Duke Dang of the Jin Dynasty, known by his courtesy name Sabao, was the youngest son of Duke Shao Hui, the brother of Emperor Taizu. He was upright and responsible from a young age, particularly favored by Emperor Taizu, which set him apart from his brothers. Duke Hui passed away when he was twelve, and he followed his uncles in Ge Rong's army. After Ge Rong's defeat, they moved to Jinyang. When Emperor Taizu entered the pass, Hu did not accompany them because he was still very young. During the Pu Tai era, he moved from Jinyang to Pingliang at the age of nineteen. Since Emperor Taizu's sons were still young, he entrusted the management of family affairs to Hu. Although Hu was not strict in managing the household, he maintained order and organization. Emperor Taizu once remarked, "This child has ambitions and demeanor like mine!"
Upon arriving in Linxia Prefecture, I stayed to assist He Ba Yue. After He Ba Yue was killed, Emperor Gaozu arrived in Pingliang and appointed me as a commander. Later, I followed Gaozu to campaign against Hou Mochen Yue and defeated him. Afterward, due to my contributions in welcoming Emperor Wei, I was granted the title of Earl of Shuichi County, with a fief consisting of five hundred households. In the early years of the Datong era, I was promoted to the position of Tongzhi Sanqi Changshi and General of the Expeditionary Forces. Because I participated in quelling the rebellion of Le Xun, I was promoted to the rank of Duke, and my fief increased to one thousand five hundred households. I also accompanied Gaozu in capturing Dou Tai, recapturing Hongnong, breaching Shayuanz, and winning a battle at Heqiao, repeatedly achieving military merits. I was subsequently promoted to General of the East and Grand Commander.
Eight years later, I was promoted to Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry and held the title of Same Rank as the Three Officials. During the Battle of Mangshan, I led the army as the vanguard and was surrounded by the enemy. Fortunately, Governor Hou Fuhou Long'en stepped forward to protect me, allowing me to escape danger. At that time, Zhao Gui and others' troops also retreated, and only then did Emperor Gaozu return to the capital. Due to this battle, I was relieved of my duties, but soon after, I was restored to my original office. In the twelfth year, I was again promoted to Grand General of Cavalry, was appointed to the office of Same Rank as the Three Officials, and was granted the title of Duke of Zhongshan, with my fief expanded to nine hundred households. In the fifteenth year, I was assigned to govern Hedong and was promoted to General.
When I campaigned with Yu Jin against Jiangling, I led the light cavalry as the vanguard, marching day and night, sending subordinate officers to attack the border towns of the Liang kingdom, all of which were captured. We also captured their reconnaissance cavalry and advanced straight to the foot of Jiangling City. The people in the city were caught off guard by our rapid advance, and they were startled and panicked, throwing their ranks into disarray. I also sent two thousand cavalry to cut off the ferry routes at Jiangling, seizing the boats and awaiting the arrival of the main army, ultimately surrounding and capturing Jiangling. Due to this military achievement, my son was granted the title of Duke of Jiangling. Previously, the barbarian chieftains, such as Xiang Tianbao in Xiangyang, comprising over ten thousand households, relied on the difficult terrain to create chaos. After the main army returned to the capital, I led the troops to pacify them.
Later, when the six official system was implemented, I was appointed as the Minor Minister of Works. When Emperor Gaozu was on his western tour to Qiantun Mountain, he fell gravely ill and urgently summoned me. I arrived in Jingzhou to see Emperor Gaozu, at which point his condition had become very severe. Emperor Gaozu said to me, "Look at me like this; I definitely won't make it. My sons are still young, and the bandits have not been quelled. The great affairs of the world are entrusted to you. You must strive to fulfill my last wishes!" I wept and pledged my loyalty to Emperor Gaozu. When I reached Yunyang, Emperor Gaozu passed away. I kept his death a secret and only announced it upon my arrival in Chang'an. At that time, the crown prince was young, enemies were lurking, and the populace was in a state of panic. I reorganized the internal and external regulations and reassured the civil and military officials, which stabilized the hearts of the people.
Earlier, Emperor Gaozu often said, "I have the power of Hu Li," and at that time, everyone did not understand what it meant, until now, people realize it referred to me. Soon after, I was appointed as the Pillar of the State. After Emperor Gaozu was buried, I believed that the Mandate of Heaven was now mine, so I sent someone to persuade Emperor Wei to abdicate, ultimately completing the abdication.
After Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, he immediately promoted Yuwen Hu, appointing him as Grand Marshal, granting him the title of Duke of Jin, and bestowing upon him a fief that included ten thousand households. However, Zhao Gui and Dugu Xin hatched a plot to eliminate Yuwen Hu. As a result, Yuwen Hu captured Zhao Gui during his visit to the palace to meet the emperor, and those who conspired with him were also implicated and executed. After that, Yuwen Hu was promoted once more, taking on the role of Grand Chancellor.
At that time, the Secretary Li Zhi and the military commander Sun Heng, who had held high positions during Emperor Taizu's reign, had long served in key roles. They saw that Yuwen Hu was now powerful and feared being pushed aside by him. So, they quietly approached Yuwen Hu's inner circle, including Gong Bo, Yi Fu Feng, Zhang Guangluo, He Ba Ti, and Yuan Jin, and reported to the emperor, "Since Yuwen Hu killed Zhao Gui, his power has grown increasingly larger, and the strategists and old generals are all vying to curry favor with him. All matters of the court, big and small, are decided by Yuwen Hu. We believe he won't stay compliant, and his influence will only increase. We need to come up with a plan to deal with him soon." The emperor listened to their advice and found it very reasonable.
Yi Fu Feng and the others went on, "Even the late emperor, who was so wise and powerful, delegated the important matters of the court to Li Zhi and Sun Heng. Now, if you let Yu Wen Hu hold all the power, what kind of trouble would that cause? Furthermore, Duke Jin, Yu Wen Hu, often says that he is assisting Your Majesty and wants to follow in the footsteps of the Duke of Zhou, who assisted King Cheng. But we've heard that the Duke of Zhou was only regent for seven years before handing power back to King Cheng. Your Majesty, do you really think your situation permits you to be regent for seven years like the Duke of Zhou? We genuinely hope you see this clearly." After hearing this, the emperor grew even more convinced by what they said. Thus, he quietly gathered troops to drill in the back garden, getting ready to make some arrests.
Yuwen Hu had a vague feeling that something was off, so he appointed Li Zhi as governor of Liangzhou and Sun Heng as governor of Tongzhou in an effort to thwart their conspiracy. Later, the emperor started to miss Li Zhi and the others and tried to summon them back several times. Yuwen Hu advised, saying, "The closest relationship in this world is nothing more than that of brothers. If brothers are suspicious of each other, then there is even less to say about others. Emperor Taizu recognized that Your Majesty is still young and entrusted the major affairs of the state to me before his death. I have to think about both the country and my own family. I am fully committed to assisting Your Majesty, hoping to give my all. If Your Majesty can manage state affairs and gain respect across the realm, even in death, I would be just as happy as if I were alive. But what worries me is that if I die, those treacherous villains will succeed, which would not only be bad for Your Majesty but also put the state in danger. The reason I work so diligently and take such risks is to honor Emperor Taizu's trust and safeguard the country. I never thought Your Majesty would doubt my loyalty. Besides, as the elder brother of the Son of Heaven and the state's advisor, what more could I ask for? I sincerely ask Your Majesty to see the truth and not believe the lies of those treacherous ministers!" As he spoke, Yuwen Hu broke down in tears and couldn’t stop for quite a while. Still, the emperor continued to have doubts about him.
The Fengge Officials became increasingly fearful, and their conspiracy deepened. They decided to choose a day to invite the court ministers to a banquet, then capture the Military Commander and kill him. The Minister of Rites revealed the entire plot of the Fengge Officials to the Military Commander, who then summoned Zhu Guo Helan Xiang, Deputy General Weichi Gang, and others to inform them of the Fengge Officials' plan. Helan Xiang and the others advised the Military Commander to depose the emperor. At that time, Weichi Gang was in command of the Imperial Guards, so the Military Commander sent Weichi Gang into the palace to gather the Fengge Officials for a discussion. After they came out, they were successively escorted to the Military Commander’s residence. The Military Commander then disbanded the Imperial Guards and sent Helan Xiang to pressure the emperor, confining him to his old residence.
Next, the Military Commander gathered all the nobles and ministers together, he said tearfully, "The late king came from humble beginnings, personally went into battle to kill enemies, worked hard, and fought for our great cause for over thirty years. The enemy has not yet been subdued, and he suddenly passed away, leaving the people behind. I ascended to the throne, fulfilling the late emperor's last wishes. As Duke Lueyang is the rightful heir, I, along with the ministers, supported him as emperor, overhauling the corrupt practices of the Wei dynasty and ushering in the prosperity of the Zhou dynasty, becoming the ruler of the four seas. But since he ascended the throne, he has indulged in debauchery, favored petty people, and distanced himself from kinship, seeking to eliminate ministers and key officials. If their conspiracy succeeds, the country will surely perish. If I die, how can I face the late king? Today, I would rather fail Duke Lueyang than betray the realm! Duke Nandu is virtuous, talented, benevolent, and wise, deeply loved by the people and watched by all. Now I want to depose the foolish emperor; what do all of you ministers think?" All the ministers replied, "This is a matter for your household; we will certainly obey your orders." Thus, the Military Commander executed the Fengge Officials outside the door and also executed Zhi and Heng. Not long after, he killed the emperor. Then he welcomed Emperor Shizong to ascend the throne in Qizhou.
Two years later, the Protector General was elevated to the position of Grand Preceptor, bestowed a chariot and ceremonial robes, and his son was conferred the title of Duke of Chongye. Initially, the Protector General changed the title of the Governor of Yongzhou to 'Shepherd' and appointed himself to this position, also granting him the music of gold and stone. In the first year of Wucheng, the Protector General submitted a request to return to governance, which the emperor approved. However, matters of military and state were still entrusted to the Protector General. The emperor was intelligent, wise, insightful, and courageous, which made the Protector General feel quite intimidated by him. There was a man named Li An, who initially gained the Protector General's favor due to his cooking skills and was gradually promoted to Deputy Minister of Meals. At this time, the Protector General secretly ordered Li An to poison the emperor's food. As a result, the emperor became ill and soon passed away. The Protector General supported Emperor Gaozu, and all officials obeyed the Protector General.
It is said that when Emperor Taizu was Prime Minister, he established twelve armies on the left and right, all under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister's office. After Emperor Taizu’s death, these armies obeyed the commands of the Duke of Protecting the Nation; any military mobilization required the Duke's orders. The Duke's residence was garrisoned by the Imperial Guards, even more stringent than those guarding the palace. For all major and minor matters, decisions were made by the Duke of Protecting the Nation first, before being reported to the court.
In the first year of Baoding, the Duke of Protecting the Nation was appointed as the Commander of Military Affairs, responsible for overseeing the Five Offices, holding power second only to the Heavenly Officials. Someone suggested that Duke Zhou had great merits, and the State of Lu built a temple for him, so the contributions of the Duke of Protecting the Nation could rival those of Duke Zhou and he should enjoy the same treatment. Thus, the court issued an edict to establish a temple for the Duke of Protecting the Nation in the residence of the Jin State in Tongzhou, permitting him to perform the sacrifices himself. Three years later, the court issued another edict that declared: "The Grand Chancellor of the Jin State, wise and knowledgeable in many matters, has bestowed his grace upon the world. He helped me achieve the imperial enterprise and stabilize the lives of the common people. Moreover, he has a close relationship with the royal family and serves as a key minister; he should not be regarded as equal to other ministers!" From now on, edicts and official documents were not to directly refer to the Duke of Protecting the Nation by name, to reflect his esteemed status. However, the Duke of Protecting the Nation firmly declined the offer.
At the beginning, when Taizu was establishing his rule, he formed a marriage alliance with the Turks and used a strategy of mutual restraint to jointly deal with the Gao family regime. That year, he sent General Yang Zhong to lead troops east to attack the Turks, breaching the Great Wall of Qi and reaching Bingzhou before returning to the capital city. They agreed to continue sending troops the following year, attacking from both the north and south. The emperor of Qi was greatly alarmed. Previously, the mother of the Protector of the Nation, Lady Yan, along with the emperor's fourth aunt and some other royal relatives, had been captured and imprisoned by the Qi state. After the Protector of the Nation became prime minister, he had been secretly sending people to search for their whereabouts, but he received no news. Finally, the Qi state agreed to release them and sought reconciliation. Four years later, the emperor's fourth aunt was the first to return to the court. Seeing the growing power of the Protector of the Nation, the emperor of Qi detained his mother, intending to use her as leverage in the future. He also sent a letter addressed to the Protector of the Nation, to Lady Yan, saying:
Alas, the heavens and earth are so far apart, and I am separated from the children, without knowing if we are alive or dead for over thirty years now; my heart aches so much that it's truly unbearable! I think you must be just as sad and distressed; I really don’t know what to do. I remember marrying into your family when I was nineteen, and now I’m eighty. Over these years, I have experienced war and endured much hardship. I’ve always hoped you’d grow up to live a peaceful life. Unfortunately, we made a terrible mistake, and now we are separated by life and death, with life and death feeling so distant. I gave birth to three sons and three daughters, and now I cannot see even one of them. Just thinking about it breaks my heart.
Fortunately, the emperor's favor has allowed me to live somewhat peacefully in my old age. My daughter-in-law Yang, your aunt, the He Gan, and your sister-in-law Liu all live with me, and we get along quite well. It's just that I'm a bit hard of hearing, so I can only hear when people speak loudly. However, my basic needs—eating, drinking, using the restroom, and sleeping—are all fine, and I have no major ailments. Now, the wise and benevolent Emperor of the Great Qi has graciously allowed me to return to you, and has even allowed me to let you know I'm safe. After so many years of being consumed by sorrow, I can finally be free; this truly feels like a blessing from above! How can I ever repay such kindness?
When you and I parted, you were still young, and you might not remember the family matters clearly. We gave birth to you and your brothers in Wuchuan Town; your older brother is a Rat, your younger brother is a Rabbit, and you are a Snake. The year Xianyu Xiuli raised his army, our whole family first lived in Boling County. We planned to go to Zuoren City, but when we reached north of the Tang River, we were defeated by the Dingzhou government troops. Your grandfather and your two uncles were all killed in battle. Your aunt He Ba and her son Yuanbao, your aunt He Gan and her son Puti, and I, along with you six people, were all captured and taken to Dingzhou City. Not long after, you and I were handed over to Yuanbao. He Ba and He Gan then scattered. Yuanbao saw you and said, "I know your grandfather; you look just like him!" At that time, Yuanbao's camp was in Tang City. We stayed for three days, and the men and women captured by Yuanbao, probably around sixty or seventy, were all sent to the capital. You and I were escorted together. When we reached the south of Dingzhou City, we spent the night at the home of our fellow villager Ji Kugen. Ru Ru Nu saw the campfire of Xianyu Xiuli and said to me, "I’m going back to my own army now." When we got to the camp, I told them we were here. The next morning, your uncle brought troops to intercept us, and only then were you and I able to return to the camp. You were thirteen then, riding with me alongside the troops. Do you remember these thin
Many things mentioned in this letter, you may not remember clearly, but these are your father's memories of your childhood experiences. He hopes you can remember them and feel his deep love for you. Ah, what a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity this is! Encountering such a good emperor of the Great Qi Dynasty, the emperor has shown mercy, allowing me to meet you! Upon hearing this news, even if I were to die, it would be worth it, especially now that we can surely be reunited! Look, even the birds, beasts, and plants know that mother and child depend on each other. What wrong have I done to deserve this separation from you? Now that I can see you again, I am truly so happy! Thinking of this makes me both sad and joyful, feeling as if I have died and come back to life. In this world, if you really want something, you can usually get it, but for a mother and child separated by distance, where can one find each other?
Even if you become a high official in the future, wealthy enough to rival nations, what good is it if your eighty-year-old mother travels thousands of miles just to see you, on the verge of death, yet who can’t even be by your side for a single day, left cold without clothes and hungry without food? Even if you hold power over the world and bring glory to your family, what use is it to you? What benefit does it bring me? I never got to experience your filial piety before, but let's leave the past behind us. From today onward, I will rely entirely on you for the rest of my days! Remember, with heaven above and earth below, the spirits are watching; do not take advantage of my old confusion to bully me!
Your aunt from the Yang family, although the weather is hot now, is still thinking of sending this letter first. The rivers and mountains are so far apart, and it’s been years since we last saw each other. The letter talks about ordinary things, and I’m worried you might misunderstand, so whenever I save money, I write my name down. As long as you get this, there's no need to feel weird about it.
(After receiving the letter, Huxing Zhixiao was so heartbroken that he could not contain himself; those around him were dumbfounded.) The reply said:
Oh, the country is a complete mess, and our family has also suffered a terrible misfortune. My mother and I have been separated for thirty-five years! Among parents and children in the world, who doesn't love each other? But I have been unfilial like Sabaonan from the stories, and I feel so ashamed for my mother! The sins I've committed over the years should have brought down heaven's wrath, but I never imagined they'd end up hurting my mother too. I've been doing my best to live a good life all these years, never doing anything to hurt anyone. Heaven should be able to see my hardships; please have mercy on me! Now that I have become a marquis, my mother has become a captive. I have no idea if she’s warm or cold, or how she's doing. She seems to be living in another world, and I have no way of knowing her situation. Day and night, I am in sorrow and tears, living in regret and pain. Even if I die, I hope to see my mother in the afterlife.
Unexpectedly, the State of Qi has shown mercy, granting me, my fourth aunt, and Modun release! When I heard this news, I was so overwhelmed with excitement, crying and shouting uncontrollably. My fourth aunt has safely returned to her hometown and met with my mother in Hedong on the 18th of this month. Seeing my mother from a distance broke my heart. But after many years of separation and uncertain fate, I couldn’t find the words when we met, only able to thank the State of Qi for their kindness. Although Modun is still in the palace, he is also being looked after and has now arrived in Ye City with even more favor. In her letter, my mother begged Modun to convey her tragic situation and detailed the conditions at home. As I read the letter, it felt like my heart was being cut with a knife. Every word in the letter is etched in my memory, unforgettable. Modun is getting older and has suffered a lot. She mentioned in the letter that she’s living a pretty rough life, often short on clothes and food; but she laid everything out clearly.
I'm feeling a whirlwind of emotions! I was already in my teens when my hometown was in ruins, and I still vividly remember the old stories of my neighbors; let alone the misfortunes at home, with relatives displaced and my mother’s teachings forever etched in my heart, never to be forgotten. Alas, the world is in turmoil, with conflicts raging everywhere. Emperor Taizu seized the opportunity to unify the realm and restore order; it was his wise decisions that brought stability to the Two Rivers and Three Auxiliaries regions. Reflecting on his accomplishments, it's clear they were not gained through deceit or betrayal. After Emperor Taizu passed away, the successor had not yet been determined, and Uncle Sabao, as an elder, took on the heavy responsibility of assisting the new ruler. Although he held a significant position and bore great responsibilities, during every festival and celebration, watching his children and grandchildren, his heart ached with immense sorrow, feeling heartbroken and guilty to the late emperor and the heavens. The grace of the Qi Dynasty Emperor was immense; it not only benefited me but also blessed others. Even the grass and trees feel this grace, let alone us! How could I not remember it in my heart and feel grateful? In both the nation and family, trust and loyalty are the foundation. I’ve always longed to see the emperor to repay his kindness; it’s my lifelong wish. Even if I were to be torn apart, I could not repay the emperor's vast grace; even if I were to carry Mount Tai, I could not express my gratitude. The two countries are separated, making it impossible to correspond, but the emperor, recalling the bond between mother and child, specially allowed me to write back. I never expected to receive a letter from home today; I cried my heart out at my desk, struggling to express my feelings. The letter also included the brocade robe Uncle Sabao left behind when he departed; although time has passed, I still remember it vividly, and holding this robe made me cry even harder. As for visiting the emperor, I'm ready to face death; what else could I possibly think?
The Emperor of Qi did not immediately send someone to send me back; instead, he sent someone to escort letters, insisting that I express my deep gratitude for the emperor's favor, making several trips, but my mother ultimately could not come. The court ministers believed I had lost credibility, so they ordered the relevant departments to send a message to the State of Qi saying: "Only with righteousness can one survive; without trust, one cannot stand strong. No mountain is heavier than the weight of military provisions; therefore, it is said that Zhong'er achieved greatness because he was trustworthy; and Suihui could form alliances successfully because Zhushi did not deceive. No ruler who governs the people and leads a nation can forget gratitude and repeatedly break promises!"
Speaking of our family's ancestors, ever since they were bullied by those barbarian tribes, the relationships in the court have been in disarray, with royal relatives trapped for three generations. My aunt and grandmother are both hoping to return home. Last summer, the court finally made a move, saying they would send my aunt back and also promised to let my grandmother return. They said the weather was too hot then and would discuss it again in autumn. We thought they were sincere and wouldn’t break their promise. But now, all the leaves have fallen, and frost is about to come, yet there’s been no news from my grandmother, nor have they said when she would return or replied to my letters. She does not need gifts at all; claiming to protect the land and ensure the people's safety isn’t her way of repaying. Upon reflection, this is completely different from what she originally intended!
Expressing love through gifts doesn't mean you should indulge them. They need to honestly take responsibility and sincerely ask for something in return; otherwise, it will only harm goodwill and go against what’s right! Our Zhou Dynasty's territory was founded by our first emperor; how can we sacrifice national interests for family matters or damage our actual benefits just for reputation? A truly benevolent person doesn’t hurt those who raised them. Staying calm on the outside while building strength in secret—doesn’t that show foresight? If we compete for territory and attack each other like two sharp knives, the consequences would be dire, just like in the Battle of Changping, where the Zhao state could end up split in two; if the army were to advance from Hangu Pass, the Han state could also be divided into three parts. At that point, could we really come out unscathed? How could there be no losses?
The Grand Chancellor, who holds a powerful position, is deeply tied to both family and the nation; he is heartbroken, handling the aftermath for the wrongly executed soldiers, yet he unexpectedly ends up in such a situation, sacrificing himself for nothing. It’s a shame things started off well but ended badly; the ministers in court were shocked, and the army was furious. He might not be able to be a good son, but he has to be a loyal minister! Last year, the northern army pushed deep into enemy territory, capturing enemies several times right outside the city. Even though they came ba
The term "huan jue" suggests that things shouldn't have developed this way; she should reflect on her actions, and there shouldn't be such a barrier. Before the letter could even be sent, my mother arrived. The whole country was extremely happy; the emperor granted a general amnesty. After years apart, my mother and I were finally reunited, and everything we offered was incredibly lavish. During each seasonal festival, the founding emperor would bring all relatives, observe family etiquette, and offer wine to wish for longevity. Such grandeur and wealth have never been witnessed before. Legend has it that in that year, the Turks arrived again with a massive army, right on schedule. The Duke of Hu Guo (Prince Qi, Yu Wen Xian) had just sent off the national relatives, but he didn't expect to have to mobilize troops right away, worried about losing credibility with the Turks and causing further border troubles. He had no choice but to ask the court to send troops eastward.
In September, the emperor issued a decree saying: "Even the wise ruler such as the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan personally led troops three times; the sage-like King Wu of Zhou also mentioned the need to personally lead an expedition at least once. The power of bows and arrows, the application of warfare is a major concern for emperors; who can avoid using military force? Our founder, Emperor Gaozu (Yang Jian), was favored by heaven and established our Zhou dynasty, and there is no place that does not submit. The Gao clan (referring to Northern Qi) took the opportunity to cause chaos, occupying Bingzhou and Jizhou, committing evil for generations, with their crimes being evident. Heaven was enraged and used the strength of the Turks to send them to plunder Fenzhou and Jinzhou, leaving no trace. The Ji clan and the Meng clan of Northern Qi were exhausted and desperate, with Gao Boge being driven to a dead end, on the verge of destruction, which serves as a warning to both the wise and the foolish. Therefore, even after the Turks returned home, they continued to station troops at the border and summoned various factions, mobilizing the entire nation's strength, like meteors and lightning, with multiple armies setting out simultaneously, agreeing to meet in Bingzhou and Ye City in mid-winter. The Grand Chancellor Duke Yuwen Hu is my relative; you can be compared to Yi Yin and Lü Shang, and it is up to you to pacify the world. I will personally wield the axe and halberd and accept the mandate of heaven at the Grand Ancestral Temple. Relevant departments should quickly mobilize the troops, calculate the journey, and arrive on time; you will have full responsibility for all matters of advance and retreat." Thus, a total of twenty-four armies were mobilized, along with scattered soldiers from the left and right wings, as well as troops from Qinzhou, Longzhou, Bashu, and various barbarian nations, totaling two hundred thousand men.
In October, the emperor conferred the axe and halberd to the Duke of Protecting the Nation at the Grand Ancestral Temple. The main army set out and reached Tongguan, then dispatched Wei Chi Jiong, the Pillar of the State, to lead one hundred thousand elite soldiers as the vanguard, while General Quan Jingxuan led the army from the southern mountains, starting from Yuzhou, and the Minister of War Yang Su moved troops from Zhiguan. The Duke of Protecting the Nation led the army in a gradual advance and camped in Hongnong. Wei Chi Jiong launched an attack and besieged Luoyang. The Pillar of the State, Duke Qi Yuwen Xian, Duke Zheng Da Xi Wu, and others set up camp in Mangshan.
Huxing lacked military talent; he wasn't really keen on going on this expedition, so after fighting for so long, he ended up with nothing. His original plan was to cut off the route to Heyang, cut off the enemy's supply lines, and then concentrate his forces to attack Luoyang, isolating it completely. Everyone thought the Qi army wouldn't dare to come out, so they only sent a handful of scouts to keep watch. Then, after days of relentless rain, Qi's cavalry charged right in, and the besieging army at Luoyang quickly fell apart. Only Wei Chi Jiong held his ground with a handful of cavalry, while the Qi commander coordinated the troops from Mang Mountain to hold their ground, which saved the whole army and enabled their retreat. Quan Jingxuan took Yuzhou, and after Luoyang was freed, he also pulled back his forces. Yang Tiao was killed in action at Zhiguan. Huxing then returned to the court. Since he had achieved nothing, he and the other generals bowed and admitted their faults, but the emperor chose not to hold it against him.
In the second year of Tianhe, Hu's mother passed away. Shortly after, he was summoned back to office. Four years later, Hu inspected the northern towns and returned only after reaching Lingzhou. Five years later, the emperor issued another edict stating: "In Guangzhai, Qufu, Lu employs the music of the outskirts to honor the heavens; in the land of Canxu, Jin holds the grand hunting ceremony." This meant that contributions should be evaluated based on the current situation, demonstrating virtue and achievements. The edict also stated: "Let the imperial envoy, the Grand Preceptor, the commander of military affairs both within and without, the Grand General of the State, and the Duke of Jin, uphold integrity and embody harmony and virtue, be situated in the right of Qi, and be a pillar of talent. The nation is in a precarious situation, depending on treacherous circumstances; the imperial authority is established, and affairs are evenly balanced. Therefore, as the traces of obscurity are about to vanish, the principles resonate with benevolence. Now, the literary paths are still divided, and the corners remain obstructed; the regulations are not yet prepared, and the reputation is often lacking; it is appropriate to grant the joy of the elevated hall and the dance of six ranks." Hu's character was very mild, but he was short-sighted and could not see the bigger picture. He relied on his established merits to hold onto the power of the court for a long time. The people he appointed were all unsuitable. Additionally, his sons were greedy and cruel, and his subordinates indulged in extravagance, all relying on his power to act recklessly, harming the common people. There was a culture of mutual protection at all levels, and no one felt worried or afraid. Emperor Gaozu was dissatisfied with him and secretly conspired with Prince Wei to deal with him.
On the eighteenth day of March, I returned from Tongzhou. The emperor welcomed me in Wen'an Palace and then took me to Hanren Palace to pay respects to the empress dowager. Previously, when the emperor saw me in the palace, he always treated me like family. When I went to pay my respects to the empress dowager, she always asked me to sit down, while the emperor stood by, attending to her.
I am going to the palace to see the Empress Dowager. The Emperor said to me: "The Empress Dowager is getting old and has a fondness for drinking. When some relatives come to pay their respects, sometimes even the Emperor cannot persuade her to drink less. Her moods can be quite unpredictable, and sometimes she has a bad temper. Although I have advised her many times, she has never heeded my words. I hope you can persuade her again when you go to pay your respects today." Then the Emperor took out a piece titled "The Proclamation on Alcohol" from his bosom and said to me, "Take this and persuade the Empress Dowager."
Once I entered, I followed the Emperor's instructions and read "The Proclamation on Alcohol" to the Empress Dowager. Before I could finish reading, the Emperor struck me from behind with a jade ceremonial staff, knocking me to the ground. He then ordered the eunuch He Quan to strike me with the imperial sword. He Quan was so frightened that he couldn't bring himself to strike me, even after several attempts. At that moment, Prince Wei Zhi, who had been hiding behind the door, emerged and killed me.
From the beginning, the Emperor intended to eliminate me, and Wang Gui, Yu Wen Shenju, and Yu Wen Xiao Bo were all involved in this plan. That day, Wang Gui and the others were outside, and the others were completely unaware of this. After killing me, the Emperor called the palace officials, including Changsun Lan, to inform them, and then immediately ordered the arrest of my sons: Duke of Zhu Guo, Duke of Ju Guo, Duke of Chong Ye, Duke of Zheng Ping, and also Qian Ji, Qian Guang, Qian Wei, Qian Zu, Qian Wei, as well as Duke Fu Hou Long En of Zhu Guo, his brother, the Grand General Wan Shou, the Grand General Liu Yong, the Registrar of the Inner and Outer Court, Yin Gong Zheng, Yuan Jie, and the official of the Department of Meals, Li An, among others, all of whom were executed in the hall.
Prince Qi Xian said to the Emperor: "Li An started from the lowest level of officials, only managing kitchen affairs. He does not participate in state affairs, so there is no need to kill him." Gao Zu replied: "You’re not aware of what happened when Emperor Shizong passed away, are you?"
On the 19th, the Emperor issued an edict:
Alas, those relatives of mine, if they were incompetent, I could still tolerate it, but if they have the ability and still want to rise in rebellion, then they must be dealt with! The Grand Preceptor, the Chancellor, the Duke of Jin, they are all my relatives, and theoretically, they should be loyal and work for the country. When we first established our rule, we overcame difficulties together, and I entrusted all the political power to them, with great expectations. But what about them? They didn't put their heart and soul into it, not sufficiently loyal to me and disrespectful of the late emperor's wishes. My brother, the Duke of Lüeyang, was wise and martial, exceptionally intelligent, an outstanding descendant of the royal family, but sadly he died young. His teachings are always in my heart, and thinking of him, I feel profound sorrow.
Emperor Shizong, my father, was wise and insightful, but he didn't expect this scoundrel, the Duke of Jin, to be seemingly respectful on the surface, but harboring malicious intentions and ambitious schemes, stirring public discontent. Who doesn’t harbor some grievances? I have been on the throne for thirteen years, always leaving political affairs to the ministers, delegating responsibilities to various departments. But this Duke of Jin, he didn't respect me as the emperor at all, not loyal to his responsibilities! He harbors malicious intentions and ambitious schemes, kills innocent people indiscriminately, acts arrogantly, forms cliques, takes bribes, promotes and uses those he likes, and makes life difficult for those he dislikes. I have always been diligent and frugal, always thinking for the people, wanting to do more good deeds, but constantly facing obstacles. And the result? The people are suffering displacement, burdened with heavy taxes, struggling to make ends meet and live a decent life! What's even more frustrating is that the border conflicts remain unresolved, and the army needs to be properly reorganized, but those generals like Hou Fu, Hou Long'en, Wan Shou, Liu Yong, etc., have no merit, yet they occupy high positions and live in opulent mansions, colluding with the Duke of Jin, only caring about their own interests, utterly disregarding the lives of the common people! The common folk suffer in silence, too afraid to voice their grievances. I genuinely fear that the Great Jin Dynasty might collapse, millions will endure suffering, I feel ashamed before my ancestors and the world!
It's finally done. I’ve finally captured Jin Gonghu and sentenced him to punishment. The other villains have also faced justice. The atmosphere is now clean and upright, and the entire nation is filled with joy and excitement. The court has undergone a complete transformation, and the common people are embracing a new life. To celebrate, I’ve decided to issue a general amnesty and rename the seventh year of Tianhe as the first year of Jiande!
The Protector’s son has been appointed as the governor of Puzhou. That night, the court sent the state’s pillar and the Duke of Yue to ride swiftly to Puzhou to summon the Protector’s son back to the capital, only to be killed in Tongzhou. The Protector's chief aide, Dajun Chiluoxie, and the registrar of Hongnong, Feng Qian, along with several other trusted associates, were all dismissed and investigated. The Protector's son, Duke Changcheng, was then with the Turks, and the court also dispatched Kaifu Yuwen De with the emperor’s edict to execute him. Three years later, the court reinstated the titles of the Protector and his sons, posthumously conferred the title "Dang" upon the Protector, and reinterred him.
Chiluo Xie, his original name was the same as that of Emperor Gaozu, but he later changed it. He was very poor when he was young and held a minor official position in the province. He was recognized for his respectful and cautious demeanor. Yang Jun, the governor of Hengzhou, promoted him to a position. In the late Northern Wei Dynasty, during the rebellion of the Six Garrisons, he fled to Jizhou. Jizhou was besieged by Ge Rong, and Chiluo Xie was appointed by the governor as the military commander responsible for the defense. Shortly thereafter, the city fell, and Chiluo Xie was killed in battle. Following Ge Rong's defeat, Chiluo Xie sought refuge with the governor of Fenzhou, Erzhu Zhao, who held him in high regard and appointed him as a military secretary. Erzhu Zhao was promoted to the position of General of the Heavenly Pillar, and Chiluo Xie was promoted to be the Marshal. Erzhu Zhao and Emperor Wen of Eastern Wei (Gao Huan) faced their first defeat in battle, retreated to Shangdang, and assigned Chiluo Xie to oversee military logistics in Jianzhou. Later, Erzhu Zhao sent Chiluo Xie to Luoyang to confer with his uncles about planning an attack on Emperor Wen of Eastern Wei. Their forces were defeated, and they retreated to Bingzhou. Erzhu Zhao appointed Chiluo Xie as the governor of Sizhou. After Erzhu Zhao's death, Chiluo Xie allied himself with Dou Tai, who treated him with great kindness. Dou Tai was appointed Minister of Justice, and Chiluo Xie was appointed as the Assistant Imperial Secretary for Correspondence. When Dou Tai attacked Tongguan, Chiluo Xie served as the military overseer. After Dou Tai's death, Chiluo Xie was captured. Taking into account his long service at Tongguan, Emperor Gaozu appointed him as the Eastern Pavilion Libationer of the Grand Chancellor's Office, General of the Comforting Army, and Grand Master of Ceremonies with the Silver Seal. He was later promoted to be the military secretary and chief clerk, appointed as the Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary of the Palace, acting as the Deputy Director of the Grand Council, and ultimately rising to the position of Associate Director of Palace Affairs.
He served in several official positions, had rich experience in handling political affairs, and was very diligent, earning the trust of Emperor Taizu. However, the emperor still had some concerns because his family was back home, worried that he might be distracted by thoughts of home. Later, after losing the battle at Heqiao, he returned with the army. Knowing his loyalty, Emperor Taizu appointed him as the Marquis of Guancheng County and granted him two hundred households as his fief. Before long, he was promoted again, rising to the position of General of Chariots and Cavalry and Left Minister of Rites. Nine years later, he was appointed as the General of the Straight Pavilion and the Chief of Hengzhou, and his rank was elevated to Count, increasing his fief by eight hundred households. He was then promoted to Grand Governor and also held the title of Minister of Three Departments.
At first, Emperor Taizu intended to launch an attack on Hanzhong and appointed him as Inspector of Nanshi Province, while also assigning him responsibility for the military in Eastern Yizhou. In the first year of Emperor Wei's reign, he officially took office as the Inspector of Nanshi Province. At that time, Yang Pixie, the Inspector of Eastern Yizhou, rebelled. The following year, he led his troops to suppress Yang Pixie, with the army camped along the Fushui River. At this point, over a thousand Di people came to stir up trouble, damaging roads and bridges. He dispatched Yi Tong Qiu Mai and others ahead to engage the enemy and clear the path, then he gradually advanced with his troops. Another thousand Di people came to intercept him, so he took four hundred men to hold the gorge road and engaged the enemy in close combat, driving them back. Seeing the situation turn against him, Yang Pixie abandoned the city and fled. He chased down and killed Yang Pixie, while the other Di people surrendered. For his significant contributions, he was appointed Minister of State.
Then, he became the chief of staff for the great general Wei Chi Jiong and led troops to launch an attack on the Shu region. After the army entered Jian Ge, Wei Chi Jiong assigned him to manage the affairs of Tongzhou. At that time, Zhao Xiongjie, the leader of the Di people in Wucheng County, incited the residents of Xin, Tong, and Shi provinces to rebel, gathering more than twenty thousand people. They occupied Huailin Mountain, three miles south of the county city, across from the Fushui River, and built barricades for defense. The people of Zitong County, led by Deng Fei and Wang Linggong, also gathered more than ten thousand people, ten miles east of the county city, north of the Fushui River, and built barricades in response to Zhao Xiongjie, surrounding the county city from both sides. The county city was short of food, and the soldiers were nearly out of provisions. He comforted the people inside and outside the city, and everyone united their efforts. He sent Yi Tong Yi Louxun and Grand General Sima Yi, among others, to cross the Fushui River under the cover of night and launch a surprise attack on Zhao Xiongjie, defeating them in one battle. Upon seeing Zhao Xiongjie defeated, Wang Linggong abandoned the barricade and fled back to his county. He and Deng Fei and others gathered more than ten thousand people again, building barricades southeast of the county city, across from the Fushui River, cutting off the postal road. He then sent Yi Tong Yang Changle and Sima Yi, among others, to lead troops to quell the rebellion; he also dispatched Grand General Pei Mengchang with a hundred cavalry to reinforce their numbers. When Pei Mengchang arrived in Zitong, he happened to encounter rising waters and could not cross the river immediately. Wang Linggong and Deng Fei, seeing that Pei Mengchang had few troops, surrounded him heavily with more than three thousand people. Realizing he was outnumbered by the enemy, Pei Mengchang ordered his men to dismount and engage in close combat. They fought from the morning until noon, resulting in the deaths of Wang Linggong, Deng Fei, and others on the battlefield. The rebel forces, having lost their leaders, scattered and fled. Their remaining forces still occupied the original barricades. After Pei Mengchang crossed the river and reunited with Yang Changle, he led his troops in an assault on the barricades. After three days of intense fighting, the rebels finally requested to surrender. Subsequently, several more rebellions arose, and he dispatched troops to quell each one.
In the third year of Emperor Xiaowu of Wei, Yuan Xiu, Yu Wen Tai summoned Yu Wen Xie to the capital to discuss matters concerning Shu. Afterwards, Yu Wen Tai granted Yu Wen Xie the family name Yu Wen and increased his fief to a total of one thousand five hundred households. After Duke Yu Wen Hu killed Sun Heng, Li Zhi, and others, he wanted to assign important positions to the Secretary Liu Qing and the Minister of Justice Ling Hu Zheng. Both Liu Qing and Ling Hu Zheng declined, citing their lack of ability, and instead recommended Yu Wen Xie (as specifically recorded in the biographies of Liu Qing and Ling Hu Zheng). Yu Wen Hu then summoned Yu Wen Xie to the capital. Upon his arrival, Yu Wen Hu had him live with him and trusted him greatly. Yu Wen Xie gladly accepted and vowed to go through fire and water for him. Yu Wen Hu was very pleased, feeling that he had discovered Yu Wen Xie too late. He immediately appointed him as the military governor, entrusting him with military matters. Soon after, he was promoted to the position of Chief of Military Affairs, and then appointed as the Chief Historian of the Protectorate, elevated to the rank of duke, and his fief increased by one thousand households. Yu Wen Xie frequently stayed by Yu Wen Hu's side, presenting current affairs, and many of his suggestions were adopted. Emperor Shizong knew that Yu Wen Xie was mediocre and had a shallow understanding, often refuting him and repeatedly saying, "What do you know!" However, because Yu Wen Hu valued him highly, he did not immediately dismiss him but tolerated him. Following the death of Emperor Shizong, Yu Wen Xie was appointed as the Secretary of the Central and Outer Courts and the Chief Historian of the Protectorate. Yu Wen Xie was small and thin, often impatient in his work. Having become overly confident, he often came across as self-righteous and condescending. When court officials came seeking his help, he would often say, "You don't understand at all, let me teach you." However, most of what he said was out of touch with reality. At that time, people in the court laughed at him.
In the second year of Baoding, for his contributions to pacifying the Shu region, Yuwen Xie was posthumously granted the title of marquis of a county for one of his sons. Additionally, he was given an additional one thousand households in the Shu region as part of his fief, from which he collected half of the rent. Duke Yuwen Hu, recognizing Yuwen Xie's unwavering loyalty, continually promoted him, often rating him as above average during assessments, and rewarding him with rewards of grain and silk. Yuwen Xie was successively promoted to the positions of Shaobao (Chief Guardian) and Shaofu (Chief Instructor), advanced to the rank of Grand General, and conferred the title of Duke of Nanyang, while also serving as deputy supervisor of military works. After the palace was completed, due to his merits, he was bestowed the title of Duke of Luoyi County and passed the title to one of his sons. Due to Yuwen Hu's favoritism toward him, Yuwen Xie sought to marry into the royal family and requested the restoration of his old surname, Chiluoshi. Yuwen Hu petitioned on his behalf, and Emperor Gaozu agreed. Yuwen Xie was then promoted to the position of Guardian of the State. As Yuwen Xie grew older, Yuwen Hu allowed him to retire, but Yuwen Xie, enamored with wealth and glory, refused to retire to his hometown. After Yuwen Hu was killed, Yuwen Xie was removed from his position.
In the third year of Jiande, Emperor Gaozu, acknowledging Yuwen Xie’s seniority, appointed him to the position of Grand Commandant, conferred the title of Duke of Nanyang, and reminisced about past events with him. That year, Yuwen Xie died at the age of seventy-six. His son, Yuwen Jin, inherited his title.
Feng Qian, styled Yuhua, was the son of a local official. Later, Feng Qian himself became a high-ranking official and was posthumously granted the titles of Grand Commandant and Prefect of Shan Prefecture. From a young age, Feng Qian was diligent and cautious, demonstrating great capability, which resulted in his appointment as an assistant official in the prefecture. During the reign of Emperor Wei Shengu, Governor Yang Jun summoned him to be his military advisor, and he was later promoted to the magistrate of Dingxiang County, followed by serving as a military officer in the Water Department of Bingzhou. Every position he held earned praise for his diligence and seriousness.
When Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved west, Feng Qian resigned from his government post and made his way to Guanzhong with General Feng Lingyu. He followed Emperor Xiaowu in recapturing Tongguan, pacifying Luoyang, and was appointed responsible for court affairs. Later, he joined Emperor Gaozu in capturing Dou Tai, recapturing Hongnong, and participated in the Battle of Shayuan, which earned him significant merit. He was given the titles of Governor, General Longxiang, and Commander of the Feathered Forest, and was made the Earl of Duxian County, with an estate supporting six hundred households. During the Battle of Luoyang, Feng Qian charged into battle but was severely injured, nearly losing his life. Because of his military accomplishments, he was promoted to General of State Protection and Chief Military Strategist, and his noble rank was elevated to Marquis. After a while, he was appointed Governor of Guanghan Commandery. At that time, the Shu region had just been pacified, and the people were uneasy. Feng Qian implemented a lenient and straightforward policy, which stabilized the local populace. In the second year of Emperor Gong of Wei, he was later promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry, Grand Commander, and Court Attendant, and was stationed in Fancheng. Soon after, he served as the Clerk in the Duke of Jin's Protectorate, and was promoted to the position of Clerk of the Protectorate, and then rose to General of the Cavalry, also holding the title of Yitong Sanxi.
Feng Qian was a man of integrity, cautious and careful; even when in a high position, he did not bully others with his power. He had a good understanding of the situation and was adept at making decisions. Whenever he proofread documents, he was meticulous, working from morning till night without rest. As a result, he gained the trust of his superiors. Later, because he was an old official of the court, the court wanted to honor him, so he was appointed as the Governor of Shanzhou, his title was elevated to Duke of Longshan, and his fief was expanded to two thousand households. Feng Qian came from humble origins and had previously gone unrecognized. Suddenly recommended as the Inspector of his province, he treated his hometown elders and neighbors with humility and respect, and no one held any grievances against him. He returned to the court as a secretary, then was promoted to a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Works, serving as a military officer, and eventually became the Minister of Works. Starting from the Tianhe era, Feng Qian was older and took on fewer responsibilities. When the ministers protecting the emperor were killed, Feng Qian was implicated and subsequently dismissed from his position. During the Jiande era, Feng Qian passed away at home at the age of seventy-eight years. His son, Feng Shu, achieved the ranks of General of the Guards, Military Commander, and Count of Pingkou. Among those entrusted by the Guards were those who pacified the northern border, who rose to the ranks of Grand General, Military Commander, and Protector of the Imperial Palace. Following the Guards' failure, these individuals were also dismissed.
Historical records state: Confucius once said, "You can walk the right path together, but you cannot engage in power struggles with them." The "right path" refers to adhering to rituals and laws; the "power" refers to going against common sense. Following rituals and laws is in accordance with reason, making it easier to achieve significant accomplishments in serving the world; going against common sense is an extraordinary measure, making it difficult to achieve the monumental task of rectifying the current state of affairs. Therefore, choosing the right person can lead to good governance of the country, as exemplified by Yi Yin exiling Tai Jia and the Duke of Zhou assisting King Cheng; choosing the wrong person can lead to chaos in the country, as seen in the relocation of the capital in the Han Dynasty and the Jin dynasty's conquest of Wei as an example. Therefore, the ancient kings clearly defined the hierarchy between the upper and lower ranks, and the sages emphasized the boundaries between ruler and subject. Devoting oneself to the monarch is akin to being the arms and legs, and even when honored with a title, one must share in the joys and sorrows of the monarch. When entrusted by the monarch and holding the position of prime minister, even when facing a sharp sword and a boiling cauldron, he should remain unafraid; even if he holds imperial power and reigns over the world, his loyalty must remain steadfast. A person like this will have achievements that tower like mountains, and a reputation that endures like the heavens and earth.
At the beginning of the Zhou Dynasty, Yuwen Hu certainly encountered numerous challenges and perils. When Zhou Taizu passed away and the princes were still young, the ministers harbored treacherous intentions, leading to unrest among the populace. Ultimately, it was Yuwen Hu's efforts that transformed the Wei Dynasty into the Zhou Dynasty, which ultimately brought stability to the realm. If he might have had the opportunity to repent in the Tonggong (referring to the imperial palace), he might have enjoyed a peaceful old age in the Weiyang Palace (referring to the imperial palace). How could history have recorded such things? However, Yuwen Hu lacked scholarly refinement, associated with unscrupulous individuals, and held the power of life and death in his hands, making unilateral decisions in warfare. He failed to grasp the duties of a minister and committed acts that were intolerable for any ruler. Loyalty and filial piety are the fundamental virtues of a minister, yet he violated them without hesitation; usurping the throne and murdering the emperor are the gravest acts of treachery, yet he carried them out without a trace of remorse. In the end, he met a fate of execution, and his wife and children were killed. Isn't this outcome to be expected?
