In the palace, the eunuchs are all assigned to serve near the palace gates. This rule has been passed down since ancient times and has been the same throughout the dynasties. They themselves are not exactly honorable people, yet they work in the palace, close to the emperor, flattering and ingratiating themselves, and once they receive a little favor, they become arrogant and start abusing their power, disrupting the government. In the past, Yili and Shudiao harmed two nations, while Shixian and Zhang Rang caused chaos in two capitals, not that they were inherently good, but because they were wicked by nature and had short lives, much like those who toil all day without fear of death, acting on whims with no consistency. This is a cautionary tale; the current emperor should take heed and rectify the bad practices in the harem. The harem should be a place of peace and harmony, yet there are always some small-time players who rise to power through flattery, climbing up the ranks, wielding immense power only to fall from grace just as quickly. Such matters have existed for a long time and cannot be resolved in just a day or two.
The eunuchs of the Wei dynasty, like Zong Ai who killed the emperor and harmed the princes, and Liu Teng who deposed the empress and killed officials, how many of them embezzled positions, engaged in corruption and bribery, bullied the weak, and caused harm to the court and the common folk? There are just too many to count! Now, let me take a moment to note some of the more notorious figures.
First, let’s talk about Zong Ai—nobody really knows where he popped up from. Anyway, he committed a crime and got himself castrated, and then worked his way up the ranks, eventually becoming a palace attendant. In the first month of the first year of Zhengping, Emperor Shizu hosted a big banquet by the river, rewarding the officials and giving Zong Ai the title of Duke of Qin County.
When Emperor Gongzong was in power, he was hands-on with everything and extremely detail-oriented. However, An Zongai was ruthless and acted outside the rules, which left Emperor Gongzong quite displeased. At that time, Imperial Censor Chou Nidaosheng and Minister Ren Pingcheng were working in the Eastern Palace and had some influence, and Emperor Shizu was aware of them. The two had a strained relationship with An Zongai and feared he would turn them in, so they acted first and falsely accused Chou Nidaosheng and the others. As a result, the emperor ordered their execution in the busy marketplace. Emperor Shizu was furious, and Emperor Gongzong died from worry.
Later, Emperor Shizu mourned Emperor Gongzong, feeling a mix of love and fear towards him, and even wished to kill him, which was largely the result of Ai's scheming. Two springs later, Emperor Shizu died suddenly, which was all due to Ai's machinations. At that time, the Left Chancellor, Lan Yan, the Imperial Attendant Wu Xinggong, and Xue Ti, the Imperial Attendant of Taiyuan, secretly kept the news of the emperor's death a secret and did not announce it to the outside world. Lan Yan and Xue Ti discussed that since Emperor Gaozong was still young, it would be better to install the eldest son, Prince Han, as emperor, so they secretly detained Prince Han. However, Xue Ti believed that Gaozong, being the legitimate heir, should not be replaced. Lan Yan and the others were indecisive and hesitated. Ai caught wind of their scheme. Ai held a grudge against the crown prince, and he had a good relationship with Prince Murong Yu, so he secretly welcomed Murong Yu into the palace through a back door and falsely claimed to relay the empress's orders to summon Lan Yan and the others. Lan Yan and the others, believing Ai to be of low status and unaware of any deceit, followed him inside. Ai first arranged for thirty eunuchs armed with weapons to ambush in the palace, and after Lan Yan and the others entered, he had them captured one by one and executed in the hall. Then he captured Prince Han and executed him in the Yongxiang, and finally declared Murong Yu as the new emperor.
After Minister Ai became a powerful minister, he held a high position with great power, controlling the authority of the three provinces, commanding the imperial guards, and summoning officials. His power grew ever greater, instilling fear throughout the court and among the people. Everyone believed that Ai would eventually cause chaos in the court like Zhao Gao and Yan Le, who had caused chaos in the court. Murong Yu also began to doubt him and planned to seize his power. Upon hearing this, Ai became furious and sent his courtiers, including the courtier Jia Zhou, to kill Murong Yu at night. This incident is documented in the "Biography of Murong Yu." Later, after Emperor Gaozong ascended the throne, he executed Ai, Jia Zhou, and the others, applying the five punishments and exterminating their three clans.
Regarding Qiu Luoqi, he was from Zhongshan and originally surnamed Hou. His maternal grandfather, Qiu Kuan, originally lived in Fengyi Chongquan. In the late years of Shi Hu, Qiu Kuan was moved to Fangtou south of Ye City, and later served as a cavalry commander and captain of the Long Water under Murong Wei. Qiu Kuan had two sons, the elder named Song and the younger named Teng. Song worked under Murong Chui and later moved to Zhongshan, where he became a palace censor. Song had two sons, the elder named Guang and the younger named Pen. Qiu Luoqi was Song's illegitimate son, not his biological son; Song raised him and gave him the surname Qiu.
Song's eldest daughter was beautiful and initially became a concubine of Ran Min. After Ran Min's defeat, she became the consort of Murong Jun, who later gifted her to Lu Tun. She bore a son named Lu Yuan for Lu Tun, who enjoyed favor with Emperor Shizong. Lu Yuan knew that his maternal grandfather Song had passed away and that he was left with only three uncles, so he frequently brought this up with Emperor Shizong, who then sent people to find his uncles.
At that time, very few people in the eastern regions were willing to take official positions, and both of my uncles, Guang and Pen, were unwilling to go to Pingcheng. Only Luo Qi took the initiative to volunteer, saying, "I am an adopted son, and my health is not good, so let me give it a try for my brothers and see if it turns out to be a blessing or a curse." So he rode a donkey to the capital. When Lu Yuan heard that his uncle was coming, he brought over a hundred cavalry to welcome him at the Sanggan River. Upon seeing Luo Qi, he knelt down to pay his respects to him, and those he brought along also followed suit. Lu Yuan brought Luo Qi before Emperor Shizu, who inquired about Luo Qi's talents and expressed a desire to appoint him to an official position. Lu Yuan said, "My uncle unfortunately is a eunuch and can only serve His Majesty in the palace." He did not mention that he was, in fact, an adopted son. Emperor Shizu appreciated him and rewarded him with some servants and horses, and summoned him. Before long, Lu Yuan was appointed as the Commander of the Imperial Guard, later granted the title of Marquis of Wen'an, and soon promoted to the position of Deputy Minister of the Yellow Gate.
In the early days of the Wei Dynasty, household registration was poorly managed, and many households concealed or failed to report their registrations. After the eastern provinces were pacified, a man named Le Kui, whose family was in the silk business, suggested that the court conduct a thorough investigation to register those households that had not reported, to facilitate the collection of the silk tax. From then on, many evaders secretly planted mulberry trees, raised silkworms, wove cloth, and sold grain; this became a common occurrence. Thus, various places saw the emergence of mixed and camp households, which were not under the jurisdiction of local officials, making tax collection relatively easy. As a result, many people secretly joined these households, resulting in chaotic household registrations that were impossible to manage. Luo Qi submitted a proposal to abolish these mixed and camp households and to bring them under the management of various counties.
He followed the pacification of Liangzhou, and thanks to his contributions, he rose through the ranks to become Cavalry Attendant, later elevated to the rank of Chancellor of the Central Secretariat and General of Ningnan, and granted the title of Duke of Lingling. He later served as Palace Attendant, General of Pingyuan, and Governor of Jizhou, rising to a high-ranking official position in the court. In the second year of the Xing'an era, he passed away and was posthumously bestowed the title of Kang.
Yang Ziyan was a gentle and amiable man, exuding the presence of a wise elder. He inherited the title of nobility. He was mild-mannered, kind-hearted, intelligent, and displayed an elder's grace. During the Taihe era, he served as a military commander in Hulao Town. After the Qi state in Luoyang gained significant power, Guang and Pen were killed for other reasons. Emperor Shizu believed Ziyan was not associated with the Qiu family, thus he was not implicated. The emperor aimed to win the favor of the Hou family, treating Ziyan as if he were his own son. Later, Ziyan desired to return to his biological family. However, Guang's granddaughter wed Prince Zhen of Nan'an, who fathered Prince Bin of Zhangwu, the younger brother of King Ying of Zhongshan. Upon hearing this, Empress Qiu approached Ziyan and said, "Our Qiu family’s wealth and honor today are all thanks to you. How can you suddenly abandon the gratitude for your upbringing?" At that time, Zhen held the position of chief minister in the inner court, and since Ziyan was under his authority, he feared him and did not dare to leave. Nine years later, Ziyan passed away and was posthumously granted the title Jing. His son Zhen succeeded him in his title. Gradually promoted, he became a general of the central army and a captain of the Long Water. Brothers Guang and Pen excelled in managing enterprises and established a prosperous family business in Zhongshan, claiming to be immensely wealthy. Their descendants held official positions and reached the rank of provincial registrar. Ziyan's great-grandson Jun achieved the rank of Longxiang General, Xiaoqi General, and Baron of LePing.
Duan Ba hailed from Yuanping, located in Yanmen. His father, Duan Qian, was the county magistrate of Guangwu under the command of Murong Chui. At the beginning of the reign of the founding emperor, he dispatched cavalry to scout the Yanmen region, and young Ba was captured and underwent castration. Later, Duan Qian led the local villagers to pledge allegiance to Yunzhong.
Duan Ba, due to his caution and agility, was recognized and gradually promoted to positions such as Chief of the Palace Staff, General of the Imperial Guards, and Minister of the Palace, and concurrently held the position of Prefect of Shou'an, being granted the title of Duke of Wuling. He was later appointed as General of the East and Governor of Dingzhou. Emperor Shizong personally evaluated the performance of officials and implemented strict reward and punishment measures. The former official of Dingzhou, Zhang Hun, reported that Duan Ba had previously exploited the common people in Dingzhou, engaged in corruption and embezzlement, and returned the embezzled wealth to his hometown. The emperor summoned Duan Ba to answer questions, but Duan Ba refused to confess. Emperor Shizong, believing Duan Ba to be a trusted minister while hiding the truth, became even angrier and wanted to execute him. Emperor Gongzong quickly interceded, leading to Duan Ba being spared from death and demoted to commoner.
Duan Ba's younger brother served as a deputy official in Yongzhou. The brothers and their relatives later settled in Guangwu City, and their family upheld a strong reputation, exemplifying the virtues of scholars and gentlemen.
Wang Ju, originally from Taiyuan, he later lived in Gaoping. His family had been in official positions since his grandfather's generation, and he eventually became the Governor of Yuzhou in the Jin Dynasty. Wang Ju was imprisoned for some offenses, but he was always cautious, behaved well, and was later given a second chance. He steadily climbed the ranks, becoming the Minister of Rites, and was granted the title of Duke of Guangping and appointed as General of Ningnan. The Emperor recognized Wang Ju's longstanding fairness in the court and appointed him as a Cavalry Attendant. He later served as an Imperial Attendant, General of the Expedition to the South, Governor of Jizhou, and was temporarily conferred the title of Prince of Guangping. After being recalled from Jizhou by the court, he was promoted to General of the Expedition to the South, and his title was elevated to Prince of Gaoping, while still serving as an Attendant. He was then sent back to Jizhou. When the Emperor and Empress Dowager Wenming toured Jizhou, they specially visited his home and showed concern for him. Upon his return to the capital, given his old age, Wang Ju was appointed as a Cavalry Attendant and spent his retirement at home. The court rewarded him with a multitude of gifts, including horses, clothing, and various other items. Later, his title was reduced to Duke, and in his old age, he moved from Pingcheng to Luoyang. The Emperor recalled his long-standing service and sent people to extend his condolences. Wang Ju himself wrote a memorial saying that when his family first moved in, they faced significant poverty, and the Emperor rewarded him with two hundred rolls of cloth. He usually drank milk, had fair skin, and had a youthful appearance. In the winter of the twentieth year of the Taihe era, Wang Ju passed away at the age of ninety years. The court posthumously conferred upon him the titles of General of the Expedition to the South and Governor of Jizhou, and bestowed upon him the posthumous title of Jing.
Wang Ju's adopted son, Jisheng, passed away before he had the chance to inherit the title. His son Wang Gaihai inherited his grandfather's title. When Wang Ju was in his seventies, the emperor bestowed upon him a palace maid named Guo, who was from the era of Emperor Shizu. Guo was from Zhongli, noted for her wisdom and strict demeanor, and possessed the virtues of a mother. More than a hundred people in Wang Ju's household held her in high regard, treating her like a stern elder, which helped maintain order in the household. Wang Gaihai later became the governor of Yueling in Qingzhou.
Zhao Hei, courtesy name Wenjing, originally named Zhao Hai, was from Liangzhou. He claimed to be from Wencheng in Henan. His fifth great-grandfather, Zhao Shu, served as the General of Pingyuan and the Colonel of the Four Barbarians during the late Jin Dynasty, and later settled in Anmi County, Jiuquan. When Zhao Hai was born, Liangzhou was just pacified, and he was taken to the palace to serve as a eunuch, which is why he changed his name to Zhao Hei. He was good-looking and respectful. Emperor Shizu appointed him to be in charge of presenting imperial meals and serving the emperor in and out of the palace, and initially made no mistakes. He was subsequently promoted to Shiyu, managing the palace storerooms, and was conferred the title of General of Anyuan and the Marquis of Suiyang. He then became the Minister of the Selection Department, known for his caution and ability to select suitable talents for official positions. Later, he was further promoted to Shizhong, and his title was raised to Duke of Henan.
Emperor Xianzhu wanted to pass the throne to the Prince of Jingzhao, so he first sought the ministers' opinions. As a result, all the officials were hesitant, and no one was brave enough to speak up first. Only a few upright ministers, including Yuan He, refused to comply with the imperial edict. Upon hearing this, Xianzhu's expression changed, and he asked Hei. Hei said, "I consider myself foolish and lacking in wisdom, so I will speak frankly. Your Majesty is in the prime of life, the national strength is robust, and the world is peaceful. Everyone praises your wisdom and hopes for your longevity. If Your Majesty desires to enjoy a life of leisure, then I will pledge my life to support the Crown Prince's succession; I am not well-informed about other matters." After a long silence, Xianzhu ultimately decided to pass the throne to Emperor Gao.
He was highly favored in the palace and received numerous rewards. At that time, there was a minister named Li who enjoyed the emperor's trust; he and He managed the selection of officials together. Li recommended the Deputy Minister of the Central Secretariat, Cui Jian, to go to Dong Xuzhou for an official position, and Gongsun Chuxian, the Minister of the Secretariat, to Jingzhou, while Gongsun Qu, the supervisor of the selection department, was assigned to Youzhou. They all claimed to be capable, but in reality, it was all motivated by personal interests. He was discontented with Li's haphazard management of the official selection process, so he quarreled with him in the court, saying, "Officials should be appointed based on merit and rewarded according to their rank and salary; this is the standard practice of the state. The Deputy Minister of the Central Secretariat, the Minister of the Secretariat, and the various department inspectors, their merits and capabilities are clear, and generally, they can only serve as officials in small places. Now, Li has arranged for them to hold important positions in the provinces; I genuinely cannot comprehend this." The emperor expressed some doubts and replied, "Let's hold off on Gongsun Qu's matter for now." Gongsun Qu had the best relationship with Li, so He and Li became deeply antagonistic toward each other. Later, Li deliberately sought to trouble He, accusing him of corruption and bribery while he was an inspector.
In the past, the laws were relatively lenient, and officials from various departments could use public funds for personal purposes, resulting in widespread corruption. As a result, He was demoted to a low-level official. He felt he had been framed, sighing all day, unable to eat or sleep, consumed by thoughts of revenge. After several years, he was reinstated and rose through the ranks, eventually returning to the selection department. He reported Li for his abuse of power, and Li was demoted to Xuzhou. When the time came for Li to face accountability, He even took the initiative to facilitate this matter. Thereafter, He dedicated himself to his work and put those grievances behind him.
He was appointed as the General of the Southern Town, the Grand General of the False Festival, the Minister of the Three Offices, and the Governor of Dingzhou, and was later granted a title of nobility. He was self-disciplined and dedicated to public service, living a clean and frugal life, always thinking about serving the state and the people. At that time, someone tried to bribe him, and he directly said, "My official position is high, and my salary is generous enough to support myself. Using public office for personal gain is not something I would ever want to do." Therefore, he ultimately did not accept any bribes. When Emperor Gaozu and Empress Dowager Wen visited Zhongshan, they heard about this matter and rewarded him with five hundred bolts of silk and one thousand five hundred shih of grain. He was later appointed as the Governor of Jizhou. In the autumn of the sixth year of the Taihe era, he passed away while in office. The court issued an edict granting him four hundred fifty bolts of silk, one thousand hu of grain, and twenty carriages and horses to transport his coffin back to the capital. He was posthumously granted the title of Grand Minister and given the posthumous name "Kang." He adopted his cousin Zhao Nu's fourth son, Zhao Chi, as his heir.
Zhao Chi, styled Guile, initially served as a Zhongsan official, inheriting Zhao Hei's title, but was later demoted to duke. He rose to the position of Chief Clerk of Annam Prefecture in Yangzhou and was promoted to General Pingyuan. When Yuan Song died in Shouchun, Zhao Chi was responsible for pacifying the local people and handling the aftermath, performing quite well and gaining some reputation. He passed away during the Shengu era and was posthumously granted the title of Governor of Guangzhou. When Zhao Hei served as an official in Dingzhou, both he and Zhao Chi married daughters of Wei Gan from Julu and had two sons.
The elder son was named Zhao Kui, styled Jingze. He inherited his father's marquisate and rose to the position of Governor of Leling. After his death, he was posthumously granted the title of Left General and Governor of Cangzhou. Zhao Kui's younger brother Zhao Junzhi, styled Zhongyan, was known for his frivolous behavior and acted improperly. He served as a court official and was later promoted to the position of Court Attendant, becoming an adopted son of Liu Teng. Even though he accumulated some wealth by being a eunuch, he used it to bribe those in power. Therefore, although he was quickly promoted, he ultimately died.
His grandson, Zhao Xiao, courtesy name Maoqiao, is from Shi'an, Xianyang. His father, Zhao Zan, was the Guardian General of Anding under Yao Hong. At that time, when Helian Qu invaded, the people were in a state of panic and fled in droves. Only Zhao Zan led everyone to resist, and he died in battle. As a result, Zhao Xiao was taken into the palace as a eunuch. Later, during the Wei Dynasty's pacification of Tongwan and relocation to Pingcheng, Zhao Xiao served as an attendant in the Eastern Palace due to his intelligence, wisdom, and strategic acumen; he gained considerable fame.
Not long after, he was transferred to the Western Pavilion as an official. Every time he went to battle, he earned numerous military honors and received many accolades. When the emperor inspected Guabu and grew concerned about potential northern invasions, he promoted Zhao Xiao to the rank of Junior Left Guard General, bestowed upon him the title of Niyangzi, and appointed him as the General of the Left. Upon the emperor's return to the capital, he was promoted to the position of Imperial Clerk, in charge of the affairs of the Ministry of Works. He then requested the emperor to posthumously confer a title upon his father and to reinter him. The emperor posthumously honored his father with the title of General Zhenwei, Governor of Qinzhou, Count of Shi'an, and the posthumous name "Dai."
He was later transferred to the Department of Small Carriages, where he managed operations efficiently and significantly boosted livestock breeding. He was then appointed as the Champion General and Governor of Bingzhou, with his title elevated to Marquis of Zhongdu, governing four counties under Bingzhou. Over a hundred individuals jointly submitted memorials to the court commending his governance. Later, he was appointed as the Governor of Jizhou, and his reputation was somewhat diminished compared to his time in Bingzhou. Nevertheless, regardless of his official positions, he remained honest and frugal, unmatched by any other local official at the time. However, he had a harsh temperament and often punished his own children severely, treating them like enemies. When he was the Governor of Bingzhou, he appointed Guo Zuo as the Chief Clerk, who was talented and also served as a secretary, earning praise from the people of his time.
Zhang Zongzhi, courtesy name Yizong, was from Gong County, Henan. His family background was quite ordinary. His father, Zhang Mengshu, was temporarily appointed as the Prefect of Luoyang during Liu Xie’s military campaign in the West. When Zhang Zongzhi became successful, the emperor posthumously granted Zhang Mengshu the titles of General of Pingnan, Inspector of Luozhou, and Marquis of Gong County, awarded the posthumous title of "Zhen."
Initially, Gao Shi's Zong Wenyong gathered his followers at Yique to plot a rebellion, even threatening Zhang Mengshu and others. After Zong Wenyong's rebellion failed, Zhang Mengshu managed to flee, while Zhang Zongzhi was captured and taken to the capital, where he endured castration. Due to his loyalty and caution, he was later promoted to the position of palace attendant and granted the title of Marquis of Gong County. He gradually rose through the ranks to become Right General, Central Regular Attendant, and held various positions including Minister of Rites and Minister of the Treasury, and head of the Central Secretariat, eventually being elevated to Duke of Pengcheng. He was later appointed to an external position, serving as an attendant, General of Ningxi, and Inspector of Dongyongzhou. Because of his outstanding performance in government service, he was recalled to the court to serve as a senior official. He was later sent out again as an attendant, General of Zhendong, and Inspector of Jizhou. He was subsequently demoted to the title of Marquis. He passed away in the 20th year of the Taihe era, at the age of sixty-nine. The court posthumously honored him as General of Jianjie and Inspector of Huaizhou, awarded the posthumous title of "Jing."
Zongzhi's brother, Luanqi, rose through the ranks, first serving as Deputy Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and a junior official in the Eastern Palace, while also serving in the Imperial Guard. He was later promoted to General of Ningyuan and granted the title of Baron of Luoyang, and then transferred to serve in the palace. Subsequently, he was sent out as an attendant, General of Champion, and Inspector of Jingzhou, with his title raised to Marquis. He later returned to the court to serve in the palace as an attendant and Central Regular Attendant. After his death, he was posthumously honored as Inspector of Luozhou, awarded the posthumous title of "Jing."
Zongzhi married Xiao Shi, the wife of Yin Xiaozu from the Southern Dynasties. She was the daughter of Liu Yilong's brother, Si Du, who held the title of Equestrian Official. Xiao Shi was very familiar with the court's ceremonial system. During the Taihe era, when the court began to establish the dress code for the six palaces, Xiao Shi was selected to participate in the design and selection, receiving numerous accolades from the emperor. Xiao Chaoye, who later changed his name to Xiao Yan, followed his aunt into the palace when he was young. He married the daughter of Li Hong and depended on his wife's family for support. He later rose to the positions of Grand Historian, Wuwei General, Governor of Qizhou, Sanqi Changshi, Zhongjun General, and Jinzi Guanglu Daifu. Xiao Yan was very close to Xiao Baoyin, holding him in high regard, calling him by name and addressing him with honorifics. Later, Xiao Yan was murdered in Heyin, and after his death, he was posthumously granted the title of Cheqi General, Yitong Sansi, and Governor of Xuzhou.
Zongzhi's son was called Bainian and served as the Governor of Xihe. Zongzhi's adoptive brother inherited his title; this adoptive brother was named Xi, courtesy name Ziye. In the early years of Gaozu, he was appointed as the head of the literary department and gradually promoted to Yuanwailang, later serving as the Grand Minister of Agriculture for King Jingzhao. After many years, he was appointed as the Governor of Yiyang and also served as a consultant to the Minister of Works Liu Teng, Sanqi Changshi, Pingdong General, and Guanglu Daifu. He passed away in the early years of Taichang at the age of seventy-seven. After his death, he was posthumously honored as the Biaoqi General, Yitong Sansi, and Governor of Jizhou.
His son Hao served as the Governor of Shaojun and was later posthumously honored as the Governor of Jingzhou. Hao's brother Jing was a Senior Official. Jing's brother Wei served as the Chief of the Western Expedition in Yuzhou during the Wuding era. Most of the other members of the Zong family held low-ranking positions, with only Zhao Hei and the Zong family boasting hundreds of household servants, keeping close ties with the gentry.
Jupeng was from Gaoyang. He was well-versed in history and had a basic understanding of official matters. He and Wang Zhi and others became eunuchs together. He had a cheerful personality and felt no shame about being a eunuch. During the reign of Empress Wenming, he was favored by the Empress and appointed as a censor. After the capital was moved to Luoyang by Emperor Gaozu, he served as a court official, attending to the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager was superstitious about the Sakyamuni, and Jupeng advised her against it many times, but she did not listen, which ultimately led to Jupeng's death from anger.
My brother bought a slave, who later became an official and eventually rose to the rank of Governor of Youzhou. However, his abilities and aspirations were nowhere near those of Jupeng. At that time, there were several individuals like Li Feng who enjoyed the Emperor's favor, who could come and go from the palace, held high-ranking positions, amassed wealth, and lived in grand, beautiful homes. But after Empress Wenming passed away, they slowly lost their influence.
Zhang You, styled Anfu, was a Tang dynasty native of Anding. His father, Zhang Cheng, had served as the governor of Fufeng. During the reign of Emperor Shun of the Han dynasty, he was executed for committing an offense, and Zhang You was castrated. Through hard work, he gradually rose to the positions of Cao Jian and Zhong Ge Shi (Central Attendant), and was also granted the title of Lord of Liyang. He was later promoted to Sanqi Changshi, in charge of the Imperial Treasury. At that time, Empress Dowager Wen was in power, and the eunuchs wielded significant power. Zhang You, serving by the emperor's side, won the favor of the empress dowager and was favored more than other eunuchs, quickly advancing to the position of Minister and being granted the title of General of Annan, elevated to Duke of Longdong, while continuing to oversee the Imperial Treasury. Not long after, he was appointed to supervise the capital's affairs, promoted to Shizhong, and was included in the Eight Discussions of the Court along with Wang Rui and others. The empress dowager greatly appreciated his loyalty and even had a grand mansion constructed for him. After the mansion was completed, Emperor Gaozu and the empress dowager personally led the civil and military officials to host a banquet at his residence. "He was appointed as Sanqi Changshi, General of Zhen Nan, and Left Minister of the Ministry of Rites, promoted to Prince of Xinping," he was commanded at Taihua Palace, receiving court visits at the southern entrance of the palace. At that time, many spectators gathered, all feeling it was a tremendous honor. Emperor Gaozu and the empress dowager even visited his home as guests, hosting a banquet for the officials. Zhang You was known for his caution and meticulousness, serving in the court for over twenty years without any mistakes. Therefore, he was particularly favored, receiving continuous rewards over the years, accumulating substantial wealth. He and seventeen others, including Wang Zhi, were awarded gold certificates, ensuring their protection. In the tenth year of Taihe, Zhang You passed away at the age of forty-nine years. Emperor Gaozu personally attended his funeral, ordering the Honglu Temple to oversee his funeral arrangements, bestowing upon him one thousand bolts of silk, posthumously conferred the titles of General of Zhengnan and Sikong, with the posthumous name "Gong." On the day of his burial, the emperor himself personally escorted his carriage out of the city.
Zhang You's adopted son, originally named Zhang Xianming, later changed his name to Zhang Qing. He served in the palace during his youth. He was handsome, and the Princess of Jiangyang became his wife. Zhang Qing inherited his title but was later demoted first to Duke of Longdong and then to Marquis. After relocating to Luoyang, he was neglected for over twenty years, rendering his title little more than a hollow honor.
During the beginning of the Xiping era, he was appointed as an Imperial Attendant and also held the position of Deputy Minister of the Guards. Because he was Yuan Cha's brother-in-law, he received an exceptional promotion. In the winter of the second year of the Shengui era, Empress Dowager Ling selected the daughter of Zhang Qing as a concubine for Emperor Su, and she soon rose to the position of Consort. This daughter was also Yuan Cha's niece. In the third year of Zhengguang, he was promoted to Deputy Minister of Guards, and shortly thereafter was dispatched as a general to defend Gaoping. He eventually passed away, and his son Jingluo inherited his title.
As for Baoyi, also known as Daode, he was from Shitang in Anding County, residing in Zhigu. He claimed that his ancestors were surnamed Qi, and during the reign of Emperor Ling of Han, his ancestor Qi Kuang served as the Prefect of Anding. During Dong Zhuo's reign, Qi Kuang feared being killed and changed his surname, settling in Anding County. However, there is no concrete evidence for this story. When he was young, the rebellion of Zhang Qianwang from Longdong implicated his family. After Zhang Qianwang's failure, his father Baodu escaped to save his life. Baoyi, however, was captured with his mother and subsequently became a eunuch in the palace. He was known for his caution and respect, diligently serving the emperor in silence for nineteen years. His loyalty and caution earned him the emperor's favor, and he was promoted to Grand Chamberlain, General of the West, Chief Imperial Secretary, Minister, and was also granted the title of Duke of Anding.
After I became Chancellor, due to the importance of my position, the opinions I presented were very straightforward. Emperor Gaozu and Empress Dowager Wen both appreciated me, so they promoted me to the position of Palace Attendant, while I retained my role as Minister of the Secretariat, continuing to be responsible for the imperial guards. Before long, I was promoted to the position of Senior Palace Attendant. Every time Emperor Gaozu and the Empress Dowager went on outings, I had to accompany them, and after entering the palace, I was also responsible for guiding them in the inner court. The Empress Dowager held me in high regard and even specially summoned my father to the palace, granting him the title of Grand Minister and bestowing many garments and horses upon him. When my father took his leave to return home, he met Emperor Gaozu at the Imperial Letter Hall. Emperor Gaozu shook my father's hand and said, "Old man, the journey home will be long; it will take several days, right? Be sure to be careful on the road!"
In the twelfth year of the Tahe era, I was promoted to the position of Director of the Capital, and I was additionally granted the titles of Palace Attendant and Ritual Scholar, while still retaining my roles as Minister of the Secretariat and Palace Attendant. Later, my title was downgraded to Marquis. After my father passed away, the court posthumously conferred the title of Governor of Qinzhou upon him, with the posthumous title of Jing. The court also awarded eighty taels of gold, along with eight hundred pieces of silk and satin for my father's funeral arrangements, and sent condolences to our family. I was then promoted to Grand Minister of Autumn. As I grew old and frail, I requested to resign from office, and the court appointed me as General of the West and Governor of Jingzhou, additionally granting me the title of Right Grand Minister of the Imperial Court.
When I went to Jingzhou to take up my post, Emperor Gaozu hosted a farewell banquet for me at Leyang Palace in the western suburbs and presented me with a fan made of royal white feathers. In the nineteenth year of the Tahe era, I received an imperial edict to return to Luoyang, and as governor, I accompanied the emperor on a southern campaign, often serving at the emperor's side. Because of my seniority, the emperor would ask about me whenever he saw me and praised my integrity on multiple occasions. The emperor also allowed me to ride a horse in and out of the palace, a privilege on par with that of the Minister of Personnel, Feng Dan. Once the southern campaign was over, I returned to Jingzhou.
I feel that, after all, as an old minister and a former bureaucrat, I mostly follow the old ways in political affairs and cannot fully implement the new system. In my dealings with others, I have been somewhat neglectful towards the old aristocracy, and my manners have been rather curt. I have a rather cold disposition; even towards my younger brother, nephews, and son-in-law, I show little warmth. A few years later, I passed away in Jingzhou. Before I died, I designated my younger cousin Laoshou as my heir and adopted the son of Grand Tutor Feng Xi, Feng Cixing. After my death, Laoshou and Feng Cixing contested my title. My wife, Zhang, filed a lawsuit for an entire year, and in the end, Feng Cixing, the son of Feng Xi, inherited my title. Laoshou continued to pursue the appeal and eventually also gained the right to inherit the title. Feng Cixing then returned to the Feng family, and the court allocated him thirty servants. The slaves, cattle, horses, vehicles, and other possessions granted to me by the court during my lifetime amounted to several hundred to a thousand items, in addition to many other possessions.
Lao Shou, this fellow, is usually unrestrained, indulging in wine and women. The Imperial Censor Wang Xian submitted a report saying, "It is said that the former Governor of Luozhou, Yin Pingshi, and General Jishe embraced Lao Shou, behaving extremely recklessly, getting into all sorts of messy relationships. This matter has made a big fuss among the officials, and rumors are spreading in the streets. We have arrested and interrogated them, and the findings matched the rumors perfectly. They have committed serious offenses, damaging the social fabric. Lao Shou is the mastermind behind this incident. I have found out that Shi Rong, who comes from a humble background as a soldier, had no connections. He was never destined for the officialdom, let alone becoming a high-ranking official. But he was lucky to be promoted, enjoying the court's favor, rising step by step from a nobody to a high official. However, he did not show gratitude, instead committing such outrageous acts, bringing shame upon himself. Lao Shou's background is even murkier. His family was so poor that they had to beg for food, and he grew up as an adopted son of eunuchs. The Emperor bestowed great favor upon him, allowing him to become an official. He should have been living the good life and taking care of his family, but instead, he indulged in debauchery, swapping wives and concubines like it’s a game. When Shi Rong was in Luozhou, he even went to great lengths to bring Lao Shou's wife, Chang Shi, from a distant place, making that soldier trek a long way, wearing him out. Lao Shou, Chang Shi, and a person named Bi Guo, their relationships are a complete mess; it’s hard to tell who belongs to whom, worse than beasts! I urge the Emperor to deal with this according to the law, dismiss them from their positions, hand them over to the court officials for punishment, and revoke Lao Shou's title." The Emperor agreed. Lao Shou's wife, Chang Shi, is the daughter of Wan Di. After Lao Shou's death, his family's property gradually recovered, and he even kept six to seven hundred slaves and maids. His three daughters married high-ranking officials. Lao Shou's descendants set up a monument for him and his granddad, from Luoyang all the way to their hometown. It really fits the saying, "In the western skies, two noble figures rise from the valley."
Shi Rong was a man who gradually rose from the position of registrar to that of a provincial official. After his impeachment, he completely fell apart. His son, Shi Changxuan, became the governor of Nanyan Province during the Wuding period, later joined Hou Jing in rebellion, and was executed.
Wang Yu, also known as Qingshi, originally named Ta'e, was a Qiang ethnic person from Li Run, Fengyi. He, along with Lei, Dang, and Bumeng, were all powerful clans in the Qiang ethnic group. He claimed descent from the Wang clan, changed his surname later, and then changed it back to Wang. His family has been a leader of the Qiang ethnic group since the Jin Dynasty. His father, Wang Shougui, served as a county magistrate and later died. Once Wang Yu rose to a high-ranking official position, he posthumously honored his father as General of Anxi, Governor of Qinzhou, and Duke of Chengcheng.
This official was initially punished for a crime but subsequently rose through the ranks, from a low-level official to an internal magistrate, then promoted to an external cavalier attendant, right general, and granted the title of Fupingzi. He was later appointed as a cavalier attendant, General of Anxi, and his title was raised to Duke of Dangchang. He was appointed as a Minister, then transferred to the Minister of Personnel, still serving as a cavalier attendant. According to regulations, his title was reduced to Marquis. He was later reassigned as General of Anxi, Governor of Huazhou, and granted the title of cavalier attendant.
It is said that in the past, he had openly criticized the actions of the deposed empress. When the deposed empress was favored by the emperor again, the founding emperor defended her before Li Chong and others, saying that she had done no wrong, and shifted the blame to those who slandered her. Li Chong said, "If that's the case, then he should be executed!" The founding emperor said, "After all, he is my old minister. I cannot bear to execute him, so he will be demoted and relieved of his duties." Therefore, the emperor sent a fast horse to dismiss him from his position, strip him of his title, take his official robes and hat, and allowed him to return to his private residence as a commoner. In the early years of Emperor Shizong's reign, he also took on the role of Grand Architect. Not long after, he was appointed as the Grand Master of Splendor, but his title was stripped from him once more.
After the deposed Empress Feng was deposed as a nun, very few people visited her or offered help. However, this official consistently insisted on visiting and serving her, never changing his respect for her, and frequently sent her food and other daily necessities. The deposed Empress accepted all of it without decline. He even personally went to the deposed Empress's residence, where he and his wife welcomed, paid respects, and served her, performing the duties of a servant.
This official was intelligent and skilled in engineering and construction. He oversaw the design and construction of the Taoist temple and residences at Fangshan Lingquan in the northern capital, the tomb of Empress Dowager Wenming, the Masha Altar Hall in the eastern suburbs of Luojing, the cemetery of Empress Dowager Zhao Guangwen, the Taiji Hall, as well as the eastern and western halls and various gates. Even in old age, he worked tirelessly day and night, riding around and laboring just as hard as the younger workers. He was also very adept at handling interpersonal relationships, placing great importance on social connections. Whenever he encountered former colleagues, he would host lavish banquets.
However, he was also very greedy for fame and fortune, currying favor with the powerful. When Zhao Xiu was favored, he would scurry around, flattering and ingratiating himself, and was even commissioned to oversee the construction of Zhao Xiu's residence, where he arbitrarily increased the scale of the project and whipped the workers, which caused widespread anger among the workers. Ultimately, he died while still in office. When he fell ill, the Grand Tutor, King of Beihai, and the Grand Princess all went to visit him. Seeing his critical condition, they couldn't help but shed tears. He was so skilled at flattering the powerful while alive, and after his death, he received such mourning. He was posthumously awarded the title of Envoy with Authority, General of the West, and Governor of Yongzhou, and his marquis title was retained.
At first, Wang Yu and Bao Yi both received the favor of Empress Dowager Wenming, who rewarded them with several hundred servants and a large number of cattle, horses, and sheep. In short, both became extraordinarily wealthy. Wang Yu trained a disciple named Li, who initially was the governor of the county, but gradually was promoted to the position of General of the Right Army and inherited the title of Marquis of Tangchang. Consequently, Wang Yu's wealth grew significantly.
Fu Chengzu was a Di ethnic group from Lüeyang. Despite being castrated for committing a crime, he unexpectedly gained the favor of Empress Wenming. He rose through the ranks from Supervisor of the Imperial Stables to Attendant of the Central Division, Cavalier in Regular Attendance, General Assisting the Nation, and was granted the title of Marquis of Lüeyang. He also oversaw the affairs of the Selection Department while retaining his position as Attendant of the Central Division. He was later promoted to Minister of Personnel, still overseeing the Central Division. The Emperor had a luxurious mansion built for him and frequently visited. Fu Chengzu was later promoted to Duke of Lüeyang, General Who Pacifies the South, and was appointed as Palace Attendant, in charge of the capital's affairs. Initially, the Empress placed her trust in him and promised him immunity from execution. However, Fu Chengzu was later sentenced to death for corruption and bribery. The Emperor, recalling their past relationship, spared his life but stripped him of his official titles, placed him under house arrest at his home, and gave him a mocking title of "Rebellious General, Corrupt and Deceitful Son." He passed away a month later.
Wang Zhi, whose courtesy name was Shaonu, was from Gaoyang Yixian. Due to his family's misdeeds, he grew up in a silkworm rearing room but excelled in his studies. He started as a low-ranking official in the Central Bureau, then became the Internal Records Supervisor. He gradually rose to the position of Secretariat Attendant, was appointed as the General of Ning Shuo, and granted the title of Yongchang Zi, responsible for overseeing the imperial guards' duties. He was later promoted to Palace Assistant, overseeing both the Selection Department and the Imperial Guards, and was specially appointed as the Front General, with his title raised to Marquis of Weichang. He was later appointed as the Minister of Selection and additionally appointed as an Imperial Cavalier in Regular Attendance.
Later, he was appointed elsewhere to serve as General of Zhenyuan and Inspector of Yingzhou. Wang Zhi served as the Inspector of Yingzhou for ten years, where he improved the local governance, vigorously suppressed wrongdoing, sought the truth, and the people held him in great respect. However, he imposed severe punishments, often resorting to corporal punishment, which led people to label him as cruel. Gaozu highly regarded his loyalty and past contributions, always seeking his counsel on significant matters. For example, when Minister Feng passed away, when Empress Feng was deposed, and when addressing issues involving Lu Rui and Mu Tai, Gaozu would send someone to deliver handwritten letters to him, the contents of which were of great importance, treating him as a close confidant. Wang Zhi also regarded these letters as a tremendous honor. Later, he returned to the court and served as the Grand Minister of Chancellery, but he soon passed away.
Li Jian, courtesy name Cishou, was from Gaoyang, Hebei. When Emperor Gaozong had just ascended to the throne, he was castrated for committing an offense. Later, when Empress Dowager Wen took charge of the government, Li Jian gradually rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a Central Official and was also granted the title of Duke of Weichang. He was cautious and prudent, often serving beside the Empress Dowager. Although he was not as prominent as Wang Yu or Wang Zhi, he was still given important responsibilities. After Emperor Gaozu moved the capital to Luoyang, Li Jian's position was also elevated, and he became the Minister of Imperial Horses, responsible for managing the royal horses and livestock, which saw an increase in number under his management. In the early reign of Emperor Shizong, Li Jian was appointed as General of An Dong and Governor of Yingzhou, which was regarded as a high local honor, comparable to Wang Zhi's position. He was held in high regard by the people during his tenure and accumulated a vast fortune. Later, when Prince Yu of Jingzhao rebelled in Jizhou, Li Jian led troops to suppress the rebellion but was defeated by Wang Yu. After returning to court, he fell ill with a cold and was appointed as Grand Master of Ceremonies, passing away a few years later. After his death, he was posthumously honored as General of Fuzheng and Governor of Xiangzhou, and the court granted him five hundred bolts of silk to cover his funeral costs. His disciple Tan Jing inherited his title of Duke of Weichang and later served as Yu Lin Jian and Zhi Hou (a close attendant to the emperor).
Qin Song's background is not well-documented. During the late years of the Taihe era, he served as Zhongyin and was later promoted to Changqiu Qing, being granted the title of Gaodu Zi. He was later dismissed from his position due to committing a crime. Emperor Shizong restored his title and appointed him again as Grand Master of Ceremonies, concurrently serving as Assistant Imperial Attendant. He was then promoted to General of Pingbei and continued to hold the position of Changqiu Qing. Later, he was sent to serve as Sanyi Changshi, General of Anbei, and Governor of Bingzhou. After his death, he was posthumously honored as Grand General and Governor of Sizhou, and was posthumously given the title "Ding."
Bai Zheng was also castrated as a punishment for a crime. In his youth, he worked on some trivial tasks in the palace and became known for his diligence and seriousness, gradually rising to the position of Grand Eunuch. By the end of the Taihe era, he served as the Minister of Changqiu and was granted the title of Marquis of Yunyang. Emperor Shizong also conferred the title of County Lady of □□ on his wife, Wang Shi. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the title of General Pingbei as well as Governor of Bingzhou.
Liu Teng, whose courtesy name was Qinglong, originally hailed from Pingyuan City but later moved to Qiao County in Nanyanzhou. In his youth, he was punished for committing a crime and later served as a minor palace official, eventually being promoted to a chief palace attendant. When Emperor Gaozu was in Xuanhu, Liu Teng was ordered to meet him. Emperor Gaozu inquired about the situation in the palace, and Liu Teng revealed some confidential matters concerning the harem, which corroborated the accusations made by Princess Chenliu. As a result, Liu Teng was promoted to a minor official role while still serving as a chief palace attendant. Later, he went to the Xuyanzhou region with Ru Hao to recruit women. Upon returning, he was promoted to a central official role and was also specially awarded the title of General Longxiang. He later served as Minister of Changqiu, Grand Minister of the Golden Purple Court, and Minister of the Imperial Treasury.
When Emperor Suzong first ascended the throne, Liu Tengyu was appointed as a court official and was granted the title of Duke of the Founding with a fief of three hundred households. That same year, Empress Ling took charge of the government, and due to Liu Tengyu's contributions to the emperor's protection, he was promoted to Grand Minister of the Imperial Stable and additionally conferred the title of Central Palace Attendant, changing his title to Duke of Changle with an increased fief of one thousand five hundred households. His wife was also granted the title of County Lady of Julu and was often summoned to the palace, receiving rewards only surpassed by those of royal relatives. Liu Tengyu's two sons both held prominent positions: one as a county governor and the other as a minister.
Later, Teng Yu fell seriously ill. Empress Dowager Ling was worried that he would not survive, so she promoted him to the position of General of the Imperial Guard and also added the title of Grand Commandant, while his other titles remained the same. Fortunately, he eventually recovered. When Teng Yu was conferred the title, Emperor Suzong originally intended to personally confer the appointment to him in the court. However, on that day, there was a strong wind and the weather was particularly cold, so the ceremony was canceled. Instead, an envoy was dispatched to present the appointment on the emperor's behalf. Teng Yu had worked in the palace as a young man and was not well-educated, only capable of signing his name. However, he was skilled at navigating social dynamics, especially adept at understanding others' thoughts. After Empress Dowager Ling assumed control of the court, she trusted him greatly and entrusted him with numerous responsibilities. He was perpetually busy, never taking a moment's rest. He oversaw the construction of Yongqiao Bridge in northern Luoyang, along with the residences of the Grand Preceptor and Grand Tutor, and three temples in the eastern part of the city.
The Ministry of Officials once wanted to promote Gao Teng's younger brother to become a county governor and also serve in the military. However, due to some people's interference, Prince Yi of Qinghe squashed the plan, and it was never carried out. Gao Teng was quite displeased by this and, together with General Yuan Cha, had Prince Qinghe killed. They then confined Empress Dowager Ling, the mother of the deposed emperor, in the Xuangguang Hall, with the palace gates shut all day, completely cutting off all contact with the outside world. Gao Teng held the key to the palace gates, and even Emperor Suzong could not see her, only able to send some food over. Empress Dowager Ling was not eating well or dressing warmly, enduring hunger and cold. Gao Teng also had the eunuch Jia Can falsely issue imperial edicts to secretly monitor Emperor Suzong. Yuan Cha promoted Gao Teng to the position of Minister of Public Works, and the two colluded both inside and outside, supporting each other. Yuan Cha was responsible for external matters, while Gao Teng managed internal affairs, taking turns at the palace gates and deciding rewards and punishments together. Gao Teng was also allowed to enter and exit the palace in a carriage together with Cui Guang. Over the course of four years, the power of life and death was in the hands of Yuan Cha and Gao Teng. High-ranking officials, including the Eight Ministers and Nine Officials, would rush to Gao Teng's house early every morning, bending to his whims in order to attend court, with some even waiting several days without seeing Gao Teng. Public and private matters could be handled as long as the price was right. They exploited the six towns and monopolized the market. The wealth they amassed each year was staggering and beyond counting. He also often coerced palace maids and eunuchs into labor, extorting their belongings and openly accepting items from women. He even forcibly occupied neighboring houses to expand his own residence. The people suffered greatly because of him.
In March of the fourth year of Zhengguang, Gao Teng died while in office at the age of sixty. His funeral was held with great pomp, with seven hundred pieces of burial cloth, four hundred thousand pieces of silver, and two hundred pounds of candles. The Deputy Minister of Honglu Temple oversaw his funeral. More than forty eunuchs wore mourning clothes in his honor. When Gao Teng initially built his residence, the carriage commander Zhou Te performed a divination for him, saying it was inauspicious and strongly advised him against the construction. Gao Teng was furious and ignored his advice. Zhou Te then told others, "He will definitely die at the turn of March and April." In the end, the prophecy came true; Gao Teng had just completed his hall when he died right below it. After his death, he was posthumously bestowed titles including Envoy with Imperial Authority, General of the Cavalry, Duke of Dawei, and Governor of Jizhou. On the day of Gao Teng's burial, hundreds of eunuchs in mourning attire and palace officials in funeral garments were present, with carriages and horses lining the countryside. Since the establishment of the Wei dynasty, no eunuch had ever wielded more power than he did.
After Empress Ling regained power, she sought to take revenge on those she had previously deposed. She not only restored their titles but also had their graves exhumed, exposing their remains to public view, and confiscated all their properties. Later, one of her adopted sons, Liu Teng, betrayed her and allied with Emperor Su. Empress Ling was furious and exiled Liu Teng's remaining family to the northern border, and then sent secret agents to track them down in Jijun.
Jia Can, styled Jixuan, was from Jiuquan. During the Taihe period, he was punished by castration for committing a crime, which was an ancient form of punishment. However, he was well-educated and had read many books. By the end of Emperor Shizong's reign, he gradually rose to prominence and was chosen to serve in the palace as an inner servant. He started from the position of Chongxun Minister and rose through the ranks, having served as a Central Attendant and a Central Medicine Tester, and was later promoted to Central Regular Attendant. He was subsequently promoted to Deputy Minister of Rites and then to Minister of Rites, with his official rank continually increasing.
After Empress Dowager Ling was deposed, Jia Can, Yuan Cha, Liu Teng, and others kept a close watch on the emperor's movements. Later, General Xi Kangsheng of the Right Guard plotted to kill Yuan Cha. At that time, Empress Dowager Ling and Emperor Su Zong were in the Xuanguang Hall, while other courtiers stood below the western steps. After Xi Kangsheng was captured, Jia Can tricked Empress Dowager Ling, saying, "The guards are all very afraid and uneasy; Your Majesty should personally go to comfort them." Empress Dowager Ling believed him and went down from the hall. Jia Can seized the opportunity to escort Emperor Su Zong to the eastern hall, then he went to the Xianyang Hall and locked Empress Dowager Ling inside the Xuanguang Hall. Jia Can, who was in cahoots with Yuan Cha, wielded significant power and influence in the capital. He claimed to be from Wuwei and a descendant of the Grand Commandant Wen He of the State of Wei, and moved his family there. At that time, Wei Jing, the Prefect of Wuwei, heeded Jia Can's advice and appointed his brother, Jia Xu, to a position. Jia Xu was already nearing seventy at that time. Before long, Wei Jing promoted Jia Xu to Prefect of Xiping. After Wei Jing was reassigned, Jia Xu was promoted to Prefect of Wuwei, and both brothers held high positions.
Once Empress Dowager Ling regained power, she plotted to kill Jia Can, but due to the numerous followers of Yuan Cha and Liu Teng, she feared it might spark unrest, so she held off for the time being. She demoted Jia Can to Governor of Jizhou. Shortly after, Empress Dowager Ling dispatched General Diao Xuan of the Military Guard to swiftly carry out his execution, and all of Jia Can's property was confiscated.
Yang Fan, styled Fazeng, was from Guangzong in Changle. During the reign of Emperor Gaozong, he was castrated for his involvement in a theft case involving the royal family. Later, he was adopted by Wang Ju, who treated him very well, like a father to a son, and Yang Fan frequently visited Wang Ju's home. Yang Fan served as a Zhongyueshi and was later promoted to Huangmen Shilang, Zhongyueshi Pushe, Zhong Ge Shizhong, and She Sheng Xiaowei, and granted the title of Ningyuan General, eventually becoming the Zhongyin (equivalent to Jingzhao Yin). After the death of Emperor Shizong, Wang Yong of Gaoyang acted as regent, and Yang Fan was assigned as the Governor of Baishui while also serving as Longxiang General.
During the Empress Dowager's regency, Fan was appointed as a Changshi, Chongxun Taipu Qing, and was responsible for the Emperor's meals and was granted the title of Huayinzi. He later became the Pingxi General and the Governor of Huazhou. The favored eunuchs in the palace were allowed by the Empress Dowager to interfere in political affairs, but since Fan was older, kneeling was too difficult for her, and those official positions were not indispensable for him, so the Empress Dowager quickly agreed to his requests. As a result, he and his son engaged in corruption and bribery, and forced the common people into labor, resulting in an impeachment by the Yushi. His son fled, and Fan's career collapsed, leaving him idle at home after returning to the capital.
Later, remembering Fan's previous service to her, the Empress Dowager reappointed him as Zhong Shizhong and Annam General, and not long after, he was promoted to Zhennan General, Chongxun Taipu, and Dazhongzheng of Huazhou. After Fan's death, he was posthumously granted the titles of Zhengxi General and Governor of Qinzhou.
Cheng Gui, styled Hongyi, was a native of Juyong, Shanggu. When he was young, he got into trouble with the law and became a palace servant. Due to his cautious and honest nature, he gained recognition. He was later appointed as the Supervisor of the Palace Attendants. Whatever the Emperor thought, Cheng Gui could see it from his expression and attitude, and report it in a timely manner, always able to speak to the Emperor's thoughts. When the Emperor went on a southern campaign, Cheng Gui was responsible for the Emperor's daily needs. At that time, the Emperor was not well and often stayed in the palace. Cheng Gui served him tirelessly day and night. When the Emperor returned to the capital, he rewarded Cheng Gui with a hundred bolts of silk.
During the Jingming era, he became the Director of Imperial Stables while still serving as Supervisor of the Palace Attendants. He was later promoted to the Central Censor, Colonel of Infantry, and was assigned to serve the Crown Prince. During the Yanchang period, he was promoted to Central Chamberlain, Director of Imperial Tasters, and Grand Master of Splendor, and was granted the title of Count of Shiping. He also led the capital's guards. Later, he was promoted to Assistant Minister of the Imperial Household of Chongxun. After his mother passed away, the Emperor sent the Chief Secretary Chang Xianjing to offer condolences. After the mourning period, he returned to his original position and was later promoted to General of Andong and Minister of the Guard of Chongxun. After some time, he was exceptionally promoted to Central Chamberlain, General of the Guards, and retained his positions as Director of Imperial Stables and Chongxun. He was soon promoted to General of the Central Army and Grand Director of Yanzhou. In the second year of Xiaochang, in recognition of his many years of service to the court, he was granted the title of Count Kaiguo of Shiping County, with a fief of three hundred households. The Emperor's favorite concubine, Pan, regarded Cheng Gui as her adoptive father, so many eunuchs respected him. In the early years of Jianyi, Cheng Gui welcomed the Emperor at Heyin. The Emperor instructed him to calm the palace staff, and he was promoted to Marquis, with an additional fief of three hundred households, totaling six hundred households, and was also appointed as General of the Guards. In August of the same year, he passed away and was posthumously elevated to Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry and Governor of Yongzhou, and was given the posthumous title of Xiaohui.
His adopted son Zhongqing inherited his title and later became General of the Garrison and Grand Master of Splendor. After his death, his son Fu inherited the title. After the Qi dynasty's abdication, his title was reduced.
Wang Wen, also known as Taotang, was from Luancheng, Zhao County. His father, Wang Ji, was the magistrate of Gaoyi County but was later killed for misconduct. Wang Wen and his brother Wang Jishu were both taken into the palace to serve as eunuchs. Emperor Gaozu found him to be cautious and reliable in his duties, so he promoted him to the position of Central Attendant and later to Xiaohuangmen, and then to Zhonghuangmen and Goudu Ling. Gradually, he was promoted to Zhongchangshidianyu, Zhonggezhong, and served in the Eastern Palace for the Crown Prince, eventually rising to the rank of General of the Left.
When Emperor Suzong ascended the throne, all the officials went to the Eastern Palace to welcome him. At that time, Wang Wen was in the inner palace. He helped Emperor Suzong up and, together with the nurse, carried him into the palace, facilitating his ascent to the throne. Later, Wang Yong, the King of Shangyang, became the prime minister and, fearing that people in the palace would form factions for personal gain, sent Wang Wen away to serve as the governor of Julu, also granting him the title of General of Dragon's Might.
When Empress Ling took power, she summoned Wang Wen back to the palace, making him Chief Eunuch and Guanglu Dafu, and also granted him the title of Duke of Luancheng, appointing him as General of Andong and concurrently holding the position of Shaoqing of Chongxun Taibu. The emperor also specially appointed him as a special envoy with military command, a Sanqi Changshi, General of Fijun, and Governor of Yingzhou. After returning from Yingzhou, he was appointed as Zhongshizhong, with his rank elevated to General of Zhendong and Jinzi Guanglu Dafu. He was later promoted to Cheqi General, Zuo Guanglu Dafu, and Senior Advisor of Guanglu, while still retaining the position of Shizhong. In the second year of Xiaochang, he was granted the title of founding marquis of Luancheng County, with a fief comprising six hundred households. Later, Wang Wen asserted his origins as being from Yangping Wuyang; therefore, his title was revised to founding marquis of Wuyang County, with the fief remaining unchanged. During the early years of the Jianyi era, he met his demise in Heyin at the age of sixty-six. In the early years of Yong'an, the court posthumously conferred upon him the titles of General of the Cavalry, Yitong Sansi, and Governor of Yongzhou.
His adopted son Wang Jiongzhe inherited his title. After the establishment of the Northern Qi dynasty, according to regulations, Wang Jiongzhe's title was downgraded.
Meng Luan, also known as Long'er, was from an unknown place; his origins are unknown. He became a eunuch in the palace after committing a crime. During the reign of Empress Dowager Wenming, Wang Yu was highly favored, and Meng Luan became close to Wang Yu due to his cautious and diligent work. He often traveled to Fangshan and was responsible for managing the temples and Taoist shrines there. As a result, his status gradually increased.
When Empress Dowager Ling ruled, Meng Luan held the position of Left Middle General and Middle Supervisor. He was often in poor health and had a dark complexion. One day, he suddenly fell ill in the Jiulong Palace, suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed, and was carried back home, where he died that same night. When Empress Dowager Ling heard of Meng Luan's death, she said, "Meng Luan definitely wouldn't live long; I have always worried about him." After receiving news of Meng Luan's death, Empress Dowager Ling wept and said, "He worked so diligently for me, yet I never saw him happy even once!" Therefore, Empress Dowager Ling bestowed upon him three hundred pieces of silk and ten pieces of yellow silk for funeral expenses. Seven days later, she held a Buddhist memorial service for him with two hundred monks and also gave him fifty pieces of cloth for alms. Those who were close to him felt honored.
Ping Ji, also known as Zhimu, was from Ji County, Yan State. His grandfather Ping Ji served as the Governor of Wuwei. His father Ping Ya was a scholar in the province and conspired with the monk Fashou in rebellion, resulting in his execution. Ping Ji was sentenced to hard labor for his involvement and later entered the palace as an official.
After a long time, he was promoted to be a minor Yellow Gate official. Due to offending the emperor, he was demoted to be a county magistrate in Luxian, but he did not take up the post. Later, he was appointed to a position at the emperor's request. After Empress Dowager Ling resumed power, she appointed him as General of Ning Shuo, Colonel of Changshui Command, and also the Yellow Gate Commander. He was later promoted to Front General and Middle Supervisor. At that time, there were ongoing conflicts in various regions, and the Empress Dowager frequently dispatched Ping Ji on diplomatic missions.
Once, he visited the troops in the west. On his way back, passing through Tongguan, the Qiang people from Huazhou, led by Shunming and others, occupied a strategic position and revolted. General Jiang Daoming was unable to quell the rebellion. As a result, Shunming sent over ten men feigning surrender to infiltrate Jiang Daoming's army, then coordinated inside and out, leading to the disintegration of his forces.
Later, he was appointed as the governor of Xinxing. Following Emperor Suzong's death, he and others deliberated on supporting the enthronement of Emperor Zhuang. After Emperor Zhuang ascended the throne, he was promoted to General of the North and appointed Governor of Sizhou. Not long after, he was promoted to General-in-Chief and Central Chamberlain. Because of his involvement in planning the enthronement of the emperor, he was granted the title of Marquis of Yuancheng County, with a fief of seven hundred households. He was also elevated to the rank of Golden Purple Illuminated Excellency, Grand Central Supervisor of Youzhou, and soon also served as Central Supervisor of Yanzhou, Anzhou, Pingzhou, and Yingzhou. Later, the former Emperor restored him to General of Chariots and Cavalry, retaining his position as Central Chamberlain. During the Yongxi era, he was further appointed as General of the Valiant Cavalry. When Pingji fell ill, the emperor sent people to comfort him. In September of the third year, Pingji passed away. During the Tianping era, the court posthumously conferred upon him the title of Commissioner, Commander of the Military Affairs of You, Yan, An, and Ping provinces, Equal to the Three Excellencies, and Governor of Youzhou, with no change in his titles of Central Chamberlain, General, and Marquis. Initially, Pingji's title passed to his brother Ping Shuliang, and after Ping Shuliang's death, his son Ping Shizhou inherited the title. After Northern Qi's abdication, the title was downgraded according to regulations.
Feng Jin, with the courtesy name Chouhan, hailed from Poxian in Bohai. His grandfather Feng Yu served as the deputy general of Baogu Luozhen during the Zhenjun period but was executed for corruption. His father Feng Lingde married the daughter of Dang Bao. Dang Bao was later killed, and Feng Lingde was punished due to his association with Dang Bao. Feng Jin also faced punishment and later served in the imperial court.
He held official positions for a long time, and later was promoted to Gentleman Attendant, and then promoted to General of the Imperial Carriage. When Tang Suzong had just become emperor, a bandit named Dacheng emerged in Jizhou. The emperor sent him as a morale boost for the troops and reassurance for the locals. However, he had never lived in his hometown, so the people there were not particularly fond of him. Later, Empress Dowager Ling asked him to write a letter to Emperor Suzong. After that, he was promoted to Changshan Prefect.
At the beginning of the Xiaochang period, he was promoted to Gentleman Attendant, also given the title of General of Barbarian Conquest, and was appointed as Grand Master of the Palace Guards, overseeing the palace guard, and also serving as the Chief Justice of Jizhou. He was then promoted to Jinzi Guanglu Dafu, and his influence continued to expand. Two years later, he was appointed as the Duke of Dongguang County, with a fief of two hundred households, and was also made General of Zhen Nan, concurrently serving as the Chief Envoy to the Central and Western Regions, responsible for comforting the troops in various places. Later, he was later appointed as a Cavalier Attendant, General Conquering the East, and Governor of Jizhou. At the beginning of the Yong'an period, he became Gentleman Attendant, Guard General, and shortly after was promoted to Dachangqiu and Right Guanglu Dafu. In the Taichang period, he was further promoted to Biaoqi General and Yitong Sanqi. He grew up in the palace from a young age, serving by the emperor's side, and was very good at observing and understanding people.
At the beginning of the Tianping period, he was promoted to Kaifu Yitong Sanqi, retaining his original military position, and also became Governor of Huaizhou. In the Yuanxiang period, he was Gentleman Attendant, Dachangqiu Qing, and continued to serve as Kaifu Yitong Sanqi. He passed away in the summer at the age of sixty-two years. Posthumously, he was posthumously appointed as the Commander of Military Affairs for the Four Provinces of Jiyi, Yunguan, General, Minister of Personnel, Governor of Jizhou, and posthumously granted the title of Xiaohui.
He raised his adopted son, Changye, to adulthood, and Changye inherited his title. Later, the Qi dynasty seized power, and according to custom, his title was subsequently downgraded.
Jin Xiong, styled Yuanji, fled in all directions to escape the chaos of war and was later pardoned. During the Taihe era, he became a court official and also served as a military officer for the King of Zhao County in Jizhou and the military officer for the King of Pengcheng in Dingzhou. He later became a minister of state and a cavalry captain. Due to his contributions in the campaign against the Great Sect, he was appointed as the Left Zhonglang General and later promoted to Longxiang General and Central Official. During the Xiaochang era, he served successively as the Governor of Hengnong County and the Governor of Wuyi County. Not long after, he was promoted to General of Conquest and the Inspector of Guangzhou. After returning to court, he was appointed as the General for Pacifying the East and a Grand Gentleman of the Golden and Purple Ranks, and then further promoted to General of the Imperial Guard and a Grand Gentleman of the Court. Ultimately, he reached the position of Guard General and Right Grand Gentleman of the Court. Initially, Jin was ordered by the emperor to oversee the construction of his father’s mausoleum, the King of Guangping County. During the Yongxi era, due to his achievements in building the mausoleum, he was granted the title of Duke of Kaiguo for Jin Chengwei, with a fief of three hundred households. After Jin obtained his title, he petitioned the court to pass the title to his brother Ping. Later, Ping was promoted to Grand General of the Guard and Left Grand Gentleman of the Court. He passed away in the summer of the third year of Xinghe at the age of sixty-seven. Ping lacked any notable talents or skills; all his official positions and qualifications throughout his life relied entirely on his brother Jin. After Jin's death, Ping did not receive any posthumous honors. His son Ling Su inherited his title. After the Northern Qi ascended to power, in accordance with regulations, his title was subsequently downgraded. Jin's cousin Da reached the position of Grand Gentleman of the Court. His son Zong Xian served as an aide to the Minister of Construction.
Liu Siyi, from Pingyuan. His father Liu Zhi once served as the Governor of Wuyi. He conspired with Yuan Yu in Xindu, resulting in his execution. Liu Siyi was subjected to castration when he was young. He started as a minor historian, then became a palace eunuch. It was a long time before he was appointed as a minor palace attendant, then promoted to serve as a court attendant, but was later dismissed due to misconduct. He was then appointed as the Governor of Dongguan. Although Liu Siyi served as a eunuch in the palace, he had a bold personality, had a carefree and indulgent demeanor, liked to make friends, and travel around. He was later appointed as the Left General, Grand Chamberlain, then promoted to Palace Attendant and General of Pingdong. During the Wuding era, he conspired with Yuan Jin and others, resulting in his execution.
At that time, there were two guys named Zhang Jingsong and Mao Chang, both serving by the side of Emperor Suzong, and both were clever and capable, highly regarded by the Emperor. They were both minor palace attendants, often taking the opportunity to speak ill of Yuan Zai in front of Emperor Suzong. Yuan Zai was later expelled from the court, and Zhang Jingsong and Mao Chang contributed a lot.
Later, Empress Dowager Ling took power again, but did not immediately kill Yuan Zai. At that time, rumors circulated throughout the court that "Yuan Zai was about to regain power." Mao Chang and others were afraid of trouble, so they quickly approached Emperor Suzong, hoping to secretly order the Right Guard General Yang Jin to go and kill Yuan Zai. The imperial edict had been drafted but had not yet been issued.
Consequently, Yuan Zai's wife knew about this and went to the Empress Dowager to accuse, saying, "Zhang Jingsong, Mao Chang, and Prince Li Shao of Qinghe want to depose the Empress Dowager!" The Empress Dowager took it seriously, so she questioned Mao Chang, who presented the drafted edict to her. The Empress Dowager recognized there was no intention to depose her and felt somewhat reassured. However, Yuan Zai's wife persisted in her accusations, ultimately raising the Empress Dowager's suspicions. Shortly after, Mao Chang was demoted to become the Governor of Dunqiu. Later, Zhang Jingsong was also demoted to become the Governor of Luxian.
The Empress Dowager secretly sent an inspector to capture Mao Chang, who managed to escape but was ultimately captured and executed. Later, when Zhang Jingsong entered the capital, the Empress Dowager brought up the schemes he had plotted with Mao Chang and harshly reprimanded him. Subsequently, Zhang Jingsong became the prefect of Yangcheng and Xingyang. During the reign of Emperor Xiaojing, he achieved the rank of Central Attendant, but was ultimately executed for misconduct. Thus, the historian noted.
