The videos I watched became popular in ancient times

During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, there were constant wars, and many famous generals emerged.

During the Northern Zhou Dynasty, a very powerful general emerged within the royal family. He was known for his wisdom and courage, and his ability to attack and fight like a god. He was even compared to Fang Shu, Zhao Hu, Han Xin, and Bai Qi.

But such a powerful person was killed by his own nephew!

If he had not been killed, Yang Jian, the foreign relative of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, would not have dared to usurp the throne and would not have succeeded.

This man's name was Yuwen Xian. He was born into the Northern Zhou royal family. Yuwen Xian was the fifth son of Yuwen Tai.

When Yuwen Xian was young, he studied poetry and books with his fourth brother Yuwen Yong and performed very well.

After the establishment of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, Yuwen Xian served as the governor of Yizhou and the military commander of 24 states including Yining and Balu.

He achieved considerable political achievements during his tenure. After he left office, the people of Shu missed him very much and erected a monument to praise his virtues.

"Yu Wenxian was born, named Pihetu, from Wuchuan, Daijun."

"The fifth son of Emperor Wen of Northern Zhou, Yuwen Tai, and the half-brother of Emperor Xiaomin of Northern Zhou, Yuwen Jue. His mother was Dabugan."

"When I was young, I studied the Book of Songs and the Spring and Autumn Annals with Yuwen Yong, and I was able to synthesize the key points and understand their meaning."

"In the first year of Emperor Gong of the Western Wei Dynasty, he was promoted to Duke of Ancheng County."

"After Emperor Xiaomin Yuwen Jue ascended the throne, he appointed him as the General of the Cavalry and the Grand Master of the Imperial Court."

"Emperor Ming Yuwenyu ascended the throne and appointed him as the general."

"In the early years of Wucheng, he was appointed as the governor of Yizhou and concurrently the military commander of 24 states including Yizhou, Ningzhou, Bazhou, Luzhou, and the governor of Yizhou. He was promoted to Duke of Qi and was granted a fief of 10,000 households."

"Back then, after pacifying Shu, Yuwen Tai thought the situation there was dangerous and was unwilling to let the old generals guard it, so he wanted to choose candidates from among his sons."

"Ask everyone from Yuwen Yong down to who can take on this important task."

"Before anyone could answer, Yuwen Xian asked for his order first."

"Yuwen Tai was very happy, but because Yuwen Xian was still young, he did not send him."

"Emperor Ming followed Yuwen Tai's previous wishes, so he sent Yuwen Xian to Shu to serve."

"Yuwen Xian was sixteen years old at the time. He was good at pacifying and controlling his subordinates, and was attentive to the art of governance. He handled all the lawsuits himself, but he never got tired of governing."

"The people of Shu were grateful to him and jointly erected a monument to praise his merits. Soon he was promoted to the rank of Pillar of State."

"During the Baoding period, Yuwen Xian was summoned back to the capital and appointed governor of Yongzhou."

"When Duke Yuwen Hu of Jin went east to attack Northern Qi, he led Yuchi Jiong as the vanguard and surrounded Luoyang."

"Yuwen Xian, Da Xiwu, Wang Xiong and others stationed their troops at Mangshan. The other troops were stationed at strategic points."

"Tens of thousands of northern soldiers suddenly rushed out from behind the Northern Zhou army, and the other armies were terrified and fled in panic."

"Only Yuwen Xian, Wang Xiong, and Daxi Wu led the troops to resist."

"Wang Xiong was killed by the Qi army, and the three armies were horrified."

"Only after Yuwen Xian personally supervised and encouraged the troops did the morale settle down."

"At that time, Yuwen Hu was in power and trusted him very much, so he was able to participate in matters of rewards and punishments."

"In the third year of Tianhe, Yuwen Xian was appointed as the Grand Marshal and concurrently the Minister of the Imperial Censorate, and he continued to serve as the Governor of Yongzhou."

"In the fourth year of Tianhe, the Northern Qi general Dugu Yongye came to invade. The bandits killed the Kongcheng defense chief Neng Benda and took over the city to respond to the Qi army."

"I order Yuwen Xian and Zhuguo Li Mu to lead troops from Yiyang to build five cities including Chongde to cut off the Qi army's food supply route."

"The Northern Qi general Hulugu led an army of 40,000 and built a camp south of the Luo River."

"In the fifth year of Tianhe, Yuwen Xian crossed the Luo River to attack the Qi army, and Hulugu fled."

"Yuwen Xian pursued them to Anye and only returned after many battles."

"In the same year, Hulugu led his army to build a city on the north bank of the Fen River, heading west to Longmen."

"In the sixth year of Tianhe, Yuwen Xian was sent to lead 20,000 troops from Longmen."

"Because of the arrival of Yuwen's military police, the Northern Qi general Wang Kangde, the Prince of Xincai, fled quietly with his troops overnight."

"Yuwen Xian then returned westward. He dug the Fen River, diverted the water southward to submerge the Qi army camp, and led his army back into Northern Qi territory."

"The people of Qi thought that Yuwen Xian would have a hard time getting deeper, so they relaxed their border defenses."

"Yuwen Xian then crossed the Yellow River and attacked four cities including Fulong, occupying them all within two days."

"We also captured Zhangbi, seized its military supplies, and demolished the city walls."

"At that time, Hulugu was in Huagu and unable to rescue, so he went north to capture Yaoxiang City."

"At this time, Fenzhou had been under siege for a long time, and the grain transportation route was cut off. Yuwen Xian sent Yuwen Sheng, a pillar of the state, to transport grain to provide relief."

Lu You: Yuwen Xian himself passed through Liangru Valley, attacked the Baishe City of Northern Qi, occupied it, and then advanced towards Yaoxiang.

The Qi people held the city to the death. Yuwen Xian ordered Zhuguo and Tan Gong Yuwen Hui to build Shidian City as a backup for Fenzhou.

Duan Xiaoxian, King of Pingyuan of Northern Qi, and Gao Changgong, King of Lanling, arrived with a large army, and Yuwen Xian ordered his soldiers to form a battle array and wait for them.

General Han Huan was ambushed by the Qi army and his subordinates fled. Yuwen Xian personally supervised the battle and the Qi army retreated slightly.

It was getting late, and both sides withdrew their troops.

After Yuwen Hu was executed, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Yuwen Yong, summoned Yuwen Xian to the court, where he took off his hat and apologized.

The emperor ordered Yuwen Xian to go to Yuwen Hu's residence and collect military tokens, documents, etc. Yuwen Xian was then appointed as the Grand Chancellor.

At this time, Emperor Wu had already executed Yuwen Hu and others, and was personally managing the government. He planned to rectify politics and unify criminal laws, and would not show leniency even if they involved members of the royal family.

Yuwen Xian was originally highly valued by Yuwen Hu, and his power gradually grew after the Tianhe period.

Whenever Yuwen Hu wanted to say something, he would usually ask Yuwen Xian to make a report.

The emperor sometimes agreed and sometimes disagreed. Yuwen Xian was worried that the emperor and the prime minister would be suspicious of each other, so he always made his intentions clear in a tactful way.

Emperor Wu also knew his intentions, so he was able to avoid disaster.

However, he was still worried because of his great reputation. Although he was granted the position of prime minister, his power was actually taken away.

Pei Wenju, the chief minister, was Yuwen Xian's tutor. Emperor Wu often visited the inner palace to meet with Pei Wenju.

In the third year of Jiande, Yuwen Xian was promoted to king.

Yuwen Xian's friend Liu Xiuzhen presented him with a poem called "Wang Jin", which Yuwen Xian praised highly.

Later, Liu Xiuzhen presented "Wang Jin" to Emperor Wu.

Emperor Wu was trying to get rid of his brothers and liked this maxim very much.

Yuwen Xian often felt that the contents of military books were complicated and extensive, and it was difficult to find the main points, so he compiled them into five chapters of "Essentials" and presented them to the emperor. After reading them, Emperor Wu praised them.

In the autumn of that year, Emperor Wu came to Yunyang Palace, lying ill in bed. Prince Wei Yuwenzhi raised his army in rebellion in the capital.

At first, Yuwen Zhi hated Yuwen Xian very much, but Yuwen Xian pretended not to know and tolerated him.

Because he was Emperor Wu's brother from the same mother, they were even more friendly and respectful to him.

When Yuwen Hu was executed, Yuwen Zhi insisted on asking for forgiveness for the crime and Yuwen Xian's death.

In the fourth year of Jiande, Emperor Wu planned to march eastward to attack Northern Qi. He only discussed the matter with the internal historian Wang Yi, and no one else knew about it.

Later, he thought that none of his brothers' talents and strategies surpassed Yuwen Xian's, so he told him.

Yuwen Xian immediately agreed to the Eastern Expedition. When the army was about to set out, Yuwen Xian presented a petition to donate his own property to support the military expenses.

So he ordered Yuwen Xian to lead 20,000 troops as the vanguard and advance towards Liyang.

Emperor Wu personally besieged Heyin but failed to capture it.

Yuwen Xian captured Wuji, advanced his troops to besiege Luokou, and captured the two cities of Luokou, East and West. He withdrew his troops because Emperor Wu was ill.

In the same year, the position of Shangzhuguo was established and Yuwen Xian was appointed to the position.

In the fifth year of Jiande, a large-scale expedition was launched to the east against Northern Qi. Yuwen Xian led 20,000 elite cavalrymen and continued to serve as the vanguard to guard Queshu Valley. Emperor Wu personally besieged Jinzhou.

Yuwen Xian advanced forward and occupied the two cities of Hongtong and Yong'an, intending to expand the results of the war.

The Qi people burned bridges and held the strategic points, making it impossible for the army to advance, so they stationed in Yong'an.

"When the Lord of Qi heard that Jinzhou was under siege, he led a hundred thousand troops to come to the rescue in person."

"At that time, the pillar of the state, Prince of Chen Yuwen Chun stationed his troops at Qianlijing, the general, Duke of Yongchang Yuwen Chun stationed his troops at Jiqiyuan, and the general Yuwen Sheng guarded Fenshui Pass, all under the command of Yuwen Xian."

"At this time, Gao Wei, the last ruler of Northern Qi, divided his army into 10,000 troops to attack Qianlijing, and ordered his subordinates to go out of Fenshui Pass, and he personally led the army to fight against Yuwen Chun."

"Yuwen Sheng sent his knights to call for help, and Yuwen Xian led a thousand cavalrymen to help."

"The people of Qi saw the dust rising in the valley from afar and hurriedly retreated one after another."

"Yuwen Sheng and Zhuguo Hou Mo Chenrui waded across the Fen River to pursue the enemy and killed many of them."

"Soon after, Yuwen Chun reported that the Qi army was approaching, and Yuwen Xian returned to rescue them."

"It so happened that Yuwen Chun was ordered to withdraw his troops, so he led his troops back at night."

"The Qi people really thought that Bai'an was a military camp and did not suspect that our army had retreated. It was not until the next day that they realized they had been tricked."

"At that time, Emperor Wu had already left Jinzhou, leaving Yuwen Xian as the rear guard."

"Gao Wei personally led his army to pursue them and arrived at Gaoliang Bridge."

"Yuwen Xian led 2,000 elite cavalrymen and formed a battle array across the river. Duan Chang, the leader of the Northern Qi army, advanced all the way to the bridgehead."

"Yuwen Xian called over Duan Chang across the river and talked to him."

"He then pointed at King Chen and the others and told Duan Chang their names and titles one by one."

"Duan Chang rode away, and Yuwen Xian immediately ordered the troops to withdraw. Unexpectedly, the Qi army suddenly chased after them with great force."

"Yuwen Xian and the chief minister Yuwen Xin each led a hundred selected cavalrymen to defend the rear, killing more than a hundred fierce generals including Helan Baozi and Shan Rugui, and the Qi army retreated."

"Yuwen Xian crossed the Fen River and caught up with Emperor Wu at Yubi."

"Emperor Wu also ordered Yuwen Xian to lead 60,000 troops to return to Jinzhou for support."

"Yuwen Xian led his army forward and set up camp at the Sushui River."

"Gao Wei besieged Jinzhou day and night."

"Some of the spies who came back said that Jinzhou had fallen."

"Yuwen Xian dispatched Yuwen Sheng, the Prince of Yue, Yuchi Jiong, the General, and Yuwen Shenju, the Chief of the Imperial Court, to lead 10,000 lightly armed cavalrymen to Jinzhou overnight."

"Yuwen Xian advanced his troops to defend Mengkeng as a backup, and upon learning that Jinzhou had not fallen, he returned to Sushui."

"The Emperor then headed east and stationed his troops at Gaoxian. Yuwen Xian led his troops and advanced towards Jinzhou first."

"The next day, all the armies gathered together and gradually approached the city."

"The Qi army also sent out a large army and formed a battle array south of the Zhou army camp. Emperor Wu summoned Yuwen Xian to ride over on horseback to inspect the situation."

"Soon, all the armies attacked together, and the Qi army was immediately defeated."

"That night, Gao Wei fled, and Yuwen Xian led the light cavalry in pursuit."

"When they chased to Yong'an, Emperor Wu also arrived soon after."

"The people of Qi gathered the remaining soldiers and took up residence at Gaobi and Luonuzhai."

"Emperor Wu ordered Yuwen Xian to attack Luonu Village and occupy it."

"The next day, we will meet up with the main army in Jiexiu."

"At that time, Gao Wei had already fled to Yecheng, leaving his cousin Gao Yanzong, the Prince of Ande, to guard Bingzhou."

"Gao Yanzong took the opportunity to declare himself emperor and sent troops to resist."

"Emperor Wu marched his troops to besiege Bingzhou, and Yuwen Xian attacked the west of the city."

"Emperor Wu was ambushed in the city and fought till late at night, only to escape with his life."

"After escaping the city, the exhausted Emperor Wu wanted to withdraw his troops, but Yuwen Xian and Wang Yi persuaded him not to do so."

"The next day, Gao Yanzong fled in the battle, but was caught alive."

"Due to his military achievements, the second son, Yuwen Zhi, Duke of Ancheng, was promoted to King of Hejian, and the third son, Yuwen Xiong, was appointed as the general."

"Yuwen Xian was still ordered to march to Yecheng first. The following year, Yecheng was captured."

Xin Qiji: Gao Xi, the Prince of Rencheng, Gao Xiaoheng, the Prince of Guangning, and others of Northern Qi held Xindu with tens of thousands of troops. Emperor Wu ordered Yuwen Xian to attack them.

Gao Wei refused to accept the letter, but instead recruited monks on a large scale and offered them rewards, giving them lots of money and silk. Thousands of monks asked to join the army.

When Yuwen Xian led his army through Zhaozhou, Gao Wei sent two spies to conduct reconnaissance, but they were captured by patrolling cavalry and reported to Yuwen Xian.

Yuwen Xian gathered all the former generals of Northern Qi together and let the two spies look at them one by one.

So he wrote a letter to Gao Wei, urging him to surrender.

When Yuwen Xian arrived in Xindu, Gao Wei set up a position in the south of the city. Yuwen Xian climbed up Zhang Er's tomb and observed from afar.

After a while, Gao Wei's commander Wei Xiangyuan pretended to come out to inspect the formation and led his subordinates to surrender.

Wei Xiangyuan was Gao Xi's confidant, and everyone was terrified.

Gao Xi was furious and killed Wei Xiangyuan's wife and children.

The Zhou army won a great victory the next day, capturing or beheading a total of 30,000 people, and capturing Gao Xi, Gao Xiaoheng and others alive.

Yuwen Xian admired Gao Xi's integrity and ordered the release of his wife and children and gave them more money. He also interrogated Gao Xiaoheng.

Gao Xiaoheng described the danger of Northern Qi, crying as he spoke, but his demeanor remained graceful, and Yuwen Xian was also moved.

Yuwen Xian has always been good at planning and strategy, especially at pacifying and controlling his subordinates, knowing how to appoint the right people to the right positions, charging into battle and leading by example. His subordinates were moved and sincerely convinced, and they all worked for him.

The people of Qi had long heard of his reputation and were afraid of his bravery and strategy.

After the great victory in Bingzhou, they marched straight into Qi territory without harassing the common people, and their officers and soldiers did not have any private savings.

At the beginning, Jihu Liu Moduo proclaimed himself emperor and ordered Yuwen Xiandu to lead Zhao Wang Yuwen Zhao and others to suppress him.

Yuwen Xian felt that his reputation was growing, and he secretly considered retiring.

When Emperor Wu was preparing to personally lead an expedition against the northern barbarians, he declined the offer on the grounds of illness.

In the seventh year of Jiande, Emperor Wu died and Emperor Xuan, Yuwen Yun, ascended the throne. Emperor Xuan believed that his uncle Yuwen Xian was of high generation and great reputation, and he was very jealous and afraid of him.

At that time, Emperor Wu had not yet been buried, and the kings were keeping vigil in the court.

Chang Sun Lan, the Minister of Guards, was in charge of the army and assisted the government. He was worried that the kings might intend to rebel, so he reported to the emperor and ordered the establishment of a government office in Yu Zhi to spy on the kings.

After Emperor Wu was buried, the kings returned to their palaces.

Emperor Xuan also ordered Yu Zhi to wait for Yuwen Xian at his residence and take the opportunity to report that he had other intentions.

Yuwen Xian was led into the palace alone. Emperor Xuan had ambushed strong men in another room in advance. As soon as Yuwen Xian arrived, he was immediately captured.

Yuwen Xian remained unyielding and stated his reasons. Emperor Xuan of Zhou then asked Yu Zhi to confront Yuwen Xian.

Yuwen Xian's eyes were burning as he and Yu Zhi verified each other.

So Emperor Xuan of Zhou sent someone to strangle Yuwen Xian to death. He was 35 years old.

Later, Emperor Xuan of Zhou appointed Yu Zhi as a pillar of the state and conferred him the title of Duke of Qi.

After Emperor Xuan executed Yuwen Xian, he could not find any crime to accuse him of, so he used the excuse that General Wang Xing, Duke of Anyi, and others had conspired with Yuwen Xian and executed him.

In addition, Shang Kaifu Dugu Xiong, Kaifu Doulushao and others were also executed.

People at that time knew that Wang Xing and others were wrongly accused, and they all said that they died with Yuwen Xian. (End of this chapter)