Daxi Changru, whose courtesy name was Furen, was a native of Daijun. His grandfather, Daxi Si, served as the Governor of Dingzhou during the Northern Wei dynasty; his father, Daxi Qing, rose to the rank of General of Chariots and Cavalry and held the title of Yitong Sansi, a very prestigious position. Changru was very principled from a young age, with exceptional courage that set him apart from others. At the age of fifteen, he inherited the title of Duke of Le'an.
During the reign of Emperor Da Tong of Northern Wei, he began serving as the Commandant of the Imperial Carriages. Later, Emperor Taizu of Zhou took a liking to him, considering him upright in character and diligent in his duties, and appointed him as the Grand Commandant. He won many battles and was subsequently appointed General Who Assists the State, gradually advancing to the positions of General-in-Chief, General Who Consoles the Army, and Imperial Attendant. In the campaign to pacify the Shu region, he always led the charge at the forefront, emerging victorious in every battle. Later, he was promoted to Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry and retained the title of Yitong Sansi, and was granted an additional three hundred households of land.
During the Tianhe era, he was appointed as the Administrator of Weinan Commandery and later elevated to General of Chariots and Cavalry, as well as Yitong Sansi. Following the pacification of the Qi state by Emperor Wu of Zhou, he was further elevated to Upper General, his title was elevated to Duke of Cheng'an Commandery, his land holdings increased to twelve hundred households, and his son was additionally enfeoffed as a County Duke. In the first year of Xuanzheng, he was appointed as Valiant Officer of the Left Vanguard.
Subsequently, he and Wuman Gui together besieged the general Wu Mingche of the Chen state at Lüliang. Chen dispatched the valiant general Liu Jing with seven thousand elite soldiers to rescue them. Wuman Gui ordered Daxi Changru to intercept them. Changru devised a clever plan, having hundreds of wagon wheels tied to large stones and sunk in clear water, with the wheels linked together to block the enemy's boats. When Liu Jing's forces arrived, their boats were blocked by the sunken wagon wheels and could not proceed. Changru seized the opportunity, ordering his troops to launch a dual attack by land and water, achieving a resounding victory and capturing thousands of enemy soldiers. Ultimately, Wu Mingche was also captured. As a result of this significant victory, Daxi Changru's rank was once again elevated, and he was appointed Grand General.
Not long after, he was appointed as the commander-in-chief and patrolled the northern border. He encountered the enemy and secured a decisive victory over them. Later, Gaozu was appointed as the chancellor, Wang Qian rebelled in Shu, and Yang Yong'an incited six states, including Lizhou, Xingzhou, Wuzhou, Wenzhou, Shazhou, and Longzhou, to rally behind Wang Qian. The court ordered Daxi Changru to quell the rebellion, and he quickly defeated the rebels. Wang Qian's two sons escaped from the capital to join their father in Shu, but were captured and subsequently executed by Daxi Changru. After Gaozu ascended the throne, Daxi Changru was elevated to the rank of Grand General and granted the title of Duke of Qichun, with a fief of 2,500 households.
In 582 AD, the Turkic Shaboluoye Khan led more than 100,000 troops south to plunder. Daxi Changru was appointed as the commander-in-chief and led 2,000 troops to confront them.
The two armies met in Zhou, with our forces greatly outnumbered and the soldiers were terrified. However, General Changru displayed remarkable bravery and fought valiantly. Even though the Turkic forces scattered them, they regrouped and fought for three consecutive days, exhausting all five types of weapons. Many soldiers fought barehanded, sustaining numerous injuries. They killed tens of thousands of enemy soldiers, weakening the Turkic forces, who eventually retreated.
General Changru was wounded in five places, two of them serious, and nearly 90% of his soldiers were casualties. The Turkic forces, expecting to plunder Qinzhou and Longzhou, were caught off guard by the fierce resistance and suffered defeat. The next day, they burned the bodies on the battlefield and departed in tears.
The emperor issued a decree, saying, "The Turks have become too arrogant, constantly encroaching on our borders. They are as numerous as dogs and sheep are, spread out across the mountains and plains. General Changru has been ordered to resist the enemy on the northern border and has successfully stopped their attacks. Despite commanding only a small force, he has managed to achieve victory against the enemy with remarkable bravery, fighting day and night; he engaged in fourteen battles and emerged victorious in every one. Over half of the enemy troops were killed or wounded, with their bodies littering the battlefield, while the rest fled. Without General Changru's bravery, patriotism, tactical skill, and the willingness of his soldiers to fight to the death, how could such a remarkable victory have been achieved against such overwhelming odds? In recognition of his accomplishments, he should be duly rewarded, appointed as a national pillar, and his accomplishments should be passed down to his son. The fallen soldiers will be posthumously elevated by three ranks, and their descendants will be entitled to inherit these titles."
That year, he was appointed as the governor of Ningzhou, and shortly after transferred to be the governor of Fuzhou. After his mother passed away, he resigned from his official position. This person, a scholar by origin, extremely filial, did not eat or drink for five days, grieving excessively to the point of nearly crying himself to death. The emperor was deeply moved by this and praised him repeatedly. Later, he was appointed as the commander of Xiazhou, leading the military forces of three provinces and six towns. The Xiongnu people feared him and did not dare to cross the border to invade. Due to illness, he resigned from his duties. He was then appointed as the commander of Xiangzhou, served for two years, and then transferred to be the commander of Lanzhou. Emperor Gaozu sent generals Dugu Luo of Liangzhou, Yuan Bao of Yuanzhou, and He Ruoyi of Lingzhou to lead troops to guard against the Xiongnu, all of whom followed his orders. He led the army across the Qilian Mountains all the way to Lake Puleihai, returning victorious without facing any enemies. He was later appointed as the commander of Jingzhou, overseeing the military affairs of thirty-six states. Emperor Gaozu said to him, "Jiangling is a strategically important location, the southern gateway of the country, now I entrust it to you, I am not worried at all." Over a year later, he died while in office, posthumously honored with the title "Wei." His son, Helou Gao, held the position of Minister of Imperial Stables during the Daye era. Helou Zigang, courtesy name Wanshou, was a man of Northern Wei descent. Following the migration of the Wei Dynasty to the south, his family resided in the Guanzhong region for generations. His grandfather, Helou Daocheng, was a minister of the Wei Dynasty and the Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince; his father, Helou Jingxian, was the General of the Right Guard. Helou Zigang earned a reputation for his bravery and combat skills from a young age. During the reign of Emperor Wu of Zhou, he was appointed as an officer in charge of water control and was recognized for his exceptional abilities. He steadily rose through the ranks, becoming a minor officer in charge of water, and due to his diligence and capability, was granted the title of Marquis of Sian County, and soon after appointed as the General of the Chariots and Cavalry with full command authority. During the reign of Emperor Daixiang, he served as the head of the military equipment department, and shortly after was transferred to be the governor of Qinzhou, with his title elevated to Count.
When Wei Xiaokuan led the rebellion, Helou Zigang and Yuwen Sulu followed Wei Xiaokuan to suppress it. While surrounded by rebel forces in Huaizhou, Helou Zigang and Yuwen Shu, along with others, defeated the rebels. The Emperor was very pleased and personally wrote a letter saying, "The traitor Wei Xiaokuan dared to gather a motley crew to attack Huaizhou. You were tasked with suppressing the rebellion and swiftly quelling the unrest. Upon hearing this news, I am truly delighted and at a loss for words. Today is the moment for a great man to achieve greatness, so be sure to achieve great things and live up to the court's expectations!" Thereafter, he always led the charge in every battle. When they broke through Ye City, he and Cui Hongdu pursued Wei Xiaokuan, chasing him all the way to the tower. Later, he was promoted to Grand Minister, appointed as Duke of Wuchuan County with a fief of 3,000 households, and the title of Count of Sian County was bestowed upon his son, Helou Jiao.
In the first year of the Kaihuang reign, Yang Su was promoted and became Duke of Julu Commandery. In that same year, the Tuyuhun invaded Liangzhou, and Yang Su followed General Yuan Xie to battle, achieving significant victories. The Emperor personally commended him with a royal decree. Believing the border was still not secure enough, the Emperor assigned Yang Su to defend Liangzhou.
In the second year of his reign, the Turks launched another invasion of Lanzhou, and Yang Su led the troops to resist, fighting their way to Keluo Mountain, where they engaged the enemy. Seeing that the enemy was outnumbered, Yang Su strategically camped by the river, taking advantage of the terrain. After a few days without water, the enemy troops and horses were exhausted, and Yang Su seized the opportunity and decisively defeated them. The Emperor was overjoyed and appointed Yang Su as the Grand General, and issued a special decree: "Pay attention to my decree! Yang Su, you possess a broad mind, clear vision, steadfast aspirations, and courageous decisiveness. You are capable of shouldering heavy responsibilities as a general, with remarkable accomplishments. During the past few years of unrest along the border, you have fought valiantly on the frontier, expanding our territory and bringing peace to the people, with great merit! That is why I am rewarding you generously, promoting you, granting you honors, and bestowing upon you carriages, horses, and clothing. Treasure this honor! Understand?" Afterwards, Yang Su then served as the Deputy Supervisor of the New Capital Camp, and shortly after became the Minister of Works.
In the same year, the Turks invaded the border again, and Yang Su followed General Dou Rongding to battle. Yang Su took a different path and defeated the enemy, killing over a thousand, which pleased the Emperor. Cao Wei was sent to deliver a congratulatory decree to him, encouraging him. Yang Su expressed his desire to return to the capital to see the Emperor, who urged him to make haste.
The Tuyuhun tribe invaded the border again, resulting in considerable losses in the western region. The Emperor dispatched Yang Su to confront them. Yang Su swiftly made his way to Hexi, mobilized forces from five prefectures, advanced deep into enemy territory, and defeated tens of thousands of the enemy, returning victorious in twenty days. The Emperor grew increasingly concerned about the frequent invasions in Longxi. Since the local populace lacked villages and fortifications, the Emperor instructed Yang Su to direct the locals to construct fortifications, cultivate the land, and stockpile food for emergencies.
Yang Su wrote a memorial to the emperor, saying, "Recently, these bandits have been intruding frequently. Eliminating them completely won't happen overnight. I hope Your Majesty can be patient. I am here now and will take action according to the situation. I cannot follow your orders to the letter. Moreover, the areas of Longxi and Hexi are vast and sparsely populated, and the border is still unstable, so large-scale farming is not feasible. I have found that the farmland in those areas yields little, costs much, wastes manpower and resources, and is often raided by enemies. I suggest discontinuing those farmlands far from the border. The people in Longyou primarily rely on livestock for their livelihood. If they are forced to farm and settle, it will only cause more unrest. We only need to strengthen reconnaissance, be vigilant, and there is no need to concentrate the people. We just need to bolster defenses at the key passes, connect the various garrisons, and ensure the beacon towers can support one another. Even if the people are spread out, we need not worry." The emperor agreed with his opinion. Soon, the enemy invaded Minzhou and Taozhou again, and Yang Su led his troops to chase after them, causing the enemy to flee at the news.
Emperor Gaozu appointed Li Zigang to study border affairs from a young age, later appointing him as the commander of Yuguan, overseeing military operations in ten garrisons. Over a year later, he was reassigned as the governor of Yunzhou, and the northern nomadic tribes feared him greatly. After a few years, the Turkic leader, Yong Yulu, sent envoys to submit, along with many sheep and horses. The court appointed Li Zigang as the commander of the expedition to receive them in the northwest. Upon his return, the court reassigned him as the governor of Yunzhou and rewarded him with the hundred horses and thousand sheep that the Turks had sent. The emperor also wrote to him, saying, "Since you have guarded the northern border, it has been peaceful without any wars. The gifts sent by the Turks are hereby bestowed upon you." Later, after his mother passed away, Li Zigang resigned from his post and returned home to mourn. However, the court considered Yuguan a vital military stronghold and could not afford to lose Li Zigang, so he was soon invited back to continue his official duties. Fourteen years later, Li Zigang died after a prolonged illness at the age of sixty. Emperor Gaozu was deeply saddened and sent numerous funeral offerings for him, posthumously granting him the titles of governor of Huai, Wei, and four other states, with the posthumous title "Huai." His son, Li Shanzhu, inherited his title and later became the Prefect of Qian'an.
Li Zigang's brother, Li Quan, also showed great talent, eventually attaining the rank of Yinqing Guanglu Daifu, governor of the three states of Shanchunshen, Prefect of Beidi, and Duke of Dong'an.
Shi Wansui was from Duling in Jingzhao. His father, Shi Jing, was Cangzhou's governor during the Zhou Dynasty. Shi Wansui was brave and skilled in battle from a young age, excelling in horseback riding and archery, moving as swiftly as a bird. He had a passion for military literature and was also proficient in astronomy and divination. At the age of fifteen, during a battle between the Zhou and Qi dynasties at Mangshan, Shi Wansui followed his father to join the army. When the two armies faced each other, Shi Wansui immediately instructed his companions to pack up and get ready to retreat. Before long, the Zhou army suffered a major defeat, which left his father greatly astonished. Under the Sui Emperor, Shi Wansui became a senior attendant. In the war to pacify the Qi dynasty, his father died in battle. Due to his loyalty, Shi Wansui was appointed as General of the Household Affairs and inherited his father's title as Duke of Taiping.
During the rebellion of Yu Jiong, Shi Wansui joined Liang Shiyan in the suppression. While stationed in Fengyi, a flock of geese flew overhead. Shi Wansui said to Liang Shiyan, "Let me shoot down the one in the middle." With one arrow, the goose fell to the ground, gaining the admiration of all the soldiers. In engagements against Yu Jiong's forces, Shi Wansui consistently led the charge. During the Battle of Yecheng, when the imperial army started to fall back, Shi Wansui told those around him, "The situation is critical; I must charge forward to kill the enemy!" He then spurred his horse forward, killing dozens of enemies. The soldiers also bravely fought, lifting the spirits of the imperial troops. After Yu Jiong was subdued, Shi Wansui was appointed as Grand General for his military achievements.
Erzhu Rong was executed for treason, which implicated the emperor, leading to his dismissal and exile to Dunhuang as a soldier.
That border lord of his is quite impressive. He often rides deep into the territory of the Turks alone, raiding sheep and horses, and always comes out victorious. No matter how many Turks there are, they dare not confront him head-on. This border lord is particularly arrogant and frequently disrespects the emperor. The emperor is quite uncomfortable with it and claims that he is actually quite skilled in combat. The border lord then challenges him to try horseback archery, and the emperor holds his own. The border lord laughs and says, "I can definitely handle you!" The emperor asks for a bow, arrows, and a horse, and goes to the Turkic side to plunder a large number of cattle, sheep, and horses. It was only then that the border lord began to take him seriously, always taking him along on their actions, often venturing hundreds of miles into Turkic territory, striking fear into the Turkic people.
When Dou Rongding led troops to fight the Turks, the emperor showed up at Dou Rongding's camp, eager to earn some merit. Dou Rongding had heard of him for a long time and was very pleased to see him. Dou Rongding sent a messenger to the Turks, saying, "If our soldiers have done something wrong, why kill them? Why not have a warrior from each side come out and duel?" The Turks agreed and sent out a cavalryman to challenge. Dou Rongding sent the emperor to fight, and the emperor charged in quickly, beheading the Turkic cavalryman and returning with his head. The Turks were terrified and didn't dare to fight again, so they retreated.
As a result, the emperor was appointed as the General of Chariots and Cavalry and was given the title of Shang Yitong. In the war to pacify the Chen dynasty, he achieved merit again and was further ennobled as Kaifu.
Let me tell you, Shi Wansui was a real force to be reckoned with! At the time, there was chaos in Jiangnan, with Gao Zhihui and his followers in revolt. The court sent him to follow Yang Su to suppress the rebellion. The emperor personally led a force of two thousand soldiers, took an alternate route from Dongyang, crossed mountains and seas, and captured numerous strongholds. He fought in over seven hundred battles, traveled over a thousand miles, and for a full ten days, there was no word from him. Everyone thought he had perished.
As a result, Shi Wansui found himself cut off from both land and water routes and unable to contact any messengers, so he wrote a letter, placed it in a bamboo tube, and tossed it into the water. Someone found the letter and quickly informed Yang Su. When Yang Su heard this, he was overjoyed and hurried to report it to the Emperor. The Emperor praised him, rewarding him with a hundred thousand coins, and promoted him to the position of Left General. Earlier, the barbarian Cuan Wan from Nanning surrendered and was appointed Governor of Kunzhou, but he later rebelled again. The Emperor sent Shi Wansui as the Commander-in-Chief to lead the troops to fight against him. Shi Wansui set out from Qinglongchuan, fighting his way through Nongdong, Xiaobonong, Dabonong, and finally reaching the South. Cuan Wan had troops lying in ambush at key locations, but Shi Wansui defeated them all. After marching hundreds of miles, they came across the monument erected by Zhuge Liang, known as the Monument of Achievements, inscribed with the words, "After ten thousand years, those who defeat me will pass this way." Shi Wansui ordered the monument to be toppled and continued his march. He crossed the West Second River, entered Qulanchuan, traveled over a thousand miles, defeating more than thirty barbarian forces, and captured over twenty thousand people. Terrified, the barbarians quickly sent envoys to surrender, presenting a thumb-sized pearl. Shi Wansui erected a monument there to commemorate the achievements of the Sui Dynasty. Shi Wansui promptly sent the battle report back to the court, requesting permission to return, which the Emperor granted. However, Cuan Wan was duplicitous and sought to avoid going to the capital, so he secretly bribed Shi Wansui with gold and silver. Upon learning of this, Shi Wansui quickly tossed all the gold and silver he had received into the river, leaving no trace. Due to his significant achievements, Shi Wansui was appointed a pillar of the state. Prince Yang Guang of Jin held him in high regard, treating him like a friend, and the Emperor recognized his talents, assigning him to oversee military affairs at the Jin Palace.
In the second year, Cuan Wan rose up in rebellion again. King Yang Xiu of Shu accused Shi Wansui of accepting bribes and letting the enemy go, causing unrest on the border and failing to uphold the integrity expected of a minister. The emperor ordered a thorough investigation, which substantiated the claims, and Shi Wansui was sentenced to death. The emperor scolded him: "You took money and let the thieves go, wasting the hard work of the soldiers. I couldn't sleep at night and lost my appetite. Are you still a loyal subject?" Shi Wansui said: "I kept Cuan Wan to prevent chaos in his region, wanting him to suppress it. When I returned to Lushui, the imperial edict arrived, so I didn't go to court. I really didn't take bribes!" The emperor thought Shi Wansui was being sophistical, grew angry, and said: "I believed you to be a good person, enjoying a high position and salary, yet you've turned into a traitor to the state!" Then he told the officials: "Behead him tomorrow!" Shi Wansui was frightened and quickly confessed, pleading for mercy. Left Assistant Gao Feng, Left Guard General Yuan Min, and others quickly pleaded for him: "Shi Wansui is brave in battle, always at the forefront in every engagement, good at comforting soldiers, and the soldiers would willingly lay down their lives for him. Even ancient famous generals cannot compare to him!" The emperor's anger subsided somewhat, and he demoted him. A year later, he was restored to his official position and title, appointed as the Inspector of Hezhou, and continued to serve as the Commander of the Army to guard against the Turks.
In the later years of the Kaihuang period, the Turkic Khan launched an invasion on the border. The emperor ordered Prince Jing Yang Guang and Yang Su to advance from Lingwu Road, and Prince Han Yang Liang and Shi Wansui to advance from Mayi Road. Shi Wansui led the Zhuguo Zhang Dinghe, General Li Yaowang, Yang Yichen, and others to the border, reaching Dajin Mountain where they encountered the Turkic army. The Turkic commander inquired: "Who is the general of the Sui Dynasty?" The scout replied: "It's Shi Wansui." The Turks asked again: "Is he a border soldier from Dunhuang?" The scout replied: "Yes." Upon hearing this, the Khan, fearing defeat, ordered a withdrawal of his troops. Shi Wansui pursued them for over a hundred miles, defeating the Turkic army, killing thousands, and chasing them into the desert for hundreds of miles before they retreated in disarray.
Yang Su, envious of Shi Wansui's achievements, falsely accused him, claiming, "The Turks had already surrendered and did not come to invade at first, but only came to graze on the border." He thus downplayed Shi Wansui's contributions. Shi Wansui repeatedly reported the situation, but the emperor did not understand the truth. At that time, the emperor had just returned to the capital from Renshou Palace, abolished the crown prince, and struck against the faction supporting the Eastern Palace. The emperor asked where Shi Wansui was, and Shi Wansui was in the court at that time. Yang Su saw the emperor angry and said, "Shi Wansui went to see the crown prince." This only served to further infuriate the emperor. The emperor believed it to be true and ordered Shi Wansui to be summoned. Hundreds of Shi Wansui's soldiers were in the court, shouting in protest. Shi Wansui said to them, "Today I will plead your case to the emperor with reason, and the matter will be resolved."
When Shi Wansui saw the emperor, he said that the soldiers had made achievements but were suppressed by the court, and he was very agitated, challenging the emperor. The emperor was furious and ordered the guards to kill him. Later, the emperor regretted his decision, but it was too late. He issued an edict blaming Shi Wansui, stating, "Zhu Guo, Taiping Gong Shi Wansui, I promoted you, letting you lead the army many times. When there was a rebellion in Nanning before, I sent you to suppress it. However, the Kunzhou Prefect Cuan Wan harbored ill intentions and harmed the people. I have issued an edict for you to lead the troops back to the court. Yet, you accepted substantial bribes, disobeyed orders, and delayed your return, ultimately leading to Cuan Wan's rebellion, and it took a lot of effort to pacify. According to the law, you should be put to death, but taking your past merits into account, I spare your life. Not long after, I restored your original position. Recently, I have entrusted you once again with leading the troops against the enemies at the border."
The Turkic Khan led his army to resist, but upon seeing the might of your army, they fled without putting up a fight, and the enemy collapsed. This victory is of great importance to the country, and I want to commend your achievements and grant you further rewards. However, when you and Zhang Ding reported the battle, you acted deceitfully, falsely claiming that you engaged in direct combat without reporting the truth, revealing a fickle and duplicitous nature, manipulating the state’s laws. A person who is loyal and honest, without deception in their heart, is a good general. But someone like you, Shi Wansui, who harbors deceit and seeks personal glory, is a criminal against the state, and the court's laws cannot be violated, and I cannot forgive you." On the day Shi Wansui died, people from all walks of life, whether they knew him or not, felt it was unjust and lamented his fate.
This General Wansui was not the type of commander who micromanaged every detail. He allowed his soldiers to be in their positions, without worrying about night attacks, as the enemy dared not approach easily. On the battlefield, he could adapt and fight flexibly; he truly was an excellent leader! He also had a son named Huaiyi, who was equally impressive.
General Liu Fang, a native of Chang'an, was strong-willed and decisive, with exceptional courage and insight. He first served in Northern Zhou and later rose through the ranks due to his military achievements. After Gaozu became prime minister, Liu Fang followed General Wei Xiaokuan to defeat Yu Jiong in Xiangzhou, and was appointed as a marquis, receiving the title of Marquis of Heyin County, with a fief that included eight hundred households. After Gaozu became emperor, he was subsequently promoted to Duke. In the third year of the Kaihuang era, he fought alongside Prince Wei Shuang to defeat the Turkic forces, and was appointed as Grand General. Later, he served as the Inspector of Ganzhou and Guazhou, but at that time, he had not yet gained much notoriety.
During the Ren Shou period, Li Fuzi, a local native of Jiaozhou, rebelled, occupying the former capital of the Yue King, and also sending his nephew Li Daquan to occupy Longbian City, while another general, Li Puding, occupied Wuyan City. At that time, Yang Su said that Liu Fang had great military talent, so the emperor sent Liu Fang to Jiaozhou as the commander of the army and appointed the Minister of Revenue, Jing Deliang, as his chief of staff, leading twenty-seven military forces on the expedition. Liu Fang strictly enforced military discipline and upheld order, and anyone who violated military discipline would face immediate public execution! At the same time, he showed kindness to his soldiers, personally caring for anyone who fell ill. His chief of staff, Jing Deliang, fell ill in Yinzhou and could not walk, so he had to stay in the state guesthouse. When Liu Fang said goodbye to Jing Deliang and saw how gravely ill he was, he was overcome with sadness, moving even the passersby. He was both dignified and compassionate, so everyone recognized him as a good general.
Upon reaching Dulong Ridge, they encountered more than two thousand bandits launching an attack on the imperial forces. Liu Fang sent camp leaders such as Song Zuan, He Gui, and Yan Yuan to defeat them. Then, they arrived at Li Fuzi's city, first sending envoys to urge his surrender and warn him of the consequences of rebellion. Li Fuzi got scared and surrendered, being escorted to the capital. However, Liu Fang feared that the die-hard rebels might cause trouble in the future, so he had them all killed. The saying goes, "Long live the general; do not micromanage the troops, let the soldiers settle as they please, without the need for night guards, and the enemy will not dare to attack. Facing the enemy in battle, adapt without a plan, known as a good general. Having a son with a sense of righteousness."
It is reported that the court appointed Xue Fang as the commander of the Huanyuanzhou Dao and also appointed the Right Assistant Secretary, Li Gang, as his deputy, to lead the expedition against Linyi. Xue Fang first sent the Qinzhou Prefect Ning Changzhen, the Huizhou Prefect Li Yun, and Qin Xiong, the Grand Marshal of Shangkaifu, with infantry and cavalry departing from Yuechang, while he himself commanded a fleet with Grand General Zhang Xin and his deputy Li Gang, heading straight to Bijing.
During this period, Emperor Gaozu passed away, and Emperor Yang ascended the throne. In the first month of the first year of the Daye era, the army finally arrived at Haikou. King Fan Zhi of Linyi dispatched troops to fortify key positions, but were routed by Xue Fang. When the army reached the Shali River, the enemy occupied the southern bank and constructed fortifications. Xue Fang ordered his troops to form up, beat drums and cymbals, frightening the enemy into disarray. After crossing the river and marching thirty miles, they suddenly encountered enemy troops riding elephants charging from all directions. Xue Fang ordered the use of crossbows to shoot the elephants, injuring them and causing them to trample their own troops in confusion. Our army fought valiantly, forcing the enemy to fall back to their stronghold, which was eventually breached. Thousands of enemies were captured and killed.
Subsequently, the army crossed the Qu Su River and marched six miles, encountering the enemy several times and capturing them in each battle. The army advanced to Dayuan River, where the enemy, entrenched in a stronghold, was defeated by Xue Fang. Then, Xue Fang passed directly through Ma Yuan's bronze pillar and headed south for eight days, finally arriving at the capital of Linyi. King Fan Zhi of Linyi abandoned the city and fled to the sea. Xue Fang's forces captured the golden statues from Linyi's temple, destroyed the enemy's palace, erected stone tablets to record their achievements, and then returned to the capital.
Unfortunately, many soldiers contracted swollen feet disease during this campaign, resulting in the death of about one in seven or one in five of them. Xue Fang died of illness on the return journey, which deeply saddened the emperor, who issued a decree praising Xue Fang for upholding the late emperor's strategic vision, diligently carrying out the mission to subdue Linyi, overcoming numerous difficulties, advancing courageously, surprising the enemy, completely annihilating them, achieving a brilliant victory, and ensuring that the soldiers were not overworked. He was posthumously granted the titles of Grand Minister and Duke of Lu, and his son, Xue Tongren, succeeded him in his titles.
In the Kaihuang period, there were several famous border generals, Feng Yu, Wang Ya, Li Chong, Yang Wutong, Chen Yonggui, and Fang Zhao, who were well-known figures of their time. However, the historical records do not mention the origins of Feng Yu and Wang Ya. Feng Yu was both clever and formidable in martial arts. When Emperor Wen of Sui was newly appointed as Prime Minister, he appointed Feng Yu as the army commander, along with Wang Yi and Li Wei, to quell the rebellion of the barbarian tribes. After his victories, he was honored as a pillar of the state. In the early years of the Kaihuang period, he was sent to Yifubo to station troops to guard against the Turks. However, he faced a sudden attack from tens of thousands of Turkic cavalry and was ultimately defeated, resulting in the loss of thousands of his troops, though they managed to kill many Turkic soldiers in return. In the following years, he continued to fight on the border and achieved resounding victories each time.
Feng Yu excelled in horseback riding and archery, and Emperor Wen of Sui believed he possessed the makings of a great general, so he continuously appointed him as the commander of the army stationed north of the Yangtze River to defend against the forces of the Chen Dynasty. He won many battles, and the Chen Dynasty's soldiers feared him. During the Sui conquest of Chen and the Gao Jixing rebellion, Feng Yu made great contributions and was eventually honored as a pillar of the state and granted the title of Duke of Baishui. Li Chong, from Chengji in Longxi, was bold and shrewd from a young age. During the Kaihuang period, he served as the commander of the army several times to fight against the Turks, earning numerous military accolades. He was appointed as a high-ranking pillar of the country, Duke of Wuyang County, and also served as the commander of Shuozhou, gaining a reputation that instilled fear in the Turks. Later, he was falsely accused of treason and recalled to the capital, infuriating the Emperor. Li Chong, who was known for his stubbornness, grew even angrier and ultimately died from grief and indignation.
Yang Wutong was a native of Huayin in Hongnong, known for his decisiveness and being an accomplished horseman and archer. He was appointed as a military commander to campaign against the tribes in the southwest several times, and each time he achieved notable achievements. He was granted the title of Duke of Baishui County and also became the Left General of the Imperial Guard. At that time, the Party Xiang and Qiang peoples frequently harassed the border areas, so the court valued his reputation and appointed him in succession as the military commander of Minzhou and Lanzhou to suppress them. Later, he and Zhou Fashang jointly quelled the Lao tribe's rebellion in Jiazhou. Zhou Fashang's forces faced early setbacks, so Yang Wutong led several thousand men to cut off the enemy's retreat. Yang Wutong ordered the horses to be tied up and the chariots to be stopped, launching surprise attacks on the enemy, and defeated them in several consecutive battles. The enemy realized that he was deep behind enemy lines without reinforcements, so they launched a full-scale attack. Yang Wutong fought fiercely with the enemy for hundreds of miles, surrounded on all sides. He attempted to break through with his light cavalry, but his horse stumbled and fell, and he was captured by the enemy, ultimately killed and with his remains consumed by them.
Chen Yonggui was an ethnic Hu from Longyou, originally surnamed Bai, and was famous for his bravery. Emperor Wen of Sui valued him greatly, appointing him as a military commander to guard the border several times, consistently leading his troops into battle and charging at the front lines. He achieved the rank of Duke of Beichen County, serving as the military commander of Lanzhou and Lizhou. Fang Zhao was an ethnic Dai, originally surnamed Wuyinshi, known for his resolute character and military talent. He was appointed as a military commander to fight against the Turks several times, and thanks to his military achievements, he rose to the rank of Duke and the military commander of Xuzhou. However, historical records about his deeds are relatively scarce.
Historical records state that these generals have been brave and skilled heroes since childhood, having served in the military; leading troops in battle, they have all made great contributions to defending their country. Zhangru is remarkable for leading two thousand infantry against a hundred thousand enemy troops, running out of arrows and bullets, yet remaining incredibly brave and impressive! General Zigang crossed the Qinghai to the west and reached the border to the north, causing the barbarians to hesitate and maintaining peace at the border, which is commendable. General Wansui, intelligent and brave, skilled in comforting soldiers, everyone is willing to follow him into battle, and the army remains tireless. He repelled the Xiongnu in the north and pacified the Yi and Lao tribes in the south, his reputation struck fear in the border regions. However, due to his great achievements, he offended the powerful, was framed by villains, and died unjustly, similar to General Li Guang of the Han Dynasty. General Liu Fang, known for his fair orders and strict military discipline, captured Lin Yi and brought peace to the South China Sea, earning the respect of the border tribes. These generals possess lofty ambitions and exceptional abilities, holding significant positions. While generals like Mayuan and Fubo are well-known in the south, and General Zhao Chongguo has a great reputation in the Western Qiang region, each has their own era and achievements.
Kumo Xie, originally called Xi, is a branch of the Eastern Hu people. They were later defeated by the Murong clan, and the remaining members took refuge in the Songliao Plain. Their customs are quite crude, but they are skilled hunters who enjoy raiding. They initially submitted to the Turks but gradually became powerful and split into five parts: the Ruge Wang tribe, the Mohefu tribe, the Qige tribe, the Mukun tribe, and the Shide tribe. Each part is led by a Sijin, or leader. Like the Turks, they migrate in search of water and pasture. Among them, the A Hui tribe is the strongest, and the other parts all obey its commands. They often fought with the Khitan people, looted goods, and then received rewards. When someone dies, they wrap the body in reed mats and suspend it from a tree. Since they submitted to the Turks, the Kumo Xie also sent envoys to the court to offer tribute, sometimes sending envoys and at other times severing ties, and were very untrustworthy. During the Sui Dynasty's reign, they sent envoys every year to offer various items as tribute.
The Khitan people, who were initially a distinct ethnic group from the Kumo Xie but shared close blood ties, were also defeated by the Murong clan and fled to the Songmo region. Later, they gradually grew stronger and settled hundreds of miles north of the Yellow Dragon. Their customs closely resemble those of the Mohe people, and they also enjoy looting. If parents die, they believe that excessive mourning is unmanly. They typically place the bodies on trees in the mountains, collect the bones after three years and burn them, and pray as they sprinkle wine on the ashes, saying, "In winter, grant us the warmth of the sun and food; if we hunt, let us catch more pigs and deer." They are rough and brutal, regarded as the fiercest among all ethnic minorities.
During the Later Wei period, the Khitan tribes were mistreated by Goryeo, prompting over ten thousand households to seek refuge in the Great Sui Dynasty, settling near the Baihe River. Later, they faced oppression from the Turks, leading to more than ten thousand households seeking refuge in Goryeo. In the fourth year of the Sui Kaihuang era, the Mohefu tribe of the Khitan came to pay tribute to Emperor Wen of Sui. In the fifth year of Kaihuang, the Khitan tribes all submitted, and Emperor Wen of Sui welcomed them back, allowing them to return to their ancestral lands. In the sixth year of Kaihuang, the various Khitan tribes engaged in prolonged conflicts with one another and even fought with the Turks. Emperor Wen of Sui sent envoys to rebuke them. The Khitan envoys came to Chang'an to apologize, bowing deeply and acknowledging their errors. Later, the Fudeng tribes of the Khitan betrayed Goryeo and led their people to submit to the Sui Dynasty. Emperor Wen of Sui also accepted them and settled them north of Ke Xi Na Xie. At the end of the Kaihuang era, more than four thousand Khitan households betrayed the Turks and surrendered. At that time, the Sui Dynasty was on good terms with the Turks but ended up losing the loyalty of these distant refugees. Emperor Wen of Sui ordered to provide them with food and let them return, and also ordered the Turks to settle them properly. However, they refused to leave.
As the population of the Khitan tribes grew, they migrated northward, following the water and grass, and finally settled two hundred miles north of Liao West, settling by the Gechen River. Their territory was five hundred miles long from east to west and three hundred miles wide from north to south, divided into ten tribes. Each tribe's military strength ranged from over three thousand to just over a thousand warriors, and they grazed with the changing seasons, following the water and grass. In times of war, the leaders of each tribe would consult together and then march together, acting in accordance with their agreements. The Turkic Shabolue Khan also sent Tudun Panyue to lead them.
The Shiwei people were akin to the Khitan. The Shiwei were located north of the Khitan, divided into five parts, lacking unified leadership among them. They were South Shiwei, North Shiwei, Bo Shiwei, Shenmoda Shiwei, and Da Shiwei. They had no monarch, and the people were poor and weak, so the Turks frequently dispatched three Tuduns to oversee them.
The Nanshi Wei lived 3,000 miles north of the Khitan, where the land was low and damp. In the summer, they relocated to the vicinity of the Bo and Qian mountains in the northwest. The area was lush with vegetation, abundant in birds and wildlife, and particularly infested with mosquitoes. To avoid mosquitoes, the locals lived in treehouses. Gradually, they formed twenty-five tribes, each with a leader known as "Yumo Fumanduo." When a leader died, their descendants inherited the position, and if there were no descendants, a capable member from the tribe would be elected as the new leader. Their customs featured men wearing their hair down and women wearing theirs up, dressed in clothes similar to those of the Khitan people. They traveled in ox carts using bamboo mats as roofs, similar to the felt yurts of the Turkic people. When crossing rivers, they bundled firewood to create rafts or used animal skins to make small boats. The saddles for their horses were woven from grass, and the reins were made of knotted ropes. For sleeping, they dug a pit in the ground and covered it with a bamboo mat, which they would carry with them when they relocated. They made mats from pigskin and crafted cushions from woven wood. Women sat with their legs crossed. The climate was harsh and cold, leading to poor crop yields; there were few sheep and horses, but a large number of pigs and cattle. They brewed alcohol, and their drinking customs were akin to those of the Mohe people. In their marriage customs, once both families agreed, the groom would stealthily abduct the bride, then send cattle and horses as a betrothal gift before bringing her home. The couple would only return to the bride's family after she became pregnant. Women did not remarry, as they considered it unlucky to cohabit with a deceased spouse. Tribes would build a large tent together, where they would lay the deceased. They observed a three-year mourning period, during which they would cry only four times a year. Their land lacked iron and had to import it from Goryeo. They had an abundance of sable furs.
Nanshi Wei journeyed north for eleven days and arrived at Beishi Wei, which comprised nine tribes that lived around Tuge Mountain. Their tribal leader was called "Qiyin Moheduo," and each tribe had three deputies called "Mohefu." The climate there was extremely cold, with snow so deep it could bury a horse. In winter, they took refuge in mountain caves, and many cattle and sheep froze to death. There were many deer and roe deer there, and they mainly relied on hunting for a living, subsisting on meat and clad in animal skins. They would break through the ice, dive into the water, and use nets to catch fish and turtles. Because of the thick snow on the ground, they walked on wooden planks to avoid falling into hidden pits. Their main occupation was trapping sables, wearing hats made of fox and badger fur, and clothes made of fish skin.
Continuing north for a thousand miles, they arrived at Boshu Wei, located near Hubu Mountain, with a significantly larger population than that of Beishi Wei. The exact number of tribes remains unclear. They used birch bark to build houses, and their customs were similar to those of Beishi Wei.
I set out from Boshu Wei and walked southwest for four days, reaching Shenmo Dashu Wei. This place got its name from the nearby water. In winter, they all lived in underground caves to avoid the cold, damp conditions.
Continuing northwest for thousands of miles, they arrived at Dashu Wei. The journey was incredibly challenging, with poor road conditions and language barriers that made communication difficult. However, that region was rich in sable fur and blue rats.
As for Beishi Wei, they sometimes sent envoys to offer tribute, but I haven't visited at any other times.
The history books say: The minority ethnic groups on the border have been bringing disaster to the Central Plains for a long time, especially the nomadic tribes in the north. Their power rises and falls, taking turns to dominate the borderlands. This has been going on for a long time and cannot be explained in a short time. During the period of the Five Emperors, there were the Xunyu tribes; during the Xia, Shang, and Zhou periods, there were the Xianyun tribes; in the Han Dynasty, there were the Xiongnu; during the periods of the Wei, Jin, Northern and Southern Dynasties, there were the Wuhuan and Xianbei; during the Northern Wei and Northern Zhou periods, there were the Rouran and the Turks. The leaders of these tribes replaced each other one after another, becoming the rulers of the region. They all relied on animal husbandry for a living, gaining wealth through aggression and plunder. They came and went like the wind blows, drifting like clouds, and scattering like birds. The clever court officials in the court discussed diplomacy, while the brave generals on the border discussed how to strike the enemy. However, there are no fixed rules in these matters, and power follows no predictable pattern. Whether to make peace or go to war, whether to submit or rebel, depends on their strength and weakness. When they are weak, they come to the border, kneeling and begging for mercy; when they are strong, they bend their bows and arrows, plundering everywhere. They are fickle, with their strength changing unpredictably. They do not submit to the rule of the Central Plains dynasties, nor do they adopt their clothing. They only care about their own interests, showing a complete disregard for alliances. Regarding their mutual attacks, arrogance, forming alliances, or waging war, these matters are recorded in detail in the historical records; therefore, I will not elaborate further.
After the decline of the Rouran, the Turks began to rise to power. During the reign of Kaghan Muqan, the Turks dominated the northern regions. Their influence extended east to the lands of the Eastern Hu and west to the region of the Wusun, with hundreds of thousands of archers stationed around the Yin Mountains in Daizhou, threatening both Northern Zhou and Northern Qi. Unable to resist, both Northern Zhou and Northern Qi sought peace and requested marriage alliances with the Turks. Consequently, Northern Zhou formed an alliance with the Turks, ultimately leading to the downfall of Northern Qi. After the founding of the Sui Dynasty by Emperor Yang Jian, the Turks grew even stronger, preparing to invade the Central Plains from the south with a powerful military. However, internal strife within the Turks led to the escape of the Kaghan and the Qimin Kaghan's plea for protection from the Sui Dynasty to secure their borders. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Sui Dynasty reclaimed lost territories and assisted in quelling rebellions, which also strengthened the Turks in the process. During the reign of Emperor Yang of Sui, the Turks maintained a vassal relationship, refraining from invasion or rebellion. It was not until the reign of Emperor Yangdi that the Battle of Yanmen Pass was sparked by his misrule. Subsequently, various bandits rose in revolt, and the Turks' power gradually increased. Although some heroes established their own factions, they ultimately sought peace with the Turks in hopes of stability. The Sui Dynasty established official positions to manage Turkic affairs, continuously sending vast quantities of gold, silver, treasures, beautiful women, silk, and other goods to the Turks, with messengers constantly coming and going. Historically, the arrogance and aggression of ethnic minorities have never matched that of the Turks.
Later, Tang Taizong Li Shimin ascended the throne and put an end to these troubles. However, some Turkic tribes remained defiant, repeatedly raiding the borders, destroying border towns, launching attacks on Yunzhou and Daizhou, threatening Taiyuan, even plundering Jingyang, and watering their horses by the Wei River. Tang Taizong employed an unconventional strategy, conducted covert operations, and finally defeated this nation that had resisted conquest for centuries, integrating the vast grasslands they had once occupied into the Tang Dynasty's territory, and registering the inhabitants of remote areas. This was unprecedented among all emperors in recorded history, and it is not recorded in historical texts. Therefore, although the rise and fall of dynasties follows its own patterns, ultimately, it hinges on the talents and actions of individuals. To possess without dependency, to possess without claiming, to be as inclusive as heaven and earth, to nurture all things like yin and yang, this represents the highest principle, one that is difficult for us to attain.
