Zheng Wei, courtesy name Zizhi, was from Xingyang, Kaifeng, nicknamed Shati. He was the eleventh generation grandson of Hun Zhi, the master builder of the Wei Dynasty. His grandfather Zheng Siming was known for his exceptional bravery in his youth and achieved the rank of General of the Guards during the Wei Dynasty. He was posthumously honored with the title of Governor of Jizhou. His father Zheng Xianhu was also renowned for his martial skills. Initially, he served as an attendant cavalier. When Emperor Xiaozhuang of Wei was still a prince, Zheng Xianhu had already formed a close bond with him. After Emperor Xiaozhuang came to power, Zheng Xianhu's official career flourished, eventually holding the titles of Palace Attendant, General Who Pacifies the South, Governor of Guangzhou, and he was granted the title of Marquis of Pingchang. Later, when Yuan Hao attacked Luoyang, Zheng Xianhu played a crucial role in resisting Yuan Hao, which led to several promotions, including Commander of the armies of the two Yuzhou, Yingzhou, and Yongzhou, General Who Conquers the East, Governor of Yuzhou, and also serving as the Right Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Writing, with his title elevated to Duke of a Commandery. He was soon promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry and General of the Left Guard. After the death of Erzhu Rong, the Xu Province Inspector, Erzhu Zhongyuan led troops to attack Luoyang. The court appointed Zheng Xianhu, retaining his original rank, as General of the Valiant Cavalry and Grand Commander, leading his troops alongside Prefect Yang Yu and Commander Heba Sheng in attacking Erzhu Zhongyuan. However, Heba Sheng defected to Erzhu Zhongyuan during the battle, and the news of Luoyang's impending fall caused Zheng Xianhu's army to be defeated. Zheng Xianhu fled to the Liang Dynasty for refuge. He later returned from Liang, only to be killed by Erzhu Zhongyuan. After Emperor Xiaowu of Wei came to power, he posthumously honored Zheng Xianhu with the title of Commissioner Bearing Credentials, Commander, and Inspector of the provinces of Qing, Qi, Yan, and Yu. This passage primarily focuses on Zheng Wei's family background, especially the career of his father, Zheng Xianhu. His remarkable rise and tragic end amidst the chaos of war are quite legendary. His father's experiences also set the stage for Zheng Wei's personal story, hinting at their family's illustrious yet tumultuous history during that era.
This remarkable young man, both handsome and capable, always aspired to make a name for himself. He was skilled in horseback riding and archery, and his courage was far greater than that of ordinary people. After the Er Zhu clan was destroyed, he returned to the Wei state from the Liang state. At first, he started as a minor official, a riding attendant. Later, when Emperor Xiaowu moved westward, he returned to his hometown and no longer pursued an official career.
In the third year of the Datong era, Duke Dugu Xin of Henan recaptured Luoyang, and Wei told his relatives: "Now the emperor wants to revive the family business and has already taken control of the Xiaoshan Mountains and Hangu Pass. Duke Henan personally commands the army and has recaptured the Luo River and Luoyang. Across the country, who is not eagerly awaiting the imperial decree? Moreover, our family has received the emperor's grace for generations, and our family has a long-standing tradition of loyalty and righteousness. Now is the time for us to be loyal to the court and achieve wealth and nobility! How can we remain idle and act like cowards?" So, he and his cousin Rongye gathered villagers in Chenliu to respond to the imperial call. In just a few days, they gathered more than ten thousand people.
They captured the region of Liangzhou, seized the governor of Eastern Wei, Lu Yongji, and the city commander Linghu De, and also captured the governor of Chenliu, Zhao Ji. They then brought these captives to the court to surrender. Because of this, the regions surrounding Liangzhou and Chenzhou surrendered to the court in quick succession. Wei quickly rushed to the capital, where the emperor met with him and praised him highly. The emperor appointed him as General of the Dragon's Might, governor of Northern Xuzhou, and granted him the title of Earl of Wuyang with a fief of six hundred households.
In the Battle of Heqiao and the Siege of Yubi, Wei always charged into battle, leading from the front. After Hou Jing surrendered, the emperor ordered Wei to lead the troops to greet him. Later, when Hou Jing rebelled again, Wei returned with all his troops. In recognition of his previous achievements, the emperor promoted him to General of the Central Army, governor of Xingyang, and granted him the titles of riding attendant and Grand Commander, elevating him to the rank of Duke of Xiangcheng with a fief of two thousand households, and further appointed him as Grand General of the Cavalry and Chariots, and as the Chief of the Three Departments.
In the year 235 AD, he was promoted to Generalissimo and was in charge of the defense of Jiangling, overseeing the military affairs of fifteen states. This man had a brutal disposition and had no regard for rules; he would kill people over minor issues. The court turned a blind eye to him because of his past achievements. Later, while he was an official in Jiangling, he actually killed the deputy defense commander Qi Binwang, which led to his dismissal and an investigation. By 236 AD, the court restored his official position and rank, assigning him to be the governor of Yizhou. In 241 AD, he was transferred to Huazhou as governor. In the places where he served, he ruled through fear, and neither officials nor common people dared to violate the law; even petty thieves vanished. While he may not have practiced benevolent governance, he became quite famous for this. The year he died in Huazhou, he was fifty-seven years old. The court posthumously awarded him his original official position, added the title of Shaofu, appointed him as the military governor of the five provinces of Siyi Luoxiang, and bestowed him the posthumous title "Su."
He had a violent temper; in his youth, he once chased a deer in the wild and, after failing to catch it, asked a shepherd boy for help. The shepherd boy stuttered. In a fit of rage, he believed the boy was imitating him and shot him dead with an arrow. This illustrates his brutality! His son, Dashi, succeeded him in his title.
His clansman was named Ding, with the courtesy name Ningbo, who proved to be quite capable in his youth. He started as a gentleman of the riding guard and gradually rose to the position of Left Chancellor of the Xingtai and governor of Yangcheng and Chenliu counties. He participated in the achievements alongside the previous person mentioned. Later, he followed him to the capital, was conferred the title of Marquis of Weichang, and served as the Minor Minister under the Grand Chancellor. He later became the governor of Fufeng County, again served as the Minor Minister under the Grand Chancellor, and finally was promoted to Minor Minister of the Imperial Guard. He was recognized for his diligence both at court and in local positions. He later died in office. The court posthumously awarded him the title equivalent to the Three Offices and the governorship of Yuzhou.
His son is called Chang, with the courtesy name Ziyuan. He is well-educated and has a great reputation. He served as a general of the pacification army, a regular court attendant, and a minister of the Department of Ceremonial. Later, he was promoted to the governor of the three provinces: Xin, Dongxu, and Nanyan. Due to his accomplishments and repeated contributions on the battlefield, he was granted the title of Shang Kaifu and appointed as Yitong Dajiangjun, and was granted the title of Marquis of Raoyang. After his death, the court posthumously reinstated him to his original official position and additionally awarded him military authority over the three provinces of Yingshan, as well as the governorship of Yingzhou. His son is named Shenfu.
Yang Zuan hails from Guangning. His father, Yang Anren, once served as the governor of the northern road and the town commander of Shuozhou in the state of Wei. From a young age, Yang Zuan was well-acquainted with military life; he was generous and quite strategic, and possessed exceptional martial skills.
At the age of twenty, he served under Emperor Shunwu of Qi, Gao Huan, in raising an army in Xindu. Relying on his military achievements, he gradually rose to the position of General of Anxi and governor of Wuzhou. However, he felt his contributions were significant, yet the rewards were lacking, which left him feeling wronged, and he often sighed, saying, “A great man who wants to accomplish something significant—why must he return to his hometown? If one hesitates because of a wife and kids, wouldn’t that crush one’s ambitions!” In the early years of the Datong period, he secretly defected to the Western Wei.
Emperor Taizu of Western Wei, Yuwen Tai, took Yang Zuan’s hand and said, “The most valuable qualities in a person are loyalty and righteousness, and the greatest fears are danger and death. Those who can disregard personal safety to pursue loyalty and righteousness, I have finally found that in you!” As a result, Yuwen Tai promptly appointed him as General of the Southern Expedition and Grand Commander, granting him the title of Marquis of Yongxing County, with a fief of eight hundred households assigned to him, and additionally granted him the position of regular court attendant.
Later, Yang Zuan followed Yuwen Tai to lift the siege of Luoyang. In battles at Heqiao, Mangshan, and others, he always led the charge, and the soldiers admired his bravery. He rose through the ranks, serving as Inspector, Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry Command, Grand Commandant of the Palace Secretariat, Cavalry Commandant, Grand General of the Valiant Cavalry, and more. Yuwen Tai even granted him the surname of Mo Hulushi. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed Inspector of Qizhou.
After Emperor Xiaomin Yuwen Jue ascended the throne, Yang Zuan's title was elevated to Duke of Songxi. In the first year of the Baoding era, he was promoted to Grand General and appointed Duke of Longdong, serving as Inspector of Longzhou. Three years later, he accompanied General Yang Zhong on an eastern expedition, reaching Bingzhou before returning. In the sixth year of Tianhe, he was appointed Grand General of the State's Pillar and transferred to serve as Inspector of Huazhou.
Yang Zuan was honest and simple, though illiterate. Throughout his various positions, he was known for his honesty. Subordinate officials respected him for his loyalty and integrity. He died in office at the age of sixty-seven. His son Yang Rui inherited his title, eventually attaining the rank of Grand General and Duke of Yuyang.
Duan Yong, styled Yongbin, originating from Shicheng in Liaodong, was a descendant of Pi Di, the Inspector of Youzhou during the Jin Dynasty. His grandfather had served as the Yellow Dragon Garrison General of the Wei Kingdom before moving to Heyang in Gaolu. Duan Yong had great ambitions from a young age, earning praise from his fellow villagers. During the Zhengguang era of Wei, when the Six Garrisons rebelled, resulting in widespread chaos, he fled with his family to Zhongshan before making his way to Luoyang.
He was first appointed as Palace General, and later promoted to General for Pacifying the East, and was granted the title of Earl of Woyang, with an estate of five hundred households. Later, a rebel named Cui She from Qingzhou raised an army, and Duan Yong subdued him. As a result, Duan Yong was promoted to Marquis and appointed as the Left Grand Minister of Grace. At that time, there was a bandit leader named Yuan Bosheng, who led several hundred cavalry to rampage around the areas of Mount Xiao, Tongguan, and from Gong County to Luoyang, wreaking havoc. Emperor Wei Xiaowu dispatched the Grand Commandant of the Capital Region, Pi Louzhao, to suppress him, and Pi Louzhao requested to take five thousand troops. However, Duan Yong countered, "These bandits do not have fortified cities; they rely on looting and pillaging to survive. When the situation is good, they gather together like ants, and when it is bad, they scatter and flee like birds. The key to catching them is speed, not troop numbers. If we can strike quickly like lightning and catch them by surprise, five hundred elite cavalry will be enough to annihilate them. If we recruit more soldiers first, they’ll have already fled by the time we get there, and it won’t matter how many troops we have." The emperor accepted his suggestion and allowed Duan Yong to replace Pi Louzhao, taking only five hundred cavalry to suppress the bandits. Duan Yong quickly located Yuan Bosheng's position, increased his speed, and marched day and night, ultimately defeating him in no time.
During the time when Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved west, Duan Yong was unable to follow. By the time of the Datong period, he united with his clan and secretly plotted to submit to the court. He, along with General Zhao Ye and others, attacked and killed the General of the Western Central Legion, Murong Xian, and sent his head to the capital. In recognition of his achievements, he was granted the title of Marquis of Changping County, with a fief consisting of three hundred households, and appointed as the Inspector of North Xuzhou. He later took part in the capture of Dou Tai, reclaimed Hongnong, defeated enemies at Shayuan, and achieved numerous military successes, ultimately earning a promotion to Duke. During the Battle of Heqiao, Duan Yong fought valiantly and was appointed Inspector of Nanfenzhou. He continued to be promoted, eventually reaching the positions of Grand Marshal, Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, Grand Master of the Left, Cavalry Commandant, Grand General of the Valiant Cavalry, and Supervisor of the Household with the surname Er Mian. In the first year of the reign of the Wei Emperor, he was appointed as the Inspector of Hengzhou. At that time, many high-ranking officials in the court were connected to him, and people came to visit him daily, demonstrating his high regard. After Emperor Xiaomin ascended to the throne, he was promoted to Duke of Guangcheng County and appointed as the Inspector of Wenzhou. He later returned to the court, serving as a Grand Master of the Palace Work, and then was promoted to Army Marshal. In the fourth year of Baoding, he was appointed as Grand General. During the Yongli era, he excelled both within and outside the court, earning a stellar reputation. He was generous and enjoyed cultivating friendships with talented individuals, and was highly regarded by all in the court. He was awarded a total of three thousand nine hundred households of land. In the fourth year of Tianhe, he was appointed as Minor Minister of Law. Shortly after, he served as Commander of the Right Second Army, leading troops in exercises in the north. He fell ill and passed away in Hegucheng at the age of sixty-eight. After his death, the Emperor personally presided over his funeral. The court posthumously awarded him the titles of Prefect, Grand General of the Pillars of the State, and Inspector of five provinces, with the posthumous title "Ji." His son Ji inherited his title and eventually rose to become Grand Master of the Ministry of War and Supervisor of the Left.
Wang Shiliang, courtesy name Junming, originally from Jin Yang in Taiyuan. Later, due to the turmoil in the Jin region, his family fled to Liangzhou. After Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei pacified the Juqu clan, his great-grandfather Jingren returned to Wei and took up the position of town general in Dunhuang. His grandfather Gongli held the title of Sima in Pingcheng, and thus the family settled in the Dai region. His father Yan served as the governor of Lanling. From a young age, Wang Shiliang was known for his caution and reluctance to make friends. In the early years of the reign of Emperor Xiaoming of Wei, Erzhu Zhongyuan recommended him for a position as a military officer. He later held positions as Langzhong in Daxingtai and Grand Councillor, and was granted the title of Baron of Shimen County with a fief of two hundred households. Later, he fought against Bufan of Hedouling, but his army was defeated, and he was captured; and thus, he resided in the Hexi region. The acting Daxingtai leader Hedouling Yili recognized his talent, promoted him to Right Minister, and married his granddaughter to him. This marriage allowed Wang Shiliang to express himself freely, so he explained the interests to Yili and others, and they all surrendered to the court. The court rewarded him for this. In the early years of Taichang, he was granted the title of Count of Jinyang County with a fief of four hundred households. Soon after, he was elevated to Marquis of Langye County, appointed as Grand Master and Right General, and then assigned as Sima of the Chariots and Cavalry in Yin Prefecture.
After Eastern Wei moved its capital to Ye City, the Jingji Prefecture was established specifically to manage military affairs. At that time, King Wenxiang of Qi served as the Grand Commander and appointed Wang Shiliang as Sima, also in charge of the foreign military staff. Shortly after, he was promoted to Changshi and conferred the title of General of Anxi, and his fief was increased to seven hundred households. In the early years of Wuding, he was appointed as Langzhong of the Left Central Army in Xingtai, then transferred to the General's office and also served as Attendant of the Central Palace, while still overseeing foreign military affairs. When Wang Sizheng was stationed in Yingchuan, King Wenxiang of Qi led his forces to launch an attack against him. Wang Shiliang was appointed Right Minister of Daxingtai, promoted to General of Zhenxi, granted the title of Duke, and dispatched to assist his brother Yan in defending Bingzhou.
After Gao Huan's son, Emperor Qi Wenxuan, ascended to the throne, he appointed Shi Liang as the Attendant of the Yellow Gate and concurrently as the Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat, also allowing him to command the military forces in Bingzhou, promoting him to General of the Western Conquest, and granting him the title of Viscount of Xinfeng County with a fief consisting of three hundred households. Not long after, he was further promoted to General of Cavalry and Supervisor of the Ministry of Personnel. When Emperor Qi Wenxuan returned from Jinyang to Ye City, he once again appointed Shi Liang as the Deputy Director of the Imperial Secretariat, responsible for the affairs in Jinyang. He was then promoted to Deputy Censor, and later to Minister of Military Affairs. Shortly after, Shi Liang was appointed Court Attendant, and later transferred to the Palace Secretariat. After some time, he was appointed Court Attendant again, and then promoted to Minister of Personnel. Despite his repeated refusals and expressions of gratitude, Emperor Wenxuan insisted on the appointments. After a long time, Shi Liang returned to the position of Court Attendant, concurrently serving as Minister of Revenue and Minister of Military Affairs.
Shi Liang lost both parents at a young age and showed great filial piety in serving his stepmother, Lady Liang, which was well-known at the time. During his stepmother's funeral, he adhered strictly to mourning rituals. Later, Emperor Qi Wenxuan wanted him to take up official duties, but Shi Liang repeatedly submitted petitions citing his ill health to decline. It was only after Emperor Wenxuan reluctantly agreed to his request that he accepted. Seeing Shi Liang's emaciated appearance, Emperor Wenxuan finally granted his request. Because of his extended illness, Emperor Wenxuan often visited him personally. After recovering, Shi Liang was appointed Inspector of Cangzhou. During the Northern Qi period of Qianming, he was summoned back to Ye City and granted the title of Equal to the Three Offices. When Emperor Xiaozhao ascended to the throne, he sent out three teams to scout for talent. Shi Liang, along with Prince of Zhaojun Gao Rui and Minister of Ceremonies Cui Ang, each went to different places to assess talents, reporting anyone with talent back to the court.
After Emperor Wu Cheng of Northern Qi ascended to the throne, Shi Liang was appointed as the Crown Prince's tutor and teacher, then later appointed as an attendant minister, promoted to the position of Minister of Rites, and further granted the official position of Supervisor of the Palace Attendants. He was then appointed as the Prefect of Yuzhou Circuit and Inspector of Yuzhou. In the fourth year of the Baoding era of Northern Qi, Prince Jin Gao Hu led an expedition to the east, and Quan Jingxuan led the army from the south to besiege Yuzhou. Shi Liang had no option but to surrender. After surrendering, he was appointed as Grand General and Minister of Works and Public Affairs, and granted the title of Duke of Guangchang Commandery. Later, he was appointed as the Chief General of Jingzhou, serving as the acting Inspector of Jingzhou. He later returned to the court to serve as Minister of Works. Not long after, he was appointed as the Inspector of Fuzhou, then promoted to Chief General of Jinzhou, Commander of the Seven Armies, and Inspector of Jinzhou. In the sixth year of Jiande of Northern Qi, he was appointed as the Inspector of Bingzhou. Shi Liang had been away from his hometown for a long time, and his sudden return to serve there was seen as an honor by both old friends and new acquaintances. Later, he was further promoted to Grand General. Due to his advanced age and health issues, he requested retirement, and the court approved his request. In the first year of the Kaihuang era of Sui, Shi Liang passed away at the age of eighty-two years. His son, Shi Deheng, achieved the rank of Grand General during the Daxiang era of the Sui Dynasty.
Cui Yanmu, styled Yanmu, was from Wucheng in Qinghe East and was the ninth-generation descendant of Lin, the Marquis of Anyang, who served as the Minister of Works in Wei. His ancestor, Cui Yi, was the Consultation Officer of Pingdong Prefecture in Wei; his grandfather, Cui Wei, fled south after being implicated in a case involving his cousin, the Minister of Works Cui Hao, and served as an official in the Song Dynasty, holding positions including Yellow Gate Attendant, Governor of Runan, and Governor of Yiyang. During the Yanxing era of Northern Wei, he returned to Northern Wei and was appointed as the Prefect of Yingchuan, where he established his home. Finally, he died while serving as the Inspector of Yingzhou. His father, Cui Zhi, had a deep passion for studying the classics and was indifferent to worldly affairs. He started as a Secretary and later rose to the position of Prefect of Yongchang. During the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty, he was posthumously appointed as the Supervisor of the Left Guards and the Inspector of Xinzhou because he was the great-great-grandfather of Empress Yang Lihua, wife of Emperor Wen of Sui. Cui Yanmu was exceptionally intelligent and charismatic from a young age. At the age of fifteen, he studied at the Imperial Academy alongside Xing Zicai from Hejian and Wei Xiaokuan from Jingzhao, and they had a close relationship. He dedicated himself to studying the Confucian classics and was praised by his peers. Li Shenjun, the Minister of Personnel of Northern Wei from Longxi, had a sharp eye for talent and remarked upon seeing Cui Yanmu, "This is a great talent to serve emperors!" During the Yong'an era, Cui Yanmu was appointed as a military officer in the Ministry of Works, later becoming a secretary, rising to the position of Chief Marshal's Aide-de-Camp. When Emperor Xiaowu of Northern Wei moved to the west, Cui Yanmu did not accompany him. Cui Yanmu's contributions to governance and scholarship left a lasting legacy in his time.
In the third year of the Datong period, he and his brother Cui Yanzhen raised troops in Chenggao, seized Yingyang, and captured Su Shu, the county governor of Eastern Wei. Later, he and his fellow villager Wang Yuanhong attacked Yingchuan together, killing Li Jingyi, the governor of Eastern Wei. Emperor Xiaowu of Northern Wei was very pleased and appointed him as General of the East, Golden Purple Secretary of State, and Yingyang County Governor. In the fourth year of the Datong period, he also served as Right Minister of Civil Affairs, Zhengzheng of Yingchuan, and was appointed as Marquis of Qiancheng County. In the fourteenth year of the Datong period, he was further appointed as General-in-Chief, General of Chariots and Cavalry, Supervisor of the Three Departments, Cavalry Attendant, and Minister of Agriculture. At that time, Northern Wei had just been established, and various affairs were quite hectic, so Emperor Gaozu issued an edict for Cui Yanmu to join the imperial court and be in charge of handling documents. Later, Yuwen Tai attacked Jiangling, and Cui Yanmu followed the army to participate in the campaign to pacify Jiangling.
At the beginning, Emperor Shizong had just ascended the throne for a short time, and he promoted him to Grand General of the Cavalry and also appointed him as Palace Secretary. Not long after, he was appointed as the Governor-General of Anzhou, responsible for military affairs across eleven states, and also served as the Governor of Anzhou. Later, he returned to the court and became the Grand Master of the Imperial Court. At that time, the Chen Kingdom wanted to establish better relations with us, so the emperor sent him as an envoy. He was an elegant and graceful person, skilled in metaphysics, and very good at telling jokes, quite well-known in the Jianghuai region. He was later promoted to Grand Master of the Ministry of Civil Affairs and was also granted the title of duke. In the third year of Tianhe, he was sent as an envoy to the Qi Kingdom. Upon his return, he was appointed as the Governor-General of Jinzhou, overseeing military affairs in seven states, and also served as the Governor of Jinzhou, with his rank elevated to Grand General. Not long after, he was reassigned to the court and became the Minister of Construction.
In the second year of the Era of Daxiang, Emperor Xuan died, and Emperor Wen of Sui ascended to the throne. Rebellions erupted throughout the realm. At this time, the court appointed him as the commander of the army, leading troops alongside the governor of Xiangzhou, Wang Yi, to suppress Sima Xiaonan. When the army reached Jingzhou, he suspected the governor of Jingzhou, Dugu Yongye, of having ulterior motives, so he captured and killed Dugu Yongye. After the situation was stabilized, Emperor Wen summoned Wang Yi back to the court and appointed him to succeed Wang Yi as the Prefect of Xiangzhou, tasked with overseeing military affairs across six provinces, while also serving as the inspector of Xiangzhou. He was promoted to the rank of Grand General, and his title was raised to Duke of Dongjun, with a fief of two thousand households. After a period of time, the family of Dugu Yongye successfully appealed for justice on his behalf, and he was dismissed from his position. However, not long after, his rank and title were reinstated. In the first year of the Kaihuang era, he passed away, and his son Jun Chuo inherited his title.
His son, Jun Chuo, was relatively mild-mannered and well-read, having studied many classics and historical works, and he exhibited many of his father's qualities. Towards the end of the Era of Daxiang, he served as a literary aide in the chancellor's office. His younger brother, Jun Su, was an accomplished writer and served as a literary aide to the Prince of Dao. As the Era of Daxiang was nearing its end, he became the governor of Yingchuan.
Linghu Zheng, styled Yanbao, was from Dunhuang, originally named Yan; his family was a prominent noble clan in the Western Regions. His great-grandfather Linghu Si and his grandfather Linghu Zhao'an both served as governors and were high-ranking court officials. His father, Linghu Qiu, was well-regarded for his character from a young age, having served as the magistrate of Guazhou, the governor of Dunhuang, and the inspector of Yingzhou, and was also granted the title of Earl of Changcheng. Towards the end of the Datong era, his father passed away at home. Emperor Wen of Sui mourned deeply, dispatching an official to supervise the funeral and instructing the local community to assist in constructing a tomb for his father. Later, his father was posthumously bestowed the title of General Longxiang and Inspector of Guazhou.
Linghu Zheng has been intelligent and clever since he was young, with profound knowledge. He excels in riding and archery and is very famous in the Hexi region. The governor, Wei Dongyang, Wang Yuanrong, values him highly, appointing him as the chief secretary and also granting him the title of General of Pacification. Linghu Zheng is modest and polite, and speaks clearly and fluently. Every time he visits the governor, the provincial officials are impressed by him. Wang Yuanrong, who greatly admires Linghu Zheng's character and reputation, once told his subordinates, "Linghu Yanbao is like a pillar of talent in the Western Region, a solid city wall of Fangcheng. How can he be restrained by the minor official position of the state and county? He will definitely rise to prominence in the future and achieve great success. I plan to entrust him with some matters; just wait for his approval." Not long after, Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved westward, causing chaos in the Hexi region. Wang Yuanrong relied on Linghu Zheng to defend and stabilize the region. Later, Deng Yan rebelled and occupied Guazhou, refusing to accept the court's orders. Linghu Zheng secretly collaborated with the minister Zhang Mu and others to capture Deng Yan and escort him to the capital. Emperor Taizu of Northern Wei greatly appreciated his loyalty and righteousness, appointing him as a commander. Subsequently, a local resident, Zhang Bao, killed the governor Cheng Qing and conspired with the governor of Liangzhou, Yu Wen Zhong, to rebel, attempting to seize control of the Hexi region. People from Jinchang, such as Lu Xing, killed the county magistrate Guo Si, in response to Zhang Bao's rebellion. Initially, fearing Linghu Zheng's integrity, Zhang Bao and others planned to rebel. They first killed Cheng Qing and then wanted to eliminate Linghu Zheng. However, considering Linghu Zheng's high reputation in the area and fearing his subordinates would turn against them, they did not dare to kill him. On the surface, they showed great respect for Linghu Zheng, but secretly feared him. While Linghu Zheng pretended to be close to Zhang Bao, he secretly wanted to get rid of him.
He secretly sent trusted confidants to persuade Zhang Bao: "You and Yu Wenzhong are in collusion, and now the Eastern Wei army is gradually approaching Liangzhou. You are weak and vulnerable, and you are likely unable to withstand it. If you are defeated, the consequences will affect us here. You should split your forces to send reinforcements and act quickly. If the two states combine their forces, they will be able to resist the Eastern Wei army, and that’s the best course of action." Zhang Bao agreed, but he was unsure whom to send. Linghu Zheng also sent someone to persuade Zhang Bao: "Throughout history, the key to success has always been choosing the right people. If you choose poorly, it will quickly lead to failure. Linghu Yan is both talented in civil affairs and military matters, and he can effectively lead the army. If he leads the troops, he will surely succeed." Zhang Bao agreed with this plan, knowing Linghu Zheng's family was in the city, so he had no doubts and sent Lin
Everyone discussed and elected Shen Zheng to be the governor. Shen Zheng said, "I was initially responsible for the deaths of many innocent people due to Zhang Bao's rebellion, and the whole province was affected. Now everyone is united with the goal of eliminating this threat. If we recommend each other, it could lead to others following suit, resulting in even greater calamity." Therefore, everyone elected the Persian envoy Zhang Daoyi to take temporary charge of provincial affairs, and then reported the situation to the court. The court appointed Shen Hui as the new governor. The court summoned Shen Zheng to the capital, appointed him as the governor of Shouchang County, and bestowed upon him the title of Marquis of Xiangwu, with an estate of two hundred households. Emperor Taizu said to Shen Zheng, "You were very talented and strategic when you were young and achieved great merit early on. Your current position does not adequately reflect your contributions. In the future, we will work together to bring peace to the realm and enjoy wealth and honor side by side!" Thus, Shen Zheng was appointed as the leader of the righteous army in Guazhou. He was also appointed as the General of Holding the Edict and Pacifying the Army, Cavalry Attendant, and Grand Commander.
Shen Zheng believed the country was still not stable and always hoped to serve the country alongside his family. He therefore led over two thousand fellow villagers to the capital, joining the army to confront the enemy. Shen Zheng was skilled at soothing the populace and lived a modest life himself, so everyone felt little hardship and worked diligently. Later, he was promoted to the positions of envoy, General of Cavalry, and held the titles of "Yitong Sansi" and "Sanjun Changshi." The founding emperor often remarked to Shen Zheng in a casual manner, "Your ancestor died for loyalty and righteousness, and you are now here for the same reason. This truly reflects that a family with accumulated virtue will enjoy abundant blessings, and future generations can inherit their ancestors' virtues!" Shen Zheng's ancestor, Shen Mai, was a general of the Han Dynasty who refused to submit to Wang Mang, and his son fled to the west of the Yellow River. That is why the founding emperor said this. Soon after, Shen Zheng was promoted to General of Cavalry, granted the title of "Yitong Sansi," and appointed as an attendant. The founding emperor told Shen Zheng, "Your achievements are as significant as those of Lou Jing and Xiang Yu, and your loyalty runs as deep as that of blood brothers. You are upright and steady, and you can become a role model for everyone." He was then bestowed the surname Yuwen and the name "Zheng." His clan, comprising over two hundred households, was also entered into the official registry. During Emperor Xiaomin's reign, he was appointed as a minister overseeing the law. He enforced the law fairly and justly, earning widespread praise from everyone. Later, he was granted the title of Duke of Pengyang, with his fief expanding by one thousand households.
At the beginning, Xi Gu, the governor of Xingshou during the Liang Dynasty, surrendered his state to the Northern Zhou. The Emperor Taizu appointed Xi Gu as the governor of Fengzhou. After serving for a considerable time, Xi Gu continued to use the old Liang laws, and many of his actions violated the laws of the Northern Zhou. The court secretly sought to transfer him but could not find a suitable candidate for a while. Therefore, they dispatched Yu Wenzheng to Fengzhou to gradually assume Xi Gu's responsibilities. Yu Wenzheng widely distributed his kindness and virtue, personally comforting the citizens, and within a few months, the provincial government became stable. The court then appointed Yu Wenzheng as the governor of Fengzhou and transferred Xi Gu to Huzhou. The original administrative center of Fengzhou was not located in the residential area, and tax collection was chaotic, with an uneven distribution of labor and rest. Yu Wenzheng requested to move the capital to Wudang, and the court granted his request. He rewarded and encouraged the citizens, and those who moved felt like they were going home. In just over ten days' time, the city and treasury were ready. When Xi Gu was transferred, many of his subordinates wanted to stay with Yu Wenzheng. Yu Wenzheng explained the court's system to them and did not agree to their requests, resulting in many subordinates departing in tears. When Yu Wenzheng's term ended and he was transferred, both the common folk and officials missed him dearly. People of all ages gathered to bid him farewell, coming from near and far, and he was sent off for several days before finally leaving Fengzhou. He was greatly beloved by the people! Later, he was appointed governor of Zhonghua County, was promoted to Tongzhou Sihui, and finally became the governor of Shizhou. Yu Wenzheng was very skilled at distinguishing truth from falsehood, especially proficient in political affairs. He was known for his respectfulness, caution, and integrity, always concerned that he might overshadow the ruler with his achievements, earning him praise both at court and in the local community. In the sixth year of the Tianhe reign, he was promoted to General, and his fief was increased to 2,100 households.
When Duke Jin Yuwen Hu first took office, he wanted to appoint Yuwen Zheng as a trusted confidant. Yuwen Zheng declined, saying he was not capable of such responsibility, which displeased Yuwen Hu and caused him to distance himself from Yuwen Zheng. When Yuwen Hu was killed, all his associates were executed, leaving only Yuwen Zheng alive. People at the time regarded him as having great foresight. In the second year of the Jiande era, Yuwen Zheng passed away at the age of sixty-one. The court posthumously conferred upon him the title of his official rank and additionally conferred upon him the military governorships of Fuzhou, Yizhou, Binzhou, and Yanzhou, as well as the title of Xiang. His son Yuwen Xi inherited his title.
Yuwen Xi, styled Changxi, was known for his integrity and great tolerance, exhibiting dignified and composed behavior even in private. He never associated with talented individuals unless they were truly outstanding. He was skilled in horseback riding and archery, knowledgeable in music, well-versed in literature, and particularly proficient in the "Three Rites." He was promoted multiple times, earning significant accolades. During the Daxiang era, he rose to the position of Minister of the Interior and was appointed as a General of the Same Rank.
Zheng's younger brother Xiu was smart and capable from a young age, proficient in both literature and martial arts. He began his studies at the Taixue. Later, he joined his brother Zheng in raising an army to attack Zhang Bao and was appointed as a military commander. He continued to be promoted, eventually becoming a grand commander and the governor of Le'an County. He was later transferred to the court, serving as a military officer in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. At that time, many meritorious officials were appointed as governors of their respective provinces. Duke Jin Hu said to Zheng, "Given your contributions and reputation, you should be appointed as the governor of your province, but the court currently relies on you for important matters, making it difficult for you to leave the capital. However, someone in your family deserves to enjoy some wealth and honor." Thus, Xiu was appointed as the governor of Dunhuang County. He served in Dunhuang for over ten years, achieving notable accomplishments in governance. He was later promoted to the position of General of the Same Rank and transferred to the governorship of Hezhou. He passed away shortly thereafter.
Simayi, styled Zunyin, was a native of Wen County in Henei, and a descendant of Jin's Emperor Xuan's younger brother, Taichang Kui. His great-grandfather, Sima Chu Zhi, fled to the Wei Kingdom to escape the disaster brought by Emperor Wu of Song's execution of the Jin Dynasty's imperial family. Sima Chu Zhi held various official positions and was eventually appointed as the King of Langye. Simayi lost his father at a young age but was ambitious. Despite multiple summons from local authorities, he refused to serve until he was appointed as a military officer in the Ministry of Works. Through his military achievements, he was later promoted to the position of General and Cavalier Attendant. When Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved westward, Simayi returned to his hometown secretly, determined to achieve great accomplishments.
In the third year of the Datushi era, Simayi led a rebellion in Wen County after the army recaptured Hongnong, sending tokens of surrender to the authorities. He fought day and night alongside Wei generals Gao Yongluo and Wang Ling, suffering over half of his troops killed or injured due to the disparity in numbers. When the main army marched eastward, Simayi led his troops in battles at Heqiao and Huai County, capturing Eastern Wei general Wu Fushu. From then on, he frequently engaged in battles with Eastern Wei and achieved numerous victories. In the sixth year of the Datushi era, he was appointed as the Prefect of Henei, and soon after was also appointed as General of Pacification and Inspector of North Xuzhou. In the eighth year of the Datushi era, he led his rebel army to the capital, where he was highly praised and rewarded by Emperor Taizu. Shortly after, over four thousand households in Henei surrendered, many of whom were Simayi's fellow townspeople. He was then appointed as a General and Grand Palace Attendant, continuing his role as Prefect of Henei to settle the displaced people. In the thirteenth year of the Datushi era, he captured the cities of Pingqi, Liuquan, and Liaowu from the Eastern Wei, capturing Eastern Wei general Li Xizhi. He was then appointed as Commander.
Fifteen years ago, Emperor Taizu decreed that the righteous men who led troops from Shandong into the capital should be heavily rewarded. Among them was a man named Li Yi, who was the first to arrive with a thousand households. Emperor Taizu wanted to make him a king. Li Yi firmly refused, saying, "These righteous men have all left their hometowns, abandoned their families, and come from afar to submit to the court out of sincere loyalty. How could I possibly have the ability to lead them? If I were to be made king simply because I brought them here, it would mean exchanging the merits of these righteous men for my own wealth and honor, and I do not wish to do that." Emperor Taizu agreed with his reasoning and accepted his request. Later, the emperor appointed him as a dux and conferred the title of Princess of Xiangcheng upon his wife.
In the sixteenth year, when the army was sent east, Li Yi took the initiative to request to serve as the vanguard. He led his troops into Jianzhou, defeated the Eastern Wei general Liu Yaxing, and captured five of his cities. In the first year of Emperor Wei's reign, the court summoned Li Yi to lead his troops to garrison in Hanzhong. The emperor also granted him additional titles of Lord of Baima and Governor of Huayang County, while bestowing upon him the positions of General of Pacification, Grand Governor, and Court Cavalry Attendant. In the following year, he was transferred to garrison in Songxi County. Later, he followed Yechi Jiong to campaign against the rebellious forces in Shu, defeating the rebel leader Zhao Xiongjie together with Chilu in Huailin, and quelling Deng Fan's rebellion in Zitong. Because of these military achievements, he was given the title of Marquis of Longmen County and appointed as the Inspector of Puzhou, soon also taking on the role of Governor of Xincheng County.
In the first year of Emperor Wei's ascension, Li Yi was appointed to the positions of: Envoy with Authority, General of Chariots and Cavalry, Deputy Minister of the Three Departments, Court Cavalry Attendant, and Chief Justice of the County.
After Emperor Xiao Min ascended to the throne, Li Yi was appointed as the governor of Bazhou and promoted to the positions of special envoy, general of the cavalry, and Chief of the Three Departments, and was elevated to the rank of Earl of Langya, receiving a fief of five hundred households. In the second year of the Baoding era, he returned to the court to serve as Grand Minister, with his fief increasing to one thousand five hundred households. Four years later, he was further promoted to the position of senior official, and his noble rank was upgraded to duke. Later, during a great military campaign to the east, Li Yi led the righteous troops alongside General Yang to firmly hold Zhiguan, and was subsequently appointed governor of Huaizhou and a morale-boosting envoy. Five years later, he was reassigned as the governor of Shizhou.
During the Tianhe era, tribal leaders Ran Lingxian and others from Xinzhu instigated a rebellion, their influence stretching over two thousand miles, causing widespread disorder! The court dispatched General Lu Teng to quell the rebellion, and our protagonist accompanied him. He set out from Kaizhou and first sent envoys to reason with the tribal leaders, informing them of the consequences of rebellion. This strategy proved effective, as over thirty leaders of cities, including Ran Lingxian, surrendered upon hearing his words.
The army advanced to Shuangcheng, where they encountered the tribal leaders Xiang Baosheng and others, who occupied a strategic position and held firm, receiving support from Wang Xiang. They launched a coordinated pincer attack, encircling our forces. The battle raged from spring to autumn, spanning over fifty encounters, which was a significant challenge! Ultimately, Xiang Baosheng and his allies surrendered only when their supplies ran out. There remained one city called Longdong that had not been captured, but it was breached shortly thereafter. Subsequently, the rebel leaders Ran Xili and Wang Xiang were captured. After such a prolonged conflict, the war finally came to an end, and the tribes were completely subdued. Due to his significant contributions, he was appointed as the governor of Xinzhu. Five years later, he was promoted to governor of Tongzhou; six years later, he was promoted to the rank of general and also served as the governor of Xining. Unfortunately, before he could assume his post, he passed away in the capital.
He was upright and frugal, never indulging in luxuries, and always giving his salary to relatives and friends. When he passed away, his family was left with nothing, and his home was in ruins, unable to even afford a proper funeral. After learning of this, the court erected a shrine in his honor. After his death, the court posthumously conferred upon him the title of Grand General and appointed him as the governor of the four provinces of Huai, Shao, Fen, and Jin, with the posthumous title 'Ding'. His son succeeded his title.
His son, named Dao Qian, showed bravery from a young age and enlisted in the military before reaching adulthood. During the fourth year of the Baoding era, he followed General Yang on an eastern expedition, fought against the Qi army, and when General Yang was captured, he fought valiantly to rescue him. He truly was a devoted and courageous son! In the second year of Tianhe, he was appointed as a senior attendant to the right, later promoted to commander, and ultimately rose to the rank of Grand Commander. He participated in the battle of Jinzhou and was awarded the titles of Military Governor, General of Chariots and Cavalry, and granted the rank of Three Offices of Equal Status. He also participated in the pacification of Beizhou and Ye City, and was appointed as the Governor of Lean County. Later, in recognition of his achievements in the battles of Jinzhou and the pacification of Qi, he was further appointed as the Grand General of Cavalry and promoted to the governor of Yanzhou. Unfortunately, he sadly passed away before he could take up his post. The court posthumously restored him to his original position and conferred upon him the posthumous title 'Hui'. His son Yun inherited his title.
Pei Guo, courtesy title Rongzhao, was from Wenxi, Shanxi. His grandfather, Pei Sixian, served as the governor of Qingzhou in the Wei state, and his father, Pei Zun, was the governor of a province in the Qi state. Pei Guo was generous and magnanimous from a young age, with keen insight and vision. During the reign of Emperor Xiaowen of Wei in the Tai Chang era, he began his service as Front General and commander of the Qianhe army, later becoming the Prefect of Yangping County. Emperor Taizu of Northern Wei once visited Bingzhou and met Pei Guo. Pei Guo immediately recognized Taizu as an extraordinary figure and secretly allied himself with him. Towards the end of the Yong'an era, banditry was rampant. Pei Guo followed the army to suppress the bandits, riding a yellow steed and wearing a blue robe, always charging into battle at the forefront, which earned him the nickname "Young Yellow Steed" among his contemporaries. During the Yongxi era, he was appointed as the governor of Hebei Province.
When Gao Huan defeated the Northern Qi Emperor Shenzu at the Battle of Shayuan, Pei Guo returned to the capital with his family. Emperor Taizu of Northern Wei held him in high regard and bestowed upon him land, homes, servants, livestock, clothing, and various gifts. Later, he participated in the Battle of Heqiao and lifted the siege at Yubi, consistently leading the charge with unparalleled ferocity. In the ninth year of Datong, he took part in the Battle of Mangshan, where he bravely plunged into the fray before Taizu and captured the Eastern Wei commander Helou Wulan alive. His bravery was unparalleled, and everyone admired him greatly. Because of these achievements, Taizu valued him even more, appointing him as the commander of the camp, and he was later promoted to General of Pingdong. After that, he followed the Chancellor Yang Zhong to pacify Suijun and Anlu, and due to his military merits, he was promoted to Grand Commander and appointed as the governor of Zhengping County, which was Pei Guo's hometown. He administered the region with an iron fist, and the common folk respected him, while bandits thought twice before acting recklessly. Later, he was promoted to the position of Special Envoy, General of Chariots and Cavalry, Minister of Three Offices, Attendant of the Imperial Guard, and Minister of Agriculture.
He also followed General Wei Chi Jiong to attack the Shu region. Pei Guo led his troops to the forefront, broke through Jiange, defeated Li Qingbao, subdued Yang Qianyun, and all made great achievements. In the third year of Emperor Wei's reign, he was appointed as the governor of Longzhou, granted the title of Marquis of Guanjun, with a fief of five hundred households. Not long after, the local leaders Zhang Dao and Li Shi gathered the people and surrounded the city. At that time, there was a shortage of food and soldiers were scarce. Pei Guo devised a strategy to resist them, and the bandits withdrew. So he led the troops to chase and after several battles, finally defeated them. Within a month, order was restored in the state. Later, he was transferred to Lingzhou as the governor.
After Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, he appointed him as the governor of Longzhou. Later, he was promoted and given the title of General of the Flying Cavalry, and promoted to Duke, with an additional one thousand households of land. During the Wucheng period, he was transferred to Meizhou as the governor; in the fifth year of Baoding, he was transferred to Fuzhou as the governor. He was known for his stern and decisive character, was highly skilled in managing government affairs, always suppressing the powerful, resolving backlogged cases, and performing excellently as governor in several states. In the second year of Tianhe, he died in office. The court posthumously restored his original title and also appointed him as the governors of Jiangzhou, Jinzhou, and Jianzhou, with the posthumous title of "Zhi." His son Xiaoren inherited his title.
Xiaoren was intelligent from a young age, widely read in classical texts, and was quite renowned at the time. He began his career as a minor official, and gradually rose to the position of Grand Commandant and the title of Yitong Sanqi. He was then sent to Changning Town as a general to defend against the invasion of the Qi state, demonstrating exceptional strategic acumen in border defense. In the Jiande era, he was promoted to the governor of Jianzhou, and later appointed governor of Qiaozhou. During the Daixiang period, he was appointed governor of Bozhou.
At this time, Zheng Wei and others brought Liangzhou to submit to the court, while Liu Zhi also brought Guangzhou to surrender. This Liu Zhi, who hailed from Huayin in Hongnong, originally named Liu Si, was the tenth great-grandson of Liu Kuan, the Grand Commandant of the Han Dynasty. His ancestor Liu Long, when Emperor Wu of Song eliminated Yao Hong, due to his status as a member of the imperial family, was appointed as the county magistrate of Fengyi by the court. Later, when the Xiongnu invaded, the Liu family fled to the Heluo region and settled in Ruying. His grandfather Liu Shan passed the imperial examinations during the Tian'an era of Wei, was appointed as a Doctor of the Imperial Academy, and later served as the magistrate of Hongnong County and the Inspector of Beiyongzhou. His father, Liu Gui, once served as the magistrate of Runan County and was posthumously appointed as the Inspector of Xuzhou.
From a young age, Liu Zhi had a passion for learning, was well-read, upright, and had military talent. During the Zhengguang period of Wei, he was summoned as an assistant instructor of the National University because of his proficiency in Confucian studies, and later served as a Langzhong in the Xingtai. In the early years of Yong'an, he was promoted to General of Xuanyi and Attendant. Two years later, he was promoted to Sima of the Eastern Central Command and General of Conquering the Barbarians. In the second year of Yongxi, he was appointed as General of Pacification in the North, Grand Master of Ceremonies of Silver and Green, and Attendant of Guangzhou. Three years later, Qi Shengwu rebelled and attacked Luoyang, and Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved west. Liu Zhi defended the city and did not surrender to Eastern Wei, secretly sending messages to the Chang'an court. Emperor Xiaowu of Wei admired him and appointed him as the Chief Historian of Guangzhou and the magistrate of Xiangcheng County. Later, Qi Shengwu sent troops to attack Guangzhou; Liu Zhi could not resist, the city fell, and he escaped secretly, thereby saving his life.
In the year 540 AD, Emperor Taizu of Northern Zhou sent General Dugu Xin to recapture Luoyang. At this time, Yuwen Hu (formerly Yuwen Zhi) was gathering like-minded friends and leading the Guangzhou region to surrender to Northern Zhou. He was appointed as a Military Officer in the Grand Prime Minister's Office, granted the title of Lord of Huayin County, with a food estate of two hundred households. Later, he was promoted all the way, successively serving as Grand Commandant, General of the Guard, then transferred to the Ministry of Interior and Exterior, and ultimately became the Grand Sacrificer of the National University.
Emperor Wen of the Northern Zhou appointed Yu Wenhu as the governor of Yizhou, and Emperor Taizu appointed Yu Wenhu as the chief scribe in his court. Emperor Wen had a special fondness for Confucianism and highly valued Yu Wenhu, entrusting him with both major and minor affairs. Yu Wenhu was known for his loyalty and prudence, and was adept at providing assistance, gaining Emperor Wen's trust. Emperor Taizu held him in high regard, remarking, "Your actions always align with my intentions." Therefore, Emperor Taizu bestowed upon him the name Yu Wenhu, granted him land and a residence in Yizhou, and asked him to move there. Later, when Emperor Wen was transferred to Qizhou, he also brought Yu Wenhu along. After Emperor Wen ascended the throne, Yu Wenhu was appointed as the Right Jinzi Guanglu Dafu, General of Chariots and Cavalry, and Yitong Sansi, elevated to the rank of Duke of Wuxiang, with a fief of one thousand households, and granted the surname Yuwen. During Emperor Gaozu's reign, Yu Wenhu served as the Marshal of the Lu Gongfu. After Emperor Gaozu succeeded to the throne, Yu Wenhu was promoted to General of the Flying Cavalry, Yitong Sansi of the Household of the Prince, and held the position of Major in the Ministry of Justice. He enforced the law impartially, earning widespread acclaim. At that time, the Lianshao region frequently faced bandit raids on passing merchants, and local officials were helpless. Therefore, the court appointed Yu Wenhu as governor of Yanshou County to quell the banditry. Yu Wenhu employed a strategy that combined leniency with firmness, leading many bandits to surrender. Yu Wenhu reported back to the court, requesting clemency for them. From then on, public order in Yanshou County improved significantly, and the bandits disappeared. Later, he was appointed as the Commissioner and Military Commander of Chengzhou, as well as its governor. He governed with kindness and compassion, earning deep respect from both the people and officials. In the fifth year of the Tianhe era (570 AD), Yu Wenhu passed away, and the court posthumously elevated him to the rank of Grand General and appointed him as governor of Yangzhou, with the posthumous title of "Wen." His son, Yu Wenzi Ming, succeeded him in his title.
Yuwen Ziming inherited his father's excellent qualities and was known for his integrity. He successively held the positions of Right Minister of the Imperial Guard, Grand Commander, and Deputy Governor of Jiangzhou. After Sui Wen Emperor Yang Jian ascended the throne, Yuwen Ziming was appointed as the Minister of the Executive Office and Governor of Shunyang County. Yuwen Ziming's son, Yuwen Ling, also served as the Right Minister of the Imperial Guard, Grand Commander, and Deputy Governor of Liangzhou. In the early years of the Sui Kaihuang period, he was appointed as the Governor of Guzang County and soon after was promoted to the rank equivalent to Three Departments. Later, he held various positions such as Chancellor of Weizhou, Chancellor of Yuzhou, Sima of the Youzhou General's Office, and Chancellor of the Shuozhou General's Office.
Historical records indicate: There was once a guy named Yang Huo who betrayed the country and secretly occupied cities, and as a result, he was severely criticized in the "Spring and Autumn Annals"; while Han Xin betrayed Xiang Yu and Chen Ping defected to the Han Dynasty, and the historical records praised them greatly. Why is that? Because when the country is stable and the ruler's morality is established, those who forget their principles for personal gain are at fault; but if one encounters a time of great chaos when the rituals between rulers and subjects have not yet been fully established, it is understandable for someone to turn adversity into advantage.
People like Zheng Wei and Cui Yanmu, when they were in Shandong, leveraged their unconventional talents to maneuver through the bureaucracy, ultimately realizing their mistakes and achieving high positions and wealth; they truly knew how to seize their opportunities! In contrast, Wang Shiliang served as a high-ranking official in Qi, reaching the position of Shangqing and was sent out as a local governor, but at a crucial moment, he only cared about saving himself and abandoned his loyalty, that is the mark of a traitor!
Linghu Zheng was a capable and upright person, well-respected in the area west of the Yellow River, and achieved remarkable political results while serving locally. After rising to the court, his contributions spread nationwide. However, he was cautious and avoided the powerful, ultimately protecting himself. If one cannot achieve this, how can they establish a good reputation and attain high positions and wealth?
