Li Yansun is from Yichuan. His grandfather, Li Bofu, participated in the campaign against Xuanhu during the Taihe period of Wei and made contributions. He later became the governor of Runan County. His father, Li Changshou, was tough, formidable, and skilled in martial arts. When he was young, he mingled with tribal leaders and was frequently called upon to lead attacks against the Guannan region. During the Xiaochang period, the court feared he might rebel, so they appointed him as the commander of the Anti-Barbarian troops and gave him some power to appease him. Li Changshou saw this as an opportunity to gain favor, so he did his best to guard against the barbarians, and for a while, bandits near Yichuan settled down.
After the Yong'an period, bandits started to increase again, so Li Changshou recruited deserters and refugees, and his followers grew in number. The Wei Dynasty emperor valued his strength and showed him more favor. Later, he was appointed as the governor and grand commander, stationed at Zhangbaiwu. He was subsequently promoted to the governor of Hebei, and then to the governor of Henan. Wherever he went, his reputation for being formidable preceded him because he often captured bandits and made significant contributions. He was later appointed as the Grand General of the Guard, the Inspector of Beihua Province, and the Duke of Qinghe County. When Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved west, Li Changshou led the loyal army to resist Eastern Wei. Emperor Xiaowu was pleased and appointed him as the governor of Yingchuan, and later he was promoted to the Inspector of Guangzhou. Eastern Wei sent Houd Jing with troops to attack Guangzhou. Li Changshou was outnumbered, and the city was overrun, resulting in his death on the battlefield. In the first year of Daitong, the court posthumously promoted him to Grand Commandant, Commander-in-Chief, Palace Attendant, General of Chariots and Cavalry, and military commander for twelve states, including Jide, and Inspector of Dingzhou, among other positions.
Li Yansun was similar, quite impressive, and clearly talented enough to be a general. When he was young, he fought alongside his father, Li Changshou, and became famous for his bravery. He initially held the title of General of the Straight Hall. Later, when He Baisheng became the Inspector of Jingzhou, he recommended Li Yansun for the position of Governor, where he successfully quelled a rebellion in the Yalu region and achieved significant merit. After the passing of his father, Li Changshou, Li Yansun returned and gathered his father's subordinates.
After Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved west, many court officials fled. Prince Guangling, Shangshu Changsun Zhi, Prince Yingchuan Binzhi, Prince Anchang Zijun, as well as the princes of Jianing, Jiangxia, and Longdong, along with a large number of officials, all sought refuge with Hou Yansun. Hou Yansun not only protected them but also sent many treasures, safely escorting them to Guanzhong.
Emperor Shenwu of Northern Qi was very angry and sent Murong Shaozong to attack Hou Yansun from several routes. Hou Yansun boosted morale and led his troops into battle, resulting in a stunning victory, during which he even killed Xue Xi, the Northern Qi Inspector of Yangzhou, on the spot. This significantly bolstered the morale of Hou Yansun's righteous army. The court subsequently appointed him as the Governor of Jingnan, the Military Commissioner of Henan Road, and the Inspector of Guangzhou. Before long, he was promoted to Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, Yitong San Si, and Grand Governor, and was granted the title of Duke of Huashan.
With such significant responsibilities, Hou Yansun was always focused on reclaiming Luoyang and Yizhou, often achieving victories against larger forces and instilling fear in his enemies. Unfortunately, in the fourth year of Datong, he was betrayed by his own chief historian, Yang Bolan. Later, the court posthumously conferred upon him the titles of Sikong and Inspector of six states, including Jizhou and Dingzhou. His son, Hou Renjie, inherited the remarkable qualities of his ancestors and father, achieving the rank of Governor, Yitong San Si, and Inspector of Hezhou, and was granted the title of Duke of Yingchuan. Hou Yansun's brother, Hou Yisun, also attained the rank of Governor and Yitong San Si.
Wei You, styled Fabao, was from the northern part of Shanbei in Jingzhao Prefecture. He became famous for his beautiful handwriting from a young age. His family had been a renowned and influential family in the area for generations. His grandfather, Wei Pian, was the head of the Yongzhou office. Wei Fabao's father, Wei Yi, had served as a general and the prefect of Shangluo County. During the reign of Emperor Wen of Wei, due to Wei Fabao's achievements, the court posthumously granted his father the title of Governor of Qinzhou. In his youth, Wei Fabao enjoyed the company of free-spirited individuals; he was upright and not talkative. Most of his friends were lighthearted, sly, and reckless folks. Whenever someone encountered difficulties and sought his help, he would go out of his way to help them, even though he was wanted by the authorities multiple times and never wavered in his ways. After his father's death, he was deeply devoted to his mother and older brother, becoming quite renowned for it. He held Li Changshou in high regard, so he married Li Changshou's daughter and lived in Guannan. During the Zhengguang years, the world was thrown into chaos, and many nobles turned to him for refuge; he provided them protection, gaining the respect of numerous dignitaries and nobles. The court appointed him as counselor to the minister and promoted him to the rank of General of Light Chariots. After Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved west, Wei Fabao hurried from the south of the mountains to the imperial court, where he was appointed Right General and Grand Official, bestowed the title of Baron of Gu'an County, with a fief of two hundred households.
After Changshou died, his son Yansun took Changshou's remaining troops and continued to defend the eastern front. The court was worried that Yansun's forces were too few to defend the position, so they sent Fabao to be the governor of Dongluozhou, equipping him with several hundred soldiers to support Yansun. When Fabao arrived at Tongguan, Wei Xiaokuan, the governor of Hongnong County, told him, "You might find it very hard to come back alive from this expedition." Fabao replied, "As the saying goes, if you don't enter the tiger's den, how can you catch the tiger cub? Who can say for sure if it's dangerous? Even if I sacrifice myself for the country, I have no regrets!" After saying this, he quickened his pace. Liu Gui, the governor of Shanzhou in Eastern Wei, came with over a thousand infantry and cavalry to intercept him. Fabao ordered his soldiers to form a circle formation, fighting as they advanced. After several days, they finally joined Yansun's army and set up camp at Fuliu. Not long after, Emperor Gaozu summoned Fabao and Yansun back to the court, rewarding them with numerous honors and appointing Fabao as Grand General. Four years later, he was made the governor of Henan.
After Yansun was killed, Fabao led his own troops to occupy Yansun's former camp. He often fought with the enemy, always charging to the front, and he was injured in every battle. Once, while fighting the Eastern Wei at Guannan, an arrow struck his neck and exited through his mouth, causing him to faint on the spot. After being carried back to the camp, it took him a long time to wake up. Nine years later, he was appointed as Grand General and became the Deputy Minister of Military Affairs, stationed at Jiuqu City. Later, Hou Jing arrived to surrender with his troops from Yuzhou, and Fabao went to meet him. Hou Jing wanted to recruit him, but Fabao suspected that Hou Jing had ulterior motives, so he firmly declined and returned to his post. After fifteen years, Fabao was promoted to Grand General and was soon elevated to Duke.
Once, the Eastern Wei Dynasty sent troops to deliver food and forage to Yiyang. Fa Bao secretly ambushed them. After chasing them for several dozen miles, due to insufficient troops, they couldn't defeat the enemy and was struck by a stray arrow, dying on the battlefield. After his death, he was posthumously named Zhuang. His son inherited his title, and during the Jiande period, he rose to the position of General of the East and the Defender of Yanhan.
Han Xiong, styled Mulan, was from Dongyuan, Henan. His grandfather, Han Jing, served as the governor of Zheyang during the reign of Emperor Xiaowen of Wei. Han Xiong was brave and strong from a young age, excelling in horseback riding and archery, demonstrating strong leadership and strategic skills. After Emperor Xiaowu of Wei relocated westward, Han Xiong harbored ambitions to make a name for himself. At the beginning of the Datong period, he raised an army of over sixty men on the west side of Luoyang, and within a few days, the force grew to over a thousand men. He cooperated with Yang Ju, the governor of Henan, supporting and protecting each other. They frequently attacked Eastern Wei and were always victorious. Han Xiong's forces grew stronger and stronger, and the local military forces could not resist them. Han Xian, the Luozhou governor of Eastern Wei, reported this to the capital, and the military commander Murong Shaozong was sent from Ye City to join forces with Han Xian to suppress Han Xiong.
After many rounds of fighting, Han Xiong's troops were almost depleted, and his brother and wife were captured by Han Xian, facing imminent execution. Han Xian sent someone to tell Han Xiong: "If you surrender, they will all be spared." Han Xiong confided in his confidants, saying, "I have risked my life to seek fame and success, originally to serve the court and glorify my ancestors. If I just sit back and do nothing, what will people think of me? It's not too late to figure out a plan after they release my family." So, Han Xiong went to Han Xian's camp, returned to Luoyang with Han Xian, and then secretly tried to win over Han Xian's subordinates to attack him. The plan was discovered, and Han Xiong had to flee.
At that time, the Northern Zhou Dynasty's founding emperor Yuwen Tai was in Hongnong, and Han Xiong went to visit him. Yuwen Tai admired him and granted him the title of Marquis of Wuyang County, with a fief of eight hundred households. He then sent Han Xiong back to his hometown to continue recruiting soldiers and preparing for further achievements. He was granted the title of Marquis of Wuyang County, with a fief of eight hundred households. Han Xiong then recruited a band of loyal soldiers and launched an attack on Luozhou. The Governor of Luozhou under the Eastern Wei Dynasty, Yuan Zhan, abandoned Luozhou and fled to Heyang, while the Mayor of Luozhou, Meng Yan, opened the city gates and surrendered. Shortly after, Dugu Xin's forces soon arrived, and Han Xiong followed Dugu Xin into Luoyang. At that time, the Eastern Wei generals, including Hou Jing, besieged Liao Wu, but Han Xiong managed to defeat them. He also fought alongside the founding emperor Yuwen Tai at Heqiao. The founding emperor commended him for his bravery. After the war ended, Han Xiong continued to defend the western front of Luoyang. He was appointed as the Acting General of Pingdong, the Prefect of Dongju, and later promoted to the General of the North. In the Battle of Mangshan, the founding emperor Yuwen Tai ordered Han Xiong to lead his troops to intercept the Qi Emperor Gao Huan on a narrow mountain road. Gao Huan was furious and ordered the three armies to attack Han Xiong together. Han Xiong broke through the encirclement and escaped. Afterwards, Han Xiong was appointed as the Inspector of East Xuzhou. In recognition of his years of dedication and accomplishments, the founding emperor Yuwen Tai summoned him to the court, honored him with multiple rewards and accolades, and he was subsequently sent back to his provincial post.
It is said that during the Eastern Wei dynasty, there was a prefect named Guo Shulue in Dongyongzhou who bordered Western Wei and often caused trouble for them. Yúwén Xióng from Western Wei secretly plotted against him, taking ten cavalry soldiers and infiltrating Eastern Wei territory at night, lying in ambush by the roadside. Then he sent General Han Shi to the east of Guo Shulue's city, disguised in Eastern Wei attire, pretending to have defected from Heyang to Western Wei. Upon hearing this, Guo Shulue quickly rode out to meet him, but Yúwén Xióng shot him in the back with an arrow, killing him.
As a result of this battle, Yúwén Xióng was promoted and granted the title of Duke, becoming the Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, Grand Commander of the Left, Grand Commandant, and Cavalier Attendant. Shortly after, he was further promoted to Grand General of the Valiant Cavalry, Chief Secretary for the Palace Supplies, Palace Attendant, and Zhengzheng of Henan. Later, when Emperor Xiaomin ascended to the throne, Yúwén Xióng was appointed as Duke of Xinyi County, expanding his territory to encompass 3,800 households, and the Emperor bestowed upon him the surname Yúwén. In the second year of Emperor Wéizhé's reign in Western Wei, he was appointed as Commissioner-in-Chief, Commander, and Military Affairs of the Four Provinces of Zhongxu, Yulo, and Luzhou, and Inspector of Zhongzhou.
Yúwén Xióng led troops on the border for a long time and was very familiar with the enemy's movements. Every time he led troops deep into enemy territory, he was undaunted by hardship. He fought in a total of forty-five battles, experiencing both victories and defeats, but his momentum grew stronger and stronger, instilling great fear in Eastern Wei. In the third year of Tianhe, Yúwén Xióng passed away while stationed at his post, and was posthumously honored with the title of Grand General, Commissioner for the Military Affairs of the Five Provinces of Zhonghua Yiyi, and Inspector of Zhongzhou, with the posthumous title of "Wei." His son Yúwén Qin inherited his title.
Now let's talk about another person named Chen Xin, with the courtesy name Yongyi, from Yiyang. He was brave and battle-hardened from a young age, with a bold personality, tall and strong in stature, admired and feared by all. After Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved westward, Chen Xin gathered a band of brave young men at Beie Mountain to launch an attack on Eastern Wei while secretly sending envoys to Western Wei to pledge allegiance.
In the year 535 AD, he was appointed as the General of the Guard, General of the Waves, Commander of the Imperial Guard, and Grand Commander of Righteousness, and was also granted the title of Baron of Bache County. Three years later, in 537 AD, Gaozu recaptured Hongnong, and the Prefect of Yangzhou for Eastern Wei, Duan Chen, abandoned the city and fled. He led his army to ambush Duan Chen at Jiucudao, defeated him, dealt heavy blows to the enemy, and even captured the county magistrate of Xin'an, Zhang Zhi. Gaozu greatly appreciated his loyalty and achievements and appointed him as acting magistrate of Xin'an. Later, Dugu Xin marched to Luoyang, and he served as a vanguard with Li Yansun, assisting Dugu Xin in defending Jinyong City. After the defeat at the Battle of Heqiao, they retreated west with the army, and he continued to act as acting magistrate of Xin'an. The Eastern Wei dispatched a local named Niu Daoheng as the Prefect of Yangzhou, and he led his troops to defeat him, and was thus ennobled as a son. He often followed the generals east of the Xiaoshan Mountains to guard the Yiluo region and achieved numerous military exploits. In the year 541 AD, he and Li Yuan together faced Gao Zhongmi in battle, and also participated in the Battle of Mangshan. After the army retreated west, he and others relied on the terrain to break through three cities of the Eastern Wei, killed the Prefect of Jinmen County Fang Tailuo, and thereby gained six hundred households of land, and subsequently served as acting magistrate of Yiyang County. The Eastern Wei again appointed Liu Pensheng as the Prefect of Jinmen County, and he also killed him. After that, he was appointed as the General of Distant Defense and Prefect of Weijun. Not long after, he was also appointed as the General of Order and General of the East. Gaozu recognized his widespread reputation in enemy territory, so he let him stay on the border to guard, without sending him to his new post.
In the year 542 AD, Hou Jing constructed Jiǔqū City and led his army to intercept, capturing Zhao Song, the magistrate of Yiyang, and Le Jingbin, the magistrate of Jinmen. In 545 AD, he followed Li Yuan in pacifying Jiǔqū City and was appointed as the commander. The Eastern Wei general Erzhu Huan was willing to lead three thousand elite cavalry to attack Yiyang, but he and his fellow generals intercepted them with light cavalry, causing Erzhu Huan to ultimately retreat. In 547 AD, he was appointed as the county magistrate of Yiyang, with the titles of commander and general. In 548 AD, he was promoted to Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, Yítóng Sānsī, and Cavalier Attendant. He and the Qi military leader Dongfang Lao fought in Shiquan, achieving a resounding victory and capturing numerous prisoners. At that time, Eastern Wei sent troops every year to deliver food to Yiyang, but he consistently intercepted their supply convoys, capturing a large amount of supplies each time.
In the year 550 AD, Yèchí Jiǒng, also known as Xīn, fought alongside Hú Sīliǎn against the Qi general Duàn Xiàoxiān in Jiǔqū, defeating them decisively. The following year, Yèchí Jiǒng was promoted to Grand General of the Valiant Cavalry, Yítóng Sānsī of the Household, and was also appointed as a Palace Attendant. That same year, he was appointed as the Grand Central Corrector of Yiyang and was granted the surname Yèchí by the emperor. The emperor recognized Yèchí Jiǒng's significant contributions, so he posthumously honored his ancestors and father with the title of Yítóng Sānsī, his grandfather as the Inspector of Qizhou, and his father as the Inspector of Xuzhou.
At that time, the Inspector of Luozhou in Eastern Wei, Dúgū Yǒngyè, was reputed for his cunning and often operated on the border, making elusive maneuvers. Yèchí Jiǒng and Hán Xíong discreetly monitored Dúgū Yǒngyè's every action, and as soon as the Qi forces appeared, they immediately attacked and defeated them. As a result, Dúgū Yǒngyè became increasingly wary of Yèchí Jiǒng and his forces, and dared not venture to harass them again.
After Emperor Xiaomin ascended to the throne, he summoned Wei Chijiong to the court, granting him the title of Baron. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to the Duke of Xuchang County and saw his fief expanded by 1,000 households. In 550 AD, Wei Chijiong was appointed as the Governor of Xiongzhou, and his fief increased to a total of 2,600 households. He also defeated the Qi general Wang Luansong together with Chile Qing, and later, together with General Lu Tong, recaptured the city of Shiquan. In 557 AD, Wei Chijiong died in office.
Wei Chijiong and Han Xiong were in-laws and had a close relationship since childhood, having commanded troops together on the border for over thirty years. In every battle, they always supported each other and coordinated exceptionally well. This allowed them to repeatedly defeat strong enemies and maintain their fame. Although both were formidable, Wei Chijiong was not as skilled in archery as Han Xiong; conversely, Han Xiong was not as adept as Wei Chijiong in spending money to win people's hearts. When Wei Chijiong died, the soldiers were very grateful for his kindness and were all profoundly saddened. His son, Wei Chiwandi, inherited his title. The court, acknowledging Wei Chijiong's popularity among the soldiers, permitted Wei Chiwandi to continue commanding his army.
Wei Xuan, styled Sengzhi, was from Rencheng, Shandong. His family lineage spanned six generations, with his great-grandfather Wei Xiu having held the position of Governor of Lujun during the Jin Dynasty. During the Yongjia period, when the Jin court relocated southward, his family settled in Jiangnan. His father, Wei Chengzu, returned from Southern Qi to Northern Wei during the reign of Wei Jingming, establishing their home in what is now Xinxian, Henan. Wei Xuan exhibited a bold and ambitious character from a young age. During the Putai period, he was appointed by the court as a Fengzhaoqing and frequently engaged in battles alongside the army against the forces of the Liang Dynasty. In the early years of Yong'an, in recognition of his military achievements, he was bestowed the titles of General of the Expeditionary Forces and Zhong San Daifu.
Later, Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved to the west, and Eastern Wei moved northward again. The people were filled with anxiety, and everyone was pondering where to go. Wei Xuan took the lead in recruiting local able-bodied men in the southern passes, establishing a militia. He fought alongside Wei Fabao at the passes against the Eastern Wei minister Gao Ao Cao. When Dugu Xin successfully captured Luoyang, Wei Xuan was incorporated into the forces of the acting commander Yang Jun, tasked with defending Mazhu, and once again engaged in battle with Gao Ao Cao. From then on, he always led local troops to resist Eastern Wei, fighting more than ten battles, each time earning recognition.
In the Battle of Mangshan, the Wei army was defeated, and Yiyang and Luozhou fell into the hands of Eastern Wei. The rebels east of Mount Xiaoshan all had their own agendas. Wei Xuan’s mother and younger brother were in Yiyang. Wei Xuan felt that loyalty and filial piety were in conflict, so he led the militia back to the southern passes to pacify the people. Emperor Taizu personally wrote a letter to comfort him, bestowed upon him the title of Count of Guangzong, and allocated him lands supporting four hundred households. In the thirteenth year of Datong, he, together with the governor Li Yisun, captured Fuliu City, and then took Kongcheng. He and Li Yisun together stationed there. Soon after, he was reassigned to the defense of Fuliu. In the fourteenth year of Datong, he was appointed as the commander and governor of Dongping County, and later promoted to governor of Henan, with his rank elevated to Grand Commander. In the sixteenth year of Datong, when Yong Fangjun from Anyang rebelled in Luoyang, he led a thousand infantry and cavalry, proclaiming himself as the acting commander, capturing several counties and local officials. Wei Xuan then led the troops from Hongnong, Jiuqu, Kongcheng, and Fuliu to quell Yong Fangjun. In the second year of Emperor Gong of Wei, he was bestowed the title of General of Chariots and Cavalry and granted the title of Yitong Sansi.
After Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, Li Xuan was granted the title of Earl, and his territory increased to a total of nine hundred households. In the first year of Baoding, he was reassigned to the defense of Manggu. Four years later, he was promoted again, becoming the General of the Cavalry and the Yitong Sansi, and was reassigned to Yanhan to guard. Afterward, he joined forces with Yechi Jiong to besiege Luoyang.
In the first year of Tianhe, Yuchi Gang, the governor of Shanzhou, sent Li Xuan along with Yitong Yu Wen Neng, Zhao Qian, and others, a total of five hundred infantry and cavalry, to set up an ambush at Lulu, preparing to attack Dugu Yongye, the governor of Eastern Wei Luozhou. Dugu Yongye commanded over 20,000 troops. Li Xuan dispatched five cavalrymen to scout, but they encountered the enemy and immediately engaged in battle. They killed dozens of enemy soldiers and captured numerous war horses, armor, and spears, and Dugu Yongye was forced to retreat in disgrace. Two years later, Li Xuan was appointed marquis and also served as the defense chief of Bai Chao. Three years later, he was promoted to the governor of Xiongzhou due to his effective governance, earning the support of the people. Four years later, he was promoted to the governor of Hezhou and the defense chief of Fuliu, and he was granted the title of duke. Five years later, General Hulv Mingyue of the Qi State led a massive army to attack Yiyang, and Li Xuan led his troops to resist, achieving victory in every battle. Eventually, Li Xuan fell ill and passed away while still in office.
Historical records state: During the power struggle between the Zhou and Qi states, conflicts erupted across the borders, and guarding the border fortresses was the duty of military commanders. Li Yansun and his comrades undertook the significant responsibility of defending the cities with their courage and strategy. Although they rewarded the soldiers with fruits, medicinal herbs, and medicines, akin to Guan Ying, they charged into battle on the front lines, defending against enemies, and compared favorably with the ancient heroes. They were able to observe the enemy situation in the Yiluo region, secure the strategic position of Xiaohuan, forcing the Qi State to abandon its plans for westward expansion, and the Zhou Dynasty was also able to ease the pressure on its eastern defenses, which was all thanks to the efforts of these generals!
