Emperor Jingmu had fourteen sons in total, including Prince Yangping, Prince Jingzhao, Prince Jiyin, Prince Ruyin, Prince Lelang, and Prince Guangping, among others. His wife, Empress Gong, gave birth to Emperor Wencheng. Yuan Jiaofang gave birth to Prince Yangping You, known as Xincheng. Wei Jiaofang gave birth to Prince Jingzhao Kang, Zitu, and Prince Jiyin, known as Xiao Xincheng. Yang Jiaofang gave birth to Prince Ruyin Ling, Tianci. The names of the mothers of Prince Lelang Li and Prince Guangping Shang remain unrecorded. Meng Jiaofang gave birth to Prince Rencheng Kang, Yun. Liu Jiaofang gave birth to Prince Nanan Hui, known as Zhen, and Prince Chengyang Kang, known as Changshou. Murong Jiaofang gave birth to Prince Zhangwu Jing, also known as Tailuo. Wei Jiaofang also gave birth to Prince Leling Kang, Hu'er. Meng Jiaofang also gave birth to Prince Anding Jing, Xiu. Prince Zhao Shen passed away at a young age and left no descendants; his mother's identity is likewise unrecorded. At that time, the concubines of the former crown princess of the Wei dynasty did not hold formal titles. After Emperor Gaozong ascended the throne, all the palace women who had given birth were granted the title 'Jiaofang.'
King Xin of Yangping became a king in the third year of Taian and was appointed Grand General of the West. Later, he held an important position in the court. After his death, he was posthumously given the title "King You." His eldest son Anshou inherited the title, and the founding emperor named him Yi. Anshou was promoted all the way to become the Grand General of Huaishuo Town, responsible for commanding the military across three regions and ordered to march north to conduct a campaign. The emperor summoned him back to the capital and encouraged him to fight valiantly. Anshou replied, "I will certainly rely on the strategies passed down by our ancestors, and like the Huhanye Chanyu back then, I will pay tribute to the court." The emperor exclaimed, "Excellent! This is precisely what I hoped for!" Before Anshou could set off, he became involved in the funeral arrangements for his mother. The emperor sent condolences and urged him to depart as soon as possible. Anshou set off after handling the funeral arrangements, and together with Lu Rui, he convened the generals of the three regions to discuss the marching route. The central army set off from Heishan, the eastern army advanced towards Shilu River, and the western army marched towards Houyan River. The army passed through Daqi and achieved a great victory over the Rouran. After Anshou returned to the court, the emperor said, "What you said earlier was indeed correct!" Later, Anshou was appointed as the Inspector of Shuozhou. When the Inspector of Hengzhou, Mu Tai, rebelled, some people wanted to enthrone Anshou as the leader. However, Anshou secretly reported this to the emperor, and Mu Tai and others were executed, which greatly pleased the emperor. In the first year of the Jiaming reign, Anshou passed away while he was serving as the Inspector of Qingzhou, and he was posthumously honored as "King Zhuang." His title passed to his grandson Zongyin, but during the reign of Emperor Suzong, Zongyin was executed for killing his uncle, and his title was subsequently revoked.
Let's first talk about Yidi Yan, courtesy name Anle. The emperor awarded him the title of Marquis of Guangling. He became the governor of Liangzhou and submitted a petition requesting the emperor to grant him the title of "acting king" to seem more imposing. The emperor responded, "Isn't that a bit greedy? I can't grant that request!" Later, he was transferred as the governor of Xuzhou, but he fell seriously ill shortly after arriving. The emperor dispatched Xu Chengbo to hurry over to treat him. After he recovered, Xu Chengbo returned, and the emperor praised him, exclaiming, "You are truly a famous doctor!" He rewarded him with three thousand bolts of silk. Xu Chengbo declined, asking for only one thousand rolls. The emperor said, "The Book of Songs states, 'When a person passes away, the state suffers,' just because you saved Yan, what is three thousand rolls of silk?" This illustrates the emperor's high regard for Yan. Later, Yan's birth mother, Lady Lei, passed away, and he submitted a petition to resign from his official position. The emperor said, "When your father passed away, I arranged a grand burial for him according to the rites, but the rites have since become somewhat relaxed. Since you are a royal relative, you should adhere to the traditional rites to demonstrate your filial piety." Ultimately, Yan passed away while serving as the governor of Yongzhou and was posthumously awarded the title of Marquis of Kang. Yan was known for his integrity; wherever he served, he upheld a clean and upright administration, never seeking wealth. He served as the governor of four provinces, achieving outstanding accomplishments, and when he passed away, his family couldn't even afford the funeral expenses. He had a son named Chang.
Yan's younger brother is named Qin, with the courtesy name Siruo. He held various official positions such as the Minister of the Central Secretariat, the Right Deputy Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, and the Secretary of the Three Offices. Qin had particularly dark skin, so people at that time called him "Black-faced Deputy Minister." Qin committed an embarrassing act; he got involved with his brother's wife, Lady Cui, and was impeached by the Imperial Censorate, but was later pardoned during a general amnesty. He later became the Governor of Sizhou. Qin was a diligent learner when he was young and enjoyed a good reputation. Some people at that time said, "Among the royal offspring, only Shou'an and Siruo (referring to Qin) are outstanding." However, when he later held high office, he failed to make any significant contributions, and intelligent people looked down on him. Once, Qin asked a monk named Shou from Qingzhou to find a teacher for his son, but the teacher left shortly after arriving. Qin blamed Shou for this incident. Shou, being witty, returned the blame to Qin, saying, "Ordinary people can survive for seven days without food, but the teacher you invited only stayed for five days. It seems that your hospitality was lacking!" Qin felt ashamed and became more generous in his interactions with others. He later became the Minister of Works and was granted the title of Duke of Juping County. He was eventually assassinated in Heyin and was posthumously granted the titles of Marquis of Jiahuangyue, Grand Preceptor, and Grand Commandant.
Yan's other brother is named Chang, with the courtesy name Shurong. He was not particularly good-looking but had strong martial arts skills. Emperor Zhuang wanted to kill Erzhu Rong, so he appointed Rong as the General of the Direct Guard. Later, when Erzhu Zhao attacked Luoyang, Rong fled.
The filial son is named Jiye, who enjoyed a good reputation from a young age. When he was eight years old, the Minister of Works Cui Guang saw him and remarked, "He will surely be the one to lead others in the future!"
Jingzhao Wang, named Zituo, was granted the title of king in the fifth year of Tai'an. He served as a court attendant, General of the Southern Expedition, and General of Chang'an. Zituo was known for his calm and refined demeanor, skilled in winning the hearts of the people, and was respected by the people of Qinzhou and Yongzhou for his benevolence. Later, he returned to the court to serve as a high-ranking official, excelling in handling legal cases. Emperor Xianzu originally intended to abdicate the throne to Zituo, but the ministers strongly advised against it, so it was ultimately passed to Emperor Gaozu. After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, he appointed Zituo as a court attendant, General, and Grand Commandant, as well as Governor of Qingzhou, but unfortunately, Zituo died before he could take up his post.
Zituo's son, Zitaixing, inherited the title and was appointed as General of Chang'an, but he was dismissed and had his title revoked because of his greed. Later, he was appointed as the Secretary of the Secretariat, restored to his previous title, and appointed as the commander of Tongwan, and his title was changed to King of Xihe. He was then reassigned to oversee the town of Xiazhou, still serving as governor. He also held the position of Guarding Wei Qing. In his early years, Zitaixing fell ill and invited numerous monks to conduct rituals, donating all his wealth to pray for recovery, a ritual known as "Scattering Life Offerings." After the fasting period ended, the monks all left, leaving only one monk who came to ask for the leftover offerings. Zitaixing jokingly said, "The offerings are finished; only wine and meat are left." The monk replied, "I can eat that too." So Zitaixing brought out a measure of wine and a leg of lamb; after the monk finished eating, he claimed he still hadn't had enough. After the monk left, Zitaixing found that the wine and meat were still there, and when he chased after him, he could not find him. So Zitaixing made a vow in front of the Buddha statue, saying that the monk must not be an ordinary person, and if he recovered, he would renounce his title and become a monk. Not long after, he recovered, and thus he requested to become a monk. He submitted petitions more than ten times before receiving permission. At that time, Emperor Gaozu was engaged in military campaigns in the south and issued a decree for the crown prince to shave his head on the eighth day of the fourth month, also bestowing two thousand bolts of cloth. After becoming a monk, he changed his name to Sengyi and resided at Songshan. He died in the twenty-second year of Taihe.
Zitai Xing's son, Zimao (courtesy name Bohui), inherited the title and later died. Zimao's son, Zicong (courtesy name Weiqing), inherited the title. During Emperor Xiaojing's reign, he held the position of Grand Commandant, Registrar of the Ministry of Personnel, Governor of Sizhou, and Inspector of Qingzhou. He died in Qingzhou and was posthumously granted the titles of Grand Preceptor, Grand Tutor, and the honorific title Wen. Zicong was known for his generosity and gentleness, with a broad-minded character, handsome appearance, and graceful demeanor. Regardless of whether he faced joyful or sorrowful events, his expression remained unchanged. He was honest and frugal, not engaged in business activities, and when he died, his family was left with no wealth.
His elder brother was Sima Zhongjing, who was particularly stern. During Emperor Zhuang's reign, he simultaneously served as the Deputy Censor-in-Chief, and the entire capital became orderly under his rule. Every time he went to court, he rode a red cow, so people at the time called him "Deputy on the Red Cow." During the Taichang era, he became the Governor of Henan, enforcing the law fairly and showing no favoritism. At that time, the subordinates of the Minister of Personnel, Fan Zihu, were acting tyrannically and engaging in petty theft, but Zhongjing secretly arrested all of them, letting not a single one go, executing them immediately. This instilled fear in the high officials. When the emperor planned to relocate westward, he appointed Zhongjing as the Grand Commander of the Central Army, leaving him in charge of guarding the capital. When King Xian of Qi wanted to enter Luoyang, Zhongjing abandoned his wife and children to flee.
His younger brother Sima Xian, styled Shuzhao. When Emperor Zhuang first took the throne, Sima Xian was appointed as the Governor of Nanyan Province. He ruled the province with cruelty and brutality, killing many. When Yuan Hao attacked Luoyang, Sima Xian firmly defended the provincial city and did not surrender to the enemy. After Emperor Zhuang returned to the palace, he bestowed upon him the title of King of Ruyang and transferred him to Qinzhou as governor. Previously, the common folk in Qinzhou frequently revolted, and Sima Xian killed most of them, leaving just a fraction of them alive. In the first year of the Putai era, he was appointed as the governor of Liangzhou, and his greed and tyranny reached new heights. He wanted to seize the property of the provincial officials and wealthy Hu merchants, so he forged an imperial document to trick those wealthy men into believing they were being rewarded, ultimately killing them all and taking their wealth and families for himself. During the reign of Emperor Xiaojing, he served as a palace attendant and was in charge of the Ministry of State. After his death, he was posthumously granted the title of Grand Tutor and Minister of State. His son Sima Chong inherited his title. Unfortunately, Sima Chong had no sons, so the title died out. Sima Zhongjing's younger brother Sima Yao, styled Taiyuan, was highly talented and respected. He followed Emperor Gaozu on his southern campaigns, was appointed as the General of the Left Guard, and was granted the title of Marquis of Raoyang. When Emperor Shizong first ascended the throne, Sima Yao's biological mother passed away, and he submitted his resignation. The emperor said, "You're old, and I can't bear to let you go," so he did not approve his request.
When Tang Suzong just came to power, Li Xian's official position rose all the way, eventually becoming the Left Minister of Rites and also serving as a military protector. Later, he was transferred to the Jizhou governor. He found that the Hu people in Jizhou had never registered their households before, with good and bad people mixed together, making it impossible to tell them apart, so he ordered all the Hu people to register their households. He also thought that since the Hu people had registered their households, they should pay taxes to bolster military funding. But the Hu people resisted, so they colluded to falsely accuse Li Xian of accepting bribes, with the bribes being golden horses. The investigation found that the evidence corroborated the Hu people's testimonies, and Li Xian was subsequently dismissed from his position. Li Xian felt wronged and continued to appeal, so the emperor ordered the relevant departments to reinvestigate, eventually uncovering the truth and exonerating him. Afterwards, he was promoted to Right Guanglu Doctor.
At that time, there was a monk named Fa Qing in Jizhou, who practiced sorcery, deceiving people's minds, and even bewitching Li Guibo from Bo Hai. Li Guibo's whole family fell under his spell, and together with the villagers, they elected Fa Qing as their leader. Fa Qing bestowed upon Li Guibo the titles of "Ten-Residence Bodhisattva, Demon-Suppressing General, and King of Han," while he proclaimed himself as "Mahayana." They also set forth a sinister doctrine: killing one person counted as one Bodhisattva, killing ten people meant ten Bodhisattvas. They also created a hallucinogenic drug that, when ingested, caused people to not recognize their fathers, sons, or brothers, only knowing to kill indiscriminately.
This group gathered, first assassinating the magistrate of Fucheng County, then assaulting Bohai County, where they killed many officials. At that time, Xiao Baoyin, the Governor of Jizhou, sent his Chief of Staff, Cui Boliang, to quell the uprising, but was defeated at Zhuzhao City, and Cui Boliang was killed in battle. Fa Qing's power grew increasingly strong, as he burned, killed, and looted temples, slaughtered monks and nuns, and desecrated Buddhist statues, while claiming a new Buddha had emerged to vanquish the old demons. The court then sent Li Xian to carry the imperial edict and lead the northern military campaign, commanding an army of one hundred thousand infantry and cavalry to subdue them. Fa Qing launched an attack against Li Xian but was defeated. Li Xian then dispatched General Zhang Qiu and others to pursue with cavalry, crushing the rebellion, capturing Fa Qing and his wife, Ni Huihui, beheading them, and sending their heads to the capital. Later, Li Guibo was captured as well and executed in the capital.
At the beginning, Yao Dagong and his brothers were all grandsons of Emperor Gongzong. By the time of Emperor Suzong, the original clan system had already broken down. Therefore, the court canceled Yao Dagong and his clan's household registration. Yao Dagong submitted a memorial stating: "I have heard that the reason why a sage can face south and govern the world is because familial affection and honor cannot be changed. According to regulations, after four generations, the clan members wear plain clothing; after five generations, they are exempt from certain duties; and after six generations, the kinship ties are severed. Beyond these six generations, although the surname is still used for connection, the treatment is no longer the same. The law also states that considering clan relatives includes not only current relatives but also those within five generations of the late emperor. I have studied these regulations carefully to advocate for the expansion of the imperial family and to strengthen the royal foundation. The late emperor revised these regulations and instituted new ones during the Taihe period because he was planning to manage Wu and Shu, and the early state was financially strained, so he temporarily reduced expenditures. Furthermore, when King Linhuai was assigned to a different household registration, Emperor Gaozu bestowed upon him three thousand bolts of silk to show the significance of this separation; King Yeliang was also given two thousand bolts of fine silk to express affection. These were all the good intentions of the previous emperors, done out of necessity! The ancients said, 'A centipede with a hundred feet does not die stiff,' because it has many legs to assist its survival. I genuinely do not seek high positions; I only wish for a bit of favor. I am just worried that if the royal family is weakened even a bit, then the number of those belonging to the emperor's household will be reduced to just a handful. During the Han dynasty, regardless of how many sons the kings had, they were all granted land and titled as marquises; by the Wei and Jin dynasties, land was even more widely granted, and titles of dukes were conferred. This was all out of concern for the stability of the royal family and the distancing of familial affection. Although I am five generations away from the emperor, I am a grandson of the late emperor. Emperor Gaozu provided both the state stipend and food, while other clans only provided taxes and no food, to differentiate between the inner and outer circles and to delineate distinctions. Now, the image of the late emperor still lingers in my heart; the grief over the late emperor's passing has suddenly overwhelmed me. Those who were conferred titles can only reclaim their titles after three years of mourning upon their death. Now that the court is still in a state of emergency, it is not the right time to discuss this matter." He submitted the memorial to the Ministry of Personnel for discussion and then reported it to the court. Both the Minister of Personnel, King Cheng of Rencheng, and the Left Minister of Personnel, Yuan Hui, agreed with Yao Dagong's memorial. However, Empress Dowager Ling did not agree. Yao Dagong eventually passed away and was posthumously granted the title Duke Xuan.
My younger brother Heng, style name Jing'an, was somewhat knowledgeable. He thought it was not good to use the principles from the "Spring and Autumn Annals" to name himself, so he preferred names inspired by mountains and rivers and requested to change his name to Zhi. He later became a high-ranking official, serving as the Minister of Ceremonies, Director of the Palace Library, and Palace Attendant. He was ultimately murdered in Heyin. After his death, he was posthumously granted the titles of Grand Tutor and Duke of Situ, with the posthumous title of Duke Xuanmu.
King Xiaoxin of Jiyin was enfeoffed as a king in the second year of the He Ping era. He had great military talent. When the Kumoxi invaded, the court sent Xiaoxin to lead troops to attack. Xiaoxin prepared a large quantity of poisoned wine, and when the enemy approached the camp, he abandoned the camp and fled. The enemy pursued, joyfully consuming the wine without any caution. Xiaoxin then selected light cavalry, attacked the intoxicated enemy fiercely, and captured and killed many of them. He subsequently rose to a high-ranking official position in the capital. After his death, he was posthumously honored as Grand General, with the posthumous title of Duke Hui.
His son Yu, style name Fusheng, inherited the throne. He held the title of Kaifu. Later, he became the Inspector of Xuzhou, but he was executed for corruption and bribery, and his royal title was revoked.
My eldest son Bi, style name Yongming, was upright and knowledgeable. He became a Palace Attendant. In theory, he should have inherited the ancestral title, but because his uncle, who was the Minister of Works, gained the emperor's favor, the title was taken away and given to Bi's half-brother Dan. So Bi completely gave up his official career, feigned illness and returned home. Emperor Shizong summoned him to be a Palace Attendant, but he firmly declined in a written memorial. He ran to Mount Song, lived in a cave, dressed in coarse cloth, and subsisted on vegetarian food, eventually dying there. In the first year of Jianyi, his son Huiye petitioned for his father's case, and eventually the title was reinstated. In the third year of Yong'an, he was posthumously honored as Prefect of the Masters of Writing and Duke of Situ, with the posthumous title of Duke Wenzhen. In his early years, Bi once dreamed that someone told him, "You cannot inherit the hereditary title yourself, and your eldest son Shaoyuan will inherit your title in the future." When Bi woke up, he told Huiye about the dream. The result was exactly as the dream foretold.
Huiye was a bit of a rogue in his youth, often hanging out with thieves. Later, he turned over a new leaf, started reading history books, and wrote many articles. He was a very ambitious person. He served as Minister of Engineering and Grand Marshal and was even granted the title of Special Advisor, appointed as Chief of the Imperial Secretariat, and in charge of the Imperial Library. He held a prestigious position. Emperor Wenxuan of Qi once asked him, "What kind of books do you usually read?" Huiye replied, "I often read biographies of Yi Yin and Huo Guang, and not books like those of Cao Zhi and Sima Xiangru." Later, Huiye felt that the situation was not good, so he no longer pursued fame and fortune, spending his days eating and drinking. He would feast on three sheep in a day and a cow every three days. He even wrote a poem: "In the past, during times of peace and prosperity, talents flourished and the world thrived; now, the times are hard, and villains run rampant." After the establishment of the Qi dynasty, he was demoted to the title of Marquis of Meiyang, appointed as Chief of the Left Army and Special Advisor. During his time in Jinyang, he did not associate with anyone, and in his spare time, he wrote a book called "Record of the Imperial Clan," consisting of forty volumes, recording the family history of the imperial relatives of the Wei dynasty, which became widely known.
Huiye's younger brother Zhaoye was also a knowledgeable person and served as a Censor of the Court. Once when Emperor Zhuang wanted to go to Luonan, Zhaoye blocked the emperor's horse at the palace gate to offer his counsel. The emperor sidestepped him but later commended him. Zhaoye later served as a Supervisor of the Yellow Gate, General of the Guards, and Right Chief of the Court. He was posthumously conferred the title of Marquis Wen. Huiye's other younger brother, Yu, who was styled Zhongxuan, served as Grand Master of the Palace before his passing.
Huiye's son was born, named Tanshou. His uncle Yu was executed for corruption, and his noble title was also revoked. In the third year of Jingming, Tanshou submitted a petition stating that his uncle Yu inherited the title due to his old age, and now it has been revoked due to his crimes; this inheritance was originally a mistake and should rightfully belong to me. The emperor decreed: since Yan is the son of the original consort and Tanshou's mother, and also the legitimate grandson of King Jiyin, he can inherit the title and carry on the family legacy. After Tanshou inherited the title, he was appointed as the governor of Qizhou. In Qizhou, he was extremely greedy and tyrannical, making life miserable for the locals; he stole cows, horses, and donkeys, and even forced his slaves to abduct virtuous women to be their wives. A monk returning from gathering herbs was asked by Tanshou: "Master, what news do you bring from outside?" The monk replied: "I have only heard that you are insatiably greedy and hope you will reform soon." Tanshou responded: "There are seventy thousand households in Qizhou; I have been here for so long and have not received even thirty coins from a single household. How can they say I am greedy?" Later, the Inspector General Yuan Zuan exposed Tanshou's crimes, but it happened to coincide with a general amnesty, so he was pardoned. He later passed away and was posthumously honored as King Jing.
Tanshou's son Fu, styled Boyi, inherited the title. When Emperor Zhuang ascended to the throne, he once asked for the princely title to be restored for his cousin Huiye.
Yan's brother Li, styled Baozhang, held a prominent position, concurrently serving as the Minister of Rites and General of the Right Guard, and later promoted to Grand Master of Ceremonies, while still retaining his previous positions. At that time, Wang Fazhi from Tuge in Qinzhou backed the district chief Lu Gou'er as the leader, claiming to be in the first year of Jianming, and established a bureaucratic system, attacking various districts and counties. In Jingzhou, there was a man named Chen Zhan who also raised an army, declaring himself emperor and claiming to be in the first year of Shengming. The court then dispatched Li as the envoy, commander, and governor of Qinzhou, sending him with Deputy Officer Yang Chun to put down the rebellion.
Lü Gou'er set up camp with over 100,000 troops at Gushan, occupying a strategic position and surrounding the city so tightly that not a single person could escape. Li personally led the charge, won a great victory, and then marched towards Yongluo. The rebel forces attempted to counterattack, but Li drove them away at night. Li Shao, who was responsible for Qinzhou's affairs, also defeated Lü Gou'er at Gushan, pursued him for thirty miles after the victory, captured Lü Gou'er’s parents, wife, and children, and killed five henchmen of the rebel leaders. The remaining rebel forces surrendered one after another, and the besieging rebel forces scattered. Lü Gou'er, along with more than thirty nobles, went to Li to apologize. Meanwhile, Yang Chun also killed Chen Zhan.
Taking advantage of the opportunity to suppress the rebellion, Li arbitrarily executed innocent civilians, arresting more than 700 innocent people. Emperor Song Shizong, considering his military achievements, ordered that his responsibility not be pursued. Later, he was appointed as the governor of Yongzhou, administering with an iron fist, and both officials and commoners feared him. His wife Cui gave birth to a son, and Li released all the death row inmates and exiles whose cases had not been reported to the court. He was later promoted to the governor of Jizhou, and eventually became the Left Chancellor at court.
The emperor asked him, "I heard that you arbitrarily executed innocent people in the province, wronged many people, and killed many Taoist priests?" Li replied, "I probably killed about two hundred Taoist priests in Jizhou; is that a lot?" The emperor said, "If something is misplaced, it is like throwing it into a ditch, let alone the fact that you killed two hundred Taoist priests and claim it’s not a lot?" Li quickly removed his hat in a gesture of apology, and the emperor asked him to sit down. Li Yandi later died and was posthumously bestowed the title 'Wei.'
Zi Xian has been very principled since childhood, serving as a junior military officer. Every time Minister Cui Guang saw him, he would say, "Junior Officer Yuan is elegant, refined, and graceful, truly the material of a prime minister!" Later, he was appointed as the Chief Clerk of Andong Prefecture in Xuzhou. When the governor Yuan Faseng rebelled, Xian fought against him and was captured, facing execution due to guilt by association. Xian said, "Although Yuan Faseng and I are from the same clan but different branches, we both belong to the Panshi family. However, he has betrayed the court. If Dong Hu were to write a historical record, how could I not feel ashamed?" Therefore, he refused to admit guilt. Even when Yuan Faseng tried to persuade him, Xian said, "I would rather be an evil spirit in the afterlife than a traitor!" When the time for his execution came, he remained calm and collected. In the early years of the Northern Wei Dynasty, he was posthumously appointed as the Governor of Qinzhou.
Wang Tianci of Ruyin was granted the title of prince in the third year of the He Ping era, becoming the Grand General of the South and the Commander of Hulao. He later served as an official in the imperial capital. In the early reign of Gaozu, the Palace Secretary Hu Mohan summoned wealthy and able-bodied men from the Western Rouran tribes to serve as palace warriors, but he accepted bribes and made unfair selections. This angered many people, leading to the killing of Hu Mohan and the false general of Gaoping, Xiling. As a result, the various Rouran factions rebelled. The court ordered Tianci and the Censor Luo Yun to lead troops to suppress the rebellion. The vanguard Rouran soldiers pretended to surrender, and Luo Yun believed them. Deputy General Yuan Fu said, "The Rouran people's expressions are off, they might change their minds. If we don't prepare well now, we will suffer a great loss!" But Luo Yun did not listen. Thousands of Rouran cavalry attacked Luo Yun, which led to his death. Tianci narrowly escaped with his life. Later, Tianci was appointed as the Grand General of the North and the General Protector of the Xiongnu, receiving multiple promotions and eventually becoming the Grand General of Huaishuo Garrison. Due to his corruption and brutality, he was stripped of his titles though he was spared the death penalty. After his death, Gaozu wept for him at the Sizheng Pavilion, restored his title, and buried him with princely honors. He was posthumously honored as the Spirit King.
Zi Cheng, styled Wan'an, died while serving as the governor of Qizhou and was posthumously honored with the title of Wei. His son, Qinghe, served as the governor of Eastern Yu Province. When attacked by the army of Xiao Yan, the entire city surrendered. Xiao Yan appointed him as the governor of the Northern Circuit and the Prince of Wei. When he reached Xiangcheng, the court dispatched troops to subdue him, and Qinghe fled as soon as he heard the news. Xiao Yan chastised him, saying, "You talk as much as a lark, but your courage is as small as a mouse!" He was subsequently demoted to Hepu.
Zi Cheng's younger brother, Fan, styled Pu'an, gradually rose from an ordinary official to the governor of Yingzhou. He was greedy and cruel, and the people could no longer endure his rule, so they drove him away, and Fan fled to Pingzhou. Later, he was appointed as a Grand Minister of Ceremonies and Minister of Rites, and granted the title of Marquis of Dongyan County. He was killed in Heyin.
Heaven blessed him with a fifth son named Xiu Yi, styled Shou'an. He was well-read and exceptionally talented, earning the appreciation of Emperor Gaozu. He rose step by step from a minor official to the position of Left General and governor of Qizhou. Because governors of Qizhou often died, Xiu Yi repeatedly submitted requests to resign. The emperor issued a decree stating, "Lifespan is predetermined by heaven, but fortune and misfortune depend on human actions. Why are you overly worried and fearful, thereby neglecting your crucial duty of safeguarding this region? It is possible to transfer from a dangerous place to a favorable one, and I will permit you to set up a new office." Thus, the office was moved to Dongcheng. Xiu Yi ruled with kindness and compassion, showing great care for the people. Throughout his four years in Qizhou, he did not execute a single person, and the people held him in fond memory. Later, he was promoted to governor of Qinzhou.
In the early years of Emperor Suzong's reign, Xiu Yi submitted a memorial detailing the circumstances of commoners Xi and Yu, requesting a pardon for their offenses and permission for their burial. The Empress Dowager decreed, "Granting grace to bury the dead is done according to the Emperor's will; how can local officials overstep their bounds?" While in Qinzhou, Xiu Yi took numerous bribes. He later rose through the ranks to become the Minister of Personnel. When he gained the power to select officials, he was solely interested in money, establishing fixed prices for granting official positions. At that time, Grand Master Gao Ju sought promotion, and the court had ordered him to be promoted first. When the position of county magistrate in Shangdang County was vacant, Gao Ju requested to take on the role. Xiu Yi had privately promised the position to someone else, so he sidelined Gao Ju and denied him the role. Gao Ju spoke out of turn, prompting Xiu Yi to order his men to drag him away. Gao Ju shouted in front of everyone, "Thief catching a thief." Someone asked Gao Ju, "In broad daylight, in the court, where did the thief come from?" Gao Ju pointed at Xiu Yi and said, "The person sitting up there, going against the Emperor's decree, allowing the wealthy to buy official positions, openly looting in the capital, isn't he the big thief?" Xiu Yi's expression darkened. Gao Ju left cursing. Later, he wanted to request the Emperor to punish Xiu Yi, but the Left Deputy Xiao Baoyin dissuaded him, bringing the matter to a close.
During the Qin Rebellion, the court appointed Xiu Yi to concurrently serve as the Right Minister of the Secretariat, the Acting Governor of the West Road, and oversee the affairs of Qinzhou, commanding troops from various routes. Xiu Yi had a deep fondness for drinking, and every time he drank, he would continue for several days, which led to him catching a cold and becoming delirious. Even upon arriving in Chang'an, his condition failed to improve. After the defeat of Yuan Zhi, the rebel forces advanced eastward to Heishui, and the court sent Xiao Baoyin to suppress them, while also appointing Xiu Yi as the Governor of Yongzhou. Xiu Yi eventually passed away in Yongzhou, and the court posthumously conferred upon him the title of Minister of Works and granted him the posthumous name Wen. His son Jun rose to the position of Assistant Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. Wang Wanshou of Lelang was conferred the title of king in the third year of He Ping and appointed as the General Who Conquers the East, stationed in Helong. He was known to be greedy and tyrannical, and died on his way back to the capital after being summoned by the court, with the posthumous title of Li Wang. His son Wang Kang of Lelang succeeded him but later passed away. His son Changming succeeded him but was executed for murder, and the Lelang kingdom was also abolished.
During Emperor Suzong's reign, Zizhong was restored to his previous noble title and rose to the high position of Minor Minister of Rites. One time, the emperor was boating at Tianyuan Pool and invited the princes of the royal family to dine with him. Zizhong was an honest man but not particularly astute, and he had a particular fondness for fine clothing. That day, he wore a short jacket made of red silk with embroidered flowers on the collar, and his trousers were made of green satin with brocade borders. When the emperor saw him, he remarked, "Officials of the court should have a unified standard for their attire; why are you dressed like this, looking like a performer?" Zizhong replied, "I have loved these beautiful clothes since I was young; I have always dreamed of wearing the silk and satin clothes for singing and dancing; that is what I have always desired." The emperor, upon hearing this, sighed, "If a person lacks even a bit of integrity, they can reach such a state!"
Wang Luohou of Guangping was granted his title in the second year of He Ping. He later passed away, posthumously named Shang, and had no sons. Later, the fifth son of Wang You of Yangping succeeded him in the title.
Kuang, courtesy name Jianfu, was a straightforward and principled person. Emperor Shizong highly valued him and said, "Uncle, you will definitely be able to assist in governing the country and help me rule. Now change your name to Kuang, so that there will be a favorable outcome." After Emperor Shizong ascended the throne, Kuang continued to be promoted and eventually became the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. At that time, a man named Ru Hao was highly favored, and the court ministers were somewhat afraid of him. Once, when Emperor Shizong returned from the mausoleum, he ordered Kuang to accompany him in the carriage and also allowed Ru Hao to board. When Ru Hao lifted his clothes to board, Kuang dissuaded him. However, Emperor Shizong pushed Kuang off and let Ru Hao board, leading Ru Hao to resent Kuang. Contemporaries admired Kuang's loyalty and integrity. After Emperor Shizong personally ruled, he appointed Kuang as the Governor of Sizhou. Kuang, fearing being framed by Ru Hao, became increasingly cautious and diligent, achieving notable success in governance. Later, he was promoted to Inspector of Hengzhou, then summoned back to the court to serve as the Grand Supervisor and Chief of Henan Prefecture. Kuang memorialized, stating that princes, enfeoffed princes, and their wives were all called "fei," while the wives of lower-ranked enfeoffed princes were called "qi." He found the situation confusing. The Emperor said, "Husbands are noble in court, while wives are honored at home. There is no fixed standard for women's titles, and it should be based on the husband's rank. Since the lower-ranked enfeoffed princes have already been enfeoffed, their wives should also have the same title. The term 'qi' denotes equality, and their status is equal, so they can be called by the title 'fei'." After that, the titles for the wives of lower-ranked princes were officially established. Later, Kuang was promoted to Minister of Revenue. Kuang submitted a formal petition, citing precedents from Yeling and Zhangwu, requesting to inherit the title of Marquis of Luo. The Emperor handed this matter over to the Ministry of Personnel for their review and recommendation. The Ministry of Personnel requested permission for him to inherit the title to highlight the importance of restoring a noble lineage.
Kuang Heng had a contentious relationship with the Minister of Rites, Gao Zhao, always maintaining a demeanor of neither submissive nor arrogant. At that time, Emperor Shizong had entrusted all power to Gao Zhao, and the ministers in court were afraid of him; only Kuang Heng had the courage to oppose him. Kuang Heng prepared a coffin for himself and placed it in the hall, planning to carry it to the palace gate to confront Gao Zhao with his crimes, then take his own life to express his loyalty and integrity. Gao Zhao was furious when he heard this. Later, Kuang Heng and Liu Fang, the Minister of Rites, had a disagreement regarding the weighing system, which further deteriorated Kuang Heng's relationship with Gao Zhao. The Deputy Censor Wang Xian told Kuang Heng: "Since the Jin Dynasty forfeited the Mandate of Heaven, all kinds of fake and substandard goods have emerged one after another, rites and music have collapsed, and ethics and morals have been destroyed. The Great Wei rose in line with the Mandate of Heaven and unified the country. Emperor Gaozu, the Filial and Benevolent Emperor, was wise and holy, inheriting the will of Heaven and restoring the old laws and systems. He then ordered the then Minister of Rites, Gao Lu, to broadly summon Confucian scholars, search for materials from ancient music archives, and based on the 'Six Classics' and the historical records of various countries, use millet as a standard to establish measurements, with the aim of restoring the traditions of the Zhou and Han dynasties. Unfortunately, due to the relocation of the palace and other reasons, this work remains unfinished. Emperor Gaozu, with deep consideration, referenced classic texts, using the length of a millet grain as a standard to calculate various measurements, and then issued and implemented them."
It is said that during the Zhengshi era, there was a man named Gongsun Chong, who was formerly the Minister of Music. He suddenly had an idea and created a new measuring stick, defining an inch as the length of twelve grains of millet, and then recreated various measuring instruments according to this standard, even casting new bells. Once these items were completed, he put forward a request to the court for inspection. The emperor ordered the Minister of Rites, Chen Fang, to inspect the items created by Gongsun Chong and convened the ministers to discuss whether this ruler was accurate. Chen Fang felt that Gongsun Chong's ruler was different from those of previous dynasties, and after carefully reviewing the classics and historical texts, he determined that Gongsun Chong's ruler lacked any basis and should not be adopted.
At that time, Minister of Personnel Chen Zhaohu, Prince Qinghe Yi, and others also felt that the ruler made by Gongsun Chong was too absurd, completely different from the records in the "Book of Rites." So they submitted a memorial to the Emperor, suggesting that Minister Fang remake a set of measuring instruments based on the standards outlined in the "Book of Rites." After Minister Fang completed the new rulers, he carefully reviewed and chose the best option. Because Minister Fang still used the ruler of the previous dynasty, which was in line with the records of ancient classics, he used millet to determine the length of an inch according to the previous imperial edict and submitted the completed rulers to the court for the production of gold and stone objects. At that time, most people believed Minister Fang was right; only the Chamberlain of the Yellow Gate, Sun Huiwei, supported Gongsun Chong.
The two rulers differed in length, and the court engaged in repeated discussions and debates. In the end, Minister Zhaohu adopted Minister Fang's ruler. After Gongsun Chong's death, Sun Huiwei also made a ruler, claiming that this ruler supported Gongsun Chong. However, compared with Gongsun Chong's ruler, the two were at odds. After numerous measurements and comparisons, everyone agreed that Minister Fang's ruler was more accurate. At this time, Minister Kuang of the Ministry of Personnel submitted another memorial, saying that the lengths of the rulers made by Liu (Minister Fang) and Sun (Sun Huiwei) differed significantly, and upon careful examination of the two measurement systems, it was found that there were substantial differences between them. He said that medium-sized millet should be used to calibrate both rulers, and it was found that both rulers deviated from the standard medium-sized millet, and no suitable middle value could be determined. He then started fresh and created another set of measuring instruments, requesting the court's ruling. At that time, many people supported Minister Kuang's proposal. The two rulers had different claims, making it hard to determine which was correct. Minister Zhaohu stated again: These scales and rulers have been used for a long time. Isn't discussing them now contrary to previous intentions? The previous rulers should serve as the standard.
Since then, Kuang and Zhao Li have been constantly trading barbs in front of the emperor, throwing the court into chaos and throwing all rules and order into disarray. Kuang even intensified his efforts, spinning grand tales while dragging Liu Fang's name through the mud. He said, "Liu Fang previously served under your orders to oversee the project, hoping to achieve merit and a good reputation. As a result, he leveraged his connection with you, acting like he owned the place and doing as he pleased, passing judgment on others and calling all the shots himself. He built his own little network, protected Liu Fang, and suppressed other ministers. He buttered up those who flattered him; to those who followed the rules, he chewed them out. Although he didn't dare to do as Zhao Gao did by calling a deer a horse, nor did he dare to chase the sun like Kua Fu, his behavior has left those talented and ambitious ministers feeling too afraid to speak up, forcing them to simmer in silence!"
Kuang also said, "Liu Fang used to butt heads with Chong over credit, always claiming the credit for the work. Now, in our discussions, he says it was the achievements of the previous dynasty. Doesn't that just mean he thought he could take credit for the task, but later realized he was wrong and wanted to shift the blame to the previous dynasty? This is not the attitude expected of a minister and seriously goes against the principles of being a good subordinate. Furthermore, he always has a skewed view when it comes to judging things. If I were to investigate, I’d make sure he’s humiliated in court and carries that regret for life!" Kuang's words spread like wildfire through the court, stirring up a huge uproar.
However, Kuang's responsibility is to handle the court's correspondence and suggestions, weighing the importance of matters, which is precisely his role. If he truly has his own opinions and can distinguish right from wrong, he should proactively clarify these doubts sooner. Why is he staying silent and following Liu Fang, only speaking up after the fact? Liu Fang's talent and knowledge are in no way comparable to Kuang's, and their level of insight is not on the same level. Kuang only speaking out now is likely because he has his own hidden agenda, trying to elevate himself by capitalizing on others' insights for his own false glory. Furthermore, Kuang also said, "I checked the bronze weight; the shape matches what is recorded in ancient texts, clearly from the Han Dynasty, not made by Wang Mang." The "Weight Inscriptions" state: "The Yellow Emperor is the ancestor, spreading virtues to the Yu Dynasty; the Yu Emperor is the ancestor, spreading virtues to the Xin Dynasty." If Wang Mang was a minister of the Han Dynasty, how could he have inscribed the word 'Xin'? Further checking the "Biography of Wang Mang" records: after usurping the throne, Wang Mang promptly altered the Han Dynasty's system. Both pieces of evidence prove that this weight is not from the Han Dynasty. He also said, "The ruler made by Liu Fang is shorter than the ruler of the previous dynasty." I checked them, and they are indeed the same length. He also said, "Liu Fang's ruler is different from the ruler of Qianjinyan." I checked and found that they are indeed different. His statements are contradictory and cannot serve as a reliable standard. He also said, "Liu Fang deliberately created these doubts, falsely claiming that he didn't make them under the guise of the previous dynasty."
I believe this matter is a deception by a certain Kuang against the emperor and has nothing to do with Liu Fang. Why do I say this? Liu Fang had received the emperor's order earlier to be specifically responsible for the manufacture of bells and musical tones, and the quality of the pipes and reeds was entirely up to him. Weights and measures were simply not his concern. Previously, the Ministry of Rites asked Liu Fang to provide the measurements, and Liu Fang reported, "The ruler I use is made according to the new ruler promulgated by the previous dynasty, where one inch equals eleven shǔ; there has been no increase or decrease, just to make the bells and tones and adjust the dimensions." If you check the records, the ruler made by Kuang was produced a year later than Liu Fang's; at that time, Liu Fang had already submitted this report, and Kuang hadn't even argued with Liu Fang yet. How can this possibly be seen as deception? Everyone knows that the ruler made by a certain Chong measures one inch as twelve shǔ; while Liu Fang's ruler measures one inch as eleven shǔ, both of which are based on the edict of the previous dynasty. The conversion of one inch to shǔ is clear and straightforward; how could Liu Fang act recklessly? A certain Zhao holds a high position and has significant power, and all the officials are watching him; he must be cautious in his words and actions. If he were to abuse his power to form factions and forge the edict of the previous dynasty, how is that any different from calling a deer a horse and distorting the truth? It would be like Zhao Gao from the Wei state; how can he govern the country? If Zhao really did this, and Kuang falsely accused the chancellor and slandered the current emperor, that would be completely unacceptable! In discussions, some might call a deer a horse; when it comes to right and wrong, some might even speak self-destructively. Zhao Gao deceiving the monarch happened when the Qin dynasty was about to fall; Bian He holding the uncut jade encountered the tyrannical Chu state. We’re in a time of prosperity; how could such slanderous claims even come about? Kuang's deception of the emperor is incredibly disrespectful; I request the emperor to imprison both Zhao and Kuang in the Ministry of Personnel's dungeon for a thorough investigation and then hand it over to the court for sentencing.
The Emperor said, "Let it be approved!" Relevant departments reported that Kuang falsely accused Zhao, and Kuang was sentenced to death. The Emperor, recognizing that his crime did not warrant the death penalty, commuted his sentence and appointed him as Minister of Rites. Later, he also appointed him as the Concurrent Minister of the Imperial Clan and then sent him to Yanzhou as Governor. As Kuang was preparing to depart, the Emperor met him in the Eastern Hall and encouraged him. Kuang also told the Emperor that the issues concerning standards and artifacts were crucial to the state. Although he had previously faced impeachment by the Southern Court, they could still discuss it again. If they were to discuss it, he requested permission to temporarily return to the capital. The Emperor replied, "Liu Fang has high learning and understands the classics well. What he said about the standards of the previous dynasty, whether an inch more or less, how can that be said to reflect the previous dynasty's intentions? You also mishandled the affairs of Yanzhou; is there still a need for you to return to the capital for more discussions?"
In the early years of Emperor Su's reign, Kuang returned to the capital and became Deputy Censor-in-Chief. Kuang was quite strict in his work, first impeaching Yu Zhong, and then impeaching Gao Cong and others, causing them to lose their positions, but Empress Ling did not give her approval. The Emperor felt that Kuang was serious in his work and was afraid he would resign, so he wanted to reward him, appointing him as General of Annan, and later promoting him to General of Zhendong.
Kuang insisted on re-establishing the weighing system and refused to give up. The Emperor issued a decree saying, "We must carefully weigh and assess the laws and regulations from ancient times to the present, as well as the good regulations of past dynasties. Kuang is a virtuous member of the royal family and has devoted much effort to this matter; he can be allowed to gather scholars and officials of Confucianism to conduct verification and judgment in a timely manner. It is essential to ensure that the weighing system is precise, with no errors in measurement." The Emperor also issued a decree saying, "The late Guangping King, Lord Luo, originally honored his ancestors and passed away young. The state has discontinued his worship, and it is indeed inappropriate to neglect honoring him. Kuang is a relative of his, almost like a father to him, and has privately honored him for many years. A memorial should be erected for him to ensure his legacy endures, and he may be granted the title of Duke of Dongping."
After the standards set by Kuang were completed, he requested the assembly of court officials to discuss the merits and demerits. The emperor entrusted this matter to the Secretariat, the Ministry of Personnel, the Three Departments, and the Nine Ministers for discussion before reporting back. The Grand Minister Gao Yang, King Yong, and others discussed, saying, "We believe that the system of weights and measures established and modified by Emperor Gaozu has been finalized, and what Kuang is now creating deviates slightly. Moreover, Kuang claims that the standards he created are identical to those recorded in the 'History of the Han Dynasty' regarding Wang Mang's weights and measures. Xun Xu, the Supervisor of the Palace Library during the Jin Dynasty, once said that from the Later Han to the Wei Dynasty, the unit of measurement has grown longer by more than four tenths. Therefore, we have determined our weights and measures using the method of stacking grains, only referring to the ancient jade laws and bells, thus correcting it. Upon examination, the standards created by Xun Xu are almost identical to those established by Emperor Gaozu. Furthermore, Grand Minister Cui Guang obtained an ancient ivory ruler and implemented it according to the agreed-upon standards at that time. We admire Emperor Xiaowen, whose virtue surpasses that of previous emperors, and his wisdom and intelligence. His system is an exemplary model that cannot be changed, which makes it challenging to change this system. We have collectively discussed and requested the cessation of Kuang's proposal, forever adhering to the system of the late emperor." The emperor accepted their opinions.
Every time Kuang presented a memorial for approval, the Minister of Writing, King Cheng of Rencheng, always obstructed him in every possible way. Kuang was upright and honest, feeling quite wronged. The coffins Kuang had previously made were still lying in the temple, so he repaired them again, preparing to confront Cheng. Cheng had some knowledge of this. Later, when Kuang was about to go to the province, he encountered Cheng, and their attendants clashed, causing an uproar in the court and among the people. As a result, Cheng accused Kuang of more than thirty crimes in a memorial to the throne, and the Minister of Justice condemned Kuang to death. The emperor handed this matter to the Eight Ministries for discussion, ultimately pardoning him, stripping him of his titles and official positions. The Minister of the Three Departments, Xin Xiong, was responsible for handling this matter. Later, the emperor specifically appointed Kuang as the Inspector of Pingzhou, then transferred him to be the Inspector of Qingzhou, followed by the Commander of Guanyou, concurrently serving as the Director of the Ministry of Personnel. After falling ill, Kuang returned to the capital. In the early years of Xiaochang's reign, Kuang passed away and was bestowed the title of Wenzhen. Eventually, his titles were reinstated, and he was conferred the title of King of Jinan.
His fourth son, Xian (献), inherited his title. After the Qi Dynasty surrendered the throne, the status of titles was diminished.
