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Written by: Realhistories

Category: Book of Sui （隋書）

Published: 10 January 2025

Created: 10 January 2025

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Zhang Wei, who is this person? There isn't much historical record about him. His father was Zhang Chen, the Prefect of Hongnong County during the Northern Wei dynasty. Zhang Wei grew up tall and strong, very ambitious, proficient in horseback riding and archery, and significantly stronger than most. During the Western Wei era, he participated in wars multiple times, rising through the ranks to become the General of the Pillar of the State and the Intendant of Jingzhao, and was even titled as Duke of Changshou County with a fief of one thousand households.

Later, when Wang Qian rebelled, the Emperor appointed Zhang Wei as the Commander of the Armies, following Marshal Liang Rui to suppress Wang Qian. When the troops arrived at Tonggu, Wang Qian's general, Li Sanwang, commanded elite troops who held their ground. Liang Rui then ordered Zhang Wei to lead the vanguard. Initially, Li Sanwang kept the camp gates shut and refused to engage, so Zhang Wei had people loudly insult them to provoke them. Li Sanwang fell for the trap and led his troops into battle. Zhang Wei ordered his warriors to charge bravely, resulting in a defeat for Li Sanwang's forces, with over four thousand captured and slain.

The army continued to advance to Kaiyuan, where Wang Qian's general, Zhao Yan, commanded an army of one hundred thousand, camped over thirty miles long. Zhang Wei led his soldiers to cut a path through the mountains, circling from the West Ridge to launch a surprise attack on Zhao Yan's army from behind, forcing Zhao Yan to flee in panic. Zhang Wei pursued all the way to Chengdu, fighting a major battle against Wang Qian, personally commanding the central army. After Wang Qian was pacified, Zhang Wei was promoted to Senior General and appointed as the Intendant of Luzhou. After the Emperor ascended the throne, Zhang Wei went on to serve as the Intendant of Youzhou and Luozhou, and was re-titled Duke of Jinxi County. Shortly after, he was then appointed Chief Secretary of the Hebei Circuit, and later oversaw the affairs of the Prince of Jin's military office. A few years later, he was appointed as the Intendant of Qingzhou, and was rewarded with eight hundred thousand coins, five hundred measures of rice, and three hundred bolts of silk.

When Zhang Wei was in Qingzhou, he focused more on developing his own business and even sent his household servants to sell radishes in the local markets. His household staff, relying on his power, oppressed the people. When the emperor found out about this, he was very angry and criticized Zhang Wei harshly, demoting him back to his hometown. Later, when the emperor went to Mount Tai to worship and passed through Luoyang, he addressed Zhang Wei, saying, "Since I have been conquering the world, I have always entrusted important positions to you; I have trusted you completely. Why do you not pay attention to your reputation and morals and only focus on making money? You have not only betrayed my trust but also tarnished your own reputation!" The emperor then asked Zhang Wei, "Where is the tablet you use in court?" Zhang Wei kowtowed and apologized, saying, "I have committed a crime and feel ashamed before Your Majesty. I dare not use the tablet anymore and have hidden it at home." The emperor said, "Bring it to me." The next day, Zhang Wei presented the tablet to the emperor, who said, "Although you have not followed the rules, your contributions are indeed significant. I will not forget your contributions. Now I return the tablet to you." Therefore, the emperor appointed Zhang Wei as the governor of Luozhou, later granting him the title of Duke of Xuan Cheng County. Shortly thereafter, he was reassigned as the governor of Xiangzhou, where he eventually passed away in office. His son, Zhang Zhi, rose to the rank of Wuben Langjiang during the Daye period.

He Hong was from Runan. When he was young, he excelled in martial arts and displayed exceptional bravery, standing out among his peers. During the reign of Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou, he followed the emperor into battles multiple times, gradually rising through military achievements. Eventually, he became the Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry and was equivalent to the Three Excellencies, reaching a high rank.

At that time, the leaders of the local tribes in Longzhou, Ren Gongxin and Li Guoli, gathered forces to rebel, and the local governor, Dugu Shan, was unable to quell their rebellion. After deliberation, the court believed that He Hong had military talent and sent him to replace Dugu Shan as the governor. In just one month, he captured Ren Gongxin and Li Guoli, executing them both and publicly displaying their heads. He also subdued the remaining rebels.

Later, following the emperor to attack Heyin, He Hong was exceptionally brave in battle, successfully breaking through the west gate of Heyin City. The emperor greatly admired him and rewarded him with numerous gifts, totaling over a thousand pieces of cloth. Afterwards, he accompanied the emperor in pacifying the Qi country, and his official rank rose to Shang Yitong, being appointed as the Marquis of Beiping with a fief of eight hundred households, and also appointed as the Left Xuncao Xia Daifu. When the pillar of the state, Wang Gui, captured Wu Mingche, He Hong also made significant contributions, leading to another promotion, being appointed as Kaifu and Zhechong Zhong Daifu.

When Yu Jiong rebelled in Xiangzhou, the court appointed He Hong as the commander of the marching army and sent him to join Wei Xiaokuan in suppressing the rebellion. When the army arrived at Heyang, Yu Jiong encircled Huaizhou, but He Hong, along with General Yu Wenshu and others, defeated Yu Jiong's forces. He also defeated Yu Dun in Wuzhi. After Xiangzhou was pacified, he was appointed as the Pillar of the State and granted the title of Duke of Guangwu County with a fief of two thousand households. The cumulative gifts and rewards from the emperors amounted to over ten thousand pieces of cloth, fifty servants, one hundred catties of gold, one hundred catties of silver, and one hundred horses and cattle, which truly made him wealthy!

At that time, Dong Xia had just been pacified and the social situation was still unstable. Emperor Gaozu, due to He Hong's widespread reputation and popularity among the people, appointed him in charge of the affairs in Jizhou, where he excelled and won the people's trust. After a few years, the court summoned him back and appointed him as the supervisor of the canal, then later promoted him to the post of governor of Sizhou. When the Turks invaded the borders, the court sent He Hong as the commander of the northern army to repel the Turks. He repelled the Turks and returned only after reaching the desert region. Later, he was promoted to the commander of Xuzhou, and he passed away at the age of sixty-four.

Hou Mo Chen Ying, styled Zundao, was a native of Daijun. After the Wei Kingdom moved south, his family were high-ranking generals for generations. His father, Hou Mo Chen Chong, held many important positions during the transition between the Wei and Zhou dynasties, eventually rising to the position of Grand Minister of State. From a young age, Hou Mo Chen Ying displayed the bearing of a great general, with exceptional qualities that earned him the admiration of his peers. As the reign of the Wei Dynasty was coming to an end, due to his father's military achievements, he was granted the title of Marquis of Guangping and later promoted to the title of General of the Household.

During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Zhou Dynasty, he accompanied Prince Teng, Xiao You, to suppress the rebellion of the Hu people in Longquan and Wencheng. He and the vanguard general Dou Lu Ji led separate armies to attack from different routes. Hou Mo Chen Ying led his troops more than five hundred miles deep, capturing three enemy strongholds. Previously, these Hu people had frequently rebelled, raiding border villages and enslaving their inhabitants. At that time, the court ordered that any Hu people hiding innocent civilians would be executed, and their wives and children would be confiscated. Reports indicated that some Hu people were hiding innocent civilians in the village, and Dou Lu Ji planned to kill them. Hou Mo Chen Ying advised him, saying, "General, when leading troops outside, some orders can be adjusted based on the situation. Not all of these Hu people are truly rebellious; they were forced to rebel out of desperation. With the army pressing in, the leaders of the rebellion will be fearful, and those forced to participate will want to surrender. If we gradually win them over, we can achieve victory without fighting. If we kill them immediately, it will only increase their fear and complicate matters. It is better to summon their leaders, hand over the hidden civilians to them, and allow them to surrender voluntarily, ensuring stability among all the Hu people." Dou Lu Ji followed his advice. The Hu people were deeply moved and came forward to surrender, stabilizing the northern border. Hou Mo Chen Ying was promoted to the position of Military Commander and appointed as a Senior Martial Official.

After Emperor Wen of Sui ascended the throne, he appointed Hou Mochen Ying as the governor of Changzhou. When Emperor Wen became emperor, Hou Mochen Ying did not take up his post but was instead granted the title of Duke and promoted to the Duke of Shengping. Not long after, he was appointed governor of Yanzhou. Several years later, he was transferred to be the governor of Chenzhou. During the campaign to subdue the Chen dynasty, he served under Prince Qin Yang Jun as they deployed troops from Lushan Road. After Chen dynasty generals Xun Fashang and Chen Ji surrendered, Hou Mochen Ying and the army commander Duan Wenzhen crossed the Yangtze River and took control of the newly surrendered territories. He was then appointed as the governor of Raozhou, but before taking office, he was transferred to Yingzhou as governor, where he achieved excellent governance. After several years in office, he was dismissed due to his close ties with Prince Qin Yang Jun. The people wept as they bid him farewell, and they erected a monument together to honor his integrity. Not long after, he was appointed as the acting governor of Fenzhou, and then as the governor of Xingzhou.

In the Renshou era, Minister of Personnel Niu Hong was ordered to inspect Shandong, and he regarded Hou Mochen Ying as the best. Emperor Wen of Sui greatly appreciated this and issued an edict praising him. At that time, the court believed that most governors and county magistrates in Lingnan were corrupt and untrustworthy, leading to resentment and uprisings among the local tribes. Therefore, they carefully selected honest officials to win their trust and summoned Hou Mochen Ying to the capital. When he was summoned to the palace, Emperor Wen of Sui talked with him about his past, and they engaged in a lively conversation. A few days later, Hou Mochen Ying was promoted to the rank of Grand General and appointed as the commander of Guizhou, overseeing military affairs across seventeen provinces. The Emperor also rewarded him with many gifts before allowing him to leave. Upon taking office, he placed great emphasis on benevolence and trustworthiness, gaining the trust of both the local populace and minority groups, who came to submit in droves from the mountainous areas.

After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, Hou Mochen Ying's elder brother, the Duke of Liang, Hou Mochen Rui, was exiled to the border region for committing a crime. The court was worried that Hou Mochen Ying would be unsettled by this, so he was summoned back to the capital. Several years later, he was appointed as the Governor of Hengshan. In that year, many areas in the Lingnan and Minyue regions did not obey the court's jurisdiction. The Emperor remembered Hou Mochen Ying's previous achievements in Guizhou, where he was deeply trusted by the local people, so he was once again appointed as the Governor of Nanhai. Four years later, he passed away while in office and was posthumously honored with the title "Ding." His son, Hou Mochen Qianhui, was also well-known.

Historical records say that Du Yandong won many battles in Xiazhou and the southern regions, later stationed in Shuozhou, where the border areas were peaceful and free of disturbances. When Gao Mei was on his deathbed, his presence was particularly imposing, and he despised the wicked, leaving behind a good reputation. Erzhu Chang had great talent from a young age but ultimately achieved contentment and joy. He rebuilt the collapsed foundation; isn't that a testament to his benevolence and wisdom?

Zhou Yao was highly regarded for his reliability, while Dugu Xin had a good reputation for caring for the people. Qifu Huineng gave away the country, and the territories under the Hou Mochen family’s governance were well-managed. Some of these individuals understood the ways of governing the people, while others practiced the principles of benevolence and righteousness, all worthy of praise. As for Hui, he was dismissed from office because of his humble tent, but he entered the court young and served under three successive emperors, ultimately receiving a pension and enjoying a long life. This was likely due to his honesty and lack of pretense.

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Written by: Realhistories

Category: Book of Sui （隋書）

Published: 10 January 2025

Created: 10 January 2025

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Qifu Hui, courtesy name Linghe, was a member of the Xianbei ethnic group from Mayi, Shanxi. His grandfather Qifu Zhou was the Silver Green Grand Minister of the Wei Dynasty, and his father Qifu Zuan was the Golden Purple Grand Minister, both of whom were former leaders of the Xianbei tribe. Qifu Hui was spirited from a young age, upright in character, skilled in horseback archery, and fond of raising eagles and hunting dogs.

During the reign of Emperor Wenxuan of Northern Qi, he served as the Left Chancellor of the Executive, later promoted to General for Suppressing Bandits, and gradually rose to the position of Right Guard General and Minister of Rites, finally being granted the title of Duke of Yongning County and later the Prince of Yimin Commandery. His brother Qifu Guihe was also ennobled as a prince for his military achievements, making them both princes, basking in their glory!

After Northern Zhou Emperor Wu conquered Northern Qi, Qifu Hui was appointed as the General of Pacification and Grand General of the Household, later serving as the Right Division Junior Officer of the Jifei, and then promoted to Senior Officer of Xiongqu. When Yang Jian was Prime Minister, Qifu Hui, together with Wei Xiaokuan, defeated Yu Dun in Wuzhi, winning the battle. As a result, he was granted the position of Grand General and rewarded with 800 rolls of silk. Following the suppression of the rebellious Wei Jiong, he was promoted to Grand General of the State, enfeoffed as Duke of Xihe Commandery with a fief of 3,000 households, and further rewarded with 2,300 rolls of silk. He once wanted to pass on his titles to his brother, but the court did not agree, and many admired his sense of honor.

After Yang Jian declared himself emperor, he appointed Qifu Hui as the Caozhou Governor. The customs in Caozhou were quite poor, with the common people often hiding their population and wealth, and household registrations being falsified. Upon his arrival, Qifu Hui conducted a thorough investigation and discovered tens of thousands of unreported households. He was later reassigned to Liangzhou as the Commander-in-Chief. At that time, the Turks often raided the border, but Qifu Hui bolstered border defenses and deployed scouts, which made the Turks wary and reluctant to invade.

After more than a year, he was reassigned as the Governor of Qizhou and identified thousands of households that had underreported their population. He was later promoted to Governor of Shouzhou. In that year, he was reassigned as Governor of Qizhou once more. After working for several years, he was promoted to Governor of Xuzhou. By then, he was already over seventy years old, and he submitted a request for retirement to the court, but it was not approved. Soon after, he was transferred to Jingzhou as the governor, also overseeing the military affairs of Tanzhou, Guizhou, and another twenty-nine states. The local customs in Jingzhou were quite lax, but Qifu Hui led by example, promoting frugality and simplicity, greatly improving the local customs. Legend has it that he once saw someone fishing with a bamboo basket, and he bought the fish with his own money and released them, demonstrating his kind-hearted nature! The common people held him in high regard, referring to his fiefdom as "Xihugonggu."

Later, he was transferred to the position of Governor of Qinzhou. After Emperor Yang of Sui took the throne, he was appointed as the Administrator of Tianshui. In the fifth year of Daye, Emperor Yang of Sui campaigned against the Tuyuhun. Because Tianshui County was close to the border, the people were under significant strain. In addition, Emperor Yang of Sui was on a western tour, and due to poorly maintained roads and inadequate food supplies, Emperor Yang of Sui was furious and ordered his execution. Seeing that his hair had turned white, his life was spared, but he was stripped of his position. Ultimately, he passed away at home.

Zhang Wei's birthplace is unknown. His father, Zhang Chen, served as the Prefect of Hongnong in the Wei Kingdom. From a young age, Zhang Wei was known for his good looks and ambition, skilled in horseback riding and archery, and significantly stronger than most. During the Zhou Dynasty, he took part in numerous military campaigns, rising in rank to Pillar of the State and Intendant of Jingzhao, and was granted the title of Duke of Changshou County with a fief of one thousand households.

Later, Wang Qian rebelled, and Emperor Gaozu appointed Zhang Wei as the commander of the expeditionary force to quell his rebellion alongside General Liang Rui. When the army reached Tonggu, Wang Qian's general, Li Sanwang, commanded elite troops to defend the position. Liang Rui ordered Zhang Wei to lead the vanguard. At first, Li Sanwang kept the camp gates closed and refused to fight. Zhang Wei ordered his men to loudly insult them, provoking them into battle. Li Sanwang's troops indeed came out, and Zhang Wei commanded the warriors to bravely attack. Li Sanwang's army was defeated, and the main forces followed closely behind, leading to the capture and execution of over four thousand soldiers.

As the army moved towards Kaiyuan, Wang Qian's general Zhao Yan led a hundred thousand troops and camped thirty miles away. Zhang Wei blazed a trail through the mountains, launching a flanking attack on Zhao Yan. Zhao Yan was defeated and fled. Zhang Wei pursued him to Chengdu, where he engaged in a major battle with Wang Qian, serving as the commander of the central army. Once Wang Qian was defeated, Zhang Wei was promoted to the title of Grand General and appointed as the governor of Luzhou. After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne following his abdication, Zhang Wei successively served as the governor of Youzhou and Luozhou, with the title of Duke of Jinxi. He was then appointed as the Prefect of the Hebei Circuit and later oversaw the affairs of the Prince of Jin's court. Several years later, he was appointed as the governor of Qingzhou, and the court honored him with eighty thousand coins, five hundred measures of rice, and three hundred bolts of silk in various colors.

When Zhang Wei was in Qingzhou, he paid more attention to developing his personal interests and sent his household servants to sell radishes in the marketplace, which led to their oppression of the people. The emperor was furious about this, severely reprimanded him, and dismissed him from his position. Later, when the emperor went to Mount Tai to offer sacrifices, passing through Luoyang, he said to Zhang Wei, "Since I have taken over the world, I can say I’ve trusted you completely with important tasks every time. Why haven't you taken the time to cultivate your reputation and moral character, only pursuing profits? This not only disappoints my sincerity but also damages your reputation." The emperor asked Zhang Wei again, "Where is the imperial tablet you usually hold?" Zhang Wei bowed and apologized, saying, "I have committed a crime and violated the law; I no longer have the face to hold it. I have hidden it at home." The emperor said, "Bring it." The next day, Zhang Wei presented the imperial tablet to the emperor, and the emperor said, "Even though you broke the law, your contributions are significant, and I will not forget your merits. Now I return the imperial tablet to you." Therefore, the emperor reappointed Zhang Wei as the governor of Luozhou and later appointed him as the Marquis of Xuan Cheng County. Soon after, he was transferred to be the governor of Xiangzhou, and he passed away while in office. His son, Zhang Zhi, during the Daye period, became the Wuben Langjiang.

He Hong was from Runan. He was exceptionally strong and brave from a young age. During the reign of Emperor Wu of Zhou, he followed the emperor on several military expeditions, gradually advancing through his military achievements, eventually becoming the Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, and the equivalent of the Yitong Sanqi. At that time, the leader of the barbarian tribes in Longzhou, Ren Gongxin, Li Guoli, and others gathered troops to rebel, and the governor Dugu Shan could not control the situation. After deliberation, the court believed that He Hong had great military talent and sent him to replace Dugu Shan as the governor of Longzhou. In about a month, he captured Ren Gongxin and Li Guoli, executed them publicly as a warning, and subdued the remaining rebels.

Later, He Hong followed the emperor in attacking Heyin. He fought bravely and broke through the west gate of Heyin. The emperor greatly appreciated him and rewarded him with a large quantity of cloth, totaling one thousand pieces. He then followed the emperor to pacify the state of Qi, was promoted to the position of Shang Yitong, and granted the title of Marquis of Beiping with a fief consisting of eight hundred households. He was also appointed as the Left Xuncao Xia Daifu. When the pillar state Wang Gui subdued Wu Mingche, He Hong also made contributions, further elevating his official rank to Kaifu, and then promoted to Zheshi Zhong Daifu.

When Wei Jiong rebelled in Xiangzhou, the court appointed He Hong as the commander of the army, tasking him to accompany Wei Xiaokuan in suppressing Wei Jiong. When the army arrived in Heyang, Wei Jiong sent troops to surround Huaizhou. He Hong, along with Commander Yu Wenshu and others, drove away Wei Jiong's army. He also defeated Wei Dun, one of Wei Jiong's lieutenants, in Wuzhi. After pacifying Xiangzhou, due to He Hong's significant contributions in every battle, he was designated as the Pillar State, granted the title of Duke of Guangwu County, with a fief consisting of two thousand households. In total, he received rewards of over ten thousand pieces of cloth, fifty slaves, one hundred catties of gold, one hundred catties of silver, and one hundred horses and cattle.

At that time, Dongxia had just been pacified, and the people's sentiments were still unsettled. Because of He Hong's reputation, Emperor Gaozu appointed him in charge of the affairs of Jizhou, where he excelled and gained the people's favor. After a few years, the court recalled him to the capital and appointed him as the overseer of the canal system, and later promoted to the governorship of Sizhou. When the Turks launched an invasion at the border, the court appointed He Hong as the commander of the northern army to fight against the Turks. He successfully repelled the Turks and only returned after pushing them back to the desert region. Eventually, he was promoted to the governorship of Xuzhou, and finally passed away at the age of sixty-four.

Hou Mo Chen Ying, also known as Zundao, was from Daijun. Following the migration of Wei State to the south, his family had served as high-ranking military officers for generations. His father, Hou Mo Chen Chong, held numerous important official positions during the Wei and Zhou dynasties, eventually becoming the Grand Minister of Works. From a young age, Hou Mo Chen Ying displayed the demeanor of a great general, with outstanding qualities that earned him respect from his peers. Towards the end of the reign of the Wei Dynasty, due to his father's military achievements, he was granted the title of Marquis of Guangping and later promoted to the position of Palace Supervisor.

During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Zhou Dynasty, he followed Prince Teng Xiao You to suppress the rebellion of the Hu people in Longquan and Wencheng. He and General Dou Lu Ji led troops to attack from different routes. Hou Mo Chen Ying advanced over five hundred miles deep into enemy territory, capturing three enemy strongholds. Previously, these Hu people had frequently rebelled, plundering the residents along the border and enslaving them. At that time, the court ordered that any Hu person who dared to hide loyal subjects would be executed. Rumors circulated that some Hu people were hiding in a village, and Dou Lu Ji planned to massacre all the villagers. Hou Mo Chen Ying advised him, saying, "General, when leading troops in the field, some orders can be adjusted based on the situation. These Hu people are not

Hou Mo Chen Ying was later promoted to be a military commander and was appointed as the Grand Minister of Zhenwei. When Emperor Wen of Sui became the Prime Minister, he appointed him as the Prefect of Changzhou. Later, when Emperor Wen of Sui ascended the throne, Hou Mo Chen Ying did not take up the post, but was instead promoted to the title of Duke of Shenping. Shortly after, he was appointed as the Prefect of Yanzhou. A few years later, he was transferred to be the Prefect of Chenzhou. In the war to pacify the Chen dynasty, he followed Prince Qin Yang Jun out of Lu Mountain as the army commander. After Chen dynasty generals Xun Fashang and Chen Ji surrendered, Hou Mo Chen Ying and the commander Duan Wenzhen crossed the Yangtze River and took command of the surrendered Chen dynasty army. He was then appointed as the Prefect of Raozhou, but before taking up the position, he was transferred to be the Prefect of Yingzhou, where he did many good deeds for the people. After serving in Yingzhou for several years, he was dismissed due to his close ties with Prince Qin Yang Jun. The people tearfully bid him farewell and erected a monument together to praise his integrity. Not long after, he was appointed as the Inspector of Fenzhou, and shortly after that, he became the Prefect of Xingzhou.

During the Renshou period, the Minister of Personnel Niu Hong was ordered to inspect Shandong, and he ranked Hou Mo Chen Ying as the top official. Emperor Wen of Sui was very pleased and issued an edict praising him. At that time, the court felt that most of the officials and county magistrates in Lingnan were corrupt, and the indigenous people were resentful, leading to frequent rebellions. Therefore, they carefully selected upright officials to restore order and thus summoned Hou Mo Chen Ying to the capital. When he arrived in the capital, he met with Emperor Wen of Sui and they reminisced about the past, laughing and enjoying each other's company. A few days later, Hou Mo Chen Ying was promoted to Grand General and appointed as the commander of Guizhou, overseeing military affairs across seventeen provinces. Emperor Wen of Sui also bestowed numerous gifts upon him before dispatching him to his new post. Hou Mo Chen Ying, after taking up his position, valued benevolence and integrity highly, making the people and minority tribes happy. Many people from mountainous and remote areas came to submit to him.

After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended to the throne, Hou Mochen Ying's elder brother, Duke Hou Mochen Rui of Liangguo, was exiled to the border due to a crime. The court feared Hou Mochen Ying might cause trouble, so they summoned him back to the capital. Several years later, he was appointed Prefect of Mount Heng. In that year, many areas in the Lingnan and Minyue regions defied the court's authority. Emperor Yang of Sui remembered Hou Mochen Ying's remarkable political achievements when he served as an official in Guizhou and was highly regarded by the local populace, so he appointed him as Prefect of Nanhai again. Four years later, Hou Mochen Ying died in office and was posthumously given the title "Ding." His son, Hou Mochen Qianhui, was also very famous.

Historical records say: Du Yandong fought in Xia and the southern border, earned numerous military accolades, and later guarded the northern frontier, where the northern tribes did not dare to act recklessly. When Gao Mei was dying, he remained resolute, hating those treacherous villains, and left behind a strong legacy. Erzhu Chang showed exceptional talent from a young age but remained steadfast in his duties. He rebuilt the crumbling foundation, which exemplifies benevolence and wisdom! Zhou Yao was recognized for his reliability, while Gongsun Xin's fame spread far and wide due to his compassion for the people. Qifu Huineng relinquished control of the country, and the regions governed by the Hou Mochen family were well administered. These people, some excelled in governance, while others embodied the principles of benevolence and righteousness, and all of them deserve praise. Huineng was demoted due to the simplicity of his tent, but he entered the court at a young age, served under three successive dynasties, and eventually received a pension and lived to a ripe old age, likely due to his straightforwardness and lack of pretense.

To put it simply, Du Yandong fought in the southern regions and the Xia Dynasty (specifically, Xia Prefecture), won many battles, and was later sent to the northern frontier to be in charge. The area became peaceful, and the Hu people no longer dared to cause trouble. When Gao Mei died, he had an extraordinary presence! He despised evildoers, and his reputation remained excellent even after his death. Erzhu Chang was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, yet in the end, he managed to keep things stable despite the impending collapse, demonstrating immense wisdom and virtue! Zhou Yao earned significant recognition for his integrity; Dugu Xin was well-regarded for his compassion towards the people; Qifu Huineng even relinquished control of the entire country; the Houmochen family governed their territory effectively. Some were skilled at leadership, while others prioritized righteousness; in short, they were all highly capable individuals. Huineng was demoted due to the simplicity of his tent, but he had been involved in the court since his youth, serving under three generations of emperors, and ultimately enjoyed a worry-free and prosperous life, living to an old age, perhaps due to his sincere and genuine character.

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Written by: Realhistories

Category: Book of Sui （隋書）

Published: 10 January 2025

Created: 10 January 2025

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Dugu Kai, styled Xiuzhe, originally bore the surname Li. His father, Li Tun, followed Emperor Qi Shenwu in fighting the Zhou Dynasty army at Shayuan. The Qi army suffered a major defeat, and Li Tun was captured by a key figure of the Zhou Dynasty, Dugu Xin. He became a soldier and served in Dugu Xin's household. Over time, his relationship with Dugu Xin improved, and Dugu Xin granted him the surname Dugu.

Dugu Kai was steady and honest when he was young, skilled in horseback riding and the use of a lance. He later served as a guard for Yuwen Hu and rose through the ranks to become a General of Cavalry. He participated in numerous battles and was appointed as the Duke of Guang'a County with a fief that included one thousand households, then promoted to the position of Right Assistant Minister. During the late Sui Dynasty, he helped Wei Xiaokuan pacify Huainan and was rewarded with the title of Duke of Xihexian for his achievements. When Sui Wen Emperor was the Prime Minister, he promoted Dugu Kai to the position of Kaifu (Minister), often putting him in charge of his trusted army. After Sui Wen Emperor became the Emperor, Dugu Kai was appointed as the General of the Right Guard and further ennobled as Duke of Ruyang County. Several years later, he was promoted to the position of General of the Right Guard.

During the Renshou era, he was sent to serve as the Governor of Yuanzhou. At that time, Prince Yang Xiu was stationed in Yizhou, and the court wanted to summon him back to the capital, but he was hesitant to leave. The court feared that Yang Xiu might rebel, so they sent Dugu Kai to Yizhou as the governor to quickly replace him. Yang Xiu did indeed have rebellious intentions, and Dugu Kai made several attempts to persuade him before Yang Xiu finally set out. Dugu Kai noticed that Yang Xiu still had regrets and took precautions by deploying troops. When Yang Xiu reached Xingle, which was more than forty miles away from Yizhou, he contemplated attacking Dugu Kai but soon realized he would be a formidable opponent, so he abandoned the idea. During his tenure in Yizhou, Dugu Kai implemented many policies to benefit the people, and the people of Shu continue to praise him to this day.

After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, Dugu Kai was appointed Governor of Bingzhou. Later, he fell ill and lost his sight, so he submitted a request to retire. Emperor Yang of Sui remarked, "You are a veteran minister from the previous dynasty, serving under two emperors, with high moral character and great reputation. I'll let you take it easy at home and not worry about political affairs anymore." He then sent his eldest son, Dugu Lingyun, to act as the acting Governor of Bingzhou. This shows just how much Emperor Yang of Sui valued him! Several years later, he was appointed Prefect of Changping, but passed away before taking office and was posthumously honored with the title Gong. His sons Dugu Lingyun, Dugu Pingyun, and Dugu Yanyun were all very famous. Dugu Kai's brother, Dugu Sheng, is recorded in the "Chengjie Zhuan."

Qifu Hui, styled Linghe, was a Xianbei from Mayi in Shanxi. His grandfather, Qifu Zhou, held the title of Silver Seal Gentleman during the Wei Dynasty, and his father, Qifu Zuan, was the Golden Purple Gentleman; both were prominent leaders in the Xianbei tribe. Qifu Hui was bold and responsible from a young age, skilled in archery and horseback riding, and enjoyed raising hunting falcons and hounds.

During Emperor Wenxuan's reign in Northern Qi, Qifu Hui became Deputy Left Minister of the Executive Yuan and was also named General Who Pacifies Rebels. He was later promoted to Right Guard General, Minister of Imperial Stables, and finally elevated from Duke of Yongning County to Prince of Yimin. His brother, Qifu Guihe, was also made a prince for his military achievements. They both held significant power!

When Emperor Wu of Zhou defeated Northern Qi, Qifu Hui was appointed as the Commissioner of State, General of the Cavalry, and Chancellor, later becoming the Right Division Officer of the Jifei, and then promoted to the position of Zhong Daifu of Xiong Qu. When Emperor Wen of Sui was the Prime Minister, Qifu Hui followed Wei Xiaokuan in battles against Wei Dun, winning every battle and being appointed as the Grand General, rewarded with eight hundred bolts of cloth. After quelling the rebellion of Wei Jiong, he was promoted to the position of Pillar of the State and granted the title of Duke of Xihe County, with a fief of three thousand households and rewarded with two thousand three hundred bolts of cloth. He voluntarily requested to relinquish his title in favor of his older brother, but the court did not agree, and many people at that time thought his actions were very righteous.

After Emperor Wen of Sui became the Emperor, he appointed Qifu Hui as the Inspector of Caozhou. The customs in Caozhou were quite poor, with the common people concealing their population and wealth, and falsifying household registrations. After Qifu Hui took office, he conducted a thorough investigation and uncovered tens of thousands of unreported households. Later, he was transferred to Liangzhou as the General Manager. At that time, the Turks frequently conducted raids, so Qifu Hui strengthened border defenses, sent people to scout around, and the Turks were deterred from invading due to his reputation.

Over a year later, he was then appointed as the Inspector of Qizhou, and discovered thousands of unreported households. Afterwards, he was transferred to Shouzhou as the General Manager. That year, he was transferred to Qizhou as the Inspector, and after a few years, he was promoted to General Manager of Xuzhou. At that time, he was in his seventies, and he requested retirement in a memorial, but his request was denied by the court. Shortly after, he was transferred to Jingzhou as the General Manager, also overseeing Tanzhou and Guizhou, managing military affairs in a total of thirty-one states. The people of Jingzhou were more carefree and lazy, but Qifu Hui set an example with his diligence and simplicity, gradually changing the local customs. Once, he saw someone using a bamboo basket to catch fish, so he bought the fish with cloth and released them, demonstrating his kindness! The common people greatly admired him, calling his residence "Xi He Gong Gu."

Later, he was appointed as the governor of Qinzhou. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, he was appointed as the Prefect of Tianshui. In the fifth year of the Daye era, Emperor Yang of Sui launched an expedition against the Tuyuhun. Because Tianshui County was close to the border, the local populace faced significant hardships. Additionally, Emperor Yang of Sui's western tour coincided with this, and due to the poorly maintained roads, the supplies provided were inadequate. Emperor Yang of Sui was furious and ordered him to be beheaded. Seeing that his hair had turned white, he spared his life but demoted him to commoner status. In the end, Qifu Hui passed away at home.

Zhang Wei, his origins are unknown. His father, Zhang Chen, was the Prefect of Hongnong in the Wei Kingdom. Zhang Wei was handsome and ambitious from a young age, skilled in horseback riding and archery, and much stronger than the average person. During the Zhou Dynasty, he followed the army into battle multiple times, rising in rank to Governor and Intendant of Jingzhao, and was even granted the title of Count of Changshou County with a fief that included a thousand households.

Later, when Wang Qian rebelled, the Emperor appointed Zhang Wei as the commander of the expedition to subdue him. When the army arrived at Tonggu, Wang Qian's general Li Sanwang led elite soldiers to defend. Liang Rui had Zhang Wei lead the vanguard. Li Sanwang initially kept the camp gates closed, refusing to engage. Zhang Wei had his men shout insults at them to provoke a fight. Li Sanwang's troops indeed came out, and Zhang Wei urged his warriors to attack with courage. Li Sanwang's army was defeated, and the main force followed up, resulting in the capture and execution of over four thousand enemies.

The army advanced to Kaiyuan, and Wang Qian's general Zhao Yan led a hundred thousand troops, with a camp that spanned thirty miles. Zhang Wei carved a path through the mountains, attacking Zhao Yan from behind the Xiling Mountains, which led to Zhao Yan's defeat and retreat. Zhang Wei pursued him to Chengdu, where he engaged in a major battle with Wang Qian, serving as the commander of the central army. Once Wang Qian was subdued, Zhang Wei was promoted to the title of Shangzhuguo and appointed as the governor of Luzhou. After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, Zhang Wei successively served as the governor of Youzhou and Luozhou, and was granted the title of Duke of Jinxi County. He was then appointed as the Supervisor of the Hebei Circuit, and later oversaw the affairs of the Prince of Jin's residence. Several years later, he was appointed as the governor of Qingzhou, and the court rewarded him with eighty thousand coins, five hundred shi of rice, and three hundred bolts of various silk fabrics.

During his time in Qingzhou, Zhang Wei focused on developing his own industry, sending his household slaves to sell radishes to the common people, resulting in the oppression of the common people by his household slaves. The emperor was extremely angry about this and harshly reprimanded him, which resulted in Zhang Wei's dismissal and return home. Later, when the emperor went to Mount Tai for sacrifices, he mentioned to Zhang Wei in Luoyang, "Since I have obtained the world, I have entrusted you with important positions every time, showing my deep trust in you. Why do you not cultivate your reputation and morality, only pursuing profit? This not only betrays my trust but also tarnishes your reputation." Then the emperor asked Zhang Wei, "Where is the tablet you normally carry?" Zhang Wei kowtowed and apologized, saying, "I have committed an offense and violated the law, and do not have the face to carry it anymore. I have hidden it at home." The emperor said, "Bring it to me." The next day, Zhang Wei presented the tablet to the emperor, who said, "Although you did not follow the rules, your contributions are indeed great. I will not forget your contributions. Now I return the tablet to you." Thus, the emperor once again appointed Zhang Wei as the governor of Luozhou, and later granted him the title of Duke of Xuancheng County. Shortly after, he was transferred to serve as the governor of Xiangzhou and died in office. His son, Zhang Zhi, achieved the rank of Wuben Langjiang during the Daye period.

He Hong is from Runan. When he was young, he excelled in martial arts and had exceptional courage, much more formidable than most. During the reign of Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou, he followed the emperor into battles multiple times, gradually rising through the ranks based on his military achievements. Eventually, he became the General of Chariots and Cavalry and the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, reaching a high official position.

At that time, the tribal leaders in Longzhou, Ren Gongxin and Li Guoli, gathered their forces to rebel, and the local governor, Dugu Shan, was unable to quell them. After deliberation, the court acknowledged He Hong's military prowess and appointed him as the new governor of Longzhou in place of Dugu Shan. In less than a month, he captured Ren Gongxin and Li Guoli, executing both of them, and pacifying the other rebels.

Later, when accompanying the emperor to attack Heyin, He Hong led the charge and broke through the western gate of Heyin City with remarkable valor. The emperor held him in high regard and rewarded him with numerous gifts, including thousands of rolls of fabric. He then followed the emperor in pacifying the state of Qi, rising to the position of Upper Supervisor of the Imperial Secretariat, and was granted the title of Marquis of Beiping, receiving eight hundred households as his fiefdom, along with being appointed as the Deputy Chief of the Left Gentlemen of the Imperial Guard. When Zhuguo Wang Gui captured Wu Mingche, He Hong also made notable achievements, resulting in another promotion to the position of Household Grandee, and later to the position of Chief Commandant.

When Yu Jiong led a rebellion in Xiangzhou, the court appointed He Hong as the Commander of the Expeditionary Forces, tasking him to collaborate with Wei Xiaokuan in quelling the rebellion. When the army reached Heyang, Yu Jiong's forces surrounded Huaizhou, but He Hong, along with the Commander Yu Wenshu and others, successfully repelled Yu Jiong's forces. He also defeated Yu Dun at Wuzhi. After the pacification of Xiangzhou, due to his meritorious service in battles, he was appointed as the Pillar of the State, granted the title of Duke of Guangwu County, and rewarded with two thousand households as his fiefdom. In total, the emperor bestowed upon him ten thousand rolls of fabric, fifty slaves, one hundred pieces of gold and silverware, and one hundred horses and cattle, making him incredibly rich!

At that time, the Eastern Xia Dynasty had just been stabilized, and the social landscape was still not very stable. Emperor Gaozu valued Hong's prestige and put him in charge of the affairs of Jizhou, where he performed admirably and earned the strong support of the local populace. After a few years, he was recalled to the court and appointed as the Superintendent of Transport and Canals, and he was later promoted to Governor of Sizhou. Amidst the Turkic invasion along the borders, the court appointed Hong as the Commander of the Northern Army, and he led the army to repel the Turks, pushing all the way to the desert before making his return. He was later promoted to Governor of Xuzhou, and he passed away at the age of sixty-four.

Hou Mochen Ying, with the courtesy name Zundao, was from Daijun County. After the Wei Dynasty's southward migration, his family had served as military officers for generations. His father, Hou Mochen Chong, held many important official positions between the Wei and Zhou Dynasties, eventually becoming the Minister of Works. From a young age, Hou Mochen Ying exuded the presence of a great general and was handsome, admired by his peers. As the Wei Dynasty was nearing its end, in recognition of his father's military accomplishments, he was granted the title of Marquis of Guangping and later rose through several official positions to become the Chief of Palace Attendants.

During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Zhou Dynasty, he followed King Teng Xiao You to fight against the rebellious Hu tribes in Longquan and Wencheng. He and General Doulujie separately led troops to attack from different routes. General Houmo Chen Ying led his army deep into enemy territory for over five hundred li, capturing three enemy camps in one swift attack. Previously, these Hu tribes had rebelled, often looting the people on the border and enslaving them. At this time, the court ordered that if any Hu person dared to harbor innocent civilians, they would be executed, and their wives, children, and property confiscated. Someone reported that a particular Hu village was harboring innocent civilians, and General Doulujie wanted to execute everyone in that village. However, Houmo Chen Ying advised him, saying, "General, when commanding troops in the field, some orders can be flexibly handled according to the actual situation. Not all of these Hu tribesmen are genuinely rebellious; many are forced to rebel out of helplessness. Our army is pressing in, and the leaders of the rebellion will be afraid, and those forced to participate will also want to surrender. We should first appease them now so that we can achieve victory without bloodshed. If we kill them directly, it will only make them more frightened, and things will become more troublesome. It's better to summon their leaders and entrust the hidden innocent civilians to them, letting them surrender on their own, so that all th

Hou Mo Chen Ying was appointed as the Minister of Military Affairs and was further appointed as the Grand Master of Zhenwei. When Emperor Wen of Sui became the Chancellor, he appointed him as the Governor of Changzhou. Later, when Emperor Wen of Sui ascended to the throne, Hou Mo Chen Ying did not take up his post, but was further appointed as the Duke of Shengping, and soon after, he was appointed as the Governor of Yanzhou. A few years later, he was transferred to be the Governor of Chenzhou. During the campaign against the Chen Dynasty, he served as the commander of the army, serving under Prince Qin Yang Jun in launching an offensive from Lushan Road. After the surrender of Chen Dynasty generals Xun Fashang and Chen Ji, Hou Mo Chen Ying and the army commander Duan Wenzhen crossed the Yangtze River and calmed the recently surrendered Chen Dynasty populace. He was then appointed as the Governor of Raozhou, but before he could take office, he was reassigned to Yingzhou as Governor, where he performed many good deeds and earned the deep affection of the people. After serving for several years in Yingzhou, he was dismissed from office due to his close relationship with Prince Qin Yang Jun. The people bid him farewell, weeping openly, and together they erected a monument to praise his good character. Not long after, he was appointed as the acting official of Fenzhou, and soon after, he was appointed Governor of Xingzhou.

During the Renshou period, the Minister of Personnel, Niu Hong, was tasked with inspecting Shandong and ranked Hou Mo Chen Ying as the top candidate. Emperor Wen of Sui was very pleased and issued an imperial decree praising him. At that time, the court believed that many officials and county magistrates in Lingnan were corrupt and unscrupulous, and the people from the minority tribes were discontented, leading to widespread rebellions. Therefore, they carefully selected honest officials to restore order and calm tensions, and thus summoned Hou Mo Chen Ying back to the court. Hou Mo Chen Ying was summoned to the palace to meet Emperor Wen of Sui, and the Emperor reminisced with him about their shared experiences, and they laughed and talked merrily. A few days later, Hou Mo Chen Ying was promoted to Grand General and appointed as the General Manager of Guizhou, overseeing military affairs across seventeen states. The Emperor also bestowed numerous gifts upon him before sending him off to his new position. Upon arriving in Guizhou, he won the hearts of the people, and both the people and the minority ethnic groups greatly admired him, with many people from mountainous areas coming to pledge allegiance to him.

After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, Hou Mo Chen Ying's brother, Marquis of Liangguo, Hou Mo Chen Rui, was exiled to the border for committing a crime. The court worried that Hou Mo Chen Ying might be troubled by this, so he was summoned back to the capital. Several years later, he was appointed governor of Hengshan. That year, many areas in the Lingnan and Minyue regions resisted imperial authority. The emperor remembered that Hou Mo Chen Ying had done well in Guizhou before, earning the trust of the local people, so he appointed him governor of Nanhai. Four years later, he passed away during his term, at the age of ... posthumously named Ding. His son, Hou Mo Chen Qianhui, was also well-known.

Historical records say: Du Yandong fought in Xia and the southern border, made repeated military achievements, guarded the northern frontier, and the northern tribes dared not act rashly. When Gao Mei died, he remained resolute, despising treacherous villains, and left behind a good reputation. Erzhu Chang had extraordinary talents from a young age, but in the end, he was able to maintain his integrity. He rebuilt the collapsed foundation. Isn’t this a display of benevolence and wisdom? Zhou Yao was appreciated for being reliable, while Dugu Xin's reputation spread far and wide due to his compassion for the people. Qifu Huineng relinquished control of the country, and the areas governed by the Hou Mo Chen family were all well managed. Some of these individuals understood how to govern the people, while others practiced the path of benevolence and righteousness, all deserving of praise. Huineng was demoted for living in a simple tent, but he entered the court at a young age, served through three dynasties, eventually received a salary, and enjoyed a long life, likely due to his honesty and straightforwardness.

In summary, historical records praise these figures. Du Yandong made military contributions at the border, Gao Mei died a fitting death, Erzhu Chang had talent but could sustain himself, Zhou Yao, Dugu Xin, Qifu Huineng, and the Hou Mo Chen family all had their own virtues, governing with integrity and showing compassion for the people; they were all good officials. Finally, Huineng is mentioned; although he was demoted due to his simple life, he lived a life of integrity and passed away peacefully, demonstrating the importance of sincerity and honesty in life.

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Written by: Realhistories

Category: Book of Sui （隋書）

Published: 10 January 2025

Created: 10 January 2025

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Zhou Yao, style name Shi'an, was of the same lineage as the Northern Wei dynasty. Originally bearing the surname Punai, they later lived in Luoyang and changed their surname to Zhou. His great-grandfather was named Babo, his grandfather was named Youliugong, and both were lords of Beiping. His father was named Shuyan, who held the positions of Minister of Works and Governor of Southern Jingzhou. From a young age, Zhou Yao had a strong and decisive personality, excelled in martial arts, was known for his caution and integrity, and always followed the law in his actions. He served as a high official in the Wei dynasty, achieving the rank of the Three Excellencies. After Emperor Zhou Min usurped the throne and declared himself emperor, he bestowed upon Zhou Yao the surname Che Feishi and the title of Duke of Jinshui County. He later served as the Inspector of Suzhou and Chuzhou, and was highly respected by the people. He followed the emperor in suppressing the rebellion of the Qi dynasty, distinguishing himself in every battle, and was promoted to the rank of Duke of Kuiguo. Not long after, he was appointed as the Governor of Jinzhou. At that time, Yang Jian (Emperor Gaozu) was the Governor of Dingzhou, and Empress Wenxian came from the capital to visit Yang Jian, passing through the area under Zhou Yao's jurisdiction. Zhou Yao welcomed the empress with humble hospitality. Later, Zhou Yao explained to the empress, "The government's finances are relatively abundant, but I cannot bring myself to spend recklessly against the law. As a subject, I cannot squander public funds at will." He was a man of great integrity. Yang Jian held Zhou Yao in high regard for his strict adherence to the law. Eventually, Zhou Yao rose to the position of Prime Minister, was re-titled Duke of Jibei, and then served as the Governor of Yuzhou. After Yang Jian became emperor, Zhou Yao returned to his original surname, Zhou.

During the early years of the Kaihuang period, the Turks frequently invaded the border areas, causing significant suffering to the Yanzhou and Jizhou regions. The previous commander, Li Chong, had been killed by the Turks. Emperor Yang Jian contemplated in court how to secure the borders, saying, "No one is more suitable than Zhou Yao!" He then appointed Zhou Yao as the commander of Youzhou, commanding the troops across six provinces and fifty garrisons. Zhou Yao fortified the city defenses and closely monitored enemy movements, allowing the border residents to enjoy peace and stability. Six years later, Zhou Yao was transferred to Shouzhou. Feeling his age, he requested retirement, and the emperor summoned him back to the imperial capital. The emperor met with him and praised him, saying, "You have served with integrity throughout your career, serving in three dynasties, achieving success and fame, and enjoying a long life. You are truly admirable!" The emperor also granted him a seat cushion and allowed him to return home to rest. Over a year later, Zhou Yao passed away at home at the age of eighty-four, posthumously bestowed the title of Gong.

Dugu Kai, style name Xiuzhe, was originally named Li and came from an unknown region. His father, Li Tun, fought alongside Emperor Wen of Qi in Sha Yuan against the Zhou army. When the Qi army was defeated, they were captured by Dugu Xin, a key figure of the Zhou Dynasty, and he became a soldier and served in the household of Dugu Xin. Over time, he grew close to Dugu Xin, who granted him the Dugu surname.

Dugu Kai was steady and upright from a young age, skilled in horseback riding and spear wielding. He later served as a bodyguard for Yuwen Hu and rose through the ranks to attain the rank of General of Chariots and Cavalry. After several battles, he was granted the title of Duke of Guang'a County, with a fief comprising one thousand households, and was later promoted to Right Assistant Minister. In the late years of the Zhou Dynasty, he accompanied Wei Xiaokuan in quelling the rebellion in Huainan, and due to his contributions, his son Dugu Jingyun was granted the title of Duke of Xihe County.

When Gaozu became Prime Minister, he promoted Dugu Kai to be the Commander-in-Chief, often letting him lead trusted troops. After Gaozu became emperor, Dugu Kai was appointed as the General of the Right Gate Guard and was also titled the Duke of Ruyang. Several years later, he was promoted to General of the Right Guard. During the Renshou period, he was sent to serve as the governor of Yuanzhou. At that time, Prince Yang Xiu was stationed in Yizhou, and the court wanted to summon him back, but he was hesitant to return. The court was worried that Yang Xiu might rebel, so they quickly sent Dugu Kai to Yizhou as the governor, swiftly replacing Yang Xiu.

Yang Xiu indeed harbored rebellious intentions. Dugu Kai spent a long time trying to persuade him, and Yang Xiu finally set out. Dugu Kai found that Yang Xiu still had some regrets, so he prepared his troops. When Yang Xiu arrived in Xingle, still more than forty miles away from Yizhou, he planned to ambush Dugu Kai. He secretly sent people to find out the situation, realizing that Dugu Kai was formidable, so he gave up. Dugu Kai did many good deeds while serving in Yizhou, and the people of Shu still speak highly of him.

After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, Dugu Kai was transferred to Bingzhou as the governor. Later, he fell ill and lost his eyesight, so he submitted a formal request to retire. The emperor said, "You are a veteran minister of the previous dynasty, having served under two emperors, and are highly respected. Just rest at home and don’t concern yourself with trivial matters anymore." He then sent his eldest son, Dugu Lingyun, to Bingzhou to act as the acting governor. This shows how much the emperor valued him! Several years later, he was appointed as the Prefect of Changping, but passed away before taking office. He was posthumously granted the title of Gong. His sons Dugu Lingyun, Dugu Pingyun, and Dugu Yanyun were all well-known. His brother, Dugu Sheng, is mentioned in the "Chengjie Zhuan."

Qifu Hui, styled Linghe, was a Xianbei individual from Mayi, Shanxi. His grandfather, Qifu Zhou, was the Silver-Green Palace Attendant of the Wei Kingdom, and his father, Qifu Zuan, was the Golden-Purple Palace Attendant. Both served as leaders of the Xianbei tribe. Qifu Hui had a bold and charismatic personality from a young age, excelling in horseback archery and enjoying falconry and hunting with hounds.

During the reign of Emperor Wenxuan of Northern Qi, he became the Left Deputy of the Imperial Secretariat, later promoted to General Who Pacifies Insurgents, gradually rising to Right Guard General, Minister of Ceremonies, and was eventually titled Duke of Yongning County, later promoted to Prince of Yimin Commandery. His brother, Qifu Guihe, was also enfeoffed as a prince for his military achievements, making them both princes, a prestigious status.

After Northern Zhou Emperor Wu conquered Northern Qi, he appointed Qifu Hui as Commissioner Bearing Credentials and General of Chariots and Cavalry, initially serving as a Junior Official in the Jifei Right Regiment and later transferred to the Senior Official of the Xiongqu Central Regiment. During the time when Emperor Wen of Sui was Chancellor, Qifu Hui, along with Wei Xiaokuan, defeated Yu Dun in Wuzhi, achieving a decisive victory. He was then granted the position of Grand General and rewarded with 800 rolls of cloth. After suppressing the rebellion of Wei Jiong, he was promoted to Duke of Xianghe Commandery, with a fief consisting of three thousand households, and was given 2300 rolls of cloth as a reward. He wanted to pass on his title to his brother, but the court did not agree, and many people at the time admired his sense of righteousness.

After Emperor Yang Jian of Sui proclaimed himself emperor, he appointed Qifu Hui as the Inspector of Caozhou. The local customs in Caozhou were problematic, with many common people hiding their population and wealth, leading to discrepancies in the household registration records. Qifu Hui carried out a thorough investigation upon his arrival in office and discovered tens of thousands of unreported individuals. He was later transferred to Liangzhou as the Commander. At that time, the Turks frequently raided the area, so Qifu Hui bolstered border defenses and increased patrols, sent out scouts to gather intelligence, and the Turks feared him, which deterred them from crossing the border easily.

More than a year later, he was appointed as the governor of Qizhou and identified thousands of households with unreported populations. Then he was appointed as the governor of Shouzhou. That year, he was appointed as the governor of Qizhou, and after a few years, he was promoted to governor of Xuzhou. By then, he was over seventy years old, and he submitted a request for retirement to the emperor, but it was not approved. Later, he was appointed as the governor of Jingzhou, also overseeing Tanzhou and Guizhou, managing the military of thirty-one states overall. The people of Jingzhou had a reputation for being frivolous and prone to theft, but Qifu Hui set an example, living simply and influencing them through his actions, which greatly improved the local atmosphere.

Once, he saw someone using a bamboo cage to catch fish, so he bought the bamboo cage with cloth and released the fish, demonstrating his kindness. The people all loved and respected him, referring to the area he governed as "Xihe Gonggu." Later, he was appointed as the governor of Qinzhou. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, he was appointed as the governor of Tianshui. In the fifth year of Daye, Emperor Yang of Sui campaigned against the Tuyuhun. Because Tianshui was close to the border, the people bore a heavy burden, and with the emperor's tour to the west, the roads were not well maintained and the tribute was insufficient. Emperor Yang of Sui was enraged and ordered his execution. Upon seeing that his hair had turned white, he was spared execution and dismissed from office. In the end, he died at home.

Regarding Zhang Wei, his identity is somewhat elusive. His father was named Zhang Chen, the governor of Hongnong County in Northern Wei. From a young age, Zhang Wei was tall, strong, and ambitious, skilled in horseback riding and archery, and significantly stronger than most. During Western Wei, he participated in multiple wars, rising to the rank of General of the Chuguoguo, Intendant of Jingzhao, and was bestowed the title of Duke of Changshou County, holding a fief of one thousand households. Later, when Wang Qian rebelled, the emperor appointed Zhang Wei as the general in charge of the campaign, leading the campaign against Wang Qian under Marshal Liang Rui's command.

The army arrived at Tonggu, and Wang Qian's general Li Sanwang led elite troops to hold the position. Liang Rui then appointed Zhang Wei as the vanguard. Initially, Li Sanwang kept the camp gates tightly shut and refused to engage. Zhang Wei had his men loudly insult them, provoking them into battle. Li Sanwang was tricked and led his troops into battle. Zhang Wei ordered his warriors to fight valiantly against the enemy, and Li Sanwang's army was routed, resulting in the capture and death of over four thousand soldiers. The army continued to advance and reached Kaiyuan, where Wang Qian's general Zhao Yan commanded an army of one hundred thousand, with camps extending for thirty miles. Zhang Wei ordered his men to carve a path through the mountains, flanking Zhao Yan from behind. Zhao Yan was soundly defeated and fled in a panic. Zhang Wei pursued all the way to Chengdu, where he fought a major battle against Wang Qian, personally commanding the center army. After Wang Qian was pacified, Zhang Wei was promoted to the rank of Grand Commandant and appointed Governor of Luzhou. After the founding emperor took the throne, Zhang Wei served in succession as the Governor of Youzhou and Luozhou, and was later granted the title of Duke of Jinxu County. He then served as the Chief Secretary of the Hebei Administrative Circuit, and later managed the affairs of the Prince of Jin's military office. Several years later, he was appointed as the Governor of Qingzhou, and the court rewarded him with eight hundred thousand coins, five hundred measures of rice, and three hundred bolts of various silks.

During Zhang Wei's time as an official in Qingzhou, he also engaged in business and established many businesses. He sent his servants to sell radishes in the marketplace, but these servants abused their power and oppressed the people. The Emperor was furious about this and harshly criticized him, dismissing him from his position and sending him home. Later, on his way back to Luoyang after offering sacrifices at Mount Tai, the Emperor said to Zhang Wei, "Since I founded this empire, I have entrusted you with key military strongholds time and again, showing great trust in you. Why do you not pay attention to your reputation and behavior, only focusing on making money? You have not only betrayed my trust but also damaged your own reputation." The Emperor then asked Zhang Wei, "Where is the tablet you use in court?" Zhang Wei bowed and apologized, saying, "I have committed a crime and violated the law. I am too ashamed to carry it and have hidden it at home." The Emperor said, "Bring it to me." The next day, Zhang Wei presented the tablet to the Emperor. The Emperor said, "Although you have not followed the rules, your contributions are considerable. I will not forget your merits. Now I return the tablet to you." The Emperor then appointed Zhang Wei as the governor of Luozhou and later granted him the title of Duke of Xuancheng. Shortly after, he was transferred to be the governor of Xiangzhou and passed away while in office. His son, Zhang Zhi, rose to the rank of Wuben General during the Daye period.

He Hong was from Runan. He had exceptional martial skills and was exceptionally brave from a young age. During the reign of Emperor Wu of Zhou, he participated in many military campaigns and steadily rose through the ranks based on his military achievements, eventually becoming the General of Chariots and Cavalry and the Yitong Sanji.

At that time, the tribal leaders of Longzhou, Ren Gongxin and Li Guoli, gathered their forces in rebellion, and Governor Dugu Shan could not control the situation. After deliberation, the court recognized He Hong's exceptional military talent and appointed him as the governor in place of Dugu Shan. Within a month, he captured Ren Gongxin and Li Guoli and had them executed as a warning, pacifying the remaining rebels.

Later, he followed the emperor to attack Heyin, bravely fought alongside Hong Fen, and captured the enemy's west gate. The emperor admired him greatly and rewarded him with a substantial gift of one thousand pieces of cloth. He later followed the emperor to pacify the Qi state, was promoted to the rank of Shang Yitong, granted the title of Marquis of Beiping, with a fief comprising eight hundred households, and appointed as the Left Xuncao Xia Daifu. When Zhuguo Wang Gui captured Wu Mingche, He Hong also made great contributions, and his official position was promoted to Kaifu, later transferring to Zhechong Zhong Daifu.

When Yu Jing instigated a rebellion in Xiangzhou, the court appointed He Hong as the commander of the army, sending him with Wei Xiaokuan to suppress the rebellion. When the army arrived at Heyang, Yu Jing sent troops to surround Huaizhou. He Hong, General Yu Wenshu, and their forces drove away the enemy troops. He also defeated Yu Dun in Wuzhi. After pacifying Xiangzhou, due to his consistent meritorious service in every battle, he was appointed as Zhuguo, Duke of Guangwu, with a fief of two thousand households. In total, the emperor rewarded him with ten thousand pieces of cloth, fifty servants, one hundred pounds of gold, one hundred pounds of silver, and one hundred livestock.

At that time, Dong Xia had just been subdued, and the people's sentiments were still unsettled. Emperor Gaozu recognized He Hong's prestige and appointed him to oversee the administration of Jizhou, where he performed exceptionally well and gained the people's favor. After a few years, he was summoned back by the court to serve as the supervisor of the canal, and later promoted to the post of governor of Sizhou. Just as the Turks launched an invasion at the border, the court appointed He Hong as the commander of the northern army, and he repelled the Turks, fighting all the way to the desert region before returning. He was subsequently promoted to the governor of Xuzhou, and ultimately passed away at the age of sixty-four.

Hou Mo Chen Ying, whose courtesy name was Zundao, was a native of Daijun. His family had been high-ranking generals for several generations. His father, Hou Mo Chen Chong, held many important official positions during the transition between the Wei and Zhou dynasties, eventually becoming the Grand Minister of Construction. From a young age, Hou Mo Chen Ying showed the demeanor of a great general, and he was also handsome and admired by his peers. Towards the end of the Wei Dynasty, due to his father's military achievements, he was granted the title of Marquis of Guangping, and later rose through the ranks to become Supervisor of the Imperial Household and Deputy Director of the Secretariat.

During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Zhou Dynasty, he followed Prince Teng You on campaigns against the rebellious Hu tribes in Longquan and Wencheng. He and General Dou Lu Xi led their troops to attack from different routes. Hou Mo Chen Ying led his troops over five hundred miles into enemy territory, capturing three enemy camps. Previously, those Qiang Hu people had rebelled, often plundering innocent civilians along the border and enslaving them. At that time, the court ordered that any Hu person who dared to hide innocent civilians would be killed, and their wives, children, and property confiscated. Some people reported that some Hu people were hiding innocent civilians in the villages, and Dou Lu Xi wanted to kill them all. Hou Mo Chen Ying advised him, saying, "General, when leading troops outside, some orders can be flexibly handled according to the actual situation. These Hu people are not all sincere rebels; many are forced to rebel out of necessity. With our army pressing into their territory, the rebel leaders are already frightened, and those who were forced to join will also want to surrender. We should first pacify them to quell the rebellion without resorting to violence. If we kill them directly, it will only make them more frightened, and things will become more complicated. We should call in their leaders, hand over the hidden innocent civilians to them, and allow them to surrender willingly, so that all the Hu people can settle down." Dou Lu Xi followed his advice. The Hu people were very moved and came to surrender one after another, resulting in stability along the northern border. Later, Hou Mo Chen Ying was promoted to Military Officer and awarded the title of Senior Officer of Tremendous Valor.

After Sui Wendi became Chancellor, he appointed him as the Governor of Changzhou. When Sui Wendi ascended to the throne and became emperor, Hou Mo Chen Ying declined the appointment and was promoted to Kaifu, elevated to the rank of Duke of Shengping. Shortly after, he was appointed as the Governor of Yanzhou. Several years later, he was transferred to be the Governor of Chenzhou. In the war to pacify the Chen Dynasty, he served as the commander of the marching army and followed Prince Qin Yang Jun to set out from Lushan Road. After Chen Dynasty generals Xun Fashang and Chen Ji surrendered, Hou Mo Chen Ying and the marching army commander Duan Wenzhen crossed the Yangtze River together to reassure those who had just surrendered. He was then appointed as the Governor of Raozhou, but before he could take office, he was reassigned to Yingzhou as Governor, where he did many good deeds for the people. After serving in Yingzhou for several years, he was relieved of his duties because of his close association with Prince Qin Yang Jun. The people sent him off, crying uncontrollably, and together they erected a stele to praise his integrity and virtue. Not long after, he was appointed as the temporary head of Fenzhou, and shortly after that, he became the Governor of Xingzhou.

During the Renshou period, the Minister of Personnel Niu Hong was ordered to inspect Shandong and ranked Hou Mo Chen Ying as the top official. Sui Wendi greatly appreciated this and issued an edict praising him. At that time, the court felt that most of the officials and county magistrates in Lingnan were corrupt, and the people of the barbarian tribes were full of grievances, often rebelling. Therefore, they carefully selected honest officials to pacify the area, which is why they summoned Hou Mo Chen Ying to the capital. When Hou Mo Chen Ying went to the palace to meet the emperor, Sui Wendi talked with him about the past, and the two of them had a lively conversation. A few days later, Hou Mo Chen Ying was promoted to Grand General, appointed as the Commander of Guizhou, in charge of military affairs in seventeen provinces. Sui Wendi also rewarded him with many gifts before allowing him to leave. After taking office, Hou Mo Chen Ying paid great attention to benevolence and trustworthiness, and the people and barbarian tribes were very pleased with him. Many minority groups in the mountains came to pledge their allegiance to him.

After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended to the throne, Hou Mochen Ying's brother, the Duke of Liang, Hou Mochen Rui, was exiled to the borderlands for committing a crime. The court was concerned that Hou Mochen Ying might be troubled by this, so they summoned him back to the capital. After a few years, he was appointed as the governor of Hengshan. That year, many regions in Lingnan and Minyue were defying the court's authority. Emperor Yang of Sui remembered the good deeds that Hou Mochen Ying had done in Guizhou before, earning the trust of the local people, so he appointed him as the governor of Nanhai again. Four years later, Hou Mochen Ying passed away during his tenure, posthumously honored with the title "Ding." His son, Hou Mochen Qianhui, was also well-known.

Historical records state: Du Yandong served in the Xia and Nan regions, achieving numerous military merits, guarding the northern border, bringing peace to the Xiongnu territories. Gao Mei, filled with resolve even on his deathbed, despised the treacherous villains, ultimately leaving behind a lasting reputation. Erzhu Chang, with extraordinary talent from a young age, was able to be content with the status quo, rebuilding the collapsed foundation; isn't this a testament to benevolence and wisdom? Zhou Yao was appreciated for his honesty and reliability, Dugu Xin became famous for his kindness, Qifu Huineng prioritized the interests of the country and stepped down, and the regions governed by the Hou Mochen family were well-ordered. Some of these individuals understood the ways of shepherding the people, some practiced the path of benevolence and righteousness, all worthy of praise.

Huiyi was dismissed due to the simplicity of his tent, but he entered the court from a young age, served under three successive dynasties, and eventually enjoyed wealth and honor, passing away peacefully at an old age, perhaps because he acted naturally and never pretended.