Wang Rengong, with the courtesy name Yuanshi, was from Tianshui, Gansu. His grandfather, Wang Jian, was the Prefect of Fengzhou in the Zhou Dynasty, and his father, Wang Meng, was the Prefect of Shanzhou. Wang Rengong had a strong-willed and prudent character from a young age and was skilled in horseback riding and archery. When he was young, he was appointed as the Chief Clerk of the prefecture and later appointed as a scribe under King Xiao of Qin. He was subsequently promoted to the position of Prefect of Changdao and then to the rank of Chariot and Cavalry General.
He followed Yang Su to fight against the Turks in Lingwu, where he achieved merit and was appointed as a Senior Official, rewarded with three thousand bolts of cloth. He was then appointed as the General of the Valiant Cavalry, in charge of the military for the King of Shu. When the mountain rebels caused trouble, the King of Shu sent Wang Rengong to suppress the rebellion, and he emerged victorious and was rewarded with three hundred slaves. Later, when the King of Shu committed a crime and was deposed, many of his former subordinates were implicated, but the Emperor trusted Wang Rengong's integrity and did not hold him accountable.
After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, Prince Liang rebelled, and Wang Rengong once again followed Yang Su to suppress the rebellion. Due to his accomplishments, he was promoted to Grand General, appointed as the Prefect of Lüzhou, and rewarded with four thousand bolts of cloth and ten female entertainers. Over a year later, he was transferred to the position of Prefect of Weizhou, and shortly after to the Prefect of Jijun, where he achieved notable achievements in governance and was beloved by the people.
Later, the court summoned him back to the capital, where the Emperor summoned him to the palace to offer comfort and encouragement, and rewarded him with six hundred bolts of variegated silk and two good horses. He was then appointed as the Prefect of Xindu. When he left Jijun, the officials and people of Jijun knelt on the ground, crying and begging him not to leave. It took several days before he could depart, showing how popular he was in the local area.
During the Battle of Liaodong, Wang Rengong served as a military commander. When the Emperor returned to the capital after the campaign, Wang Rengong provided rear guard and repelled bandits who attacked along the way. As a result, the Emperor promoted him to Left Grand Minister of Ceremonies and rewarded him with six thousand bolts of silk and forty horses.
In the second year, he was appointed as a military general again, responsible for attacking Fuyu Road. The emperor said to him, "In the past, most of the armies did not fight well; only you led an army to defeat the enemy. The ancients said that defeated generals cannot talk about bravery. Can those generals be entrusted with important tasks? Now I hand over the front line to you; I hope you won't let us down!" The emperor also rewarded him with ten fine horses and one hundred taels of gold.
Wang Rengong then led his troops to advance and reached the new city, where he encountered tens of thousands of enemy troops lined up at the city. Wang Rengong charged into battle with a thousand elite cavalry and defeated the enemy. The enemy retreated into the city, and Wang Rengong laid siege from all sides. The emperor was thrilled to hear this, sent envoys to the army to congratulate them, and rewarded him with many treasures. He was then promoted to the Grand Master of Splendor and rewarded with five thousand bolts of silk.
At this time, coincidentally, Yang Xuange rebelled, and Yang Xuange's nephew, Wuben Lang Jiang Yang Zhongbo, also participated in the rebellion, so Wang Rengong was dismissed. Soon after, the Turks launched several invasions. The emperor recognized Wang Rengong as an experienced general with a record of military successes, so he restored his official position and appointed him as the governor of Mayi.
That year, Shi Bi Khan led tens of thousands of cavalry to invade Mayi and also sent two special agents to lead troops to attack from the south. At that time, the military strength in the county was less than three thousand people. Wang Rengong selected an elite force to counterattack and defeated the enemy. The armies led by the two special agents were also defeated; Wang Rengong pursued the victory, captured thousands of enemy soldiers, and killed the two special agents. The emperor was very pleased and rewarded him with three thousand bolts of silk.
Later, the Turks invaded Dingxiang once more, and Wang Rengong led four thousand troops to attack, killing over a thousand enemies and capturing a significant number of livestock before returning.
At that time, the world was in turmoil, the people were hungry, and the roads were blocked. Wang Rengong changed his ways, began accepting bribes, and was reluctant to open the granary to aid the people. His subordinate Colonel Liu Wuzhou was involved with Wang Rengong's maid, and fearing exposure, he plotted a rebellion. He frequently proclaimed in the county, "The elders and villagers are freezing and starving to death, the bodies pile up in the ditches, and the king's mansion closes the granary without helping the people, what kind of logic is that?" This incited anger among the people, who had numerous grievances against Wang Rengong.
Later, while Wang Rengong was working in the hall, Liu Wuzhou and dozens of his subordinates rushed in and killed Wang Rengong, who was sixty years old at the time. Liu Wuzhou then opened the granary to provide relief to the people, and the people in the county followed him. He proclaimed himself emperor, appointed officials, and attacked neighboring counties.
Quan Wu, with the style name Wunang, was from Tianshui. His grandfather Quan Chao was the Qin Prefect of Northern Wei. His father Quan Xiqing was a general of Northern Zhou, who had fought against the Qi army in Bingzhou under Emperor Wuyuan and was surrounded by the enemy. Quan Xiqing fought desperately, exhausted his arrows, engaged in hand-to-hand combat, and killed many enemies. When his swords and spears broke, he ultimately removed his helmet and tossed it to the ground, shouting at the enemy, "Why don't you come and take my head!" The enemy finally killed him.
Quan Wu, as a loyal minister, was appointed as a Grand Chancellor by the court from the beginning, inheriting the title of Duke of Qijun with a fief of 1,200 households. Quan Wu was courageous and incredibly strong from a young age, able to ride a horse even while fully armored. He once jumped into a well and sprang back out before hitting the bottom, demonstrating his speed. He fought alongside Wang Qian, capturing five cities of the Qi state and earning an additional 800 households of fief. In the campaign to subdue the Qi state, he captured Shaozhou and six other cities, earning an additional 300 households of fief for his military achievements.
During the reign of Emperor Xuan, he was appointed as the Army Commander of the Jingjie Cavalry, later promoted to the position of Grand Chancellor. When Gaozu was the Prime Minister, he kept Quan Wu by his side. After Gaozu ascended the throne, he increased Quan Wu's fief by 500 households. Six years later, he was appointed as the Governor of Xizhou. During the war against the Chen state, he served as the Army Commander, accompanying the Prince of Jin in the campaign against Liuhe, and upon returning, he was appointed as the Governor of Yuzhou. After serving for several years, he was promoted to Grand General and also served as the Governor of Tanzhou in recognition of his contributions to the founding of the dynasty.
In that year, Li Shixian from Guizhou led a rebellion, and Quan Wu, alongside Yu Qingze, the Grand General of Wuhou, suppressed the rebellion. Later, Yu Qingze was killed for his crimes, while Quan Wu's contributions went unrecognized, and he returned to his post. He crafted numerous gold belts to present to the tribal leaders in Lingnan, who reciprocated with many treasures, which made Quan Wu extremely wealthy. In his later years, Quan Wu finally became a father. During a drinking party with friends and family, he got drunk and, in a fit of indulgence, pardoned the prisoners in his jail without proper authority.
Quan Wu often said that the southern Yue region is remote, governance should respect local customs, prioritize convenience, and not be strictly bound by legal texts. He also often remarked that the laws have become too strict and that it is too difficult to be an official. The Emperor ordered the relevant departments to investigate his affairs, and the findings were confirmed. The Emperor was furious and ordered his execution. Quan Wu wrote a letter in prison, mentioning that his father died in battle for Emperor Wu Yuan, and requested the Emperor's mercy. In the end, the Emperor stripped him of his title, reducing him to commoner status. During the Ren Shou period, he was appointed as the Grand General again, with the same fiefdom as before. Not long after, he was appointed as the Right Guard of the Crown Prince's Household. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, he was appointed as the Grand General of the Right Guard, but was later dismissed for a crime and reassigned as the Governor of Gui Prefecture. Shortly after, he was reassigned as the Prefect of Shi'an. After a considerable time, he was summoned back to the court and appointed as the Grand General of the Right Garrison, but was later dismissed for committing a crime. He eventually died at home. He had a son named Quan Hong.
Tu Wanxu, whose courtesy name was Changxu, was a Xianbei person from Dai Commandery. His father was named Tu Tong, who served as the Inspector of Ying Prefecture in the Zhou Dynasty. Changxu showed military talent from a young age, and during the Zhou Dynasty, he rose from the position of General of the Imperial Guard to inherit the title of Marquis of Yuanshou County. He participated in numerous military campaigns, steadily rising in rank, and eventually became the Grand General and Minister of War.
After the founding Emperor ascended the throne, he appointed Tu Wanxu as the Commander of Xiangzhou, enfeoffed him as the Marquis of Gucheng County, and granted him a fief of 2,500 households. Shortly after, he was transferred to be the Commander of Qingzhou, where he achieved notable success and earned a strong reputation. Over a year later, the Turks invaded the border, and the court valued Changxu's prestige and abilities, so they transferred him to be the Commander of Shuozhou, where the northern tribes feared him. Later, the founding Emperor secretly plotted to annex the Chen Dynasty, so he transferred Changxu to be the Commander of Xuzhou, instructing him to swiftly prepare military supplies.
When the main army crossed the river to attack Chen, Chang Xu was appointed as the commander of the march, stationed his troops in the northern camp alongside Xihugong Gedouling and Hong Jing. After the fall of the Chen dynasty, he was appointed as the governor of Xiazhou. When Prince Yang Guang was in his fief, he had a good relationship with Chang Xu. Later, when Yang Guang became the crown prince, he promoted Chang Xu to the position of Left Guard Commander. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, Prince Yang Liang was guarding Bingzhou at the time. The emperor feared that Yang Liang might rebel, so he sent Chang Xu to serve as the inspector of Jinzhou and Jiangzhou, dispatching him with urgent documents to make haste.
Before Chang Xu could set out, Yang Liang had already sent troops to occupy Puban and even cut off the bridges across the Yellow River, preventing Chang Xu from entering. The emperor ordered Chang Xu to lead troops to assist Yang Su in attacking Yang Liang, ultimately defeating him, after which Chang Xu was appointed as General of the Left Martial Guard. In the early years of the Daye era, he was promoted to the position of Guangluqing. Later, when He Ruobi was framed by villains, the emperor summoned Chang Xu to testify. Chang Xu testified to He Ruobi's innocence, but as a consequence, he was dismissed from his position.
More than a year later, he was appointed Governor of Dongping. Not long after, when the emperor embarked on a southern tour to Jiangdu, passing through Dongping, Chang Xu greeted the emperor by the roadside. The emperor invited him to board the dragon boat, and Chang Xu took the opportunity to present his previous grievances to the emperor. The emperor was greatly pleased and appointed him as Golden Purple Guanglu Dafu, retaining his position as governor. During the campaign in Liaodong, Chang Xu volunteered to serve as the vanguard. The emperor recognized his merit and appointed him as General of the Left Tuen Guard, leading tens of thousands of cavalry and infantry forces to Gaimadao.
After the battle ended, he stayed in Huaiyuan and was promoted to Left Minister of Guanglu. At this time, Liu Yuanjin rebelled in Jiangnan and attacked Runzhou. The emperor dispatched Chang Xu to quell the rebellion. Chang Xu led his army to Yangzijin, where Liu Yuanjin was preparing to cross the river at Maopu. Chang Xu immediately ordered an attack, forcing Liu Yuanjin to retreat. Chang Xu crossed the Yangtze River and established his camp with the river at his back. The next morning, Liu Yuanjin attempted another attack but was again defeated by Chang Xu. Liu Yuanjin was compelled to lift the siege of Runzhou and flee. Chang Xu stationed his troops in Qu'a, where Liu Yuanjin set up his own camp to resist. Chang Xu took the initiative to attack, and before Liu Yuanjin could properly organize his troops, Chang Xu led his cavalry to charge, resulting in a rout of Liu Yuanjin's forces, with tens of thousands drowning in the river. Liu Yuanjin escaped at night and returned to his own camp. The officials Zhu Xie and Guan Chong of the usurping regime were stationed in Pilin, with a camp that extended over a hundred li. Chang Xu pursued them and defeated them again, compelling the enemy to retreat to Huangshan. Chang Xu surrounded Huangshan, and the enemy had no option but to surrender, while Liu Yuanjin and Zhu Xie managed to escape. On the battlefield, Chang Xu slaughtered over five thousand troops, including generals like Guan Chong and Lu Yi, captured over thirty thousand men, women, and children, and transported them to Jiangdu Palace. He also relieved the siege of Kuaiji. Liu Yuanjin occupied Jian'an again, and the emperor commanded Chang Xu to suppress him. Chang Xu said the soldiers were exhausted, and he requested to postpone the campaign until the following spring. The emperor was displeased and discreetly sent officials to investigate Chang Xu's shortcomings. Some reported that Chang Xu was cowardly and insubordinate, prompting the emperor to dismiss him from office and exile him to Jian'an. Later, he received orders to undertake an inspection, but Chang Xu, feeling frustrated, returned to Yongjia, where he ultimately succumbed to illness.
Dong Chun, courtesy name Dehou, was from Chengji in Longxi. His grandfather Dong He was the Left Guard General of the Wei Kingdom, and his father Dong Sheng was a key figure in the Zhou Dynasty. Dong Chun had great strength from a young age and was skilled in archery and horseback riding. He served as a Senior Officer of the Imperial Stables and Junior Minister of Transport in the Zhou Dynasty, and was granted the title of nobleman of Gushi County, overseeing two hundred households. He accompanied Emperor Wu in pacifying the Qi Kingdom and was granted the title of Yitong for his achievements, with his rank elevated to Duke of Daxing County and his land holdings increased to eight hundred households. During the reign of Emperor Yang Jian of the Sui Dynasty, Dong Chun's title was further elevated to Duke of Hanqu County, and he gradually rose to the rank of General of the Valiant Cavalry thanks to his military achievements. Later, he was promoted to the position of Minister of Construction due to his military accomplishments. Towards the end of the Kaihuang period of the Sui Dynasty, as a seasoned veteran, Dong Chun was promoted to Left Guard General, and shortly after, he was subsequently granted the title of Duke of Shunzheng County.
Han Wangliang rebelled in Bingzhou, and the court appointed Dong Chun as the commander of the marching army and the Deputy Pacifier of Hebei, alongside Yang Su to quell the rebellion. Because of his meritorious service in this campaign, Dong Chun was honored as a Pillar of the State, his title was elevated to Duke, and his land holdings expanded to two thousand households. Later, he was promoted to Left Backup General, and the emperor rewarded him with ten court singers and five thousand bolts of silk. Several years later, he was promoted to Left Valiant Guard General and appointed as the guardian of Pengcheng. When Prince Qi made a mistake, Dong Chun was rebuked by the emperor for associating with Qi, who said, "You come from humble beginnings and have only ever had modest abilities. Why did you seek to flatter my son and create discord between us?" Dong Chun replied, "I come from humble beginnings and have only ever had modest abilities. Thanks to Your Majesty's appreciation and promotion, the late emperor valued my cautiousness in handling affairs and showed me extraordinary favor. Your Majesty has also entrusted me with the position of a general. I only wish to repay my country's kindness for the time I have left. I visited Prince Qi several times because the late emperor and empress used to reside in Renshou Palace and held Crown Prince Yuande and Prince Qi on their laps, telling me, 'Take good care of these two children and do not forget my words.' I followed the late emperor's orders, and whenever I had free time to enter the palace, I always went to see Prince Qi. I truly could not forget the late emperor's words. At that time, Your Majesty was also by the late emperor's side." The emperor's expression softened as he replied, "So it was like that." And so, Dong Chun was pardoned.
A few days later, Dong Chun was appointed as the governor of Wenshan. Over a year later, the Turkic tribes invaded the border. Due to Dong Chun's experience as a seasoned general, the court transferred him to Yulin as the governor. Whenever the enemy dared to invade, Dong Chun immediately attacked and repelled them. At this time, the bandit chieftains Zhang Dabiao and Zong Shimu led tens of thousands of troops, occupying Xuanbo Mountain and committing arson, murder, and pillage in the areas of Xuzhou and Yanzhou. The emperor ordered Dong Chun to suppress them. At first, Dong Chun initially refrained from engaging in battle, and the bandits provoked him multiple times. Believing Dong Chun was cowardly and unready, they plundered recklessly. Dong Chun selected elite troops and fought the bandits at Changlv, winning a great victory, beheading over ten thousand enemies and stacking their heads into a trophy display. The bandit leader Wei Qilin led over ten thousand men to occupy Danfu, but Dong Chun led an attack and defeated them again. Later, the emperor launched another expedition to Liaodong and appointed Dong Chun as the governor of Pengcheng. The East Sea bandit Peng Xiaocai led a few thousand men to plunder Huairen County, fled to Yishui, and occupied Wubuji Mountain. Dong Chun led his elite soldiers to pursue, capturing Peng Xiaocai alive on the battlefield and executing him by dismemberment, scattering the remaining bandits. At that time, the people's sentiments were in turmoil, and the number of thieves increased. Although Dong Chun won many battles, bandits continued to rise in various places. Some maliciously accused Dong Chun of cowardice and ineptitude, unable to pacify the bandits. The emperor, enraged, ordered Dong Chun to be escorted to the eastern capital. Recognizing the emperor's fury, the officials complied with his wishes and sentenced Dong Chun to death, ultimately resulting in his execution.
Zhao Cai, courtesy name Xiaocai, was from Zhangye, Gansu. His grandfather Zhao Wei was the Silver-Blue Nobleman of Wei State and the Governor of Le Lang; his father Zhao Shou was the Governor of Shunzheng in the Zhou Dynasty. Zhao Cai was brave and skilled in battle from a young age, with excellent equestrian and archery skills. He had a rough and tough personality and did not pay much attention to etiquette. During the Zhou Dynasty, he served as a Yuzheng Shangshi. After Emperor Yang Jian of the Sui Dynasty declared himself emperor, Zhao Cai, due to his military achievements, gradually rose to the position of Grand Minister of Ceremonies. Later, he served Prince Jin Yang Guang, and after Yang Guang became the Crown Prince, Zhao Cai was appointed as the Right Commander of the Imperial Guards. When Yang Guang became the emperor (Emperor Yang of Sui), Zhao Cai was promoted to the Left General of the Imperial Guards and later to the Right Xiaowei General. Because Zhao Cai was a former loyal minister of Emperor Yang during his time in the principality, the emperor grew closer to him, and Zhao Cai worked diligently and performed excellently. Over a year later, he was promoted to the Right Houwei General.
During Emperor Yang of Sui's campaign against the Tuyuhun, Zhao Cai was appointed as the chief military commander, leading officials Liu Quan and Ming Ya from the Ministry of War, starting from the Hehe Road, encountering and defeating the Tuyuhun army. For this military achievement, Zhao Cai was promoted to Nobleman of Golden Purple and Radiant Wealth. In the Battle of Liaodong, he led two military expeditions from Jieshi Road. Upon his return, he was appointed as the Left Houwei General, and shortly after, he was promoted to the Right Houwei Grand General. Whenever Emperor Yang of Sui went on inspection tours, Zhao Cai always served as the scout, sternly enforcing the law against various illegal activities without favoritism. If he encountered the family members of high-ranking officials violating orders on the road, Zhao Cai would reprimand them sharply and without hesitation, often offending many people. Even though many people thought he was too harsh, because he stuck to his principles, no one could do anything to him.
In the tenth year, Emperor Yang of Sui went to Fenyang Palace for a tour, leaving Zhao Cai in charge of the Eastern Capital Luoyang. Twelve years later, Emperor Yang of Sui was in Luoyang, getting ready to head to Jiangdu. Zhao Cai realized the dire situation and feared that the country was in great peril. Deeply favored by the emperor, he could not sit idly by as the country faced destruction, so he urged, "I urge Your Majesty to return to the capital and restore order for the people. Although I am ignorant and incompetent, I am willing to advise even at the cost of my life!" Emperor Yang of Sui was furious and turned Zhao Cai over to the authorities. Ten days later, Emperor Yang's anger had cooled somewhat, and he released him. Emperor Yang of Sui still went to Jiangdu, showing Zhao Cai greater favor. At that time, the food supplies in Jiangdu had run out, leaving the soldiers disheartened. The Interior Minister Yu Shiji, Secretary Yuan Chong, and others repeatedly urged Emperor Yang of Sui to go to Danyang. When discussing this matter in the court, Zhao Cai strongly advocated returning to the capital, while Yu Shiji strongly advocated crossing the river. Emperor Yang of Sui remained silent, leading to a heated argument between Zhao Cai and Yu Shiji. When Yuwen Huaji staged a coup and assassinated the emperor, Zhao Cai was in the north of the park. Yuwen Huaji sent Xiaoguo Xide Fang to arrest him with a forged edict. Upon hearing the edict, Zhao Cai stepped out, and Xide Fang commanded his men to capture him and bring him to Yuwen Huaji. Yuwen Huaji said to Zhao Cai, "Today's matter can only be handled this way. I hope you won't take it personally." Zhao Cai remained silent. When Zhao Cai remained silent, Yuwen Huaji contemplated killing him, but released him three days later. Zhao Cai retained his original position but felt increasingly frustrated. At one of Yuwen Huaji's banquets, Zhao Cai encouraged the conspirators, including Yang Shilan, to drink. Yuwen Huaji agreed. Zhao Cai raised his glass and said, "This is a one-time deal for the eighteen of us. Let’s not make this a regular thing." No one else spoke.
When he arrived in Liaocheng, Zhao Caisheng became ill. Soon after, Yuwen Huaji was defeated by Dou Jiande, and Zhao Caisheng was captured once more. He felt very resentful and died a few days later at the age of seventy-three. During the Renshou and Daye eras, there were two generals, one named Lan Xingyu and the other named Helan Fan, both serving as Martial Generals. They were upright and daring, unafraid to speak their minds and challenge the powerful, and were well known for their competence. Historical records show that Luo Hou, Fa Shang, Li Jing, Shi Xiong, and Murong Sanzang all achieved wealth and status through their bravery and military prowess in times of national conflict, which they earned through their own merits. Rengong, who started as an official in Jijun and rose through the ranks due to his integrity and ability, later went to Mayi, but ultimately met his downfall due to greed and stinginess. Few can truly see things through to the end; it's truly a shame! Tu Wanxu and Dong Chun both rose to high positions and amassed wealth due to their past achievements. Tu Wanxu was criticized for his request to end the war, while Dong Chun was falsely accused and murdered. In the later period of the Daye era, bandits were rampant and impossible to completely eradicate! Brutal punishments were meted out indiscriminately, and people felt powerless to resist! Though Zhao Caisheng lacked decorum, his aspiration was to remain upright and resolute, firmly resisting the proposals made by Shiji, and can be said to have truly stood his ground. Quan Wu, who was often unruly and flouted laws and regulations, was eventually dismissed and disgraced, bringing disgrace upon himself.
