← Back to 北史

卷六十七 列傳第五十五: 崔彥穆 楊纂 段永 令狐整 唐永 柳敏 王士良

Volume 67 Biographies 55: Cui Yanmu, Yang Zuan, Duan Yong, Ling Huzheng, Tang Yong, Liu Min, Wang Shiliang

Chapter 67 of 北史 · History of the Northern Dynasties
← Previous Chapter
Chapter 67
Next Chapter →
1
Cui Yanmu, Yang Zuan, Duan Yong, Ling Huzheng, Tang Yong, Liu Min, and Wang Shiliang
2
Biographies 55
3
This chapter treats Cui Yanmu, Yang Zuan, Duan Yong, Ling Huzheng (and his son Xi), Tang Yong (and his son Jin), Liu Min (and his son Ang), and Wang Shiliang.
4
Cui Yanmu, who also used Yanmu as his style name, came from Dongwucheng in Qinghe. He was a ninth-generation descendant of Cui Lin, Marquis of Anyang and Wei Director of Works. His great-grandfather Yan had served as a consulting staff officer in the Eastern Office under Northern Wei. His grandfather Wei, implicated in the troubles of his cousin Minister of Works Hao, fled south to the lands beyond the Yangtze. Under the Liu Song he rose to Attendant of the Yellow Gate and Supervisor of the Secretariat, and held the prefectures of Runan and Yiyang. Early in the Yanxing era he returned to Northern Wei, was made prefect of Yingchuan, and established his household there. He later ended his career as inspector of Ying Prefecture. His father You served until he reached the post of prefect of Yongchang commandery. At the opening of the Kaihuang reign, because he was the maternal great-grandfather of Empress Dowager Xian, he was posthumously granted the rank of Senior General of the Upper Palace with the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies and the title of inspector of Xin Prefecture.
5
西 西 使
Yanmu showed exceptional intelligence even as a boy. His presence was strikingly distinguished. Li Shenjun of Longxi, who was Wei Minister of Personnel and renowned for judging character, met Yanmu and exclaimed, "Here is a man fit to stand at a ruler's right hand." Late in the Yong'an era he entered the Secretariat as a staff officer, and was soon promoted twice to Attendant Gentleman in the Grand Marshal's office. When Emperor Xiaowu withdrew to the west, Yanmu could not accompany him at once. In the third year of Datong he joined his elder brother Yanzhen in raising arms at Chenggao, seized Xingyang, and captured Su Shu, the Eastern Wei commandery prefect. He next allied with Wang Yuanhongwei of his home commandery to assault Yingchuan and executed its inspector Li Jingyi. He was promptly made prefect of Xingyang and shortly thereafter enfeoffed as Marquis of Qiansheng. In the fourteenth year he received the posts of Regular Attendant and Minister of Agriculture. With the state and army still being organized and business overwhelming, Emperor Wen of Zhou drew Yanmu into his staff and entrusted him with written work as well. During Yu Jin's campaign against Jiangling, Yanmu went in his existing capacity and shared in the victory. Early in the reign of Emperor Ming of Zhou he was advanced to General of Agile Cavalry and General of the Upper Palace with the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies. Before long he became inspector of An Prefecture and overall commander of military affairs across twelve prefectures. He was recalled to court as Grand Master of the Imperial Household. Chen sought to renew cordial ties with its neighbors. The court ordered Yanmu to serve as envoy. Yanmu carried himself with unhurried ease and measured grace, excelled in philosophical talk and repartee, and won high esteem throughout the lower Yangtze region. He was moved to Grand Master of the Household Revenue and raised to ducal rank. In the third year of Tianhe, after an embassy to Northern Qi, he became inspector of Jin Prefecture, commander-in-chief over seven prefectures, and was promoted to Great General. He was soon recalled and named Junior Minister of Works.
6
After Emperor Xuan's death, when Emperor Wen of Sui took power as regent and rebellion broke out on three fronts, Yanmu was appointed campaigning commander-in-chief and, together with Wang Yi, commander-in-chief of Xiang Prefecture, moved to suppress Sima Xiaonan. As the army halted at Jing Prefecture, the regional commander Dugu Yongye showed signs of treason, and Yanmu had him arrested and put to death. Once order was restored, Emperor Wen summoned Wang Yi to the capital and gave Yanmu the inspectorship of Xiang Prefecture, command over six prefectures, the additional rank of Senior Great General, and advancement to Duke of Dongjun. Shortly afterward Yongye's kin proved their innocence, and Yanmu was stripped of rank and office. His titles and posts were soon restored. He died in the first year of Kaihuang. His son Junchuo inherited his line.
7
Junchuo was easygoing and unassuming, steeped himself in the classics and histories, and bore his father's stamp. Late in the Daxiang era he served as a staff officer in the Chancellor's Bureau of Guests.
8
Junchuo's younger brother Junsu began as tutor to the Prince of Dao and, by the close of Daxiang, was prefect of Yingchuan.
9
Yang Zuan came from Guangning. His father Anren had been a garrison general at Shuozhou under Wei. Zuan was high-spirited and ambitious from boyhood, and his courage and physical prowess were unmatched. At twenty he followed Emperor Shenwu of Qi when he raised his banner at Xindu and distinguished himself in the fighting. He rose step by step to inspector of Wu Prefecture. Believing his rewards too slight, he brooded on resentment and would often say, "Does a true man need to make his fortune in his home country? If a man keeps wife and children always in mind, how can he nourish a hero's ambition!" At the opening of Datong he slipped through the passes by hidden paths to join the Western Wei court. Emperor Wen of Zhou clasped his hand and said, "Men value loyalty and righteousness above all and dread danger and ruin. To brave ruin for the sake of loyalty—today I see that spirit in you." He was at once named General Who Pacifies the South and Grand Commander, and enfeoffed as Marquis of Yongxing. He followed Emperor Wen in lifting the siege of Luoyang, and at Heqiao and Mangshan always led the assault, so that the whole army acclaimed his valor. He was repeatedly promoted, became General of Agile Cavalry and General of the Upper Palace with the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies, was made Palace Attendant, raised to duke, and granted the surname Mohulu. Before long he was made inspector of Qi Prefecture. When Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, his title was raised to Duke of Songxi. In the first year of Baoding he attained the rank of Great General, was re-enfeoffed as Duke of Longdong, and became inspector of Long Prefecture. He accompanied Duke Yang Zhong of Sui on the eastern expedition as far as Bing Prefecture before turning back. In the sixth year of Tianhe he was further advanced to Pillar of the State and Great General and transferred to Hua Prefecture. Plain and unlettered by nature, Zuan in every office relied on nothing but sincerity and good faith. Magistrates and people alike warmed to him for his loyalty and magnanimity. He soon died in office there.
10
His son Rui rose to Pillar of the State of the Upper Grade and Duke of Yuyang.
11
西 祿 西 西 西 綿 使
Duan Yong, whose style name was Yongbin, traced his line to Shicheng in Liaoxi and was a descendant of Pidi, Jin inspector of You Province. His great-grandfather Min had been a Huanglong garrison general under Wei and resettled the family at Heyang in Gaolu. Even as a boy Yong showed firm purpose and integrity, and neighbors spoke well of him. When the northern garrisons erupted late in the Zhenguang era, he gathered the young and old of his household and fled to Zhongshan. He later reached Luoyang, was named General Who Pacifies the East, and enfeoffed as Earl of Woyang. When Cui Sheke of Qing Province rebelled, Yong crushed the rising. He was raised to marquis and made Senior Master of Splendid Virtue of the Left. At that time the bandit leader Yuan Bosheng ranged from the Xiao and Tong passes in the west to Gong and Luo in the east, sacking walled towns and spreading havoc wherever he marched. Emperor Xiaowu dispatched Metropolitan Commander Piqie Zhao against him, and Zhao asked for five thousand troops. Yong stepped forward and said, "These rebels have no fortified camps and live only by plunder. Victory lies in speed, not in massing troops. If we move like a comet and take them unawares, five hundred picked horsemen will suffice." The emperor accepted his plan, replaced Zhao with Yong, and sent five hundred horsemen on a forced march that routed and destroyed the band. When the emperor withdrew westward, Yong could not accompany him in time. Early in Datong he united his kinsmen in a covert plan to return to the Western court. With Commander Zhao Ye and others he launched a surprise raid, beheaded the Western Central Gentleman-in-Attendance Murong Xianhe, and forwarded his head to the capital. For this service he received a separate enfeoffment as Viscount of Changping and the inspectorship of Xu Prefecture. He shared in the capture of Dou Tai, the recovery of Hongnong, and the victory at Shaoyuan, earning battle honors each time until he was raised to duke. At Heqiao he fought with desperate valor at the head of the charge and was made inspector of Nanfen Prefecture. He rose repeatedly to General of Agile Cavalry and General of the Upper Palace with the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies and was granted the surname Ermian. In the first year of the deposed emperor he became inspector of Heng Prefecture. Many court grandees then hailed from his home region, and on days when they paid calls the road was crowded with carriages—an honor the age envied. When Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, his title was raised to Duke of Guangcheng. He held the inspectorships of Wen and Gua in turn and served as Grand Master of the Household Revenue. In the fourth year of Baoding he was named Great General. Whether at court or in the provinces Yong left a solid reputation; generous with wealth and devoted to men of learning, he won esteem throughout the realm. In the fourth year of Tianhe he became Junior Minister of Justice. Soon afterward he was commander of the Right Second Army and led troops north for war games. He fell ill and died at Hegge Fort. Because the burial lay far off, Emperor Wu attended in person. He was posthumously granted the Staff of Authority, the rank of Pillar of the State and Great General, and the inspectorships of Tong, Hua, and four other prefectures, with the posthumous title Ji.
12
His son Ji inherited the line. He rose to the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies and Junior Master in the Ministry of War.
13
西 使 簿 西 西 使 西 使 使 使
Ling Huzheng, whose style name was Yanbao, came from Dunhuang; his birth name had been Yan. For generations his clan had stood at the head of western gentry society. His great-grandfather Si and grandfather Shao'an had each governed a commandery and were accounted model prefects. His father Qiu had early won fame for character and learning, and held in turn the posts of Military Administrator of Gua, prefect of Dunhuang, and inspector of Ying, with enfeoffment as Viscount of Changcheng. Late in the Datong era he died at home under Wei. Emperor Wen of Zhou mourned him, dispatched an envoy to oversee the funeral, and commanded his fellow townsmen to raise the tomb mound. He was posthumously named General of the Dragon Cavalry and inspector of Gua Prefecture. Huzheng was clever and penetrating from boyhood, grave and far-seeing in judgment, and in scholarship, the arts, riding, and archery he was acclaimed throughout the Hexi region. Prince Yuan Rong of Weidongyang, then serving as prefect, took Huzheng on as chief clerk and additionally named him General Who Sweeps Away Bandits. His bearing in court was meticulous and graceful, his replies fluent and assured; on every audience the prefectural staff watched him with admiration. Rong admired Huzheng's standing and once told his staff, "Linghu Yanbao is the foremost man of the west and is ripening into a pillar of state. No commandery post could possibly contain him. He advances a thousand li in a day and must first master the martial arts; I mean to place the daily business in his hands and simply countersign what he drafts." Soon afterward Emperor Xiaowu withdrew to the west, and the Hexi region fell into disorder. Rong leaned on Huzheng for defense, and the prefecture remained at peace. When Deng Yan seized Gua Prefecture and refused replacement, Huzheng joined Commissioner-in-Chief Zhang Mu and others in secretly aiding the envoy Shen Hui, arresting Yan and forwarding him to the capital. Emperor Wen of Zhou commended his loyalty and recommended him as regional commander. Soon the townsman Zhang Bao murdered Inspector Cheng Qing and, with Liangzhou Inspector Yuwen Zhonghe, plotted rebellion to seize the Hexi. Then Lü Xing of Jinchang killed Commandery Prefect Guo Si and surrendered the commandery to Bao. Bao's faction had first feared Huzheng's steadfast loyalty; after killing Cheng Qing they meant to destroy him too. Yet the people's esteem for Huzheng made them fear a mutiny among his followers, so they dared not touch him. Outwardly they honored him; inwardly they hated him. Huzheng in turn feigned attachment while secretly planning their ruin. He secretly had an ally urge Bao, "Your commandery and Zhonghe stand or fall together. The eastern army is closing on Liangzhou; isolated as they are, they may not hold. If they are broken, this region will share their fate. Send picked troops at once to their relief. United, the two prefectures can face the eastern army. Then your lands will be secure and your people at ease—the soundest course." Bao agreed but could not decide whom to send. Huzheng again had his man say, "Success and failure always hinge on the man chosen; the wrong commander brings instant collapse. Linghu Yanbao unites civil and military gifts and can command an army—appoint him, and you cannot fail." Bao took the advice; with Huzheng's kin still in the city as hostages, he suspected nothing and sent Huzheng off. At Yumen commandery Huzheng rallied the local leaders, exposed Bao's treason, and raced back to attack him. He secured Jinchang first, executed Lü Xing, then marched against Bao. The prefecture had long revered Huzheng; all deserted Bao and rallied to him. Bao fled to Tuyuhun. The people urged Huzheng to become inspector. Huzheng said, "I took arms because Zhang Bao rebelled and slaughtered innocents, drawing the whole prefecture into guilt. Now we are united only to destroy the villain; if we begin recommending one another, others will imitate us and bring fresh calamity." He therefore placed Persian envoy Zhang Daoyi in charge of the prefecture. He reported everything to the court. The court appointed Shen Hui inspector. Huzheng was recalled, made prefect of Shouchang, and enfeoffed as Baron of Xiangwu. Emperor Wen told him, "Your early deeds outrun your present rank. I mean to pacify the realm with you and share its rewards." He was named head of the loyalist cause in Gua Prefecture. With the realm still unsettled, he led more than two thousand kinsmen and neighbors to court and marched with the armies. Skilled at leading men, he shared their hardships and comforts, so his followers forgot exile and fought with all their strength. Emperor Wen once remarked to him, "Your distant ancestor came west in loyalty—truly accumulated virtue bears fruit, and your house has honored it ever since. That ancestor was Han General Who Establishes Might Mai, who refused Wang Mang; his son Cheng fled west of the Yellow River—hence the emperor's words. He rose to General of Agile Cavalry and General of the Upper Palace with the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies and became Palace Attendant. The emperor added, "Your service rivals the great founders; your bond is kinship itself; your bearing is upright enough to teach a generation." He was granted the imperial surname Yuwen and the personal name Huzheng. More than two hundred households of his clan were enrolled in the imperial genealogy.
14
滿 滿
When Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, he became Grand Master of the Imperial Censorate, applied the law with evenhanded fairness, and won contemporary praise. He was raised to Duke of Pengcheng. Earlier, Liang Inspector of Xing Prefecture Xi Gu had surrendered his prefecture; Emperor Wen made him inspector of Feng. Long in office, Gu still clung to Liang practices and often violated Zhou statutes. The court wished to replace him but could find no suitable man. Huzheng was sent to hold Feng temporarily and entrusted with the plan to supplant Gu. He spread kindness and authority alike and gave himself wholly to the people; within months the prefecture was transformed. Huzheng was confirmed as inspector of Feng; Gu was moved to Hu. Feng had lacked a settled administrative center; taxes and labor fell unevenly on the people. He petitioned to move the seat to Wudang, and the court approved. He guided the settlers with rewards and encouragement; within a month walls and offices stood complete. When Gu departed, many of his men wished to stay with Huzheng; he cited court law and refused, and they left weeping. When his term ended, magistrates and people clung to him; young and old escorted him for days before he could leave the prefecture. Such was the hold he had on men's hearts. He became Grand Master of the Imperial Household, then prefect of Zhonghua, Director of Accounts for Tong Prefecture, and inspector of Shi. Keen in reading men and masterful in administration, grave and frugal and ever wary of excess, he won praise in every office he held. He was promoted to Great General. When Duke Yuwen Hu first seized power he wished to make Huzheng his closest confidant. Huzheng declined, offending Hu, who thereafter kept his distance. When Hu was executed, his partisans perished; Huzheng alone survived. Contemporaries praised his foresight. He died. He was posthumously granted his former rank, made commander over four prefectures and inspector of Bin, with the posthumous title Xiang. His son Xi inherited the line.
15
Xi, whose style name was Changxi. Stern and measured in temperament, he remained grave even in private. He admitted no casual visitors; his friends were always men of note. He read widely, excelled in the Three Rites, rode and shot well, and understood music. He entered service through the classics as Senior Clerk in the Ministry of Personnel, then in the Palace Bureau of Summer Offices, distinguishing himself in both. Mourning for his mother forced him from office; grief nearly destroyed him. His father warned him, "True filial piety comforts the living; righteousness forbids ending the line. I am still alive, and you are my only heir—why destroy yourself and add to my grief?" After that he slowly took thin gruel. When mourning ended he became Junior Master of the Transport Bureau. At his father's death he would not rise without a staff. All who heard him weep wept with him. At Heyin the court ordered him to serve in unhemmed mourning; he became Junior Master in the Bureau of Works and inherited the dukedom of Pengcheng. When Emperor Wu conquered Qi, his service as defender won him the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies. He held Grand Masterships in the Bureaus of Merits and Personnel in turn and enjoyed high repute. When Emperor Wen of Sui accepted the throne, Xi served as acting Master of Documents. Soon he became Left Chief Clerk of the Secretariat, received Senior Ceremonial Regalia of the Three Excellencies, and was raised to Duke of Henan. When Tuyuhun raided the frontier he followed Commander Yuan Xie as chief clerk, earned merit, and was made Senior General of the Upper Palace. As inspector of Cang for several years he transformed the region and was accounted a model prefect. In the fourth year of Kaihuang the emperor traveled to Luoyang. When Xi came to court, magistrates and people feared transfer and wept in the streets. On his return the people went out beyond the border to welcome him, and cheers filled the road. During his tenure white crows, white musk deer, and fine wheat appeared, and sweet dew fell on the courtyard willow. In the eighth year he became Minister of Revenue on the Hebei Circuit Executive. Magistrates and people, missing him, raised a stele in his praise. When the executive was abolished he rose to Grand Master of the Imperial Stud. Later, additionally as Minister of Personnel, he adjudicated the Five Bureaus; the people called him sharp and effective. The emperor trusted him deeply. Returning from the Feng and Shan rites at Mount Tai, he stopped at Bian, disliked its bustle and rogues, and made Xi its inspector. He banned street hawkers, curbed commerce, shut diviners' doors, kept travelers outside the walls, gathered scattered households into settlements, sent migrants home, and cleared every pending case—orders that were obeyed to the letter. The emperor praised him and told his attendants, "Ye is the hardest city in the empire to govern. I have ordered Xiangzhou Inspector Dou Chutong to learn Xi's methods." That year his performance review ranked first in the empire. He received three hundred bolts of silk, and the court proclaimed his achievement empire-wide.
16
便
When the southern tribes rebelled repeatedly, he was made commander-in-chief of Gui and military affairs across seventeen prefectures, with discretionary power to appoint officials through inspector rank and five hundred personal guards. He received five hundred bolts of silk, an express relay moved his household, and his title was changed to Duke of Wukang. On reaching his command Xi extended favor and trust on a broad scale. The tribal chiefs said to one another, "Past commanders threatened us with arms; this one writes to us as to friends. How can we refuse?" They submitted one after another. Earlier the region had been ungovernable and many prefects could not take office; affairs were run from the commander's headquarters. Xi sent officials to every post, built towns, opened schools, and won over both Chinese and tribes.
17
There was Ning Mengli, born the same day as the Chen emperor, who claimed a noble countenance and had held Nanhai under Chen. After Chen fell, Emperor Wen conciliated him and made him inspector of An. Proud and sheltered by difficult country, he never attended court. Xi wrote personally, invoking their bond as friends. When Mengli's mother fell ill, Xi sent medicine. Moved, Mengli came to headquarters and dared no mischief. Because many place names duplicated others, he memorialized to rename An as Qin, Huang as Feng, Li as Zhi, De as Huan, and Dongning as Rong. The emperor approved all the changes. After several years he memorialized that age and illness obliged him to resign. A gracious edict refused and sent him medicine.
18
使
Ordered to bring Jiaozhou chieftain Li Fozi to court, Xi found Fozi plotting rebellion and asking delay until mid-winter. Intending to keep him loosely tethered, Xi agreed. Someone denounced Xi at court for taking Fozi's bribe and letting him go. The emperor heard the charge. When Fozi rebelled, the emperor believed the accusation, flew into a rage, and sent men to chain Xi and bring him to the capital. Proud by nature and crushed by injustice, he fell ill with grief at Yong Prefecture and died. The emperor's wrath did not cool, and the family's property was confiscated. When Commander Liu Fang captured Fozi and sent him to the capital, he testified that Xi had taken no bribe. The emperor understood and restored his four sons to office. The youngest son Defen became the most famous.
19
Huzheng's younger brother Xiu was clever as a boy and gifted in civil and military affairs. He joined Huzheng in driving out Zhang Bao and was named Commander-in-Chief. He later served as staff officer in the Bureau of Music. Many great ministers then held their native prefectures. Duke Hu told Huzheng, "Your merit deserves your home prefecture, but the court cannot spare you. Still, your house should have one man who returns in glory." He made Xiu prefect of Dunhuang. For more than ten years he governed Dunhuang with distinction. He died in office as inspector of He Prefecture.
20
宿
Tang Yong came from Pingshou in Beihai commandery. His family had lived in Fen'an in Jinchang; during the Jin disorders they moved to Danyang. His grandfather Chuai first entered Wei, became prefect of Beihai, and settled there. His father Lun was inspector of Qing Prefecture. Eight feet tall, high-spirited from youth, and gifted as a commander, he read Ban Chao's biography and burned with ambition to win fame far from home. In the Zhenguang era he was prefect of Beidi and its separate commander. Soon bandit generals Su Qinmingda and Che Jinque raided the borders; Yong defeated them and restored peace. Skilled at leading men, gentry and commoners alike flocked to his banner. In battle he wore a silk robe, directed troops with a horn ruyi scepter in hand, and never lost his composure. For four years in Beidi he fought dozens of engagements and never lost. People said, "Make no trouble, lest you meet General Tang." His camps are still called Duke Tang's ramparts. Commissioner Xiao Baoyin recommended him as inspector of Southern You; tribesmen who escorted him wept, and travelers blocked his path for days before he could cross the border. In the first year of Datong he became inspector of Eastern Yong, then Guard General and Earl of Pingshou. He died and was posthumously made Duke of Works. Pure and incorruptible, he left no stores; his wife and children knew hunger and cold, and the age praised him for it.
21
His son Ling trained in arms from youth, mastered official routine, and rose to Grand Commander, inspector of Ying, General of the Chariots and Cavalry, and the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies.
22
Ling's son Wu was handsome, widely read, and wrote admirable verse. Under Emperor Xuan in the Daxiang era he won high favor and became Junior Master in the Secretariat and Duke of Hanyang. When Emperor Wen of Sui took power he was dismissed and died at home. Ling's younger brother Jin is also treated here.
23
Jin, whose style name was Fulian. Gentle, measured, and widely learned, he loved literary composition. Eight feet two inches tall, he was imposing in appearance. At seventeen Jin's fame reached Emperor Wen of Zhou, who wrote to Yong, "I hear your sons Ling and Jin excel—the one in arms, the other in letters. Send them to court; I will use them in civil and military posts." He was summoned, made Supernumerary Gentleman in the Secretariat, and staff officer in the chancellor's office. He handled most military documents and urgent dispatches. He shared in the victory at Shaoyuan and fought at Heqiao, earning enfeoffment as Viscount of Guniang. He rose to Right Assistant in the Secretariat and Gentleman in the Ministry of Personnel. With the Wei court in exile and institutions being built anew, he helped shape court law and state statutes. He became Minister of the Household Revenue, General of Agile Cavalry and General of the Upper Palace with the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies, and received the surname Yuwen.
24
使
Duke Yuwen Jin of Yan then stood at the pinnacle of merit and public esteem. He told Emperor Wen that Jin's learning and conduct were exemplary, asked to share his surname and become sworn brothers, so posterity might inherit his teaching. The emperor marveled and granted Jin the surname Wanniu. Jin formed a deep bond with him and honored the order of elder and younger; Jin arrayed his sons and grandsons in the hall and showed them the respect due between junior kin. Such was the esteem in which the court held him. He was raised to Earl of Linzi. As Minister of Personnel he weighed candidates with a refined eye for character. He left office to mourn his father but was soon ordered back to duty. All six ministers were outstanding; the emperor called them the Six Talents, yet trusted Jin above the rest. When Yu Jin marched on Jiangling, Jin served as chief clerk and shaped most of the strategy. After Jiangling fell, gentry and soldiers alike were enslaved. Wherever he found even a trace of merit he proposed release; multitudes owed him their freedom. Contemporaries praised him for it. On the return march many generals grew rich from plunder. Jin took nothing but two cartloads of books. Someone told the emperor, "Tang Jin's wagons are full of Liang treasures." The emperor doubted it but sent a secret inspection and found only books. He sighed and said, "I have known this man twenty years and knew he would not trade righteousness for gain. Without inspection, ordinary men might have suspected him like the mother who cast away her pestle. I have only made his integrity clearer. All who accept office should be like this." For the pacification of Jiangling he was raised to duke.
25
When the Six Offices were created he became Grand Master of the Bureau of Rites. As inspector of Cai and then Tuo and Xia he won praise wherever he governed. He became chief clerk at Jing Prefecture headquarters. He entered court as Grand Master in the Ministry of Personnel and held in turn the posts of Grand Master of the Imperial Household, Master of Documents, and Grand Master in the Secretariat. In less than a hundred days he passed through four offices, to the envy of the court. Later he became Grand Master of the Imperial Clan and additionally Master of the Secretariat. He soon died in office. He was posthumously made Junior Minister of the Imperial Clan with the posthumous title Fang.
26
退 祿
Square and dignified in character, he wore formal dress even before his family on holidays, and at thunder or gale—even deep in the night—he would rise, robe himself, straighten his tablet, and sit formally. Generous by nature, he kept no surplus; he gave salary and gifts to his clan, and carved fertile lands from his estate for the poorest. What he left his descendants was stony, unproductive soil. Court and countryside alike praised him. He wrote ten chapters of New Rites and more than two hundred thousand characters of fu, eulogies, steles, and dirges. His grandson Dazhi inherited the line.
27
使
Jin's second son Lingze loved verse and understood music; his often ornate writings circulated widely. Early in Tianhe he went to Chen as Junior Master of the Chariots and Cavalry of Qi. In the Daxiang era he became Junior Master in the Bureau of Music. Under Sui he was Left Assistant to the Crown Prince. When Crown Prince Yong was deposed, he was put to death.
28
Liu Min, whose style name was Baize, came from Jie in Hedong, seventh in descent from Jin Grand Master of Ceremonies Chun. His father Yi was Wei General of the Chariots and Cavalry with the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies and inspector of Fen Prefecture. Orphaned at nine, he won fame for filial service to his mother. He loved learning, ranged through classics and histories, and mastered yin-yang divination and milfoil. Before his capping ceremony he entered service as Supernumerary Regular Attendant. He rose to assistant prefect of Hedong. The court gave him his home commandery for that reason. Though governing his home district, he was evenhanded and widely praised. When Emperor Wen recovered Hedong and met him, he said, "Today I rejoice not in Hedong but in winning you." He was at once made staff officer in the chancellor's office. Soon he was staff officer in the Bureau of the Household and additionally recorder. He received guests from all quarters and oversaw ritual observances. With Su Chuo and others he helped draft the new regulations that became the court's governing code. He became Gentleman in the Bureau of Rites, Viscount of Wucheng, Commander-in-Chief, and head of his home militia. Soon he was promoted to Grand Commander. Mourning his mother, half his hair turned white within ten days. Recalled as Gentleman in the Ministry of Personnel, he was so wasted by grief that he needed a staff to rise. Emperor Wen marveled and granted him special gifts. When Yuchi Jiong marched on Shu, Min served as chief clerk and directed the strategy. After Shu was pacified he became General of Agile Cavalry and General of the Upper Palace with the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies, Palace Attendant, and Minister of the Secretariat, and received the surname Yuwen. When the Six Offices were created he became Grand Master of the Bureau of Rites.
29
His son Ang, whose style name was Qianli. Clever and far-seeing from boyhood, his executive talent surpassed other men's. Under Emperor Wu of Zhou he was Grand Master in the Secretariat and General of the Upper Palace with the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies and Duke of Wencheng, dominating the court so that every official stood beneath him. He remonstrated loyally on every matter, remained humble and never arrogant, and the age respected him for it. Named regent at Emperor Wu's death, he was gradually distanced by Emperor Xuan but never left office. When Emperor Wen of Sui was chancellor he drew Ang into a close bond. The emperor named him Grand Minister of the Imperial Clan. On the day of appointment he suffered a stroke and could not govern. When the emperor took the throne Ang recovered, was made Senior General of the Upper Palace, and became inspector of Lu. Seeing the realm at peace, he memorialized to promote learning and ritual. The emperor approved and replied graciously; thereafter every prefecture and county appointed erudites to teach ritual. He governed Lu with great benevolence and died in office.
30
調 調調調 調
His son Diao served as Secretary Gentleman and Attending Censor. Vice Director Yang Su once saw Diao in court and remarked aloud, "Willow branches are weak all through—they sway without wind." Diao straightened his tablet and said sternly, "If I am worthless, you should not have made me censor; if I have merit, you should not speak so. You stand where all eyes are fixed—how can the pivot of state speak so lightly!" Su marveled at him. Under Emperor Yang he rose to Left Bureau Chief in the Secretariat. With court discipline slack and officials corrupt, only Diao remained pure and was praised, though executive talent was not his strength.
31
便 西 西
Wang Shiliang, whose style name was Junming, traced his line to Jinyang in Taiyuan. During the Jin disorders the family fled to Liang Prefecture. When Emperor Taiwu of Wei conquered the Juqu, his great-grandfather Jingren submitted and became Dunhuang garrison general. His grandfather Gongli was Military Administrator of Pingcheng and settled the family in Dai. His father Yan was prefect of Lanling. From youth he was careful and formed no casual friendships. Late in Emperor Xiaozhuang's reign Erzhu Zhongyuan took him on as staff officer. He served as gentleman in the grand commissioner's office and remonstrating grand master, and was enfeoffed Baron of Shimen. Later, defeated and captured by Qidouling Bubu in battle, he remained west of the Yellow River. The rebel commissioner Qidouling Yili admired his talent, made him Right Assistant, and gave him his granddaughter in marriage. Through the marriage alliance he spoke freely, showed them fortune and ruin, and Yili and his followers submitted. The court commended him. Early in Taichang he was raised to Viscount of Jinyang, then Marquis of Langye, Grand Master of Palace Counsel, and General of the Right. He became Military Administrator of the Chariots and Cavalry Bureau of Yin Prefecture. After Eastern Wei moved to Ye, a Capital Region headquarters was created to manage troops and horses. Duke Wenxiang of Qi, then Grand Commander, made him chief of staff and staff officer in charge of external military affairs. Soon he became chief clerk and General Who Pacifies the West and was re-enfeoffed Marquis of Fulei. Early in Wuding he was Right Central Military Gentleman in the commissioner's office, then staff in the grand general's headquarters and Attendant Gentleman, still overseeing external military affairs. Wang Sizheng held Yingchuan; Duke Wenxiang besieged him. He was made Left Assistant in the grand commissioner's office, General Who Pacifies the West, and duke, and ordered to assist his younger brother Yan in defending Bing Prefecture.
32
西 殿 使
When Emperor Wenxuan ascended the throne he became Attendant of the Yellow Gate and Supervisor of the Secretariat, still commanding Bing military affairs, with additional rank as General Who Pacifies the West and separate enfeoffment as Viscount of Xinfeng. Soon he was General of Agile Cavalry and Gentleman in the Ministry of Personnel. When Wenxuan went from Jinyang to Ye, he again made Shiliang Left Assistant in the Secretariat to oversee affairs in the capital. He then became Imperial Censor. He became Minister of the Seven Armies. Before long he was Palace Attendant, then Minister of the Palace Bureau. Shortly he again held Palace Attendant and Minister of Personnel. Orphaned young, he served his stepmother Lady Liang with renowned filial piety. At her death he mourned according to ritual. Wenxuan soon ordered him back to duty; Shiliang refused three times before accepting. Seeing how wasted he was, Wenxuan permitted the mourning. He lay ill for years while Wenxuan visited him repeatedly. When he recovered he became inspector of Cang. Early in Qianming he was recalled to Ye and granted the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies. When Emperor Xiaozhao ascended the throne he sent three missions to seek out talent. Shiliang, with Minister Gao Rui of Zhao and Grand Master of Ceremonies Cui Ang, toured the provinces and reported every man of even slight merit. Early in Emperor Wucheng's reign he was Junior Tutor and Junior Teacher of the Heir Apparent, then Palace Attendant, Grand Master of Ceremonies, and soon granted the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies. He became circuit commissioner of Yuzhou and inspector of Yu.
33
His son Deheng, late in Daxiang, held the ceremonial regalia of the Three Excellencies and the rank of Great General.
34
The historian comments: When Yang Huo rebelled abroad, hoping to seize a city, the Spring and Autumn Annals censured him; when Han Xin deserted Xiang Yu and Chen Ping joined Han, Sima Qian praised them. When the times are settled and the ruler's way is clear, those who trade virtue for profit are guilty; when the realm is in turmoil and ministerial duty is unsettled, those who turn disaster to advantage may be forgiven. Cui Yanmu, Yang Zuan, and Duan Yong had languished in low posts east of the mountains as wandering strangers, yet in the end wore official seals—were they not men who seized their moment? Ling Huzheng was solid in action and eminent in the west; locally he secured the borders, at court he served within and without, yet shunned power and kept a good end—otherwise how could he have risen so high? Xi won flowing praise in every post and governed like the ancient conscientious officials, yet a hair's breadth of error became a mountain of blame—such is fate. Tang Yong's name for ability and integrity shone in every office—truly a man of talent and capacity. Jin and Min were timber from beyond their homelands, vessels of jade in learning and law—state ministers and leaders of their age; without such men, whither would Zhou have turned? Wang Shiliang served Qi as minister and prefect yet abandoned loyalty in peril and sought only escape—was he not a turncoat?
← Previous Chapter
Back to Chapters
Next Chapter →