Hello everyone, I am going to talk about some biographical stories from the biographies in the "Old Book of Tang."
First is volume sixty-seven, which talks about Yu Shiji, Pei Yun, and Pei Ju. These three were prominent figures in the early Tang Dynasty, leaving a significant impact on history. The specifics of what they did are all written in the book, so we won't go into detail here.
Next is volume sixty-eight, which mentions Yu Wenkai, Yan Pi, He Chou, Liu Long, the Huang brothers, and others. Some of these people excelled in architecture, and some held official positions; all of them were important figures who made achievements in their respective fields.
Volume sixty-nine talks about Wang Shao and Yuan Chong. These two individuals, well... their notable achievements are documented in the book.
In volume seventy, we have Yang Xuangan, Li Mi, and Pei Renji. The tale of Yang Xuangan's rebellion is particularly captivating, involving many other people such as Li Zixiong, Zhao Yuanshu, Husi Zheng, Liu Yuanjin, and others, who were prominent figures of the era. Li Mi and Pei Renji were also famous figures in the early Tang Dynasty, and their stories are equally worth savoring.
Volume seventy-one introduces an even greater number of characters, including Liu Hong, Huangfu Dan, Tao Mo, Jing Zhao, You Yuan, Feng Ciming, Zhang Xuduo, Yang Shanhui, Dugu Sheng, Yuan Wendu, Lu Chu, Liu Ziyi, Yao Junsu, Chen Xiaoyi, Zhang Jixun, Song Yun, and others. These are all individuals with stories to tell—loyal ministers, good generals, and various other characters; their life stories are all recorded in the "Old Book of Tang."
Volume seventy-two records some individuals renowned for their filial piety, such as Lu Yanshi, Tian Demao, Xue Jun, Wang Ban, Yang Qing, Guo Jun, Tian Yi, Niu Hui, Liu Shijun, Lang Fanggui, Zhai Pulin, Li Derao, Hua Qiu, Xu Xiaosu, and others. Their actions exemplify the brilliance of traditional Chinese virtues.
Volume 73 focuses on some honest officials, also known as "upright officials." Among them are Liang Yanguang, Fan Shulue, Zhao Gui, Fang Gongyi, Gong Sun Jingmao, Xin Gongyi, Liu Jian, Guo Xuan, Liu Kuang, Wang Jia, Wei Deshen, and many others. Their stories illustrate the spirit of dedication to serving as an official and benefiting the people.
Volume 74, on the other hand, explores the theme of "cruel officials," referring to officials who use forceful methods. Examples include She Di Shiwen, Tian Shi, Yan Rong, Zhao Zhongqing, the brothers Cui Hongdu, Yuan Hongsi, Wang Wentong, and others. Their stories reveal the brutal reality of the darker side of Tang dynasty governance.
Volume 75 is about the "Confucian scholars," featuring esteemed Confucian scholars such as Yuan Shan, Xin Yanzhi, He Tuo, Xiao Gai, Bao Kai, Fang Huiyuan, Ma Guang, Liu Zhuo, Liu Xuan, Chu Hui, Gu Biao, Lu Shida, Zhang Chong, Wang Xiaoji, and many more. They were the leading figures in the academic world at that time, contributing to the cultural development of the Tang dynasty.
Volume 76 showcases the works of literary luminaries such as Liu Zhen, Wang Kui, Cui Wei, Zhuge Ying, Sun Wanshou, Wang Zhen, Yu Chuo, Xin Dade, Wang Zhou, Yu Zizhi, Pan Hui, the brothers Du Zhengxuan, Chang Dezhi, Yin Shi, Liu Shanjing, Zu Junyan, Kong Deshao, Liu Bin, and others. Their works are regarded as treasures of Tang dynasty literature.
Volume 77 is dedicated to "recluses," highlighting literati who embraced a reclusive lifestyle in the mountains. Among them are Li Shiqian, the father and son Cui Kuo, Xu Ze, Zhang Wenxu, and others. They pursued a quiet life far from the clamor of the world.
Finally, there is Volume 78, which is about "Art," featuring some artists, including the father-son duo Yu Jicai, Lu Taiyi, Geng Xun, Wei Ding, Lai He, Xiao Ji, Yang Bouchou, Lin Xiaogong, Liu You, Zhang Zhouxuan, Xu Zhicang, and others. Their works showcase the prosperity of art in the Tang Dynasty. Well, this provides a brief introduction to some of the characters in the "Old Book of Tang," and I hope you enjoy it.
Let's take a look at this book first, which is about historical figures, which includes a section on Liu Bang, the founder of the Han Dynasty, and the Lü family. It also mentions Dugu Luo and his brother Dugu Tuo, as well as Xiao Kui, Xiao Cong, and Xiao Rong, the brother of Xiao Cong.
Next, it discusses some remarkable women, such as Princess Lanling, Princess Nanyang, Princess Xiangcheng's consort, Princess Huayang's consort, Lady Qiao from Qiao State, Zheng Shanguo's mother, Princess Wang Shun, Han Ji's wife, Lu Rang's mother, Liu Chang's daughter, Zhong Shixiong's mother, the filial Tan Shi, Yuan Wuguang's mother, Pei Lun's wife, and Zhao Yuankai's wife.
Then, it talks about the Eastern Yi tribes, including Baekje, Silla, Mohe, Liuqiu, and Wa.
Next is the Nanman, including Linyi, Chitu, Zhenla, and Poli.
The Western Regions include numerous countries such as Tuyuhun, Dangxiang, Gaochang, Kangguo, Anguo, Shiguo, Nvguo, Yanqi, Kucha, Shule, Yutian, Yahan, Tuhuoluo, Yida, Miguo, Shiguo, Caoguo, Heguo, Wunaho, Mugu, Persia, Caoguo, and Fuguo.
Lastly, it records several important figures, such as Yuwen Huaji and his brother Yuwen Huazhi, as well as Sima Dekan, Pei Qiantong, Wang Chong, and Duan Da.
