Gao Zhao, styled Shouwen, was the elder brother of Empress Dowager Wenzhao. He asserted that his ancestors were from Bohai, and his ancestor Gu, five generations back, fled to Korea during the Yongjia period of the Jin Dynasty to escape the chaos of war. His father was Gao Yang, styled Faxiu. In the early reign of Emperor Gaozu, Gao Yang, along with his younger brother Gao Chengxin and fellow villagers Han Nei and Ji Fu, arrived at Northern Wei, where he was granted the title of General of Liwei and the noble title of Hejian. Gao Chengxin was granted the title of General Mingwei, and the emperor treated them with great favor, bestowing them with servants, cattle, horses, and silk fabrics. Later, Gao Yang married his daughter to the emperor, who later became Empress Wenzhao, and they had Emperor Shizong.
After Gao Yang passed away, during the Jingming era, Emperor Shizong missed his uncle and summoned Gao Zhao and his brothers back. Officials including the Minister of Personnel and Wang Xiang of Beihai submitted a memorial stating, "Gao Yang should be posthumously awarded the title of Left Minister of Guanglu, conferred the title of Duke of Bohai, and given the posthumous name Jing. His wife, Lady Ge, should be posthumously honored with the title of Lady of Qinghe County." The emperor approved the memorial. An edict was also issued for Gao Yang's legitimate grandson Gao Meng to inherit the title of Duke of Bohai, while Gao Zhao was granted the title of Duke of Pingyuan, and his brother Gao Xian was granted the title of Duke of Chengcheng. The three were conferred titles on the same day. Initially, when Emperor Shizong was conferring titles to his uncles, he also bestowed them with clothing and hats, receiving Gao Zhao and Gao Xian at the Hualin Pavilion. At that time, they were particularly anxious, and their behavior was somewhat awkward as a result. Within a few days, they transformed from ordinary people into powerful nobles, living in great wealth. That year, Wang Xi of Xianyang was killed, and many of his possessions, treasures, servants, and lands fell into the hands of the Gao family. Before long, Gao Zhao was appointed Left Minister of Personnel, presiding over the Ministry of Personnel and serving as the Grand Chancellor of Jizhou, and he married Princess Gao Ping, the emperor's aunt, eventually rising to the position of Minister of State.
Once, Gao Zhao was just a minor official whom no one respected. Later, after he was promoted to an important position, he became very diligent and conscientious, and everyone said he was a capable person. When Emperor Shizong first took office, a few powerful officials dominated the court. Later, because Prince Xianyang Xi was stirring up trouble and plotting a rebellion, Emperor Shizong gradually began to trust Gao Zhao. Gao Zhao had no influential relatives, so he began to build alliances. His followers quickly gained power and wealth, while those who did not were accused of serious crimes, leading to their ruin. Prince Beihai Xiang held a higher position than him, so he sought ways to eliminate Prince Beihai. He also told Emperor Shizong to be cautious of other princes, making the other princes feel like captives.
Later, Empress Shun suddenly died, and everyone speculated that it was Gao Zhao's doing. After that, Prince Chang also died, and it was rumored that his death was due to Wang Xian's medical error, but in fact, it was instructed by Gao Zhao. King Jingzhao Yu was appointed as the governor of Jizhou. He feared that Gao Zhao's power was too great and too arrogant, which ultimately led him to rebel. Gao Zhao was also involved in the assassination of King Pengcheng Xie. At this point, both the court and the public began to regard him with suspicion, and everyone feared and disliked him. With his absolute power, promotions and demotions depended solely on his word. Once, he and King Qinghe Yi quarreled under the eaves outside Yunlong Gate for some unknown reason, resulting in a significant uproar, and Grand Marshal Gao Yang Wang Yong had to intervene to mediate. After Empress Gao ascended to power, Gao Zhao gained even more favor. He held a high position and wielded great power, making decisions on all matters. In reality, he lacked education, ignored established protocols, engaged in reckless behavior, reduced officials' salaries, suppressed meritorious ministers, and fueled widespread public discontent.
During the Yan Chang era, he was promoted to the position of Minister of Personnel. Although he held a high position, he always felt unfulfilled and often frowned, which made others ridicule him behind his back. Although the graves of his parents and brothers had long been closed, he had never gone to relocate them. Three years later, the court ordered him to move the graves, but he did not go himself; he merely sent his nephew Gao Meng to change the mourning clothes and then moved them back to their hometown. People at the time thought he was foolish and chose to overlook his actions, not blaming him too harshly.
That year, the court decided to send troops to campaign against Shu, appointing Gao Zhao as General to lead the army. He, along with more than twenty other generals including Zhen Chen, went to the East Hall to bid farewell to Emperor Shizong while presenting a battle plan. On that day, Gao Zhao's steed suddenly reared up in fright for no apparent reason, fell to the ground, and rolled into a ditch, breaking its saddle. Everyone found it very strange. After Gao Zhao emerged, he felt a deep sense of unease.
Four years later, Emperor Shizong passed away, and the court ordered a pardon for conscription. Emperor Suzong, along with Zhang Zhao and General Yuan Yao, wrote a letter delicately breaking the unfortunate news. Upon hearing this tragic news, Zhang Zhao was both shocked and saddened, not only due to his admiration for Emperor Shizong but also from a private fear of potential misfortune. He mourned and wept daily, to the extent that he became thin and haggard. As they approached the capital, he stayed at the Lanjian Post Station, where his family visited him at night. They did not look at each other until they reached the foot of the palace, where they donned their mourning attire and wept inconsolably, entering the Taiji Hall to express their grief fully.
Prince Gaoyang, the Grand Marshal, had long been in Xibaitang, exercising authority over state affairs. He conspired with General Yu Zhong to eliminate Zhang Zhao. They secretly prepared more than ten valiant men, including Zhuang Shizhi, Xing Bao, and Yi Wengsheng, in the Shiren Province. After Zhang Zhao finished his mourning ritual in front of the ancestral shrine, he was brought into the West Hall in front of the officials. King Qinghe Yi, King Rencheng Cheng, and other princes secretly pointed and discussed among themselves. As soon as Zhang Zhao entered the Shiren Province, the valiant men rushed forward and dragged him down to kill him. The court issued an edict announcing his crimes, stating that the execution order had not yet been issued when he supposedly committed suicide. As for his other relatives, no investigations were conducted; his official titles and ranks were simply revoked, and he was buried with proper scholarly rites. It was only at night that his body was transported back home through the latrine entrance. Earlier, when Zhang Zhao was on the western expedition, his cart axle broke at Hangu Pass. Those who followed him believed he would not return. Empress Dowager Ling, while in power, specifically posthumously conferred upon him the title of Governor of Yingzhou. In the second year of Yongxi, the emperor further conferred upon him the titles of Envoy with Special Authority, Palace Attendant, Military Commander of both the Interior and Exterior, Grand Tutor, Grand Chancellor, Grand Marshal, Minister of the Secretariat, and Governor of Jizhou.
Zhang Zhao's son, Zhang Zhi, began his career as an Attendant in the central government and later served as the Governor of Jizhou, leading the provincial army to quell the rebellion of Yuan Yu, with his subordinates also earning accolades. By rights, he should have been rewarded, but he declined, saying, “My family has enjoyed the emperor's grace for generations. It is our duty to serve the country; how can we use this to demand rewards?” His words were earnest and heartfelt. He later held the governorship in four states: Qingzhou, Xiangzhou, Shuozhou, and Hengzhou, and ultimately passed away. Zhang Zhi held the governorship in five states, all known for their integrity and competence, and people at the time praised him as a good governor. After his death, the court posthumously conferred upon him the titles of General of Anbei and Governor of Jizhou.
Zhang Zhao's elder brother, Zhang Kun, died young. He inherited the noble title of the Zhang family and was granted the title of Duke of Bohai. The court posthumously awarded him the titles of Commander of Military Affairs for Five Provinces, Grand General of the Eastern Town, and Jizhou Governor. The court also decreed that his son, Zhang Meng, inherit the title.
Meng, styled Bao'er, was the husband of Princess Changle, the full sister of Emperor Shizong. He became the Imperial Son-in-law and later rose to the position of Chancellor. He also served as the Governor of Yongzhou, with notable political achievements, and later returned to the court to serve as the Minister of the Imperial Court. After his death, he was posthumously honored with the titles of Minister of Works and Jizhou Governor. After the emperor's death, he was again posthumously honored as Grand Tutor, Grand Chancellor, and Chief Minister. Princess Changle had no children. Meng had a son outside, whom he did not dare to let the princess know about, and only revealed to her before he died; that son was already almost thirty at the time. The princess summoned him to arrange her funeral, but not long after, this son also died, leaving no descendants.
Kun's younger brother, Yan, styled Zhongyou, died in the tenth year of Taihe. By the Zhengshi period, he was posthumously awarded the title of General of the East, Commander, and Governor of Qingzhou, with the posthumous title of Duke Zhuang. In the fourth year of Jingming, Emperor Shizong married his daughter as a noble consort. After Empress Shun passed away, in the first year of Yongping, Yan's daughter was named empress. In the second year of Yongping, the court officials petitioned to grant the empress’s mother, Lady Wang, the title of Lady of Wuyi.
Yan's younger brother, Shou, died early. Shou's brother was Zhao.
Zhao's younger brother, Xian, served as a Palace Attendant and Chief Justice in Goryeo, and also passed away early.
Yu Jin, styled Zhongkui, was the son of Grand Marshal Ba. He had great military talent. Because his father was a meritorious minister, in addition to his own accomplishments, he was appointed as the General of Woye, granted the title of Duke of Fuchang, and also appointed as the General of Conquering Captives. Emperor Shizong married his daughter as empress and conferred upon him the title of Duke of Taiyuan. His wife, of the Liu clan, was granted the title of Lady of Zhangwu County. Later, he was promoted to General of Conquering the North and Governor of Dingzhou. After his death, he was posthumously honored with the title of Sikong, with the posthumous name Duke Gongzhuang. From Li Di to Yu Jin, their family had been extraordinarily prominent for generations, producing one empress, four posthumously honored dukes, three military commanders, two Chancellors of the Central Secretariat, and three founding dukes. Although Yu Jin was the empress's father, he never served as a high minister assisting the emperor due to the early death of Empress Shun.
Yu Jin's son, Hui, styled Xuanming, was the brother of the empress. He was very driven in his youth. He inherited his father's title and later rose to the position of Governor of Fenzhou. Hui was skilled at building relationships and was highly regarded by Er Zhu Rong, who arranged for his daughter to marry Hui's son, Changru. He held various positions including Palace Attendant and Governor of Henan, and later also held the positions of Minister of State and the Eastern and Southern Road Inspecting Envoy. He played a key role in quelling Yang Kan's rebellion in Yanzhou alongside King Xianwu of Qi, but later died at the hands of Yuan Hao, who invaded Luoyang.
Yu Jin's brother, Tian En, rose to the position of Internal Affairs Officer and Governor of Liaoxi. After his death, he was posthumously honored with the title of General of Pacifying the East and Governor of Yanzhou. Tian En's son, Rensheng, achieved the rank of Grand Official. Rensheng's son, Anding, held the positions of Governor of Pingyuan County and Commander of Gaoping County, and later passed away.
Hu Guozhen, styled Shiyu, was from Linjing County in Anding Commandery. His grandfather, Hu Lue, was a consultant in the Pingbei Prefecture under Yao Xing's subordinate, Duke Yao Kui of Bohai. His father, Hu Yuan, was a Palace Attendant under Helian Qu'gai. Later, when Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei, Tuoba Tao, conquered Tongwan City, his father was conferred the title of Marquis of Wushi for his commendable surrender and subsequently became the Governor of Hezhou.
Thus, Hu Guozhen was born into an official family with a fairly good background. His grandfather and father both held relatively important official positions at the time, which meant they benefited from their connections to the court. His father, in particular, was rewarded for his meritorious service and rose to the position of Governor of Hezhou Prefecture, a significant position at the time. Therefore, Hu Guozhen grew up in a relatively privileged environment.
From a young age, Guozhen loved to study and was known for his integrity and frugality. In the fifteenth year of Taihe, he inherited his title, which was subsequently downgraded to marquis as per regulations. His daughter was selected to enter the palace and gave birth to Emperor Suzong, who later became known as the Ling Empress Dowager. After Suzong became emperor, he appointed Guozhen as Grand Minister of Rites. When the Ling Empress Dowager took charge of state affairs, she promoted Guozhen to the position of Palace Attendant, bestowed upon him the title of Duke of Anding, and granted him lavish gifts, including mansions, fabrics, grain, servants, horses, and livestock, which were quite lavish. She also posthumously honored Guozhen's wife, Lady Huangfu, as Duchess of Jingzhao and allocated ten households to maintain her tomb.
The Minister of Personnel, Wang Cheng, submitted a petition asserting that Duke Anding held an esteemed status, was virtuous and highly respected, and should be allowed to enter and exit the palace and participate in discussions on national affairs. The emperor approved this. Thus, Guozhen was able to participate in state decision-making. Not long after, Guozhen was promoted to the position of Director of the Imperial Secretariat and concurrently retained his position as Palace Attendant, with countless rewards. The emperor also granted him eight hundred rolls of silk each year, and four hundred rolls to his wife, Lady Liang. His children and siblings were also rewarded, and they all enjoyed great wealth. Guozhen worked alongside Grand Tutor Wang Yong of Gaoyang, Grand Preceptor Wang Yi of Qinghe, and Grand Guardian Wang Huai of Guangping in the Secretariat, collaboratively managing state affairs.
The emperor ordered that, following the stories of Chen Qianqiu from the Han Dynasty and King Anping of the Jin Dynasty, a litter be provided for him, allowing direct access from the Yamen to the Xuanguang Hall, along with a cane. Later, he and the chamberlain Cui Guang explained the scriptures to the emperor and served in the palace. Not long after, Guozhen submitted a memorial with numerous proposals concerning criminal law. The emperor adopted and implemented his suggestions. In the early years of Yanhe, Guozhen was promoted to the position of Envoy with Special Authority and was also appointed General of the Cavalry and Chancellor. However, Empress Ling, considering Guozhen's advanced age, did not want him to serve in a distant official post but wanted to bestow some honor upon him, so she ultimately did not send him to Yongzhou. Thus, Guozhen was promoted to Grand Minister of State, while retaining his position as chamberlain, and received his title at home. Empress Ling and Emperor Su, accompanied by hundreds of officials, visited Guozhen's residence for a lively banquet.
Afterwards, the title of Duke of Jingzhao was posthumously bestowed upon Qin Taishangjun. Qin Taishangjun passed away in Luoyang in the third year of Jingming, at the age of sixteen. The Empress Dowager felt that the tomb of Taishangjun was too simple, so she expanded the tomb and built a cemetery, gate, and stele. The chamberlain Cui Guang and others submitted a memorial stating: "According to historical records, the grandmother of Han Gaozu was initially posthumously honored as Lady Zhaoling and later revered as Empress Dowager Zhaoling; Empress Dowager Bo's mother was posthumously honored as Lady Lingwen. They were both granted estates of three hundred households, with a steward appointed to oversee them. Now, Qin Taishangjun has not yet received a posthumous title, and the mausoleum is rather simple. We propose posthumously honoring Qin Taishangjun and assigning personnel to clean and perform sacrifices to comfort her spirit in heaven. We request to posthumously honor her as Empress Dowager Xiaomu and allocate thirty households as her estate, with a steward responsible for their care." The Empress Dowager consented. Guozhen's second wife, Lady Liang, was granted the title of Lady of Zhao Ping, while Yuan Cha's wife was appointed as a female attendant and conferred the title of Lady of Xin Ping, and was also elevated to the title of Lady of Fengyi. Guozhen's son, Xiang, married the princess of Chang'an County, the daughter of King Qinghe, Yi.
Although Guozhen was old, he remained devoutly to Buddhism, known for his integrity and often engaged in personal devotion. Even in his old age and declining health, he could still ride a horse when attending to the emperor. On April 7 of the first year of the Divine Turtle era, he walked to the newly erected Buddha statue, traveling four or five miles to the Chánggé Gate. On the 8th, he went to view the statue again and did not rest until evening. The combination of fatigue and hot weather exacerbated his illness, leading him to bed rest. Empress Dowager Ling personally took care of him, preparing medicinal dishes. On the 12th, Guozhen passed away at the age of eighty. The court bestowed a set of warm ceremonial attire from the Eastern Garden upon him, a set of five formal court robes, a garment, five thousand bolts of cloth, one million coins, and one thousand jin of wax. The Grand Minister of Ceremonies oversaw the arrangements for his funeral. Empress Dowager Ling returned to the palace, dressed him in mourning attire in the Hall of Nine Dragons, and remained in the Hall of Nine Dragons to observe the mourning period. Emperor Suzong, wearing a small ceremonial mourning robe, mourned for him in the Eastern Hall of Taiji. The emperor also issued an edict that for forty-nine days following Guozhen's death, a feast for a thousand monks should be held daily, and seven individuals should be ordained; after a hundred days, a feast for ten thousand should be held, with twenty-seven individuals being ordained. Previously, a sorcerer had forewarned Guozhen of impending disaster and advised him to perform certain rites to avert misfortune. Guozhen refused, asserting that fate is predetermined, and only by cultivating virtue can calamities be averted. Before his death, he repeatedly urged the empress dowager, saying, "Mother and son must govern the realm wisely, show compassion to the people, and not just heed the powerful ministers." He also advised his son Xiang, "I have only one son; after my death, do not allow others to suppress you as they do now." This was said because Empress Dowager Ling enjoyed joking and would sometimes scold him, which is why Guozhen said this.
At first, Guozhen wanted to bury his grandfather back in his hometown, but later, since many of his ancestors were buried in Luoyang, he also considered being buried there. Cui Guang once asked Guozhen in front of the Empress Dowager, "Where do you want to be buried after a hundred years, in Luoyang or back in Chang'an?" Guozhen said he wanted to be buried in the royal tombs. When he was gravely ill, the Empress Dowager asked him about his funeral arrangements, and he unexpectedly said he wanted to be buried back in Anding, in a daze. The Empress Dowager then consulted King Yi of Qinghe and Cui Guang, discussing whether to bury him in Luoyang or Anding. Yi and the others thought he was rambling due to his illness and should be treated according to his earlier wishes. The Empress Dowager remembered Cui Guang's previous conversation with Guozhen, so she arranged his burial in Luoyang. Although the Empress Dowager outwardly followed everyone's opinions, she deeply remembered Guozhen's words before his death, saying, "I long for my two parents, just as I do for my own."
Ah, Guozhen, what an illustrious figure! The Emperor promoted him, granting him many official titles, such as ceremonial yellow seal, envoy with authority, chamberlain, prime minister, commander of military affairs, grand tutor, lord of the Grand Chancellor, and governor of the province, even giving him a resounding title—Duke of Qin. He was even honored with the distinction of nine honors! After his death, the funeral was particularly grand, with nine tassels adorning the royal carriage, escorted by a hundred Tiger Guards and swordsmen, with feathered banners billowing and drums sounding, a high-level ceremony indeed! His posthumous title was Duke Wenxuan, and the Emperor also bestowed upon him three thousand bolts of cloth and fifteen hundred bushels of grain. More impressively, the Emperor posthumously conferred titles upon a large number of his relatives, including ancestors, brothers, and nephews. The Emperor even sent officials with ceremonial staffs to oversee his funeral in Anding. The Empress Dowager personally welcomed the coffin of the Duke (Guozhen) back to the palace, and they were buried side by side, with identical burial goods. Once Guozhen's spirit tablet entered the temple, the Emperor ordered the Tai Chang Temple to perform suspended music and the six-yue dance in his honor.
At first, Guozhen had no son, so he adopted his foster brother Zhenzi's son, Sengxi, as his own. Later, Guozhen married Zhao Pingjun and had a son named Xiang. Xiang's courtesy name was Yuanji, and he inherited his father's title. As was customary, hereditary titles often came with a reduction in fief, but Xiang was a rare exception, fully inheriting his father's territory! After his mother Zhao Pingjun passed away, the emperor awarded her secret treasures from the East Garden, and Emperor Suzong wore the mourning attire of a minor official and held a mourning ceremony for her in the East Hall. Empress Dowager Ling wore the attire of deep mourning. Zhao Pingjun was buried to the left of Grand Duke Guozhen's tomb and was not interred together with him. Xiang later became the Minister of the Interior, the Supervisor of the Central Secretariat, and the Palace Attendant, and he was later granted the title of Duke of Dongping. After his death, he was posthumously honored with the positions of Grand Preceptor, Grand Marshal, and Governor of Yongzhou, with the posthumous title of Filial Peace.
Sengxi, courtesy name Zhanhui, was granted the title of Duke of Yuande and later became the Supervisor of the Central Secretariat and Palace Attendant, and was regranted the title of Duke of Puyang. However, starting from the Yong'an period, he withdrew from political affairs and ceased to engage in state matters. He passed away in the fourth year of Tianping, and the emperor also bestowed upon him secret treasures from the East Garden, and posthumously conferred upon him the titles of Grand Preceptor, Grand Marshal, the Registrar of Personnel Affairs, and Governor of Yongzhou, with the posthumous title of Filial.
Zhenzi's eldest son Ning, courtesy name Huigui, inherited Guozhen's title, but his title was changed to Earl of Linjing, and he was later promoted to duke. He served as the Governor of Qizhou and Jingzhou. After his death, he was posthumously honored with the title of Filial Mu. His daughter married Wang Dan of Qinghe, and they had a son who became the Filial and Quiet Emperor. During the Wuding period, the emperor posthumously conferred upon him the titles of Grand Preceptor, Grand Marshal, and Registrar of Personnel Affairs, with the posthumous title of Filial Zha.
His name was Zi Qian, with the courtesy name Sengjing. At that time, Empress Ling had been deposed, and Zi Qian was the emperor's bodyguard, who conspired with another bodyguard, Zhang Cheliang, to assassinate Yi. However, the plot was uncovered, leading Yi to kill Che Qu and several others, and Zi Qian was exiled. Later, when Empress Ling regained power, she called him back to serve as the Minister of Personnel. Empress Ling enjoyed banquets and entertainment with her family and relatives, and Zi Qian often advised her, so later when the empress held banquets and festivities, he stopped attending them much. He was later appointed governor of Jingzhou and granted the title of Marquis of Anyang. In the third year of Xinghe, as the emperor's uncle, he was promoted to the role of Minister of Works. After his death, he was posthumously honored as the Grand Preceptor, Grand General, and Minister of the Interior, and governor of Xuzhou, receiving the posthumous title of Xuan. On the day of his burial, all the officials attended the funeral, and the emperor's honor guard escorted him out of the city gate. He was survived by a son named Changcan.
Li Yanshi, courtesy name Xi, was a native of Longxi and the eldest son of Li Chong, Minister of the Interior. He was gentle and kind in character, and served as a personal attendant to the crown prince in his youth. In the early years of Emperor Shizong's reign, he inherited his father's title and became the Marquis of Qingquan. He was promoted step by step to the positions of Left General and governor of Guangzhou. After Emperor Zhuang ascended the throne, due to his relationship as the emperor's uncle, he received an exceptional promotion to the roles of Palace Attendant and Grand Protector, and was granted the title of Prince of Puyang. However, Li Yanshi felt that the position of Grand Protector went against ancestral taboos and that the princely title was inappropriate for someone of his status, so he firmly declined in a written memorial. In the end, he only accepted the title of Duke of Puyang and was reassigned as Grand Preceptor. Not long after, he was transferred to the position of Minister of Education, and then was sent out to Qingzhou as governor, holding the offices of envoy, Palace Attendant, Grand Preceptor, and Minister of the Interior. Later, when Er Zhu Zhao attacked Luoyang, the emperor was imprisoned, and because Li Yanshi was a royal relative, he was murdered at the state guesthouse. Only during Emperor Xiaoming's reign were his remains transported back to Luoyang for burial. After his death, he was posthumously honored as envoy, Palace Attendant, Grand Master, Grand General, Minister of the Interior, Commander, and governor of Yongzhou, receiving the posthumous title of *Xiaoyi*.
His eldest son, Li Yu, courtesy name Ziwen, married Princess Fengting, the sister of Emperor Zhuang. He was conferred the title of Duke of Dongping and served in positions including Chamberlain, Grand Master of the Left, Director of the Central Secretariat, General of Cavalry, and Governor of Guangzhou. Li Yu was known for his fondness for making friends and his licentious behavior. After the death of Er Zhu Rong, Li Yu recommended those with military talents. During the reign of Emperor Xiaojing, Li Yu was executed for committing an offense.
Historical records state: "Wise rulers are far-sighted. In a realm governed by uncles and nephews, the balance of power is seldom maintained; in the household of the empress, there is little mention of downfall." In later dynasties, changes of regime frequently occurred, all due to their failure to adhere to established rules, resulting in rapid downfall. Those who managed to preserve their foundations and maintain the enterprises established by their ancestors did so by adhering to principles and avoided the destructive power struggles.
