Chang Sun Jian, a native of Luoyang, originally named Qingming. His ancestors were a branch of the Wei Kingdom, with the surname Tuoba, but later, when Emperor Xiaowen moved the capital to Luoyang, the family name was changed to Chang Sun. His great-grandfather was the Grand Commandant of the Wei Kingdom and the King of Beiping, named Song. Chang Sun Jian has been upright and principled since childhood, tall and imposing, with a serious demeanor. Even at home, he always conducts himself with propriety. He does not engage in casual socializing, and even if high-ranking officials and nobles visit, he does not meet them unless they share the same values.
During the Xiaochang era, he was appointed as an Assistant Cavalry Attendant and followed Erzhu Tianguang in attacking Longyou. When his great-grandfather was in Xiazhou, he appointed him as a recorder, highly valuing him. After the murder of He Baoyue, his great-grandfather went to Pingliang, and Chang Sun Jian took part in all strategic planning. After pacifying Hou Mochen Yue, his great-grandfather appointed Chang Sun Jian as the Chief Historian of Qinzhou. At that time, the Western Xia region had not yet submitted to the court, and the Eastern Wei appointed Xu He as the prefect. Chang Sun Jian won him over with his integrity, and Xu He led the entire region to submit. As a result, Chang Sun Jian was appointed as the governor of Western Xia, overseeing the three Xia regions.
At that time, Jingzhou and Xiangyang had just submitted to the imperial court. Emperor Gaozu praised Changsun Jian's great contributions in a memorial, suggesting he should be entrusted with significant responsibilities in the southeastern region. Thus, he appointed him as the Governor of Jingzhou and the Deputy Minister of the Grand Council. The county magistrate of Zheng County, Quan Can, was reported by the people for misconduct, and the investigation confirmed the allegations were true. Changsun Jian summoned all his subordinate officials and said, "This is because I, as the governor, have not provided proper guidance and have not gained the trust of the people. It is my fault, not Quan Can's." He then removed his robe in the hall and personally whipped himself thirty times, without holding Quan Can responsible. From then on, the subordinate counties were careful and diligent, and no one dared to break the law. Emperor Wen of Wei even issued a special decree to commend him. Emperor Gaozu also wrote to him saying, "I heard that you punished yourself with thirty lashes for the mistakes of the county magistrate in your jurisdiction to warn your subordinates. I've heard the saying, 'A king should be sincere, not for personal gain,' which suggests to care for the country and forget personal interests, dedicating oneself to the public good. No one has ever done what you did, punishing yourself to educate your subordinates. I was deeply moved upon hearing this." The customs in Jingzhou and among the tribes were previously lacking, with young people not respecting their elders. Changsun Jian earnestly advised them, and there was a significant change in customs. He encouraged everyone to engage in agriculture and sericulture, while also learning military skills, resulting in peaceful border areas where the people lived and worked happily. Officials and common folk jointly requested the construction of a "Qingde Tower" in his honor, with a stele inscribed to praise him, which the court approved. He served as the Governor of Jingzhou for a total of seven years. He was then appointed as the Minister of the Grand Council and concurrently served as the Sima of the Prime Minister's Office. One time, while accompanying Emperor Gaozu, he sat with the ministers. After they left, Emperor Gaozu said to those around him, "This gentleman is truly dignified and graceful. Every time I speak with him, I feel a deep respect, fearing that I might say something disrespectful."
A few days later, Emperor Taizu addressed this official, Jian, saying, “Reputation and reality must match. Since you have noble aspirations as a minister and are content with a life of simplicity, then change your name to ‘Jian’ to highlight your noble integrity.” After that, he was appointed as the Deputy Minister of State and the Governor of Jingzhou. At that time, the Prince of Yueyang, Xiao Cha, of the Liang Dynasty submitted to the court and initially sent envoys to the capital, who arrived in Jingzhou. This official arranged a military honor guard in the hall, dressed in military uniform, and received the envoys with the hospitality of a host. He was tall and imposing, with a booming voice like a bell, and he spoke loudly in Xianbei, having someone translate for the guests. The envoys were so frightened that they did not dare to look up. In the evening, he changed into casual clothes and invited the envoys to another room for drinks. Taking the opportunity, he explained the turmoil in the Liang state and the court's intentions for reconciliation, speaking clearly. The envoys were very pleased, and as they were leaving, they remarked, “I really can't grasp his thoughts!”
After Emperor Yuan of Liang succeeded to the throne in Jiangling, he appeared to get along well with neighboring countries outwardly, but harbored secret ambitions. This official secretly reported to Emperor Taizu, proposing a strategy to attack Jiangling. So Taizu summoned him to the capital, asking about his battle plan. He replied, "Jiangling is now in the north of the river, not far from us. The Prince of Xiangdong has ruled for three years, and looking at his current situation, he does not seem to want to attack eastward. With family members at war, the people have long been tired of conflict. The military supplies in Jingzhou have been stockpiled for years. If a large army marches south to conquer, there will certainly be no shortage of supplies. Furthermore, attacking the enemy while they are weak is a fundamental strategy of warfare. The country has already secured the Shu region; if we can pacify the Jianghan region, appease the people, and collect taxes to support the army and the country, then what else in the world could remain unpacified?" Emperor Taizu wholeheartedly agreed, saying, "I realized your insightful plan too late!" He ordered this official to return to Jingzhou and make preparations in secret. Shortly after, he commanded Zhuguo and Duke Yan to lead a large army to attack Jiangling. After the situation was settled, because of this official's contributions, he was rewarded with three hundred servants. Emperor Taizu also wrote to him, saying, "The attack plan for Jiangling was entirely your idea, and it has indeed turned out as you said. It's remarkable how insightful individuals can foresee events before they unfold! However, the people of Wudi are displaced and need to be comforted, and you are the key figure for the southern border!" Therefore, he appointed this official to guard Jiangling, promoted him to Duke of Changning, and appointed him as Grand General, continuing his command over Jingzhou and managing fifty-two provinces.
Jian Jiu was someone who, in the past, went to the court to handle affairs. When a heavy snow fell, he stood in the snow waiting for a reply, from morning until evening, without a hint of laziness. He was always diligent in his duties as an official. In the third year of Tianhe, he returned to the capital city due to illness. He died while serving as the governor of Xiazhou, and before his death, he submitted a memorial to Emperor Gaozu, requesting to be buried next to the tomb of Emperor Taizu and to return the house granted to him by the court to the government. The emperor approved his request. After his death, he was posthumously honored as Duke Kuai. More than seven hundred officials from Jingzhou, including Zhao Chao, were touched by Jian Jiu's kindness and petitioned the court to build a temple and a monument for him, which the emperor also approved. In the first year of Jiande, the emperor issued a decree stating: "In the past, Uncle Ao relinquished fertile lands, and Xiao He chose remote villages. Comparing ancient times to the present, they are both worthy of our ancestors. I've been reflecting on their exemplary virtues and holding them close to my heart. However, the relevant government departments did not understand the bigger picture and gave Jian Jiu's house away to someone else. Now, the house should be returned to his family." Jian Jiu's son, Long.
Changsun Shaoyuan, courtesy name Shi, was from Luoyang, Henan, and his childhood name was Ren. His father, Changsun Zhi, was the Grand Tutor of the Wei Kingdom, the Minister of Rites, and the King of Shangdang. Shaoyuan was known for his generosity and great tolerance, which earned him respect; his peers did not dare to take him lightly. He loved reading and was exceptionally intelligent. At just thirteen, Shaoyuan's father, Changsun Zhi, was serving as the governor of Shouchun. Wang Shuo, a scribe under Changsun Zhi, heard that Shaoyuan had a strong memory and was a bit skeptical. So he said to Changsun Zhi, "I have heard that your son, the heir, is exceptionally bright and has a natural talent; he can recite anything he has seen just by looking at it once. This is a rare talent, and I’d like to put him to the test." He then asked Shaoyuan to give it a try. After reading a few pages of the "Yueling," Shaoyuan was able to recite it fluently, like flowing water. From then on, Wang Shuo held him in high regard.
In the early period of Emperor Xiaowu of Wei, Changsun Shaoyuan was promoted multiple times and became the Right Chancellor of the Secretariat. When Emperor Shunwu of Qi took up arms and Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved westward, Shaoyuan fled with his father. He was promoted several more times, eventually becoming the Minister of the Imperial Court and the Registrar of Personnel Affairs. Emperor Taizu often said to his ministers, "Any position held by Lord Changsun inspires confidence. What do figures like Xiao He and Kou Zhun from the Han Dynasty compare to? Moreover, his demeanor is dignified, setting a standard for today." After the six official ranks system was established, he was appointed as the Grand Music Minister. After Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, he was granted the title of Duke of Shangdang.
Initially, Shaoyuan served as the Minister of Rites, where he actively sought out craftsmen to create musical instruments, skillfully using various materials like wood, silk, and bamboo. However, he found the pitch of the Huangzhong (the yellow bell) to be discordant, which greatly troubled him. One day, after court, he passed by the Buddhist temple of Governor Han and saw a chime hanging from the pagoda's third tier. Suddenly hearing the chime, he discovered it harmonized perfectly with the palace tones, so he took it down and played it with the other instruments, finally achieving harmony. Shaoyuan then suggested to Emperor Shizong that this method be adopted. The music Shaoyuan played was based on the eight tones.
Later, Pei Zheng, the Yellow Gate Minister of the Liang Dynasty, submitted a memorial to the emperor, stating that the ancient Emperor Shun wished to hear the sounds of the Seven Notes, and it was not until King Wu of Zhou that the Seven Sounds were created. He believed that Lin Bell should be used as the Huang Zhong, as the primary tone. The emperor issued an edict for Shaoyuan and Pei Zheng to discuss and deliberate in detail, but in the end, they decided to adopt the Eight Sounds. As a result, Shaoyuan was appointed Minor Minister of Works. When Emperor Gaozu read historical records and saw that King Wu had created the Seven Initial Sounds after defeating the Shang, he wanted to abolish the Eight Sounds and adopt the Seven Sounds instead, and he wanted to replace Huang Zhong as the principal tone with Lin Bell. Shaoyuan advised, "The emperor using the Eight Sounds has been a practice since ancient times, followed by emperors throughout the ages, unchanged for thousands of years. It was only King Wu of Zhou who recently revised the Seven Initial Sounds. A careful examination of historical texts shows no record of abolishing the Eight Sounds. Moreover, Huang Zhong represents the sovereign and symbolizes the emperor's rightful position; abolishing it now seems unwise."
In the end, Emperor Gaozu still adopted the Seven Sounds. At that time, Shaoyuan fell seriously ill and was unable to voice his opinions in person. He worried that the relevant authorities would immediately destroy the musical instruments, so he wrote a letter to the official Qi Shuzhi of the Music Department, [content omitted]. Later, as his condition worsened, he submitted another will to reiterate this matter before passing away. The emperor, upon reading the will, could not help but shed tears, feeling deep sorrow for Shaoyuan's death.
Shaoyuan, whose courtesy name was Shiliang, was recognized for his talent at the age of ten by the Minister of Works Li Yan, who was so impressed that he married his daughter to him. By the age of fourteen, he participated in military campaigns, demonstrating exceptional strategy and bravery that outshone his fellow generals. As he grew up, he was tall and imposing, with a refined demeanor. During the early reign of Emperor Xiaowu of Wei, he was appointed General of the Eastern Campaign and the Governor of Weizhou.
Wei Wen Di was drinking and chatting with Cao Cao and other ministers. He casually said, "The 'Classic of Filial Piety' is just one book; it is the foundation of being human. Gentlemen, what do you think is the most important teaching?" Xiahou Cheng immediately replied, "'Day and night, never slackening in serving one person.'" Then others also said, "Rectifying one's wrongs." After the banquet ended, Cao Cao deeply admired Xiahou Cheng's insightful response and criticized the person who answered afterwards. Later, Xiahou Cheng followed Cao Cao to battle and distinguished himself in battle, being promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry and granted a fief. When Emperor Xiao Wen ascended the throne, he promoted him to Grand General, titled him Duke of Yimen, and appointed him to oversee the Jade Wall. After Xiahou Cheng passed away, Emperor Xiao Wen visited his home to offer condolences three times. The Chief Minister responsible for rituals, Yu Wenrong, advised, "When the Emperor goes to a subject's home for condolences, there are regulations; your Majesty visiting personally so many times might not be proper etiquette!" But Emperor Xiao Wen did not listen. Xiahou Cheng was honest and upright; his family was financially humble. Cao Cao once told him, "I hold nothing back for you; if you need anything, just say." Xiahou Cheng replied, "From head to toe, it is all your grace; I really don't need anything now." Xiahou Cheng was warm towards others, never feeling weary when hosting guests. Although he did not drink, he took pleasure in seeing others enjoy their drinks. He always worried that guests would leave, often asking the kitchen to whip up more delicious dishes to keep them. Si Zi (a name pronounced like "four") was quick-witted, had a good memory, was knowledgeable, liked making friends, and was especially skilled at engaging in conversation. Later, he followed Emperor Xiaowu of Wei in his westward migration. During the Tianhe era, he was promoted all the way, eventually becoming General of Chariots and Cavalry, and was later appointed Governor of Jiangzhou.
Hushi Zheng, courtesy name Shiliang, was from Luoyang, Henan. His father, Hushi Chun, served as Grand Tutor and Minister of Documents. Hushi Zheng was intelligent from a young age, able to recite the "Classic of Filial Piety" and "I Ching" by the age of five, impressing everyone. As he grew up, he read extensively, becoming particularly knowledgeable in the "Three Rites" and was also knowledgeable in music theory. He was very filial; after his father's death, he ate just a bowl of rice each morning and evening. Leveraging his father's accomplishments, he rose through the ranks and eventually became the Minister of Rites.
After Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved west, the court's refined music fell into disuse. Later, some people collected and organized the lost musical scores, referencing classical texts, and made innovations and improvements, which only partially restored the music. There was also an instrument known as the zhongyu, which had been lost for a long time. Someone managed to obtain one from Shu, but no one recognized it. This gentleman took one look and said, "This is the zhongyu!" Everyone was skeptical. He then struck it with a bamboo tube based on Gan Bao's commentary on the "Rites of Zhou," producing an exceptionally loud sound, convincing everyone of his expertise. As a result, he integrated the zhongyu into the orchestra.
Later, he was appointed as a Grand Music Official, one of the six ministries, and was later promoted to General of the Cavalry and then to Chancellor. Eventually, Emperor Gaozu recognized him as qualified to teach, ordering him to instruct the Crown Prince. When Emperor Xuan came to power, he was granted the title of Duke of Lu, and like other princes, he wore blue garments, performed the rites of respect, and taught them. Everyone respectfully referred to him as "Master," and the Confucian scholars respected him greatly.
After Emperor Xuan ascended to the throne, he was promoted to Grand General and Grand Minister of Ceremonies. At that time, Emperor Gaozu had just passed away, and the coffin was still in the mortuary; the emperor wanted to bury him as soon as possible, so he asked the ministers to discuss it. He and other ministers, such as the Minister of State Yuwen Xiaobo, firmly insisted on following the rites and waiting for seven months before the burial, but the emperor ultimately did not listen to him. When the emperor was still the crown prince, the palace official Zheng Yi was demoted and dismissed for failing to assist him properly. However, the emperor privately favored Zheng Yi, and after ascending the throne, he reinstated him as the Minister of State and placed great trust in him. Zheng Yi then presented a new set of music, with twelve pieces, one for each month, each featuring sixteen wind instruments. The scholar discussed it with Zheng Yi, and he opposed the new music, submitting a memorial to the emperor, who accepted some of his suggestions.
After Emperor Gaozu was buried, the emperor wanted to hold a musical performance for the sacrificial ceremonies and asked the ministers whether it could be done. The scholar said, "The Book of Filial Piety says: 'Hearing music does not mean enjoying it.' If even listening feels inappropriate, how much less so for a performance?" Zheng Yi, however, countered, "Since it says 'to hear music,' it means there is music; it just sounds inappropriate, so why can't it be performed?" The emperor ultimately adopted Zheng Yi's opinion, which led Zheng Yi to harbor resentment against this scholar.
Later, as the emperor became increasingly foolish and tyrannical, this scholar, grateful for Emperor Gaozu's kindness and having once been the crown prince's teacher, thought that while he was alive, he could not advise the emperor, and if he died, how could he meet Emperor Gaozu? He then wrote a heartfelt letter advising the emperor and highlighting his mistakes, but the emperor did not listen. Zheng Yi seized the opportunity to frame him, resulting in his imprisonment. A sympathetic jailer, Zhang Yuan, sympathized with him and used his dagger to carve a hole in the prison wall, allowing him to escape. Zhang Yuan was later tortured but never revealed the scholar's whereabouts and ultimately died. Eventually, this scholar was granted amnesty and cleared his name.
After Emperor Wen of Sui ascended the throne, he restored some official positions as per tradition, then appointed Yan as the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince and issued an edict appointing him to compile the "Yue Shu" (Book of Music). He passed away early in the Kaihuang era. His son, Yan, later became known as Yan. The court later compiled the ten volumes of "Yue Dian" (Music Classics) he had authored.
He fulfilled his life's mission and left behind a valuable cultural heritage. The ten volumes of "Yue Dian" represent the culmination of his lifelong efforts and provide essential references for future research on music history. Though he died young, his contributions will always be remembered.
