Wang Shao, styled Zixiang, claimed to be a native of Jinyang in Taiyuan, having lived in Jingzhao for generations. His grandfather Wang Xie served as the Governor of Yuanzhou, and his father Wang Liang passed away early. From a young age, Wang Shao was known for his uprightness and generosity, and he especially liked to explore unusual and extraordinary tales. Everyone who knew him recognized he was exceptional. During the Zhou Dynasty, he rose through military ranks to become the General of Chariots and Cavalry and concurrently served as Minister of Works. Later, he was reassigned as Military Supervisor. After Emperor Wu captured Jinzhou and planned to return to the capital, Wang Shao advised him, saying, "The state of Qi has lost its discipline for many generations. Heaven intends to bless the royal family. If we win this battle, we can seize control. In addition, the Emperor of Qi is incompetent, and the common people are anxious. The downfall of Qi is imminent. Your Majesty, if you wish to withdraw and leave, pardon my frankness, I really do not understand your thoughts. I hope Your Majesty will consider it carefully." Emperor Wu was very pleased and rewarded him with a hundred rolls of silk. After pacifying the state of Qi, he was appointed as Kaifu and made Duke of Jinyang County, with a fief consisting of five hundred households, and was also rewarded with thousands of livestock. He was later promoted to Grand Master of Records. After Emperor Xuan ascended the throne, he appointed Wang Shao as the Governor of Fengzhou and changed his title to Duke of Changle County. After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, he further elevated him to Duke of Xiangcheng County, granting him a fief of two thousand households. He was later reassigned as Governor of Lingzhou and promoted to Grand General.
When Prince Jin Guang was stationed in Bingzhou, he appointed Wang Shao as the Right Deputy of the Executive, rewarding him with five hundred bolts of colorful silk. Wang Shao was known for his integrity, and Prince Jin respected him greatly, always seeking his opinion when handling matters and he never dared to flout the law. Once, Wang Shao was ordered to inspect the Great Wall, and upon returning, he heard that Prince Jin was digging ponds and building three artificial mountains. Wang Shao secluded himself to draft a letter of admonition, and Prince Jin heeded his counsel, halting the project. Emperor Gaozu heard about this and greatly appreciated it, rewarding Wang Shao with one hundred taels of gold and four maidservants. During the war to pacify the Chen dynasty, Wang Shao served as the Chief Officer of the Marshal's Office in his official capacity, leading his troops to Heyang to join the main forces. After arriving in Shouyang, he and Gao Feng collaborated on military strategies without any obstacles. After capturing Jinling, Wang Shao remained there to defend the city. Prince Jin Guang returned to the capital, entrusting all rear operations to Wang Shao, who held the defense of Shitou for several years. When Wang Shao was recalled to court, Emperor Gaozu addressed his courtiers, "Prince Jin Guang, at a young age, was assigned to the frontier and eventually subdued the Wu and Yue, bringing stability to the region south of the Yangtze River. This was all made possible by Wang Shao's achievements!" Wang Shao was then promoted to the rank of State Pillar, rewarded with three hundred slaves and five thousand pieces of silk.
In the eleventh year of the Kaihuang era, the emperor visited Bingzhou for inspection. Due to Pei Ju's outstanding work, the emperor took the time to commend him. Later, the emperor said to Pei Ju, "Since I came here, your hair has turned quite gray. Have you been working too hard? The country relies on talents like you, so you must work hard!" Pei Ju declined, saying, "I am old and not fit for official duties anymore." The emperor asked, "What do you mean by that? Not fit just means you're not putting in the effort!" Pei Ju replied, "In chaotic times, I could work diligently, let alone in prosperous times. However, national affairs are complex, my abilities are limited, and I am now sixty-six years old, with declining memory. I can't afford to slack off and risk throwing the court into chaos because of my age and declining health." The emperor comforted him and let him go. Prince Qin Li Jun took over as the governor of Bingzhou, while Pei Ju remained as the chief historian. Over a year later, Pei Ju hurried back to the capital and died from exhaustion at the age of sixty-eight. The emperor was heartbroken and held Prince Qin's messenger responsible for the rushed return that caused Pei Ju's death. The emperor had a residence built for Pei Ju, saying, "Building this house serves no purpose other than to express my profound grief!" He also said, "Pei Ju accepted my appointment for over a decade, with his contributions still unrecognized, and now he has left me." As he spoke, the emperor shed tears. The emperor had Pei Ju's memorials shared with the courtiers, praising his honest advice and valuable corrections for the state. Emperor Yang of Sui posthumously bestowed various titles upon Pei Ju, and his son Pei Shilong inherited his titles.
Pei Shilong was skilled in military tactics and especially excelled in equestrian archery. He was generous and had a demeanor reminiscent of his father. During the reign of Emperor Yang of Sui, Pei Shilong was highly valued and rose to the rank of General of the Bodyguard and was granted the title of Duke of Geng. The emperor frequently sent him to suppress mountain bandits, and he secured many victories. When Prince Yang Tong declared himself emperor, Pei Shilong led several thousand troops from the Jianghuai region to support him. During the usurpation of the throne by Wang Shichong, Pei Shilong was treated with great respect and appointed as the Right Minister of the Secretariat. Overcome with grief and anger, Pei Shilong ultimately succumbed to a festering sore on his back.
Yuan Yan, styled Junshan, was a native of Luoyang, Henan. His father, Yuan Zhen, had served as the Inspector of Fuzhou in the Wei Kingdom. Yuan Yan loved reading but shied away from rigid rules and regulations. He was upright, responsible, and was good friends with Gao Feng from Bohai and Wang Shao from Taiyuan. Later, he served as a military officer in the Northern Zhou dynasty, starting as the General of Xuanwei and Military Supervisor of Wuben. The Grand Chancellor Yuwen Hu quickly recognized his potential and appointed him as the Chief Secretary, equivalent to a secretary. As his career progressed, he became the Senior Minister of the Interior and was granted the title of Count of Changguo, becoming a prominent power player.
After Emperor Xuan of Northern Zhou ascended the throne, his reign turned corrupt and tyrannical. A county magistrate named Leyun directly brought a coffin to the court, accusing Emperor Xuan of eight major crimes with righteous indignation. Furious, Emperor Xuan ordered his execution on the spot. The officials and military officers present were too scared to speak out or come to Leyun's aid.
At this time, Yuan Yan stepped forward and said to everyone, "Even Zang Hong can die with the lord, how much more so Bi Gan! If Yue Yun dies, I will die with him!" After speaking, he rushed into the palace to request an audience with the emperor, saying to Emperor Xuan, "Yue Yun knew that submitting a petition would likely lead to his death, but he still disregarded his life just to leave a good reputation for future generations. If Your Majesty kills him, it will only enhance his reputation, which would only serve to fulfill his intentions. It would be better to release him, to demonstrate your generosity." As a result, Yue Yun's life was spared because of Yuan Yan's plea.
Later, Emperor Xuan wanted to kill Wu Wan Gui, but Yuan Yan refused to sign the decree. The Imperial Secretary Yan Zhiyi also strongly advised against it, but it had no effect. Yuan Yan continued to advise, taking off his hat and kowtowing heavily, making three requests and offering three pieces of advice. Emperor Xuan asked him, "Are you trying to shield Wu Wan Gui?" Yuan Yan said, "I am not trying to shield him, I am just worried that indiscriminate killing will chill the hearts of the people." Emperor Xuan became even angrier upon hearing this, had Yuan Yan's face swollen from being beaten, and then sent him home and removed him from office.
When Gao Zu was the prime minister, his official position rose to Grand Chancellor of the Ministry of People. Later, when Gao Zu ascended to the throne as emperor, he appointed Yuan Yan as Minister of War, ennobled him as Duke of Pingchang County, and granted him a fief of two thousand households. This Duke of Pingchang County was known for his integrity and sound judgment. Every time he presented his opinions, he did so confidently, speaking frankly and advising face-to-face without holding back. The emperor and the court officials all greatly respected him.
At that time, the founding emperor had just ascended to the throne, and he always remembered the weak power of the vassal states during the Zhou Dynasty, all of which were eventually destroyed. So he decided to appoint his sons as kings, with power similar to that of the imperial family, in order to stabilize the kingdom as solid as a rock. He appointed Prince Jin to oversee Bingzhou and Prince Shu to oversee Yizhou. These two princes were very young, so the founding emperor carefully selected some upright and reliable, highly respected individuals to assist them. At that time, the Duke of Pingchang and Wang Shao were both famous for their integrity, and everyone said that their talents were comparable to Gao Feng's. So the founding emperor appointed the Duke of Pingchang as the Governor of Yizhou and Wang Shao as the Right Deputy of the Hebei Circuit. The founding emperor also said to the Duke of Pingchang, "You will be a pillar of talent who can become a prime minister in the future. Now I ask you to assist my sons, just as Cao Can assisted Prince Qi!"
After the Duke of Pingchang took office in Yizhou, he strictly enforced the laws, and the people all praised him. However, Prince Shu was particularly extravagant; he even wanted to capture people from ethnic minorities to make them eunuchs and even wanted to vivisect prisoners to extract their gallbladders for medicinal purposes. The Duke of Pingchang resolutely refused to listen to him, advising him many times. Although Prince Shu agreed on the surface, he secretly feared the Duke of Pingchang, so he later followed the rules. All official cases in Shu were adjudicated by the Duke of Pingchang, and everyone accepted his judgments. Those who made mistakes would say, "It was the Duke of Pingchang who sentenced us, so what complaints do we have?" The emperor was very pleased with this and rewarded him generously. Thirteen years later, the Duke of Pingchang passed away, and the emperor mourned for a long time. The people of Yizhou wept without exception, and they still remember him to this day.
After the death of the Duke of Pingchang, the King of Shu finally began to engage in his misdeeds without restraint. He gradually violated the laws, created devices such as the Hun Tianyi, the Si Nan Che, and the Ji Li Gu, and even dressed in imperial attire. He also went hunting with his concubines, used a slingshot to shoot at people, and captured many mountain folk to serve as eunuchs. Other officials were too afraid to counsel him. Later, the King of Shu, Xiu, committed a crime, and the Emperor sighed, "If Yuan Yan were still here, how could my son be like this!" Hong, the son of the Duke of Pingchang, later also became an official, holding positions as an attendant, a court ceremonial officer, and the governor of Beiping.
Liu Xingben was from Peixian. His father, Liu Gui, served as an official in the Liang Dynasty and held a high position. Liu Xingben initially served as an attendant in the State of Wuling. Later, when Xiao Yi surrendered Liangzhou to Northern Zhou, he fled to Northern Zhou with his uncle Liu Fan and lived in Xinfeng County, Jingzhao Prefecture. He immersed himself in his studies day and night, neglecting food and sleep. Even in the face of poverty, he remained optimistic, as if nothing could shake his spirit. He had a strong character and firm beliefs that no one could sway.
The Grand Chancellor of Northern Zhou, Yuwen Hu, noticed him and brought him on as a scribe in the Ministry of Internal and External Affairs. Later, when Emperor Wu of Zhou assumed power, Liu Xingben was promoted to Imperial Attendant, also serving as an official in charge of daily affairs. He was later promoted several times, eventually rising to the position of Chief Minister of the Imperial Court. At that time, there was a protocol in Northern Zhou that when the emperor held court, the Chief Minister was required to present writing materials at the emperor's throne, and the Assistant Imperial Secretary would then take the writing materials from the Chief Minister and present them to the emperor. Once, when Liu Xingben was the Chief Minister, he was about to pass the pen to the emperor, but the Assistant Imperial Secretary attempted to take it from him. Liu Xingben exclaimed to the Assistant Imperial Secretary, "You cannot take this pen!"
The emperor was very surprised and asked him what was going on. Liu Xingben replied to the emperor, "I heard that the establishment of official positions involves clear division of labor and specific responsibilities. I cannot wield the sword of the Chengyu Dafu, and the Chengyu Dafu cannot wield my pen!" The emperor said, "Yes!" So he ordered that these two official positions each perform their own duties. Later, when Emperor Xuan ascended the throne, he committed many errors. Liu Xingben repeatedly advised him directly, which angered the emperor, leading to his demotion to governor of Henei.
When Gaozu was the prime minister, Wei Jiao rebelled and attacked Huaizhou. Xingben led the local officials and people to resist. The emperor bestowed upon him the title of Yitong and the marquis of Wen'an. Later, when Gaozu ascended to the throne, he summoned Xingben again and appointed him as Grand Counselor, concurrently serving as Imperial Secretary. Not long after, he was promoted to the Director of the Yellow Gate.
Once, the emperor severely beat an official in front of the court. Xingben quickly stepped forward and stated, "This person is usually honest, and the mistake he made is not significant. I hope Your Majesty will show him some leniency." The emperor completely ignored him. Xingben stood firm and declared sternly, "Since Your Majesty did not think my abilities were lacking and kept me by your side, shouldn't you listen to what I have to say? If I am wrong, you may deal with me according to the law to demonstrate the court's legal principles. How can you disregard my presence as if I don't exist? I am not speaking for personal gain!" After he spoke, he threw down his court tablet, turned, and walked away. The emperor then calmed his anger, apologized to Xingben, and ultimately pardoned the beaten official.
At that time, the world was peaceful, and the minority ethnic groups on the border all submitted to the imperial court. Xing Ben believed that the Dangxiang and Qiang were the closest to the border and the hardest to govern, so he filed a complaint against their envoys in a memorial, writing: "I heard that the southern barbarians all obey the jurisdiction of the commandants, and the Western Regions all respect the authority of the governors. But recently I have seen the Western Qiang people stealing and being disrespectful to their parents, lacking the proper etiquette between ruler and subject, completely different from us, and the most inferior of all ethnic groups. They do not recognize the court's benevolence, do not appreciate the court's nurturing grace, and only have cruelty and brutality in their hearts, defying the court's authority. Their envoys have just arrived, requesting the emperor to deal with them severely." The emperor appreciated Xing Ben's memorial.
Yongzhou's deputy Yuan Zhao reported to the emperor: "An official in a certain province accepted a bribe of three hundred coins, and according to the law should be flogged one hundred times. However, when I took office, I established a three-point agreement with them, and this official willfully violated the agreement, so I request the emperor to add a one-year imprisonment sentence." Xing Ben refuted: "Laws and regulations are promulgated and implemented with clear imperial edicts to restrain the people. Now Yuan Zhao dares to add to his own orders, disregarding the court's laws, wanting to ensure that his words are carried out, forgetting the court's credibility, violating the law to show his power; this is unbecoming of a minister." The emperor praised Xing Ben's actions and rewarded him with one hundred bolts of silk.
Liu Xingben had been working by the Crown Prince's side for several years, holding the position of Left Scholar to the Crown Prince, continuing his previous scholarly duties. The Crown Prince respected him greatly and held him in high regard. At that time, there was a man named Tang Lingze, also the Left Scholar to the Crown Prince, but the Crown Prince had a close relationship with him, often having him teach the palace women to sing and dance. Liu Xingben reproached him, saying, "As the Left Scholar to the Crown Prince, you should help the Crown Prince walk the right path. How can you be so intimate with the Crown Prince, spending all your time in the harem?" Tang Lingze was very embarrassed but couldn't help himself. At that time, Liu Zhen from Pei State, Ming Ke from Pingyuan, and Lu Shuang from Wei Commandery, these three were also favored by the Crown Prince for their talents. Liu Xingben was furious, feeling that they could not properly assist the Crown Prince, and often said to them, "You guys, all you know how to do is study!"
At that time, the Chief Historian of the Left Guard, Xiahou Fu, also gained the Crown Prince's favor and trust, and once frolicked with the Crown Prince in the palace. His laughter echoed outside. Liu Xingben was below the hall at that time and, upon hearing this, waited for Xiahou Fu to come out and reprimanded him, saying, "His Royal Highness is generous and appreciates you. Who do you think you are, acting so recklessly?" He then reported him to the authorities. After a few days, the Crown Prince intervened on Xiahou Fu's behalf, and he was released. Another time, the Crown Prince obtained a good horse and had Xiahou Fu ride it to take a look. The Crown Prince liked it very much and wanted Liu Xingben to ride it as well. Liu Xingben refused and said seriously, "The Emperor appointed me as the Left Scholar to guide His Highness on the right path, not to be a jester for His Highness!" The Crown Prince felt embarrassed and dropped the idea.
Later, Liu Xingben also served as the Magistrate of Daxing County. The powerful feared his integrity and did not dare to seek his help. As a result, the practice of seeking positions through connections was curtailed, and the laws became simple and fair, and the people were grateful for it. Not long after, he passed away, and the Emperor mourned his passing. When the Crown Prince was deposed, the Emperor sighed, "If only Liu Xingben were still here!" Things wouldn't have come to this. Liu Xingben left no sons.
Liang Pi, style name Jinghe, was a man of the Wushi clan from Anding. His grandfather Liang Yue served as the Inspector of Jingzhou, Yuzhou, and Luozhou in the Wei Kingdom and was also granted the title of Duke of Xiayang County. His father Liang Mao served as the Inspector of Cangzhou and Yanzhou during the Zhou Dynasty. Liang Pi was known for his integrity and straightforwardness; he spoke his mind and was very knowledgeable.
During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Zhou Dynasty, Liang Pi passed the civil service examination and gradually ascended to the position of Grand Master of Records. During the campaign to pacify the Qi Kingdom, he was appointed as the Chief Military Officer and made significant contributions during the campaign to capture Binyang. Later, he was appointed as an Attendant and was also bestowed the title of the Three Excellencies. During the Xuanzheng period, he was granted the title of Viscount of Yiyang County, with a fief of four hundred households, and later promoted to the position of Master of Wuzang. After Emperor Yang Jian ascended the throne, Liang Pi's title was elevated to Marquis.
In the early years of the Kaihuang reign, the imperial government established the Office of Imperial Censors. Because of Liang Pi's integrity and straightforward nature, he was appointed as an Assistant Imperial Censor, a position that suited him well. Shortly after, he was transferred to serve as the magistrate of Daxing and later promoted to the Governor of Yongzhou. After leaving the Office of Imperial Censors, Liang Pi managed affairs in the capital city, upholding his integrity and impartiality, which caused friction with many powerful figures. As a result, he was sent into exile as the Inspector of Xiningzhou and was renamed the Marquis of Handan County. He served as the Inspector of Xiningzhou for eleven years.
Earlier, the tribal chieftains in Xiningzhou liked to wear golden crowns, and the more crowns one wore, the more powerful they were perceived to be. This led to conflicts and wars among them, resulting in unrest in the border regions. Liang Pi was genuinely worried about this situation. Eventually, some chieftains started to bribe him with gold. Liang Pi placed the gold in front of him and tearfully exclaimed, "This gold can't be eaten when you're hungry, nor worn when you're cold. How many times have you fought each other over these things!" He refused to take any of the gold and returned it all.
Therefore, the barbarian tribes were enlightened and stopped attacking each other. Emperor Yang Jian was very pleased when he heard about this, so he summoned Liang Pi back to the court and appointed him as a cavalry attendant and Minister of Justice. He dealt with cases fairly and impartially, and people at that time all praised him. Over a year later, he was promoted to the position of chief of the Upper Bureau.
I saw that Yang Su's power was immense, and everyone was afraid of him. I feared he would pose a threat to the country, so I wrote a letter to the emperor warning him about Yang Su. The letter said: "I heard that a minister should not have absolute power. If a minister has absolute power, it is not good for his family or for the country. I believe that Yang Su, the Left Chancellor and Duke of Yue, is gaining more and more trust from the emperor. His influence is expanding, and all the officials and nobles are at his beck and call. Those he dislikes are immediately suppressed, while those he favors rise quickly. Honor and disgrace, rise and fall all depend on his word, and promotions and demotions are all at his discretion. He promotes only his relatives and friends, and his nephews hold important positions everywhere. Currently, the country is peaceful and there are no troubles, but he may be plotting something in secret. Should any disturbance arise, he will undoubtedly stir up trouble. Usurpation of power is a gradual process. Wang Mang built up his power over many years, and Huan Xuan used generations of people's time, ultimately leading to the downfall of Western Han and Eastern Jin. Jisun monopolized power in the state of Lu, and the Tian family seized power in Qi. These events are all documented in historical records, not something I made up. If the emperor continues to trust Yang Su, I worry he may not be as loyal as Yi Yin. I humbly urge the emperor to weigh historical precedents carefully and transfer Yang Su away from the capital. Only then can the nation be secure and the people live in peace and prosperity. I have overstepped my bounds, and I implore your majesty to punish me!"
The emperor was furious, ordering the relevant departments to prevent me from making a petition and personally interrogating me. I argued passionately and logically: "Yang Su is power-hungry and tyrannical, committing atrocities in the army and killing indiscriminately, without any justification. On the day the Crown Prince and the Prince of Shu were deposed, the court officials were trembling in fear, only Yang Su was gleeful, hoping for more chaos in the country so he could benefit from it." I spoke frankly and candidly, and the emperor had no choice but to let me go. From then on, Yang Su's favor gradually declined. However, Yang Su's power was too great at the time, and many people were suppressed by him. The ministers in court all bowed to him, and no one dared to oppose him. The only ones who dared to challenge him were me, Liu Yu, and Li Gang, the Deputy Minister of Personnel. Later, the emperor no longer fully trusted Yang Su, all because he listened to me.
After Yang Guang became emperor, I was promoted to the Minister of Justice and concurrently the Grand Master of the Imperial Secretariat. I accused Yu Wenshu of privately mobilizing the army in my petition. The emperor wanted to absolve Yu Wenshu of his guilt, but I strongly opposed it, angering the emperor. The emperor then had Zhang Heng replace me as the Grand Master of the Imperial Secretariat. I fell ill from grief and anger, and died a few months later. The emperor sent Niu Hong, the Minister of Personnel, to pay his respects and gave me five hundred bolts of silk.
Zi Jingzhen, during the reign of Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou, served as the Chief Justice of the Dali Court, akin to a senior judge. At that time, the emperor wanted to charge the Grand Master of Splendor, Yu Juluo, with a crime, so he had Zi Jingzhen handle the case. As a result, to curry favor with the emperor, Zi Jingzhen intentionally framed Yu Juluo and sentenced him to death. Not long after, Zi Jingzhen fell ill himself, allegedly because Yu Juluo's spirit came back to seek revenge, and he died a few days later.
Liu Yu, also known by his courtesy name Youwen, was a native of Jie County in Hedong. Seven generations prior, there was an ancestor named Zhuo who migrated south during the Jin Dynasty and eventually settled in Xiangyang. His father, Liu Zhongli, had been a general during the Liang Dynasty, but after the Liang Dynasty fell, he returned to his hometown. Liu Yu loved studying from a young age and studied many historical texts. Yuwen Hu, the Grand Preceptor of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, recognized his talent and appointed him as a scribe in the Ministry of Internal and External Affairs (equivalent to a secretary). After some time, he was sent to Ningzhou as the Chief Clerk (equivalent to a staff officer). Later, when Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou took personal control of the government, Liu Yu requested the court for an opportunity to showcase his abilities. Emperor Wu admired his abilities and appointed him as a military officer. He was later promoted to be the magistrate of Zheng County. After subduing the Qi Kingdom, the court granted extensive rewards to the officials who participated, but those officials who stayed in the capital were excluded. Liu Yu submitted a memorial to the emperor, stating, "Now that peace is just beginning to settle over the realm, rewards and punishments should be clear, and rewards should be distributed according to merit. Conquering cities and territories results from wise decisions, and killing enemy generals and capturing flags are due to strategic bravery. If those who charged into battle, fought valiantly, and defended the country, following the court's plans, are not recognized for their personal contributions, then the officials who remained in the capital should also be treated with equal regard. Officials below the Crown Prince also contributed to safeguarding the ancestral temple. Just as Xiao He remained in Guanzhong and built thatched huts in Pingyang, and Mu Zhi, who worked at the central government, both were generously rewarded posthumously. The above are merely my personal views, specifically written as a petition." As a result, the court permitted the officials who stayed in the capital to partake in the rewards and elevated their ranks.
After the founding emperor Yang Jian of the Sui Dynasty ascended the throne, Liu Yu was promoted all the way to the position of Deputy Minister of Finance. Later, he resigned from his position due to the death of his mother. Not long after, he was appointed as Deputy Minister of Agriculture, but he firmly declined, and the emperor respected his decision. At that time, court regulations allowed officials of third rank and above to display a halberd at their residence. Gao Feng's son, Gao Hongde, was titled Duke of Yingguo and requested to have a halberd displayed at the entrance of his residence. Liu Yu responded, "The residence of the Deputy Marshal's son is no different from anyone else's, and his father's halberd has already been displayed outside the residence. There is a hierarchy of respect, and a son should defer to his father. How can it be that the father's residence already has a halberd displayed, and the son's residence still needs to have one!" This request ultimately did not go through, and when Gao Feng heard about it, he greatly admired Liu Yu. Later, Liu Yu was promoted to the position of Imperial Secretary, and he was known for his integrity in court, earning the respect and admiration of all officials. The emperor commended his integrity and said to him, "A great man should leave his own reputation in the world, and not to be idle." He also rewarded him with one hundred thousand coins and one hundred stones of rice.
At that time, many provincial governors were former military generals, most of them unqualified. Liu Yu submitted a memorial saying, "Now that the world is peaceful and the four seas are stable, governing the people requires the appointment of talented individuals. In the past, Emperor Guangwu of Han, who was wise and intelligent, rose from being a commoner, was good at distinguishing truth from falsehood, and alongside twenty-eight generals, brought peace to the realm. However, after their victories, he did not assign them any official titles. I saw the edict appointing Ganzhi as the provincial governor of Qizhou. This man is nearly eighty and in poor health. He previously held office in Zhaozhou, was ineffective, and allowed his affairs to be controlled by corrupt officials. Bribery was rampant, and the people were deeply dissatisfied, with songs of lamentation echoing everywhere. As the folk songs go, 'If old crops aren’t harvested in time, weeds will take over the good land.' This shows that everyone has their own strengths. Ganzhi excels in equestrian skills and martial arts, but he is not suitable for governing the people or holding office. Your Majesty, if you truly wish to govern the nation well and manage countless matters, if you wish to honor this old man, you could reward him with gold and silver. But if you appoint him as a provincial governor, the consequences could be dire. Even if it costs me my life, I will give my all and will not dare to be negligent." The emperor agreed with his words, and Ganzhi was eventually dismissed from his position.
During the mourning period for his mother, Tang Junming, the Inspector of Yingzhou, remarried the cousin of Kudishiwen, the Chief Clerk of Yongzhou. Liu Yu accused him, saying: "It is said that there are divisions of labor between heaven and earth, etiquette norms between husbands and wives, ethical principles between rulers and subjects, and hierarchical systems between superiors and inferiors. Therefore, filial piety is the foundation of behavior, and etiquette is the cornerstone of self-cultivation. The governance of the country and family must follow these principles. I believe that respect for parents should come from the heart, and the weight of mourning is paramount in human relations. Although Junming changed his mourning clothes, his feelings remained unchanged. He forgot the grief of losing his mother, quickly remarried, and wore mourning clothes while permitting his bride to don lavish attire. Without righteousness, there can be no true intimacy. The 'Spring and Autumn Annals' record that a country like this will perish; without etiquette norms, poets hope that such people will die early. Despite holding a prominent position in the divine land and reforming customs that others followed, Shiwen abandoned the familial bonds between the two families and violated the principles of the Six Rites. It was proposed that he be sentenced to life imprisonment as punishment for these customs." Both of them were eventually convicted for this.
Following the turmoil of the Sui Dynasty, social customs became corrupt. Liu Yu submitted a memorial advising the emperor, who greatly appreciated him. He found that the emperor governed diligently, without shying away from hardship, as many trivial matters were brought up by the officials. He wrote, "I have heard that the wisest emperors in ancient times, such as Tang Yao and Shun, followed the laws of the heavens and the earth, governed wisely, avoiding trivial matters. This is called wisdom. The ancient saying goes: 'The heavens do not speak, yet the four seasons run their course.' Therefore, the key to issuing orders lies in not being too complicated. Shun appointed five ministers, Yao consulted the Four Mountains, established official duties, each with their own responsibilities, governing with ease, and the world was at peace. This means that the hard work is in selecting talent, while employing them is easy. It is also said: 'The Son of Heaven is majestic, the feudal lords are respectful.' This means that there should be a distinction in behavior between ruler and subjects. Now, with all under heaven as one united family, there are numerous state affairs, and matters big and small must all be decided by the emperor. Your Majesty governs the country diligently, because the officials fear making mistakes and cannot make decisions themselves, having to wait for the emperor's orders. There are too many memorials; even for the construction of small things and distribution of minor items, all officials must be replied to in a day, resulting in a hectic schedule, sleepless nights, and constant paperwork, which exhausts Your Majesty. I hope Your Majesty will consider my words, reduce some of these trivial matters, and prioritize nurturing both mind and body, think of the principles of King Wu’s peaceful reign and King Wen’s diligent governance. For matters concerning major national affairs that officials cannot decide, I hope Your Majesty will deliberate carefully on these matters, while delegating the rest of the trivial tasks to the appropriate departments, so that Your Majesty may enjoy a long life, and the officials may continue to receive Your Majesty's favor." The emperor was very appreciative of the memorial. Later, he was dismissed for offending the emperor. Shortly after, he was reinstated, and the emperor said to him, "Do not change your mind." Since Liu Yu came from a humble background, the emperor instructed the relevant departments to construct a residence for him, stating, "Liu Yu is an upright official and a valuable asset to the nation." He was valued in this way.
Back then, Yang Su wielded immense power, and everybody was afraid of him; nobody dared to cross him. Once, he made a minor mistake and was sent to the Southern Terrace on the emperor's orders for processing. Yang Su, relying on his high status, nonchalantly plopped down on the interrogator Su Wei's bed. When Su Wei entered from outside and saw Yang Su in this manner, he stood straight on the steps, adjusted his tablet, and straightened his clothes, then said to Yang Su, "I’m here to look into your misconduct." Yang Su hurriedly jumped off the bed. Su Wei sat at the desk, made Yang Su stand in the courtyard, and then began to ask about the details of the case. Since then, Yang Su harbored a grudge against Su Wei. Back then, Su Wei had the emperor's trust, so Yang Su couldn't do anything about it.
Su Wei saw that the prevailing atmosphere was troubling. Every year on the night of the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the people of the capital city would hold performances such as wrestling and acrobatics, competing against each other and squandering their wealth. He therefore petitioned the emperor to ban this activity. In his petition, he said: "I have heard that wise rulers of ancient times governed their realms according to laws, and all actions were in accordance with etiquette. They did not engage in anything illegal or unreasonable. Men and women are different, with different paths to follow. Evil deeds must be curbed, and all actions must align with established norms. But now in the capital city, and even in various provinces and regions, on the night of the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the streets are crowded with people, and everywhere there are crowds of people enjoying themselves. The sound of drums echoes through the air, flames shoot up, people don animal masks, while men don women's attire, and there are various acrobatic performances, all strange and bizarre. They view vulgarity as entertainment and crudeness as humor, and regardless of high officials or common people, they all watch together without hesitation. High stages span the roads, huge curtains cover the sky, gorgeous costumes, beautiful makeup, and crowded carriages and horses. The feasts are sumptuous, the music is loud, and many people go bankrupt for the sake of temporary pleasure. Everyone in the household, regardless of wealth or status, men, women, old, and young mix together without distinction. Various ugly behaviors arise as a result, and thieves also emerge. This troubling atmosphere has persisted for a long time, and no one has tried to change it. Everyone has become accustomed to it, without recognizing the gravity of the issue. This not only undermines education but also jeopardizes the welfare of the people. Please order the prohibition of this activity nationwide. Consider the 'Odes' and 'Eulogies' found in the Book of Songs, which extol virtuous qualities. People should sing wholeheartedly to express their inner peace and joy. If anyone violates the ban, they should be punished according to the imperial decree." The emperor approved his petition.
That year, Su Wei was ordered to inspect more than fifty prefectures in Hebei and reported the exemption of over two hundred corrupt and incompetent officials. The counties were intimidated and dared not act recklessly. The emperor was very pleased and rewarded him with two hundred pieces of silk, thirty pieces of felt, and appointed him as an officer of equal rank. A year later, he was promoted to Cavalier Attendant and remained in charge of governance. During the early years of the Ren Shou era, he was ordered to inspect nineteen prefectures in Taiyuan Road. After returning, the emperor rewarded him with one hundred and fifty pieces of silk.
Su Wei once received a ten-volume work titled "Zhidao Collection" written by Li Wenbo from Boling, and Prince Yang Xiu sent someone to ask for it. Su Wei gave the book to Yang Xiu, who in turn rewarded Su Wei with ten maidservants. Later, when Yang Xiu got into trouble, Yang Su accused Su Wei of conspiring with court officials and local lords, so Su Wei was dismissed and sent to guard the border in Huaiyuan Town. Upon arriving in Gaoyang, the court issued an edict recalling him.
In Jinyang, he coincidentally encountered the rebellion of Prince Yang Liang. Yang Liang sent someone to quickly invite Su Wei to discuss matters. Initially, Su Wei was compelled to go by the messenger and did not know about Yang Liang's rebellion. Just as he was about to enter the city, the rebellion was exposed. Su Wei realized he could not escape and feigned a stomachache, claiming to be very ill and not eating. When Yang Liang heard this, he became angry and imprisoned Su Wei. After Yang Liang's defeat, Yang Su accused Su Wei of playing both sides and waiting to see how things turned out. Although he did not directly rebel, he was, in fact, colluding with the rebels, so Su Wei was exiled to Dunhuang.
After Yang Su's death, Su Wei finally submitted a personal appeal in a letter, and the court issued an edict allowing him to return to the capital. However, he passed away en route. He had a son named Su Shao, who later served as the magistrate of Jiexiu County.
Zhao Chuo was from Hedong, known for his integrity and resoluteness. He started as a minor official in the Heavenly Officials of the Zhou Dynasty. Due to his diligence and seriousness, he was promoted to a junior official in the Xia Guan office. Later, because of his strong abilities, he was promoted several times and eventually became a junior officer in the Neishi government. When his father passed away, he was grief-stricken and became gaunt. People praised his filial piety. After the mourning period, he was appointed as a junior official in charge of education. When Gaozu became prime minister, he knew Zhao Chuo was honest and upright, so he recruited him as a military aide. Shortly after, he was put in charge of the court records and accompanied the military commander Yuwen Hui to suppress the rebellious barbarians. For his achievements, he was granted the title of Yitong, an honorific title, and rewarded with a thousand bolts of cloth. After Gaozu became emperor, he appointed Zhao Chuo as the Prefect of Dali. Zhao Chuo adjudicated cases with fairness and impartiality, always excelling in his assessments. He was later promoted to the position of Dali Zheng. Shortly after, he was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Justice. He handled cases involving Liang Shiyuan and others, and for his outstanding performance, he received a reward of three hundred bolts of cloth, ten slaves, and twenty horses. Every time he reported the results of his judgments, he approached his duties with seriousness, and the emperor increasingly appreciated and trusted him.
The emperor felt that thieves were rampant and wished to impose severe punishments. Zhao Chuo advised, "Your Majesty, you should exercise more benevolence like Yao and Shun. Moreover, the law is the highest form of trust in the world; how can it be easily violated?" The emperor happily accepted his advice and said to him, "In the future, feel free to bring up your thoughts." So Zhao Chuo was promoted to Deputy Minister of Justice. Previously, the general Xiao Mohe of the Chen Dynasty had a son, Xiao Shilue, who had rebelled in Jiangnan, and Xiao Mohe should face punishment for his son's actions. The emperor said, "Xiao Shilue is not yet twenty years old; what could he possibly do? He is just the son of a famous general, pressured by others." So the emperor wished to pardon Xiao Mohe. Zhao Chuo firmly opposed, and the emperor had no choice but to ask Zhao Chuo to step aside and then pardon Xiao Mohe, so he ordered Zhao Chuo to leave court and return home for dinner. Zhao Chuo said, "The cases I reported have not yet been adjudicated; I dare not leave the court." The emperor said, "Let the Ministry of Justice pardon Xiao Mohe on my behalf!" So he ordered his guards to release Xiao Mohe.
Xin Dan, the Vice Minister of Justice, once wore red pants. It was said in folklore that this foretold his promotion and wealth. The emperor believed this to be an evil omen and wanted to kill him. Zhao Chuo protested, saying, "According to the law, he should not be executed. I cannot comply with your decree." The emperor, furious, said to Zhao Chuo, "You pity Xin Dan, but not yourself?" He then ordered the Left Assistant Minister Gao Feng to behead Zhao Chuo. Zhao Chuo said, "Your Majesty would rather kill me than kill Xin Dan!" In court, he stripped off his clothes in preparation for execution. The emperor sent someone to ask Zhao Chuo, "What should we do?" Zhao Chuo replied, "I only wish to uphold the law; I do not value my life." The emperor stormed off and eventually pardoned him after a considerable time. The next day, the emperor apologized to Zhao Chuo, encouraged him, and rewarded him with three hundred pieces of cloth. At that time, the emperor had banned the use of inferior currency. Two people in the market exchanged inferior coins for good coins. Wu Hou apprehended them and reported to the emperor, who ordered them all to be executed. Zhao Chuo protested, saying, "These two should be punished with caning; killing them is illegal." The emperor said, "This doesn't concern you." Zhao Chuo said, "Your Majesty, do you think I'm foolish and incompetent, which is why you placed me in the judiciary? If you want to kill people at will, how can you claim it’s not my concern?" The emperor said, "Those who disturb the tree should back off." Zhao Chuo replied, "I hope to touch your heart, rather than worry about shaking the tree!" The emperor said, "If the soup is too hot, it should be set aside. Do you really think you can undermine the emperor's dignity?" Zhao Chuo knelt down, even more resolute, refusing to yield. The emperor finally went into the palace. The Imperial Secretary Liu Yu also submitted a strong memorial advising against it, and the emperor relented.
The emperor often summoned Zhao Chuo into the palace because of his honesty and sincerity. Sometimes the emperor and empress would share the same bed, and they would invite Zhao Chuo to sit with them to discuss the court's successes and failures. He received countless rewards. Later, Zhao Chuo was promoted to the position of Kaifu, and the emperor posthumously granted his father the title of governor of Cai Prefecture. At that time, Xue Zhou, from Hedong, served as the Grand Minister of Justice, and both were known for their fairness and integrity. However, while Xue Zhou relied on intuition for his judgments, Zhao Chuo adhered strictly to the law, and both were effective in their roles. The emperor often said to Zhao Chuo, "I am generous with my rewards for you, but your appearance doesn’t fit that of a high official." During the Ren Shou era, Zhao Chuo passed away at sixty-three. The emperor wept for him, sent envoys to offer condolences, and the Honglu Temple took charge of the funeral arrangements. He had two sons, named Yuanfang and Yuanxi.
Pei Su, also known by his courtesy name Shenfeng, was from Wuxi in Hedong. His father, Pei Xia, was a minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs during the Zhou Dynasty. Pei Su was recognized for his integrity and sense of responsibility from a young age, and he had a particularly good relationship with Liang Pi from Anding, who was a close friend. He began his official career in the Zhou Dynasty as an imperial censor and later rose to the rank of Grand Master of the Imperial Stud. Later, he followed Wei Xiaokuan to fight in Huainan.
When Sui Wendi became emperor, Pei Su sighed, remarking, "Emperor Wu unified the country with great talent and strategy. His tomb hasn’t even settled yet, and the dynasty has suddenly changed. Is this the will of heaven?" When Sui Wendi heard this, he was very unhappy, so Pei Su was dismissed and remained at home. In the fifth year of Kaihuang, he was appointed as the Minister of Rites. Two years later, he was promoted to the position of Chief Steward of Shuozhou, and later served as the Chief Steward of Beizhou. He performed excellently in these places and had a good reputation.
During the Renshou period, Pei Su saw that the Crown Prince Yang Yong, Prince of Shu Yang Xiu, and the Left Assistant Minister Gao Qiang had all been deposed. He wrote a memorial to the emperor saying, "I believe that serving the monarch means speaking the truth and not hiding anything. I dare not keep my thoughts to myself. I privately believe that Gao Qiang is a naturally talented individual and a founding hero of the country. Your Majesty has already shown him great favor. However, as the saying goes, 'Fame can be a double-edged sword.' People are always jealous of talented individuals and nitpick at their faults. This happens too often! I hope Your Majesty will recognize his significant contributions and overlook his minor shortcomings. I have also heard that in ancient times, wise emperors taught rather than executed. Your kindness is unmatched, even surpassing that of the wisest kings of old. These two princes have made mistakes for a long time. Do they not have repentant hearts? I hope Your Majesty can show paternal love, consider their humanity and relationships, and grant them separate territories to see how they perform. If they can genuinely repent and gradually improve, that would be wonderful. If they still refuse to repent, it's not too late to demote them. Their path to repentance is completely blocked, leaving them with no chance to feel remorse. Isn't this truly sad?"
After reading the memorial, the emperor said to Yang Su, "Pei Su is truly loyal for caring about my family." He then summoned Pei Su to the capital. When the Crown Prince Yang Yong heard about this, he asked the Assistant Minister Zhang Heng, "If I were to repent, what would they want me to do?" Zhang Heng replied, "Judging from Pei Su's intentions, he probably wants you to be like the Duke of Wu and the Prince of Donghai in the Han Dynasty." The Crown Prince Yang Yong was very unhappy. Some time later, Pei Su arrived in the capital and met the emperor in the Hanzhang Hall. The emperor said to Pei Su, "As the emperor, I rule over the entire world. There are only a few favored concubines in the harem. From Yang Yong and below, they are all brothers from the same mother, and they are not easily deposed due to hatred or favoritism." He then implied that Yang Yong was beyond saving. After that, he sent Pei Su back. Shortly after, Emperor Wen passed away.
After Yang Guang ascended to the throne, Pei Su was sidelined for a long time and stayed indoors. Later, those in power felt that the Lingnan region was remote and desolate, so they subtly flattered the emperor and appointed Pei Su as the Prefect of Yongping County. He was held in great affection by the local people and ethnic minorities. Over a year later, Pei Su passed away at the age of sixty-two. The local ethnic minorities greatly missed him and erected a temple in his honor by the Zhang River. He had a son named Pei Shangxian.
Historical records say that when ferocious beasts are in the mountains and forests, nearby plants will not be picked; upright ministers in the court will scare away the corrupt and treacherous. These people are all committed to the common good, and their upright demeanor is evident. This not only affects the rise and fall of the court's rules and regulations but also the survival of the country! Prince Jin and Prince Shu are both beloved sons of the emperor, relying on the emperor's favor; they behave recklessly, showing utter disregard for laws and regulations. It’s nearly impossible to expect them to show any respect!
When Yuan Yan and Wang Shao served as prime ministers, everyone greatly respected them, and no one dared to do evil things. Their boldness and straightforwardness are truly commendable! Zhang Xingben of Fangling and Liang Pi under Yang Su both speak so frankly, upright and incorruptible; the mere thought of them is admirable. When Zhao Chuo was the Minister of Justice, there were no wrongful cases in the prison; when Liu Yu was the Grand Master of the Palace, the corrupt and treacherous were far more subdued. These people are not afraid of power, especially Liang Pi, and Zhang Xingben and Liu Yu are similar. Pei Su never participated in court meetings or banquets; he was loyal and outspoken, daring to speak the truth and offend the emperor—this was no trivial matter!
Think about the widows in ancient times worrying about the downfall of the Zhou Dynasty, and the young girls grieving over the premature death of the crown prince; this is not without reason! The people mentioned above all have the demeanor of Yan Zuan!
