Wei Chi Jiong, whose courtesy name was Bo Ju Luo, was from Dai County. His ancestors were a branch of the Wei state, referred to as the Wei Chi clan, hence the surname Wei Chi. His father was named Wei Chi Qi Dou, a man of broad-mindedness and great knowledge, who married the elder sister of Emperor Taizu, Princess Chang Le, and had two sons, Wei Chi Jiong and Wei Chi Gang. Before passing away, Wei Chi Qi Dou called his two sons, patted their heads, and said, "You two brothers have the appearance of men of distinction, but it's a pity I will not live to see the day of your success. You must both work hard!"
From a young age, Wei Chi Jiong was intelligent and good-looking. As he grew up, he harbored great ambitions, enjoyed helping and nurturing talent, and gradually rose to the position of Deputy Commander in the Grand Chancellor's office. He also married Princess Jinming, the daughter of Emperor Wen of Wei, and was conferred the title of Duke of the Imperial Family. He followed Emperor Taizu to reclaim Hongnong and distinguished himself in the Battle of Sha Yuan. He was subsequently promoted to the position of Left Minister of Personnel, while concurrently serving as General-in-Chief. Wei Chi Jiong was intelligent and highly capable, and although he held both civil and military posts, he excelled in both roles, fulfilling the expectations of the era. Because of this, Emperor Taizu placed great trust in him, ultimately promoting him to the rank of Grand General.
When Hou Jing crossed the river, Emperor Yuan of Liang was stationed in Jiangling. Amidst the intense domestic turmoil, he requested to establish peace with Northern Wei. His brother, Xiao Ji, the King of Wuling, declared himself emperor in Shu and led an army eastward, preparing to attack Emperor Yuan of Liang. Emperor Yuan was deeply alarmed and wrote a letter requesting assistance from Northern Wei, and also requested that they attack Shu. The founding emperor of Northern Wei remarked, "Shu can be attacked. Capturing Shu to control the Liang Dynasty can be achieved in one decisive strike." He then consulted with his ministers about this, and the generals had differing opinions. Only Wei Xiaokuan believed that Xiao Ji had taken his elite troops eastward, and Shu would surely be vulnerable; they would certainly achieve an easy victory if the Wei army attacked. The founding emperor strongly concurred with his assessment and said to Wei Xiaokuan, "I entrust you with the task of leading the attack on Shu. What are your plans?" Wei Xiaokuan replied, "Shu has been isolated from the Central Plains for over a hundred years. They have relied on their mountainous terrain and treacherous obstacles, and they never expected us to launch an attack. We should use elite infantry and cavalry to march around the clock to launch a surprise attack. We will double our speed on flat roads and slow down on steep roads, advancing steadily, catching them off guard, and striking at their core. When the people of Shu see the imperial army approaching with fierce intent, they will surely be terrified and surrender without a fight." He then commanded Wei Xiaokuan to lead six armies, including Kai Fu Yuan Zhen, Yi Fu Ya, Si Lü Ling Shi, Chi Nu Xing, Qi Lian Xiong, and Yu Wen Sheng, comprising twelve thousand infantry and ten thousand cavalry, to launch an assault on Shu.
In the spring of the second year of the reign of Emperor Wei, Wei Xiaokuan set out from Sanguan, traveled along the Guda Road, passed through Baima, and headed straight for Jinshou, opening up the old Pinglin road. The vanguard arrived at Jian'ge, where Le Guang, the governor of Anzhou under Xiao Ji, was the first to surrender. Yang Qianyun, the Liangzhou governor under Xiao Ji, who was stationed in Tongzhou at the time, also surrendered. In June, Wei Xiaokuan arrived in Tongzhou, rewarded his troops, and then continued to march westward. Xiao Ji's Yizhou governor, Xiao Wei, chose to defend the city rather than fight. Wei Xiaokuan's army besieged Yizhou. At first, when Xiao Ji reached Bajun and heard that Wei Xiaokuan was attacking, he sent Qiao Yan to lead troops to provide support for Xiao Wei. Wei Xiaokuan divided his forces, sending Yuan Zhen and Yifaya with light cavalry to defeat Qiao Yan, who subsequently surrendered. Xiao Wei fought dozens of battles but was defeated by Wei Xiaokuan in every encounter. Xiao Wei, along with Xiao Ji's son, the Prince of Yidu, Xiao Su, and their civil and military officials, came to the camp to request to surrender, and Wei Xiaokuan welcomed them politely. Their officials were allowed to resume their original positions. Only servants and supplies were confiscated to reward the troops. Discipline was strict, and there were no private dealings within the ranks. The court issued an edict appointing Wei Xiaokuan as the Grand Commander, responsible for the military affairs of eighteen states, including Yizhou and Tongzhou, while also serving as the governor of Yizhou. Because of his achievements in pacifying the Shu region, one of Wei Xiaokuan's sons was granted a title of duke. From south of Jian'ge, Wei Xiaokuan could appoint and dismiss officials at will. He then clearly defined rewards and punishments, dispensing both grace and authority, pacified the newly conquered areas, and won over the regions that had yet to submit, leading all ethnic groups to pledge allegiance.
Lao Cheng is a devoted son, especially good to his mother, never neglectful. Even though he is not at home, whenever he gets something fresh and delicious, he always lets his mother taste it first before daring to eat it himself. His mother, Grand Princess Da Chang, is old and often ill. Cheng Jiong, an official in the capital, visits his mother every day after morning court to check on her well-being. His anxiety is evident on his face. Each time, Grand Princess Da Chang smiles and urges him to eat, just to ease his worries.
Emperor Taizu knew that Cheng Jiong was a filial child, so he summoned him to the capital to make his old mother happy. He even sent a high-ranking official to greet him outside the city and rewarded him with a set of magnificent court attire. The people of Shu fondly remembered him and erected a monument to honor his filial piety.
After Emperor Xiaomin passed away, Yang Su was promoted to General of the Pillar State. Due to his significant achievements in pacifying Shu, on par with the renowned Marquis Huo Qubing, he was appointed as the Duke of Ningshu with a fief of ten thousand households. When Emperor Xuan ascended the throne, he appointed Yang Su as Grand Preceptor and as commander of Xiangzhou. After Emperor Xuan passed away, Sui Emperor Yang Jian assisted in governance. Yang Jian, wary of Yang Su's high status and power, feared he might have ulterior motives, so he sent Yang Su's son, Duke Wei'an Yang Dun, with an edict to bring Yang Su back to the capital for the funeral and took this opportunity to let Wei Xiaokuan replace Yang Su as the commander. Yang Su suspected Yang Jian of wanting to usurp the throne, so he forbade his son Yang Dun from returning and rejected the transfer.
Yang Jian sent envoys to persuade Yang Su through He Zheng and secretly wrote letters to the chief historian Jin Chang and others in the governor's office, urging them to prepare. After learning of this, Yang Su killed the chief historian Jin Chang and the envoy He Zheng. He gathered civil and military officials and the common people, ascended the tower in the north of the city, and loudly declared: "Yang Jian is merely an ordinary man, using his father's influence to hold the young emperor hostage and dominate the realm, monopolizing power and being inconsistent in rewards and punishments. Everyone knows of his treacherous intentions! As a minister and a member of the royal family, my honor and disgrace are tied to theirs; we are one family. The late emperor entrusted me with the duty of guarding this place to ensure the nation's safety. Now I want to join forces with all of you to gather righteous troops, restore the nation, protect the people, and if we succeed, we'll be remembered in history; if we fail, we can still uphold our loyalty. What do you all think?"
Everyone enthusiastically responded, expressing their strong emotions. Yang Su then proclaimed himself the Grand Commander and appointed officials as he saw fit. At this time, Prince Zhao Yang Zhao had already entered the court, leaving only his young son in the local area, and Yang Su issued orders to him as well. Yang Su's brother Yang Qin, who was then the governor of Qingzhou, also responded to Yang Su. The territories under Yang Su's command, including Xiangzhou, Weizhou, Lizhou, Maozhou, Mingzhou, Beizhou, Zhao Zhou, Jizhou, Yingzhou, and Cangzhou, as well as those under Yang Qin's command, such as Qingzhou, Jiaozhou, Guangzhou, and Juzhou, all rallied to his call, amassing a total military strength of hundreds of thousands. The governor of Rongzhou, Shao Gong Yuwen Zhou, the governor of Shenzhou, Li Hui, the governor of Dongchuzhou, Fei Yeli Jin, and the governor of Dongtongzhou, Cao Xiaoda, also took control of their respective states and counties in support of Yang Su. Yang Su also formed an alliance with Gao Baoning to reach out to the Turks in the north and contacted the Chen Dynasty in the south, agreeing to cede the Jianghuai region.
Sui Emperor Wen sent troops to attack Dou Yi and appointed Wei Xiaokuan as the Grand Marshal. Dou Yi, leading an army of 100,000, camped at Wude, east of Qingshui. Wei Xiaokuan's forces faced off across the river, with neither side willing to make the first move. Sui Emperor Wen also sent Gao Jiang, urging him to hurry to the battlefield. Dou Yi arranged his troops in a line 20 miles long and intentionally withdrew slightly, planning to strike when Wei Xiaokuan's army had crossed halfway. When Wei Xiaokuan saw their retreat, he beat the drums and advanced, leading to a crushing defeat for Dou Yi. Wei Xiaokuan pursued the victory and reached Ye City.
Dou Yi and his sons Dou Dun and Dou You gathered all their troops—totaling 130,000—south of the city. Dou Yi also commanded an additional 10,000 soldiers, all wearing green headscarves and dressed in fine robes, known as the "Yellow Dragon Army." Dou Qin brought 50,000 troops from Qingzhou to support Dou Yi, sending 3,000 cavalry first. Dou Yi, even in his old age, still donned armor and personally commanded on the battlefield. His soldiers, all from Guanzhong, fought fiercely. Wei Xiaokuan's forces suffered losses and had to retreat. The people of Ye City, men and women of all ages, came out to watch the spectacle, crowding the area. Gao Jiang and Li Xun quickly organized their troops, dispersing the onlookers and seizing the opportunity amid the chaos to launch an attack. Dou Yi was defeated again and retreated into Ye City. Dou Yi took refuge in the northern part of the city, and Wei Xiaokuan ordered the city to be surrounded. Li Xun and He Louzi led their soldiers in the first charge. Dou Yi climbed the city tower and shot several soldiers before ultimately taking his own life. Dou Qin, Dou Dun, and the others fled east but were soon captured. The remaining forces were all eliminated within a month.
Dou Yi grew old in his later years, became increasingly confused, and was misled by his second wife, Wang Shi. Moreover, his sons had poor relationships with each other. He unexpectedly appointed Cui Danu, a literary man with no military talent, as his Chief of Staff, along with many other important positions being filled by Qi people. From the start of his rebellion to its failure, Dou Yi's uprising lasted only sixty-eight days.
During the period of Wu De, Dou Yi's grandson, Dou Qifu, submitted a request for a reburial for Dou Yi. After discussion, the court agreed after acknowledging Dou Yi's loyalty to the Zhou dynasty.
Wang Qian, also known as Zhiwan, was the son of the Grand Guardian Wang Xiong. He was an honest person with no outstanding talents. Thanks to his father's accomplishments, he steadily rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the Grand General of Cavalry and a Minister. After Emperor Xiaomin ascended to the throne, Wang Qian was appointed as the Right Minor Military Marquis. His father Wang Xiong died in battle alongside Duke Li Bing of Jin, killed by Qi people. Considering Wang Qian's father's death in battle, the court granted him several privileges, hoping he would become the Grand General of Pillars of the State. However, Wang Qian declined the position, stating that his mourning period had not yet ended. Emperor Gaozu personally issued an edict, forcing him to accept the appointment, inheriting his father's title as Duke of Yong County. He was granted land with over ten thousand households. Later, Wang Qian joined the Crown Prince in attacking the Tuyuhun, making significant contributions to the campaign. While Emperor Gaozu was fighting in the east, Wang Qian was also at the front lines, and was eventually promoted to Chief General and Governor of Yizhou.
During the reign of Emperor Wen of Sui, Wang Qian sent the official He Ruoang with a memorial to the capital. Upon his return, He Ruoang provided a detailed report on the situation in the capital. Wang Qian, feeling that his family had received imperial favor for generations, felt it was time to restore their former glory. Therefore, he raised an army, appointed officials, and took control of the eighteen states of Yizhou, Tongzhou, Xinzhou, Shizhou, Longzhou, Qiongzhou, Qingzhou, Luzhou, Rongzhou, Ningzhou, Wenzhou, Lingzhou, Suizhou, Hezhou, Chuzhou, Zizhou, Meizhou, and Puzhou, as well as the ten states of Jiazhou, Yuzhou, Linzhou, Quzhou, Pengzhou, Longzhou, Tongzhou, Xingzhou, Wuzhou, and Yongzhou. Many followed him in the uprising. The Chief Secretary of Yizhou, Yi Feqian, and the Inspector of Yizhou, Daxi Jiji, advised Wang Qian to secure strategic positions and assess the situation before making any moves. The Inspector of Longzhou, Gao Anagui, offered Wang Qian three strategies, stating: "You can personally lead the elite troops straight to Sanguan. The people of Shu will recognize that you are rising in support of the emperor and will surely rally to you. This is the best course of action. Alternatively, you could simply defend the southern region and only send out troops for self-defense. This is the middle strategy." In the end, Wang Qian chose to use the middle and least favorable strategies.
Liang Rui had not yet arrived in Jianzhou when Yang Qian sent troops to defend Shizhou. Emperor Wen of Sui promptly appointed Liang Rui as the commander-in-chief and then gathered troops from Lizhou, Fengzhou, Wenzhou, Qinzhou, Chengzhou, and other regions to launch an attack against him. Da Xiji and Yi Fuqian led a hundred thousand troops to attack Lizhou, but when they heard that Liang Rui had arrived, the entire army collapsed. Liang Rui pursued his victory deep into enemy territory. Da Xiji and Yi Fuqian secretly sent people to see Liang Rui, seeking clemency. Yang Qian was unaware of this and allowed them to continue guarding Chengdu. Yang Qian had no talent. He only obtained such an important position based on his father's merits. At the onset of the rebellion, everyone thought that the dangerous terrain here could serve as a stronghold; winning battles could gain merit, and losing battles could also protect oneself. Moreover, many of the people he employed were not talented. Upon hearing that Liang Rui's army had suddenly arrived, Yang Qian was struck with fear and quickly mobilized his men to confront them. He also arranged for Da Xiji and Yi Fuqian's sons to be positioned in the two armies. After marching several dozen miles, the troops mutinied and fled. Yang Qian managed to escape to Xindu with only twenty cavalrymen, where County Magistrate Wang Bao executed him and sent his head to the capital. Da Xiji and Yi Fuqian surrendered along with Chengdu, and Emperor Wen of Sui ha
Sima Xiaonan, styled Daorong, was from Wen County, Henan. His father, Sima Ru, had assisted Emperor Shenwu of Qi in establishing his achievements and held the position of Chancellor. Sima Xiaonan was clever and bright from a young age, had a basic understanding of various classics and histories, and was skilled at presenting himself to gain fame. He initially served as an official in the Imperial Academy. His father, Sima Ru, wielded great power in court, and Sima Xiaonan enjoyed making friends with guests. Notable figures such as Xing Zicai, Wang Yuanjing, Wei Shou, Lu Yang, and Cui Shan were all his esteemed guests. Later, he was appointed as Duke of the Imperial Son-in-law and Minister of Rites, and then he was assigned to serve as the governor of Beiyuzhou.
In the later years of Emperor Wenxuan of Qi, he became increasingly foolish and tyrannical. Xiaonan (Xiao Mohe) feared for his own safety and constantly thought of self-preservation, so he sought to win the favor of the common people, who largely supported him.
Later, Emperor Wenxuan summoned his brother, King Xiao Huan of Shangdang, urgently from Bingzhou. Fearing for his life, Xiao Huan killed the messenger and fled east. Within a few days, there was a manhunt in Ye City, throwing the city into chaos. Eventually, Xiao Huan was captured in Jizhou. After Xiao Huan fled, court ministers privately discussed, "Now that King Shangdang has defected, it seems he is heading to Chenggao. If he conspires with Sima Xiaonan (who was then the governor of Beiyuzhou), it could spell disaster!" This news reached Emperor Wenxuan's ears, and he became quite suspicious. Xiaonan, feeling afraid, secretly sent his trusted aide Pei Zao to Guanzhong to request the surrender of the province to Northern Zhou. Duke Jin of Northern Zhou, Yuwen Hu, sent Da Xi Wu and Yang Zhong to welcome him. Xiaonan entered the capital alongside Da Xi Wu. He was granted the title of General and Duke of Xingyang. Later, he accompanied Emperor Gaozu of Northern Zhou, Yuwen Jue, on an eastern campaign, was promoted to Grand Minister of State, and married his daughter to Emperor Jing, Yuwen Chan, as empress. Not long after, he was appointed as governor of Yuzhou.
When Sui Wen Emperor Yang Jian was in power, he heard that Duke Yang Qiong of Shu was unwilling to hand over military authority, so he sought to ally with Yang Qiong and raised troops in response. He regarded officials like Tian Guang as his trusted confidants and killed more than forty people, including Chief Historian Hou Mochen and Governor of Yunzhou Cai Ze. The nine prefectures he governed—Yunzhou, Suizhou, Wenzhou, Yingzhou, Tuzhou, Shunzhou, Mianzhu, Huanzhou, and Yuezhou—along with the eight towns of Lushan, Zengshan, Dunyang, Yingcheng, Pingjing, Wuyang, Shangming, and Yanshui—all joined his rebellion. He also sent his son Xiao Yong to Chen as a hostage, seeking support from the Chen dynasty. Sui Wen Emperor appointed Wang Yi, the governor of Xiangzhou, as the commander-in-chief and mobilized troops from Jingzhou and Xiangzhou to attack him. In August, when Xiao Nan heard that Wang Yi's army was about to arrive, he and his subordinates fled to Chen overnight. Emperor Chen Xuan appointed him as the governor of Anzhou, Suizhou, the nine prefectures, the eight towns, General of Chariots and Cavalry, Minister of Works, and Duke of Suizhou.
At first, Yang Zhong and Wei Chijiong were sworn brothers and had a very close relationship. Sui Wen Emperor treated Wei Chijiong with the respect accorded to an uncle. After defeating the Chen dynasty, Wei Chijiong arrived in the capital, and the emperor specifically spared his life, permitting him to take on a role as a musician. It was not until twenty years later that he was released. Sui Wen Emperor still remembered their past friendship and specially summoned him. Not long after, Wei Chijiong died at home. He was a person who sought pleasure, acted rashly, and was capricious. Thus, later generations often cited Wei Chijiong as an example of fickleness. His wife, Gao, was the daughter of Northern Qi's Emperor Shenzu. While in Ye City, Wei Chijiong showed her great respect. However, after arriving in Chang'an, he grew increasingly indifferent towards her.
When Wei Chijiong went to Yunzhou, he left Gao and their three sons in the capital. Gao told Sui Wen Emperor, "Duke Xingyang (Wei Chijiong) is fickle and now has new favorites following him; he certainly won't care about our well-being, so you need to be careful and watch out for him!" Because Wei Chijiong fled to the Chen dynasty, Gao and her children were spared from being implicated.
The historian said: Wei Chi Jing held a prestigious position and came from a powerful maternal family. At one point, he was favored and held a strategically advantageous position, carrying significant responsibilities in the regional command, yet he failed to carry out his duties, burdened by worries and responsibilities. As the power of the Sui Dynasty emperor declined and the dynasty faced upheaval, Wei Chi Jing shifted his loyalty and changed his allegiance, ultimately deciding to rebel. Before he had the chance to serve his country loyally, he brought upon himself a catastrophic downfall. Considering his character, how does he differ from figures like Zhai Yi and Ge Dan?
