minister, made a regulation that every year, the people would be investigated for any offenses of "disrespect of the five ranks." Some local officials replied, "There are no five-rank families in our jurisdiction!" They completely disregarded the regulations, and this was the case in many areas. Su Wei also established a surplus inventory, intending to record whether there was any surplus grain in various places, to determine if it could be redistributed. Mao thought this was too cumbersome and useless, so he memorialized to have these matters all canceled. A few years later, his mother passed away, so he resigned and returned home to observe mourning. Before the mourning period was over, the court summoned him back to duty. He also memorialized that the sons of those who sacrificed for the country should not lose their land, and the elderly officials should not have their land reduced. These suggestions were all proposed by Mao. Mao was intelligent and efficient, handling matters swiftly. At that time, everyone praised his exceptional ability to manage affairs.
During the Renshou period, he served as the Deputy Minister of Civil Affairs and also concurrently held the position of Prefect of Daxing. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, he was promoted to the position of Governor of Yongzhou, and shortly after, he was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Rites. Two years later, he was appointed as the Deputy Left Minister of Personnel, responsible for the appointment of officials. Wang Mao was renowned for his expertise in legal principles, which was well-known at that time. At that time, the Minister of Works Yu Wenkai and the Right Guard General Yu Zhongwen were in a fierce dispute over the silver mines in Hedong. Mao submitted a memorial accusing them, stating, "I have heard that there are different rites according to rank, and different professions for scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, so that everyone can be in their proper place and know shame. Yu Wenkai already holds a high position and receives a generous salary; he should be living a peaceful life, yet he shamelessly fights over the silver mines. Yu Zhongwen is a General and a close advisor to the Emperor; he listens to the teachings in the palace every day and should learn the modesty of Yu Shun and Rui Bo, but he is only concerned about petty gains. How can they set an example for their subordinates and the people if they act like this? If they are not disciplined, it will damage the political atmosphere." As a result, both Yu Wenkai and Yu Zhongwen were punished. Mao also wrote a 100-volume book called "The Maps and Classics of Prefectures and Counties" and presented it to the court, receiving 300 rolls of silk as a reward, and the manuscript was stored in the imperial archives. At that time, the Emperor frequently went on inspections, and the national laws and regulations were in chaos, with most of them ineffective. Wang Mao was an old official from the previous dynasty, well-acquainted with the affairs of the world, but he was good at protecting himself and did not have the courage to speak bluntly. Seeing the Emperor's irritable temper, he did not dare to speak, only sighing to himself. Due to his advanced age, he submitted a request for retirement in a memorial, but the Emperor did not approve it. At the time when the Emperor personally led his troops to campaign against Liaodong, he left Wang Mao to guard Jinyang Palace.
That year, Wang Wentong, the Prefect of Hengshan, had a conflict with Wang Mao, so he reported to the emperor, accusing Wang Mao of forming factions and deceiving his superiors. The emperor ordered Attendant Officer Su Wei and Grand Master of Ceremonies Pei Yun to investigate Wang Mao. Wang Mao already had a bad relationship with these two individuals, so they deliberately distorted the facts and fabricated charges against him. The emperor was furious and demoted Wang Mao and his brother, Wang Chudu, to the status of commoners, exiling them to Qiemo County. Wang Mao accepted this punishment with calmness, showing no signs of worry. On his journey, he wrote a piece titled "Ascending the Hill," which was quite well-written. He also submitted a memorial in his defense, and the emperor began to understand his grievances. Ten years later, the emperor summoned him back to Chang'an. A year later, Wang Mao passed away at the age of seventy-five. He had a son, Wang Zhinian.
Gao Gou, courtesy name Xiaoji, was from Beihai in Shandong. He was known for his humor and wit, was very wise and an excellent orator, enjoyed reading and excelled at managing government affairs. When he was young, he was appointed Chief Clerk of the prefecture. Later, he served as a military officer under the King of Qi in Henan, then as the Sima of Xuzhou, the Prefect of Lanling County, and the Prefect of Pingyuan County. After the fall of Northern Qi, Emperor Wu of Zhou appointed him Sima of Xuzhou. After Emperor Yang Jian of Sui declared himself emperor, Gao Gou was transferred to Jizhou as the Sima, where he excelled and earned a strong reputation.
Next, he was summoned by the court and appointed as Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Works, and shortly after was transferred to the Ministry of Personnel. At that time, the Deputy Minister of the Interior, Jin Pingdong, and his nephew Jin Changmao were vying for inheritance rights. The Ministry of Personnel couldn't come to a decision, and after three discussions among court officials, no conclusion was reached. Gao Gou quickly assessed the situation and provided sound reasoning. The Emperor admired his abilities and summoned him to the palace, praising him, "I have heard that the talents of a court official should shine like the stars in the sky. Seeing your talent and knowledge, I now understand that the words of the ancients are true. The distinction between legitimate and illegitimate offspring is a significant aspect of etiquette and education. I have read your judgments several times; the wording is precise, and the reasoning is sound. It is something I cannot achieve." The Emperor also rewarded him with one hundred sheng of rice. From then on, Gao Gou's reputation soared.
Later, he was promoted to Sima of Yongzhou, known for his decisive actions. Over a year later, he was promoted again to be a minister in the Ministry of Personnel, and everyone said he was competent. He was later transferred back to Yongzhou as Sima, but after a minor incident, he was demoted to county magistrate of Zhoufei. However, he managed the county effectively, and the Emperor admired him, reappointing him as Sima of Yongzhou. He later served again as a minister in the Ministry of Personnel, but was eventually dismissed due to official reasons. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, he was summoned back to his position. Many officials in the Ministry of Personnel were let go for incompetence, but Gao Gou maintained the best reputation. All the officials responsible for selecting personnel were his subordinates.
People always believe that Gao Gou likes to tell jokes, thinking he is a bit frivolous, but in reality, he is quite cultured, especially valued by the Minister of Personnel, Niu Hong. Later, due to old age and frailty, Gao Gou resigned from his official position. 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 if the person was suitable. Xue Daoheng from Hedong, who was renowned for his exceptional talent at the time, always said that Gao Gou had a unique insight. He would always present his articles to Gao Gou for review before publishing them. If Gao Gou had any criticisms or corrections, Xue Daoheng would always gratefully accept them. 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 rose to prominence as key officials in the court, and people all said that Gao Gou had a keen eye for judging people.
During the Kaihuang period, Dou Lushi from Changli served as a Chamberlain for the Yellow Gate, renowned for his diligence and attention to detail. Pei Shu from Hedong served as the Right Minister, often correcting mistakes. Pei Shixie from Hedong, Dongfang Ju from Pingyuan, and Huangfu Yudao from Anding all worked in the Ministry of Justice, upholding the law with fairness and integrity. 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; they were all recognized for their high efficiency and exceptional skills. Wei Kun from Jingzhao served as a Minister of the People, often speaking frankly and providing counsel. Han Ze from Nanyang served as the Chief Historian of Yanzhou, enacting numerous policies aimed at benefiting the populace. The accomplishments and legacies of these individuals showcased their remarkable talents, and they received widespread acclaim from their contemporaries.
In conclusion, during the reign of Emperor Kaihuang, a group of outstanding officials emerged, each performing their duties diligently and contributing to the country, earning praise from the people. Dou Lu was renowned for his meticulousness; Pei Shu dared to make numerous corrections; Pei Shixie, Dongfang Ju, and Huangfu Yudao upheld the law impartially; Liu Shilong, Fang Shanji, and Pei Jingmin were recognized for their efficiency; Wei Kun frequently offered candid advice; Han Zhe provided significant benefits to the people. Their outstanding deeds, all recognized for their official duties at the time, have been passed down to this day.
Zhang Qianwei, also known by his courtesy name Yuanjing, was from Wucheng, Qinghe Dong. His father, Zhang Yanzhi, formerly served as the Governor of Northern Xuzhou. Zhang Qianwei was intelligent and clever from a young age, being an avid reader. His grandfather, Zhang Songzhi, once said to someone, "Qianwei is the outstanding talent of our family!" At the age of twelve, he was appointed as the prefectural registrar. At the age of eighteen, he became a junior officer in the Ministry of War and later rose through the ranks to become the Assistant Minister of the Imperial Clan. After the fall of Northern Qi, he served as an official in the Northern Zhou government. When Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, came to power, he recruited Zhang Qianwei to serve as a signatory in the imperial office.
During the reign of Emperor Kaihuang, Prince Jin, Yang Guang, was sent to serve as the Inspector of Bingzhou. He selected his staff and appointed Zhang Qianwei as a military officer in charge of prisons, subsequently promoting him to several positions. Prince Jin greatly admired his talents and, like Zhang Heng from Henan, he was held in high regard by Prince Jin. In Prince Jin's residence, they were known as the "Two Zhangs." Later, when Prince Jin became the Crown Prince, Zhang Qianwei was promoted to Gentleman of the Yellow Gate and the Crown Prince's Attendant. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, Zhang Qianwei was appointed as an official of the Imperial Secretariat and the Yitong Sanqi. Due to his previous service in Prince Jin's residence, he was also granted the title of Kaifu. He was then promoted to Master of the Ceremonies, accompanying Emperor Yang to Jiangdu as he traveled, where he served as the acting governor and efficiently managed government affairs, earning accolades for his adept management of affairs.
Once, Zhang Qianwei saw an abandoned package on the road and, worried that the owner might be in a hurry, asked his subordinates to carry the package away. A few days later, the owner sought him out, and Zhang Qianwei returned the package to its owner intact. When the Governor of Huainan, Yang Lin, brought more than ten people to pay their respects to Emperor Yang Guang, Emperor Yang Guang asked Zhang Qianwei, "Who is the person standing in the front?" Zhang Qianwei carefully examined and replied, "It is the Governor of Huainan, Yang Lin." Emperor Yang Guang said, "You are a great official, yet you don’t recognize the person here to pay their respects. What’s going on?" Zhang Qianwei replied, "I do know Yang Lin, but I was afraid of mistaking the person, so I did not dare to answer easily. Just like Shi Jian counting a horse's legs, that is being extremely cautious!" Emperor Yang Guang highly admired his careful and meticulous nature. He was known for his integrity and caution, which were his style.
At that time, Emperor Yang Guang often toured, and the people were exhausted. Zhang Qianwei submitted a letter of admonition. Emperor Yang Guang was quite displeased and subsequently distanced himself from Zhang Qianwei. Not long after, Zhang Qianwei died. He had a son named Zhang Shuang, who later served as the magistrate of Lanling County.
Zhang Qianwei's younger brother, Zhang Qianxiong, was also quite skilled. When Prince Xiao of Qin, Yang Jun, served as the governor of Qinzhou, he recruited him as a judicial officer. Once, Prince Xiao of Qin personally interrogated prisoners. Zhang Qianxiong, in a moment of oversight, did not bring the case files, but he recounted the entire situation from memory to over a hundred people, and his colleagues were very impressed. Later, he served as the magistrate of Shouchun and Yangcheng counties, achieving notable success in both.
Rong Pi, with the courtesy name Zichen, was from Wuzhong in modern-day Beijing. His father, Rong Quan, was the Minister of War of the Wei Kingdom. Rong Pi was known for his integrity and sense of responsibility from a young age, was well-educated and well-read. He served in the Northern Zhou dynasty, starting as a secretary for the Prince of Han and later rising to the position of a junior official of the Interior Ministry. During the Kaihuang era of the Sui dynasty, he was promoted several times and eventually rose to the position of Palace Supervisor.
At that time, there were many thieves in Huayin County, and it was necessary to select outstanding officials to govern. Yang Su recommended Rong Pi as the Chancellor of Huazhou, and everyone said he was very capable. Yang Su owned many fields and houses in Huayin, and his subordinates often acted with impunity. During one court meeting, Yang Su said to Rong Pi, "I recommended you, actually to punish myself!" Rong Pi replied, "I wholeheartedly enforce the law, and I fear letting down your trust." Yang Su smiled and said, "I was just joking earlier. Your strict law enforcement is exactly what I want to see."
At that time, the Prince of Jin was in Yangzhou, often sending people to secretly inquire about the news in the capital. He sent Zhang Heng to set up stables everywhere on the road, saying it was for horse breeding, but in reality, it was for his personal benefit. All the states and counties dared not to oppose him; only Rong Pi decisively stopped this matter. Emperor Wen of Sui was very pleased to hear about it, rewarded him with a hundred rolls of silk, and promoted him to 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 fled back to Guanzhong. Changshi Gao Yiming said to Rong Pi, "Hedong is an important strategic location, the eastern gateway of the realm. If Hedong is lost, the consequences would be unimaginable. Although the people in the city are in panic, not everyone is rebelling. As long as we capture and kill a dozen or so leaders of the rebellion, the rebellion can be quelled." Rong Pi concurred with his advice. Gao Yiming rode out to pursue Qiu He to discuss countermeasures together. Unfortunately, he was killed by the rebels at the west gate of the city, and Rong Pi was subsequently captured.
After Han Wang Liang was pacified, Rong Pi was appointed as the Imperial Attendant. The Emperor said to him, "I am appointing you today because of your handling of the horse stable incident. Do not stray from your principles." The Emperor also respected him greatly. Rong Pi was upright and incorruptible in the court, earning the respect and fear of all the officials. Later, due to his mother's passing, he resigned his post to fulfill his mourning duties at home. Over a year later, he was reinstated, but soon passed away, and he was posthumously honored with the title of Honglu Shaoqing.
Brother Jianxu, this person has a particularly straightforward character and is very knowledgeable. He became a junior official and a teacher in the Zhou Dynasty, holding a significant official position. After pacifying the Qi state, he was left to defend the city of Ye and even authored a 30-volume "Qi Chronicle." Jianxu knew Gaozu (Yang Jian) before, and later became a chancellor; his rank rose even higher, and he was granted the title of Duke. He ultimately became the governor of Xizhou.
When he was preparing to take office, Gaozu was secretly plotting to usurp the throne, so he said to Jianxu, "Don't rush to leave; let's make a fortune together." Jianxu, thinking of himself as a minister of the Zhou Dynasty, immediately expressed his disapproval, saying, "I’ve never heard of such a thing." Gaozu was displeased by this, and Jianxu left.
During the Kaihuang era, Jianxu went to the capital to pay his respects to the Emperor, and Yang Jian asked him, "Do you regret it?" Jianxu quickly bowed and said, "My status is not as high as Xu Guang's, and my thoughts align with those of Yang Biao." Yang Jian laughed and said, "While I may not fully grasp these elegant words, I know you're challenging me!" Later, Jianxu became the governor of Shizhou and Hongzhou, and he excelled in both roles.
Lu Zhiming, with the courtesy name Zhongtong, was from Fuchun in Wu County. His father, Lu Ao, once served as the Cavalier Attendant during the Chen Dynasty. Lu Zhiming loved learning from a young age, had extensive knowledge, was upright and uncompromising. He initially served as a military officer under the Chen royal family and later became a scholar and later a prison official. He returned to his hometown after the fall of the Chen Dynasty.
At this time, Gao Zhihui and his followers stirred up trouble in Jiangzuo, while Prince Jin, Yang Guang, was stationed in Jiangdu. He recognized Lu Zhiming's influence in the Sanwu region and summoned him to persuade the rebel army to surrender. Lu Zhiming successfully persuaded seventeen cities to surrender, capturing more than three hundred rebel leaders such as Chen Zhengxu and Xiao Sixing. For this great achievement, he was appointed as Yitong San Si, granted land and property, and his brother Lu Ke was appointed as the magistrate of Jianyang. Lu Zhiming doubted his brother Lu Ke's ability to govern even a hundred miles, so he petitioned the court to rescind the appointment, which was agreed upon by the court.
After the country was unified, Lu Zhiming persuaded the founding emperor, Yang Jian, to move the capital to Luoyang, and wrote a piece titled "Taiping Song" to convey his ideas. After several years without being granted any significant position, he personally went to the court to request a mission to Goguryeo. In his memorial, he said, "I have heard that a wise ruler gathers talent from all corners of the realm, and even commoners with talent are valued. I hope Your Majesty can take a moment to consider my request. Your Majesty reigns in an era of peace and unity, with only the small nation of Goguryeo still posing a threat to the great Sui. You are known for your compassion and reluctance to harm the innocent, preferring to use virtue to influence them. I respectfully request Your Majesty to send me to Goguryeo to proclaim your benevolence, so that their rulers and subjects may come to pay their respects." The emperor was very impressed by this memorial.
One year later, Lu Zhiming was appointed as the governor of Puning Town. Many people praised his integrity, so he was called to serve in the Imperial Censorate. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, he appointed him as the Imperial Censor for Document Compilation. He was upright and incorruptible, earning the fear and respect of all officials, and Emperor Yang of Sui also highly valued him. Later, he was dismissed from office due to certain issues, but was reinstated a year later. At that time, Prince Qi Yang Jian was known for his arrogance and unruliness, surrounding himself with unscrupulous individuals. Lu Zhiming filed a memorial accusing him, which led to Yang Jian's punishment, which instilled fear among all the officials in court. During the Liaodong campaign, he served as the envoy for surrender negotiations from Donglai, and ultimately died while on military campaign at the age of sixty-seven, having been posthumously granted the title of Grand Master of the Imperial Censorate.
Fang Yanqian, whose courtesy name was Xiaochong, hailed from Qinghe as his ancestral home. Seven generations back, his ancestors held the position of chief clerk in the State of Yan, and later migrated to the State of Qi with the Murong clan, and have remained there ever since. His family has long been regarded as prestigious. His great-grandfather Fashou was the Governor of Qingzhou and Jizhou in the State of Wei, and was also granted the title of Marquis of Zhuangwu. His grandfather served as the Prefect of Qi commandery, while his great-uncle served as Prefect of Pingyuan commandery. His father, Xiong, began his career as a county registrar, later serving as the Prefect of Qinghe and Guangchuan commanderies.
Fang Yanqian lost his father when he was very young and never knew what his father looked like. He was raised by his mother and older brother. His older brother, Yanxun, was known for his integrity and wisdom. Seeing Fang Yanqian's intelligence, he took a particular liking to him and personally taught him how to read. At the age of seven, he could already recite tens of thousands of characters from texts, and the clan members regarded him as exceptionally gifted. At the age of fifteen, he showed greater filial piety towards his stepmother than he did towards his biological mother, and his stepmother was deeply touched and treated him with great kindness. Later, when his stepmother passed away, he refrained from eating for five days, subsisting only on water. He also served his uncle, the Prefect of Leling, with unwavering dedication, always being the last to enjoy the seasonal fruits. Whenever there was a funeral in the family, he strictly adhered to a vegetarian diet as a sign of his filial piety, and the clan members looked up to him as a role model. Later, he studied under the scholar Yin Lin, dedicating himself to mastering the Five Classics. He excelled in writing, calligraphy, and oratory, exuding an air of elegance.
At the age of eighteen, when Prince Xiaoheng of Guangning was appointed Inspector of Qizhou, he recruited Fang Yanqian as his registrar. At that time, the laws were rather lax, and the officials in the state were also lax in their duties. However, after Fang Yanqian took office, he strictly followed the laws, governed with honesty and integrity, and maintained order in the state, earning the respect of all. Later, when the Zhou army invaded Ye City, forcing the Emperor of Qi to flee east, Fang Yanqian was appointed as the magistrate of Qizhou. Seeing the downfall of the country, he was deeply saddened and sought to rally loyal and righteous men to devise a secret plan to restore the court, but ultimately failed. After the fall of the Qi state, he returned to his homeland. Emperor Wu of the Zhou dynasty appointed Xin Zun, a pillar of the state, as the Inspector of Qizhou. Xin Zun was captured by the rebel army's leader, accompanied by soldiers brandishing swords. Fang Yanqian penned a letter urging those soldiers, and they felt both ashamed and fearful, so they released Xin Zun and sent him back to the state. The other rebel soldiers soon followed suit and surrendered. Later, after Emperor Yang Jian declared himself emperor, Fang Yanqian led a reclusive life, vowing never to take up public office again.
In the seventh year of the Kaihuang reign, Wei Yi, the governor, strongly recommended him, and he had no choice but to accept. Upon meeting him, Lu Kai, the Minister of Personnel, recognized his potential and promoted him to the position of Attendant. Shortly thereafter, he was elevated to the rank of Imperial Censor. Later, following Chen Ping, he was tasked with pacifying ten provinces, including Quanzhou and Kuazhou. Due to his effective implementation of the orders, the emperor rewarded him with one hundred bolts of cloth, one hundred measures of rice, a complete outfit, and seven servants. He was subsequently promoted to the position of Chief Recorder of Qinzhou.
Once during a court session, Left Minister Gao Feng was evaluating the performance of officials. Yan Qian said to Gao Feng, "It is said that officials' performance should be evaluated every three years, and based on their performance, they should be promoted or demoted. This system has existed since the times of Yao and Shun in ancient China. Evaluations for promotions should be fair, with rewards and punishments being appropriate, so that only the deserving are promoted while the unworthy are demoted. If there are inconsistencies in the evaluations, then this system becomes meaningless. Recently, I have seen the evaluation results from various states, and the standards are inconsistent, with varying numbers of promotions and demotions. Not to mention, some evaluations are influenced by personal biases, leading to unfair results. Honest and upright individuals may not necessarily receive high praise, while those who flatter and play politics well may receive high praise. This leads to the blurring of right and wrong, and the high-ranking officials fail to conduct careful evaluations. Those accustomed to leveraging their influence often gain praise through flattery, while those who have not worked in the central government are considered unqualified and demoted. Furthermore, the vast distances between regions make it difficult to understand the situation in detail, leading to decisions based solely on the number of officials, with half being deemed qualified and half unqualified. Only counting the quantity of officials, without considering their quality, makes it impossible to achieve fairness and justice. Your Excellency possesses keen insight and fairness, so there will definitely be no bias in this evaluation. However, if these issues continue, I wonder how they will be addressed? I hope that you will gather information broadly, conduct thorough investigations, reward even the smallest acts of kindness, and penalize minor wrongdoings. This will not only demonstrate wise rule but also better reward the talented." Yan Qian spoke with a firm tone, and onlookers watched him. Gao Feng was touched by his words and greatly appreciated them. He then inquired in detail about the performance of officials in Hexi and Longyou, and Yan Qian responded fluently. Gao Feng told the governors and other officials from different states, "Talking to you is not as good as talking to the Chief Official of Qinzhou (Yan Qian) alone." A few days later, Gao Feng reported this matter to the emperor, but the emperor chose not to adopt his suggestions.
Yan Qian, whose term had expired, was transferred to Changge County as the county magistrate. He governed the local area very effectively, and the people all called him a kind father. During the Renshou period, the emperor sent envoys to inspect the prefectures and counties, evaluate the performance of local officials, and concluded that Yan Qian was the best in the realm, so he was promoted to be the Sima of Yezhou. The people cried and said to each other, "Prefect Fang is leaving, what will we do!" Later, the people missed him and set up a monument to honor his virtues. Ye Prefecture had not had a prefect for a long time, and all the affairs of the prefecture were handled by Yan Qian, who achieved many political accomplishments.
Xue Daoheng, a famous literary giant at the time, held a high-ranking official position and had a good reputation, knowing all the famous talents in the country. He had a particularly good relationship with Wang Yanqian and respected him greatly. Later, Xue Daoheng became the general manager of Xiangzhou, and he and Wang Yanqian often exchanged letters and met up frequently. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended to the throne, Xue Daoheng was transferred to Fanzhou as the governor. Passing by Wang Yanqian's place, he lingered for a few extra days, and when they parted, they both cried like babies. Huangmen Shilang Zhang Heng also had a good relationship with Wang Yanqian.
At that time, Emperor Yang of Sui was building the Eastern Capital, an extravagance that drained all manpower and resources, causing disappointment among the people nationwide. In addition, Prince Han rebelled, dragging many people into trouble. Wang Yanqian saw that Zhang Heng, who was powerful at the time, failed to prevent these misfortunes, so he penned a letter to him, expressing his thoughts:
I heard that rewards are given to encourage good deeds, and punishments are given to discipline bad deeds. Therefore, people of low status are sure to receive rewards as long as they do good deeds; people of high status are sure to be punished for their wrongdoings. Punishments for relatives are never overlooked to avoid suspicion, and rewards for those of low status are never overlooked because of favoritism. Now, all provincial governors are tasked with governing their regions, and their good and bad deeds will be reported to the court. They fear the court's rules and dare not be negligent. The country carries the will of heaven, is the parent of the people, and the fairness of rewards and punishments is acknowledged by heaven. Heaven is always watching over us, so we must remain vigilant. Therefore, King Wen said, "I will continually respect the majesty of heaven, day and night." In this way, although there are differences between the states and counties, with disparities in status, the concern for the people, diligent law enforcement, and underlying principles remain consistent.
As for the rebellion in Bingzhou, it needs to be carefully investigated. If Yang Liang really raised troops and purchased horses out of concern for the safety of the state and the people, due to miscommunication regarding the imperial decree, instead of plotting treason, then his true intentions should be investigated before deciding on his punishment. This will align with the Emperor's merciful intentions and dispel doubts among the people. If it is found that there is peace both internally and externally, and he is causing chaos and plotting treason after inheriting the throne, attempting to usurp power, then he should be punished like Guan Shu and Cai Shu, who faced severe consequences for their treachery, to demonstrate that wrongdoing will face consequences. He should be executed publicly, and his entire family should face punishment, as this is a common penalty in the country. There may be some who were not truly conspiring, lacked the power to protect themselves, or were coerced into the rebellion, resulting in the destruction of their families and causing them to become refugees, which could lead to wrongful accusations. Can the vast expanse of heaven really overlook their plight? If there are doubts about their guilt, leniency should be considered. This principle is well-known. In the past, Shu Xiang was praised for sentencing a prisoner to death, while Emperor Wen of Han praised those who showed mercy to offenders. Yang Shen and Ting Wei did not act out of dislike for his brother or intent to disobey the king's orders, but simply because they were committed to upholding the law fairly.
Furthermore, the supreme status of a sage, known as sacred authority, cannot be easily obtained without it being granted by the mandate of heaven. Therefore, the bravery of Chiyou and Xiang Yu, the power of Yi Yin and Huo Guang, the talent of Li Kui and Confucius, the military strategies of Jiang Taigong and Sun Wu, the strong cities of Wu and Chu, and the power held by Lu Hou and Empress Dowager Dou, if not ordained by the will of heaven, none of them would ultimately obtain the position of emperor. Moreover, Yang Liang is merely a minor official who has gathered a ragtag group of misfits; he is ignorant, and those villains are cruel and brutal, yet they dare to attack the capital, foolishly dreaming of achieving the impossible! Since the beginning of time, the histories have recorded the footprints of emperors, which can be thoroughly examined. Who can earn the people's support and heaven's blessings without accumulating virtue and doing good deeds? Therefore, the wise rulers of ancient times would rise at dawn, govern diligently, love the people, always remember their responsibilities, and be vigilant against pride and complacency. As for later rulers who indulged in luxury, showed no fear, oppressed the people at will, and were consumed by pleasure, there are too many to list; I can only briefly mention a few.
Speaking of the states of Qi and Chen, both held high positions, believing their virtues were in harmony with heaven and earth, shining as brightly as the sun and moon, completely ignoring dangers and neglecting governance. Their trusted ministers were favored, only speaking good while concealing the bad; the historians distorted facts, covering up weaknesses and only recording strengths. As a result, the common people's grievances were silenced, and the voices of the common people were ultimately suppressed. The court officials were merely figureheads, surrounded by flattery and sycophants. Although the laws were strict, the number of punishments increased, forced labor became increasingly frequent and burdensome, and the common people, both young and old, were left utterly exhausted.
In the past, Zheng had Zi Chan, Qi had Yan Ying, Chu had Shu Ao, and Jin had Shi Hui. Even these small states had such outstanding ministers. Qi and Chen are both vast in territory, so how could there be no talented individuals to assist them? It is just because the rulers are foolish and shortsighted, only caring about personal gain, forgetting about the safety of the country. They appear to work together, but in reality, they are suspicious of one another. If there were upright and courageous talents, they are marginalized and suppressed; if they encountered flatterers, even if their behavior was despicable, they would be promoted as long as it served their interests. How could talents be found using such methods? Talents do not necessarily need outstanding martial skills or literary talents; they just need to be upright, selfless, and uphold the right path, supporting the state like beams support a roof, and the body like bones support a frame. These are the so-called pillars of talent. Qi and Chen do not use these talents, instead trusting flatterers. The heavens can no longer tolerate their excesses, so they eventually took back their rule, returning it to our great Sui.
If these two countries can fear the heavens, care for the people, appoint upright talents, discard frivolous decorations, be humble, and prioritize compassion, then even if the Hebei region thrives and the waterways are perilous, they can each protect their own territory, and the people will not rebel. The country will be as stable as Mount Tai. However, they are indulging in pleasure, sleeping on a pile of kindling, drinking poison to satisfy their thirst, which leads to ruin and regret. The ancient poem says, "The Yin did not lose their teachers, and they were able to match the gods. We should take heed from the Yin, for fortune is not easily won." When dealing with matters of state, every matter deserves careful consideration!
Your Majesty, you are renowned for your benevolence and filial piety, with great achievements and virtues. The people are eagerly awaiting your grace. Your governance of the Huaihai region has been outstanding, with achievements that are constantly improving, and everyone supports you. Although your time in office has been short, your kindness and generosity have spread throughout the world, bringing great joy to the common people. The rebellion in Bianzhou happened too suddenly, all because Yang Liang deceived and misled the people, not because the people harbored resentment towards the court and willingly joined the rebels. However, those officials and generals claimed that many people wanted to rebel, not only wrongfully accusing innocent people but also possibly affecting Your Majesty's wise decisions. You have always been trusted by the emperor and played a significant role in the court. Since your time at the mansion, you have been highly valued and are a pillar of the court. You were supposed to be famous for generations to come, like the wise ministers Jizi, Qi, Yi, and Lv, so what can they compare to you? Since you are in a prosperous era, you should have the courage to speak frankly and establish principles for both the present and future. How can you flout the law to please the emperor and allow those who were coerced into participating in the rebellion to be punished as well? I humbly express these heartfelt thoughts as an ordinary villager with limited understanding. If I have said anything wrong, I hope you will not take offense.
Upon receiving the letter, Heng sighed deeply but felt too intimidated to present it to the court. Yanqian knew that the court's discipline was deteriorating, so he resigned and retired, planning to build a residence at the foot of Mount Meng to seek inner peace. Later, the court established the position of Sili official and recruited renowned individuals from all over the world. The court believed that Yanqian was upright and honest, deeply loved by the people, so they appointed him as the Sili Inspector. Yanqian courageously took on the responsibility of restoring order, recommending only morally upright individuals as models. Even when he accused someone, they bore no grievances. The deputy Sili, Liu Yi, was arrogant and domineering, considering himself to be exceptionally upright. The inspectors were afraid of him and treated him with excessive deference. Only Yanqian remained steadfast in his principles, treating Liu Yi with indifference, earning praise from many discerning individuals.
Liu Yan did not dare to act against Yan Qian. In the ninth year of Daye, Yan Qian followed the emperor across the Liao River and oversaw military operations in Fuyu. Subsequently, the political landscape of the Sui Dynasty grew increasingly tumultuous, with the court being corrupt and many people betraying and defecting. Yan Qian, however, always adhered to his principles, standing alone with integrity and not yielding, thus drawing the ire of those in power and being demoted to the magistracy of Jingyang County. Shortly after, Yan Qian passed away in office at the age of sixty-nine.
When Li Yanqian was at home, whenever his nephews came to visit, he always reasoned with them, encouraging them to strive for progress, talking incessantly without tiring. His family had a strong financial foundation, and since he had served as an official before, he devoted his entire salary to supporting relatives and friends, leaving no extra money in the house. His horse, clothing, and possessions were quite modest. From youth to old age, his words and deeds were always upright, never engaged in corruption. Although he frequently faced financial difficulties, he remained content. Once, he leisurely smiled and said to his son Li Xuanling, "While others become rich from holding office, I become poor from it. The only thing I leave for my descendants is a clean reputation."
His writing style was expansive, elegant, and effortlessly graceful, rooted in the rich traditions of ancient literati. He was also skilled in cursive and clerical script, and those who received his letters treasured them as if they were priceless. Wang Shao from Taiyuan, Gao Gou from Beihai, Li Gang from Laoxian, Liu Yu and Xue Ru from Hedong were renowned for their elegance and detachment, and Li Yanqian was friends with them. Although high-ranking officials often came to visit, his home remained tranquil, free from disorderly guests. He was cultured and well-versed in government affairs, and astute observers believed he was destined for greatness.
At the beginning, during the Kaihuang era, after suppressing the Chen Dynasty, the world was united, and everyone believed that a great era of peace was upon us. Li Yanqian privately confided to his relative Zhao Jun Li Shaotong, "The emperor is suspicious and stubborn; he does not accept advice from others. The crown prince is timid, and the princes wield too much power, and the court only enforces harsh and brutal policies, without any leniency in governance. Although the world is stable, I am worried about future turmoil." Li Shaotong did not believe at first, but by the time of the Ren Shou and Da Ye reigns, Li Yanqian's words had all come true. After the unification of the Tang Dynasty, he was posthumously granted the title of governor of Xuzhou and Duke of Linzi County, receiving the posthumous name "Ding."
Historians say: A grand palace isn't built from just one piece of wood; an emperor's achievements aren't the work of a single individual. Each has its purpose, and nothing should be discarded. Individuals like Li E can articulate justice through their writings; some have the ability to fulfill their duties at that time, and their talents and contributions were evident. Many talented figures of the Sui Dynasty were able to forge careers and achieve great success; they were the backbone of the nation, much like the stars surrounding the North Star.
