Cui Hao, courtesy name Boyuan, was from Qinghe and was the eldest son of the official Xuanbo of the White Horse. He loved literature from a young age and read extensively across the classics, histories, and various literary collections. He had a mastery of astronomy, geography, and various doctrines, and he deeply studied the principles within them, surpassing anyone of his time. He became a junior official at a young age. During the Tianxing era, he served in the Ministry of Secretaries and was later promoted to the title of Author. Emperor Taizu often kept him close because of his excellent calligraphy. In his later years, Emperor Taizu was somewhat irritable, and anyone in the palace who made a slight mistake would be punished. Many people tried to avoid him for fear of causing trouble. However, Cui Hao remained diligent and earnest, sometimes even unable to return home for an entire day. Upon hearing this, Emperor Taizu specifically rewarded him with royal porridge. He was upright and maintained his integrity regardless of his circumstances, which was a testament to his character in his dealings with others.
After Emperor Taizong ascended the throne, he appointed him as Doctor and bestowed upon him the title of Wuchengzi, frequently asking him to explain the classics. Whenever they went on outings for worship in the countryside, the father and son would share a carriage, and people of the time envied them greatly. Emperor Taizong enjoyed studying yin-yang, the five elements, and divination. Upon hearing that Cui Hao was well-versed in the five-element theory of the "I Ching" and "Hong Fan," he held him in high regard and had him predict fortunes, observe celestial phenomena, and address some questions. Cui Hao could analyze celestial events and human affairs in a holistic manner, understanding the fundamental principles at play, and his judgments were mostly accurate. He often participated in planning national affairs and was highly favored by Emperor Taizong. At that time, a rabbit appeared in the imperial harem, and the guards at the gate had no idea how it got in. Emperor Taizong found it puzzling and asked Cui Hao to figure out why. Cui Hao said it must be that some neighboring country had sent tribute in the form of a beauty, and it turned out to be surprisingly accurate. The following year, Yao Xing indeed sent a princess.
In the year 606 AD, during autumn, the officials responsible for astronomy and calendars, Wang Liang and Su Yuan, advised Emperor Yang Guang to move the capital to Ye City, based on a prophecy mentioned by Princess Huayin and others that stated the nation should move its capital and that the Daye era would last for fifty years. Fang Xuanling and the senior official Zhou Dan told Emperor Yang Guang, "Now, relocating the capital to Ye City may solve this year's famine problem, but this isn't a sustainable solution. People from the eastern provinces always say that our country occupies vast lands, with a population and livestock that are countless, claiming to be as numerous as the hairs on a cow. If we leave the old capital and have the people migrate south in waves, there may not be enough land in each province to accommodate them. Everyone will be crowded in the counties, struggling with poor living conditions, and with the spread of diseases, the casualties could be immense; the situation is dire, and the morale of the people will certainly be low. If word of this spreads, other regions may look down on us. The Turks and Rouran will surely seize the chance to attack, putting places like Yunchong and Pingcheng at risk. There's a thousand miles of peril between us and Hengzhou and Daizhou; even if we wanted to help, it would be too late. In that case, both our reputation and strength would suffer. Now that we are in the north, if any changes occur in Shandong, we can quickly ride south and display our might in their homeland; how many troops could they muster to resist? When the people see our army, they will surely be terrified. This is the grand strategy for the nation to control the world! By spring, when the grass starts to grow and the orioles return, there will also be cheese, along with vegetables and fruits, enough to last until autumn. If the autumn harvest turns out well, then the problem will be resolved."
Yang Guang deeply agreed and said, "Only these two people share my thoughts." He then sent eunuchs to ask Fang Xuanling and Zhou Dan, "Now, even making ends meet is a challenge; we might not make it until autumn. What are we going to do if there is still no good harvest in autumn?" Fang Xuanling and the others replied, "We can select poor commoners and send them to the three provinces in Shandong to collect relief grain. If there is still a poor harvest in autumn, we will think of other solutions. But we absolutely cannot move the capital!" Yang Guang followed their advice and organized for the poor to go to the three provinces in Shandong to collect food in groups, also taking grain from the national treasury to aid the people. The next year, there was indeed a great harvest. Yang Guang rewarded Fang Xuanling and Zhou Dan each with a concubine and gifts, a set of royal garments, fifty bolts of silk, and fifty pounds of cotton.
At first, in the year before Yao Xing died, the astronomers reported that Mars had suddenly disappeared close to the Gourd Star overnight, and no one knew where it had gone. Some said that Mars had gone to a country on the brink of collapse, which could spark bad omens and lead to disaster. When Emperor Taizong heard this, he was alarmed and quickly summoned a dozen scholars to work with the historians to find out where Mars had gone. Fang Xuanling replied, "According to the 'Zuo Zhuan' in the 'Spring and Autumn Annals,' when the divine spirit descended upon the State of Xin, on that day, people used their respective items for sacrifices. Allow me to calculate based on the date; on the evening of Gengwu and the morning of Xinwei, dark clouds gathered, and Mars must have disappeared within these two days. Geng and Wei correspond to the Qin state, while Xin corresponds to the Western Regions. Now that Yao Xing occupies Xianyang, it means Mars has moved into the Qin state." The others changed their expressions upon hearing this and said, "The stars in the sky have disappeared; how can people know where it has gone? You're just talking nonsense with no proof!" Fang Xuanling just smiled and ignored them.
More than eighty days later, Mars actually appeared near Dongjing Star, hovering. The Qin state experienced a severe drought; the land was parched, and the water in Kunming Pool dried up. Rumors and children's songs were everywhere, and the country was in chaos. The following year, Yao Xing died, and his two sons started fighting again. Three years later, the state fell. At this time, those learned scholars were convinced, saying, "We really can't compare to him!"
In 403 AD, Sima Dezong (referring to the descendants of Sima Yi, here it should be Sima Xiuzhi) planned to send Liu Yu to take on Yao Hong, intending for Liu Yu's navy to enter the Yangtze River from the Huai River and Si River, then planned to move west along the Yellow River, looking to use our territory. This matter was left for the ministers to discuss.
The ministers in the court all felt it was unfeasible: "Hangu Pass is a natural stronghold; one man with a weapon can hold back thousands. How could Liu Yu's small force possibly get through? Even if he gets in, getting back would be tough. If he goes ashore to the north, it would be much more convenient for him. He claims to be fighting Yao Hong, but who knows what he really thinks? We can't let that guy have a free pass by lending him the water route. We should first send troops to block the upper Yellow River and prevent him from going west." The inner court ministers also thought this idea was good, and Taizong agreed with their plan.
At this time, Hao (referring to Fang Xuanling) stood up and said, "This idea won't work. Sima Xiuzhi and his supporters are causing trouble in Jingzhou, and Liu Yu has long been eager to eliminate them. Now Yao Hong is almost finished; it's the perfect opportunity for us to take advantage. I think Liu Yu definitely wants to enter Hangu Pass. This type of person seeks quick success and immediate gains and doesn't care about the consequences. If we block his western path, he will definitely go north by land; Yao Hong will be fine, but we will be attacked. Now the northern regions are in turmoil, and the common people are almost starving; we should not engage in war lightly. If we send troops to the south, the north will take advantage of the situation; if we go to rescue the north, the eastern states and counties will be in danger. It would be wiser to grant him passage via the waterways, let him go west; when he enters Hangu Pass, we can send troops to block his return path. This is the strategy of 'Bian Zhuang Ci Hu,' benefiting both sides! Even if Liu Yu wins, he has to thank us for the passage; even if Yao Hong wins, we will also gain a reputation for helping our neighbors. Even if Liu Yu gains control over Guanzhong, that place is far away, difficult to defend, and he won't be able to maintain it; ultimately, it will be ours. We don't need to spend troops; we can just sit back and watch them fight. Both sides have thought it through, and we can gain long-term benefits; this is the best strategy! When considering the country, we must choose methods that benefit ourselves; how can we be concerned about personal matters for the favor of a woman? Even if the country gives up the land south of Mount Heng, Liu Yu wouldn't dare to send troops from Wu and Yue to compete with the court's army for control of Hebei; this is quite evident." The ministers still thought, "If Liu Yu enters Hangu Pass, he will be in a dilemma, surrounded by enemies; if he goes north to land, the Yao army will definitely not come out to help us. He says he wants to go west, but actually wants to go north; this is clear." In the end, Emperor Taizong listened to everyone's opinions and sent Zhangsun Song to lead the troops to intercept, but ended up losing the battle at Pancheng, with many soldiers dead. Upon hearing this, Emperor Taizong regretted not heeding Hao's advice.
Two years later, Sima Dezong, the governor of Qi County, surrendered to the court and submitted a memorial, suggesting that since Liu Yu was currently in Luoyang, the court should send troops to cut off his escape route, which would allow for a victory without battle. The emperor read the memorial and thought it was a good idea.
At that time, Fang Xuanling was explaining the scriptures in front of the emperor, who asked him, “Liu Yu is on the western expedition, and the vanguard has already reached Tongguan. What do you think about this? Can he succeed?” Fang Xuanling replied, “In the past, Yao Xing only knew how to deceive and had no real abilities. His son Yao Hong is also ill, and the people's morale is low; everyone has turned against him. Liu Yu is seizing this opportunity with a strong army. In my opinion, he will definitely succeed.” The emperor then asked, “How does Liu Yu's military talent compare to Murong Chui?” Fang Xuanling said, “Liu Yu is more capable.” The emperor asked, “Why do you say that?”
Fang Xuanling explained, “Murong Chui is a hereditary noble, born into a prestigious position, and everyone naturally supports him, like bees to honey; with just a bit of backing, he can accomplish great things. In contrast, Liu Yu comes from humble beginnings, with no background or power, relying entirely on himself to rise up against Huan Xuan and defeat him, capture Murong Chao in the north, and defeat Lu Xun in the south, ultimately overthrowing the Eastern Jin and seizing power. If Liu Yu pacifies Yao Xing and then returns, he will definitely usurp the throne; this is bound to happen. However, the various ethnic groups in Qin are all mixed together, like a den of tigers and wolves, and Liu Yu cannot hold it. The customs and traditions are different, and the people's sentiments are hard to change. Trying to apply the governance models of Jingzhou and Yangzhou to Guanzhong is as impossible as trying to fly without wings or run without legs. If we station troops for defense, they will only provide supplies for the enemy. Confucius once said, ‘A good person governing a country for a hundred years may perhaps reduce killings.’ Now that Qin is so difficult to govern, how could Liu Yu possibly sort it out in just a year or two? It would be better for us to prepare for defense, recuperate, and wait for him to return. In the end, Qin will still return to our hands, and we can bide our time and wait for things to turn around.”
The emperor said, "Liu Yu has entered Guanzhong, and we find ourselves in a predicament. If we send elite troops to attack Pengcheng and Shouchun in the south, will he be able to withstand this?" Fang Xuanling said, "There are still two rebellions in the northwest that have not been pacified. Your Majesty cannot personally command the army. Although we have a large number of troops, we lack renowned generals like Han Xin and Bai Qi. Although Changsun Song is good at governing the country, he lacks the ambition and does not compare to Liu Yu. I believe waiting for the right moment is still a viable option." The emperor smiled and said, "Your analysis is very insightful!" Fang Xuanling continued, "I must report my private evaluations of the figures in recent years to Your Majesty. Wang Meng's governance resembles that of Guan Zhong under Fu Jian; Murong Xuangong assists the young master Murong Wei like Huo Guang assisting Emperor Xuan of Han; Liu Yu pacifying the rebellion is like Sima Yi assisting Cao Wei." The emperor asked, "What do you think of the late emperor (referring to the founding emperor)?" Fang Xuanling said, "I have limited knowledge; who am I to comment so freely on the vastness of heaven and earth? However, the founding emperor mobilized the humble people of the north to come to the Central Plains, transformed customs, and established peace across the realm. His achievements can be compared to Fuxi and Shennong. How dare I comment recklessly?" The emperor asked again, "What do you think of Qu Gai?" Fang Xuanling said, "After Qu Gai's homeland was destroyed, he found himself alone and dependent on others. He was appointed by the Yao family but did not seek to unite with powerful neighbors for revenge. Instead, he antagonized the Ruru, betrayed Yao Xing, and only resorted to petty schemes. He lacked a grand strategic vision and only knew how to rule with cruelty. It was only to be expected that he would ultimately be overthrown by others." The emperor was very pleased and chatted until late at night, rewarding Fang Xuanling with ten cups of imperial wine, as well as a piece of crystal salt and fine jade each, saying, "I find your words to be as rich and flavorful as this salt and wine, so I reward you and share this delicacy with you."
Three years later, it is said that a comet appeared in the sky. It traveled from the Tianjin Star to the Taiwei Constellation, passed through the Big Dipper and circled the Purple Micro Constellation, and even encountered the Tianhui Star, lasting for more than eighty days before disappearing in the Han River basin. Emperor Taizong of Tang then gathered a group of Confucian scholars and diviners, asking them, "The realm is still not fully unified, with various local lords vying for power. In which country will these signs of disaster come true? I am deeply concerned about this; you must speak honestly and hold nothing back." Everyone chose Fu Yi to respond.
Fu Yi responded, "The ancients said that disasters arise from human actions. If people do not do wrong, disasters will not occur on their own. Therefore, if people do wrong, signs will appear in the sky. This is the way of heaven, a truth that has remained for millennia. The Records of the Han Dynasty note that before Wang Mang usurped the throne, a comet appeared, mirroring the current situation. In our nation, there is order between rulers and subjects, distinctions between superior and inferior, and the common people have no grievances. Only in nations where power is usurped, where ministers overstep their bounds, and where the country is in decline, will such phenomena occur, such as when Huan Xuan seized power and Liu Yu took control. Comets are produced by evil qi, foretelling the impending downfall of the Jin dynasty and Liu Yu's usurpation!" No one else could come up with a better explanation than Fu Yi, and Emperor Taizong greatly agreed with his words. Five years later, Liu Yu indeed deposed his lord, Sima Dewen, and became emperor, changing the era name and issuing a general amnesty.
At that time, Emperor Taizong was out hunting in the southeast at Shilu Pool. Upon hearing this news, he quickly dispatched a messenger to summon Fu Yi and said to him, "Today, I truly believe in the will of heaven you foretold through the comet."
Earlier, Fu Yi's father fell seriously ill. Fu Yi cut his fingernails and shaved his head, praying to the North Star in the yard at night, asking for his father's well-being. He even vowed to trade his own life for his father's. He prostrated himself so fervently that his head bled, and he did not stop for more than a year. Few family members were aware of this. After his father passed away, Fu Yi observed the mourning rituals and fulfilled his filial duties, earning praise from the people at the time. Later, he inherited the title of Duke of Baima. He was responsible for the court's ceremonies, formal proclamations, and military documents. Fu Yi could write various articles, but he was not good at lengthy discourses. He concentrated on institutional frameworks, legal principles, and the teachings of classical texts. He also drafted regulations for sacrifices, organized the order of the Five Ancestor sacrifices, and established the rituals for steaming and tasting sacrifices, as well as guidelines for extravagance and frugality, which all made sense. He did not like reading the "Tao Te Ching" and "Zhuangzi," often throwing them away after reading just a few lines, saying, "These are all misguided notions that contradict human nature and common sense; they certainly were not written by Laozi. Laozi understood rituals and was Confucius's teacher; how could he write a book that undermines the rites and disrupts the teachings of the former kings? Wei Sheng is right; these things are like items in a family trunk that should not be aired publicly in court." The emperor was elderly and had been in declining health, often experiencing unusual events. He secretly sent a eunuch to ask Cui Hao: "The 'Spring and Autumn Annals' states that if the celestial bodies approach the Big Dipper, the seven vassal states will face disasters. Now, the solar eclipse is covering the Wei and Miao stars, which mark the boundary between the Zhao and Dai states. I have been ill for several years, and no treatment has worked. What if I suddenly die one day, and my several sons are still young? What should I do? I need your advice."
Cui Hao said, "Your Majesty, you are in the prime of your life, your accomplishments are thriving, and your virtue is sufficient to avert disasters; you will surely recover soon. Moreover, heaven's will is unpredictable; some omens will come true, while others will not. In the past, when Duke Jing of Song faced calamities, he practiced virtue, and as a result, the comet passed. So, Your Majesty, don’t worry; concentrate on regaining your strength and accept the good fortune. Don’t pay attention to those negative words that could bring you down. If it is really necessary, I’d like to suggest something. Since you ascended the throne, you have not yet established a crown prince, which nearly caused trouble early in Yongxing. Now, you should quickly appoint a crown prince, pick some loyal and capable ministers you trust, and have them serve as the crown prince's teachers. Additionally, choose some trusted close ministers to be friends with the crown prince, letting him get involved in state affairs, command the army, and oversee the nation, so he can take charge of the state’s affairs. In this way, Your Majesty can enjoy a worry-free retirement and focus on your recovery. After your passing, the country will have an heir, and the people will feel secure, so those troublemakers won’t have any bad ideas anymore. This is really important for the stability of the country and the best way to avoid disasters. Now, your eldest son, Li Tao, is now grown; he’s smart, kind, and everyone likes him. Let him be the crown prince now, and the people will be pleased. Making the eldest son the crown prince is a tradition. If you wait until all your sons are grown to choose, it will mess up the order, and it’ll be as risky as walking on eggshells. Throughout history, the rise and fall of dynasties in history rarely comes from anything but this."
The emperor followed Cui Hao's advice. He then sent Cui Hao to the ancestral shrine to perform a ritual and appointed Li Shizu as the Crown Prince, allowing him to live in the main hall and take part in state affairs. Changsun Song, Xi Jin, and An Tong served as left advisors, sitting on the west side of the eastern wing; Cui Hao, Mu Guan, and Qiu Dui served as right advisors, sitting on the east side of the western wing. All officials followed their commands. The emperor moved to the Western Palace, secretly watching how they handled state affairs and listening to their decisions, feeling quite pleased. He said to the attendants around him, "Changsun Song is an old minister who has served four emperors and contributed greatly to the country; Xi Jin is smart and capable, known for his great reputation; An Tong understands the people's needs and is very capable; Mu Guan is knowledgeable about politics and understands my goals; Cui Hao is well-versed in many subjects, especially astronomy and geography; though Qiu Dui may not be particularly remarkable, he is serious and careful in his duties. With these six assisting me, we can travel the country together, quell rebellions, calm the people, and achieve my goals." Sometimes, ministers would raise questions, and the emperor would say, "I don’t understand these things; you should ask the national lord." "In the 'Spring and Autumn Annals,' it says that when the stars stray from the Big Dipper, the rulers of the seven states will face misfortune."
I've heard that Liu Yu has died. Emperor Taizong is looking to take advantage of this situation to attack Luoyang, Hulao, and Huatai. Fang Xuanling remarked, "Your Majesty didn’t attack Liu Yu when he suddenly rose to power, but accepted his tribute, and Liu Yu has always served Your Majesty respectfully. Now that he has sadly died, it's dishonorable for us to attack while they're mourning. The 'Spring and Autumn Annals' tell us that when the Jin state invaded Qi, they withdrew their troops upon hearing that the Duke of Qi had died. Gentlemen praised him for not attacking others during their mourning, thinking that kindness can touch the hearts of the filial and justice can sway the lords. We still haven't managed to take Jiangnan all at once. We should send someone to offer condolences, take care of their widows and orphans, show some compassion for their struggles, and show our commitment to kindness and righteousness. This way, our influence will spread through Jingzhou and Yangzhou, and treasures like gold, silver, ivory, and feathers from the south will come to us without needing to ask. Liu Yu has just died, and his followers have not dispersed yet. If we send a big army to invade, they'll definitely band together to resist. It's hard to say if we can win. It’s better to wait until their internal conflicts heat up. If they start fighting over power and greed, things will surely get chaotic. Then, we can easily take over the northern Huai region without breaking a sweat."
Emperor Taizong was determined to launch a southern expedition and asked Fang Xuanling, "Liu Yu destroyed his state because Yao Xing died. Liu Yu is dead now, so why shouldn’t I attack him?" Fang Xuanling insisted, "When Yao Xing died, his two sons were fighting over power, and Liu Yu only attacked him then." Emperor Taizong was furious and did not listen to Fang Xuanling's advice, so he sent Xi Jin south to conquer. In front of the regent, they discussed whether to attack the city first or occupy the territory first. Xi Jin said, "Please attack the city first." Fang Xuanling said, "People in the south are good at defending cities. Fu Jian attacked Xiangyang for a long time without success. Now we are using the military force of a great nation to attack a small city of theirs. If we cannot capture it immediately, it will weaken our forces, giving the enemy a chance to regroup. We will be exhausted while they are spirited, which is very dangerous. It is better to divide the troops to occupy the territory, establish the Huai River as our boundary, appoint guards, and collect taxes and food. Huatai and Hulao are located to the north of our troops, cutting off their reinforcements from the south. They will definitely flee eastward along the Yellow River. If things do not go this way, they will be like fish in a barrel." Gongsun Biao suggested attacking their cities first. Xi Jin and others crossed the Yellow River, attacked Huatai for a long time without success, and Gongsun Biao requested reinforcements. Emperor Taizong was furious and personally led a campaign south. He appointed Fang Xuanling as the governor of Xiangzhou, and promoted him to the rank of Left Guanglu Dafu, ordering him to accompany the army on the expedition and serve as a military advisor.
When they returned by carriage, Hao followed Emperor Taizong on a trip to Xihe and Taiyuan. They rested on Gaoling, looking down at the rushing river below and the vast expanse of the plain. Hao was deeply touched, and he discussed the pros and cons of the five-tiered county system with his colleagues, analyzing the failures of Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han. He was well-versed and gifted, and everyone admired his insights. Tian Shi Kou Qianzhi often engaged in discussions with Hao. When he heard Hao analyze the principles of ancient governance and rise and fall, they would talk from dusk until dawn, listening intently and respectfully, never showing signs of fatigue. Later, Kou Qianzhi exclaimed, "Your insights are truly profound and can be put into practice. You are truly the Gao Tao of the present era! It's just that people only value the ancient and underestimate the present, failing to deeply understand." So he said to Hao, "I live a reclusive life, detached from worldly affairs, occasionally receiving divine inspiration. I should study the Confucian classics, assist Tai Ping Zhenjun, and inherit the orthodox tradition that has been broken for thousands of years. However, my knowledge is lacking, and I often find myself muddled in my decision-making. Please assist me in writing a book on the governance strategies of emperors throughout history, and summarize its key points." Hao then wrote more than twenty articles, beginning with the ancient primordial era and continuing through the shortcomings of the Qin and Han dynasties. Overall, he advocated for the restoration of the five-tiered nobility system. After Emperor Shizu ascended the throne, those around him, envious of Hao's integrity, conspired to slander him. Although Emperor Shizu knew of Hao's talents, he could not ignore everyone's opinions, so he dismissed Hao and sent him home. When confronted with challenging issues, he would call upon Hao for counsel. Hao spoke with clarity and logic, as graceful as a fine lady. He was sharp-minded and quick-witted, adept at strategy, constantly likening himself to Zhang Liang, asserting his deeper understanding of ancient texts. Back home, Hao sought to learn the principles of health and nutrition, and Kou Qianzhi happened to possess the "New Classic of Divine Records." Hao then took him on as a mentor.
It is said that during the Northern Wei Shiguang era, Cui Hao was promoted to Duke of Dongjun and also served as the Minister of Rites. At that time, the court wanted to attack Helian Chang, and all the ministers thought it was too difficult; only Cui Hao said, "In recent years, Mars has twice lingered near the Yulin star, forming the Gou Xi star pattern, foretelling the fall of the Qin Dynasty. Moreover, this year the five planets are aligned in the east, which is a good omen for launching a westward attack! The timing is perfect, and the conditions are favorable; we cannot miss this opportunity!" Emperor Taiwu of Wei believed Cui Hao's words and sent Xi Jin and others to attack Puban, while he led a light cavalry to sneak attack Helian Chang's capital, resulting in a resounding victory and a triumphant return.
Later, Emperor Taiwu once again attacked Helian Chang. When the army reached the gates of Helian Chang, they feigned weakness and pretended to retreat. Helian Chang became arrogant and led his army out, forming a battle formation with both wings spread out. At this moment, a southeast wind suddenly blew, with flying sand and rolling stones, darkening the sky. A eunuch named Zhao Ni quickly advised Emperor Taiwu, "The wind is blowing from the enemy's side now; we are facing the wind, this is a sign that heaven is against us! The soldiers are hungry and thirsty; Your Majesty should quickly retreat, avoid the wind, and fight another day!" When Cui Hao heard this, he immediately rebuked, "What nonsense are you talking! Victory or defeat in a thousand-mile battle is determined in a matter of days; how can we easily change the plan? The enemy has already rushed out, and our retreat is cut off. We should split our forces and launch a surprise attack from the flanks to catch them by surprise! The direction of the wind is not fixed!" Emperor Taiwu said, "Good!" and ordered the troops to attack, leading to the defeat of Helian Chang's army.
Earlier, Emperor Taizu of Wei, Tuoba Tao, ordered official Deng Yuan, the Shang Shulang, to write the "National Records," which consisted of more than ten volumes documenting events in chronological order, though the format was not yet complete. It was later passed to Emperor Taizong of Wei, Tuoba Si, who set it aside and did not continue the work. In the second year of Emperor Shendi of Wei, the court ordered the assembly of scholars to compile the national history. Cui Hao and his brother Cui Lan, along with Gao Dang, Deng Ying, Huang Ji, Fan Heng, and others participated in this work, ultimately completing the thirty-volume "National Book."
That year, the court intended to launch an attack on the Ruru, but there was significant opposition both inside and outside the court. Empress Dowager Bao also strongly advised Emperor Taiwu against it, but Emperor Taiwu was resolute in ignoring her advice, with only Cui Hao supporting this strategy. The Minister of Personnel Liu Jie, Left Deputy Minister An Yuan, and others asked palace attendant Qiu Qi to summon Zhang Yuan, the Grand Historian of He Lianchang, and Xu Bian to persuade Emperor Taiwu, arguing, "This year is the Year of Jisi, a year characterized by three yin, with Jupiter in opposition to the moon and Venus in the west; it is not an auspicious time for war." The ministers all supported Zhang Yuan, recalling how, in his youth, he had advised Fu Jian against launching a southern campaign, and Fu Jian's disregard led to failure. Given that the timing, geography, and human factors are all unfavorable, how could anyone act so recklessly? Faced with uncertainty, Emperor Taiwu summoned Cui Hao to engage in a debate with Zhang Yuan and the others.
Hao Nanyuan said: "Yang qi represents virtue, while Yin qi represents punishment. Therefore, during a solar eclipse, one should cultivate virtue, and during a lunar eclipse, one should focus on punishment. When emperors use punishment, serious offenses are publicly executed in the fields, while minor cases are handled in the court. Warfare is the most severe form of punishment. In this context, it is currently the 'Three Yin' engaging in military actions, which aligns with the principle of focusing on punishment. When Jupiter obscures the moon, it signifies famine in the coming year, leading to the displacement of the people; this will manifest in other countries, twelve years later. When the Venus star moves to the Azure Dragon constellation, it represents the east in astronomy, which does not impede the northern campaign. We, as common people, have a limited understanding and focus only on immediate trivial matters, struggling to see the bigger picture, which makes it hard to engage in long-term planning. I have observed celestial phenomena; over the years, the moon has been near the Pleiades, and it remains so to this day. The divination result is: 'Three years later, the emperor will suffer a significant defeat at the hands of the Maotou kingdom.' The Ruanruan and Gao Che are subjects of the Maotou kingdom. A wise ruler can implement unconventional strategies to govern the country. The ancients said: 'When unconventional measures are first implemented, the people may fear them at first, but once successful, peace will prevail.' I hope Your Majesty will not doubt this."
Yuan and others felt embarrassed and said, "The Rouran are worthless people from remote and desolate regions. Occupying their land serves no purpose for me, and conquering their people cannot be utilized. They are reckless and fickle, making them hard to subdue. Why bother to rack our brains and mobilize troops?" Hao Nan said, "Yuan, you talk about celestial phenomena; that's your duty, but in terms of the situation, it's not something you grasp. These are all old adages from the Han Dynasty that are no longer applicable. Why do I say this? The Rouran were once our nation's rebellious slaves in the north. Now that we’ve dealt with their leaders and recruited their loyal subjects to restore their original roles, they are not useless. The northern steppes are free of mosquitoes, the water and grass are abundant, and in summer, they can migrate north. Cultivating the land there is possible. Surrendered Rouran descendants of high status can marry princesses, and even those of lower status can become generals or officials. They are prevalent in the court, and the Gaoche are famous for their cavalry. They can be subjugated and utilized. If we use people from the south to pursue them, we will be troubled by their recklessness and unpredictability, but it is not the same for our army. Why? They can run far, and we can chase far. Subduing them by coordinating our advances and retreats is manageable. Furthermore, the Rouran have invaded our country many times before, causing widespread panic among the populace and officials. If we don’t take action against them this summer, we won’t have peace when they return in the fall. From the reign of Emperor Taizong to now, we have fought every year. Isn’t that enough of a strain on our resources? It’s said that Yuan and Bian are skilled in numerology and can discern success from failure. I want to test them and ask if there were any signs before the fall of the Western country. Knowing but not speaking is disloyal; if they really don’t know, then they lack the competence." At that time, Helian Chang was also present. Yuan and the others felt deeply embarrassed for failing to foresee this and were at a loss for words. Emperor Wen was very pleased and said to his courtiers, "I have made my decision. We cannot negotiate with countries marked for destruction. That is truly well said!" However, Empress Dowager Bao still hesitated and asked the courtiers to evaluate in front of her. Emperor Wen said to Hao Nan, "These people still doubt. Please explain it clearly to them so they understand."
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After the morning meeting, someone stepped forward and said, "Now the Wu State army is invading to the south, but instead of heading south, we're going north. Who doesn’t know it’s a long way to send troops? If we don't gain anything from the northern campaign against the Rouran, we'll still have to deal with the enemies in the south, and that would be too risky!"
Haoran replied, "That's not right. If we don't defeat the Rouran this year, we won't be able to defend against the southern enemies. Ever since our country annexed the Western Regions, the southerners have been terrified and have been intensifying their defenses north of the Huai River. They're worn out from their frantic movements while we take the time to recuperate. That's the situation. Once we defeat the Rouran, we can maneuver freely, and the southern enemies won't be able to pay attention to us anymore. How should I put it? After Liu Yu occupied Guanzhong, he left his beloved son and tens of thousands of elite soldiers, yet they couldn't hold their ground, and the entire army was wiped out; the wailing has persisted to this day. Our country is currently in a time of peace and prosperity, with strong soldiers and healthy horses. How can we be like a young colt poking a tiger's whiskers? Even if we hand over Henan, they still wouldn't be able to defend it. They know they can't hold it, and that's why they don't dare to approach. Even if they have an army, it's only for border defense. It's like seeing water freeze in a bottle and realizing the world is cold; tasting a piece of meat tells you what flavor is in the pot. Everything follows its own patterns, which can be deduced. Moreover, the Rouran, relying on their distance from us, think that our country's strength can't reach them, so they are very relaxed. In summer, they disperse to graze their livestock, and in autumn, they gather them back after fattening them up, using the warmth of their surroundings as cover to move south and raid. Now, if we catch them by surprise and strike when they're unprepared, our army will suddenly arrive, and they will surely be frightened and flee in all directions. A mare with her foal is difficult to control when spooked; without water and grass, they’ll tire quickly in just a few days, and we can eliminate them in one fell swoop. A little hardship now can yield long-term gains; this is a golden opportunity we can't afford to miss! I just fear the higher-ups aren't on board with this plan. Now that the Emperor has decided to go ahead with this unprecedented strategy, how can we possibly stop it? Alas, those ministers are truly short-sighted!"
So the army set off. The Celestial Master asked Haoran, "How is this expedition? Can it really succeed?" Haoran replied, "With the right timing, favorable conditions, and unity among the people, it will definitely succeed. I'm just worried that the generals will be indecisive, hesitant, and unable to pursue the victory, which could hinder us from wiping out the enemy completely."
As soon as the army entered the territory of the Rouran, the Rouran were caught completely off guard; the commoners and their livestock were scattered in the fields, frightened and running everywhere, with no one organizing them. Therefore, our army split up to search for and capture, going east to west for five thousand miles; south to north for three thousand miles. The captured prisoners and the seized livestock, vehicles, and tents were spread across the mountains and rivers, totaling at least several million. The Gao Che people also participated in the attack against the Rouran, with over three hundred thousand households surrendering. This threw the Rouran into complete disarray.
Emperor Shizu made his way west along the Weak Water and reached Mount Zhuoxie. Many generals felt they had gone too deep into enemy territory and were worried about ambushes, advising the emperor not to pursue further. However, the Celestial Master strongly urged the emperor to continue the chase based on previous prophecies, but the emperor did not listen. Later, a defector said that the Rouran's main leader, Mr. Tan, had fallen ill and, in a panic, not knowing what to do, had set fire to the tents and fled south with a few hundred men. The commoners and their livestock were all packed into just sixty miles, with no one able to manage anyone else.
The pursuing troops were still a hundred or eighty miles away and could not catch up, so the Rouran slowly escaped westward, barely escaping disaster. Later, news came that Jia Hu from Liangzhou claimed that if they had chased them for just two more days, they could've wiped them all out! Emperor Shizu deeply regretted this. After the army pulled back, the southern rebels definitely didn't dare to make any rash moves, just as the Celestial Master had predicted.
Haoming, this fellow knows a thing or two about astronomy and loves observing the changes in the stars. He often puts small strips of gold, silver, and copper in vinegar to make them turn green. If he sees any strange celestial phenomenon at night, he uses these strips to write it down on paper.
The emperor often visits Haoming's house and likes to ask him some quirky and unusual things. Sometimes when the emperor comes in a hurry, Haoming doesn't have time to get properly dressed, so he serves simple meals without any fuss. The emperor picks up the chopsticks himself and sometimes even tastes the food before leaving. The emperor really trusts and favors Haoming! Later, the emperor allowed Haoming to enter the palace and promoted him to various positions, including attendant, special advisor, general of the imperial guard, and left grand master of the palace. This was a reward for his strategic advice.
One time, the emperor casually said to Haoming, "You are talented and knowledgeable, loyal to our family for three generations, dating back to my grandfather. That's why I keep you by my side. I hope you'll speak your mind and offer more suggestions, help me correct my mistakes, and don’t hold back. Even if I get angry and don't listen to you, I will definitely think about your words later." Then, the emperor had the musicians sing about Haoming's achievements in front of all the ministers, as recorded in "The Biography of Chang Sun Daosheng." The emperor also gathered hundreds of new surrendered tribal leaders and hosted a feast for them. Pointing at Haoming, he said to them, "Look at this man; he may seem weak and frail, unable to even pull a bow or hold a spear steadily, but his strategies surpass those of a thousand troops. Although I initially had intentions of conquest, I was indecisive, but later on, I won battles thanks to his guidance!"
Finally, the emperor ordered all the high officials, "For all important state matters you’re unsure about in the future, you should check with Haoming first before making any decisions."
It is said that the generals in the south reported to the court that Liu Yilong was quite arrogant and wanted to attack Henan. They requested the court to send thirty thousand troops to strike first before Liu Yilong could act, to take care of the refugees in Hebei and cut off their guides. This way, they could weaken their resolve and stop them from daring to venture into the Central Plains. The ministers discussed it and all agreed to grant their request.
However, Wang Hao stood up to oppose, saying: "This absolutely cannot be done! In the past, we had a great victory over those southern bandits; our troops were strong and well-equipped. They were already frightened out of their minds, unable to sleep peacefully at night, fearing that we would suddenly send troops to launch a surprise attack on them. All this noise is actually to prepare for any eventuality; they do not genuinely want to take the initiative to attack. Moreover, the southern terrain is low-lying and humid, hot and muggy in the summer, with waterlogged areas and dense forests, which makes it easy for epidemics to spread. It is simply not the best time for a campaign. Additionally, Liu Yilong is already well-prepared and will definitely hold the city defensively. If we send our main army to attack, logistics and supplies will be an issue; if we split our forces to raid all around, we will be unable to cope with the enemy's main force. There's no clear advantage to be seen. Even if they really dare to come, we can wait until they're worn out and autumn arrives, when their horses are well-fed and in good shape, and then use their supplies to slowly defeat them. This is the safest bet with a good chance of winning. The ministers of the court and the commanders in the northwest have followed Your Majesty in battles north and south, defeating Helian in the west and the Rouran in the north, seizing many beautiful women and treasures, and acquiring countless horses. When they heard this, they got jealous and also wanted to fight for wealth, so they were blowing the enemy's strength out of proportion, hoping to get the court's go-ahead to send troops. But the court did not agree, so they kept saying the enemy was about to attack to intimidate the court. They are stirring up trouble for their own gain, which isn’t how loyal subjects act!" The Emperor accepted Wang Hao's advice.
After a while, the generals from the south reported again that the enemy is approaching and said they were short on troops. They requested the court to redeploy the stationed troops south of Youzhou to reinforce them and to construct ships along the Zhang River for enhanced defense. After discussing, the ministers unanimously agreed to send five thousand cavalry and also planned to send people like Sima Chuzhi, Lu Gui, and Han Yanzhi to lure the border residents. Wang Hao opposed again, saying, "This is not a viable strategy! The southern bandits will learn that the elite troops south of Youzhou have been withdrawn, that the court is building warships, and that light cavalry will follow behind. They will also plan to support the Sima family and eliminate the Liu family. They will undoubtedly mobilize the entire nation out of fear of annihilation and will definitely resist the northern army with all their strength. Once they realize that the imperial army is just making a show of force while they have already prepared, they will charge forward with enthusiasm, all the way to the Yellow River, rampaging and invading. By that time, our defending forces will be unable to hold them back. If there are clever people among them who are good at scheming, taking advantage of our weakness to create chaos, the consequences could be dire. This is not a sound approach. The ministers now want to use military force to scare off the enemy, but instead, it will attract them. This is like intentionally spreading false information, which ends up bringing real danger. Everyone must think carefully about this; otherwise, it will be too late to regret. We can send envoys to the south and agree to have them return in four months. We can wait for the envoys to return to clarify the situation before taking action; that wouldn’t be too late. Moreover, Sima Chuzhi and his associates are precisely the ones the southern bandits fear. If they want to seize their country, how could they possibly sit idly by? Therefore, if Sima Chuzhi goes, they will come; if Sima Chuzhi does not go, they will stop their actions. This is inevitable. Furthermore, Sima Chuzhi and his associates have limited abilities; they can only gather a motley crew and cannot accomplish anything significant. They will only create incidents for personal gain, causing continuous wars and chaos in the country; these individuals are exactly that type."
I once heard that Lu Gui persuaded Yao Xing to attack Jingzhou, but they ended up suffering a defeat, and the barbarians took their slaves. This also brought misfortune to Yao Hong. This serves as a warning from history!
Wang Hao also analyzed from the perspective of celestial phenomena, stating that the timing is unfavorable for the south: "This year, disastrous influences are in Yangzhou, so it is not suitable to launch an attack first; this is the first reason. This year is marked by self-punishment in the Year of the Horse; those who act first will suffer; this is the second reason. Recently, there have been solar eclipses and abnormal star alignments, with birds falling from the sky; these are all ominous signs indicating danger; this is the third reason. The comet is hidden in the constellation of Yizhen, indicating that there will be war and death; this is the fourth reason. The planet Venus has not yet appeared, and if we attack now, we are sure to fail; this is the fifth reason. A ruler who wishes to prosper the nation must first manage personnel well, secondly make good use of geographical advantages, and finally observe the timing of the heavens; only then can they ensure success and the stability of the state, so that the ruler can enjoy peace. Now, Liu Yilong has just founded the state, and the administrative matters are still disorganized; disasters are frequent, and the timing is also unfavorable; the southern waterways are blocked, and the geographical advantages are lacking. None of these three aspects have been properly addressed, and even self-preservation is a problem; how can we take the initiative to attack others? Let those bandits in the south hear our bluster and prepare themselves, while we observe their defensive posture before acting; this way both sides will think they are dealing with an enemy. Military strategy emphasizes avoiding the enemy's strength and waiting for the right moment; now is not the time to act rashly!"
The emperor had no choice but to comply with the ministers' opinions and adopted their suggestions. Cui Hao, however, insisted on opposing and refused to compromise. As a result, the emperor stationed Prince Yangping Du Chao in Ye City and sent Wang Sima Chuzhi and others to garrison in Yingchuan. This accelerated the enemy's offensive, as Helian Ding entered the Yellow River from Qing Shui, moving upstream to the west, splitting troops to guard the southern bank, extending all the way to Tongguan.
The emperor heard that Helian Ding and Liu Yilong were watching each other in Hebei, so he prepared to mobilize troops and wanted to first attack Helian Ding. The ministers said, "Liu Yilong is still by the Yellow River. If you abandon him to fight in the west, it's uncertain whether you can win in that battle. If Liu Yilong takes the opportunity to attack, our eastern states will be lost." The emperor was indecisive, so he asked Cui Hao for his opinion. Cui Hao said, "Liu Yilong and Helian Ding are colluding, conspiring with Feng Ba, gaining the support of the Rouran, plotting wrongdoing, and bluffing each other. Liu Yilong is waiting for Helian Ding to attack, and Helian Ding is waiting for Liu Yilong to attack; neither is willing to make the first move. In my opinion, they are like two chickens tied together by their legs, unable to fly, causing no harm. I initially thought that Liu Yilong's army would camp by the Yellow River, then advance north from two routes, attacking Jizhou in the east and Ye City in the west. In that case, Your Majesty should personally lead the troops to attack, not delay. The situation is different now; they have troops on both sides, two thousand miles apart, with only a few thousand troops in each place, dispersed and weak. From this perspective, Liu Yilong's intention is clear: he just wants to defend the Yellow River; he would consider it fortunate to save his own skin, with no plans to cross the river north. Helian Ding is already ripe for defeat and can be easily overcome. After defeating Helian Ding, advancing east from Tongguan, the momentum will be irresistible, intimidating the south, and there will be no enemies left north of the Yangtze River. This brilliant strategy could only come from Your Majesty. We wouldn't even dare to imagine it. I hope Your Majesty can move westward without hesitation."
After the capture of Pingliang, a banquet was held that same day to celebrate. The Emperor held Lord Cui's hand and pointed to the envoy from Meng Xun, saying, "The Lord Cui I mentioned is him. His talent and strategies are unmatched by anyone now. Every decision I make has to go through him, and success or failure depends on him. We truly understand each other and have never erred." Later, General An Jie returned with his troops, presenting captives from the south and relaying the words of the southern enemies: Liu Yilong ordered his generals that if the northern army moved, they should directly enter the Yellow River before the northern army arrived; if the northern army did not move, they should stay in Pengcheng and not advance. This was exactly as Cui Hao had predicted. The Emperor said to his ministers, "You said it was a mistake for me to follow Cui Hao's advice and tried to dissuade me. Those who frequently win battles tend to believe they are superior, but in the end, they may not be any better." Therefore, the Emperor promoted Cui Hao to the position of Minister of Works.
At that time, a man named Qi Xian suggested that the Emperor appoint four kings, named the Kings of the East, West, South, and North, to bring good fortune and ward off disasters. The Emperor ordered Su Shi and other scholars to discuss this matter together.
Su Shi replied, "Our ancestors founded the country to consolidate the territory and protect the borders, not to seek blessings through appealing titles. The sun and moon move in cycles, illuminating all directions, and our capital is right in the middle. If we appoint four kings named the Kings of the East, West, South, and North, their influence would almost cover the entire country, which contradicts this principle. Therefore, we cannot adopt such titles."
Before this, Qi Qian had also suggested changing the reign title to "Wannian." Su Shi said, "Our great ancestor, Emperor Dao Wu, was divinely ordained and established a great foundation. All the systems he set up did not violate ancient customs. Initially, he was granted land in Dai, and later it was called Wei, so both names, Dai and Wei, are used, just like in the Yin and Shang dynasties. Our country has accumulated virtue and performed good deeds, all recorded in historical texts, and should inherently enjoy a legacy for all eternity; there’s no need to rely on changing a reign title to increase blessings. What Qi Qian proposed is fundamentally misguided." Emperor Shun accepted Su Shi's opinion.
At that time, Juqu Muxian, the King of Hexi, was scheming, knowing that our emperor intended to attack him and first asked Minister Cui Hao for his opinion. Cui Hao said, "Juqu Muxian's predatory ambition has been fully exposed; he must be dealt with! Our army's previous northern expedition, although not completely successful, incurred minimal losses. At that time, there were three hundred thousand horses in the internal and external troops sent to war, and less than eight thousand were lost along the way. Typically, there are naturally over ten thousand horses that die each year, so these eight thousand are not considered much. People from afar only see the surface and think the losses are severe, making recovery seem impossible. Now, if we launch a surprise attack, he certainly won't expect our large army to arrive so quickly, and he will be frightened and thrown into chaos; capturing him will definitely be no problem. Moreover, Juqu Muxian is inherently weak, and all his brothers are arrogant and overbearing, vying for power and wealth, causing the common people to be disheartened. Additionally, in recent years, the Hexi region has been ravaged by severe disasters; this nation should have collapsed long ago!"
The emperor said, "Alright, I think so too." Then he had the ministers discuss it together. Wang Xijin of Hongnong took the lead, and more than thirty ministers opposed, saying, "Although Juqu Muxian is disloyal to the court and is located in a remote area to the west, he has at least inherited his father's title and pays tribute on time, so the court has given him due honors. Moreover, a princess of the royal family has married him, and his crimes have not been fully exposed yet; we should first win him over. Right now, both the soldiers and horses are worn out and need some rest. Furthermore, the Hexi region has poor land with little water and grass; the army won't be able to stay there for long. Once they hear our troops are approaching, they will surely retreat into the city to defend it, making it difficult to attack, and there’s not a blade of grass in sight outside the city."
At this time, Minister Gu Bi and Li Shun also said, "From the west of the Wenyu River to the south of Guzang City, the snow on Tianshan Mountain can accumulate over ten feet in winter. When it melts in spring and summer, it forms rivers that can be used for irrigation. If they catch wind of our army's approach, they'll block the waterways and cut off our water supply, causing our army to lack water. Within a hundred miles outside the city, it is impossible to station troops there for a long time; what Xijin and the others are saying makes sense."
The emperor then asked Cui Hao to counter Xijin and the others with his earlier argument. The ministers had nothing more to say, only stating, "There is a lack of water and grass there." Cui Hao said, "The 'Book of Han: Geography' states: 'The livestock in Liangzhou is the most in the world.' If there is no water and grass, how can so many livestock be raised? Moreover, the Han people lived there, so they certainly wouldn't build cities or set up counties in a place without water and grass. Furthermore, when the snow melts, the dust on the ground won't be covered by the snow; how can we then open channels to irrigate millions of acres of land? These claims are totally unfounded!" Li Shun and the others replied, "Hearing may be deceiving, but seeing is believing; what we've seen with our own eyes can't be wrong." Cui Hao said, "You have taken money from others to speak for them, thinking I can't see through it and can be fooled?"
The emperor overheard, and after he finished, he came out to meet Xi Jin and the others. He was very stern, and his expression was grim. The ministers didn't dare to speak again and could only nod in agreement. The emperor then ordered a campaign against Liangzhou, and Liangzhou turned out to be rich in resources, just as Cui Hao had said, and it was quickly subdued.
The emperor said to Hao, "In the past, when our royal family established its foundation and the northern territories expanded, it was because our ancestors cultivated virtue and performed good deeds. Over a long period, their grace spread among the people, and the name of benevolence and righteousness spread far and wide. My great ancestor, Emperor Daowu, followed the will of heaven, fought against those who refused to submit, quickly pacified the chaotic times, and unified the land of Huaxia. Emperor Taizong inherited the throne, carried forward the achievements of our ancestors, revised the laws, and initiated a new prosperous era. However, there are still some border regions that do not submit to governance; this is an unfinished legacy left by our ancestors, which must be completed by future generations. As a humble ruler, I am fortunate to inherit the throne and serve the ancestral temple. Every day, I am anxious and fearful, as if standing on the edge of an unfathomable abyss, fearing that I might not be able to shoulder this heavy responsibility and that I will not do justice to the great achievements left by my ancestors. Therefore, when I first ascended the throne, I could not afford to be negligent for even a moment and led troops to the north to quell the Helian clan until the rebellion was suppressed. Only after that did I command the historians to document the past achievements and compile them into a history book as a model for future generations. Since then, we have engaged in military campaigns multiple times, successfully pacifying the Qinlong region, and restoring peace to Xuzhou and Yanzhou. We also quelled a rebellion in Longchuan and attacked the rebels in Liangzhou. This was not an achievement I could claim alone; it relied on the blessings of our ancestors and the joint efforts of the ministers in court. However, the historians did not fulfill their duties, and the history book was not compiled in a timely fashion. I am worried that these matters will be forgotten. You, Hao, are virtuous and an exemplary figure in the court. You handle all matters, big and small, in an orderly manner. I trust you can take on this crucial task. I order you to stay here and be responsible for the compilation of the history book, ensuring that these matters are recorded truthfully." Hao was then tasked with overseeing the compilation of the history book and invited the Deputy Minister of the Central Secretariat, Gao Yun, and the Deputy Cavalry Minister, Zhang Wei, to participate together in continuing the completion of the previous history book. Hao was responsible for all additions, deletions, commendations, criticisms, and revisions of the history book.
Later, when Emperor Gongzong was in power, Hao once again assisted in the administration alongside Prince Mudao Yishou. At that time, they were preparing to launch an attack on the Rouran tribe, and Liu Jie proposed a different opinion. Emperor Shizu originally wanted to attack the Rouran tribe, so he summoned Hao to ask for his opinion. Hao replied, "Last time we attacked the Rouran tribe, the army was about to withdraw in a few days, and Liu Jie and others were all thinking about going back. Later, when we captured some prisoners, they revealed that when the army retreated, they were still thirty miles from the enemy. This shows that Liu Jie and his associates' plan was too hasty. The northern region is heavily snow-covered, and in winter, the Rouran people often migrate south to avoid the cold. If we seize this opportunity and deploy our troops secretly, we will definitely encounter them, and by then we can capture them." Emperor Shizu thought what Hao said made sense. So he divided the army into four routes and ordered the generals of each route to meet at Luhun Sea. The timing was set, but Liu Jie obstructed the plan because his strategy was not adopted, causing the generals and soldiers to return without merit. This incident is documented in "The Biography of Liu Jie."
It is said that Emperor Yuan Shizu went on a western tour and ordered Zhang Hao and several ministers to be responsible for military affairs and lead the army. When Emperor Shizu arrived in Dongyong, he personally came to the banks of the Fen River to observe the camp of the rebel Xue Yongzong, and then ordered the army to surround Xue Yongzong. Xue Yongzong led his troops out to fight to the bitter end, and Shizu asked Zhang Hao, "Can we attack today?" Zhang Hao replied, "Xue Yongzong is still unaware that Your Majesty is here in person. Their morale is lax, and today the north wind is howling; it is the perfect time to attack. We can defeat them in one fell swoop. If we wait until tomorrow, they will surely escape under the cover of night when they see our large army approaching." Shizu accepted his advice. As a result, Xue Yongzong was decisively defeated.
The army crossed the Yellow River, and the vanguard reported that the enemy had retreated to the north bank of the Wei River. By the time the emperor arrived at the Luoshui Bridge, the enemy had already escaped during the night. The emperor asked Zhang Hao, "Gai Wu's camp is ninety miles north of Chang'an, in the sparsely populated region north of the Wei River, and the supplies are insufficient. Should we cross the Wei River and head west, or...?" Zhang Hao replied, "Gai Wu's camp is sixty miles away; that's their stronghold. To defeat a snake, you must strike at its vital point; first strike the head, and the tail won't be able to move! We should pursue our victory and strike Gai Wu first. The army can get there in just a day. Once we take care of Gai Wu, we can head back to Chang'an in just a day. Within a day, there will be no losses. I believe we should take the northern route. If we take the southern route, Gai Wu will gradually retreat to the Northern Mountains, and it will be difficult to completely eliminate them then." The emperor did not heed his advice and insisted on crossing the Wei River to advance south. When Gai Wu heard the emperor was coming, they completely scattered to the Northern Mountains, and as Zhang Hao had predicted, the army accomplished nothing. The emperor regretted it too late. Later, because Zhang Hao dedicated himself to assisting the Eastern Palace, the emperor rewarded him with silk, cotton, and cloth, each in a thousand pieces. Two of Zhang Hao's aides, Min Zhan from Taiyuan and Qie Biao from Zhao County, usually flattered Zhang Hao. They suggested erecting a stele to commemorate his deeds, inscribing them in the "National Records," along with Zhang Hao's commentaries on the "Five Classics." Zhang Hao agreed. Emperor Gongzong also thought this was a good idea, so a stele pavilion was built three miles east of Tianjiao, measuring one hundred thirty steps long, costing over three million in labor costs to complete.
Legend has it that Emperor Yuan Shizu was searching for talents in the Hexi region and issued an edict for Wang Xun to come to the temporary court to discuss military matters. Wang Xun submitted a memorial, stating: "In the past, Emperor Wu of Han was worried about the formidable strength of the Xiongnu, so he established five prefectures in Liangzhou, opened up trade routes to the Western Regions, encouraged agricultural production, and stored grain to prepare for defeating the enemy, then launched simultaneous attacks from both the east and west. As a result, the Han Dynasty had not yet grown weary when the Xiongnu had already weakened, and later they eventually came to pay tribute. When we first pacified Liangzhou, I believed that the northern threat had not yet been subdued, and the conscription of troops had not ceased. Should we consider relocating the people, drawing on lessons from previous dynasties, and plan for the long term? If we relocate the people, the land will become vacant; even if there are troops stationed, they can only defend against border invasions. If we want to engage in large-scale military operations, the supply of military provisions will undoubtedly be insufficient. Your Majesty might find this matter too far off, and it ultimately wasn't carried out. In my view, we should still follow the previous suggestion to recruit wealthy merchants and landlords to relocate to Liangzhou, enhancing the land there. When the time comes for military action, the east and west can join forces, which would be a solid strategy."
Wang Xun also submitted a document called "Wuyin Yuanli," which stated: "In the first year of Emperor Taizong's reign, he ordered me to study the 'Jijiu Zhang,' 'Xiaojing,' 'Lunyu,' 'Shijing,' 'Shangshu,' 'Chunqiu,' 'Liji,' and 'Zhouyi.' Three years later, I completed my studies. He then ordered me to study astronomy, star calendars, the hexagrams of the 'Yijing,' and the nine palace diagram, leaving nothing unstudied. Now, after thirty-nine years, I have been studying day and night without a break. I'm not very bright, I'm not as strong as even a healthy woman, and I have no other talents, so I've thrown myself into my studies, forgetting sleep and food, even debating with ghosts in my sleep. Ultimately, I grasped the essence of Zhou Gong and Confucius, and I've come to realize that what the ancients said can be both true and false, with many talking nonsense and few having genuine insights. Since Qin Shi Huang burned books, most classical texts have disappeared. Since the time of Emperor Gaozu of Han, there have been more than ten people who recklessly created calendars, all of whom failed to grasp the laws of heaven, with major errors of up to four thousand years and countless smaller mistakes. I feel sorry for what they've done. Now that I have the opportunity in Your Majesty's peaceful and prosperous era, I should sift through what's false and keep what's true, correcting the erroneous calendar and following the laws of heaven. Therefore, I previously submitted a proposal to create a calendar, and now it is finally complete. I respectfully present this to Your Majesty. I hope Your Majesty will graciously approve the review, so my calendar can be passed around among the scholars in the Zhongshu Province before it’s put into use. In this way, not just the people today, but even the heavens, earth, and spirits will see that I have mastered the correct calendar, which could benefit the nation for generations, even more than the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors ever did!" This matter is recorded in the "Lüli Zhi."
It is said that in the eleventh year of the True Monarch, in June, the person Hao was executed. The Cui family of Qinghe was implicated, no matter how close or distant they were; the Lu family of Fanyang, the Guo family of Taiyuan, and the Liu family of Hedong, all related to Hao, were wiped out.
At first, Qiao Biao and his associates erected a stone tablet inscribed with the title "National Records," where Hao chronicled the significant affairs of the state. While the content was comprehensive, it lacked standardization. The stone tablet was erected by the roadside, and passersby noticed it and began discussing it, which led to the news spreading.
The relevant authorities launched an investigation into Hao, and they also detained Secretary Lang Li and several hundred officials responsible for recording the time for questioning, verifying their testimonies. The investigation revealed that Hao had accepted bribes, and none of the officials below Secretary Lang Li's rank escaped, and they were all executed.
When the young man Xie Lingyun came of age, the Taiyuan resident Guo Yi gave his daughter in marriage to him. Xie Lingyun rose to fame relatively late and lacked particularly outstanding traits, so many people did not recognize him at the time. His wife, from the Guo family, was the sister of General Wang Zhongde, who served under Liu Yilong, and she always believed Xie Lingyun was talented, thinking she had married well. However, not long after, Guo passed away. Wang Zhongde, overcome with grief, gave his youngest daughter in marriage to Xie Lingyun. The Guo family and relatives felt this was inappropriate, but Wang Zhongde insisted, and Guo Yi could not oppose him, so they had to proceed with the marriage. Although Xie Lingyun did not openly criticize Buddhism, his wife, Guo, was particularly devout and often recited scriptures. Furious, Xie Lingyun seized the Buddhist texts, burned them, and disposed of the ashes in the toilet.
Later, Xie Lingyun was captured and imprisoned, then escorted to the south of the city, where dozens of soldiers relieved themselves on him. The cries and wails were deafening, and passersby could hear them. Since the chancellor's assassination and humiliation, no one had witnessed such misery as that of Xie Lingyun; everyone felt this was retribution. At first, Xie Lingyun wanted to kill Li Shun; the plan was nearly complete. One night, he dreamed that he was holding a torch to set Li Shun's house ablaze, and the fire started, killing Li Shun while Xie Lingyun and his family stood by watching the commotion. Consequently, Li Shun's brother burst out in tears, shouting, "These people are my enemies!" He attacked them with weapons and tossed them into the river. After waking up, Xie Lingyun was deeply frightened and confided in his friend Feng Jingren. Feng Jingren said, "This is serious; it’s definitely not a mere false omen. Setting people on fire is the most brutal thing you can do! You are inviting disaster upon yourself! As the 'Book of Documents' states, 'Evil deeds spread quickly, like fire consuming the grasslands; they cannot be approached, and can they even be extinguished?' Moreover, if you start with bad deeds, great calamity will follow; if you keep doing bad things, there will be no good outcome. Now that things have come to this point, you need to think of a way out!" Xie Lingyun replied, "I am thinking of a way." But he did not repent, and in the end, it resulted in the destruction of his family. Xie Lingyun was highly skilled in calligraphy, and many people asked him to write the "Ji Jiu Zhang." From youth to old age, he never considered it hard work, writing several hundred pieces, each time signing the three characters "Feng Daiqiang," showing that he did not dare defy the court; he was very cautious in his actions. Xie Lingyun's calligraphy style was similar to that of his ancestors, but his style was not as refined. Later generations cherished his calligraphy works, and many people cut and pieced together his characters to use as models.
Cui Hao's mother is from the Lu family and is the granddaughter of Lu Chen. In his work "Shijing Xu," Cui Hao wrote: "Since I was young, I have been influenced by my mother and my aunts doing household chores, especially those related to food; I learned all these skills. Every morning and evening, I serve my parents-in-law, and throughout the year, I conduct ancestral rites. Although it was hard work, we never employed maids or servants; everything was done by us. Having endured war and famine, we could only satisfy our hunger with wild vegetable porridge, and for many years, I didn't have a proper meal. My mother worried that these skills would be lost to future generations and feared I was too young to learn them, so she taught me the nine steps of cooking, using concise language that was both beautiful and fluent. Thanks to her teachings, I have a good memory and learned quickly. After my mother passed away, the country was flourishing after quelling rebellions and consolidating its territory. I became a court official, participated in national affairs, received many rewards, and our courtyard was filled with cattle and sheep; our family wealth became immense. I wore the finest silks and dined on rare delicacies. Yet, I often reminisce about the days of poverty, recalling the image of Ji Lu carrying rice, knowing I can never return. Thus, I recorded my mother's skills to pass them on to future generations."
Cui Hao was of a similar age to Cui Yi, the Jizhou governor, and Cui Ze, the magistrate of Rongyang, with Cui Hao being the oldest, followed by Cui Ze, and then Cui Yi. Although these three individuals came from different ancestral lines, Cui Ze and Cui Yi were relatives. With a prestigious family background, as his ancestors were high-ranking officials and nobility during the Wei and Jin dynasties, Cui Hao often looked down on Cui Yi and Cui Ze. Cui Yi remarked to others, "That guy nicknamed Tao Jian actually dares to bully me; how dare he look down on the Zhou family’s children?" Cui Hao's nickname was Tao Jian, and Cui Ze's nickname was Zhou Er. When Emperor Shizu of Northern Wei heard about this, he spared Cui Yi and Cui Ze's families when he later executed Cui Hao. Cui Hao was skeptical of Buddhism and Daoism, while Cui Yi was deeply devout; he would even kneel to worship a Buddha statue in a dung heap. Cui Hao laughed, saying, "Kneeling to worship a barbarian god with this filthy head?" The historian noted that Cui Hao was exceptionally talented, knowledgeable, and well-versed in astronomy and geography, with no one surpassing him in political and military strategy, which led him to compare himself to Zhang Liang. He was in the right place at the right time during the reign of Emperor Taizong of Northern Wei and the territorial expansion under Shizu; his suggestions were adopted, contributing to national stability and prosperity. Despite his outstanding strategies, he failed to intimidate the emperor and ultimately met a tragic end, unable to save himself. Was it because the birds were shot and the bow was hidden, leading the people to despise his authority? Or was it due to the inevitable decline, having secretly offended others and brought disaster upon himself? It’s truly a pity that such a talented individual met such a tragic fate!
