Wei Wensheng (衛文升)

Overview

Wei Wensheng was a general.

PeriodSui and Tang

IdentityHistorical · Male

Roles

Found in

Life and dates

Attested activity

AD 617 高祖兵叩長安
Dated from the passage context · New Book of Tang 95, passage 235

Places and affiliations

Polity Sui 隋 · Relation Served
Directly stated · New Book of Tang 95, passage 235

Events and relationships

Stopped executions
AD 617 高祖兵叩長安 · Political · Desisted
Directly stated · New Book of Tang 95, passage 236
Wished to kill prisoners
AD 617 高祖兵叩長安 · Legal · Would be executioner · With Yin Shishi (陰世師)
Directly stated · New Book of Tang 95, passage 235

References in the histories

New Book of Tang, Chapter 95Volume 95 Biographies 20: Gao Jian and Fifth Generation Descendents: Gao Zhong, Dou Weizhi, Douzhi, Dou Gui, Dou Cong, Dou Kang, Dou Jing, Dou Dan, Dou Zhi, Dou Congsun: Dou Dexuan · 1 passage

Open chapter

高祖兵叩長安，而宗室孝基、神符、道宗及竇誕、趙慈景等並系獄，隋將衛文升、陰世師欲殺之，德明諫曰：「罪不在此，殺之無傷於彼，祗取怨焉，不如縱之。」 When Gaozu's army reached Chang'an, the imperial clansmen Xiaoji, Shenfu, Daozong, Dou Dan, Zhao Cijing, and others languished in prison. The Sui generals Wei Wensheng and Yin Shishi wanted them executed. Deming urged: "The guilt does not lie with these men — killing them will not weaken the enemy, only breed hatred. Better to set them free."