Shaohui Gong Hao was the older brother of Emperor Taizu. His father married a princess from the Le Lang royal family and had Shaohui Gong Hao, followed by Qi Jian Gong Lian, then Ju Zhuang Gong Luo Sheng, and finally Emperor Taizu. Hao was particularly filial; when his mother, Empress De, passed away, he was so overwhelmed with grief that he neglected the customary rites, which earned him the respect of the local community. Once, while his father was fighting with Wei Kegu at the South River in Wuchuan, he fell off his horse. Hao quickly gathered a few men to rescue him, killing dozens of enemies, causing them to flee, which allowed his father to remount and retreat. However, the enemies soon caught up, and Hao ultimately fell in battle. Later, the court posthumously honored him with titles including Grand Preceptor, Great General of the Pillar State, Grand Minister, and Grand Commander, and granted him military command over ten states, including Hengshuo, the position of Governor of Hengzhou, and conferred upon him the title of Duke of Shao, with a fief of ten thousand households, and the posthumous name Hui. Hao had three sons named Shi Fei, Dao, and Hu. Hu has a separate biography.
When Shi Fei was seventeen, his father Shaohui Gong died. Because he lost his father at such a young age, he was very sad and devotedly served his mother, earning a good reputation. Later, during the Yong'an period, when Emperor Taizu advanced into Guanzhong, Shi Fei stayed behind in Jinyang to take care of his mother. After Emperor Taizu pacified Qinzhou and Longzhou, Shi Fei was killed by Qi Shenwu. Later, the court posthumously honored him as General, Junior Grand Minister, and Grand Commander, and granted him military command in states including Jiding, the position of Governor of Jizhou, allowed him to inherit the title of Duke of Shao, and conferred upon him the posthumous title Jing. His son Zhou inherited the title of Duke of Shao.
Zhou lost his parents and became an orphan at a young age and came from a poor family, but he was very talented. When his father, Duke Jing, was murdered, he escaped disaster by hiding in the silk room because he was still a child. Later, the court issued an edict allowing him to inherit the title of his uncle, Duke Jin Hu. During the Tianhe era, after reconciling with the State of Qi, Zhou returned to Guanzhong. The court appointed him as Grand General, with the same rank as the Three Departments, inheriting the title of Duke of Shao. Not long after, he was promoted to Senior Minister and then again to Grand General; he was appointed Governor of Yuanzhou and later transferred to Xingzhou as Governor. During the Xiang era, when Emperor Wen of Sui was in power, Zhou responded to Wei Chi Jiong's uprising and fought against Duke Yang Su of Qinghe, but was defeated and fled, ultimately being captured at Shiji and killed, resulting in the revocation of his Duke of Shao title.
Hui, whose courtesy name was Qianren, loved to study from a young age and was both intelligent and clever. In the second year of Emperor Wei Gong, he was granted the title of Duke of Jiangling for his role in pacifying Jiangling. By the Baoding era, he inherited the title of Duke Jing. He was later appointed as General of the Cavalry, with the same rank as the Three Departments. Two years later, he served as the military commander of the six defenses of Tongguan in Puzhou and as Governor of Puzhou. After returning from the State of Qi, he was granted the title of Duke of Tan once again. Not long after, he was promoted to the rank of Pillar State. In the early years of Jiande, he was killed along with Hu. In May of the third year of his death, the court posthumously awarded him his original title.
Bodhisattva Daozi was brave and heroic in his youth, compassionate and kind-hearted, and the Emperor Taizu was very fond of him. At first, he and a few brothers were in Ge Rong's army. After Ge Rong was defeated, they moved to Jinyang. Later, Taizu followed He Ba Yue into the Pass, and Dao also went along to Guanzhong, frequently accompanying Taizu in battles. When Taizu attacked Hou Mo Chen Yue, he appointed Dao as the governor to guard Yuanzhou. After Hou Mo Chen Yue was defeated and fled north beyond the old fortress, Dao led the cavalry to pursue him, caught up with Hou Mo Chen Yue at Qiantun Mountain, killed him, and delivered his head to the capital. For his great merit, he was granted the title of Marquis of Raoyang County, with a fief consisting of five hundred households, appointed as General of Champion, and also given the position of Attendant of the Imperial Court.
When Emperor Wen of Wei ascended the throne, he promoted Cao Shuang for his great contributions, granting him a higher rank and making him a duke, bestowing upon him five hundred households as fief, and appointing him to important positions such as Envoy with Special Authority, Attendant of the Imperial Court, General of Chariots and Cavalry, and Left Minister of the Imperial Court, with each position being more prestigious than the last. Three years later, when Taizu (Cao Cao's son Cao Pi) went to the east to fight, he summoned Cao Shuang to serve as his bodyguard and made him the General of the Leading Army and Chief Governor, with his rank continuing to rise.
At that time, Qi Shenwu (referring to the Emperor Wenxuan of Northern Qi, Gao Yang) led troops across the Yellow River and reached Fengyi (present-day Dali County, Shaanxi). Taizu brought troops from Hongnong (present-day Lingbao County, Henan) into Guanzhong. Cao Shuang commanded the Imperial Bodyguard to fight against Qi Shenwu at Shayuan (south of present-day Hancheng, Shaanxi) and secured a resounding victory! After that, Cao Shuang was promoted again, his rank elevated to be equal with that of the Three Departments (Ministry of Personnel, Ministry of Rites, and Secretariat).
In the second year of his reign, Emperor Wen of Wei launched an eastern campaign and appointed Cao Shuang as the governor of Huazhou. Consequently, Zhao Qingque, Yu Fude, and Murong Siqing rebelled. Cao Shuang led his troops from Huazhou to confront them, captured Yu Fude, and killed Murong Siqing. After that, Cao Shuang stationed himself at Weiqiao and joined forces with Taizu's army. Once the rebellion was quelled, Cao Shuang was granted the title of Duke of Zhangwu; in addition to his earlier fief, he was rewarded with a total of two thousand households of land. Shortly thereafter, he was further appointed as a Palace Attendant, Grand Commandant, General of Chariots and Cavalry, and Guardian of the Crown Prince, his official rank continued to rise, and his prestige grew boundless.
Gao Zhongmi surrendered along with Beiyu, and Taizu escorted the Crown Prince of Wei on an eastern expedition, designating Cao Shuang as the Grand Commander, responsible for military affairs in Huazhou, Dongyongzhou, and other areas, while continuing to serve as the governor of Huazhou. Cao Shuang excelled at training troops and had mastered border defense strategies. Later, the army faced setbacks in battle, and the Eastern Wei army pursued them to Chousang. Knowing that Guanzhong was already prepared for defense, they retreated. At this time, Hou Jing led the people of Henan to surrender to Wei and sent a request for support. The court deliberated on whether to dispatch troops. Therefore, the court appointed Cao Shuang as Grand Commander of Longyou, responsible for military affairs across fifteen states, including Qinzhou, and also appointed him as the governor of Qinzhou.
Later, the Qi clan, known as Northern Qi, declared themselves emperors. Taizu led troops to attack them from Guanzhong, and Emperor Wen of Wei sent Prince Qi Kuozhen to defend Longyou and summoned Cao Shuang back to the court. The court appointed Cao Shuang as both Grand General and Grand Commander, responsible for military affairs across twenty-three states, including Sanyong and Erhua, and stationed him at Xianyang. When the army returned, Cao Shuang resumed his original post.
This person was broad-minded and open-minded, skilled at managing and comforting the people, and anyone who interacted with him could genuinely commit to working with him. He was very cautious and careful in his actions, always feeling that he had not done well enough. Every time Emperor Taizu went to war, he stayed behind to defend the rear, earning the deep affection of both the common people and officials, and thus the court valued him highly. In December of the first year of Emperor Wei's reign, he passed away in Shanggui at the age of forty-four. Emperor Wei sent the official Shizhong, Prince of Yuyang, to preside over his funeral, posthumously restoring him to his original official position, and additionally granting him the titles of Minister of Personnel and Governor of Qinzhou, with the posthumous title of "Filial."
In the court, everyone felt that he had made significant contributions to pacifying the Western nomads, and his prestige and benevolence were very significant. They wanted his descendants to guard Longyou for generations to honor his contributions, so he was buried in Wujingyuan, west of Shanggui City. More than ten thousand people from both the Han and Western nomadic tribes came to attend the funeral, and their mourning cries echoed to the heavens. Everyone said, "Our good official, have you abandoned us?" Adults and children spontaneously came to help pile the earth for the grave, which stood over fifty feet high and measured more than eighty paces around. They only relented when the officials arrived to stop them, crying as they bid farewell. After his death, the people's longing and affection for him were palpable. In the fifth year of Tianhe, the court posthumously conferred upon him the titles of Grand Preceptor, Pillar of the State, and Duke of Ping. He had five sons: Guang, Liang, Yi, Chun, and Zhong. Liang and Chun later moved to Qixian.
Once there was a man named Guang, style name Qiangui. In his youth, he was serious and was passionate about literature. He was initially granted the title of Duke of Yongchang. After Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, he was granted the title of Duke of Tianshui. When Emperor Shizong took the throne, he was appointed General of Cavalry and served as Minister of the Three Departments, and then he was sent to Qinzhou as governor. During the reign of Emperor Wu, he was promoted to General and transferred to Liangzhou as governor. Later, he was further promoted to Duke of Cai, with his fief expanded to ten thousand households. During the Baoding period, he was recalled to court to serve in a minor official capacity. Not long after, he returned to Puzhou to guard it and oversee the defense of six strategic military locations, including Tongguan. Two years later, he was again appointed as the governor of Qinzhou, commanding the military of thirteen states, while also serving as governor of Qinzhou.
This man Guang was known for his keen insight and skill in placating the common people, who respected and liked him. At that time, several sons of Duke Jin, Yuwen Hu, along with Guang's brother, Duke Qi, Yuwen Liang, lived extravagant lives, dressing extravagantly and exceeding established norms. Only Guang strictly adhered to the rites and laws of propriety, treating scholars with humility and respect, earning praise from both the court and the populace. Once, while serving Emperor Gaozu at a meal, he found a particularly delicious melon and quickly presented it to the emperor, who was delighted. Four years later, he was promoted to the title of Duke of Pillar State. Because Duke Jin, Yuwen Hu, held power for an extended period, Guang advised him to be more restrained, but Yuwen Hu did not heed his advice. In the third year of Tianhe, he was appointed as the governor of Shanzhou, but later he resigned due to illness. Subsequently, Duke Xiao posthumously conferred upon him the title of Duke of Bin, and the court issued an edict allowing him to inherit the title.
At first, Guang's mother, Lady Li, was deeply worried about Guang's long-term illness, and ultimately, her anxiety became a source of illness that led to her death. During the mourning period, Guang's sorrow deepened, and eventually, he died from excessive grief. It is said that his mother's worries caused Guang's illness, and Guang's grief led to his death; their filial piety and brotherly love were profoundly evident in their family. Emperor Gaozu himself came to pay his respects, dressed in plain attire, and all the officials gathered there. His former subordinates, such as Li Chongxin, submitted a memorial stating:
"I have come to understand that filial piety fosters loyalty, and benefiting the people is a noble act; recognizing virtue and establishing good deeds is the norm for the state. It is my private belief that the late Duke of Bin, Minister Guang, was virtuous and esteemed, admired by all, with character that surpassed that of his contemporaries, and great contributions that strengthened the court. He was commanded to go to battle, and his reputation spread far across the regions of Qin and Longyou; he led troops in war, spreading his teachings across the regions of Xiaoshan and Hangu Pass. Later, due to health issues, he returned to court at the emperor's command, and after treatment, his condition gradually improved. However, a series of misfortunes soon followed, and his heavy worries, combined with his deep emotions, aggravated his old ailment, leading to his eventual illness and death. I reflect on the past with great emotion, struggling to hold back my feelings. We, the ministers, often hear his words from when he was alive. I admired his consistent character, strict with himself, in his position as a high official, with a substantial salary, yet he utilized his salary and rewards judiciously, never leaving any surplus; he only took what he needed in terms of utensils, clothing, and entertainment. Whenever he spoke of life's beginnings and endings, he stressed the importance of simplicity. He did not approve of the luxurious system of the Qin state but praised the rituals of the Wu state; he criticized extravagant burials but supported simple ones. Now that his burial site has been chosen, it is very far from his hometown, and I genuinely fear he may never return, and his wishes cannot be fulfilled. I humbly request Your Majesty to show your unparalleled kindness, to grant grace, understand his past, and mourn his spirit. I hereby urge the appropriate authorities to honor his last wishes and ensure that the burial ceremony is conducted with utmost simplicity."
The edict says: "I've read the memorials from Chongxin and others, and I deeply feel their grief. Duke Guang of Bin is a protector of the court, a person of high virtue and reputation, a role model for the royal family, and his conduct serves as a model for scholars. He was in the prime of his life, assisting the court in governing the country, but sadly, he died young. He lived a life of honesty and always upheld his noble integrity. Thinking about his past achievements really moves me. In the past, Wang Hejian was exceptionally talented and was posthumously honored; Wang Donghai was humble and frugal and received praise after his death. You can look at past examples and follow the old customs for this matter. Let his last wishes be honored even after his death; let him conclude his life with dignity after he is gone." So, he was posthumously given back his original title and promoted to Taibao. He was buried in Longxi. The relevant departments followed the edict's wishes and kept everything simple. His son Qia inherited his title. During the Dading period, Emperor Wen of Sui was in power, but the royal family was killed, leading to the state's downfall.
Liang, whose courtesy name was Qiande, was initially granted the title of Duke of Yongchang in the early years of Wucheng. Later, he inherited the title of Duke of Lie and was appointed as the Minister of State and the Governor of Liang Province. Towards the end of the Tianhe era, he was promoted to the rank of Grand Master of the Masters and then elevated to General. After the death of the Duke of Bin Country, Liang was appointed as the Governor of Qin Province, with the troops under his command at his disposal. However, during his time in Qin Province, he did not achieve much in terms of political accomplishments. Not long after, he was promoted to the rank of Pillar of the Nation. After the assassination of Duke of Jin, Yuwen Hu, Liang felt insecure and spent his days drinking to relieve his sorrows. Emperor Gaozu even wrote him a letter to offer consolation. During the Jiande era, Emperor Gaozu launched an eastern expedition and appointed Liang as the Commander of the Right Second Army. After the pacification of Bingzhou, Liang was promoted to Senior Pillar of the Nation. He also participated in the campaign to pacify Ye City, after which he was promoted to Grand Minister. After Emperor Xuan ascended to the throne, Liang was appointed as the Governor of Anzhou. At the beginning of the Daxiang era, the court issued an edict appointing Liang as the Commander of the Marching Forces, to campaign against the Chen Dynasty alongside the Marshal and Duke of Yun, Wei Xiaokuan. Liang departed from Anlu, captured Huangcheng, and also plundered villages along the Yangtze River, taking goods from the villagers and sharing the plunder with his soldiers. After the army returned to Yuzhou, Liang secretly told the Chief Historian, Du Shijun, "The emperor is becoming increasingly debauched; the state is doomed! I am of royal blood and cannot bear to watch the country perish. If I were to attack the Duke of Yun and seize his troops to support my uncle as emperor, who would dare to go against me?" Tha
Yi, styled Qianyi, was bestowed the title of Duke of Xiyang in the early years of Wucheng. He died young and was posthumously given the title Zhao. He had no sons, so the title was inherited by Wen, the son of Duke Liang of Qiguo. Later, due to Liang's rebellion and execution, Chun's title was also revoked.
Chun, styled Qianshou, was initially granted the title of Duke of Yongchang. Later, during the Baoding period, he was promoted to Chief Minister and Grand Master of the Three Departments. During the Jiande years, he was further promoted to General. He was then appointed Governor of Qizhou. Four years later, when famine broke out in the Guanzhong area, Chun submitted a memorial outlining the situation, and the emperor specifically issued a decree to convey his concern, ordering the opening of granaries to relieve the people. When Emperor Gaozu launched his eastern campaign, Chun, together with Prince Qi Xian, captured five cities including Wuji. Five years later, when Emperor Gaozu's army advanced to Jinzhou, Chun led his troops to camp at Qiji Plain. After Emperor Xuan ascended the throne, Chun was appointed Grand Minister of Justice. After the Liang army was subdued, the court issued a decree posthumously honoring Chun as Duke Shaolie. Soon after, he was promoted to Senior State Minister and then transferred to Grand Tutor. In the early years of the Dading era, Chun was killed by Emperor Wen of Sui, and his five sons—Daozong, Ben, Renlin, Wuzi, and Lixian—were also executed.
Zhong, styled Qiandao, was granted the title of Duke of Tianshui in the early years of Baoding. He was not particularly bright from a young age, and his speech and actions were often difficult to understand. After Emperor Wen of Sui ascended the throne, he initially planned to bestow upon him the title of Duke of Jie, but later ordered his execution, along with his two sons, Zhonghe and Shulun, who were also executed.
From a young age, Qi Jian Gong Lian was known for his caution and integrity, and he was brave and decisive as a warrior. He followed Emperor De to attack Dingzhou and died in battle at the Tang River. In the early years of Baoding, he was posthumously honored with the titles of Envoy with Imperial Authority, Grand Tutor, General of the Pillar State, Grand Minister, Grand Commander, and Military Governor of ten provinces including Ding and Ji, as well as the governorship of Dingzhou. He was granted the title of Duke of Qi with a fief of five thousand households and was posthumously given the title "Jian." His son Yuanbao was later killed by Emperor Shenwu of Qi. In the early years of Baoding, he was also awarded the titles of General, Junior Minister, Grand Commander, and Military Governor of six provinces including You and Yan, as well as the position of Governor of Youzhou, inheriting the title of Duke of Qi and was posthumously honored with the title "Lie." Finally, the son of Duke Zhangwu, Liang, inherited the title.
Ju Zhuang Gong Luosheng, from a young age, had a strong sense of justice and practiced martial arts. As he grew older, he became broad-minded and willing to help others, earning the admiration of scholars. Capable individuals from North Zhou sought his company, but most of their talents were not as great as his. Later, Ge Rong defeated Xianyu Xiuli and conferred the title of King of Yuyang upon Luosheng, allowing him to command the remaining troops of Emperor De. At that time, everyone called him King Luosheng. Luosheng was adept at soothing his soldiers, and he had many valiant and skilled fighters under his command. In battle, no one could match his brilliance, so he always achieved remarkable military accomplishments, surpassing other armies. Later, Er Zhu Rong pacified Shandong and relocated those heroes to Jinyang, and at that time, Luosheng was also in Er Zhu Rong's hands. Er Zhu Rong had heard of Luosheng's reputation and was wary of him, which ultimately led to his death. In the early years of Baoding, he was posthumously honored with the titles of Envoy with Imperial Authority, Grand Guardian, and General of the Pillar State, as well as the position of Governor of Bingzhou. He was granted the title of Duke of Ju with a fief of five thousand households and was later posthumously honored with the title "Zhuang."
His son, Putu, was killed by Emperor Shenwu of Qi. In the early years of Baoding, he was posthumously awarded the titles of General, Junior Grand Minister, Grand Commander, and Military Governor of six provinces including Si and Heng, as well as the position of Governor of Sizhou, inheriting the title of Duke of Ju and was later posthumously honored with the title "Mu." He was succeeded by Hu, the son of Duke Jin.
Zhi, courtesy name Qianfu, was initially conferred the title of Duke of Chongye and later inherited the title of Duke Mu. In the early years of Jiande, after his father was killed, the court permitted Bin, the son of King Wei Zhi, to inherit the title of Duke Mu. Three years later, Zhi's title was reinstated. Bin, courtesy name Qianrui, was later implicated due to Zhi's execution. In the sixth year of Jiande, the son of King Qi Xian, Duke Guangdu Gong, inherited the title. Gong, courtesy name Qianzhen, was killed in the early years of Emperor Xuan, and his title was revoked.
Duke Zhong of the Yu State was a cousin of Emperor De. He passed away in Daizhou. In the early years of Baoding, he was posthumously honored with the titles of Envoy with Imperial Authority, Grand Tutor, General of the Pillar State, Grand Minister, Grand Commander, and various military titles in ten states, and also held the position of Governor of Yanzhou. He was conferred the title of Duke of Yu and granted a fief of three thousand households. His son Xing inherited the title.
Regarding Xing, he found himself amidst chaos and turmoil during the wars and got separated from his younger brother, Zhongzi. At that time, being still young, he had no idea where his relatives and friends were. He initially did not recognize his great-grandfather Yang Jian's brothers. Later, during the battle at Shayuanguan under Emperor Shenzu of Qi, Xing happened to be on the battlefield, and when the army was defeated, he was captured and, as per regulations, assigned to serve in various armies. Xing was an open-minded individual with lofty aspirations. Despite having endured numerous hardships, his demeanor and character continued to earn him respect.
In the second year of Emperor Wei Gong, the court selected virtuous talents, and he was appointed as the county deputy. Later, he was appointed as the magistrate of Chang County. It was not until the second year of Baoding that the court found out about his brother, Zhongzi, and the two brothers finally got in touch again. Emperor Gaozu knew that Xing Sheng was his clan relative and held him in high regard, granting him an official position and making him the Duke of Daning. He rose to high ranks, including Envoy with Authority, General of Cavalry, Chancellor with the same status as the Three Departments, and Governor, which was quite prestigious! Soon after, he was appointed Grand Master. Four years later, he was sent to Jingzhou as an Inspector. Five years later, the court recalled him to be a Grand Master again, promoting him and granting him the Duke of Yu title. He died in the second year of Tianhe, and Emperor Gaozu personally went to express his condolences, weeping inconsolably. The emperor also ordered the Grand Minister and Duke of Shen, Li Mu, to be in charge of his funeral and posthumously awarded him the titles of Envoy with Authority and General of Pillar State, Grand Governor, and various military positions in six states, as well as the title of Inspector of Hengzhou, with the posthumous title Jing. His son, Luo, inherited his title.
His son, Luo, styled Yongluo, was made heir to the Duke of Yu when he was nine. In the fourth year of Tianhe, he formally inherited his father's title. During the Jian De period, he rose to the ranks of Envoy with Authority and General of Chariots and Cavalry, and Chancellor of the Three Departments. After the death of Emperor Jing, Emperor Wen of Sui enfeoffed him as Duke of Jie, thus becoming a distinguished guest of the Sui Dynasty.
Historical records state that from ancient times to the present, those emperors who were granted the Mandate of Heaven and those who upheld the dynasty not only had external ministers to assist them but also had their relatives to help. Their relatives included nobles from the states of Lu, Wei, Liang, and Chu, as well as more distant relatives, such as the Fan, Jiang, Jing, and Yan families, who were renowned across the ages, with achievements still remembered today.
For example, during the time of King Wen of Zhou, Duke Xiao of Bin not only made significant contributions but also enacted wise and benevolent policies; Duke Wen of Cai was famous for his devotion to his parents and lived a very frugal life. Their deeds have left a shining legacy in history. When the Sui Dynasty was established, it unified the entire country through its formidable strength, and all the civil and military officials were wholeheartedly loyal, eagerly praising the achievements of the Sui Dynasty. As for Zhou, he was a distant relative of Emperor Wen of Sui, governed a region, and performed many good deeds, so he was both loyal and brave. Unfortunately, his achievements ultimately remained unfulfilled, which is a real shame! Zhou, despite his limited abilities, aspired to achieve extraordinary feats against a powerful enemy; as the ancients would say, those who overestimate themselves and ignore the consequences are just like him!
