Yuwen Tai (周文帝) | 24 Histories

Overview

Yuwen Tai was a Western Wei Regent and Posthumous Ancestor of Northern Zhou.

Other names

Type	English	Chinese	Pinyin
Personal name	Yuwen Heituo	宇文黑獺	Yuwen Heita
Posthumous name	Duke Wen	文公
Temple name	Grand Progenitor	太祖	Taizu
Nickname	Black Badger	黑獺	Hei Ta

Life and dates

Death

Date Source Date: Text: 魏恭帝三年十月乙亥 · Western Year: AD 556
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 3, passage 8

Attested activity

AD 545 六月丁巳
Dated from the passage context · Book of Zhou 23, passages 270, 288, 334
AD 535 to AD 537 （未著年月，大統三年前西魏朝事）
Dated from the passage context · Book of Zhou 23, passages 5, 8
AD 545 中興十有一年，仲夏
Dated from the passage context · Book of Zhou 23, passages 262-263
AD 534 to AD 535 出帝末
Dated from the passage context · Book of Wei 27, passage 101
AD 546 十二年
Dated from the passage context · Book of Zhou 23, passages 354-355, 364-367, 371
AD 548 十四年
Dated from the passage context · Book of Zhou 23, passages 394-395

Show 38 more source-backed claims

AD 544 十年
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 23, passage 40
c. AD 535 to c. AD 556 周太祖
Strongly inferred · Book of Sui 54, passages 6, 35
AD 555 周太祖以詧為梁主
Dated from the passage context · Book of Sui 79, passage 113
AD 535 to AD 556 周太祖時
Directly stated · Book of Sui 52, passage 7
c. AD 534 to c. AD 551 周太祖見而大悅
Dated from the passage context · Book of Sui 54, passage 121
AD 534 to AD 556 周文
Dated from the passage context · Book of Northern Qi 27, passages 34, 62
AD 535 to AD 556 周文帝
Dated from the passage context · Book of Northern Qi 35, passage 52
AD 534 to AD 535 周文帝始據雍州
Dated from the passage context · Book of Northern Qi 46, passage 20
AD 538 周文帝於上流放火船
Dated from the passage context · Book of Northern Qi 25, passage 42
AD 550 to AD 554 周文東至崤陜
Dated from the passage context · Book of Northern Qi 15, passage 248
AD 545 大同十一年
Dated from the passage context · Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance 159, passages 3, 14; zizhitongjian:159:s0003a
AD 541 大統七年
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 9, passage 26
AD 537 大統三年
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 23, passage 35
AD 535 大統元年
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 17, passage 158
AD 535 大統初
Dated from the passage context · Book of Zhou 43, passage 67
AD 537 天平四年
Directly stated · Book of Northern Qi 15, passage 20
AD 555 天成元年
Directly stated · Book of Northern Qi 33, passage 23
AD 535 to AD 556 太祖
Strongly inferred · Book of Zhou 10, passage 216
AD 534 to AD 556 太祖之定關右
Dated from the passage context · Book of Zhou 13, passage 135
AD 534 to AD 556 太祖以辯有儒術
Dated from the passage context · Book of Zhou 24, passages 10-11, 35
AD 535 太祖創基
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 9, passage 10
AD 535 to AD 556 太祖嘉之
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 46, passage 47
AD 534 to AD 556 太祖徵兵
Dated from the passage context · Book of Zhou 18, passage 27
AD 534 to AD 556 太祖臨夏州至平江陵
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 26, passages 10, 56
AD 534 to AD 556 建義關中
Directly stated · Book of Sui 43, passage 7
AD 543 武定初
Dated from the passage context · Book of Northern Qi 49, passage 147
AD 543 to AD 550 武定聘梁時
Dated from the passage context · Book of Northern Qi 29, passages 65, 67
AD 528 to AD 530 永安中
Dated from the passage context · Book of Zhou 10, passage 16
AD 534 永熙三年
Dated from the passage context · Book of Zhou 4, passage 2
AD 537 沙苑之敗
Dated from the passage context · Book of Northern Qi 26, passages 41, 45
AD 531 to AD 547 破周文帝
Dated from the passage context · Book of Northern Qi 26, passage 64
AD 534 翊戴太祖
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 17, passage 11
AD 542 興和四年
Dated from the passage context · Book of Northern Qi 16, passage 50
AD 546 蘇綽
Dated from the passage context · zizhitongjian:159:s0313a
AD 535 to AD 551 魏大統中
Dated from the passage context · Book of Sui 53, passage 2
AD 553 魏廢帝二年春
Dated from the passage context · Book of Zhou 21, passage 18
AD 556 魏恭帝三年
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 24, passage 35
AD 556 魏恭帝三年十月乙亥
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 3, passage 8

Family

Immediate relationships attested in the translated histories.

Parent of Emperor Xiaomin (孝閔皇帝)
bore Emperor Min 生孝閔帝
son 子 · paternal line
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 9, passage 25; Book of Zhou 3, passage 1
Parent of Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou (周武)
bore High Ancestor 生高祖
younger brother 介弟 · paternal line
Sources vary in certainty · Book of Zhou 9, passage 31; Book of Zhou 4, passages 1, 152
Child of Empress De (德皇后)
bore 生
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 10, passage 6
Spouse of Empress Chinu (叱奴皇后)
consort 姬 · Concubinage
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 9, passage 31
Parent of Princess of West River (西河長公主)
daughter 女
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 17, passage 129
Parent of Daughter of Yuwen Tai (wife of Guo Feng)
daughter 女
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 17, passage 56
Sibling of Yuwen Hao (宇文顥)
elder brother 長兄 · Full siblings
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 10, passage 4
Sibling of Grand Princess of Changle (昌樂大長公主)
elder sister 姊 · paternal line
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 21, passage 4
Parent of Emperor Ming of Northern Zhou (周明帝)
eldest son 長子 · paternal line
Emperor Ming 明帝
Sources vary in certainty · Book of Zhou 4, passage 1; Book of Zhou 9, passages 1, 39
Spouse of Empress Yuan (元皇后)
empress 皇后 · Primary marriage
given in marriage to 配 · Marriage
Sources vary in certainty · Book of Zhou 3, passages 1-2; Book of Zhou 9, passage 25
Descendant of Duke Xianhou (獻侯)
founding ancestor 始祖
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 3, passage 34
Parent of Yuwen Zhao (宇文招)
imperial younger brother 皇弟 · paternal line
Strongly inferred · Book of Zhou 4, passages 1, 131
Parent of Yuwen Sheng (宇文盛)
imperial younger brother 皇弟 · paternal line
Strongly inferred · Book of Zhou 4, passages 1, 131
Parent of Yuwen Zhi (宇文直)
imperial younger brother 皇弟 · paternal line
Strongly inferred · Book of Zhou 4, passages 1, 131
Parent of Yuwen Xian (宇文憲)
imperial younger brother 皇弟 · paternal line
Strongly inferred · Book of Zhou 4, passages 1, 131
Parent of Yuwen You (宇文逌)
imperial younger brother 皇弟 · paternal line
Strongly inferred · Book of Zhou 4, passages 1, 131
Parent of Yuwen Da (宇文達)
imperial younger brother 皇弟 · paternal line
Strongly inferred · Book of Zhou 4, passages 1, 131
Parent of Yuwen Chun (宇文純)
imperial younger brother 皇弟 · paternal line
Strongly inferred · Book of Zhou 4, passages 1, 131
Parent of Yuwen Jian (宇文儉)
imperial younger brother 皇弟 · paternal line
Strongly inferred · Book of Zhou 4, passages 1, 131
Parent of Yuwen Tong (宇文通)
imperial younger brother 皇弟 · paternal line
Strongly inferred · Book of Zhou 4, passages 1, 131
Spouse of Lady Yao (姚夫人)
Lady 夫人 · Secondary marriage
Strongly inferred · Book of Zhou 4, passage 2

Kinship Role brothers · Quantity unknown
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 10, passage 216

Key source chapters

Career and standing

Chancellor of Western Wei 魏丞相
Held
Directly stated · Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance 159, passages 14, 44
Chancellor 丞相
Held
Directly stated · zizhitongjian:159:s0313a
posthumously honored as emperor 追尊文王為帝
AD 560 秋八月己亥 · Granted
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 4, passage 126
King Wen 文王
AD 557 元年 · Posthumously honored
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 3, passage 145
died in the status of a minister 以人臣禮終
Died as minister · Ended
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 13, passage 135

Places and affiliations

Western Wei / Northern Zhou 西魏北周
Relation Ruled
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 26, passage 10
Western Wei 西魏
Relation Ruled
Dated from the passage context · Book of Zhou 18, passage 27
Western Wei 西魏
Relation Served
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 10, passages 42, 46
Polity Northern Zhou
Strongly inferred · Book of Sui 53, passage 2
Polity Western Wei
Strongly inferred · Book of Sui 53, passage 2
Polity Western Wei / Northern Zhou 西魏／北周 · Relation Served
Strongly inferred · Book of Zhou 13, passage 135

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Polity Western Wei 西魏 · Relation Associated
Strongly inferred · Book of Northern Qi 26, passages 41, 64
Polity Western Wei 西魏 · Relation Ruled as paramount
Strongly inferred · Book of Northern Qi 27, passages 37, 48
Polity Western Wei 西魏 · Relation Ruled
Directly stated · Book of Northern Qi 15, passage 248
Polity Western Wei 西魏 · Relation Ruled
Strongly inferred · Book of Northern Qi 16, passages 50-51; Book of Zhou 10, passage 216; Book of Zhou 23, passages 5, 35
Polity Western Wei 魏 · Relation Served
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 23, passages 260, 325; zizhitongjian:159:s0313a
Polity Name Western Wei 西魏 · Relation Ruled as regent
Strongly inferred · Book of Zhou 43, passage 67
AD 534 to AD 556 太祖之定關右
At Guanzhong 關右 · Relation Campaigned in
Dated from the passage context · Book of Zhou 13, passage 135
At Tong Province 同州 · Relation Present at
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 23, passage 366

Works and attributed material

Speech · Speaker · Addressed to Liu Gui (柳檜)
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 46, passages 86-88
Eulogy · Speaker · With Su Chuo (蘇綽)
Directly stated · zizhitongjian:159:s0313l; zizhitongjian:159:s0313m
Duke Wang has this grandson—that alone is enough to make his line immortal.
Remark · Speaker · Mode quotation Speaker Yuwen Tai (周文帝)
Directly stated · Book of Sui 54, passage 6
Speech · Speaker · With Zhou Huida (周惠達) · Direct quotation
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 23, passages 15, 17, 31
Speech · Speaker · With Wang Changshu (王長述)
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 18, passage 71
Speech · Speaker · Direct quotation · With Yuchi Jiong (尉遲迥)
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 21, passage 22

Show 5 more source-backed claims

Speech · Speaker · With Rang (讓) · Direct quotation
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 23, passage 6
Speech · Speaker · With Liu Liang (劉亮)
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 17, passage 121
Speech · Speaker · Mode quotation
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 17, passage 126
Speech · Speaker · Direct quotation
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 21, passages 18-19
Speech · Speaker
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 23, passages 334-343, 356-359, 367-369; zizhitongjian:159:s0313f; zizhitongjian:159:s0313g; zizhitongjian:159:s0313h

Events and relationships

Brought Daxi Changru into his trusted retinue and appointed him sub commandant.
Appointment
Directly stated · Book of Sui 53, passage 2
Captured
AD 537 大統三年 · Military · Commander · With Dou Tai (竇泰) · At Tong Pass 潼關 · Outcome Dou Tai captured
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 23, passages 35-36
Escorted burial
Ritual · Mourner · With Su Chuo (蘇綽) · At Tong province 同州
Directly stated · zizhitongjian:159:s0313k; zizhitongjian:159:s0313n
Farewell feast
AD 535 to AD 537 （未著年月，大統三年前西魏朝事） · Ritual · Host · With Rang (讓) · At outside the Eastern Capital Gate 東都門外
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 23, passage 5
Fire ships
Military · Attacker · At Heyang bridge 河橋
Directly stated · Book of Northern Qi 25, passage 42
Marched east to Xiao and Shan
AD 550 to AD 554 周文東至崤陜 · Military · Commander
Directly stated · Book of Northern Qi 15, passage 248

Show 20 more source-backed claims

Opposed at Mount Mang
AD 542 興和四年 · Military · Opponent · With Gao Huan (高歡)
Dated from the passage context · Book of Northern Qi 16, passage 50
Ordered Bian's six ministry system into effect
Institutional · Authority · With Lu Bian (盧辯)
Dated from the passage context · Book of Zhou 24, passage 35
Ordered Su Chuo then Lu Bian to implement the Offices of Zhou
Institutional · Commissioner · With Su Chuo (蘇綽)
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 24, passages 28-29
Ordered Su Chuo to compose the Great Admonition and prescribed its style
AD 545 大同十一年 · Literary reform · Sponsor · With Su Chuo (蘇綽)
Directly stated · Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance 159, passage 44; zizhitongjian:159:s0044b; zizhitongjian:159:s0044c
Ordered commendation
Political · Authority · With Jing Ke (荊可)
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 46, passage 170
Raised rescue troops; trusted Wang Sizheng
Military · Leader
Dated from the passage context · Book of Zhou 18, passages 27, 110
Raised sword; created institutions; reformed customs toward frugality
Political · Founder
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 23, passages 410-412
Recruited as trusted intimate
Social · Patron · With Du Zheng (杜整)
Directly stated · Book of Sui 54, passage 148
Sent Anuopantuo as first envoy to the Turks
AD 545 大同十一年 · Diplomacy · Sender · With Anuopantuo (安諾槃陀)
Directly stated · Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance 159, passage 14; zizhitongjian:159:s0014c
Sent courier to summon Chun to lead township troops
Administrative · Authority
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 23, passage 395
Settled
AD 534 to AD 556 太祖之定關右 · Military · Commander · At Guanzhong 關右
Dated from the passage context · Book of Zhou 13, passage 135
Treated Lu Bian with great respect and consulted him in major court debates
Political · Patron · With Lu Bian (盧辯)
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 24, passage 11
Visited
AD 535 to AD 537 （未著年月，大統三年前西魏朝事） · Travel · Principal · At Kunming Pool 昆明池
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 23, passages 19, 26
Walked to Tong Province outer gate and poured libation
Funeral · Mourner
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 23, passages 366-367, 370
Wrote sacrificial text; sent second grade offering
Ritual · Author
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 23, passage 371
Relation Patron of · Person Su Chuo (蘇綽)
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 23, passages 349-350; zizhitongjian:159:s0313a
Relation Commander of · Person Yang Piao (楊檦)
Directly stated · Book of Northern Qi 15, passage 248
Relation Recommender of · Person Ma Yao (麻瑤)
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 23, passage 364
Relation Patron of · Person Lu Bian (盧辯)
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 24, passage 11
Relation Commander of · Person Houmochen Chong (侯莫陳崇)
Directly stated · Book of Northern Qi 15, passage 248

Assessments and attributes

Assessment delighted to see Heng and his mother; treated Heng with exceptional favor as the son of a founding minister · Mode narrator-report
Directly stated · Book of Sui 54, passage 121
Item blank signed sheets 空紙 · Relation Bestowed · With Su Chuo (蘇綽)
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 23, passage 350

Source notes

Historicity historical
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 10, passage 216; Book of Zhou 13, passage 135
Had no leisure to establish a princely screen of feudal princes before death.
Directly stated · Book of Zhou 13, passage 135

References in the histories

Search passages

History

217 passages

Book of Northern Qi, Chapter 15Volume 15 Biographies 7: Dou Tai; Wei Jing; Lou Zhao; His Nephew Rui; Kudie Gan; His Son Shiwen; Han Gui; Pan Le · 2 passages

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四年，泰至小關，為周文帝所襲，衆盡沒，泰自殺。 In the fourth year Dou Tai reached Little Pass, was ambushed by Yuwen Tai, and his whole force was destroyed; Dou Tai killed himself.

周文東至崤、陜，遣其行臺侯莫陳崇自齊子嶺趣軹關，儀同楊檦從鼓鐘道出建州，陷孤公戍。 Yuwen Tai marched east to Xiao and Shan, sending field headquarters Houmochen Chong from Qizi Ridge against Zhiguan Pass while yitong Yang Piao by the Guchong road into Jian Province captured the Gugong garrison.

Book of Northern Qi, Chapter 16Volume 16 Biographies 8: Duan Rong; Duan Shao · 1 passage

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興和四年，從高祖禦周文帝於邙山。 In the fourth year of Xinghe, he followed Gao Huan in opposing Yuwen Tai at Mount Mang.

Book of Northern Qi, Chapter 25Volume 25 Biographies 17: Zhang Zuan; Zhang Liang; Zhang Yao; Zhang Qi; Xu Yuan; Wang Jun; Wang Hong · 2 passages

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周文帝於上流放火船燒河橋。 Emperor Wen of Zhou upstream sent fire ships to burn the river bridge.

基先於葛榮軍與周文帝相知，及文帝據有關中，高祖遣基與長史侯景同使於周文帝，文帝留基不遣。 Ji had earlier known Zhou Wendi while in Ge Rong's army; when Wendi held Guanzhong, Gao Huan sent Ji with chief clerk Hou Jing on a mission to Zhou Wendi, and Wendi detained Ji and would not send him back.

Book of Northern Qi, Chapter 26Volume 26 Biographies 18: Xue Chu; Jing Xianjun; Ping Jian · 2 passages

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但置兵諸道，勿與野戰，比及來年麥秋，人民盡應餓死，寶炬、黑獺，自然歸降。 Simply place troops on the roads and do not fight in the open field. By next year's wheat harvest the people will all have starved; Bao Ju and Hei Hu will surrender of themselves.

又從高祖平寇難，破周文帝。 He again followed Gao Huan in pacifying rebellion and defeated Yuwen Tai.

Book of Northern Qi, Chapter 27Volume 27 Biographies 19: Moqi Pu; Liu Feng; Poliuhan Chang; Jin Zuo; Wei Zican; · 5 passages

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侯莫陳悅之殺賀拔岳也，周文帝率岳所部還，共圖悅。 When Houmochen Yue killed Heba Yue, Yuwen Tai led Yue's troops back and together they plotted against Houmochen Yue.

周文忌元智勇，知元懷貳，發兵攻之。 Yuwen Tai feared Yuan's wisdom and courage, knew Yuan was of two minds, and sent troops to attack him.

周文頻遣兵邀之，元戰必摧之。 Yuwen Tai repeatedly sent troops to intercept him; whenever Yuan fought he crushed them.

周文授以衛大將軍，豐不受，乃遣攻圍，不克。 Yuwen Tai offered him the rank of grand general of the guard; Feng refused, and Yuwen sent troops to besiege him but could not take the city.

又從高祖破周文於河陰，豐功居多，高祖執手嗟賞。 He again followed Gao Huan in defeating Yuwen Tai at Heyin; Feng's merit stood first, and Gao Huan took his hand and sighed in admiration.

Book of Northern Qi, Chapter 29Volume 29 Biographies 21: Li Hun; Zi Zhan; Hun Dihui; Zuzi Gongxu; Li Yu; Di Jin; Zu Dixiao; Zheng Shuzu; Zi Yuande · 2 passages

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梁武曰：「黑獺若為形容？ Emperor Wu said, "What is Black Badger's appearance like?

繪曰：「黑獺遊魂關右，人神厭毒，連歲凶災，百姓懷土。 Hui said, "Black Badger is a stray spirit in the west, loathed by men and spirits alike; year after year brings fierce calamity and the people yearn for their homeland.

Book of Northern Qi, Chapter 33Volume 33 Biographies 25: Xiao Yuanming; Xiao Zhi (Liang); Xiao Tui; Xiao Fang (Liang); Xu Zhicai · 1 passage

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侍中裴英起衛送明入建鄴，遂稱尊號，改承聖四年為天成元年，大赦天下，宇文黑獺、賊詧等不在赦例。 Palace attendant Pei Yingqi guarded and escorted Ming into Jiankang; he then assumed the imperial title, changed the fourth year of Chengsheng to the first year of Tiancheng, and proclaimed a general amnesty—Yuwen Heitu, the rebel Cha, and the like were not within the amnesty.

Book of Northern Qi, Chapter 35Volume 35 Biographies 27: Pei Rangzhi; Li Guo; Zhang Yanzhi; Lu Ang; Wang Songnian; Liu Yi · 1 passage

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周文帝以為大行臺倉曹郎中，卒。 Prince Wen of Zhou appointed him director of granaries on the grand mobile staff; he died in that post.

Book of Northern Qi, Chapter 46Volume 46 Biographies 38: Good Officials · 3 passages

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周文帝始據雍州也，高祖猶欲以逆順曉之，使華原入關說焉。 When Emperor Wen of Zhou first held Yong province, Gao Huan still hoped to persuade him with the logic of loyalty and rebellion and sent Huayuan through the passes to argue with him.

周文密有拘留之意，謂華原曰：「若能屈驥足於此，當共享富貴，不爾，命懸今日。」 Zhou Wen secretly meant to detain him and said: "If you can bend your swift horse's legs to stay here, we shall share wealth and honor; if not, your life ends today."

周文嘉其亮正，乃使東還。 Zhou Wen admired his candor and sent him back east.

Book of Northern Qi, Chapter 49Volume 49 Biographies 41: Arts · 1 passage

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武定初，官軍與周文戰於邙山。 Early in Wuding the royal army fought Zhou Wen at Mount Mang.

Book of Sui, Chapter 43Volume 43 Biographies 8: He Jian Wanghong, Yang Chugang, Yang Zichong, Guang De, Wang Xiong · 1 passage

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及武元皇帝與周太祖建義關中，元孫時在鄴下，懼為齊人所誅，因假外家姓為郭氏。 When Emperor Wuyuan and the Zhou dynastic founder raised their banner in Guanzhong, Yuansun was still in Ye. Fearing the Northern Qi would put him to death, he assumed his maternal clan's surname and became Guo.

Book of Sui, Chapter 52Volume 52 Biographies 17: Han Qinhu, He Ruobi · 1 passage

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周太祖見而異之，令與諸子遊集。 When Emperor Taizu of Zhou met him, he was struck by the young man's promise and had him keep company with his own sons.

Book of Sui, Chapter 53Volume 53 Biographies 18: Daxi Zhangru, Helou Zigan, Shi Wansui, Liu Fang · 1 passage

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達奚長儒字富仁，代人也．祖俟，魏定州刺史．父慶，驃騎大將軍、儀同三司．長儒少懷節操，膽烈過人．十五，襲爵樂安公．魏大統中，起家奉車都尉．周太祖引為親信，以質直恭勤，授子都督．數有戰功，假輔國將軍，累遷使持節、撫軍將軍、通直散騎常侍．平蜀之役，恒為先鋒，攻城野戰，所當必破之．除車騎大將軍、儀同三司，增邑三百戶．天和中，除渭南郡守，遷驃騎大將軍、開府儀同三司．從武帝平齊，遷上開府，進爵成安郡公，邑千二百戶，別封一子縣公．宣政元年，除左前軍勇猛中大夫．後與烏丸軌圍陳將吳明徹於呂梁，陳遣驍將劉景率勁勇七千來為聲援，軌令長儒逆拒之．長儒於是取車輪數百，繫以大石，沉之清水，連轂相次，以待景軍．景至，船艦礙輪不得進．長儒乃縱奇兵，水陸俱發，大破之，俘數千人．及獲吳明徹，以功進位大將軍．尋授行軍總管，北巡沙塞，卒與虜遇，接戰，大破之． Daxi Changru, styled Furen, came from Dai. His grandfather Si had been Wei’s inspector of Dingzhou; his father Qing held the ranks of general of agile cavalry and director of the three departments with equal standing. Even as a young man Changru was known for moral resolve and a daring that outstripped ordinary men. At fifteen he succeeded to the dukedom of Le’an. Under the Great Unity reign of Wei he entered service as commandant of the imperial carriages. Emperor Taizu of Zhou took him into his personal trust, and for his plainspoken loyalty and tireless diligence he received a sub-commandant’s commission. Battle honors followed in number; he was acting general who supports the state, then rose through commissioner bearing the staff, general who pacifies the army, and regular attendant-in-ordinary of the scattered cavalry. In the conquest of Shu he was always in the van—whether in siege or in the field, whatever he struck gave way. He was made general of chariots and cavalry and director of the three departments with equal standing, with three hundred added households in his fief. In the Tianhe period he became administrator of Weinan commandery, then general of agile cavalry and director of a bureau with equal standing. He followed Emperor Wu in the pacification of Qi, was promoted to superior director of the bureau, advanced to duke of Cheng’an with twelve hundred households, and had one son enfeoffed separately as a county duke. In the first year of Xuanzheng he was appointed valiant grand master of the left forward army. Later, with Wuwan Gui, he besieged the Chen commander Wu Mingche at Lüliang. Chen dispatched the fierce general Liu Jing with seven thousand elite troops in relief; Gui ordered Changru to intercept them. Changru took hundreds of cartwheels, lashed heavy stones to them, and sank them in the clear current so that hub followed hub in a barrier across the river. When Jing arrived, his fleet fouled on the wheels and could not pass. Changru then loosed his strike force by land and water together and broke the enemy, taking several thousand prisoners. After Wu Mingche fell into their hands, Changru was promoted to grand general for his achievement. He was soon made commander on campaign and patrolled the northern sands; he suddenly met the barbarians in battle and crushed them.

Book of Sui, Chapter 54Volume 54 Biographies 19: Wang Zhangshu, Li Yan, Yi Louqian, Tian Rengong, Yuan Heng, Du Zheng, Li Che, Cui Peng · 4 passages

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長述幼有儀範，年八歲，周太祖見而異之，曰：「王公有此孫，足為不朽。」 Changshu had dignified bearing even as a child. At eight, Zhou Taizu saw him and marveled, saying, "Duke Wang has this grandson—that alone is enough to make his line immortal."

周太祖時，釋褐千牛備身，封懷仁縣公。 Under Zhou Taizu he entered service as a thousand-ox guard attendant and was enfeoffed as duke of Huairen county.

周太祖見而大悅，以亨功臣子，甚優禮之。 Zhou Taizu was delighted to see them and, because Heng was the son of a founding minister, treated him with exceptional favor.

周太祖引為親信。 Zhou Taizu brought him in as a trusted intimate.

Book of Sui, Chapter 79Volume 79 Biographies 44: Imperial Affines · 1 passage

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周太祖以詧為梁主，遣柱國於謹等率騎五萬襲繹，滅之。 Taizu of Zhou installed Cha as ruler of Liang and sent the Pillar of State Yu Jin with fifty thousand horsemen to strike Yi and destroy him.

Book of Wei, Chapter 27Volume 22: Emperor Xiaowen's Five Princes · 1 passage

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宇文黑獺害出帝，寶炬乃僭大號。 Yuwen Heituo slew the Deposed Emperor; Yuan Baoju then seized the imperial title.

Book of Zhou, Chapter 3Volume 3 Annals 3: Emperor Xiaomin · 7 passages

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孝閔皇帝諱覺，字陁羅尼，太祖第三子也。 The Xiaomin Emperor, taboo name Jue and styled Tuoluoni, was the third son of the Grand Duke.

十月乙亥，太祖崩，丙子，嗣位太師、大冢宰。 On yihai in the tenth month the Grand Duke died; on the following day, bingzi, Jue succeeded him as Grand Preceptor and Grand Chancellor.

僉曰公昭考文公，格勳德於天地，丕濟生民。 All declared: Your late father Duke Wen matched Heaven and Earth in merit and brought vast benefit to the people.

追尊皇考文公為文王，皇妣為文后。 He posthumously honored his late father Duke Wen as King Wen and his late mother as Empress Wen.

惟文王誕玄氣之祥，有黑水之讖，服色宜烏。」 King Wen bore the auspice of dark vapor and the prophecy of black water; ceremonial attire should honor black.”

文考德符五運，受天明命，祖于明堂，以配上帝，廟為太祖。」 Cultured Father’s virtue embraced the five phases and received Heaven’s mandate; in the Bright Hall he is honored to match the Supreme Lord, and his temple is titled Grand Ancestor.”

朕文考昔與群公洎列將眾官，同心戮力，共治天下。 Our Cultured Father once joined the great dukes, the generals, and all officials in single-minded effort to govern the realm.

Book of Zhou, Chapter 4Volume 4 Annals 4: Emperor Ming · 12 passages

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世宗明皇帝諱毓，小名統萬突，太祖長子也。 Emperor Ming, canonically titled Shizong, bore the taboo name Yu and in childhood was called Tongwantu; he was the eldest son of Yuwen Tai.

母曰姚夫人，永熙三年，太祖臨夏州，生帝於統萬城，因以名焉。 His mother was Lady Yao. In the third year of Yongxi (534), while Yuwen Tai was in Xia Province, the future emperor was born at Tongwan and took his childhood name from the city.

文考至德下覃，遺仁爰被，遠符千載，降斯三足。 King Wen's utmost virtue spread below; his surviving benevolence still reaches abroad; a thousand years matched, this three-footed bird was sent down.

辛巳，以功臣琅邪貞獻公賀拔勝等十三人配享太祖廟庭。 On xinsi day thirteen meritorious ministers, including Helba Sheng, Duke of Langye Zhenxian, were granted paired sacrifice in Yuwen Tai's temple court.

文考屬天地草昧，造化權輿，拯彼橫流，匡茲頹運。 My late father, in the chaos when Heaven and Earth were still unformed, saved the realm from the flood and turned back a failing age.

凡是從先王向夏州，發夏州從來，見在及薨亡者，並量賜錢帛，稱朕意焉。」 All who marched with the late king to Xia Province, and all who came from Xia Province and are still living or have since died—each shall receive money and silk as I intend."

秋八月己亥，改天王稱皇帝，追尊文王為帝，大赦改元。 On jihai day in the eighth month of autumn he took the title Emperor instead of Heavenly King, posthumously raised Wen Wang to emperor, proclaimed a general amnesty, and changed the era name.

諸公及在朝卿大夫士，軍中大小督將、軍人等，並立勳效，積有年載，輔翼太祖，成我周家。 You dukes, ministers, and officials at court, and every commander and soldier in the armies—you have served with merit for years, supporting the Grand Progenitor and building our Zhou house.

今朕纘承大業，處萬乘之上，此乃上不負太祖，下不負朕躬，朕得啟手啟足，從先帝於地下，實無恨於心矣。 I have inherited the great enterprise and held the throne; in that I have not failed the Grand Progenitor above nor my own duty below. I may die whole of limb and join the former emperors below with no regret.

唯冀仁兄冢宰，洎朕先正、先父、公卿大臣等，協和為心，勉力相勸，勿忘太祖遺志，提挈後人，朕雖沒九泉，形體不朽。 I ask my elder brother the Chief Minister, together with the worthies who served before, my late father's ministers, and you all, to stand as one, keep one another to the task, and honor the Grand Progenitor's last wish by guiding those who come after. Though I go down to the grave, my purpose need not die with me.

夫人貴有始終，公等事太祖，輔朕躬，可謂有始矣，若克念世道艱難，輔邕以主天下者，可謂有終矣。 A man's honor lies in finishing what he begins. You served the Grand Progenitor and supported me—that was the beginning. If you remember how hard these times are and help Yu Gong rule the realm, that will be the end.

處代邸之尊，實文昭之長。 While he held the honored place of heir at the princely lodge, he was in truth Wen's eldest son.

Book of Zhou, Chapter 9Volume 9 Biographies 1: Empresses · 9 passages

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太祖創基，修衽席以儉約； Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai laid the foundation and kept the inner quarters in frugal simplicity;

民厭苛政，弊事實多，太祖之祚忽諸，特由於此。 The people grew weary of harsh government, and abuses were many; the Zhou mandate established by Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai ended in a flash, largely for this reason.

文帝元皇后，魏孝武帝之妹。 Empress Yuan, consort of Emperor Wen Yuwen Tai, was a younger sister of Emperor Xiaowu of Wei.

改封后為馮翊公主，以配太祖，生孝閔帝。 The empress was re-enfeoffed as Princess of Fengyi and given in marriage to Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai; she bore Emperor Min Yuwen Jue.

文宣叱奴皇后，代人也。 Empress Chinu, consort of Emperor Wen Yuwen Tai, was a native of Dai.

太祖為丞相，納后為姬，生高祖。 When Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai was chief minister, he took her as consort; she bore High Ancestor Yuwen Yong.

太祖方與齊人爭衡，結以為援。 Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai was then contending with Northern Qi for supremacy and sought alliance with the Turks.

至長安，太祖以后賜高祖，後稍得親幸。 Reaching Chang'an, Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai bestowed the empress upon High Ancestor Yuwen Yong; afterward she gradually gained his favor.

Book of Zhou, Chapter 10Volume 10 Biographies 2: Duke Hao of Shaohui; Duke Lian of Qijian; Duke Luosheng of Juzhuang; Duke Zhong of Yuguo · 14 passages

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邵惠公顥，太祖之長兄也。 Duke Hui of Shao Yuwen Hao was the elder brother of Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai.

生顥，次杞簡公連，次莒莊公洛生，次太祖。 She bore Yuwen Hao, then Duke Jian of Qi Yuwen Lian, then Duke Zhuang of Ju Yuwen Luosheng, and finally Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai.

永安中，太祖入關，什肥不能離母，遂留晉陽。 In the Yong'an era (528–530), when Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai entered Guan, Shifen could not leave his mother and remained at Jinyang.

及太祖定秦、隴，什肥為齊神武所害。 After Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai had pacified Qin and Long, Shifen was killed by Gao Huan.

少雄豪，有仁惠，太祖愛之。 In youth he was bold and heroic, possessed benevolence and kindness, and Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai loved him.

及太祖隨賀拔岳入關，導從而西，常從征伐。 When Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai followed Helba Yue into Guan, Yuwen Dao followed west and constantly joined the campaigns.

太祖討侯莫陳悅，以導為都督，鎮原州。 When Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai campaigned against Houmochen Yue, he made Yuwen Dao commander and garrisoned Yuan Province.

三年，太祖東征，導入宿衛，拜領軍將軍、大都督。 In the third year (535), when Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai marched east, Yuwen Dao entered palace guard service and was appointed director of the guard and chief commander.

齊神武渡河侵馮翊，太祖自弘農引軍入關，導督左右禁旅會於沙苑，與齊神武戰，大破之。 When Gao Huan crossed the Yellow River and invaded Fengyi, Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai led his army into the passes from Hongnong. Yuwen Dao led the imperial guards to join him at Shayuan, where they fought Gao Huan and inflicted a crushing defeat.

進屯渭橋，會太祖軍。 He advanced to camp at Wei Bridge and joined Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai's army.

高仲密以北豫降，太祖率諸將輔魏皇太子東征，復以導為大都督、華東雍二州諸軍事，行華州刺史。 When Gao Zhongmi surrendered Beiyu, Grand Progenitor Yuwen Tai led the generals in supporting the Western Wei crown prince on an eastern campaign; Yuwen Dao was again made chief commander of military affairs in Hua, East Yong, and the two Yong provinces, and acting governor of Hua Province.