Emperor Ming Yuan had seven sons: Prince Le Ping, Prince Anding, Prince Le'an, Prince Yong Chang, Prince Jianning, and Prince Xinxing. His wife Empress Du Mi gave birth to Emperor Taizu Taiwu. Lady Murong was the mother of Prince Le Ping, Tuoba Pi; the identity of Prince Anding's mother, Tuoba Mi Que, is not mentioned; Lady Murong was the mother of Prince Le'an, Tuoba Fan; Lady Yin was the mother of Prince Yong Chang, Tuoba Jian; the identities of the mothers of Prince Jianning, Tuoba Chong, and Prince Xinxing, Tuoba Jun, are also not recorded.
King Yueping, Tuoba Pi, showed great talent from a young age, and everyone praised him for his abilities. Emperor Taizong appreciated Tuoba Pi's demeanor and treated him especially well due to his seniority. In the seventh year of the Taichang era, he was conferred the title of king and appointed Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry. Later, he led the army of Hexi, Gaoping, and other regions to campaign against Wang Yang Nandang of Southern Qin. Upon reaching Lueyang, he enforced strict discipline, ensuring that his troops committed no infractions. The local populace eagerly offered him cattle and wine. Wang Yang Nandang became afraid and retreated to Chouchi. However, his subordinates deliberated and remarked, "If we do not kill the local powerful figures, they will definitely rebel again after the army withdraws; besides, our army is far away, and if we do not seize some things, how can we replenish military supplies and reward the soldiers?" The generals unanimously agreed with this plan. At that time, Gao Yun, a minister from the Central Secretariat, accompanied Tuoba Pi on his campaign. He advised, "If we kill them now, it will hurt their hearts that have just surrendered. I am afraid that as soon as the army withdraws, they will immediately rebel." Tuoba Pi thought Gao Yun was right, so he reassured those who had just surrendered, ensuring that no violations occurred. Previously, Feng Hong had fled to Goryeo, and Emperor Shizu ordered Goryeo to send him back, but Goryeo refused. Emperor Shizu was furious and prepared to launch a campaign against Goryeo. Tuoba Pi advised in a letter that Goryeo had only recently stabilized and should be properly appeased, to allow them to focus on agricultural development, boost food production, replenish military supplies, and only then consider war. The emperor accepted his advice and stopped the plan to attack Goryeo. Later, due to excessive worry over Liu Jie, Tuoba Pi passed away. This event is chronicled in "The Biography of Liu Jie." Following his death, he was posthumously honored with the title of Li Wang. His son, Tuoba Ba, succeeded to the title. Later, he was executed for a crime, leading to the abolition of the Kingdom of Yueping.
Dong Daoxiu predicted that King Le Ping would come into great wealth, but as a result, King Le Ping died because of this, and Dong Daoxiu was also beheaded. Gao Yun later wrote an article titled "On Divination," which mentioned this incident. The text reads: "In the late Ming Dynasty, the White Platform appeared, over twenty zhang high. King Le Ping once dreamed of ascending it and saw nothing in all directions. The king asked the diviner Dong Daoxiu, who divined: 'Great auspiciousness.' The king remained silent but had a pleased look. Later, the truth came to light, and the king died from distress, while Daoxiu was executed." Gao Yun also said that if Dong Daoxiu truly understood the Book of Changes, he should have advised King Le Ping to tone down his ambitions. The text states: "If Daoxiu had used the six lines to respond to the king, he would have said: 'The "I Ching" states, "The soaring dragon has regrets," reaching too high is called "kang," high without the people is not good.' If so, the king would be secure above, and he would protect himself below; then blessings and wealth would follow; how could there be disaster? Now, neglecting the basics in favor of superficiality, is it not appropriate for calamity to come?" This means that King Le Ping was too high-profile, did not do good deeds, and instead invited disaster. Dong Daoxiu did not manage to dissuade him, so they both faced misfortune.
King An Ding Mi was granted the title of king in the seventh year of the Tai Chang era. Later, when Emperor Taizong was attacking the White Platform, he remained in the capital to defend it. He later died and was posthumously honored as King Shang. He had no sons, so the throne was lost. King Le An Fan was also conferred the title of king in the seventh year of Tai Chang. He was known for his steady and kind nature and was generous and compassionate. Emperor Shizu thought that an important place like Chang'an could only be entrusted to King Fan, so he appointed him as the governor of the military affairs of the five provinces, Grand General of the Guard, and Chancellor, as well as the Great General of Chang'an. He also chose a team of capable individuals to support him. King Fan was humble and respectful, treated his subordinates well, and was skilled at calming people's fears, earning praise from the common people. At that time, the Guanzhong region had just experienced turmoil, and many people were displaced. King Fan suggested to the emperor to implement simple governance methods, which the emperor agreed to. Thus, taxes and labor were reduced, giving the common people a chance to recuperate. Later, when Liu Jie rebelled, King Fan learned of it but chose not to report it. After the matter was exposed, King Fan suddenly passed away from illness.
His eldest son was named Liang. At that time, Emperor Shizu had no sons and once said, "A brother's son is like one's own son." Therefore, he took it upon himself to raise him. As he grew older, he became known for his bravery and intelligence, often participating in discussions on national affairs. During Emperor Gaozong's reign, he inherited the throne, was appointed as the Grand General of Chang'an Garrison and Governor of Yongzhou Province, and held other significant positions at court. He later died and was posthumously honored with the title Prince Jian.
The Prince of Yongchang was named Jian and was enfeoffed as a prince in the seventh year of Taichang. This Jian was tall and strong, particularly adept at horseback riding and archery, and was well-versed in military strategy, consistently achieving great victories in battle. His talents and artistic abilities were comparable to those of Prince Huan of Chenliu, but his strategic acumen surpassed that of Prince Huan. Following Emperor Shizu's defeat of Helian Chang, he fought all the way to Mugen Mountain. During the assault on Heilong, Jian single-handedly led the troops to seize Jiande. Later, he quelled the remaining forces of the rebel Hu Bailong in Xihe. When Emperor Shizu attacked the Rouran, crossed over Zhuoxie Mountain, and was returning, he ordered Jian to guard the rear. Consequently, over ten thousand Rouran cavalry pursued them, and Jian commanded a small contingent of cavalry to engage them. Every arrow hit its target, and the enemies fell immediately upon being shot, scaring the Rouran army into retreating. His reputation struck fear into the northern steppes. He then participated in pacifying the war in Liangzhou, with Jian making the most significant contributions. He also vanquished the forces of Tufa Baozhou, who took his own life, with his head sent to the capital; he subsequently surrendered to Juqu Wuwei. Prince Jian of Yongchang died of illness and was posthumously honored as Prince Zhuang.
His son Ren inherited the throne. Ren was equally brave as his father and shared a similar demeanor, and Emperor Shizu greatly admired him. However, he later conspired with Prince Lu Ruowen of Puyang to stage a rebellion. When the conspiracy was uncovered, he was sentenced to death, and the Kingdom of Yongchang was subsequently abolished.
Prince Jianning, also known as Chong, was granted the title of King in the seventh year of Taichang and was appointed as the General Who Aids the State. He accompanied the Emperor in campaigns against enemies in the north and made significant contributions. During Emperor Gaozong's reign, his son Li was granted the title of King of Jinan. Later, he conspired with Du Yuanbao, the Prince of Jingzhao, and both father and son were executed.
Prince Xinxing, also known as Jun, was granted the title of King in the seventh year of Taichang and was appointed as the Grand General of the East. He excelled in horseback riding and archery from a young age and was skilled in various disciplines. However, for committing a crime, his title was stripped, and he was reduced to the rank of duke. Jun had a penchant for drinking and indulgence, often breaking the law. Additionally, nursing a grudge over his mother's execution, he often harbored rebellious thoughts. When his misdeeds came to light, he was also executed, and the Xinxing kingdom was dissolved.
