Wang Luo'er is from Chang'an and was skilled in horseback riding and archery since childhood. When Li Shimin was still a prince, Wang Luo'er served by his side, accompanying the prince on hunting trips day and night, always diligent and never slack. He was cautious and honest, never making mistakes. Once, when Li Shimin was hunting south of the Le River, his horse fell through the ice. Without hesitation, Wang Luo'er jumped into the icy water to rescue Li Shimin. He nearly froze to death himself, but Li Shimin quickly took off his clothes to cover him. From then on, Li Shimin favored Wang Luo'er even more.
After the Xuanwu Gate Incident, Li Shimin moved to live outside, and Wang Luo'er devotedly served him every day, never leaving his side. When Yuan Shaozhi rebelled, only Wang Luo'er and Che Lutou (车路头) remained by Li Shimin's side. During the day, they hid in the mountains, returning to Wang Luo'er's house at night. Wang Luo'er's neighbor Li Daoqian often helped take care of them, and the neighbors were all aware and talked about it. When Yuan Shaozhi heard about it, he arrested and killed Li Daoqian. Despite the danger, Wang Luo'er continued to travel back and forth to the capital to relay messages to the ministers. The ministers then went out to meet Li Shimin, and the people also rushed to see him. Li Shimin returned to the imperial palace, bringing stability to the state, and Wang Luo'er played a crucial role in this.
After Li Shimin became emperor, he appointed Wang Luor as an imperial attendant and issued a decree stating: "As a person, one must be filial to their parents at home and loyal to their sovereign in the court; otherwise, how can one establish themselves in this era and leave a reputation in future generations? Imperial attendant Wang Luor, Che Lutou, and others have served faithfully by my side for over a decade, showing loyalty, caution, respect, and solemnity, growing more resolute over time, and never displaying even the slightest negligence. Especially in times of hardship, many people may change their minds, but Wang Luor and others have remained steadfastly loyal; their loyalty is more steadfast than that of Fan Kuai and Guan Ying from the Han dynasty, or Xu Chu and Dian Wei from Wei. They work so diligently; how can we inspire future officials without rewards? Therefore, I appoint Wang Luor as Duke of Xinsi and promote him to General of Direct Will." The emperor also posthumously honored Wang Luor's father as a marquis and granted him fifty households of servants. In the fifth year of Yongxing, Wang Luor passed away, and the emperor posthumously awarded him the title of Grand Marshal and Prince of Jianping, bestowing upon him warm and precious artifacts, transporting his coffin on a cart, and sending palace guards to guide the way. Li Shimin personally went to pay his respects several times, overcome with grief. He also poisoned Wang Luor's wife, from the Zhou family, so she could be buried with Wang Luor.
Wang Luor's son grew up to inherit his title but died later without having any sons. His younger brother Decheng inherited the title, was granted the title Duke of Jiancheng, and was also promoted to the position of General of Zhenyuan. Later, he eventually became an imperial attendant, responsible for the construction work in Chang'an. He died in the eleventh year of the Zhenjun era.
His son Dingzhou inherited the title, but his title was downgraded to the Marquis of Jianyang, holding the official position of General Anyuan. Later, Dingzhou's younger brother was promoted to the position of Court Attendant and was favored by Emperor Xianzhu. Because their grandfather, Luo'er, had made contributions in the previous dynasty, the emperor issued an edict restoring Dingzhou's ducal title. When Emperor Gaozu first ascended the throne, he served as the military commander of Chang'an, but later passed away.
His son Ling inherited and was promoted in title. In the early Chengming years, he was promoted to Chief Supervisor of the Guards, granted the title of Shixinzi, and additionally appointed as General Ningshuo and a Court Attendant. He also passed away later.
Che Lutou was from Dai County. In his youth, due to his honesty and integrity, he was selected to serve in the Eastern Palace as a guard under Emperor Taizong. He highly valued self-cultivation, was cautious in his work, and never made mistakes. During the Tianzi era, while Emperor Taizong was on a tour, Lutou followed him throughout, serving with dedication. After Emperor Taizong ascended the throne, he appointed him as a Court Attendant, granted him the title of Duke of Jinxiang, and promoted him to General of Loyalty and Honor. Later, he was re-titled as Duke of Xuancheng. Emperor Taizong was very perceptive, and many ministers were punished for their work-related issues, even beaten, but Lutou remained untroubled, rarely handling state affairs, simply serving beside the emperor and engaging in light-hearted conversation. Lutou was kind-hearted, and whenever he participated in the trial of cases, he always suggested leniency, thus earning the respect of the ministers in court. Emperor Taizong also held him in high regard, bestowing him with countless rewards, and at that time, even the meritorious ministers and favored courtiers could not compare to him. He passed away in the sixth year of Taichang, and Emperor Taizong personally went to offer condolences, deeply saddened. He was posthumously awarded the titles of Court Attendant, General of the Left Guard, Grand Preceptor, and Prince of Xuancheng, with the posthumous name of Loyal and Steadfast. His funeral was conducted according to the standards of Prince Sun Jun of Ancheng, with his burial in Jinling. His son Juan succeeded him in the title.
Lu Luyuan was from the Tuhhe area of Changli. His great-grandfather, Fu Jiu, served as the Minister of Officialdom under Murong Chui and was granted the title of Duke of Linze as well. His grandfather also held high positions. From a young age, Lu Luyuan was intelligent and eager to learn, known for his generosity, gentleness, and charm. During the reign of Emperor Taizong of Northern Wei, he was selected as a Zhilang and served the Crown Prince in the Eastern Palace, carrying out his duties with loyalty, caution, and diligence, winning the deep favor of Emperor Shizong. After Emperor Shizong ascended the throne, he promoted Lu Luyuan to Deputy Minister of the Secretariat and appointed him to the position of Imperial Guard, further entrusting him with more responsibilities. Consequently, Lu Luyuan became even more careful, and Emperor Shizong placed great trust in him, earning him the respect of all the ministers at court.
He was tolerant and magnanimous, adept at socializing, and enjoyed downplaying others' flaws while highlighting their strengths, which endeared him to the ministers. Lu Luyuan was not only proficient in calligraphy but also had literary skills. He later rose to the position of Minister of the Secretariat, overseeing the operations of the Secretariat. The emperor conferred upon him the title of Duke of Xiangcheng and further promoted him to Cavalry Commandant and Right General, and also granted his father the title of Marquis of Xindu. He accompanied Emperor Shizong in the campaign against Helian Chang's forces, during which the emperor personally led the troops in storming the gates of Helian Chang's city, with Lu Luyuan always at his side. If it hadn't been for Lu Luyuan, Emperor Shizong would have been in danger. He later followed Emperor Shizong in the campaign against Pingliang and was awarded the title of General of the North for his military accomplishments, and was also given the title of Imperial Attendant. He was later promoted to Grand Guardian, overseeing the operations of the Ministry of Personnel.
Emperor Shizu held him in high regard, often taking him into battle and even allowing him to enter the inner chambers of the palace. After each victory, Lu Luyuan always distributed the rewards to his servants, rewarding several hundred of them, with the rewards in fabric and silk totaling in the tens of thousands. Emperor Shizu once stayed at his residence for more than ten days. To keep him close for convenience, the emperor granted him a mansion just south of the palace gate. His clothing, food, and living conditions were nearly on par with those of the emperor.
In the winter of the third year of Zhenjun, the emperor toured Yanshan, and Lu Luyuan did not accompany him due to illness. The emperor sent many attendants to visit and provided numerous medicinal herbs, which were transferred between relay stations along the way. After Lu Luyuan's death, Emperor Shizu was deeply saddened. Upon returning to court, he personally visited Lu Luyuan's spirit to pay his respects and wept bitterly. Both the Eastern and Western Palaces ordered the Imperial Court to send offerings daily, and they mourned morning and evening until the ceremonies concluded, after which bells and drums were sounded, and music was played. The emperor visited the coffin three times to pay his respects. Lu Luyuan's funeral was conducted according to the standards for a prince of Ancheng, but the items granted by the emperor were even more abundant. The emperor posthumously honored him as Prince of Xiangcheng with the posthumous title of 'Filial.' He was buried in Guoshan, and a stele was erected for him. Since the rise of the Northern Wei, no minister had ever received such favor as he did. His son, Lu Tong, inherited his title.
Speaking of this young man, he served in the palace for the Crown Prince, and the emperor particularly favored him; the two had such a close relationship that they seemed like one person, spending all day together. Both father and son were favored in the palace, wielding immense power. This young man was generous like his father, but he lacked a bit of humility. During the Zhengping era, many officials in the palace were executed, but given his father's merits, only the young man was executed, while he treated his brothers very well.
His son inherited his father's title and served in the Eastern Palace as an official. The Emperor married him to the daughter of Duke Du Chao of Yangping, the granddaughter of Princess Nan'an. The Emperor personally attended the wedding, and the palace kitchen prepared a lavish banquet, along with countless gifts. After Emperor Gaozong ascended the throne, he was appointed to manage the selection of officials and the reception of guests. He passed away in the second year of Xing'an and was posthumously honored as King Jing of Xiangcheng. He did not leave behind any sons.
His younger brother, Mi'e, inherited the title and was appointed Commander of the Northern Garrison. He also passed away and was posthumously titled King of Xiangcheng, with the posthumous title of King Gong. His son Xingren inherited the title.
Next, we turn to Chen Jian. He hailed from Daizhou. His grandfather, Chen Hun, served as the Right Guard General during the reign of Emperor Taizu. His father, Chen Yang, served as a Minister. Chen Jian excelled in horseback riding and archery and was promoted to Third Rank, and later to Chief of the Interior Department. When the Emperor led a campaign against the Shanhu tribe's White Dragon, he thought it would be an easy task and took a dozen cavalrymen to scout the mountain every day. However, the White Dragon had already set up ambushes with over ten fierce warriors and launched a surprise attack. The Emperor fell from his horse and was in grave danger. Chen Jian bravely shielded the Emperor, shouting loudly, charged at the enemies, killed several of them, and sustained over ten injuries. The Emperor greatly admired him and rewarded him with twenty households.
When Emperor Gaozong first ascended the throne, he appointed Chen Jian as the Marquis of Fucheng and promoted him to Champion General. Later, he was sent to Youzhou as the Inspector and temporarily held the title of Duke of Qinzhou. However, Emperor Gaozong later deemed Chen Jian greedy, cruel, and cowardly, so he sent someone to Youzhou to arrest him and administered fifty heavy blows.
When Gaozu first came to power, he appointed him as the Right Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and also appointed him as Shizhong, with his noble rank elevated to Duke of Zhao. Jian, together with Yuan Xiande, the Marquis of Jinyang and Right Minister, Wang Muliang, the Minister of the Palace, and Wang Lu Rui, the Minister of the Department of Officials, secretly submitted a memorial saying, "The heavens bless the Great Wei, and the people are united. Our ancestors assisted in the establishment of the Great Wei, labored tirelessly in the Shu Han region, swore to defend the mountains and rivers to the death, and are now enjoying a peaceful and prosperous era. Honor and disgrace, rise and fall are all closely related to the country. My talents are mediocre, my knowledge is shallow, and I only obtained my current position because of the merits of my ancestors. There are many criticisms of me from the outside. I constantly remind myself to strive harder, yet I still feel inadequate and burdened by guilt. How I wish to serve the country! This desire feels as lofty as the sky and as vast as the earth. When will I be able to forget it? Since the end of the Yongjia period, the realm has been thrown into chaos; Ma Re occupies Jingchu, and Huan Wen, Liu Yu, and others have successively rebelled. Although our Wei Dynasty has limited influence in the Qingxu area, Emperor Wen was talented and wise when he was young, pacifying the world, unifying the books, and the Hua clan is about to merge into one. Unfortunately, the heavens did not bless the Great Wei; Emperor Wen passed away, Liu Yu also died, and the powerful officials have revolted, and the people long for stability. I believe this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and any misstep could lead to regret. Failing to seize this divine opportunity will bring consequences, as stated in the Book of Songs, 'Seeing but not acting, the fault lies with Jieshi.' Now is the time to select outstanding generals and command the four directions. Prince Yiyang Tuoba Chang understands righteousness deeply, and like the Sun family, has foresight and insight. If we take the opportunity to send troops, we can subdue Wu and Hui, and if things are difficult to succeed, we can withdraw in time. Advancing will spread our fame across the seas, while retreating will secure our borders. We should seize this opportunity and act now. I sincerely hope Your Majesty will consider our proposals and act swiftly. If this goes against the will of heaven, we ask Your Majesty to keep our memorial for future consideration, rewarding and punishing as appropriate." Gaozu greatly appreciated their suggestions.
Later, Jian was promoted to the title of Situ and General of the Western Campaign, and his noble rank was elevated to that of King of Wei County. Emperor Gaozu and Empress Dowager Wen frequently visited Jian's residence and even invited Jian's wife to banquets in the palace. In the ninth year of the Taihe era, Jian passed away. His son Nian inherited the title. He later served as the Governor of Zhongshan but was impeached by Inspector General Wang Xian for arresting innocent people. He later received a general amnesty that absolved him of his crimes, but his title was revoked.
Wan Anguo was from Dai County. His ancestor, Zhen, had served as a tribal leader for generations, always leading his people to fight alongside Emperor Shizu, and due to his military achievements, he was appointed General of Pacifying the West and Duke of Dunhuang, later promoted to General of the Cavalry and Yitong San Si. His father Zhen married Princess Gaoyang and was granted the title of Duke of the Imperial Son-in-Law. He was subsequently promoted to Cavalry Commandant, General of Ningxi, and Town Commander of Chang'an, and was conferred the title of Duke of Fengyi. Anguo was bright and quick-witted from a young age, and he was also quite handsome. Being the nephew of the royal family, he married Princess Henan and was granted the title of Duke of the Imperial Son-in-Law. He later advanced to Cavalry Commandant. Emperor Xianzu particularly favored him, sharing his bed and even building a residence for him, showering him with wealth. Anguo was exceptionally promoted to Grand Marshal and General, and conferred the title of King of Ancheng.
Before this, Anguo had a strained relationship with the Minister of the Gods, Xi Mainu. In the early years of the Chengming era, he forged an edict and murdered Xi Mainu in the garden. When Emperor Gaozu heard about it, he was extremely angry and ordered Anguo to be executed. He was just twenty-three years old at the time. His son Yi inherited the kingship and passed away in the fifteenth year of Taihe. Because of his father's favored status in the previous dynasty, Emperor Gaozu specially posthumously honored his father as the Inspector of Bingzhou.
His son Zuan, courtesy name Fuxing, inherited the title, which was subsequently downgraded to a duke as per regulations. During the reign of Emperor Shizong, he started as a military aide in the Department of State Affairs. He was later promoted to the Sima of the Southern Qin Pingxi Prefecture and the Chief of Military Affairs, and was granted the posthumous titles of General of the Conquering Army and Governor of Jingzhou. He passed away in the second year of the Zhengguang era. His son Jingang inherited the title. In the late period of Wuding, he served as the Grand Minister of Rituals. After the Qi dynasty surrendered, the title was subsequently downgraded in accordance with regulations.
There was a man named Ji Ba, whose family had served as leaders of the Heqie clan for generations. His father, Ji Gen, led his clansmen to submit to the Wei dynasty in the early years of the Huangshi era. Emperor Taizu valued him greatly, so Ji Gen married Princess Zhao Cheng and fathered Ji Ba. When Ji Ba died, he was the Minister of State. Ji Ba married Princess Huayin and fathered Ji Jing. During the rebellion of Yuan Shao, Princess Huayin achieved merit, and Ji Jing was promoted to Grand General and granted the title of King of Changle. He later passed away.
His son Hu inherited the title and was appointed as a high-ranking official. During the Taihe period, the court issued an edict stating that Ji Hu was old and had not yet retired, so according to retirement regulations, he was allowed to remain in service until retirement. He later passed away, and his son Yan inherited the title. The records of Ji Gen's deeds are rather fragmented, so they are briefly noted.
The historian noted: Wang Luor, Che Lutou, Lu Luyuan, and Chen Jian, they all dedicated themselves wholeheartedly and did their utmost in times of crisis. If it were not for their aspirations that exceeded those of ordinary individuals, how could they have achieved such feats? As a result, they enjoyed favor during their lives and received honors upon their deaths. As for An Guo, his honors were distinct from those of others.
