Kou Jun, styled Zu Jun, is from Changping, Hebei. His grandfather Kou Zan served as the Governor of Nanyongzhou during the Wei Kingdom, and his father Kou Zhen served as General of the Anyuan Commandery and Governor of Yingzhou. Kou Jun is a kind and gentle person, wise and courageous from a young age, possessing a strong memory and a passion for learning. His brothers Kou Zuxun and Kou Zuli are also ambitious and principled, and the siblings have always gotten along well, living together even into their old age. Despite his father's passing long ago, Kou Jun still lives in the house where his father once lived, keeping the furnishings intact and performing rituals as if it were an ancestral temple. He always informs his family first about any joyful or sorrowful events, even when traveling far from home. Kou Jun is honest and just, never prioritizing money over his principles. When his family sold goods and had five pieces of silk left, Kou Jun returned the silk to the buyers, saying, "One shouldn't linger under a bad tree, nor drink from a tainted well. I will never lose my principles for the sake of money." He is truly a noble and ambitious person.
Later, he was selected as the mourning attendant of Emperor Xiaowen of Wei and appointed as a court official. Later, a rebellion broke out in the Yan and Zhao regions, and Kou Jun participated in the military campaign in the east. Due to his military achievements, he was appointed as an Assistant Cavalry Officer and promoted to the rank of Left Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. When his mother passed away, he resigned from his post to observe a period of mourning. In the third year of Zhengguang, he was appointed as the General of Light Cavalry, promoted to the General of Yanglie, and then served as a military advisor in the Ministry of Works before being transferred to the position of Registrar. At that time, Empress Dowager Ling was in power and ordered a reduction of one-tenth of the salary of all officials, while also ordering the construction of Yongning Temple, assigning Kou Jun as the project supervisor. Building the temple was costly, making it difficult for the officials in charge to conceal corruption. After the temple was completed, it was grand and magnificent. Empress Dowager Ling appreciated him greatly and appointed him as the General of the Left Army. During the Xiaochang period, the court discussed the depletion of the national treasury and established the position of Commander of the Salt Pool, equivalent to the rank of Prefect of Upper Commanderies. Most previous officeholders had been corrupt. Therefore, the court sent Kou Jun to take up the position. He was also promoted to the rank of Dragon Soaring General while still serving as Registrar.
At the beginning of the Yong'an period, in Huazhou, there was a commoner named Shi Di who had a lawsuit with the Minister of Works Yang Chun over a piece of land. At that time, the officials under the Chief Clerk, due to Yang Chun's considerable influence, all believed Yang Chun was in the right and wanted to award the land to Yang Chun. However, Li Jun said, "Shi Di is a poor commoner, and Minister Yang is forcibly occupying his land. If we take from the poor to give to the rich, then everyone will blindly follow along, but I cannot condone that." So, Li Jun awarded the land to Shi Di. Later, when Emperor Xiaozhuang learned of this incident, he greatly appreciated Li Jun's adherence to principles and integrity, immediately promoted him to Marshal, and rewarded him with a hundred bolts of silk. The officials who had initially sided with Yang Chun faced condemnation.
Two years later, Li Jun was appointed as the Left General and Governor of Liangzhou. The people of Liangzhou were known for their fierceness, and there were many bandits. Li Jun ordered each county to establish schools, encouraged everyone to engage in farming and sericulture, and promoted etiquette and education. In a few years, the atmosphere in Liangzhou changed significantly. The Liang Dynasty sent their general Cao Yan to guard Weixing, busy building fortifications all day. Cao Yan repeatedly harassed the border, which caused great suffering among the common people. Li Jun sent the Chief Secretary Du Xiudao to lead the troops to attack Cao Yan, resulting in the capture of both the city and Cao Yan. Cao Yan was the brother of the Liang Dynasty's great general Jing Zong! This instilled fear among the people of the Liang Dynasty.
At the same time, there was turmoil in Northern Wei, and Liangzhou was remote. The Liang Dynasty realized that Weixing was cut off from external aid, so they stationed a large army in Weixing, planning to attack it. Li Jun encouraged the soldiers, and everyone was ready to fight for him. Recognizing that Li Jun had gained the people's support, the Liang Dynasty did not dare to act rashly. Li Jun served in Liangzhou with honesty and frugality, without acquiring any property. When his term was up, his descendants all returned home on foot. The local officials sent Li Jun off, reluctant to part with him, and they took a long time to bid him farewell.
In the second year of Dàtǒng, Dong Wei appointed Li Jun as the Governor of Luozhou, and only then did Li Jun start planning his return to court. Five years later, he entered the capital with his family and more than four hundred relatives, and was appointed as the Director of the Imperial Secretariat. At that time, the court had just been established, and many classics were lost. Li Jun began to select capable officials, transcribe and organize the classics, gradually completing the compilation of the Four Treasuries and various other books. Later, Li Jun was promoted to General of the East, named Lord of Xi'an County, with a fief consisting of two hundred households. In the seventeenth year, he was further promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry, Supervisor of the Left, and appointed as a Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. As Li Jun grew older and requested retirement, Emperor Taizu refused his request. So Li Jun claimed illness and stayed home, no longer attending court. In the third year of Emperor Weigong, the court bestowed upon him the surname Ruo Kou Yin.
After Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, he promoted Jun to a higher rank and granted him five hundred households. In the first year of Wucheng, he was further appointed as the General of the Cavalry, given the authority to establish a government office, and with the previous rewards, a total of two thousand households were awarded to him. Even though Jun was elderly, his aspirations and knowledge did not diminish at all. He made it a priority to teach his descendants proper etiquette. Emperor Shizong admired Confucianism and valued ethics, especially appreciating Jun, rewarding him multiple times and wanting to meet him. Jun had no choice but to go to the capital to meet the emperor. Emperor Shizong and Jun sat at the same table, discussing some old matters in Luoyang. Jun was eight feet tall, with white hair and beard, dignified in demeanor, and spoke clearly and loudly. The emperor leaned forward unconsciously several times while talking to him. When Jun was about to leave, the emperor took Jun's hand and said, "You are respected and admired, I have great respect for you. Feel free to say anything; I have high hopes for you. We should meet regularly to discuss my hopes for you." He even let Jun ride in the imperial carriage to leave the palace. The emperor turned to those around him and said, "Only those who do good can earn such respect. This is not only respected now, but will also be remembered for eternity." People back then saw it as a tremendous honor. In the third year of Baoding, Jun passed away at the age of eighty. Emperor Gaozu was very regretful, posthumously restoring his original position and appointing him as the military commander of Jizhou, Dingzhou, and Yingzhou, as well as the governor of Jizhou, with the posthumous title 'Yuan'.
Jun is a truly righteous individual, always striving to help the lonely and vulnerable. He lives a simple life but shares in their joys and sorrows. When he was young, Situ Cui Guang held him in high regard and even arranged for his son, Cui Sheng, to be friends with Jun. Every time Jun visited Cui Guang, they would talk about refined topics, often for an entire day. Lu Bian, the young Zongbo, viewed Jun as both a mentor and a friend because of Jun's high knowledge and character. Whenever he had free time, Lu Bian would definitely visit Jun and chat with him, often for a whole day. Lu Bian frequently told others, “If I can’t see Xi'an Jun (referring to Jun), I feel troubled and unable to find relief.” This illustrates the high regard in which Jun was held at the time.
His son Feng achieved the rank of Yitong Da Jiangjun, governor of Shunyang County, and Duke of Changguo County. Feng's younger brother Yong loved to study from a young age and gained considerable fame. During his mourning period, he was overcome with grief, which took a toll on his health. Later, he attained the rank of Yitong Da Jiangjun, overseeing state affairs, issuing decrees, and presiding over sacrifices as a junior minister, and Duke of Huoze County.
Han Bao, styled Hongye, had ancestors hailing from Yingchuan, Yingyang, but later moved to Changli. His grandfather, Han Gui, once served as the General of the Western Regions in Wei, governor of Pingliang County, and was also granted the title of Duke of Anding County. His father, Han Yan, served as the General of Pacifying the North, a middle-ranking official, and governor of Hengzhou. From a young age, Han Bao harbored lofty ambitions and had a passion for learning, but he didn't strictly follow the confines of textbooks. His teacher found this strange and asked him why. Han Bao replied, “I have always studied the content in books earnestly and followed what my teacher taught. However, when discussing differing viewpoints, I prefer to express my own thoughts.” Upon hearing this, the teacher thought he was impressive. As Han Bao grew up, he read extensively across classics, histories, and philosophical texts, cultivating profound thoughts and strategic insight.
During the Wei Dynasty, he was appointed by the court to serve as a court attendant, later promoted to General of the Heavy Crossbow, and finally became the Grand Master of the Court. As the Wei Dynasty was on the brink of collapse, and chaos engulfed the land, Han Bao fled to Xiazhou to avoid the turmoil. At that time, Gaozu (referring to Emperor Wen of the Northern Zhou, Yuwen Tai) was the governor of Xiazhou and had already heard of Han Bao's reputation, treating him like an esteemed guest. Later, when He Baoyue was assassinated by Hou Mochen Yue, other generals sent someone to invite Gaozu. Gaozu asked Han Bao if he wished to join his cause. Han Bao said, "The court is on the verge of collapse now, and there are wars everywhere. You are inherently wise and skilled in warfare, deeply respected by the soldiers. With He Baoyue suddenly dead, everyone is afraid and in a state of panic. Hou Mochen Yue knows his own abilities are lacking, that's why he sought refuge with you. If you can control the army and occupy the Guanzhong region, this is an opportunity bestowed upon you by fate; what is there to hesitate about! Besides, Hou Mochen Yue is reckless; he failed to pursue victory and attack Pingliang, instead he fled and stationed his troops in Shuiluo. He is as short-sighted as a frog in a well. If you go after him, you will surely catch him. The chance to achieve something extraordinary is right before you; now is a rare and opportune moment. I sincerely hope you seize this opportunity!" Gaozu followed his advice. Emperor Gaozu appointed Bao as a military officer when he was the prime minister, then bestowed upon him the surname Hou Luling. At the beginning of Dangtong's reign, Bao was promoted to Left Minister of the Executive and was granted the title of Earl of Sanshui County. Shortly after, he was transferred to work in the prime minister's office and was also appointed General of the Central Army and Grand Master of Splendid Happiness.
Two years later, the Liang people invaded the Shangluo area from the north. The Eastern Wei dynasty launched an attack on Fancheng and Dengzhou. The court appointed Bao Dang as the General of the Southern Defense, while also serving as a Langzhong in the Prime Minister's Office, and sent him to guard the regions of Xichuan and Lixian. After two years of guarding, the court summoned him back and promoted him to be the Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister's Office, with the noble title of Marquis. Later, he was dispatched to Beiyongzhou as the Inspector, and his official position was further promoted to Grand General of the Guards.
Beiyongzhou is located near Beishan, where many bandits roamed. Bao secretly investigated and found out that the leaders of those bandits were influential locals, but he feigned ignorance. Instead, he was exceptionally polite to them and said, "As a scholar serving as an inspector, how could I possibly know how to catch bandits? I rely on you to help me share my worries!" Then, he gathered the local ruffians and repeat offenders who usually acted arrogantly in the villages, appointed them as petty leaders, and assigned them to manage different territories. If a theft occurred in an area and the culprit could not be caught, he would hold these petty leaders accountable for harboring criminals.
These appointed petty leaders were terrified and voluntarily confessed, "We committed all those thefts in the past!" They even named their accomplices, and they knew where those who were on the run were hiding. Bao collected these lists of thieves and posted notices at the prefectural office gate, stating, "Anyone who knows they have committed theft should come forward and surrender to avoid punishment. Those who do not surrender by the end of this month will be publicly executed, their property confiscated, and rewards given to those who surrender first!" Within ten days, every thief had surrendered. Bao checked the lists and found not a single one unaccounted for. He forgave their crimes and gave them a chance to start anew. From that point on, banditry in Beiyongzhou vanished. Later, Bao returned to the court and served as an Attendant in the Yellow Gate. In the ninth year of the Dazhong era, he was promoted to Attendant.
When he was twelve, he served as the Governor and Inspector of Liangzhou Province. The local Qiang and Hu people had a tendency to look down on the poor and idolize the rich and powerful. The rich and powerful would exploit the poor and treat them like slaves. Consequently, the poor grew poorer while the rich grew richer. He devised a solution by recruiting all the poor into the army, ensuring their families were well cared for and exempting them from labor duties and taxes. He also took funds from the wealthy to assist the poor. Whenever goods from the Western Regions came in, he would let the poor buy first. As a result, the gap between the rich and the poor gradually narrowed, the population grew, and life became more prosperous.
In his sixteenth year, he was promoted to Grand Governor and Commander of Military Affairs in Liangzhou. In the first year of Emperor Wei's abdication, he was reassigned as Inspector of Huizhou. Two years later, he was appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry while also serving as Excellency of Works. Shortly after, he was promoted to General of the Agile Cavalry while also serving as Excellency of Ceremonial Affairs. He was also granted the title of duke. In the third year of Wucheng, he was summoned by the court to take up the position of Grand Master of the Palace.
In the second year of the Baoding era, he was transferred to the position of secretary-general. Three years later, he was appointed as the Prefect of Fenzhou. Fenzhou is located just north of Taiyuan and is an important transportation route. Previously, the army of the Qi state frequently invaded, causing the locals to abandon both farming and silk production, and the previous governors had been unable to fend them off. Upon his arrival, he found himself facing an invasion by the Qi army, but he chose not to deploy troops to defend the counties. Since the locals were unprepared, many places were plundered. The Qi army was quite pleased, remarking to one another, "The people of Fenzhou didn't expect us to come, and they haven't had time to gather their troops. By the time we return, they definitely won't be able to catch up with us." As a result, they dropped their guard and did not set up camp. However, he had already mobilized elite troops, lying in wait in the mountains to the north, occupying a strategic position, ready to launch a surprise attack on their return route. When the Qi army let their guard down, he suddenly launched an attack, annihilating the enemy forces. According to custom, captured enemies were typically escorted to the capital. However, he suggested, "The number of enemies captured is not large. Imprisoning them and humiliating them will only deepen their resentment. I would prefer to release them all and repay their enmity with kindness." The emperor approved his request. Since then, enemy incursions lessened. Four years later, he was promoted to the military governor of the three provinces in Hetao and the chief of Hezhou. In the third year of the Tianhe era, he was again appointed as the governor of Fengzhou. Later, as he grew older, he requested retirement, which the emperor graciously granted. Five years later, he was conferred the title of Shaobao. He served three emperors and earned their trust through his honesty and integrity. Emperor Gaozu held him in high regard and always treated him like a mentor. Whenever he entered the palace for an audience, the emperor would have him sit down before they discussed state matters. Seven years later, he passed away, and the court posthumously awarded him the title of governor of Jingqi and Yan across the three provinces, with the posthumous title of "Zhen." His son, Jibo, succeeded him in his title.
Zhao Su, known as Qingyong, was from Luoyang, Henan. His family had lived in the Hexi Corridor for generations. Later, after the fall of the Juqu clan, Zhao Su's great-grandfather, Zhao Wu, fled to the Wei dynasty and was granted the title of Marquis of Jincheng. His grandfather, Zhao Xing, served as a Doctor in the Imperial Secretariat, and his father, Zhao Shenhou, passed the civil service exam and later became the chief clerk in a military office.
From a young age, Zhao Su was known for his good character and gained considerable renown. In the fifth year of Wei Zhengguang, when Li Yuan served as the Governor of Henan, he invited Zhao Su to be his chief clerk. During the Xiangchang era, Zhao Su was promoted to the position of Palace Attendant and later received additional titles of General Weilie, Court Attendant, and Assistant Gentleman of the Palace. Shortly after, he was promoted to a direct position and then transferred to a direct role in the imperial residence. In the early years of Yong'an, he was appointed as the Chief of the Court of Judicial Review, and two years later, he was promoted to the Inspector of the Court of Judicial Review. Later, due to his mother's death, he resigned to observe filial piety, and after the mourning period ended, he was again appointed as the Chief of the Court of Judicial Review, but had to step down due to illness. After some time, he was appointed as General of the Expedition and a Senior Gentleman, and later promoted to Left General and Grand Gentleman of the Palace.
In the early years of the Eastern Wei Tianping, he was appointed as the Governor of Xin'an Commandery. After his term ended, he returned to Luoyang. In the third year of Datong, Dugu Xin led an army eastward, and Zhao Su led his clansmen as guides. He was then appointed as the Chief of Sizhuzhou and later promoted to a separate official, responsible for supervising grain and supplies, making sure the army always had the supplies it needed. When Northern Zhou's Emperor Taizu heard this, he said to others, “Zhao Su is truly the master of Luoyang!” In the seventh year of Datong, Zhao Su was once again given the titles of General of Southern Pacification, Grand Gentleman of the Purple Gold and Honor, and Commander, while continuing to serve as a separate official, leading his volunteer troops to hold Dawu firmly. He also concurrently served as the Left Minister of the Executive Office, visiting the eastern front to boost the troops' morale. In the ninth year of Datong, he served as the acting Governor of Huashan Commandery.
In the thirteenth year of the Datong era, Zhao Su was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Justice. The following year on New Year's Day, there was to be a court audience ceremony, and those without titles were not allowed to participate. At that time, Zhao Su did not yet have a title. Left Minister Changsun Jian petitioned Emperor Taizu to grant Zhao Su a title. The Emperor then summoned Zhao Su and said, "For the New Year audience, how can we allow you not to participate? But why didn't you mention this earlier?" He then instructed Zhao Su to choose his own title. Zhao Su said, "Heqing symbolizes a peaceful and prosperous era, which is what I hope for." He was then granted the title of Marquis of Qinghe County, with a fief consisting of three hundred households. In the sixteenth year of the Datong era, Zhao Su was promoted to Minister of Justice and additionally granted the title of General of Eastern Expedition. Zhao Su served as a judicial official for many years, administering justice fairly and being able to uncover the truth in cases. He lived a frugal and clean life, never seeking wealth. He was highly regarded by his contemporaries. In the seventeenth year of the Datong era, Zhao Su was promoted to Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, concurrently holding the title of Minister of Ceremonies and a Regular Attendant, and was granted the surname Yifu.
Initially, Emperor Taizu appointed Zhao Su to draft the laws. Zhao Su pondered for many years, which ultimately led to a heart condition. He had no option but to resign, ultimately passing away at home. His son, Zhengli, served as an advisor to the King of Qi, held the title of Grand Commander, and was also governor of Xin'an County.
At that time, there was a man named Xu Zhao from Gaoping, who had been passionate about studying law since childhood. He always sought to clarify issues in his speech and writing. He held numerous official positions and earned a solid reputation. Later, he followed Emperor Wei Xiaowu to escape to Guanzhong, where he became a Yellow Gate Attendant and Right Assistant Minister. At that time, the court had just relocated, and many regulations were still incomplete; even the palace's ceremonial system had many provisions that Xu Zhao helped formulate. Everyone admired him. Before long, he was promoted to Attendant to the Emperor and Minister of Finance. He passed away during the Datong period.
Zhang Gui, courtesy name Yuangui, was from Linyi in Jibei. His father Zhang Chong served as the magistrate of Gaoping County. Zhang Gui was passionate about learning from a young age, had grand ambitions, and was quite knowledgeable. When he was young in Luoyang, his family was quite impoverished. He was particularly close friends with Sun Shuren from Le'an, and they often exchanged clothes. Consequently, his reputation for integrity spread. During the Yong'an era, he followed Erzhu Rong to fight against Yuan Hao and was appointed as the General of Suppressing Bandits, receiving an imperial order. Zhang Gui would tell his close friends, "Between the Qin region and Yongzhou, an emperor will surely emerge in the future!" After the failure of the Erzhu clan, he went to Guanzhong leaning on a crutch. He was appointed as a military secretary by He Baoyue, in charge of handling government affairs. Soon after, he was promoted to Minister of Finance and awarded the title of General of Zhenyuan. At that time, grain prices skyrocketed, and many people requested to borrow grain from the official granary. Zhang Gui said, "It’s not my way to use public resources for private gain. But how can I stand by and watch the people suffer?" So, he sold all his clothes and bought grain to aid the needy.
After General Yue was assassinated, Emperor Gaozu appointed Yuwen Gui as the commander, and they went to subdue Houmochen Yue. After Houmochen Yue was pacified, Yuwen Gui went to Luoyang on official business. He met the commanding general Husi Chun, who remarked, "The conspiracy of Gao Huan's rebellion is spreading throughout the streets and alleys. Everyone is hoping to flee to the west, and each day feels as long as a year. I wonder who is stronger, Yuwen Tai or He Baoyue?" Yuwen Gui replied, "Yuwen Gong's civil governance can manage the country, and his military achievements can suppress rebellions. As for his far-sighted vision, it's beyond the grasp of someone like me." Husi Chun said, "If what you say is true, then Yuwen Tai is truly a reliable person!" Later, Emperor Gaozu was appointed Minister of the Grand Council and promoted Yuwen Gui to Langzhong.
After Emperor Xiaowu of Western Wei moved the capital to Chang'an, Yu Wengui was appointed as the Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat, granted the title of Viscount of Shouzhang County, and given a fief of three hundred households. He was promoted to Left General and Grand Central Inspector of Jizhou, while also serving as an Assistant Imperial Secretary of the Palace Library, responsible for compiling the chronicles. Later, he was further promoted to the Yellow Gate Attendant of the Imperial Secretariat, concurrently serving as a Supervisor in the Ministry of Personnel. Six years later, he was appointed as the Prefect of Hebei. During his three years as the prefect of Hebei, he achieved remarkable political accomplishments, showcasing considerable administrative experience and was considered an exemplary official. During the reign of Emperor Xiaowu, many local officials looked up to him as a role model. Later, he returned to the court and served as an Attendant Gentleman of the Palace Secretariat, responsible for managing the affairs of Wugong Commandery.
When Duke of Zhangwu (Yuwen Tai) was stationed in Qinzhou, he appointed Yu Wengui as his Chief Clerk. Subsequently, Yu Wengui was promoted to General of the Army, Grand Commander, and Regular Cavalry Attendant of the Imperial Secretariat. In the first year of Emperor Fei of Wei, he was further promoted to Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, Equal to the Three Excellencies, and Regular Cavalry Attendant. The following year, the emperor granted him the surname Yuwen and assigned him to manage the affairs of Southern Qinzhou. In the second year of Emperor Gong of Wei, he was summoned to serve as the Minister of Revenue, later appointed as the Chief Clerk of Longyou Prefecture. Eventually, he passed away in office at the age of fifty-five, posthumously titled "Zhi." Yu Wengui was renowned for his integrity and frugality. When he passed away, his family had no excess wealth, only a few hundred volumes of books.
His son, Yuwen Su, during the reign of Emperor Wen of Northern Zhou, initially served as a Senior Palace Attendant, later promoted to Military Records Officer of the Central and Outer Bureau, and Tutor-in-Attendance to the Duke of Zhongshan. He was renowned for his talent at a young age, but was known for his frivolous and cunning nature, often likened to Wei Feng. Ultimately, he met a tragic end after being implicated in crimes.
Li Yan, with the courtesy name Yanshi, was a native of Xiayi in Liangjun. His ancestor Li Xianzhi had served as the Governor of Huainan commandery in the Wei kingdom, and his father Li Jing had been the Inspector of Nanqingzhou. Li Yan was known for his integrity and love of learning from a young age, admiring the ancient sages, and was highly respected and revered in his hometown. During the Xiaochang era, he began his official career as a court attendant, later rising to the rank of General of the Chariots and Cavalry. He followed Emperor Xiaowu of Wei into the capital and also served as an assistant in the Imperial Secretariat, tasked with compiling the annals. He was then promoted to General of Ning Shuo, further promoted to General of Chuanjun and Palace Attendant, and finally advanced to General Who Guards the East and Grand Master of Ceremonies. During the early years of the Datong era, he was appointed as a Cavalier Attendant of the Palace. Three years later, he was appointed as General Who Guards the East, Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, and Grand Guardian, and then transferred to Chief Clerk to the Grand Tutor, Supervisor of the Ceremonial Bureau, and Supervisor of the Left Citizens. In the twelfth year of the Datong era, the court merged thirty-six departments into twelve, and he was appointed as Minister of Personnel, granted the title of Viscount of Pingyang with a fief of three hundred households. In the fifteenth year of the Datong era, he was promoted to General of the Central Army, concurrently serving as Deputy Minister of the Left in the Imperial Secretariat and responsible for selections. Later, when the great army marched eastward, he was additionally appointed as Commissioner-in-Chief, Grand Commander, and Cavalier Attendant of the Palace, responsible for guarding the capital. After Emperor Fei of Wei ascended the throne, he was appointed as Deputy Minister of the Right in the Imperial Secretariat, and later transferred to Deputy Minister of the Left.
Li Yan worked at the Shangshu Tai for fifteen years during the establishment of the country, when various affairs were abundant. He handled each matter with seriousness and care, never becoming negligent. He dealt with state affairs decisively and without delay, which earned him praise from the court for his fairness, diligence, and keen insight. Later, he was promoted to Minister of the Yellow Gate and concurrently served as the Left Chancellor. Soon after, he was further promoted to Grand General of Cavalry and was also granted the title of Yitong Sansi, and he was granted the surname Yuwen. Afterwards, the court sent him to Fuzhou as the Inspector. However, Li Yan believed the Eastern Xia region was still unsettled and firmly declined the inspector position, a request the court ultimately accepted. Thus, he was appointed Minister of War and was additionally granted the titles of Grand General of Cavalry and Yitong Sansi, while also serving as a Literary Official. After the establishment of the six official ranks system, he was reassigned as the Military Sima, and his noble rank was elevated to Count.
Li Yan was humble and respectful, displaying great etiquette. Even with high rank and power, he remained modest and kind to his relatives and friends. He valued righteousness over wealth, was charitable, and cared for talented individuals, earning praise from those of his time. Despite having been weak and sickly since childhood, he diligently fulfilled his duties, handling state affairs even while bedridden, until his death at the age of only forty-six. After his death, he was posthumously conferred the title of Jing.
Before his death, Guo Yan instructed his children, saying, "In ancient times, people used precious wood to make boxes and tied them with vines, ensuring that they did not disturb the spring water below or emit foul odors above. This has been my lifelong pursuit! I have only taken steps to correct corrupt practices, but I fear I may be ridiculed by others. Now, bury me in ordinary clothes in a common wasteland, without any burial goods, sacrificial straw figures, or a ceremonial procession. You must remember my words." The court appreciated his wishes and did not oppose him.
His son Guo Shengming inherited his title and, at a young age, held prominent official positions. By the time of the Great Elephant era of Northern Zhou, he had been promoted to Grand Minister of the Treasury and Yitong Grand General.
Guo Yan is from Yangqu, Taiyuan. His ancestors once served as officials in the Guanzhong region and later settled in Fengyi. His father, Guo Yin, served as a county officer and the magistrate of Lingwu County. Guo Yan gained fame at a young age, and when Emperor Taizu of Northern Zhou was in Yongzhou, he recruited him as an assistant in the West Office. Shortly after, he was appointed as the Chief Registrar of the Kaifu Yitong, then promoted to the Ministry of Works, and later to the Ministry of War. He was eventually promoted to the rank of Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. In the twelfth year of Datus, he was selected as a prominent figure in the local area, leading the local militia and appointed as the General of Pacification in the East. Due to his outstanding performance in his official position, he was granted the title of Count of Longmen and given a fief of three hundred households. He later rose to the rank of Grand Commandant, then to General of Chariots and Cavalry, Yitong Sanqi, and Minister of Agriculture. At that time, the leaders of the Qiang tribes in Minzhou, such as Bangqitieceng and Zheng Wuchou, were causing trouble on the western border. Guo Yan followed the Grand General Yuwen Gui in suppressing the rebellion. In the first year of Emperor Wei's reign, he was appointed Minister of War. He continued to lead his army and followed the Grand General Yujin in the southern expedition to Jiangling. He was later promoted to Grand General of the Valiant Cavalry, Kaifu Yitong Sanqi, with an increase of five hundred households in his fief and an elevation to the title of Count. After the establishment of the Six Ministries system, he was appointed as the Senior Officer of the Ministry of Public Works. After Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, Guo Yan was appointed governor of Lishou. The local tribes there were quite unruly and were not compliant with the court's laws and regulations, especially in terms of taxes. Many people disobeyed orders and did not engage in agricultural production. Guo Yan urged them to engage in farming, prohibited collective hunting, resulting in every household having surplus grain. Even the outlaws began to fulfill their tax obligations. Previously, Lishou had insufficient grain reserves and often needed support from Jingzhou. Since Guo Yan took office, the granaries were well-stocked, and there was no longer any need to ship grain from Jingzhou.
Lord Feng Xian, the Lord of Nan'an City, secretly sent someone to surrender to Northern Zhou, but his soldiers were completely unaware. The key figure of Northern Zhou, Yuwen Gui, sent Yan to lead the troops to meet them. The Qi people instructed Feng Xian to lead his troops to transport food south, but Feng Xian was afraid that his men might not follow orders, so he intercepted them on the way. Consequently, his soldiers did refuse to fight, and Yan ordered the soldiers to attack fiercely, capturing them all. Due to the weak defenses of Nan'an City, Yan immediately led the troops to attack. Feng Xian's foreign consultant, Zou Shao, was captured by Yan and volunteered to serve as a guide. Taking advantage of the night, Yan arrived at the city and had Zou Shao pretend to be Feng Xian returning to surrender. The guards at the city gate opened it to welcome them, and Yan led the troops in and thus captured Nan'an City, taking more than three thousand people captive.
Duke Yuwen Hu of Jin was very pleased and promoted Yan's title to Duke of Huaide, with a fief of 1,000 households. Because Nan'an was in a remote location, he soon ordered the army to withdraw. When his term ended and he returned to the capital, the people and officials wept as they bid Yan farewell for more than two hundred miles. Later, Yan was appointed as the ambassador to the east to investigate customs in various places. He later served as Chief Historian of Puzhou and eventually rose to the position of Grand Master of the Ministry of Works.
In the fourth year of the Baoding era, Yuwen Hu led an eastern campaign, and Yan accompanied Wei Chijiong in the assault on Luoyang. Wei Chijiong also ordered Yan and Quan Jingxuan to deploy troops from the south to Ru and Ying Prefectures. Upon the army's arrival at Yu Prefecture, Yan requested an attack on Yu Prefecture. Quan Jingxuan believed that Yu Prefecture's defenses were formidable and hard to breach at that time, and wanted to move south to seek another opportunity for attack. Yan insisted that since they were ordered to march, they must rendezvous with the main force. If they went to the riverside to fight, that would not be the court's directive. He remained steadfast in his opinion and carefully devised a plan to assault Yu Prefecture. At that moment, Wang Shiliang, the governor of Yu Prefecture, had his brother-in-law, Dong Yuanxiu, secretly send gifts to negotiate peace, and Quan Jingxuan finally agreed. Thus, the army besieged Yu Prefecture, and Wang Shiliang surrendered. The court subsequently appointed Yan to garrison Yu Prefecture and increased his fief to include six hundred households. Later, the troops withdrew from Luoyang, leading to its abandonment.
Fan She, the governor of Chun Prefecture, passed away, and Chun Prefecture was adjacent to the state of Chen, with customs characterized by barbaric traits. Following the prefect's death, the populace was in a state of panic. The court recognized Yan's high reputation in the southeastern region and sent him to pacify Chun Prefecture. After Yan arrived in Chun Prefecture, both officials and common folk held him in high esteem and affection.
In the first year of the Tianhe era, Yan was appointed Chief of Staff for the Yizhou General's Office, and was later promoted to Chief of Staff for the Longyou General's Office. Four years later, Yan passed away during his tenure. The court posthumously conferred upon him the title of Minor Minister of Works, along with the governorships of Yizhou, Fuzhou, and Danzhou.
Pei Wenju, whose courtesy name was Daoyu, was from Wenxi, Shanxi. His grandfather, Pei Xiuye, had served as a Central Dispersal Official and Tianshui Commandery Governor for the Wei state, and was posthumously honored with the title of Governor of Pingzhou. His father, Pei Sui, was known for his integrity and strictness, and was highly respected in the local community. He had served as a Palace Attendant and Carriage Commander, and gradually rose to the ranks of Jinyiwei Daifu and Sikong Congshizhong. In the third year of the Datong era, when Eastern Wei invaded, Pei Sui mobilized the locals to take up strategic positions for self-defense. At that time, Eastern Wei had designated Zhengping as Dongyongzhou and appointed Sima Gong as its commander. Sima Gong constantly incited the people to rebel. Pei Sui secretly sent Doudu Han Sengming into the city to communicate with Sima Gong's soldiers, and over 500 people agreed to join forces. Before the agreed date, Sima Gong caught wind of the plot and fled overnight. As a result, Dongyongzhou capitulated to Western Wei. Later, Li Bi led troops to recover the eastern border, and Pei Sui guided him, leading to the smooth surrender of many places. The founder of Western Wei, Emperor Taiwu, appreciated him very much and specially rewarded him with clothes and a fief of 300 households, and appointed him as the Viscount of Chengcheng County, as well as promoted him to General of Andong, Yinqing Guanglu Daifu, Palace Attendant, and Taipu Fusi Sima, and finally appointed him as the Governor of Zhengping. He passed away shortly thereafter and was posthumously honored with the titles of Sanyuan Tongsi and Governor of Dingzhou.
Pei Wenju was upright and hardworking since childhood, and studied the classics seriously. In the tenth year of the Datong era, he started his official career as a Court Attendant, and later was promoted to be a Mo Cao Canjun of the Prime Minister's Office. At that time, several of Emperor Taiwu's sons were still young, so he invited numerous guests and friends to educate them. Pei Wenju was selected and often played with Emperor Taiwu's sons, getting along very well and demonstrating mutual respect without any frivolity or recklessness. Later, he was promoted to be a Weilie General, Left Assistant Minister, and Zhongwai Fu Canjunshi. In the second year of Emperor Gong's reign, he was bestowed the surname Helan. After Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, he succeeded to the title of Viscount of Chengcheng County.
When Duke Yuwen Xian first began to establish his government, he appointed Pei Wenju as the secretary. In the early years of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, Pei Wenju's official position continued to rise, becoming general, the general of Ningyuan, and grand commander. Later, Yuwen Xian went to guard Jiannan and brought Pei Wenju with him, appointing him as the Deputy of the Yizhou General's Office. In the second year of the Wucheng era, Pei Wenju was promoted to the rank of general, chariot and cavalry general, and Governor of the Three Excellencies. Shu was rich in resources and thriving in commerce, and business was much better than in other places. Some people advised Pei Wenju to take advantage of his position to make money, but Pei Wenju replied, "The highest realm of wealth is to be able to live in peace. As long as people live and work in peace, righteousness will naturally flourish, and this isn't just about money. That's why I don't do it, not because I dislike money." Yuwen Xian knew he was poor and often wanted to assist him financially. But Pei Wenju always humbly declined, accepting only a small amount. In the third year of Baoding, he was transferred to the post of governor of Jiangzhou. During his tenure in Zhengping, he was known for his integrity and frugality, only taking one carriage whenever he went on inspection tours. Later, Wenju took up the same practice when he took office in the state. The common people admired him greatly and were influenced by his example. The grand commander Wei Xiaokuan respected him especially, and would often find himself kneeling on the mat while speaking with him. In the early years of Tianhe, he was promoted to the rank of general of the Flying Cavalry and appointed as the Inspector of the Household of the Kaifu, with Wei Xiaokuan as his Marshal. Six years later, he returned to the court as the Grand Master of the Household, elevated to the rank of duke, and his fiefdom was increased to a thousand households. Shortly thereafter, he was reassigned to the position of military marshal. In the second year of the Jiande era, his fiefdom was increased by seven hundred households.
He lost his father when he was very young, and his older brother was in Shandong, so he and his younger brother Ji supported each other as they grew up, sharing a strong bond. His younger brother Ji passed away early, and Wenju treated the orphaned child of Ji even better than his own children. He earned the admiration of people for this. At first, Wenju's uncle Ji He served as the Prefect of Quwo and died in Wenxichuan, while his aunt, Lady Wei, died in Zhengping County. Due to the geographical separation, Wei's grave was located within the territory of Qi. When Wenju assumed office in this state, he repeatedly issued rewards and recruited manpower. The people of Qi were moved by his filial piety and righteousness, secretly agreeing to send Wei's coffin back to the west, ultimately allowing for a shared burial.
Six years later, he was appointed as the governor of Nanjing Province. In the first year of the Xuanzheng era, he passed away while in office, and his son Zhou inherited his title. His son achieved the rank of Grand General but passed away at a young age.
At that time, there was a man named Gao Bin, who held numerous esteemed positions in the imperial court and was renowned for his exceptional abilities. Gao Bin was from the Bohai region. His ancestors served as officials on the northern border and ultimately died in Liaodong. His grandfather Gao Yao returned from Liaodong to Northern Wei in the early years of Emperor Taihe and served as the governor of Anding County and Minister of Guards. His father Gao Ji'an served as General of the Armed Forces and Governor of Yanzhou.
Gao Bin was clever and capable from a young age, excelling in both literature and martial arts. He held office in Eastern Wei, achieving high ranks as General of the Longxiang, Advisor, and Commander of Righteousness. Unfortunately, some colleagues were jealous of his talents and reported him to Emperor Shenwu of Qi. Fearing trouble, Gao Bin secretly left Eastern Wei with his family in the sixth year of Datong and returned to Northern Zhou. The founding emperor of Northern Zhou recognized his talents and appointed him to various positions, first as General of the East, then as a Senior Official of Silver and Blue, and later promoted to Regular Attendant, General of the Armed Forces, and Grand General.
During the reign of Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou, he was appointed as the prefect of Xianyang. He was upright and highly efficient in his duties, and the local populace greatly admired him. The emperor heard that he governed the area well, so he bestowed upon him land and houses in Xianyang. Although Mr. Bin returned to Northern Zhou, his relatives and friends were all in Eastern Wei, so he constantly worried that others might question his loyalty and wanted to find a way to prove it. Therefore, he used the land rewarded by the emperor to plant many bamboo trees and build a beautiful house, as well as dig ponds around, giving the impression that he intended to settle down there. When the court recognized this as a sign of his genuine loyalty, he was promoted once more to the positions of General-in-Chief, General of Chariots and Cavalry, Supervisor of the Left, and Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, and also bestowed the surname Dugu.
In the first year of Wucheng, he was appointed as the Grand Master of the Palace and concurrently as the Junior Transport Officer, and later recalled by the court to serve as the Grand Master of the Ministry of Finance. During the Baoding period, he was summoned back by the court to serve as the Grand Master of the Ministry of Finance, Middle Supervisor of the Outer Court, and was also titled as the Count of Wuyang. Mr. Bin was remarkably efficient in his duties, decisive in handling matters, and even in the busiest of times, he could deal with them calmly. Later, he was promoted to the Grand Master of the Imperial Clan and Chief Historian of the Duke of Qi. In the second year of Tianhe, he was appointed as the Military Affairs of Yuezhou and Inspector of Yuezhou, promoted to General of the Flying Cavalry, Supervisor of the Imperial Stables, and also served as the Recorder of the Yizhou Governor's Office. Six years later, he passed away in Yuezhou at sixty-eight. His son Dugu Cheng later assisted Emperor Wen of Sui in establishing the Sui Dynasty. During the reign of Emperor Kaihuang of Sui, the court posthumously honored Mr. Bin with the titles of Minister of Rites and Duke of Wuyang, and bestowed upon him the posthumous title "Jian."
There was also a person named An Dingliao, whose original surname was Niu. He was a very capable person and quite famous at the time. He served as a Court Attendant, General of the Cavalry, Minister of State, Minister of Works, and Duke of Linjing, and he was granted the surname Yuwen. However, specific records of his deeds are relatively scarce, so I won't go into detail here. His son, Niu Hong, was well-educated and served as a Lower Minister of Internal Affairs and General of the Same Rank during the Xuanzheng period. By the time of the Daxiang period, he reclaimed the Niu surname.
Historical records indicate that Kou Jun held official positions in two dynasties and was highly regarded for his cultured demeanor and noble character. Han Bao served three emperors and was highly esteemed for his honesty and integrity. Zhao Su was recognized for his fairness and justice in administration. Zhang Gui was known for his integrity and kindness, earning a stellar reputation. Li Yan was well-regarded in the court. Guo Yan also enjoyed significant prestige in the border regions. They all held important positions both in the court and in society, and were outstanding talents of that time.
When Wen Ju served in Jiangzhou, he was praised for his noble character. He always took less and gave more, leading a life of integrity and principle. The saying "take more and give less, embodying the spirit of integrity and selflessness" refers to him.
