Sima Xiuzhi, style name Jiyu, was originally from Wen County, Henan. He was a descendant of Sima Xun, the brother of Emperor Xuan of Jin. Later, Sima Rui declared himself emperor in the southern region of the Yangtze River, and Sima Xun's descendants continued to inherit the title of Prince of Qiao. By the time of Xiuzhi's father, Sima Tian, he had become the General of the Northern Frontier and the governor of Qingzhou and Yanzhou.
In the fifth year of Tianxing, Sima Xiuzhi was appointed as the General Who Pacifies the West and the governor of Jingzhou. Later, he was forced by Huan Xuan to take refuge with Murong De. After Liu Yu killed Huan Xuan, Xiuzhi returned to Jianye, where Liu Yu appointed him governor of Jingzhou again. Xiuzhi was quite popular in the Jianghan region, which aroused Liu Yu's suspicions about his intentions. Moreover, Xiuzhi's son, Sima Wensi, plotted to rebel against Liu Yu with Xiuzhi's brother, Sima Shang (who had inherited the title of Prince of Qiao). Liu Yu captured Xiuzhi and left him to manage his own affairs. Xiuzhi quickly submitted a petition to Liu Yu to depose Sima Wensi and wrote a letter to Liu Yu explaining the situation. Later, during the Shenrui period, Liu Yu captured Xiuzhi's son Sima Wenbao and his nephew Sima Wenzu, killed them both, and then led troops to attack Xiuzhi.
Xiuzhi submitted a petition to Emperor Dezong of Sima, explaining the situation, and together with Dezong's General of the Northern Frontier, Lu Zongzhi, and Lu Zongzhi's son, the Prefect of Jingling, Lu Gui, raised troops to resist Liu Yu. Liu Yu's army reached Jiangling, and unable to withstand the attack, Xiuzhi fled to Xiangyang with Lu Gui. Liu Yu pursued and attacked them. At this time, Emperor Taizong of Later Qin sent Zhangsun Song to station in Hedong, preparing to support Xiuzhi. Meanwhile, General Yao Chengwang, known for his conquests, and General Sima Guofan also brought troops to rescue him, but they returned after failing to arrive in time. In the end, Xiuz
After Liu Yu defeated Yao Hong, Xiu Zhi, Sima Wensi, and Sima Dezong's son, Prince Dao Ci of Hejian, along with General Wen Kai, the Prefect of Jingling, Lu Gui, Han Yanzhi, Yin Yue, Huan Mi, Huan Sui, Huan Wen's grandson Huan Dao Du, and Huan Dao Zi, all surrendered to Changsun Song, along with their families. A month later, Xiu Zhi died in Changsun Song's camp. The court issued an edict saying: "Sima Xiu Zhi led his associates to surrender from thousands of miles away. Unfortunately, his ambitions were unfulfilled, and he died young. I am deeply saddened. Posthumously, he is granted the title of Grand General of the Western Expedition and the position of Right Minister of Rites, with the posthumous title of Duke of Shiping."
Wensi had a conflict with Prince Fan of Huainan and Prince Dao Ci of Chiyang, but on the surface, he pretended to be very close to them and often invited them to drink and dine together. Fan had a straightforward temperament; when drunk, he would say anything. He planned to rebel together with Wen Kai and several other tribal kings, Zhen and Cao Li, and claimed that many powerful figures in the capital were willing to join them, probably numbering in the dozens. Wensi exposed this plot, and all these people were killed. Later, Wensi was appointed Minister of Yan Yi and was also granted the title of Duke of Yulin. He was quite capable in his work, handling cases fairly, and the common people no longer dared to conceal the truth.
Liu Yilong sent Pei Fangming to confront Yang Nandang, and the emperor appointed Wensi as an acting envoy and Grand General of the Southern Expedition, promoting his rank and granting him the title of Prince of Qiao, commanding the troops of Luoyang and Yuzhou to march south and cut off Yang Nandang's retreat. After returning, he was sent to Huai Shuo Town as a general. During the Xing'an years, Wensi died. His son Mi Tuo inherited his title. He was originally set to marry Princess Linjing, but ultimately, due to wanting to marry Dou Jin's daughter, he was executed alongside Dou Jin, truly a classic case of self-inflicted misfortune.
Sima Chuzhi, courtesy name Dexiu, was the eighth-generation descendant of Sima Kui, the younger brother of Emperor Xuan of Jin. His father, Sima Rongqi, was the governor of Liangzhou and Yizhou, and was murdered by his subordinate, Yang Chengzu. Chuzhi was just seventeen at the time. After attending his father's funeral and returning to Danyang, he found himself in the midst of Liu Yu's brutal massacre of the Sima family. His uncle Sima Xuanqi and his brother Sima Zhenzhi were both killed. Chuzhi was forced to hide in a temple, then crossed the Yangtze River, traveling west from Liyang to hide in the tribal regions of Yiyang and Jingling. Later, after his forefather Sima Xiuzhi was defeated by Liu Yu in Jingzhou, he fled to the Ru Ying area.
Sima Chuzhi was very capable from a young age, humble, and good at getting along with others. He gathered a group of followers with Sima Shunming, Sima Daogong, and others. After Liu Yu became emperor, Chuzhi sought revenge and led his followers to seize Changsha, with more than ten thousand followers. Liu Yu feared him greatly and sent the assassin Mu Qian to kill him. Chuzhi treated Mu Qian very well, and when Mu Qian pretended to be ill at night, he knew Chuzhi would come to see him, so he prepared to act. When Chuzhi heard that Mu Qian was ill, he actually came in person with medicine to check on him. Mu Qian was touched by Chuzhi's sincerity and pulled a dagger from under the mat, and said to Chuzhi, "General, Liu Yu has it out for you; you mustn't act rashly. It is crucial to preserve your life!" Chuzhi sighed and replied, "If I take your advice, even being careful, I'm bound to overlook something." Mu Qian then decided to pledge loyalty to him. Sima Chuzhi earned the loyalty of so many people because of his sincerity and trustworthiness.
In the later years of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, Duke Xijin of Shanyang was fighting in the area of Henan, and the battles were going well. The State of Chu sent envoys to request surrender. Xijin wrote a memorial to the emperor, saying, "The people north of the Yangtze have heard that our Great Tang army is marching south, and they are thrilled and eager to pledge their loyalty to the court. However, they are being coerced by bandits and are unable to surrender themselves. In accordance with the people's wishes, I request to lead the charge for our country. Currently, we are all dressed as commoners and lack the authority to rally the troops. If Your Majesty would grant me a general's title and use your reputation to rally everyone, then surely everyone will follow me." Upon hearing this, the emperor found it reasonable and appointed him as "General for Maintaining Order and Pacifying the South, Governor of Jingzhou," and sent him to negotiate their surrender. After securing Henan, Xijin distributed the surrendered people from Chu to the four counties of Runan, Nanyang, Nandun, and Xincai, strengthening the power of Yuzhou.
When Emperor Gaozong had just ascended the throne, the relatives of the Chu were settled in Ye City, and later they were summoned to the capital. At that time, several southern generals reported that Liu Yilong was planning an attack. The emperor appointed him as "General for Maintaining Order and Pacifying the South," and also bestowed the title of Prince of Langye upon him, stationing him in Yingchuan to resist Liu Yilong. Lin Yizi Bu, the Chief Historian of Chu, also wrote a memorial, saying, "After the people of Chu crossed the Yellow River, they longed for the good old days and responded eagerly. Upon hearing the news in the region south of Ruying, they quickly pledged their allegiance. This is truly a result of Your Majesty's adherence to the will of heaven, caring for the people as if they were his own children, and the widespread recognition of Your Majesty's virtuous rule!" Emperor Gaozong was delighted to hear this and personally penned a letter of commendation, rewarding him with a military band and honors.
At that time, I was ordered to go south to fight, all the way along the west bank of the Yellow River, stationed at Tongguan. Later, Yan Zhi and others retreated in defeat, and we defeated their flank at Changshe. Then, I, together with the champion general An Jie, attacked Huatai and captured it, also capturing the generals Zhu Xiuzhi, Li Yuande, and the prefect of Dongjun, Shen Mo, taking more than 10,000 prisoners. I reported to the emperor, saying: "I was ordered to go south, bearing a heavy responsibility, but my abilities are limited, and I haven't achieved anything noteworthy yet, so I worry day and night, unable to eat or sleep. I have sent people to Jingzhou and Yangzhou many times, spreading word of the court's prosperity, and everyone is grateful for the emperor's grace, hoping to submit to the court. But the Yilong brothers noticed the people's loyalty was wavering, so they appointed my rival Shun as the governor of Sizhou, commanding the seven counties of Huainan, allowing him to replace Yuan Miao to guard Huanghu. Since the defeats in Gong County, Luoyang, and Huatai, Yilong has severely punished those generals for losing face. Yan Zhi was demoted and treated like an ordinary soldier; Yao Zongfu was killed in Shouchun, Zhu Lingshuo was killed in Pengcheng; Wang Xiuyuan pretended to be ill, and Tan Daoji was driven away. In short, he became suspicious of and marginalized all those important figures around him. Now the people are seething with resentment, and there is suspicion between the ruler and the ruled; it has really come to this point! I heard that to completely defeat the enemy, we must pursue them while they are vulnerable; to establish merit, we must also take advantage of the internal contradictions of the enemy. I humbly request Your Majesty's wisdom and martial skill, your virtue spreading throughout the world; wherever your reputation extends, everyone submits, only Yilong has not submitted yet. Now that the situation in the realm is stable, the remote regions all admire your grace; it is only right to fully pacify the southeast, unify the whole country, and allow the spirit of peace and prosperity to spread across the Jianghan region." However, the emperor believed the army had been fighting for a long time and was weary, so he did not agree to my suggestion. Later, the emperor summoned me back to court as a Cavalier in Regular Attendance.
Later, I went to Liangzhou to fight once more. Due to my accomplishments, the emperor rewarded me with a hundred households to serve as my attendants. General Yilong sent General Pei Fangming and Hu Chongzhi to attack Chouchi. The emperor appointed me as a temporary commander, and alongside Huaiyang Gong Pibaozi, I oversaw the various armies in Guanzhong, advancing westward from Sanguan Pass and defeating Pei Fangming, capturing Hu Chongzhi. Once Chouchi was pacified, I returned.
The emperor ordered the army to launch an attack on the Rouran and issued a decree for Chu Zhi, Lu Zhongshan, and others to oversee the transportation of military supplies to support the front line. At this time, General Feng Da defected to the Rouran and persuaded them to attack Chu Zhi and others, cutting off their supply line. The Rouran sent spies into Chu Zhi's army, secretly cutting off the ears of the army's donkeys and running away. When it was reported that the donkeys' ears were missing, the generals were perplexed. Chu Zhi said, "It must be the enemy spies cutting them off to use as a signal. The enemy will soon come!" He promptly commanded his soldiers to fell willow trees, build defense works, and water them to freeze the willow trees, rapidly constructing a formidable ice city. At this time, the enemy indeed arrived. The ice city was both strong and towering; the enemy was unable to breach it and had to scatter in all directions. The emperor expressed profound sorrow over this news.
Shortly after, Chu Zhi was appointed as a temporary commander, attendant, Grand General of the West, Supervisor of the Imperial Household with Equal Rank to the Three Excellencies, Grand General of Yunzhong, Inspector of Shuozhou, holding a rank equivalent to that of Wang Rugu. He spent more than twenty years on the border, known for his integrity and frugality. He passed away in the fifth year of the era of peace at the age of seventy-five. Emperor Gaozong expressed profound sorrow over his passing and posthumously bestowed upon him the title of Commander of Military Affairs for Liang, Yi, Qin, and Ning provinces, Grand General of Conquering the South, Chief of the Western Rong, Inspector of Yangzhou, with the posthumous title of Zhenwang, and buried him in Jinling.
Chu Zhi's eldest son Baoyin entered the court as an official with him and was appointed as a scholar of the Imperial Academy and Prefect of Yanmen, but he later passed away.
Chu's son, Jinlong, married the princess of Hanoi, who was named Rongze, and from a young age, he exhibited the demeanor of his father. He initially served as a student in the Central Secretariat and was later promoted to Zhongshan. When Emperor Xianzhu was still in the Eastern Palace, he was appointed as the Crown Prince's lecturer. Later, he inherited his father's title and was appointed as the Grand Minister of Ceremonies, General Who Pacifies the West, Governor, General of Yunchong Command, and Inspector of Shuozhou. He was later called to serve in the central government as the Minister of Personnel. He passed away in the eighth year of the Taihe era and was posthumously awarded the titles of General, Duke of Sikong, and Inspector of Jizhou, who was posthumously titled King Kang, along with a posthumous gift of a thousand bolts of silk. Jinlong first married the daughter of Grand Commander Wang Yuanhe of Longxi and had three sons: Yanzong, Zuan, and Yue. He later married a woman from the Juqu clan, and they had a son, Huiliang. This Juqu woman was Juqu Muqian's daughter, the King of Hexi, and also the sister of Emperor Shizu, Princess Wuwei. Because she was deeply favored by Empress Dowager Wenming, Huiliang inherited the title from his mother. According to regulations, his rank was downgraded to duke, but he was later stripped of his title due to his involvement in the Mutai case. Yanzong passed away a few years after his father's death. His son Yi, styled Chengye, during the reign of Emperor Shizong, resolved the question of Yi's legitimate succession, and Yi ultimately inherited his ancestral title. He achieved the rank of General of the Rear Army and was posthumously awarded the titles of General of Zhenlu and Inspector of Luozhou. His son, Cang, inherited the family business. After the abdication of the Qi dynasty, he was demoted in rank according to custom. His son, Zuan, styled Maozong, served as a Doctor in the Central Secretariat. He later held positions as the Governor of Sizhizhou, Deputy Chief, and the Zhongzheng of Hanoi County. He passed away in the first year of the Yongping period and was posthumously awarded the titles of General of Zhenyuan and Inspector of Nanjingzhou, with the posthumous title of Su. His son, Cheng, styled Yuanjing, was a scholar in Sizhizhou and served as a military advisor to the Minister of Works and as an official in the court. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the titles of General of Longxiang and Inspector of Xizhou Province. Cheng's younger brother, Zhongcan, became the Left Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel during the Wuding era.
Yue, whose courtesy name was Qingzong. He came out of the positions of Sikong and Sima and held the positions of General of Righteousness, Prefect of Jianxing, and was then promoted to General of the Northern Frontier and Attendant of Sizhou. Later, he was further promoted to Left Commander of the Crown Prince's Guard and Prefect of Hebei.
In the early years of Shizong's reign, he was appointed as General Who Guards the Distant and Inspector of Yuzhou. At that time, there was a man from Shangcai in Runan named Dong Maonu, who died on the road carrying five thousand coins. The local authorities suspected a commoner named Zhang Di had stolen his money, and found five thousand coins in Zhang Di's house. Fearing torture, Zhang Di confessed to the murder. When the case reached the prefecture, Yue carefully observed his facial expressions and speech, feeling that what he said was not true. So he called Dong Maonu's brother, Lingzhi, and asked him, "When committing murder and robbery, one must have been very flustered at the time, and should have left something behind, what did this thief leave behind?" Lingzhi said, "Only a scabbard was found." Yue took the scabbard and examined it, saying, "This is not something an ordinary person would make." He then summoned all the blacksmiths in the prefecture to examine it. A blacksmith named Guomen came forward and said, "I made this scabbard and sold it to Dong Jizu in Guojia Village last year." Yue arrested Dong Jizu for questioning, asking him, "Why did you commit murder and robbery, but lose the scabbard?" Dong Jizu confessed, and Lingzhi found the black short coat worn by Maonu on Dong Jizu's body. Dong Jizu was eventually brought to justice. Yue approached many cases with this meticulous attention to detail, and the people of Yuzhou continue to praise him to this day.
Sima Yue and General Yuan Ying launched an attack on Yiyang together and emerged victorious! The emperor was very happy, renamed Sizhou, which was under the jurisdiction of Xiao Yan, to Yingzhou, and promoted Sima Yue to the title of General of Conquering the Barbarians and Governor of Yingzhou. Xiao Yan, dissatisfied, dispatched his Yuzhou Governor, Ma Xianpin, Left Army General, and Yongyang Garrison Commander Chen Ke, along with ten thousand troops, to construct a city called Zhudun, located sixty li south of the Three Passes, and stationed two thousand elite soldiers led by Fuguojun General and Jiyin Prefect Su Pei. Later, they built another city forty li south of the old stockade at Mayang, where Ma Xianpin led light cavalry patrols on both flanks to maintain control of the situation. The residents of the southern passes were uncertain and didn't know whom to support. Sima Yue ordered Zhu Lingfeng, the commander of the West Pass, to launch a surprise attack against them, resulting in a significant victory that saw the city towers and warehouses set ablaze, and capturing Su Pei along with his Fuguojun General and Army Commander Liu Lingshuo. The emperor proclaimed, "Sima Yue was the first to think of attacking Yiyang, fought so fiercely, and has been away from the capital for quite some time, having repeatedly requested to return to court, so let him return to the capital!" Soon, the emperor ordered him to continue as a general and also as the Yuzhou Governor. Because of his merits in attacking Yiyang, he was conferred the title of Kaiguozi of Yuyang County and awarded a food estate comprising three hundred households.
In the first year of Yongping, there was a fellow in the city named Bai Zaosheng who actually staged a rebellion and beheaded Sima Yue, then sent his head to Xiao Yan. Later, Xing Luan recaptured Huzicheng. The emperor remarked, "Sima Yue was brutally murdered, with his body and head separated; he was a relative of the state and had made great contributions; this is truly regrettable! The chief scribe Dong Shao, who was tasked with duties, was trapped in a foreign land, which is also quite pitiful. Minister, you should select two individuals from the rebel generals, including Qi Gour, to arrange for Yangzhou to exchange Sima Yue's head for Dong Shao and bring them both back; this is the only way to appease the souls of the departed!" Therefore, Sima Yue was posthumously granted the title of General of Pacifying the East and Governor of Qingzhou, awarded three hundred bolts of cloth, and given the posthumous title of Zhuang. His son Sima Yi inherited his father's title.
Sima Yi married the emperor's sister, Princess Huayang, and became the Duke's Chief of Staff. The emperor also appointed him as a Gentleman of the Imperial Guard and promoted him to General of Towning the Distant. In the fifth year of Zhenguang, the princess died. A month later, Sima Yi passed away as well. He was posthumously granted the title of Left General and Governor of Cangzhou.
His son Sima Hong, styled Qingyun, was a rough and combative individual. He inherited his father's title and held the position of Water Messenger. Later, he was executed for conspiring with the western rebels.
His son Sima Xiaozheng also inherited his father's title. After the usurpation by the Qi dynasty, his title was downgraded.
Jin Longdi, whose courtesy name was Bao Long, married Princess Zhao Jun and became the Duke of the Imperial Guard Corps. He took over his brother's position as the General of Yunzhong Town and the Governor of Shuozhou, and was also promoted to the Acting General of Anbei and Duke of Henei. Later, Bao Long submitted a memorial requesting to relinquish the fief of Hexi Garden and to distribute the land for the common people to cultivate. The relevant officials reported: "This area is where deer gather, and the royal family needs to obtain tribute from this area. If it is given to the common people, it is likely that there will not be enough for tribute in the future." The Emperor said, "If this land is used for farming, even if there is a loss of wild animals, the fief should be relinquished. If it’s merely mountains and marshes, what loss is there in prohibiting hunting? Was the establishment of this fief by the previous dynasty not solely for these game animals? It was also for the army to use for firewood when marching and cooking. You should reconsider this matter!" Bao Long insisted on distributing the land to the common people, and Emperor Gaozu ultimately agreed. Later, he served as the Minister of Rites, Grand Minister of Ceremonies, and Military Advisor to the King of Yingchuan. Due to illness, he submitted a memorial requesting to resign. He passed away in the nineteenth year of Taihe and was posthumously honored with the title of Grand Minister of Grace with Gold and Purple, and the court granted him a set of court robes, one robe, and one thousand bolts of silk. The Chu family father and son successively guarded Yunzhong, and the people of the Shuofang region held them in high regard for their authority and virtue.
Sima Jingzhi, courtesy name Honglue, was a descendant of Sima Liang, who was the King of Runan during the Jin Dynasty. He returned to the court during the reign of Emperor Taizong and was bestowed the title of Duke of Cangwu, along with the title of General of the Southern Expedition. He was renowned for his integrity and uprightness, and Emperor Taizong valued him greatly. After his death, he was posthumously honored with the title of King of Runan, and his son Sima Shizi inherited his title.
Sima Zhun, elder brother of Sima Jingzhi, with the courtesy name Juzhi. At the end of the Tai Chang era, he led over three thousand households to pledge allegiance to the court. At that time, Emperor Taizong was stationed at Hulao and bestowed upon him the titles of General Ningyuan, Duke of Xincai, and Acting Prefect of Xiangzhou. He followed the emperor to the capital and was later appointed as the Prefect of Guangning. He was known for his kindness, lived a frugal life, and earned a good reputation. Emperor Wu of Jin greatly appreciated him and rewarded him with six hundred bolts of cloth. Later, his title was reduced to General Pingyuan, and his marquisate was changed to Marquis of Miling. He passed away during the Xingguang period, and his son Sima Anguo inherited his title.
Sima Shufan, a descendant of Sima Fu, the Anping Xianwang of the Jin Dynasty. His father Sima Tianzhi was the Prince of Hejian of Sima Dezong. During the time of Huan Xuan and Liu Yu, Sima Shufan and his brother Sima Guofan fled north to take refuge with Murong Chao, and later went west to Yao Xing. After Liu Yu defeated Yao Hong, the brothers fled north again to take refuge with Qu Gai. After Emperor Wen of Jin restored order, both brothers submitted to the court. Sima Guofan was titled Duke of Huainan, but he had no sons, so his title was abolished after his death. Sima Shufan held the title of General Anyuan and Marquis of Danyang, and later passed away.
Ling Shou, the eldest brother, was quite formidable, and he returned to court to serve alongside his younger brother Dao Shou. Ling Shou held high-ranking official positions, including Champion General, Marquis of Wen County, and also served as General of Ning Shuo and Yi Yang Zi. He was later appointed as the Prefect of Chen County. When Liu Yilong invaded the borders, the emperor ordered Ling Shou to recruit men of righteousness. He recruited more than two thousand people and, alongside Xi Ping Gong An Jie, captured the three cities of Hulao, Huatai, and Luoyang, and relocated more than five hundred households to He Nei. He also participated in the wars against the Rourans and the campaign to conquer Liangzhou, earning significant military accolades. He was later appointed as the Prefect of Liaoxi, renowned for his integrity and frugality. He passed away in the ninth year of the Taihe era, posthumously honored as the Inspector of Huai Prefecture, with the posthumous title of Jing. Ling Shou married the daughter of Li Jun, the Grand Preceptor of Dunqiu, but he had a difficult relationship with his father-in-law and often faced suppression, thus not achieving a high official position.
Ling Shou's son Hui An inherited the title during the reign of the founding emperor. He later served as the Attendant of Hengzhou, Prefect of Sangqian, and Military Advisor to the Grand Commandant, before passing away.
Hui An's son Zu Zhen passed the provincial examination at the age of fifteen. Upon entering official service, he quickly became a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate. At the age of eighteen, his father passed away.
Zu Zhen's younger brother Zong Pang, during the reign of Emperor Shi Zong, as a result of his father Hui An's prolonged illness, submitted a memorial to the court requesting to inherit the title. Upon entering official service, he served as a Cavalry Officer in the Prince of Anding's Mansion and as the Marshal of Longxiang Mansion in Luozhou. He excelled in archery but never bragged about it. He was reserved and seldom interacted with others. Those who knew him described him as simple and sincere. He passed away during the Yongan period, and his son Song Liang succeeded him in the title.
Zhi'an, the younger brother of Huian, served as an Assistant Minister, the governor of Jibei and Jinan commanderies, and a Cavalry Attendant. When Xiao Baoyan launched a campaign against Zhongli, he was appointed as the Chief Clerk. Due to the defeat of the army, he was dismissed from his position and punished, but later pardoned from punishment due to illness. He was soon appointed as the Prefect of Dongping. Upon returning to the capital, he served as a Middle Palace Official, later promoted to General Who Subdues the Enemy and Grand Master of the Palace, and finally promoted to Left General. He passed away in the fourth year of Zhengguang, posthumously honored as Grand General and Governor of Jizhou.
Zhi'an's son Longquan served as Chief Clerk of the Kaifu Office in Cangzhou.
Yuexing, the eldest son of Daoshou, inherited his father's title.
Jinghe, the son of Yuexing, served as a Court Attendant, later promoted to Chief Clerk of the Cavalry Office in Yangzhou and Governor of Qinghe. He passed away in the first year of Zhengguang, posthumously honored as Left General and Inspector of Pingzhou.
Zhongming, the younger brother of Yuexing, served as an Imperial Clerk and Gentleman of the Palace Library, known for his caution and agility. He gradually rose to the position of Deputy Minister of War, concurrently serving as a Gentleman. He was later exiled and appointed as General Who Subdues the Enemy and Inspector of Liangzhou. Due to corruption and cruelty, he was censured by the Censorate, but was pardoned during a general amnesty, and did not receive a promotion for several years. He later married his cousin, who was related to Empress Dowager Ling, as a concubine, and was appointed as General of the Imperial Guards and General Who Subdues the Enemy. He was further promoted to Grand Master of Joyous Affairs, retaining his position as General of the Imperial Guards. He was then promoted to Minister of Agriculture, additionally titled as General of the East and Cavalry Attendant. He was later exiled and served as General of the North and Inspector of Hengzhou, while still holding the title of Cavalier Attendant. He passed away in the fifth year of Zhengguang.
His son Yanyong was well-respected. Initially serving as a Regular Official, he gradually rose to the position of Inspector of Xiangzhou, Grand General of Cavalry, and Left Grand Master of Joyous Affairs. After his death, he was posthumously honored as Cavalier Attendant, Commander of Military Affairs in Huailuo, General of Cavalry, General of the Household Affairs, and Inspector of Huaizhou.
Sima Tianzhu claimed descent from Sima Dezong and General of the Cavalry Sima Yuanxian. When Liu Yu proclaimed himself emperor, he defected to the court. He was appointed General of Pacifying the East and governor of Qing and Xu states, and was granted the title Duke of Donghai. Tianzhu recruited loyalists and planned to assault Liu Yu's Dongping and Jibei counties as well as their fortresses, even defeating Liu Yu's general Lu Wanling's army and seizing numerous spoils of war. Later, he was appointed to the position of Palace Attendant, commander of military affairs across the three provinces of Qing, Xu, and Yan, General of the Eastern Expedition, and governor of Qing and Yan states, maintaining his title as Duke of Donghai. In the third year of the Zhenjun reign, he campaigned south together with Sima Wensi and others. After returning, he accompanied the emperor on a northern campaign and eventually died in battle.
His son Yuanbo, styled Guidu, inherited his father's title but was later downgraded to the title of Viscount of Wen County. During the Taihe period, he served as the General of Establishing Might and the governor of Taishan.
The historian noted: "These members of the Sima family all defected to the court during the tumultuous times. Among them, Sima Chu's grace, talent, and strategic acumen were the most remarkable! There isn’t much more to say about the others. They were fortunate to preserve their family legacy and receive significant roles from the court."
