In ancient times, it was truly rare to find people who valued loyalty and honor! Those willing to sacrifice themselves for a noble cause, who faced death without fear, must have been exceptionally righteous and passionate heroes! The individuals we are going to talk about today have their stories recorded in the "Chronicles of Loyalty and Righteousness."
First, let’s talk about Yu Shimen. He was from Dai County, with the courtesy name Shimen. During the reign of Emperor Taizong, he served as an envoy and was tasked with persuading Feng Ba to submit to Long. Upon arriving in Long, he remained outside the relay station, refusing to enter and meet Feng Ba, sending a message to Feng Ba stating that "The Emperor of Wei has issued an edict; Feng Zhu must come out to receive the edict before I can enter." Feng Ba sent people to forcibly bring him inside, but he did not kneel when he met Feng Ba. Feng Ba had someone grip his neck, and Yu Shimen said, "Once Feng Zhu accepts the edict, I’ll show you the respect you deserve as a guest; why do you have to force me like this?" He and Feng Ba argued back and forth, their voices loud and their attitudes resolute, showing no signs of submission. Eventually, Feng Ba ceased his actions, but Yu Shimen turned his back and exposed his backside to humiliate him. During his imprisonment, his clothes were in tatters, and he was covered in lice. He refused the clothes sent by Feng Ba. The people of Long sighed, saying, "Even the ancient martyrs pale in comparison to him!" After twenty-four years, when Feng Wentong officially submitted, Yu Shimen was eventually returned. He was appointed as the Court Historian. Emperor Shizu issued a decree stating, "Shimen was sent to Long on a mission and encountered the rebel Feng Ba; he was courageous and resolute, refusing to bow to tyranny, and even the legendary Su Wu pales in comparison to him!" The emperor rewarded him with a thousand sheep and a thousand bolts of cloth, promoted him to Senior Official, and reported his deeds to the ancestral temple, making his deeds known throughout the realm.
Next, let's talk about Duan Jin. We don't know where he is from. In the early years of Emperor Shizu's reign, he became a general stationed along the White Road. The Datan of the Ruru tribe attacked the fortress and besieged him. Outnumbered and overwhelmed, he was captured. Duan Jin defiantly scolded the enemy before ultimately being killed by them. Emperor Shizu took great pity on him, posthumously granting him the title of General of Northern Pacification and bestowing upon him the noble title of Marquis Xianmei, with the posthumous name Zhuang.
Shi Wende, from Puxian County in Hezhong Prefecture, was an honest and kind-hearted man known for his integrity. In the early years of Emperor Zhenzong of the Tang Dynasty, the county magistrate of Puxian, Huang Xuan, passed away. Huang Xuan's family was very poor and couldn't afford to arrange his funeral. Shi Wende's grandfather, Mr. Miao, took out all of his family's savings to arrange Huang Xuan's funeral and observed a three-year mourning period, also taking care of Huang Xuan's wife for over twenty years. After Huang Xuan's wife passed away, Shi Wende arranged her funeral according to the rites, doing so very thoughtfully. From Mr. Miao, Shi Wende's grandfather, onward, several generations have upheld the tradition of mourning and burying deceased governors and county magistrates, which is a remarkable testament to familial harmony spanning five generations!
Now, let's talk about Liangzhou. The court reported that Zhao Ling'an and Meng Lanqiang from Baishi County in Tianshui Prefecture also live with four generations under one roof, and they are praised by their local community. The emperor even ordered a monument to be placed at their doorstep in recognition!
Jigu, a native of Liangcheng County in Dongjun, served in Yanzhou. When the governor of Yanzhou, Li Shi, was implicated in a scandal and arrested, officials and commoners escorted Li Shi to the riverbank. Li Shi's son, Xiansheng, had just turned one month old at the time. Li Shi called out to everyone, "Do you know about the righteous men like Cheng Ying and Chujiu?" Jigu replied, "Is there really a difference between righteous men of the past and those of today?" After saying that, Jigu quietly slipped away back into the city. He went to Li Shi's wife's chamber, took Xiansheng and concealed him. Later, when the soldiers came to arrest Xiansheng, Li Shi's wife handed over the newborn of a maidservant who had just given birth. The truth eventually came to light, and Jigu escaped with Xiansheng. They returned only after a general amnesty was issued. Jigu raised Xiansheng until he was in his early teens, and Xiansheng always called Jigu and his wife "Langpo" (a term of respect for elders). Later, when Gao You was appointed governor of Yanzhou, he held Jigu's loyalty and righteousness in high regard and appointed him as the chief scribe.
Wang Xuanwei was from Beishan County in Hennong Prefecture. After Emperor Xianzu passed away, Wang Xuanwei constructed a thatched hut outside the city gate, wearing coarse linen garments, subsisting on plain fare, and crying all day long, overwhelmed with grief. The governor, Gou Tui, reported this to the imperial court. The emperor then ordered an inquiry into the situation. Wang Xuanwei said, "The late emperor ruled over all nations, his grace extended to all the people, and everyone in the world relied on his benevolence. I am truly saddened and deeply distressed, but I do not know how to express it." The emperor further asked Wang Xuanwei if he had any requests to present. Wang Xuanwei replied, "I have heard that it is the duty of ministers to mourn and weep for the emperor’s passing. I am merely acting according to the rites of a minister and have no requests." When the hundred-day memorial service came, Wang Xuanwei took out all his family’s wealth to host a banquet for four hundred people, and on the anniversary of the death, he provided offerings for a hundred monks. On the day of the great purification, the emperor granted him a set of white silk pants and a top, allowing him to change out of his mourning clothes, and the prefect also commended him in a memorial.
Louti was from Dai County. During Emperor Xianzu's reign, he held the position of an inner three ranks official. After Emperor Xianzu passed, Louti said to everyone, "The sovereign has passed; what purpose is there in living?" After uttering this, he drew his dagger and attempted to take his own life, nearly dying. Empress Dowager Wenming bestowed a reward of two hundred bolts of silk upon him.
At that time, there was a man from the Chile tribe named Zhibayin who faced execution for stealing official horses according to the law. Zhibayin confessed to having killed the horse, but his brother claimed it was not his younger brother who did it, and the two brothers disputed over who should take the blame, their accounts conflicting. Emperor Gaozu granted them a pardon.
Liu Kehou, his origins are unknown. He was known for his fierce character. During the Taihe period, he served as a rear guard in Xuzhou, fought bravely despite being outnumbered by the enemy, and was finally captured. He glared and cursed defiantly, refusing to give in. He was eventually killed by the enemy. Emperor Gaozu posthumously honored him with the title of Loyal General, Governor of Pingzhou and Marquis of Shangyong, and awarded him a thousand rolls of silk and a thousand measures of grain.
There was a man named Yan Ji, also a military officer, who was besieged alongside Liu Kehou. In this dire situation, he too was captured but ultimately surrendered and later managed to escape. The court appointed him as a General of Integrity and bestowed upon him the title of fifth-rank noble.
Zhu Changsheng and Lou Ti were both from Dai County. During the reign of Emperor Gaozu, Zhu Changsheng was appointed as a court attendant, and he and Lou Ti were sent as envoys to the Gaoche Kingdom. Upon arriving in the Gaoche Kingdom, the ruler Afo Zhiluo ordered Zhu Changsheng and the others to bow down. Zhu Changsheng refused, saying, "I am an envoy sent by the Son of Heaven; how can I bow to the lords of your backward little kingdom!" Afo Zhiluo then became hostile. Zhu Changsheng presented gold, silver, and jewels to him, which Afo Zhiluo accepted without gratitude. Zhu Changsheng said, "As a subject, one should observe the proper etiquette of submission; how can one merely speak of bowing while actually not bowing?" He then summoned Afo Zhiluo out of the tent and ordered everyone inside to bow to him. Afo Zhiluo felt that his subjects had failed to teach him proper respect, and he became very angry, shouting, "Why wasn't I taught to bow inside the tent, only to be humiliated in front of everyone!" He seized the gifts offered by Zhu Changsheng and the others, imprisoned them in a pile of stones, and threatened them with weapons, saying, "If you are willing to be my subjects, you will live; if you do not surrender, I will kill you!" Zhu Changsheng and Lou Ti glared at him and shouted, "Are the envoys sent by the Son of Heaven supposed to bow to you barbarians? I'd rather be a ghost of Wei than serve you!" Afo Zhiluo became even angrier and cut off their rations. The thirty compani
Ma Balong, a man from Wuyi's Wuqiang County, is very loyal and does not care about money. When his friend Lingzhe, the county magistrate of Wusui, died in battle, Ma Balong rushed over to carry Lingzhe's body back, used his own resources to organize a proper funeral for him, and even provided mourning clothes. He took care of Lingzhe's widow and orphan as if they were his own family. The local authorities reported to the court, and the emperor commended his family.
Men Wenai, from Shanyang in Jijun, lost his parents at a young age. He dutifully served his uncle and aunt and became well-known for his filial piety. After his uncle passed away, before the mourning period was over, his aunt also passed away. Men Wenai mourned for six years, becoming emaciated from his prolonged grief. Fellow villagers, including Wei Zhongxian, praised his filial devotion.
Chao Qing, from Liaodong, was the grandson of Chao Hui, a former governor of Jizhou and Yingshui. Chao Qing inherited his ancestral title but was demoted one rank to a count. He served as the commander of Liangcheng Garrison. When Xiao Yan attacked Liangcheng and the city ran out of supplies, Chao Qing refused to surrender and was ultimately killed in battle. Emperor Wendi of Northern Wei admired him and posthumously appointed him as the governor of Leling, with the posthumous title "Zhong." His son Chao Rongbin inherited his title.
Liu Houren, from Yuzhou, harbored Sima Fu, the son of the assassinated governor Sima Yue, after Bai Zaosheng assassinated Sima Yue and incited a rebellion in the southern part of the city. Despite the rebels offering a large reward for capturing Sima Fu and torturing Liu Houren severely, he never revealed Sima Fu's whereabouts, allowing him to escape. After the situation calmed down, the relevant authorities reported to the court, praising Liu Houren's integrity and requesting that he be exempted from his obligations and granted a minor official position, which the emperor approved.
Shi Zuxing was from the Jiumen area of Changshan. After the governor Tian Wenbiao and the county magistrate He Zhen both died, Shi Zuxing took out more than two hundred bolts of silk to handle their funerals. The provincial and prefectural authorities reported this to the court, and Emperor Gaozu was very pleased, rewarding him with a two-rank promotion and appointing him as the highest official. Later, he became the county magistrate of Ningling. After his death, the Minister of Personnel Li Shao submitted a memorial to the court, stating that he was loyal and righteous, and requested a posthumous title to encourage future generations. Empress Ling granted Li Shao's request, and the relevant department conferred upon him the posthumous title of "Gong," which signifies respect.
Shao Hongzhe was from Juyang in Shanggu. The county magistrate Fan Daorong had previously surrendered from Xuan City and was dismissed from his position. Fan Daorong's fellow townsman Xu Kongming went to the authorities to accuse him, claiming that Fan Daorong had no merits, resulting in Fan Daorong being dismissed from his position and subjected to investigation. Fan Daorong fell into hardship and was struggling to get by. Shao Hongzhe could not bear to see this and, filled with righteous indignation, went to the capital on behalf of Fan Daorong to clarify the truth of the matter. He faced all kinds of weather, undaunted by hardship and exhaustion, ultimately helping Fan Daorong clear his name and regain his reputation. Later, when a rebellion broke out in Beizhen, Fan Daorong found himself alone and with nowhere to turn. Shao Hongzhe's brother, Shao Bochuan, gathered the villagers to welcome him and escorted him to Youzhou. Fan Daorong was deeply moved by their loyalty and reported this matter to the court. The court issued an order to commend their neighborhood.
Wang Rongshi was from Guantao in Yangping. He had served as the garrison commander of San City and the county magistrate of Fangcheng. When Xiao Yan's army attacked, the situation turned dire, and he realized the city was indefensible. Therefore, he first burned down the treasury and then took the lives of his wife and concubines. When the enemy broke through the city, he and his deputy commander Deng Yuanxing and others chose to die rather than surrender, all making the ultimate sacrifice. Emperor Suzong of Tang issued an edict to commend their loyalty and righteousness, posthumously elevating Wang Rongshi to the title of Earl and posthumously appo
Hu Xiaohu was from Heyin, Henan. He was courageous from a young age. During the Zhengguang period, he served as a general in Jinshou. In the Xiaochang era, General Fan Wenzhi of Xiao Yan's army invaded the frontier. Bing Qiu, the governor of Yizhou, sent his chief aide, He An, to defend Xiaojian City, while Fan Wenzhi surrounded the city. Bing Qiu ordered Hu Xiaohu to join Commander Cui Zhenbao in resisting the enemy. Fan Wenzhi launched a surprise attack that captured both Hu Xiaohu and Cui Zhenbao. Fan Wenzhi attacked Xiaojian City but failed to breach its defenses, so he brought Cui Zhenbao to the city gates and said to He An, "The Southern Dynasties' army is powerful, and the North will not come to your aid. It would be better to surrender and enjoy riches and status." He An ordered Cui Zhenbao executed, and only then did Fan Wenzhi pull back. Fan Wenzhi then forced Hu Xiaohu and He An to negotiate. Hu Xiaohu passionately said to He An, "Our defense has been breached, and I have fallen into enemy hands. I see that their soldiers lack momentum, and we must hold our ground. The Wei kingdom's Xingtai has already sent troops to Liangzhou." The enemy struck him with blades, cutting him off before he could finish, and killed him. The soldiers of the three armies all mourned his bravery and grieved his death. Soon after, the enemy was soon defeated, and they captured eleven people, including their deputy general Xiao Shicheng and Chen Wenxu. Xingtai's Wei Zijian praised his valor and requested to find Xiao Shicheng's body. Ultimately, they found his remains and gave him a proper burial.
Sun Daodeng was from Lvxian, in Pengcheng, Xuzhou. At the beginning of the Yong'an period, he was captured by the general Wei Xiu under Xiao Yan, bound and sentenced to death. Wei Xiu and his men took Sun Daodeng to patrol the countryside, forcing him to convince the villagers to surrender. Sun Daodeng shouted loudly, "As long as everyone resists, the enemy can do nothing!" In their rage, the enemy executed him. During the siege of Jingzhou, the court sent an envoy named Xing Tai Zongling En, who sent his daughter and three other women into the city to persuade the defenders to surrender. As a result, they were also captured by the enemy, who paraded them through the city in an attempt to coerce them into changing their statements. The four women shouted loudly, "The court's army is about to arrive, everyone must hold on and never surrender!" The enemy was furious and disemboweled them before executing them. Both states reported their loyalty and integrity, and Sun Daodeng and the others were posthumously granted the title of fifth-rank county nobility and fifth-rank viscount, ensuring their descendants would inherit the titles, and the court also sent people to their hometown to pay tribute.
Li Ji was from Anping, Boling, Hebei. His family lived together for seven generations, jointly managing the family estate, with twenty-two branches and one hundred and ninety-eight members, with young and old gathered together, upholding strong family values and enjoying a stellar reputation. Even when it came to work, the younger generation eagerly competed to take on tasks. The villagers admired them so much that they erected a memorial archway at their doorstep in their honor.
Zhang Anzu is from Heyang. He inherited the hereditary title of Marquis of Shanbei. There was a man named Yuan Chenggui at that time, who had served as the county magistrate of Heyang. His family was very poor, so he went to the Ministry of Personnel to look for a job. One particularly cold day, he froze to death by the roadside. His body lay in the alley, and the family couldn't afford a funeral. Zhang Anzu wept in sorrow and, following proper etiquette, did his utmost to arrange the funeral, buying wood to make a coffin and personally taking care of everything to conduct the funeral properly. People from all walks of life were deeply moved. When the Ministry of Personnel learned of this, they erected a memorial archway in front of their house to commend them.
Wang Lu is from Mi County, Beihai, Shandong. Several generations of their family lived together, with over a hundred people. There were also four generations of the Liu Yexing family from Mount Tai living together, and six generations of the Gai Jun family from Lu County living together. They all jointly managed their property, and their family style was harmonious. The people in the village admired them very much. After the relevant departments reported to the court, they erected memorial archways in honor of these families.
Historians say: people like Sun Daodeng, Zong Nu, and others, some are fearless in the face of danger, confronting death as if returning home; some are calm in the face of danger, only thinking about justice. Their actions, whether great or small, can either bring glory to their ancestors or benefit others. Thus, their noble integrity flows like a river, and their lofty virtues endure like pine and cypress. The outcome of their actions is that their names endure long after their deaths; this is no coincidence!
