Wang Pi, style name Xiong Pi, hailed from Ba Cheng in Xi'an, Shaanxi. He was a descendant of Wang Zun, the prefect of Henan during the Han Dynasty. His family was a notable and influential family in the area. Wang Pi was known for being honest and upright, stubborn like an old tree, and fair and just in his actions. The people of his province held him in high regard. During the Wei Taihe era, he was appointed as Palace General. At that time, the Di and Qiang tribes were rebelling in Nanqi and Dongyi, and the imperial army faced numerous defeats. Therefore, Wang Pi was sent with five thousand elite troops to quell the rebellion in Liangzhou, and he effectively quelled the rebellion. Upon his return to the capital, the court offered him the posts of Right General and Intendant of West River, but he turned them down. People were puzzled and asked, "West River is a prosperous place with high salaries; why would you turn it down?" Wang Pi replied, "Most of the timber used in the capital comes from West River. If I were to personally collect it, I would be swamped. If I were to collect it from the common people as the law requires, it would be unjust. That's why I had to refuse."
General Cao Yizong of the Liang Dynasty besieged Jingzhou, and the court ordered Wang Pi and another general, Pei Yan, to lead troops to the rescue. They then fought the Liang army and achieved a decisive victory. At that time, the world was in chaos, with disasters everywhere. Jingzhou had just gone through turmoil and needed pacification more than ever. Consequently, the court appointed Wang Pi as the Governor of Jingzhou and promoted him to General of Pacification. The Liang army, under Cao Yizong, besieged Jingzhou with tens of thousands of troops, and they even flooded the city, which was on the brink of submersion, leaving only a handful of survivors clinging to a few wooden planks. At that time, both the court and the outside world were in disarray, and they couldn't spare any troops for a rescue, so they sent Wang Pi an iron certificate, stating that as long as he held the city, he could remain the Governor of Jingzhou. When the supplies in the city ran out, Wang Pi cooked porridge and shared it with the soldiers, each taking a spoonful. Whenever he went into battle, he fought without armor, shouting loudly: “Jingzhou City was built by Emperor Xiaowen! If heaven does not protect the country, let the arrows of the bandits kill me, Wang Pi; if heaven protects us, then I must defeat these bandits!” He fought many battles and miraculously was not injured. Three years later, Cao Yizong withdrew his troops. Wang Pi was granted the title of Duke of Bachen. Soon after, he was promoted to Grand General of Cavalry and Governor of Jingzhou. Before he even took office, he responded to Emperor Taizu's call for troops to support the country, and he volunteered to lead the charge and was ultimately appointed as Grand Commander to garrison Huazhou.
After Emperor Xiaowu of Wei moved west, he appointed Wang Pi as the General of the Cavalry and also granted him the titles of Chamberlain and Governor. At that time, he was in the process of repairing the city, and the city walls were not yet completed, with the ladders still outside. Emperor Shenzu of Northern Qi, Gao Huan, sent Han Gui and Sima Ziru to secretly cross the river at night from Hedong to launch a surprise attack on Wang Pi, who was completely unaware of the danger. Before dawn, Han Gui's troops had already climbed into the city using the ladders. Wang Pi was still asleep and had not yet woken up when he suddenly heard a commotion outside the city tower. He quickly rushed out bare-chested, hair tousled, and barefoot, holding a long white spear. The enemy was startled to see him and chased him all the way to the east gate. Wang Pi's subordinates quickly rallied and fought back against the enemy, defeating them. Han Gui's troops had no choice but to abandon the ladders and flee.
At that time, there was a great famine in Guanzhong, and the court was requisitioning food from the common people to supply military expenses. Some commoners secretly hid their food, so the court ordered everyone to inform on each other, resulting in many food hoarders being punished, leading many to flee. Wang Pi was the only one with a strong reputation among the common people, and no one dared to hide food in front of him. He collected more food than other states and counties, yet there were no complaints. During the Battle of Shayuan, the Northern Qi army was formidable. The founding emperor of Northern Zhou, Yuwen Tai, believed that Huazhou was strategically important and sent someone to comfort Wang Pi, urging him to strengthen his defenses. Wang Pi told the envoy, "‘Old Pi lies in the way; how can a weasel get through?’" Yuwen Tai greatly admired him for this. When Gao Huan of Northern Qi led his troops to the city and asked Wang Pi, "Why didn't you surrender earlier?" Wang Pi shouted loudly, "This city is Wang Pi's grave; I was born here and will die here. Those who seek death can come!" In the end, Gao Huan dared not to attack the city.
The Ruru tribe crossed the Yellow River to launch an invasion; their cavalry has already arrived in Binzhou. The court is concerned that they might advance further inland, so they conscripted troops to guard the capital and dug trenches in the streets and alleys to fend off an invasion. Right Minister Zhou Huida summoned Wang Pi to discuss countermeasures with him. Wang Pi utterly disregarded him and told Zhou Huida's envoy, "If the Ruru tribe reaches the north bank of the Weishui River, I, Wang Pi, can rally the local elders to defeat them without needing the court's army. Why should the court disturb the capital where the emperor resides and cause such a stir? It’s all due to those cowardly Zhou boys!" Wang Pi scorned the powerful and stuck to his principles, never wavering; that was just his nature. Before long, he returned to Hedong to take up his post.
Wang Pi was exceptionally frugal and didn’t care much about his appearance. Once, an envoy from the court came to his home as a guest, and Wang Pi prepared meals for him. The envoy actually tore off the crusts of the pancakes. Wang Pi said, "Farming to harvest grains takes a lot of effort; pounding rice to cook also requires considerable strength. If you are being so picky, looks like you’re not even hungry!" He then had his subordinates remove the pancakes. The envoy was taken aback and felt quite embarrassed. On another occasion, a guest was eating watermelon with Wang Pi, and when the guest was peeling the watermelon, he cut off a bit too thick of a rind, which made Wang Pi somewhat dissatisfied. When the watermelon rind fell to the ground, Wang Pi picked it up and ate it without hesitation. The guest's face turned beet red. Wang Pi's character was also very impatient; once, when an official reported something to him privately, Wang Pi, without time to stop him, directly picked up his shoe and hit him. Every time there was a banquet, he personally weighed the wine and meat to distribute to the soldiers. People at the time thought his distributions were fair, but they also considered him too stingy. In the seventh year of the Daitong era, he passed away in town and was posthumously awarded the title of Grand Minister.
His son is called Qingyuan, who at a young age was appointed as General of the Direct Guard due to his father's achievements. Qingyuan died before his father. His grandson is named Shu, with the courtesy name Changshu. He was intelligent and perceptive from a young age. At the age of eight, the Emperor Taizu was amazed when he met him, saying, "Wang Gong (referring to his grandfather) has such a grandson; his reputation will be passed down to future generations." He was immediately made General of Zhenyuan and also served as an attendant to the Crown Prince. Later, due to his grandfather's passing, he resigned from his official position. Shu lost his father at a young age and was raised by his grandfather. When his grandfather passed away and he observed the mourning rituals, he adhered to proper mourning customs. At that time, the East and West were engaged in conflict, and many officials' families had lost loved ones, but after the mourning period, they all returned to their duties. Shu requested to complete all funeral rites, and his reasons were sincere. The Emperor Taizu sent someone to investigate and, upon confirming his deep sorrow, granted his request. After the funeral, he inherited his grandfather's title and was made Duke of Fufeng, later rising to the position of Grand General.
Wang Sizheng, with the courtesy name Sizheng, was from Qixian, Taiyuan. He was tall and strong, known for his strategic prowess. During the reign of Wei Zhengguang, he was appointed as an Assistant Cavalry Officer. At that time, Wang Hao led troops to suppress the chaos caused by various factions in the Guanzhong region, and Sizheng accompanied him. He was involved in all military strategies and discussions.
During the time when Emperor Xiaowu of Wei was still a prince, he had already heard of Gao Sizheng's great reputation. After Gao Sizheng's military campaign, Emperor Xiaowu invited him to be his esteemed guest and treated him with great kindness. Later, when Emperor Xiaowu ascended the throne, he regarded Gao Sizheng as his most trusted advisor. Gao Sizheng was promoted to General of Andong, was involved in national affairs, and was granted the title of Marquis of Qixian.
Not long after, Emperor Gao Huan of Northern Qi harbored secret ambitions to usurp the throne. Emperor Xiaowu of Wei trusted that Gao Sizheng could shoulder significant responsibilities, so he promoted him to the rank of Grand General of the Central Army and Grand Commander, entrusting him to command the forces dedicated to the emperor's protection. Gao Sizheng then addressed the emperor: "Gao Huan's ambitions are well-known! Luoyang is surrounded by enemies on all sides; it is hardly a suitable place for warfare. Guanzhong holds strategic significance, with the natural fortifications of Mount Xiaoshan and Hangu Pass, where one man can hold off a thousand troops. Moreover, the troops in Guanzhong are robust and well-supplied. We can advance to confront the rebels, while retreating to secure Guanzhong and the Yellow River. Yuwen Tai in Xiazhou has also rallied various factions and is eager to provide support. If Your Majesty were to heed this news and relocate west to Guanzhong, they would undoubtedly do everything in their power to protect you. With Guanzhong's abundant resources and leveraging the existing infrastructure, training the army for a year or two, encouraging agricultural production, repairing the old capital Chang'an, what could we possibly fail to accomplish?" Emperor Xiaowu of Wei thought that Gao Sizheng made a lot of sense.
When Gao Huan's forces advanced into Hebei, Emperor Xiaowu of Wei decided to move west to Guanzhong. Gao Sizheng was thereafter elevated to the rank of Duke of Taiyuan. After the Datong period, although Sizheng had been appointed to an official post, he felt out of place in the prime minister's office and remained perpetually unsettled.
Back in the day, when the founding emperor was in Tongzhou, he had a feast with a bunch of ministers and brought out some brocade and silk for everyone to play an ancient game called Chupao to win them. After the items were distributed, the emperor took off his golden belt and said, "Whoever rolls a Lu first will win this belt!" The ministers took turns rolling but none rolled a Lu. When it was Sizheng's turn, he solemnly knelt down and vowed, "I, Sizheng, have come from afar to the court, and I am grateful for the prime minister's favor. I swear to be loyal and repay the prime minister's kindness. If what I say is true, may the prime minister help me roll a Lu; if I have any thoughts of disloyalty, may heaven punish me and prevent me from rolling a Lu, and I’m ready to die for it!" His words were impassioned, shocking everyone around. He pulled out his sword and laid it across his knees, took the Chupao, slapped his thigh, and threw with all his might. Before the emperor could call for a stop, he rolled a Lu! He then thanked the emperor and took his prize. From that day on, the emperor valued him even more.
The emperor promoted him to the rank of Cavalry General, assigned him to recruit elite soldiers, and sent him with Dugu Xin to attack Luoyang. Later, he and Dugu Xin defended Luoyang together. When the Battle of Heqiao started, Sizheng dismounted and swept left and right with his spear, taking down a few enemies with one hit. The fighting was intense, and he got surrounded, and all his mates were killed. Sizheng got seriously hurt and blacked out. By evening, the enemy retreated. Having fought in many battles, Sizheng always wore tattered armor, which made the enemy think he wasn't a big deal, so they did not kill him. His subordinate, Lei Wuan, looked for him on the battlefield, crying, and found him just as he was coming to. Lei Wuan quickly tore his clothes to bandage Sizheng's wounds and helped him get on a horse, and they finally made it back to camp late at night.
After that, Sizheng continued to defend Hongnong. He felt that Yubi's terrain was strategically significant and suggested building a city wall. He personally surveyed the terrain and relocated the garrison. Later, he was appointed governor of Bingzhou and continued to guard Yubi. Eight years later, when Eastern Wei launched their invasion, Sizheng was already prepared; despite the enemy's relentless assaults day and night, they could not breach the city and ultimately had to withdraw. For his contributions to the defense of the entire city, Sizheng was awarded the title of General of the Cavalry and was sent back to guard Hongnong. He then reinforced the city walls, built tall watchtowers, cultivated farmland, and stockpiled provisions, ensuring that everything necessary for defense was thoroughly prepared. All the defensive works in Hongnong were established by Sizheng himself.
Twelve years ago, Jiatijin served as the governor of Jingzhou. Jingzhou's terrain was low-lying and humid, and the city walls were severely damaged. Jiatijin assigned the commander Lin Xiaohuan to organize craftsmen to repair the city defenses. As a result, thirty pounds of gold were excavated, which Lin Xiaohuan secretly delivered to Jiatijin at midnight. The next morning, Jiatijin took out the gold to show his subordinates, saying, "A minister should not have selfish interests!" He then handed over all the gold to the court. The emperor was very pleased and rewarded him with two hundred thousand gold coins. When Jiatijin left Yubi, the emperor asked him to recommend a successor, and Jiatijin recommended his subordinate, Commander Wei Xiaokuan. Later, when Eastern Wei launched their invasion, Wei Xiaokuan successfully defended the city. At that time, everyone praised him for his talent recognition.
Thirteen years later, in the thirteenth year, Hou Jing rebelled against the Eastern Wei, leading his army in operations around Liangzhou and Zhengzhou, which led to an attack by the Eastern Wei army. Hou Jing then sought help from the court. At that time, the court had yet to respond. Gai Dezhi believed that if they didn't seize this opportunity to take the initiative, they would surely regret it later. So, he led over ten thousand infantry and cavalry from Jingzhou, departing from Lugu Pass towards Yangzhai. Gai Dezhi arrived in Yingchuan and set up camp there. Hou Jing led his army to attack Yuzhou, claiming to be attacking the local territories, but secretly sent tribute to the Liang Dynasty. Gai Dezhi deployed his troops, controlling the seven states and twelve towns occupied by Hou Jing. The emperor then reassigned the official titles and powers previously granted to Hou Jing, such as "Chief Envoy, Grand Tutor, Grand General, concurrently Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Grand Commandant of Henan, Commander of Henan Military Affairs," to Gai Dezhi. Gai Dezhi firmly declined, repeatedly insisting on his refusal, and ultimately accepted only the position of "Commander of Henan Military Affairs."
Gao Yue, Murong Shaozong, Liu Fengsheng, and the others, with a hundred thousand troops, advanced to attack Yingchuan. Inside the city, it was very quiet, with no drum sounds and the flags were put away, giving the impression that the city was deserted. Gao Yue, relying on his large numbers, believed that with one battle, he could wipe out everyone in the city, so he shouted and charged in from all sides. As a result, the city’s defender, Sizheng, selected the bravest soldiers in the city, opened the city gates, and launched a sudden attack. Gao Yue's army couldn't withstand the attack and fled in panic.
Gao Yue took a look at the situation and knew that he couldn't capture it anytime soon, so he intensified the construction of fortifications. He also took advantage of the higher terrain to create earth mounds for a vantage point over the city. Day and night, he relentlessly assaulted the city with siege ladders and fire attacks. Si Zheng refused to back down as well. Taking advantage of a strong wind, he set the earth mounds ablaze and used rockets to burn their siege equipment. He also recruited a death squad, who used ropes to slide down from the city wall and clash with the enemy. Gao Yue's army was routed, even those guarding the earth mounds fled.
King Qi Wenxiang sent reinforcements to Gao Yue and blocked the Wei River, hoping to flood the city. The spring water in the city surged uncontrollably. The city's residents could only cook in suspended pots, and their food was running out, leaving everyone worn out. Murong Shaozong, Liu Fengsheng, and their general Murong Yongzhen sailed to the city to watch and had skilled archers shoot arrows down. Out of nowhere, a fierce wind kicked up, blowing the boat to the bottom of the city wall. The defenders on the wall used long hooks to snag the boat, and arrows rained down from above. Murong Shaozong panicked and leaped into the water in despair; Liu Fengsheng swam up the earth mound and was killed by arrows; Murong Yongzhen was captured alive.
Si Zheng said to Murong Yongzhen, "The reason for my failure is that time is not enough. I know killing you is useless, but the duty of a subject is to protect with their life." With tears in his eyes, Si Zheng executed Murong Yongzhen. Then, he collected the bodies of Murong Shaozong and others and buried them with proper honors.
After hearing about the situation, Qi Wenxiang brought 110,000 infantry and cavalry to attack. Upon arriving at the city, he began urging the soldiers to attack. The floodwaters were too strong, and the north city wall collapsed suddenly. The water overflowed in all at once, leaving no place to stand. Realizing the situation was dire, Sizheng led his men to higher ground and said, "I accepted a crucial mission from the state, originally intending to quell the rebellion and make a contribution. But despite my best efforts, even the heavens have not favored me, and I have disappointed the emperor's orders. Now I am overwhelmed and at a loss, unable to think of a solution. I can only fight to the death to repay the emperor's grace!" After speaking, he looked up to the heavens and wept, and those around him also cried. Sizheng bowed to the west twice, intending to take his own life. Earlier, Qi Wenxiang had told the city residents, "Whoever captures General Wang alive will be granted nobility and handsomely rewarded. If the general himself is injured, those around him will be killed." Governor Luo Xun said to Sizheng, "You used to tell us often that by sacrificing my head, I could gain wealth and save the lives of all the people in the city. Now that Qi Wenxiang has said this, shouldn't you consider the soldiers in the city?" Everyone urged him not to take his own life.
Qi Wenxiang sent his attendant Zhao Yanshen to Tushan to shake hands with Sizheng and express sincerity. Sizheng was brought before Qi Wenxiang, speaking passionately and without showing any signs of backing down. Qi Wenxiang held him in high regard for his unwavering loyalty. When Sizheng first arrived in Yingchuan, he had only eight thousand soldiers, and the city had neither external reinforcements nor traitors. Sizheng always viewed defending the king as his duty and never sought personal wealth. The emperor once rewarded him with a piece of land, and after Sizheng set out for battle, his family planted mulberry and fruit trees on it. When he returned and saw this, he was furious and exclaimed, "The Xiongnu have not been defeated yet, and Wei Qing and Huo Qubing both bid farewell to their families to go to war. How can I worry about these properties when the rebellion is still ongoing?" He ordered his men to uproot and destroy the mulberry and fruit trees. Therefore, after the siege, his family was left with no savings. Later, after King Qi usurped the throne and declared himself emperor, Sizheng was appointed as the Minister of State. His son was named Bing.
The historical records say: Wang Pi had a strong character, perhaps a bit too rigid, but he was somewhat lacking in cultural refinement. However, he was frugal and simple, with a genuine commitment to fairness and justice. Later, he bravely defended the besieged city, standing his ground against a formidable enemy, and he scared off the Liang army, while the Gao family dared not attack again. Because of this, he became famous throughout the land, and this is no overstatement. It is also praiseworthy that he upheld the good family traditions passed down through generations.
Wang Sizheng was a valiant warrior during a national crisis, who had great ambition for recognition. When he was appointed by the court to guard Yingchuan, he began to establish strategic fortifications, reinforce the city’s defenses, and deploy the city's forces to fend off the powerful enemy army. Despite facing elite enemy forces, he managed to defeat them multiple times and achieve extraordinary victories. His loyalty was unparalleled at court, and his acts of righteousness inspired those around him. Although luck turned against him later and the city fell, he was captured; yet his noble aspirations and integrity continue to inspire future generations!
