Emperor Wu had a total of twenty-five sons: Empress Bian gave birth to Emperor Wen, Prince Zhang of Rencheng, Prince Zhi of Chen, and Prince Xiong of Xiaohuai; Lady Liu gave birth to Prince Ang of Fengmin and Prince Shuo of Xiangshang; Lady Huan gave birth to Prince Chong of Dengai, Prince Ju of Pengcheng, and Prince Yu of Yan; Lady Du gave birth to Prince Lin of Peimu and Prince Gun of Zhongshan; Lady Qin gave birth to Prince Xuan of Jiyang and Prince Jun of Chenliu; Lady Yin gave birth to Prince Ju of Fanyang; Lady Wang gave birth to Prince Gan of Zhao; Lady Sun gave birth to Prince Shang of Linyi, Prince Biao of Chu, and Prince Qin of Gang; Lady Li gave birth to Prince Cheng of Gucheng, Prince Zheng of Meidai, and Prince Jing of Lingshang; Lady Zhou gave birth to Prince Jun of Fan'an; Lady Liu gave birth to Prince Ji of Guangzong; Lady Song gave birth to Prince Hui of Dongping; Lady Zhao gave birth to Prince Mao of Leling.
Prince Ang of Fengmin, styled Zixiu, was recommended for his filial piety when he was young. He joined Emperor Taizu in a southern campaign and was ultimately killed by Zhang Xiu, and left no sons. In the second year of the Huangchu era, he was posthumously titled Duke Dao of Feng; in the third year, Wan, the son of Duke Jun of Fan'an, inherited the title and affairs of Prince Ang of Fengmin, being titled Duke Zhongdu, and later changed to Duke Zhangzi in the same year; in the fifth year, his title was further elevated to Prince Dao of Feng; in the third year of Taihe, his posthumous title was changed to Prince Min; in the sixth year of Jiaping, Wan inherited the title of Prince Fengmin and was titled Prince Feng. During the Zhengyuan and Jingyuan years, his fiefdom continued to expand, totaling two thousand seven hundred households. After Wan's death, he was posthumously titled Duke Gong, and his son Lin inherited his title.
King Xiangshang, Wang Shuo died very early, and it was not until the third year of Taihe that he was posthumously honored and given a posthumous title. In the first year of Qinglong, his son, King Min, succeeded to his title, but he died that same year. In the second year of Qinglong, his grandson, King Huai, succeeded to the title, with a fief of 2,500 households, but he also died four years later without leaving a son, resulting in the abolition of his kingdom. In the second year of Zhengyuan, the son of King Maoyang from Leling, Yangduxiang Gong Shong, succeeded to the title and affairs of King Xiangshang.
King Deng'ai, whose name was Cao Chong, styled Cangshu. He was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, and by the age of five or six, his intelligence was already comparable to that of an adult. Once, Sun Quan sent a large elephant. Cao Cao wanted to find out how heavy the elephant was. After asking many people but getting no answers, Cao Chong said, "Put the elephant on a large boat, mark the waterline on the surface of the water, then move the elephant off the boat and load stones onto the boat until the waterline returns to the original mark. Weigh the stones to determine the weight of the elephant." Cao Cao was thrilled and immediately followed Cao Chong's advice.
At that time, the country was in chaos, and punishments were harsh. Cao Cao's saddle was stored in the warehouse and was gnawed by mice. The warehouse keeper was terrified and contemplated binding himself to turn himself in, fearing the death penalty. Cao Chong advised him, "Wait three days before you confess." Then Cao Chong used a knife to poke several holes in his own clothes, as if it had been gnawed by mice, putting on a disappointed and distressed expression. Cao Cao asked him what was wrong; Cao Chong replied, "There's a saying that if clothes are gnawed by mice, the owner will be cursed. My clothes were gnawed, so I am worried." Cao Cao said, "That's just a superstitious belief; there's nothing to worry about." After a while, the warehouse keeper reported that the saddle was gnawed by mice. Cao Cao smiled and said, "If my son's clothes can be gnawed, what chance does a saddle in the warehouse have?" He didn't ask him anything. This is how Cao Chong's kindness and wisdom were demonstrated. Anyone who deserved punishment could be spared if Cao Chong spoke up for them. In total, there were dozens of people. Cao Cao frequently praised him in front of the ministers, hoping to raise Cao Chong as his successor.
When Cao Chong was thirteen years old, in the thirteenth year of the Jian'an era, he fell ill. Cao Cao personally prayed to the heavens for his well-being. After Cao Chong's death, Cao Cao was heartbroken. Emperor Wen comforted him, saying, "This is your misfortune, but it is our blessing." As he spoke, Cao Cao wept and arranged for Cao Chong to be buried alongside Zhen Shi's deceased daughter. He posthumously granted Cao Chong the title of Captain of Cavalry and entrusted Cao Cong, the son of Marquis Wan Cao Ju, with overseeing Cao Chong's funeral arrangements. In the twenty-second year of the Jian'an era, Cao Cong was titled as Marquis of Deng. In the second year of Huangchu, Cao Chong was posthumously titled Marquis Ai of Deng, and later elevated to Duke Ai of Deng. In the third year of Huangchu, Cao Cong's title was raised to Duke of Guancheng. In the fourth year of Huangchu, he was subsequently elevated to Duke of Ji. In the fifth year of Taihe, Cao Chong was posthumously honored with the title of King Ai of Deng. In the first year of Jingchu, Cao Cong was penalized for producing prohibited items, resulting in the removal of three hundred households from his title, and was demoted to Marquis of Duxiang. In the third year of Jingchu, Cao Cong was reinstated as Duke of Ji. In the seventh year of Zhengshi, Cao Cong was reassigned and given the title of Duke of Pingyang. Throughout the periods of Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, Cao Cong's fief was increased multiple times, ultimately totaling one thousand nine hundred households.
Wang Ju of Pengcheng was granted the title of Marquis of Fanyang in the sixteenth year of Jian'an. Six years later, in the twenty-second year of Jian'an, he was renamed Marquis of Wan. In the second year of Huangchu, he was promoted to Duke. In the third year of Huangchu, he was given the title of Prince of Zhangling, and later changed to Yiyang in the same year. Later, Emperor Wen felt that the south was overly humid, and since Empress Dowager Huantai was from Pengcheng, he was appointed as the Prince of Pengcheng. However, he was subsequently transferred to Jiyin. In the fifth year of Huangchu, the emperor decreed, "Our ancestors established the country based on the situation at the time. Emperor Gaozu of Han expanded the counties set up by the Qin Dynasty. During the period of Emperor Guangwu, the world declined, and the counties were merged and reduced. Now, compared to the past, the situation is even more different. Therefore, those kings' fiefs have all been changed to counties." Therefore, Wang Ju of Pengcheng was renamed Dingtao County. In the sixth year of Taihe, the titles of the kings were revised again, all to counties, and Wang Ju of Pengcheng was once again appointed as Wang of Pengcheng. In the first year of Jingchu, Wang Ju of Pengcheng saw his fiefdom reduced by two thousand households for secretly sending individuals to the Central Shangfang to produce prohibited items. Three years later, his reduced fiefdom was eventually restored. During the Zhengyuan and Jingyuan years, he increased his fiefdom several times, totaling four thousand six hundred households.
King Yan Yu, courtesy name Pengzu. In the sixteenth year of Jian'an, he was granted the title of Marquis of Duxiang. Six years later, in the twenty-second year of Jian'an, he was reassigned the title of Marquis of Luyang. In the second year of Huangchu, he was promoted to Duke. In the third year of Huangchu, he was given the title of King of Xiaopi. In the fifth year of Huangchu, he was reassigned the title of Shanfu County. By the sixth year of Taihe, he was finally appointed as the King of Yan. Emperor Ming admired King Yan Yu greatly while living together during his youth and particularly liked him. After Emperor Ming ascended the throne, he rewarded King Yan Yu more generously than other kings. In the third year of Qinglong, King Yan Yu was summoned to the capital for an audience. In the first year of Jingchu, he returned to Ye City. In the second year of Jingchu, he was summoned to the capital again that summer. In the twelfth month of winter, when Emperor Ming fell seriously ill, he appointed King Yan Yu as the Grand General to handle matters after his death. King Yan Yu adamantly declined the appointment after only four days; Emperor Ming's intentions also changed, and subsequently relieved King Yan Yu of his official duties. In the third year of Jingchu, King Yan Yu returned to Ye City. During the years of Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, his fiefdom was increased several times, totaling five thousand five hundred households. Later, Changdao Township Duke Huan, who was King Yan Yu's son, inherited King Yan's family legacy.
King Peimu Lin, in the sixteenth year of Jian'an, was granted the title of Marquis of Raoyang. In the twenty-second year of Jian'an, he was reassigned the title of Marquis of Qiao. In the second year of Huangchu, he was promoted to Duke. In the third year of Huangchu, he was given the title of King of Qiao. In the fifth year of Huangchu, he was reassigned the title of Qiao County. In the seventh year of Huangchu, he was renamed as Juancheng. By the sixth year of Taihe, he was finally appointed as the King of Pei. During the years of Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, his fiefdom was increased several times, totaling four thousand seven hundred households. After King Peimu Lin passed away, his son Wei inherited his title.
Duke Gong of Zhongshan Gun, in the twenty-first year of Jian'an, was granted the title of Marquis of Pingxiang. He loved studying from a young age and could write essays by his teenage years. When he was studying, the literary attendants around him often worried that he would overwork himself and harm his health, urging him to take breaks repeatedly, but he was simply too passionate about reading to take a break.
In the second year, he was granted the title of Dongxiang Marquis, and later that year, he was also granted the title of Zan Marquis. In the second year of Huangchu, he was promoted to Duke by the Jin dynasty, and his subordinates all came to congratulate him. Guan, however, said, "I grew up in the depths of the palace and large courtyards; I have no idea about the hardships of farming, and I tend to be arrogant and lazy. Since you have come to congratulate me on my good luck, you should help me address my shortcomings!" Whenever his brothers were having fun together, Guan would be alone seriously studying classical texts. His literary attendants and assistants discussed among themselves, "We are ordered to observe the behavior of the young master. If he makes any mistakes, we should report to the court; if he does good deeds, we should also report his good deeds and not hide his virtues!" So they all submitted a memorial together, praising Guan's virtues. Guan was taken aback and frightened upon hearing this, and reprimanded his literary attendants, saying, "Cultivating oneself, being self-aware and self-disciplined, these are qualities that any decent person should possess. You report these things to the court, which will only add to my burdens. Besides, if I do good deeds, how could it be that no one knows? Why do you do this? This is not helping me!" He was such a cautious and careful person.
Three years later, he was granted the title of King of Beihai. That year, a yellow dragon was sighted in the Zhang River west of Ye City, and Guan wrote a memorial praising this event. The court awarded him ten catties of gold, with the decree stating, "In the past, Tang Shu presented grains to King Zhou, and Dongping King presented songs of praise; these praises are exchanged among close relatives, highlighting familial bonds. You study classics and books, immerse yourself in the true essence of Taoism; your articles are elegant and magnificent, I am very pleased. You must continue to diligently cultivate your virtues and ultimately leave behind a good reputation." In the fourth year, he was granted the title of Zan King. In the seventh year, he was granted the title of Puyang King. In the second year of Taihe, he went to his fiefdom, living a very frugal lifestyle, and even taught his concubines how to spin, weave, and manage household chores. In the winter of the fifth year, he went to the court to pay his respects. In the sixth year, he was granted the title of Zhongshan King.
Initially, when Gun attended court, he violated the ban in the capital. In the first year of Qinglong, the authorities reported Gun to the emperor. The emperor decreed, "Wang Gun is usually very cautious; he just made a mistake this time, so let's handle it according to the etiquette of marriage negotiations." The authorities insisted on punishing him. The emperor ordered the confiscation of two counties and 750 households from Gun. Gun was deeply worried and fearful, and he admonished his subordinates even more strictly. The emperor admired his demeanor, and two years later, he returned the confiscated counties to him.
In the autumn of the third year, Gun fell ill. The emperor ordered the royal physician to attend to him and sent palace guards and Tiger Guards to escort the imperial decree, providing an unending supply of fine food and drink. The emperor also sent the empress dowager and Prince Pei Lin to visit Gun's illness. Gun's condition had become critical, so he commanded his subordinates, "Though my virtues are humble, I have been blessed by the emperor's grace, and my end is near. I have always liked frugality, and the emperor has issued funeral decrees to set an example for all. After my death, from the funeral to the burial, it must be carried out according to the decree. When the former minister Qu Yuan passed away in Puyang, I often gazed upon his tomb, reflecting on his legacy, and hoped to entrust virtuous individuals to manage my affairs after I am gone, following his example. Tradition dictates that a man should not die at the hands of his wife. Make sure the East Hall is built promptly." After the East Hall was built, it was named "Suizhi Hall," where Gun then traveled by carriage to take up residence.
He instructed the crown prince again, saying, "You are still young and haven't learned much wisdom. You became the ruler at a young age, only knowing enjoyment and not the struggles of life. Not knowing hardship will surely lead to mistakes due to arrogance and indulgence. You must be polite to your ministers. Even if they are not high-ranking officials, you should show respect to the elderly. Serve your older brother with respect, and treat your younger brother with love. If there are any wrongdoings between brothers, advise them face to face. If they do not listen to advice, plead with them in tears. If they still do not change, tell your mother. If they still do not change, report to me and consider resigning from your position. It is better to be humble and keep yourself safe than to enjoy wealth and luxury and bring disaster upon yourself. Major offenses should be concealed, while minor mistakes should be acknowledged. My child, you must carefully cultivate yourself, be loyal to the emperor and honor the empress dowager. At home, obey the empress dowager's orders; outside, follow Prince Pei's teachings. Do not slack off, as a way to honor my spirit in the afterlife." In the same year, Gun passed away. The emperor ordered Prince Pei Lin and others to stay until after the funeral, appointed a Grand Minister to preside over the funeral, and sent the imperial genealogist to pay respects. The offerings were lavish. Gun wrote over 20,000 words in his lifetime; though he lacked the talent of Prince Chen Si, he held him in high regard. His son Fu inherited his title. Throughout the Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan periods, Gun's fief was increased several times, totaling 3,400 households.
Prince Huai of Jiyang was granted the title of Marquis of Xixiang in the sixteenth year of Jian'an. Unfortunately, he died young and left no sons. In the twentieth year of Jian'an, the son of Prince Linzi, Zan, inherited Xuan's title and fiefdom. Zan also died young and had no sons. Emperor Wen then permitted Zan's brother Yi to inherit Xuan's title. In the second year of the Huangchu era, Yi's title was changed to Marquis of Jiyang. Four years later, he was promoted to Duke. In the fourth year of Taihe, Xuan was posthumously honored as Marquis Huai. Six years later, he was posthumously honored as Prince Huai, while Zan was posthumously honored as Marquis Ai of Xixiang. After Yi passed away, he was posthumously honored as Duke Dao, and his son Heng inherited his title. During the Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan periods, his fiefdom continued to increase, totaling 1,900 households.
Chenliu Gongwang Jun, styled Zian, was granted the title of Marquis of Mei in the twenty-first year of Jian'an. The following year, he moved to Xiangyi. In the second year of the Huangchu era, he was promoted to Duke. Three years later, he was enfeoffed as King of Chenliu. Five years later, his title was changed to that of the Marquis of Xiangyi County. In the sixth year of Taihe, he was once again enfeoffed as King of Chenliu. In the fourth year of Ganlu, he passed away. His son Ao inherited his title. During the Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan periods, his fiefdom gradually increased, totaling 4,700 households.
Fanyang Minwang Ju died young and had no sons. In the twenty-second year of Jian'an, the son of Fan Angong, Min, inherited Ju's title and was granted the title of Marquis of Linjin. In the third year of the Huangchu era, Ju was posthumously honored as Minwang of Fanyang. Five years later, Min was enfeoffed as King of Fanyang. Seven years later, he was relocated to Juyang. In the sixth year of Taihe, Ju was posthumously honored as Minwang of Fanyang, while Min's fiefdom was changed to Wang of Langye. During the Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan periods, Min's fiefdom also continued to increase, totaling 3,400 households. After Min passed away, he was posthumously honored as King Yuan, and his son Kun inherited his title.
Zhao Wang Gan was granted the title of Marquis of Gaopingting in the twentieth year of Jian'an. Two years later, he was granted the title of Marquis of Laiting. In the same year, he was again granted the title of Marquis of Hongnong. In the second year of Huangchu, he was elevated and granted the title of Duke of Yan. Three years later, he was elevated to the rank of King of Hejian. In the fifth year, he was granted the title of Marquis of Lecheng County. In the seventh year, he was once more granted the title of Marquis of Julu. It was not until the sixth year of Taihe that he was finally granted the title of Zhao Wang. His mother was highly favored by Emperor Taizu. When Emperor Wen ascended to the throne, his mother gained considerable influence as a result. Before his death, Emperor Wen left specific instructions in his will, which led Emperor Ming to treat him with particular favor.
In the second year of the Qinglong Era, King Zhao Gan was reported for having close, private dealings with guests. The emperor issued a stern warning to him: "The Book of Changes states, 'When establishing a state and continuing a family, do not employ petty individuals,' and the Book of Songs advises, 'Great carriages stir up dust.' Since the founding of the dynasty by Emperor Taizu, he had a profound understanding of the principles of governance and state security, as well as the key to the rise and fall of the country. When the feudal lords were first appointed, he repeatedly warned them to be cautious, and assisted by talents from all over the world, often mentioning the teachings of Ma Yuan, emphasizing that the feudal lords must abide by the rules in their interactions with guests; otherwise, it would be as serious as engaging in witchcraft. This is not due to any disdain for my own relatives, but I hope that future generations will not make mistakes, and the common people will not be harmed as a result. After Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne, he diligently handled state affairs and even ordered the feudal lords not to enter the capital at will. I was profoundly inspired by 'Changdi' and 'Caishu,' and also referred to the previous decree that 'if there is a decree, one must go to the capital,' so I ordered the princes to enter the capital according to the etiquette of court visits. However, the King of Chu and the King of Zhongshan both violated this ban, and Prince Zhao and Dai Jie were punished as a result. Recently, the King of Dongping ordered his subordinates to assault the officials of Shouzhang County, which was subsequently reported by the authorities, and I reduced his fiefdom. Now the authorities report that Cao Zuan, Wang Qiao, and others took advantage of the opportunity to worship their nine generations, gathering at the Wang family residence, sometimes at inappropriate hours, all in violation of the ban.
I remember, Lord Wang, you have been respectful and obedient since childhood, and you have also been entrusted by the late emperor with the responsibility of caring for the orphan. I originally wanted to extend my favor towards you, especially considering that your mistake was relatively minor. Besides, even if one is not a saint, who can guarantee that they will never make any mistakes? I have already instructed the officials to pardon your mistake. As the ancients wisely said: 'Be cautious where no one sees, be afraid where no one hears, hide where no one sees, reveal nothing; therefore, the nobleman is cautious in his solitude.' Uncle, you should take the sages as your role models, inherit the late emperor's will, and carry out your duties with diligence and caution; this is what I hope for." During the Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan eras, Prince Zhao Gan's fiefdom was expanded multiple times, totaling five thousand households. The young Lord Shang of Linyi passed away prematurely. In the fifth year of Taihe, he was posthumously granted honors. Regrettably, he left no heirs.
Chu Wang Biao, courtesy name Zhu Hu. In the 21st year of Jian'an, he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Shouchun. In the second year of Huangchu, he was promoted to Duke of Ruyang. In the third year, he was further enfeoffed as Prince of Yiyang. That same year, he was promoted to King of Wu. In the fifth year, his title was changed to that of Shouchun County. In the seventh year, he was promoted to the title of White Horse. In the winter of the fifth year of Taihe, he went to the capital to pay homage. In the sixth year, he was relocated as King of Chu. Initially, when Biao came to pay his respects, he violated a prohibition. In the first year of Qinglong, he was impeached by the officials, and the emperor stripped him of three counties and 1,500 households from his fiefdom. Two years later, with a general amnesty, his stripped fiefdom was reinstated. In the third year of Jingchu, an additional 500 households were added, totaling 3,000 households. In the first year of Jiaping, Linghu Yu, the Inspector of Yanzhou, and Wang Ling, the Grand Commandant, conspired to invite Biao to Xuchang (see Wang Ling's biography for details). Therefore, the court sent Fu Ji and a censor to investigate Biao's fiefdom and arrest all those involved. The Minister of Justice requested that Biao be arrested and punished. Following the precedent of King Dan of Yan in the Han Dynasty, officials sternly rebuked Biao with a royal decree and a ceremonial staff, leaving him to find a solution. Biao ultimately took his own life. His consort and son were demoted to commoners and relocated to Pingyuan. All of Biao's officials and those who were aware but failed to advise him were executed. His kingdom was abolished and turned into Huainan Commandery. In the first year of Zhengyuan, the emperor decreed: "The late Chu Wang Biao, who betrayed the court and consorted with evil, though he brought his own demise, we still feel regret. Family shame should not be made public, which is a fundamental principle of human relations. Let Biao's son Jia be granted the title of King of Changshan Zhending." In the first year of Jingyuan, his fiefdom was expanded by an additional 2,500 households. The young Shang Gongzi Qin from Linyi died at a young age. In the fifth year of Taihe, he was posthumously enfeoffed and given a posthumous title. Unfortunately, he did not leave behind any descendants. The young Shang Gongzi Cheng from Gucheng also died at a young age. In the fifth year of Taihe, he was posthumously enfeoffed and given a posthumous title. Unfortunately, he did not leave behind any descendants.
The Marquis of Dai, Zheng, served his uncle, Minister Shao. In the twenty-second year of Jian'an, he was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Dai. He died in the twenty-third year without any sons. In the second year of Huangchu, he was posthumously titled Duke Dai, and his title was inherited by Fan Lai, the son of King Pengcheng Ju. In the third year, he was transferred to Chengwu. In the third year of Taihe, his title was elevated to Duke. He passed away in the third year of Qinglong and was posthumously given the title Duke Dao, leaving no descendants. In the fourth year, the emperor decreed that Fan's younger brother, Duke Chan of Dong'anxiang, inherit the title of Duke Dai and continue providing for Zheng's mother. During the Zhengyuan and Jingyuan periods, his fiefdom was increased several times, totaling one thousand eight hundred households.
The young nobleman of Lingshang, Jing, passed away at a young age. In the fifth year of Taihe, he was posthumously honored and given a posthumous title. Unfortunately, he left no descendants.
Duke Fan'an, also known as Fan Jun, inherited the title of his uncle, Duke Ji Gongbin. In the twenty-second year of Jian'an, he was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Fan. He passed away in the twenty-fourth year. His son Kang inherited his title. In the second year of Huangchu, he was posthumously honored as Duke and was posthumously given the title Duke An. Three years later, Kang's fiefdom was moved to Jigu. Four years later, it was moved to Tunliu. In the first year of Jinchu, Fan Jun's son Fan Kang passed away, and he was posthumously given the title Duke Ding. His son Chen inherited the title. During the Jinchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan periods, his fiefdom continued to increase, totaling one thousand nine hundred households.
The young nobleman of Guangzong, Ji, also passed away at a young age. In the fifth year of Taihe, he was posthumously honored and given a posthumous title. Unfortunately, he also left no descendants.
Dongping Lingwang Hui inherited the title of Marquis of Langling Ai from his uncle, Duke Yu of Langling. In the twenty-second year of Jian'an, he was granted the title of Marquis of Licheng. In the second year of Huangchu, he was promoted to Duke. Three years later, he was granted the title of King of Lujiang. Four years later, he was further granted the title of King of Shouzhang. Five years later, his fiefdom was changed to Shouzhang County. In the sixth year of Taihe, he was once again granted the title of Dongping. In the second year of Qinglong, Hui's subordinates assaulted the officials of Shouzhang County, resulting in him being reported to the authorities. The emperor then ordered a reduction in his fiefdom, decreasing it by five hundred households. However, he managed to reclaim the reduced fiefdom later that same year. In the third year of Zhengshi, he passed away, and his son Xi inherited his title. Throughout the years of Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, his fiefdom continued to increase, totaling three thousand four hundred households.
Prince Leling Cao Mao was granted the title of Marquis of Wansai Ting in the twenty-second year of Jian'an, and the following year was changed to Marquis of Pingyu. In the third year of Huangchu, he was promoted and granted the title of Duke of Chengshi, and in the seventh year was further granted the title of Zhongqiu. Cao Mao was known for his arrogance and did not receive favor from Cao Cao when he was young. Even after Emperor Wen ascended the throne, Cao Mao was never granted the title of king.
In the first year of the Taihe era, he was transferred to the title of Duke of Liaocheng, and in the same year, he was granted the title of King. The decree stated: "Although past emperors have committed many wrongs, Emperor Shun still appointed them as marquises, despite their humble status. The Huainan King and Fuling King of the Han Dynasty were all traitors and rebels, but some were able to restore their countries during their lifetime, and some of their sons were even granted land. This practice was established by Emperor Shun in ancient times, and also by Emperor Wen, Emperor Ming, and Emperor Zhang of the Han Dynasty in the past, all to emphasize the importance of family ties. Duke of Liaocheng, Cao Mao, failed to study etiquette and moral education in his youth and did not seek the right path when he grew up. The late emperor believed that ancient marquisates were granted based on merit, so even among the Ji clan, there were those who were not awarded the title of marquis, which is why Cao Mao was not awarded the title of King. The Empress Dowager repeatedly advised the late emperor on this matter. It has come to light that Cao Mao has recently expressed remorse and wishes to reform. A true gentleman values progress over past mistakes. Cao Mao is now granted the title of King of Liaocheng to comfort the Empress Dowager's intentions." In the sixth year, Cao Mao was re-titled King of Quyang. In the third year of Zhengshi, the King of Dongping Ling passed away. Cao Mao claimed he had a sore throat and refused to pay his respects, living his life as usual. The relevant authorities requested the revocation of his fief, and the court ordered the reduction of one county from his fief and a decrease of five hundred households. In the fifth year, Cao Mao was transferred to the King of Leling. Given that Cao Mao's tax revenue was low and he had many sons, the court restored the households previously reduced and added seven hundred more. During the years of Jiaping, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, Cao Mao's fief households increased several times, eventually reaching five thousand households. Emperor Wen fathered nine sons: Empress Zhen bore Emperor Ming, Lady Li bore Prince Zanai Cao Xie, Lady Pan bore Prince Daowang Cao Rui of Beihai, Lady Zhu bore Prince Huaiwang Cao Jian of Dong Wuyang, Lady Chou bore Prince Dingwang Cao Lin of Donghai, Lady Xu bore Prince Aiwang Cao Li of Yuancheng, Lady Su bore Prince Huaiwang Cao Yong of Handan, Lady Zhang bore Prince Daowang Cao Gong of Qinghe, and Lady Song bore Prince Aiwang Cao Yan of Guangping.
King Cao Xie of Zan Ai died young. In the fifth year of Taihe, he was bestowed the title of Jing Shang Gong posthumously. In the second year of Qinglong, his son, King Cao Xun, succeeded him. In the third year of Jingchu, his fief was increased by five hundred households, bringing the total to three thousand. In the ninth year of Zhengshi, Cao Xun passed away without a son, and his title was revoked.
Now, let's turn to King Rui of Wei. In the seventh year of Huangchu, after Emperor Ming ascended the throne, he was titled as the King of Yangping County. In the sixth year of Taihe, he was re-titled as the King of Beihai. He unfortunately passed away in the first year of Qinglong. Two years later, Zan, son of Prince Langye, was appointed as the successor of King Rui and was titled as the Duke of Changxiang. In the second year of Jingchu, he was subsequently titled the King of Rao'an. In the seventh year of Zhengshi, he was once again re-titled as the King of Wen'an. During the reigns of Zhengyuan and Jingyuan, his fief was increased multiple times, totaling three thousand five hundred households.
Next, we have King Jian of Dong Wuyang Huai, who was titled as a king in the sixth year of Huangchu, who unfortunately passed away in the same year. In the third year of Qinglong, he was posthumously honored. As he had no son, his kingdom was dissolved.
Moving on to King Lin of Donghai Ding, who was titled as the King of Hedong in the third year of Huangchu and re-titled as the King of Guantao County in the sixth year. After Emperor Ming ascended the throne, due to the late emperor's wishes, he was given preferential treatment over other vassal kings. However, Lin was known for his violent behavior towards those in his household. In the sixth year of Taihe, he was re-titled as the King of Donghai. He passed away in the first year of Jia Ping, and his son Qi succeeded to his throne. During the reigns of Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, his fief was increased multiple times, totaling six thousand two hundred households. Later, the noble Duke Mao, who was Lin's son, inherited the title.
King Li of Yuancheng Ai was titled as the Duke of Qin in the second year of Huangchu, with Jingzhao Commandery as his kingdom. In the third year, he was re-titled as the King of Jingzhao. In the sixth year, he was re-titled as the King of Yuancheng. He passed away in the third year of Taihe. Five years later, Ti, son of King Kai of Rencheng, succeeded to his throne. In the sixth year of Taihe, Ti was re-titled as the King of Liang. During the reigns of Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, his fief was increased multiple times, totaling four thousand five hundred households.
King Huai of Handan, Ying, was granted the title of Duke of Huainan in the second year of the Huangchu era, with Jiujang Commandery as his domain. In the third year, he was promoted to King of Huainan. In the fourth year, he was once again titled King of Chen. In the sixth year, he was again titled King of Handan. He passed away in the third year of the Taihe era. Five years later, Wen, the son of King Kai of Rencheng, inherited his throne. In the sixth year of Taihe, Wen was renamed King of Luyang. During the periods of Jingchu, Zhengyuan, and Jingyuan, his fiefdom was expanded multiple times, ultimately totaling four thousand four hundred households.
King Gong of Qinghe was granted the title of king in the third year of Huangchu and passed away in the fourth year, resulting in the disappearance of his kingdom. King Yan of Guangping was granted the title of king in the third year of Huangchu and passed away in the fourth year, resulting in the disappearance of his kingdom too.
In conclusion, these kings of Wei seemed to have fiefs, but in reality wielded no real power, were strictly monitored, almost like being imprisoned; their titles changed frequently, often with a new one each year; family ties were weak, and brotherly bonds were virtually non-existent. All of this was due to the flaws in the system!
