Dou Jin, styled Daoyu, was a native of Dunqiu in Wei state. He claimed descent from Sikong Rong of the Han Dynasty. His grandfather was appointed governor of Dunqiu, so his family settled there. Dou Jin became famous for his literary talent at a young age. He began his career as a doctoral student at the Central Academy, later served as the Minister of the Central Secretariat, was granted the title of Fanyang Zi, and promoted to General Ningyuan. He was involved in many national affairs and earned numerous military honors. He was later promoted to the Minister of the Secretariat, elevated to Marquis of Wei, appointed to the Ministry of the West. During the pacification of the Three Qins, many people were still hesitant to submit; he was appointed Commissioner-in-Chief, Cavalry Attendant, Commander of the Qin and Yong provinces, General of Ningxi, Commandant of Chang'an, and Marquis of Piling. He served in Chang'an for eight years, with remarkable achievements and was beloved by the people. Later, he was recalled to court to serve as the Minister of the Palace Secretariat, Minister of Justice, and continued to serve as Cavalry Attendant. Emperor Shizu held him in high regard and granted him many rewards. During the emperor's campaign against Gaowu, he always led the vanguard, pacified the people, and suppressed the rebellion of the Di and Qiang tribes in Baxi, subduing thousands of families. He also subdued the chieftains of the barbarian tribes such as Qiu Tian'er and three thousand households at Wujiangshan. After the pacification of Gaowu, Dou Jin stayed in Chang'an. Upon returning to the capital, he continued to serve as the Minister of the Palace Secretariat and Minister of Justice, overseeing the court's legal affairs. Emperor Shizu remarked, "In ancient times, it was said that 'the right is virtuous and the left is close,' referring to the backbone talents of the country, which referred to none other than the Marquis of Piling!"
After the death of Emperor Gongzong in the Eastern Palace, Dou Jin concurrently served as Minister of State and took part in the posthumous title bestowal ceremony for the emperor. Later, he was appointed General of the Southern Garrison and Governor of Jizhou. He was known for his integrity, frugality, and dedication to the country, and was quite renowned during his time. He later returned to the court to serve as a high-ranking court official. During the Xingguang period, Dou Jin's son-in-law, Ma Mituo of Yulin Company, was chosen to marry Princess Linjing. Dou Jin urged Mituo to refuse the proposal and even made some slanderous remarks and curses, resulting in both of them being executed. Dou Jin had four sons, Bing, Chi, and Yi, who were studying at the Imperial Academy and were also executed alongside their father. Only the youngest son, Zun, escaped and survived.
Dou Zun was proficient in both regular and seal script calligraphy. He authored many inscriptions found on stone tablets and palace buildings in Beijing. He rose to the rank of Gentleman of the Ministry of Works and Prefect of Puyang, but became embroiled in corruption and bribery. His son, Seng Yan, was involved in an affair with a commoner, which was reported by local residents, resulting in his dismissal. Later, owing to his talent in calligraphy, he was appointed Chief of the Imperial Library and eventually died in office.
Xu Yan, also known by his courtesy name Daomo and his childhood nickname Jiatun, was from Gaoyang Xincheng. His grandfather, Xu Mao, was the governor of Gaoyang during the Murong clan's reign. Xu Yan lost his parents when he was young and grew up in poverty, but he loved studying and later studied the Book of Changes under the tutelage of the monk Farei. He was summoned early in the reign of Emperor Taizu Tuoba Tao of Northern Wei. Due to Xu Yan's accurate divination, he remained close to the emperor, contributing to the planning of state affairs. He was later appointed as a Cavalier Attendant and granted the title of Marquis of Boling. Xu Yan was loyal and cautious, careful in his speech and actions, never disclosing court secrets. This earned him even greater trust from Emperor Taizu, and he was later promoted to the rank of Duke of Wuchang, appointed as General of Andong and Inspector of Xiangzhou. During his time in Xiangzhou, he was involved in corruption and bribery, breaching laws and regulations. The court issued a decree that condemned his actions. However, due to his close relationship with the emperor, his crimes went unpunished. In the second year of the Weizhenjun era (477 AD), Xu Yan passed away and was posthumously granted the title Duke Xuan.
Xu Yan's son Xu Zongzhi initially served as a Junior Secretary in the court and later took charge of the affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. When Emperor Shizong Tuoba Tao inspected Jiangling, he bestowed upon him the title of Marquis of Gaoxiang. After Emperor Gaozong Tuoba Hong ascended the throne, Xu Zongzhi was promoted to the position of Minister of the Palace, and subsequently appointed as General of the Eastern Campaign and Governor of Ding Province, being granted the title of Duke of Yingchuan. He was ordered to suppress the Dingling, and after quelling the rebellion, he engaged in corruption and bribery locally, acting inappropriately. A local resident named Ma Chao exposed Xu Zongzhi's wrongdoing, which infuriated Xu Zongzhi, prompting him to assault and kill Ma Chao. Fearing that Ma Chao's family would report him, he falsely accused Ma Chao of defaming the court. Upon hearing this, Emperor Gaozong remarked, "This must be false! As the Son of Heaven, what wrongdoing could lead Ma Chao to say such things? Xu Zongzhi must be framing Ma Chao to cover up his own crimes." After an investigation, it turned out to be true. The case was referred to the appropriate authorities for investigation, and officials, including Sikong Yichuan, believed that Xu Zongzhi, as a trusted minister of the emperor and a local official, failed to set a good example for the court, to pacify the people, and instead engaged in corruption, indiscriminately killed innocents, falsely accused others, and deceived the court, which was a crime that warranted the harshest punishment. In the winter of the second year of Tai'an (456 AD), Xu Zongzhi was ultimately executed by beheading in the southern outskirts of the capital.
Xu Zongzhi's grandson Xu Liang, styled Yuangui, served as General of the Anti-Bandit Campaign during the Zhengguang era and gradually advanced to the roles of Chief of Cavalry in Jizhou and Military Advisor to the Minister of War. He passed away at the age of fifty-two.
Xu Zongzhi's brother Xu Xi, styled Derong, inherited the title of Duke of Wuchang, served as a Junior Secretary, and died young.
Xu Yan's other son Xu Anren inherited his father's title and also served as a Junior Secretary. After his death, he was posthumously granted the title of General of the Eastern Campaign and Governor of Jizhou, with the posthumous title Duke Jian.
Yuan Kang inherited the title, which was later reduced to the rank of marquis. He was appointed as the Champion General and Deputy General of Chang'an, and then promoted to oversee military operations in Hezhou and serve as the Governor of Hezhou, while retaining his title as general. Later, he returned to the court and served as the Junior Minister of Justice. The court also appointed him as the Governor of Wei County, but he firmly declined the appointment. Soon after, he passed away, and the court posthumously conferred upon him the title of General of Conquering the Enemy and Governor of Yingzhou, with the posthumous name of Su.
His son Kuo, courtesy name Chongyuan, inherited the title. He was appointed as a Court Attendant and then gradually promoted to Governor of Dunqiu County and Governor of Dong Taiyuan County. He died at just twenty-eight. His son Zigong inherited his title.
Zigong served as a military officer in the Water Department of the Central Palace during the later years of the Wuding period. After the Northern Qi replaced the Northern Wei, his title was subsequently reduced.
Zigong's son Xian served as a military officer in the Central Army under the Grand Commander.
Yuan Kang's brother Hu served as a provincial registrar.
Yuan Kang's other brother Rui, courtesy name Zhengzhi, also worked as a provincial registrar until his passing.
Rui's brother Xuan, courtesy name Boli, was quite accomplished, and the family enjoyed a harmonious life, living together for three generations. The Minister of Personnel Affairs, Li Shenjun, often praised their family values. Xuan started as an Attendant to the Censor and gradually rose to the position of Left Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Advisor to the Minister of State, and was also responsible for compiling the Annals. He later reached the rank of Grand Official. He died in the early years of the Xinghe era at forty-seven. The court posthumously conferred upon him the titles of Envoy with Authority, Commander of Military Affairs in Jiying, and General of Conquering the East.
Xuan's brother Xun served as the Governor of Dongyangping in the later years of the Wuding period.
Xun's brother Ye, courtesy name Shuming, had a generally cheerful demeanor. He held positions such as State Clerk, Deputy Commandant, Governor of Xigaoyang, and Grand Official. He died in the third year of the Xinghe era at the age of forty-one. The court posthumously conferred upon him the titles of General of Pacifying the East and Governor of Yingzhou.
Ye's brother Dun, courtesy name Jiliang, held the position of Minister of Agriculture during the later years of the Wuding period.
Yuan Kang's younger brother, Xi, held the position of Governor of Zhao Commandery. Yuan Kang's grandson, Yan, styled Changlin, was very capable. He was initially appointed as a Doctor at the Imperial Academy and later gradually promoted to the position of Minister of Southern Guests, and then to the Middle-ranking Official of Yingzhou. He died during the Xiaochang era at the age of forty-seven. The court posthumously awarded him the titles of General of Pacifying the East and Governor of Cangzhou. During the Yongxi era, he was posthumously awarded again the titles of Regular Attendant, General of the Guard, Right Deputy Minister of the Secretariat, and Governor of Yingzhou.
Yan's younger brother was called Ji, styled Zhongheng, and was known for his keen insight. He served as Regular Attendant for Prince Guangping, an Assistant Cavalry Attendant, and an Advising Official, and later was promoted to Regular Attendant of the Directing Cavalry, Grand Middle Official of Yingzhou, Regular Attendant, and Governor of Xingyang, also overseeing matters in Southern Qingzhou. He died at the age of fifty-five. Both Yan and his brother were very intelligent and capable, associating with many prominent figures of their time.
Additionally, there was a man named Xu Chihu from Boling, who was well-versed in the classics and history, and had a talent for humor. During the Yanxing era, he served as an Assistant to the Author and also campaigned south alongside Murong Baiyao. Later, he was sent on a diplomatic mission to Jiangnan, where he responded with great flexibility and skill. Although he didn't emphasize classical references in his speech, people in the south greatly appreciated his wit and humor. After the envoy returned, he was appointed Governor of Dongjun and ultimately passed away while in office.
His son, Tuo, served as the Long History of Dingzhou. Li Xin, styled Yuansheng, nicknamed Zhennu as a child, was from Fanyang. His great-grandfather was named Chan, and his grandfather was named Ji; both generations made a name for themselves during the Murong era. His father was named Chong, who served as Minister of Personnel and Governor of Shicheng during the Feng Ba regime. During the Yanhe era, when the emperor's entourage arrived in Helong, Li Chong led more than ten counties to surrender to the court. Emperor Shizu treated him with great respect, referring to him as "Lord Li," and appointed him General of Pacifying the West, Governor of Beiyouzhou, and Marquis of Gu'an. Li Chong passed away at the age of eighty-one and was posthumously granted the title of Marquis Xiang.
Li Xin's mother had a lowly status, so his several older brothers all looked down on him. His brother Li Chong, however, said, "The fortune teller said this child will have a bright future, but from what I observe, it's hard to say." So he sent him to the capital city, where he became a student in the Central Secretariat.
One day, the Emperor Shizu visited the Central Secretariat for inspection, and he immediately noticed Li Xin, pointing at him and saying to those around him, "This child will definitely serve me and my descendants in the future!" From then on, he kept him in mind.
The Emperor Shizu's uncle, Prince Yangping Du Chao, had a daughter and planned to marry her off to a powerful family. When the Emperor Shizu heard about this, he told Du Chao, "Li Xin will definitely become a high-ranking official in the future and elevate your family's status. You can marry your daughter to him; don't marry her to anyone else." And so, this marriage was arranged. It is said that Li Zhe from the south had long predicted that Li Xin would rise to great heights.
When Du Chao passed away, the Emperor Shizu personally mourned for three days. Because Li Xin was Du Chao's son-in-law, he was allowed to enter the funeral hall. The Emperor pointed at Li Xin and said to the people around him, "Look at how this man carries himself; isn't it different from the rest? He will definitely become a high-ranking official serving my family!" Li Xin was intelligent, sharp-witted, had an exceptional memory, and keen observation skills.
Earlier, Li Ling served as the Emperor Gaozong's advisor and counselor, and the Emperor ordered Cui Hao to select outstanding students from the Central Secretariat to serve as assistants. Cui Hao recommended his students Xiangzi, Lu Dushi, and Li Fu. Gao You, the son of Gao Dang, and other relatives of the Minister Duan Ba thought that Cui Hao was showing favoritism and brought this to Emperor Shizu's attention. Emperor Shizu felt Cui Hao's actions were unjust and reported the matter to Emperor Gongzong.
Emperor Shizu was thinking of Li Xin and said, "Why not select the eldest son of the Governor of Youzhou, Li Chong?" Cui Hao replied, "It was previously suggested that Li Xin should be selected, but because he was away at the time, he wasn't chosen." Emperor Shizu said, "When Li Xin returns, Xiangzi and the others will no longer be needed." This was the reason why Emperor Shizu valued Li Xin.
So Li Xin was appointed as an assistant in Zhongshu Province and doctor, gradually gaining favor, and later even lecturing to Emperor Gaozong. After Emperor Gaozong ascended the throne, due to their previous relationship, he was very close and favored Li Xin, promoting him to Minister of Rites and concurrently held the position of Director of the Imperial Secretariat, granting him the title of Duke of Fufeng, appointing him as General of An Dong, and posthumously conferring the title of Lady of Rongcheng on his mother, Lady Sun. Emperor Gaozong told his courtiers, "I wasn't focused enough on my studies when I was young, and since I have been dealing with state affairs, I have been extremely busy and have had no time to study, so I lack in both Confucian and Taoist teachings. This is not solely my fault; my teachers also did not teach diligently enough. Therefore, I am still giving grand rewards to my old ministers to show my gratitude for their past kindness!" Li Xin removed his hat and bowed in thanks. Later, Li Xin was appointed as the Inspector of An Nan, the General of Annam, and the Governor of Xiangzhou. He governed with integrity and simplicity, was skilled at resolving cases, and could root out and apprehend hidden criminals, gaining the people's praise.
I submitted a memorial to the court, requesting the establishment of schools in the prefectures and counties. The memorial stated: "I have heard that to achieve effective governance, good cultural education is essential for effectively governing a country; to experience a peaceful and prosperous era, it is impossible to honor the emperor's grace without outstanding talents. Therefore, ancient wise rulers established schools in the capital and appointed educational officials in the prefectures and counties to educate the youth of the nation and enhance their knowledge and skills. They then selected outstanding talents from among them to strengthen the pillars of the nation. Now, with the emperor's wisdom and martial prowess, governance is effective, and the people admire the emperor's benevolence, yet schools have not yet been established in various prefectures and counties. Although my abilities are limited, I earnestly wish to take on this responsibility so that future generations can hear the echoes of refined teachings and that children can see the fundamental teachings of the classics. In the past, I received the emperor's grace and served in the palace, during which I nurtured many accomplished talents, all of whom were valued by the court. Now I have again received the emperor's favor and been entrusted with an important task; I wish to emulate the emperor's grand ambitions and make contributions locally. Since I arrived here, I have investigated the local literati and found that the older generation of scholars is aging, while the younger generation of talents has yet to mature. Although I recommend talents to the court every year according to regulations, I worry that they might find it difficult to meet the court's expectations. Therefore, I wish to adopt the ancient system and establish educational officials in the administrative centers of the prefectures and counties. This will allow aspiring scholars and children from prominent families to study here, ensuring their success. Those who are knowledgeable can then be recommended to the court. In this way, the nation's cultural heritage will thrive." After submitting my memorial, Emperor Xianzhu approved my request. This indicates that the emperor also values talent cultivation and cultural inheritance. With schools, more talents can be nurtured, and the country can prosper and develop further.
Xin was recognized as the best official among the various provinces, and the emperor granted him fine robes. From that point on, he started to grow arrogant and complacent, accepting bribes from the common people and tribute from merchants. The people complained that Minister Li Fu had been close to Xin since childhood and often aided him. Some advised Xin to report to the court, but Li Fu prevented him from doing so. After the emperor learned of Xin's crimes, he sent for him in a prisoner cart for interrogation, ultimately convicting him of his crimes.
At that time, Li Fu's brothers were facing dismissal from their positions, and someone hinted to Xin that the emperor was suspicious of Li Fu's brothers, suggesting that Xin inform on their hidden crimes to save himself. Xin was very reluctant and had no knowledge of any hidden crimes committed by Li Fu's brothers. He told his son-in-law Pei You, "Although my relationship with the Li family isn't particularly close, our feelings are like those of a family. Now that someone is advising me this way, what am I supposed to do? Recently, I've considered ending my life over this, stabbing myself with a hairpin or strangling myself with a belt, but I haven’t gone through with it. Besides, I honestly don’t know of any wrongdoing by Li Fu's brothers." Pei You said, "Why would you even think about dying for him? Li Fu's brothers' crimes can be uncovered. There is a man named Feng Chan, who had suffered at Li Fu's hands before, and his family des
After Xin was dismissed from his position, Zhang Dan, the Marquis of Ping Shou, went to see him. They hit it off well, and he even told others, "This person is an outstanding talent and won't always be looked down upon." Not long after, Xin was reappointed as the Minister of Taicang, concurrently in charge of southern affairs. He believed the strategies of Fan and Chen Duan, among others, and ordered the transportation of grain to Taicang from a thousand miles away based on household registration. Delays and backlogs piled up everywhere, lasting for several years. People scrambled to bribe, all wanting to deliver the grain first, leading to widespread suffering. People along the road were murmuring, saying, "Having such corrupt officials is worse than having bandits." Xin's younger brother, General Zuo Pu, advised him, "Fan is very good at using sweet words to please others. He only talks for his own gain, never bringing up morality or justice. It sounds nice, but he's really a bad guy. This is just flattery, slander, corruption, and deceit. If you don't cut ties with him soon, you'll regret it down the line." Xin did not listen, but instead believed Fan even more and told him all his worries.
Li Xue, because of the favor of Emperor Xianzu, played a key role in important court decisions, was responsible for selecting officials, and held great power. Everyone in the court flattered him. He originally had no merit, but was directly appointed as the magistrate of Lu'an County. During the Yanxing era, the Emperor decreed: "Shangshu Li Xue made significant contributions to the previous dynasty, assisted the Emperor in governing the country, and is known for his integrity and forthrightness, frequently offering valuable advice. He is a valuable asset to the nation and a highly respected elder statesman. Therefore, I promote him to be the Shangshu of the Southern Region, allowing him to handle complex government matters. Since taking office, he has worked diligently day and night without ever slacking off, strictly adhering to laws and proper conduct, even during meals and rest, he thinks about public affairs. He has never failed to act on matters beneficial to the country, with clear standards for rewards and punishments, never showing favoritism based on family ties. Even devoted sons longing for their mothers, eagles hunting their prey, cannot compare to his unwavering loyalty and tireless diligence! Even Zichan of Zheng and Jiwenz of Lu cannot compare to him! However, upright individuals are often not well-liked, and even thieves harbor resentment. Since last year, malicious individuals have been causing trouble, robbing the families of Li Xue, Li Ying, and three others, burning houses, and harming innocent people. Is this something we can tolerate? What else can we not tolerate? The relevant authorities must intensify efforts to apprehend these criminals and ensure they are brought to justice!"
In June, Emperor Xianzu passed away. Li Zhi was appointed as the Minister of War and was granted the title of Duke of Fanyang. In July, he was also appointed as Chamberlain, General of the Southern Expedition, Grand Marshal, and Inspector of Xuzhou. Fan Biao knew that Empress Wenming held a grudge against Li Zhi and that many people in the court were dissatisfied with him. In the second month of the first year of Taihe, Fan Biao was ordered to report to the court that Li Zhi was planning a rebellion. Empress Wenming summoned Li Zhi to the capital and asked him about the rebellion, to which Li Zhi denied. Then, Fan Biao was called to testify, and Li Zhi said, "You're just spouting nonsense about knowing me; what else can I say! However, you have disregarded the kindness I have shown you in the past and done such an ungrateful thing!" Fan Biao replied, "Can your kindness towards me compare to the kindness Li Fu showed towards you? If you could tolerate Li Fu back then, why can't I tolerate you today?" Li Zhi sighed, "I shouldn't have trusted a scoundrel; I brought this upon myself, and I deeply regret it!" And so, Li Zhi was executed. Li Zhi had three sons.
His eldest son, Li Sui, was initially appointed as an attendant and Grand Master of the East Palace Gate. He later rose to the position of Cavalier In Regular Attendance and was appointed as General Who Pacifies the East. He died before his father, Li Zhi.
His second son, Li Qing, also known as Huiming, escaped and was later granted a pardon during a general amnesty.
Qingzi, also known as Bolin, served as a loyal general during the Wuding period and also held the position of Water Cadet in the Duke of Qi Xianwu's household.
His younger brothers, Linghe and Lingdu, fell in battle alongside Qingzi.
Gong, also known as Yuanshun, served as the Prefect of Chengzhou. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the title of Inspector of Youzhou and Marquis of Rongcheng, with the posthumous title of Jianhou.
Gong's brother, Yu, also known as Yuanheng, served as the Prefect of Yingqiu, inherited his father's title of Marquis of Gu'an, and rose to the position of General Who Pacifies the West. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the title of Inspector of Yanzhou, with the posthumous title of Kanghou.
His son Changsheng inherited the title, and after his death, his son Yuanzong succeeded the title and served as the Governor of Guangping County and Prefect of Chen County.
Qingzi's cousin Pu, whose courtesy name was Jizhen, was known for his integrity and had connections with many notable figures. He served as Doctor of the Central Secretariat, Minister of War, Military Advisor to Prince Yuyang, Left General, and Deputy General of Chang'an, and ultimately became Minister of Rites. In the first year of the Chengming era, he passed away at the age of fifty-one, passing away before Qingzi. After his death, he was posthumously conferred the titles of General of Anxi and Governor of Yongzhou, with the posthumous title of Duke Mu.
Pu's son Hui served as a Central Secretariat Counselor. Hui's brother Gu served as a Doctor of the Imperial Academy and Governor of Gaomi. Gu's brother Qin served as a Prefect of the province. Qin's son Shi, styled Yuanzhi, served as General of Zhenxi and Deputy Prefect of Nanyingzhou during the Wuding era. Shi's brother Sheng, styled Zhongyan, served as General of Andong and Counselor of the Imperial Court. Sheng's brother Shufan served as General of Pingxi and Grand Master of the Palace. Qin's brother Yun, whose courtesy name was Zongling, was exceptionally talented and served as a student of the Central Secretariat, Secretary of the Central Secretariat, and Gentleman-in-Waiting of the Central Secretariat. He later served as Governor of Yanjun and Fanyang before returning to court, serving as an Exalted Gentleman in the Imperial Secretariat, Right Minister, and General of the Central Army, eventually being promoted to Left Minister. He died in the third year of the Yanchang era and was posthumously conferred the titles of General of Pingyuan and Governor of Nanjingzhou, with the posthumous title of Duke Jing.
Initially, when Qingzi's clansman Chongzhi surrendered to the Wei Kingdom, he surrendered together with Tian Biao of Beiping, but Tian Biao's descendants eventually fell into decline. Historical records indicate that during over a century of Wei's rule, strict laws and harsh punishments were used to govern the country, and amidst the fluctuations of power, it ultimately led to its downfall. Dou Jin and the Li brothers (Li Qingzi) were exceptionally talented, and people at the time regarded them as pillars of society. However, Dou Jin was implicated due to a suspicion arising from a single remark, and the Li brothers were caught in old grudges and suspicions, ultimately leading to their execution, which is truly tragic! Their family's inability to prosper was ultimately a result of their own actions!
