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卷五十三 列傳第三: 李密 單雄信

Volume 53 Biographies 3: Li Mi, Dan Xiongxin

Chapter 57 of 舊唐書 · Old Book of Tang
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1
簿 姿
Pei Ji, styled Xuanzhen, came from Sangquan in Pu Prefecture. His grandfather Rong served as Director of the Ward in the Bureau of Granaries. His father Yu was prefect of Jiang Prefecture. Orphaned in youth, Ji was raised by his elder brothers. At fourteen he was appointed prefectural chief clerk. As an adult he had fine, open features and a striking presence. During Sui's Kaihuang era he served as a Left Imperial Bodyguard. Too poor to make a living, he often walked to the capital. At the Mount Hua shrine he sacrificed and prayed: "I have come to such want that I dare offer this sincere visit—if the spirits are aware, look upon my fate. If fortune is in store, grant me an auspicious dream. He bowed twice and left. That night he dreamed a white-haired old man said to him: "You will not fulfill your ambitions until after thirty; in the end you will stand at the pinnacle of the court. He later became Registrar of Qi Prefecture. During the Daye reign he held posts as Attending Censor, Vice Director in the Bureau of Imperial Transport, and Deputy Superintendent of Jinyang Palace. Gaozu, garrisoning Taiyuan, was an old acquaintance of Ji and now showed him exceptional favor, often keeping him at feasts and conversation—sometimes gambling—until whole nights and days passed without either man tiring of the other. Taizong then wished to raise the righteous army but dared not speak openly. Seeing how heavily Gaozu favored Ji, he spent millions in private funds and secretly enlisted Longshan Magistrate Gao Binlian to gamble with Ji, deliberately losing to him over time. Ji, having won a great deal of money, was delighted and spent his days in Taizong's company. When he saw how pleased Ji was, Taizong confided the plan; Ji promised at once. Ji also had a palace woman from Jinyang attend Gaozu privately. One evening, as Gaozu drank with Ji and grew merry, Ji laid out the facts: "The Second Lord is secretly mustering troops and intends to raise the righteous banner. He moved quickly because I gave you palace women—he feared discovery and execution. The empire is in chaos; beyond the gates lie nothing but bandits. Cling to small proprieties and you die within days; raise the righteous army and you will surely win the throne. The people's will is already united—what say you, sir? Gaozu said: "My son truly has this design. Since it is settled, follow it." When the righteous army rose, Ji presented five hundred palace women and also supplied ninety thousand bushels of grain, fifty thousand lengths of colored silks, and four hundred thousand suits of armor for the campaign. When the Grand General's Directorate was established, Ji was appointed Chief Clerk and enfeoffed as Duke of Wenxi County. He followed the army to Hedong. Qu Tutong held the city and could not be taken, while heroes of the three metropolitan districts submitted by the thousands each day. Gaozu wished to secure the capital first, but advisers feared Qu Tutong as a threat from the rear and hesitated. Ji urged: "Qu Tutong holds Tong Pass. Unless we pacify him first, we face the capital ahead and his support behind—attacked front and rear, the road to defeat. Better to take Pu Prefecture first, then enter the passes. Cut off from aid, the capital can be taken without a siege. Taizong said: "That is wrong. Warfare prizes flexibility, and flexibility lies in speed. We should cross early while the chance remains and shake their resolve. Delay, and they will find a plan. Besides, bandits throughout Guanzhong camp everywhere without a settled leader; they are easy to win over. With rebels joining us our force grows—what city will not fall? Qu Tutong is only a bandit holding his ground—not worth worrying over. Miss the chance to enter the passes and the outcome is uncertain." Gaozu took both counsels: he left troops to besiege Hedong and led the main force through the passes. After the capital fell he received a thousand qing of fertile land, a first-rank mansion, and forty thousand lengths of goods; he became Chief Clerk of the Grand Chancellor's Directorate and was advanced to Duke of Wei with three thousand households.
2
使 便 使
When Sui's Emperor Gong abdicated, Gaozu firmly refused the throne; Ji urged him to accept, and again he would not answer. Ji requested audience and said: "Jie and Zhou each had heirs when they fell; Tang and Wu had no ministers propping up fallen tyrants—let that be your mirror. There is nothing to doubt. My fief and high rank all came from Tang. If Your Majesty will not be Emperor of Tang, I must resign. He also presented more than ten portents of the mandate, and Gaozu at last assented. Ji withdrew and ordered the Court of Imperial Sacrifices to prepare the rites and choose an auspicious day. After Gaozu took the throne he told Ji: "That I stand here is your doing. He was appointed Right Vice Minister of the Department of State Affairs and given dress and curios beyond counting; the Imperial Food Service was ordered to send him the imperial meal every day. Whenever Gaozu held court he seated Ji beside him; in the inner quarters he received him in the sleeping chamber and refused none of his words, calling him Supervisor Pei without using his name. Among the great kin at court, none received such intimate honor. In Wude year 2, Liu Wuzhou's generals Huang Ziying and Song Jingang repeatedly raided Taiyuan; campaigning generals Jiang Baoyi and Li Zhongwen were lost in turn, and Gaozu was deeply troubled. Ji volunteered for the campaign and was made Commander on the Jinzhou Route with discretionary authority. The army halted at Jiexiu while Jingang held the city against him. Ji encamped on Dusuo Plain. The camp ran short of water; the enemy cut his water route and he was driven to extremity. When he tried to move camp toward water the enemy struck; the army collapsed and nearly all were killed or scattered. Ji rode day and night to Jin Prefecture. With the eastern garrison towns lost and Jingang pressing Jiang Prefecture, Ji submitted a memorial of apology. Gaozu comforted him and again ordered him to pacify the lands east of the River. Ji was timid by nature and lacked defensive talent; he only sent messengers in endless succession to drive the people of Yu and Qin into fortresses and burn their stored grain. The people were terrified and again turned toward rebellion. Lü Chongmao of Xia County killed the magistrate and rebelled, calling in Jingang; Ji attacked and was defeated again. Called to court, Gaozu reproached him: "At the founding of our cause you had merit as ally; your rank and rewards were already at the limit. Facing Wuzhou your force was enough to break the enemy, yet you brought this disaster. Are you not ashamed before me? He was handed to the judiciary, then soon released; Gaozu's favor toward him grew even heavier.
3
宿 西 殿退
Whenever Gaozu traveled he left Ji in charge at the capital. Lin Prefecture Inspector Wei Yunqi reported Ji for plotting rebellion; inquiry found no basis. Gaozu told Ji: "That I hold the realm was originally your doing—how could I now doubt you? Right and wrong must be separated—that is why it was investigated. He then sent three imperial consorts with delicacies and treasures to Ji's house; they feasted through the night and left at dawn. He also once said to Ji in private: "Our Li of Longxi once possessed tortoise and jade in abundance; my ancestors and father married into the imperial clan. When we raised the righteous army the realm gathered like clouds; within days I became Son of Heaven. Former dynasties' kings mostly rose from humble stations, toiling in the ranks while the people could not live. You are of a noble house with eminent posts—how can you be compared to Xiao He and Cao Shen, who rose from clerks with writing knives! Only you and I, a thousand years hence, need not blush before the ancients. That year the coinage was recast and Ji was specially allowed to cast his own. He also had Ji's daughter marry Prince Yuanjing of Zhao. In year 6 he became Left Vice Minister and was feasted in the Hall of Contained Elegance. Gaozu was exceedingly merry; Ji bowed and said: "When I left Taiyuan Your Majesty promised that after peace I might retire to the fields. Now the realm is at peace; I beg to be released from service. Gaozu wept until his robe was wet: "Not yet—we must grow old together. You will head the Directorate; I will be Retired Emperor—we shall roam through an age together. What could be happier!" Shortly he was made Minister of Works with five hundred added households; an official of the Department was sent daily in rotation to his house—such was the honor he received.
4
In Zhenguan year 1 his substantive fief rose to fifteen hundred households in all. In year 2, when Taizong sacrificed at the Southern Altars, he ordered Ji and Zhangsun Wuji to ride the golden carriage together. Ji declined; Taizong said: "You aided the founding; Wuji has served me—who but you two should share this carriage? They rode back together.
5
In year 3 the monk Fayi, who had once enjoyed favor in both palaces, was barred from access. He harbored resentment, spread seditious talk, and was executed. Minister of War Du Ruhui investigated; Fayi said Ji knew his words. Ji replied: "Fayi only said pestilence would soon spread—I never heard seditious talk. Fayi testified against him; Ji was dismissed and half his fief was cut; he was sent to his native commandery. Ji asked to stay in the capital. Taizong reproached him: "By merit alone you should not stand first—only old favor placed you there. Under Wude, government and punishments were tangled and offices lax—much of that was your doing. For old affection I will not punish you fully. Go sweep your ancestors' tombs—will you refuse again? Ji returned to Pu Prefecture. Soon a madman calling himself Xinxing lodged at Fenyin and spoke wildly, often telling Ji's slave: "Lord Pei has Heaven's portion. Xinxing was already dead; Ji's overseer Gongming repeated the words to Ji. Ji was afraid and dared not report it, but secretly ordered Gongming to kill the man who had spoken. Gongming let the man escape; Ji did not know. Ji sent Gongming to collect his fief revenues—more than a million cash—which he then spent entirely. Ji grew angry and was about to arrest him; Gongming, in fear, reported everything. Taizong was furious and told his attendants: "Ji has four capital crimes: as one of the Three Dukes he was intimate with the seditious monk Fayi—first; after the affair he spoke in angry resentment, saying the realm was won by his plotting—second; the madman said he had Heaven's portion and he concealed it—third; he secretly killed men to silence them—fourth. I would not lack grounds to kill him. Advisers mostly urged exile; shall I follow them? He was banished to Jiaozhou and ultimately exiled to Jing Prefecture. Soon Qiang raiders rose; some said rebels had made Ji their leader. Taizong heard it and said: "Our house owes Ji the grace of life—it cannot be. Soon word came that Ji had led household slaves and broken the bandits. Mindful of his founding merit, Taizong summoned him; he died on the way, aged sixty. He was posthumously made Prefect of Xiang, Minister of Works, and Duke of Hedong Commandery.
6
殿 姿 宿
His son Lüshi inherited the line, married Princess Linhai, Taizong's younger sister, and rose to Prefect of Bian. Lüshi's son Chengxian served as Director of the Palace Domestic Service under Empress Wu and was killed by the secret police. Liu Wenjing, styled Zhaoren, claimed descent from Pengcheng; for generations his family lived at Wugong in Jingzhao. His grandfather Yiyong was prefect of Shi Prefecture. His father Shao died in battle under Sui and was posthumously made Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, Third Rank. In youth, because his father died in the emperor's service, he inherited his father's rank as Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, Third Rank. He had an imposing bearing, real ability, and a bold, unconventional mind full of stratagems. At the end of Sui he was Magistrate of Jinyang and befriended Pei Ji, then Deputy Superintendent of Jinyang Palace. One night he lodged with Ji. Ji saw beacon fires on the walls and sighed to Heaven: "Reduced to the lowest estate, our house repeatedly emptied, and now chaos—how shall we find relief? Wenjing laughed: "The age is like this—the times tell their own tale. We two have found each other—why fear low estate?"
7
When Gaozu garrisoned Taiyuan, Wenjing saw his ambition for the realm and attached himself deeply. He also studied Taizong in secret and told Ji: "That is no ordinary man. His breadth resembles Han Gaozu; his martial spirit, Wei Wudi. Young as he is, he is Heaven-sent. Ji at first did not believe it. Later Wenjing was imprisoned for ties to Li Mi through marriage; Emperor Yang ordered him held in the commandery jail. Taizong, believing Wenjing could be enlisted, visited him in prison. Wenjing was overjoyed and said: "The realm is in chaos. Without men like Tang, Wu, Han Gaozu, or Guangwu it cannot be settled. Taizong said: "How do you know there are none? I only fear ordinary men cannot tell them apart. I come to the prison not merely as kin worrying for kin. The times demand it. I have come to plot a great undertaking with you—plan it well." Wenjing said: "Li Mi besieges Luoyang; the emperor drifts at Huainan; great rebels hold commanderies, small bandits the hills—tens of thousands of them. Only a true lord need drive and take them. Answer Heaven and follow the people, raise the banner and cry out—and the four seas are not enough to hold what you take. The people of Taiyuan fleeing bandits have all entered this city. I have been magistrate for years and know its bold men; one call gathers a hundred thousand. Your father's troops number tens of thousands more. Speak, and who will not follow? Strike into the passes, proclaim command over the realm—in half a year the throne can be yours." Taizong laughed: "Your words match my intent exactly." He then deployed his men and secretly plotted the uprising. Waiting for the moment, he feared Gaozu would not consent and brooded for a long time. Wenjing saw how close Gaozu was to Pei Ji and introduced Ji to Taizong so counsel could flow through him.
8
西 使 西涿
When Gao Junya was defeated by the Turks and Gaozu was detained, Taizong sent Wenjing with Ji to counsel him: "The Changes say to know the subtle is divine. Great disorder has begun; you stand suspected with unrewarded merit—how will you survive? His deputies were defeated and he returns under blame. The matter is urgent; you must act now. Jinyang has strong troops; the palace storehouses are full. With this you can achieve greatness. Guanzhong is the empire's storeroom; the Sui heir is a child; powerful clans rise with no settled master. Raise troops and march west to seize the great prize. Why accept imprisonment by a lone envoy? Gaozu agreed. Taizong was secretly binding men willing to die; he and Wenjing fixed a day to rise, but when Gaozu was released the plan halted. He ordered Wenjing to forge an edict in Emperor Yang's name mobilizing Taiyuan, Xihe, Yanmen, and Mayi—all men twenty to fifty—with assembly at Zhuo by year's end for Liaodong. Popular feeling was thrown into turmoil and those who wished to rebel grew more numerous. Wenjing told Pei Ji: "Have you not heard that he who strikes first controls others, and he who strikes late is controlled? Lord Tang's name answers the prophecies and is known throughout the realm—why delay and invite disaster? Urge Lord Tang early to raise the righteous cause. He also pressed Ji: "You are palace superintendent yet gave palace women to a guest—your death would be fitting. Why drag Lord Tang down with you?" Ji was terrified and repeatedly urged Gaozu to raise troops. When Liu Wuzhou of Mayi killed Prefect Wang Rengong and styled himself Son of Heaven, leading Turk forces against Taiyuan. Taizong sent Wenjing and Zhangsun Shunde to raise troops by districts on the pretext of campaigning against Wuzhou; he also ordered Wenjing and Pei Ji to forge talisman edicts and draw on palace stores to supply the garrison and gather troops. As the righteous army was about to rise, Deputy Superintendents Wang Wei and Gao Junya alone harbored suspicion. Days later, at a great assembly at the Jin Shrine, Wei and Junya plotted to kill Gaozu; District Elder Liu Shilong reported it to Taizong. Knowing the urgency, Taizong sent Wenjing with Major Liu Zhenghui of the Hawk-Promotion Directorate to accuse Wei and Junya of rebellion. That day Gaozu sat with Wei and Junya at court; Wenjing brought Zhenghui to the courtyard with a secret report that men wished to rebel. Gaozu told Wei to take the report; Zhenghui refused: "This concerns the deputy superintendents—only Lord Tang may read it. Gaozu feigned shock: "How can this be!" After reading it he said to Wei and the others: "This man accuses you—what say you?" Junya cursed: "These are rebels who mean to kill me!" Wenjing ordered attendants to seize them and held them apart. With Wei and Junya detained, the army rose at last.
9
使 西 祿
Gaozu opened the Grand General's Directorate and made Wenjing Army Major. Wenjing urged changing the banners to proclaim the cause and allying with the Turks for strength; Gaozu agreed to both. He sent Wenjing to Shibi Khan, who asked: "Lord Tang has risen—what do you intend? Wenjing said: "The emperor deposed the legitimate heir and enthroned a lesser son, bringing this chaos. Lord Tang is imperial kin; he could not sit idle and therefore raised the army to remove the unfit ruler. Let your cavalry enter the capital with us—population and land to Lord Tang, wealth and gold to the Turks." Shibi was delighted and sent General Kang Shaoli with two thousand horsemen, plus a thousand horses. Gaozu was overjoyed and told Wenjing: "Without your eloquence, how could we have gained this? He soon faced Qu Tutong at Tong Pass. Tutong sent Sang Xianhe with crack troops; Wenjing fought half a day and lost thousands. Wenjing saw Xianhe's line slacken and sent flanking troops; Xianhe was crushed and his force captured entire. Tutong still held tens of thousands and meant to flee east; Wenjing's generals pursued, seized him, and pacified the lands west of Xin'an. He became Major of the Grand Chancellor's Directorate, Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, and Duke of Lu.
10
使 使 使
When Gaozu took the throne, Wenjing was appointed Master of Writing. Gaozu often dined with great ministers. Wenjing memorialized: "Your Majesty rules all under Heaven, yet at court you still call ministers by name; the throne is august—yet you make the sun bow to common things. Your servants are terrified and cannot comport themselves. The emperor did not accept it. As institutions were being founded, Gaozu ordered Wenjing and knowledgeable courtiers to revise the Sui Kaihuang codes into a general law. Gaozu said: "Laws were meant to be understood by all, but former ages handed down hidden language so officers could twist them. Edit them anew and make them plain. When Xue Ju raided Jing Prefecture, Gaozu sent Taizong against him with Wenjing as Chief Clerk of the Commander's Directorate. When Taizong fell ill he entrusted command to Wenjing and Major Yin Kaishan: "Ju has little grain and weary troops far from home, eager for battle and ill suited to delay. If you offer battle, do not decide the issue with him. Wait until I recover and I will take him for you. Wenjing followed Kaishan's plan, fought for advantage, and the army was defeated. Wenjing fled to the capital and was stripped of rank. Soon he followed Taizong against Ju, pacified him, and had his title and fief restored; he became Minister of the People and Left Vice Minister on the Shandong East Route. In Wude year 2 he followed Taizong in garrisoning Changchun Palace.
11
西 忿
Wenjing thought himself more capable than Pei Ji and had won repeated victories, yet stood below him—he was deeply resentful. In council he often opposed Ji; whatever Ji approved, Wenjing rejected—so a rift opened between them. Wenjing once drank deeply with his brother Wenqi, spoke in resentment, and struck a pillar with his sword: "I will cut off Pei Ji's head! Strange apparitions appeared in the house; Wenqi summoned a shaman under the stars with hair unbound and a knife in his mouth to perform exorcism. A favored concubine who had lost favor reported the affair to her brother; he submitted a treason report. Gaozu handed him to the judiciary and sent Pei Ji and Xiao Yu to examine the case. Wenjing said: "At the founding I was Army Major, roughly equal to the Chief Clerk in standing; now Ji is Vice Minister in a first-rank mansion while my rewards match the common run; I campaigned east and west while my household went unsupported—I did resent it. In wine I sometimes spoke bitterly and could not guard my tongue. Gaozu told the ministers: "Wenjing's own words are open rebellion." Li Gang and Xiao Yu both argued he was not rebelling. Taizong, because Wenjing had first shaped the founding design and first told Ji, and because rewards after the capital fell were unequal—argued it was resentment only, not rebellion—and pleaded for him to the utmost. But Gaozu had long distrusted him, and Pei Ji said: "Wenjing's talent crowns the age, yet he is coarse and rash, speaking rebellious words in anger—the case is clear. The realm is not settled and strong enemies remain—pardon him now and trouble follows. Gaozu listened and executed Wenjing and Wenqi, confiscating their property. At execution Wenjing clutched his breast and sighed: "When the high bird goes, the good bow is stored—how true. He was fifty-two.
12
In Zhenguan year 3 his office and title were restored; his son Shuyi inherited as Duke of Lu and was permitted to marry a princess. Later he and his brother Shuyi, resenting their father's execution, rebelled again and were executed.
13
祿
When Wenjing first became Master of Writing, an edict pardoned twice from death the Minister Director, a certain Prince of Qin, Left Vice Minister Pei Ji, and Wenjing for their original Taiyuan plotting. Fourteen others—including Zhangsun Shunde, Liu Hongji, Dou Cong, Chai Shao, Tang Jian, Yin Kaishan, Liu Shilong, Liu Zhenghui, Zhao Wenge, Wu Shiyi, Zhang Pinggao, Li Sixing, Li Gaogian, and Xu Shiji—were pledged one pardon from death. In Wude year 9, month 10, Taizong fixed graded merit fiefs. Wenjing was dead; Pei Ji's fief rose by nine hundred households to fifteen hundred in all; Zhangsun Wuji, Wang Junguo, Yuchi Jingde, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and five others received thirteen hundred households; Zhangsun Shunde, Chai Shao, Luo Yi, Prince Xiaogong of Zhao, and four others received twelve hundred; Hou Junji, Zhang Gongjin, Liu Shili, and three others received one thousand; Li Ji and Liu Hongji received nine hundred; Gao Shilian, Yuwen Shiji, Qin Shubao, and Cheng Yaohua received seven hundred; An Xinggui, An Xiuren, Tang Jian, Dou Gui, Qu Tutong, Xiao Yu, Feng Deyi, and Liu Yijie—eight men—each received six hundred; Qian Jiulong, Fan Xing, Gongsun Wuda, Li Mengchang, Duan Zhixuan, Pang Qingyun, Zhang Liang, Li Yaoshi, Du Yan, and Yuan Zhongwen—ten men—each received four hundred; Zhang Changsun, Zhang Pinggao, Li Anyuan, Li Zihe, Qin Xingshi, and Ma Sanbao—six men—each received three hundred. Wang Junguo appears in the biography of Prince Yuan of Lujiang; An Xinggui and An Xiuren in Li Gui's biography; Li Zihe in Liang Shidu's; Ma Sanbao in Chai Shao's. Li Mengchang and Qin Xingshi. Li Mengchang of Pingji in Zhao Prefecture rose to Right Majestic Guard General and Duke of Handong Commandery. Yuan Zhongwen of Luozhou became Right Gate Guard General and Duke of Henan County. Qin Xingshi of Taiyuan in Bing Prefecture became Left Gate Guard General and Duke of Qingshui Commandery. Their deeds were slight and are not recorded separately. Those without separate biographies are gathered here. Liu Shilong came from Jinyang in Bing Prefecture. At the end of the Daye era he was District Elder of Jinyang. When Gaozu garrisoned Taiyuan, Pei Ji repeatedly recommended him; he was well received and even moved in Wang Wei and Gao Junya's circles, yet his loyalty was Gaozu's alone. As the righteous army was about to rise, Wei and Junya harbored doubts; Shilong probed their intentions and reported to Gaozu. After Wei and Junya were executed he was made Silver-Green Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. After the capital fell he rose to Chamberlain and was renamed Yijie.
14
使
At the founding the treasury was drained rewarding merit men while revenue failed; Yijie proposed: "Tens of thousands of the righteous army are in the capital; firewood is costly and cloth cheap. Cut street and park trees for firewood to exchange for cloth, and hundreds of thousands of lengths can be had at once. Stored silks on their rollers—trim remnants for miscellaneous expenses—and more than a hundred thousand lengths follow. Gaozu adopted both measures and reaped great profit. He was again made Minister of the Palace and enfeoffed Duke of Ge. In early Zhenguan he became Vice Minister of the Palace, was exiled to Lingnan for a crime, then made Vice Prefect of Qin and died.
15
耀耀 耀 使滿耀 耀 耀 退 祿 西 滿
Yijie's nephew Silun, in Wansui Tongtian year 2, was Prefect of Ji Prefecture. Silun had studied physiognomy under Zhang Jingzang of Xu and read in his own face that he would reach prefect and rise to Grand Preceptor. Appointed to Ji, he was still more pleased, thinking the Grand Preceptor's rank—the pinnacle of subjects—required aiding the mandate. With Luozhou Registrar Qililian Yao he plotted rebellion and told Yao: "Your body bears dragon qi. Yao told Silun in turn: "You are the Golden Blade and should assist me." They interpreted charts and prophecies together and fixed a lord-and-minister covenant. He had Silun practice physiognomy in public, telling every man he met he would reach the third rank, filling ambitious hearts with hope—while saying Yao had Heaven's portion and Silun would rise through him. When the plot broke he was imprisoned and implicated many courtiers hoping to save himself. More than thirty households were framed and executed; Yao and Silun both died. Li Yuansu, Sun Yuanheng, Shi Baozhong, Wang Ju, Ju's brother former Jing Prefect Mao, Lu Jingchun, and others who associated with Yao and Silun all died. At first Empress Wu ordered Prince of Henei Wu Yizong to investigate Silun's case. Yizong kept Silun outside the prison and had him implicate rebels broadly. Silun thought himself safe and remained calm; anyone he disliked he had falsely implicated. At execution he was still outside unaware; only when the crowd went to slaughter was he seized and killed. Zhao Wenge came from Taiyuan in Bing Prefecture. At the end of Sui he was Major of the Hawk-Promotion Directorate. When the righteous army rose he was made Right Third Army Commander. In Wude year 2 he became Director of Waterways and Duke of Xinxing Commandery. After the great disorder the central plains lacked horses; Turk markets supplied cattle and horses for state use. Soon Liu Wuzhou's general Song Jingang raided Taiyuan and dependent cities fell. Li Zhongwen held Haozhou with a lone city and weak force; Yuanji sent Wenge with a thousand foot and horse as relief. When Taiyuan fell Wenge abandoned the city and fled; he was sentenced to death in prison. Zhang Pinggao came from Fushi in Sui Prefecture. At the end of Sui he was Captain of the Hawk-Promotion Directorate at Taiyuan; Gaozu knew him and took him into counsel. When the righteous banner rose he was made Army Head. After the capital fell he rose to Left Army General and Duke of Xiao. In early Zhenguan he was Prefect of Dan, was dismissed for an offense, sent home as Right Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, and died. Later his title was changed to Duke of Luo. In the Yonghui era he was posthumously made Area Commander of Tan Prefecture. Li Sixing came from Zhao Prefecture. He once fled a blood feud to Taiyuan. When Gaozu was about to rise he sent Sixing to the capital to observe; on return his report pleased Gaozu deeply and he was made Left Third Army Commander. After defeating Song Laosheng and taking the capital he became Prefect of Jia and Duke of Le'an Commandery. He died in early Yonghui and was posthumously made Area Commander of Hong with posthumous title Xiang. Li Gaogian came from Qishan in Qi Prefecture. At the end of Sui he was a guest at Taiyuan; Gaozu often kept him close. When Junya and Wei were seized Gaogian had merit and was made Right Third Army Commander. In the pacification of Huoyi and siege of the capital his battle merit was foremost; he rose to Left Martial Guard General, Duke of Jiangxia, and Acting Inspector of Western Lin. In early Wude Turks raided Mayi; Shuo Area Commander Gao Manzheng sought rescue; Gaozu sent Gaogian to reinforce him. The enemy grew strong; Gaogian broke out by night and lost his force; he was dismissed and exiled to the frontier. Later, for founding merit, he was made Prefect of Ling. He died in Yonghui year 5 and was posthumously made Area Commander of Liang. Xu Shiji came from Bing Prefecture. At the end of Daye he was Major of the Hawk-Promotion Directorate. Seeing Sui doomed, he told Gaozu: "Heaven assists virtue and men follow ability; miss the moment and you will regret it. Sui government is broken, the realm boils, your surname answers the prophecies, your name the songs; you hold the five capitals' troops where four battles meet. Hesitate further and defeat comes without turning back. Better raise the righteous banner first and lead the realm—this is an emperor's work. Gaozu marveled at him and drew him closer day by day. When the righteous army rose he was made Right First Directorate Major. Under Wude he rose to Prefect of Cai and Duke of Zhending Commandery, then died.
16
便使 西 西 祿
His younger brother Luoren, also a founding follower, reached Champion General and Acting Left Gate Guard General. He died in early Yonghui, was posthumously made Area Commander of Dai with posthumous title Yong, and buried at Zhaoling. Liu Shili came from Yucheng in Song Prefecture. He began as a general of Wang Shichong and was treated with deep favor. When Luoyang fell he should have been executed; Taizong prized his talent and spared him, making him Left Imperial Bodyguard. When Taizong plotted against Crown Prince Jiancheng and Prince Yuanji he often drew Shili into secret counsel, sometimes from night until dawn. Later Shili with Yuchi Jingde, Pang Qingyun, Li Mengchang, and nine others killed Jiancheng with merit and was advanced to Left Guard Commander. Shortly he became Left Majestic Guard General, Duke of Xiangwu Commandery, with five thousand lengths of silk. Later someone reported Shili had said: "My eyes show red light, my body an extraordinary aspect, and my surname answers the prophecies." Taizong asked him: "People say you mean to rebel—how is that? Shili was terrified and bowed: "In Sui I reached only sixth rank; I am slow and lowly and dared not hope for wealth. By your extraordinary favor I pledged my life to the state. Now your achievement is complete and I am a general—looking at myself, it exceeds all bounds—what man am I to speak of rebellion! Taizong laughed: "I know you are not—this is slander." He granted sixty lengths of silk and received him in the sleeping chamber to reassure him. When Luo Yi rebelled, Chang'an was unsettled; Shili was made Acting Right Martial Guard General against emergency. When Yi was pacified the censorate investigated partisans; Shili was punished for contact and dismissed. For old ties to the prince's residence he was soon made Acting Area Commander of Qi. Shili asked to campaign against Tuyuhun; before an answer came he sent envoys to sound the tribes, and many submitted; he organized their lands as Kai and Qiao prefectures. Tangut chief Tuohe Chici, once attached to Tuyuhun, held rugged ground; Shili's envoys persuaded him and he led his clans to submit. Taizong praised this and made Chici Area Commander of Western Rong. When he should have left for his mother's mourning, elders petitioned to keep him; an edict denied mourning leave and kept him in office. The Tangut Poren of Hexi harried the border and obstructed new submissions; Shili gathered troops against them. Before the army arrived the Poren fled into the hills; Shili pursued to Mount Xuyuzhen and withdrew. Tuyuhun struck them at Xiaomumen River, broke them, and took many captives. Shortly he became Prefect of Shi. In year 14 he died with posthumous title Su. Qian Jiulong was originally from Jinling; his father was captured on the Chen border and enslaved to the imperial clan. Jiulong excelled at riding and archery; Gaozu trusted him and kept him close. When the righteous army rose he was made Golden-Purple Grand Master of Splendid Happiness for military merit. When the capital was taken he became Left Gate Guard Colonel. He followed the pacification of Xue Rengao and Liu Wuzhou and rose to Right Martial Guard General. He followed Taizong in capturing Dou Jiande and pacifying Wang Shichong; he followed the Hidden Crown Prince against Liu Heita at Wei, fought fiercely, broke the rebels, and ranked first in merit. He was enfeoffed Duke of Xun and kept his post as Park Excursion General. In early Zhenguan he was Prefect of Mei, then Right Gate Guard General. In year 12 his title was changed to Duke of Xun with six hundred added households in Lu. He soon died, posthumously Left Martial Guard General and Area Commander of Tan with posthumous title Yong, buried at Xianling. Fan Xing was originally from Anlu; his father offended and was enslaved to the imperial clan. Xing followed the pacification of the capital and rose to Right Gate Guard General. He followed Taizong against Xue Ju and in pacifying Wang Shichong and Dou Jiande; for merit he was Duke of Ying with two thousand lengths of goods and thirty gold ingots. Shortly he lost his title for an offense. In Zhenguan year 6 the Liao of Ling rebelled; Xing campaigned and was made Left Majestic Guard General. He followed Li Jing against Tuyuhun as Commander on the Red Water Route; delay, heavy losses, and lost arms reduced his death sentence by merit. After long service he became Left Gate Guard General and Duke of Xiangcheng Commandery. When Taizong campaigned against Liaodong, Xing's loyalty earned him appointment to assist Fang Xuanling in guarding the capital. Shortly he was again Acting Right Martial Guard General. In early Yonghui he died, posthumously Left Martial Guard General and Area Commander of Hong, buried at Xianling. Gongsun Wuda came from Liyang in Yong Prefecture. In youth he had great strength and was known as a bold hero. Under Sui he served in the Elite Corps. In early Wude he came to Changchun Palace to see Taizong and followed the campaign against Liu Wuzhou; in fierce fighting his merit stood first. He followed the pacification of Wang Shichong and Dou Jiande and became Flying Cavalry of the Princely Estate's Right Third Army and Duke of Qingshu County. In early Zhenguan he was Acting Right Gate Guard General, then Prefect of Su. After a year several thousand Turk horsemen with ten thousand loads of baggage invaded Su intending to enter Tuyuhun from the south. Wuda led two thousand against their elite, fought fiercely, pressed the retreating enemy, routed them, and drove them into the Zhangye River. He had men upstream strike those crossing; half were mid-river and both banks attacked them—cut down and drowned, nearly all. An imperial letter praised him; he was made Left Gate Guard General. Later he was ordered against rebellious Turks of Salt; Wuda marched toward Ling and overtook them. The enemy was crossing; seeing Wuda they held the south bank. Wuda attacked, beheaded chieftain Keluobahu, and destroyed the remainder. He was advanced to Duke of Donglai Commandery. In the Yonghui era he rose to Right Martial Guard General. At his death Gaozong suspended court and mourned; he was posthumously Area Commander of Jing, given imperial funeral gifts, buried at Zhaoling with posthumous title Zhuang. Pang Qingyun came from Taiyuan in Bing Prefecture. For merit in Taizong's campaign against the Hidden Crown Prince he became Right Majestic Guard General and Duke of Zhu. He soon died and was posthumously enfeoffed Duke of Pu.
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使 使 宿
His son Tongshan rose to Right Golden Guard General. Tongshan's son Chengzong was Crown Prince Guest in early Kaiyuan. Zhang Changsun came from Liyang in Yong Prefecture. Under Sui he was District Elder; pacifying Chen brought merit and repeated promotion to Superintendent of Wuyuan Commandery. When the realm fell into chaos he attached to the Turks, who styled him Geli Tele. When the righteous banner rose Changsun surrendered his commandery and became Prefect of Wuyuan, then Area Commander of Feng. Then Liang Shidu and Xue Ju asked the Turks for troops to cross the river. Changsun learned of it and forged an edict to Mohezhuo She revealing their plot. The Turks therefore refused Shidu and the others; Gaozu praised Changsun. In Wude year 1, Gao Jing was ordered to convey gifts to Shibi Khan; passing Feng the khan died; an edict ordered the gifts deposited locally. The Turks heard and were furious, intending to cross south. Changsun sent Gao Jing beyond the passes to explain the state's condolence gifts; the Turks withdrew. Campaigning against Xue Ju, Changsun came without awaiting orders; for merit he was Area Commander of Feng, Duke of Ba, with brocade robes and golden armor. Court gossips said Changsun had long held Feng and was linked to the Turks; afraid, he requested court; he was made Right Martial Guard General, retitled Duke of Xi, and granted palace women and a thousand lengths of colored goods. When he fell ill the emperor personally visited his house. When Dou Gui led Ba-Shu troops against Wang Shichong, Changsun was Acting Left Vice Minister on the Yizhou Route, then Area Commander of Sui and Kui—wherever he served, his rule was benevolent. He died in Zhenguan year 11. Li Anyuan came from Shuofang in Xia Prefecture. He was the son of Sui Cloud Prefecture Inspector Che. His family was wealthy; in youth he ran with gamblers and ruffians, turning to study and respectable company only later. He inherited his father's rank as Duke of Chengyang. He was friendly with Wang Gui. In early Daye Wang Gui was punished when an uncle was sentenced to exile; Anyuan protected him and secured his release. Later he became Magistrate of Zhengping. When the righteous army attacked Jiang Commandery, Anyuan and Superintendent Chen Shuda held the city firm. When the city fell Gaozu, an old friend, rode to comfort him and ate with him. He was made Right Wing Guard Commander and Duke of Zhengping County. In Wude year 1 he was appointed Right Martial Guard General. Following Taizong in campaigns he was specially favored; for merit his title became Duke of Guangde Commandery. Sent as envoy to Tuyuhun he secured friendship; Fuyun then requested trade with China—Anyuan's achievement. Later Crown Prince Jiancheng secretly tried to enlist him; Anyuan refused firmly—so Taizong trusted him more. In early Zhenguan he was Area Commander of Lu, then Prefect of Huai. In office he earned reputation, yet his severity drew criticism. In year 7 he died, posthumously Area Commander of Liang with posthumous title Mi. In year 13 he was posthumously advanced to Duke of Sui'an Commandery. The historiographer says: Pei Ji served Sui to palace superintendent, overseeing palace women and treasure, holding granaries and armor, delighting in gambling profit, and opening the righteous rising as foremost. He prayed at the mountain shrine for fortune—first showing a heart that would not submit; he kept imperial consorts overnight—at last forgetting the minister's way. He held first place yet lacked the discipline of the third rank. Relying on Gaozu's old favor, he drove Wenjing to the extreme penalty. In the end charged with four crimes yet still kept his life—fortunate indeed. Wenjing exerted a strategist's design and helped found the structure; heedless of favor and disgrace he grew reckless—calamity before his reward was complete; pitiable! As for all who aided the mandate, graded fiefs for great and small alike, worthy and foolish each encouraged—Taizong's rewards were manifest!
18
Praise says: When wind and cloud first joined, together they exhausted mind and strength. Once advantage and rank were divided, they swiftly became enemies.
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