Yan Leng was a native of Fengyi, Linjin. He fled to Henan during the chaotic times. Later, Liu Yu took notice of him and appointed him as General Guangwei and Prefect of Chenliu, assigning him to Cangyuan. During the Tai Chang era, the Duke of Shanyang, Xi Jin, marched south for a campaign, and when his army arrived at Yingchuan, Yan Leng led five hundred civil and military officials in surrendering to Xi Jin. Xi Jin then sent him to Jizhou to meet Emperor Taizong. Emperor Taizong appreciated his sincerity and appointed him as General Pingyuan, granting him the title of Marquis of Heye, and temporarily appointed him as acting Inspector of Jingzhou. He followed the Emperor on a southern expedition, and upon his return, he became a distinguished guest at the imperial court. When Emperor Shizu ascended to the throne, in recognition of Yan Leng's contributions in his submission, he was appointed as Prefect of Zhongshan, where he was known for his integrity. He passed away at home at the age of ninety.
His son, Yan Yayu, succeeded him in his title. During the Zhenjun era, the court commanded Yan Yayu to assist General Yuan Lan of Chang'an in leading ten thousand troops to welcome the people from Hanchuan who had submitted. They entered through Xiegu and arrived at Ganting. However, Wang Xuanzai, the Governor of Liangzhou, sent troops to intercept them; the road was blocked, forcing them to return to the court. In the second year of the Taihe era, Yan Yayu became the Prefect of Taicang; in the fifth year, he was appointed as General Pingnan and Inspector of Dongyanzhou, and was granted the title of Duke of Fengyi (provisionally). After his passing, his son Yan Tan succeeded him in his title.
Mao Xiuzhi, style name Jingwen, was a man from Yangwu in Xingyang. His father, Mao Jin, was the governor of Liangzhou and Qinzhou during the reign of Emperor Dezong of the Liang Dynasty. When Liu Yu attacked Tiaohong, leaving his son Liu Yizhen to guard Chang'an, Mao Xiuzhi became Liu Yizhen's aide-de-camp. Later, Helian Qugai defeated Liu Yizhen at Qingni, and Mao Xiuzhi was captured and held in Tongwan. Emperor Shizu rescued Mao Xiuzhi after defeating Helian Chang. During the Shenqin era, the court appointed him to lead Wu troops against the Rouran tribe, and in recognition of his achievements, he was appointed General of the Wu forces and also served as Colonel of Infantry. He later followed Emperor Shizu in the campaign to pacify Liangzhou, earning merit and receiving promotions to Privy Councilor, General of the Front, and Grandee of the Palace. Mao Xiuzhi was highly skilled at preparing Southern cuisine, personally handling the stir-frying and cooking, which perfectly suited the Emperor's palate. Emperor Shizu held him in high regard, promoting him to Minister of the Imperial Clan, bestowing upon him the title of Duke of Nanjun, and further appointing him as Champion General, permitting him to serve in the Imperial Clan Office year-round, in charge of preparing the Emperor's meals.
After the emperor returned from the expedition to He Long, he rewarded the servants and livestock to the soldiers who had made contributions and captured three fortresses. At that time, all the armies were attacking the city, and most of the soldiers tasked with protecting the emperor were mostly on the battlefield, leaving very few people in the palace. General Zhu Xiuzhi of Yunzhong Town was a veteran under the former Emperor Liu Yilong and was also in the army at that time. He conceived rebellious thoughts, wanting to lead the soldiers from Wudi to rebel and then escape to the south by boat. He found the emperor, wanting to share his plan and seek assistance. But the emperor did not agree, so Zhu Xiuzhi abandoned his plan. If the emperor had not been there that day, the consequences could have been dire! Later, Zhu Xiuzhi defected to Feng Wentong. Because Zhu Xiuzhi had made great achievements in the battle to recover the three fortresses, the emperor promoted him to the titles of Special Advanced, Grand Marshal of the Army, and Jinzi Guanglu Dafu, with a rank just below Cui Hao.
In this way, things temporarily calmed down. The rewards given by the emperor made everyone feel uplifted, but Zhu Xiuzhi's defection also made the courtiers anxious. After all, the defection of a veteran is a serious matter. Although the emperor did not agree to Zhu Xiuzhi's plan, his ambitions and actions had already raised a red flag for the emperor. What happened next is a different tale. The emperor's rewards to Zhu Xiuzhi also indirectly reflected the court's personnel strategy of the time, as well as the reward mechanism for meritorious officials. Of course, this also involved some risks and hidden dangers, because even if an ambitious person is rewarded, they may not necessarily remain loyal.
Lao Zhang's ancestors were from old Beijing. Although he didn't receive a formal education, he read many books and often discussed knowledge with others. Once, they talked about the "Records of the Three Kingdoms" written by Chen Shou, saying that Chen Shou was a rare good historian, his writing was excellent, characterized by elegance and solemnity, highly respected in the court, featuring exquisite, subtle wording and a logical structure. Starting from Ban Gu, no one could compare to Chen Shou. Zhang Xiu said, "When I was in Sichuan before, I heard the old people say that Chen Shou had been an aide to Zhuge Liang, but he made a mistake and was beaten by Zhuge Liang 100 times. That's why in the 'Records of the Three Kingdoms,' he evaluated Zhuge Liang's military talent as 'adaptability in tactics was not his strong suit.'"
After hearing this, Lao Zhang countered, saying, "Chen Shou's evaluation of Zhuge Liang was actually intended to praise him. Think carefully, he did not belittle Zhuge Liang, nor was it due to personal grievances. Why do I say this? When Zhuge Liang assisted Liu Bei, the world was in chaos, warlords were fighting for supremacy. Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang cooperated very well, but they failed to defeat Cao Cao and lost Jingzhou, retreated to Sichuan, deceived Liu Zhang into ceding his territory, pretended to ally with Sun Quan, and claimed to be king in a remote area. This strategy is reminiscent of Zhao Kuo at best, at the level of Guan Zhong and Xiao He. Isn't it too much to overestimate him? Thus, Chen Shou's criticism of Zhuge Liang is not without merit. Moreover, after Zhuge Liang occupied Shu territory, he relied on the difficult terrain, did not adjust strategies according to changing circumstances, did not assess his own strength, oppressed the people of Shu, had a high opinion of himself, and wanted to resist the powerful Wei state with the power of Shu territory. He launched several attacks against Wei, all of which failed, and he died of illness in the army. Given all this, how does he measure up to the standards of ancient generals skilled in warfare?" Zhang Xiu also agreed with Lao Zhang's words.
In the second year of the Taiyan era, Lao Zhang became a high-ranking official in a foreign land. He passed away and was posthumously honored with the title Duke of Gong.
Zhang Xiu had four sons in the south, only Fa Ren succeeded to the title. In the early years of Gaozong, Fa Ren became the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue and inherited his father's title. Later, he was promoted to Minister of the Palace Secretariat and appointed as Cavalry Attendant. Fa Ren had a loud voice, and his commanding voice during military campaigns and hunts could be heard throughout the valleys. He passed away in the sixth year of the era of peace, posthumously honored as General Who Conquers the East and Prince of Nanjun, with the posthumous title of Wei.
The eldest son, Menghu, served as a secretary in the Crown Prince's residence during the Taian era, later promoted to Gentleman of the Palace and then to Senior Cavalry Attendant. When he first inherited the title, he was a Cavalry Attendant. During the Huangxing era, the Rouran tribes invaded the border, and he followed the Emperor to battle, displaying remarkable courage and decisiveness. He passed away in the early years of Taihe, posthumously honored as Inspector of Yuzhou, with the posthumous title of Kang Gong.
His son, Taibao, inherited the title, serving as Chief Clerk for Conquering the Barbarians, later demoted to a marquis as per regulations. After his death, his son Qianyou inherited the title.
Now, let's talk about Zhu Xiuzhi. He was an official under Liu Yilong, serving as a Langzhong Attendant in the Ministry of the Masses. When he was guarding Huatai, he was besieged by An Jie. His mother, at home, suddenly experienced a flow of milk. She cried and told her family, "I am old and have no milk left, but now this is happening. The child must be dying!" As feared, he was captured by An Jie later that day. Emperor Shizu appreciated his determination in holding the city and gave him an internal position, as well as marrying a royal woman to him. However, he was cunning and unscrupulous, earning the disdain of others. Later, he became a general in Yunzhong. After joining Feng Wentong's forces, Feng Wentong sent him to Jiangnan.
Tang He, with the courtesy name Zhiqi, was from Jinchang Ming'an. His father, Yao, due to the turmoil in Liangzhou, left the people homeless, so he recommended Li Hao from Longxi to Dunhuang to stabilize the region. Later, the Li clan was wiped out by Juqu Mengxun, and Tang He, along with his brother and nephew Li Bao, fled to Yiwu for refuge, gathering over two thousand households and aligning with the Rouran. The Rouran granted his brother the title King of Yiwu.
After twenty years, Tang He and his brother Qipai sent envoys to surrender, because they were pressured by the Rouran and led their tribe to Gaochang. The Rouran sent their general A Ruo to lead cavalry to attack Tang He. Upon reaching Bailing, Tang He led five hundred cavalry to first attack Gaochang, where both his brother Qipai and A Ruo were killed. Tang He gathered his remaining troops and retreated to the Former Qin Kingdom. At that time, Juqu Anzhou was encamped at Hengjie City. Tang He attacked and captured the city, killed Anzhou's nephew Shu, and captured both Gaoning and Bailing, executing the defending generals. He sent messengers to update the Emperor, and Emperor Shizu praised his sincerity and rewarded him generously. Later, Tang He and King Che Yiluo of Former Qin jointly defeated Juqu Anzhou, killing three hundred of his men.
Emperor Shizu sent Chengzhou Gong Wandu to march against Yanqi, ordering He and Yiluo to command the army together. He and Yiluo acted according to orders. At that time, Wandu convinced six cities east of Liuju to surrender, and they jointly attacked and captured Bojuluo. They later attacked Guici as well, and Wandu and Yiluo defended Yanqi. At this time, the garrison commander of Liuju, Yizhenga, incited a rebellion with some Hu generals in the city. Yiluo and he led a hundred cavalry into the city, captured and killed Yizhenga. As a result, the remaining Hu forces surrendered. The Western Regions were brought under control, and both He and Yiluo played a significant role in this.
In the first year of the Zhengping era, He Yiluo went to the capital to meet the Emperor. The Emperor treated him exceptionally well, regarding him as an esteemed guest. Due to He Yiluo's loyalty to the previous dynasty, Emperor Gaozong appointed him as General of the South and Duke of Jiuquan. During the Tai'an period, he was assigned as the governor of Jizhou, where he made significant achievements. He was later recalled to court to serve as a senior official responsible for case adjudication. He solved numerous cases without resorting to torture, which earned him widespread acclaim. He passed away during the Huangxing era at the age of sixty-seven, posthumously elevated to Grand General of the West, Minister of Ceremonies, and Prince of Jiuquan, with the posthumous title of Xuan.
His son, Qin, styled Mengzhi, studied at the Imperial Academy and inherited his father's titles. During the Taihe period, he was appointed as General of the South and Deputy General of Chang'an, later rising to the position of Governor of Shaanzhou while keeping his military rank. His noble title was later reduced to Marquis, and he passed away twenty years later.
His son, Jingxuan, succeeded him in the titles. He served as the Chief Secretary to the Prince of Chengyang in Bingzhou and was promoted to General of the Center, later appointed as Prefect of Dongju. He passed away during the Putai era, posthumously honored as General of the Army and Governor of Qinzhou.
Jingxuan's brother, Jibi, served as a deputy in Cangzhou during the Wuding era.
Xuanda, the sworn brother of Yiluo, was decisive in character, very much in his father's mold. He and Yiluo's uncle went to the capital together to meet the emperor, who regarded them as esteemed guests. Xuanda was appointed as General of Anxi and Duke of Jinchang. During the reign of Emperor Xianzu, he was assigned as the governor of Huazhou while retaining his military position. When the citizens of Xingcheng rose in rebellion, Emperor Xianzu sent Yang Zhongkui to suppress the rebellion, but he was unsuccessful and returned. The emperor then ordered Xuanda to lead an army to quell the rebellion. The rebels regrouped under the self-styled king Chi Li, attacking and plundering the counties, inflicting suffering on the populace. Xuanda ambushed them with two hundred cavalry on a narrow path, where he successfully defeated them. The rebel leader Cao Pingyuan mustered his forces once more, but Xuanda pursued and pacified them all. In the third year of Yanxing, he was dismissed from his position due to a misstep. In the sixteenth year of Taihe, his title was demoted to Marquis, and he later died. His son Chong, styled Jizu, inherited his title and served as the governor of Shengle. Liu Xiubin, styled Chugan, hailed from Pingyuan. His grandfather Liu Chang followed Murong De across the Yellow River and settled in Duchang County in Beihai. His father, Liu Fengbo, served as the governor of Beihai during the rule of Liu Yu. Xiubin was fond of learning from a young age and was quite literary. He had six brothers, including Liu Chengmin and Liu Yan, who were also well-known.
Later, Liu Xiubin became the General of the Tiger Guards under Liu Yu's command, slowly rising through the ranks to become the Inspector of Youzhou, stationed in Liangzhou (present-day Zouping County, Shandong). Murong Baiyao led his troops to Shengcheng (now Yanggu County, Shandong) and sent someone to persuade Xiubin to surrender, but Xiubin refused. At this time, dozens of families, including General Cui Lingyan and Prefect Fang Lingjian, who served under Liu Yu, fled to Liangzhou, where they together elected Xiubin as the General of Conquering Barbarians and the Inspector of Yanzhou. Coincidentally, Liu Yu sent someone to appoint Xiubin as the General of Fuguo and Inspector of Yanzhou. Xiubin's wife was the daughter of Cui Xieli and gave birth to a son named Wenyi. When Cui Xieli surrendered, Xiubin's son and daughter-in-law followed him into the court. At this point, Murong Baiyao formally requested that Cui's mother and child be handed over to him. After obtaining Cui's mother and child, Murong Baiyao viewed it as a way to repay Xiubin and then captured Liu Yanhe's wife in Beihai, sending her to the gates of Liangzhou as a threat to Xiubin. Xiubin replied to Murong Baiyao, saying that if Licheng surrendered, he would follow suit. He then secretly sent his chief clerk Yin Wenda to Licheng to gather intelligence on the imperial army's situation. Wenda went to see Baiyao, pretending he had heard the Emperor was coming and had come to wait. He then asked Baiyao in secret, "Liu Xiubin and his family have held official positions in several counties and states. If they surrender voluntarily now, I wonder what rewards the Emperor might offer them?" Baiyao replied, "Xiubin has held positions in the south, with titles and rewards already received. If they surrender without a fight, they can not only retain their high positions and rewards but also protect their wives, children, and families. Even if Xiubin is not afraid of being besieged, wouldn't he be concerned about his wife and children? He is now in Shengcheng; you can go see him yourself if you wish."
Wen arrived in Shengcheng and met Xiu Bin's wife and children. Wen Ye (Xiu Bin's son) tightly held onto Wen, crying and using his nails and hair as keepsakes. After returning, Wen stopped by Bai Yao's place and left after making arrangements with him. Bai Yao said, "You are Xiu Bin's confidant, you have seen his wife and children with your own eyes, and you also know the number of our troops. Think it over and try to survive a bit longer!" Wen went back to see Xiu Bin, showed him the keepsakes of his wife and children, relayed Bai Yao's words and the situation of the imperial forces, and told Xiu Bin, "Shengcheng is about to fall, Licheng won't hold for long either; you need to find a way quickly!" Xiu Bin touched his wife's nails and hair, crying and saying, "Who wouldn't feel heartbroken when their wife and children are trapped in the city? I have received great kindness from the Southern Dynasty, entrusted with an important border task; now surrendering for the sake of my wife and children, is this the honorable thing to do?" However, he secretly discussed the possibility of surrender with his brother Wen Wei. Wen Wei said, "This must be a trick by Wen Da! They come to plunder every year; where would they get so many troops? As long as we strengthen our defenses, patrol diligently, and stay alert, we’ll be fine. Why should we be scared in these narrow, steep city walls and show weakness?" Xiu Bin told Wen again, "Don't fear danger or hardship; go and check out the situation for me." Then he secretly sent Wen out to arrange a time with Bai Yao and ensure the surrender letter was delivered.
After the message was delivered, Bai Yao exclaimed joyfully, "Not only can Liu Xiubin and his son gain wealth and honor, but also the prominent scholars and gentlemen in the city can also receive official posts based on their contributions. You should take up the position of city lord of Liangzou right away!" Bai Yao poured wine on the ground, swearing an oath to the mountains and rivers, "If I betray Liu Xiubin, may our three kingdoms fall together!" At first, Bai Yao wanted to use Liu Xiubin's wife to persuade him to surrender, but Liu Xiubin's brother, Dao Gu, insisted on rebelling. The court subsequently appointed Liu Xiubin as Jiedushi and granted him the titles of General Pingnan, Governor of Yizhou, and Duke of Pingyuan. Now, Bai Yao presented the imperial edict and official seal to Wen Da.
After Wen Da returned, he said to Liu Xiubin, "Bai Yao's oath is so firm, you need to decide quickly. If you are forced to surrender under attack, it may be too late." So Liu Xiubin told his nephew Wen Wei, "The situation is now quite clear; you should quickly write a letter of surrender!" However, Wen Wei hesitated and refused to write, leading to disastrous consequences.
Bai Yao then sent the official Xu Chihu to come at night to the south gate of Liangzou, informing the people in the city, "You tell Liu Xiubin, why has he repeatedly sent Wen Da to see me, promising to deliver a letter of surrender and submit to the Great Wei, yet he does not keep his word and fails to arrive at the agreed time?" The guards spread the word throughout the city, and soon everyone was aware. They discussed among themselves, wanting to surrender but feeling trapped, all saying, "Liu Xiubin and his son want to use the people of our city to exchange for official positions!" Eventually, they were besieged from winter through to spring. After Licheng surrendered, Bai Yao sent Dao Gu's son, Jing Ye, along with Wen Ye to the city. When Liu Xiubin learned that Dao Gu had surrendered, he came out to request surrender. Bai Yao brought Liu Xiubin and over a dozen other prominent figures from the city to the capital as guests. After Pingqi County was established, the residents of Liangzou were reorganized into Huaining County, with Liu Xiubin appointed as the county magistrate. He passed away in the second year of the Yantong era.
Wen Ye is very aspiring, well-versed, and places greater importance on righteousness than on wealth. During the Taihe era, because his cousin Wen Weinan led a rebellion in the south, he and his two younger brothers, Wen Hao and Ji You, were exiled to the northern frontier. The Emperor Gaozu granted them special permission to return to Dai territory. Emperor Taizong once visited Fangshan for a leisure trip, and Wen Ye called out from the roadside, "I want to request an audience with the Emperor and explain the grievances I have endured over the years." Emperor Gaozu then sent his minister, Li Chong, to convey the imperial decree and inquire, "What do you wish to say? Please speak clearly in person." Thus, Wen Ye was summoned.
Wen Ye replied, "My family's ancestors had humble origins and originated from Pingyuan County. In the past, due to the wars in the State of Yan, we were forced to flee north of the Yellow River, eventually settling in Qi, where we have lived for nearly a century. In the eleventh year of the True Monarch, when Emperor Taiwu, the founding emperor, inspected the Yangtze River, I was just two years old and accompanied my maternal grandfather, Cui Xieli, the governor of Lu County, back to Wei from Zoushan. My grandfather was granted a fourth-rank official title and appointed as the governor of Guangning. Since I was so young, I wasn't officially recorded. During the Tian'an years, the emperor's prestige spread far and wide; my father, Xiu Bin, was then the Liu family's envoy and the governor of Yanzhou, stationed in Liangzhou. At that time, Murong Baiyao, aware of my father's strategic position in Qi, recognized that Qingzhou and Jizhou were crucial battlegrounds, and the three cities supported each other to resist the Wei army. Knowing that my mother and I were in Daijing, Baiyao submitted a request for my mother and me to go and comfort the troops. I then heeded the late emperor's edict, taking a postal vehicle to the military camp, and the emperor also bestowed an official title upon my father. Baiyao sent Right Sima Lu Henan and others to escort my mother and me to Zouxian. Upon meeting my father, I detailed the emperor's immense favor. My father said, 'I have received the court's grace to defend the frontier, and my whole family is in these two cities. If I surrender first, my whole family will be killed, which would betray the court and bring suffering to my family. How can I become a subject of Wei? Please convey my thoughts to the official first; if the intention to surrender is decided, once Licheng is pacified, I will lead the soldiers to the military camp to surrender the city.' Once Licheng was captured, Baiyao sent Chi Hu to escort me and Cui Daogu's son, Jingye, to Liangzhou. When my father saw the messenger from Chi Hu, he was grateful for the court's long-distance effort to fetch us, and realizing that the mandate of heaven had shifted back to the Wei dynasty, he led ten thousand soldiers to open the city gates and surrender. We took a postal vehicle to the court, where we were treated favorably. I carry deep sins myself; my father betrayed the court in Yanxing's second year. Despite his loyalty, he has never received recognition from the court. People like us have all been rewarded by the court, while those who served the court faced suppression, leading to their merits being buried."
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Emperor Gaozu said, "You say your father has achievements, but he has no real accomplishments. Licheng is the western gateway of the Qi state, and surrendering is only to be expected. Liang and Zou are just minor garrison locations; how could they possibly hold out? What’s there to brag about?" Wen Ye replied, "As Your Majesty has said, I still have more to say about my foolish opinions. Why is that? In the past, Le Yi captured over seventy cities in the Qi state, with only Jimo City still resisting. Isn't that like having the roots destroyed but the branches still standing? Furthermore, people only surrender when they have no other choice. Thus, Huang Quan surrendered because he was out of options, and as a result, he was granted a marquis title. Similarly, Xue Andu and Bi Zhongjing surrendered in critical moments and were rewarded. Talking about ancient examples is one thing, but applying them to today is another. In today’s peaceful times, we can’t really compare ourselves to them. I think Liang and Zou have solid defenses, are located in the central part of the Qi state, can stockpile food for ten years, and have millions of archers ready. Compared to capturing Sheng City, it’s not even in the same league. Sheng City could hold off an army for days and inflicted significant casualties on the enemy. If my father had held out in that isolated city, it wouldn’t have been easy to take in just a day or two."
The Emperor Gaozu said, "Licheng has already fallen, so Liangzhou will naturally be ours. Why waste our troops?" Wenfu replied, "If we take Your Majesty's advice, Bai Yao should give it his all and achieve a swift victory. Why then use Chihu's letter as an excuse, and let the people know that he has changed his mind?" Emperor Gaozu said, "Your father's achievements are already limited; with your talent and status, do you really need to plead?" Wenfu replied, "I am foolish and incompetent, lacking skills in both civil and military affairs. Even if I bow down nine times, I can't get through to the heavens. Fortunately, I have lived to this day in the era of enlightenment. But I believe Xu Guan is a key stronghold for the rebels. After Xu Guan surrendered, all who sincerely submit should be recognized by the court. As for Tuan Cheng, where Inspector Zhang Qian of East Xuzhou is stationed, it only governs two counties. He only surrendered after the court sent troops to attack. Both father and son were enfeoffed. When it comes to merit and reward, my father should not be overlooked." Emperor Gaozu said, "You compare Zhang Qian, but his situation is different." Wenfu replied, "I don't see how it's different." Emperor Gaozu said, "Zhang Qian initially surrendered, but later did not send a messenger. Your father did not surrender at first, but later defended and resisted. How can that not be different?" Wenfu replied, "Zhang Qian and his son initially had the pretext of surrender, but later committed the crime of refusing to submit. Making up for mistakes with merit and being pardoned is a stroke of luck. I also heard that Cui Sengyou's brother followed his uncle Daogu in Licheng. Sengyou heard of the Wei army's reputation from afar, feared for his brother's safety, and urged the people in the village to come to the rescue. By the time they reached Yuzhou, Licheng had already fallen, so they surrendered and saved his brother's life. The court rewarded them for their loyalty, granting them third-rank official positions. Is my father's loyalty any less than Sengyou's?" Emperor Gaozu said, "Sengyou lives in the East Sea, coming and going at will, having an official position upon arrival and others accompanying him when he leaves, so he was rewarded. Your father was trapped in a lone city, already in our control, so he was not rewarded." Wenfu replied, "My father returned the city to the country, demonstrating loyalty to the country; Sengyou came for personal gain. I just don’t get how he can be rewarded for personal gain while my father's loyalty goes unrecognized." Emperor Gaozu just smiled and said nothing.
Lu Rui, the Minister of Personnel, pointed a finger at Wen Ye and scolded, "Suppose the former emperor wrongly rewarded Monk You; can he also wrongly reward you?!" Wen Ye immediately retorted, "The late emperor was a revered leader of national rejuvenation; his virtues shone like the sun and the moon, greater even than those of Yao and Shun! However, at that time, ten of the prime ministers were treacherous ministers, and five were outright traitors! Now you say the late emperor's rewards were wrong; doesn't that amount to deliberately slandering the previous dynasty?"
Minister Gao Lu chimed in, "Which is more important to you, your uncle or your wife?" Wen Ye replied, "My uncle is more important." Gao Lu continued, "Since you know your uncle is more important, the court's reward to Monk You follows the same logic! Your father came back for his wife; that’s contradictory!" Wen Ye defended, "If Monk You didn't have his brother, would he still come back to surrender?" Gao Lu said, "No." Wen Ye continued, "Monk You returned for his brother; that was a personal matter for him. And my father was a man of integrity, upright and honest in all his dealings; how could he abandon his noble principles for a woman! The story of Le Yangzi cutting his flesh to feed the wolves—does that leave any room for hesitation? My father's true intention was actually quite simple; he surrendered because he recognized that the Shang and Zhou dynasties were no longer viable, and the mandate of heaven had already found its place."
Emperor Gaozu said to Wen Ye, "What you say makes some sense. Rewards and punishments should be decided based on the circumstances, so I will issue an order to grant you a reward." Wen Ye cried and said, "I'm too dull to grasp Your Majesty's intentions. I'm afraid I might never get to see you again. Since you have already shown me grace, I hope you can tell the relevant departments to forgive my mistakes." Emperor Gaozu replied, "A word from an emperor is as solid as a rock; you don't need to beg!" Subsequently, Emperor Gaozu conferred upon Wen Ye the title of Viscount of Duchang and granted him generous treatment, first making him a Deputy in the Justice Department, and later transferring him to the position of Supervisor of the Imperial Guards. During the reign of Emperor Shizong, Wen Ye was appointed as the Governor of Gaoyang. He died during the Yanchang period and was posthumously given the title of General Pingyuan and made governor of Guangzhou, with the posthumous name of Zhen.
His son Wen Yuan inherited his title and later held the position of Assistant Minister, General Xiangwei, and Deputy Governor of Qingzhou, eventually passing away as well. Another son, Wen Hao, was known for being kind and devoted to his family, and served as a cavalry officer in the Prince of Anfeng's residence in Xuzhou. He also had a son named Wen Wei, who was smart and talented, but he rebelled in the south during the Yanxing period.
His uncle Xiu Bin, whose wife was surnamed Xu, had two sons, Fa Feng and Fa Wu. Unfortunately, Xiu Bin died young. In Dongyangping, Xu and her two sons entered the country, living in poverty and struggling to get by, and were looked down upon by society for their behavior. Both the mother and her sons became nuns, but later went back to living normal lives. During the Taihe period, Emperor Gaozu picked out all the talented people from Henan and promoted them. The brothers Fa Feng and Fa Wu weren't picked for any jobs and ended up fleeing south. Fa Wu later changed his name to Xiao Biao.
After Dongyang was pacified, the Xu family, a mother and her two sons, came to the capital. They were so poor they could barely afford a meal, and they were not very skilled in social interactions, which made them the subject of disdain. The mother and her two sons all became nuns but later returned to the secular world. During the Taihe period, Emperor Gaozu sought out talented individuals, and those with talent and knowledge from Henan were promoted. However, the Fa brothers found themselves with no opportunities and were overlooked. Later, the two brothers fled south. Fa Wu later changed his name to Xiao Biao.
Fang Fashou, whose nickname was Wutou, was from Qinghe Yimu. He was orphaned at a young age and enjoyed hunting in his youth. He was impulsive and brave, forming a gang of small-time robbers. His uncle Yuanqing and Fan Zhen were severely punished by the local government because of Fashou, and this matter dragged on, causing great distress to his family. At the age of twenty, he was appointed as the chief scribe of the county. Later, because his mother was getting old, he no longer accepted appointments from the local government. He often stole and butchered pigs and cattle to feed his mother. He recruited a band of strong men, often leading a following of over a hundred men.
More than a year after my mother passed away, Shen Wenxiu and Cui Daogu gathered forces to back Liu Zixun. Ming Senggao and Liu Chengmin also gathered forces to back Liu Yu and launched an attack on Shen Wenxiu. Fa Shou teamed up with Wang Xuanmiao, the Prefect of Qinghe, and headed west to jointly confront Daogu. Wang Xuanmiao appointed Fa Shou as his commander, and he repeatedly defeated Daogu's army, striking fear into the hearts of the people of Licheng. Eventually, Fa Shou was promoted to General of the Frontier and Prefect of Weijun. After Liu Zixun's death, Daogu and Wenxiu both surrendered to Liu Yu, and the fighting came to an end. Daogu feared that Fa Shou might stir up the people to revolt, so he pushed him to get out of town. However, Fa Shou feigned preparations to leave, even though he had no intention of going.
My younger brother Chongji was fighting in Shengcheng when he was defeated by Murong Baiyao. His mother and wife were captured by Murong Baiyao's army. Chongji managed to escape back to our hometown. Chongji and I are about the same age and have a good relationship; we are cousins. After his mother and wife were captured, Chongji came to me for help. I hadn’t planned on heading south, but given how urgent the situation was for Chongji, I felt for him and agreed. At that time, Cui Daogu was also the commander of Zhongfang Lingbin, overseeing military affairs in Qinghe and Guangchuan counties, and was stationed in Panyang. So, Chongji and I secretly plotted an attack on Lingbin and successfully captured Panyang. We then surrendered to Murong Baiyao in order to secure the release of Chongji's mother and wife. Murong Baiyao dispatched General Changsun Guan and his men to enter Ma'er Pass from the south and head to Panyang to return Chongji's mother and wife. Initially, Cui Daogu sent troops to besiege Panyang, and Chongji, along with the others, held out for over twenty days. When Changsun Guan's army arrived, the enemy scattered and fled in disarray. Once Changsun Guan's army entered the city, the court appointed me as the General of Pingyuan. I served as the governor of Jizhou alongside Han Qilun, overseeing the collection of rent and grain.
My younger brother Lingmin was appointed as the Prefect of Qinghe, Sishun was appointed as the Prefect of Jinan, Lingyue was appointed as the Prefect of Pingyuan, Bolian was appointed as the Prefect of Guangchuan, Shuyu was appointed as the Prefect of Gaoyang, Shuyu's elder brother Boyu was appointed as the Prefect of Hejian, Boyu's cousin Si'an was appointed as the Prefect of Leling, and Si'an's younger brother You'an was appointed as the Prefect of Gaomi; they all received their official positions after surrendering. After the surrender of Licheng and Liangzhou, I, Chongji, together with Cui Daogu and Liu Xiubin, arrived in the capital. The court ranked me among the highest guests, Chongji as the second guest, and Cui Daogu and Liu Xiubin as the third guests. My status was second only to that of Anda and others. For my achievements, I was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Zhuangwu, promoted to General Pingyuan, and rewarded with land, houses, and slaves. I enjoy drinking and helping others, making sure my relatives and friends are well-fed and taken care of, but my own family's life is often not always very comfortable. Bijing and others all admire my character. I passed away during the Taihe era, posthumously honored as General Pingdong, Inspector of Qingzhou, with the posthumous title of Jinghou.
My son Bozu inherited the title; according to regulations, he was downgraded to Bo. He served as the Prefect of Qijun, but he was quite incompetent, delegating everything to the assistant Zhang Senghao. Zhang Senghao was corrupt and greedy, leaving Bozu struggling to meet even his basic needs. Later, Prince Guangling Xiao Yu served as the Inspector of Qingzhou, and Bozu was appointed as a Langzhong of the Attendants and the Prefect of Pingyuan, then promoted to the Chief Historian of Youzhou, but was dismissed due to negligence in official duties and eventually died.
His son Ziyi inherited his title, achieving the rank of General Xuanwei and the Commander of Dacheng Garrison. During the Yong'an period, he also served as the Grand Tutor of Qingzhou and the Langzhong of the Household Department.
Bozu's younger brother Shuzu was granted the title of Wei Changzi in recognition of his achievements. He served as the Chief Supervisor of the Prince of Guangling, Prefect of Changdong and Lai, General Longxiang, and the Master of the Palace Attendants. During the Yong'an period, he was promoted to General Andong and the Inspector of Yingzhou.
Youmin, the younger brother of Uncle Zu, served as the magistrate of Anfeng and Xincai counties. Later, he was dismissed from office due to a mistake and remained idle at home. One day, he suddenly heard the sound of visitors, went out to check but found nothing. When he returned to the courtyard, he was bitten to death by the family dog and died just like that.
When Chang Sun Guan was about to arrive at Panyang with his army, the people in the city were filled with fear. At that time, Liu Yu's attendant Cui Pingzhong sought to flee back to Jiangnan. He set out from Lixia, joined the besieging army, and spoke at a distance with Fa Shou along with a dozen cavalrymen. Ling Bin secretly ordered Cui Pingzhong's arrest. After Fa Shou captured Panyang, he kept Ling Bin under house arrest in a side room. When Cui Pingzhong was caught, Fa Shou arranged for him and Ling Bin to stay in the same room, treated them with food and drink, and detailed the plans of the imperial army. In the dead of night, Fa Shou used a rope to help Cui Pingzhong, Ling Bin, and others escape from the north gate. The next morning, when the officials and soldiers arrived at the city gates, Ling Bin escaped back to Liangzou.
Ling Bin's literary talent was not as good as his brother Ling Jian's, but his insight and understanding were greater than his brother's. Ling Jian had served as a prefectural governor in the south and as the magistrate of Bohai, renowned for his skills and reputation. The two brothers later sought refuge in Northern Wei, eventually becoming commoners in Pingqi. Despite their hardships and poverty, their integrity remained untarnished, and both brothers eventually passed away during the Pingqi period.
Ling Jian's son, Xuanming, also became known for his literary talent, inheriting his father's flair. The Emperor promoted him to the title of Imperial Scholar. After the capital was moved to Luoyang, he was subsequently promoted to Gentleman of the Palace and Acting Magistrate of Dongqinghe County. During the Zhengshi period, King of Jingzhao Yu was appointed Inspector of Dong and Ji provinces, and Xuanming was appointed as a staff officer. Later, King of Jingzhao Yu rebelled and compelled Xuanming to take on the role of magistrate.
Ling Bin's paternal uncle was named Jian, with the courtesy name Qianqiu. He was famous since childhood and later settled as a commoner in Pingqi. During the Taihe period of the Northern Wei dynasty, Emperor Gaozu promoted him to the position of Secretary Lang, and later he was promoted to Counselor to the Minister of Works and Chief Judge of Qizhou. When Emperor Gaozu held court, he asked the chief officials from various provinces to recommend talented individuals they were familiar with. Emperor Gaozu remarked, "There was once a man named Qi Xi, whose name is recorded in history. Now there are two of you with the surname Xi; their achievements should also be recorded in history!" He then sent Qianqiu to Puyang to serve as Governor. During Emperor Shizong's reign, he was promoted to Counselor to the Minister of Works and granted the title of General of Loyalty. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the title of Inspector of Southern Qingzhou and given the posthumous name Yi.
His elder son, Zu Yuan, was the Commander of the Imperial Guards. He followed Wang Zhangwu Yuanrong to campaign against Ge Rong and was killed in battle in Chen. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the title of General of Peace in the East and Inspector of Jizhou.
Zu Yuan's younger brother, Zu Zhen, was a Captain in the Long Water. He later took part in the campaign against Xiao Yan and was killed in battle at Jiushan. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the title of General of the Army and Inspector of Yanzhou.
Cui Pingzhong fled south from Dongyang, while his wife and children sought refuge with the authorities in Licheng. During the Taihe era, Emperor Gaozu permitted him to return south.
Ling Bin's two sons, Si'an and Boyu, one fierce and strong, the other decisive and brave, both had great military talent. Si'an was granted the title of Lord of Xian, appointed as General Jianwei and Prefect of Beiping. Later, he was promoted to Grand Marshal, Marshal of the Wangfu in Wuchang, Qi, and when Emperor Gaozu marched south, he was summoned to be Colonel of Infantry, General of the Direct Pavilion, and Commander of the Central Army. He was skilled at calming the troops, and Emperor Gaozu held him in high regard. After the pacification of Hanyang, he became the Marshal of the Wangfu in Wuchang again, also serving as the Prefect of Dongwei, and was further appointed as General Ning Shuo, with his title later changed to Qinghezi. He eventually died while in office, and his son Jingbao inherited his title. Jingbao was also strong, serving as Military Attendant, Staff Officer for the Northern Expedition, Commander of the Northern Expedition, and General Ningyuan, contributing in every battle. Unfortunately, he died young, and his son Qubing inherited his title. As for Boyu, Ling Bin's younger brother, after his brother Shuyu fled south, he relocated to the north. Later, he betrayed and defected to the south, who was appointed Prefect of Nanyang by Xiao Luan. When our Emperor marched south to wage war, after taking the outer city of Wancheng, he sent his attendant Gongsun Yanjing to deliver a royal decree to Boyu, saying: "There cannot be two suns in the sky, nor two emperors on earth. Therefore, I personally lead the army to pacify the world. How could a small place like Wancheng resist my royal forces? Consider this carefully; titles and wealth are within your reach."
Bo Yu replied, "Your Majesty has been overly gracious to me. I have been ordered to guard the border, and as a subject, I cannot comply with your command. I humbly request that Your Majesty take care of your health during this long journey." The Emperor sent someone to tell him, "I will personally lead a large army to pacify the Jianghan region. How could a mere place like Wancheng possibly withstand my army? Wherever my army goes, any obstacles must be cleared away. You should weigh your own strength and think carefully about leaving yourself an escape route. Furthermore, you have received favor from Xiao Ze in the past but have forgotten it, only repaying small favors. Xiao Luan has been spreading rumors that he has inherited the throne from Xiao Daocheng, but none of Xiao Ze's sons are left. You cannot remain loyal to the late Emperor while being loyal to this traitor, and that is your first offense. Also, a few years ago, you injured our army, which is your second offense. As I now lead my army to pacify the south, you should surrender and present yourself at my camp for your punishment, which is your third offense. You are guarding this small city, and it will be broken within a year at most, a month at least. Breaking it is only a matter of time. You should think carefully and not regret it later."
Bo Yu replied, "I have received favor from Emperor Wu in the past and have had the honor of serving by Your Majesty's side. I always keep this favor in mind. However, the current Emperor is corrupt, and the people are hoping for someone to save them. Your Majesty ascending to the throne and inheriting the empire not only fulfills the wishes of millions of people but also fulfills Emperor Wu's wishes. Therefore, I work diligently and dare not slack off. In the past, when the northern army invaded and harassed the people, I led my soldiers to resist and protect the people. This is the duty of the border guards, and I ask that Your Majesty not hold it against me."
Upon arriving at Wancheng, Bo Yu surrendered with his hands bound behind his back. Emperor Gaozu Liu Yu personally met with Bo Yu and his two hundred-plus subordinates, then said to Bo Yu, "I am divinely appointed to rule the realm and am about to unify the country. You, a mere guard, have the audacity to resist my formidable army. Your crimes warrant the death penalty!"
Bo Yu replied, "I’m just a humble person, happy to follow your orders. It’s just that my family is in the south, so I resisted your ambitious plans, and I deserve to die a thousand times!" Gaozu Liu Yu said, "Those who are determined to be loyal and uphold their principles have their own bottom line. Serving a foolish ruler and sticking to wrong principles is looked down upon by the ancients. Why did you choose to serve the rebel Xiao Luan and bring disaster upon yourself?" Bo Yu replied, "I am foolish and slow-witted, realizing my mistakes too late. I deserve to die a thousand times. Now that I’ve been granted your mercy, I only ask for mercy." Gaozu Liu Yu said, "In this world, there are only two paths: following the right time leads to happiness, going against it brings calamity. You’ve wasted a lot of my troops and dragged this out for so long. Now that you surrender, who else is to blame? Furthermore, I sent my aide Sun Yanjing to the west to talk to you before, saying 'There can’t be two kings in one land,' and you replied 'Here, not there.' The ways of heaven are mysterious and unpredictable; how can you be sure that today you are here, and tomorrow not there?" Bo Yu just begged for mercy and didn’t say anything else. Because Si An often wept and pleaded for Bo Yu, Gaozu Liu Yu eventually pardoned him.
When Bo Yu was in the south, he sent his concubine Yang Shi to become a nun. After arriving in the capital, he had her go back to living a normal life and continued to favor her. Officials reported this to Gaozu Liu Yu, and he gave it his approval. Later, Emperor Wu Liu Yifu took the throne, appointing Bo Yu as the chief historian and also serving as a guerrilla general, then exiled him as the Prefect of Fengyi, where he eventually died while in office.
Chong Ji was brave and skilled in battle when he was young and once served as a mid-ranking military officer under Shen Wenxiu. At that time, the defending general of Taiyuan County, Fu Lingyue, led his troops to abandon Taiyuan County and head south to join Liu Zixun. Shen Wenxiu then put Chong Ji in charge of Taiyuan County's affairs. Later, Chong Ji betrayed Shen Wenxiu and joined Liu Yu. His mother and uncle were detained by Cui Daogu in Licheng, and Cui Daogu even planned to execute them publicly to intimidate him, but Chong Ji never wavered. When Cui Daogu surrendered to Liu Yu, Liu Yu released his mother. Liu Yu appointed Chong Ji as General of Longxiang, Governor of Bingzhou, and Prefect of Taiyuan, stationed in Shengcheng. Chong Ji also appointed his cousin Ling Xian as the Chief Historian and his uncle Jia Yannian as the Marshal.
Not long after, the army of Bai Yao arrived. Bai Yao sent people to persuade Chong Ji to surrender, but Chong Ji refused and closed the gates to defend the city. The city was small, with only about seven hundred soldiers available for battle, but Bai Yao underestimated the situation and sent troops to fiercely attack the city. Chong Ji used earthen obstacles and wooden defenses, with people below using pounding carts to strike the enemy, defeating them repeatedly. Bai Yao then constructed three concentric walls to surround the city and made siege weapons to attack day and night. From February to April, the food and arrows were exhausted, so Chong Ji broke out of the siege, hiding in the homes of local civilians, while his mother and wife were captured. Dao Gu sent Zhongzhong Fang Lingbin to persuade him, but Chong Ji refused to see Dao Gu, so he returned to his hometown, secretly recruiting strong men to rescue his mother and then escape to Henan. Bai Yao anticipated his actions and strengthened the city's defenses. Eventually, Chong Ji and Fa Shou surrendered together, capturing Panyang.
Later, after pacifying Qi County, the people of Licheng were moved to Guian County, and Chongji was appointed as the county magistrate. He still remembered the past hatred and felt quite uncomfortable working alongside Daogu. Later, he was dismissed from his position as county magistrate and brought multiple charges against Daogu. At that time, a general amnesty was declared, and these matters were not pursued. Chongji requested to step down from his position, and the court approved it. He stayed in the capital for six months before heading south. Chongji parted ways with his wife, shaved his head, became a monk, and changed his name to Sengda, seeking refuge with his clan uncle Fayuan. After living there for about a year, he met Zhang Lue from Qinghe, another heroic figure. Chongji gave him gold and silver to support himself. Chongji's wife came south from Youzhou, and they were able to reunite. After arriving in Jiangdong, Chongji quickly fell ill and died.
Chongji's younger brother Sanyi, styled Jing'an, defected to the court in Nanyang. Emperor Gaozu spoke with him and was impressed, saying, "Sanyi is a very sensible person, indeed quite good." He was appointed as an Assistant Cavalry Officer shortly after. Soon after, he was assigned to serve as the Governor of Mount Tai, and later promoted to Sima in the Left Army of Yanzhou, where he was known for his integrity and fairness wherever he went. After returning to court, he was appointed as the Left General. He died during the Zhengguang era at the age of sixty-three, and left behind nine sons.
His eldest son Shilong was the Governor of Dongqinghe during the Xinghe era and also served as the Town Commander of Panyang. Shilong's younger brother Shida showed talent from a young age. His cousin Jingxian, who was quite perceptive, often said, "This kid is exceptionally talented and will surely bring glory to our family in the future." Shida started as an Assistant Military Officer in the Left Army of Jizhou. At that time, Wang Ji, the Prince of Jingzhao, was serving as the Grand General, stationed in Guanzhong. When he heard about Shida's reputation, he summoned him to serve as a Cavalry Officer, in charge of commanding the troops in the camp.
During the Xiangchang era, Shida's fellow townsmen Liu Cangsheng, Liu Jun, Fang Xu, and others rebelled, breaking into the county and county seat, while the troops in the state faced repeated defeats. At that time, Shida's father passed away, and he was at home observing the mourning period. The Inspector Yuan Xin wanted to force him to lead troops, but Shida politely refused. Yuan Xin sent his friend Feng Yuanxing to try to persuade Shida, saying, "Now the entire region is rebelling alongside the insurgents, and the rebel forces are becoming more formidable. If the state city is attacked, how can your family stay safe? You are currently in mourning; how can you still care about your reputation?" With no other choice, Shida reluctantly agreed to lead the troops, commanding over two thousand men from the state city, launching attacks to quell the rebellion completely.
In the early years of Wutai, after returning home, Shida was appointed as the Governor of Pingyuan, where he suppressed the local elites and maintained stability in the region. At that time, Xing Gao rebelled, and upon hearing of Shida's formidable reputation, he circumvented the Pingyuan county seat from the west, daring not to attack. During the Yong'an era, Shida was transferred to the position of Governor of Jinan. He never went to the capital, choosing instead to serve in local positions, earning the respect of the people.
At the end of the Yong'an era, Er Zhu Zhao invaded Luoyang, and the Inspector Xiao Zan was driven away by local citizens like Zhao Luozhou, leaving the city leaderless. Zhao Luozhou and others, recognizing Shida's high prestige in the area, went to the county to ask him to manage state affairs. In the second year of Yongxi, Shida passed away at the age of thirty-eight, and people mourned for him. The court posthumously named him General Who Pacifies the East and awarded him the position of Inspector of Qizhou, with the posthumous title "Wu."
Shida's younger brother Shisu served as a military consultant to the Grand Commandant at the end of the Wuding era. Shida's brother Shizhang had been a Gentleman of the Secretariat.
Fashou of the Shida Clan, his courtesy name was Zhanghui. Fashou's great-grandfather Shen fled the war, crossed the Yellow River, and settled in the village of Qingheyi Mu, east of Qizhou. His grandfather Yuanqing served under Liu Jun as the governor of seven counties and later became the military advisor of Shen Wenshu in Qingzhou Jianwei Prefecture. When Liu Yu killed Liu Ziye to seize the throne, Liu Ziye's younger brother Liu Zixun rebelled against him. Shen Wenshu sent his general Liu Zhenzhi to help Liu Yu. Later, Liu Zhenzhi betrayed Liu Yu and went to Liu Zixun. Yuanqing refused to do so and was killed by Shen Wenshu. Fashou's father, Fa'ai, led the people of the village to attack Shen Wenshu. Liu Yu was very pleased and promoted him to be the Longxiang general. Later, Shen Wenshu surrendered to Liu Yu, and the conflict came to an end. During the reign of Emperor Xianzu, Sanqi was pacified and were relocated to the interior as per government regulations to become the people of Pingqi. Because his father died a violent death, Fashou wore mourning clothes for life.
Jingbo was born in Sangqian and lost his father when he was young, but he was known for his filial piety. His family was very poor, and he earned money by copying books to support his mother. The Shangshu Lu Yuan recommended him to Li Chong, who was in charge of selecting officials at the time, and he promoted Jingbo to be the Fengchaoqing (Court Attendant), Sikongjijiu (Minister of Works), Geshizhong (Censor), and Shangshu Yicao Lang (Department of Rites Official). Later, he was appointed as the Fuguo Changshi of Qizhou, and when the governor passed away, the court appointed him as acting governor. He ruled with benevolence and straightforwardness, and the common people enjoyed peace and prosperity.
Later, Du Chang, the governor of Qinghe, rebelled. Qinghe is located in a mountainous area with treacherous terrain, and bandits sprang up everywhere. Jing Bo was appointed as the governor of Qinghe. There was a man in the county named Liu Jianhu who had previously disrespected Jing Bo. Upon hearing that Jing Bo had become the governor, his entire family fled the area. Jing Bo ordered his subordinates to capture him, and after Liu Jianhu was caught, he appointed Liu Jianhu's son as the Western Clerk, tasking him with persuading the mountain bandits to surrender. Seeing that Jing Bo bore no grudges, the bandits all surrendered, and people at the time praised him. Generally, local officials serve for six years before being reassigned, and when Jing Bo's term was about to end, over three hundred citizens from the county, including Han Ling, petitioned for him to stay, so the court allowed him to serve an additional two years. After that, he was promoted to Taiwei Zhonglang, Advisor to the Minister of State, General of National Support, and Chief of Works. When his mother fell ill, he resigned from his post to care for her.
Jing Bo was known for his kindness and gentleness, and he had a broad knowledge of classics and history. His brothers respected him greatly, treating him with the respect one would show a strict parent. When his brother Jing Ji passed away, he observed a vegetarian diet and mourned without entering his bedroom, looking haggard and sorrowful as if enduring immense pain. Later, another brother, Jing Xian, died, and his youngest brother, Jing Yuan, cried for a whole year without entering his bedroom. The villagers said, "The Fang brothers really know how to be righteous and respectful!" The Chief Minister Cui Guangshao liked to comment on people but rarely praised anyone; however, he said that Jing Bo possessed the demeanor of a scholar-official. After Jing Bo's mother passed away, he avoided salted vegetables during his mourning period, which led to edema, which he could not cure for several years. In the third year of the Xiaochang era, Jing Bo died at home at the age of fifty, and the court posthumously conferred upon him the titles of Left General and Governor of Qizhou.
His son, Jing Wenlie, served as a minister during the Wuding era.
Jing Xian, courtesy name Guangzhu. When he was young, his family was poor and could not afford to send him to school, so his mother personally taught him to read the "Book of Songs" and "Rules of Propriety." At the age of twelve, he told his mother, "How can I let my brother do hard labor to support my studies? I want to earn some money to buy clothes first, and then go to school." His mother thought he was too young and did not agree. After much pleading, she finally relented. He then received a sheepskin coat, which made him extremely happy. During the day, he chopped firewood and foraged for wild vegetables, and at night, he studied diligently. From then on, he worked very hard, and his knowledge improved significantly. During the Taihe era, he returned to his hometown as required and was appointed as a Gongcao by the local government. He was recommended as a Xiucai by the state, but he was unable to take the exam because a state official had passed away. Later, he was appointed as a Doctor at the Taixue. At that time, Liu Fang of the Taichang and Cui Guang, both renowned Confucian scholars, praised Jing Xian for his vast knowledge. Cui Guang requested that he take on the role of Zuo Lang, contributing to the compilation of the national history. Soon after, he was promoted to the position of Situ Jijiang and Yuanwaijiang. Shizhong Mu Shao also asked Jing Xian to write the "Chronicles of Emperor Shizong." His official positions continued to rise, eventually reaching the rank of Infantry Captain, and he also served as a Shangshulang and a Zhongzheng of Qizhou. All the positions he held received positive evaluations.
Jing Xian was calm, intelligent, upright, and respectful toward his elder brother, serving him with great caution. He would only leave after informing his brother before going out, and upon returning, he would again report to him. He visited him morning and evening, standing quietly beside him for a long time. His brother would also sit upright, and the two brothers treated each other with the same respect as they would show to guests. When his brother fell ill and was bedridden, Jing Xian served him medicine, neglecting his own appearance, watching over him day and night, appearing haggard. Friends and relatives who witnessed this were deeply sympathetic toward him.
In the first year of the Year of the Divine Turtle, General Tian Shen of Xiao Yan's Longxiang was able to hold the city of Dongyi Yang. The court ordered Jing Xian to serve as Xingtai and sent two Jingzhou armies to support him. Jing Xian fell ill in the army, and shortly after returning to Beijing, he passed away at home at the age of forty-three. The court posthumously appointed him as the holder of the edict, champion general, and governor of Luozhou, posthumously titled Wenjing. Jing Xian once wrote more than one hundred articles in "Questions on the Five Classics," with rich content that is still in circulation. Among his many articles, here are some related to social education:
When a king receives a mandate, wood and fire give birth to each other, saying: the five essences replace the feelings, and those who inherit the spirit will prosper. The virtue of metal is thriving, and auspicious omens abound; the water movement announces prosperity, and the jade light brings forth blessings. The human way inherits the heavens, the principles of heaven are just, gratitude is evident, and the mysterious destiny is like a covenant. The meaning of mutual generation is not violated. As for the revolutionary changes of Tang and Wu, the use of violence comes first, while water and fire follow, and they adhere without change. Although the situation is different at the end of the era, the numbers are the same. Whether it is contrary or consistent, the omen should be different, but the signs should not be wrong, and doubts should be answered.
First paragraph:
Someone asked Emperor Yu, why did he offer Gun as a sacrifice to the heavens? Emperor Shun said: "Heaven is clearly above, yet the earth has offended its will. Those of high morals can govern the realm, and where spirits gather becomes the center of sacrifice. Therefore, even the emperor cannot favor his own son; Shun, who succeeded Emperor Yao, also dared not honor his own father. Gun's crimes have been openly shown in the mountains and rivers, condemned by heaven and transformed into fish and turtles. Although his achievements pale in comparison to those of Ji Xing and Wei Xing, he is solemnly offered as a sacrifice in Guoyang, receiving grand honors. If he were allowed to continue to be sacrificed simply because he was his father, it would disrupt the rites of sacrifice. This would reduce heaven to the status of a guilty guest, play music with a clapper for a mere insect, and adhere to the ways of heaven; wouldn't that be a disservice?"
Some people asked King Tang, why do you revere Ji while discarding Houji? He said: "The accumulation of divine spirits and the existence of the Way can coexist in different eras; all mountains can accept sacrifices and continue the merits of the previous generations. King Cheng revolutionized and inherited the mandate of heaven at a time when the yang energy was waning. He did not consider the timing of celestial and human affairs, but instead disregarded the merits of his ancestors. Isn't this harmful to future generations? Furthermore, the omens of the Bi and Ji stars, the unusual signs of wind and rain, all indicate that honoring the god of sowing can bring abundant rain and dew. Isn't abandoning his practices a mistake? If Houji is deemed unworthy of sacrifice, then Yu Shun and Emperor Yu will lose the protection of their ancestors; if it should be replaced because of the passage of time, then all gods can be alternated for sacrifice according to dates. I have thought about it repeatedly, but still have not understood the reason behind it."
Some people asked King Tang, after defeating Jie, why didn't you move the ancestral altars of the Xia dynasty, while King Wu, after overthrowing the Shang dynasty, used Bo as a lesson for the fallen country? King Wu said: "Divine spirits do not reside in fixed places; only people are the main focus. The Way is about governing through non-action, and both heaven and earth rely on it. If virtue is abandoned and not revered, then the spirits will change the objects of sacrifice. King Wu of Zhou inherited the mandate of heaven and refined the ritual system, so he elevated Houji to the highest sacrificial position, while demoting the earth to receive only ordinary sacrifices. Think carefully, Houji inherited the divine virtue, so he should indeed be respected; the ancestral altars do not belong to the ancestors of the Shang dynasty; filial piety is the main factor to consider. The lessons of the Yin and Shang dynasties serve as a warning to us, and this principle extends beyond just this."
Someone asked why the I Ching records the hexagrams of revolution but not those of humility. He said, "When heaven and earth were first opened, humanity was valued, and all things awaited enlightenment, so righteousness is the foundation of all matters. Thus, the dragon could soar, and great individuals could achieve their careers. When principles interact and evolve, the throne will change its order. Yu Shun and Xia Yu believed that a good ending and maintaining order were the best outcomes, but they also felt a sense of shame, which is why they did not prominently display the hexagrams of humility but instead showcased their existing accomplishments. Can we consider great calamities as strategies in planning, teaching future generations and opening the door to cruel precedents? I have thought about this repeatedly, yet I still do not grasp the reasoning behind it."
First paragraph:
Ah, I flipped through the records concerning the Sihuan clan in the "Rites of Zhou: Autumn Officials." The book states that if the country is in chaos like a house on fire, one must quickly find a way to clarify it! The book also mentions that the kingly way prioritizes production, and the law should balance reason and compassion; the common people can live and work in peace because the country is well governed, just like the beauty that the Eight Trigrams symbolize; the five types of leniency and three types of punishment in the Book of Rites reflect a heart of benevolence. Therefore, even if the father of Lu makes a grave mistake, the rituals of the Yin dynasty continue uninterrupted; even if three regents rebel, the titles of the descendants of the Cai state are still preserved. No sin is greater than that committed by the ruler; no rebellion is more serious than going against the way of heaven. The death penalty punishes only the individual and does not implicate the family, which is reasonable. So, what kind of evil deeds deserve family extermination? What kind of sins warrant complete destruction as punishment?
I checked the "Book of Rites" again, which states that when a stepmother remarries, her children should bid her farewell and wear mourning clothes. The "Book of Rites" mentions this is to "honor her kindness in the end." I said: although a stepmother is not a biological mother, she did raise us alongside our father, and this relationship and the affection we share are valid. Moreover, she has provided us with additional benefits, so we should wear mourning clothes to show respect. But if she violates morals, abandons her integrity, and shows no love by remarrying into another family, what connection does she still have with our family? Her spiritual legacy is incomplete; how can we honor her kindness? According to the rites, we should bid her farewell and mourn in the open, but if we still dress in mourning clothes for her, isn’t that a bit excessive?
I looked at the "Book of Rites" again, which states that if a person did not witness the passing of their grandparents, they must mourn for their parents but do not need to do so themselves. I said: mourning is determined by affection, and rites are established based on reason. When a mother passes, one must mourn for three years, but a grandson does not need to wear coarse clothes or a mourning cap because there is no blood relationship between the grandson and the grandparents; the gratitude for nurturing is owed solely to the parents. Although the grandparents have passed, they did not nurture us, so we only need to be filial to our parents and do not need to mourn further, right? Moreover, the mourning attire, which includes a black cap and dark clothing, is designated for the descendants of the Zi clan. Once we take off the coarse mourning clothes, we still feel very sad and do not want to quickly return to a good life, let alone celebrate grandly. Furthermore, at first, the funeral was held so solemnly, then we went to pay our respects, had to change into black clothes, and kept vigil in front of the mourning tent, yet there was not even a memorial ceremony. Is this what a filial child or grandchild should do? Does it truly align with heavenly principles?
Finally, I looked into the "Zuo Zhuan" and found that it recorded that the people of the Qi state killed Ai Jiang, and the scholars believed this was wrong. I said: Marriage is ordained by heaven, and human relationships are the most important. Although Ai Jiang is not the biological mother of Duke Huan of Qi, she raised Duke Huan of Qi and took part in rituals. However, she engaged in immoral behavior, tarnishing her noble status; she committed numerous wrongs, ultimately betraying her nurturing role. Duke Huan of Qi supported the vassals, upheld rituals and laws, but he reluctantly set aside his feelings for his mother and enforced fair laws. Ai Jiang's behavior had violated human relationships, and her execution was the harshest punishment. However, the will of the gods is often unpredictable, and the time of calamity is also unpredictable. Even if Ai Jiang had a prominent position in the court, the ministers should not interfere. Since the incident has already occurred, going against human emotions, disaster is imminent. How should this situation be resolved? What is the best course of action?
I referred to the "Gongyang Zhuan," which states that in ancient times, when emperors sacrificed to heaven outside the city, they would proclaim, "The gods will not accept improper sacrifices, and the Son of Heaven will not act arrogantly." Even in remote places such as Jieqiu, they would not accept the improper sacrifices of the Jishi clan; much less the supreme heavens, how could they accept such hasty sacrifices? Before the Tang and Yu dynasties, there was no established system for such sacrifices; it was only after the three generations that this idea emerged. Those monarchs who inherited the ways of Yao and Shun could not trace the ritual system back that far; after the chaos, only the four gui (ritual vessels) could symbolize the rituals. Therefore, this is the rightful ancestral path, which has only one standard of heavenly principles. With customs in decline, the ritual vessels for sacrifices have become inappropriately extravagant; the ritual system cannot be changed at will, only then can it demonstrate an extraordinary meaning.
Next, I asked about "Guliangzhuan." In the thirty-first year of the reign of Duke Xi of Lu, in the fourth month of summer, "the divination of the sacrifice to the suburbs was not followed, so the sacrificial animals were not offered." The "zhuan" says, "The term 'so' here indicates the words of someone who has strayed." This means that sacrifices are meant to observe the customs of the people, and rituals are the foundation of education. Now, the details of the rituals have become overly complicated, and the common people can no longer bear it. The state of Qi did not go to war because it submitted to the ritual system of the Zhou dynasty. Duke Xi ruled during Lu's prosperous era, and he warned everyone to offer sacrifices sincerely and to be cautious in divination to seek auspicious signs, but the auspicious signs did not arrive. If blame is placed on heaven, then heaven will not offer protection; if blame is placed on people, then the praises should stop. Since the divination was incorrect, the deities did not offer protection, the suburban sacrifice was unsuccessful, and the connection with heaven was compromised. According to "Guliangzhuan," this is probably not an exaggeration, so how should we follow and establish the sacrificial system?
Lastly, I asked about "Shangshu·Yinzheng." Xihe was punished because the lunar conjunction did not match the lodges. The book says: the standards for measuring celestial phenomena will not change; the sun and moon have their own laws of motion. The alternation of cold and heat, the movement of stars, all have their sequences and will not be randomly replaced. Even if there are deviations in the calendar calculations, they will eventually be adjusted through intercalary months. Therefore, Xihe was specifically commanded to use a ceremonial tablet to measure the solar terms, ensuring the length of the shadow corresponds to the time, harmonizing the timing with the laws of motion. Let the moon's motion laws correspond to the solar terms, making the stars shine bright and in order. Even if there are mistakes by officials, they may cause deviations. A slight error in celestial phenomena will not cause a major disaster. Furthermore, late autumn is not the season for the stars to reappear, and the season for bestowing garments is not the time for the lodges to align. If the timing of the sacrifice is incorrect, accumulated errors will lead to severe punishment; if there are slight deviations in the calendar calculations, disasters will result. A righteous army and a just war should not be initiated lightly; if the royal family mobilizes troops in this way, there are likely hidden motives.
Someone asked about the passage in the "Book of Songs," which says: "At the turn of October, on the Xinmao day, there was a solar eclipse, which is indeed quite ominous." He explained that the movements of the sun and moon follow a pattern, with fixed trajectories and cycles, and that solar terms such as the winter solstice and summer solstice will not be mistaken. The occurrence of a solar eclipse now is due to the clash of the planets Jupiter and Saturn, indicating that disaster is imminent. The methods of calculating celestial phenomena vary, and thus the results may also differ; how can we make sense of this? If a solar eclipse occurs on the day of Wumu, it signifies the interplay of yin and yang, akin to a child returning to their mother; might there be any taboos associated with this? If there are taboos, then the new moon should also bring disaster; if there are none, then how can a solar eclipse on the Xinmao day be considered a dire omen? Furthermore, the basis for calculating celestial phenomena is determined by the month and date; if the basis is inaccurate, then the conclusions will also be unreliable; how can this reasoning be explained?
Then, he asked about the story in the "Analects" that says, "The Yellow River does not produce diagrams, and the weeping unicorn harms itself," meaning that sages receive the spirit of heaven and earth, and before their talents are revealed, they face trials of life and death and honor and disgrace. Confucius had a difficult life, burdened with worries from a young age; despite his efforts to cultivate himself, he still lamented his unfortunate fate, filled with sadness, harboring aspirations for lofty ideals while also worrying about his own inadequacies. Isn't there also a flaw in the sages' situation?
Wang Shenggui, known as the Minister of Seals, wrote a book called "Debate and Doubt," consisting of ten volumes, to address these questions, with insightful content. In the time of the deposed emperor, he presented this book to the emperor, who personally reviewed it and repeatedly discussed the book with Wang Shenggui, greatly appreciating his efforts, and specifically promoted his son Wang Hongyan to serve as a court official.
Jing Xian's son, Jing Yanyou, served as the Grand Minister to the Crown Prince in the late Wuding era.
Jing Yuan, courtesy name Shuxia, was trustworthy and always eager to help others. During the years of poor harvests, he shared his grain with relatives and distributed porridge to the hungry on the streets, providing relief to many ordinary people. Liu Yu, a man from Pingyuan, was passing through the Qilu area when he suddenly encountered bandits who had already killed more than ten people. When it was Liu Yu's turn to face the bandits, he shouted, "We are from the same hometown; how can you bear to kill me?" The bandit asked, "You say you are from the same hometown; who are your relatives?" Liu Yu replied, "Fang Yang, the magistrate of Qizhou, is my uncle." Fang Yang was Jing Yuan's childhood name. The bandit said, "I survived because I ate his porridge; how can I kill his relative!" He then returned Liu Yu's clothes, and as a result, more than twenty people survived. Jing Yuan loved historical books but was not rigid in his interpretation of the texts. He was naturally impatient and different from his family, but he was extremely filial to his two elder brothers, raising their orphaned children with great care. Fu Shuyan, the governor of Yizhou, greatly admired his reputation and recommended him for the position of military officer in the Zhaowu Prefecture, but Jing Yuan did not take up the post due to his elderly mother, which angered Fu Shuyan. Later, Jing Yuan passed away at home.
Zijing, during the Yongxi era, held the position of military officer in the Kaifu.
This means that Zijing held the position of military officer in the Kaifu during the Yongxi era.
The historical records evaluate him: Yan Ling (referring to Zijing) had great ambitions in his early years and was worthy of praise; though his achievements showed later, they were indeed impactful. Both Tang He and Wan Li submitted to the court out of admiration for righteousness and made tangible contributions; although Xiu Bin came from a poor family, he still dedicated himself to service; while Fa Shou and Bo Yu were unable to make the same sacrifices for the country. The Jing brothers possessed elegant demeanor and scholarship, truly deserving of praise!
In summary, the historical records recognize the loyalty and contributions of Zi Jing and a few other individuals, express regret for those who did not achieve greatness, and ultimately commend the refined demeanor of the Jing brothers.
