Gao Feng, also known as Gao Min, claimed to be from Bohai's Liaoxian. His father Gao Bin betrayed the Qi state and defected to the Zhou dynasty, where he was taken in by Grand Marshal Dugu Xin and given the surname Dugu. After Dugu Xin was killed, Gao Bin's family was relocated to Shu. Empress Wenxian often visited their home because Gao Bin used to be her father's subordinate. Gao Bin later served as the governor of Hezhou, and after Gao Feng became successful, he was posthumously honored with the titles of Minister of Rites and Duke of Bohai.
Gao Feng was smart and quick-witted from a young age, with strong leadership skills and a good grasp of history, especially skilled in diplomatic language. When he was seventeen, he was appointed as a secretary by King Xian of the Zhou-Qi. During the reign of Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou, he inherited the title of Count of Wuyang and was appointed as a Senior Officer, later promoted to Junior Officer. Due to his contributions in pacifying the Qi state, he was granted the title of Kaifu. He then followed Prince Yue Yang Su to suppress the rebellion in Xizhou and successfully pacified the rebellion.
When Emperor Yang Jian came to power, he had already heard of Gao Feng's abilities in military strategy and wanted to recruit him into the court. He sent the Duke of Han, Yang Hui, to see if he was interested. Gao Feng happily agreed, saying, "I am willing to serve you like a loyal dog or horse! Even if I fail, I will not fear extermination!" He was then appointed as the recorder of the Ministry of State. At that time, Chief Official Zheng Yi and Marshal Liu Fang were both out of favor with the emperor due to their extravagance, while Emperor Yang Jian held Gao Feng in high regard and entrusted him with significant responsibilities. When Wei Jiong rebelled, Gao Feng's son Wei Dun led eighty thousand troops stationed in Wuzhi. Emperor Yang ordered Wei Xiaokuan to suppress the rebellion, but when the army reached Heyang, no one dared to charge into battle.
Gaozu saw that the generals were divided, so he sent Cui Zhongfang to supervise, but Cui Zhongfang declined, claiming he had to attend to his father in Shandong. At this time, Gao Feng saw that Liu Fang and Zheng Yi showed no intention of leaving, so he volunteered to fight, which pleased Gaozu, and thus Gao Feng was sent. After receiving his orders, Gao Feng immediately set off, asking someone to say goodbye to his mother, saying that one can't be loyal and filial at the same time, and then choked up as he set off. Upon reaching the military camp, he built a bridge over the river, where the rebels had set up large bamboo rafts upstream. Gao Feng had built earthen dams to block them. After crossing the river, he burned the bridge, then engaged the rebels and scored a decisive victory. He then arrived at Ye City and fought with Yu Jiong, and strategized with Yu Wenxin, Li Xun, and others, ultimately quelling Yu Jiong's rebellion. When the army returned victorious, Gao Feng was invited to a palace banquet, and Yang Jian even gave him his imperial tent. Gao Feng was promoted to a key position in the state, renamed the Duke of Yining County, transferred to the post of the Marshal of the Prime Minister's Office, and entrusted with important responsibilities.
After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, he appointed Dugu Xin as the Left Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and also made him an advisor, elevating him to the Duke of Bohai Commandery, outshining all the other ministers in the court. Every time the emperor called him, he would simply say "Dugu," without even using his name, showing how close they were.
Dugu Xin was adept at steering clear of power struggles. He petitioned to resign from his official position and recommended Su Wei as his replacement. The emperor, wanting to honor his request, accepted his resignation as Left Minister. However, a few days later, the emperor said, "Su Wei was already highly esteemed in the previous court. Dugu Xin's recommendation of him shows his ability to recognize talent. I've been told that those who recommend talented individuals will be rewarded. How can we allow him to lose his position over this?" Thus, Dugu Xin was reinstated. Shortly after, the emperor appointed him as the Grand General of the Left Guard, keeping his previous titles.
At that time, the Turks often invaded the border; the emperor dispatched Dugu Xin to the border to defend against foreign invasions. After Dugu Xin returned in triumph, the emperor rewarded him with over a hundred horses, as well as thousands of cattle and sheep. Later, Dugu Xin was appointed as the Grand Supervisor of the New Capital, and many of the new capital's systems were established by him. When Dugu Xin attended court, he often worked under a locust tree north of the court, which was outside the designated row of trees. The authorities wanted to cut it down, but the emperor specifically ordered not to cut it down, and even said that future generations should see this tree to commemorate Dugu Xin, demonstrating the emperor's esteem for him. Later, he was appointed as the Grand General of the Left Leading Army, while he retained his other official positions. When his mother passed away, he resigned from his official duties to fulfill his mourning duties, and twenty days later, the emperor ordered him to resume his duties. Dugu Xin cried and begged the emperor not to do this, but the emperor granted his request and did not allow him to resign.
In the year 582 AD, Changsun Lan, Yuan Jingshan, and their troops attacked the Chen Dynasty, and the emperor appointed Linghu Jing to lead the various armies. Just as Emperor Xuan of Chen passed away, Linghu Jing, out of respect for mourning customs, requested to withdraw the troops and return to the court rather than engage in battle during a time of national mourning. Later, Xiao Yan rebelled, and the emperor ordered Linghu Jing to pacify the people in the Jianghan region and stabilize the situation, which he handled exceptionally well, earning the deep affection of the local people.
The emperor once asked Linghu Jing about the strategy for attacking the Chen Dynasty. Linghu Jing said, "The north is cold and has a late harvest, while the south is hot and rice grows quickly. When they are harvesting, we can send a small force to harass them, deliberately spreading rumors of an impending attack. They will definitely gather their troops to defend, disrupting their farming schedule. Once their troops are gathered, we will withdraw, repeating this several times until they become accustomed to it. At that point, they will hesitate, allowing us to cross the Yangtze River and engage in battle. Our army's morale will soar. Furthermore, the southern land is poor, with houses primarily made of bamboo and thatch. They do not store their goods in cellars. We can secretly send agents to set fire to their supplies on windy days. Once they repair their belongings, we will burn them again. After a few years, their wealth and power will be exhausted." The emperor adopted his strategy, so the Chen Dynasty became increasingly weak.
In the year 589 AD, Prince Yang Guang of Jin launched a large-scale attack on the Chen dynasty and appointed Linghu Jing as Grand Marshal, with all decisions in the army being made by Linghu Jing. After the fall of the Chen dynasty, Prince Yang wanted to take Chen's former main consort Zhang Lihua as a concubine. Linghu Jing said, "After King Wu overthrew the Shang dynasty, he killed Daji. Now that we have pacified the Chen kingdom, we should not take in Zhang Lihua." He then ordered the execution of Zhang Lihua, which displeased Prince Yang greatly. Upon the army's return to the court, due to his meritorious service, Linghu Jing was granted the title of Senior Pillar of State, Duke of Qi, and rewarded with nine thousand pieces of cloth and a land grant of fifteen hundred households. The emperor also specially praised him, saying, "After you attacked the Chen kingdom, some claimed you were plotting a rebellion, but I have already killed those people. We are one in heart and mind, and those who seek to sow discord between us are of no consequence." Linghu Jing wanted to resign, but the emperor issued an edict saying, "You possess vast knowledge and exceptional abilities. You have led troops to victory, pacified the Huaihai region, and earned my deep trust in the court. Since I ascended the throne, you have always assisted me with dedication and loyalty. You are a good helper sent by heaven to help me govern the country, so you don't need to say much." The emperor's rewards and praises for Linghu Jing were so high. Later, the Right Guard General Pang Huang and General Lu Ben, one after another, spoke ill of Gao Feng. The emperor was very angry and demoted them all. The emperor said to Gao Feng, "You are like a mirror, like Dugu Xin, each time it is polished, it will shine brighter and purer." Not long after, the Minister of Works Jiang Ye and the Military Advisor of Chuzhou Li Juncai jointly submitted a memorial, blaming Gao Feng for the ongoing floods and droughts across various regions, and requested the emperor to dismiss him. These two individuals were later punished and expelled because of this. The emperor became increasingly close to Gao Feng, and the emperor's favor towards Gao Feng grew increasingly lavish.
The emperor went to Bingzhou for an inspection, leaving Gao Feng in the capital to guard. After the emperor returned to the capital, he rewarded him with five thousand pieces of silk and a mansion to live in. Gao Feng's wife, He Ba, fell ill, and the emperor's messengers went to visit one after another. The emperor personally went to his house to visit, rewarding him with one million coins, ten thousand pieces of silk, and even giving him a prized steed.
Once, the emperor casually brought up the topic of pacifying the Chen dynasty with Gao Feng and He Ruobi. Gao Feng said, "General He Ruobi first presented ten strategies, and later fought a tough battle at Jiangshan, defeating the enemy. I am just a civil official; how could I possibly compare my achievements to those of General He!" The emperor laughed heartily, and everyone at the time praised Gao Feng for his modesty and courtesy. Soon after, Gao Feng's son Gao Bairen married the crown princess, and the emperor rewarded him with countless gifts.
At that time, the planet Mars entered the Taiwei Palace, affecting the Left Law Star. An astrologer named Liu Hui privately told Gao Feng, "The celestial phenomenon is not favorable to the prime minister; you should focus on self-cultivation to counteract it." Gao Feng felt uneasy and reported Liu Hui's words to the emperor. The emperor rewarded him generously to reassure him. The Turks launched an invasion along the border, and the emperor appointed Gao Feng as the marshal to go to war, where he achieved victory over the enemy. He also led troops into the desert and sent messengers to request reinforcements. Some courtiers seized this opportunity to accuse Gao Feng of treason, but the emperor remained silent, and Gao Feng returned victorious after his triumph over the enemy.
Prince Yong is not favored by the Emperor, who wants to remove him and replace him with another. The Emperor asked Gao Feng, "The Jin Princess said that the gods had sent her a dream, saying that the Prince of Jin will become Emperor in the future. What do you think of this?" Gao Feng knelt and replied, "There is a hierarchy; how could we depose the Crown Prince?" The Emperor fell silent. Empress Dugu knew that Gao Feng was not easy to deal with and secretly wanted to get rid of him. After Gao Feng's wife passed away, the Empress said to the Emperor, "Gao Feng is getting old, and now that his wife has passed away, Your Majesty should find him a new wife!" The Emperor followed the Empress's words and told Gao Feng, who tearfully refused, saying, "I am old, and after morning court I just stay home to recite Buddhist scriptures. Your Majesty, although you are kind to want to find me a wife, this is really not what I want." The Emperor had no choice but to relent. Later, Gao Feng's concubine gave birth to a son, which delighted the Emperor, but displeased the Empress. When asked why, the Empress said, "Do you still trust Gao Feng? You wanted to find him a wife, but he was preoccupied with his concubine and deceived you. Now that his lie has been exposed, how can you still trust him?" Consequently, the Emperor distanced himself from Gao Feng. Later, when they were about to attack Liaodong, Gao Feng strongly opposed it. The Emperor did not listen and appointed Gao Feng as the Chief Military Historian, following the Prince of Han to conquer Liaodong. However, they faced heavy rain, plague, and adverse conditions in battle, so they had to retreat. The Empress told the Emperor, "Gao Feng never wanted to go to war in the first place. I knew he would not succeed." Because the Prince of Han was young, the Emperor entrusted the majority of the army's command to Gao Feng. Gao Feng felt a great sense of responsibility and acted with great integrity, never questioning his abilities. However, many of his suggestions were rejected by the Emperor, leading to significant distress for him.
After returning to the court, the Han King cried to the Empress, "If it weren't for Gao Jiao, I would have almost died." When the Emperor heard about this, he became even more unhappy. Not long after, the Chancellor Wang Shiji was killed for his crimes, and during the investigation, it was discovered that some matters in the palace were related to Gao Jiao. The Emperor was shocked to hear this news and wanted to punish Gao Jiao. At that time, the Chancellor He Ruobi, the Governor of Wuzhou Yu Wenmi, the Minister of Justice Xue Zhou, the Minister of Civil Affairs Hu Luoxiao, the Minister of War Liu Shu, and others all said that Gao Jiao was innocent. This only fueled the Emperor's anger, and he scolded them all. From then on, the courtiers were too afraid to speak. Gao Jiao was ultimately dismissed and sent into retirement.
Not long after, the Emperor went to the residence of Prince Qin Jun and invited Gao Jiao to have a meal together. Gao Jiao was so overcome with grief that he could barely speak, and the Empress also cried, prompting everyone around them to weep as well. The Emperor said to Gao Jiao, "I have not wronged you; you have wronged yourself." Then he said to his attendants, "I have treated Gao Jiao better than my own son. Even though we may not see each other often, I always feel like he is right in front of me. Since he was dismissed, I have completely forgotten him, as if he never existed. One shouldn't gamble their life for the monarch's favor, thinking oneself to be the most important!"
After a period of time, someone reported to the emperor about Wang Qiang's conspiracy, saying, "Wang Qiang's son Wang Biaoren advised him, 'Simazhongda (Sima Yi) pretended to be sick and did not attend court, but in the end, he obtained the world. You are now in a similar situation; maybe it's a good thing!'" Upon hearing this, the emperor flew into a rage and imprisoned Wang Qiang in the Ministry of Internal Affairs for severe interrogation. The interrogators also uncovered more about Wang Qiang, saying, "Monk Zhenjue once said to Wang Qiang, 'Next year, the country will face a great calamity.' Nun Linghui also said, 'In the seventeenth and eighteenth years, the emperor will encounter great troubles. The nineteenth year will not pass.'" Upon hearing this, the emperor became even angrier and turned to the ministers, saying, "How can the fate of an emperor be forced! Great saints like Confucius, who established rituals and laws to educate the world, did they not desire the highest power? But fate is difficult to defy! Wang Qiang and his son's remarks liken themselves to Jin Wudi Sima Yan; what are their intentions?" Some suggested executing Wang Qiang. The emperor said, "Last year, Yu Qingze was killed; this year, Wang Shiji was killed. If Wang Qiang is killed again, what will the people think of me?" Therefore, Wang Qiang was removed from his official position and permitted to go home and live as an ordinary citizen. When Wang Qiang was a subordinate official, his mother warned him, "You only have one head, so you must be cautious!" Wang Qiang had been worried about getting into trouble. But this time, he felt relieved and bore no resentment, because he felt that he had escaped a disaster.
After Yang Guang became emperor, he appointed Wang Jiong as the Minister of Rites. At that time, the court ordered the collection of musicians from the Zhou and Qi dynasties, as well as scattered musicians from all over the country. Wang Jiong submitted a memorial saying, "These musical instruments and tunes have long been abandoned. Now forcibly summoning them, I'm concerned that those unfamiliar with music theory will focus on trivial matters and teach each other some irregular things." Yang Guang was displeased. At that time, Yang Guang was extremely extravagant and wasteful, indulging in lavish pleasures while also launching the construction of the Great Wall. Wang Jiong was very worried about this and told the Minister of Ceremonies, Li Yi, "King You of Zhou perished due to indulging in pleasures; the lessons from the Yin and Shang dynasties are clear before us. How can we repeat the same mistakes?" At that time, Yang Guang treated the Turkic Khagan very generously. Wang Jiong told the Minister of Works, He Chou, "This Turkic person understands the reality of China and the dangers of its mountains and rivers; he could pose a future threat." He also told Guan Wang Xiong, "Recently, the court has no rules at all." Someone reported these words to Yang Guang, who believed Wang Jiong was slandering the court, so he decreed his death, and his sons were all exiled to the border.
Gao Feng was truly talented, proficient in both civil and military affairs, and had a clear understanding of the current situation. Since he became a high official, he devoted himself to the country, actively recommending upright and talented individuals, carrying the weight of all major national affairs on his shoulders. Su Wei, Yang Su, He Ruobi, and Han Qinhu were all recommended and promoted by him, each playing important roles; he was truly an outstanding minister! The merits he established for the country are countless. Having served in the court for nearly twenty years, everyone respected him, and no one opposed him. The country enjoyed peace and prosperity, largely due to Gao Feng's contributions; everyone thought he was a true prime minister. Unfortunately, he was later assassinated, and the entire nation deeply regretted it; even today, many people still feel a sense of injustice on his behalf! He personally destroyed his ingenious strategies and governance policies, leaving future generations unaware of them.
His son Gao Shengdao became the Governor of Juzhou, later transferred to Liucheng, where he died. Another son, Gao Hongde, was titled Duke of Yingguo and served as a scribe in the Prince of Jin's residence. There was also a son named Gao Biaoren, who was titled Duke of Bohai County and later transferred to Shu County.
Su Wei, styled Wuxi, was from Wugong in Jingzhao. His father, Su Chuo, was the Minister of Revenue of Northern Wei. Su Wei was very filial from a young age. When his father passed away when he was five years old, he grieved deeply like an adult. During the reign of Emperor Zhou, he inherited the title of Duke of Meiyang County and served as a magistrate in the county. Grand Chancellor Yuwen Hu took a great liking to him and married his daughter, Princess Xinxing, to him. Later, fearing the power of Yuwen Hu, he fled to the mountains to avoid disaster. His uncle forced him to come out, and he eventually could not escape. However, in the temple in the mountains, he spent his time reading. Before long, he was appointed as General-in-Chief, Chariot and Cavalry General, and Yitong Sansi, and was also granted the title Duke of Huaidao County. After Emperor Wu took over the government, he appointed Su Wei as Senior Minister of the Household. He declined these official positions due to illness.
His cousin married a man from Henan named Yuan Xiong. Yuan Xiong had a feud with the Turks before, and when the Turks came to pay tribute, they demanded to take Yuan Xiong and his wife, planning to kill them. The Zhou dynasty had initially planned to send them. Su Wei said, "The barbarians only recognize money; we can use wealth to persuade them." So he sold his land and houses, exhausted his family's entire wealth to rescue Yuan Xiong, and everyone praised him for his righteousness. After Emperor Xuan ascended to the throne, Su Wei was appointed as the Director of the Palace.
When Emperor Gaozu served as chancellor, Gao Jiong praised Su Wei's talent many times. Emperor Gaozu also held Su Wei's reputation in high regard and summoned him. Once Su Wei arrived, Emperor Gaozu took him into his private chambers and they talked for a long time, very pleased. About a month later, Su Wei heard the news of the abdication of the throne in favor of Emperor Gaozu and secretly returned to his hometown to take up farming. Gao Jiong suggested that they retrieve Su Wei, but Emperor Gaozu replied, "He doesn't wish to be involved in my matters, so let it be." After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, he summoned Su Wei to serve as the Crown Prince's guardian. Su Wei's father was posthumously named Duke of Pi State with a fief of three thousand households, enabling Su Wei to inherit the title. Not long after, Su Wei also took on the roles of counselor and Minister of Civil Affairs. Su Wei submitted a memorial to decline, but the emperor issued a decree, "A large ship can carry heavy loads, and a good horse can run far. You, Su Wei, possess the capability to hold multiple positions, so do not refuse." Su Wei then accepted.
Su Wei's father, during the Western Wei Dynasty, established a series of tax decrees due to the empty national treasury, leading to increased tax burdens. Later, he sighed and said, "What I am doing now is akin to drawing a taut bow, not the approach suitable for a time of peace and prosperity. Who in the future can relax it?" Su Wei took these words from his father as his own responsibility. When Su Wei became an official, he petitioned to reduce taxes and corvée, seeking to implement more lenient policies, which the emperor agreed to. Su Wei gradually gained the emperor's trust and was entrusted with significant responsibilities in government affairs alongside Gao Feng. Su Wei saw the silver hooks used in the palace curtains and extolled the virtues of frugality to the emperor. The emperor shifted his stance upon hearing Su Wei's arguments and ordered the destruction of those old gold and silver decorations. Once, the emperor was furious and sought to execute a man. Su Wei went to the palace to dissuade him, but the emperor was unyielding. The emperor was very angry and wanted to go out and kill the man himself. Su Wei stood in front of him and blocked the emperor from passing. The emperor tried to bypass him, but Su Wei stopped him again. The emperor reluctantly returned to the palace. After a while, the emperor summoned Su Wei to express his apologies, saying, "If you can do this, then I have nothing to worry about." He rewarded Su Wei with two horses and more than a hundred thousand coins. Shortly after, Su Wei simultaneously held the titles of Dali Qing, Jingzhao Yin, and Imperial Historiographer, while retaining his previous official titles.
The Imperial Secretary Liang Pi accused Su Wei of holding five posts at the same time and being overwhelmed with work, yet not recommending talented individuals to replace himself. The Emperor said, "Su Wei works diligently every day with great ambition. Even if he falls short in recommending talent, why the rush to pressure him?" The Emperor also told Su Wei, "You work when I need you, and you rest when I don’t. Only you and I can achieve this." The Emperor further stated to the court officials, "If Su Wei doesn't cross my path, he has no opportunity to showcase his talents. If I do not meet Su Wei, how can I achieve my ideals? Although Yang Su is talented and eloquent, he does not compare to Su Wei in understanding history and assisting in spreading education. If Su Wei lived in turbulent times, like the Four Sages of Mount Nan, how could he ever be easily subdued?" The Emperor's high regard for Su Wei was evident.
Before long, he was promoted to Minister of Justice, stepping down from his roles as Grand Guardian and Chief Imperial Secretary. Later, the position of Intendant of Jingzhao was abolished, and he was appointed as the Attendant of Yongzhou. At that time, Gao Feng and Li Gang worked together to assist in state affairs. After several years of reforms, people said the country was well governed.
Soon he was promoted to Minister of Civil Affairs, still speaking openly and offering advice. When several counties in Shandong suffered from famine, the Emperor tasked Li Gang with providing relief to the people. Two years later, he was promoted to Minister of Personnel. A year later, he took on the role of Chief of the National University. After the Sui Dynasty experienced war, the country’s laws were a mess. The Emperor instructed the court officials to revise the old laws and put together a new legal code. Li Gang was behind many of the laws, and later generations viewed him as highly capable.
Nine years later, he was appointed as the Right Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. That year, due to his mother's passing, he resigned from his official position, deeply grieving. The Emperor issued a decree stating, "Your character is noble, and I have a profound affection for you. I understand your filial piety, but you must control your grief and prioritize your health for the sake of the country. To you, I am both a monarch and a father, so you should obey my orders and take care of yourself." Not long after, the Emperor attempted to appoint him once more, but he firmly declined, despite the Emperor's repeated decrees.
The following year, the Emperor went to inspect Bingzhou and ordered him and Gao Feng to oversee the defense of the capital. Soon after, he was summoned to the Emperor's palace to address the people's legal cases.
When Su Wei was young, he was famous throughout the country, drawing numerous guests and talented individuals from across the nation. Later, due to a disagreement with the National Scholar He Tuo over a joyful matter, Su Wei and He Tuo discussed the issue together, and the majority of court officials supported Su Wei. He Tuo, angered, accused Su Wei and others of colluding and engaging in nepotism, claiming that Wang Hong was referred to as "the heir" and Li Tonghe as "the uncle" by the palace officials, and that Su Wei had used improper means to secure official positions for his relatives. In addition, the National Academy wanted to hire Wang Xiaoyi as a scholar, so Su Wei had Lu Kai arrange for Wang Xiaoyi to serve as a military advisor in his household.
The emperor ordered King Xiu of Shu, Yuzhu Guo Yuqingze, and others to investigate the matter, and the investigation confirmed the facts. The emperor asked Su Wei to read the section in "Book of Song: Biography of Xie Hui" about forming cliques and seeking personal gain. Su Wei was terrified, removed his hat, and bowed deeply in apology. The emperor said, "Xie Hui was too late." As a result, Su Wei was stripped of his official position and title, and permitted to retire. Over a hundred notable scholars were implicated due to Su Wei's actions. Not long after, the emperor said, "Su Wei is a person of virtue, just misled by others." So he was reinstated to his former position. Over a year later, he was restored to his position as Duke of Pi and appointed as a minister. When he went to Mount Tai to offer sacrifices, he was dismissed for showing disrespect. Not long after, he was reinstated to his official position. The emperor told the ministers, "People say Su Wei is hypocritical but honest, with his house full of gold, silver, and jewels; this is a rumor. But he has a cruel personality, is not smooth and worldly-wise, and is overly concerned with his reputation. He is happy if things go his way and angry if they don't; this is his biggest flaw." Later, the emperor sent him to inspect Jiangnan, granting him the freedom to act as he saw fit. He went to Kuaiji and only returned after crossing the Five Ridges. At that time, the Turkic khan, Toulun Khan, frequently raided the border, so the emperor sent Su Wei to meet the khan and form an alliance and marriage with him. The khan sent envoys to pay tribute. Due to Su Wei's diligent work, he was promoted to Grand General. In the early years of Renshou, he was appointed as the Right Supervisor of the Ministry of Personnel. When the emperor went to Renshou Palace, he entrusted Su Wei with the responsibility of safeguarding the capital. When the emperor returned, the censor accused Su Wei of failing to manage several matters properly and requested his dismissal. The emperor was very angry and questioned Su Wei. Su Wei apologized, and the emperor chose to overlook it. Later, when the emperor went to Renshou Palace again and fell ill, the crown prince came from the capital to care for him, so the emperor ordered Su Wei to stay in the capital.
After Yang Guang became emperor, he was given the title of Great General. Later, during the battle at the Great Wall, he strongly advised the emperor not to engage in battle, successfully preventing the war. When Gao Feng and He Ruobi were killed, because of his connections to them, he was also dismissed from his post. After over a year, he was appointed as the Governor of Lu Prefecture. Shortly after, he was summoned back to the court to take part in the court's political affairs. Not long after, he was promoted to the Minister of Rites. That year, he followed the emperor to fight against the Tuyuhun and was promoted to Left Guanglu Official. The emperor viewed him as a trusted elder statesman, trusted him more and more, and entrusted him with significant responsibilities. After another year, he became the Minister of Justice and Law. Along with the Left Yiwu General Yu Wenshu, the Yellow Gate Attendant Pei Ju, the Minister of Justice Pei Yun, and the Minister of Interior Affairs Yu Shiji, they shared control over court affairs, and at that time they were called the "Five Nobles."
During the campaign in Liaodong, he maintained his original position while also taking on the role of Left Guard General, with his title promoted to Guanglu Doctor, and he was later granted the title of Duke of Fang. As he aged, he submitted a formal request for retirement, but the emperor refused, allowing him to keep his original post and participate in selecting officials. The following year, he went to Liaodong again and also served as the Right Guard General.
Concerning Yang Xuangan's rebellion, the emperor called Wei Zheng into the tent, looking anxious, and asked Wei Zheng, "This young man Yang Xuangan appears rather shrewd; will he pose a threat to us later on?" Wei Zheng replied, "Truly wise individuals are those who can distinguish right from wrong and predict success or failure. Yang Xuangan is crude and not truly clever; he definitely cannot think that far ahead. I am just worried that he will slowly create chaos." Wei Zheng saw that the common people were exhausted and thinking about rebellion, so he seized this opportunity to gently caution the emperor, but the emperor failed to grasp his point.
Upon returning from the palace to Zhuojun, the emperor ordered Wei Zheng to pacify the Guanzhong area and appointed his grandson, Li Kuan, to serve as his deputy. Wei Zheng's son, the Minister of Rites, Li Kui, had previously been appointed as the ambassador to the Guanzhong area. The three of them went to the Guanzhong area to fulfill their duties, and the people of Guanzhong held them in high regard. Over a year later, the emperor personally wrote a decree saying, "Just like jade, no matter how much cinnabar and purple powder are used, it cannot change its original color because of its pure and lustrous quality; just like a pine tree, no matter how severe the frost and snow, it cannot destroy its elegance due to its noble character. Just like you, Lord Wei—gentle, kind, upright, and unyielding—this is your nature! Lord Fang, you possess broad-mindedness, a warm heart, and extensive knowledge. You have long been a prime minister, familiar with national affairs, a veteran of the late emperor, and one of the oldest officials in the court. You are the pillar of the country, aiding me in governing the realm, abiding by the law, being humble and cautious, and showing respect to others. Just like Xiao He, one of the three heroes of the Han Dynasty, assisted Emperor Hui; during the chaotic period of the Zhou Dynasty, Shao Shi assisted King Cheng. The key to the prosperity of the country lies in attracting talented individuals. Your involvement in politics and support for me is invaluable! Although your current affairs mainly involve political discussions, in the end, you will still need to provide counsel, manage government affairs, and shoulder the court's significant responsibilities. Therefore, I hereby grant you the position of Grand Secretary, with all other benefits remaining unchanged." At that time, Wei Zheng received more respect than any other minister in the court.
Legend has it that Emperor Gaozu was once besieged by the Turks at Yanmen Pass, and the situation was dire. The emperor planned to break through using light cavalry, but Wei Zheng quickly cautioned, "We have enough strength to defend the city. A light cavalry breakthrough is the Turks' strength. Your Majesty is the emperor; how can you take such risks so lightly!" The emperor listened and abandoned the plan for a light cavalry breakthrough. Shortly after, the Turks withdrew their forces.
After arriving in Taiyuan, Wei Zheng once again said to the emperor, "Nowadays, thieves are rampant and the soldiers are exhausted. I hope Your Majesty will return to the capital to strengthen our foundations; this is the best plan for the country in the long run!" The emperor initially agreed, but later listened to the advice of Yuwen Shu and others, and went to the eastern capital of Luoyang. At that time, the country was in turmoil, and Wei Zheng knew that the emperor's mind was made up and couldn't be changed; he was very worried.
One time, the emperor asked the ministers about the thieves. Yuwen Shu said, "There are not many thieves, not worth worrying about." Wei Zheng felt he couldn’t contradict this, so he concealed himself behind a pillar in the hall. The emperor called him out to ask him, and Wei Zheng replied, "I am not in charge of this matter; I don't know the exact number, but I am worried that the influence of the thieves is increasing." The emperor asked, "What does this mean?" Wei Zheng said, "In the future, thieves may occupy Changbai Mountain, and now they are approaching Xingyang and Sishui." The emperor was not happy and sent him away.
On May 5th, all the officials presented gifts, most of which were treasures and playthings. Wei Zheng, however, presented a copy of the "Book of Documents," subtly admonishing the emperor, which only served to infuriate the emperor further. Later, the emperor asked about the expedition to Liaodong. Wei Zheng suggested pardoning some of the thieves first before attacking Goguryeo, which made the emperor even angrier. The Grand Secretary Pei Yun, in line with the emperor's wishes, had a man named Zhang Xingben bring accusations against Wei Zheng, claiming he had abused his power and shown favoritism when selecting officials in Gaoyang, and that he was cowardly and timid when facing the Turks, requesting him to be sent back to the capital. The emperor ordered an investigation into the matter.
After the investigation concluded, the emperor issued an edict saying, "Wei Zheng has a strong personality, likes to be unconventional, plays tricks, seeks fame and fortune, undermines the law, and slanders fellow courtiers. When we went on expeditions before, I sought everyone's opinions and they all expressed their views, but he did not speak frankly and did not respond seriously. Is this how one conveys suggestions? The path of loyalty and respect, he is so weak!" Thus, Wei Zheng was stripped of his official position and sent home to live as a commoner.
One month later, someone reported that Wei Zheng was secretly colluding with the Turks, and the officials of Dali Si questioned Wei Zheng. Wei Zheng stated that he had served as an official for more than thirty years in two dynasties, working diligently but failing to earn the emperor's favor, repeatedly making mistakes and deserving death. The emperor, considering his merits, pardoned him.
Later, when the emperor went to Jiangdu Palace and wanted to use Wei Zheng again, Pei Yun and Yu Shiji advised against it, citing Wei Zheng's old age and frailty, so the emperor stopped the plan.
During Yuwen Huaji's rebellion, he promoted Yang Wei to the position of Grand Commandant and Kaifu Yitong Sansi. After Yuwen Huaji's failure, Yang Wei fled to join Li Mi. Shortly after Li Mi's failure, Yang Wei went to Luoyang, where he was appointed as Shang Zhuguo and Piugong by King Yang Dong. Later, when Wang Shichong usurped the throne, he was appointed as the Grand Preceptor. Yang Wei, seeing himself as a loyal minister of the Sui Dynasty, tried to maintain good relations with local officials wherever he went to navigate the chaos of the times. When Prince Qin of the Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin, pacified Wang Shichong, Yang Wei waited at the Chang'an Gate in Luoyang to see Li Shimin, claiming he was too old and frail to kneel. Li Shimin sent someone to reply to him: "You served as the prime minister of the Sui Dynasty. You failed to stop the chaos in the country, leading to the displacement of the people. You followed Yuwen Huaji and Wang Shichong, bowing to them. Now you claim to be old and sick, so there's no need for you to come see me."
Later, Yang Wei returned to Chang'an and wanted to enter the palace to meet Li Shimin, but was not granted permission. In the end, he passed away at home at the age of 82. Yang Wei led a frugal life and was renowned for his integrity and prudence. Every time there were discussions in the court, he dared to criticize others; even on trivial matters, he stood firm on his opinions. Contemporaries viewed him as lacking the necessary political savvy for a minister. Many of the regulations he established were enforced during his time, but these regulations were seen as overly complex and harsh, lacking simplicity and effectiveness. Towards the end of the Sui Dynasty, there was a surge in conscription, and when it came to merit-based rewards, Yang Wei always tried to understand Li Yuan's intentions and often overlooked those deserving of recognition. At that time, banditry was rampant throughout the land, and when counties reported the banditry figures to the court, he intentionally created obstacles, reducing the number of bandits. Consequently, the court's military expeditions often could not win. As a result, he faced significant criticism. His son was named Yang Kui.
Su Kui, styled Buni, was exceptionally bright and articulate from a young age. By the age of eight, he could recite poetry and classical texts and was skilled in archery. When he was thirteen, he accompanied his father to the Ministry of Personnel to compete in archery against Prince Ande, winning a fine horse. At the age of fourteen, he attended school and engaged in discussions with fellow scholars. His writing was exceptional, earning him widespread praise. As he grew older, he became well-read, particularly excelling in music theory. He was originally named something else, but his father changed it to Su Kui, and many learned individuals believed the name lacked appeal. He initially held a position as a junior official in the Crown Prince’s household. Yang Su held him in high regard and frequently joked, "Yang Su has no son, and Su Kui has no father." Later, he, along with Prince Pei Zheng Yi and National Scholar He Tuo, discussed music theory and inadvertently offended some, resulting in their suggestions being dismissed. He authored fifteen essays on music theory to articulate his ideas. Several years later, he was promoted to a junior official in the Crown Prince’s household, and later advanced to the position of a military cavalry officer.
Toward the end of the Renshou era, the court ordered a nationwide selection of talented individuals skilled in music and ritual. Prince Jin, Yang Zhao, who was the governor of Yongzhou at the time, recommended Su Kui. He and more than fifty others recommended from various states entered the palace to meet the emperor. Emperor Gaozu saw Su Kui and said to his attendants, "Only this person is worthy of the talents I have selected." Therefore, Su Kui was appointed as a companion to Prince Jin. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, Su Kui was promoted to be the Prince's equerry and later became an official responsible for court ceremonies. After his father was implicated in misconduct and dismissed from office, Su Kui also resigned from his official position. He later served as the Minister of Works and the Marshal of the Prince of Yan. During the battles in Liaodong, Su Kui was responsible for palace security and was later appointed as a courtier for his achievements.
At that time, Emperor Yang of Sui was busy waging wars everywhere, and barbarian states were sending tribute one after another. The emperor once casually discussed the position of Minister of Rites with Yu Wenxu, Yu Shiji, and others, saying, "The barbarians have all submitted and come to observe the rituals of the Han people. The position of Minister of Rites requires someone of high prestige. Is there anyone talented, dignified, and capable of receiving guests?" Everyone recommended Su Kui. The emperor agreed, and on that day, he appointed him as the Deputy Minister of Rites. That year, King Qubo of Gaochang came to pay tribute, and the court wanted to marry his daughter to the king. Due to Su Kui's high reputation, he was appointed to oversee the wedding. Later, several counties including Honghua and Yan'an saw a rise in banditry, and Su Kui was ordered to patrol the Guanzhong region. When the Turks besieged Yanmen Pass, Su Kui was responsible for the eastern defenses. He designed and constructed ballista towers, chariots, and animal enclosures, completing them overnight. The emperor was highly pleased with his contributions and promoted him to Grand Master of Deliberation. Later, due to his father's issues, Su Kui was stripped of his title and reduced to the status of a commoner. He also suffered the loss of his mother, and in his excessive grief, he died at the age of forty-nine.
The historian said: The Duke of Qi's hegemony was just beginning, and he was already involved in the planning of national affairs. He and Emperor Gaozu shared an extraordinary rapport, like fish and water, and a connection like wind and clouds. He was upright, assisting the emperor, being in tune with the emperor's thoughts, and heeding the emperor's commands. The Xia Kingdom in the east was pacified, and the southern states were also brought under control. He participated in the planning of military and national affairs, crafting strategies and orchestrating victories from a distance. Emperor Gaozu restored the legacy of Emperor Yu and wanted to implement the benevolent governance of Yao and Shun. The Duke of Qi was as important as a boat and oar, and as essential as salt and plum. As a result, the people enjoyed peace and prosperity, and the officials were united and harmonious. For nearly twenty years, no one spoke ill of him. Unfortunately, Emperor Gaozu decided to depose the crown prince, and the Duke of Qi fell out of favor with the emperor because of his loyalty and integrity. Later, during the reign of Emperor Yang, who was debauched and extravagant, the Duke of Qi was killed for defying the emperor's wishes. Had he been able to avoid these conflicts, he could have ultimately achieved great things. Although he may not be comparable to Yi Yin or Tang of Shang, he would have been on par with Xiao He or Cao Shen. Talents like him are hard to come by; what a shame! Duke of Pi, Zhou Dao, during the tumultuous late Sui Dynasty, upheld his integrity and remained dedicated to his duties. After the establishment of the Sui Dynasty, he was the first to answer the call and served the court with unwavering dedication.
He was held in high esteem by the emperor, enjoying a life of wealth and glory; he held important positions in the court over a span of more than thirty years, making notable contributions to the nation's affairs; he devoted himself wholeheartedly to serving the country, unafraid to take on any challenge. However, although his aspirations were noble and frugal, his outlook was somewhat narrow; he liked people who were similar to him and disliked those who were different from him, which was at odds with the path of righteousness. He lacked flexibility and could not be regarded as a perceptive individual. He served two emperors for more than thirty years; although he was eventually dismissed, he was still praised as a loyal minister by the people. Although he was upright, he struggled to speak frankly and offer advice; when the country fell, his heart remained with the people. I have failed in my duty to assist you, only hearing your words; the fierce winds and resilient grass, yet I did not see anyone like you. The rise and fall of the rites and music system has also been due to the absence of talents like you. Kui's talent and insight are exceptionally keen, his character is noble and deserves commendation; if fate could grant him a few more years of life, it would be enough to make the country more prosperous and developed.
