Xu Liu was a prominent Chinese historian and scholar during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. He is best known for his work on the '旧唐书' (Old Book of Tang), which is a significant historical text that chronicles the history of the Tang dynasty. This work is notable not only for its detailed account of the political and cultural developments of the time but also for its critical perspective on the events and figures of the dynasty, reflecting the complexities of historical narrative in early China. As a historian, Xu Liu's contributions were crucial in preserving the legacy of the Tang dynasty, which is often regarded as a high point in Chinese civilization. His meticulous approach to historical writing set a precedent for future historians and scholars in China. The 'Old Book of Tang' remains an essential resource for understanding the intricacies of Tang history and has influenced subsequent historical writings, highlighting Xu Liu's enduring legacy in the field of Chinese historiography.
“Yin Ziqi had besieged the city for a long time. The food in the city had run out. The dwellers traded their children to eat and cooked bodies of the dead. Fears were spread and worse situations were expected. At this time, Zhang Xun took his concubine out and killed her in front of his soldiers in order to feed them. He said, "You have been working hard at protecting this city for the country wholeheartedly. Your loyalty is uncompromised despite the long-lasting hunger. Since I can't cut out my own flesh to feed you, how can I keep this woman and just ignore the dangerous situation?" All the soldiers cried, and they did not want to eat. Zhang Xun ordered them to eat the flesh. Afterwards, they caught the women in the city. After the women were run out, they turned to old and young males. 20,000 to 30,000 people were eaten. People always remained loyal.尹子奇攻圍既久,城中糧盡,易子而食,析骸而爨,人心危恐,慮將有變。巡乃出其妾,對三軍殺之,以饗軍士。曰:“諸公為國家戮力守城,一心無二,經年乏食,忠義不衰。巡不能自割肌膚,以啖將士,豈可惜此婦,坐視危迫。”將士皆泣下,不忍食,巡強令食之。乃括城中婦人;既盡,以男夫老小繼之,所食人口二三萬,人心終不離變。””
“Before, he had not realized what he actually wanted. Until today, when he saw how Cheng Yujin bade him farewell so easily, and how she began to talk happily about her and her future husband, Cheng Yuanjing finally understood what kind of answer he actually wanted to hear.He was not her uncle, nor was she his niece. What he wanted was for Cheng Yujin to see him as a man. He wanted her to give him an embroidery, make him pastries, and came to see him”