The Genealogy of Chinese Surnames · Volume of the Pei Clan

Author: Li Xueqin (Editor)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features: Represents a character, with a golden radical on the left and the right half of the character for "subtract." Pei Jun was a figure who brought the Pei family of Hedong the reputation of "Leader of the Three Rivers." Therefore, the Pei family played a significant role in establishing the important political and social status of the Pei family of Hedong during the Northern Dynasties. The Xianbei Tuoba clan, who established the Northern Wei regime, gradually shifted from a nomadic economy to an agricultural economy after entering the Central Plains. As a result, they could not help but be greatly influenced by the advanced economic and cultural traditions of the Han ethnic group. To strengthen and consolidate their rule in the Central Plains, the rulers of Northern Wei had to gain close cooperation from the Han aristocratic families and learn from their governance experience. For this purpose, the court issued an edict, recommending prominent and powerful clans from prefectures and commanderies to report to the capital, to be employed according to their talents. As a result, Han aristocratic landowners, led by the Qinghe Cui family, the Fanyang Lu family, the Xingyang Zheng family, the Taiyuan Wang family, and the Zhaojun Li family in Shandong, and the Wei, Pei, Liu, Xue, Yang, and Du families in Guanzhong and Hedong,，，. The Pei family of Hedong developed under this historical background during the Northern Wei period. The events recorded in the Book of Wei about the Pei family of Hedong are the story of Pei Jun stepping forward and actively cooperating with the Northern Wei rulers to suppress the of the Luquan Hu uprising in Hedong. The Luquan Hu living in Guanzhong were subjected to cruel rule by the Northern Wei rulers. In 445 AD, Luquan Hu Gai Wu launched an uprising in Xingcheng (now south of Huangling County, Shaanxi),、、、,,. The uprising quickly gained support from various regions. Xue Yongzong, a native of Fenyin (now Wanrong County, Shanxi), gathered poor farmers, seized thousands of government horses, and led over 3,000 people into Fenqu. They contacted Gai Wu in Guanzhong and accepted his leadership. The panicked Northern Wei court urgently dispatched a large army to suppress the rebellion. Xue Yongzong defeated several counties and launched an attack on the city of Wenhui. The city was unprepared, with insufficient troops and inadequate equipment. Panic spread among the people, and the county magistrate, terrified and helpless, had no solution. At this time, Pei Jun heard about the situation at home and immediately gathered local villagers, urging them, "According to the rites, when a ruler or father is in danger, a subject must sacrifice his life. The county magistrate is being pressured by bandits—this is the time for us to demonstrate our loyalty. Can you not be encouraged?" Pei Jun selected several hundred brave knights and rushed to the city. Upon hearing that the city had relief forces, Xue Yongzong retreated voluntarily. The Hedong greatly praised Pei Jun's actions and reported his deeds to the court. Pei Jun (?~468 AD), styled Shenju, was also known by the childhood name Pi and was from Wenhui, Hedong. His father, Shuangshuo, was the county magistrate and held the posts of acting Jianwei General and Hedong Prefect, as well as the title of Anyi Viscount. Pei Jun was intelligent from a young age and was called "Shenju," so these two characters were chosen as his style name. At the age of twenty, he thoroughly studied classics and history, enjoyed writing articles, and always acted according to propriety, earning respect from his neighbors. In the seventh year of the Taizhen reign (446 AD), Toba Tao "personally led the campaign" to suppress Gai Wu and arrived in Hedong, where he summoned Pei Jun. Pei Jun recounted his efforts to lead cavalry to the city to prepare for Xue Yongzong, and the Emperor was very pleased. He said to the accompanying Vice Minister of State Cui Hao, "Pei Jun has the talent to govern the world, and his loyalty and righteousness are commendable." Cui Hao also highly valued Pei Jun, calling him "the leader of the Three Rivers." He immediately appointed Pei Jun as a Middle Secretary Doctor and later promoted him to Middle Secretary Attendant. The Southern Dynasties Emperor Xiaowu of Song sent Ming Senghao as an envoy, and the court appointed Pei Jun, who was considered talented, as a temporary Grand Attendant and Attendant at Court to go to the border.