Wei Yuan, whose courtesy name was Gouren, was a native of Daijun. He came from an illustrious family. His father, Wei Mujin, was a renowned warrior known for his bravery and military prowess, and was very famous at the time. During the Taichang period, Wei Mujin became a general and participated in the pacification of the Hulao Battle, earning numerous military accolades. He was later appointed as the Administrator of Zhongshan. At the age of nineteen, Wei Yuan became famous for his exceptional archery skills.
Later, Wei Yuan was appointed as the General of the Tiger Guards and was subsequently promoted to the General of the Feathered Forest. He was meticulous, respectful, and hardworking, earning the appreciation of his superiors. Emperor Shizu admired his generous and dignified demeanor, gradually promoting him to the position of Imperial Chariot Attendant. Once, when the Emperor visited the seaside, Wei Yuan accompanied him and was bestowed the title of Marquis of Fucheng, and was also appointed as the General of Ningyuan.
During the years of peace, Wei Yuan was promoted to Chief Secretary of the Northern Region and was also appointed as a Cavalier Attendant, with the title of Marquis Taichang, and was appointed as the Champion General. In the first year of Tian'an, Xue Andou surrendered to us and requested military support. The Emperor appointed you as General-in-Chief, Commander of Eastern Expeditions, Grand General of the South, and Marquis of Boling, and together with Kong Bogong, the Duke of Chengyang, to go for the rescue. Liu Yu's Tai Prefect of Dongping and the Chief of Wuyan Garrison, Shen Zuan, pretended to surrender. You recognized his deception, appeared to accept his surrender, while secretly remaining vigilant. Liu Yu's Inspector of Yanzhou, Bi Zhongjing, then sent the Tai Prefect of Dongping, Zhang Qiupiao, to surrender, and you accepted him as well.
The army quickly advanced, and the enemy general Zhou Kai fled upon hearing our military trumpet. Liu Yu dispatched Zhang Yong, Shen Youzhi, and others to lead the army to attack Xue Andu, and camped at Xiakeshi. Zhang Yong then sent the Yulin Supervisor Wang Muzhi to lead five thousand soldiers to guard the supplies at Wuyuan. General Xie Shanju led two thousand soldiers to guard Luliang, while Zhang Yin, the Cavalry Attendant, led two thousand soldiers to guard Zhuyu, in charge of overseeing the transport of military supplies and provisions for the army. Xue Andu came out of the city to meet you, and according to the Emperor's decree, you appointed him as the Governor of Xuzhou. Then you sent the Deputy Director of the Central Secretariat, Gao Lu, Li Can, and others back to the city with Xue Andu, and left Kong Bogong in charge of two thousand elite soldiers to secure the city both inside and out, before you entered Pengcheng.
You recognized that Zhang Yong held a strategic position, capable of both offense and defense, and were concerned about too many casualties among the soldiers. So you ordered Xue Andu, Li Can, and others to hold the city firmly, while you led the elite troops to feign attack on the outskirts, divided the troops to attack Luliang, and cut off their supply lines. Xie Shanju fled to Zhuyu and then fled to Wuyuan with Zhang Yin. You sent cavalry to pursue, killing more than eight hundred enemy soldiers. There were still more than eight thousand enemy soldiers trapped in Wuyuan, who were putting up a stubborn resistance. You personally put on armor and attacked from all sides, breaking through Wang Muzhi's outer camp, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy, and capturing more than five hundred supply carts to provide for the various armies in Pengcheng. You then withdrew your troops, allowing them a chance to escape. Wang Muzhi led the remnants of the defeated soldiers to Zhang Yong. Zhang Yong's troops were demoralized and disorganized, so you pursued them in victory, surrounded them, attacked their southern gate, and Zhang Yong abandoned the city and fled at night. Kong Bogong and Xue Andu seized the opportunity to pursue, and it was snowing heavily at the time; Zhang Yong abandoned his ship and made his escape.
You anticipated that Zhang Yong would certainly flee, personally leading the army to cut off his escape route, attacking from the north and south, and inflicting a great defeat on the enemy east of Lüliang. Tens of thousands of enemy troops were killed, and the pursuit extended over sixty miles, with bodies littered everywhere, with eighty to ninety percent of the soldiers suffering from frozen limbs. You captured Liu Yu's envoy, the general in charge of military affairs in Liang, Nan, and Bei Qin provinces, the governor of Liang and Qin provinces, General Ning Shuo, and the founding marquis of Yiyang, Yuan Gongzu; including General Longxiang and the commander of the Yulin, Shen Chengbo, among others. Zhang Yong and Shen Youzhi escaped on light cavalry. Countless ships, vehicles, and military supplies were seized. Zhang Dan, the governor of Dong Xuzhou, held the city firmly, while Wang Xuan, the governor of Xuzhou, defended Xiangpi, and Wang Zheng, the general supporting the state and governor of Yanzhou, along with General Longxiang and the magistrate of Lanling, Huan Xin, drove off and plundered the local populace to bolster defenses. You sent envoys to persuade them to surrender, and Zhang Dan and Shen Wenxiu, the governor of Qingzhou, sent envoys expressing their willingness to defect; Wang Zheng and Huan Xin also surrendered.
The commander said, "The granaries in Pengcheng are completely empty, and the people are starving. I plan to transport grain from Jizhou, Xiangzhou, Jizhou, and Yanzhou using the nine hundred ships abandoned by Zhang Yong, transporting it along the canal to relieve the people." The emperor agreed. He then submitted another request to divide the troops for garrisoning and further pacifying Qingzhou and Jizhou.
The commander further reported, "Pengcheng is a key stronghold for the bandits. It cannot be held without sufficient grain and strong defenses. If we have ample grain reserves and strengthen the defenses, even if Liu Yu comes with his entire army, he would not dare to target Huai Bei. This is just common sense." The emperor said, "Let’s wait until the reinforcements arrive, assess the situation, and then decide how to defend. Troops have already been dispatched to reinforce Qingzhou and Jizhou; once they capture it, we will transport military grain."
The marshal reported again, saying: "I was ordered to go on a military campaign and have experienced the four seasons. I have neither achieved swift victories like Deng Ai nor employed strategies to secure the territory and ensure the safety of the people like Yang Hu. Although the Huai River and Daishan areas are temporarily stable, the ordinary folks are still not at ease. I’m aware of my limitations, and since I hold a significant position, I feel it’s my duty to report any suggestions I have. I previously suggested we first take out the naval and land forces at Xiapi and have sent troops to attack multiple times, but we have not been able to capture it yet. Even though Pengcheng and Xiapi have apparently surrendered, the people in those cities originally lived in bandit territory and still have lingering thoughts of them. They deceive and confuse each other, holding onto false hopes, sending messages south to inform the bandits and obstructing communication. Even when they’re in a tight spot, they won’t give in. Ren Xuanlang from Pengcheng came here from Huainan, saying that Liu Yi sent Ren Nongfu and Chen Xianda to lead three thousand troops to attack Suyu. That day, I secretly sent someone to investigate and verify the situation, and it turned out to be the same as what Ren Xuanlang said. I wanted to lead the charge myself against them, but the supplies haven't arrived yet, and I was worried about potential unrest among the newly surrendered folks, so I sent my son, General Yu Taqian, and Liu Longju to lead five thousand infantry and cavalry to confront them. However, the conscription has dragged on too long, and many soldiers have deserted, stirring each other up, and no one is determined to fight; the weapons and equipment are also broken and cannot be used at all."
I heard that attacking a country is a major event, which ancient thinkers considered it difficult. Although victory can be achieved, careful planning is essential for success. If the enemy wants to attack Pengcheng, they will definitely pass through Qinghe, Sishui, and Yuyu, and then go to Xiapi; if they want to attack Qingzhou, the route is also to enter Yizhu from Xiapi and pass through Dong'an. Xiapi is a key location for the enemy to use troops. If we first take down Xiapi, pacify Yuyu, station in Huaiyang, and guard Dong'an, then we can capture the cities of Qingzhou and Jizhou without needing to attack them. If there is disobedience everywhere, even if Qingzhou and Jizhou are captured, the people will remain anxious and cling to false hopes. I believe we should abandon the plan to send troops against Qingzhou and Jizhou, first pacify the southeast region, dispel the idea of Liu Yu looking north, and eliminate the common people's illusions of looking south. Although the water level is high in summer, there are no waterways that can be utilized; although the roads are clear in winter, there are no strong cities to defend. In this way, the Huainan region can be stabilized; we can endure some temporary hardship for lasting stability. Although the weather is hot now, we can still send troops out, but we must act quickly, as problems will arise if too much time passes. If we wait for the rain, or if the waterways open up and we can transport more food, we should delay the attack. It is feared that the people near the Huai River will regret it, and Qingzhou and Jizhou will ultimately not be captured. I discussed with my subordinates, and we all believe that my idea is feasible. If it is hidden and not reported, there may be a responsibility for failure; if it is reported but no results are achieved, there may be a charge of deception. The phrase "Only heaven can judge and see my foolish heart" can be rendered in modern spoken Chinese as: "God, please see my sincerity!" This sentence comes from ancient memorials, expressing a sense of self-humility while also hoping that heaven can understand one's loyalty. More context is needed for a complete translation.
Liu Yu of the Liu Song sent Shen Youzhi and Wu Xigong with tens of thousands of soldiers to attack from the direction of Yishui and Qinghe in an attempt to rescue Xiapi. Emperor Ming of Song, Liu Yu, dispatched Kong Bogong with ten thousand infantry and cavalry to block them. He also sent back the injured soldiers who had been wounded in the previous battle led by Shen Youzhi—those with injured limbs and rotten knees—to demoralize the enemy. At the same time, Liu Yu submitted a request to the court for reinforcements. The court ordered General Murong Baiyao to rush to provide support. However, when Murong Baiyao arrived at Xiaqiu, he ran into trouble; the Si River had swollen, preventing the enemy from advancing, so he decided not to proceed. Kong Bogong dealt a decisive blow to the enemy, and Shen Youzhi and Wu Xigong fled with only a small number of cavalry. Emperor Ming of Song wrote letters to Liu Yu and Xu Province's governor Wang Xuanzai, analyzing the pros and cons for them. Frightened, Wang Xuanzai hurriedly fled at night, abandoning the cities of Yuzhou and Huaiyang. As a result, Emperor Ming of Song sent General Gao Lu, the Middle Secretary, with a thousand cavalry, along with Zhang Dang to take up the post of governor of East Xu Province; he also sent Middle Secretary Li Can and Bi Zhongjing to serve as governors of East Yanzhou, to reassure those who had just submitted. Then, Emperor Ming of Song appointed Kong Yuan as the military governor of Xu Province, North Yanzhou, South Yanzhou, and other regions, as the General Who Guards the East, established a government, served as the governor of Xu Province, and granted him the title of Duke of Huaiyang, and allowed him to continue his roles as a special envoy, a regular cavalry attendant, and a secretary.
The court issued an edict to Kong Yuan, saying: "The bandits Shen Youzhi and Wu Xigong, along with a ragtag bunch, came to attack Xiapi. Kong Yuan, you are brave and decisive, with both wisdom and courage. You cut off their escape by both land and water and swiftly eliminated them, restoring peace to the region north of the Huai River. This is all due to your skilled command as the marshal and the brave soldiers who fought the enemy. I am very pleased! You should station troops in the recaptured cities and important passes to pacify the people. I am now thinking of pacifying the Wu Hui area and planting our flag at Moling. Regarding future military actions, whether to attack or hold back, you should carefully consider and report to me promptly if there are any situations."
At that time, there was an imposter in Xuzhou who claimed to be from the Sima family, who called himself the Prince of Jin and swindled the locals. The court sent soldiers to capture him and beheaded him.
Four years later, the court ordered the marshal to return to the capital and then head to the western suburbs before going back to his original post. In the first year of Yanxing, in May, the emperor bestowed upon him the title of Huaiyang King. Three years later, Liu Yu sent Xiao Shunzhi and Wang Chiqin with thirty thousand troops to invade various cities in the north of the Huai River, and the marshal quickly dispatched troops to drive them back.
The marshal reported: "When Han Nianzu, the magistrate of Shangda
In the early years of the Taihe era, the marshal was summoned back to the court to serve as the Grand Minister of the Inner Court. Not long after, he was sent out as a special envoy, General of the Western Expedition, and Commander of Wan Town, winning the favor of local ethnic minorities. Three years later, he was promoted to the title of Prince of Zhuanyang. The court held him in high regard as an elder statesman, allowing him to attend court with the aid of a cane.
After Xiao Daocheng became emperor, he dispatched spies to incite discontent among the common people and troublemakers, which sparked rebellions in various regions. Because Xiao Yuanwei had always had a good reputation, the court appointed him as a special envoy, Palace Attendant, Commander of the Southern Expeditionary Forces, General of the Western Expedition, and Grand General, while keeping his other official positions unchanged, to lead the army to quell the rebellions. Xiao Yuanwei subdued the bandits Huan and others in Wugu, restoring peace in the southeastern region and tranquility throughout the land. Later, he returned to the court, serving as Palace Attendant and Minister of the Central Secretariat, and was subsequently promoted to the position of Minister of the Interior. Thirteen years later, he was elevated to the rank of Minister of State. Three years later, according to regulations, he was demoted to a commoner title and bestowed the title of Duke of Kaiguo in Shanyang County, with a fief comprising six hundred households.
Xiao Yuanwei reported: "Since the establishment of the Xiao Qi dynasty, I have been assigned to lead the army and have quelled the rebellions south of the Huai River. After bringing stability to the nation, I also served as the governor of Xuzhou. Over the years, I have received a salary from the state but have achieved little. I am well aware of the security concerns in Pengcheng and other areas. I have always considered Pengcheng a vital transportation hub for both water and land; any military action in Jiangnan must rely on it to deter the north. The country’s major strategies should be planned ahead of time. When I captured Xuzhou, Qingzhou and Qizhou had not yet been stabilized, and there were still divisions among the regions south of the Yellow River. At that time, Liu Yu sent Zhang Yong, Shen Youzhi, Chen Xianda, Xiao Shunzhong, and others to repeatedly attempt to seize Pengcheng, hoping to unite with Qingzhou and Gunzhou. Their failure was solely due to Pengcheng's strong defenses. Currently, many of the soldiers stationed at Pengcheng are of Hu ethnicity. When I was the governor of Xuzhou, a Hu general named Huyan Longda rebelled after committing a crime and incited other Hu people to revolt. Fortunately, the court's reputation was well-established, allowing us to execute the traitors. In another instance, a Hu general named Wang Chiqin committed a crime and also rebelled to the south. I'm always worried they might team up and conspire together. I believe we should replace the Hu soldiers in Pengcheng with troops brought in from southern Yuzhou and then bring in Xianbei soldiers from the Central Plains to increase our forces; this would be a safer strategy." The emperor issued a decree saying, "Your suggestion aligns well with the current situation."
In that year, Wei Yuan repeatedly submitted requests for retirement. In August, the emperor issued a decree saying: "Wei Yuan, you are of great virtue and have repeatedly submitted requests for retirement. I regard you as noble in character, open-minded, kind-hearted, and possessing exceptional wisdom. I had intended to entrust you with the governance of the people, so that they may live in peace and work happily. Therefore, I have repeatedly issued decrees to persuade you to stay, despite your wishes. Yet your humble brilliance has only grown stronger with your three earnest requests. If I do not grant your noble request, how can I honor your virtues? I have granted you permission to retire, and the relevant officials can process your memorial according to protocol." Wei Yuan went to the palace to express his gratitude. He was summoned, and the emperor ordered him to the hall to host a banquet, bestowing upon him a black cap and plain robes.
The emperor issued another decree, saying, "The great path lies in emptiness and stillness, supreme virtue is found in humility. Therefore, emperors of future generations follow the profound principles to rule the world, while sages advocate the brilliance of humility to bestow blessings. Thus, the Son of Heaven serves the three elders, who are high in age and virtue, as fathers, and serves the five elders of high virtue and reputation as elder brothers, thus demonstrating filial piety and brotherly respect to the world and educating the people. If one does not possess high virtue and broad knowledge, who could possibly take on these roles? Thus, the Five Emperors esteemed virtue, while the Three Kings humbly accepted counsel. If one were to seek a complete person, equal to the ancient sages, who among today’s elders could be competent? Finding suitable candidates to emulate the sages is difficult, but choosing those who embody moderation is much easier. My virtue and talent are insufficient compared to past sages; thus, selecting older candidates remains somewhat fitting. The former Minister of Works, Duke of Shanyang, Wei Yuan, and the former Grand Herald, Earl of Xintai, You Minggen, both of noble character and integrity, showed remarkable qualities in their youth and earned even greater respect in their old age, holding high positions of authority. Now they have retired to the countryside. This reflects a deep understanding of the beginning and end of life, truly rare sages! Wei Yuan, you are eighty years old and should take on the role of the three elders; Minggen, you are seventy years old and can take on the role of the five elders." Therefore, the three elders and five elders were honored in the Hall of Enlightenment, while the national elders and common elders were enshrined below the steps. The founding emperor once again bowed to the three elders, personally bared his upper body to offer sacrifices, and raised a wine cup to make a toast; he performed a solemn bowing ceremony for the five elders and bestowed garments of different ranks upon the elders and common elders.
Afterwards, Wei Yuan said: "Since the separation of heaven and earth and the functioning of the five elements, there is nothing more important than filial piety that people admire. However, the Five Virtues of filial piety and loyalty are the first to be observed in the world. I hope Your Majesty places great importance on filial piety and uses it to guide the people. I am old and frail, and I can no longer aspire to great ambitions. All I can think of is to do my best." Emperor Gaozu said: "The way of filial piety is the fundamental principle governing heaven and earth. Now that I have received the teachings of the three sages, I will keep them in mind." Ming Gen said: "The highest level of filial piety can move heaven and earth and spirits. As the Book of Songs states, 'With utmost filial piety and brotherly respect, one connects with the divine and shines throughout the four seas.' In this way, the way of filial piety can be universally applicable. I hope Your Majesty keeps this in mind to help save the people. I am old and weak, with limited knowledge, but I dare not slack in my efforts." Emperor Gaozu said: "The three elders assist the emperor, and their words and actions should serve as examples, promoting virtues, practicing self-restraint, and setting an example." After the ceremony, the emperor bestowed a carriage on Wei Yuan. The emperor issued a decree: "Respecting the elderly and honoring the virtuous has been the practice of emperors throughout the ages; showing respect for the elderly and honoring those with virtues has been followed by the sages of all ages. Although I wish to emulate the sages, my knowledge is limited, and my wisdom is insufficient. I admire the teachings of the sages and hope to follow their intentions. Therefore, I appoint people of high virtue and reputation as the three elders, and those with talent as the five assistants, in order to demonstrate the rites of father and elder brother. Although the elder's position is not an official title, and there is no salary for old age and weakness, considering their high status, they should be given special treatment. The three elders shall receive the salary of a high-ranking official, and the five assistants can enjoy the salary of a prime minister, as well as in terms of food and drink." In July 17 BC, the elder became gravely ill, prompting Emperor Gaozu to visit him personally. In August, the elder passed away at the age of 81.
The emperor issued a holy decree, stating: "The elder statesman is magnanimous and upright, his benevolent virtues bring blessings, with extraordinary martial skills in his heart, and outwardly displaying a gentle and respectful demeanor. From youth to old age, he has made many contributions and worked diligently, having served five emperors one after another, his grace has touched four generations of the royal family. He pacified rebellions south of the Huai River, inscribed his achievements on the rocks of Yanran Mountain, and both the State of Lu and the State of Song cherish his benevolence. The court also honors his achievements. He truly excelled in his conduct and affairs throughout his life, with his achievements inscribed in the jade annals, and he is deeply cherished by the common people. After enjoying a long and blessed life, he retired from official duties to spend his remaining years at home. His humility and accomplishments are widely known, and his deeds are celebrated far and wide. I honor him with paternal respect to educate the people. I had hoped he could enjoy a long life and continue to assist the royal family, but unexpectedly, heaven denied him a long life, and he passed away suddenly. I am deeply saddened and will greatly miss his contributions. It is regrettable that, due to the ongoing war at that time, I could not fulfill the funeral rites. I hereby grant him two thousand bolts of silk and various colorful items, along with precious vessels and a set of ceremonial robes, and I will build a tomb for him." Thus, he was posthumously bestowed the title of Duke Jinghuan, buried with the highest honors, accompanied by feathered banners, drums, and a ceremonial procession of forty people, and granted one thousand bolts of silk.
His son Yu's name is at odds with the temple name of Emperor Suzong, but he is very talented. He initially served as a junior official in the Secretariat, later became the Minister of the Imperial Chariot, and was promoted to Chief Guest Official, receiving the title of Regular Attendant of the Tongzhi Cavalry Corps, and served as the Minister of the Palace, also concurrently as the Palace Attendant. He left his post following his father's death. He later resumed his original position, and the emperor ordered him to inherit his title, additionally granting him the title of General of Pacifying the South. Emperor Gaozu personally reviewed the officials and found Yu to be rather lackadaisical, so he was demoted from Regular Attendant to Longjian position, yet still served as Minister, and his salary was docked for a year. After the capital was moved to Luoyang, as Shanyang County was near the capital, it was renamed Boling County, and he was granted the title of Duke of Boling. He later served as General Who Conquers the Enemy and Governor of Hengzhou. After his death, the court posthumously conferred upon him an official title and bestowed upon him the posthumous name of Duke Shun.
Yu's son Jingxing inherited the title and died in the first year of the Zhengshi era, posthumously conferred the title of Governor of Yanzhou. He had no sons.
Jingxing's brother Jingjun inherited the title and served as an Attendant of the Cavalry Corps. During the Yan Chang period, he was demoted to Duke of Shenze County for causing the death of a court official by means of corporal punishment.
Jingjun's son Boyong inherited the title but had no sons, and his title was revoked.
Yu's brother Jing was renowned for his generosity, gentleness, and talents. During the reign of Emperor Shizong, he served as the Left Minister of Personnel. After his death, he was posthumously awarded the title of Governor of Boling, and further posthumously honored with the title of General Who Stabilizes the Army and Governor of Luozhou, and received the posthumous name of Duke Jing.
His son Youzhi served as Regular Attendant of the Tongzhi Cavalry Corps and Chief of the Imperial Guard. He later passed away.
Murong Baiyao is the great-grandson of Murong Yuanzhen. His father, Murong Ju, was renowned for his integrity during his tenure, and the emperor conferred upon him the title of Marquis of Gaodu. His father ultimately rose to the rank of General of Champions and served as Left Minister, and after his death, he was posthumously honored with the title of General of Annam, Governor of Bingzhou, and Duke of Gaodu, with the posthumous name of Jian.
Murong Baiyao, when he was young, worked as a minor official in Zhongshu Sheng. Due to his integrity, he was later transferred to work in the Eastern Palace of the Crown Prince. After Emperor Gaozong ascended to the throne, he promoted him to be the Northern Grand Master. Later, he inherited his father's title and was further promoted to be the Minister of the Northern Region. He strictly enforced the law during his tenure, never showing favoritism or bending the law, and Emperor Gaozong held him in high esteem. After Emperor Gaozong's death, he and Yihun jointly held great power in court affairs, and later he was promoted to be the Right Deputy Minister, his title was also elevated to Duke of Nanxiang, and he was also appointed as the General of Annam.
Under Liu Yu's command, the Inspector of Xuzhou, Xue Andu, and the Inspector of Yanzhou, Bi Zhongjing, surrendered their cities. The Emperor then ordered the Grand General of the Southern Campaign, Wei Yuan, and the General of the Eastern Campaign, Kong Bogong, to lead troops to support. At that time, the Prefect of Dongping, Shen Zuan, stationed troops at Wuyan, and the Inspector of Bingzhou, Fang Chongji, stationed troops at Shengcheng, blocking Wang Xuanmo's messengers.
At the beginning of the Huangxing period, the Emperor promoted Baiyao's official position, appointing him as the Commissioner, Commander of all military forces, General of Conquering the South, and Duke of Shangdang, stationed in Qiaoao as the follow-up support for other troops. Baiyao attacked Wuyan City where Shen Zuan was located, breached the eastern gate. That very night, Shen Zuan fled; Baiyao sent troops in pursuit, captured Shen Zuan, and captured thousands of his family members as well. Before this, the Inspector of Qingzhou, Shen Wenshui, and the Inspector of Jizhou, Cui Daogu, both sent envoys to surrender to Liu Yu; later, Liu Yu sent envoys to reassure them, and they returned to Liu Yu's allegiance.
After Bai Yao captured Wuyancheng, he went on to attack Sheng City. The general defending Sheng City, upon hearing that Bai Yao's army was approaching, abandoned the city and fled, enabling Bai Yao to seize 300,000 measures of grain. Upon reaching Sheng City, the defenders, Yuan Miao and Mi Gou, resisted fiercely and refused to surrender. Bai Yao launched an assault on Mi Gou with more than a thousand cavalry, and the defenders of Mi Gou were defeated, with over a thousand jumping into the Jishui River to take their own lives. Bai Yao then attacked Yuan Miao, also breaking through and securing over 100,000 measures of grain, thus ensuring an ample supply for his troops. Prior to this, Huaiyang Duke Pi Baozi and others had attempted to attack Yuan Miao twice without success, while Bai Yao managed to capture four cities in just ten days, striking fear throughout the Qi region. The emperor was very pleased and issued a decree saying, “You lead the army to subdue those who do not comply, and wherever the army goes, none are left unbroken. In just ten days, you have conquered four cities; how could the achievements of Han Xin and Bai Qi possibly surpass yours?”
Although the commander of Sheng City, Fang Chongji, was in a secluded position and ignored the imperial orders, he was already in a perilous situation and could collapse at any moment. You should continue to uphold your prestige, pay attention to strategy, and avoid overextending yourself with excessive military action. Moreover, punishing wrongdoers and pacifying the populace is the state's mandate, so the people can feel the benevolence of the court. When Sheng City still refused to surrender, Bai Yao grew furious and commanded his soldiers to assault the city, resulting in the deaths of several hundred, which led Fang Chongji to flee under the cover of night. Bai Yao then reassured the people, avoiding further bloodshed, and they were deeply grateful to him. He also captured Fang Chongji's mother and wife and treated them with respect.
Liu Yu sent his general Wu Xi to lead tens of thousands of troops to assault Pengcheng. General Wei Yuan, the General of the Southern Expedition, requested reinforcements. The emperor ordered Bai Yao to go support them. Bai Yao faced challenges upon his arrival at Xiaqiu. At that time, the Si River had risen dangerously, and boats could not pass through. Wu Xi retreated, thus Bai Yao remained at Xiaqiu. Meanwhile, Fang Chongji and his brother Fang Fashou launched a surprise attack on Panyang City, held by Liu Yu, to rescue their mother and wives. Bai Yao sent General Chang Sun Guan and his troops to lead a cavalry charge from Xiaqiu into Panyang. Upon Chang Sun Guan's arrival at Panyang, all the surrounding counties surrendered.
General Chang Sun Ling of the East and General Wei Juan of the East were attacking Qingzhou, while Bai Yao launched an assault on Licheng from Xiaqiu. Bai Yao wrote a letter persuading them to surrender, saying, "Heaven has forsaken Liu Yu, and calamities abound; brothers kill each other, and discipline has completely broken down among superiors and subordinates. Regional governors such as Xue Andou of Xuzhou, Chang Zhenqi of Yuzhou, and Bi Zhongjing of Yanzhou have all recognized the situation and have surrendered to the court in quick succession. The court accepted their surrender and entrusted them with important tasks. These events are unfolding right now, and news of them is spreading rapidly. Even the garrison commander without salt, Shen Zuan, surrendered immediately upon the arrival of the officials and soldiers due to his misdeeds of robbing passersby. Despite Fang Chongji's defense of Shengcheng, his forces soon scattered. From east of Xiangyang to the Huaihai region, all who resisted have now submitted to rightful authority.
"I think that the wise people of Dongyang and Licheng should think about the wealth and glory of Xue Andu, and then consider the tragic fate of Shen Zuan, regretting their past mistakes and reconsidering their choices. However, you stubbornly hold on to your superstitions and refuse to repent. I’m leading my army, sweeping through the north and crossing the Yellow River, knowing that this is just a show of strength. I came to Qi hoping to see a clear and bright landscape, yet I still see no hope. Therefore, I wrote to you in advance to explain the key to success and failure. Understanding to seize the opportunity is mentioned in the "I Ching"; seeking gain and avoiding loss is a basic principle of life. If you continue to be stubborn and self-righteous, you’ll face the same criticism Weizi faced in his time and the same reproaches as Ji Li did in later generations.
The royal family of the Wei state has accumulated virtue for generations, bestowing blessings upon the world. Wherever our army goes, there is no defeat. The armies of the three Wus are no match for us. Moreover, your situation has already fallen apart. Liu Yu can't even control Moling; his orders can't even leave his home. How can he cross the Yangtze River and the sea to come to your rescue? Counting on him to rescue you is like a fish in a pond trying to jump into the ocean—it's just not going to happen.
If a poisonous snake bites your hand, you cut off your hand; if it bites your foot, you cut off your foot. To save your life, you have to endure the pain of sacrifice. If you act out of a sense of righteousness, there won’t be any pain of cutting flesh; instead, you can protect your family business and enjoy peace. This is a principle wise people should seriously think about to secure their own well-being."
Cui Daogu stubbornly held out in the city, refusing to surrender, so Bai Yao laid a long siege against him. After Changsun Ling and his group arrived in Qingzhou, Shen Wenshi sent someone to request surrender. Bai Yao's army entered the western outskirts of Qingzhou and engaged in some looting. Wenshi regretted his decision and promptly closed the city gates to mount a defense. Two years later, Cui Daogu and Liu Xiubin, the defending general of Yanzhou, were both captured. Bai Yao released both of them, treating them with great courtesy, and sent Daogu, Xiubin, and their subordinates to the capital. Later, the residents of the two cities were relocated to Xiaoguan, and the court established Pingqi County, Huaining County, and Guian County to resettle them. The remaining individuals were treated as slaves and distributed among the officials. Even while leading his army, Bai Yao was known for his generosity and kindness in dealing with others. He captured Chongji's mother and wife, as well as Shen Zuan's women, and arranged separate tents for them, ensuring that soldiers would not disturb them.
Then, Bai Yao attacked Dongyang again. In the winter, he breached the western wall of Dongyang city. In the spring of the third year, Dongyang was captured, and Shen Wenshuo was captured. A total of 850,000 piculs of food, 3,000 piculs of rice, 9,000 bows, 188,000 arrows, 22,400 swords, 3,300 pieces of armor, 5,000 jin of copper, and 150,000 guan of money were seized; there were 8,600 households in the city, with a population of 41,000 people, and more than 300 households of Wu barbarians. For three years, the city was besieged, and fighting occurred every day. Although many soldiers were killed and injured, there were not many complaints or rebellions. Bai Yao urged the local people to pay taxes and silk as military expenses, without excessively squeezing the people. The people in the Sanqi region were very happy and lived in peace. On the day of capturing the city, because Shen Wenshuo was arrogant and disrespectful, refusing to bow to him, Bai Yao angrily beat him up, which became his only stain. Because of this military merit, Bai Yao was appointed as the commander-in-chief, the commander of military affairs in Qingqi Dongxuzhou, the governor of Qingzhou, the king of Jinan, and his position as general remained unchanged.
In the winter of the fourth year, Bai Yao was killed. Initially, Yihun held power, and Bai Yao had a good relationship with him, so he was later held accountable. When he was about to be executed, it was said that he was plotting a rebellion, and public opinion at the time believed he was wronged.
Bai Yao's youngest son Zhen'an, who was only eleven years old, heard that his father had been arrested and wanted to commit suicide. His family stopped him, saying, "The severity of the situation is still uncertain." Zhen'an said, "Father holds a high position of power, with great achievements. If he only made a small mistake, he would not have ended up like this. How can I bear to see my father die!" So he committed suicide.
Bai Yao's younger brother Ruyi also helped Bai Yao pacify Lixia and was also killed with Bai Yao. During the Taihe period, the assistant editor Cheng Yan submitted a petition to seek justice for Bai Yao, saying:
I heard that expanding territories and establishing nations all depend on formidable generals; recognizing achievements and rewarding those who have made contributions is the duty of a wise monarch. In the past, Jiang Shang laid the groundwork for the Zhou Dynasty using the Marshal's seal; Han Xin established the foundation of the Han Dynasty with the general's flag. That is why they were richly rewarded and have gone down in history.
However, if victories are achieved but rumors and suspicions arise in the rear, the monarch becomes suspicious, and the generals become afraid; they may betray their country like Le Yi betrayed Yan or flee to another country like Zhang Han did to Chu. Take Deng Ai, for example; he remained loyal and risked his life to quell Shu, with unwavering loyalty, yet tragically, he was killed, which is truly heartbreaking! And Du Yu attacked Wu, bravely fought the enemy, disregarded personal safety, led his army thousands of miles across the river, seized the opportunity, and forced Sun Hao and his ministers to bring their coffins to Luoyang. Despite his great achievements, he faced numerous slanderous rumors, internal and external collusion, just as success seemed within reach; it nearly failed were it not for the wisdom of Emperor Wu of Jin.
Every time I read these historical stories, I feel a deep sense of regret. Wise monarchs and enlightened rulers must give this matter serious thought!
I found that the former General of the Southern Campaign, the Imperial Commissioner, the Governor of Qingzhou, and the Prince of Jinnan, Murong Baiyao, had ancestors who had been local leaders for generations, holding sway over the eastern frontier. At a time when the country was thriving and all officials and citizens lived in peace and contentment, Baiyao was raised in the royal family, practiced Taoism, held a high-ranking position, and garnered great respect.
In the early years of Tian'an, the tribes in Jiangyin and Yichu regions dared to resist the court's commands. Surrounded on three sides by enemies, their cities stood as solid as mountains, and the common people in the Haidai region longed for the court to send troops to their rescue. The court decided to turn its attention south, thinking of saving the people, and held discussions in a meeting, ultimately deciding to appoint this famous general, and all the officials agreed that he was the only one capable of handling the task. Thus, the court entrusted him with a significant responsibility, allowing him to command an army of one hundred thousand and control military power in the region.
He instilled fear along the Huai River and the Yellow River, making the people of Huainan and Xuzhou tremble; the moment the army advanced, Shenzuan surrendered. Jibei and Taiyuan collapsed simultaneously; Migo and Yuanmiao fled in succession. When he returned to the court, the cities along the way presented gifts to show their submission, and the people of Panyang and Liangzhou even came stripped of their clothes to request surrender.
At that time, Dongyang County had not yet been pacified, and many people watched the situation unfold, unsure of how to respond. Shen Wenjing and Gao Chongren led their followers to refuse to acknowledge the court, causing turmoil along the borders. Cui Sengyou, Gai Ciyang, and Chen Xianda united their troops in the Huaihai region, advancing on both land and water, waving flags in an attempt to rescue Qingzhou and Qizhou. The common people were in a state of fear and confusion, all looking south. The soldiers, having served for a long time, were filled with homesickness, but Bai Yao publicly proclaimed the court's grace and employed various strategies internally. He personally put on armor and fought alongside his soldiers, sharing hardships and comforting the newly surrendered civilians, treating them with kindness. The soldiers felt warmth, and the newly surrendered civilians also felt the court's kindness.
Thus, Cui Sengyou led his troops to withdraw and submit to the court; Shen Wenjing and Gao Chongren fled the city and escaped to the sea; Gai Ciyang and Chen Xianda fled south in response to the situation. His reputation struck fear into Jiang and Wu, and also quelled the unrest in the Jing and Han regions. After Qingzhou was pacified, Wenxiu was captured, the sea was calm, the Sanqi area stabilized, and the southeastern region was permanently secured for the court. The court's treasury received tributes from six provinces as a result, and the Jishui and Si rivers areas were no longer at risk of war, enabling the planning of the grand ceremony at Mount Dai and the organization of the mountains and rivers. This was truly a blessing from their ancestors and a sign from heaven, but it also could not be separated from Bai Yao's contributions.
After the calm, Bai Yao was promoted in office, reveling in temporary glory and newfound fame. However, the common folk despised him, spreading rumors that he had grown too powerful and posed a threat to the ruler. The truth was hard to discern, and before he could recover from his injuries, his entire family was murdered, reducing his past achievements and virtues to nothing but fading memories. Could anyone with a heart not feel sorrow at this sight?
I always feel that Bai Yao achieved remarkable military accomplishments at court, receiving numerous honors from the emperor. Both in the court and among the common people, he left behind a reputation for loyalty and righteousness. He led troops into battle, repeatedly achieving extraordinary feats, expanding territory by a thousand miles, capturing twelve cities, risking his life on the battlefield, braving gunfire and artillery, charging into the fray, with a singular focus on quelling the rebellion. Once the war subsided, he was honored greatly, awarded land, and enjoyed unending wealth and glory, having reached the pinnacle of his life by the age of sixty. Looking at his accomplishments, it is clear that he was favored by fortune; how could this be mere luck, let alone suggest any ulterior motives? Moreover, at that time, the national army was stationed in the south of the capital, with a formidable military presence and morale, and all the generals were brave and skilled in battle, swearing loyalty to the court. Bai Yao must have known that, under such circumstances, he could not entertain any treasonous thoughts. Furthermore, the rebel forces were besieged, losing the support of the people, the imperial army closing in, the provinces being breached, the populace exhausted and morale at an all-time low; those fleeing had no strength to protect themselves, let alone any courage! Bai Yao, seasoned in battle and knowledgeable in military strategy, must have understood that the common people could not be relied upon, and not all soldiers would obey him. Attempting to do something extraordinary by leveraging a powerful military force and the people's suffering would be incredibly foolish! From this reasoning, the outcome of the situation can be easily imagined.
Your Majesty, you are wise, brave, benevolent, and filial, with virtues that surpass all others and transcend those of past emperors. Since the founding of the nation, you have ordered the recovery and burial of all those sentenced to capital punishment, leaving no remains behind. Such grace has never been seen in history. However, Bai Yao, despite his past contributions, suffered disaster leading to the destruction of his family and reputation, the downfall of his country, and no one to inherit his title. The common people mourned for him, and compared to other exiles, his situation was certainly different.
I hope Your Majesty can shine as brilliantly as the sun and the moon, illuminating the contributions of this loyal official, granting blessings akin to those of heaven and earth, and comforting the soul of the deceased. Let him rest in peace and have a good reputation after death. Furthermore, select a talented descendant of his to grant a minor title, to restore the severed family line. In this way, it will both inspire future generations and demonstrate your grace. May the living experience your immense blessings, and let the deceased receive the kindness of familial bonds; wouldn’t that be wonderful? I hope Your Majesty, Wise and Enlightened, will consider my memorial, and if my words are inappropriate, please punish me.
After reading the memorial, Emperor Gaozu felt great sympathy for him. Bai Yao's disciple Qi was quite frivolous and lacked proper decorum. During the Taihe period, relying on his noble birth, he was promoted to the position of Zhong San Daifu and later received further promotions. Wang Zhen of Nan'an had a poor reputation as a corrupt official, so the emperor sent Zhong San Daifu Lu Wenzu to investigate him in Chang'an. As a result, Lu Wenzu accepted gold and silver treasures from Wang Zhen, aiding him in concealing the truth. When the matter was exposed, he was punished.
Empress Dowager Wenming summoned the officials and said, "In the past, everyone spoke of integrity, claiming to be upright, and Lu Wenzu was also in the court at that time, yet he still broke the law in the end. This illustrates how difficult it is to discern the human heart!" Emperor Gaozu said, "In ancient times, some officials were dismissed while others shunned the pursuit of fame and fortune. Think carefully; who can guarantee they won't be tempted by greed? If anyone wishes to resign and return home, I grant it."
At this time, Qi stood up and said, "I am just a humble person of limited experience. I am grateful for the emperor's favor and the important position I hold. It is truly a stroke of luck. As a humble person, I have an unstable heart, and the emperor's laws are eternal and unchanging. I cannot follow eternal and unchanging laws with an unstable heart. I beg the emperor to allow me to resign." Emperor Gaozu said, "Once, the prime minister of the Zheng Kingdom loved to eat fish. When someone sent him fish, the prime minister said, 'If I accept this fish, I am afraid I will be demoted.' So he did not dare to accept it. Qi, since you know that human hearts are unpredictable, you should also know the harm of greed. Why do you still want to resign?"
Later, Qi continued to serve as a prime minister. Although he liked to deal with trivial matters, his work ability was good, especially in logistics management and food management. Therefore, he gradually gained appreciation. When Luoyang City needed rebuilding and required equipment and materials from Xinye and Nanyang, Qi was involved. At the end of the Taihe period, because of his achievements, he was promoted to Grand Master of the Palace, Guanglu Shaoqing, Yingzhou Dazhongzheng, and was also titled as a noble of Dingtou.
During the Zhengshi period, he was appointed as the General of Conquering the Barbarians and the Governor of Yingzhou. Later, he was reassigned as the commander of the two towns of Huoye and Bogu Lu, and then promoted to the commander of Yuyi and Huaihuang two towns, and continued as the commander of Pingcheng. His military duties remained the same. He was then promoted to the commander of Shuozhou, Woye Huaisuo Wuchuan three towns and three roads, the General of the Rear, and the Governor of Shuozhou. He died in the first year of Xiping, posthumously promoted to General of the North and Governor of Binzhou, with the posthumous title "Ke."
At first, after the Murong clan was defeated, there were still many survivors. By the Tianci period, the court began to fear them and carried out mass killings. At that time, some escaped, and in order to save their lives, they dared not use the Murong surname anymore, and changed their surname to "Yu" for safety. By the Yanchang period, the court ordered the restoration of the old surname, but those children who had already entered the imperial palace continued to be referred to as Murong, and their numbers were even greater than other ethnic groups.
The eldest of the Lao Qi family was named Sheng, with the courtesy name Sengdu. He served as the governor of Jianxing, later promoted to General of Zhenyuan and General of Woye, and eventually was appointed General of Conquering the Enemy. The common people liked him very much, and he had particularly good relationships with them.
His younger brother, the second, Sengji, started as a minor official in the court and gradually rose to the position of Wuxiao. He was fond of eating, drinking, and having a good time, indulging in wine and women, and did not care at all about reputation or virtue.
Lao Qi's son, Beihui, served as the Chief of Jingzhou and Governor of Xinping, with a solid track record, and the common people praised him. During the Jingming years, the emperor rewarded him with 200 stones of grain! After his death, the court posthumously conferred upon him the title of Inspector of Youzhou.
Lao Qi's grandson, Shan, served as the chief clerk at the Yitong Kaifu.
The historical records state: In the state of Wei, few generals managed to achieve significant accomplishments. Wei Yuan, who was known for his generosity and gentleness, was able to hold important military positions, capturing Xiaqiu as easily as flipping a hand, and taking Pengcheng was even simpler, capturing prisoners and executing enemy generals, earning a widespread reputation. He rose to the rank of duke and, in his old age, received personal inquiries from the emperor. Such individuals are truly rare these days! There was also Bai Yao, who was upright and polite, and when he went to war, he swept through the Three Qis as swiftly as the wind sweeping away leaves, earning the people's joy. His contributions were not small! However, great achievements can sometimes invite suspicion, even leading to assassination, while being able to embrace talented individuals and diligently manage state affairs, like Wei Yuan and Bai Yao, was quite rare at that time.
