Da Xiwu, courtesy name Chengxing, was from Daizhou. His ancestors served as generals in Huaihuang Town of the Wei Kingdom, and his father was a general of Qiancheng Town. In his youth, Da Xiwu was handsome and charismatic; he loved horseback riding and archery, which caught the eye of He Baoyue. When He Baoyue was campaigning in the Guanzhong region, he took Da Xiwu on as his deputy general, and Da Xiwu followed him loyally. Because of his military achievements, Da Xiwu was appointed as the Supervisor of the Imperial Guard and Vice Commander. Later, when He Baoyue was killed by Hou Mochen Yue, Da Xiwu and Zhao Gui together transported He Baoyue's body back to Pingliang, and then they supported Emperor Zhou together. After quelling the rebellion led by Hou Mochen Yue, Da Xiwu was appointed as the Grand Master of the Palace Attendants and Commander, and was granted the title of Count of Xuchang County, with a fief that included three hundred households.
After Emperor Xiaowu of Wei entered the region, Da Xiwu was appointed as a Direct Attendant (a close aide to the emperor) and was later promoted to Military Advisor in the Grand Chancellor's Office, also holding the title of Cavalier in Regular Attendance, with his rank elevated to Duke. Emperor Gao Huan of Northern Qi, along with Dou Tai and Gao Aocao, led three armies in an assault on Western Wei. Emperor Zhou aimed to concentrate his forces against Dou Tai; many generals disagreed, but only Da Xiwu and Su Chuo backed Emperor Zhou's plan, which forced Gao Huan to retreat.
Zhou Taizu planned to attack Hongnong and sent Da Xi Wu with two cavalrymen to scout the enemy's movements. Da Xi Wu and his scouts encountered the enemy, immediately engaged in battle, killed six enemy soldiers, captured three, and then returned. Gao Huan led his troops to Shayuan, and Zhou Taizu sent Da Xi Wu to scout again. Da Xi Wu and three cavalrymen, all dressed in enemy uniforms, dismounted a hundred paces away from the enemy camp by evening and listened carefully, learning the enemy's military signals. They then mounted their horses, inspected each tent one by one, harshly punishing those who disobeyed military discipline. Da Xi Wu gathered intelligence on the enemy and reported it to Zhou Taizu. Zhou Taizu was very pleased, so he led his troops to attack and defeated the enemy. Da Xi Wu was appointed as the Grand Commander, his title was elevated to Duke of Gaoyang, and he was appointed as the General of Chariots and Cavalry, as well as the Grand Commander of the Three Offices.
Four years later, Zhou Taizu went to rescue Luoyang, and Da Xi Wu led a thousand cavalrymen as the vanguard. When they reached Gucheng, he and Li Bi defeated Modouludaiwen together. At Heqiao, Da Xi Wu fought bravely again, killing Northern Qi's Minister of Education, Gao Aocao. Da Xi Wu was promoted to Palace Attendant, General of the Valiant Cavalry, and Household Director of the Three Offices, and later was appointed as the Inspector of Beiyongzhou. He also participated in the Battle of Mangshan, where the situation was unfavorable, and Gao Huan pressed the advantage to Shanzhou. Da Xi Wu led his troops to hold the line and ultimately repel Gao Huan. Eventually, Da Xi Wu was promoted to Grand General.
Seventeen years later, the emperor ordered General Wu to lead thirty thousand troops to quell the rebellion in the Hanzhong region. The Liang Dynasty generals Yang Xian and Liang Shen surrendered with their armies, and General Wu divided his forces to garrison their cities. The Liangzhou governor and Marquis of Yifeng, Xiao Xun, held out in Nanzheng, and General Wu besieged him for several days. Only then did Xiao Xun request to surrender, and General Wu lifted the siege. Coincidentally, the Liang Dynasty's King of Wuling, Xiao Ji, sent his generals Yang Qianyun and others with over ten thousand troops to rescue Xiao Xun, who then reoccupied the city and refused to come out. General Wu, worried about the reinforcements arriving and being attacked from both sides, selected three thousand elite cavalry to intercept Yang Qianyun at Baima, achieving a great victory and forcing Yang Qianyun to flee. General Wu displayed the captured prisoners and spoils of war from the Shu army at the city gates. Knowing that the reinforcements had been defeated, Xiao Xun also surrendered, bringing along thirty thousand men, women, and children to the capital to present their surrender, thus pacifying the entire area north of Jianmen Pass.
The following year, General Wu returned to court. The court initially intended to appoint him as the Grand General of the Pillar State, but he remarked to others, "If I were to become the Grand General of the Pillar State, I should not stand in front of Crown Prince Yuanzi Xiao (referring to the crown prince)." Therefore, he resolutely declined the position. In the end, he was appointed as the Grand General, stationed at Yubi. General Wu then built three defensive fortifications at Lechang, Huying, and Xincheng, taking advantage of the local terrain. The Qi state general Gao Gouzi led a thousand cavalry to attack Xincheng, and General Wu set an ambush to meet them, capturing them all.
After Emperor Xiao Min ascended the throne, he appointed him as the Grand General of the Pillar State and Grand Minister of Justice. The governor of Beiyuzhou in the Qi state, Sima Xiaonan, led the entire province to surrender, and the emperor ordered General Wu and Yang Zhong to welcome Sima Xiaonan back to court. In the early years of Wucheng, General Wu was promoted to Grand Minister and granted the title of Duke of Zheng, with a fief of ten thousand households. The Qi state general Huli Dun invaded Fenzhou and Jiangzhou, and General Wu led ten thousand cavalry to resist, causing Huli Dun to retreat. General Wu also constructed Baibi City, leaving Kaifu Quan Yan and Xue Yusheng to garrison it.
In the year 563 AD, (Yuwen) Wu was promoted to Grand Protector. In the same year, a massive army embarked on an eastern campaign. General Yang Zhong led the Turkic forces in an attack from the north, while General Wu led thirty thousand cavalry in an attack from the eastern route, agreeing to meet in Jinyang. After General Wu arrived in Pingyang, he found that the rear troops had not yet arrived, and General Yang Zhong had already retreated, of which Wu was unaware. General Huli Mingyue from the Qi state sent a letter to General Wu, which stated, “The great crane has soared into the vastness, while the netter still gazes at the marsh.” After reading the letter, General Wu ordered the troops to return to the capital. Subsequently, he was appointed as the governor of Tongzhou.
The following year, he accompanied Duke Jin Yuwen Hu on yet another eastern campaign. At that time, Yechi Qiong was besieging Luoyang but was defeated by the enemy. General Wu and King Yuwen Xian defended against the enemy at Mang Mountain. As night fell, the army began to withdraw. Yuwen Xian wanted to wait until dawn to fight, while General Wu wanted to retreat immediately, and the two found themselves in a heated argument. General Wu said, “The troops in Luoyang have already collapsed, and the soldiers are in a state of panic. If we do not take advantage of the darkness to retreat quickly, we won't be able to leave tomorrow. I have served in the army for many years and know this situation well. You, my lord, are young and haven’t faced such situations; how can you so easily abandon so many troops?” Yuwen Xian took his advice, and the entire army safely retreated. In 568 AD, General Wu was elevated to Grand Tutor.
General Wu, when he was young, led a lavish lifestyle and had a taste for extravagant decorations. However, after he rose to a high position, he did not put on airs. He always rode a horse when traveling, accompanied by only one or two people. The gate of his residence was unguarded, and usually even during the day, one of the doors was kept closed. Someone advised him, "General, your position is above the courtiers, your achievements are outstanding, so you should have corresponding pomp and ceremony when coming and going. Why are you so casual?" General Wu said, "That's not how I see it. I used to be a common person, never thinking I would have the wealth and status I have today. I can't forget my past experiences all at once. Besides, the world has not yet been pacified, and I have yet to repay the great kindness of the country. How can I place so much emphasis on grandeur?" The person who advised him felt ashamed and left.
When Wu Yuanqing was an official in Tongzhou, there was a severe drought, and the emperor ordered him to go to Mount Hua to offer sacrifices. The temple at Mount Hua was originally built at the mountain's base, where people usually prayed. Wu Yuanqing said to his subordinates, "I am now one of the three highest-ranking officials, but I can't manage the balance of yin and yang. In the season of harvest, not a drop of rain falls from the sky, the emperor is anxious, and the people are terrified. I carry a heavy responsibility, and my worries are deep! I cannot be like ordinary people, offering sacrifices in the usual place. I must climb to the mountaintop, sincerely pray, and seek the miraculous place of the mountain god."
Mount Hua is steep and high, with cliffs thousands of feet high standing straight up; the mountain path is treacherous and difficult to traverse, and few people have been there. Wu Yuanqing, who was already in his sixties at the time, brought only a few attendants, climbing to the top by grasping vines and tree branches. Then he prayed earnestly, voicing the people's heartfelt wishes. Unable to return at night, he slept on the mountaintop on some grass. He dreamed of a figure in white walking over, holding his hand and saying, "You're doing great; I really admire you!" Wu Yuanqing woke up startled, even more respectful and cautious. The next morning, clouds and mist rose, and soon it started raining, soaking everything.
After hearing this, Emperor Gaozu specially wrote an edict to commend Wu Yuanqing, saying: "You are elderly, respected, and virtuous, assisting me in governing the country. Because of the imbalance of yin and yang, there has been no rain for a long time, so I sent you to pray, only mentioning the location of the temple. I did not expect you to face the dangers and actually climb to the high peak. It shows that the divine is wise and all-knowing, with no secrets from them, and they were moved by your sincerity, which is why the nourishing rain came. I truly appreciate what you've done and will always remember it. Now I gift you a hundred bolts of colorful silk, hoping you will come up with good strategies to help me address my shortcomings. From now on, just sit back and discuss ideas, and do not tire yourself anymore!"
Wu Yuanqing had a particular greed for wealth. When he was the Grand Minister of Justice, there were ten thousand gold nails in the treasury, which were used for belts, and Wu Yuanqing secretly took them home. The treasury manager reported this to Duke Jin Hu. Because Wu Yuanqing had merits, he was not held accountable and was rewarded. Many people disapproved of his actions at the time. In October of the fifth year of his reign, Wu Yuanqing passed away at the age of sixty-seven. The court posthumously awarded him the titles of Grand Tutor, Military Commander of Fifteen Prefectures, and Governor of Tong Prefecture, and he was given the posthumous name "Huan." His son, Wu Zhen, succeeded him.
Gao Huan's son, Gao Zhen, was courageous and a skilled warrior from a young age, with exceptional horseback archery skills and running faster than the swiftest horses. During the reign of Emperor Da Tong of Northern Wei, he began his career as a cavalry attendant. One day, while Emperor Tai Zu was hunting north of the Wei River, a rabbit darted past him, prompting Gao Zhen and the other generals to take aim. Although Gao Zhen's horse stumbled as he shot, he remained steady and continued to shoot on foot, successfully hitting the rabbit. Once his horse regained its footing, he swiftly mounted it again. Emperor Tai Zu was delighted and remarked, "Without such a father, one would not have such a son!" He rewarded Gao Zhen with a hundred bolts of military silk. Sixteen years later, he was granted the title of Duke of Changyi County, with a fief that included one thousand households. He continued to rise through the ranks, eventually holding positions such as General of the Guard, Grand Master of Ceremonies, Attendant Cavalry Official, Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, Equal to the Three Excellencies, and various other roles.
In the early years of the reign of Emperor Shizong, Gao Zhen was appointed as Yitong and Sizhongzhong Daifu, promoted to General of the Chariots and Cavalry, and granted the title of Duke of Puning. In the early years of the Wucheng era, he was further promoted to Duke of Guangping and appointed as the Governor of Huazhou. Despite coming from a wealthy family and being trained in martial arts since childhood, he governed the region and effectively educated the populace. After his term ended and he returned to the court, the people missed him greatly. In the fourth year of Baoding, when the army was marching east, while other generals fled, only Gao Zhen stood his ground against the enemy, ultimately saving the entire army. In the first year of the Tianhe era, he was promoted to Grand General, led the army to attack the Jihu people, and secured a victory. Six years later, he was appointed as Zhuguo. Towards the end of the Tianhe period, he inherited the title of Duke of Zhengguo, served as the Governor of Jinzhou, and oversaw military affairs across eleven states and nine defenses, in addition to serving as the Governor of Jinzhou. Four years later, he accompanied the founding emperor on an eastern campaign as the commander of the front three armies. Five years later, he led ten thousand infantry and cavalry to guard the Tongjun area, captured the towns of Yining and Wusu, broke through the defenses of Bingzhou, and was promoted to Shangzhuguo. He also participated in the pacification of Yecheng, for which the court rewarded him with two concubines, a troupe of musicians, and numerous treasures, and appointed him as the Grand Protector. Gao Zhen's father had also held this position, which was highly regarded at the time. During the Xuanzheng period, he served as the Governor of Yuanzhou, overseeing military affairs in three states and two towns, before he retired and returned home shortly thereafter. In the early years of the Sui Dynasty, Gao Zhen passed away peacefully at home. Gao Zhen's younger brother, Gao Ji, once served as the General of the Chariots and Cavalry and the Marquis of Weinan County. In the late period of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, he served as the Governor of Yizhou and rebelled in Shu with Wang Qian. Shortly after, they were defeated in battle and killed.
Hou Mochen Shun was the elder brother of Hou Mochen Chong, the Duke of Liang and a Grand Protector. In his youth, he was bold and chivalrous, with great insight and ambition. Initially, he served as a commander under Er Zhu Rong, and later accompanied He Ba Sheng to defend Jingxing. During the Wutai era, he participated in campaigns against Ge Rong, pacified Xing Gao, and suppressed Han Lou, earning significant accomplishments. As a result, he was appointed General of Light Cavalry and Supervisor of the Feathered Forest. He then participated in the campaign that defeated Yuan Hao, rising to the rank of General Ning Shuo and Cavalry Commander. In the first year of Putai, he was appointed General of the Western Expedition and granted the title of Count of Mumeng County, with an estate of three hundred households. Soon after, he was promoted to Grand Cavalry Attendant, Chief of the Thousand Cattle, General of the Guard, and Grand Commander in the Inner Palace. Later, he accompanied Emperor Xiaowu of Wei into the capital city.
Hou Mochen Shun was from the same hometown as Emperor Gaozu (referring to Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou, Yuwen Yong), and they had a good relationship. His younger brother, Hou Mochen Chong, was also in Guanzhong, which made Emperor Gaozu very happy to see him. As a result, he was elevated to the title of Duke of Pengcheng, with an estate of one thousand households. In the first year of Tai Tong, he was appointed Minister of the Guard and granted the position of Yitong Sansi. When Liang Jian besieged Hezhou, he was appointed Grand Commander and, alongside Zhao Gui, defeated Liang Jian, after which he took charge of Hezhou's affairs. Later, he accompanied Emperor Gaozu to victory at the Battle of Shayuan, and due to his merits, his estate was increased by another thousand households.
Four years later, when Emperor Wen of Wei launched an eastern expedition, he remained in Chang'an along with Grand Marshal Wang Meng and Chief Minister Zhou Huida. At this time, Zhao Qingque rebelled, prompting Wang Meng and Zhou Huida to escort the Wei Crown Prince to the northern bank of the Wei River. Hou Mochen Shun engaged the rebels at Wei Bridge, defeating them repeatedly, which deterred the rebels from showing themselves. When Emperor Wen of Wei returned, he personally took Hou Mochen Shun's hand and said, "In the Battle of Wei Bridge, you achieved great merit!" He then removed the gold-inlaid jade belt he was wearing and bestowed it upon him as a reward.
The leader of the Di people in Nanjizhou, Fu Anshou, proclaimed the title of King Taibai. He captured Wudu, causing widespread panic among the local populace. The court once again appointed Houmo Chen Shun as the Grand Commander to confront him. However, the rebel forces occupied a strategic position, rendering the army unable to advance. Houmo Chen Shun used a divide-and-conquer strategy to create rifts among Fu Anshou's trusted aides and established a system of rewards to entice his subordinates to switch sides. Realizing that the situation was hopeless, Fu Anshou led a thousand families to surrender. At that time, Houmo Chen Shun's brother, Houmo Chen Chong, was also granted the title of Duke of Pengcheng, while Houmo Chen Shun was made Duke of Hejian County. The following year, he was promoted even further to General of the Cavalry and was appointed as the Deputy Governor of Xixia Province, and was also granted the title of Duke of Pingyuan. In the sixteenth year, he was appointed as Grand General, serving as Governor of Jingzhou, overseeing military affairs across the fifty-two states of Shannan Road, and serving as the Inspector of Jingzhou. After Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, he was appointed Grand Master and promoted to the rank of Pillar of the State. He died later that same year.
Dou Luning, styled Yong'an, hailed from Changli. His ancestors were originally surnamed Murong and belonged to a collateral branch of the Former Yan royal family. His grandfather, Dou Lu Sheng, served in the Yan state, and after the fall of Yan, he submitted to the Wei state, being appointed as the Governor of Changle and granted the surname Dou Lu; some say he adopted the Dou Lu surname to escape danger. His father, Dou Lu Chang, was a commander in Rouxuan Town and was well-respected, gaining considerable renown at the time. Because of Dou Luning's meritorious service during the reign of Emperor Wucheng, he was posthumously honored as Pillar of the State, Grand General, and Duke of Fuling.
When Dou Luning was young, he was brave and skilled in battle, very ambitious, standing eight sheng tall, handsome, and proficient in horseback riding and archery. During the Yong'an period, he served as a deputy general under Er Zhu Tianguang during his campaign into the pass and was promoted to duke. Later, he was granted the title of Count of Lingshou County for defeating Wanqi Chounu. Once, he met Liang Jianding in Pingliangchuan, and they practiced archery together. They hung a sedge a hundred paces away for an archery competition, and Dou Luning hit five of seven arrows. Liang Jianding admired his archery skills and gifted him many valuable gifts. After Er Zhu Tianguang's defeat, Hou Mochengyue rebelled again. Emperor Gaozu launched a military campaign against Hou Mochengyue, and Dou Luning, along with Li Bi, led troops to submit to Emperor Gaozu.
When Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved west, he was rewarded for his meritorious service and granted the title of Duke of Heyang County, with a fief of five hundred households. That was a great sign!
In the first year of Datong, he was promoted to Front General, and his title was raised to Marquis, with an additional three hundred households added to his fief. After that, he was further promoted to Governor of Xianzhou and concurrently served as the Grand Justice of Xianzhou, with his official rank continuing to rise! He was then appointed as the General of the Pacification Army and the Silver and Blue Grand Master of the Court, with his title elevated to Duke and his fief growing by five hundred households. Later, he became the General of the Eastern Town and the Golden and Purple Grand Master of the Court, making significant strides in his career!
He assisted Emperor Taizu in capturing Dou Tai, recovering Hongnong, and defeating the enemies at Shayuan, thus being promoted to Grand General of the Military Guard and concurrently serving as the Grand Commander, which was a true military accomplishment! Not long after, he was promoted to Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry and was appointed as the Minister of Three Departments, with his fief increasing by eight hundred households. Later, he was appointed as the Governor of Beihua Prefecture, and within a short time in the prefecture, he earned a reputation for his integrity and fairness. Subsequently, he was further honored with the title of Attendant of the Imperial Guard, and his official position grew increasingly prominent.
In the seventh year of Dàtǒng, he followed General Yú Jǐn to defeat the Jī Hú leader, Liú Píng. Liú Píng and his men were trapped in Shàngjùn; they were finished! After the Liang rebellion was quelled, he was appointed as military inspector, in charge of military oversight in the Lóngyòu region. After the rebellion was pacified, he was promoted to Shìzhōng, Shǐchíjié, Biāoqí Dàjiāngjūn, and Kāifǔ Yítóng Sānsī, and he reached a high rank in the court.
In the ninth year of Dàtǒng, he accompanied Emperor Taizu to greet Gāo Zhòngmì and battled the Eastern Wei army at Mángshān. After the battle, he was promoted to Zuǒ Wèi Jiàngjūn, and he was elevated to the rank of Fànyáng Jùn Gōng, with an additional four hundred households. In the sixteenth year of Dàtǒng, he was appointed as Dàjiāngjūn. The Qiang tribal leaders Bàngqǐ Tiě Cōng and Zhèng Wǔ Chǒu rebelled, and he led the army to pacify the rebellion, truly a loyal and valiant subject!
In the second year of Wèi Gōngdì, he was reappointed as Duke of Wuyang and promoted to Shàngshū Yòu Pùshè. General Wang Lin of the Liang dynasty sent his subordinates Hóu Fāngér and Pān Chúnduō to attack Jiānglíng, and he, along with Cài Yòu, Zhèng Yǒng, and others, mounted a counterattack and routed them. In the third year, the Wei king of Wuxing and others from the Gudao tribe rebelled again, and he once again led troops to pacify the rebellion, truly deserving of great commendation!
After Xiào Mǐn Dì ascended to the throne, he was appointed as Zhùguó Dàjiāngjūn. In the early years of Wǔchéng Dì, he was appointed as the governor of Tongzhou. He led the army to fight against the Jī Hú leaders Hǎo Ā Bǎo, Liú Sāngdé, and others, and achieved victory. After the war, he was called back to the court, promoted to Dà Sīkòu, elevated to Chǔguó Gōng, with a fief of ten thousand households, and additionally granted a thousand households in Yántíng County to collect taxes—a lucrative position!
In the fourth year of Baoding, he was appointed as the Prefect of Qizhou. At that time, the imperial army was on an eastern campaign, and although he was suffering from illness, he insisted on accompanying the army, which truly demonstrated his loyalty. In the fifth year of Baoding, he passed away in Tongzhou at the age of sixty-six. The court posthumously awarded him the titles of Grand Guardian, military governor of ten states including Tongfu, and governor of Tongzhou, and conferred upon him the posthumous name Zhao, which is regarded as a success in both achievements and reputation.
At first, Shi Ning had not yet had a son, so he raised his brother Shi Yong'en's son, Shi Ji, as if he were his own. Later, when Shi Ning had a son, Shi Zan, his relatives suggested that Shi Zan be named the heir. Shi Ning said, "A brother's son is just like my own; how could I choose otherwise?" Thus, he named Shi Ji as the heir apparent, which became a famous tale at the time. After Shi Ning's death, Shi Ji inherited the title. In his youth, he held several significant positions, and during the Daxiang era of the Western Wei, he attained the rank of Shangzhuguo and served as governor of Lizhou. Due to Shi Ning's accomplishments, Shi Zan was granted the title of Marquis of Huayang in the early Jian De years of the Northern Zhou, and later promoted to Grand General of the Cabinet, with his title raised to Duke of Wuyang.
Shi Yongen was very knowledgeable and talented from a young age, praised by his peers. He initially followed Shi Ning to serve Hou Mochen and later surrendered to the Northern Zhou Dynasty's Taizu, being appointed as General Who Pacifies the Invaders. For his merits in welcoming Emperor Xiaowu of Wei, he was titled as the Earl of Xinxing County, with a fief of 500 households. He participated in numerous expeditions, achieving military merits, and was successively appointed as the General of Longxiang and Cavalry Regular Attendant. In the eighth year of Datong, he was appointed as the Director of the Imperial Sleeping Quarters and the Right Trusted Commander, shortly after being promoted to Commander, and granted the additional title of Cavalry Regular Attendant. In the sixteenth year of Datong, he was appointed as the Commissioner Bearing Credentials, the Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, and the Supervisor of the Three Offices. In the first year of Emperor Feidi of Wei, he was promoted to General of the Valiant Cavalry and the State Ceremonial Household. In the second year, he was appointed as the Inspector of Chengzhou. In the first year of Emperor Gongdi of Wei, he was promoted to the Marquis of Longzhi County. In the third year, the Grand General and Minister of State Security, Shi Ning, followed the Khan of the Turks into Tuyuhun, and Shi Yongen was ordered to lead five thousand cavalry to guard Hezhou and Shanzhou to defend the border. After Emperor Xiaomin of Northern Zhou ascended the throne, he was appointed as the Inspector of Shanzhou, changed to the Duke of Woye County, with his fief increased to one thousand households. He was later transferred to Chief of Staff in the Longyou General's Office. In the first year of Wucheng, he was promoted to the Commander of the Three States of Lisha, Sha, and Wen, and the Inspector of Lizhou. At that time, the Wenzhou tribes rebelled, and Shi Yongen led his troops to defeat them. In the first year of Baoding, he returned to the court to serve as the Chief Secretary. In the second year, he again served as Chief of Staff in the Longyou General's Office. Shi Ning was enfeoffed as the Duke of Chu State for his founding merits, and he requested to add the three thousand households in Wuyang County to the fief of Woye County, which was approved by the court. The fief was further increased, totaling four thousand five hundred households. Shortly after, Shi Yongen passed away at the age of forty-eight. The court posthumously appointed him as the Supervisor of Military Affairs of the Five Provinces including You and Ji, and the Inspector of Youzhou, posthumously titled Jing. His son, Shi Tong, inherited his father's title.
Yuwen Gui, styled Yonggui, was originally from the people of Changli Daji and later moved to Xiazhou. His father's name was Mo Dougan. During the Baoding era, due to Yuwen Gui's contributions, he was posthumously honored with the titles of General of Zhu Guo, Minor Tutor, Governor of Xiazhou, and Duke of Anping. When Yuwen Gui's mother was pregnant, she dreamed of an old man holding a child and saying, "I will give you a son who will live long and achieve greatness." After he was born, he looked just like the child in her dream, so he was given the style name Yonggui.
When Yuwen Gui was young, he followed his teacher to study, and once he put down his books and sighed, saying, "A man should carry a sword and earn his place on the battlefield, becoming a lord or noble; how can one settle for being just a scholar like the teacher?" During the Zhengguang years, the Six Khans besieged Xiazhou, and Governor Yuan Ziyong defended the city. At that time, Yuwen Gui was sent to lead troops for rescue. He fought many battles, and the soldiers admired his bravery. Later, when escorting Yuan Ziyong back, the bandit leaders Chigan Qilin and Xue Chongli set up camp everywhere to intercept them, but Yuwen Gui charged into battle each time, defeating them decisively. He was then appointed as a Cavalry Officer. He followed Yuan Ziyong to campaign against Ge Rong, but the army was defeated and retreated to Ye City, where they were besieged by Ge Rong. The enemy launched constant attacks, and Yuwen Gui would slide down from the city walls to fight, with no one willing to challenge his skill. However, there were just too many enemies, and after a prolonged siege, they couldn't break the encirclement. So, Yuwen Gui secretly slipped out through a tunnel and went to Erlu Rong to report on the enemy's troop strength, which Erlu Rong took to heart. Later, he followed Erlu Rong to capture Ge Rong at Fukou and was promoted to a different commanding position. He then accompanied Yuan Tianmu to quell the rebellion of Xing Gao and was eventually appointed governor.
Yuan Hao launched an attack on Luoyang, and Yu Wen Gui led the local troops, following Er Zhu Rong in setting fire to the river bridge, fighting valiantly and earning great merit. He was promoted to General of the Conquering Forces, granted the title of Marquis of Gelong County, with a fief of one thousand households. He later served as the Governor of Yingzhou and joined the court as the General of the Imperial Guard and Grand Commander of the Inner Court. After the westward migration of Emperor Xiaowu of Wei, he was promoted to Duke of Huazheng County. During the Datong period, he was later promoted to General of the Right Guard. Yu Wen Gui excelled in archery and horsemanship, demonstrating exceptional military talent. Emperor Taizu was very close to him and trusted him deeply because of his ties to the royal family. Three years later, he was once again promoted to Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry and also appointed as Minister of State, entering Luoyang alongside Dugu Xin.
He Ruotong surrendered Yingchuan to us. Dong Wei dispatched Yao Xiong, Zhao Yu, and Shi Yunbao to lead an army of over 20,000 to assault Yingchuan. I brought 2,000 infantry and cavalry from Luoyang to provide reinforcements, and the army reached Yangdi. Yao Xiong and his men had already crossed the horse bridge, thirty miles away from Yingchuan. Dong Wei's acting commander, Ren Xiang, also brought over 40,000 troops to join them. Everyone felt outnumbered and demoralized. I said, "The dynamics of war are unpredictable and can't be judged by conventional logic. Historically, those who triumphed against greater numbers did so by anticipating victory and formulating a strategy for certain success. While I may not be the most astute strategist, I believe that uniting with He Ruotong is our best option. Let me share my thoughts. Yao Xiong and his men likely believe Yingchuan is isolated and defenseless, making it an easy target, and they probably also perceive us as few in number and isolated. If they launch a full-scale attack on Yingchuan, they will likely capture it with ease. Once they capture Yingchuan, they will merge with Ren Xiang's forces, increasing the threat significantly. I am currently stationed in Yangdi to ensure they factor me into their plans. If He Ruotong falls, what are we waiting for? We should advance to occupy Yingchuan, which can be defended. When Yao Xiong and his men see us in the city, they will be caught off guard and face a dilemma. Then we can strike with all our might; what can’t we conquer? I hope everyone will have faith!"
So we entered Yingchuan. Yao Xiong and his men pushed forward slightly, and I led a thousand men to form a defensive line against the city wall to engage in battle with Yao Xiong and his group. My horse was hit by a stray arrow, so I dismounted and fought hand-to-hand, engaging in a fierce melee. The soldiers fought valiantly. Yao Xiong and his men were decisively defeated and fled; Zhao Yu surrendered on the battlefield, and we seized their supplies and captured over ten thousand prisoners, all of whom we later released. Hearing of Yao Xiong's defeat, Ren Xiang dared not advance any further. Then, General Yifeng led five hundred cavalry to support me, and I pursued Ren Xiang while still riding high on our victory. Ren Xiang retreated to Wanling, and we caught up with him. As night fell, both sides took their positions in a standoff. The next morning, the battle began, and many captives were executed. Ren Xiang's army was defeated, and Yun Bao also surrendered. We returned to the imperial capital. Emperor Wei Wen held a banquet in the imperial garden, presenting golden cups, and the ministers took turns shooting arrows; those who hit the target would receive a golden cup. I hit the target with a single shot. The emperor smiled and said, "Your archery skills are superb; you truly live up to your reputation!" I was promoted to Shizhong, General of Cavalry, and held the rank of Minister of State, equivalent to three officials. Later, I also served as the governor of Xiazhou and Qizhou. After sixteen years, I was promoted to Left Minister of the Central and Outer Palaces, attaining the rank of General.
King Liang Miding of Dangchang was ousted by his clansman Liao Gan and sought refuge at the court. Meanwhile, the Qiang leader Bangqi Tiecong occupied Quzhuchuan after Liang Miding's rebellion, amassing thousands of households and inciting other Qiang tribes to join in revolt alongside Zheng Wuchou from Weizhou, establishing over ten checkpoints in key locations. Emperor Taizu sent Yang Gui, Dou Luneng, and Shi Ning to attack them. Yang Gui and the others captured and executed Tiecong and Zheng Wuchou. Shi Ning then attacked Liao Gan separately and defeated him, which resulted in Liang Miding's submission to the court. The court established Minzhou in the region of Quzhuchuan. The court praised their achievements and erected a monument at Suban to commemorate their contributions.
When Emperor Wei Fei ascended the throne, Yang Gui was appointed as the governor of Qizhou Province. Two years later, he was granted the titles of Grand General and military governor over six states, including Xingsi, and governor of Xingzhou. Previously, the Di people in Xingzhou had rebelled, and after Yang Gui arrived in Xingzhou, the people's sentiments were somewhat calmed. Yang Gui submitted a request to establish military agricultural farms in Liangzhou, ensuring a sufficient grain supply for several provinces. Three years later, the court issued an edict for Yang Gui to replace Wei Chijiong in guarding the Shu region. At that time, Li Guangci, the governor of Longzhou, rebelled in Yanting, surrounding Longzhou along with his accomplices Bo Yucheng, Kou Shitang, Qiao Yan, Pu Hao, Ma Shu, and others. Li Shi from Longzhou also gathered forces to rebel, and Governor Zhang Dun raised troops in response. Yang Gui commanded Governor Chinu Xing to rescue Longzhou and ordered Governor Cheng Ya to attack Li Shi and Zhang Dun. The rebel forces were subdued and subsequently surrendered, and they were escorted to the capital. Yang Gui was appointed as the military governor of eight states, including Yitong, and as governor of Yizhou, and was additionally granted the title of Junior Minister of Works. Previously, there were many bandits in the Shu region, so Yang Gui gathered brave and strong individuals, setting up twenty-four mobile units to capture the bandits, which improved the situation with thieves.
After Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, Yang Gui was promoted to the rank of Pillar of the State and appointed as Chief Minister. In the early years of Wucheng, Yang Gui, along with He Lanxiang, went to campaign against the Tuyuhun. After the army returned, Yang Gui was elevated to the title of Duke of Xuguo, with a fief of ten thousand households. His former title was also conferred to one of his sons. Yang Gui was further promoted to Grand Minister of Works, overseeing the position of Minor Chancellor, and later served as Grand Minister of Education, ultimately rising to the position of Grand Protector.
Yang Gui enjoyed music and was fond of playing chess, finding great joy in it. However, he was also benevolent and cared for talented individuals, and he was widely praised for this by his contemporaries. As the Baoding period was drawing to a close, Yang Gui was ordered to travel to the Turks to greet the empress. In the second year of Tianhe, Yang Gui returned to Zhangye and passed away. The court posthumously conferred upon him the title of Grand Tutor and gave him the posthumous name Mu.
Zishan, his official position rose all the way to Chief Minister with the same rank as the Three Excellencies, Grand General, Zhuguo, and Luozhou Governor. Later, he was dismissed for making a mistake, but soon after he was reinstated to his original position, and later served as Grand Minister of the Imperial Clan. By the end of the Da Xiang period, he held the position of Senior Minister of State. Zishan's younger brother Xin was granted the title of Duke of Huazheng for his father's military achievements when he was young. He was exceptionally brave and had outstanding military talents. By the end of the Da Xiang period, he held the position of Senior Minister of State and was granted the title of Duke of Yingguo. Zishan's other brother Kai loved studying from a young age, excelled in writing, and was proficient in various skills, especially in clever thinking. He was granted the title of Baron of Shuangquan County for his father's military achievements and later inherited the title of Duke of Anping from his ancestors. His initial official position was Right Attendant, gradually promoted to Chief Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, and during the Da Xiang period, he held the position of Senior Chief Minister. Yun Bao and Zhao Yu were appointed at the same time as Grand General of the Imperial Chariots and Cavalry and Chief Minister with the same rank as the Three Excellencies. Yun Bao later continued to rise in rank, becoming Grand General, Commander of the Liang Gan Gua Prefecture Armies, and Liangzhou Governor, and was granted the title of Duke of Dongcheng County. During the reign of Emperor Shizong, the Tuyuhun invaded Liangzhou; Yun Bao fought against them and was defeated, ultimately dying in battle. Yang Zhong hailed from Huayin in Hongnong, and his nickname was Nunu. During the Yuan Shou era of the Gaozu reign, in the early Wei Dynasty, he served as a Sima in Wuchuan Town and established his home beneath the Shenwu Tree. His ancestor Yang Lie served as Longxiang General and Prefect of Taiyuan; his father Yang Zhen was appointed Jianyuan General in recognition of his military achievements. In the later years of the Wei Dynasty, as chaos swept through the country, Yang Zhong's family sought refuge in Zhongshan and joined the rebel forces to fight against Xianyu Xiuli, which led to his father's demise. During the Baoding period, in recognition of Yang Zhong's merits, he was posthumously appointed as Zhuguo Grand General, Shao Bao, and Duke of Xingcheng.
Yang Zhong had thick eyebrows and big eyes, with a beautiful beard. He was standing seven feet eight inches tall, tall and powerful, skilled in martial arts, knowledgeable, and had the talents of a general. At the age of eighteen, he went to Mount Tai for a visit. Just then, the Liang army attacked the local counties, and when the counties were breached, Yang Zhong was captured and taken to Jiangnan. He spent five years in the Liang Dynasty, and later followed Wang Xiaohao of Beihai to Luoyang, where he was appointed as General of the Imperial Guard. Following Wang Xiaohao's defeat, Er Zhu Dulü summoned him to serve as a commander. Er Zhu Zhao led light cavalry from Bingzhou into Luoyang, and Yang Zhong participated in that. He was granted the title of Count of Chang'an County and appointed as a governor, and was also conferred the title of Count of Xiaohuang County. Later, he followed Dugu Xin to capture the Liang Dynasty's Xiaxi Guard and pacified Nanyang, earning significant accolades.
At that time, the emperor of Qi was stirring up internal conflict and raised an army in rebellion. My father (referring to the father of "Zhong" in the text) was with Uncle Dugu Xin in Luoyang, and later followed Emperor Xiaowu of Wei in the westward march, where he was made a marquis. After that, he continued to fight, capturing Tongguan and taking back Huiluo City. His rank continued to rise, and he was promoted to General of Anxi and Grand Master of Silver and Blue Court.
Later, the Inspector of Jingzhou under Eastern Wei, Xin Zuan, seized control of Rangcheng. My father accompanied Xin Shu in the campaign against him. Xin Zuan was defeated and escaped. Xin Shu ordered my father, Kang Luo'er, and Yuan Changsheng to lead the vanguard, quickly making their way to the gates of Rangcheng, shouting at the guards at the city gate, "People inside the city, surrender now, or get out fast!" The guards were so frightened that they fled. My father and the other two took the opportunity to rush into the city, drew their bows and shouted, and the over a hundred guards that Xin Zuan had with him didn't dare to resist. As a result, Xin Zuan was beheaded on the spot as a warning to everyone else, and the people in the city were terrified into submission. After spending half a year in Rangcheng, when Eastern Wei launched another attack, my father and Xin Shu escaped to Liangguo together. Liang Wudi held my father in high regard and appointed him as the Chief General of Wende and made him the Marquis of Guanwai.
In the third year of the Dàtǒng era, my father and Uncle Xin returned to Northern Zhou. Emperor Taizu (referring to Emperor Yu Wentai of Northern Zhou) kept my father by his side. Once, when Emperor Taizu went hunting at Longmen, my father single-handedly dealt with a fierce beast, grabbing it by the waist with one hand and pulling out its tongue with the other! Emperor Taizu was especially impressed by him at that time. The Northern Zhou court said that the beast was known as "Yānyú," and used this character to give my father a name. Later, he accompanied Emperor Taizu to capture Dou Tai and also won the Battle of Shayuan. He was promoted again, becoming the General of the Western Expedition, a Grand Minister of Gold and Purple Rank, and was enfeoffed as the Duke of Xiangcheng County. During the Heqiao battle, my father and five brave men held the bridge steadfastly, and the enemy dared not charge across. Due to his significant achievements, he was promoted to Grand Minister of the Left, Governor of Yun Prefecture, and also served as Grand Commander. He defeated the Heishui Qihus alongside Li Yuan and relieved the siege of Yubi with Yifeng, later becoming the Governor of Luozhou. In the Battle of Mangshan, he was the first to charge in and broke through the enemy's camp. His official rank was elevated again; he became Grand Commander, General of Chariots and Cavalry, and also served as a Regular Attendant. The court posthumously honored his mother, the Gai family, as the Lady of Beihai County. Later, he became the Commander of Military Affairs in the four provinces of Shuoyan, Governor of Shuozhou, and was also granted the title of Imperial Attendant, General of the Flying Cavalry, and Grand Minister of the Three Departments. When the Eastern Wei besieged Yingchuan, the barbarian leader Tian Zhuqing seized a strategic position to incite chaos, and my father led troops to quell the rebellion.
Hou Jing overthrew the Liang Dynasty, and Emperor Wu of Liang was defeated and died. At that time, Ma Bofu, the governor of Yiyang Commandery, surrendered to the Wei Dynasty in Shecheng. Seizing the opportunity, the Wei Dynasty planned to take control of the regions of Hanzhong and Mianyang, so they appointed Gao Huan as the military commander, leading the military forces of the fifteen provinces including Sanjing, Erxiang, Ergong, Nanyong, Pingxin, Suijiang, Erying, and Xizhou, based in Rangcheng. They had Ma Bofu guide them to launch an attack on the Liang Dynasty's Qixing Commandery and Changzhou, both of which were captured without resistance.
Although Xiao Cha, the governor of Yongzhou and Prince of Yueyang, superficially submitted to the Wei Dynasty, he actually harbored hidden agendas. Gao Huan brought his troops from Rangcheng to the banks of the Han River to review the troops, constantly changing flags and advancing in turns, but in reality, he only had two thousand cavalry. Xiao Cha climbed a high tower to look out and mistakenly thought it was an army of thirty thousand, which terrified him into promptly declaring his submission.
Liu Zhongli, the governor of Sizhou, left his chief aide, Ma Xiu, to defend Anlu while he led ten thousand troops to attack Xiangyang. Previously, Sun Kuo, the governor of Jingling Commandery, had surrendered his commandery city to the Wei Dynasty, and Gao Huan sent the grand commander Fu Gui to garrison it. When Liu Zhongli arrived, Sun Kuo captured Fu Gui and handed him over to Liu Zhongli. Liu Zhongli then sent his general Wang Shusun to guard Jingling together with Sun Kuo. Gao Huan, furious, ordered his troops to march south to crush them. They launched an assault on the Liang Dynasty's Suijun and took it, also capturing the defending general Huan He. The cities and garrisons along the way surrendered in fear. Gao Huan subsequently laid siege to Anlu.
Liu Zhongli heard that the Sui army had lost its stronghold, fearing that Anlu would not be able to withstand the attack, so he quickly led his troops back to rescue it. The generals were worried that capturing Anlu would become much harder if Liu Zhongli arrived, and suggested attacking Anlu immediately. Gao Huan said, "The situation of attacking and defending is different; we can't take it all at once. If our troops are worn out for too long, we risk being attacked from both sides, and that’s not a good strategy. Most southerners excel in naval warfare but struggle in open-field battles. Liu Zhongli's return route is shorter; we can catch them off guard with a surprise attack. They'll be caught off guard while we strike with courage, and we can win in one move. Then Anlu will likely surrender without us having to lay siege, and other cities can be conquered with written orders." He then selected two thousand cavalry, ordered them to march under the cover of night, where they encountered Liu Zhongli at Congtou. Gao Huan himself charged into the enemy lines, capturing Liu Zhongli alive along with his entire army. Ma Xiu led the surrender of Anlu, Wang Shusun killed Sun Gao, and Jingling surrendered as well, just as Gao Huan had predicted. Emperor Liang sent envoys to offer his son Xiao Fanglue as a hostage and sent letters requesting the Wei Dynasty to recognize Shicheng as the boundary, while the Liang Dynasty would use Anlu as theirs. Gao Huan then returned to the court. Gao Huan was granted the title Duke of Chenliu by the Jin Dynasty.
Seventeen years ago, Emperor Liang Yuan pressured his brother, Prince Shaoling Xiao Lun. Xiao Lun ran to the north, accompanied by Yang Sida, the former magistrate of Xiling County, and several wealthy and influential local landlords, Duan Zhenbao and Xiahou Zhenqia, to discuss surrendering to Northern Qi and planning to return to plunder. Li Su, the lord of Runan City and a former subordinate of Xiao Lun, opened the city gates for him without hesitation. Emperor Liang Yuan quickly informed our Northern Wei Emperor Taizu, who immediately sent Wei Xiaokuan to lead troops to suppress them. Early the next morning, they surrounded the city where Xiao Lun was holed up, and it wasn't until evening that they finally breached it. Once Xiao Lun was captured, Emperor Taizu enumerated his crimes and ordered his execution; Xiao Lun's subordinate, An Lehou Fang, was also captured and executed.
Previously, when Wei Xiaokuan captured Liu Zhongli, he treated him with exceptional kindness. When Liu Zhongli arrived in the capital, he actually falsely accused Wei Xiaokuan in front of Emperor Taizu, claiming that he had amassed a considerable amount of gold and silver treasures while in the army. Emperor Taizu originally wanted to investigate the matter, but given Wei Xiaokuan's significant achievements, he decided to transfer him. Wei Xiaokuan was furious and regretted not having killed Liu Zhongli sooner. So after capturing Xiao Lun and the others, Wei Xiaokuan meted out severe punishment to them. Wei Xiaokuan achieved significant victories and rose through the ranks every few years, bringing peace to the territory east of the Han River. He was kind to the people and won the loyalty of those who had recently surrendered.
During the reign of Emperor Gong of Wei, Wei Xiaokuan was given the surname Pu Liu Ru and was also appointed to oversee matters in Tongzhou. When Yuwen Jin attacked Jiangling, Wei Xiaokuan, as the vanguard, stationed at Jiangjin and blocked the Liang army's advance. The Liang army charged into battle on elephants armed with weapons, but Wei Xiaokuan shot the elephants, killing them, which caused both elephants to panic and flee. After the fall of Jiangling, the court proclaimed Xiao Cha as the Emperor of the Liang Dynasty and assigned Wei Xiaokuan to defend Rangcheng, creating a pincer movement. He also subdued the tribes in the Mian River basin, achieving a decisive victory.
After Emperor Xianming ascended the throne, Gaozu was appointed as the Minor Duke of the House. When the Qi people invaded the eastern border, Gaozu was sent to Puban to defend. Later, Sima Xiaonan requested to surrender, and Gaozu went to support him along with Zhuguo Daxi Wu. They brought a total of five thousand cavalry, each with a horse, taking a shortcut directly into Qi territory for five hundred miles. Three messengers were dispatched to inform Sima Xiaonan, but none returned. When they were thirty miles away from Beiyuzhou, Daxi Wu suspected a trap and wanted to retreat. Gaozu said, "Advancing means death, retreating means we won't survive either!" So he took only a thousand cavalry and rushed to the city at night. The terrain around the city was steep, and all they could hear was the sound of the watchman’s drum in the city. Daxi Wu later arrived, leading several hundred cavalry to the west. Gaozu ordered the remaining cavalry to hold their position and wait for the city gates to open before charging in, then sent someone to summon Daxi Wu. At that time, the Qi general Fu Jingyuan led two thousand soldiers to occupy the eastern city wall, raising smoke signals and preparing for battle. Daxi Wu panicked and was unwilling to defend the city, so he plundered many valuables and fled with Sima Xiaonan. Gaozu provided rear-guard action with three thousand cavalry and reached the southern bank of the Luo River, where everyone dismounted to catch their breath. The Qi army caught up and pursued them to the northern bank of the Luo River. Gaozu told the soldiers, "Everyone eat well first; now we are in a desperate situation, the enemy surely won't dare to cross the river and face us directly." The Qi army pretended to cross the river, and Gaozu immediately led his troops to counterattack. The Qi army did not dare to approach and had to slowly withdraw. Daxi Wu sighed, "I considered myself a hero, but today I finally admit defeat!" Gaozu was promoted to General of the Column. In the first year of Wucheng, Gaozu was conferred the title of Duke of Sui, with a fief consisting of ten thousand households, and was also granted a thousand households of land in Jingling County for tax collection. Soon after, he was appointed as the Chief Minister of the Imperial Guard.
In the year 575 AD, Emperor Gaozu appointed me to the central government as Grand Minister of State. At that time, the court was planning to launch an attack on the Qi state in alliance with the Turks, and many ministers thought this was a very risky endeavor. They said, "Qi's territory is extensive, its treasury well-stocked, and its army formidable. If we advance from the Turk side, not only is the journey treacherous, but Qi's general Huli Mingyue is also no easy opponent. To understand the situation in Qi, we would need at least a hundred thousand troops!" However, I voiced my dissent, saying, "The key to winning battles lies in strategy, not in the number of troops; ten thousand will suffice. That guy Huli Mingyue is no great hero!"
Three years later, the emperor appointed me marshal, and generals such as Yang Zuan, Li Mu, Wang Jie, and Er Zhu Min, along with over a dozen senior commanders like Yuan Shou, Tian Hong, and Murong Yan, all followed my command. I commanded General Daxi to lead thirty thousand infantry and cavalry in an attack from the south, agreeing to rendezvous in Jinyang. I left Er Zhu Min in charge of guarding Shiben and sent some mobile troops to patrol along the Yellow River. Setting off from Wuchuan, I passed by my hometown, paid homage to my ancestors, rewarded my troops, and swept through and captured over twenty towns. The Qi army had fortified at Xingling, and I sent in a special unit to launch a fierce attack, winning a decisive victory. Next, I stationed Yang Zuan at Lingqiu to prepare for a possible counterattack from Qi. The Turkic khans, including Mukhan, Kongditou Khan, and Bulikhan, arrived with a hundred thousand cavalry to bolster our forces.
In the first month of the year 576 AD, we began our attack on Jinyang. During that time, it had snowed continuously for dozens of days, and it was extremely cold and windy, almost unbearable. The Qi forces sent out their elite troops, and the battle cries shook the heavens and the earth. The Turks were so scared that they fled to the Western Mountains, refusing to fight. Everyone was panicking. I told everyone, "Victory and defeat are part of warfare; don't just fixate on troop numbers." Then, I led seven hundred infantry into the fray, and we lost about 40 to 50 percent of our men. We had to withdraw our troops because General Daxi Wu didn't arrive on time. The Qi forces didn’t dare to pursue us. The Turks seized the opportunity to plunder extensively; from Jinyang to Pingcheng, over seven hundred miles, not a blade of grass was left, and all the people and livestock were taken, leading to countless casualties. Emperor Gaozu sent envoys to escort me back to Xiangzhou, and after returning to the capital, the emperor hosted a lavish banquet in my honor. Emperor Gaozu wanted to appoint me as Grand Tutor, but because of my strained relationship with Duke Jin Hu, he blocked this, and ultimately, I was only appointed as the military governor of the six states of Jingzhou, Binzhou, Lingzhou, Yunzhou, Yanzhou, and Xianzhu, while also serving as the governor of Jingzhou.
That year, our army marched eastward to engage in battle again. Jin Gonghu set out from Luoyang, while Linghu Zhong set out from Woye to deal with the Turks and respond to their movements. At that time, the army was running low on supplies, and the generals were anxious and at a loss for solutions. Linghu Zhong said, "The key is to tackle this issue with strategy!" So he invited the leaders of various Xiongnu tribes to sit down. Then he had Wang Jie lead the troops and create a grand spectacle, arriving with gongs and drums. Linghu Zhong feigned surprise and asked Wang Jie what was happening. Wang Jie said, "The Prime Minister, referring to Jin Gonghu, has already pacified Luoyang. The Emperor heard that the Hu tribes in Yinzhou and Xiazhou were becoming restless, so he sent me to assist you in attacking them together." He then had a Turkic envoy quickly come to report, "The Khan has stationed in Bingzhou, leaving tens of thousands of troops at the foot of the Great Wall. So he sent me to inquire about your situation. If there are any defiant Xiongnu tribes, we want to defeat them together with you." The Xiongnu leaders present were filled with fear. Linghu Zhong reassured them before sending them on their way. As a result, those Hu people surrendered without resistance, and food and supplies were continuously delivered. When Jin Gonghu withdrew his troops first, Linghu Zhong also withdrew his troops back to their garrison. Because of his remarkable achievements, the Emperor rewarded him with a reward of 300,000 coins, 500 rolls of cloth, and 2,000 bushels of grain. In the third year of Tianhe, Linghu Zhong returned to the capital because of illness. Emperor Gaozu and Jin Gonghu visited him many times. Not long after, he passed away at the age of sixty-two. The court posthumously honored him with the title of Grand Preceptor, military commander of thirteen states including Tongshuo, and governor of Tongzhou, while retaining his original titles. He was posthumously conferred the title "Huan." His son, Linghu Jian, succeeded him in his title.
Linghu Jian's younger brother, Linghu Zheng, during the Jian De era, held the official title of Minister of the Three Offices and Duke of Chenliu County. He followed Emperor Gaozu to pacify the Qi kingdom and died in Bingzhou. Because Linghu Zheng died for the country, the court allowed his son, Linghu Zhiji, to inherit his titles. Linghu Zheng's brother, Linghu Hui, during the Daxiang era, rose to the position of Grand Minister and Duke of Jingling County. Linghu Hui's brother, Linghu Song, was granted the title of Duke of Xingcheng County due to Linghu Zhong's achievements, but unfortunately died young. Linghu Song's brother, Linghu Da, was also granted the title of Duke of Zhou'an County because of Linghu Zhong's accomplishments.
Wang Xiong, styled Hubutou, was from Taiyuan. His father, Wang Lun, was posthumously granted the title of General of the Pillar State, Grand Tutor, and Duke of Ankang County due to Wang Xiong's accomplishments, a significant posthumous honor! Wang Xiong was tall and strong, and from a young age, he was very clever. Towards the end of the Yong'an era, he followed He Ba Yue into Guanzhong. Later, he was appointed General of the Western Expedition and Grand Minister of Gold and Purple, and his official rank rose rapidly. After Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved west to Chang'an, Wang Xiong was appointed as a governor and granted the title of Earl of Linzhen County, with a fief consisting of five hundred households.
In the early days of the Datong era, he was promoted to the rank of Duke, and his fief increased by another two hundred households. Shortly afterward, he was promoted to General of the Imperial Guards, then further elevated to General of the Cavalry, with his fief increasing by eight hundred households, and he was promoted to Grand Governor. Not long after, he was promoted to Minister of the Three Offices, with an additional three hundred households added to his fief. Later, he was promoted to Minister of the Three Offices and granted the title of Palace Attendant, before being assigned as Inspector of Qizhou. As his official rank continued to grow, he was further promoted to Duke of Wuwei County, and his position rose to that of General, while also overseeing affairs in Tongzhou.
In the seventeenth year of the Era of Daitong, Wang Xiong led his troops out of Ziwu Valley and besieged Liang Shangjin and Weixing in Liangzhou. The following year, he captured these two places and designated that area as East Liangzhou. However, it wasn't long before the region revolted once more, and the court sent Wang Xiong to quell the uprising. In the first year of Emperor Wei Gong, the court bestowed upon him the surname Ke. After Emperor Xiao Min ascended the throne, Wang Xiong was appointed as the Grand Tutor, and his fief was increased by two thousand households, while his official rank was elevated to Grand General of the State. In the early years of Emperor Wu Cheng, he was again granted the title of Duke of Yongguo, with his fief reaching ten thousand households. After that, he was appointed as the Military Governor of Jingzhou.
In the fourth year of Baoding, he accompanied Duke Jin, Yuwen Hu, on a campaign to the east. On the way, Wang Xiong fell ill, yet he pressed on. When they reached Mang Mountain, he encountered the general Huli Mingyue of Qi. Wang Xiong charged into battle on horseback and killed three enemies in quick succession. Huli Mingyue, terrified, turned to flee, and Wang Xiong pursued him without relent. Huli Mingyue's companions all scattered, he had run out of arrows, and he was left with only a servant and one arrow. Wang Xiong's spear was just over ten feet away from Huli Mingyue, and he said, "It's a pity I can't kill you; you'll have to live to see the emperor!" In response, Huli Mingyue turned and shot an arrow that struck Wang Xiong in the forehead. After clutching his horse and returning to camp, he passed away at the age of fifty-eight. The court posthumously conferred upon him the titles of Envoy with Authority, Grand Protector, and Military Governor of twenty states, among others, Tonghua, and he was posthumously honored with the title "Loyal." His son Wang Qian inherited his title, and his exploits are documented elsewhere.
Historical records state that Emperor Taizu rose to power during a time of great chaos, just after a war had ended. He first established himself in Pingliang before pacifying the Guanzhong region. At that time, external enemies were strong, internal conflicts were intense, and urgent military situations were everywhere, which often required the emperor's intervention. In the end, he successfully quelled the rebellion and consolidated the foundation of the country. Although this success could not have been achieved without the court's planning, the contributions of the generals were equally crucial. People like Daxi Wu were all brave and intelligent, taking advantage of the prosperous times. Some made significant contributions at critical moments, while others made their mark on various battlefields, sharing hardships and overcoming difficulties together. They were truly the backbone of the nation and its defenders! Daxi Wu closely followed Taizu and captured the strategic pass of "Junxiao Pass." How do their strategies compare to Daxi Wu's? With just a few words, he truly transformed the nation!
Historical records state that Emperor Taizu began to rise during a period of great chaos and just after the wars had ended. He first secured his position in Pingliang, then gradually pacified the Guanzhong region. At that time, external threats were formidable, and internal conflicts were acute, with urgent military dispatches circulating everywhere and the emperor's chariot frequently setting out for campaigns. However, Emperor Taizu eventually quelled the rebellion and stabilized the foundation of the state. This was undoubtedly linked to the court's strategic planning, but the contributions of the generals were equally vital. Generals like Daxi Wu were both brave and resourceful, and they all seized the opportunity to carve out their legacies. Some generals delivered significant victories at pivotal moments, while others excelled on various battlefields, overcoming countless hardships together. They can be said to be the backbone of the nation, the courageous guardians of the realm! Daxi Wu closely followed Emperor Taizu and successfully seized the strategic stronghold of "Junxiao Pass." Compared to the brilliant strategies of Zhou Yu in the Battle of Chibi and Jia Xu in the Battle of Wuchao, how does Daxi Wu's brilliance compare? With just a few well-chosen words, he accomplished great feats, truly living up to his reputation!
