Fan Kui, from Pei County, used to be a pig butcher. Later, he hid with Liu Bang in the Mangdang mountains and marshes.
After Chen Sheng's uprising, Xiao He and Cao Can sent Fan Kui to invite Liu Bang out and support him as the Duke of Pei. Fan Kui followed Liu Bang as a soldier, attacking Huling and Fangyu together, then returned to Feng County to defend the city. He also fought a battle at Linfeng in Sishui, defeating the enemy. He then moved east to pacify Pei County, overcoming the Sishui garrison to the west of Xue County. Teaming up with Sima Jin to the east of Dang County, he routed the enemy and bagged fifteen heads, earning the title of noble. He continued to fight alongside Liu Bang, clashing with Zhang Han's army in Puyang, where he led the assault during the siege, slaying twenty-three and receiving a promotion to noble. During the attack on Chengyang, he again spearheaded the charge, breaking through the gates, defeating Li You's army, and taking down sixteen, which earned him recognition from the court. Later, he defeated the Yuxian Commandant and the Dongjun Commandant in Chengwu, repelling the enemy, killing fourteen, capturing sixteen, and being appointed as a high-ranking official. He joined Liu Bang in attacking the Qin army, launching an assault from the south of Bo, and defeating the Hejian garrison in Gangli. He vanquished Zhao Ben's army north of Kaifeng, being the first to charge and driving back the enemy, slaying sixty-eight, capturing twenty-six, and gaining the title of lord. He also helped Liu Bang defeat Yang Xiong's army and fought in Quyu. During the attack on Wanling, he was once again the first to charge, killing eight, capturing forty-four, and being appointed as a respected lord. He also participated in battles at Changshe and Huanyuan, cutting off the Yellow River crossing, attacking the Qin army in Shixiang to the east and Cu to the south. He defeated the Nanyang defender in Yangcheng. When attacking Wancheng, he charged ahead once more. He moved west to Lixian, repelling the enemy, slaying fourteen, capturing forty, and receiving further rewards. At Wuguan, he pushed on to Bashang, killing a commander, taking ten prisoners, and watching as two thousand nine hundred enemy soldiers surrendered to him.
Xiang Yu was preparing to attack Liu Bang, and this was a seriously hairy situation! Liu Bang, with more than a hundred cavalry, hot-footed it over to see Xiang Yu, quickly explaining that he absolutely had no intention of plotting behind his back. Xiang Yu was drinking and celebrating with his soldiers at the time, slightly sloshed. Fan Zeng (Yafu) seized the opportunity to try to off Liu Bang, so he had Xiang Zhuang dance with a sword during the banquet, hoping to do away with Liu Bang. Xiang Bo had Liu Bang's back.
At that time, only Liu Bang and Zhang Liang could sit at the table; Fan Kuai was still outside the camp. When Fan Kuai heard things were getting dicey, he barged in with his shield. The guards tried to stop him, but he bulldozed past them and stood under the tent. Xiang Yu looked and asked who he was. Zhang Liang said, "This is the deputy charioteer of the Duke of Pei, Fan Kuai." Xiang Yu said, "Now that's what I call a hero!" and rewarded him with a cup of wine and a pig leg. Fan Kuai drank the wine, then drew his sword and tucked into the pork. Xiang Yu asked him, "Can you have another drink?" Fan Kuai replied, "I ain't scared of dyin', so a bit of booze ain't gonna bother me! Look, you took Xianyang, set up camp at Ba Shang, and now you're listening to gossip and picking a fight with the Duke of Pei? People are gonna start wondering what's going on!" Xiang Yu fell silent. Liu Bang said he needed to take a leak and let Fan Kuai leave. After he came out, Liu Bang left the carriage and horses, rode only a horse, and Fan Kuai and the others followed on foot, running back to the Ba Shang camp from the foot of the mountain, and let Zhang Liang apologize to Xiang Yu. Xiang Yu let it slide, dropping the idea of killing Liu Bang. If Fan Kuai hadn't stormed in and given Xiang Yu a piece of his mind that day, Liu Bang would've been a goner!
A few days later, Xiang Yu broke through Xianyang and made Liu Bang the King of Han. Liu Bang made Fan Kuai a marquis, known as the Marquis Linwu. Later, Fan Kuai was promoted to a langzhong and followed Liu Bang to set up shop in Hanzhong.
Once upon a time, Liu Bang conquered Sanqin and defeated the army of Xichu on the north bank of Baishui and south of Yong County. He personally led the troops to attack Yong County and Lecheng, always leading the charge. Later, he defeated Zhang Ping's army in Haoshi, also charging into battle first, climbing the city walls ahead of the others, and personally killing the enemy county magistrate and a county official, killing eleven and capturing twenty. Because of his outstanding military achievements, he was promoted to the rank of Cavalry Captain.
Afterwards, he participated in the battle against the Qin army's chariot cavalry in Rongdong, successfully repelling the enemy and was promoted to general once again. Later, he participated in the attack on Zhao Ben, capturing Meixian, Huaili, Liuzhong, and Xianyang successively; he also captured Feiqiu, amassing great military achievements. When he reached Liyang, Liu Bang rewarded him with the fief of Fanxiang in Duxian. Later, he followed Liu Bang to attack Xiang Yu, participating in the battle where they slaughtered and boiled dates, and defeated Xiang Yu's generals Wang Wu and Cheng Chu in Waihuang. Afterwards, he took part in the battles against Zouxian, Luxian, Xiaqiu, and Xue County.
However, Xiang Yu defeated Han King Liu Bang in Pengcheng and recaptured the territories of Lu and Liang. Liu Bang's subordinate Fan Kuai, after returning to Xingyang, was granted a fief of two thousand households in Pingyin and stationed in Guangwu as a general for a year. Later, when Xiang Yu retreated to the east, Fan Kuai followed Liu Bang in pursuing Xiang Yu, capturing Yangxia and four thousand soldiers of Chu General Zhou. In Chendi, they surrounded Xiang Yu's army and defeated it. Finally, a large-scale massacre was carried out in Huling. "Establishing Sanqin, defeating the west and north of Baishui, Yong's light chariots and cavalry in the south, breaking it." This poem is the best summary of this brilliant military record.
Xiang Yu died, and Liu Bang became the emperor. For his outstanding service, he was granted a fief of eight hundred households.
That autumn, King Yan Zangtu rebelled, and Guan Ying joined the battle against him, capturing Zangtu and pacifying the Yan territory. Later, King Han Xin of Chu also rebelled, and Guan Ying followed him to the Chen territory, capturing Han Xin alive and pacifying the Chu territory. The emperor made him a Marquis, and he and Guan Ying made a sworn oath to ensure that his title would be passed down for generations to come. He was granted the fief of Wuyang and titled Marquis of Wuyang, with his previous fief being revoked.
Next, as a general, Guan Ying campaigned against the rebellion of King Han Xin in Dai territory. He campaigned from Huo County to Yuncheng Commandery, where he and Marquis Jiang, among others, pacified the Dai territory, and he was granted an additional fief of 1,500 households. He then went on to defeat the armies of Chen Xi and Man Qiu Chen in Xiangguo, breaching the city walls and being the first to enter, pacifying twenty-seven counties including Qinghe and Changshan, destroying Dongyuan, and being promoted to Left Prime Minister.
He also defeated the armies of Qi Muma and Yin Pan in Wuzhong and Guangchang, respectively. In the southern part of Dai territory, he defeated the army of Hu Renwang Huang, one of Chen Xi's commanders, and then participated in the siege of Han Xin. In the battle, his soldiers killed Han Xin and defeated the Huqi of Chen Xi in Henggu, killing General Zhao Ji and capturing Prime Minister Feng Liang, Commander Sun Fen, and several other high-ranking officers including General Wang Huang and Tai Fu Jie Fu. With other generals, he pacified seventy-three townships in Dai.
Later, King Yan Lu Wan rebelled again, and Guan Ying, as the Chancellor, went to suppress Lu Wan. He defeated Lu Wan's Chancellor and marched all the way to Jìnan, conquering eighteen counties and fifty-one villages in Yan territory. His land holdings grew by 1300 households, making a total of 5400 households in Wuyang. In this war, he killed a total of 176 enemy troops and captured 287 people. In addition, he personally led the defeat of seven armies, captured five cities, subdued six prefectures and fifty-two counties, and captured a Chancellor, thirteen generals, and twelve officials ranging from two thousand stones to three hundred stones.
Fan Kui was related to the Empress Dowager. His wife was the daughter of Lu Xu, the Empress Dowager's brother. Their son was named Fan Kang. Therefore, among the other generals, he had the closest relationship with the Emperor. When Qing Bu's rebellion broke out earlier, Emperor Gaozu got sick and shut himself away, lying in the palace and ordering that no one be allowed to enter. Big shots like Zhou Bo and Guan Ying didn’t dare to enter the palace. After more than ten days, Fan Kui pushed the door open and rushed in, and the other ministers followed suit. The Emperor was lying down, supported by a eunuch when they saw him. Fan Kui and the others cried and said, "Your Majesty, remember those days back in Fengpei? We were unstoppable! Now that the world is pacified, why are you so worn out? Moreover, Your Majesty is seriously ill, and we ministers are all frightened. You won't see us to discuss matters, but only stay with a eunuch—what's going on? Have you forgotten about Zhao Gao?" Emperor Gaozu laughed, sat bolt upright, and said...
Later, Lu Wan rebelled, and Emperor Gaozu sent Fan Kuai as Prime Minister to attack the Yan Kingdom. At that time, Emperor Gaozu was seriously ill, and some people said that Fan Kuai was in league with the Lu family. If the Emperor kicked the bucket, Fan Kuai would off Lady Qi, Prince Zhao Ruyi, and others. Emperor Gaozu was furious upon hearing this and sent Chen Ping with Marquis Zhou Bo to haul Fan Kuai off to Chang'an. Fan Kuai was then killed in the military camp. Chen Ping, fearing Empress Lu, took Fan Kuai to Chang'an. By the time they arrived in Chang'an, Emperor Gaozu had already croaked. Empress Lu released Fan Kuai and got his title and lands back.
In the sixth year of Emperor Xiaohui's reign, Fan Kuai died and was posthumously named Wuhou. His son Fan Kang inherited his title. Fan Kuai's wife, Lu Xu, also became the Marquis of Lingguang. During Empress Lu's reign, she ran the show, and the ministers feared her. After Empress Lu's death, the ministers bumped off Lu Xu and the rest, including Fan Kang. The title of Marquis of Wuyang remained vacant for several months. After Emperor Xiaowen ascended the throne, he put Fan Kuai's lovechild Fan Shi back in as Marquis, restoring his original fiefdom. After Fan Shi's death, he was posthumously named Huanghou, and his son Fan Tuoguang succeeded to the title. When Fan Tuoguang was six years old, a servant of his family accused him of being illegitimate, saying it was his wife shagging his brother that produced Fan Tuoguang. The case went to court, but they threw it out. It was not until the second year of Emperor Pingdi's reign that the title of Marquis of Wuyang was given back, with Fan Kuai's great-grandson Fan Zhang made Marquis of Wuyang, with a fiefdom of one thousand households. And so the rollercoaster ride of the Wuyang Marquisate continued.
Li Shang was from Gaoyang. During Chen Sheng's uprising, Li Shang gathered a following of several thousand young men. Liu Bang, later Emperor Gaozu, was establishing his power, and over six months later, Li Shang led his four thousand men to join him. He was the first to charge the walls in the attack on Changshe and was granted the title of Marquis Xincheng. He also fought alongside Liu Bang in the attack on Guoshi, cutting off the Yellow River crossing and routing the Qin army east of Luoyang. He captured Wancheng, Rangcheng, and subdued seventeen counties. He also led troops to attack Xunguan alone, pacifying Hanzhong to the west.
After Liu Bang became Emperor of Han, he appointed Shang as Marquis Xincheng and made him the Governor of Longxi. General Shang quelled rebellions in the northern region, overcame Zhang Han's army, and achieved victories in Wushi, Xunyi, and Niyang, earning him a reward of six thousand households in Wucheng. Later, he followed Liu Bang to fight against Xiang Yu, battled against Zhonglimai, and was appointed as the Chancellor of Liang, with an additional four thousand households. He fought alongside Liu Bang against Xiang Yu for two years, capturing Huling.
After Liu Bang became emperor, Zang Tu, the King of Yan, rebelled. General Shang followed Liu Bang to put down Zang Tu's rebellion. In the battle, he bravely charged forward, breaking through the enemy's formation and winning a decisive victory. Due to his outstanding military achievements, he was promoted to Right Prime Minister, enfeoffed as a Marquis, and granted special imperial favor—a hereditary title, passed down without interruption, with a fief of 5,000 households in Zhuo County. He later pacified Shanggu and then attacked the Dai territory, being appointed as the Prime Minister of the Zhao Kingdom. Together with Marquis Jiang and others, he pacified the Dai and Yanmen prefectures, capturing a total of nineteen officials including the Prime Minister Cheng Zong and Minister Guo Tong of the Dai Kingdom. Upon returning to the court, he served as the leader of the Emperor's guard, responsible for the Emperor's safety, diligently fulfilling his duties for a year. In October, he led an expedition against Chen Xi, breaking through Dongyuan. He then participated in the war against Qin Bu, breaking through the enemy's formation and ultimately achieving victory. For his achievements in this campaign, he was reappointed as the Marquis of Quzhou, with a fief of 5,100 households, replacing his previous fief. In total, he independently defeated three rebel forces, pacified six prefectures, seventy-three counties, captured one Prime Minister, one Minister, one high-ranking general, two minor generals, and nineteen officials holding offices ranging from 2,000 to 600 *shi* in rank.
General Shang diligently served the court during the reign of Emperor Xiaohui and Empress Lü. After Empress Lü's death, General Shang fell ill and was unable to handle state affairs. His son, Li Ji (courtesy name Kuang), had a good relationship with Lü Lu. After Empress Lü's death, the ministers wanted to eliminate the Lü clan. At that time, Lü Lu was a general stationed in the Northern Army, and Commander-in-Chief Zhou Bo could not enter the Northern Army. Therefore, he sent someone to deceive General Shang, asking his son Li Ji to deceive Lü Lu. Lü Lu believed them and went out to play with Li Ji. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Commander-in-Chief Zhou Bo entered the Northern Army and successfully eliminated the Lü clan. General Shang passed away that year, posthumously honored as the Marquis of Jing, and his son Li Ji inherited his title. It was said that Li Kuang was accused of betraying his friends for personal gain.
During the reign of Emperor Jing of Han, Wu, Chu, Qi, and Zhao revolted. The emperor sent Zhou Yafu as a general to besiege the capital of Zhao, but the siege lasted seven months without success. Later, after Luan Bu pacified the state of Qi, they finally conquered Zhao. In the second year of Emperor Jing's reign, Zhou Yafu wanted to marry the daughter of Pingyuan Jun, which angered the emperor, leading to Zhou Yafu's demotion and removal from office. The emperor then appointed the son of Lord Shangshan, Shang Jian, as the Marquis of Miu, to look after Lord Shangshan's mother. This title was passed down to Shang Jian's great-grandson, Shang Zhonggen, who became the Grand Minister during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, but was killed due to the witchcraft accusations, and his title was removed. During the reign of Emperor Cheng of Han, the emperor granted titles to the descendants of the meritorious officials from the time of the founding emperor, including Li Shang and others, who were all appointed as Inner Pass Marquises, with over a hundred people receiving titles and fiefs.
Xiahou Ying was from Pei County and worked as a stable manager handling the comings and goings of guests. Every time he returned from seeing guests off, he would spend days at a time chatting with Liu Bang at the Sishui Pavilion. Later, Xiahou Ying was recommended for a low-level county post, and he had a very good relationship with Liu Bang. One time, when Liu Bang joked around and accidentally hurt Xiahou Ying, someone reported him. At the time, Liu Bang was a pavilion head and was held accountable for seriously injuring someone. He defended himself, saying it was not intentional, and Xiahou Ying testified for him. After an investigation, Xiahou Ying spent over a year in jail because of Liu Bang and was flogged repeatedly before finally being released.
When Liu Bang and his men first wanted to attack Pei County, Xiahou Ying was serving as the county magistrate's clerk, assisting Liu Bang with his affairs. The day after Liu Bang captured Pei County, he became the King of Pei, was appointed as one of the seven highest-ranking officials, and also appointed Xiahou Ying as the Chief Charioteer, specifically in charge of managing the carriage. Later, while following Liu Bang in attacking Huling, Xiahou Ying and Xiao He together suppressed a rebellion near the Sui River, and because Huling surrendered, Xiahou Ying was appointed as one of the five highest-ranking officials. He then joined Liu Bang in attacking the Qin army in Dongcheng, capturing Jiyang and Huyou, and defeating Li You's army in Yongqiu. Due to his valor in battle, he was appointed as the ceremonial holder of the Bo. Next, he joined Liu Bang in attacking Zhang Han's army in Dong'e and Puyang, and again, due to his valor in battle, he was appointed as the ceremonial holder of the Gui. After that, he followed Liu Bang in attacking Zhao Ben's army in Kaifeng and Yang Xiong's army in Quyu, where Xiahou Ying captured sixty-eight individuals, surrendered eight hundred and fifty soldiers, and seized a box of seals. Later, he attacked the Qin army east of Luoyang, and due to his bravery in battle, he was appointed as the county magistrate and served as the magistrate of Xi County. He continued to manage the carriage while following Liu Bang in attacking and pacifying Nanyang, fighting in Lantian and Zhiyang, all the way to Bashang. After Liu Bang became the King of Han, he appointed Xiahou Ying as a marquis, titled Marquis of Zhaoping, and also had him serve as the Chief Charioteer, following Liu Bang into the Shu region of the Han Dynasty.
So, Liu Bang conquered the Three Qin states and then fought alongside Xiang Yu. When they got to Pengcheng (also known as Drum City), Xiang Yu got his butt kicked and hightailed it out of there. At this time, he saw his son, the future Emperor Xiaohui, and his daughter, Princess Luyuan, so he took them on a carriage. Things were desperate; Liu Bang's horse gave out, and the enemy was right on their heels. To lighten his load, he almost ditched the kids, but fortunately, Xiahou Ying picked them up and continued to run, galloping all the way. Liu Bang was furious at the time and wanted to kill Xiahou Ying several times, but Xiahou Ying got away with it and safely sent Emperor Xiaohui and Princess Luyuan to Feng County. Once they reached Xingyang, Liu Bang regrouped his army, calmed down, and made Xiahou Ying the Marquis of Yiyang, giving him a huge chunk of land.
Later, Liu Bang defeated Xiang Yu at Xiayi, pursued him to Chendi, and finally pacified the State of Chu. When he reached the State of Lu, he gave Xiahou Ying even more land in Zishi. After becoming emperor, Liu Bang faced a rebellion by King Zangtu of Yan, and Xiahou Ying followed him to put down Zangtu's rebellion. The following year, Xiahou Ying accompanied Liu Bang to Chendi and captured King Xing of Chu. Liu Bang threw a feast for Xiahou Ying in Ruyin County and, together, they swore their friendship would last forever. Next, they went after the Dai state, and when they finally reached Wuquan and Yunzhong, Xiahou Ying got another thousand households added to his land.
Later, Xiahou Ying joined Liu Bang in fighting alongside Han Xin's army against the Xiongnu cavalry, routing them near Jinyang. They pursued the Xiongnu cavalry to Pingcheng but ended up completely trapped by the Xiongnu for seven days and nights. Liu Bang sent messengers to handsomely bribe the Xiongnu Chanyu, who finally opened a breach in the siege. Liu Bang wanted to flee, but Xiahou Ying calmly ordered all the crossbowmen to ensure every crossbow was loaded and aimed outward; only then did they escape safely. Liu Bang rewarded Xiahou Ying with a thousand-household estate in Xiyang. Later, Xiahou Ying fought alongside Liu Bang against the Xiongnu cavalry again, crushing them north of Juzhu. He engaged the Xiongnu south of Pingcheng, breaking through their lines three times and earning further renown, for which he was awarded another thousand-household fiefdom. He also followed Liu Bang to fight against the armies of Chen Xi and Jing Bu, broke through the enemy lines, repelled the enemy, and was further rewarded with a thousand-household estate, eventually holding a six thousand nine hundred household estate in Ruyin County, exceeding all his previous holdings.
When Xiahou Ying joined Liu Bang's rebellion in Pei County, he served as the Master of the Horse until the death of Emperor Gaozu. He continued to serve as the Master of the Horse during the reign of Emperor Hui. Both Emperor Hui and Empress Dowager Lu remembered Xiahou Ying for saving Emperor Xiaohui and Princess Lu Yuan in Xiayi, so they gave him the best house in the north, calling it "Close to Me," to express their respect and special treatment towards him. After Emperor Hui's death, Xiahou Ying continued to serve as the Master of the Horse during the reign of Empress Dowager Lu. Following the death of Empress Dowager Lu, Prince Liu Heng was to become emperor. Xiahou Ying, along with the Duke of Dongmou, entered the palace and ousted the young emperor, escorting Prince Liu Heng to his residence with full imperial honors, and together with the ministers, they enthroned Emperor Wen, Liu Heng. Xiahou Ying continued to serve as the Master of the Horse. He died at the age of eighty and was posthumously honored as Marquis Wen. His great-grandson Xiahou Po married Princess Pingyang, but later was executed for committing adultery with his father, and the Xiahou family's title was also revoked.
Initially, Guan Ying was a minor official in Teng County responsible for driving a carriage, so everyone called him Teng. Later, his great-grandson married a princess whose family name she kept, known as Princess Sun, so Guan Ying's descendants changed their surname to Sun.
Guan Ying was just a humble cloth merchant in Suiyang. After Liu Bang became the King of Pei, his campaign took him to Yongqiu, where Zhang Han killed Xiang Liang. Liu Bang then led his troops back to Dang County. Guan Ying followed Liu Bang as his assistant and participated in many battles, such as defeating the Eastern County Captain in Chengwu and the Qin Army in Gangli. The man was a ferocious fighter! Because of his outstanding performance, Liu Bang awarded him the title of Seven Da Fu (a minor noble rank). Later, he followed Liu Bang in campaigns against Qin forces in Bo Nan, Kaifeng, and Qu Yu, always leading the charge, and was promoted to Zhi Bo (a ceremonial officer) and titled Xuanling Jun. His victories continued, from Yangwu to Luoyang, defeating the Qin Army, severing the Qin army's supply lines across the Yellow River, defeating the defender of Nanyang, and capturing Nanyang County. Then he advanced west to Wuguan, fought in Lantian, and fought fiercely all the way to Bashang. Liu Bang awarded him the title of Zhi Gui (a ceremonial officer) and titled him Changwen Jun. After Liu Bang became the King of Han, he appointed Guan Ying as a Langzhong and accompanied him to Hanzhong. After ten months, he was promoted to Zhongyue Zhe. Later, he followed Liu Bang in pacifying the Three Qins, capturing Liyang, and subduing the King of Sei. He laid siege to Zhang Han at Feiqiu, but the city held out. Then he went east to Linjin Pass, defeated the King of Yin, and pacified the land there. He clashed with Xiang Yu's top brass, Long Qie and Xiang Tuo, in a brutal battle south of Dingtai, routing them completely! His incredible achievements earned him the title of Changwen Marquis, a high-ranking noble, with a fiefdom in Duping Township.
So, here's what happened: I (Ying) followed the envoy from Dang County, heading north to Pengcheng. As a result, Xiang Yu defeated the King of Han, who fled west in embarrassment. I followed the troops back and stationed at Yongqiu. At that time, Wang Wu and Shen Tu, who'd rebelled in Wei, we went and subdued them. Then we captured Waihuang and pulled our troops back to Xingyang. A whole bunch of Chu cavalry showed up, so the King of Han began selecting people from the army who could serve as cavalry commanders. Everyone recommended ex-Qin cavalrymen Li Bi and Luo Jia from Chongquan, who are now commanders and very suitable as cavalry leaders. The King of Han wanted to appoint them as officials, but Li Bi and Luo Jia said, "We were former Qin citizens, and we are afraid that the people in the army will not trust us. We hope the King can send someone with excellent riding skills to guide us." Although I am still young, I have participated in several battles, so the King of Han appointed me as a mid-level official and made Li Bi and Luo Jia the left and right wing commanders, leading the cavalry to the east of Xingyang to fight against the Chu cavalry. As a result, we achieved a great victory!
Later, I was ordered to attack the rear of the Chu army alone, cut off their food supply, and fought from Yangwu to Xiangyi. In the land of Lu, we defeated Xiang Guan, a general under Xiang Yu, and my soldiers killed the right-hand man of the Chu army and a cavalry commander. In the western part of Yan Kingdom, we defeated the army of King Wu of Zhugong, and my soldiers killed five generals of Loufan and a regimental commander. We also defeated another general under Wang Wu, Huan Ying, and my soldiers killed a lieutenant colonel. I led the cavalry across the Yellow River, escorted the King of Han to Luoyang, and then went north to Handan to meet the army of Prime Minister Han Xin. Upon returning to Aocang, I was promoted and became the Chief Inspector.
After three years, I was made a marquis, with my fiefdom in Duping Township. Later, I was ordered to lead an elite cavalry to the east to assist Prime Minister Han Xin. We routed the Qi army at Li Xia, seizing the Qi cavalry general Hua Wushang along with forty-six other generals and officials. We captured Linzi and took the Prime Minister of Qi, Tian Guang. Then we pursued Qi Prime Minister Tian Heng to Ying and Bo, defeating his cavalry. My soldiers killed one cavalry general and captured four others. We took Ying and Bo, then defeated and killed the Qi general Tian Xi in Qiancheng. After that, I followed Han Xin to attack Long Qie and Liugong, where we killed Long Qie and captured their Right Sima (a high-ranking military officer) and Lian Yin, ten Loufan generals, and I personally captured their deputy general Zhou Lan.
After pacifying the Qi State, Han Xin declared himself the King of Qi. He sent General Ying to the northern part of Lu to defeat the Chu general Gong Gao. Then he moved south, broke through the Xue garrison, and captured a Chu cavalry general. He attacked Fuyang, advanced to Xiashang, then pushed southeast, taking Lü and Xu. Crossing the Huai River, cities south of the river surrendered one after another, all the way to Guangling. Xiang Yu sent Xiang Sheng, Xue Gong, and Tan Gong to recapture the northern Huai region. General Ying crossed the Huai River, defeated Xiang Sheng and Tan Gong in Xiapi, killed Xue Gong, and captured Xiapi and Shouchun. He defeated the Chu cavalry at Pingyang, finally capturing Pengcheng and taking the Chu state pillar Xiang Tuo, which caused Liu, Xue, Pei, Zou, Xiao, and others to surrender. He attacked Ku and Qiao, capturing another senior Chu general. Later, he joined forces with the King of Han in Yixiang. Together, they attacked Xiang Yu's army in Chen, defeating Xiang Yu. Han Xin's army killed two Loufan generals and captured eight generals. The King of Han rewarded Han Xin with an additional 2,500 households of fiefdom.
After Xiang Yu was defeated at Gaixia and fled, General Ying, as the Chief Imperial Censor, led the cavalry to pursue Xiang Yu to Dongcheng and defeated him. Five of his men killed Xiang Yu, each later receiving a marquisate. He also captured Xiang Yu's two marshals, as well as 12,000 soldiers, and captured all of Xiang Yu's remaining officers and men. He conquered Dongcheng and Liyang. Crossing the Yangtze River, he overran the Wu garrison, captured the Wu prefect in Wu territory, and finally brought Wu, Yuzhang, and Kuaiji commanderies under control. Back in northern Huai, he pacified fifty-two counties.
After the Han emperor took the throne, he rewarded Han Xin with an additional three thousand households of fief. He was the General of the Chariots and Cavalry, following the emperor to attack King Yan Tu. The following year, he accompanied the emperor to Chen territory and captured King Chu Xin. When they returned, Emperor Gaozu of Han swore a solemn oath, stating that Han Xin's title would remain in his family forever, and granted him an additional two thousand five hundred households of fief in Yingyin.
Han Xin later followed the emperor to attack King Xin of Han. Reaching Mayi, he persuaded six counties north of Loufan to surrender, killed the commander of the Dai region's left wing, and defeated the Xiongnu cavalry north of Wuquan. He then followed the emperor to attack the Xiongnu cavalry of King Xin of Han. Near the city of Jinyang, Han Xin's army killed the Xiongnu leader Baiti. He commanded the cavalry of Yan, Zhao, Qi, Liang, and Chu, defeating the Xiongnu cavalry near Shaishi. When he reached Pingcheng, he was surrounded by the Xiongnu army.
A long time ago, my grandfather defeated Chen Xi, then went to battle with Prime Minister Hou Chang's army in Qu Ni, smashing them to smithereens and chopping off Hou Chang and five of his top generals' heads. Qu Ni, Lu Nu, Shang Qu Yang, Anguo, Anping, and other places surrendered, and Dongyuan was also captured by us. Later, when Ying Bu rebelled, my grandfather was the cavalry general at the time. He was the first to charge out, defeating a significant portion of Ying Bu's forces, killing their deputy general and three senior officers. He then defeated Ying Bu's top commander and Sima's army, as well as another of Ying Bu's detachment commanders, Fei Zhu. My grandfather personally captured a Left Sima (a high-ranking military officer), and his soldiers killed ten junior officers, pursuing them all the way to the banks of the Huai River before stopping. Because of this battle, they gave him an additional 2,500 households' worth of land. After Ying Bu was pacified, Emperor Gaozu returned and granted my grandfather an additional 5,000 households in Yingyin, canceling the previous land grants.
So, in short, my grandfather fought alongside Emperor Gaozu, capturing two officials of the rank of 2,000 shi, defeating sixteen armies, taking over forty-six cities, pacifying one kingdom, two commanderies, and fifty-two counties, as well as capturing two generals, one top commander, one Prime Minister, and ten high-ranking officials.
After Grandpa Gaozu kicked the bucket, my grandfather returned from defeating Qing Bu. He then served Emperor Hui and Empress Lü. After Empress Lü passed away, Lü Lu and his crew were plotting a coup. When King Ai of Qi caught wind of this, he marched west to give them a piece of his mind. So Lü Lu and his gang made Grandpa the big cheese, General of the army against King Qi. When my grandfather arrived in Xingyang, he huddled with Marquis Jiang and set up camp there. Then he tipped off King Qi about his plan to wipe out the Lü clan. King Qi's army stopped attacking. After Marquis Jiang and the boys took out the Lü clan, King Qi withdrew his troops. When my grandfather returned from Xingyang, he, along with Marquis Jiang and Chen Ping, put Emperor Wen on the throne. As a result, he got a bonus of three thousand households, a thousand jin of gold, and a promotion to Grand Commandant. Three years later, Marquis Jiang, Zhou Bo, got the boot as Prime Minister, and my grandfather became the Prime Minister, leaving the position of Grand Commandant vacant.
That year, the Xiongnu came swarming down from the north, and the Emperor ordered Grandpa, the Prime Minister, to take eighty-five thousand horse soldiers and give those Xiongnu a what-for. After the Xiongnu retreated, then King Jibei decided to stir up trouble again, and the Emperor ordered my grandfather to withdraw his troops. Over a year later, Grandpa died while still Prime Minister. They gave him the title of Marquis Yi after he passed. Grandpa's grandson Qiang messed up and lost his title. Later, Emperor Wu made Grandpa's other grandson, Xian, the Marquis of Linru, to keep the ancestral sacrifices going. But his descendants also screwed up, and lost their titles too.
Fu Kuan joined the five high-ranking officials of Wei as a cavalry soldier, later became a retainer, and joined the army at Hengyang. He participated in the battles to attack Anyang and Gangli, fought alongside General Zhao Ben in Kaifeng, and also took part in the battles at Yangxiongqu and Yangwu, where he killed twelve enemy soldiers, and was therefore ennobled. Later, he followed the army to Bashang. After Liu Bang became the King of Han, he bestowed the title of "Marquis Gongde" upon Fu Kuan. He followed Liu Bang into Hanzhong, serving as the Commander of the Right Cavalry. After pacifying the Three Qins (a historical reference to the regions of Qin), he was granted the fief of Diaoyin. Later, he accompanied Liu Bang to fight against Xiang Yu, performed well, and was titled the Marquis of Tongde. He then participated in battles against Xiang Guan, Zhou Lan, and Long Qie, leading his soldiers to kill an enemy cavalry leader, which increased his fief.
While in Huaiyin, he fought in the battles to defeat the Qi army at Li Xia and kill Tian Jie. Later, he followed the Prime Minister to participate in the attack on Bo, further increasing his fief. Because he pacified the land of Qi, Liu Bang made a sworn oath to ensure that his title would not be discontinued for generations, and appointed him as the Marquis of Yangling, with a fief of 2,600 households, in addition to his previous fief. He served as Qi's Right Minister, responsible for the defense of Qi. Five years later, he was promoted to Prime Minister of Qi. In April, he participated in the battle to attack Chen Xi, alongside Grand Commandant Bo, as the Prime Minister replaced Chancellor Kui in the attack. A month later, he was reassigned as Provisional Prime Minister, leading the stationed troops. Two years later, he was promoted to Chancellor, continuing to lead the stationed troops.
In the fifth year of Emperor Xiaohui, Fu Kuan passed away, posthumously given the title of Marquis Jing. When his title passed to his great-grandson Fu Yan, Fu Yan rebelled and was executed, and the title was revoked.
Jin She followed Liu Bang as an attendant, joining the army at Wanqu. He participated in the battle to attack Jiyang, defeating Li You's army. He fought against the Qin army east of Kaifeng, killing a cavalry commander, fifty-seven enemy soldiers, and capturing seventy-three more, and was appointed as the Marquis of Linping. He also fought north of Lantian, killing two chariot commanders, a cavalry commander, and twenty-eight enemy soldiers, capturing fifty-seven people. When he arrived at Bashang, Liu Bang became the King of Han and appointed Jin She as the Marquis of Jianwu, promoting him to Cavalry Captain.
He participated in the campaign to pacify the Three Qins. Later, he led troops alone to attack Zhang Ping's army in Longxi to the west, winning a big victory and pacifying Longxi's six counties. The soldiers he led killed four chariot commanders, four marquises, and twelve cavalry commanders. Later, he followed the army to attack the Chu army to the east, reaching Pengcheng. After the Han army was defeated, he defended Yongqiu and repelled rebels such as Wang Wu. He also captured Liangdi, then led troops alone to attack Xing Shuo's army to the south of Zishi River, winning a big victory and personally capturing two captains, twelve marshals and marquises, as well as four thousand six hundred and eighty surrendering soldiers. He also participated in the battle to defeat the Chu army east of Xingyang. In the end, his fiefdom reached four thousand two hundred households.
Let me tell you a story about a man named Zhou Bo from Peixian. He started as the attendant of Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang, raising troops with Liu Bang from Peixian. Later, he went to Bashang, then entered Shu Han to the west, returned to Guanzhong to pacify the Three Qins, and always served as Liu Bang's charioteer and bodyguard. Liu Bang gave him Chiyang as a reward for his service.
Later, he followed Liu Bang's eastward campaign, fought a major battle against Xiang Yu at Xingyang, and severed Xiang Yu's supply lines. He then broke free from Pingyin and encountered Han Xin's army in Xiangguo, fighting a series of hard-fought battles, but Zhou Bo always delivered for Liu Bang. Liu Bang later appointed Zhou Bo as the Marquis of Xinwu, with a fief of 3,300 households, which was a massive reward!
Now, let's talk about his incredible military successes on the battlefield in earlier years. He defeated the army of the Zhao State in Henan, seized Chaoge, captured two cavalry commanders, as well as 250 chariots and horses. He then took part in the attack on the area east of Anyang, reaching as far as Jipu, where he captured ten counties. He also led his troops to overwhelm the Zhao army, capturing two enemy officers, four military commanders, and 2,400 prisoners of war. He then joined the assault on Handan, captured Pingyang himself, killed the defender, and his men killed the county magistrate and captured Ye City. He fought in the battles of Chaoge and Handan, defeating the Zhao army and leading to the surrender of six counties in Handan. Afterwards, he returned to Aocang, defeated Xiang Yu's army in Chenggao, cut off the Chu army's food supply, and fought all the way from Xingyang to Xiangyi. He also routed Xiang Yu's forces in Lu, moving through the region of Ze, Tan, Xiapai, Qi, and Zhuyi, and defeated Xiang Yu's army again in Jiyang. Finally, he returned to attack Xiang Yu's forces in Chen and achieved victory. He also took control of Jiangling, subdued eight officials including the Pillar State and Grand Marshal, captured the King of Jiangling, and took him to Luoyang, thus pacifying Nanjun. Finally, he returned to Chen, accepted the surrender of the Chu King, and Liu Bang made a pact of friendship with him, granting him a fief of 4,600 households and appointing him as the Marquis of Xinwu.
He once followed Liu Bang as a low-ranking cavalry officer to attack the Dai state, participated in Han Xin's assault on Pingcheng, and then returned to Dongyuan. Due to a string of impressive victories, he was promoted to the top cavalry commander, overseeing the cavalry in the regions of Liang, Zhao, Qi, Yan, and Chu. He also led troops to defeat Chen Xi, the prime minister of Chen, causing Qu Ni to surrender. Later, he took part in the campaign against Ying Bu, and was rewarded for his merits, with his fiefdom increasing to 5,300 households.
Overall, his record included 90 enemy kills, the capture of 142 individuals, victories in fourteen engagements, the seizure of fifty-nine cities, and the pacification of a commandery, a state, and twenty-three counties, which included capturing one king, one marquis, and thirty-nine officials ranging from two thousand stones to five hundred stones.
In the fifth year of Empress Dowager Lü's reign, Zhou Bo passed away and was awarded the posthumous title of Marquis of Su. His son, Zhou Ting, inherited the title but later committed a crime, leading to the forfeiture of his title.
The Emperor initially planned to have Chen Xi executed, but Chen Xi cried and said, "When the State of Qin conquered the world, Emperor Qin Shi Huang did not personally lead troops into battle. Now, Your Majesty is personally taking the field. Does that sound like someone fit to rule the empire?" The Emperor took it as a sign of loyalty and rewarded him by allowing him to enter the palace without having to kneel. Twelve years later, the Emperor again titled Chen Xi as the Marquis of Bengfu.
Five years later, in the fifth year of Emperor Xiao Wen's reign, Chen Xi passed away and was given the posthumous title of Marquis of Zhen. His son, Chen Chang, inherited the title but later committed a crime, which cost him his title. Emperor Jing later re-titled Chen Xi's son Chen Ying as the Marquis of Dan, and after Chen Ying's death, he was awarded the posthumous title of Marquis of Kang. His son, Chen Zhongju, inherited the title but later committed a crime while serving as the Grand Minister of Ceremonies, resulting in the loss of his title.
The article concludes by saying: Confucius once remarked, "Even a plow ox's calf, bright and horned, won't be abandoned by the mountains and rivers, even if it's not wanted." This means that the value of talent does not depend on one's background. But as they say, "It's better to be lucky than good!" This is absolutely true! People like Fan Kuai, Xiahou Ying, and Guan Ying, who started out as pig butchers, charioteers, and cloth merchants, who'd have guessed they'd end up conquering the world with Liu Bang? They earned riches and glory, and their families prospered for generations!
Under Emperor Xiaowen, Li Ji was seen as a backstabber, someone who'd sell out his friends for personal gain. Given his father's achievements and Li Ji's own military power, even urging Lu Lu to secure the realm and maintain family harmony was understandable.
