Li Di is from Daijun. He is skilled in horseback riding and archery, adept at shooting with both hands, and excels in martial arts, making him a top-tier warrior. Later, he was appointed as the Champion General by the imperial court and was granted the title of Duke of Xin'an. Subsequently, he and General Ning Shuo, Gong Sunlan, led twenty thousand infantry and cavalry troops from Taiyuan, secretly taking Han Xin's ancient Jingxing Road to launch a surprise attack on Murong Bao, with the attack taking place in Zhongshan. When the Emperor arrived later, he was delighted to see the road so well constructed, immediately rewarding him with a fine horse. After the pacification of Zhao and Wei, the founding emperor hosted a banquet and joyfully said to Li Di, "You are my 'Qing Peng'!" He then rewarded him with a wealth of gold and silver and elevated his title to Duke of Xin'an. Once, during a hunting trip on Baideng Mountain, the founding emperor saw several bears with cubs and turned to Li Di and asked, "You are so brave, can you catch them?" Li Di replied, "In this world, human life is the most precious. If we can't win in a fight, wouldn't it be a waste to kill a 'hero'? It's better to drive them in front of the Emperor, and we can sit here and slowly subdue them." As a result, those bears were all caught. The founding emperor turned to him and expressed his gratitude. During the Yongxing era, banditry was rampant in the Dongguan region, and a rebellion broke out in the Xihe region. Li Di was ordered to suppress them, and wherever he went, peace was restored, and he remained in Pingyang in his original post. Later, he was promoted to General Zhenyuan, Zhenjiang of Henan, and was also granted the title of Lord of Xincheng. Li Di effectively governed the newly conquered territories and was beloved by the people.
Liu Yu planned to attack Yao Hong, and Li Da was worried that Liu Yu would launch an attack from the north, so he built fortifications by the Yellow River and personally guarded them. The defenses were extremely tight, and not even scouts could slip through. Liu Yu was deeply fearful of him and did not dare to advance. Later, Liu Yu wrote a letter to Li Da, referring to Sun Quan's request to pass through to attack Guan Yu, implying a desire to pass through. The letter mentioned being "under the banner of the Black Spear." Li Da submitted the letter to the emperor, who agreed and also appointed him as General of the Black Spear. Li Da proudly carried the black spear as a symbol, allowing Liu Yu to recognize it from afar, which is why he wrote that letter.
Later, Xi Jin's forces attacked Hulao, and Li Da led his troops to attack Wang Juan, the governor of Henan in Jinyong County. Wang Juan abandoned the city and fled in panic. Li Da was promoted to the position of governor of Yuzhou, while he retained his position as general, and he was also granted the title of Marquis of Xin'an. Though Luoyang had served as the capital for many dynasties, it had long been a remote area, with dilapidated and desolate cities and a sparse population in the surrounding wilderness. Li Da reclaimed wasteland and encouraged people to settle there. He enacted laws that endeared him to the people. When Emperor Taizong journeyed south to Mengjin, he inquired of Li Da, "Is it possible to build a bridge over the Yellow River?" Li Da replied, "Du Yu built a bridge in the past; we can reference that." Thus, they linked large boats together to construct a bridge at Yebian. The army successfully crossed the river, earning great appreciation from Emperor Taizong.
Emperor Taizong sought to conquer Helian Chang and ordered Li Di, General Song Bing, and Marquis Zhou Ji of Jiaozhi to jointly attack Shancheng. Hongnong Prefect Cao Da of Helian Chang fled without putting up a fight. They pursued the enemy relentlessly, reaching the Sanfu region. Li Di was appointed Duke and later promoted to General of Annan. After pacifying the region, he was appointed the town general of Puban. During the rebellions in Hongnong, Henan, and Shangdang, Li Di was dispatched to quell the uprisings. He was then appointed as Imperial Commissioner and Commander of Military Affairs in Yanzhou and Xiangzhou, General Who Pacifies the South, and Commander of Fangtou. He also served as a high-ranking official responsible for adjudicating cases, handling them excellently and earning a stellar reputation. He passed away at the age of seventy-five years. The court granted him a set of secret tools from the Eastern Garden, a set of court attire, a garment, and posthumously promoted him to the title of Grand Commandant. Li Di led troops into battle from a young age until his old age, remaining calm in the face of danger and achieving remarkable victories. He was humble, generous to others, and never misused punishments. Emperor Taizong felt a deep sense of loss at his passing.
Zi Luo Ba succeeded to the title. When he was young, he was appointed as a palace attendant due to his father's status as a meritorious official. He was handsome, articulate, respectful, and prudent. Emperor Taizong took a great liking to him and personally bestowed a name upon him. Every time the emperor went on a campaign, he accompanied him as a guard, and later he was subsequently promoted to Supervisor of the Imperial Cao. He followed the emperor in the conquest of Liangzhou, and after the war, the emperor rewarded him with forty servants. He was then promoted to Supervisor of the Imperial Cao. Emperor Gongzong treated him especially well when he was in the Eastern Palace. However, Luo Ba believed that despite Gongzong being the crown prince, he should not engage in private dealings, so he always maintained a respectful distance from him. Later, he was transferred to the Marquis' Palace Cao. After a while, he succeeded to the title. He then held positions as Imperial Commissioner, Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, General of Ningdong, Grand General of Helong Town, and Inspector of Yingzhou. Due to his governance achievements, he was promoted to General Who Pacifies the East and continued to serve as a high-ranking official.
By chance, Wang Jingwen and others from Longxi, taking advantage of their advantageous terrain, privately declared themselves kings and dukes. Emperor Gaozong ordered Luo Ba and Wang Huishou of Nanyang to lead the armies of four provinces to attack them and relocate their more than three thousand households of malicious followers to Zhao and Wei provinces. Luo Ba was promoted to Shizhong and later to Shangshu Ling, continuing to serve in the role of Shizhong. He was serious and solemn in his duties at court, earning both the respect and fear of all officials. In the fourth year of the Tai'an era, he passed away at the age of forty-four. Luo Ba had six sons.
His eldest son, Lie, was skilled in archery, spoke little, and appeared difficult to provoke. In his youth, he was appointed as an Imperial Guard Lieutenant and later promoted to Imperial Guard General. In the early years of Yanxing, he was tasked with the guard duty at Ningguang Palace. He was subsequently promoted to the position of Tuntian Commander. In the early years of Taihe, the governor of Qinzhou, Wei Luohou, the governor of Yongzhou, Yidu Wang Muchen, and the commander of Chang'an, Chen Ti, were found guilty of corruption and lawlessness. Lie was ordered to investigate, and all of them were found guilty of embezzlement and bribery. Wei Luohou, Muchen, and others were sentenced to death, while Chen Ti was exiled to the frontier. Due to his successful handling of the case, Lie continued to oversee affairs in Qinzhou and Yongzhou. He was later promoted to Director of the Imperial Guards, responsible for commanding the imperial guards. Once, while accompanying the emperor to Zhongshan, on the return trip in Sizhou, Sikong Goutai reported that Shamen Faxiu was deceiving the populace and secretly scheming against the state. The emperor ordered Lie and the Minister of Personnel, Kou Chengzu, to rush to suppress him. By the time Lie arrived, Faxiu had already been subdued, and Lie was promoted to Left Guard General and granted the title of Duke of Changguo. He was later promoted to Shangshu in the palace and rewarded with three thousand rolls of silk.
At that time, it is said that the Emperor Gaozu was still young, and Empress Dowager Wenming held power. Yuan Yan, Lu Rui, and Li Chong all received golden seals bestowed by the emperor, ensuring that they would not face the death penalty even if they committed crimes. Yuan Yan was then appointed as the Cavalier Attendant, promoted to General, and granted the title of Marquis of Luoyang. Not long after, he was further promoted to the Minister of Guards. Later, he followed the emperor on a southern expedition and was appointed as the General Who Guards the South.
Later, when the capital was to be moved to Luoyang, many people were reluctant to leave their hometowns, leading to much debate. Emperor Gaozu asked Yuan Yan, "What are your thoughts on this matter?" Yuan Yan replied, "Your Majesty is wise and martial, with deep foresight, not something a fool like me can begin to guess. If you ask for my honest opinion, my feelings about moving the capital and my attachment to the old capital are about equal." Emperor Gaozu said, "Since you do not object, then it is agreed. I appreciate your cautious approach to expressing your opinions. Let us return to the old capital first and use it as a temporary capital." Therefore, the emperor ordered Yuan Yan to stay in the old capital to handle government affairs and assist in various matters. When the emperor arrived at the old capital, he held Yuan Yan's hand and said, "The ancestral temple and state altar are of utmost importance; the protection work must be taken seriously. You must protect the royal chariot well, and then return when we move to Luoyang. I entrust this matter to you, which shows how much I trust you!" Later, Yuan Yan and King Gaoyang Yong together transferred the ancestral tablets to Luoyang, and Emperor Gaozu highly valued his contributions and loyalty, and subsequently promoted him to the Minister of Ceremonies.
At the age of nineteen, the court held a large-scale selection of officials, and Yuan Yan's son, Yuan Deng, also requested a promotion in accordance with the regulations. Yuan Yan submitted a memorial in which he stated, "My son holds a low position and has no one to recommend him. If he is promoted, it would be a gift from Your Majesty, and I would truly feel undeserving of such a gift. We live in an enlightened era, and one should be humble. Yet my son’s request for a promotion shows that I have not taught him properly. I ask that you punish me, Your Majesty, and revoke his official position." Emperor Gaozu said, "These are truly insightful words; I did not expect Yuan Yan to speak in such a manner!" He then summoned Yuan Deng and issued an edict saying, "I am now going to establish a new system of rites and ceremonies and to announce it to the world. Yet your father humbly declines, demonstrating true integrity! Therefore, I appoint you as the Crown Prince's Assistant General." The emperor also granted Yuan Yan the title of Palace Attendant and conferred upon him the title of Duke of Liaocheng, with an estate comprising two hundred households.
Later, Mu Tai and Lu Rui plotted a rebellion in the old capital, while Emperor Gaozu was stationed in Dai. Mu Tai and the others were executed. The emperor also bestowed a letter upon Yuan Yan and Li Chong, reiterating the significance of the gold tablet reward originally bestowed; this incident is documented in the "Biography of Lu Rui." At that time, the rebellion occurred in Dai, where many local noble families and participants were involved, but only Yuan Yan's family remained unimplicated. Emperor Gaozu greatly admired his loyalty and held him in even higher esteem. The emperor remarked with regret, "Yuan Yan is decisive, exercising authority with kindness; there’s nothing wrong with that. However, in terms of loyalty and decisive courage as a minister, he still cannot compare to Yuan Yan! If Yuan Yan had been in the capital at that time, he would have immediately executed those rebellious leaders. Yuan Yan's integrity and spirit are on par with Jin Ridi!"
The emperor appointed him as general. Then, he marched to Jingzhou and Mianzhou in his original official capacity and was also given an additional ceremonial escort. Emperor Gaozu said to Prince Pengcheng Xie, "He has inherited the good family traditions of the previous dynasty and is both intelligent and brave. He should be involved in making decisions on important military matters." After the pacification of Wancheng and Dengcheng, the emperor's carriage returned to Luoyang. In recognition of his merits, he was appointed as a cavalier attendant and Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. In the twenty-third year of his reign, Xiao Baojuan sent his Grand Commandant Chen Xianda to attack Maqian. Despite being ill, Emperor Gaozu hurried there and held his hand, saying, "The capital is empty; defense is crucial. You can guard the imperial palace and the eastern palace to reassure the people both near and far." Chen Xianda was defeated and fled, and Emperor Gaozu died in the palace. Prince Pengcheng Xie returned secretly without announcing it, claiming to be summoned by imperial decree to bring Emperor Shizong to Luoyang for the funeral. As a senior official left in charge, he secretly reported the emperor's death. He handled the matters of the palace aftermath calmly and without showing any signs of emotion.
After Emperor Shizong ascended the throne, he continued to favor him and employ him just as before. Wang Xi of Xianyang became the prime minister, holding significant power. He once sent a servant to convey a message: "I need some old soldiers, specifically from the Yulin Army and the Huben Army, who are armed and can enter the palace; the general can deploy them." He replied, "The emperor is still young, and you are in charge of matters, Prime Minister. I, as the general, only know to manage the imperial guards. I cannot disobey the emperor's orders, and without orders, I cannot move anyone on my own." The servant returned dejectedly and relayed his words to Wang Xi. Wang Xi then sent a messenger to tell him, "I am the emperor's son and also his uncle; what's the difference between your orders and the emperor's?" He sternly replied, "I never said you were not the emperor's son and uncle. If it were the emperor's command, an official should be sent. Why send a servant to request soldiers from the imperial Yulin Army? You can take my life, but you won't get the soldiers of the Yulin Army!" Wang Xi disliked his integrity and strength, so he planned to remove him, appointing him as envoy with authority, honorary attendant, general of the northern expedition, and governor of Hengzhou. He did not want to serve as a governor in a remote area and repeatedly submitted requests for dismissal. Although the emperor responded favorably several times, he still did not grant it. Thus, he said to Prince Xie of Pengcheng, "Your Highness, have you forgotten the edict issued by the previous emperor when he was in Nanyang? You’re pushing me to this point." In the end, he firmly resigned from his position, citing illness as the reason. The emperor felt that Wang Xi and others were domineering and secretly planned to depose them. Coincidentally, during the first day of the new year in the second year, the three prime ministers were observing a fast in the temple. That night, the emperor secretly summoned the son of Liezi, Zhong, and said, "Your father is honest and upright, a pillar of the state. When dawn breaks, come into the palace; I have something to ask of you." Zhong accepted the order and left.
As soon as it got light, Zhong entered the palace. The emperor said, "Those old officials are getting more and more neglectful and can no longer be used. I want you to lead the troops to summon them. Will you go?" Zhong replied, "I, an old minister, have served the emperor for several dynasties, relying on a bit of courage to obtain these official positions. I cannot refuse this task today!" So, he took over sixty imperial guards, carrying the emperor's decree to summon Prince Xixi of Xianyang, Prince Xie of Pengcheng, and Prince Xiang of Beihai, escorting them all the way to the emperor. The three princes all bowed and apologized, handing over their power. The emperor appointed Zhong as Cavalry Attendant, Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, and Commander-in-Chief, granting him a marquis title and increasing his fiefdom by three hundred households, in addition to the previous ones, totaling five hundred households. From then on, he was involved in significant and confidential palace affairs.
Later, the Grand Commandant and Prince Xixi of Xianyang rebelled, and Prince Yang Ji of Wuxing was the first to run to Beimang Mountain to report the news. At that time, the emperor was hunting in the fields, with people fleeing in all directions, few guards remaining and no one having a plan. The emperor ordered Zhong to quickly investigate the situation. Zhong's father, Lie, was left in the palace at the time and had made preparations. He reported, "Although I am old and weak, my spirit still remains strong. These people are just being arrogant for a moment, nothing to worry about. Please, Your Majesty, return to the palace slowly to reassure the people." The emperor was comforted and pleased to hear this. By the time the emperor returned to the palace, Xixi had already fled. The emperor then ordered Zhong to dispatch the imperial guards, with General Shusun Hou leading three hundred elite troops in pursuit.
After Empress Shun ascended the throne, she showed him even greater respect, as he was the Empress's father-in-law. In August, Lie suddenly fell ill and passed away at the age of sixty-five. The Emperor held a grand funeral for him in the court, granting him the finest burial items from the Eastern Garden, a set of court robes, a garment, two million coins, and five hundred bolts of cloth. He was posthumously granted the titles of Envoy with Authority, Palace Attendant, Grand General, Duke of Taiwei, and Governor of Yongzhou, and was posthumously enfeoffed as the Duke of Julu, with an additional five hundred households, bringing his total fief to one thousand households. Lie had five sons.
The eldest was named Zuo, courtesy name Wannian. During the Taihe period, he became a Middle Official and was later promoted to the Deputy Commandant of Hengzhou. He inherited his father's title and was appointed as a temporary envoy and General of Zhenwei, serving as a general in Woye Town. Unfortunately, he was corrupt and accepted many bribes. In the end, he was dismissed due to corruption and returned home to live out his retirement. After his death, he was posthumously granted the title of Governor of Pingzhou.
His son was named Ruo, who inherited his title. This young man had a particular fondness for drinking and was eventually killed by his uncle Jing. Then his son Shun inherited the title, and after his death, his son Fu inherited the title again.
Zuo's younger brother was Zhong, courtesy name Sixian, originally Qiannian. He became a Palace Attendant at a young age. At that time, Empress Wenming was in power, and the political climate was quite strict; many officials serving around the emperor lost their positions for minor mistakes. However, Zhong was upright and spoke little, and he never put a foot wrong. During the Taihe period, he was appointed as the Cavalry Attendant, and the emperor also gave him the name "Deng." He was later promoted to the Commander of the Crown Prince's Feather Army.
After Emperor Shizong ascended the throne, he was promoted to the position of Chief Water Marshal. Not long after, he was further promoted to the position of Left and Right Vice Ministers and was also responsible for standing guard at the Emperor's sleeping quarters. During the rebellion of Yuan Xi, when the Emperor's carriage was outside and the situation was urgent, everyone was at a loss for what to do. At that moment, Zhong stepped forward and said, "My family has enjoyed the Emperor's favor for generations, and I have always had the royal family in my heart. My father used to be a military general, and he entrusted the crucial duty of defending the capital to the garrison, so they will surely do a good job of defense; Your Majesty need not be concerned." Emperor Shizong immediately sent Zhong to inspect the situation, and General Lie also prepared his troops to be on high alert, just as Zhong had predicted. After Emperor Shizong returned to the palace, he gave Zhong a reassuring pat on the back and said, "You did well!" and rewarded him with five hundred bolts of silk. He also said, "The late Emperor bestowed upon you the name Deng, which is indeed a good name; I admire your loyalty, so I will change your name to Zhong, which reflects your unwavering loyalty and truly suits you."
"My father passed away, so I stepped down from my official position. Not long after, I was reappointed to my original position. Later, I was promoted to the position of Chief Historian of the Ministry of Works. At that time, the Grand Tutor, the Recorder of the Imperial Secretariat, and the Prince of Beihai, Xiang, held great power, and Wang Yu, the Director of Works, always catered to Xiang's wishes and fulfilled his requests. Once, in a meeting regarding official business, I told Wang Yu in front of Xiang, 'Your Highness is like the Duke of Zhou for our nation, assisting the royal family. If you need any materials, you should apply through official channels. How can you jeopardize the state's interests for personal gain just to curry favor?' Wang Yu was visibly flustered at that moment, and Prince Xiang of Beihai also felt embarrassed and offered his apologies."
Later, I was promoted to General of the Expeditionary Forces, and my other positions remained the same as before. Due to my contributions in suppressing the Yuanxi rebellion, I was granted the title of Duke of Wei County, with a fief of nine hundred households. Not long after, I was again promoted to Gentleman of the Cavalry, concurrently serving as General of the Martial Guards. I have always been outspoken, which irked Prince Xiang of Beihai. He criticized me to my face, saying, "What worries me is seeing you before you die, not after!" I replied, "Everyone has their own fate in this world. If I am destined to die at your hands, I can't avoid it; if I'm meant to live, you won't be able to kill me."
When I submitted my resignation, Prince Xiang privately recommended me to Emperor Shizong for the position of Minister of State Affairs and suggested relieving me of my duties as a personal guard, allowing me to resign from my title. Thus, the emperor issued an edict, halting my title and promoting me to Minister of the Treasury.
In the autumn of 241 AD, the emperor ordered Wang Zhong to be appointed as the Grand Envoy of the Western Road, with his position unchanged, while also serving as a court attendant. The envoy's task was to investigate the corruption and bribery of the governors and military leaders of the various provinces along the Western Road. Once verified, those found guilty would face execution without exception, from governors down to county magistrates. He and General of the Pacification Army, Li Chong, were responsible for two separate routes for the investigation. Wang Zhong impeached the governor of Bingzhou, Gao Cong, for corruption, listing over two hundred charges and recommending the death penalty. After the mission was completed, Wang Zhong was appointed as General of the Pacification of the West and Governor of Huazhou, but he declined the position following the death of his stepmother. Once the mourning period was over, he was again appointed as General of the North Frontier and Governor of Xiangzhou, and later served as Minister of the Imperial Guard and Chief of Justice for Henan.
The emperor ordered Wang Zhong, the Minister of Civil Service Yuan Hui, the Minister of Revenue Yuan Kuang, and the Prefect of Henan Wu Chang to be responsible for determining the genealogies of various surnames in the Dai Prefecture. Gao Zhao, envious of Wang Zhong's talent, sought to secretly transfer him away from the capital, so he advised the emperor, saying: Zhongshan is an important military town that requires talented individuals to guard it, and Wang Zhong is outstandingly capable, so he should be sent there. As a result, Wang Zhong was appointed General of Anbei and the Prefect of Dingzhou. However, the emperor later regretted the decision and brought him back to the court, appointing him as the Minister of the Imperial Guard, concurrently holding the position of Left Guard General, and serving as the Grand Supervisor of Hengzhou. The emperor also secretly sent a messenger to convey the decree, saying: "Ever since my trusted one was dismissed, I have felt empty inside. Although I have given you important responsibilities now, it is still lighter compared to the previous position of my confidant. Therefore, I retract the previous appointment and let you stay at the court to manage court affairs. You must be diligent and not disappoint my expectations!" In the early years of the Yanchang period, Wang Zhong was appointed as the Minister of Justice, awarded the title of General Who Pacifies the South, continued to serve as the Left Guard General, and retained the position of Grand Supervisor. He was later conferred the title of Cavalier Attendant. Once, Wang Zhong attended a palace banquet, and the emperor gave him a precious sword and cane, raising his wine cup to him and saying: "Your family has been loyal for generations, so I always entrust you with the affairs of the Forbidden Army. Because of your loyalty in the past, I bestowed upon you the name 'Zhong'. Now, because your abilities are sufficient to fend off external enemies, I bestow upon you this sword and cane. These name and rewards are not arbitrary; you must remain vigilant and act with caution." Wang Zhong kowtowed in gratitude. Later, he was promoted to Palace Attendant and Commander of the Army. When Wang Zhong met the emperor, he respectfully declined, saying, "I lack the scholarly knowledge to hold both civil and military positions simultaneously." The emperor said: "There are many knowledgeable individuals now, but there are few as honorable as you. I hope you can work hard for the country so that I can rest easy."
Emperor Shizong has died. That night, Minister Cui Guang and I sent General Hou Gang of the Right Guard to the Eastern Palace to welcome Emperor Suzong's ascension to the throne. I consulted with the officials from the Ministry of Personnel, and we felt that Emperor Suzong was still young and had little experience in political affairs; Prince Gao Yang Yong, the Grand Marshal, was highly respected and should be allowed to reside in Xibaotang to manage state affairs; Prince Ren Cheng Cheng was upright, virtuous, and closely related to the royal family, so he could be appointed as the Minister of Rites, overseeing all officials. We submitted this proposal to the Empress Dowager, requesting her to issue an immediate decree for the appointments.
As a result, Inspector Zhongwei Wang Xian tried to play tricks and, along with the eunuch Sun Fuliang and other officials, firmly rejected our memorial, completely ignoring the Ministry of Personnel's suggestions. The officials responsible for conveying the imperial will only sent the names of the six ministers without any further information. Sun Fuliang and his group secretly attempted to forge the Empress Dowager's orders to have Gao Zhao act as the Minister of Rites, and also to appoint Wang Xian and Gao Meng as court attendants. I immediately captured Wang Xian and executed him right there in the hall.
This man, at first, was a close minister to the emperor, and later managed the Imperial Guard, ultimately gaining control over state affairs and wielding immense power. At the beginning, during the Taihe period, there were constant national issues, and Emperor Gaozu felt that the funds were insufficient, so he reduced the salaries of officials by one-quarter. After gaining power, he sought to solidify his position by restoring the previously cut salaries and promoting all officials by one rank. Previously, it was stipulated that commoners had to pay not only one piece of cloth but also eight taels of cotton and hemp. He exempted them from all these taxes. He also informed Prince Gao Yang Yong that this was a preferential policy promised long ago by the late Emperor Shizong. Fearing his influence, Prince Yong acquiesced to his demands, promoting him and granting him the title of General of Chariots and Cavalry.
This man believed he had played a significant role in stabilizing the country during the transition of power, and thus hinted to the officials that he should be rewarded. Consequently, Grand Commandant Wang Yong, King Yi of Qinghe, and King Huai of Guangping couldn't oppose him and agreed to grant him the title of Duke of Kaiguo in Changshan County, with a fief of 2,000 households. The officials all thought it was acceptable. However, he thought it was inappropriate for just one person to receive a title, so he suggested to the court that others who served with him in the Ministry of Personnel should also receive fiefs. Left Minister Guo Zuo and Minister Pei Zhi noticed his growing power and advised Wang Yong to eliminate him. When he learned of their plan, he pressured the relevant departments to falsely accuse them of crimes, leading to the execution of both Guo Zuo and Pei Zhi. The entire court was furious and seething with resentment, while the princes and ministers beneath him all cowered in fear. He even contemplated killing Wang Yong, but the Chamberlain Cui Guang firmly opposed this, causing him to abandon the idea. In the end, Wang Yong was relieved of his position as Grand Commandant and sent back home.
Since then, the power of life and death at court has been in the hands of this person. He elevated Empress Dowager Ling to the title of Empress Dowager, residing in Chongxun Palace. His position remained unchanged as Yitong San Si, Shangshu Ling, head of the Chongxun Guard, Shizhong, and leader of the army. After Empress Dowager Ling assumed control of the court, she removed him from his positions as Shizhong, leader of the army, and head of the Chongxun Guard, leaving only Yitong San Si and Shangshu Ling, and appointed him as Shizhong. After serving as Shangshu Ling for more than ten days, Empress Dowager Ling summoned the officials of the Ministry of Personnel to Chongxun Palace and asked, "How is this person as Shangshu Ling?" Everyone said, "He is unfit for this position." Therefore, the Empress demoted him and appointed him as Commissioner, Governor of the Jiding Ying Three Provinces, Grand General of the Northern Expedition, and Governor of Jizhou. The Grand Tutor, Prince Qinghe, and others submitted a memorial stating, "After the death of the previous emperor and the ascension of the current emperor, the realm is peaceful and stable. This person only did his duties as a guard and should not seek rewards or excessive titles for his actions. Our earlier suggestion to reward him stemmed from fear of his power and a desire to avoid disaster. Therefore, when we previously discussed it, we believed that he entered the palace within thirteen days of the emperor's ascension, without any merit; only taking action against the wicked could justify a minor reward. Previously, he was in charge of civil and military officials, with Shizhong Cui Guang also involved, so only the two of them were rewarded. Now, Shangshu Zhao and others have submitted an appeal, and the decree has been reconsidered. It was discovered that Wang Xian had secretly colluded with wicked individuals, plotting treachery; Gao Zhaoyuan conspired to cause chaos and remotely directed. They deserve to die, but only they were punished, with no consequences for their families, and their crimes were not thoroughly investigated. Under the law, this is a serious offense. After the emperor ascended the throne, the empress resided in a separate palace, leading to a strained relationship between mother and son, all because of him. His merits are negligible, while his crimes are significant. After seizing power, he executed ministers at will, shocking both the court and the populace, causing unrest far and wide. His merits and demerits balance each other out, making him undeserving of any rewards. We request that all his titles be revoked." The Empress Dowager Ling consented.
In the spring of the first year of Xiping, the Deputy Censor-in-Chief Yuan Kuang submitted a memorial stating: “I have heard that in serving the monarch, one should not change one's mind due to secret righteousness; in serving the emperor, one should not compromise one's integrity for the sake of comfort. Therefore, the bitter weeping in the Qin palace is in gratitude for the kindness of the Chu state, which is a significant achievement; working diligently on Mount Lulong to earn merits for the Wei state is also noteworthy. Shen Baoxu avoided rewards, and gentlemen praised his righteousness; Tian Chou refused the court's appointment, and historians commended his noble character. Now that the imperial carriage has halted and the emperor has passed away, it feels like the heavens and earth have turned upside down; it is precisely the time for loyal subjects and filial sons to demonstrate their integrity. However, General Yuan Zhong, who once commanded the army, cannot refine his reputation and conduct, but instead seeks more fortune, even going so far as to forge edicts to appoint himself to office, rising in rank as time passes. We officials stationed in distant lands all think of the country, and our letters are filled with resentment, which builds up into a sickness, undermining etiquette and corrupting morals, with Yuan Zhong being the main culprit. A close examination of Yuan Zhong's life reveals that he has relied on hereditary merits and noble character, being valued through several dynasties, entering and exiting the imperial palace, holding important positions. However, when the country faced great disasters, he displayed foolishness and recklessness, arbitrarily deciding on major state affairs, displaying no qualities of a proper minister. Pei Shuye and Guo Yuanzhen have been wronged due to past mistakes, and the prime ministers of this era have been slandered and humiliated. He also forged edicts to promote himself to the positions of Yitong Sansi, Minister of Personnel, and Commander of the Chongxun Guards, with his intentions being clear: he wants to place himself above all. Since this occurred after the emperor's death, he should be severely punished. I request that a censor and a magistrate be sent to his province to enforce the death penalty. Although Cui Guang and Yuan Zhong were summoned at the same time, Cui Guang, due to his elegant reputation, is a model of etiquette in the court, esteemed for his integrity and not concerned with worldly matters. However, Yuan Zhong exploits Cui Guang's reputation and status to pressure him; if Cui Guang refuses, Yuan Zhong would be at risk. I believe the two wise emperors will consider this carefully and show mercy. However, since the passing of Emperor Shizong on the thirteenth day of the first month last year, until the first day of the eighth month when the Empress Dowager has yet to personally review the memorials, any matters decided outside the usual procedures by powerful ministers, whether issuing edicts from the Ministry of Rites or announcing decrees from the Central Secretariat, or appointing officials arbitrarily, have already been pardoned, and they can be cleared of the charges of improperly assuming official positions. Those who were not promoted due to reputation but were known throughout the court and the public for their elevation beyond their rank request to have their official positions restored.”
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Empress Ling issued a decree saying, "Your impeachment does indeed align with court regulations. However, Yuan Zhong's matter has already been pardoned and received special clemency; therefore, his offenses should not be held against him. Other matters will be handled according to the memorial." She also issued another edict saying, "During the time of mourning last year, Yuan Zhong cultivated the land in Chongyi, but the justification for his rewards does not meet the regulations, and the relevant authorities have confiscated them. Should we disregard all his other merits for just one mistake? However, Yuan Zhong's position is tied to the Imperial Guard, and his loyalty and integrity are clear; he should be granted a higher title to honor his aspirations. He will be conferred the title of Duke of Kaiguo in Lingshou County, with a fief of five hundred households."
After Emperor Shizong passed away, Empress Dowager Gao wanted to harm Empress Ling. Liu Teng informed Hou Gang about this, and Hou Gang then told Cui Zhong. Cui Zhong consulted Cui Guang for advice, and Cui Guang said, "Hu Pin should be relocated to another place and kept under strict guard; this will make it foolproof. This is the best plan." Cui Zhong and the others followed this advice and shared the plan with Empress Ling, who then felt reassured. As a result, Empress Ling was deeply grateful to Liu Teng and the other three, promoting them and showing them favor.
Cui Zhong had offended too many people and feared he could not avoid trouble, so he wanted to return to the capital for self-preservation. However, Empress Ling refused his request. In April, two years later, Cui Zhong was appointed as the Right Deputy Minister and was also elevated to Palace Attendant, while he retained his military position.
In the third month of the first year of the Divine Tortoise, Yu Zhong once again took on the title of Yitong Sanqi. He fell seriously ill, and before his death, he suspected that the Pei and Guo families were behind his misfortunes, knowing he was facing certain death. So he presented a memorial saying, "The late emperor valued the loyalty of father and son officials, praised our family for generations of loyalty to their duties, and therefore arranged a marriage for me, constantly elevated my rank and salary, until I ranked among the Three Dukes, enjoying the salary of the nine ministers. Since the court's great reforms and each official has been performing their duties, I have also received favor, responsible for the forbidden army, ensuring peace both internally and externally; this is truly a blessing for the nation and the well-being of the people! How could I have such great ability? It is only because Your Majesty governs the world wisely and the Empress Dowager rules with wisdom and compassion, caring for her subjects, and favor permeates the palace and beyond. Although I hold a high position, I am aware of my limitations, and I may have overlooked some matters. Last autumn, I contracted a severe case of dysentery, and despite trying various medicines, my condition has only worsened day by day. Since the beginning of this year, my illness has worsened further; my breathing has become labored, and recovery seems unlikely. I have not had the opportunity to repay the imperial favor, so I can only lie in bed and weep in despair. I am unfortunate to be childless, and there will be no one to carry on my legacy after I am gone. I cherish the time I have left, so I dare to express my thoughts. The second son of my late fourth younger brother, Situ Yuan Chao, I have always regarded him as my own son, holding deep affection for him. I humbly request that he be named my heir, to inherit my title and family legacy."
Empress Ling issued an order saying, "Yu Zhong's petition states the following. His achievements are outstanding, and he deserves to be rewarded. Furthermore, he has no son to inherit his title. We cannot refuse his final request and must honor his merits by granting it." Yu Zhong passed away at the age of fifty-seven. The court bestowed upon him burial items from Dongyuan, a set of court attire, one piece of clothing, 200,000 coins, 700 pieces of cloth, and 300 pounds of wax, posthumously granting him the titles of Grand Preceptor and Minister of Works. The relevant department reported, "Assistant Minister of Ceremonies Yuan Duan believes that Yu Zhong was fierce and violent, with a hot-tempered and bloodthirsty nature. According to the 'Posthumous Name Regulations,' someone who is strong and upright is referred to as 'Wu,' while someone who abuses their power and acts recklessly is referred to as 'Chou.' He should be posthumously named 'Wu Chou Gong.' Minister of Ceremonies Yuan Xiu believes that Yu Zhong served the emperor with utmost dedication, eliminating traitors and evil. According to the 'Posthumous Name Regulations,' someone who eliminates falsehood and upholds truth is called 'Wu,' while someone who serves with utmost respect day and night is called 'Jing.' He should be posthumously named 'Wu Jing Gong.' The two ministers disagreed." After this matter was reported, Empress Ling ordered, "Proceed according to the opinion of Minister Yuan Xiu." The Yu family has enjoyed prominence for four generations, producing an empress, four individuals posthumously appointed as the Three Excellencies (the Grand Commandant, Minister over the Masses, and Minister of Works), as well as a General of Agile Cavalry, Prefect of the Masters of Writing, and three Dukes of the founding generation. Although Yu Zhong was loyal, he was also suspicious and looked down on those inferior to him. He was particularly close with General Zhang Chugui and Cavalry Commander Yang Baoyuan, their bond as strong as gold. Li Shizhe sought to please Yu Zhong by secretly sending a lot of gold and silver treasures to Zhang Chugui and Yang Baoyuan. These two individuals informed Yu Zhong about it, which led to Li Shizhe earning Yu Zhong's trust and becoming his confidant. Yu Zhong abused his power, engaged in corruption and bribery, many of which were ideas suggested by Li Shizhe. Yu Zhong later married the daughter of Prince Nixu of Zhongshan, who, although somewhat educated, familiar with the Book of Songs and the Book of Documents, did not have any extraordinary abilities. When Empress Ling was in power, she summoned her to the palace to serve as a lady-in-waiting and bestowed upon her the title of Lady of Fanyang Commandery.
Yu Yongchao inherited the title and had a good reputation, but sadly, he passed away not long after. His son Yu Shiheng inherited the title, but later, after the abdication of the Qi state, his title was downgraded.
Yu Zhong's younger brother Yu Jing, styled Bainian, initially worked as a junior official in Sizhou and gradually rose through the ranks to become an infantry commander, General of Ning Shuo, and General of Gao Ping. Later, he was impeached by the Censor Wang Xian for corruption and bribery, but he was later pardoned during a general amnesty. After Yu Zhong's death, Yu Jing became General of the Martial Guards. He once wanted to depose Yuan Cha, which led to Yuan Cha being demoted to General of the Conquering Troops and Commander of Huaihuang. Later, when the rebel leader Anagui revolted, the people of Gao Ping Town pleaded with Yu Jing to distribute grain, but he turned them down. Unable to endure any longer, the people revolted, capturing Yu Jing and his wife, locking them in a small room, and stripping them of their clothes, forcing Yu Jing into a leather coat while his wife had to wear an old maroon coat. They were subjected to horrific humiliation. A month later, Yu Jing and his wife were killed.
Yu Zhong's younger brother Yu Dun climbed the ranks from a junior official to General of the Elite Cavalry. During the Jingming period, he was given command authority, responsible for Bingzhou's affairs, and was later promoted to General of the Conquering Troops and Governor of Hengzhou, before eventually dying in office.
Zixin, having climbed up the ranks, started as an Assistant Minister, later became the Chief of Clothing, and even served as General of Yanglie. He was a general in both Huaishuo and Wuchuan towns, eventually reaching the rank of Middle Minister. In the Xiaochang era, he was sent on a diplomatic mission to the Rouran, and alongside Ana Guai, captured the rebels Pohuo Khan, Tingming, and Chuliujin. He was subsequently promoted to Fuguo General, Beizhonglang General, Hengzhou Grand Corrector, and then became the Fumilitary General and Minister of the Imperial Guard. Later, he was appointed as the General of Zhen Dong, also serving as the governor of Yinzhou and Hengzhou. After returning to court, he was appointed as Zhengdong General, overseeing the Left and Right Imperial Guards. He passed away during the Tianping period. After his death, he was posthumously honored as the Commander of Military Affairs in Jidingzhou, Wei General, Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat, and Yitong Sanji, with the posthumous title Wengong.
His eldest son, Yangren, held the position of Governor of Bohai during the Wuding era. Yangren's younger brother, Charuo, also known as Zhonggang, served as the Middle Army General and the Governor of Guangzhou. Charuo's son, Rong, served as the Prefect of Lu County.
Zixin's other son, Dundi, was known for his integrity and strictness, much like his father and brother. He gradually rose through the ranks from a low-ranking official to become the Guanglu Daifu, serving as the acting Minister, and was granted the noble title of Wuchengzi. During the Taihe period, he successively held the governorships of Shuozhou, Huazhou, Bingzhou, and Hengzhou.
Zixin's son, Li, inherited the noble title, and later served as the Tai Palace Attendant and Regular Mounted Attendant. He was posthumously honored as the Right General and Governor of Luozhou, with the posthumous title of Ai. His brother, Hui, served as the Zhengdong General and Jinzi Guanglu Daifu. Hui's brother, Daoyang, achieved the rank of Yitong Kaifu Advisory Lieutenant. Li's brother, Zhi, passed away while serving as an official in the Ministry of Works, and was posthumously honored as the Zhenyuan General and Governor of Shuozhou, with the posthumous title of Dao. Zhi's son, Yuanbo, rose to the rank of Zhongsan Daifu.
Dun Di's younger brother, Jin, has his deeds recorded in "Biographies of the Outer Relatives." Jin's younger brother Xu initially served as a Mid-Level Official, later promoted to Colonel of the Long Water, then further promoted to General of Martial Guards, Minister of State, General of the Southern Expedition, and Governor of Sizhou. After his death, he was posthumously given the title of Shizhong, Chariot Cavalry General, Right Deputy of the Imperial Secretariat, Yitong San Si, and Changshi of Jizhou. Another account states that he was posthumously appointed as General of the Southern Expedition, Yanzhou Governor, and posthumously given the title of "Wu."
His son Yi served as an Attendant to the Grand Commandant and Yanzhou Governor. Another son Changwen, styled Shiduan, served as a Shangshu Kao Gong Lang during the Wuding era. Xu's younger brother Wenren reached the rank of Taizhong Daifu.
Historical records indicate that the Wei kingdom managed to stabilize the Central Plains, and Li Di made remarkable military achievements during the reign of three emperors. In addition to his humility and generosity towards others, and his avoidance of excessive punishment—traits that many generals struggle to emulate—he was promoted to important positions both inside and outside the court, gaining fame through his abilities. He was known for his strong character and calm, profound demeanor, and during times of national crisis, he stood firm like a pillar, truly a stalwart figure in defending against external threats.
Due to his loyalty and integrity, and his willingness to speak his mind, he was deeply trusted by the emperor. However, he later occupied positions he should not have and assumed control over matters of life and death. If it hadn't been for the reign of a female emperor, his family would likely have been exterminated long ago! Fortunately, he was not executed in the end, which is indeed a stroke of luck!
