Qilibi Khan - During The Reigns of Ashina Duojishi, Ashina Silifu, and Ashina Duobi

During The Reigns of Ashina Duojishi, Ashina Silifu, and Ashina Duobi

It is not known when Ashina Simo was born. What is known is that he was of the same royal Ashina clan as the khans of Tujue, and was one generation senior of the Shibi Khan Ashina Duojishi, the Chuluo Khan Ashina Silifu, and the Jiali Khan Ashina Duobi, who were brothers to each other and who successively served as khans. Despite Ashina Simo's royal lineage, it was said that on account of his appearance, which appeared more Xiongnu-like than Tujue, Ashina Duojishi and Ashina Chuluo both suspected him of being born out of an adulterous relationship, and therefore did not entrust him with great authorities. Throughout their reigns, he thus only carried the title of Jiabi Tele (Duke) (夾畢特勒), and could not be a general. In 624, during a dispute that Eastern Tujue had with China's Tang Dynasty, which was then a vassal of Eastern Tujue, as part of the negotiations, Ashina Duobi sent Ashina Simo to meet with Emperor Gaozu of Tang, and Emperor Gaozu honored Ashina Simo with the title of Prince of Heshun.

Late in Ashina Duobi's reign, with Tang strengthening and Eastern Tujue weakening due to internal problems, many of Eastern Tujue tribes surrendered to Tang, and while apparently Tang made overtures to Ashina Simo, Ashina Simo remained faithful to Ashina Duobi. His faithfulness to Ashina Duobi continued even after Emperor Gaozu's son Emperor Taizong launched a major attack commanded by the general Li Jing in 629—such that when Tang forces captured Ashina Duobi in 630, Ashina Simo remained with him and was captured with him. Emperor Taizong was impressed with Ashina Simo's faithfulness and made him a general and a commandant, in command of the people formerly directly under Ashina Duobi. He also created Ashina Simo the Prince of Huaihua.