Volume 59 Biographies 9: Qu Tutong, Ren Gui, Qiu He, Xu Shao, Li Xizhi, Jian Mo

屈突通子壽少子詮詮子仲翔

Qu Tutong; his son Shou; his younger son Quan; and Quan's son Zhongxiang.

任瑰丘和子行恭行恭子神勣許紹孫力士力士子欽寂欽明紹次子智仁少子圉師

Ren Gui; Qiu He; He's son Xinggong; Xinggong's son Shenji; Xu Shao; Shao's grandson Lishi; Lishi's sons Qinji and Qinming; Shao's second son Zhiren; and his younger son Yusshi.

李襲志弟襲譽子懷亻嚴姜謩子行本行本子簡簡子晞簡弟柔遠柔遠子皎晦皎男慶初

Li Xizhi; his younger brother Xizhi's son Huai Yan; Jiang Mo; Mo's son Xingben; Xingben's son Jian; Jian's son Xi; Jian's younger brother Rouyuan; Rouyuan's son Jiao; Jiao's son Hui; and Jiao's grandson Qingchu.

屈突通，雍州長安人。父長卿，周邛州刺史。通性剛毅，志尚忠愨，檢身清正，好武略，善騎射。開皇中，為親衛大都督，文帝遣通往隴西檢覆群牧，得隱藏馬二萬餘匹。文帝盛怒，將斬太僕卿慕容悉達及諸監官千五百人，通諫曰：「人命至重，死不再生，陛下至仁至聖，子育群下，豈容以畜產之故，而戮千有餘人？愚臣狂狷，輒以死請。」文帝嗔目叱之，通又頓首曰：「臣一身如死，望免千餘人命。」帝寤，曰：「朕之不明，以至於是。感卿此意，良用惻然。今從所請，以旌諫諍。」悉達等竟以減死論。由是漸見委信，擢為右武候車騎將軍。奉公正直，雖親戚犯法，無所縱舍。時通弟蓋為長安令，亦以嚴整知名。時人為之語曰：「寧食三斗艾，不見屈突蓋，寧服三斗蔥，不逢屈突通。」為人所忌憚如此。及文帝崩，煬帝遣通以詔征漢王諒。先是，文帝與諒有密約曰：「若璽書召汝，於敕字之傍別加一點，又與玉麟符合者，當就征。」及發書無驗，諒覺變，詰通，通佔對無所屈，竟得歸長安。大業中，累轉左驍衛大將軍。時秦、隴盜賊蜂起，以通為關內討捕大使。有安定人劉迦論舉兵反，據雕陰郡，僭號建元，署置百官，有眾十餘萬。稽胡首領劉鷂子聚眾與迦論相影響。通發關中兵擊之，師臨安定，初不與戰，軍中以通為怯，通乃揚聲旋師而潛入上郡。迦論不之覺，遂進兵南寇，去通七十里而舍，分兵掠諸城邑。通候其無備，簡精甲夜襲之，賊眾大潰，斬迦論並首級萬餘，於上郡南山築為京觀，虜男女數萬口而還。

Qu Tutong came from Chang'an in Yong Province. His father Changqing had served as inspector of Qiongzhou under Northern Zhou. Tutong was fierce and resolute by nature, devoted to loyalty and integrity, strict with himself in conduct, fond of military strategy, and skilled at mounted archery. In the Kaihuang era he became grand commander of the imperial guard. Emperor Wen sent him to Longxi to inspect the state herds, where he uncovered more than twenty thousand concealed horses. The emperor was furious and was about to execute Minister of Studs Murong Xida and fifteen hundred supervising officials. Tutong remonstrated: "Human life is the weightiest of matters; death cannot be undone. Your Majesty is supremely benevolent and sage, nurturing your subjects as children—how can you slaughter more than a thousand men over livestock? This foolish minister is rash and obstinate, but I venture to plead with my own life." The emperor glared and shouted at him. Tutong bowed again and said: "Consider me as good as dead—I beg only that these thousand-odd lives be spared." The emperor came to his senses. "My lack of clarity has brought me to this," he said. I am deeply moved by what you have said, and it stirs real compassion in me. I grant your request now, to honor forthright remonstrance." In the end Xida and the others received commuted death sentences. From this he gradually won the emperor's trust and was promoted to cavalry general of the Right Martial Guard. He upheld fairness and integrity; even when relatives broke the law, he showed them no leniency. At the time his younger brother Gai was magistrate of Chang'an and was likewise famed for severity and rigor. People of the time had a saying: "Better to eat three dou of mugwort than to see Qu Tutu Gai; better to swallow three dou of scallions than to meet Qu Tutong." Such was the dread he inspired. After Emperor Wen's death, Emperor Yang sent Tutong with an edict to summon the Prince of Han, Liang. Earlier, Emperor Wen and Liang had agreed in secret: "If an imperial summons calls you, look beside the character for 'edict' for an extra dot, and for a matching jade lin tally—only then should you obey the summons." When the document arrived without those signs, Liang sensed something was wrong and questioned Tutong. Tutong answered by divination without yielding an inch, and in the end made it back to Chang'an. During the Daye reign he rose through several posts to grand general of the Left Valiant Cavalry Guard. When bandits swarmed across Qin and Long, Tutong was appointed grand commissioner for suppression and capture within the passes. Liu Jialun of Anding raised troops in rebellion, seized Diaoyin Commandery, declared the reign title Jianyuan, set up a full bureaucracy, and gathered a force of more than a hundred thousand. Liu Yaozi, a Ji Hu chieftain, gathered followers and coordinated with Jialun. Tutong mobilized troops from within the passes to attack them. When his army reached Anding he at first refused battle, and his men took him for timid. He then proclaimed a withdrawal while secretly slipping into Shang Commandery. Jialun never noticed. He marched south to raid, encamped seventy li from Tutong, and sent detachments to plunder towns throughout the region. Tutong waited until they were off guard, picked elite troops, and struck by night. The rebel army collapsed. He killed Jialun and took more than ten thousand heads, built a victory mound of skulls on the southern hills of Shang Commandery, and returned with tens of thousands of captives.

煬帝幸江都，令通鎮長安。義兵起，代王遣通進屯河東。既而義師濟河，大破通將桑顯和於飲馬泉，永豐倉又為義師所克。通大懼，留鷹揚郎將堯君素守河東，將自武關趨藍田以赴長安。軍至潼關，為劉文靜所遏，不得進，相持月餘。通又令顯和夜襲文靜，詰朝大戰，義軍不利。顯和縱兵破二柵，惟文靜一柵獨存，顯和兵復入柵而戰者往覆數焉。文靜為流矢所中，義軍氣奪，垂至於敗。顯和以兵疲，傳餐而食，文靜因得分兵以實二柵。又有遊軍數百騎自南山來擊其背，三柵之兵復大呼而出，表裡齊奮，顯和軍潰，僅以身免。悉虜其眾，通勢彌蹙。或說通歸降，通泣曰：「吾蒙國重恩，歷事兩主，受人厚祿，安可逃難？有死而已！」每自摩其頸曰：「要當為國家受人一刀耳！」勞勉將士，未嘗不流涕，人亦以此懷之。高祖遣其家僮召之，通遽命斬之。通聞京師平，家屬盡沒，乃留顯和鎮潼關，率兵東下，將趨洛陽。通適進路，而顯和降於劉文靜。遣副將竇琮、段志玄等率精騎與顯和追之，及於稠桑。通結陣以自固，竇琮縱通子壽令往諭之。通大呼曰：「昔與汝為父子，今與汝為仇讎。」命左右射之。顯和呼其眾曰：「京師陷矣，汝並關西人，欲何所去？」眾皆釋仗。通知不免，乃下馬東南向再拜號哭，曰：「臣力屈兵敗，不負陛下，天地神祇，實所鑑察。」遂擒通送於長安。高祖謂曰：「何相見晚耶？」通泣對曰：「通不能盡人臣之節，力屈而至，為本朝之辱，以愧代王。」高祖曰：「隋室忠臣也。」命釋之，授兵部尚書，封蔣國公，仍為太宗行軍元帥長史。

When Emperor Yang went to Jiangdu, he left Tutong to garrison Chang'an. When the righteous armies rose, the Prince of Dai sent Tutong to advance and encamp at Hedong. Soon the righteous army crossed the river and routed Tutong's general Sang Xianhe at Yingma Spring, and Yongfeng Granary fell to them as well. Tutong was terrified. He left Eagle-Flying Commandant Yao Junsu to hold Hedong and planned to take Wu Pass toward Lantian to reach Chang'an. At Tong Pass he was blocked by Liu Wenjing and could not advance; the two sides faced each other for more than a month. Tutong ordered Xianhe to raid Wenjing by night. At dawn they fought a great battle, and the righteous army fared poorly. Xianhe broke two palisades; only Wenjing's remained. Xianhe's men charged in and out of the palisade again and again. Wenjing was struck by a stray arrow. The righteous army's spirit flagged and defeat seemed near. Xianhe's men were exhausted and passed rations hand to hand. Wenjing used the pause to reinforce his two palisades. Then several hundred mounted scouts swept down from the southern hills and struck Xianhe's rear. Troops from all three palisades shouted and sallied forth together; attacked from front and rear, Xianhe's army collapsed and he barely escaped alive. His entire force was captured, and Tutong's position grew desperate. Someone urged him to surrender. Tutong wept and said: "I have received the state's deepest favor, served two sovereigns, and drawn generous pay—how can I flee hardship? There is only death!" He would stroke his own neck and say: "I must yet take a blade for the state!" When he encouraged his officers and men he never failed to weep, and for this they cherished him in turn. Gaozu sent a household servant to summon him; Tutong immediately ordered the man executed. When he heard the capital had fallen and his family was lost, he left Xianhe to hold Tong Pass and marched east toward Luoyang. He had barely set out when Xianhe surrendered to Liu Wenjing. Deputy generals Dou Cong and Duan Zhixuan led elite cavalry with Xianhe in pursuit and overtook him at Chousang. Tutong formed battle lines to hold his ground. Dou Cong sent Tutong's son Shou to persuade him. Tutong shouted: "Once we were father and son; now we are mortal enemies." He ordered his men to shoot him down. Xianhe called to the troops: "The capital has fallen! You are all men of Guanxi—where do you think you are going?" The men all cast down their weapons. Knowing escape was impossible, Tutong dismounted, bowed twice toward the southeast, and wailed: "My strength is spent and my army defeated, yet I have not failed Your Majesty—Heaven and Earth and the spirits bear witness." He was captured and sent to Chang'an. Gaozu said to him: "Why did we meet so late?" Tutong wept in reply: "I could not fulfill a minister's full duty. My strength spent, I have come—this is a disgrace to our dynasty and a shame to the Prince of Dai." Gaozu said: "A loyal minister of the Sui house." He ordered him released, appointed him minister of war, enfeoffed him as Duke of Jiang, and made him chief secretary on Taizong's campaign staff.

從平薛舉，時珍物山積，諸將皆爭取之，通獨無所犯。高祖聞而謂曰：「公清正奉國，著自終始，名下定不虛也。」特賜金銀六百兩、彩物一千段。尋以本官判陝東道行台僕射，復從太宗討王世充。時通有二子並在洛陽，高祖謂通曰：「東征之事，今以相屬，其如兩子何？」通對曰：「臣以老朽，誠不足以當重任。但自惟疇昔，執就軍門，至尊釋其縲囚，加之恩禮，既不能死，實荷再生。當此之時，心口相誓，暗以身命奉許國家久矣。今此行臣願先驅，兩兒若死，自是其命，終不以私害義。」高祖嘆息曰：「徇義之夫，一至於此！」及大兵圍洛陽，竇建德且至，太宗中分麾下以屬通，令與齊王元吉圍守洛陽。世充平，通功為第一，尋拜陝東大行台右僕射，鎮於洛陽。數歲，征拜刑部尚書，通自以不習文法，固辭之，轉工部尚書。隱太子之誅也，通復檢校行台僕射，馳鎮洛陽。貞觀元年，行台廢，授洛州都督，賜實封六百戶，加左光祿大夫。明年，卒，年七十二。太宗痛惜久之，贈尚書右僕射，謚曰忠。子壽襲爵。太宗幸洛陽宮，思通忠節，拜其少子詮果毅都尉，賜束帛以恤其家焉。十七年，詔圖形於凌煙閣。二十三年，與房玄齡配饗太宗廟庭。永徽五年，重贈司空。詮官至瀛州刺史。詮子仲翔，神龍中亦為瀛州刺史。

He followed the campaign against Xue Ju. Rare goods were heaped like mountains and every general scrambled for a share, but Tutong took nothing. When Gaozu heard of it he said: "You serve the state with purity and integrity, consistent from first to last—your reputation is well earned." He specially bestowed six hundred taels of gold and silver and a thousand bolts of colored silks. Soon he was made acting vice director of the Shandong Circuit directorate while retaining his original rank, and again followed Taizong against Wang Shichong. Tutong had two sons in Luoyang at the time. Gaozu said: "The eastern campaign is now in your hands—what of your two sons?" Tutong replied: "I am old and worn and truly unfit for so weighty a charge. Yet when I recall the past, I came of my own accord to your army gate. Your Majesty released me from bonds and treated me with grace and ceremony. Having failed to die then, I owe you a second life. At that moment heart and mouth swore as one: in secret I pledged my life to the state long ago. On this campaign I wish to ride in the vanguard. If my two sons should die, that is their fate—I will never let private feeling harm public duty." Gaozu sighed and said: "A man who devotes himself to righteousness—to this degree!" When the great army besieged Luoyang and Dou Jiande was approaching, Taizong divided his forces and gave half to Tutong, ordering him and the Prince of Qi, Yuanji, to hold the siege of Luoyang. When Shichong fell, Tutong's merit ranked first. He was soon appointed right vice director of the great Shandong Circuit directorate and garrisoned at Luoyang. After several years he was summoned as minister of punishments. Tutong, considering himself unversed in legal statutes, firmly declined and was made minister of works instead. When the Hidden Crown Prince was killed, Tutong was again made acting vice director of the circuit directorate and galloped to garrison Luoyang. In the first year of Zhenguan the circuit directorate was abolished. He was appointed military governor of Luo Province, granted a substantive fief of six hundred households, and given the additional title of Left Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. The following year he died, aged seventy-two. Taizong grieved for him a long while. He was posthumously made right vice director of the Secretariat, with the posthumous name Loyal. His son Shou inherited the title. When Taizong visited the Luoyang Palace and thought of Tutong's loyalty, he appointed his younger son Quan colonel of valor and courage and bestowed bolts of silk to comfort the family. In the seventeenth year an edict ordered his portrait painted in the Lingyan Pavilion. In the twenty-third year he was paired with Fang Xuanling for sacrifice in Taizong's temple court. In the fifth year of Yonghui he was again posthumously made minister of works. Quan rose to inspector of Ying Prefecture. Quan's son Zhongxiang also served as inspector of Ying Prefecture during the Shenlong era.

任瑰，字瑋，廬州合肥人，陳鎮東大將軍蠻奴弟之子也。父七寶，仕陳定遠太守。瑰早孤，蠻奴愛之，情逾己子，每稱曰：「吾子侄雖多，並傭保耳，門戶所寄，惟在於瑰。」年十九，試守靈溪令。俄遷衡州司馬，都督王勇甚敬異之，委以州府之務。屬隋師滅陳，瑰勸勇據嶺南，求陳氏子孫立以為帝；勇不能用，以嶺外降隋，瑰乃棄官而去。仁壽中，為韓城尉，俄又罷職。

Ren Gui, styled Wei, came from Hefei in Luzhou. He was the son of the younger brother of Manu, Chen's grand general of the eastern garrison. His father Qibao had served Chen as administrator of Dingyuan. Gui was orphaned young. Manu loved him more than his own sons and often said: "I have many sons and nephews, but they are all hired hands—the hope of our house rests on Gui alone." At nineteen he was appointed on trial as magistrate of Lingxi. He was soon made vice governor of Heng Prefecture. Military Governor Wang Yong greatly respected him and entrusted him with the affairs of the prefecture. When Sui forces destroyed Chen, Gui urged Yong to hold Lingnan, find a descendant of the Chen house, and set him up as emperor; Yong would not listen and surrendered the region beyond the mountains to Sui. Gui resigned his office and left. During Renshou he served as assistant magistrate of Hancheng, but was soon dismissed again.

及高祖討捕於汾、晉，瑰謁高祖於轅門，承製為河東縣戶曹。高祖將之晉陽，留隱太子建成以托於瑰。義師起，瑰至龍門謁見。高祖謂之曰：「隋氏失馭，天下沸騰。吾忝以外戚，屬當重寄，不可坐觀時變。晉陽是用武之地，士馬精強，今率驍雄以匡國難。卿將家子，深有智謀，觀吾此舉，將為濟否？」瑰曰：「後主殘酷無道，征役不息，天下恟恟，思聞拯亂。公天縱神武，親舉義師，所下城邑，秋毫無犯，軍令嚴明，將士用命。關中所在蜂起，惟待義兵。仗大順，從眾欲，何憂不濟？瑰在馮翊積年，人情諳練，願為一介之使，銜命入關，同州已東，必當款伏。於梁山船濟，直指韓城，進逼合陽，分取朝邑。且蕭造文吏，本無武略，仰懼威靈，理當自下；孫華諸賊，未有適從，必當相率而至。然後鼓行整眾，入據永豐，雖未得京城，關中固已定矣。」高祖曰：「是吾心也。」乃授銀青光祿大夫，遣陳演壽、史大奈領步騎六千，趨梁山渡河，使瑰及薛獻為招慰大使。高祖謂演壽曰：「閫外之事，宜與任瑰籌之。」孫華、白玄度等聞兵且至，果競來降，並具舟於河，師遂利涉。瑰說下韓城縣，與諸將進擊飲馬泉，破之，拜左光祿大夫，留守永豐倉。

When Gaozu was campaigning in Fen and Jin, Gui presented himself at the army gate and was appointed registrar of households for Hedong County by imperial order. When Gaozu was about to go to Jinyang, he left the Hidden Crown Prince Jiancheng in Gui's care. When the righteous army rose, Gui went to Longmen to pay his respects. Gaozu said to him: "The Sui house has lost the reins, and the realm seethes. As an affinal relative of the throne I bear a weighty charge—I cannot sit idle while the times change. Jinyang is a place made for war; our troops and horses are strong. Now I lead the brave to set right the state's peril. You are a general's son, deep in wisdom and stratagem—do you think this venture of mine will succeed?" Gui said: "The Later Sovereign is cruel and without the Way. Corvée labor never ceases. The realm clamors for deliverance from chaos. Your Lordship is heaven-endowed with divine martial prowess and have personally raised the righteous army. The cities you take suffer not the slightest harm. Your military orders are strict and clear, and your officers and men obey without fail. Throughout Guanzhong, uprisings are springing up everywhere like swarming bees, and they are only waiting for a righteous army. If you rely on the Great Mandate and follow the people's desires, why should you worry that you will not succeed? I have spent many years in Fengyi and know the local sentiment well. I wish to serve as a lone envoy and enter the Pass on your orders; east of Tongzhou, the people will surely submit in good faith. Cross the river by boat at Liangshan, strike straight at Hancheng, advance to threaten Heyang, and detach troops to seize Chaoyi. Moreover, Xiao Zao is a civil official with no real military skill. Awed by your authority and prestige, he ought by rights to submit of his own accord. Sun Hua and the other bandits have no proper leader to follow and will surely come over to you in a body. Then advance with drums beating and ranks in order, enter and hold Yongfeng. Even if the capital is not yet taken, Guanzhong will already be secured." The Emperor Gaozu said, "That is exactly what I have in mind." Thereupon he appointed Gui Silver Radiance Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, dispatched Chen Yanshou and Shi Dana at the head of six thousand infantry and cavalry to hurry to Liangshan and cross the river, and made Gui and Xue Xian pacification commissioners. The Emperor Gaozu told Yanshou, "On military matters beyond the capital, you should plan together with Ren Gui." When Sun Hua, Bai Xuandu, and the others heard that the army was approaching, they indeed vied to come and surrender. They also prepared boats on the river, and the army crossed without difficulty. Gui persuaded Hancheng County to submit, then joined the other generals in an advance against Yinma Spring and defeated it. He was appointed Left Grand Master of Splendid Happiness and left behind to guard Yongfeng Granary.

高祖即位，改授谷州刺史。王世充數率眾攻新安，瑰拒戰破之，以功累封管國公。太宗率師討世充，瑰從至邙山，使檢校水運以供餉饋。關東初定，持節為河南道安撫大使。世充弟辯為徐州行台尚書令，率所部詣瑰降。瑰至宋州，屬徐圓朗據兗州反，曹、戴諸州咸應之。副使柳浚勸瑰退保汴州，瑰笑曰：「柳公何怯也！老將居邊甚久，自當有計，非公所知。」圓朗俄又攻陷楚丘，引兵將圍虞城，瑰遣崔樞、張公謹自鄢陵領諸州豪右質子百餘人守虞城以拒賊。浚又諫曰：「樞與公謹並世充之將，又諸州質子父兄皆反，此必為變。」瑰不答。樞至，則分配質子，並與土人合隊居守。賊既稍近，質子有叛者，樞因斬其隊帥。城中人懼曰：「質子父兄悉來為賊，賊之子弟安可守城？」樞因縱諸隊各殺質子，梟首於門外，遣使報瑰。瑰陽怒曰：「遣將去者，欲招慰耳，何罪而殺之？」退謂浚曰：「固知崔樞辦之。既遣縣人殺賊質子，冤隙已大，吾何患焉？」樞果拒卻圓朗。事平，遷徐州總管，仍為大使。

When Emperor Gaozu took the throne, Gui was reassigned as prefect of Guzhou. Wang Shichong repeatedly led armies to attack Xin'an, but Gui fought him off and defeated him. For his achievements he was repeatedly ennobled until he was made Duke of Gu. When Emperor Taizong led an army against Shichong, Gui accompanied him to Mount Mang and was put in charge of inspecting water transport to supply the army. When the eastern pass region was first pacified, he was given the imperial tally and appointed Pacification Commissioner of Henan Circuit. Shichong's younger brother Bian, who served as executive director of the Xuzhou regional headquarters, led his troops to Gui and surrendered. When Gui reached Songzhou, Xu Yuanlang had seized Yanzhou and rebelled, and the prefectures of Cao, Dai, and others all rose in support. Vice Commissioner Liu Jun urged Gui to fall back and hold Bianzhou. Gui laughed and said, "Master Liu, how timid you are! This old general has been on the frontier a long time and naturally has a plan of his own. That is not for you to know." Yuanlang soon captured Chuqiu as well and was about to lead his army to besiege Yucheng. Gui dispatched Cui Shu and Zhang Gongjin from Yanling at the head of more than a hundred hostages, sons of local elites from the various prefectures, to hold Yucheng against the rebels. Jun remonstrated again, "Shu and Gongjin were both Shichong's generals, and the fathers and elder brothers of the hostages from the prefectures have all rebelled. This is bound to end in treachery." Gui made no reply. When Shu arrived, he distributed the hostages and mixed them with local men in combined squads to hold the city. When the rebels drew nearer, some of the hostages tried to defect, so Shu executed their squad leader. The people in the city grew afraid and said, "The hostages' fathers and elder brothers have all come as rebels. How can the rebels' sons and younger brothers be trusted to hold the city?" Shu then let each squad kill its hostages, displayed the heads outside the gate, and sent a messenger to report to Gui. Gui feigned anger and said, "I sent that general there to win people over peacefully. What crime had they committed that they should be killed?" In private he said to Jun, "I knew all along that Cui Shu would handle it this way. Now that he has had the county men kill the rebels' hostages, the enmity between us and the enemy is already deep. What do I have to worry about?" Shu did indeed repulse Yuanlang. When the affair was settled, Gui was transferred to commander-in-chief of Xuzhou while continuing to serve as commissioner.

瑰選補官吏，頗私親故，或依倚其勢，多所求納，瑰知而不禁；又，妻劉氏妒悍無禮，為世所譏。及輔公祏平，拜邢州都督。隱太子之誅也，瑰弟璨，時為典膳監，瑰坐左遷通州都督。貞觀三年卒。

When Gui selected and appointed officials, he often favored relatives and old associates. Some, relying on his power, made many demands and took bribes, and Gui knew of it but did not stop them. Moreover, his wife Lady Liu was jealous, overbearing, and lacking in propriety, and was widely ridiculed. When Fu Gongshi was pacified, Gui was appointed military governor of Xingzhou. At the execution of the Hidden Crown Prince, Gui's younger brother Can was serving as director of palace commissary. Gui was implicated and demoted to military governor of Tongzhou. He died in the third year of the Zhenguan era.

丘和，河南洛陽人也。父壽，魏鎮東將軍。和少便弓馬，重氣任俠。及長，始折節，與物無忤，無貴賤皆愛之。周為開府儀同三司。入隋，累遷右武衛將軍，封平城郡公。漢王諒之反也，以和為蒲州刺史。諒使兵士服婦人服，戴冪旂，奄至城中，和脫身而免，由是除名。時宇文述方被任遇，和傾心附之，又以發武陵公元胄罪，拜代州刺史。屬煬帝北巡過代州，和獻食甚精，及至朔州，刺史楊廓獨無所獻，帝不悅，而宇文述又盛稱之，乃以和為博陵太守，仍令楊廓至博陵觀和為式。及駕至博陵，和上食又豐，帝益稱之。由是所幸處獻食者競為華侈。和在郡善撫吏士，甚得歡心，尋遷天水郡守。大業末，以海南僻遠，吏多侵漁，百姓咸怨，數為亂逆，於是選淳良太守以撫之。黃門侍郎裴矩奏言：「丘和歷居二郡，皆以惠政著聞，寬而不擾。」煬帝從之，遣和為交趾太守。既至，撫諸豪傑，甚得蠻夷之心。

Qiu He was a native of Luoyang in Henan. His father Shou had served as Eastern Pacifying General under Northern Wei. From youth he was skilled with bow and horse, prized bold spirit, and lived as a knight-errant. When he grew older, he first learned to restrain himself. He got along with everyone, and people of every rank loved him. Under Northern Zhou he was made Opening the Government, Grand Master with the Same Title as the Three Dukes. After the Sui came to power, he rose through repeated promotions to general of the Right Martial Guard and was enfeoffed as Duke of Pingcheng Commandery. When Prince Han Liang rebelled, Qiu He was appointed prefect of Puzhou. Liang had his soldiers dress in women's clothing and wear veiled head cloths, then suddenly entered the city. He escaped with his life and was dismissed from office as a result. At that time Yuwen Shu was enjoying great favor at court, and He devoted himself to him. He also won appointment as prefect of Daizhou by exposing the crimes of Yuan Zhou, Prince of Wuling. When Emperor Yang passed through Daizhou on his northern tour, He presented food of exceptional refinement. When the emperor reached Shuozhou, Prefect Yang Kuo alone presented nothing, and the emperor was displeased. Yuwen Shu then lavishly praised He, so the emperor made He prefect of Boling and ordered Yang Kuo to go to Boling and observe He's methods as a model. When the imperial carriage reached Boling, He's presentation of food was again lavish, and the emperor praised him all the more. From then on, officials at every place the emperor favored competed to present food in ever more lavish style. In the commandery He treated officials and soldiers well and won great goodwill. Soon he was transferred to administrator of Tianshui Commandery. At the end of the Daye era, the region south of the sea was remote and officials there often exploited the people. The common people resented this bitterly and repeatedly rose in rebellion, so the court chose upright and capable prefects to pacify the region. Yellow Gate Attendant-in-Ordinary Pei Ju memorialized, saying, "Qiu He has governed two commanderies in succession and in each has become renowned for benevolent rule that is lenient and free of harassment." Emperor Yang accepted this and dispatched He as prefect of Jiaozhi. Once he arrived, he won over the local magnates and gained the deep loyalty of the tribal peoples.

會煬帝為化及所弒，鴻臚卿寧長真以鬱林、始安之地附於蕭銑；馮盎以蒼梧、高涼、珠崖、番禺之地附於林士弘。各遣人召之，和初未知隋亡，皆不就。林邑之西諸國，並遣遺和明珠、文犀、金寶之物，富埒王者。銑利之，遣長真率百越之眾渡海侵和，和遣高士廉率交、愛首領擊之，長真退走，境內獲全，郡中樹碑頌德。會舊驍果從江都還者，審知隋滅，遂以州從銑。及銑平，和以海南之地歸國。詔使李道裕即授上柱國、譚國公、交州總管。和遣司馬高士廉奉表請入朝，詔許之。高祖遣其子師利迎之。及謁見，高祖為之興，引入臥內，語及平生，甚歡，奏《九部樂》以饗之，拜左武候大將軍。和時年已衰老，乃拜稷州刺史，以是本鄉，令自怡養。九年，除特進。貞觀十一年卒，年八十六。贈荊州總管，謚曰襄，賜東園秘器，陪葬獻陵。有子十五人，多至大官，惟行恭知名。

When Emperor Yang was assassinated by Yuwen Huaji, Grand Master of Ceremonial Ning Changzhen submitted the territories of Yulin and Shian to Xiao Xian. Feng Ang submitted the territories of Cangwu, Gaoliang, Zhuya, and Panyu to Lin Shihong. Each sent envoys to summon him, but He did not yet know the Sui had fallen and refused both. The various states west of Linyi all sent him pearls, patterned rhinoceros horn, and gold and treasure, until his wealth rivaled that of a king. Xiao Xian coveted this wealth and dispatched Changzhen at the head of the Baiyue peoples across the sea to invade He. He sent Gao Shilian at the head of the chieftains of Jiao and Ai to attack them. Changzhen retreated, the territory was preserved intact, and the commandery erected a stele in praise of He's virtue. When veterans of the Xiaoguo Guard returning from Jiangdu learned that the Sui had fallen, they submitted the prefecture to Xiao Xian. When Xiao Xian was defeated, He returned the lands south of the sea to the Tang state. An edict dispatched Li Daoyu to invest him on the spot as supreme pillar of the state, Duke of Tan, and commander-in-chief of Jiaozhou. He dispatched his aide Gao Shilian to present a memorial requesting permission to come to court, and the edict granted it. Emperor Gaozu dispatched his son Shili to welcome him. At his audience, Emperor Gaozu rose to receive him, brought him into the inner chamber, and talked of their lives together with great pleasure. The Nine Section Music was performed in his honor, and he was appointed general-in-chief of the Left Martial Guard. By then He was already old and frail, so he was appointed prefect of Jizhou. Because it was his native place, he was allowed to live there in comfort and ease. In the ninth year he was made special advancement. He died in the eleventh year of the Zhenguan era, at the age of eighty-six. Posthumously he was made commander-in-chief of Jingzhou, given the posthumous title Xiang, granted Eastern Garden funerary regalia, and buried with honor at Xian Mausoleum. He had fifteen sons, most of whom reached high office, but only Xinggong became widely known.

行恭善騎射，勇敢絕倫。大業末，與兄師利聚兵於岐、雍間。有眾一萬，保故郿城，百姓多附之，群盜不敢入境。初，原州奴賊數萬人圍扶風，郡太守竇璡堅守，經數月，賊中食盡，野無所掠，眾多離散，投行恭者千餘騎。行恭遣其酋渠說諸奴賊共迎義軍。行恭又率五百人，皆負米麥，持牛酒，自詣賊營。奴帥長揖，行恭手斬之，謂其眾曰：「汝等並是好人，何因事奴為主，使天下號為奴賊？」眾皆俯伏曰：「願改事公。」行恭率其眾與師利共謁太宗於渭北，拜光祿大夫。從平京城，討薛舉、劉武周、王世充、竇建德，皆立殊勳，授左一府驃騎，賞賜甚厚。隱太子之誅也，行恭以功遷左衛將軍。貞觀中，坐與嫡兄爭葬所生母，為法司所劾，除名。因從侯君集平高昌，封天水郡公，累除右武候將軍。高宗嗣位，歷遷右武侯大將軍、冀陝二州刺史。尋請致仕，拜光祿大夫。麟德二年卒，年八十。贈荊州都督，謚曰襄，賜溫明秘器，陪葬昭陵。

Xinggong was skilled in mounted archery and was unmatched in courage. At the end of the Daye era, he and his elder brother Shili gathered troops in the region between Qi and Yong. He had ten thousand followers, held the old city of Mei, and many common people rallied to him, so bandit gangs did not dare enter his territory. Earlier, tens of thousands of slave rebels from Yuanzhou had besieged Fufeng. The commandery administrator Dou Qin held firm for several months until the rebels' food ran out and there was nothing left to plunder in the countryside. Many dispersed, and more than a thousand horsemen came over to Xinggong. Xinggong sent their chieftains to persuade the slave rebels to welcome the righteous army together. Xinggong then led five hundred men, all carrying rice and wheat on their backs and bearing cattle and wine, and went in person to the rebel camp. The slave leader bowed deeply. Xinggong cut him down with his own hand and said to the crowd, "You are all good men. Why serve a slave as your master and let the whole realm call you slave rebels?" The whole crowd prostrated themselves and said, "We wish to serve you instead." Xinggong led his followers and Shili together to have an audience with Emperor Taizong north of the Wei River, and he was appointed Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. He followed in the pacification of the capital and in campaigns against Xue Ju, Liu Wuzhou, Wang Shichong, and Dou Jiande, distinguishing himself in each. He was appointed Flying Cavalry General of the Left First Office and richly rewarded. At the execution of the Hidden Crown Prince, Xinggong was transferred to general of the Left Guard for his achievements. During the Zhenguan era, he was impeached and dismissed from office for disputing with his elder brother of the principal line over the burial of their birth mother. He then followed Hou Junji in pacifying Gaochang, was enfeoffed as Duke of Tianshui Commandery, and was repeatedly appointed general of the Right Martial Guard. When Emperor Gaozong succeeded to the throne, he rose through repeated appointments to general-in-chief of the Right Martial Guard and prefect of Ji and Shan. Soon he requested retirement and was appointed Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. He died in the second year of the Longde era, at the age of eighty. Posthumously he was made protector-general of Jingzhou, given the posthumous title Xiang, granted Warm Bright funerary regalia, and buried with honor at Zhao Mausoleum.

行恭性嚴酷，所在僚列皆懾憚之，數坐事解免。太宗每思其功，不逾時月復其官。初，從討王世充，會戰於邙山之上。太宗欲知其虛實強弱，乃與數十騎沖之，直出其後，眾皆披靡，莫敢當其鋒，所殺傷甚眾。既而限以長堤，與諸騎相失，惟行恭獨從。尋有勁騎數人追及太宗，矢中御馬；行恭乃回騎射之，發無不中，餘賊不敢復前。然後下馬拔箭，以其所乘馬進太宗。行恭於御馬前步執長刀，巨躍大呼，斬數人，突陣而出，得入大軍。貞觀中，有詔刻石為人馬以象行恭拔箭之狀，立於昭陵闕前。

Xinggong was severe and harsh by nature. Wherever he served, his subordinates feared him, and he was repeatedly dismissed from office for various offenses. Each time, Emperor Taizong, mindful of his achievements, restored him to office within a month or two. Earlier, when he followed the campaign against Wang Shichong, they joined battle on Mount Mang. Emperor Taizong wished to test the enemy's true strength, so with several dozen horsemen he charged straight through to their rear. The enemy collapsed before him, none dared meet his spearhead, and he killed and wounded a great many. Soon he was hemmed in by a long embankment and became separated from the other horsemen. Only Xinggong remained with him. Before long several fierce horsemen caught up with Emperor Taizong, and arrows struck his horse. Xinggong wheeled his horse and shot at them. Every shot hit its mark, and the remaining rebels did not dare advance again. Then he dismounted, pulled out the arrows, and gave his own horse to Emperor Taizong. Xinggong walked ahead of the imperial horse with a long saber in hand, leaping and shouting. He cut down several men, burst through the enemy formation, and rejoined the main army. During the Zhenguan era, an edict ordered stone figures of men and horses carved to depict Xinggong pulling out the arrows, and they were set up before the gate-towers of Zhao Mausoleum.

和少子行掩，高宗時為少府監。

He's youngest son Xingyan served as supervisor of the palace workshop under Emperor Gaozong.

許紹，字嗣宗，本高陽人也，梁末徙於周，因家於安陸。祖弘，父法光，俱為楚州刺史。元皇帝為安州總管，故紹兒童時得與高祖同學，特相友愛。大業末，為夷陵郡通守。是時盜賊競起，紹保全郡境，流戶自歸者數十萬口，開倉賑給，甚得人心。及江都弒逆，紹率郡人大臨三日，仍以郡遙屬越王侗。王世充篡位，乃率黔安、武陵、澧陽等諸郡遣使歸國，授硤州刺史，封安陸郡公。高祖降敕書曰：「昔在子衿，同遊庠序，博士吳琰，其妻姓仇，追想此時，宛然心目，荏苒歲月，遂成累紀。且在安州之日，公家乃蒞岳州；渡遼之時，伯裔又同戎旅。安危契闊，累葉同之，其間游處，觸事可想。雖盧綰與劉邦同裡，吳質共曹丕接席，以今方古，何足稱焉！而公追硯席之舊歡，存通家之曩好，明鑑去就之理，洞識成敗之機。爰自荊門，馳心絳闕，綏懷士庶，糾合賓僚，踰越江山，遠申誠款。覽此忠至，彌以慰懷。」及蕭銑將董景珍以長沙來降，命紹率兵應之。以破銑功，拜其子智仁為溫州刺史，委以招慰。時蕭銑遣其將楊道生圍硤州，紹縱兵擊破之。銑又遣其將陳普環乘大艦溯江入硤，與開州賊蕭阇提規取巴蜀。紹遣智仁及錄事參軍李弘節、子婿張玄靜追至西陵硤，大破之，生擒普環，收其船艦。江南岸有安蜀城，與硤州相對，次東有荊門城，皆險峻，銑並以兵鎮守。紹遣智仁及李弘節攻荊門鎮，破之。高祖大悅，下制褒美，許以便宜從事。紹與王世充、蕭銑疆界連接，紹之士卒為賊所虜者，輒見殺害。紹執敵人，皆資給而遣之，賊感其義，不復侵掠，闔境獲安。趙郡王孝恭之擊蕭銑也，復令紹督兵以圖荊州，會卒於軍，高祖聞而流涕。貞觀中，贈荊州都督。嫡孫力士襲爵，官至洛州長史，卒。

Xu Shao, courtesy name Sizong, was originally from Gaoyang. At the end of the Liang dynasty his family moved to Zhou territory and settled at Anlu. His grandfather Hong and his father Faguang had both served as prefect of Chuzhou. While the future Emperor Gaozu served as grand commander of An Prefecture, Shao studied alongside him as a boy, and the two became especially close. Near the end of the Daye reign, he was appointed assistant prefect of Yiling Commandery. As bandits rose across the land, Shao kept the entire commandery secure. Several hundred thousand displaced people returned of their own accord; he opened the granaries to feed them and won deep popular support. When the assassination at Jiangdu took place, Shao led the commandery in three days of public mourning and continued to acknowledge the Prince of Yue, Yang Tong, as sovereign from afar. After Wang Shichong seized the throne, Shao led Qian'an, Wuling, Liyang, and other commanderies to submit envoys to the Tang cause. He was made prefect of Xia Prefecture and created Duke of Anlu Commandery. Gaozu issued an edict that read: "In our youth we studied together at the academy—Master Wu Yan, whose wife's surname was Qiu. When I think back to those days, they rise before me as if yesterday; yet the years have slipped away and become whole decades. When I was in An Prefecture, your family was posted to Yue Prefecture; On the expedition against Liaodong, your elder brother Boyi and I served in the same army. Through safety and danger, through separation and reunion, our families have shared fate across generations—every memory of those days together still comes alive. Lu Wan and Liu Bang were village neighbors, and Wu Zhi sat at table with Cao Pi—yet compared with what you and I share, what are such old stories worth! You have cherished our old fellowship at the writing desk, kept alive the bond between our families, judged clearly where loyalty lay, and understood precisely how fortunes would turn. From Jingmen you turned your heart toward the imperial capital, won over officials and commoners, gathered allies and retainers, crossed mountains and rivers, and pledged your loyalty from afar. Reading this proof of your devotion comforts me deeply." When Xiao Xian's general Dong Jingzhen surrendered Changsha, the emperor ordered Shao to march in support. For defeating Xiao Xian, Gaozu appointed Shao's son Zhiren prefect of Wen Prefecture and charged him with pacification and recruitment. Xiao Xian then sent his general Yang Daosheng to besiege Xia Prefecture, but Shao sallied forth and routed him. Xiao Xian next sent Chen Puhuan with large warships upriver into the Xia Gorge to join the Kai Prefecture rebel Xiao Dati in a bid to seize Ba and Shu. Shao dispatched Zhiren, together with record-keeping aide Li Hongjie and his son-in-law Zhang Xuanjing, in pursuit to Xiling Gorge. They won a great victory, captured Chen Puhuan alive, and seized his fleet. On the south bank stood Anshu Fort, opposite Xia Prefecture, and farther east Jingmen Fort—both formidable strongpoints that Xiao Xian held with garrisons. Shao sent Zhiren and Li Hongjie against the Jingmen garrison and took it. Gaozu was delighted and issued an edict of praise, authorizing Shao to act on his own judgment as local conditions dictated. Shao's territory bordered the domains of Wang Shichong and Xiao Xian, and whenever his soldiers fell into rebel hands they were put to death. When Shao took enemy prisoners, he provided for them and sent them home. The rebels, moved by his magnanimity, ceased their raids, and the entire region knew peace. When Prince Xiaogong of Zhao attacked Xiao Xian, Gaozu again ordered Shao to command troops against Jing Prefecture. Shao died in camp; when Gaozu heard the news, he wept. During the Zhenguan reign he was posthumously made area commander of Jing Prefecture. His legitimate grandson Lishi inherited the title, rose to long prefect of Luo Prefecture, and died in office.

子欽寂嗣，萬歲登封年為夔州都督府長史。時契丹入寇，以欽寂兼龍山軍討擊副使，軍次崇州，戰敗被擒。其後，賊將圍安東，令欽寂說屬城之未下者。安東都督裴玄珪時在城下，欽寂謂之曰：「狂賊天殃，滅在朝夕，公但謹守勵兵，以全忠節。」賊大怒，遂害之。則天下制褒美，贈蘄州刺史，謚曰忠。又授其子輔乾左監門衛中候，仍為海東慰勞使；令迎其喪柩，以禮改葬。輔乾，開元中官至光祿卿。

Shao's son Qinji succeeded to the title; in the Wansui Dengfeng reign he served as long prefect of the Kui Prefecture area command headquarters. When the Khitan raided the border, Qinji was named deputy commissioner of the Longshan punitive force. His army encamped at Chong Prefecture, was defeated, and he was taken prisoner. Later, with rebel forces besieging Andong, they sent Qinji to persuade the surrounding towns that still held out. Andong Area Commander Pei Xuangui was then outside the walls. Qinji told him: "These mad rebels are heaven's curse—their ruin is near. Hold firm, drill your men, and keep your loyalty intact." The rebels were enraged and put him to death. Empress Wu issued an edict commending him, posthumously made him prefect of Qi Prefecture, and gave him the posthumous title Loyal. She also appointed his son Fuqian middle guard in the Left Gate Guard Directorate and made him commissioner to console the eastern frontier; She ordered his coffin brought home and reburied with full honors. Fuqian rose to minister of imperial entertainments during the Kaiyuan reign.

紹次子智仁，初，以父勳授溫州刺史，封孝昌縣公。尋繼其父為硤州刺史，後歷太僕少卿、涼州都督。貞觀中卒。

Shao's second son Zhiren was first made prefect of Wen Prefecture and created Duke of Xiaochang County in recognition of his father's service. He soon succeeded his father as prefect of Xia Prefecture and later served as vice minister of the stud and area commander of Liang Prefecture. He died during the Zhenguan reign.

紹少子圉師，有器干，博涉藝文，舉進士。顯慶二年，累遷黃門侍郎、同中書門下三品，兼修國史。三年，以修實錄功封平恩縣男，賜物三百段。四遷，龍朔中為左相。俄以子自然因獵射殺人，隱而不奏，又為李義府所擠，左遷虔州刺史。尋轉相州刺史。政存寬惠，人吏刊石以頌之。嘗有官吏犯贓事露，圉師不令推究，但賜清白詩以激之，犯者愧懼，遂改節為廉士，其寬厚如此。上元中，再遷戶部尚書。儀鳳四年卒，贈幽州都督，陪葬恭陵，謚曰簡。

Shao's youngest son Yusshi was talented and capable, widely read in literature and the arts, and passed the jinshi examination. In 657 he rose through the ranks to vice minister of the palace secretariat, third-rank chancellor, and concurrent compiler of the national history. The following year, for his work on the veritable records, he was created baron of Ping'en County and given three hundred bolts of silk and goods. After four more promotions he became left chancellor during the Longshuo reign. Soon afterward his son Ziran killed someone during a hunting outing, and Yusshi concealed the crime instead of reporting it. Pressured by Li Yifu, he was demoted to prefect of Qian Prefecture. He was soon transferred to prefect of Xiang Prefecture. He governed with leniency and kindness, and officials and commoners erected stone monuments in his praise. When an official's bribery came to light, Yusshi would not launch an investigation but instead gave him a poem on integrity. Shamed and fearful, the man reformed and became an upright official—such was Yusshi's forbearance. During the Shangyuan reign he was promoted again to minister of revenue. He died in 679, was posthumously made area commander of You Prefecture, buried at Empress Gaozong's Gongling Mausoleum, and given the posthumous title Simple.

李襲志，字重光，本隴西狄道人也。五葉祖景避地安康，復稱金州安康人也。周信州總管、安康郡公遷哲孫也。父敬猷，隋台州刺史、安康郡公。襲志，初任隋歷始安郡丞。大業末，江外盜賊尤甚，襲志散家產，招募得三千人，以守郡城。時蕭銑、林士弘、曹武徹等爭來攻擊，襲志固守久之。後聞宇文化及弒逆，乃集士庶舉哀三日。有郡人勸襲志曰；「公累葉冠族，久臨鄙郡，蠻夷畏威，士女悅服，雖曰隋臣，實我之君長。今江都篡逆，四海鼎沸，王號者非止一人，公宜因此時據有嶺表，則百越之人皆拱手向化。追蹤尉佗，亦千載一遇也。」襲志厲聲曰：「吾世樹忠貞，見危授命，今雖江都陷沒，而宗社猶存，當與諸君戮力中原，共雪仇恥，豈可怙亂稱兵，以圖不義！吾寧蹈忠而死，不為逆節而求生。尉佗愚鄙無識，何足景慕？」於是欲斬勸者，從眾議而止。襲志固守，經二年而無援，卒為蕭銑所陷，銑署為工部尚書、檢校桂州總管。武德初，高祖遣其子玄嗣齎書召之，襲志乃密說嶺南首領隨永平郡守李光度與之歸國。高祖又令間使齎書諭襲志曰：「卿昔久在桂州，仍屬隋室運終，四方圮絕，率眾保境，未知所統。朕撫臨天下，志在綏育，眷彼幽遐，思沾聲教。況卿朕之宗姓，情異於常。家弟侄並立誠效公，又分遣首領，申諭諸州，情深奉國，甚副所望。卿之子弟，並據州縣，俱展誠績，每所嘉嘆，不能已已。令併入屬籍，著於宗正。」及蕭銑平，江南道大使、趙郡王孝恭授襲志桂州總管。武德五年入朝，授柱國，封始安郡公，拜江州都督。及輔公祏反，又以襲志為水軍總管討平之，轉桂州都督。襲志前後凡任桂州二十八載，政尚清簡，嶺外安之。後表請入朝，拜右光祿大夫、行汾州刺史致仕，卒於家。襲志弟襲譽。

Li Xizhi, courtesy name Chongguang, was originally from Didao in Longxi. Five generations back his ancestor Jing had fled to Ankang, and the family thereafter regarded itself as from Ankang in Jin Prefecture. He was a descendant of Qianzhe, who had served as grand commander of Xin Prefecture under Northern Zhou and held the title Duke of Ankang Commandery. His father Jingyou had been prefect of Tai Prefecture under the Sui and held the title Duke of Ankang Commandery. Xizhi's first Sui appointment was as assistant prefect of Shi'an Commandery. Near the end of Daye, banditry was rampant south of the Yangzi. Xizhi spent his family fortune to raise three thousand men and hold the commandery seat. Xiao Xian, Lin Shihong, Cao Wuche, and others repeatedly assaulted him, but Xizhi held out for a long time. When he learned of Yuwen Huaji's regicide, he gathered officials and commoners for three days of mourning. One local man urged Xizhi, saying: "Your house has been a leading clan for generations, and you have long governed this remote commandery. The frontier peoples respect your authority and the people trust you. Though you are formally a Sui official, you are in truth our true ruler. Jiangdu has fallen to treason, the empire is in turmoil, and more than one man has claimed a throne. Seize Lingnan now, and the peoples of the south will willingly submit. To emulate Zhao Tuo would be the opportunity of a lifetime." Xizhi said sharply: "My family has upheld loyalty for generations—we meet danger by giving our lives. Jiangdu may be lost, but the dynasty still stands. We should join forces in the Central Plains to avenge this outrage—how could I seize on chaos and take up arms for an unworthy cause! I would rather die in loyalty than live by treason. Zhao Tuo was a crude and shortsighted man—why should I look up to him?" He wanted to execute the man who had urged him, but yielded to others' counsel and stopped. Xizhi held out for two years without aid and was finally taken by Xiao Xian, who appointed him minister of public works and acting area commander of Gui Prefecture. Early in the Wude reign Gaozu sent his son Xuansi with a letter summoning Xizhi. Xizhi then secretly persuaded the Lingnan chiefs, led by Yongping prefect Li Guangdu, to submit to Tang. Gaozu also sent a secret envoy with a letter to Xizhi: "You long held Gui Prefecture when the Sui dynasty was failing and the empire was cut off in all directions. You led your people in holding the frontier, uncertain whom to follow. I now rule the realm with the aim of bringing peace and nurture to all. I care for those far-off lands and wish to extend my rule and culture to them. Moreover, you bear my own clan name—our bond is not an ordinary one. My brothers and nephews have already sworn loyalty to the cause, and they have sent leaders throughout the region to rally the prefectures. Your devotion to the state fully matches what I hoped for. Your sons and brothers hold prefectures and counties throughout the region, and each has shown loyal service. I am delighted each time I hear of it and cannot express my praise enough. I order that you all be enrolled in the imperial clan register under the Directorate of the Imperial Clan." After Xiao Xian was defeated, Prince Xiaogong of Zhao, commissioner of the Jiangnan circuit, appointed Xizhi area commander of Gui Prefecture. In 622 he went to court, was granted the bulwark title, created Duke of Shi'an Commandery, and appointed area commander of Jiang Prefecture. When Fu Gongshi rebelled, Xizhi was again named grand commander of the navy to suppress him; afterward he returned as area commander of Gui Prefecture. Xizhi served at Gui Prefecture for twenty-eight years in all. His rule was plain and restrained, and the Lingnan frontier was kept at peace. He later petitioned to retire to court, was made right grand master for splendid happiness and acting prefect of Fen Prefecture, retired from office, and died at home. Xizhi's younger brother was Xiyu.

襲譽，字茂實，少通敏，有識度。隋末為冠軍府司兵。時陰世師輔代王為京師留守，所在盜賊蜂起，襲譽說世師遣兵據永豐倉，發粟以賑窮乏，出庫物賞戰士，移檄郡縣，同心討賊。世師不能用，乃求外出募山南士馬，世師許之。既至漢中，會高祖定長安，召授太府少卿，封安康郡公，仍令與兄襲志附籍於宗正。太宗討王世充，以襲譽為潞州總管。時突厥與國和親，又通使於世充，襲譽掩擊，悉斬之。因委令轉運以饋大軍。後歷光祿卿、浦州刺史，轉揚州大都督府長史，為江南道巡察大使，多所黜陟。江都俗好商賈，不事農桑。襲譽乃引雷陂水，又築勾城塘，溉田八百餘頃，百姓獲其利。召拜太府卿。襲譽性嚴整，所在以威肅聞。凡獲俸祿，必散之宗親，其餘資多寫書而已。及從揚州罷職，經史遂盈數車。嘗謂子孫曰：「吾近京城有賜田十頃，耕之可以充食；河內有賜桑千樹，蠶之可以充衣；江東所寫之書，讀之可以求官。吾沒之後，爾曹但能勤此三事，亦何羨於人！」尋轉涼州都督，加金紫光祿大夫，行同州刺史。坐在涼州陰憾番禾縣丞劉武，杖而殺之，至是有司議當死，制除名，流於泉州，無幾而卒。撰《五經妙言》四十捲、《江東記》三十捲、《忠孝圖》二十捲。

Xiyu, courtesy name Maoshi, was quick and perceptive as a youth and showed sound judgment. At the end of the Sui he served as army aide of the Champion Guard headquarters. Yin Shishi was then defending the capital on behalf of the Prince of Dai while bandits rose everywhere. Xiyu urged him to seize the Yongfeng Granary, open the stores to feed the needy, reward soldiers from the treasury, and issue calls to the surrounding commanderies to join in suppressing the rebels. Shishi would not act on the advice, so Xiyu asked leave to go out and raise troops and horses from south of the Qinling; Shishi agreed. Reaching Hanzhong just as Gaozu secured Chang'an, he was summoned, made vice minister of the imperial storehouse, and created Duke of Ankang Commandery; he and his brother Xizhi were also enrolled in the imperial clan register. When Emperor Taizong campaigned against Wang Shichong, he made Xiyu area commander of Lu Prefecture. The Turks were then allied with Tang by marriage but also sent envoys to Wang Shichong. Xiyu intercepted them in an ambush and killed them all. Taizong then put him in charge of supply lines to feed the main army. He later served as minister of imperial entertainments and prefect of Pu Prefecture, then as long prefect of the Yangzhou area command headquarters and inspector of the Jiangnan circuit, promoting and demoting many officials. The people of Jiangdu favored trade over agriculture. Xiyu channeled water from Lei Marsh and built the Gougeng reservoir, irrigating more than eight hundred qing of farmland and bringing real benefit to the people. He was recalled and appointed minister of the imperial storehouse. Xiyu was stern and disciplined, and wherever he served he was known for strict authority. He always distributed his salary among his kinsmen; whatever remained he spent chiefly on copying books. By the time he left his Yangzhou post, his copies of the classics and histories filled several cartloads. He once told his descendants: "Near the capital I have ten qing of granted land—farm it and you will have enough to eat; in Henei I have a thousand granted mulberry trees—raise silkworms and you will have enough to wear; and the books I copied in Jiangdong—study them and you can win office. After I am gone, if you keep at these three things, what need have you to envy anyone else!" He was soon transferred to area commander of Liang Prefecture, given the additional rank of grand master for splendid happiness with the golden bag and purple border, and made acting prefect of Tong Prefecture. While area commander of Liang Prefecture he had nursed a private grudge against Fanhe county assistant Liu Wu and beat him to death. The courts ruled he deserved death; he was stripped of rank and exiled to Quan Prefecture, where he died soon after. He authored Subtle Sayings on the Five Classics in forty juan, Records of Jiangdong in thirty juan, and Illustrations of Loyalty and Filial Piety in twenty juan.

兄子懷儼，頗以文才著名。歷蘭台侍郎，受制檢校寫四部書進內，以書有汙，左授郢州刺史。後卒於禮部侍郎。

His nephew Huaiyan was widely known for his literary gifts. He served as vice director of the Orchid Terrace and, by imperial order, supervised the copying of the Four Libraries' books for submission to the palace. When the copies were found soiled, he was demoted to prefect of Ying Prefecture. He later died in office as vice minister of rites.

姜抃，秦州上邽人。祖真，後魏南秦州刺史。父景，周梁州總管、建平郡公。抃，大業末為晉陽長，會高祖留守太原，見抃深器之。抃退謂所親曰：「隋祚將亡，必有命世大才，以應圖籙，唐公有霸王之度，以吾觀之，必為撥亂之主。」由是深自結納。及大將軍府建，引為司功參軍。從平霍邑，拔絳郡，監督大軍濟河。時兵士爭渡，抃部勒諸軍，自昏至曉，六軍畢濟。高祖稱嘆之。平京城，除相國兵曹參軍，封長道縣公。時薛舉寇秦、隴，以抃西州之望，詔於隴右安撫，承製以便宜從事。抃將行，奏曰：「天人之望，誠有所歸，願早膺圖籙，以寧兆庶。老夫犬馬暮齒，恐先朝露，得一睹升紫殿，死無所恨。」高祖大悅。抃與竇軌出散關，下河池、漢陽二郡。軍次長道，與薛舉相遇，軌輕敵，為舉所敗。征抃還京，拜員外散騎常侍。及平薛仁杲，拜抃秦州刺史，高祖謂曰：「衣錦還鄉，古人所尚；今以本州相授，用答元功。涼州之路，近為荒梗，宜弘方略，有以靜之。」抃至州，撫以恩信，州人相謂曰：「吾輩復見太平官府矣。」盜賊悉來歸首，士庶安之。尋轉隴州刺史。七年，以老疾去職。貞觀元年卒，贈岷州都督，謚曰安。

Jiang Bian was a native of Shanggui in Qin Prefecture. His grandfather Zhen had been governor of Southern Qin Prefecture under the Northern Wei. His father Jing had been grand governor of Liang Prefecture under Northern Zhou and Duke of Jianping commandery. In the last years of the Daye era, Bian served as magistrate of Jinyang. When Emperor Gaozu was stationed at Taiyuan, he took a strong liking to Bian. Bian withdrew and told his intimates: "The Sui mandate is failing. A world-shaping genius must arise to fulfill the prophecies in the charts and registers. The Duke of Tang has the bearing of a hegemon-king. In my judgment, he is destined to be the one who restores order from chaos." From that time he cultivated the closest ties with him. When the Grand General's Office was established, he was appointed records officer. He took part in pacifying Huoyi, capturing Jiang commandery, and supervising the main army's river crossing. As troops scrambled to cross, Bian kept the armies in order; from nightfall until dawn all six armies had crossed. Emperor Gaozu praised him warmly. After the capital was taken, he was made military staff officer to the chancellor of state and enfeoffed as Duke of Changdao county. When Xue Ju raided Qin and Long, Bian's prestige in the western provinces led to an edict appointing him to pacify Longyou, with discretionary authority to act as he saw fit. Before setting out, Bian memorialized: "Heaven and the people already look to a single destination. I pray Your Majesty will soon receive the mandate foretold in the charts and registers and bring peace to the masses. I am an old man in the evening of my years and may not live to see the dawn. Grant me but one sight of Your Majesty ascending the purple palace, and I shall die content." Emperor Gaozu was delighted. Bian and Dou Gui marched out through Sanguan Pass and reduced Hechi and Hanyang commanderies. The army halted at Changdao and met Xue Ju. Dou Gui underestimated the enemy and was defeated. Bian was recalled to the capital and appointed supernumerary regular cavalry attendant. After Xue Rengao was subdued, Bian was appointed prefect of Qin Prefecture. Emperor Gaozu told him: "To return home in brocade is what the ancients most admired; now I give you your home prefecture in reward for your founding service. The route to Liang Prefecture has lately fallen into ruin and disorder. Apply broad strategy and find a way to restore calm." When Bian arrived, he ruled with kindness and good faith. The people said among themselves: "We are seeing peaceful government again." Bandits surrendered in full, and officials and commoners alike were at ease. He was soon transferred to prefect of Long Prefecture. In the seventh year he retired on account of age and illness. He died in the first year of Zhenguan. He was posthumously made area commander of Min Prefecture and given the posthumous title An.

子行本，貞觀中為將作大匠。太宗修九成、洛陽二宮，行本總領之，以勤濟稱旨，賞賜甚厚。有所游幸，未嘗不從。又轉左屯衛將軍。時太宗選趫捷之士，衣五色袍，乘六閒馬，直屯營以充仗內宿衛，名為「飛騎」，每游幸，即騎以從，分隸於行本。及高昌之役，以行本為行軍副總管，率眾先出伊州。未至柳谷百餘里，依山造攻具。其處有班超紀功碑，行本磨去其文，更刻頌，陳國威德而去。遂與侯君集進平高昌，璽書勞之曰：「攻戰之重，器械為先，將士屬心，待以制敵。卿星言就路，躬事修營，干戈才動，梯衝暫臨。三軍勇士，因斯樹績；萬里逋寇，用是克平。方之前古，豈足相況！」及還，進封金城郡公，賜物一百五十段、奴婢七十人。十七年，太宗將征高麗，行本諫以為師未可動，太宗不從。行本從至蓋牟城，中流矢卒。太宗賦詩以悼之，贈左衛大將軍、郕國公，謚曰襄，陪葬昭陵。

His son Xingben served as chief director of palace construction during the Zhenguan era. When Emperor Taizong rebuilt the Jiucheng and Luoyang palaces, Xingben directed the work. His tireless efficiency pleased the emperor, and the rewards were lavish. On every imperial tour, Xingben was always in attendance. He was later made general of the Left Tunwei Guard. Taizong then chose swift, agile men, clothed them in five-colored robes, and mounted them on six fine horses. They were posted in the encampments as inner palace guards and called the Flying Cavalry. On every tour they rode in attendance, all placed under Xingben's command. In the campaign against Gaochang, Xingben was made deputy campaign commander and led the vanguard out from Yizhou. More than a hundred li before Liugu, he built siege engines along the mountain slopes. There stood Ban Chao's stele of merit. Xingben ground away the original inscription and carved in its place an ode to the dynasty's majesty and virtue, then moved on. He then joined Hou Junji in pacifying Gaochang. An imperial letter of commendation read: "In war, weapons and equipment are paramount; officers and soldiers stake their hearts on them to defeat the enemy. You set out at once upon receiving your orders and personally saw to the camps and engines. Hardly had the army stirred before ladders and battering rams stood ready. The three armies' bravest men won their glory thereby; and rebels ten thousand li distant were brought to submission. Set beside the ancients, what comparison is even possible!" On his return he was promoted to Duke of Jincheng commandery and given one hundred fifty bolts of goods and seventy slaves. In the seventeenth year, as Emperor Taizong prepared to campaign against Goguryeo, Xingben argued that the army should not yet march. The emperor would not listen. Xingben accompanied him as far as Gaimou Fortress, where he was struck by a flying arrow and died. Emperor Taizong wrote a poem in mourning, posthumously appointing him grand general of the Left Guard and Duke of the State of Bi, with the posthumous title Xiang and burial at Zhaoling.

子簡嗣，永徽中，官至安北都護，卒。子晞嗣，開元初左散騎常侍。

His son Jian succeeded him and, in the Yonghui era, rose to Protectorate General of the Pacified North before his death. Jian's son Xi succeeded in turn and, early in the Kaiyuan era, served as left regular cavalry attendant.

簡弟柔遠，美姿容，善於敷奏。則天時，至左鷹揚衛將軍、通事舍人、內供奉。

Jian's younger brother Ruyuan was handsome in appearance and skilled at presenting memorials to the throne. Under Empress Wu he rose to general of the Left Yingyang Guard, palace herald, and inner attendant.

朕聞士之生代，始於事親，中於事君，終於立身，此其本也。若乃移孝成忠，策名委質。命有太山之重，義徇則為輕；草有疾風之力，節全則知勁。況君臣之相遇，而故舊之不遺乎！銀青光祿大夫、殿中監、楚國公姜皎，簪紱聯華，珪璋特秀。寬厚為量，體靜而安仁；精微用心，理和而專直。往居籓邸，潛款風雲，亦由彭祖之同書，子陵之共學。朕常游幸於外，至長楊、鄠杜之間，皎於此時與之累宿，私謂朕曰：「太上皇即登九五，王必為儲副。」凡如此者數四，朕叱而後止。寧知非僕，雖玩於鄧晨；可收護軍，遂訶於硃祐。皎復言於朕兄弟及諸駙馬等，因聞徹太上皇，太上皇遽奏於中宗孝和皇帝。尋遣嗣虢王邕等鞫問，皎保護無怠，辭意轉堅。李通之讖記不言，田叔之髡鉗罔憚。仍為宗楚客、紀處訥等密奏，請投皎炎荒。中宗特降恩私，左遷潤州長史。讒邪每構，忠懇逾深，戴於朕躬，憂存王室。以為天且有命，預睹成龍之征；人而無禮，常懷逐鳥之志。游辭枉陷，旋罹貶斥；嚴憲將及，殆見誅夷。履危本於初心，遭險期於不貳，雖禍福之際昭然可圖，而艱難之中是所繄賴。洎朕祗膺寶位，又共翦奸臣，拜以光寵，不忘捴挹，敬愛之極，神明所知。造膝則曾莫詭隨，匪躬則動多規諫，補朕之闕，斯人孔臧。而悠悠之談，嗷嗷妄作，丑正惡直，竊生於謗，考言詢事，益亮其誠。昔漢昭帝之保霍光，魏太祖之明程昱，朕之不德，庶幾於此。矧夫否當其悔，則滅宗毀族，朕負之必深；泰至其亨，則如山如河，朕酬之未補。豈流言之足聽，而厚德之遂忘？謀始有之，圖終可也。宜告示中外，咸令知悉。

I have heard that a man born into his age begins by serving his parents, goes on to serve his ruler, and ends by establishing his own character—that is the foundation of life. From there he may turn filial devotion into loyalty and enroll his name to pledge his service. When a command weighs as heavy as Mount Tai, loyalty held firm makes it light; when grass meets a raging wind, only if its stalk stays whole does one know its strength. How much more so when ruler and minister meet and old friendship is not cast aside! Grand Master for Splendid Happiness with the Silver Bag, director of the Secretariat, and Duke of the State of Chu, Jiang Jiao—his offices glittered in succession, his talent stood apart like fine jade. Broadness and generosity were his measure; serene in person, he rested securely in benevolence; subtle care was his intent; harmonious in principle, he was upright and resolute. While dwelling in the princely mansion he secretly committed himself to great affairs, as Peng Zu once shared texts with his lord and Yan Ziling studied together with his. I often traveled abroad, and between Changyang and the districts of E and Du, Jiao stayed with me for many nights. He told me privately: "When the Taishang Huang takes the throne, Your Highness will surely become heir apparent." He spoke in this way on four occasions before I rebuked him into silence. Who could tell he was no mere servant, though he passed his days in play at Deng Chen's gate; yet one who could take command of the Protectorate Army thereupon rebuked Zhu You. Jiao spoke again to my brothers and the various imperial sons-in-law, and word reached the Taishang Huang, who at once memorialized Emperor Zhongzong, the Filial and Harmonious Emperor. Soon the heir to the Prince of Guo, Yong, and others were sent to investigate. Jiao shielded the prince without faltering, and his words grew only firmer. Li Tongzhi would not utter the prophecy texts; Tian Shu did not shrink from the shaved head and fetters. Yet Zong Chuke, Ji Chuna, and others secretly memorialized, asking that Jiao be cast into the burning wilds. Zhongzong showed him special private favor and demoted him to chief administrator of Run Prefecture. Slanderers plotted against him again and again, yet his loyal devotion only deepened. He cared for me personally and kept the welfare of the royal house at heart. He believed Heaven had ordained a destiny and had foreseen the signs of the dragon's ascent; yet men without propriety constantly nursed the wish to drive away the bird. Loose talk falsely ensnared him, and he was soon demoted; severe punishment was at hand, and he nearly met execution. He embraced peril from his first loyalty and, in danger, expected no wavering. Though fortune and disaster lay clearly before him, in hardship he was the man I relied upon. When I received the throne, I again joined in cutting down treacherous ministers, showered him with honors, and did not forget his humble beginnings—the height of reverence and affection, known to the spirits. In private audience he never spoke with deceitful compliance; giving himself wholly to the ruler, he often remonstrated. In repairing my faults, this man is truly admirable. Yet idle talk spreads and reckless clamor rises; those who hate the upright and loathe the straight breed slander. When I examined his words and looked into the facts, his sincerity shone all the brighter. Long ago Emperor Zhao of Han preserved Huo Guang, and Cao Cao saw clearly the worth of Cheng Yu—my own virtue scarcely reaches that level. Moreover, if I were to reject him and later repent, clans would be destroyed and families ruined—I would owe him a debt beyond measure; if peace reaches its fullest height, then like mountains and rivers my repayment would still fall short. How could floating rumors be worth hearing, and deep virtue then be forgotten? He was with me at the beginning; let him remain to the end. Let this be proclaimed throughout the court and the realm, that all may know.

尋遷太常卿，監修國史。弟晦，又歷御史中丞、吏部侍郎，兄弟當朝用事。侍中宋璟以其權寵太盛，恐非久安之道，屢奏請稍抑損之。開元五年下敕曰：「西漢諸將，多以權貴不全；南陽故人，並以優閒自保。觀夫先後之跡，吉凶之數，較然可知，良有以也。太常卿、上柱國、楚國公、監修國史姜皎，衣纓奕代，忠讜立誠，精識比於橋玄，密私方於硃祐。朕昔在籓邸，早申款洽，當謂我以不遺，亦起予以自愛。及膺大位，屢錫崇班，茅土列爵，山河傳誓，備蒙光寵，時冠等夷。朕每欲戒盈，用克終吉。未若避榮公府，守靖私第，自弘高尚之風，不涉囂塵之境，沐我恩貸，庇爾子孫。宜放歸田園，以恣娛樂。」又遷晦為宗正卿，以去其權。久之，皎復起為秘書監。十年，坐漏洩禁中語，為嗣濮王嶠所奏，敕中書門下究其狀。嶠，即王守一之妹夫；中書令張嘉貞希守一意，構成其罪，仍奏請先決杖配流嶺外。下制曰：「秘書監姜皎，往屬艱難，頗效誠信，功則可錄，寵是以加。既忘滿盈之誡，又虧靜慎之道，假說休咎，妄談宮掖。據其作孽，合處極刑，念茲舊勳，免此殊死。宜決一頓，配流欽州。」皎既決杖，行至汝州而卒，年五十餘。皎之所親都水使者劉承祖，配流雷州，自余流死者數人。時朝廷頗以皎為冤，而咎嘉貞焉。源乾曜時為侍中，不能有所持正，論者亦深譏之。玄宗復思皎舊勳，令遞其柩還，以禮葬之，仍遣中使存問其家。十五年，追贈澤州刺史。晦坐皎左遷春州司馬，俄遷海州刺史，卒。

He was soon transferred to minister of ceremonies and supervisor of the national history. His younger brother Hui also served in turn as imperial censor and vice minister of the Ministry of Personnel; the brothers wielded power at court. Chief minister Song Jing, fearing that their power and favor were too great to endure, repeatedly memorialized asking that they be somewhat restrained. In the fifth year of Kaiyuan an edict was issued: "Under the Western Han, many generals, because of power and high rank, did not die natural deaths; the old companions of Nanyang all preserved themselves through leisure and ease. Compare the records of earlier and later times and the tally of fortune and misfortune—clearly the pattern can be seen, and with good reason. Minister of ceremonies, supreme pillar of the state, Duke of the State of Chu, and supervisor of the national history, Jiang Jiao—his robes and tassels shone through generations; he established his loyalty in frank speech; his keen insight matched Qiao Xuan, his private devotion recalled Zhu You. When I was in the princely mansion I formed an early bond of trust with him. I believed he held me in esteem without casting me aside, and he also stirred me to value myself. When I took the throne I repeatedly bestowed exalted ranks—fiefs and peerages, oaths sworn on mountains and rivers. He was showered with honors and for a time stood above his peers. I have wished to guard against excess so that good fortune may last to the end. Better to leave the glory of public office, keep to the quiet of your private home, show forth the spirit of lofty integrity, and not enter the noisy world of power—bathe in my grace and shelter your descendants. You should be released to your fields and gardens to enjoy yourself as you please." Hui was also transferred to director of the imperial clan, thereby stripping them of power. After some time Jiao was again appointed director of the Secretariat library. In the tenth year he was convicted of leaking forbidden words from within the palace. The heir to the Prince of Pu, Qiao, memorialized against him, and the Secretariat and Chancellery were ordered to investigate. Qiao was the brother-in-law of Wang Shouyi; Chief minister Zhang Jiazhen, seeking Wang Shouyi's favor, fabricated Jiao's guilt and memorialized that he first be flogged and then exiled beyond the Ling mountains. An edict was issued: "Director of the Secretariat Jiang Jiao, in former days amid hardship, showed considerable loyalty and trustworthiness. His achievements deserve to be recorded, and favor was therefore heaped upon him. He has forgotten the warning against fullness and excess and fallen short of quiet caution, falsely speaking of fortune and misfortune and recklessly discussing affairs of the inner palace. Judging by the crimes he has committed, he ought to receive the death penalty; mindful of his former merit, he is spared execution. He shall receive one beating with the rod and be exiled to Qin Prefecture." After the beating, Jiao died on the road at Ru Prefecture, aged a little over fifty. Jiao's intimate, Commissioner of Waterways Liu Chengzu, was exiled to Lei Prefecture; several others among those exiled also died. At the time the court largely regarded Jiao as wronged and blamed Jia Zhen. Yuan Qianyao was then attendant-in-chief but could not uphold what was right; commentators also deeply criticized him. Emperor Xuanzong again recalled Jiao's former merit, ordered his coffin escorted back, buried him with full ceremony, and sent a palace envoy to inquire after his family. In the fifteenth year he was posthumously made inspector of Ze Prefecture. Hui, implicated through Jiao, was demoted to vice governor of Chun Prefecture, soon made inspector of Hai Prefecture, and died there.

史臣曰：或問屈突通盡忠於隋而功立於唐，事兩國而名愈彰者，何也？答雲，若立純誠，遇明主，一心可事百君，寧限於兩國爾！被稠桑之擒，臨難無苟免；破仁杲之眾，臨財無苟得，君子哉！任瑰、丘和、許紹、李襲志咸遇真主，得為故人，或敘舊立功，或率眾歸國。尋其履跡，皆有可稱。襲志為政，襲譽訓子，庶幾弘遠矣。姜抃恩信，有能官之譽；行本勤濟，多克敵之功。皎雖故舊，恩幸不倫，雖嘉貞致冤，亦冒寵自掇，豈非無德而祿，福過災生之驗歟！任瑰縱妒妻無禮，任親戚求財，丘和進食邀幸，皆無取焉。

The historiographer remarks: Someone asked why Qu Tutong was utterly loyal to Sui yet established his merit under Tang, serving two states while his fame only grew—how was this? The answer was that if one establishes pure sincerity and meets an enlightened sovereign, one heart may serve a hundred lords—why be limited to two states alone! Captured at Chousang, he faced hardship without seeking easy escape; when he broke Ren Gao's army, he faced wealth without grasping what was not his—a gentleman indeed! Ren Gui, Qiu He, Xu Shao, and Li Xizhi all met a true sovereign and became old acquaintances; some drew on past ties to establish merit, others led their followers home to the new dynasty. Tracing their careers, each has something worthy of praise. Xizhi in governance and Xiyu in instructing his sons were, one may hope, achievements of far-reaching consequence. Jiang Bian won a reputation as a capable official through kindness and trust; Xingben was diligent in bringing relief and won many victories over the enemy. Jiao, though an old acquaintance, received favor out of all proportion; though Jia Zhen brought about his wrongful treatment, he also courted favor and seized it for himself—is this not proof that emolument without virtue invites disaster when fortune exceeds its measure! Ren Gui indulged a jealous wife without propriety and allowed relatives to seek wealth; Qiu He advanced food to court favor—all are without what is to be taken as exemplary.

贊曰：屈突守節，求仁得仁。諸君遇主，不足擬倫。

The encomium says: Qu held to integrity and, seeking benevolence, obtained it. The others, in meeting their sovereign, cannot be compared with him.

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