Wang Su, courtesy name Gongyi, was from Linyi in Langya and was a descendant of Sima Dao, who served as chancellor under Sima Yan. His father, Wang Huan, served as the Left Minister of Personnel under Xiao Ze. Wang Su was intelligent and articulate from a young age, well-read in various classics and histories, with great ambitions. He held various official positions under Xiao Ze, including Literary Official, Attendant to the Crown Prince, Chief Clerk of the Ministry of Works, and Assistant Secretary. However, he admitted that even though he had read the "Book of Rites" and the "Book of Changes," he had not fully grasped their essence. Later, after Xiao Ze had killed his father Wang Huan and his brothers, Wang Su fled from Jianye to Northern Wei. That year was the 17th year of the Taihe era.
When Emperor Gaozu (Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei) arrived in Ye City and heard that Wang Su was there, he gave him a warm welcome and personally summoned him to inquire about his past. Wang Su spoke clearly and respectfully, and he was quite skilled in debate, which earned Gaozu's deep sympathy. They then began to discuss national affairs, and Wang Su analyzed the current situation of the world, explaining the principles of good governance and stability clearly, which greatly satisfied Gaozu. As Gaozu listened and nodded, they talked for a long time without feeling fatigued. Wang Su also analyzed the signs indicating the imminent downfall of the Xiao regime and the opportunities for Northern Wei to strike, urging Gaozu to mobilize troops quickly. Thus, the plan for Northern Wei to move south was accelerated. Gaozu increasingly valued Wang Su, bestowing him with increasing honors, while the court ministers found it difficult to interject. Sometimes, Gaozu would often dismiss those around him for private conversations with Wang Su, often talking late into the night. Wang Su was also exceedingly loyal, completely open with Gaozu, feeling that their relationship was similar to the relationship between Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang. Before long, Wang Su was appointed as General Who Guards the State and Chief of Staff, and was granted the title of Marquis of Kaiyang; however, Wang Su declined this title, and Gaozu accepted his decision.
Emperor Gaozu ordered Wang Su to lead a campaign against the Yiyang army led by Xiao Luan. Wang Su could recruit soldiers for his own army, and soldiers who distinguished themselves would receive higher rewards than regular soldiers; for soldiers who followed Wang Su into battle, positions for officials below the sixth rank could be arranged first before being reported; surrendered enemy soldiers below the fifth rank could also have their positions directly arranged. Thus, Emperor Gaozu granted Wang Su the title of military governor and appointed him as General of Pacification. When Wang Su arrived in Yiyang, he repeatedly defeated the enemy forces, and over ten thousand soldiers surrendered. Emperor Gaozu sent a palace attendant to comfort him, and because of his achievements, promoted him to General of Pacification, awarded him a fine horse, and appointed him as the seal bearer, responsible for the military affairs of Yuzhou, Dongyingzhou, and the three regions, as well as Governor of Yuzhou and Grand Justice of Yangzhou. Wang Su was adept at winning the people's trust and was well-respected for his governance.
When Wang Su was summoned to the palace to meet the emperor, Emperor Gaozu personally wrote a decree stating: "Not seeing you makes my heart feel heavy, as if I were drunk; a day feels like three years, how hard it has been for me! I specially decorated the guest quarters of Hualin Palace, laid out mats in anticipation of your arrival. When do you intend to return from paying your respects at your father's grave? Thus, I hereby order you once again to return."
The emperor issued another imperial decree, saying: "After your father passed away, you have been in great sorrow. Your resolve is comparable to that of Wu Zixu! You rushed from Wuzhou to Weixian, personally conducting numerous funerals, forgetting the true meaning of the rituals, yet you vowed to seek vengeance before returning to report. You have repeatedly delayed, living simply in terms of food and clothing, remaining steadfast. This truly exemplifies noble character in troubled times, a model of filial piety for future generations! However, sages set rituals, which must consider both the learned and the unlearned; the ancient kings established norms to ensure that both prosperity and decline follow the natural order. Those who exceed the rituals should lower their standards, and those who do not meet the rituals should strive to reach them. Was Zeng Shen punished merely to die in sorrow? Did Wu Qi endure torture, allowing him not to return home for four years? Three years of mourning is the standard mourning period universally recognized, the same in ancient and modern times. Although you wish to exceed this ritual, can I not use the rituals to restrain you? The relevant authorities should counsel him in accordance with the rituals and formulate a plan to conclude the mourning period."
In July, after twenty years, the emperor had gone three days without food due to the ongoing drought. A large group of officials rushed to the palace gates, and the emperor brought them to the Zhongshu Province. The emperor, on the Chongxu Tower, sent a minor official to ask: "I know you have come, but I haven't had the chance to meet you. What brings you here?" The official replied respectfully: "Your Majesty, you have not eaten for three days; we are all very anxious and restless. I have heard that during the time of Yao and Shun, there were also droughts. This is a natural law, and it relies on the sages to save the people, not disasters caused by the sages themselves. Therefore, the state should stockpile enough grain to last nine years to prepare for potential disasters. I also heard that only if it does not rain by August should the emperor refrain from eating. However, while the outskirts have received heavy rain, the capital has seen much less. The common people are not suffering from hunger, yet Your Majesty has not eaten for three days, and everyone is very worried and feels deeply troubled."
The emperor sent a low-ranking official to reply, saying: "In the past, during the time of Yao and Shun, when droughts occurred, it was the sages who came to the people's aid. Although I have become emperor, I must take lessons from the former kings. However, this time I have no way to resolve the drought and can only wait until after autumn begins to reflect on my actions. Over the past ten days, the heat has been unbearable for everyone and everything. Even though there have been several days of thick clouds and a cool breeze, I haven't eaten in days and haven't felt a thing. This is because my sincerity just isn't enough!" The official said, "I've heard that sages, just like regular folks, have the five constants, but the difference is that sages have divine beings. It is said that the immortals of Mount Guya do not eat grains, and I have always thought that was false. Now that I see Your Majesty, I understand it is true. Moreover, since Your Majesty has not eaten, it seems that heaven has not reacted at all. I thought heaven was unaware, and that you felt nothing. However, two days ago, it rained heavily in the suburbs, and today the capital is also overcast. I feel that heaven knows, and Your Majesty has felt something." The emperor sent another low-ranking official to respond, saying: "Yesterday, officials inside and outside reported that it rained in the suburbs. I'm worried they're just saying that to make me feel better. I need to be careful and find out if it really rained. I'll send someone to check. If it really rained, I'll be sure to throw a feast for the high officials. Am I supposed to be excited and ask heaven to make it rain just because it rained in the suburbs? If it did not rain, why should I bother the people with my indifference? I'm determined, no matter what!" That night, it rained heavily. I took down that guy Xiao Luan, and the emperor was thrilled and promoted me! He made me the General of the Southern Town, putting me in charge of the troops in Yuzhou, Nanyanzhou, Dongjingzhou, and Dongyuzhou, and gave me the title of founding noble of Ruyang County, giving me three hundred households for my fief. I also kept my previous positions of holding the seal, being upright, and governor. I kept turning it down, but the emperor wouldn't take no for an answer and even threw in an extra ceremonial guard.
In the twenty-second year of my reign, Han Yang was brought under control. The emperor issued a decree specifically praising me, stating: "Know your own people, uphold loyalty; it's important for both rulers and subjects to understand each other; one cannot be selfish. When faced with disasters and calamities, one cannot ignore them. What talk of loyalty and righteousness can there be? You are like Wu Zixu, harboring hatred in your heart and are determined to avenge me. However, you still haven't managed to take down any of your enemies, nor have you captured that fierce general. Are you often sighing and wishing you could avenge like Wu Zixu? I recently captured Huang Yaoqi, the chief general under Xiao Luan, and that made me realize you’ve been holding onto this grudge all along! I'll take care of this, so don't worry. I hope you can relax a bit, and when I see you, you can be at ease." The emperor's words refer to the time when the emperor captured my father; it was Huang Yaoqi who led the troops to attack, which led to my father's death. That's why the emperor mentioned it.
Emperor Gaozu wanted to attack Huai Bei and ordered me to take Yiyang, but I was unable to capture it. Xiao Luan sent a general, Pei Shuye, to launch a surprise attack on Guoyang. Liu Zao and his men went to rescue it but were defeated by Pei Shuye. I submitted a report to the emperor, requesting reinforcements for Guoyang. The emperor replied, "After reading your report, I am also very anxious. I see that your mind is not entirely focused on the water battles; mainly because Liu Zao and his elite troops had just lost a battle, the situation is urgent, which is why you feel this way. If I divide the troops, sending a small force would be ineffective, and sending a large number will leave the capital's forces insufficient. The best course of action now is to ensure a victory; we might lose Nanyanzhou if we hesitate. For now, do not worry about Guoyang; focus on dealing with the enemies at Yiyang. If the situation allows, pause and then turn back to attack Yiyang; if the situation requires, continue pushing forward to stabilize the situation in Huai Bei. Consider these two options carefully and make sure you don't make the same mistakes again. If Meng Biao runs out of supplies and reinforcements do not arrive, resulting in the loss of Guoyang, you will be held responsible!" I obeyed the emperor's orders and lifted the siege of Yiyang, then went to support Guoyang. Upon seeing my arrival, Pei Shuye retreated. As a result of Liu Zao and his men’s defeat, I was demoted to the position of Pingnan General, but I kept my titles as Zhongzheng and Governor.
After Emperor Gaozu's death, his will appointed Wang Su as the Minister of State, and he, along with Wang Xi, the Prince of Xianyang, and others, assisted in government affairs. The court summoned Wang Su to Luyang to attend the emperor's funeral rites. Upon arrival, Wang Su participated in the decision-making process for state affairs alongside Wang Xi and others. On the road from Luyang to Luoyang, Wang Su was responsible for handling all funeral arrangements along the way; he worked tirelessly and with great responsibility, often surpassing the veteran officials. Wang Xi and his brothers respected Wang Su greatly and had a good relationship with him, and people both in the court and in society said they interacted harmoniously. Only Wang Cheng of Rencheng felt uncomfortable that Wang Su, having risen from a remote area, had suddenly surpassed him. He often told others, "It is acceptable for the court to place Wang Su above me. My uncle, Wang Guangling, is a royal relative with deep qualifications, having held various positions both within and outside the court for many years. How could Wang Su suddenly be placed above him?" When Wang Su heard Wang Cheng's remarks, he always humbly avoided confrontation. Later, Wang Cheng submitted a memorial to impeach Wang Su, accusing him of plotting rebellion, but Wang Su subsequently clarified the matter. The court issued an edict for Wang Su to take Princess Chang of Chenliu as his wife, who had previously been the daughter-in-law of Liu Chang, known as Princess Pengcheng. The court also granted Wang Su two hundred thousand coins and three thousand bolts of cloth. Wang Su submitted a memorial in which he stated, "It is only right to promote officials based on their abilities and to elevate ranks according to their merits. Since the assessment of officials has been stagnant for four years, I request that we adhere to the old practices and assess the abilities of the officials." The emperor agreed to his request.
Pei Shuye led Shouchun to surrender, and the court appointed Wang Su as the envoy with special authority and the commander of military affairs in Jiangxi, as well as General of Cavalry and Chariots. He was tasked with leading 100,000 infantry and cavalry to meet the General of Cavalry, Prince Xie of Pengcheng. Xiao Yiyi, the governor of Yuzhou appointed by Xiao Baojuan, led 30,000 troops who were stationed at Xiaoxian, while Li Shuxian, the governor of Jiaozhou, was stationed at Hefei. Both of them planned to attack Shouchun. Xiao Yiyi sent generals Hu Song, Li Jushi, and others to guard Sihuhu with more than 10,000 troops. Wang Su launched an offensive and decisively defeated Xiao Yiyi's forces, capturing their general, Qiao Min, and killing thousands. Subsequently, Wang Su attacked Hefei and captured Li Shuxian alive. Seeing the tide turn against him, Xiao Yiyi abandoned Xiaoxian and made his escape. Wang Su returned to the capital, where Emperor Shizong received him in the Eastern Hall, praised him, and asked for news from Jiangzuo. Wang Su replied, “I heard that Cui Huijing has died. Xiao Baojuan is surrounded by treacherous and wicked people. It seems Heaven intends to assist Your Majesty, and pacifying Jiangzuo is just around the corner.” Because Wang Su had repeatedly achieved military success in Huainan, the court rewarded him with 4,750 pieces of cloth, promoted him to the position of Minister of State, equal in authority to the Three Excellencies, conferred upon him the title of Marquis of Kaiguo in Changguo County, with an estate of 800 households, while his other official positions remained unchanged. Soon after, the court appointed Wang Su as a Regular Attendant of the Imperial Court, commander of military affairs in Huainan, governor of Yangzhou, and envoy with special authority, while his other official positions remained unchanged.
During his time at the border, Su Pin was particularly attentive to the common people, earning the respect of those near and far, who all rallied to him, creating a lively atmosphere reminiscent of a market day. He treated everyone with sincerity, and they all held him in high regard. He was honest and lived a simple life, never indulging in pleasures, and he left behind little in the way of wealth when he died. However, his personality was somewhat superficial and rather arrogant; he had a tendency to boast about his achievements and lacked humility, which often led Emperor Gaozu to issue reminders to him. In the second year of Jingming, he passed away in Shouchun at the age of thirty-eight. Emperor Shizong conducted a mourning ceremony in his honor. An imperial decree was issued: "Su Pin's early death at a young age is deeply regrettable and sorrowful. We have appointed the Deputy Minister of the Central Secretariat, Jia Sibai, to comfort his family and awarded them a set of secret utensils from the Eastern Garden, a set of court robes, three hundred thousand coins, one thousand bolts of silk, five hundred bolts of cloth, and three hundred jin of wax. We will also inquire where his family wishes to bury him, and send an inspector to supervise the funeral arrangements to ensure that the arrangements are made with dignity and respect."
Another imperial decree was issued: "Everyone experiences birth, aging, illness, and death, and there are distinctions in status and wealth. Even those who achieve great success ultimately cannot escape death. After Du Yu died, he was buried on Shouyang Mountain, and the Minister of Works Li Chong was buried on Fuzhou Mountain. Considering them, they represent the final resting places of two generations of renowned ministers. Su Pin served loyally in two dynasties, and his accomplishments are on par with those of Li and Du. During his life, he always hoped to be buried in Jingling after his death, and since he expressed this wish, it should be honored. Let him be buried between the graves of Li Chong and Du Yu, so they can keep each other company in the afterlife." The emperor also conferred upon him the posthumous titles of Imperial Attendant and Duke of Sikong, while maintaining his original position. Relevant departments petitioned, stating that Su Pin was loyal and virtuous, and should be posthumously honored as "Duke Kuang." The emperor ultimately decided on the posthumous title of "Xuanjian." After Emperor Suzong ascended the throne, he ordered a stele to be erected in his honor. His son Shao inherited his title.
Shao, courtesy name Sangu, successively held the positions of Horsekeeper to the Crown Prince, Senior Chamberlain, and Deputy Minister of State. After his death, he was posthumously granted the title of General Who Supports the Nation and Governor of Xuzhou. His son Qian inherited his title and served as the Assistant Chamberlain during the Wuding era. After the Qi dynasty's abdication, his title was reduced according to regulations. Shao's younger brother Li only returned to court in the early years of Emperor Xianjing, serving as an Assistant to the Historian during the Wuding era. Shao was born to Su Pin and his first wife from the Xie clan. Before Su Pin passed away, Xie brought her two daughters and Shao to Shouchun. Emperor Shizong made one of Xie's daughters his concubine, and Emperor Suzong took Shao's daughter as a consort.
Shao's younger brother, named Bing, courtesy name Wenzheng, was well-read and somewhat as talented as his brother. When Emperor Shizong first ascended the throne, he brought several of his brother's sons, Song, Yi, and Yan, to the capital, where he was appointed as a Secretary of the Interior, later promoted to Counselor to the Minister of Works, and then sent out to serve as General Who Conquers the Enemy and Governor of Youzhou. After his death, he was posthumously granted the title of General Who Conquers the Enemy and Governor of Xuzhou.
His brother's son, Song, whose courtesy name is Guozhang, is the eldest son of Rong, Su's elder brother. He has a broad range of studies, great literary talent, a refined and handsome demeanor, and an elegant presence, making him quite charming. He started his career as a registrar under the Minister of Education and later was promoted to advisor to the Minister of Education, counselor of state, and court attendant, as well as a friend of the Prince of Runan. He was then promoted to advisor to the Minister of Education and was further appointed to the positions of general of the front army, court attendant, and grand minister of rites. Later, he was sent to serve as Left General and governor of Youzhou. Shortly after, he was recalled by the court to serve as the concurrent secretary supervisor and subsequently transferred to be the Minister of the Yellow Gate. After Emperor Suzong's death, Empress Dowager Ling established a young ruler as emperor, and at that time, a general amnesty was proclaimed. Song read the edict, and his voice had a rhythmic cadence; his demeanor was graceful and poised, and his literary talent was outstanding. All the officials in the court admired him greatly, and there was no one who did not praise his excellence. In the early years of Emperor Xiaozhuang, he was murdered in Heyin at the age of thirty-seven. After his death, he was posthumously granted the title of General of the Cavalry, Left Minister of the Secretariat, Duke of Sikong, and Governor of Xuzhou, with the posthumous title Wenxuan.
His son, Xiaokang, served as a minister of the court during the Wuding period. He later passed away.
Xiaokang's younger brother, Junkang, was cultured and quite talented. During the reign of King Wenxiang of Qi, he served as the ritual official of the Central and Outer Offices. After his death, he was posthumously granted the title of General of the Expedition and Junior Minister of the Grand Treasury.
Now let’s discuss a man named Song Yan, whose courtesy name was Wenshu. His reputation and talent are somewhat less than those of his brother Song Song. He began as an assistant to the literary minister and gradually rose in rank, eventually becoming a minister, court attendant, and advisor to the state minister, grand minister of rites, chief judge, and chief of the Yangzhou District. He also served as the minister of the seven military departments and was finally transferred to be the Minister of Music. He was then sent out to serve as a court attendant, General of the Expedition to the East, and governor of Xiyanzhou.
Song Yan had just found himself in the midst of a rebellion led by Er Zhu Zhongyuan, who launched an attack. Xiyanzhou was strategically located and was quickly besieged by Er Zhu Zhongyuan. Unable to withstand the siege, Song Yan was captured. However, due to Song Yan's good reputation, Er Zhu Zhongyuan did not kill him but instead forced him to ride a cow and march with the army, releasing him after some time. Upon returning to Luoyang, he was appointed to the positions of General of Chariots and Cavalry and Left Minister of Rites. When Emperor Xiaojing ascended the throne, he was further promoted to Palace Attendant, while keeping his military rank. In the third year of Tianping, Song Yan passed away at the age of fifty-two. The court ordered that he be given ceremonial vessels from the Eastern Garden, awarded him three hundred bolts of cloth, and posthumously granted the titles of Envoy with Imperial Authority, Commander of Military Affairs in Qing, Xu, and Yan provinces, General of Cavalry, Minister of the Interior, Grand Minister, and Governor of Xuzhou, with the posthumous title of "Wenxian." Song Yan was renowned for his loyalty and righteousness; he had an old friend named Zhu, who was killed by Er Zhu Zhongyuan in Xiyanzhou. Zhu's wife and children were poor and starving, so Song Yan took them into his home and cared for them for several years, which earned him a reputation for kindness.
Next, let's talk about Song Yi, styled Shiyou, the son of Song Chen, the brother of Song Su. He was handsome, loved to study, and was very talented in literature. He served as the Chief Clerk in the Ministry of Works, a friend to the Prince of Qinghe, and a Deputy Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. He valued fame and fortune, and quickly became related to Yuan Yi through marriage, soon rising to the position of Left General and Governor of Jizhou, later being further appointed as General Pingdong. While serving in Jizhou, he was honest and upright, cared for the people, and achieved notable achievements in governance. He later returned to the court and served as a Regular Attendant in the court. When Emperor Xiaozhuang ascended the throne, he was again promoted to General of the South, Grand Minister of the Purple Gold, and concurrently served as the Chancellor of the National University. In the winter of the first year of Yong'an, he passed away at the age of thirty-seven. The court posthumously awarded him the titles of Palace Attendant, General of the Guard, Grand Minister of Works, and Governor of Xuzhou.
Song Yuan served as a military advisor during the Wuding period.
Finally, there was Song Bian, whose courtesy name was He, and he was a native of Guangping County. His ancestor Song Yin, along with his cousin Song Xuan and Cui Jian from Boling, were all quite renowned. During Emperor Shun’s reign, Song Bian served as a Doctor of the Central Secretariat and an official of the Imperial Horse Guard, and he was also sent on a diplomatic mission to Jiangnan. He was granted the title of nobleman and, upon his return, was appointed as the Governor of Guangping. He died in the fifth year of Xingan and was posthumously honored as General of Peace and Inspector of Xiangzhou, with the posthumous title "Hui." His eldest son, Song Xian, inherited his title. Song Bian's uncle, Song Shixian, had no sons, so he adopted Song Bian as his heir. Song Bian's father, Song Shuzhen, was the brother-in-law of Li Fu and died due to matters related to Li Fu.
Shen Yue was exceptionally intelligent from a young age and gained a stellar reputation. In his early years, he went to the capital and met Minister Li Chong, and they talked for an entire day. Li Chong was very surprised and said upon returning, "This kid changes every day; he will be a great talent who can assist the emperor in the future!" After Shen Yue's father passed away, he inherited the title. Shen Yue and Li Biao were from the same hometown and had a very good relationship. When Li Biao became Secretary of the Interior, Shen Yue held the title of Grand Gentleman. Li Biao recommended Shen Yue for the position of Assistant Literary Official, and shortly thereafter, he was promoted to the position of Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat. Once, during a court meeting, the emperor asked everyone about governance principles. Although Shen Yue was young and held a minor official position, he was able to respond calmly, his voice clear and his demeanor was appropriate. The emperor praised him for a long time. Therefore, the emperor greatly valued him and bestowed upon him the name "Yue," which means "precious like jade," but sadly, King Chu failed to see its worth.
Later, Shen Yue was promoted to the position of Deputy Minister of the Central Secretariat, concurrently serving as a Court Attendant, and was also sent on a mission to Xiao Ze. Xiao Ze's Minister of Works, Xiao Ziliang, and Secretary Wang Rong, among others, greatly appreciated him, believing that Shen Yue's ambition and courage did not match those of Li Biao, but his demeanor and conduct were more elegant and composed than Li Biao's. Afterward, Shen Yue was again promoted to Deputy Minister of Cavalry, a position that was to the right of the Deputy Minister of the Central Secretariat. The emperor once discussed affairs in the south, asking Shen Yue, "You recently traveled to the south and visited some places. What do you think of the political situation in the south? Can you see any patterns in the rise and fall of power?" Shen Yue replied, "The Xiao father and son have not made any significant contributions to the world; they seized power through improper means but cannot govern the country well. Their benevolent governance is lacking, and the burdens of labor are growing heavier; internally, they have no capable ministers to assist them, and externally, there are many resentful and rebellious people. In my view, they certainly won't be able to hold onto their state; it would be a miracle if they could save their own lives."
Later, the emperor launched a southern campaign and appointed Shen Yue as Minister of Works and General of the Radiant Arms, as well as Deputy General of the Eastern Route. When someone in the army stole horse saddles, Shen Yue ordered the thief to be executed as a public example. As a result, the entire army was frightened, and no one dared to violate military discipline. The court attendant Cui Guang recommended Shen Yue to take over his position, but the emperor did not agree, although he praised Cui Guang for his insight in recognizing talent. Not long after, Shen Yue concurrently served as a court attendant, and shortly thereafter officially took the position, also serving as the Left Chief Clerk of the Minister of Works. At that time, the court was selecting officials on a large scale and also determining the ranks of the gentry across the country. Shen Yue was responsible for participating in the assessment and selection, and most of what he did aligned with the emperor's intentions.
However, Shen Yue liked to speak ill of others; he would slander those prominent families he disapproved of while recommending those old families that had declined in power and posed no threat to the emperor. Shen Yue also held the position of Chief Justice in his province, suppressing many families, which led to widespread grievances against him.
When the emperor was campaigning in the south, he ordered that the soldiers stationed under the governor's jurisdiction in Yuzhou and Yexian, Dongjingzhou, be reorganized into farmers, allowing them to both farm and fight. Later, he was promoted to Gentleman of the Imperial Guard and soon after to Right Guard General, while also serving as a Huangmen official. He repeatedly declined these offers, but Emperor Gaozu said, "I value you, and you cannot refuse. How can you just hold onto a small position and not help me govern the country? Moreover, serving as a Changshi is the most demanding role among the Huangmen officials, and leading the troops means being the temporary head of two garrison units; there is no need to leave these positions empty and shirk such important responsibilities." This reflects the emperor's regard for him.
At the beginning, when Emperor Gaozu set up the capital in the north, Li Chong was involved in many matters and often suppressed the Song family. Although Bian felt discontent towards Li Chong, he got along well with Li Biao, and they respected each other. Later, when Li Biao opposed Li Chong, Li Chong insulted Li Biao, saying, "You are like a dog, being commanded by others!" When Li Chong impeached Li Biao, he failed to impose a harsh punishment on him, which was the result of Bian's assistance. Li Biao was demoted to the status of a commoner, and Bian felt deeply regretful and quietly looked for ways to help him regain his official position.
Emperor Gaozu was unwell in Runan, suffering from a severe illness. He had not seen his ministers for more than ten days, with only a few individuals, including King Xie of Pengcheng, by his side. When his health improved slightly, he summoned the ministers and royal family to the court, and those who entered could not hold back their emotions and began to weep. Only Bian walked to the emperor's bed, crying as he said, "I did not expect Your Majesty to have become so emaciated!" This made the emperor value him even more. The emperor was preparing to go to war at the horse pen and left Bian to continue in his original position, also appointing him as the Minister of Sacrifices, responsible for military affairs. Before leaving, the emperor held Bian's hand and said, "The key matters of state revolve around sacrifices and military affairs. Therefore, I have entrusted you with both departments, so you must work hard!" Bian bowed deeply in gratitude. Bian worked tirelessly day and night for the country, receiving greater favor than his peers, and his reputation was very high in both the court and among the common people, second only to Li Chong. Emperor Gaozu often said that Bian could serve as the Minister of Personnel. After Emperor Gaozu's death, a posthumous edict appointed Bian as the Minister of Personnel, allowing him to assist in state affairs along with King Xi of Xianyang and six others. Unfortunately, Bian had already passed away at the age of only forty-eight. The emperor granted him one hundred thousand coins and three hundred bolts of cloth, posthumously awarded him the title of General of Andong and Governor of Yingzhou, with the posthumous name of Zhenshun.
Bian was known for his tendency to boast about himself, believing he came from noble lineage and had a distinguished background. Emperor Gaozu, knowing that Bian was a descendant of the prominent families of the Guo, Jin, and Wei clans, smiled and said to Bian, "You should acknowledge that you are a descendant of the Guo family, right?" When Bian heard this, he chuckled and replied, "My family has never acknowledged that we are descendants of the Guo family!" Emperor Gaozu replied, "Your family has not produced any high-ranking officials or outstanding talents since the Han and Wei dynasties; why should you not acknowledge it?" Bian responded, "I rely on my own efforts and maintain an upright character; I refuse to rely on the privileges of my ancestors!"
After Bian left, Emperor Gaozu said to Wang Xie of Pengcheng, "Bian isn't a bad person in himself, and that's really strange."
His eldest son is Wei, whose courtesy name is Boxu. His younger brother is Ji, courtesy name Zhonglie. Wei inherited his father's title at a young age and was promoted from a minor official to a mid-level position. Because he flattered Gao Zhao, he was demoted to chief of staff in Longxiang Prefecture, Yizhou, but he turned it down, claiming to be ill. Later, when Grand Commandant Wang Yi of Qinghe was in charge, he recommended Wei for the position of Tongzhilang since Wei was the son of a well-known minister, and he also appointed his brother Ji as a military aide.
When Empress Dowager Ling was in charge of the court, she favored Yuan Cha, who got arrogant and overbearing because of his favoritism. Wang Yi often made decisions according to the rules. Yuan Cha was very angry and wanted to harm Yi, so he plotted with Wei to bribe him with high-ranking positions and generous rewards. Seeing Yuan Cha's growing power, Wei was completely bought off, and he reported Han Wenshu and his son, saying they were plotting a rebellion to support Wang Yi. This led to Yi being imprisoned in the palace, and the Han father and son fled in fear. After an investigation, no evidence of rebellion was found. However, because Han Wenshu had fled, he was sentenced to death. Wang Yi was held in a separate house west of the palace with guards. Wei was implicated due to his false accusation, and Yuan Cha told the Empress Dowager this was to make it easier for future informants, so Wei was demoted to governor of Changping County in Yanzhou, and Ji was demoted to county magistrate in Daqiang, Qinzhou. Both Wei and Ji had studied some classics and historical texts, but they were flashy and untrustworthy.
King Yide of Qinghe was highly respected and admired by both the court and the people; although Wei received Yide's favor, he committed such despicable acts that everyone despised him. Later, Yuan Cha seized control of the court. Since the two had previously reported Yide, he promoted Wei to the position of Gentleman of the Sanqi and Ji to the position of Doctor and Imperial Censor, growing very close to them. Wei rose through the ranks to become Tongzhichangshi, then was promoted to General of Champion and Governor of Luozhou; Ji was also promoted to Shangshulang. Earlier, Wei's father Bian had told his cousin Shijing, "Wei is cunning and treacherous, and Ji is not clever enough; they will ultimately ruin our family's foundation." Shijing didn't believe it then, but it turned out to be true; people say that to understand a son, you have to look at the father. Minister Li Chong, Left Minister Guo Zuo, and Right Minister You Zhao often said, "Bo Xu is treacherous and cruel; he will ultimately destroy the Song family; fortunately, he was killed in the end." Many people found their statements reasonable. Later, Wei was appointed as Governor of Yingzhou while still retaining his position as general. Empress Dowager Ling resumed power, and since Yuan Cha was dismissed, Wei was also dismissed and returned to his hometown. Soon after, the court investigated his false accusations against King Yide of Qinghe and executed him in Ye City.
His son Chunqing died early. His brother Ji's title was inherited by his second son Qinren. Qinren became the Grand Minister of Ceremonies at the end of the Wuding era. Ji served as the Northern Circuit Xingtai at the end of the Suzong era and ultimately died in Jinyang. His son Qindao served as the Deputy Commander of Jizhou at the end of the Wuding era. Song Bian's brother Song Ji served as the Local Administrator locally. Song Bian's son Song Baoji held the title of Zhong San Dafu at the time of his death.
Song Bian's cousin, Song Ying, styled Wenxian. He began his career as an official responsible for ceremonial duties and gradually rose to the positions of Shangshu Lang and Governor of Weijun. He bribed Liu Teng, who then informed Yuan Yi, leading Yuan Yi to promote Song Ying to General of Champion and Inspector of Liangzhou. Fifteen years after the death of his first wife, from the Deng family, Song Ying dreamed of her. She bowed to Song Ying and said, "The new wife has now been arranged to marry Gao Chong, and I have come to bid you farewell." Song Ying wept. The next day, Song Ying told Gao Chong, who unexpectedly died a few days later.
Song Ying's cousin, Song Xie, styled Chonghe. He served as the Langzhongling for Prince Guangping Huai and as a regular attendant. Later, he became the Sima of General Li Ping, who led the Northern Expedition against Yuan Yu, and contributed many good ideas.
Song Xie's cousin, Song Honggui, served as a military advisor at the Pingbei Prefecture in Dingzhou and once escorted troops to Jingzhou. Due to embezzling four hundred bolts of silk meant for the army, the soldiers planned to report him, so he killed ten soldiers to silence them. Not knowing the legal provisions, he saw that the law called for decapitation and, in a gruesome act, chopped off the soldiers' hands, washed them clean, and then beheaded them. Soon after, Song Honggui was executed for this incident. People at the time sympathized with the soldiers' plight and mocked Song Honggui's stupidity.
The historian said: The ancients once said, "Talent has not reached half of the ancients, but their achievements have exceeded those of the ancients." This is no mere casual remark. These exiles like Wang Su, as long as they are recognized by the court, although their achievements are obtained through their own efforts, also need to encounter a good opportunity to attain glory and status, to stand alongside their former colleagues. How enviable that is! The brothers Song and Yi have inherited the family business and have upheld their ancestors' good name. Song Bian, relying on talent and character, has gained recognition and participated in major events assisting the emperor, rising above the rest. He must possess remarkable qualities! Is the lack of a son to carry on the family line solely a tragedy for the Yangshe family? It is indeed fortunate that the Song family's lineage continues!
