Yuan Tianmu

Yuan Tianmu (489–1 November 530), courtesy name Tianmu, was a military general of the Northern Wei during the Northern and Southern dynasties period. A distant member of the ruling Yuan clan, he quickly rose to prominence through his partnership with the commander, Erzhu Rong. He participated in the suppression of Ge Rong and Xing Gao, and played a role in the defence against Chen Qingzhi's northern expedition. Erzhu trusted him even more than his own relatives, but in 530, the two were lured into an ambush in Luoyang and killed by Emperor Xiaozhuang of Northern Wei.

Background Yuan Tianmu was a member of the ruling Yuan family of Northern Wei, being a descendant of Tuoba Yulü, although his relation to the imperial ruling clan was distant. He was described as a gentle and honest person with a beautiful appearance. He was also good at archery and had a reputation for being competent, beginning his career at 20 as a Communications Regular Mounted Attendant and Literary Official, before becoming a Dietary Supervisor and Assistant to the Grand Commandant.

Service under Erzhu Rong

Meeting Erzhu Rong When the rebellion of the Six Garrisons broke out, the Prince of Guangyang, Yuan Yuan and minister, Li Chong went on a northern expedition, and Yuan Tianmu was assigned to alleviating the soldiers. When passing through Xiurong Commandery (秀容, in modern Shuozhou, Shanxi), he came across the general, Erzhu Rong, who was impressed by his orderly laws and general's temperament. The two became friends and were described as close as brothers. Soon, Erzhu requested that Yuan be appointed a Branch Censorate, but the court disapproved, only making him a Colonel and instructing him to remain at Xiurong. However, as Erzhu was one of the few commanders with the military capacity to oppose the rebels, Yuan by association was eventually appointed the Branch Censorate of the Northwestern Circuits, General Who Attacks Barbarians and Inspector of Bing province.

Yuan Tianmu also followed Erzhu in his campaigns against the Six Garrison rebels, and after accumulating victories, he was made Founding Earl of Liaocheng County and General Who Pacifies the North while retaining his other positions. He also served as acting General Who Pacifies the Army while concurrently serving as the Branch Censorate of the Masters of Writing.

When Erzhu Rong led his troops to the capital, Luoyang to depose Empress Dowager Hu in May 528, Yuan Tianmu was involved in the initial planning and ordered to remain behind to act as reserves. After Emperor Xiaozhuang ascended the throne, he was specifically appointed as the Grand Commandant and enfeoffed the Prince of Shangdang. He was also granted tally and appointed as a Palace Attendant, General Who Leads the Army, Grand General of Agile Cavalry and Grand Chief Controller of the Capital.

Chen Qingzhi's Northern Expedition While he was away, however, Yuan Hao and Chen Qingzhi managed to seize control of Luoyang, forcing Emperor Xiaozhuang to flee north. Having pacified the rebellion, Yuan Tianmu and the general, Fei Mu prepared to attack Yuan Hao. Yuan Tianmu led 40,000 soldiers to capture Daliang, while Fei Mu brought 20,000 soldiers to besiege Hulao. In response, Yuan Hao sent Chen Qingzhi to repel Fei Mu. As the battle of Hulao was about to be lost, Yuan Tianmu became worried and wanted to cross north of the Yellow River to join Emperor Xiaozhuang. His subordinate, Wen Zisheng asserted that recapturing the capital would elevate his prestige to new heights, but though he agreed, Yuan decided not to adopt his plan. He crossed the river from Bigong Rampart (畢公壘) and met the emperor at Henei Commandery. When Erzhu Rong wanted to withdraw his troops because of the hot weather, Yuan Tianmu insisted against the idea, so Erzhu opted not to.

Death and posthumous honours Yuan did not receive much prestige and favour due to his very distant relation with the imperial family, but under Erzhu, who treated him with the courtesy of an elder brother, he began receiving lofty titles and positions and became a highly sought-after figure, receiving reverence from both the court and public. His mansion was always crowded with nobles and officials while he accepted bribes and accumulated a trove of treasures. However, he was also kind and tolerant, so he was not heavily criticized by the people of his time. Seeing that Yuan was a trusted confidant of Erzhu, Emperor Xiaozhuang outwardly showed favour and respect to him, even authorizing him to ride his carriage through the Grand Marshal's Gate. Erzhu's relatives, despite holding high positions themselves, remained wary of the favour that Yuan was receivin. On one occasion, Yuan Tianmu criticized Erzhu's cousin, Erzhu Shilong, and Erzhu promptly had his cousin beaten with a cane.