Liang Yu, courtesy name Shantong, hailed from Anding. Later, after serving as an official in the north, he settled in Wuchuan and adopted the surname Gedouling. His grandfather, Si Liti, served under Wei Taizu in battles and held the positions of Yangwu General and Dingyang Marquis.
Liang Yu loved studying since childhood, with a serious attitude and a methodical approach to learning. As he grew up, he developed a special interest in horseback archery. Later, when Erzhu Tianguang marched west, he recognized Liang Yu's courage and strategy, and appointed him as Xuanwei General and Commander. Together, they pacified the Guanzhong region, and Liang Yu was promoted to Zhenxi General, Governor of Dong Yizhou, Chief of the First Lingmin Clan, and appointed as Count of Baishui with a fief comprising 300 households. He was later promoted to General of the West and Jinzi Guanglu Dafu. He followed Heba Yue to guard Chang'an. After Heba Yue was killed, Liang Yu and other generals supported the establishment of the Northern Zhou Taizu. He accompanied Taizu in the campaign against Hou Mochen Yue and was promoted to General of the Guards.
After Taizu pacified Qinzhou and Longzhou, he was preparing to lead his troops eastward. At this time, the Inspector of Yongzhou, Jia Xiandu, had dubious intentions and secretly colluded with the Northern Qi Emperor. Taizu became aware of his intentions and appointed Liang Yu as Grand Commander and Inspector of Yongzhou, leading the vanguard troops. When Liang Yu met Jia Xiandu, he reasoned with him and made an emotional appeal, saying, "The Wei Dynasty is in decline, the world is in chaos. Gao Huan is ambitious and treacherous; the downfall of the Wei Dynasty is inevitable. Yuwen Xiazhou (referring to Yuwen Tai) is wise and martial, with exceptional talent, seeking to stabilize the situation and restore the capital. If you don't seize this opportunity to make your mark and continue to hesitate, disaster could soon strike!" After hearing this, Jia Xiandu immediately went out to welcome the Northern Zhou Taizu, and Liang Yu successfully guarded Yongzhou. He was later appointed as General of Chariots and Cavalry, as well as Yitong Sansi.
In the first year of Datong, Liang Yusheng was appointed as the Right General of the Imperial Guard, granted the title of Duke of Xindu, with a fief of one thousand households. Shortly afterwards, he also served as the Right Deputy Minister of Rites. He followed Emperor Taizu in the recovery of Hongnong, achieved victory in the Battle of Shayuan, and was further appointed as an Attendant of the Palace, Supervisor of Palace Attendants, granted the title of Duke of Guangping, with his fief increased to one thousand five hundred households. Later, he was appointed as the Inspector of Eastern Yong Province. He ruled with simplicity and integrity, focusing on the big picture, and was highly praised by the people. In the fourth year of Datong, he died in office. Before his death, he only regretted that the country had not yet stabilized, without mentioning family matters. The court posthumously appointed him as Grand Commandant, Prefect of the Palace Secretariat, and Inspector of Yongzhou, with the posthumous title of Martial Zhaowu.
His son Rui inherited the title. During the Tianhe period, he was appointed as the Supervisor of Palace Attendants. Due to his meritorious service in assisting the emperor, he was elevated to Duke of Jiangguo. Towards the end of the Daxiang era, he was appointed as the Governor-General of Yizhou, and was also bestowed the title of Pillar of the State. When Rui was about to take office, Wang Qian rebelled and refused to hand over power. Therefore, the court issued another decree appointing Rui as the Expeditionary Marshal to quell Wang Qian, ultimately defeating him. Rui was subsequently promoted to Senior Pillar of the State.
Next, let's talk about a person named Ruoguan Hui, styled Huibao, hailing from Wuchuan in Dai Commandery. His ancestors rose in rebellion alongside the Wei clan, and later adopted the surname Guo. His father Shuli Zhou had served under Prince Guangyang of Wei, Yuan Yuan, in campaigns against Ge Rong, and was posthumously appointed as the Inspector of Jizhou.
At just under twenty, Ruo Gan Hui followed Erzhu Rong into battle to pacify Hebei and defeat Yuan Hao. He was appointed as a general due to his military achievements. Later, he served as a vanguard under Heba Yue's command, lifted the siege of Qi Prefecture, captured Moqi Chounu alive, pacified the Shuiluo area, and stabilized Longyou, achieving remarkable success in every battle. Consequently, he was granted the title of Count of Beiping, with a fief of two hundred households. He rose through the ranks, holding titles such as Zhenyuan General, Governor, Director of the Palace, General of the Western Expedition, and Jinzi Guanglu Daifu. After Heba Yue was assassinated by Hou Mochen Yue, Ruo Gan Hui, Kou Luo, Zhao Gui, and others supported the founding emperor, Yuwen Tai. He also participated in suppressing Hou Mochen Yue's rebellion and was appointed as a direct cabinet general.
After Emperor Xiaowu moved west, Yuwen Tai was appointed Right Guard General and Grand Commander, elevated to Count of Weichang with a fief of five hundred households. Later, he became the governor of North Huazhou and was also granted the titles of Commissioner and Cavalry General. In the early years of Daitong, he was appointed as Yitong Sansi, raised to Duke, and his fief was increased to one thousand households.
During the suppression of Dou Tai's rebellion, he achieved numerous military successes, participating in the recapture of Hongnong and the Battle of Shayuan, always leading the charge and putting himself in the front lines. As a result, he was further appointed as Palace Attendant and Kaifu (Minister), elevated to Duke of Changle County with a total fief of two thousand two hundred households.
In the fourth year of Daitong, Emperor Wen of Wei embarked on an eastern tour to Luoyang and fought against Emperor Shenwu of Qi at Heqiao. Yuwen Tai fought bravely, defeating the Qi army and capturing many enemy soldiers. In the seventh year of Daitong, he was promoted to Middle Army Leader. When Gao Zhongmi surrendered North Yuzhou to the Western Wei, the founding emperor, Yuwen Tai, personally led the army to welcome them. Upon reaching Luoyang, Emperor Shenwu of Qi prepared to ambush at Mangshan, so the founding emperor moved the supplies to Chanqu and then launched a night attack on the Qi army.
The battle began, and Yuwen Tai commanded the right flank, achieving a decisive victory alongside the central army over the Qi forces, pursuing them for several miles and capturing a large number of infantry. The army of Qi's Emperor Shenzu was concentrated in the left flank, and generals like Zhao Gui could not withstand the attack from the Western Wei army, causing the other troops to retreat as well. By then, it was getting late, and the Qi Emperor Shenzu's army repeatedly attacked Yuwen Tai, but he defeated them each time. By midnight, the cavalry of Qi's Emperor Shenzu came to chase after Yuwen Tai, and only then did Yuwen Tai dismount and order the cook to prepare a meal. After finishing the meal, he told those around him, "Dying in Chang'an or dying here, what's the difference?" He then raised the banner, sounded the horn, and called the scattered troops to fall back. The pursuing troops of Qi's Emperor Shenzu feared Yuwen Tai, suspecting there were ambushes, and did not dare to approach.
Upon reaching Hongnong, Yuwen Tai reported the situation of the enemy troops to Emperor Taizu, lamenting the lost opportunity for victory and voicing his deep regret. Emperor Taizu greatly appreciated this. Soon after, he was appointed as the governor of Qinzhou. Before he assumed office, he was promoted to Sikong.
Yuwen Tai was strong and upright, brave and powerful, with a commanding appearance. He had a knack for comforting the soldiers, who were all very grateful to him and wanted to follow his example of loyalty and bravery. In the twelfth year of the Datong era, the Eastern Wei general Hou Jing invaded Xiangzhou, and Yuwen Tai led troops to repel him.
The following year, Hou Jing requested to submit to Western Wei, and the court sought to reclaim the Henan region, so Yuwen Tai was ordered to defend Luyang in his original position for support. Sadly, he died of illness while still in the army.
Speaking of General Hui, he was the youngest among all the generals. He lost his father at a young age and had always cared for his mother filially, gaining a stellar reputation. Once, Emperor Taizu recently constructed an archery hall and invited all the generals to feast and shoot arrows. General Hui sighed secretly and said, "My mother is getting old; when will she get to enjoy such blessings?" Emperor Taizu heard this and moved the archery hall to General Hui's home that same day. This highlights how much Emperor Taizu valued him! Later, when General Hui passed away, Emperor Taizu cried for a long time. During General Hui's funeral, Emperor Taizu personally went to pay respects, restored his original rank posthumously, appointed him as the Governor of Qinzhou, and posthumously conferred him the title of Martial Valor. His son Feng inherited his title.
General Hui's son was named Feng, with the courtesy name Damo. He was mature and wise from a young age. During the reign of Emperor Datong of Northern Wei, he inherited his father's title as Marquis of Changle County and married the daughter of Emperor Taizu. In the second year of Emperor Fei of Wei, he was appointed as the Grand General of the Cavalry and given the title of Household Counselor. In the third year of Emperor Gong of Wei, he was appointed as the Earl of the Left Palace, but was soon appointed as the Inspector of Luozhou. He was later summoned back to the court to serve as a Grand Master of the Palace Attendants. In the fourth year of Baoding, he was granted the title of Duke of Xuguo posthumously, with his fief expanded to five thousand households. In the second year of Jiande, he was promoted to Duke.
As for Yi Feng, courtesy name Jingfu, he was from Liaoxi. Originally surnamed Motai, he changed his surname to escape persecution. His grandfather, the founding ancestor Kuan, was the Prefect of Liaoxi County in Yanzhou. During the reign of Emperor Daowu of Northern Wei, he led his entire family to submit to the court and was conferred the title of Yuzhen, and was granted the title of Duke of Changshe. His great-grandfather Wen served as the Inspector of Jizhou.
Speaking of Gao Huan, whose courtesy name was Jingfeng, he began his military career at a young age and was known for his bravery. During the Yong'an period, he was appointed as the Longxiang General, serving as a commander, and joined He Baoyue in the campaign against Wanqiu Chounu. For his military achievements, he was appointed as an official in the court and the General of Mingwei, and later promoted to the General of Conquering the Barbarians and the Commander-in-Chief, and was granted the title of Count of Puyin County. After He Baoyue was killed, Gao Huan, along with Zhao Gui and others, supported him as their leader. Gao Huan's title was then promoted to Count. At that time, the Governor of Yuanzhou, Shi Guihuan, was serving under Hou Mochen Yue, and Gao Huan ordered he and Hou Mochen Chong to go and subdue him.
Emperor Wenxuan of Northern Qi, known as Gao Huan, had a tense relationship with Emperor Xiaowu of Wei, who repeatedly ordered him to send elite troops to guard the capital. Gao Huan then sent his troops and Commander Zhao Gui to lead light cavalry to Luoyang. When they reached Tongguan, they coincided with Emperor Xiaowu's westward migration, so Gao Huan quickly returned to Luoyang with his troops and recaptured Tongguan. Afterwards, Gao Huan was appointed as the General of the East, the Governor of Huazhou, and soon promoted to Grand Commander. He achieved great success in the battle against Cao Ni and was elevated to Duke of Huayang County, with a fief of one thousand families. In the third year of Daitong, he defeated Dou Tai with Gao Huan at Xiaoguan. Upon returning, he was appointed as a Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, and Supervisor of the Three Offices. He also participated in the campaigns to recapture Hongnong and break through Shayuan, and his title was promoted to Marquis of Leling County. Later, he teamed up with Yuan Jihai and Dugu Xin to recapture Luoyang. Gao Huan led his troops to Chengfu, broke into the city, and after recruiting the city's inhabitants, he returned.
Dong Wei dispatched Renxiang Xing to lead more than ten thousand infantry and cavalry to attack Yingchuan. Gao Huan only led five hundred light cavalry to meet them in battle and achieved a complete victory. From then on, his reputation became even more illustrious, and he was granted the title of the Palace of the Three Excellencies. Dong Wei besieged Luoyang, and Gao Huan and Yuan Jihai defended Jinyong City together. After Gao Huan arrived, the siege was lifted, and he immediately engaged in a decisive battle with the Dong Wei army at Heqiao. At that time, Gao Huan served as the left flank; the battle was going poorly, and he and Li Yuan retreated first, which led to Gao Huan's return to the capital. The court issued an edict pardoning Gao Huan's guilt and appointed him as the military commander of the three Xia provinces in the east, west, and north, as well as the governor of Xia Zhou. Later, he joined forces with Yu Jin to defeat Liu Pingfu, participated in the siege of Jie Yubi, and pacified Baiguwu, all of which were meritorious deeds. The Governor of Liangzhou, Yu Wen Zhong, rebelled, and Gao Huan and Dugu Xin together suppressed him.
In the fifteenth year of the Datu era, Dong Wei besieged Yingchuan, and Gao Huan and Zhao Gui went to rescue. After arriving in Nanyang, Gao Huan died after a long illness at the age of fifty.
General Feng was a courageous and highly capable military leader, greatly admired by his soldiers, and was known as a valiant general. The Emperor Taizu mourned him for a long time and posthumously granted him the title of governor of Huazhou and conferred upon him the posthumous title of Xiangwei. His son Ang inherited his father's title and rose to the position of the official of the Palace of the Three Excellencies. The court later recognized General Feng's achievements and bestowed the title of Duke of Shanguo upon Ang. General Feng's brother, Guang, was made Marquis of Anping County due to his brother's achievements. He initially served as a court attendant, then rose to the position of Minister of Works and Left Wubo, and finally served as the governors of Fenzhou, Jingzhou, and Binzhou, and was also granted the title of the Palace of the Three Excellencies, and was promoted to Duke of Longhe County. Another brother of General Feng, Chun, was well-known from a young age and rose to the position of Senior Officer of the Ministry of Personnel and the Palace of the Three Excellencies.
Liu Liang, a native of Zhongshan, originally named Liu Daode. His grandfather Liu Youlian was the Governor of Weizhou during the Wei Dynasty; his father Liu Chizhen was the General of Zhenyuan and also the leader of the local tribes. In recognition of his great achievements, Liu Liang was posthumously appointed as the General of Chariots and Cavalry, Chief of the Masters of Writing, and Governor of Hengzhou.
Liu Liang was bold and resourceful from a young age, tall and imposing in appearance, instilling fear in those who saw him. During the Putai era, he followed General He Buyue to the west as a commander, lifted the siege of Qizhou, and defeated many rebels including Hou Fuhou Yuanjin, Mo Qidaoluo, Mo Qichounu, and Su Qinmingda. Liu Liang always led the charge and fought valiantly alongside his troops. Due to his outstanding military achievements, he was appointed as the Grand Commander, titled as the Marquis of Guangxing County, and granted a fief of five hundred households.
After General Hou Mochen Yue killed He Buyue, Liu Liang and other generals discussed welcoming Emperor Gaozu. Even after the suppression of Hou Mochen Yue, his associate Sun Dinger, the Governor of Binzhou, refused to surrender. The states of Jingzhou, Qinzhou, and Lingzhou all supported Sun Dinger, with tens of thousands of troops, declaring him as their leader and resisting the loyalist forces. Emperor Taizu ordered Liu Liang to suppress them. Sun Dinger thought the loyalist forces were still far away and was not adequately prepared. Liu Liang led twenty cavalry soldiers, hoisted military flags on the high ground near the city, and quickly stormed into the city. Sun Dinger was hosting a banquet in the city when he suddenly noticed Liu Liang's arrival; everyone was struck with terror and was at a loss for what to do. Liu Liang immediately ordered his soldiers to kill Sun Dinger, display his severed head as a warning, and issued commands to the remaining rebels. He then gestured towards the military flags on the high ground outside the city and commanded two cavalry soldiers: "Go after the main army!" The rebels, struck with fear, surrendered without hesitation. As a result, rebels from various states promptly submitted.
Emperor Gaozu established twelve military divisions and selected generals to lead them. Yuwen Liang was appointed as a general of one of these armies. Every time he went into battle, he always served as a cavalry leader alongside Yifeng. Later, when Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved west, Yuwen Liang was promoted to the position of envoy with the authority to hold a seal, Right Minister of Rituals, Left Grand Commandant, and Governor of Nanjin Province for his contributions in welcoming the emperor. In the first year of Datong, due to his achievements in recapturing Tongguan, he was further promoted to Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry and granted the title of Earl of Raoyang with a fief of 500 households, and soon after, he was also granted the title of Palace Attendant. In the capture of Dou Tai, the recapture of Hongnong, and the Battle of Sha Yuan, Yuwen Liang fought bravely and achieved outstanding military achievements. Afterwards, he was promoted to Grand Commandant and Grand Minister of Rites, and his title was elevated to Duke of Changguang with his fief increased to two thousand households. Later, due to the death of his mother, he resigned from office to mourn, during which he was deeply grieving and visibly weakened. Emperor Gaozu was very touched by his filial piety and cared for him greatly, and soon allowed him to return to his position.
Yuwen Liang was renowned for his bravery and skill in battle, being a famous general of the time, and he often proposed good strategies that were very practical. Emperor Gaozu once said to him, "You are well-rounded in both literature and martial arts; you are simply my Zhuge Liang!" Thus, Emperor Gaozu bestowed upon him the name "Liang" and granted him the surname Houmochen. Ten years later, Yuwen Liang was assigned to Dongyongzhou as Governor. He governed with integrity, and the people lived and worked in peace and contentment. After serving three years, he passed away in the provincial capital at the age of forty. After his body was transported back to the capital, Emperor Gaozu personally went to pay his respects, weeping as he said to everyone, "My trusted minister has died; who can I trust now?" He then ordered the Minister of Ceremonies to oversee his funeral. After his death, Yuwen Liang was posthumously promoted to Grand Marshal, with the posthumous title of Xiang (襄), and was granted the privilege of sharing the ancestral temple of Emperor Taizu.
His son Yuwen Chang married Princess Xihelong, the daughter of the founding emperor of the Northern Zhou Dynasty. During the reign of Da Xiang, he held the positions of Pillar of the State, Governor of Qinzhou, and Governor of Lingzhou. In recognition of Yuwen Liang's achievements, Yuwen Chang was granted the title of Duke of Pengguo, with a fief consisting of five thousand households. His brothers, Yuwen Jing, Yuwen Gong, and Yuwen Gan, held various official positions as well.
Wang De, whose courtesy name was Tian'en, was from Wuchuan in Daijun. He was skilled in horseback riding and archery from a young age, and despite lacking formal military training, he was known for his filial piety and kindness. In the second year of Yong'an, he followed Erzhu Rong to attack Yuan Hao, took part in the battle of He'nei, and volunteered to be the first to charge into battle. Due to his military achievements, he was appointed General Conquering the Yi and elevated to the rank of County Viscount. Later, he followed Heba Yue to suppress the rebellion of Moqi Chunü. He was further appointed as Viscount of Shenze County, with a fief of two hundred households, and his official position was promoted to General Longxiang and Senior Official of the Central Palace.
After He Mo-chen Yue killed Heba Yue, Wang De, together with Kou Luo and others, supported the establishment of the Northern Zhou Dynasty. His official position was further promoted to General Conquering the West, Grand Master of the Order of Splendid Purple Light, and Governor of Pingliang County. Despite being illiterate, Wang De made decisive judgments in handling political affairs, surpassing even the most accomplished officials. The five counties he governed in Jingzhou consistently achieved the best political results.
When Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved west, Wang De was rewarded with the title of Marquis of Xiabo County and granted a fief of five hundred households for his contributions in welcoming the emperor. He served as the governor of Dongyongzhou. Not long after he took office, the people soon came to greatly miss him. The court also bestowed upon him the surname Wuwan. In the first year of Datong, he was appointed as the General of the Guard and Right Grand Minister, elevated to the rank of Duke, and his fief was increased to one thousand households. His official position was further elevated to General of Chariots and Cavalry, Assistant to the Three Departments, and Governor of Beiyongzhou. After that, he frequently accompanied the founding emperor on military campaigns, achieving numerous military successes. He also participated in the battle at Shayuan, where they defeated Emperor Shenwu of Qi, and was promoted to the position of Minister of the Interior and granted the title of Duke of Hejian, with his fief accumulating to two thousand seven hundred households. Previously, the Qiang people in the Hewei region had rebelled multiple times, but due to Wang De's great reputation, he was highly regarded by the Qiang people, leading to his appointment as Governor of Hezhou. Wang De was very capable in governing the region, and the Qiang people came to submit to him. In the thirteenth year, he was granted the title of Grand Commander, in charge of the military affairs in Lingzhou, Xianzhou, Sanzhou, Wuyuan, and the two towns of Puchuan. In the fourteenth year, he was appointed as Governor of Jingzhou. He ultimately passed away in office and was posthumously given the title "Xian."
Wang De was known for his integrity, caution, and cleanliness, and his words and actions were always proper. His mother lived to be over a hundred years old, passing away only after his death.
His son Qing, nicknamed Gongnu, was similarly known for his caution and integrity. He eventually attained the position of Minister of the Interior. When Wang De's father passed away, the family was very poor and could not afford a proper burial, so he sold his son Gongnu and a daughter to cover the funeral expenses. Later, amidst the chaos of war, father and son became separated. It was not until Wang De found them in Pingliang that he renamed his son Qing.
In historical records, it is said that Liang Yu and his companions were originally talented in becoming great generals, imbued with a courageous spirit. During the chaotic times, they fought across the land, faced numerous hardships and challenges, but they had yet to achieve recognition. As the nation began to flourish, they participated in the establishment and planning of the country, making significant contributions from the outset, allowing them to stand alongside figures like Guan Ying, Li Shang, Zhang Liang, and Xu Shu, becoming famous as well. It can be said that they were fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. Unfortunately, they died in their prime, and their great ambitions were not yet realized, which is truly unfortunate!
Hui and De were renowned for their valor and bravery, but they were also able to be filial to their parents, which is exceptionally rare! Their reputation in historical records is already quite esteemed; what more can one say? Brave individuals may not always embody benevolence, but they exemplified it, which is truly extraordinary!
