Zhen Chen, whose courtesy name was Sibai, was from Wujin in Zhongshan and a descendant of Zhen Han, a Grand Guardian of the Han Dynasty. His father, Zhen Ning, served as the chief clerk in the prefecture. Zhen Chen was intelligent and eager to learn as a child, but at home, he played with his brothers and was not very concerned with rules and etiquette. He enjoyed reading the classics and historical texts, and he was quite skilled at writing essays; unfortunately, he was not very good-looking and lacked grace. Later, he passed the examination to become a xiucai (a successful candidate in the imperial examination).
After spending several years in the capital, he spent most of his time playing chess, often staying up all night. The servants attending him would always have to hold candles for him, and sometimes when they fell asleep, Zhen Chen would punish them harshly. This happened more than once. Eventually, one servant could not take it anymore and said to Zhen Chen, "You left your parents to come to the capital for an official position. If it were just to read and study, I wouldn’t dare to complain, but you play chess day and night—this hardly resembles someone here to serve as an official! And beating me for the slightest offense is simply unreasonable!" After hearing this, Zhen Chen felt very ashamed, so he borrowed books from Xu Rui and Li Biao to study to broaden his knowledge, which opened his horizons considerably.
In the early years of the Taihe period, Zhen Chen was appointed as a Doctor of the Central Secretariat and later promoted to the position of Adviser. He often offered advice to the emperor and gained the favor of Emperor Gaozu. He was subsequently promoted to the position of Cavalry Officer in the Central Secretariat and then sent to his home province as the Prefect of the Northern Expedition. Later, he served as the Prefect of the Yangping Wang Yiwei Military Prefecture in his home province. After Emperor Shizong ascended the throne, he appointed Zhen Chen as a Senior Officer of the Central Secretariat, while also holding the position of Lieutenant Censor. He was later promoted to the position of Regular Cavalry Officer in the Central Secretariat, still retaining the role of Lieutenant. Zhen Chen submitted a memorial, the contents of which are as follows:
Heaven is as great as the heavens; it bestows grace and aids the common people, acting as their benevolent ruler. Therefore, if there is a year of poor harvests, the emperor must pray for a good harvest for the people. The blessings given by heaven are to be followed by the emperor; the emperor is to develop and utilize the treasures found in the mountains and rivers. As long as it benefits the common people, the emperor does not mind exhausting himself. If anyone hoards resources, it should be done to help those affected by disasters. The "Yueling" states: "In the mountains, forests, and marshes, whoever can gather wild vegetables or hunt game is taught by specialized individuals; if there is mutual plundering of resources, it is a capital offense!" This illustrates the importance of guiding the common people instead of prohibiting them, encouraging mutual assistance and resource circulation. Although the classic text "Zhouli" places restrictions on the development and utilization of mountains and rivers, it is to prevent resource depletion, requiring timely and measured extraction. Such protective measures, though state actions, ultimately aim to safeguard the common people.
The head of a family should bestow grace upon descendants; the monarch of a nation should bless the common people for the purpose of nurturing them well and making the country prosperous. It’s unheard of for parents to live in luxury while being stingy with basic necessities like salt and soy sauce for their children; a wealthy nation that counts every single item. Now, heaven permits the common people to produce their own salt, and the state protects their interests; if it profits from this, it resembles a person who only cares for their own wealth while neglecting their own well-being. Furthermore, the common people offer grain and cloth every year; the nation's resources sustain a single individual. The expenditures of the national army and government also come from the people. How could the emperor be concerned about poverty to the point of prohibiting the salt production from a small pond?
Oh, those powerful ancient emperors always had the welfare of the common people at heart, finding ways to assist them. For example, when faced with floods or droughts, they would provide timely relief; if people were homeless, they would provide them with housing; they taught them how to farm to solve issues of food and clothing. As written in the "Book of Songs," "teach and instruct them, provide them with food and drink," all to take good care of the common people and seek their welfare.
I have limited experience and understanding, and whenever I see the deeds of ancient emperors who loved their people as their own children, and then look at the later records of increased taxes, I can't help but sigh at the magnanimity of ancient emperors, while the current circumstances appear rather petty. These detrimental habits have been passed down through generations, still insisting on collecting taxes at checkpoints; our Wei state is vast and abundant in resources, yet we only collect grain and cloth as tribute. As a result, when distant people hear about it, they can't help but praise our Wei state's good policies.
In ancient times, Danfu gained the support of the people by giving up treasures, while Shuoshu lost the hearts of the people due to greed. The responsibility of an emperor should be noble and great; the simplicity of Wei state's taxation truly has far-reaching benefits! As the saying goes, being stingy and hoarding is a blessing for officials, while bestowing favors can easily become a disaster for kings. Even the things in the national treasury, if not used to relieve the people, may invite calamity; how can one be stingy with the benefits that should rightfully go to the people? Furthermore, those who truly understand financial management invest in the well-being of the people, not in the treasury. When wealth is invested in the people, they are happy, and the ruler is also wealthy; when wealth is hidden in the treasury, the country is rife with discontent, and the people are poor.
When the country is rife with discontent, it indicates that there are problems with education; when the people are poor, the ruler gains nothing. Therefore, I propose abolishing the salt monopoly, so that its benefits can extend to distant regions, and establishing a river management system according to the provisions of the "Rites of Zhou," only responsible for supervision and management.
The emperor said, "The people's interests are at stake here. Your suggestions are insightful. Let the eight ministers discuss it and see if it's feasible, then report back to me." The Minister of Education, the Minister of Personnel, Xing Luan, Prince Xie of Pengcheng, and the Minister of Personnel together presented their memorial: The proposal submitted by Chen is very rich in content and comprehensive, with no flaws to point out. However, we worry it might just be empty rhetoric, all talk and no action. It may sound feasible, but in practice, it might not work. That's why we have not made a decision yet. We believe that wise rulers of the past who governed effectively always found the right direction, understood profound truths, and thus saved the world, adapting to the development of the times. They aimed for a balance, avoiding both excessive waste and extreme frugality that could lead to poverty. Labor and support should be balanced, just right, conserving resources and achieving sustainable development. If these goals can't be met, what good is a monarch? If people are left to fend for themselves like animals, then what's the difference between people and animals?
Since the Way of the Great Dao has been established, benefits have been bestowed. The lower faithfully serves the upper, and the upper shows grace to the lower, resulting in harmony between them. However, since benefits have already been given, there are more ways to help the people. There are constant worries that the country's wealth won't be enough to benefit everyone or that blessings may not reach the masses. Therefore, efforts are made to understand the people's sentiments and to enact laws to fulfill one's desires. Resources are obtained from nature to reduce the burden on the people; taxes are levied at passes and markets to increase the country's reserves. These items are collected not for personal gain, and they are distributed not for oneself. This is called collecting resources from nature, benefiting the people of the world, utilizing the richness of nature, and relieving the poverty of nature. It is reasonable to collect materials from merchants for war and to collect taxes from the people to support the army and the country. It is not allowed for these lakes and ponds to be monopolized by high officials; the silk and cloth collected aren't meant for the royal court. Since the profits do not benefit oneself, and the reasons are the same, so why hold back? Furthermore, the main purpose of taxation is to meet essential needs, with the goal of helping the people, not accumulating wealth. Otherwise, why did the wise leaders of the past act in this way? Therefore, after discussions in the previous dynasty, all matters were handled according to the actual situation, and the salt monopoly was reinstated. However, since its implementation, the supervisory departments have been negligent, and many financial matters do not comply with regulations, leading to complaints from the people and talks among merchants. This is because the enforcers lack methods, not because the policy makers are wrong. As a result, the court has carefully looked into the situation and is now thinking about abolishing it, fearing that it may go against the previous intentions. The constant changes to laws feel as unpredictable as a game of chess. The urgency of discussing matters should follow the previous model.
The imperial edict stated: The salt tax has been a long-standing system, but the implementation of the system, which benefits the country and its people, varied in different dynasties. As long as it can make the people prosperous and improve the social atmosphere, it should be pursued. Zhen Chen's memorial is indeed a valuable contribution to governing the country; his suggestions can be adopted to benefit both the public and private sectors and bring in abundant financial resources. The Minister of Personnel has established a system to prohibit the influence of the wealthy and powerful.
The emperor ordered Zhen Chen to participate in eight meetings to discuss political affairs. Later, Zhen Chen was promoted to the rank of captain, while he retained his position as a palace attendant. He was later promoted to be an attendant and concurrently held the position of captain. Zhen Chen always kept his head down, timid and afraid to correct the powerful; most of those he accused and punished were minor officials and clerks. At that time, Zhao Xiu was very favored and trusted; Zhen Chen devoted himself to currying favor with him. Zhen Chen's father, Zhen Ning, was a senior official, and his younger brother, Zhen Senglin, was a provincial convoy, all of whom were promoted through Zhao Xiu's connections. When Zhao Xiu's treachery was exposed, he ought to have been arrested and interrogated, which led to the revelation of his crimes. When Zhao Xiu was executed, Zhen Chen feigned great sadness and regret. But he told others, "This Zhao Xiu is like a tough old ox; no matter how hard you strike him, he just won't go down." Many discerning individuals believed that Zhen Chen's actions were wrong.
The day after Zhao Xiu's death, Zhen Chen and Li Ping, the Yellow Gate Attendant, were summoned to the Ministry of Personnel due to their ties with Zhao Xiu's faction. Minister Yuan Ying, Xing Luan, and others examined their collusion with Zhao Xiu. Once, when Zhen Chen was promoted, guests came to congratulate him, but Xing Luan arrived very late. Zhen Chen jokingly said to Xing Luan, "Where have you been raising maggots? You only came tonight?" Though it was meant as a joke, Xing Luan's expression soured, and he grew quite angry.
In this incident, everyone revealed each other's wrongdoings. Situ Gong, Lu Shangshu, and Wang Xiang of Beihai all reported to the throne, saying: "We have heard that those who form factions to attack others have always been seen as a calamity; regarding political taboos, even those who are favored must be severely punished. This is all to uphold the greater good and ensure the nation's long-term stability. We earnestly request Your Majesty to inherit the will of the late Emperor, investigate thoroughly, sever relationships, and reform laws and regulations so that the country's governance will be more glorious and the grand cause can be continued indefinitely.
Currently, Zhen Chen, the Zhongshu Sheren and Ling Yushi Zhongwei, holds an important position overseeing all officials, yet he has ignored misconduct and corruption, which warrants their impeachment. Furthermore, Zhao Xiu is arrogant and overbearing, notorious for his corruption and abuse of power, causing resentment throughout the court and the people. Yet, Zhen Chen has never reported or impeached him; rather, he has cultivated a close relationship with Zhao Xiu, forming a clique that influences both the court and the people. He helped his commoner father rise to a fourth rank official in one fell swoop; and his seventh rank official brother was promoted by three levels at once. This violates the late Emperor's official selection system and tarnishes the integrity of the bureaucracy. He also colluded with General Wuwei and Huangmen Lang Li Ping, fully aware of Li Ping's brother's appointment yet chose to remain silent. Only when Zhao Xiu's crimes were exposed did he finally impeach him. When Zhao Xiu was alive, he depended on him; after Zhao Xiu's death, he betrayed him, taking credit for his downfall, deceiving the court, and misleading all officials. His treachery and deceit have reached the extreme. He is disloyal and dishonest, and should be demoted.
According to the law, we sentenced Zhen Chen to exile and requested the removal of his official position. His father, Zhen Ning, served as a court official, which was already an unjust promotion. Even imperial princes did not have such a precedent. He does not meet the requirements, so we request the removal of his official position. Li Ping and Zhao Xiupeng form a faction, relying on each other, and their interactions are inappropriate. They visit each other frequently, participate in important events, and even visit each other's parents and wives. Whenever they have issues at home, they seek Zhao Xiu's help first. This undermines the royal reputation and corrupts the laws of the land. If we do not correct this, how can we eliminate flattery and reward loyalty and integrity? We request the removal of Li Ping from his official position to rectify discipline." The emperor approved the petition. Zhen Chen was then dismissed and sent back to his hometown. More than thirty people were either dismissed or executed along with him.
Initially, Liu Chen requested to be relieved of his official duties to care for his elderly parents. Emperor Gaozu appointed him as the chief of a prefecture. When his position became prominent, he no longer requested leave to return home until now to fulfill his filial duties. Several years later, his mother passed away. His mother, Lady Cao of Julu, was deeply devoted to her family. During the mourning period, even on journeys exceeding a hundred miles, he would have his servants deliver good food such as fish, meat, vegetables, and fruits to his mother before eating himself. Before his mother's mourning period had ended, his father also passed away. Liu Chen personally planted pine and cypress trees at his parents' gravesite, even digging and carrying water in the harsh winter. The village elders sympathized with him and came to his aid. After more than a decade, the tomb was finished, and the trees had matured. He made a pact with his brother Liu Senglin to live together until their old age. He focused on managing the family business, personally farming the land, and sometimes hunting with his falcon and hound for leisure. Whenever important matters arose at court, he frequently submitted petitions.
After a long time, he was appointed as the Gentleman of the Cavalry, the Chief Attendant of the Yellow Gate, and the Grand Commander of Dingzhou. The Emperor was very fond of him and held him in high regard, entrusting him with many matters in the court, involving him in the affairs of the Ministry of Rites, and even allowing him to be involved in the Emperor's confidential matters. During the reign of Emperor Gaozu, Liu Chen also served as the Master of Guests and once welcomed and saw off the envoy Liu Zuan who was sent to Pengcheng. Liu Chen admired Liu Zuan's appearance and talent, often praising him. Liu Zuan's son, Liu Xi, served as the commander of Qushan Shu. After Liu Xi's death, his family came to Luoyang. Liu Xi had a daughter who was not yet twenty years old, while Liu Chen was already in his sixties, yet he surprisingly took Liu Xi's daughter as his wife. On the day of their marriage, the court issued an edict to cover the wedding banquet expenses, which brought Liu Chen great joy, and later Emperor Lizong even teased him about it. After Lu Chang's defeat at Qushan, the court sent Liu Chen to investigate quickly. Well, this memorial is quite lengthy! Let's take it step by step and unpack it slowly. First, he was appointed as the Governor of Henan, along with the additional title of General of Pacifying the South, as well as the positions of Chief Attendant of the Yellow Gate and Gentleman of the Palace Library, with no change in his position. Then he wrote a memorial, starting with a quote from the Book of Songs: "The capital city is vigilant, the four directions are secure," meaning that the capital is the foundation of the country, and its security is crucial. He then noted that during the time in the previous capital, banditry was rampant, and Emperor Taiwu personally issued orders to establish various official positions, from village leaders to fifth-rank officials, allowing anyone capable to serve. Many soldiers were also dispatched to support them, which helped suppress the bandits. Now that the capital has been moved here, the territory has expanded, people from all over the country have come, making it more complicated than the previous capital, with all kinds of people, making management difficult, with banditry rampant and robberies frequent.
This is all because the neighborhoods in the city are all jumbled together, and the management is lacking. The officials are weak and incompetent, failing to manage effectively. He made an analogy: to chop hard wood, you need the right tools. Now, the county of Henan is like the hard wood in the eyes of the emperor, with intricate roots, all tangled. The officials in the six ministries are like the sharp tools needed to chop this wood; if these tools are not sharp, they can't chop at all. The current magistrate of Henan is inadequate, and the officials are like blunt knives, making it impossible to clean up the capital.
The magistrate holds only a fourth-ranking position, which carries significant responsibility. They are all merely going through the motions, unable to manage properly, leading to rampant theft and uncollected taxes. In the remote small counties, the households under their jurisdiction number only around a hundred, and the officials are at least generals. In contrast, in the capital, these neighborhoods can have over a thousand or even five hundred households, inhabited by high-ranking officials, their powerful relatives, wealthy and influential bullies and their lackeys, who live in large walled compounds, fearing investigation.
There are also those desperadoes from the Jianghu, colluding with the powerful to form gangs and rob in secret, which is much more difficult to manage than the remote counties. It's challenging to manage the tough cases now, while the easier ones are neglected. Your Majesty, legislation should be tailored to the actual situation; changes should be made as needed; this is what a wise ruler does. The official ranks established in the past shouldn't be followed blindly; let's try them out first and adjust if they don't work. Those idle positions now permit part-time work; especially for these important positions—can't we select capable people to manage them?
So he suggested selecting capable military officials below the eighth rank to also serve in the six ministries while keeping their original salaries; those of higher rank manage the six ministries, those of medium rank manage the transportation ministries, and those of lower rank manage the magistrates. If that doesn't work, then raise the rank of the officials in the six ministries and choose capable lower-ranked officials to replace them. This way, there will be oversight, and the capital can be cleaned up.
The emperor said that local officials could be promoted to noble ranks, with the rank of Jingtouwei at the ninth rank, and talents could be selected from various departments; why do they have to be military officers? Then he suggested using the Imperial Guards to patrol the city and combat theft. As a result, the capital became peaceful, a state that has persisted to this day. He was promoted to the title of Prince Taibao, still serving as the original Chamberlain of the Yellow Gate. Later, when General Gao Zhao went to attack the Shu region, he appointed him as the Commissioner with the title of Acting General, leading forty thousand infantry and cavalry as the vanguard, commanding the army. When he reached Liaoting in Liangzhou, he learned of Emperor Shizong's death, so he returned to the capital with his troops. After Gao Zhao's death, because everyone felt that he had a close relationship with Gao Zhao and was not suitable to participate in court affairs, he was appointed governor of Yingzhou, also receiving the title of Anbei General. Over a year later, he was succeeded by the Gentleman of the Palace, Li Simu, by which time he was sixty-five. He first stopped in Zhongshan for a while before heading to Luoyang.
Then, he was appointed General of Zhenxi and Governor of Liangzhou. The court preferred he not remain in the capital. Not long after, he was recalled to court and appointed Grand Minister of State, while retaining his general's title, and was sent to Xuzhou as the governor. When he entered the palace to take his leave of Emperor Suzong, he declined, citing his old age. As a result, the emperor decreed his appointment as Minister of Personnel, while still holding his general's title. Not long after, he was appointed General of the North and Governor of Dingzhou, wearing luxurious clothes, coming out to play during the day, gaining considerable fame and receiving widespread praise. He governed the region with strictness and meticulous attention, earning a stellar reputation.
Cui Guang resigned from his position as Minister of Works and wrote a letter to Sima Tu. On the surface, it appeared they were being modest, but in reality, they were flattering each other. Cui Guang understood the implications and responded with lavish praise to curry favor. Later, he was summoned back to the court and appointed as General of the Chariots and Cavalry, a Special Envoy, and also as an Attendant. Due to his old age, the emperor rewarded him with a cane from the imperial household, allowing him to enter and exit the court while leaning on it.
Zhen Chong passed away in the winter of the fifth year of Zhengguang. The court ordered the provision of the East Garden secret artifacts, a set of court robes, one additional garment, one hundred thousand coins, seven hundred bolts of cloth, and three hundred pounds of candles. He was posthumously awarded the titles of Minister of Works and Minister of the Left, along with a ceremonial procession featuring rear drummers. The Ministry of Rites deliberated on bestowing upon him the posthumous title of "Wenmu."
Yuan Fan, a deputy of the Ministry of Personnel, reported: "According to the regulations outlined in the Book of Rites, posthumous titles are determined by the conduct of the deceased, titles are based on the merits of the deceased, and ceremonial attire is based on the official position of the deceased. Thus, individuals of noble character receive commendable posthumous titles, whereas those of poor character receive lesser titles. Character is accumulated by oneself, while reputation is given by others, so the posthumous title should only be determined after death. This process serves to summarize their virtues and vices during their lifetime, providing a cautionary tale for future generations; even after death, their reputation should continue to be passed down. Whenever a high-ranking official passes away, it must first be reported to the Ministry of State Ceremonial, and subsequently to the Chief Judge of the local county, detailing their actions and achievements. The Chief Judge will then submit the record to the government office, which will then be passed on to the scholars of the Ministry of Rites for evaluation of the posthumous title, which will then be reported to the court. If the posthumous title fails to meet the regulations, the scholars will be held accountable, just like officials who do not act according to the actual situation. If the behavior recorded is not true, the Chief Judge will be held responsible, just like the scholars. Historically, emperors have placed significant importance on the determination of posthumous titles, viewing it as the foundation for both praising and criticizing officials."
The current accounts of these actions are all from the hands of the deceased's family members, allowing the ministers to describe the monarch's actions without any judgment of right or wrong. In order to elevate their monarchs, the ministers resort to extreme flattery, regardless of the monarch's achievements or conduct. If we examine these records, it seems they are placing Duke Zhou and Confucius on the same pedestal, and comparing Yi Yin and Yan Hui; but when it comes to posthumous titles, even those who excel in both civil and military affairs may not necessarily receive a favorable title. However, scholars today are different from those in ancient times, as they merely replicate behavioral records and even ask for the opinions of the family members first. Whatever the ministers request, they will agree to, without weighing the pros and cons or debating the merits. As a result, the titles conferred are indistinguishable from ordinary official ranks, all described with the best words, without any derogatory titles. The officials' negligence has reached an alarming level!
Looking at the records of Minister Zhen's behaviors, saying he is morally noble enough to be compared to a saint, and his achievements are distinguished enough to be compared to a great sage, how can the title "Wenmu" be appropriate? But recently, the posthumous titles have been more grand, and people like Zhen Chen have all been awarded titles. I believe that according to the "Regulations on Posthumous Titles," which states, "to be kind and loving to the people is filial piety," he should be posthumously titled Duke Xiaomu. From now on, it should be clearly stipulated that if the behavioral records from the Ministry of Rites and the Minister's Office are exaggerated and lack moderation, they must be amended and not accepted. Posthumous titles must be determined based on the individual's true circumstances, without excessive praise. Should such a situation arise again in the future, it should be subject to penalties by the legal department." Everyone agreed with this opinion.
Zhen Chen's grandfather, Zhen Zai, was personally escorted to his funeral by Emperor Su Zong himself, who dismounted from his carriage to walk, dressed in mourning attire and weeping during the ceremony. He even sent his attendants to comfort Zhen Zai's sons. Zhen Chen was known for his casual and easy-going nature, enjoying jokes, which contributed to his low reputation. However, he was astute, capable, and honest in official matters. His predecessors and former emperors appreciated him, especially Emperor Su Zong, who treated him with great respect. Although his writings were rough and lacked a grand scope, they sometimes contained wisdom. His works, such as "Zhe Si Sheng," "Xing Zu Fei Xing," "Hui Tong Zi Su San Lun," and "Jia Kui," as well as twenty other essays in "Du Xue Wen," were quite popular at the time.
Chen's son, Kan, styled Dao Zheng, served as a county magistrate before being promoted to a secretary. He was deceitful and often associated with thieves. One night in the capital, after drinking too much and indulging in vice, he stayed at a relay station in Luoshui Pavilion, where he assaulted the owner, which resulted in his arrest and imprisonment. Chen felt ashamed and regretful about his son's behavior. At that time, Prince Guangping Huai was serving in the area and seized the opportunity to punish Kan, with whom he had a strained relationship. Chen quickly reported the incident to the court, and Emperor Shi Zong sent a white-clad messenger named Wu Zhong'an to order Prince Guangping Huai to handle the matter leniently. However, the prince remained adamant about imposing severe punishment, and it took a long time before Kan was finally pardoned and released. After this incident, Kan became despondent and eventually died in melancholy at home.
Kan's brother, Kai, styled De Fang, was somewhat educated and understood some matters of the court. During the Taiping era, he submitted twelve poems titled "Gao Zu Song" to the emperor; though most of the content was not preserved, the emperor still recognized his efforts. Taking advantage of this, his father Chen requested that the court appoint him as a secretary. After Emperor Shi Zong's death but before the funeral, Kai was partying and drinking with Zhang Puhui, the magistrate of Henan, and others, which resulted in his dismissal. Later, when Prince Cheng of Rencheng became Minister of Works, he invited Kai to serve as a clerk and military officer. He gradually rose to the rank of Shangshu Yicao Lang and gained a measure of reputation in official circles.
In the late years of Emperor Suzong's reign, Yuan, the Inspector of Dingzhou and Prince of Guangyang, was summoned back to the capital by the court. At that time, Kai was at home mourning, and when Yuan was about to leave, he also called Kai to serve as the Chief of Staff, responsible for the affairs of the state. Not long after, Xianyu Xiuli, Mao Puxian, and others led the refugees from the northern town to rebel in the northwest of the city, burning, killing, and looting everywhere, advancing on the city. There were already refugees from Yan, Heng, and Yun provinces in the city, sheltering near the market in makeshift straw huts. Xianyu Xiuli and others claimed they would unite these refugees for a common cause. Seeing that the enemy was about to break in, Kai was worried that there might be internal support in the city. Seeing the panic of the people and fearing chaos, he took decisive action by executing some of the more aggressive individuals in the city to intimidate the enemy and stabilize the morale of the people. After Inspector Yuan Jiong and Grand Commander Yang Jin arrived, Kai finally returned home. Later, Xianyu Xiuli and others harbored resentment towards Kai for killing the people from the north, and they dug up his father's grave and paraded the coffin through the city in an act of revenge.
During the reign of Emperor Xiaozhuang, Kai was appointed as a Gentleman-in-Waiting of the Imperial Library. After the death of Erzhu Rong, the Emperor believed that he could lead the local resistance against rebellion, so he let him try the position of Prefect of Changshan and rewarded him with two hundred rolls of silk. By the time of Emperor Chudi, he was appointed as General Who Conquers the East, Golden Purple Grand Attendant, and later promoted to Guard General, Right Imperial Attendant. King Wenxiang of Qi also appointed him as a Consultant to the Secretariat of the Palace. In the fourth year of the Tianping era, Kai died at the age of forty-six, and the court posthumously appointed him as General of Chariots and Cavalry, Chief of the Imperial Secretariat, and Inspector of Cangzhou.
Kai's younger brother, named Kuan, styled Rengui. He initially served as a Cavalry Attendant and later gradually rose to the position of Secretary of the Central Army under the Grand Commandant, Imperial Secretary for Correspondence. In the early period of the Wuding era, he resigned from office due to illness and died at home.
His younger brother, Senglin, also died in their hometown.
Chen's younger brother, Mi, with the courtesy name Shuyong, was honest and cautious, with few desires, and had read many books. During the Taihe era, he was appointed by the court to serve as a court official. Mi disdained worldly greed and strife, and even composed a poem titled "Wind Ode" to articulate his views. Later, he participated in military campaigns under King Ying of Zhongshan. When King Zhongli was defeated at Zhongli and retreated, a fellow villager named Su Liang was taken captive by bandits. Mi used all his savings to ransom Su Liang. When Su Liang returned home and wanted to repay Mi with everything he had, Mi refused everything and said to Su Liang, "I saved you not for money, so why would I want you to repay me?"
He later served as the General of the Guards and was promoted to the National Academy Scholar. In the late years of Emperor Suzong's reign, he was appointed as the Imperial Secretariat and Champion General. At that time, the rebel leader Ge Rong invaded Hebei, and Pei Yan and Yuan Ziyong were killed in battle, causing panic among the people. The court then appointed Mi as the acting governor of Xiangzhou to support the defense of Ye City. Emperor Zhuang rewarded him with the title of Marquis of Anshi County and a fief of 300 households for his role in saving Ye City. He was further promoted to General Who Pacifies the East and Grand Master of Rites, concurrently serving as the Minister of Justice. Shortly after, he was promoted to General Who Conquers the East and Grand Master of Rites in the rank of Gold Purple. In the early years of Emperor Xiaojing's reign, he served as General of Chariots and Cavalry and Minister of Justice, known for his integrity and honesty. He was later exiled as the Governor of North Xuzhou, while still holding his military title. He passed away in the fourth year of Xinghe and was posthumously granted the title of General of the Valiant Cavalry, Grand Attendant, and Inspector of Yingzhou, with the posthumous title of Jing.
His eldest son, Jian, with the courtesy name Yuangong, achieved the rank of General of the Front and Grand Master of the Palace. He later died.
Jian's younger brother, Yi, was exceptionally talented but passed away at a young age.
Zhang Chen, courtesy name Boye, had a prestigious background. His grandfather Zhang Zhen, courtesy name Wenbiao, once served as the Gentleman-in-Waiting of the Palace Secretariat under Murong Bao. During his grandfather's time, Tuoba Gui, the founder of Northern Wei, pacified Zhongshan, and his family followed him into the Wei kingdom. His father Zhang Gan, during the reign of Tuoba Huang, became a Gentleman of the Palace Secretariat, later serving as an envoy to the right, Governor of Liangzhou, and was posthumously awarded an official title and the posthumous title of Mu. Zhang Chen himself was an avid reader and had great integrity, associating with prestigious individuals of the time. Later, he was appointed as an official, gradually rising through the ranks to become a cavalry officer in the North Garrison of Prince Rencheng, concurrently serving as the magistrate of Weichang County, and was well-liked by the common people. Afterwards, he became the Commander of Beizhong Prefecture and later served as the Prefect of Leling. However, during his tenure in Leling, he accepted numerous bribes, and upon hearing that an imperial censor was coming to investigate him, he fled! As a result, he was dismissed from office and died shortly thereafter. Later, during the reign of Emperor Xiaowen of Wei, he was posthumously awarded several official titles.
His uncle Zhang Gan, courtesy name Chongren, was quite capable but held few official positions. His son Zhang Xuangui lost his father at a young age but was very devoted to his mother and earned a good reputation. He served as a county magistrate, prefectural registrar, and later was appointed as an official, serving in various positions in Jizhou, Xiangzhou, and Dingzhou, eventually becoming an Assistant to the Palace Secretariat, and also served as the Marshal of the Military Headquarters in Xiangzhou. Zhang Xuangui was straightforward, generous with money, and willing to help others. During the rebellion of Ge Rong, he defended the city alongside Governor Li Shen, earning many merits, and was later appointed as the Marquis of Zhongshan. Unfortunately, he was later executed in Ye City for committing a crime. He also had a son named Zhang Ziyu.
Zhang Chen's cousin, Zhang Yuanbin, was appointed as a court official in the sixteenth year of Taihe, and later was promoted to the position of censor. During the Zhengguang period, he was appointed as a mid-level general and served as the Director of Archery, and passed away in the third year of Yong'an. Later, his nephew Gao Aocao Guida submitted a memorial requesting a posthumous promotion for him, and he was posthumously promoted to General of the Fubo Army and Governor of Yingzhou. Zhang Yuanbin's son, Zhang Bian, served as a military officer during the reign of Emperor Xiaowen of Wei.
Finally, let’s discuss Gao Cong, whose courtesy name was Sengzhi, and who hailed from Bohai. His great-grandfather Gao Gui accompanied Murong De to Qingzhou and later settled in Juxian County in Beihai. His father Gao Fa'ang was the nephew of Wang Xuanmo, the General of Chariots and Cavalry of the Liu Song dynasty. Gao Cong fought alongside Wang Xuanmo from a young age, and he attained the rank of a minor official due to his military achievements. Unfortunately, he passed away at a young age.
Gao Cong lost his mother when he was young and was raised by his grandmother, Wang. Later, after the army captured Dongyang, Gao Cong moved to Pingcheng and became a soldier in the Yunzhong region alongside Jiang Shaoyou. They lived in poverty and faced numerous hardships. His ancestor, Yun, treated him like a grandson and provided him with substantial support. Gao Cong read extensively in history and literature, earning high praise from Yun, who frequently recommended him to the court, stating, "Jiang Shaoyou from Qingzhou and my grandson Sengzhi, although young, both have excellent literary talents." Consequently, he and Shaoyou were appointed as Imperial Scholars. Ten years later, he was promoted to the rank of Gentleman and served as the tutor for Prince Yong of Gaoyang, gradually earning the favor of the founding emperor.
In the seventeenth year of Taihe, he also served as a cavalry attendant and was dispatched to Xiao Zhao Ye. After Emperor Gaozu moved the capital to Luoyang, he issued an edict summoning Cong and others back, stating in the edict: "I had previously issued orders to you in Heyang, and now that we have arrived in Luoyang to inspect the former foundations, I have always kept it in mind and intended to repair it before launching a military campaign. Moreover, the Emperor of Qi has just died; taking advantage of their internal chaos and entering at a moment of weakness is unbecoming of a gentleman. Therefore, I have halted the previous plan, waiting for the right moment and temporarily suspending military operations, establishing the Sanchuan region as a base, preparing to establish the capital in Chengzhou, and permanently consolidating the imperial foundation. Now I am issuing a new edict to replace the previous one; you should adapt your actions flexibly to the circumstances, provide effective assistance to the court, and ensure you do not let me down." After Cong returned from his mission, he was promoted to cavalry attendant and also took on the role of junior minister of the imperial household, and later served as the left commander for the Crown Prince.
Although Cong had some knowledge of horseback riding and archery, he considered himself a military strategist. Emperor Gaozu was determined to launch a southern campaign and specifically consulted Wang Su on military matters. Cong asked Wang Su to recommend him to Emperor Gaozu, hoping to serve as a subordinate general in the court. Wang Su conveyed this to Emperor Gaozu, who then appointed Cong as the General for the Protection of the Nation, commanding two thousand troops, alongside Liu Zao, Fu Yong, Cheng Daoyi, and Ren Mowen under Wang Su’s leadership to jointly rescue Guoyang. However, Cong's impulsive and timid nature, coupled with his lack of prestige, led to chaos wherever he went, with rampant burning, killing, and looting, demonstrating a complete lack of military discipline. When it came time to engage the enemy, he actually fled at the first hint of danger, returning in utter defeat. He and Liu Zao were imprisoned in Xuanhu for their failures. Emperor Gaozu pardoned them from the death penalty and exiled them to Pingzhou as commoners. When they reached Yingzhou, they coincidentally encountered the inspector Wang Zhi, who had caught a white rabbit to present to the court, and he asked Cong to write a memorial. After Emperor Gaozu read the memorial, he asked Wang Su, "How come there is such literary talent under my command that I did not know about?" Wang Su replied, "Not long ago, Gao Cong moved north; this article might have been written by him." Emperor Gaozu suddenly realized, "It must be so; how could I have overlooked such talent?"
Speaking of which, when Emperor Shizong had just ascended the throne, Gao Cong sneaked back to the capital. In fact, the six regents had been dismissed because of Gao Cong's scheming behind the scenes. After Shizong took power, he promoted Gao Cong to the position of Huangmen Shilang (Court Attendant) and also added the title of General for the Protection of the Nation. Later, he was further promoted to Sanqi Changshi (an official title), while still retaining his position as Huangmen Shilang.
Once, Emperor Shizong went to Yecheng, and on his way back in Huai County, he personally shot an arrow, hitting a target over 150 paces away. At that time, the courtier Gao Xian and others lavished praise on him, saying, "Your Majesty, your archery skills are truly amazing! Your shooting distance far exceeds that of ordinary people; you are truly a divine archer! Your commanding presence is enough to intimidate the petty and bring peace to the realm! Such a great feat must be recorded; then let's go ahead and do as you suggest!" Emperor Shizong said, "This is just child's play, nothing worth boasting about for future generations. You courtiers are actually joining in the clamor; it's truly ridiculous, so let's do as you say!" Thus, a monument was erected at the archery range, with the inscription penned by Gao Cong.
At that time, Zhao Xiu enjoyed great favor, and Gao Cong flattered him. Later, the Emperor posthumously honored Zhao Xiu's father, and the inscription was also written by Gao Cong. The two of them had such a good relationship that they would ride in the same carriage to visit the monument together. Every time Gao Cong saw Zhao Xiu, he greeted and bade farewell with utmost respect. He also wrote memorials for Zhao Xiu, analyzing the contemporary situation and advising him on how to secure his position. Their relationship was very close. Following Zhao Xiu's death, Zhen Chen and Li Ping were dismissed from office, and Gao Cong was filled with dread, fearing he might be implicated. However, he had previously ingratiated himself with Gao Zhao, so he ultimately saved himself, thanks to his connections with Gao Zhao. While Zhao Xiu was in power, Gao Cong was exceedingly obsequious towards him, but the moment Zhao Xiu passed away, Gao Cong swiftly turned against him and resorted to various forms of slander.
Later, Ru Hao rose to prominence, and Gao Cong began to seek to ingratiate himself with him. The two often spent time together, joking around, and their relationship became very close, entrusting each other with both official and personal affairs. Gao Cong frequently praised Ru Hao for being smart and capable, saying he was far superior to Zhao Xiuqiang. He also helped Ru Hao request from the emperor to convert the Qingzhou town office into Ru Hao's private residence and asked for dozens of acres of irrigated farmland to be granted to him, which the emperor agreed to. After Ru Hao was killed, Gao Cong even thought he should have died sooner! Gao Cong was a person whose sense of loyalty was as thin as paper.
Gao Xian was appointed as the Military Protector, and Gao Cong also held this position. At that time, Gao Xian's brothers suspected Gao Cong of scheming behind their backs and began to investigate. Gao Cong served as Military Protector for more than ten months, frequently moving in and out of key palace areas, speaking bluntly without regard for the long-term consequences. He relied on his power, indulged in hedonistic pleasures, and was notorious for taking bribes. Lieutenant Cui Liang learned about the situation and confronted Gao Cong about his crimes. Consequently, Emperor Shizong dismissed Gao Cong and appointed him as General of Pingbei and Governor of Bingzhou. Gao Cong was adept at reading between the lines and knew that Gao Zhao had reservations about him, so he served him cautiously, and Gao Zhao treated him as he had before.
Gao Cong stayed in Bingzhou for several years, often disregarding the rules and falling out with the governor of Taiyuan, Wang Chun. As a result, the court's envoys and censors filed formal complaints against him. Gao Zhao always protected him because of their familial ties, so these matters were suppressed. When Emperor Shizong was nearing death, he appointed Gao Cong as an Imperial Horse Attendant and General of Pingbei.
After Emperor Suzong ascended the throne, because Gao Cong had always been affiliated with Gao Zhao, he was sent to Youzhou as the governor while retaining his military position. Soon, because he was seen as a supporter of Gao Zhao, he, along with Wang Shiyi, Gao Chuo, Li Xian, Cui Kai, and Lan Fen, were accused by the Commandant Yuan Kuang. However, Empress Dowager Ling specially pardoned them. Gao Cong was then placed on house arrest and isolated from the outside world, focusing only on building gardens and orchards, indulging in a life of luxury and pleasure. After a long time, he was appointed as a Grand Master of Splendor and promoted to General of Anbei. Gao Cong had always wanted to become the Minister of the Palace Secretariat and then serve as the governor of Qingzhou, but this wish was never fulfilled. In the summer of the first year of Zhengguang, he passed away at the age of sixty-nine. When Empress Dowager Ling heard that he was ill, she sent people to inquire about his health. Gao Cong wept uncontrollably in front of the messenger. When she heard of his death, Empress Dowager Ling was deeply saddened, saying, "I am so unfortunate to lose another great minister. Moreover, he and my father campaigned together in the south, enduring the hardships of war, which is truly commendable." Empress Dowager Ling granted him three hundred rolls of silk and a cart of ice. He was posthumously honored with the title of General Who Calms the Army and Governor of Qingzhou, with the posthumous title of "Xian." Gao Cong had over ten singing girls, and his sons, whether they had sons or not, registered women as concubines to please him. When Gao Cong fell ill, he did not want others to have these singing girls, so he ordered them to mutilate their fingers, swallow charcoal, and take vows as nuns. Gao Cong wrote twenty scrolls of articles, as well as other collections of writings. His son Gao Changyun, styled Yanhong, initially served as a Secretariat Cadet and Chief Clerk of the Grand Commandant, gradually rising to the rank of General Who Assists the State and Household Counsellor. In the early years of Jianyi, he was killed in Heyin. He was posthumously honored with the title of General Who Pacifies the East and Governor of Yanzhou. Changyun, styled Yanfu, had a younger brother named Shushan. He initially served as an aide in the Minister of Works' office, and later gradually rose through the ranks to become General of Ning Shuo and Colonel of the Yuezhi Cavalry. After his death, the court posthumously honored him with the title of Junior Minister of the Imperial Clan.
Speaking of Zhen Chen, due to his talent for writing, he gained fame early in his career and was held in high esteem across three dynasties, ultimately attaining a high-ranking official position and earning great respect. Gao Cong's abilities were equally acknowledged, and he achieved a prominent reputation and status. However, even though they followed different paths, both ultimately found themselves on a path to failure, which is truly unfortunate!
