Yang Xian, courtesy name 'Pi Hetu', was the fifth son of Emperor Taizu. He was intelligent and astute, standing out from a young age. He was initially titled Duke of Fucheng County and studied the Book of Songs and its commentaries with his father, grasping its essence and understanding its fundamental meaning. Once, Emperor Taizu rewarded his sons with good horses to choose from. Yang Xian chose a piebald horse. When asked why, he replied, "This horse has a unique color; it might run very fast and be exceptional. If there’s a war in the future, it will be easy to identify and manage." Emperor Taizu was pleased and said, "This child has extraordinary wisdom; he will surely achieve great things in the future!" Later, he and his father went hunting in Longshan. Every time they passed by the official stables, Emperor Taizu would point to the piebald horse and say, "This is my son's horse!" and would then order the guards to bring the horse to him as a reward. In the first year of Emperor Xiaomin's reign, Yang Xian was promoted to Duke of Ancheng. After Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, he was appointed Grand General of Cavalry and given the title of Duke.
After Emperor Shizong ascended the throne, he granted him the position of Grand General. In the early years of Wucheng, Yang Xian was appointed Governor of Yizhou, responsible for the military affairs of twenty-four states including Yizhou, Ningzhou, Bazhou, and Luzhou, also serving as the Governor of Yizhou, and was enfeoffed as the Duke of Qi, with a fief that included ten thousand households. After pacifying the Shu region, Emperor Taizu felt that its strategically significant geographical location made it unsuitable for an old general. So he sought to select a suitable candidate from among his sons. He asked many people to see who was capable of this position. Before anyone else could respond, Yang Xian volunteered. Emperor Taizu said, "The Governor must pacify the people and govern the region; this is not something you can handle. According to age, it should be your brother's turn." Yang Xian replied, "Abilities vary; age is irrelevant. Let me try; if I fail, I am willing to accept punishment." Emperor Taizu was very pleased. However, because Yang Xian was still young, he was not appointed at that time. Emperor Shizong followed the late emperor's decree, hence this appointment. At that time, Yang Xian was only sixteen years old; he excelled at pacifying the people and governing diligently, handling lawsuits tirelessly from morning till night. The people of the Shu region remembered him fondly and erected a stele to praise his virtues. Soon, he was promoted to a higher rank. When I was in Baoding, I was summoned back to the capital and appointed Governor of Yongzhou. Later, Duke Jin led the army eastward, appointing Weichi Jiong as the vanguard, and surrounded Luoyang. I, Daxi Wu, Wang Xiong, and others stationed at Wangfushan, while other troops were stationed in strategic locations. As a result, several tens of thousands of Qi troops suddenly appeared behind our army; everyone was frightened and scattered. Only I, Wang Xiong, and Daxi Wu led the troops to resist. Unfortunately, Wang Xiong died in battle, and the three armies became even more terrified. I personally rallied the troops and boosted their morale, and everyone finally calmed down. At that time, Duke Jin, the regent, held me in high regard and included me in decisions regarding rewards and punishments.
In the third year of Tianhe, I was appointed as the Grand Marshal, overseeing the role of the minor prime minister, while still holding the title of Governor of Yongzhou. In the fourth year of Tianhe, the Qi general Dugu Yongye invaded, killing the defending general of Kongcheng, Neng Benda, and seizing Kongcheng. The court ordered me and the pillar of the state, Li Mu, to lead troops from Yiyang to build five cities, including Chongde, to sever the enemy's supply lines. The Qi general Huli Mingyue led an army of 40,000 to entrench south of Luoyang. In the fifth year of Tianhe, I crossed the Luo River to face him, and Huli Mingyue fled. I pursued him to Anyi and returned after several engagements. In the same year, Huli Mingyue built a city north of the Fen River, extending all the way to Longmen. Duke Jin Hu asked me, "The enemy is everywhere, and the war continues unabated, causing the border residents to be displaced and suffering immensely. Can we really just stand by and let them massacre our people? What good plan do you have?" I replied, "I think, brother, you should head to Tongzhou for a while to demonstrate our strength. I propose to lead an elite force on the front lines and wait for the opportunity to attack the enemy. This will not only stabilize the border but also secure additional victories." Duke Jin Hu agreed with my suggestion.
It was six years ago that the emperor sent Wei Chijiong to lead an army of twenty thousand, setting out from Longmen. The general of the State of Qi, King Wang Kangde of Xincai, heard that Wei Chijiong's troops had arrived and quickly and secretly withdrew his forces at night. Wei Chijiong then turned his troops back west. He also diverted the Fen River, destroying the fortresses and city walls south of the Fen River, redirecting it to flow back into Qi territory. The people of Qi didn't have a long-term strategic vision and relaxed their border defenses. Taking advantage of this, Wei Chijiong crossed the Yellow River and attacked four cities in Qi, including Fulong, taking them all in just two days. He then attacked Zhangbi and conquered it too, seizing their weapons and supplies, and flattening their fortifications. At that time, Huli Mingyue was in Huagu and could not come to the rescue, so he then attacked and captured Yaoxiang City to the north. By this time, Fenzhou had also been besieged for a long time, with food and reinforcements running low. Wei Chijiong sent Zhu Guo and Yuwen Sheng to help Fenzhou. Wei Chijiong himself entered Liangru Valley, launching a surprise attack, capturing Baisha City in Qi, then advancing towards Yaoxiang. The Qi defenders held their cities tightly. Wei Chijiong then had Zhu Guo and Tan Gong team up to build Shidian City as support for Fenzhou. The King of Pingyuan, Duan Xiaoxian, and the King of Lanling, Gao Changgong, led their armies to the battlefield, and Wei Chijiong ordered his troops to form up and face the enemy. General Han Huan was defeated by the Qi forces and fled, while Wei Chijiong took command of the battle himself, gradually pushing the Qi army back. It wasn't until dark that both sides pulled back.
Later, after Duke Jin of the Yuwen clan Yuwen Hu was executed, Emperor Gaozu summoned Wei Chijiong to the imperial capital. Wei Chijiong took off his hat and bowed in thanks. The emperor said to him, "This world was conquered by Emperor Taizu. I have inherited this ancestral legacy and have always been worried about losing it. Yuwen Hu, as the prime minister, overstepped his authority and plotted against the ruler. My reason for executing him was to stabilize the state. Your fates are inherently intertwined; this matter has nothing to do with you, so why do you need to express your thanks?" The emperor then ordered Wei Chijiong to go to Yuwen Hu's residence to seize military tokens and various records and documents. Soon after, Wei Chijiong was appointed Grand Chancellor. At that time, Emperor Gaozu had just executed the prime minister and was personally handling state affairs, aiming to guide court officials with political strategies and discipline them through laws, even being particularly strict with his own relatives. Since Wei Chijiong had been entrusted with important responsibilities by Yuwen Hu, his power gradually increased after the Tianhe era. Whenever Yuwen Hu had an opinion to share, he often had Wei Chijiong relay it to the emperor. Sometimes there were matters that did not need to be reported, but Wei Chijiong worried about causing a rift between the emperor and the prime minister, so he always communicated things tactfully. Emperor Gaozu understood his intentions, preventing any calamities. However, Wei Chijiong's power and reputation grew too immense, and ultimately, they could not coexist peacefully. Although he was given the title of Grand Chancellor, in reality, his authority was stripped away.
Pei Wenju, who serves in the court, is often summoned by the emperor to the inner palace. The emperor said to him, "Who in the court and beyond isn't aware of Sima Zhao's usurpation of power? I wept as I executed him for the sake of the country's stability and the people's welfare. Back in the chaotic days at the end of the Wei Dynasty, Taizu (Cao Cao) supported Emperor Xian of Han; later, during the establishment of the Zhou Dynasty, Sima Zhao again held great power. These negative practices have turned into entrenched traditions, and people just think it's only natural. How can a thirty-year-old emperor allow himself to be manipulated? Furthermore, in recent decades, a troubling trend has emerged, where after serving for a while, people treat the emperor like a monarch. This is merely a stopgap in turbulent times, not a sustainable strategy for ruling the nation. The Book of Songs states, 'Day and night, without rest, devote oneself to the affairs of one person.' 'One person' refers to the emperor. Even while attending to Prince Qi (Sima Zhao), one must not treat him as an equal. Besides, Taizu (Cao Cao) had ten sons; could they all become emperor? You should encourage them to pursue the right path, instill in them the values of loyalty, promote unity between rulers and subjects, and foster harmony among brothers, and not let suspicion arise between them." Pei Wenju expressed his gratitude and departed, reporting this matter to Emperor Xianzong. Emperor Xianzong tapped the table and remarked, "Don't you see my point? We should simply focus on doing our best in our own roles—what more is there to discuss?"
Pei Wenju, an attendant to the emperor at that time, was often called into the inner palace by the emperor for private conversations. The emperor said to him, "Everyone in the court knows about Sima Zhao's plot to usurp the throne, right? The reason I wept while removing him from power was for the stability of the country and the well-being of the people. During the chaos at the end of the Wei Dynasty, our ancestor (Cao Cao) assisted Emperor Xian of Han; later, during the establishment of the Jin Dynasty, Sima Zhao, the Prince of Jin, once again held great power. These negative practices have become entrenched, and everyone thinks it's only natural. How can a thirty-year-old emperor allow himself to be controlled by others? Moreover, in recent years, a perverse trend has emerged, where, after a brief period of service, a master-servant dynamic is assumed. This is only a temporary measure for turbulent times, not a long-term strategy for governing the country. The Book of Songs says, 'Serve one master, neither early nor late.' The 'one master' refers to the emperor. Even when serving King Qi (Sima Zhao), one cannot assume equality with the ruler! Besides, our ancestor (Cao Cao) had ten sons; can all of them become emperors? You should advise them to follow the right path, counsel them with righteousness, unite ruler and subjects, ensure harmony among brothers, and never let suspicion arise between siblings." After expressing his gratitude to Pei Wenju, he left and conveyed these words to Emperor Xianzong. Emperor Xianzong tapped the table and said, "Don't you understand my thoughts? As long as we remain loyal to our duties, what more is there to discuss?"
In the third year of the Jiande era, Xiao Xian was made a king. His friend Liu Xiuzheng presented a poem titled "King's Admonition," which Xiao Xian greatly admired. Liu Xiuzheng later presented this poem to the founding emperor of the dynasty. The founding emperor was in the process of weakening the influence of his brothers and highly admired this piece. Xiao Xian found military texts complex and hard to identify the main points, so he edited and organized them into five chapters of "Essentials," which he then presented to the founding emperor. After reading it, the founding emperor praised it.
That autumn, Gaozu traveled to Yunyang Palace and fell ill. At that time, Prince Wei, Xiao Zhi, rose in rebellion in the capital. Gaozu summoned Xiao Xian and asked him, "Do you know that Prince Wei has rebelled?" Xiao Xian replied, "I didn't know at first, but I have just received your command. If Xiao Zhi truly defies the heavens and acts irrationally, then he is seeking his own destruction." Gaozu said, "You will lead the vanguard, and I will follow with my troops." Xiao Zhi was swiftly defeated and forced to flee. Gaozu returned to the capital, and Xiao Xian and Prince Zhao, Xiao Zhao, entered the palace to express their gratitude. Gaozu said, "Guan Shu and Cai Shu were killed, Zhou assisted the king; the hearts of the people differ, much like their faces. It is a source of shame that my brothers have turned against one another."
At first, Prince Wei, Xiao Zhi, was very wary of Xiao Xian, but Xiao Xian secretly yielded and always treated Xiao Zhi with kindness and respect because Xiao Zhi was the emperor's brother. When Duke Jin, Xiao Hu, was killed, Xiao Zhi even requested the execution of Xiao Xian as well. Gaozu said, "I understand the thoughts of Prince Qi; there is no need to doubt him anymore." After Empress Wen Xuan died, Xiao Zhi secretly accused Gaozu, saying, "Xiao Xian still drinks and eats meat as usual, as if nothing has changed." Gaozu said, "Neither Prince Qi nor I are legitimate sons; we were both made princes because of me. Our situations are the same. You should feel ashamed; why concern yourself with such matters? You are the Empress Dowager's own son, especially favored by her. Now you just need to focus on doing well, and stop causing trouble." Xiao Zhi relented after hearing this.
In the fourth year of his reign, Emperor Gaozu planned to wage war in the east. He only confided in Neishi Wang Yi about this, and no one else was aware. Later, Gaozu realized that his brothers lacked the capabilities of his brother Gao Xian, so he informed Gao Xian of his plans. Gao Xian promptly expressed his unwavering support.
The army is about to set out, and Gao Xian offered up his personal assets to support military expenses. In his memorial, he wrote: "I have heard that seizing the opportunity and following the timing is essential for success; in warfare, one must be flexible and adapt strategies to the circumstances. Your Majesty, you have inherited the great achievements of the late emperor and ushered in a new golden age. I wish to align with the will of heaven, display your talents, unify the world, and bring peace and prosperity to the people. Now that the army is marching out, we may need to supplement our supplies. When the borders were unsettled, Bo Shi was willing to offer his family property; in times of turbulent rivers and lakes, Wei Zi was willing to provide private provisions. Although my abilities are limited, I cannot forget the examples set by these wise figures. I present sixteen pieces of gold, silver, and other treasures as a modest offering." Emperor Gaozu confiscated his gifts but shared Gao Xian's memorial with the ministers, stating, "This is how a loyal subject ought to behave. What I value is his sincerity; do I really lack these material goods?" He then commanded Gao Xian to lead a vanguard of twenty thousand troops directly to Liyang. Emperor Gaozu personally led the troops to besiege Heyin but was unable to capture it. Gao Xian, however, successfully captured Wuji and then laid siege to Luokou, taking both the eastern and western cities. When Emperor Gaozu fell ill, the army retreated. That year, the court created the title of Senior Pillar of the State and appointed Gao Xian to this role.
Five years ago, we launched a massive eastward campaign. General Xian (referring to Yuwen Xian) led twenty thousand elite cavalry troops, leading the charge at the front and stationed at Sparrow Mouse Valley. Gaozu (referring to Yang Jian) personally led troops to besiege Jinzhou. General Xian pursued the victory and captured the cities of Hongtong and Yong'an, preparing to continue the attack. However, the people of the Qi Kingdom set fire to the bridge, took control of the strategic position and held it fiercely, which made it nearly impossible for our army to advance, forcing us to set up camp at Yong'an. Upon hearing that Jinzhou was under siege, the Qi Emperor personally led a hundred thousand troops to its rescue. At that time, General Chen Wangchun's forces were encamped at Qianlijing, General Yongchanggong Chun's troops were stationed at Jiqi Yuan, and General Yuwen Sheng guarded Fenshui Pass. All of them were under General Xian's command.
General Xian quietly said to General Chun, "In warfare, the key is to achieve surprise and adapt to the circumstances, rather than rigidly adhering to rules. Now that you are camping, don't set up those tents, just chop down some cypress trees, throw together a simple shelter, and make it look good. After our troops withdraw, the enemy will doubt whether we're still around!" At that time, the Qi Emperor sent ten thousand troops to assault Qianlijing, sent troops to attack from Fenshui Pass, and led the main force to confront General Chun. General Yuwen Sheng rode up urgently to report, stating that the situation was dire. General Xian immediately led a thousand cavalry troops to rescue. The Qi soldiers spotted dust rising in the valley from a distance, believing our army was about to descend upon them, and quickly retreated in fear. General Yuwen Sheng and General Hou Mochen Rui crossed Fenshui to pursue, taking down countless foes and seizing a wealth of spoils.
Not long after, General Chun came to report that the Qi soldiers were approaching again, so General Xian ordered reinforcements to return. At that moment, General Chun received orders to withdraw his troops, so he led his men to retreat under the cover of night. The Qi soldiers really thought that the cypress shelter was a camp and didn't suspect our retreat at all. They only realized this the following morning.
Emperor Gaozu had already left Jinzhou, leaving Chen Qingzhi to hold off the enemy. The Emperor of Qi personally led his army in pursuit, all the way to Gaoliang Bridge. Chen Qingzhi, with two thousand elite cavalry, utilized the river as a natural barrier and arranged his troops. The Qi army's leading general, Duan Chang, charged straight to the riverbank. Chen Qingzhi called Duan Chang over from across the river for a conversation. After chatting, Chen Qingzhi asked Duan Chang, "What is your name?" Duan Chang replied, "I am the leading general Duan Chang. And who might you be?" Chen Qingzhi said, "I am just a senior commander." Duan Chang said, "From the way you speak, you are not an ordinary person. Since we have met today, why hide your identity?" At that time, Chen Wang Yuanchun, Liang Gonghou Morui, and Neishi Wang Yi were all by Chen Qingzhi's side. Duan Chang kept asking. Chen Qingzhi then said, "I am the Emperor's younger brother, the Prince of Qi!" Then he pointed to Chen Wang and others, reporting each of their official positions.
Upon hearing this, Duan Chang quickly turned and fled, and Chen Qingzhi immediately ordered the troops to retreat. The Qi army, undeterred, pursued relentlessly, with fierce determination and glinting weapons. Chen Qingzhi and Yumen Xin each led a hundred elite soldiers to resist, slaying over a hundred of Qi's finest warriors, including the valiant general Helan Baozi and Shan Rugui, before the Qi forces finally withdrew. Chen Qingzhi crossed the Fen River and rejoined Emperor Gaozu at Yubi.
The Emperor ordered Li Xian to take sixty thousand troops back to support Jinzhou. Li Xian immediately set off with his troops and established camp at Shushui. The Emperor of Qi relentlessly attacked Jinzhou, day and night, without a moment's rest. Spies returning with news reported that Jinzhou was on the brink of falling. Li Xian quickly dispatched King Yue Sheng, Wei Chi Yun, and Yu Wen Shenju with ten thousand light cavalry to rush to Jinzhou under the cover of night. He himself took position at Mengkeng with the main force to serve as reinforcements for Jinzhou. After confirming that Jinzhou had not yet fallen, he returned to Shushui.
Shortly after, the Emperor moved east and camped at Gao Xian. Li Xian led his troops and hurried ahead to Jinzhou. The next day, the various armies gathered and gradually closed in on the city. The Qi forces also surged out, forming their battle lines south of the camp. Upon his return, Li Xian told the Emperor, "These folks are easy to handle; let me defeat them before we eat!" The Emperor was pleased to hear this and replied, "As long as you can do it, I’ll be at ease!" After Li Xian left, Liu Qiu, the Minister of Internal Affairs, privately told Li Xian, "The enemy's numbers are not small; how can you be so careless?" Li Xian replied, "I have been appointed as the vanguard, and I carry the country and the people in my heart. Eliminating these traitors is as easy as crushing dry weeds. You know the matters of the Shang and Zhou dynasties. Even if the enemy has many troops, what can they do against me?"
Consequently, all the armies launched a coordinated assault, and the Qi forces quickly crumbled. That night, the Emperor of Qi fled, with Li Xian in pursuit on light cavalry. When he reached Yong'an, the Emperor also arrived. The remaining Qi troops regrouped at Gaobi and Luonü Zhai. The Emperor commanded Li Xian to assault Luonü Zhai, which was swiftly breached. The following day, the main army assembled at Jiexiu.
At this time, the Emperor of Qi had already fled to Ye City, leaving his cousin, Prince Yanzong of Ande, to defend Bingzhou. Yanzong, this brat, dared to impersonate the emperor and put up a fight with his troops. The Emperor led troops to besiege Bingzhou, with Li Xian in charge of attacking the west, and quickly captured it. Yanzong fled and was ultimately caught. For his achievements in this campaign, Li Xian's second son, Prince of Ancheng, was appointed as the Prince of Hejian, and his third son, Zong, was appointed as Grand General. The Emperor also ordered Li Xian to lead troops to Ye City. The following year, Ye City was also captured.
Prince Sima Jie of Qi and Prince Sima Xiaoheng of Guangning led tens of thousands of troops and horses, holding out in Xindu City. Emperor Gaozu issued an edict for Xian (referring to Wang Xian, the Inspector of Yuzhou) to attack them. The Emperor personally wrote a letter to Sima Jie, saying, "The court has always treated you and your brothers well, and all the princes are safe and sound. Uncle (referring to Sima Jie), if you lay down your weapons and surrender, the court guarantees that you will not be mistreated." But Sima Jie blatantly ignored it. So the court recruited soldiers on a grand scale, rewarding them with a lot of gold and silver treasures, and even thousands of monks signed up to join the army.
When Wang Xian's army passed through Zhaozhou, Sima Jie sent two spies to gather information. They were captured by Wang Xian's cavalry and brought before Wang Xian. Wang Xian then brought the captured spies in front of the old generals of Qi so the old generals could see them. Then Wang Xian said to them, "My goals in this war are significant, and it doesn't concern you. Now I will release you, and you can return to me immediately as envoys." Afterwards, Wang Xian wrote another letter to Sima Jie:
Between mountains and rivers, each has its own difficulties. In mid-spring, it's wise to be cautious and choose the right moment to put on your shoes. Continuing the legacy of the Yellow and Luo Rivers, aiming for the Three Kingdoms, the two sides are at war, yet it appears that virtue remains intact. In the past, the Wei dynasty faced turmoil, with chaos spreading throughout the country. Our ancestor governed wisely at the right time, providing great protection to the people. The Emperor now upholds the martial spirit, continuing the prosperous era, convening a meeting at Mount Ji and gathering the army at Mengjin. When thunder struck the outskirts of the Tang Dynasty, there were no ambushes in the wilderness; the Jin River was covered in clouds, with no strict defenses. The false leaders fled to the marshes, while the deceitful chiefs were handed over to justice. Virtue and righteousness radiated boundlessly, and prestige was visible from afar. Former generals and loyal ministers from esteemed families all rose to glory and were granted titles. They fought valiantly at Linzhang and risked their lives at Yingqiu. This is not just about human affairs, but also about the timing of heaven. It is essential to seek the right path and not depend on rumors.
I am not skilled in military might, yet I hold such an important position as the marshal, tasked with stabilizing the borders of Youzhou and Jizhou. Every one of those renowned cities and lords has submitted to me. I promote education and uphold rituals, and everyone has attained stability and happiness. Your esteemed Lord Gao, your reputation has long preceded you. You must be well aware of the rise and fall of empires throughout history, right? Surely you know that a single piece of wood can't support a great structure, and three warnings can save your life. Consider the examples of the Yin and Shang being replaced by the Zhou Dynasty, and Xiang Bo betraying the Chu state to ally with the Han. If you remain stubborn and stick to the old ways, you'll end up in ruin and become a laughingstock for everyone. Plus, your scouts have already been caught by our cavalry, and I know exactly what's going on in your army. I know you wish to use those weak soldiers and rudimentary weapons to confront our powerful army; you want to rely on dilapidated cities to preserve your insignificant life. Going to war isn't a smart move, and you shouldn't hesitate any longer; staying put isn't a bad plan, but it might not work. I've already ordered the troops to move in different directions, and victory is just around the corner. Battles are a common theme in military texts throughout history, and you'll realize this soon enough.
I arrived in Xindu, established a position in the south of the city, and even climbed up Zhang Er's tomb to observe the enemy. Not long after, the rebel generals feigned an attack and then surrendered with their troops. Xiang Yuan was a close confidant of the rebel leader Shen, and his surrender shocked and terrified the rebels. Shen was furious and killed Xiang Yuan's wife and children. The next day, we quickly defeated them, capturing and killing thirty thousand people, and captured Xiang Yuan and Xiaoheng. I asked Xiang Yuan, "Why did the King of Rencheng have to come to this point?" Xiang Yuan replied, "I am the son of Emperor Shenwu, with fifteen brothers; now only I am left. Now the ancestral temple and the country have been destroyed. If I die in battle today, it would be a way to honor my ancestors." I was moved by his resolve and ordered the release of his wife and children, providing them with generous wealth. I then asked Xiaoheng. Xiaoheng described the country's crisis, wept with emotion yet maintained his composure, and I respected him for it.
Regarding Weixian, he is an exceptionally skilled warrior, with a sharp mind, many strategies, especially good at pacifying soldiers, and has a unique way of using people. When charging into battle, he always leads from the front, and the soldiers admire him greatly and are willing to sacrifice their lives for him. The people of Qi have long heard of his reputation, and everyone fears his bravery and tactics.
During that battle in Bingzhou, he led his troops deep into enemy territory, causing no harm along the way, not disturbing the people, and maintaining strict military discipline with no selfish motives whatsoever. Earlier, a man named Liu Meiduo from the Qihu people had declared himself emperor, and the emperor had ordered Wei Xian and King Zhao to lead troops to quell the rebellion, as noted in the "Chronicles of Qihu." Wei Xian sensed his reputation was rising and began to think about finding an opportunity to retire. Later, when Emperor Gaozu planned to personally go to the north to fight, Wei Xian made an excuse about being ill. The emperor's face changed, saying, "If you are afraid of battle, who else can go for me?" Wei Xian, frightened, quickly replied, "Your Majesty, it is my honor to follow you, but I am truly ill and cannot lead troops!" It was only then that the emperor accepted his excuse.
After Emperor Gaozu passed away, Emperor Xuan ascended the throne. Because Xian, referring to Yang Xian, was in a high position and had great prestige, Emperor Xuan was very wary of him. At that time, Gaozu had not yet been buried, and all the princes were in the palace mourning. The Grand Marshal Sun Lan was in charge of leading the army and assisting in state affairs, while the other princes were pursuing their own agendas. Thus, Emperor Xuan ordered Yu Zhi to set up an office to keep an eye on their movements. Once Gaozu's tomb was completed and the princes returned to their residences, Emperor Xuan again commanded Yu Zhi to watch over Yang Xian's house, taking the chance to accuse Yang Xian of treason.
Then Emperor Xuan sent the junior prime minister Yuwen Xiaobo to speak to Yang Xian: "The positions of the Three Excellencies should be given to those who are close to the wise and capable. I now want your uncle to be the Grand Tutor, your ninth uncle to be the Grand Preceptor, and your eleventh uncle to be the Grand Guardian. What do you think of this?" Yang Xian said, "My abilities are slight, but the positions are very high. This would only fill me with fear of being overthrown. I cannot accept the positions of the Three Excellencies. Moreover, the meritorious officials of the founding emperor are more deserving of these positions. If only my brothers are relied upon, it could lead to criticism." Yuwen Xiaobo went back to report, and after a while, he came back and said, "The emperor orders you, Prince, and the other princes to come to the palace gate." Only Yang Xian was summoned, and Emperor Xuan had hidden warriors in the side chamber beforehand. Yang Xian was arrested when he entered. Yang Xian remained calm and steadfast in his defense. Emperor Xuan had Yu Zhi interrogate Yang Xian. Yang Xian's gaze was piercing as he faced Yu Zhi. Someone advised Yang Xian, "Given your current situation, why say so much?" Yang Xian said, "My status is noble, my family is prominent. Falling to this state now, life and death have their own fate. What else is there to worry about? It's just that my elderly mother is still at home. She may have regrets!" After speaking, Yang Xian threw the tablet
After Emperor Xuan killed Yang Xian, he couldn't find a suitable reason and falsely accused Wang Xing and others of conspiring with Yang Xian to rebel, then had them killed as well. People at the time felt that Yang Xian was wronged and said that they were unjustly executed alongside him. Yang Xian's biological mother, the Da Bugan family, was a Rouran person and was granted the title of Grand Consort of Qi in the third year of Jian De. Yang Xian was very filial, and his devotion to his mother was well-known. The Grand Consort had previously suffered from wind-heat syndrome, which frequently relapsed, and Yang Xian would not change out of his clothes, always serving by her side. Whenever Yang Xian had to go out for business, he would feel very uneasy, because whenever his mother fell ill, he sensed it immediately and would send someone to inquire, and the outcome was always as he expected. Yang Xian had six sons: Yang Gui, Yang Zhi, Yang Cang, Yang Gong, Yang Qianxi, and Yang Qianqia.
Speaking of the boy Gui, whose courtesy name was Qianfu, he was bright and clever from a young age, well-read, and particularly skilled in horseback riding and archery. When he first read the "Classic of Filial Piety," he told others, "Understanding this classic is enough to lay the foundation for being a good person." In the fourth year of Tianhe, at just ten years old, he was titled Duke of Anding and was given 1,500 households as his fief. It's noteworthy that when the founding emperor was Prime Minister, he had conferred this title and had never given it to anyone else until now.
When he was eleven years old, he went hunting with the emperor in Yanzhou. During one hunting expedition, he single-handedly shot fifteen wild horses and deer. His hunting skills were impressive! In the second year of Jiande, he was appointed as the Prince of Qi, and four years later he was promoted to the General of Chariots and Cavalry, as well as the Supervisor of the Imperial Secretariat. He was then sent to Bianzhou as the governor. Despite his noble upbringing within the imperial family, living in the grand palace, he was genuinely concerned about the people, possessing a sharp intellect and an exceptional memory. Once, he encountered two people on the road and said to those around him, "These two are local partisans, why are they loitering here?" None of the people around him knew them, but he could still name them. Everyone present was in awe of him. Another time, when the beacon tower was burned down by merchants, the official responsible for the beacon tower accepted a bribe from the merchants and failed to report the incident. Later, when this official came to attend the court meeting as usual, he asked, "Why did you let the merchants off for burning the beacon tower?" The official was taken aback and promptly confessed his wrongdoing. It is evident that he was observant and had precise judgment. Unfortunately, he passed away in the fourth month of the fifth year at the age of seventeen, and Emperor Gaozu was profoundly grieved by this loss.
Now, let’s discuss his brothers. His younger brother, Zhi, styled Qianyou, was initially appointed as the Duke of Ancheng and later promoted to the Prince of Hejian for his military achievements. Another brother was called Cong, styled Qianli, who achieved the rank of Grand General and was granted the title Duke of Zhongba. There was also a brother named Gong, who was later appointed as the Duke of Juzhuang; one named Qianxi, titled the Duke of Ancheng; and another named Qianqia, titled the Duke of Longhe. Regrettably, all these brothers met their end alongside Xian.
Historians say that from the Han Dynasty through the Wei and Jin periods, there were indeed many brothers and sons of emperors. However, the only ones who truly gained fame for their exceptional talents were figures like King Yuan of Chu, King of Hejian, King of Dongping, and King Si of Chen. Among those celebrated for their civil and military achievements, only the Kings of Rencheng and Langya stand out. Why is that? Because they grew up in privileged positions, enjoying wealth and comfort in the palace, leading to a lifestyle of arrogance and indulgence that dulled their ambitions. Consequently, extraordinary talents and great individuals were seldom found among them.
King Liu Xiang of Qi is an exception; he truly is an exceptional figure! Just look at him: leveraging his brother's status, he held a high-ranking military position and was both wise and brave. He fought like a warrior of legend, and the enemy states entrusted their lives and deaths to him; the rise and fall of the nation depended on his every move. How could they possibly be stronger than him? He wielded power that could intimidate the emperor, yet he met a tragic fate during a period of national decline. Thus, it became clear that the Zhou Dynasty's rule was not destined to last.
Think about this: in the past, Zhang Er and Chen Yu were just ordinary guests and servants, yet they eventually rose to become chancellors. Many civil and military officials from Qi later became governors. This same phenomenon occurred across different eras, reinforcing the idea that King Liu Xiang of Qi was truly a talented individual!
