Once upon a time, there was a man named Lord Luo from Dai County. Because of his previous achievements, he was appointed governor of Qinzhou. However, this man was greedy and brutal, ruthless and cruel, with no sense of mercy. In Qinzhou, there was a rich man named Fu Zhi, who robbed the commoner Lü Sheng of his wealth and even beat Lü Sheng so badly that his legs were wrapped in bandages. Without a second thought, Lord Luo severely whipped Fu Zhi a hundred times and even chopped off his right wrist! Pretty harsh, huh?
Now, let’s talk about another incident. A commoner named Wang Longke killed two people, Wang Qiangnu and Wang Yu, and according to the law, he should have been sentenced to death. But this scoundrel Lord Luo actually yanked out Wang Longke's tongue while he was still breathing, stabbed the base of his tongue, and then stabbed him over twenty times in the chest and abdomen! In excruciating pain, Wang Longke struggled to fight back, so Lord Luo had him tied to four pillars. As he neared death, he finally beheaded him and then dismembered his body, hanging it by the roadside for all to see! Who among the witnesses wasn't terrified? Who was not saddened? The entire Qinzhou was in a state of panic, with cries of anger filling the air, and ultimately, the commoners, led by Wang Yuanshou, openly revolted! This incident escalated, and the court dispatched investigators. Emperor Gaozu ordered that the news of Lord Luo's execution be announced to the people at the execution ground, and only then was Lord Luo executed as an apology to the people.
Hu Ni, who was also from Dai County, served as the Supervisor of the Imperial Guards and was granted the title of Marquis of Yongcheng. This Hu Ni was strict in his duties within the Imperial Guard, instilling fear in everyone, even high-ranking officials; he dealt with their mistakes without hesitation! Once, when Minister of the Palace Shusun Houtao was supposed to be on duty but failed to appear, Hu Ni punished him according to the rules. Shusun Houtao, relying on his favored status, got into an argument with Hu Ni. When Emperor Gaozu heard about this, he praised Hu Ni and even rewarded him with a new outfit. Later, Hu Ni was assigned to Youzhou as the Inspector and was later promoted to Duke of Fanyang. In Youzhou, he discovered a very talented guy named Pingyang Nishuo and recommended him to the court. Subsequently, Hu Ni was promoted to General of Pingdong and Inspector of Dingzhou. Unfortunately, Hu Ni later became tyrannical and lawless, misusing punishments and taking bribes, and was ultimately recalled by the court and executed. Before his execution, Emperor Gaozu specifically summoned him to Taihua Palace, had one of his attendants read the edict that rebuked him, and then told him to go home and take his own life. Li Hongzhi, whose original name was Li Wentong, hailed from Hengnong. In his youth, he was a monk but later went back to the secular world. During Zhenjun's reign, he became the Protector of Didao and was granted the title of Baron of Anyang.
Later, King Yongchang Ren followed Emperor Shizu in a southern campaign and brought back the two younger sisters of the Empress Yuan. Since Li Hongzhi belonged to the same clan, he often secretly sent gifts to them and swore an oath of brotherhood with them, forming a close relationship like a family. He also learned the names of several of Empress Yuan's brothers in the south, so he changed his name to Li Hongzhi. When King Yongchang Ren was executed for his crimes, Empress Yuan entered the palace and won the favor of Emperor Gaozong, giving birth to Emperor Xianzu. As Empress Yuan lay dying, Empress Zhao asked about her relatives, and Empress Yuan said that Li Hongzhi was her brother. They bid farewell for several days, and Empress Yuan detailed the circumstances of her brothers in the south, including Zhenzhi, and personally handed it to Li Hongzhi. Thus, Li Hongzhi became Emperor Xianzu's uncle. During the Taian period, Zhenzhi and other brothers arrived in the capital, reunited with Li Hongzhi, and shared memories of Empress Yuan's life, arranging the order of siblings according to their ages.
Due to his relationship with the royal family, Li Hongzhi was appointed as the Prefect of Hanoi, and his title was raised to Marquis of Rencheng, commanding respect and authority akin to that of a governor. Hanoi County was characterized by treacherous terrain and fierce inhabitants, frequently plagued by robberies and thefts that previous prefects failed to control. After Li Hongzhi arrived in Hanoi County, he established rigorous defenses and checkpoints, offering rewards for the capture of thieves while also encouraging agricultural production, resulting in the disappearance of thieves. However, his methods for eradicating crime were excessively brutal.
Later, he was appointed as the Inspector of Huaizhou, granted the title of Duke of Jizhou, and promoted to a high-ranking official in the capital. When the Qiang and Hu tribes in the Hexi region rebelled, Emperor Xianzu personally led troops to quell the rebellion, ordering Li Hongzhi to lead the army along with the Grand Minister and Prince of Dongguo, Lu Ding. When the imperial forces arrived in Bingzhou, a decree was issued appointing Li Hongzhi as the Commander of the Hexi region to subdue the Mountain Hu tribes. The Mountain Hu tribes held their ground and refused to engage in battle. Li Hongzhi established a camp on the Baiji Plain south of Shilou to face them. While other generals wanted to attack, Li Hongzhi adopted a policy of conciliation, allowing them to resume their former way of life, which resulted in the surrender of the Mountain Hu tribes. Emperor Xianzu was pleased and promoted him to a high-ranking official in the capital.
Wow, this Mr. Hong, rising to the position of Chief Envoy, General Who Maintains Authority, and Inspector of the Qin and Yi Provinces, that's quite impressive! Upon taking office, he promptly set about reforming the administration, implementing strict regulations, including a ban on carrying swords. Anyone caught carrying a sword in public would be punished as harshly as a thief! Punishments were clearly defined. He also held banquets to promote his new laws to the local elites and elders. At night, he discreetly stationed troops at strategic locations, and those caught violating the ban were taken back to the provincial capital and sentenced to death! It's said that hundreds of innocent people were among those executed!
The Qiang people, an ethnic minority, live deep in the mountains. They have a mediocre relationship with the court, and officials rarely visit them. Hong Daren is quite formidable. He even built a road through the mountains, displaying an imposing show as if a large army were about to invade, terrifying the locals! However, Hong Daren is not only good at scaring people. He took dozens of cavalry to the Qiang people's villages, warmly inquired about their lives, and brought them gifts. The Qiang people were moved by his actions and voluntarily offered to pay taxes and serve, resulting in a tenfold increase in tax revenue! Hong Daren indeed has a knack for governing ethnic minorities, combining authority with benevolence, but his reputation as a "tyrant" has spread far and wide.
Legend has it that when Hong Daren was young, his wife Zhang played a crucial role in his success. From rags to riches, Zhang was instrumental in his rise; they had a whole bunch of kids—dozens, in fact! Later, Hong Daren married Liu, Liu Fang's sister. Hong Daren treated Liu exceptionally well, neglecting Zhang and forcing them to live apart, showing preferential treatment to Liu's family. Now, with two wives vying for his affection, they grew jealous and antagonistic towards one another, leading to endless bickering. When Hong Daren took up his post in Xizhou, he brought Liu along.
Lord Hong was actually not an upright official; he took numerous bribes. At that time, the Emperor had just established a new salary structure and strict laws, with departments rigorously investigating corruption. As soon as rumors surfaced, investigations were conducted thoroughly. As a result, Lord Hong was arrested and sent to the capital. Before a large assembly in the palace, the Emperor summoned all officials, where relevant departments accused Lord Hong of corruption, bribery, abuse of power, and cruelty. The Emperor publicly reprimanded him, but given his status as a minister, allowed him to return home to commit suicide. Lord Hong was generous and hardworking, treating his illness with moxibustion therapy. Despite having moxa sticks around wounds, some nearly two inches in diameter, and over ten on his body, he calmly entertained guests as usual. When it was time to end his life, he bathed, changed clothes, walked around his home with the assistance of the prison guard, wept for a long time before lying down to take poison.
Lord Hong and the Empress addressed each other as siblings, with personal and official relationships as close as those of family. When the Empress encountered trouble, the Emperor defended her innocence in front of officials, while members of the Li family remained on good terms and affectionate. Lord Hong treated the Empress as a younger brother upon their first meeting. When the Zhen family came, Lord Hong followed the Empress's predetermined order of seniority, addressing them and arranging seating as if they were family. In his later years, the Emperor often invited Lord Hong to drink together. When drunk, the Emperor would sometimes mention past events, to which Lord Hong would respectfully respond with a smile, as usual. However, as Lord Hong rose to wealth and status as the Empress's uncle, he abandoned his own kin and ingratiated himself with the Zhen family. Even though the Zhen family seemed eager to revive their lineage, they took no practical actions. Historical records recount the tale of the four Liu brothers, particularly the eldest, Liu Shen.
Gao Zun, styled Shili, was a native of Bohai Chai County. His father, Gao Ji, had once served as the governor of Cangshui. Gao Zun came from a humble background, and his brother Gao Jiao and others often picked on him. After his father's death, his brothers excluded Gao Zun from the mourning. Gao Zun then ran to Pingcheng to turn to his cousin, Gao Yun, the Zhongshu Ling. Gao Yun held a funeral for his father and designated Gao Zun as the chief mourner; people from across the capital came to pay their respects, and the ministers in the court also recognized him. After the funeral, Gao Zun returned to his hometown. After the mourning period ended, Gao Yun helped him chart his career path, appointing him as the Shilang of King Yelang. Gao Zun was very grateful for Gao Yun's kindness and treated him like his own father.
Gao Zun was well-versed in literature and history, with considerable literary talent, and later was promoted to Zhongshu Shilang. After arriving in Chang'an, he wrote the "Stele of King Yan Xuan's Temple" and was awarded the title of Anchangzi. Later, when the court reformed the clothing and crowns, Emperor Gaozu performed ancestral sacrifices, and Gao Zun, with his dignified demeanor and booming voice, often served concurrently as Tai Zhu Ling, kneeling to praise the sacrificial ceremonies, his conduct was in line with proper etiquette. Therefore, Emperor Gaozu valued him highly. Later, he participated in discussions on laws and regulations with You Minggen, Gao Lu, and Li Chong, directly presenting his opinions in front of the emperor. As a reward for his years of hard work, the emperor rewarded him with grain, silk, and livestock. He was later appointed as General Li Zhong and Governor of Qizhou. After taking office in Qizhou, the local customs underwent a significant improvement, but his brother Gao Jiao and others grew increasingly jealous of him, spreading rumors about him far and wide.
As for Gao Zun, he was not at all honest. While serving in the Zhongshu Province, every time he requested leave to return to his hometown in Shandong, he would borrow a substantial number of mules and horses, at least a hundred. Then he would coerce the locals into handing over silk and cloth; if they dared to object, he would berate them and refuse to budge, insisting on robbing them. In just over a week and a half, he confiscated over a thousand pieces of cloth. The local people were left in dire straits.
After Gao Zun became the governor, he still couldn't shake his bad habits and accepted bribes when recruiting officials. His wife, from the Ming family of Qizhou, had siblings and relatives who took advantage of his power to make money, resorting to ruthless and unreasonable tactics, causing many deaths. The emperor had heard of Gao Zun's reputation for greed and brutality.
Later, when the emperor arrived in Ye City, Gao Zun came from the province to meet him and happened to encounter a general amnesty. Gao Zun wanted to return to the province and requested to take his leave. The emperor summoned him to the imperial palace and severely criticized him. Gao Zun defended himself, claiming he was innocent, but the emperor shouted, "If it weren't for this general amnesty due to the capital relocation, you would have been dead long ago, Gao Zun! You are not only greedy but also abuse the law, just like Wang Jiyin, and you cannot escape the law's punishment. Who do you think you are to think you can get away with this! From now on, you must conduct yourself properly!" Gao Zun returned to the province but didn't change his ways.
In Qizhou, a man named Meng Shengzhen went to Luoyang to report on Gao Zun. The emperor ordered the Minister of Justice, Liu Shu, to thoroughly investigate the matter, and the findings were exactly what Meng Shengzhen had reported. Previously, there was a monk named Dao Deng who was on good terms with Gao Zun. Gao Zun often gave gifts to Dao Deng because he enjoyed the emperor's favor, and he relied heavily on him. Dao Deng pleaded for Gao Zun multiple times in front of the emperor, but the emperor did not agree, and eventually ordered Gao Zun to be executed. At this time, Gao Zun's son, Yuan Rong, went to Luoyang to seek justice for his father, hoping Dao Deng would come through for him, so he stayed in Luoyang. Dao Deng, knowing the matter was already settled, finally urged him to go back. Gao Zun, angry with his wife, did not bid her farewell, found a place to clean up, and committed suicide by poisoning.
Gao Zun's son, Yuan Rong, was very knowledgeable, an accomplished writer, and skilled in handling political affairs. He rose to the position of Right Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and served as the Xidao Circuit Governor. However, when he assumed his post in Gaoping Town, the city wall collapsed, only to be crushed to death.
Gao Zun's younger brother, Gao Ciwen, was extremely wealthy, even though he never held an official position. This caused a rift between the brothers, leading to little interaction both in life and after death. People at the time criticized Gao Zun for this.
Zhang Sheti hailed from Anxi County in Zhongshan, Hebei. He had a strong personality and was very strategic. He initially served as a Hu Ben Zhonglang general. During that time, several bandit leaders emerged in the Jingji region, calling themselves Leopard and Tiger. They were skilled in horseback riding and archery, leading fleeing civilians and herdsmen, each becoming their own leader and gathering in the Lingqiu and Yanmen areas to rob and kill. They even decapitated people, shot arrows into their mouths, and stabbed their navels, then wrapped intestines around trees for everyone to shoot at for amusement. It was absolutely horrifying! The army attempted to capture them multiple times but failed for a long time, and travelers on the road were very fearful.
Zhang Sheti devised a thorough plan for defense and pursuit, which earned him high praise from superior officials, resulting in his appointment as a general tasked with capturing bandits. He selected brave soldiers for the pursuit, and soon captured Tiger, Leopard, and their accomplices. They were all taken to the capital and executed at the palace gate, restoring peace to the region. In Lingqiu, a local tyrant named Luo Sizu lived in a strategically advantageous location. Many desperate individuals hid there and committed crimes with him. The emperor was very angry and ordered the execution of Luo Sizu's entire family. Consequently, Luo Sizu's relatives and friends turned to banditry. Zhang Sheti volunteered to capture them and was appointed as a patrol general, capturing many of them and nearly wiping them all out. However, he also killed innocents indiscriminately, and his methods were especially brutal.
Thanks to his previous achievements and this military success, Zhang Sheti was awarded the title of Champion General, appointed as the Governor of Youzhou, and granted the title of Marquis of Anxi.
Initially, Sheti was quite strict and proper, so he had a good reputation. But later, his wife Duanshi became a bit overindulgent, accepted many bribes, and even asked monks and nuns to help make connections, causing a major scandal. At that time, the Imperial Physician Li Zhenxiang went to Youzhou on official business to inspect the performance of local officials. During his investigation, Li Zhenxiang discovered that Sheti had committed a crime, and Sheti was terrified and wanted to flee. His wife's aunt was the wife of the Grand Commandant and the Prince of Dongyang, so she said she would go to the Prince of Dongyang for help and reassured Sheti, saying, "I will help you fight the lawsuit and clear your name. Don't worry, don't think of other ways." When Sheti heard this, he felt a little relieved. However, Duanshi went to the Prince of Dongyang to report that Li Zhenxiang had previously passed through Youzhou on official business and knew that Sheti had some good cows, but his request was unsuccessful. Now Li Zhenxiang deliberately manipulated the situation, made things difficult for his subordinates, used torture to extract confessions, and implicated innocent people, framing and harming Sheti. The higher authorities felt that the investigation was likely incomplete, so they sent Zhao Qinzhou to reinvestigate. The outcome still implicated Sheti, and he was sentenced to death. The Emperor ordered him to be executed at home. Before he died, Sheti cursed his wife, "It's all because of your corruption and bribery that harmed me, and even caused me to have no burial place. Even in the underworld, I will not let you go!"
Zhaoba, when he was the Prefect of Huashan, was notoriously cruel and unreasonable, completely disregarding reason in his actions. The envoy Cui Guang lodged a formal accusation against Zhaoba, saying, "He does not abide by the law, is overbearing and unreasonable, and even physically abuses his subordinates, causing his subordinates to flee in terror. He is simply not fit to be an official and should be dismissed from his position." The Emperor ordered Zhaoba's dismissal from office.
Yang Zhi, also known as Lingyou, was a native of Juping, located in the Tai Mountain area, and the sixth generation grandson of Yang Xiu, the Grand Minister of State during the Jin Dynasty. His father, Yang Guizhi, once served as the county magistrate of Rencheng County during the Song Dynasty. When Emperor Taizu of Northern Wei marched south to attack Zou Mountain, Yang Guizhi, along with the Prefect of Lu County Cui Xie Li, Xu Tong, Ai Mengzhi, and other county officials surrendered. The emperor granted him the title of Jupingzi and appointed him as the Prefect of Yanmen.
This fellow was named Xiahou Zhi, quite stubborn and had a particular interest in legal codes. He served as the Minister of Works, Chief Historiographer, and inherited his father's title as Jupingzi. However, he was dishonest, embezzled public funds and secretly built houses, and was sentenced to death when the authorities discovered this. However, Emperor Gaozu granted him a special pardon and ordered him to relocate. Later, he returned.
In the early years of the Jingming era, he became the Grand General of Construction and was promoted to Left Army General. Four years later, he was appointed as the military commander in Liangzhou to quell the rebellion of the Di people. In the second year of Zhengshi, the imperial army launched an attack on the Shu territory, and Xiahou Zhi was appointed as the General of the Swift Cavalry, Governor of Yizhou, leading troops from Jiange Pass, before returning. He was then appointed as the Governor of Qinzhou and Liangzhou, along with the title of General for Conquering Barbarians. He was inherently cruel and had poor hygiene, which was quite alarming. Later, he was dismissed from office for looting the populace and capturing them to make them slaves, after being reported by Chief Imperial Secretary Wang Xian.
During Gao Zhaonan's expedition, Xiahou Zhi was once again appointed and became the Minister of Rites, also being granted the title of Acting General for Pacifying the South. He led thirty thousand infantry and cavalry as the vanguard towards Fucheng. However, before they arrived, Emperor Shizong passed away, and the troops were withdrawn. While marching at midnight, the soldiers got lost in the mountains where there were two paths. Xiahou Zhi wasted no time and put to death his deputy, Yang Mingda, hanging his head on the roadside as a warning! This caused an uproar, and he faced impeachment by Lieutenant Yuan Zhao, only avoiding punishment due to a subsequent general amnesty. Later, he was posthumously granted the titles of General of An Dong and Governor of Yanzhou.
Yuan Duan, the Minor Minister of Rites, and Doctor Liu Tailong suggested bestowing the posthumous title "Jing" on Zhi, stating, "Zhi was ambitious and had lofty ideals, dared to speak frankly, and was not afraid of power; he participated in military affairs with bravery and decisiveness; he went to the frontier to pacify the people, and the ethnic minorities in the border regions admired his benevolence. His benevolence benefited all ethnic groups, and everyone remembers his kindness. According to the 'Law of Posthumous Titles,' 'Those who spread virtue and act with integrity are called Jing,' so his posthumous title should be 'Jing.'"
However, Minister of Ceremonies Hou Gang and Assistant Minister Yuan Zuan rebutted, saying, "We have heard that names and titles, like objects, cannot be used arbitrarily; the decision on posthumous titles must align with the actual situation. Zhi's character was irritable and violent; wherever he went, he was overbearing, and there are few accounts of his kindness, often reports of his brutality. However, the officials inflated his achievements, and the posthumous title 'Jing' not only misrepresents his character but also undermines the integrity of the court. We request that the previous decision be revoked and that a thorough re-evaluation be conducted to ascertain the truth." Empress Dowager Ling commanded, "Reconsider the rebuttals."
Yuanduan and Liu Tailong once again submitted: "We believe that posthumous titles are conferred based on a person's actions, while titles are determined by their conduct. However, the Ministry of Appointments is responsible for assessing officials. If the title does not match the behavior, it should be rejected, the true circumstances should be recorded, and then submitted to the temple to determine the posthumous title in accordance with the 'Posthumous Title Law'. How can we ignore his actions, pursue something else, abandon the true title, and what standard should we use? Because he resigned from his local official position to care for his aging mother, the emperor issued a decree saying: 'You have governed the area for many years, your reputation and achievements are remarkable, ensuring border stability, truly meeting the expectations of the court.' After his passing, the court posthumously conferred upon him an official title, highlighting his considerable contributions to both the court and the populace. The imperial edicts and appointments praised him highly, aligning with his reputation. However, gentlemen appreciate his principles without expecting perfection in his virtues. Some people have varying virtues, strong yet capable of self-restraint, which is also a virtue. According to the 'Posthumous Title Law', 'one who establishes virtue and is strong is called Jing', our previous suggestion was correct."
Situ You Changshi Zhang Lie and Zhubu Li Li also believed: "Zhi has served in the court for many years and has built a good reputation; he defended the southwestern border, ensuring border stability. Altering the posthumous title serves to commend and caution future generations. We believe that this does not violate the ritual." Shangshu Li Shao also submitted that the opinions of the Ministry of Rites and the Temple are valid, and Empress Ling approved this memorial.
Since Zhi assumed office, he showed no fear of authority, and the court regarded him as resolute and decisive, frequently sending him on missions. He was fond of fame and fortune and enjoyed playing with words, and wherever he went, people referred to him as the 'Heavenly Dog on Earth'. As a general, he showed no kindness to either soldiers or civilians, and both despised his cruelty.
Cui Xian, courtesy name Yuanqin, was originally from Wucheng County in present-day Hebei Province. His family was a prominent clan, well-known in the regions of Xingyang and Yingchuan. He had a violent and cruel personality; he was unkind from a young age, treacherous and greedy, and had a knack for currying favor with the powerful. At first, he passed the imperial examination and rose through the ranks to become the Governor of Nanyanzhou. In the end, however, he embezzled public funds, misappropriated official tiles, causing a scandal, and was exposed by the Inspector Li Ping, resulting in his dismissal from office. Later, he took up a post in Yuzhou, and shortly after officially assumed his position. Yet again, he committed wrongdoings; he sent his son to various places to collect taxes under various pretexts, seized land and houses for himself, harbored government slaves, illegally seized control of ponds and reed fields, and embezzled public and private property. As a result, he was reported by Inspector Wang Xian and was dismissed once more.
Afterward, he was promoted again, becoming the General of Pingbei and the Governor of Yingzhou. This man was greedy and brutal, and the common people couldn't stand him. Once, while hunting in the northern part of the province, he rode into a village and saw a woman drawing water by the well. Cui Xian told her to give his horse some water and casually asked her, "How's Cui Yingzhou doing?" The woman, not recognizing him, replied, "What crime have the common people committed to put up with such a rotten governor!" Cui Xian said nothing in response and simply left. Later, due to his incompetence, he was sent back to the capital.
Subsequently, a rebellion broke out in Wuchuan Town, and the court appointed Cui Xian as the commander, sending him to assist the Grand Commander Li Chong in suppressing the rebellion. However, he disobeyed Li Chong's orders and was defeated by the rebel forces, sneaking his way back to the capital alone. The court threw him in Tingwei prison. However, because he married his daughter to the powerful Yuan Cha and gave a considerable amount of money, he ultimately got off scot-free. In the early years of the Jianyi era, he was killed in Heyin. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the title of Grand Minister of Works and Governor of Jizhou, and was granted the title of Duke of Wujin County.
His son Cui Zan, courtesy name Shaozhen, rose to the position of Left Minister and later died. Cui Zan's wife was the younger sister of Emperor Zhuang and was later granted the title of Princess of Xiangcheng, so the court specially posthumously honored Cui Zan as the Governor of Jizhou. His other son Cui Mao, courtesy name Zuang, inherited his father's title.
Li Daoyuan, courtesy name Shanchang, was from Fanyang and the son of Fan, the Governor of Qingzhou. During the Taihe period of Northern Wei, he became Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat. The Inspector General Li Biao believed that Li Daoyuan was fair and diligent in his work, so he promoted him to the position of Assistant to the Imperial Secretary. Later, he was promoted to General Who Guards the Nation and Governor of East Jingzhou. He governed the region very strictly, and the local populace accused him of being harsh and severe in the capital, which led to his dismissal. After some time, he was appointed Governor of Henan and soon took office officially.
Emperor Suzong changed the border towns of Woye, Huaishuo, Bogulu, Wuchuan, Fuming, Rouxuan, Huaikuang, and Yuyi into provinces and renamed the counties and military camps according to the names of ancient cities. The emperor sent Li Daoyuan with the imperial edict, simultaneously appointing him as Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, to discuss the setup and organization of these provinces with the commander Li Chong, cutting excess personnel, stocking troops and grain, and strengthening border defenses. Soon after, he was appointed General of Annam and Inspector General.
Li Daoyuan was known for his strictness. Qiu Nian, a trusted confidant of the Sizhou Governor and Prince of Runan, was always by Prince Runan's side, never apart. During the selection of provincial officials, many of them were recommended by Qiu Nian. Qiu Nian often stayed in Prince Runan's mansion, occasionally returning to his own home. Li Daoyuan then imprisoned him. Prince Runan sought Empress Ling's mercy for Qiu Nian, and she ordered his pardon. However, Li Daoyuan insisted on carrying out his sentence, which resulted in the impeachment of Prince Runan. At that time, signs of rebellion from Xiao Baoyao, the Governor of Yongzhou, had already appeared. Prince Runan and others recommended that Li Daoyuan be sent to Guanzhong as an envoy. Consequently, Li Daoyuan was killed by Xiao Baoyao at the Yinpan Relay Station.
Li Daoyuan loved learning and read extensively across various subjects. He wrote and annotated the forty-volume "Waterways Classic" and the thirteen-article "Local Records," as well as "Seven Betrothals" and other works, which gained significant popularity. However, he had strained relationships with his brothers and was quite distrustful of others, so public opinion of him at the time was not high.
Gu Kai, hailing from Changli, was the great-grandson of Duke Hun of Puyang. He steadily climbed the ranks to become the Commandant of Chariots. At that time, the monk Faqing led a rebellion in Jizhou, and although the court sent a large army to suppress it, the rebellion's leader had yet to be captured. The court sent Gu Kai to Jizhou to apprehend the rebels, successfully capturing them all. Though Gu Kai had only one eye, he was known for his strict demeanor, which earned him the nickname "Blind Tiger." He later served as the Commandant of the City Gates before passing away.
Historians say that scholars who want to make a name for themselves have many ways to do so. Some rely on kindness and integrity to rise to prominence, while others rely on severity and ruthlessness to stand out. Thus, kindness and severity should work hand in hand, and governance and punishment must go hand in hand. However, those who can improve society without resorting to severity are the ones most esteemed by true gentlemen. But people like Luo Hou commit their misdeeds in different ways, yet the outcomes are equally cruel. They act violently, extremely cruel, treating ordinary people like livestock; to them, human life is worth less than that of a dog! They commit all sorts of atrocities, seldom holding back. As a result, some end up imprisoned and executed, while others perish from rage or illness. Different ways of dying, yet they all meet their end; this is what they deserve! All upright individuals will see this as the just cycle of heaven!
In summary, scholars seeking fame have various methods; some choose to be virtuous, while others embrace villainy. However, it is far better to win people over through virtue than through intimidation. Yet people like Luo Hou, who commit various atrocities and disregard human life, ultimately meet a grim fate: some are captured and executed, while others die from their own rage. This illustrates that the net of heaven is wide and sparse, yet nothing slips through it!
