Zheng Xi, courtesy name Youlin, was a native of Kaifeng, Henan, and a descendant of the Wei dynasty's master builder Hun, specifically the eighth-generation descendant. His great-grandfather Huo had served as the Minister of Ceremonies under Murong Chui. His father was not an official but married into the Pan family of Changle and had six sons, who were all ambitious in their own right. Zheng Xi was the youngest and the most skilled in reading and writing among his brothers. When he was young, he passed the imperial examination for scholars and married the daughter of Li Xiaobo, the Minister of Personnel. As Emperor Gaozong neared his death, he was appointed as an academician of the Imperial Academy.
At the beginning of the Tian'an era, the Sizhou Governor under Liu Yu, Chang Zhenqi, occupied Runan and surrendered to the court. Emperor Xianzu sent the Minister of the Palace Secretariat, Yuan Shi, as the main general to welcome him and pacify the Huairu region, with Zheng Xi accompanying Yuan Shi on the expedition. When they arrived at Shangcai, Chang Zhenqi came out with three hundred civil and military officials to meet them. After the meeting, they discussed stationing the troops north of Runan and not entering the city for the time being. Zheng Xi said to Yuan Shi, "We should act quickly on this matter. Although Chang Zhenqi has arrived, his intentions are still unclear. It would be wiser to enter the city directly, control the city gates and the treasury. Even if he is unhappy, we must take the initiative." After hearing Zheng Xi's words, Yuan Shi entered the city directly on horseback. Several hundred of Chang Zhenqi's personal soldiers remained in the city, all at Chang Zhenqi's residence. After capturing the city, Yuan Shi grew somewhat complacent, throwing banquets and reveling without taking precautions. Zheng Xi warned Yuan Shi, "I can see that Chang Zhenqi doesn't look too pleased. We need to strengthen our defenses and be prepared for any unexpected situations." That night, Chang Zhenqi indeed sent people to set fire to the government office, hoping to stir up trouble while the firefighters were occupied. However, Yuan Shi was prepared and did not let him succeed. The next morning, Zheng Xi took the emperor's white tiger flag to reassure the people of Guoyi, and everyone finally felt at ease.
In the spring of next year, Liu Yu launched another attack on Ruyin. The prefect of Ruyin, Zhang Chao, defended the city fiercely and refused to surrender. Shi Hu led the elite troops to attack vigorously, but still failed to capture the city. They had to retreat to Chenxiang and debate whether to return to Changshe and wait until autumn for another assault. Everyone was eager to go back, saying it was a good idea. However, Wang Xizhi said, "Now Zhang Chao is making the people move stones desperately into the city; the city is packed like ants in a nest. The city can't hold out much longer. We should wait for him to surrender. Once Zhang Chao runs out of supplies, he’ll surely flee. We just need to wait, and then we can easily catch him. If we withdraw to Changshe now, the journey is long, and Zhang Chao will definitely take the opportunity to strengthen the city defenses and stockpile food, making future attacks more challenging." Shi Hu did not listen to him and led his troops back to Changshe. In winter, he went to attack Zhang Chao again, but Zhang Chao was well prepared; Wang Xizhi's strategy was useless, and he returned empty-handed. After several years, Zhang Chao died, and Yang Wenchang took over the defense of the city. When the food ran out, the city couldn't hold out and was eventually breached. This ultimately validated Wang Xizhi's strategy. After the pacification of Huainan, Wang Xizhi was promoted to the role of Minister of the Central Secretariat. At the beginning of the Yanxing period, there was a man named Tian Zhidu in Yangwu who was just fifteen. He spread rumors and stirred up trouble near the capital, which sparked panic among the populace. Because Wang Xizhi had great prestige in Henan, everyone believed in him, so the court urgently dispatched him to persuade the crowd. After Wang Xizhi arrived, he appealed to reason and emotion, explaining the dangers of rebellion and offering greater rewards to encourage surrender. Within ten days, the crowd quickly dispersed. Tian Zhidu fled to Yingchuan and was soon apprehended and executed. Because of this achievement, Wang Xizhi was granted the title of Pingchang Nan and appointed General of Yingyang.
During the early reign of the founding emperor, my father held the position of Cavalier Attendant and was also temporarily appointed as General of Ning and Shuo, as well as the title of Yangwuzi, and was ordered to go on a mission to Liu Zhun. At that time, the Prince of Zhongshan, Rui, held great power and had many royal officials around him, and my father served as his tutor. After several years without promotion and with a modest family background, he decided to take a leave of absence and went home, never to return to work. Later, Li Chong rose to power and became related to our family, which led to my father being invited back to court and appointed as Minister of the Imperial Secretariat.
Empress Wenming had a temple constructed in Chang'an in honor of her father, King Yan Xuan. Once the temple was completed, the court appointed my father as Minister of Rites and temporarily granted him the title of Marquis of Xingyang, sending him with a group of officials to pay respects at the temple in Chang'an and to inscribe a stone tablet at the temple gate. Upon his return, in recognition of his contributions, the court not only retained his marquis title but also promoted him to the position of Censor. He was later sent on an assignment as General of Andong, Inspector of Xiyanzhou, and temporarily granted the title of Duke of Nanyang. My father accepted numerous bribes, and his political achievements were largely bought. Moreover, he was especially stingy, not even offering a cup of wine or a piece of meat to the common people who brought him gifts; the sheep and wine he received at the west gate were sold off at the east gate. However, due to his relationship with Li Chong, no one in the government dared to challenge him.
County Magistrates Zheng Bosun of Suanzao, Dong Teng of Juancheng, Jia De, and Shen Lingdu were all known for their integrity and diligence in office, caring for the people. My father specifically recommended them in a formal memorial, which garnered public praise at the time. Later, Empress Wenming arranged for her daughter to become a concubine of the founding emperor, and the court summoned my father back to the capital to serve as the Director of the Secretariat.
In the sixteenth year of Taihe, my father passed away, and the court awarded five hundred rolls of cloth. The Minister of Rites requested that he be posthumously named "Xuan," but the Emperor decreed, "When giving a posthumous title to the deceased, we must follow the customs of our ancestors, praise virtues and condemn vices, and set examples. Like He Zeng, although filial, honest historians have not changed his posthumous title of 'Miu Chou'; Jia Chong, although favored by Emperor Wu of Jin, is still referred to as 'Huang Gong' by honest people. Although my father was talented in his youth, he was not honest during his time in office. His study of ancient sages did not translate into effective governance; his greed was widely known among the common people. Describing him as 'Xuan' is simply inappropriate. Moreover, he was promoted a few years ago not through the usual channels, but due to his relationship with the Empress, and his accomplishments were not significant. Minister, you're playing favorites and going against our ancestors' customs! According to the 'Posthumous Title Law': those who are knowledgeable and accomplished are called 'Wen,' while those who did not work hard to achieve fame are called 'Ling.' Let's award him his original official position and use the title 'Wen Ling'." My eldest brother is named Yi, with the style name Jingbo; he is a well-read and worldly-wise person. He started as a minor official, known as Zhongsan and then as a Minister of Works, gradually rising to the positions of Colonel of Cavalry, Minister of Personnel, and the Prince's Chief Attendant, and eventually inheriting the title of Lord of Xingyang. Yi is a person of leisure and elegance, with great talent in governing. The Emperor valued him, appointing him as both the Yellow Gate Attendant and the Left Chief Clerk of the Ministry of Works.
When Emperor Shizong first ascended the throne, Yi's cousin, Sihe, was involved in the rebellion of Wang Xi in Xianyang. Yi and his brother, Daozhao, who was then a court attendant, were implicated and subsequently imprisoned. After their release, Yi was appointed as the Minor Minister of Rites and also given the title of General of Champions. He was later appointed as General of the Pacifying Army and Governor of Qizhou, and before long, he was promoted to General of Eastern Pacification. Yi was someone who liked to encourage the people to work hard in production and handled matters decisively. Although he wasn't particularly known for his integrity, he would do anything that was just, which left a fond memory among the common people. In the third year of Yongping, he passed away, and the court posthumously awarded him the titles of General and Governor of Yanzhou, with the posthumous name Mu.
His son Gongye inherited his father's title. In the third year of Wuding, he was executed for his involvement in the conspiracy led by Fang Ziyuan.
My younger brother Daozhao, styled Xibo, loved to study from a young age and read extensively. Initially, he served as a student in the Central Secretariat, later promoted to Secretary, then appointed as the Chief Writer, and subsequently transferred to the position of External Cavalry Attendant, Secretary Deputy, while also serving as the Deputy Minister of the Central Secretariat. Once, while following the emperor on an expedition to the Mianhan region, Emperor Gaozu hosted a banquet for his ministers in the Bamboo Hall at Xuanyi. Daozhao and I accompanied the emperor during the banquet. As the banquet progressed and everyone enjoyed their drinks, Emperor Gaozu sang a song: "The bright sun shines in the sky, yet one corner of Jiangzu remains unlit." Prince Pengcheng Xie followed with: "I wish to ascend the heights of wisdom, with all nations sincerely united both internally and externally." Zheng Yi also sang: "Clouds and thunder surge, the gates of heaven open, all lands come as guests in an orderly fashion." Xing Luan sang: "Shun dances with his halberd, and the world returns, the virtues of culture are widely recognized." Daozhao joined in with: "The imperial wind sweeps across the nine realms, with the sun above and the heavens clear in all directions." Emperor Gaozu sang another song: "Follow your grave, once transformed into purity, is not as commendable as today's virtuous wind." Song Bian also sang a song: "The governance and education of King Wen illuminate the rivers and lakes, better than the great transformation that radiates in all directions."
Emperor Gaozu said to Dao Zhao, "Although you are busy with official duties due to promotions, you still write poetry and essays with talented individuals. Therefore, I have assigned Xing Luan to collect and organize your works and write prefaces. You are in your prime, yet have encountered misfortunes multiple times. Every time you return to your desk, you are filled with emotions!" Soon after, Dao Zhao was officially appointed as a Lang of the Imperial Library, and later promoted to be an Attendant of the Cavalry. Prince Xiang of Beihai was appointed as Minister of Personnel, and Dao Zhao and Prince Bing of Langye were appointed as consultants.
Later, Dao Zhao was appointed as the Grand Scholar of the National University. He submitted a memorial stating, "I believe that in order to govern the country well, we must have talented individuals, and the key to nurturing talent lies in valuing education. The National University is in a dilapidated state, and students find it difficult to even manage basic reading. The Southern Imperial Academy, with the stone inscriptions from the Han and Wei dynasties, is now in ruins, choked with weeds. Children passing by sigh at the sight, and those who care feel regret. As the head of education, I cannot ignore this. I earnestly request Your Majesty’s benevolence in addressing this issue. Should my proposal be accepted, I hope Your Majesty will order the Secretariat and Chancellery to carefully study and plan for the restoration of the Imperial University, the revival of the stone inscriptions from the Han and Wei dynasties, and the revitalization of classical education in the capital to uphold our rich cultural traditions. This would be a tremendous achievement for the benefit of all!" However, his request was not approved.
King Guangping appointed Huai as the governor of Shuzhou, entrusting Dao Zhao to manage provincial affairs together with the Minister of Justice, Yuan Kuang. Dao Zhao further submitted a petition stating: "I have heard that Tang Yao and Yu Shun created a flourishing era based fundamentally on cultural education; the Yin, Shang, and Zhou dynasties governed the realm by prioritizing morality and craftsmanship. Therefore, rituals and music form the foundation of the state and must never be neglected. Consequently, the Zhou dynasty actively promoted education, leading to a time when people lived in peace and prosperity; the state of Lu adhered to the Zhou rituals, and even the mighty Qi state submitted to Lu. By the Warring States period, relentless warfare resulted in the burning of texts, the persecution of Confucian scholars, and the destruction of the roots of benevolence and righteousness, with a focus on military strategies, causing division in the world, and the people became displaced. For decades, the common people have been deprived of peace, and this is the reason why. When Emperor Liu Bang founded the Han dynasty, he still favored individuals like Shusun Tong while unifying the realm; Emperor Guangwu restored the dynasty and, during the chaos, appointed Zheng Zhong and Fan Sheng to compile the collection of texts in the Eastern Pavilion. By the Wei and Jin periods, texts were consistently valued, and learning was emphasized even within the military. Your Majesty, consider this: the rise of the Wei state, despite many remaining enemies and ongoing battles at the borders, still attracted talented individuals and established schools, thus spreading righteousness throughout the country and disseminating virtue to all nations, deeply embedding education in people's hearts and changing the atmosphere. Now, we find ourselves in a peaceful and prosperous era, having laid a boundless foundation, with the capital in Luoyang, creating a new era of Baoli, where the people experience the tranquility of this prosperous age, and every corner is filled with joy. However, the obstinate regions of Min, Yue, and Wu have hindered the spread of education; the late emperor was once enraged and persistently dispatched troops to subdue them. Yet, even while suppressing the rebellion, the late emperor continued to value texts, appointing Inspector General Li Biao and Minister of Personnel, Prince Cheng of Rencheng, among others, to meticulously select talents for the advancement of cultural education. In accordance with the emperor's directives, Cheng and others established forty doctoral positions across four disciplines, and the doctoral candidates for the National University and the Taixue, as well as the assistant professors for the National University, had already been selected. According to the late emperor's wishes, this should have been completed promptly, but due to the demands of state affairs, it has yet to be established. Nearly ten years have passed since then, and the schools have deteriorated, with the four disciplines of Confucian classics being neglected. This has resulted in learned elders hoarding scriptures without teaching, while young disciples forsake the fundamentals in pursuit of trivial matters. This has fostered an environment where the pursuit of fame and profit prevails."
Your Majesty, you are wise and far-sighted. The border regions have not fully submitted; they should be educated. The distant tribes will eventually come to accept us; they should be influenced by cultural education. Your Majesty should place great importance on classical texts and treasure the classics. Only in this way can education surpass that of the Pre-Qin and Han dynasties, and moral conduct exceed that of the Tang and Yu eras. Therefore, Your Majesty has issued multiple decrees to emphasize the construction of schools. The school buildings have been repaired, but students have yet to be recruited. I have a limited understanding of classical texts, but I have previously participated in revising laws. Following the previous system, I reviewed past documents and drafted the school's rules and regulations, submitting them upon completion. I have yet to receive approval. However, the school has been in disrepair for many years, and this has led to a stagnation in education. I respectfully request Your approval to promulgate and implement this educational decree as soon as possible, so that there are clear criteria for selecting talent and enrolling students." The Emperor said: "Your commitment to Confucianism and advocacy for learning is truly inspiring! The new rules and regulations will be issued shortly, and implementation will be straightforward. Your diligence and care for the country and its people are commendable!"
Dao Zhao submitted a memorial that said: "I have been in Zhong County for nearly ten years now. The local gentry have been out of work, and the sacrificial ceremonies have been neglected, resulting in a loss of talent for the court and a lack of good social atmosphere, which harms the country's development and the education of its people. A few years back, I started repeatedly requesting the establishment of schools and the enrollment of students, but I haven't received any response, probably because I'm not capable enough to catch the court's attention. Now that the school buildings are done, the dormitories are mostly finished, and the teachers are in place, we can kick off classes. Even though we haven't received new orders yet, I request that we first enroll students for the Guozijian based on the previous regulations, gradually rolling out teaching to make sure education has guidelines, that Confucian values stay strong, and that future generations can recognize the importance of learning and students can experience the benefits of education. As for the Confucian temple, it's built and the sacrificial ceremonies are set to start; we can wait for the orders about the bowing and greeting rituals to come down." The memorial didn’t get a response. Later, he was moved to serve as Secretary Supervisor and then as the Middle Justice of Xingyang County. He was later appointed as General Pingdong and Governor of Guangzhou, and then moved to Governor of Qingzhou, while keeping his general position. He came back to the court as Secretary Supervisor and was promoted to General Pingnan. He passed away in the first year of Xiping and was posthumously honored as General Zhenbei and Governor of Xiangzhou, receiving the posthumous title of Wengong. Dao Zhao loved writing poetry and essays, with dozens of pieces to his name. During his time in Guangzhou and Qingzhou, he was lenient in politics, didn’t abuse punishments, and was well-loved by the people.
Dao Zhao's son Yan Zu had quite a presence and a basic grasp of literature and history. He held positions such as Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat and Imperial Secretariat Attendant. However, he was frivolous, did not study seriously, relied on the powerful, pursued fame and fortune, and had a notorious family reputation. During the reign of Emperor Chao, the Inspector Zhongwei Qi Jun impeached Yan Zu for having an affair with his cousin from the Zong family. People at the time found it embarrassing and were reluctant to speak of it, but Yan Zu felt no shame at all. In the early years of Emperor Xiaojing, he was appointed as General of the Cavalry, Left Minister of Rites, and Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial. He was later sent to serve as the governor of Beiyuzhou. After returning from the province, he again served as Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the title of Commander of Military Affairs for the three provinces of Yuzhou, Yanzhou, and Yingzhou, as well as General of the Guards, Duke of Sikong, and Governor of Yuzhou.
Yan Zu's brother Jing Zu also had a rather brash personality. He initially served as an Assistant to the Writer. When Zheng Yan's forces were defeated, he was killed by people from his hometown.
Jing Zu's brother Shu Zu served as a Minister of State during the Wuding period.
Shu Zu's brother Zun Zu served as a Secretary Lang. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the title of General of State Support and Governor of Guangzhou.
Zun Zu's brother Shun was serving as the Minister of Rites at the time of his death.
Since Empress Ling began to rule, social morals had begun to decay; when Yuan Yi came to power, corruption became even more blatant. Since then, even those prominent families began to descend into chaos, and the government did not intervene, with no penalties for marriages and official positions, leaving knowledgeable people feeling regretful!
The Xi Five Brothers: the eldest is called Changbai Ling, the second is called Xiaobai, the third is called Donglin, the fourth is called Shuye, and the fifth is called Lianshan. They all relied on their good family backgrounds, acted arrogantly, and the locals wished they could rid themselves of them quickly.
Changbai Ling's grandson is called Dao Piao and served as the governor of a district. Xiaobai served as a Doctor of the Court.
Their younger brother Yinbo was very capable, rising from a Doctor of the Ministry of Personnel to an Assistant Minister of Works, and then to the Chief Historian of the Ministry of Works. The Emperor even married his daughter to him. Later, he was appointed as General of Establishing Might, Governor of Dong Xu Prefecture, then transferred to the position of Chief Historian of Prince Guangling's East Bureau, concurrently serving as the Interior Minister of Qi Commandery. When he passed away, he held the position of Gentleman of the Yellow Gate Guard, posthumously honored with the title Jian (简).
His son Xijun died without ever holding an official post. Another son, Daoyu, served as the Prefect of Kaifeng during the Wuding period.
Yinbo's younger brother Youru was a diligent and upright scholar, well-known for his good reputation at the time. The Prime Minister and Prince Gaoyang married their daughter to him. He later served as a Gentleman of the Imperial Library, an Attendant Censor, and the Prefect of Sizhou, and was a competent official. After his death, he was posthumously appointed as Cavalier In Regular Attendance, General Who Maintains The East, and Governor of Yanzhou, honored with the title Jing. Unfortunately, Youru's wife was a licentious, cruel, and unreasonable woman after his death. Their sons Jingdao and Jingde also did not amount to much, both went off to Guanzhong. Youru's cousin Boyou often told relatives and friends, "My brother was very talented and could have been a man of great virtue, but unfortunately he married such a wife. Now that he has passed away, it's even more painful than his passing, truly lamentable!"
Yinbo's younger brother Pingcheng served as an Advisor to the Grand Commandant. Prince Guangling married his daughter to him. Later, he was appointed as the Prefect of Dongping. He had a wild and reckless nature, loved drinking, and was corrupt during his tenure. After his death, he was posthumously appointed as General of Conquering Barbarians and Governor of South Qingzhou.
The boss, named Boyou, was a knowledgeable and talented person who gained fame at a young age. He passed the provincial examination and scored highly in the imperial examination, which led to his appointment as a military officer in Youzhou's Pingbei Prefecture. He was later promoted to Doctor of the Imperial Academy and became an imperial censor. He had strong connections with prominent figures of the time. During Emperor Suzong's sacrificial ceremonies, the emperor specifically summoned Boyou to document the rituals and their significance. When Prince Yuan Yanming went to fight in Xuzhou, Boyou was appointed as a court official. After the situation calmed down and he returned to the capital, Boyou was promoted to a position responsible for documenting the emperor's daily activities and was bestowed the title of Yangwuzi in recognition of his military achievements. He steadily ascended through the ranks and became a Cavalier Attendant and General Who Pacifies the East. After Emperor Fei ascended the throne, he was promoted to General Who Conquers the East and bestowed with the title of Golden Purple Imperial Grand Master, while also serving as the Chief Minister of the Imperial Academy. Eventually, he rose to the position of General of Chariots and Cavalry, followed by Right Imperial Grand Master, and then Guard General. During the Yuanxiang period, he served as Cavalier Attendant in addition to his official duties and was dispatched as an envoy to Xiao Yan. During his several visits, Xiao Yan’s son paid his respects to Boyou at a polo match. When Boyou went on a mission, Xiao Yan even sent his military commander, Zang Dun, to welcome him. Many people criticized Boyou for this. Upon his return, Boyou was appointed General of the Valiant Cavalry and Governor of Nanqingzhou.
When he was the governor of Qingzhou, he was corrupt and engaged in embezzlement, extorting the people's resources. Since his wife was the daughter of Prince Anfeng, Yuan Yanming, he became even more brazen in amassing wealth, openly bribing others, with even his relatives reaping the benefits. The common people fled in droves, leaving the province deserted. He also falsely accused innocent people of plotting rebellion, confiscated their property, seized it all for himself, and killed their men, turning the women into slaves. The people's grievances were heard far and wide, and this matter spread to various places. Later, he was impeached by the censor, facing numerous charges that could have warranted multiple executions, but fortunately, he benefited from a general amnesty and avoided execution, though this led to his dismissal from office. When King Wenxiang of Qi served as prime minister, he often admonished the court officials, citing the examples of Bo You and Cui Shuren as warnings. "Who among men is without faults?" but they should heed it as a warning. In the seventh year of Wuding, Bo You was appointed as the Minister of Rites. He died that same year at the age of sixty-four. After his death, he was posthumously granted the titles of General of the Cavalry, Director of the Central Secretariat, and Governor of Yanzhou. Bo You's brother, Zhongheng, rose to become a middle-ranking official during the Wuding period.
Zhongji's younger brother Zhongji, after passing the imperial examination, entered the court as an official, serving as a censor, and was granted the title of Viscount Chenggao for his military achievements. Later on, he gradually rose through the ranks and became the Prefect of Liyang. When Yuan Hao attacked Luoyang, the court appointed Zhongji's uncle Fan Zun to guard Huatai, with Zhongji and Fan Zun positioned on opposite sides of the river. Fan Zun secretly led his troops to cross the Yellow River at night, attempting to ambush Zhongji. However, Zhongji led the people of Liyang to firmly resist on the riverbank, forcing Fan Zun to retreat. The court highly appreciated him and appointed him as the Deputy Attendant of Sizhou. Shortly after, he was promoted to Chief Historian of Sizhou, then further promoted to General of the Southern Campaign, and conferred the title of Grand Master of Golden Purple Resplendence. In the early years of Xiaojing, he was appointed as General Who Conquers the South, Prefect of Dongji North, and concurrently served as the Garrison Commander of Feicheng, while retaining his title. He passed away in the fourth year of Tianping at the age of forty-nine. After his death, he was posthumously appointed as Commander of Military Affairs in the two provinces of Beiyu and Liang, General of Chariots and Cavalry, Minister of Finance, and Governor of Beiyu Province.
Zhongji's younger brother Zhonghuaixiao, during the Wuding era, served as a Consultative Councillor to the Minister of the Left. Their cousin Donglinzijing Shu, who served as an official in Sizhou, Zhengzheng in Xingyang, and later as the Prefect of Puyang, was dismissed from office due to corruption and bribery. Zhongji's son Zhongji, styled Chengzong, served as the Chief Historian of Pingdong Prefecture in Xuzhou.
Zhongji's younger brother Zhongqiong, styled Zuzhen, was well-known for his exceptional administrative skills. He started as a Consultative Councillor to the Grand Commandant and later became the Prefect of Fanyang. He made significant achievements in governance and was posthumously honored with the title of Junior Minister of Imperial Sacrifices. During the Xiaochang era, his brother Zhongyan received the emperor's favor, leading to Zhongqiong being posthumously appointed as General Who Maintains the East and Governor of Qingzhou. The Zhongqiong brothers shared a harmonious relationship, and their relationships with their sisters-in-law were also very harmonious. They were admired by their contemporaries for their harmonious relationships both at home and in public. Zhongqiong's son Zhongdaoyong passed away in the western territories. Zhongyan's accomplishments are documented in the "Enxiang Zhuan."
Zhong Shigong, Uncle Jing's younger brother, served as the Governor of Yanjun. During the Xiaochang period, he was appointed Deputy Commandant of the Guard due to his connection with Zhong Yan, and was soon promoted to Left General and Governor of Yingzhou. At that time, Ge Rong rebelled and occupied Hebei; the city of Yingzhou fell, and he was unable to defend it. Later, he was appointed General of the Northern Expedition, Golden Purple Grand Master of Guanglu, and then promoted to Guard General and Right Guanglu Grand Master. He passed away in the Yongxi period. He was posthumously honored with the title of General of the Valiant Cavalry, Governor of Jizhou, and received the posthumous title of Zhen. Zhong Zhi's eldest son, Zhong Zhen, served as a Secretary in the Ministry of Works and was later promoted to Attendant Cavalry of the Household of the South Yan Prefecture.
Zhong Zhen's son, Zhong Zhan, served as the Chief Secretary of Qi and Ji provinces and as Guanglu Grand Master. Zhong Zhan's younger brother, Zhong Zhaobo, was the Governor of Dongping during the Wuding period. Zhong Zhaobo's son, Zhong Jia, passed away at a young age.
Zi Dahuzi served as the Military Adviser to the Minister of War during the Wuding period. This refers to his official positions, which sound quite prestigious.
His son, Shuye, whose courtesy name was Ziboxia, served as the Minister of Works and the Governor of Donglai. After his death, the court posthumously appointed him as Champion General, Junior Minister of Imperial Clan Affairs, and Governor of Qingzhou, which can be seen as recognition of his lifetime achievements. Another son, Zizhong, whose courtesy name was Zhouzi, served as the General of the Right Army and the General Who Maintains Distant Frontier, and after his death, he was posthumously appointed as the General Who Pacifies the East and the Governor of Xuzhou.
His younger brother, Hao, held the positions of Colonel of Changshui and Governor of Dongpingyuan. Ziboxia's younger brother, Jin, whose courtesy name was Zhonggong, served as the Governor of Langye. His son, Zisongbin, rose through the ranks from Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat and Imperial Household Consultant to Left Guanglu Grand Master, and eventually passed away.
In his family, there was a man named Lianshan, who had a particularly harsh and irritable personality, often beating and scolding the servants beyond measure. Consequently, both father and son were killed by the household servants, their heads chopped off and thrown under the horse trough, with the horse carrying the murderer away. His son Siming was a formidable figure, excelling in horseback riding and archery. After his parents were murdered, he led the villagers in pursuit of the murderer, chasing him to the riverbank. The murderer tried to escape by jumping into the river on horseback; Siming could have killed him but chose to capture him. In the end, the murderer refused to surrender, and Siming shot him with an arrow, causing him to fall off the horse and be swept away by the water. Later, he was captured by the villagers and brought back home to be dismembered. Siming and his brother Sihe both achieved military success through their combat skills. Siming later rose to the position of General of the Valiant Cavalry and General of the Direct Pavilion. However, his brother Sihe was demoted to the frontier after joining Yuanxi's rebellion. Later, when the court issued a general amnesty, he returned home, but soon after, he passed away. After his death, the court bestowed upon him the titles of Champion General and Governor of Jizhou.
Zixianhu was a courageous and skilled fighter from a young age. He started as an assistant official and was subsequently promoted to a position of direct responsibility. When the emperor was still a prince, Zixianhu shared a close bond with him. Later, when Er Zhu Rong led troops to attack Luoyang, the empress dowager ordered Zixianhu to defend the river bridge with Zheng Jiming and others. However, upon hearing that the emperor had claimed the throne in Hebei, Zixianhu directly opened the city gates to welcome Er Zhu Rong into the city. As a result, he was granted the title of Marquis of Pingchang, with a fief of seven hundred households. He was promoted again to a regular attendant while also holding the title of General Who Pacifies the North. Before long, he was promoted again to General of the Front and Governor of Guangzhou, while also serving as Acting General Who Pacifies the South and Commander of Dangzhou.
At that time, there was a bandit named Liu Ju who rebelled in Puyang, and the court sent Zi Xianhu to be the Governor of the Eastern Region to suppress the rebellion. After quelling the rebellion, Zi Xianhu returned to his original station. Later, Yuan Hao attacked Luoyang, and the emperor headed north. Zi Xianhu defended the provincial capital, resisted Yuan Hao's forces, and completely disregarded his commands. Yuan Hao sent the Chancellor, Prince Linhuai Yu, to attack him, and Zi Xianhu led his troops out of the city to meet them. After the emperor returned to Luoyang, he greatly appreciated Zi Xianhu's loyalty and promoted him to various positions, including acting as a General, Cavalier Attendant, and Commander of Military Affairs in the two provinces, while retaining his position as governor and also granting him the title of Duke, with an expanded fief of 1,300 households.
Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to General of the Western Campaign, Governor of Dongyongzhou, and also held the positions of Cavalier General and Provincial Governor as before. Before he even assumed his new role, he was transferred to another position as Commander of Military Affairs in two provinces, General Who Conquers the East, and Governor of Yuzhou, while retaining all his other positions. He also served as the Deputy Director of the Right in the Imperial Secretariat overseeing four provinces. Later, he was promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry and Left Guard General. Following Erzhu Rong's death, the Inspector of Xuzhou, Erzhu Zhongyuan, led troops to attack Luoyang, reaching Dongju. The court dispatched troops to confront him, but they could not prevail. So the court appointed Zi Xianhu as Acting General of the Valiant Cavalry and Grand Commander, and he led troops with Yang Yu, the Director of the Imperial Secretariat, to fight Erzhu Zhongyuan. The emperor also sent Commander He Baosheng to attack Erzhu Zhongyuan, but He Baosheng surrendered to him, leading to a loss of morale among the soldiers. Eventually, upon hearing that Luoyang was indefensible, Zi Xianhu's army dispersed, and he fled to the south to hide.
When the Emperor Fei came to power, Erzhu Zhongyuan sent envoys to persuade him to surrender. After Zixian Hu emerged from the mountains, he was killed by Erzhu Zhongyuan. When Emperor Chu ascended, the court posthumously conferred upon him the title of General-in-Chief, Commander-in-Chief of the four provinces of Qing, Qi, Ji, and Yan, the General of the Valiant Cavalry, the Three Excellencies, the Governor of Qingzhou, and his title as Marquis was preserved.
Sihe, who previously held the position of military advisor to the Grand Marshal, later participated in the rebellion of Yuan Xi and was executed for his involvement.
Zikangye, who held the position of Direct Attendant, was executed for committing an offense while the Emperor was in power.
Zibin, during the latter part of the Wuding period, became the military advisor to the Prime Minister under the Prince of Qi.
Jichang, Sihe's younger brother, served as a Doctor at the Imperial Academy and later passed away.
Ziqiao, who steadily rose through the ranks, served as the Chief of Justice of Sizhou, Valiant Cavalry General, and Left Guanglu Daifu.
Xishu's uncle Jian and Jian's grandson Shang, a robust and skilled military leader. He led troops multiple times and was granted the title of Lord of Ruyang in recognition of his military achievements. Later, he served as a Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat, Infantry Colonel, Valiant Cavalry General, and eventually promoted to Assistant General-in-Chief and Marshal. He was later appointed as the Governor of Jizhou, with his military position retained. He governed with a fair and straightforward approach, earning the support of the people. After his death, he was posthumously honored as General and Governor of Yuzhou, with the title of Hui.
Ziguibin inherited his father's title. He initially served as a court attendant in the Northern Sea Kingdom, later becoming a Cavalry Attendant, and gradually rising to the position of Gentleman of the Gold Department. Due to his superior's misconduct, he was dismissed. After some time, he also served as an official under the Grand Marshal. After his death, he was posthumously honored as General Conquering the Barbarians and Governor of Jingzhou.
Zijingyu inherited his father's title and became a military advisor during the late Wuding period.
Cizhen, Guibin's younger brother, passed away while serving as an Attendant Cavalryman. He was posthumously honored as General Pacifying the East and Governor of Guangzhou by the court.
The half-brothers, Da Ni and Xiao Ni, of the noble guest, were both brutal and unscrupulous individuals. They delighted in robbery and theft, oppressing the villagers, and the local populace despised them. During the Putai era, they were both killed by Erzhu Zhongyuan.
Yun, the uncle and brother of Shang, was notorious for his corruption and misconduct while holding office in Yanmen County and Puyang County. During the reign of Suzong, he accepted bribes from Liu Teng and became the Dragon Xiang General and Governor of Anzhou. Later, he was reported for bribery, impeached by the censor, and died suddenly.
Yun's uncle and brother Zijingbin rose through the ranks from a secretary to General Assistant to the State, Grand Master of the Palace Attendants, Wei Commandery Prefect, and Golden Purple Imperial Household Grandee. His son Shi Yuan served as a military advisor.
Xi's uncle and brother Dexuan, in the early period of Xianzu, defected to the court from Huainan and was appointed as the Prefect of Xingyang. His son Yingkao also served as the Prefect of Xingyang during the Taihe period. After his death, the court posthumously awarded him the titles of Champion General, Inspector of Yuzhou, and Marquis of Kaifeng, bestowing the posthumous title of Hui.
His son Hongjian served as the Grand Sacrificer of the Grand Commandant. He took part in the Yuanxi rebellion and was executed alongside his brother Zuyu. During the Yong'an period, the court posthumously appointed him as the General Who Pacifies the East and Inspector of Qizhou.
This individual was named Shiji, not particularly intelligent, and often made mistakes. He served as the Cavalry Attendant, Prefectural Secretary of the Minister Over the Masses, and Gentleman of the Palace Secretariat, and eventually passed on.
His son, Dao Yin, served as a military advisor during the establishment of the government in the Wuding years. His grandfather Yu was a Grand Preceptor and, after his death, was posthumously granted the titles of General of Pacifying the East and Governor of Yuzhou. His grandfather's younger brother, Zhong Ming, initially served as a court attendant and later rose to work under the Grand Preceptor. Because Zhong Ming was very influential at the time, his cousin Yan was close to him, and later Zhong Ming was appointed as the Governor of Xingyang. Yan felt that the world was on the brink of chaos and wanted to escape to the east with Zhong Ming. During the Jianyi years, Zhong Ming's younger brother, Ji Ming, was killed in Heyin. Later, Yan returned to find Zhong Ming, wanting to raise an army with him, but was subsequently killed by the townspeople.
Zhong Ming's older brother, Hong Jian, was the son-in-law of Li Chong. In the early Jianyi years, Emperor Zhuang granted Zhong Ming posthumous honors because he was related to him and Zhong Ming's brother participated in the movement to support him. Therefore, he was posthumously granted the title of Marquis of Kaiguo in Anping County to demonstrate his loyalty, along with a fief of seven hundred households, and was also posthumously awarded the positions of Palace Attendant, General of Chariots and Cavalry, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and Governor of Yongzhou.
Zhong Ming's eldest son, Dao Men, was sent to Daliang to persuade Grand General Li Shuren to join the uprising when Zhong Ming was just beginning to plan it. Li Shuren initially wanted to agree, but after hearing that Emperor Zhuang had already ascended the throne, then his son Li Bajiang killed Dao Men. During the Jianyi years, the court posthumously awarded Dao Men the titles of General of Integrity and Governor of Guazhou.
Dao Men’s younger brother, Xiao Yong, inherited the family title. In the early Tianbao years, his title was reduced in accordance with regulations. Zhong Ming's younger brother, Ji Liang, served as a military advisor in the Department of State Affairs and as a court attendant, and after his death, he was posthumously awarded the titles of Palace Attendant, General of the Guard, and Governor of Qingzhou.
Ji Liang's younger brother, Ji Ming, initially served as a Doctor of the Imperial Academy. During the Zhengguang period, he became the Prefect of Qiao County and also held the position of Commander of Guoyang Garrison. Xiao Yan often sent troops to besiege him. With limited forces and no external support, he steadfastly defended the city alone and ultimately successfully defended it. The court held him in high regard, bestowing upon him the title of Duke of An De County along with a fief of seven hundred households. Later, he was promoted to the position of General Pingdong and Junior Official of the Ministry of Rites. During the Wutai era, he secretly contacted Er Zhu Rong, with the intention of supporting Emperor Zhuang. However, he was slain by rebel forces in Heyang. After the situation stabilized, the court posthumously granted him the title of Duke of Nanyingchuan, along with a fief of one thousand five hundred households, and posthumously awarded him the titles of General of the Cavalry, Left Minister of the Ministry of Rites, Duke of Sikong, and Inspector of Dingzhou.
His son Chang inherited the title. During the Wuding period, he served as an advisor in the Ministry of Works. In the early years of Tianbao, his title was downgraded in accordance with regulations.
Cui Bian, styled Shentong, was from Anping, Hebei. He studied a wide range of classics and historical texts, and he was known for his dignified and upright demeanor. Later, the emperor summoned him to serve as a Doctor in the Central Secretariat, Cavalry Officer, General Pingyuan, and Prefect of Wuyi. In his spare time, he strongly advocated for education. He died at the age of sixty-two. The court posthumously conferred upon him the titles of General of Annam and Inspector of Dingzhou, and he was given the posthumous title of "Gong."
His eldest son is named Cui Jingjun; he is an upright and dignified person who loves ancient classics and is well-versed in them. Because of his knowledge and good conduct, he was summoned by the court to become a Doctor of the Imperial Academy. Later, he became an Imperial Censor and a Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat. The emperor sent him to receive the envoys from the Southern Qi Dynasty, Xiao Chen and Fan Yun, and bestowed the character "Yi" upon him as part of his name. He later became an Assistant Cavalry Attendant and worked with the historian Han Xingzong to set the court's ceremonial system. The emperor highly valued him and promoted him to National Scholar. Whenever there were official matters, the emperor would often summon him for private consultations. The position of National Scholar, a specially appointed role, was first established with Cui Yi. He was later promoted to Palace Attendant and Assistant Minister of Justice. After his death, the court mourned his loss deeply and posthumously restored him to his original official position.
His son, Ju Lun, styled Xiaozong, lost his parents at a young age and had a difficult childhood. As he grew up, he studied extensively and was well-rounded in both civil and military affairs. He first served as a page in the court of Emperor Shizong, then was promoted to Army Clerk in Jizhou Zhenbei Prefecture, and later as a Clerk in the Ministry of War. His uncle, Uncle Kai, became the Inspector of Yinzhou, and Ju Lun followed him, serving as Chief Secretary and Acting General of the Northern Division. While in Yinzhou, he faced bandits creating chaos, and he diligently buried the dead and provided solace to the survivors, which earned him the respect of the bandits.
Ge Rong heard that Ju Lun was very capable and wanted to make him the Attendant of the Yellow Gate. Ju Lun harbored a strong dislike for Ge Rong and didn't want to go at all. Later, on the fifth day of May, the officials assembled and asked Ju Lun to compose the following line. Ju Lun came up with this line: "On the fifth day of May, the weather is intensely hot. The dogs pant as if dying, the oxen hang out their tongues." This poem seemed to be about the hot weather, but actually contained hidden meanings, expressing his unwillingness to serve Ge Rong, skillfully evading the situation. Not long after, he secretly recruited a few die-hard followers and fled south in the middle of the night. On the way, they encountered hundreds of bandits on horseback; everyone was terrified, believing their fate was sealed. However, Ju Lun said, "I’d rather die on a mere inch of southern soil than live another moment in the north!" He then put on an air of authority and told the bandits, "I am acting on the Emperor's orders!" The bandits didn't believe him and asked to see the imperial decree. Before the fire was even lit, Ju Lun struck down the bandit leader with a single blow, and the others followed suit, killing dozens of bandits. The bandits broke ranks and fled. Ju Lun and his men seized a few horses and made their escape. It was dark, and they lost their way, so they followed the glow of a pagoda's lantern. When they arrived in Luoyang, the court lauded him and appointed him as a commander to lead a campaign in the north. It is said that when his uncle passed away, Ju Lun was overly hasty in managing the funeral arrangements, and later seized the opportunity to discreetly relocate his uncle's coffin and abscond with the family's wealth. After that, he was appointed as a National Doctor.
After Emperor Zhuang ascended to the throne, Ju Lun was appointed as the General of the Central Vanguard, the Prefect of Dong Puyang, and was also given the duties of General of Barbarian Suppression and Separate Commander. At that time, there were constant wars in the Hebei region, and the common people were fleeing the wars, gathering in the cities and counties. The harvests were bad, and people were impoverished. Ju Lun used his own money to help the people, doing his best to assist them, and everyone greatly admired him. Later, when Yuan Hao attacked Luoyang, Ju Lun defended the county seat and did not surrender. After Emperor Zhuang returned to Luoyang, he appointed Ju Lun as the acting governor of Xiyanzhou Province, bestowed upon him the title of founding marquis of Yuyang County, with a fief consisting of two hundred households, and later promoted him to Grand Master of Ceremonies. Three years later, Ju Lun passed away at the age of forty-four.
His son, Zi Wu, inherited his title. During the Wuding period, Zi Wu served as a military secretary in the Huaizhou Garrison. After Northern Qi replaced Northern Wei, his title was reduced.
Initially, Ju Lun had a sister who was intelligent, virtuous, and exceptionally talented, but unfortunately had lost an eye. No relatives or friends were willing to marry her, and the family was planning to marry her off to someone from a less favorable family. Ju Lun's aunt, who was the wife of Li Shuyin from the Zhao Kingdom, was exceptionally wise and kind-hearted. When she heard about this, she was deeply saddened, she remarked, "My brother had noble character, but unfortunately passed away at a young age. How can we let this niece marry into a humble family!" So she took the initiative to have her son Cui Yi marry Ju Lun's sister. People at that time praised her for her noble deed. Cui Yi even wrote dozens of poems for his wife, which were eloquent and rich in meaning.
Cui Yi's younger brother is named Cui Mo, whose courtesy name was Shu Gui. He stood eight chi tall and had a waist measurement of about eight chi. He left home early to serve his uncle. He was ambitious and knowledgeable. He initially held official positions at court, later serving as Grand Commandant, Libationer of the Grand Commandant, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Revenue, Registrar of the Grand Commandant, and eventually becoming the Prince's Household Manager. He was dismissed from office due to an official blunder. During the reign of Shen Gui, the court issued a decree restoring his official position, appointing him as Champion General and Palace Attendant. He was later sent away to serve as the Prefect of Luoyang. In the second year of Zhengguang, the people of Xiangyang secretly sought to return to the court, and Cui Mo was appointed as a separate commander under the Prince of Huainan, leading troops to Xiangyang. After the plot was revealed, Cui Mo burned the outskirts of Xiangyang before returning. As he failed to complete the mission, he was dismissed from office.
Later, Xiao Baoyin campaigned in the Guanlong region and appointed Cui Mo as a separate commander for the Western Expedition. He achieved significant military successes and was appointed as Commissioner, Glorious Officer, and Commander of Various Military Affairs, and conferred the title of General Who Maintains the East. General Moqi Chun sent the general Hao Hu to invade the south, and Cui Mo defeated their camp, capturing Hao Hu. For this military achievement, he was granted the title of Duke of Kaili County, with a fief of five hundred households. Many generals died on the battlefield, but Cui Mo was able to defeat the enemy, earning him a reputation as a renowned general. He later served as Acting General Who Conquers the East and handled the affairs of Qizhou. Not long after, he pursued rebels deep into enemy lines and ultimately died in battle in Chendi. The court posthumously appointed him as General Who Pacifies the Army and Governor of Xiangzhou. During the Yongxi reign, the court recognized his merits, posthumously appointing him as Commander of Military Affairs in Dingxiang and Jizhou, Grand General of the Valiant Cavalry, Supervisor of the Three Departments, and Provincial Governor of Xiangzhou. His son was named Cui Shihu.
Cui Kai, courtesy name Jize, he's quite handsome, is strong-willed, and very capable. He's held roles like Court Attendant, Assistant Gentleman of the Imperial Guard, and Literary Official for Prince Guangping. During the Zhengshi period, many officials weren't fit for the job and were executed, but only Cui Kai and Yang Yu managed to avoid disaster by advising others. Later, he served as the Left Minister for Guests, General of the Fubo, Chamberlain to the Crown Prince, and Left General. Because he was close to Gao Zhao, he was impeached by a Lieutenant, and this is noted in the "Biography of Gao Cong." Cui Kai has a stern personality and can hold his own against the powerful, so people at the time often said, "Don't mess with Cui Kai; if you do, you'll regret it!"
Several places in Jizhou often get hit by severe flooding. Cui Kai wrote to the emperor, saying: "I've heard that leaders should always think of the common people. Therefore, they should constantly pay attention to the people's suffering and worry day and night for them. When the people are hungry, Emperor Yao felt their pain; when the people suffer from disasters, Emperor Yi felt guilty. I believe that running the country and improving agriculture are crucial for the people's survival. Whether the water and drought disasters can be resolved and whether the people can live in peace depends on this. Recently, several states in the northeast have experienced continuous heavy rain for several years, the Yellow River has swelled dangerously, and floods are everywhere, submerging fields and destroying crops. Every household has no food to eat and can only eat wild vegetables to get by. Fertile land has turned into saline-alkali land, and crops have turned into wild grass. Just thinking about this breaks my heart; I can’t help but cry."
In the past, Dayu spent four years controlling the floods, and this is recorded in the "Book of Xia"; after Dayu controlled the floods, the realm was peaceful, as noted in the "Yu Gao." It is precisely because of Your Majesty's diligent governance and love for the people that I toil day and night, neglecting food and sleep. Your Majesty is both wise and powerful, governing the country effectively, and your virtue has benefited the world, with wise ministers throughout history having been favored by you. However, ever since the State of Wei unified Jizhou, there have been few years free from famine, and places like Youzhou and Yingzhou often experience severe flooding. This is not a natural disaster, but man-made! In the past, when floods occurred in Wei, the historians even mocked it; now this region is in ruins, and as a minister, I feel deeply ashamed. Although my understanding is limited, I humbly present these circumstances to Your Majesty.
Speaking of the Yellow River, its waters overflow everywhere, seeping into every corner, with nine tributaries that are sometimes open and sometimes blocked, causing the river channels to change constantly, rendering it impossible to adhere to ancient methods along the old embankments. Why is that? In the past, when the Yellow River broke its banks at Huzhi, the states of Liang and Chu nearly faced destruction; later, the Xuanfang embankment was built, and the water returned to its old course. Over the years, the population has been rapidly increasing. But then the Tun clan's embankment broke, splitting the river into two streams, leaving only a small fraction of several northeastern counties still able to thrive. Further down to the Ling and Ming areas, the once fertile rice fields have been devastated by ninety percent, towns are in ruins, and tombs have been washed away. This blockage, along with the winding and curving of the river, has led to poor water flow.
So, carefully measure the meandering sections of the river, dig some small ditches, build embankments, clear the places that need to be dredged, plan the flood discharge route in advance, and make sure the water flow isn't obstructed. According to the terrain, make sure to choose a suitable location and collaborate on civil engineering projects for maximum efficiency. In this way, the embankment will be as solid as gold, prepared for all kinds of situations. Connect the embankments to each other, set up multiple water gates, allowing for smooth passage from the Yellow River all the way to the sea, no matter the distance, and drain out silt and accumulated water. In September, during the agricultural off-season, calculate the workload and document the accomplishments; in October, start construction officially, and set up measuring scales. The county sends skilled artisans to create river maps; the prefecture sends commissioners to inspect feasibility. Thoroughly survey the terrain, establish the riverbank's position, and determine the flow direction; use wooden planks to delineate the river channel and analyze the water flow path. Then dispatch personnel for inspection and assessment, analyzing any discrepancies, observe both sides of the river, and understand whether it is unobstructed. Utilize local materials to restore the river without needing to bring in outside help; it can be completed by the end of spring in a timely manner. This way, you can take advantage of the varying elevations for farming, planting rice in paddy fields, and mulberry and hemp in dry land. In this way, every household can have enough reserves, enjoying a bountiful and prosperous life.
In fact, the way to solve the water disaster is quite similar to the ancient well-field system. In simpler terms, similar situations exist today. Take a look at the region south of the Yangtze River, characterized by its low-lying terrain and persistent rain that can last for over ten days. Grain transportation relies entirely on boats, and farming doesn’t require large agricultural tools. Yet, the common people do not go hungry, and it’s uncommon to see anyone emaciated from starvation. Is it that heaven is intentionally favoring some while punishing this area? The reality is that the unique terrain here leads to varying harvest outcomes. I used to live by the water and witnessed the scenes of abandoned fields firsthand, often thinking about the water management stories of Zheng Guo and Bai Guo, and frequently recalling the water management experts like Wang Jing and Li Bing. I couldn’t sleep at night, constantly thinking about the emperor and wholeheartedly wanting to help the court, with a power as small as a firefly, hoping to make a difference. I wished that the people in several states could continue farming, and the emperor could use this to provide relief to the disaster victims. The county magistrate of Ye County even laughed at me, saying my idea could be resolved in just a day, but today I have expressed my true feelings.
The emperor issued a decree: “For several years, floods and droughts have plagued the people, leaving them hungry. I worry day and night, unable to eat. After reading your memorial, I find your ideas quite sound. However, this project is vast and cannot be completed overnight; I will let you try it out locally first.” Thus, my suggestion was implemented. But before I could achieve any results, I was called back by the emperor and dismissed from my position.
Some time later, the King of Jingzhao took over as Grand General and went to war in the west, taking Yang Kai as his Sima. After the war wrapped up and he returned, Yang Kai was promoted to General and eventually became the Governor of Guangping. Eventually, Ge Rong grew more powerful, and many generals attempted to resist him, but they all ended up losing.
At the start of the Xiaochang era, Yang Kai was promoted again. The court granted him the titles of Holding the Seal, Cavalry Attendant, and Grand Minister of Rites, and also appointed him as the Acting Minister of the Northern Circuit. Soon after, he was transferred to a military position. Not long after, the court delineated four counties near Dingzhou and Xiangzhou, establishing a new administrative region called Yinzhu and appointing Yang Kai as the Inspector, while also promoting him to General of the Rear.
Upon taking office in Yinzhu, Yang Kai submitted a memorial stating: "I believe that Yinzhu's geographical location is extremely precarious; it is surrounded by vital routes, like a frayed piece of fabric. To the west, it is connected to Changshan, and to the east, it is adjacent to the Juye Marsh. In the past, the country was peaceful, and all regions were stable, but now there are rebellions everywhere, with sounds of battle echoing. Moreover, the world is in turmoil, plagued by disasters and uprisings. The rebel forces in Dingzhou are aggressively advancing north; Ye City has just experienced warfare, like a heart gnawed by silkworms. The rebel forces in these two places are very powerful and could unite at any moment, potentially attacking our city. I may not be skilled in martial arts, but I am tasked with defending this place, which fills me with anxiety. I want to do my best to resist the strong enemy, even if it costs me my life. However, Yinzhu has just been established and is lacking in resources, even the most basic weapons and equipment. Although I am eager to do my utmost, I do not know what to do. Therefore, I have compiled a list of necessary supplies and humbly request the court's approval. I will guard this area fiercely like a tiger, preventing enemy invasion, eliminating internal rebellions, and fulfilling the tasks entrusted by the court." In response, the court instructed the local authorities to find their own solutions, ultimately providing no assistance.
After defeating King Zhangwu and King Guangyang, Ge Rong became unstoppable! At first, Cui Kai was appointed as the governor, and everyone advised him to leave his family in their hometown and go to his post alone. But Cui Kai said, "Receiving a government salary and bearing the worries of the country, if I go to my post alone, the court will think I have ulterior motives, planning to run away at any moment. How can the soldiers follow me wholeheartedly?" So, he took his whole family to the provincial capital.
In the spring of the third year, the bandits were closing in on the city. Some advised him to reduce his family members to make it easier to escape, so he secretly sent his fourth daughter and third son out of the city. Later, he gathered his subordinates to discuss this matter, and everyone said, "The young lady is already married, and the young son is still young and can't help much. There's no point in leaving them behind, and it wouldn’t be a loss if they left. Besides, you have many family members in the city, which can boost the morale of the soldiers. There's nothing to worry about." However, Cui Kai said, "Doesn't the court know that our city is small and our soldiers are weak? Sending me here is just a death sentence! If I send my children away at this time, others will say I am not committed. Even servants understand that loyalty and duty come first, and they look out for their families. What about me, who bears the heavy responsibility of the country?" So, he called his children back.
The state government had just been established, and there were no defensive facilities at all. When the bandit troops laid siege to the city, Cui Kai led everyone in a desperate fight. The disparity in strength between the enemy and our forces was staggering, and he personally boosted morale every time. The soldiers fought valiantly against the enemy, declaring, "If Lord Cui is willing to risk his family's lives, what do we have to fear!" The fierce battle raged for over ten days, resulting in mounting casualties. Ultimately, the city fell, and Cui Kai was killed, refusing to surrender at the age of fifty-one. "The green hills are fortunate to bury loyal bones; the white iron innocently casts treacherous ministers." Cui Kai's legacy of loyalty and righteousness will be remembered through the ages. His eldest son, Cui Shiyuan, served as an army advisor in Pingzhou, a temporary general of the forces, and the commander of city defenses. He also went to the state government with him and died in battle after the city fell. The Cui brothers and their sons sacrificed their lives for the nation, bringing deep sorrow to both officials and the public. The court posthumously conferred upon him the titles of envoy with special authority, regular attendant, general of the town army, and governor of Dingzhou. During the Yongxi period, he was further posthumously honored with the titles of chamberlain, commander of military affairs in the three provinces of Jiding, general of the cavalry, and governor of Jizhou.
Cui Shiyuan's younger brothers, Cui Shiqian and Cui Shiyue, both lost their lives in battle in the western passes. Cui Shiyue's brother, Cui Shishun, attained the rank of deputy general and military advisor. Cui Shiyuan's son, Cui Lide, served as a military advisor in the Ministry of War during the Wuding period.
Historians describe Zheng Xi as a person of great insight and talent, well-regarded by his contemporaries; he shared a strong bond with his brothers and fostered a positive environment, which enabled them to earn the court's favor together—truly remarkable!
Yan Zu was a man of vile and despicable character, bringing shame upon his family. In his youth, he diligently studied Confucian classics and asked many questions, becoming quite knowledgeable at a young age. Unfortunately, his brother Boyou brought ruin to the family through bribery.
Cui Bian is well-known for his talents and accomplishments, but unfortunately, he holds a low official position. Yi is deeply knowledgeable in classical studies and possesses a high moral character; especially during the Taihe era, he was known for his exceptional virtue, but he held a very low official position, which has always been a source of regret for many. Mo and Kai are brave and loyal, sacrificing their lives for justice and facing danger with the same calmness as returning home. This is not something just any ordinary man can achieve!
