He Qia, whose courtesy name was Yangshi, was from Xiping in Runan. He was successful in the imperial examination for filial piety, and the Grand General invited him to serve in an official capacity, but he declined. Yuan Shao was the dominant figure in Jizhou and sent people to Runan to invite talented individuals to help. He Qia believed Jizhou was not a wise choice, noting, "The common folk in Jizhou are too strong-willed, filled with formidable characters, and the region is fraught with danger. Although Yuan Benchu is quite powerful at present, more formidable individuals are emerging, and who can predict what the future holds! Liu Biao in Jingzhou lacks grand ambitions and appreciates talented individuals, and the terrain in Jingzhou is treacherous, while the mountain folk are relatively weaker and more easily swayed by him." So he gathered his family and friends and headed south to seek refuge with Liu Biao, who welcomed him as an esteemed guest. He Qia said, "The reason I chose not to ally with Yuan Shao is that he is too focused on territorial disputes. In these turbulent times, leaders should not be too close, as it becomes perilous over time, and there will inevitably be schemers." Thus, he journeyed south to Wuling.
After Cao Cao conquered Jingzhou, he invited He Qia to serve as an advisor in the Chancellor's office. At that time, Mao Jie and Cui Yan were both known for their loyalty, honesty, and diligence, and they placed great importance on selecting thrifty talents. He Qia said, "To govern the world, we need people; we cannot only use a 'thriftiness' standard to measure things! While being overly thrifty might work for managing one's own affairs, using this standard to demand others may lead to trouble. Nowadays, there is a popular saying in the court that if an official wears new clothes and rides in a good carriage, he is considered corrupt; but if a leader goes out to inspect and dresses shabbily in tattered clothes, he is considered clean. This has caused some officials to intentionally soil their clothes and conceal their fine carriages and horses; some high-ranking officials even bring their own lunchboxes to eat at the office. Establishing good rules and observing the people's customs, the key is to strike a balance; only then can it endure. Now, emphasizing a difficult-to-achieve standard of behavior to constrain various types of people, forcing them to comply, will surely exhaust them. The purpose of ancient education was mainly to align with public sentiment. Any extreme or strange behavior will breed hypocrisy."
After the establishment of the Wei Kingdom, I became a Palace Attendant. Later, a guy named Bai Mao Jie slandered and defamed Cao Cao, which infuriated Cao Cao. I explained to Cao Cao that Bai Mao Jie's past behavior was verifiable and requested to investigate the truth. After the court session ended, Cao Cao said to me, "The person who accused Bai Mao Jie not only slandered me but also made Cui Yan very uncomfortable. This undermines the bond between ruler and subject. It is intolerable to lament for a deceased friend and cause such discord! In the past, Xiao He and Cao Shen rose from humble beginnings with Liu Bang, establishing great merit. Whenever Liu Bang faced difficulties, the two of them were respectful and obedient, following the principles of loyalty exceptionally well, which is why they could bring blessings to future generations. The reason I didn’t immediately investigate Bai Mao Jie was to ensure a more thorough inquiry."
I replied, "If what the accuser said is true, then Bai Maojian's crimes are extremely serious, and heaven and earth would not tolerate him. I am not intentionally shielding Bai Maojian from justice, but because he was specially promoted among many officials, held important positions, enjoyed favor for many years, was known for his integrity and loyalty, earning the respect of everyone. He should not have done such a thing. However, human nature is difficult to gauge, so it is still necessary to investigate thoroughly and verify carefully. Now, Your Majesty is gracious and reluctant to hold him accountable, but if this is not clarified, suspicion will start from those around him."
Cao Cao said, "I do not investigate because I want to balance both sides, to protect Bai Maojian and also consider the accuser."
I replied, "If Bai Maojian really slandered you, he should be publicly dealt with; if Bai Maojian did not, then the accuser is falsely accusing a minister and misleading you in making decisions. I feel genuinely uneasy if neither situation is thoroughly investigated."
Cao Cao said, "We are currently at war, how can we casually act on others' words in an investigation? The story of the fox shooting at Gu Sheyang serves as a warning to the ruler!"
After Cao Cao captured Zhang Lu, I suggested to him that he should take the opportunity to withdraw the troops and resettle the people, which would save the cost of garrisoning. Cao Cao did not take my advice at that time, but later relocated the people and abandoned Hanzhong. After that, I was transferred to the position of Langzhongling. After Emperor Wen ascended the throne, I was appointed as Guanglu Xun and titled as Marquis of Anchengting. After Emperor Ming ascended the throne, I was further enfeoffed as Marquis of Xilingxiang, with a land grant of two hundred households.
During the reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang, the Cavalier Attendant Gao Tanglong submitted a memorial saying, "Although the weather is fine, the common people exhibit a sense of lethargy and despair; this is definitely because the relevant authorities have failed in their duties and gone against the natural order!" The Emperor graciously accepted the criticism and sought opinions from many.
Gaotang Long believes: "Nowadays, there are fewer people farming and more people not working productively. The country is founded on the people, and the people rely on food. If the people's farming time is wasted, the very foundation for feeding the people will be undermined. Therefore, wise ancient rulers sought to minimize unnecessary expenditures and focused on developing agricultural production. From spring to summer, the common people are burdened with various corvee tasks, agricultural production is neglected, and the people are grumbling; even though the weather is favorable, the harvest is likely poor. The key to solving this problem lies in thrift. The great foundation created by Emperor Taizu was due to his frugality in avoiding unnecessary expenditures, providing for the army and rewarding soldiers and officials, ensuring they were well-fed and clothed, and the state treasury was filled with food and silk because he did not build luxurious palaces and avoided extravagant waste. Now, the priority is to reduce heavy corvee tasks, cut unnecessary affairs, and stockpile supplies for the army. Border defense should be fully prepared; carefully assess the enemy's strengths and weaknesses, reserve troops, prepare and plan strategies to defeat the enemy, clearly outline attack and capture plans, and listen to the opinions of the people extensively to find the best solution. If plans are not determined in advance and one underestimates the enemy, mobilizing a large army will be futile, as the ancients warned: 'Favoring military force without instilling fear,' this is a warning from the ancients!"
Gaotang Long was later promoted to Taichang, leading a life of simplicity and frugality, even selling his land and home to make ends meet. When Emperor Ming heard about this, he rewarded him with extra food and cloth. After Gaotang Long passed away, he was posthumously honored with the title of Jianhou. His son Gaoli (pronounced lí) inherited his title. Gaoli's younger brother Gaoyi was exceptionally talented, eventually attaining the position of court officer.
Gaotang Long and his fellow villager and good friend Xu Hun were good friends. Xu Hun was the son of Xu Shao. Xu Hun was renowned for his honesty and insight, serving as a secretary under Emperor Ming.
Chang Lin, style name Bo Huai, is from Wen County, Henan. When he was seven, a family friend visited and asked Chang Lin, "Is your uncle at home? Why don't you pay your respects to the guest?" Chang Lin replied, "Although he is a guest, why should I pay my respects to him if you call him 'uncle'?" Everyone thought he was quite insightful and praised him.
Wang Kuang, the Prefect of Henan, raised troops against Dong Zhuo and sent students to secretly investigate the wrongdoings of the common people in various counties. Once discovered, they were arrested and extorted for money to atone for their wrongdoings. If they delayed payment, their whole family would be killed, in order to establish authority. Chang Lin's uncle offended a guest, was reported by the students, and Wang Kuang was furious, ordering his arrest and interrogation. The whole family was terrified, not knowing how much they would be fined, and fearing they would be arrested with no one to help them. Chang Lin went to see Hu Mubiao, who was from the same county as Wang Kuang, and said, "Prefect Wang, you are both a scholar and a warrior, coming to our remote county. Our county is surrounded by mountains, with vast land and numerous people, and there is no shortage of talent. You can freely select and employ them. The Emperor is still young, and the villain Dong Zhuo holds power, leaving the people in turmoil. This is your chance to showcase your talents and strategies. If you want to eliminate the villains and support the royal family, the wise will respond to you like thunder. The key to quelling the rebellion is unity. If you fail to show kindness and use people wisely, the country will soon fall, and there will be no time to assist the court and earn your place in history. You should remember what I said!" He then explained the situation of his uncle being arrested. Hu Mubiao immediately wrote a letter of rebuke to Wang Kuang, who subsequently released Chang Lin's uncle.
Chang Lin escaped to the Shangdang area and cultivated the slopes. At that time, there were droughts and locust plagues, and only Chang Lin’s family reaped a bountiful harvest, so he shared grain with them, measuring out a liter at a time. Later, he aligned himself with the former Prefect of Hejian, Chen Yanbi. The Chens and Fengs were prominent local families. Zhang Yang coveted their women and riches, seeking to take them for himself. Chang Lin led his clansmen to devise strategies for them. They were besieged for more than sixty days but ultimately managed to hold the fortress.
After Gao Gan became the Governor of Bingzhou, he promoted Lin to Cavalry Captain, but Lin declined the offer. Later, the Governor Liang Xi recommended Lin and several other talented individuals in the state, including Yang Jun, Wang Ling, Wang Xiang, and Xun Wei, to be appointed as county magistrates by Cao Cao. Lin served as the county magistrate of Nanhe County, where he achieved remarkable results. He was later promoted to Baling Prefect and Inspector of Youzhou, leaving a trail of success wherever he served. When Cao Pi was appointed General of the Guards, Lin was his staff officer. When Cao Cao marched west, Tian Yin and Su Bo rebelled, causing unrest in Youzhou and Jizhou. Cao Pi wanted to personally suppress them, but Lin counseled him, stating, "I served as an official in Baling and Youzhou before. I have a clear understanding of the situation regarding those rebel forces. The people in the north have grown accustomed to a stable life and detest turmoil. There have not been any disturbances for a long time, and there are many law-abiding citizens. Tian Yin, Su Bo, and their ilk are merely a disorganized mob, incapable of posing a real threat. With the army away on a distant campaign and powerful enemies outside, General, you are the pillar of the state. Mobilizing hastily and embarking on a long journey, even if victorious, would not reflect well on you." Cao Pi accepted his advice and sent generals to suppress the rebellion, quickly restoring order.
Later, Lin was appointed as the Prefect of Pingyuan and the Commandant of Eastern Wei Commandery. He later returned to the court and became an official under the Prime Minister. After the establishment of the Wei dynasty, he was appointed as Minister of the Interior. When Cao Pi became emperor, Lin was promoted to the position of Minister of Revenue and was granted the title of Marquis of Leyang Pavilion. He was later appointed as the Grand Minister of Agriculture. After Cao Rui ascended the throne, Lin was enfeoffed as Marquis of Gaoyang Township, appointed as the Grand Herald, and later as the Minister of Ceremonies. Sima Yi respected Lin greatly, treating him as an esteemed elder of the village, and bowing to him every time they met. Some people advised Lin to avoid contact with Sima Yi due to his great power, but Lin replied, "Sima Yi acts this way to maintain the order of respecting elders and superiors, setting an example for the younger generation. I am not afraid of his power, and I have no control over his etiquette." The person giving advice could only awkwardly retreat. At that time, people considered Lin to have noble character and wanted to recommend him as an assistant minister, but Lin claimed to be seriously ill. Later, he was appointed as a Grand Minister. He passed away at the age of eighty-three, posthumously honored as General of Chariots and Cavalry, with a funeral conducted at the Marquis level. He was posthumously honored with the title of Marquis Zhen. His son Lin Shi inherited the title, becoming the Prefect of Mount Tai, but was later killed for committing a crime. Lin Shi's younger brother, Lin Jing, inherited the title.
Yang Jun, styled Jicai, was from Huojia in Henan. He once studied with Bian Rang from Chenliu, who held him in high regard. Yang Jun recognized that the world was in chaos at that time, and Henan was a key transportation hub where war was inevitable. Therefore, he led over a hundred households of the elderly, the weak, women, and children to flee to the mountains near the capital. Along the way, Yang Jun consistently helped the poor, and they all supported one another, overcoming difficulties together. Six families from his clan were taken as slaves due to the war, and Yang Jun spent all his wealth to redeem them.
When Sima Yi was sixteen or seventeen years old, he met Yang Jun, who said, "This kid is going to be something great!" Sima Lang was already quite well-known back then, but his cousin Sima Zhi wasn’t as recognized. Only Yang Jun said, "Although Sima Zhi's reputation isn't as great as Sima Lang's, his talent is actually just as good." Later, Yang Jun moved to Bingzhou to escape. In his hometown, there was a guy named Wang Xiang who lost both his parents when he was really young and had to work as a servant. When he was seventeen or eighteen years old, he would sneak off to read while watching the sheep, and got caught and beaten. Yang Jun saw his potential and decided to help Wang Xiang out, so he helped him find a wife and start a family, and only then did he leave.
Cao Cao appointed Yang Jun as the county magistrate of Quliang, and later worked as an aide in the Chancellor's Office, where he was recognized as a talented individual, becoming the Governor of Anling County, and later promoted to the Governor of Nanyang. He implemented moral education in Nanyang, established schools, and earned the people's praise. He was later reassigned as a military advisor for the Southern Expedition. After the establishment of the Wei Kingdom, he was promoted to the rank of Captain. During Cao Cao's campaign in Hanzhong, a rebellion broke out in Ye City in Wei. Yang Jun voluntarily admitted his guilt and surrendered to Cao Cao. As a result of his actions, Yang Jun was dismissed from his post, so he wrote a letter to resign to the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince was displeased and remarked, "Captain Yang, you’re planning to leave, why the dramatic exit?" So Yang Jun was demoted to Governor of Pingyuan. After Emperor Wen of Wei ascended the throne, Yang Jun returned to his position in Nanyang. At this point, Wang Xiang had been appointed as a Cavalier in Regular Attendance, and he recommended Yang Jun to Emperor Wen of Wei, saying, "I’ve heard that Yang Jun, the Governor of Nanyang, is of noble character, broad-mindedness, a compassionate heart that can inspire everyone, honesty and reliability that can unite people, and is good at nurturing young talents, tirelessly mentoring others, gentle on the outside yet strong on the inside, both kind and decisive. Since a young age, he has left behind good political achievements wherever he went, having served twice in Nanyang with great distinction, for which the neighboring communities are grateful to him. Now that Nanyang is peaceful and without incident, he can’t fully demonstrate his abilities, so he should be brought back to court to help the Emperor govern the country."
It is said that Jun has always felt responsible for his responsibilities in dealing with others since he was young. His fellow townsman Sheng Gu and Wei Xun from Chenliu were originally soldiers, but Jun recommended and promoted them, and both became outstanding figures. Later, Sheng Gu became the county magistrate, and Wei Xun became both an imperial censor and a county magistrate. There are many similar examples of Jun's vision and actions. Initially, Jun had a close relationship with the Marquis of Linzi. Before the issue of Cao Cao's succession was still uncertain, he privately inquired about the opinions of various officials. Although Jun assessed the abilities of both Emperor Wen and the Marquis of Linzi, he did not explicitly indicate who was more suitable for the throne, but he praised the Marquis of Linzi a few times. Emperor Wen held a grudge over this. In the third year of Huangchu, the emperor went to Wancheng. Due to a shortage in market supplies, he was in a bad mood and angrily arrested Jun. The Grand Commandant Sima Yi, Palace Attendant Wang Xiang, and Xun Wei all pleaded for Jun, kowtowing until they bled profusely, but the emperor did not agree. Jun said, "I acknowledge my mistake." Then he committed suicide. Everyone felt very sorry for him.
Du Xi, styled Zixu, was from Dingling in Yingchuan. His great-grandfather Du An and grandfather Du Gen were both well-respected figures of their time. Du Xi went to Jingzhou to escape the turmoil of war, and Liu Biao was very polite to him. Seeing this, Du Xi advised Fanchin, from the same county, "I came here with you to escape the turmoil, seeking only a temporary refuge to wait for a chance to reemerge. I never expected Liu Biao to be incapable of stabilizing the situation, and we have to rely on him? If you still don't know when to advance or retreat, then we're no longer on the same wavelength, and I'll have to cut ties with you!" Fanchin, deeply moved, replied, "I will definitely listen to you." Thus, Du Xi decided to move to Changsha.
During the Jian'an period, Cao Cao brought the emperor to Xuchang. Later, Xi (referring to Xi Zhi) returned to his hometown. Cao Cao thought highly of him and appointed him as the county magistrate of Xie County. Xie County was located near the south, and at that time bandits were rampant. The county officials were solely focused on sheltering the people in the city and neglected farming. As a result, the fields were barren, the people suffered, and the granaries were empty.
Xi Zhi knew that he needed the support of the people, so he allowed the elderly, weak, sick, and disabled to return home to tend to their farms, leaving the able-bodied to defend the city. The people were very happy. At this time, over ten thousand infantry and cavalry from Jingzhou launched an attack on Xie County. Xi Zhi gathered the officials and people of the county, selected over fifty individuals, and took an oath with them, declaring they would fight to the death together! Those relatives and friends were free to escape if they wished. As a result, everyone knelt down and expressed their willingness to fight to the death for the county.
Xi Zhi personally armed himself with a bow, arrows, and stones, and led everyone bravely in resistance. The people were deeply grateful and followed his lead. During the battle, they took down hundreds of enemy soldiers, but more than thirty of their own men died, and the remaining eighteen were injured. In the end, the enemy ultimately breached the city walls. Xi Zhi led the injured officials and people to carve a path out of the encirclement. Almost all of them were killed or injured, but not a single person betrayed him. Later, Xi Zhi gathered the scattered people and moved them to Mobei to set up camp. The people admired him and followed him, feeling as if they were returning home.
Zhong Yao recommended Du Xi to become an official in military affairs. Xun Yu also recommended him, and Cao Cao appointed him as the Prime Minister's Military Sacrificial Wine. After the establishment of the Wei Kingdom, Du Xi became a Court Attendant, collaborating with Wang Can and He Qia. Wang Can was knowledgeable, so when Cao Cao went out for leisure, he often had Wang Can accompany him in the carriage. However, Cao Cao held more respect for He Qia and Du Xi than for Wang Can. Du Xi often had one-on-one discussions with Cao Cao, sometimes talking until midnight. Wang Can, who was more impatient, once stood up and complained, "I wonder what Cao Cao said to Du Xi?" He Qia replied with a smile, "There is nothing perfect in this world. Just serving Cao Cao during the day is enough. Why are you so anxious, wanting to have everything?" Later, Du Xi became the Chief Historian of the Prime Minister and followed Cao Cao to attack Zhang Lu in Hanzhong. After Cao Cao returned, he appointed Du Xi as the Commandant of the Cavalry, leaving him in charge of military affairs in Hanzhong. Du Xi comforted the people, persuaded them, and as a result, many people joyfully relocated to Luoyang and Ye City, totaling more than 80,000 people. Xiahou Yuan was defeated and killed by Liu Bei, and the army was left without a commander, leaving the soldiers very discouraged. Du Xi, Zhang He, and Guo Huai collaborated to manage military affairs. As a temporary measure, Zhang He was appointed as the commander, which united everyone's efforts and stabilized the three armies. After Cao Cao returned to the east, he needed to select someone to remain in Chang'an as the Chief Retained Palace Historian, responsible for guarding the city. The candidates proposed by others were not suitable, so Cao Cao said, "Why let a good horse go to waste and search for another?" Therefore, he appointed Du Xi as the Chief of the Retained Palace, stationed in Guanzhong.
Once, General Xu You led his troops, defying Cao Cao's orders and frequently speaking disrespectfully. Cao Cao was extremely angry and wanted to go directly to deal with him. His ministers quickly advised, "Why not surrender Xu You and let's deal with the powerful enemy together!" Cao Cao slammed his knife down onto his knee, his face darkening with anger, refusing to listen. Xun Yu tried to offer further advice, but Cao Cao cut him off: "I've made my decision, so please stop." Xun Yu said, "If your plan is right, I will support you wholeheartedly; but if your plan is wrong, even if successful, it should be changed. How can I not speak up and clarify things? What's going on here?" Cao Cao said, "What am I supposed to do if Xu You doesn’t respect me?" Xun Yu asked, "What kind of person do you think Xu You is?" Cao Cao said, "Just an ordinary person." Xun Yu replied, "Only the wise can recognize the wise; how can ordinary folks possibly understand extraordinary people? Right now, it’s a time when wolves hold power, and foxes are stirring up trouble. People might say you’re picking on the weak while avoiding the strong. I’ve heard that a crossbow weighing thousands of pounds won’t fire just because of a mouse, and a bell weighing ten thousand stones won’t sound just because of a small stick hitting it. So, with just Xu You, what’s worth all this fuss?" Cao Cao listened and said, "Good!" So he treated Xu You well, and Xu You indeed surrendered. At that time, Xiahou Shang was very close with the crown prince. Xun Yu believed Xiahou Shang wasn’t a true friend and didn’t deserve special treatment, so he told Cao Cao. Cao Cao was initially displeased, but later realized Xun Yu's intentions. This incident is also noted in "The Biography of Xiahou Shang." Xun Yu was known for his gentleness and never offended anyone; these are just examples of his character.
After Cao Cao became the King of Wei, he appointed Xun Yu as the Marquis of Guannei. After Cao Cao declared himself emperor, Xun Yu was appointed as the Director of Military Supplies and later served as a Minister, and was later appointed as the Marquis of Wuping. He was then reassigned as the Director of Military Supplies and Law Enforcement, and later entered the court as a Minister. When Emperor Ming of Wei succeeded to the throne, Xun Yu was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Pingyang Township. When Zhuge Liang led troops to Qin Chuan, General Cao Zhen led the army to resist, and Xun Yu was appointed as the Military Advisor to the Grand General, with a fief of a hundred households granted to him, and the title of Marquis of Guannei was conferred upon his elder brother. After Cao Zhen's death, Sima Yi succeeded him, and Xun Yu once again served as a Military Advisor, with his fief increased by three hundred households, bringing the total to five hundred and fifty. Later, due to illness, Xun Yu was recalled to the court and appointed as the Grand Master. After Xun Yu's death, he was posthumously granted the title of Minister of Works, with the posthumous title of Marquis Ding, and his son Xun Hui inherited his title.
Zhao Yan, courtesy name Boren, was from Yuzhou City, Henan Province. To avoid the chaos of war, he went to Jingzhou, Hubei Province, where he had a particularly good relationship with Du Xi and Fan Qin, living together like one big family. When Cao Cao brought Emperor Xian of Han to Xuchang, Zhao Yan said to Fan Qin, "Cao Cao is stationed in the east; this is fate, he will definitely save the world, and I know what to do." In the second year of the Jian'an era, when he was twenty-seven years old, Zhao Yan took his family and went to join Cao Cao. Cao Cao appointed him as the Prefect of Langling County. Langling County had many troublemakers who completely disregarded the law. Zhao Yan captured the most unruly ones, and after questioning, he sentenced them to death. After imprisoning them, Zhao Yan reported to the court, requesting exemption from taxes for Langling County. From then on, his prestige and benevolence spread far and wide.
At that time, Yuan Shao led his troops south to attack, sending people to various counties in Yuzhou to persuade defectors to surrender. Many counties surrendered to Yuan Shao. Only Yang'an County did not waver, but the Commandant of Yang'an County, Li Tong, was eager to collect cotton and silk. Zhao Yan said to Li Tong, "The world is not yet unified; many counties have rebelled. Those counties that surrendered to Yuan Shao still want to collect their cotton and silk. The common people tend to thrive in chaotic times; isn’t that regrettable? Furthermore, everywhere is dangerous now; we must be cautious!" Li Tong replied, "Yuan Shao and Cao Cao are fighting fiercely, and all the neighboring counties have rebelled. If we don’t send the cotton and silk, others might think we’re hesitating or have reservations." Zhao Yan responded, "What you said makes sense, but we need to weigh the pros and cons. If we slightly delay the collection, we can solve this problem." Then, Zhao Yan wrote to Xun Yu, "Yang'an County now needs to send cotton and silk; the journey is perilous, and we’re likely to be ambushed by enemies. The people are already struggling; neighboring cities have all rebelled and are easily breached, which puts the safety of the region at risk. Furthermore, the people in this county are very loyal; they do not change their stance even in danger. Every little good deed must be rewarded to encourage loyalty among those who support the country. Acts of goodwill for the country should resonate in the hearts of the people. I believe the country should appease them, and the collected cotton and silk should be returned to them." Xun Yu replied, "I have informed Cao Cao about this matter, and he has ordered that all the cotton and silk collected from Yang'an County be returned to the people." Everyone was happy, and Yang'an County also settled down.
He first served as a minor official under the Minister of Works, called the Clerk. At that time, Yu Jin was stationed in Yingying, Yue Jin was stationed in Yangdi, and Zhang Liao was stationed in Changshe. These generals were all strong-willed and often clashed with one another. Eventually, he was assigned to coordinate the activities of these three armies, and every time he communicated well with them, explaining things, and as a result, everyone got along much better.
When Cao Cao attacked Jingzhou, he appointed him as the Prefect of Zhangling and later promoted him to command the guard troops, responsible for commanding Yu Jin, Zhang Liao, Zhang He, Zhu Ling, Li Dian, Lu Zhao, and Feng Kai. Later, he returned to the position of Registrar in the Prime Minister's Office and was subsequently promoted to the Prefect of Fufeng.
Cao Cao handed over the remaining soldiers of Han Sui and Ma Chao, about five thousand men, to the General who Pacifies Difficulties, Yin Shu, to oversee, and appointed this old chap as the guard of Guanzhong, commanding all the troops. At that time, the Qiang and Hu people were often harassing the region, so he led Yin Shu and others and chased them down to Xinping, decisively defeating them. Later, a farmer named Lv Bing proclaimed himself a general, gathered a following, and occupied Chencang. He led Yin Shu and others to attack, quickly putting down the rebellion.
A thousand two hundred soldiers were sent to support Hanzhong, and Zhang Yan sent them off. The soldiers said goodbye to their families, looking worried. The day after Zhang Yan sent them off, he sensed something was off, so he went to Xiegu Pass to personally comfort them and offer encouragement, reminding them repeatedly. That night, he stayed at the home of the Inspector of Yongzhou, Zhang Ji.
After the army had marched forty miles, the soldiers did indeed mutiny, and it was unclear how Zhang Yan was doing. Zhang Yan only had a hundred and fifty cavalrymen with him, who were part of the same unit as the mutinous soldiers, some were even related to them. Hearing about the situation, they were all frightened, wearing armor and holding weapons, feeling uneasy. Zhang Yan wanted to go back, but Zhang Ji advised him: "The camp is already in chaos; you going back alone won't help. Let's wait until the situation is clearer."
Zhang Yan said, "Although I have my doubts that there are people in the main camp in cahoots with the rebels, we ought to wait until we hear something's gone down before we act. Some folks want to turn over a new leaf but are still on the fence. We should take advantage of their hesitation and quickly appease them. As their commander, if I can't even calm them down, I'll be the one in hot water. It must be fate!" So he left. After trekking thirty miles, he ordered the horses to rest and called his followers to explain the situation to them, comforting and encouraging them sincerely. Everyone was pumped and said, "We will follow General Hu Jun to the death and will never have a second thought!"
Zhang Yan hit up each camp and rounded up over 800 ringleaders involved in the rebellion, without bothering to question anyone else. Those who were captured in the counties were also released. Then everyone surrendered together. Zhang Yan quietly reported back to the court, "We should send generals to the main camp and request to use veteran soldiers to guard the Guanzhong region." Emperor Taizu sent General Liu Zhu with two thousand men over, and when Liu Zhu arrived, he let those soldiers go, but the word got out, and all the camps were terrified and could not be appeased.
Zhang Yan said to the generals, "There are already few veteran soldiers, and the reinforcements from the east have not arrived, so the camps felt bold enough to scheme. If a rebellion actually breaks out, the fallout would be catastrophic. They are currently hesitating, so we should make them decide quickly." He then announced that a thousand good soldiers would stay behind to hold down the fort in Guanzhong, while the rest would be transferred to the east. He immediately found the supervisors, took out the roster of soldiers from each camp, carefully checked and separated them. The soldiers who stayed felt reassured and rallied around Zhang Yan. Those who were to be transferred didn’t dare to make any sudden moves. Within a day, Zhang Yan sent them all on their way and had the one thousand remaining soldiers stationed separately. The reinforcements from the east arrived quickly, and Zhang Yan persuaded those people to bring the remaining one thousand soldiers to the east as well, settling in over twenty thousand folks in total.
Guan Yu besieged General Cao Ren in Fancheng. At that time, Yilang Pang Tong (styled Shiyuan) participated in Cao Ren's military operations, advancing south to fight alongside General Xu Huang. Upon arriving at Fancheng, Guan Yu had Cao Ren surrounded like an iron bucket, with no reinforcements in sight yet. Xu Huang's forces were not enough to break the siege, and other generals blamed Xu Huang for being too slow with the reinforcements. Pang Tong said to these generals, "Guan Yu's siege is already very solid now, and the situation is still precarious. Our forces are few, and Cao Ren is trapped in the city, unable to help. Attacking rashly now would only lead to mutual destruction. Instead, we should first press Guan Yu's siege with our army, while secretly contacting Cao Ren to let him know that we are coming to rescue him, which will also boost morale. The reinforcements should arrive within ten days, enough for Cao Ren to hold on. By then, with a coordinated attack from within and without, we will definitely defeat Guan Yu. If there are repercussions for the delayed rescue, I, Pang Tong, am willing to take responsibility for everyone." The generals were all pleased to hear this, so they dug tunnels and used flying arrows to send messages to Cao Ren, successfully making contact several times. The reinforcements also arrived, and the two sides clashed in a fierce battle.
Guan Yu's army was defeated and retreated, but their ships still occupied the Mian River, cutting off Xiangyang's communication with the outside world. Hearing this, Guan Yu fled south immediately. Cao Ren gathered his generals to discuss, and everyone said, "Guan Yu is in danger now; we have to capture him!" Pang Tong said, "Sun Quan is currently locked in a standoff with Guan Yu, trying to take advantage of the situation to attack his rear. However, if Guan Yu returns, we might find ourselves caught in the middle, facing threats from both sides. So, although Sun Quan seems to be asking for help, he actually wants to wait and see how the situation develops. Guan Yu is now isolated and needs to remain alive to keep pressuring Sun Quan. If we pursue too deeply, Sun Quan will turn his attention to us, and we will be in danger. My lord must consider this carefully." Cao Ren then lifted the martial law. Cao Cao heard that Guan Yu had fled and was worried that his generals would pursue him, so he immediately ordered Cao Ren to act according to Pang Tong's plan.
After Emperor Wen became emperor, Zhao Yan became a palace official. Not long after, he was appointed as the Cavalry Commandant, concurrently serving as the Prefect of Hedong, and also became the Chief of Imperial Agriculture. In the third year of Huangchu, the emperor granted him the title of Marquis of Guannei. Later, when Sun Quan sent troops to attack the border, General Cao Xiu, the General of the Eastern Conquest, led the armies of five provinces to resist, and Zhao Yan was appointed as a military advisor. When Sun Quan's army retreated, Zhao Yan returned to court with the army as well, and was appointed as the Marquis of Yitu Ting, and was then promoted to Chief of the Imperial Treasury, and later served as a Minister.
Later, he joined the campaign against the state of Wu, and when he arrived in Guangling, he stayed there as the military strategist for the Eastern Expedition. After Emperor Ming ascended the throne, Zhao Yan was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Duxiang, with a fief of six hundred households. He was also appointed to supervise the military affairs of Jingzhou and was granted the title of commandant. At that time, he fell ill and could not take up his post, so he returned to his previous position as a high official. Later, he was appointed to oversee the military affairs of Yuzhou, then promoted to the position of Grand Marshal Military Advisor, and finally returned to the court as the Minister of Agriculture. After the enthronement of King Qi, Zhao Yan was appointed to oversee the military affairs of Yongzhou and Liangzhou, and was granted the title of commandant. He was then promoted to General Conquering Shu, and later to General Conquering the West, overseeing the military forces in Yongzhou and Liangzhou. In the fourth year of the Zhengshi era, Zhao Yan, old and sick, requested retirement, and the court summoned him to be the General of Cavalry. Later, he was promoted to Minister of Works. After his death, he was posthumously granted the title of Marquis Mu, and his son Zhao Ting inherited his title. Initially, Zhao Yan, along with his fellow townsmen Xin Pi, Chen Qun, and Du Xi, were renowned and collectively known as the "Xin, Chen, Du, Zhao" quartet.
Pei Qian, whose courtesy name was Wenxing, was from Wuxi in Hedong. To escape the chaos of war, he went to Jingzhou, where Liu Biao welcomed him warmly. Pei Qian privately told his friends Wang Can and Sima Zhi, "Liu Biao is not cut out to dominate the world; he only aspires to be a virtuous ruler like King Wen of Zhou. His failure is only a matter of time." So he went to Changsha. After Cao Cao conquered Jingzhou, he appointed Pei Qian to participate in the military affairs of the Prime Minister. Pei Qian successively served as magistrate of three counties and later returned to the court as an official responsible for the granaries. Cao Cao asked Pei Qian, "You and Liu Bei were both in Jingzhou before. What is your opinion of Liu Bei's abilities?" Pei Qian replied, "If he were to be in the Central Plains, he could create chaos across the realm but would struggle to govern effectively. However, if he were to occupy strategic locations, he would be sufficient to be a regional lord."
Once upon a time, the county was in chaos, so the court secretly appointed Qian as the acting county magistrate. At that time, the Wuhuan King, along with a few leaders, a total of three leaders, all claimed to be the Chanyu, and they were acting tyrannically and completely lawless in the county. Previous magistrates had been unable to handle them, so Cao Cao wanted to send elite soldiers to assist Qian in dealing with these troublemakers.
However, Qian said: "The people in this county are numerous, and the land is vast, with strong soldiers and horses, capable of mustering tens of thousands of troops at any moment. These Chanyus are accustomed to being arrogant and unruly, but deep down they are actually quite fearful. If we bring a large army, they will surely be afraid and fight us to the end; if we bring a small army, they will not take us seriously. We should solve this problem with strategy, not just by intimidating them with force." So, Qian went to the county alone. When the Chanyus saw him, they were surprised yet pleased. The magistrate chose a policy of appeasement and established a good rapport with them. As a result, the followers of the Chanyu all apologized and returned the women, valuables, and weapons they had looted earlier. Qian also took action against several corrupt officials in the county colluding with the Chanyus, such as Hao Wen and Guo Duan, a total of more than ten, which quickly deterred the northern region and reassured the people.
He served in the county for three years, and after returning to the court, he became an official serving under the Prime Minister. Cao Cao greatly appreciated his achievements in governing the county. However, Qian said: "Although I am lenient towards the common people, I am strict towards the barbarians. Those people must be saying that I am too harsh, but in fact, what I did was still merciful; those barbarians are inherently arrogant and unruly. If we are too lenient, they will become uncontrollable, and trying to rein them in with laws after indulging them will only lead to disputes. From the situation, the county will eventually rebel." Cao Cao regretted having recalled him too soon. Soon after, the three Chanyus indeed rebelled, and Cao Cao dispatched Marquis Yanling Zhang to subdue them.
Later, he became the Chancellor of Pei and was promoted to the Governor of Yanzhou. When Cao Cao was at Mobei, he saw Qian's army lined up neatly and greatly admired it, and specially rewarded him. After Emperor Wen of Wei ascended the throne, Qian was summoned back to the court to serve as a Cavalry Attendant. He later served as the Colonel of Agricultural Affairs in Wei Commandery and Yingchuan, where he proposed reforms to the talent selection system, allowing officials from all regions to advance through agricultural positions. He was then promoted to the Inspector of Jingzhou and appointed as the Marquis of Guanneihou. After Emperor Ming ascended the throne, Qian was recalled to the court as the Minister of Rites. He later served as the Intendant of Henan, then promoted to Grand Commandant and Minister of Agriculture, and appointed as the Marquis of Qingyangting with a fief consisting of two hundred households. He also became the Prefect of the Masters of Literature, proposing reforms to the division of official duties and establishing over one hundred and fifty regulations for handling government affairs. After his father's passing, he resigned from office and was appointed as the Grand Master of the Household. He passed away in the fifth year of the Zhengshi era, posthumously honored with the title of Grand Minister of Ceremonies and given the posthumous title of Zhenhou. His son Qian Xiu inherited his title. Qian left a will requesting a simple burial, with just a chair and a few pottery vessels in his tomb, and nothing more. His son Qian Xiu later served as the Supervisor of the Masters of Literature during the Xianxi era. It is noted in the commentary that harmony and peace are the qualities of a good official; integrity and diligence are the foundation of being a good person; Yang Jun stresses the importance of human relationships and righteousness; Du Xi is gentle, knowledgeable, and possesses a broad understanding; Zhao Yan is firm and decisive in his actions; Pei Qian is approachable, upright, and resolute. All of these individuals were rare and admirable figures of their time! Especially Chang Lin, who remarkably did not concern himself with official titles, retiring to his hometown after achieving the rank of Grand Master, truly deserving of admiration!
"Chang Lin embodies purity and steadfastness, Yang Jun acts with integrity, Du Xi is knowledgeable and warm-hearted, Zhao Yan is both resolute and temperate, Pei Qian is consistently virtuous and steadfast. They are all exemplary figures of their era. Lin is able to remain unburdened by worldly concerns and retire gracefully from his official duties. How truly admirable!" This passage summarizes the excellent qualities of these scholars and particularly praises Chang Lin's indifference to fame and wealth. Just imagine, in that era, few could attain such virtue!
