Annals of Jin, Volume 30

Volume 108

[Annal of Jin, Book 30] From the year Xuanxu Zhixu to the year Rouzhao Tuntan, five years in total.

Spring, first month, on the day Jisi, the first day of the month, a general amnesty was granted to the empire.

The former Qin ruler Fu Deng established Zhaoyi, Lady Li of Longxi, as empress.

Second month, on the day Renyin, the later Yan ruler Murong Chui traveled from Lukou to Hejian, Bohai, and Pingyuan. Di Zhao sent his general Di Du to invade Guantao, stationing troops at Sulei Fortress. Third month, Murong Chui led troops south to attack Di Zhao.

The former Qin Cavalry General Mo Yigan led his forces to surrender to later Qin. The later Qin appointed him Chariot and Cavalry General and enfeoffed him as Duke of Gaoping.

The later Qin ruler Yao Chang lay ill. He ordered Yao Shuode to guard Li Run, Yin Wei to defend Chang'an, and summoned the heir apparent Yao Xing to his traveling camp. The Southern Expedition General Yao Fangcheng said to Yao Xing: "Now the enemy is not yet destroyed, and the ruler is ill. Wang Tong and others all have their personal troops; in the end, they will be a disaster. They should all be eliminated." Yao Xing followed this advice and killed Wang Tong, Wang Guang, Fu Yin, Xu Cheng, and Mao Sheng. Yao Chang was furious and said: "Wang Tong and his brothers are from my hometown; they truly have no treacherous intentions. Xu Cheng and the others were famous generals of the former dynasty. I was about to use them. How dare you kill them without authorization!"

The later Yan ruler Murong Chui advanced and approached Sulei Fortress. Summer, fourth month, Di Du fled south to Huatai. Di Zhao sought aid from Western Yan. The Western Yan ruler Murong Yong discussed this with his ministers. The Minister of Works, Bohai native Bao Zun, said: "Let the two bands of rebels wear each other down, and we will sit and reap the benefits. This is the strategy of Bian Zhuangzi." The Central Secretariat Attendant, Taiyuan native Zhang Teng, said: "Murong Chui is strong and Di Zhao is weak. What is there to wear down? It would be better to rescue him quickly to form a tripod-like balance. Now our army should head straight for Zhongshan, setting up many decoy troops by day and lighting many torches by night. Murong Chui will surely be frightened and turn back to save himself. Our army will strike his front, and Di Zhao will follow behind. This is a time granted by Heaven; it must not be lost." Murong Yong did not follow this advice.

Later Yan granted a general amnesty to the empire.

Fifth month, on the day Dingmao, the first day of the month, a solar eclipse occurred.

Sixth month, the later Yan ruler Murong Chui stationed his army at Liyang. Approaching the Yellow River, he prepared to cross, but Di Zhao arrayed his troops on the southern bank to resist. On the day Xinhai, Murong Chui moved his camp to the western ford, forty li west of Liyang, and made over a hundred leather boats, pretending to load them with weapons and sailing upstream. Di Zhao hastily led his troops to rush to the western ford. Murong Chui secretly sent the Central Fortress General, Prince of Guilin Murong Zhen and others to cross at night from Liyang Ford, setting up camp on the southern bank of the Yellow River. By dawn, the camp was completed. When Di Zhao heard this, he hurried back his army and attacked Murong Zhen's camp. Murong Chui ordered Murong Zhen to hold fast and not engage. Di Zhao's troops, exhausted from running back and forth, could not capture the camp and prepared to withdraw. Murong Zhen then led his troops out to fight. The Cavalry General Murong Nong crossed from the western ford and joined Murong Zhen in a pincer attack on Di Zhao, thoroughly defeating his army. Di Zhao fled back to Huatai, gathered his wife and children, collected his remaining troops, and crossed north over the Yellow River. He climbed Mount Bailu and held fast by relying on the treacherous terrain. The later Yan army could not advance. Murong Nong said: "Di Zhao has no provisions and cannot remain in the mountains for long." He then withdrew his troops, leaving behind cavalry to observe. Di Zhao indeed came down from the mountain. The later Yan army turned back and attacked him, capturing all his followers. Di Zhao, alone on horseback, fled to Changzi. The Western Yan ruler Murong Yong appointed Di Zhao as Chariot and Cavalry General-in-Chief and Governor of Yanzhou, enfeoffing him as Prince of Dongjun. After more than a year, Di Zhao plotted rebellion, and Murong Yong killed him.

Earlier, Hao Xi, Cui Cheng, and Cui Hong of Qinghe, Zhang Zhuo of Xinxing, Kui Teng of Liaodong, and Lu Zuan of Yangping all served in former Qin. To escape the chaos of war in former Qin, they came to defect. The court issued an edict appointing them as commandery governors in Jizhou, each leading their personal troops to station on the southern bank of the Yellow River. Soon after, they also accepted official positions from the Di clan. When the Di clan was defeated, they all surrendered to later Yan. The later Yan ruler Murong Chui employed them according to their abilities. The seven commanderies and over thirty thousand households that Di Zhao had ruled all remained settled as before. Murong Chui appointed the Prince of Zhangwu, Murong Zhou, as Inspector of Yanzhou and Yuzhou, stationed at Huatai. He relocated over seven thousand households from Xuzhou to Liyang and appointed the Prince of Pengcheng, Murong Tuo, as Inspector of Xuzhou, stationed at Liyang. Murong Tuo was the son of Murong Chui's younger brother. Murong Chui appointed Cui Yin as Murong Zhou's Adjutant.

Earlier, the Prince of Chenliu, Murong Shao, served as General of the South, the Prince of Taiyuan, Murong Kai, as General of the West, and the Prince of Lelang, Murong Wen, as General of the East. Murong Chui appointed Cui Yin as deputy to all of them. Cui Yin was talented, intelligent, quick, and upright, skilled in offering remonstrances. The four princes all feared him. Wherever he went, he simplified punishments, reduced taxes and corvée labor, so that refugees attached themselves to him, and households and population increased daily.

Autumn, seventh month, Murong Chui went to Yecheng. He appointed the Prince of Taiyuan, Murong Kai, as Governor of Jizhou, and the Right Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, Yu Wei, as Left Chief Steward.

The former Qin ruler Fu Deng, hearing that the later Qin ruler Yao Chang was ill, was overjoyed. He offered sacrifices to the spirit tablet of his ancestor, the Emperor Shizu, granted a general amnesty to the empire, promoted all officials by two ranks, fed his warhorses and sharpened his weapons, and advanced to approach Anding, within ninety li of the city. Eighth month, Yao Chang's illness slightly improved, and he went out of the city to resist. Fu Deng led his troops out of camp, preparing to engage. Yao Chang sent the Southern Pacification General Yao Xilong to attack the former Qin camp from another direction. Fu Deng, frightened, withdrew his army. Yao Chang led his troops by night along a byway to circle behind Fu Deng. At dawn, the scout cavalry reported: "The enemy camps are all empty; their whereabouts are unknown." Fu Deng was greatly alarmed and said: "What kind of man is this? When he leaves, I do not know it; when he comes, I do not perceive it. I thought he was about to die, but suddenly he comes again. That I should be born in the same age as this Qiang man—how difficult it is!" Fu Deng then returned to Yongcheng, and Yao Chang also returned to Anding.

The King of Sanhe, Lü Guang, sent his younger brother, the Right General Lü Bao, and others to attack the King of Jincheng, Qifu Gangui. Lü Bao and his soldiers died, over ten thousand in all. He also sent his son, the Tiger-Ben General of the Central Guard, Lü Zuan, to attack the Southern Qiang Peng Xinian. Lü Zuan was also defeated and returned. Lü Guang personally led his army to attack Peng Xinian at Fuhan, capturing it. Peng Xinian fled to Gansong.

Winter, tenth month, on the day Xinhai, the Inspector of Jingzhou, Wang Chen, died. The Inspector of Yongzhou, Zhu Xu, requested to be relieved of his post due to old age and illness. The court issued an edict appointing the Right Chief of the Heir Apparent's Guard, Xi Hui, as Inspector of Yongzhou, replacing Zhu Xu to guard Xiangyang. Xi Hui was the son of Xi Tan.

All the Ba and Shu people in Guanzhong rebelled against later Qin, occupied Hongnong, and submitted to former Qin. The former Qin ruler Fu Deng appointed Dou Chong as Left Chancellor. Dou Chong moved his camp to Huayin. Xi Hui sent General Zhao Mu to guard Jin Yong, and the Grand Administrator of Henan, Yang Quanqi, led the various armies to station at Hu City, attacking Dou Chong and repelling him.

Eleventh month, on the day Guiyou, the court appointed the Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, Yin Zhongkan, as Commander-in-Chief of the Military Affairs of Jing, Yi, and Ning Provinces and Inspector of Jingzhou, stationed at Jiangling. Although Yin Zhongkan had a distinguished reputation, his seniority and prestige were shallow, and those who discussed it considered the appointment inappropriate. After taking office, he liked to practice small acts of kindness, and the laws and discipline fell into disuse.

The Duke of Nanjun, Huan Xuan, relying on his talent and family standing, considered himself a heroic figure. The court suspected him and did not employ him. At the age of twenty-three, he was finally appointed as the Heir Apparent's Laundry Attendant. Huan Xuan once went to visit the Prince of Langya, Sima Daozi. It happened that Sima Daozi was very drunk. Opening his drunken eyes, he said to the assembled guests: "In his later years, Huan Wen wanted to become a rebel. What do you all say about that?" Huan Xuan prostrated himself, sweating, and could not rise. From then on, he became even more uneasy and often gnashed his teeth in hatred toward Sima Daozi. Later, he was sent out to fill the post of Grand Administrator of Yixing. Depressed and frustrated, he sighed and said: "My father was a chief of the nine provinces, but his son becomes a chief of the five lakes!" Thereupon, he abandoned his post and returned to his fief. He submitted a memorial defending himself, saying: "My late father's merit in aiding the king and restoring the dynasty has been forgotten by the court. I no longer dwell on it. But as for the former emperor's accession to the throne and Your Majesty's succession, I ask those who discuss this: whose achievement was it?" The memorial was shelved without a reply.

Huan Xuan was at Jiangling, and Yin Zhongkan greatly feared him. The Huan clan had generations governed Jingzhou, and Huan Xuan was also overbearing. The gentry and common people feared him more than Yin Zhongkan. Huan Xuan once rode a horse in the hall of Yin Zhongkan's office, pointing his lance at Yin Zhongkan. Yin Zhongkan's Central Troops Adjutant, Pengcheng native Liu Mai, said to Huan Xuan: "Your skill with the lance is more than enough, but your insight into profound principles is insufficient." Huan Xuan was displeased, and Yin Zhongkan changed color because of this. After Huan Xuan left, Yin Zhongkan said to Liu Mai: "You are a madman! If Huan Xuan sends someone to kill you tonight, how can I save you?" He then sent Liu Mai to the capital to take refuge. Huan Xuan sent men to pursue and kill him, but Liu Mai barely escaped with his life.

The Campaign Recorder and Aide-de-camp Hu Fan, a native of Yuzhang, passed through Jiangling and, upon seeing Yin Zhongkan, advised him: “Huan Xuan’s ambitions are extraordinary; he is often disgruntled due to his loss of office. Your Excellency treats him with excessive honor and favor—I fear this will not bode well for the future!” Yin Zhongkan was displeased. Hu Fan’s brother-in-law, Luo Qisheng, also from the same commandery, was Yin Zhongkan’s Merit Evaluator. After Hu Fan withdrew, he said to Luo Qisheng: “Lord Yin is handing the handle of his spear to another—this will surely bring disaster. If you do not make plans to leave early, it will be too late for regrets!”

On the gengyin day, the emperor established his son, Sima Dewen, as the Prince of Langya, and re-designated the Prince of Langya, Sima Daoxi, as the Prince of Kuaiji.

In the twelfth month, the Later Yan ruler Murong Chui returned to Zhongshan and appointed the Prince of Liaoxi, Murong Nong, as Commander-in-Chief of the Five Provinces of Yan, Yu, Jing, Xu, and Yong, garrisoning Yecheng.

The Xiu Guan tribal leader Quan Qiangcheng occupied Xianqin and proclaimed himself Shepherd of Qin Province.

Li Liao, a native of Qinghe, submitted a memorial requesting an imperial order to the Yu Province to repair the Confucian Temple, allocate households for cleaning and maintenance, and establish schools to recruit and teach students. He wrote: “There are matters that seem slow but are in fact urgent—this is such a case!” The memorial was not reviewed.

In spring, the first month, the Later Yan Prince of Yangping Xiao, Murong Rou, passed away.

Quan Qiangcheng, pressured by Former Qin, requested to submit to the Prince of Jincheng, Qifu Gangui. Qifu Gangui appointed him as Governor of East Qin Province, Grand Commander of the Xiu Guan, and Duke of Xianqin.

In summer, the fourth month, on the gengzi day, the Later Yan ruler Murong Chui additionally invested his heir, Murong Bao, as the Great Chanyu; appointed the Prince of Anding, Kuruguan Wei, as Grand Commandant; the Prince of Fanyang, Murong De, as Minister over the Masses; the Prince of Taiyuan, Murong Kai, as Minister of Works; and the Prince of Chenliu, Murong Shao, as Right Director of the Department of State Affairs. In the fifth month, he established his sons Murong Xi as the Prince of Hejian, Murong Lang as the Prince of Bohai, and Murong Jian as the Prince of Boling.

The Former Qin Right Chancellor Dou Chong, relying on his own talents and looking down on others, requested to be enfeoffed as the Prince of Tianshui. The Former Qin ruler Fu Deng did not agree. In the sixth month, Dou Chong proclaimed himself King of Qin and changed the era name to Yuanguang.

The Prince of Jincheng, Qifu Gangui, established his son Qifu Chipan as heir. Qifu Chipan’s courage, strategy, and decisiveness surpassed those of his father.

In autumn, the seventh month, the Former Qin ruler Fu Deng attacked Dou Chong at Yeren Fortress. Dou Chong sought aid from Later Qin. Yin Wei said to the Later Qin ruler Yao Chang: “The heir’s reputation for benevolence is known far and wide, but his martial prowess and strategic insight have not yet been displayed. Please send him to attack Fu Deng to establish his fame.” Yao Chang followed this advice. The heir Yao Xing led troops to attack Hukong Fortress. Fu Deng lifted the siege of Dou Chong to provide relief. Yao Xing took the opportunity to attack Pingliang and returned with great gains. Yao Chang ordered Yao Xing to return and garrison Chang’an.

The Wei ruler Tuoba Gui, angered that the Xue Gan tribal leader Tai Xifu had not handed over Liu Bobo, attacked his city in the eighth month, massacred its inhabitants, and Tai Xifu fled to Former Qin.

The Di tribal leader Yang Fosong rebelled and fled to Later Qin. Yang Qizhi and Zhao Mu pursued him. On the bingxu day of the ninth month, they defeated Yang Fosong at Tong Pass. The Later Qin general Yao Chong rescued Yang Fosong, defeated the Jin forces, and Zhao Mu died in battle.

In winter, the tenth month, the Later Qin ruler Yao Chang fell gravely ill and returned to Chang’an.

The Yan ruler Murong Chui discussed attacking Western Yan. All the generals said: “Murong Yong has no exploitable opportunity. We have been campaigning for years, and the soldiers are exhausted—we cannot send out troops.” The Prince of Fanyang, Murong De, said: “Since Murong Yong is a collateral branch of the Yan royal house and has presumptuously proclaimed himself emperor, confusing the people’s perceptions, we should first eliminate him to unify popular sentiment. Although the soldiers are weary, how can we stop here?” Murong Chui said: “The Minister over the Masses’ opinion is exactly what I was thinking. Though I am old, I still have enough wisdom left in my bag to deal with him; I cannot leave this rebel to burden my descendants.” Thereupon, he ordered a state of alert.

In the eleventh month, Murong Chui set out from Zhongshan with 70,000 infantry and cavalry. He sent the General of the West, the Prince of Danyang, Murong Zan, and the Dragon-Soaring General Zhang Chong to march from Jingxing to attack the Western Yan Duke of Wuxiang, Murong You, at Jinyang. He sent the General of the East, Ping Gui, to attack the General of the East, Duan Ping, at Shating. The Western Yan ruler Murong Yong sent his Director of the Department of State Affairs, Diao Yun, and the Chariot and Cavalry General, Murong Zhong, with 50,000 troops to garrison Luchuan. Murong You was Murong Yong’s younger brother. In the twelfth month, Murong Chui arrived at Yecheng.

On the jihai day, the Later Qin ruler Yao Chang summoned Grand Commandant Yao Min, Director Yin Wei, Yao Huang, General Yao Damu, and Director of the Secretariat Di Bozhi into the palace, receiving a testamentary edict to assist in governance. Yao Chang said to his heir Yao Xing: “If anyone slanders these ministers, you must not believe them. Treat your blood relatives with kindness and righteousness, receive your ministers with propriety, handle affairs with sincerity, and govern the people with benevolence. If you do not fail in these four aspects, I will have nothing to worry about.” Yao Huang, weeping, inquired about the strategy to capture Fu Deng. Yao Chang said: “Now the great enterprise is nearly complete. Yao Xing’s abilities are sufficient to accomplish it—why ask further?” On the gengzi day, Yao Chang died. Yao Xing kept the death secret and did not announce mourning. He sent his uncle Yao Xu to garrison Anding, Yao Shuode to garrison Yinmi, and his younger brother Yao Chong to guard Chang’an. Someone said to Yao Shuode: “You have always been renowned for your authority, and your troops are the strongest. Now, at this time of succession, you will surely be suspected by the court. It would be better to flee temporarily to Qin Province and observe the situation.” Yao Shuode said: “The heir’s aspirations are broad and generous; he will certainly not have other concerns. Now that Fu Deng has not been eliminated, if we, as blood relatives, attack each other, this is self-destruction. I will only face death; I will never do such a thing.” Thereupon, he went to pay respects to Yao Xing. Yao Xing treated him with generous rites and then sent him back. Yao Xing proclaimed himself General-in-Chief, appointed Yin Wei as Chief Clerk, and Di Bozhi as Adjutant, and led the troops to attack Former Qin.

In spring, the first month, the Former Qin ruler Fu Deng, upon hearing that the Later Qin ruler Yao Chang had died, said joyfully: “This boy Yao Xing—I can beat him with a broken stick!” Thereupon, he declared a general amnesty, led his entire army eastward, left the Minister over the Masses, the Prince of Ancheng, Fu Guang, to guard Yongcheng, and his heir Fu Chong to guard Hukong Fortress. He sent an envoy to appoint the Prince of Jincheng, Qifu Gangui, as Left Chancellor, Prince of Henan, concurrently overseeing the five provinces of Qin, Liang, Yi, Liang, and Sha, and granting him the Nine Bestowments. Initially, when Tufa Sijian died, his son Tufa Wugu succeeded him. Tufa Wugu was valiant, martial, and ambitious, and he plotted with his general Fenduo to seize Liang Province. Fenduo said: “If you must obtain Liang Province, you should first devote yourself to agriculture, practice military affairs, treat talented people with courtesy, and clarify government and punishments. Only then can you succeed.” Tufa Wugu followed his advice. The Prince of Sanhe, Lü Guang, sent an envoy to appoint Tufa Wugu as Champion General-in-Chief and Grand Commander of the Xianbei of Hexi. Tufa Wugu discussed with his subordinates: “Should we accept?” All said: “Our troops are strong and our horses vigorous—why should we submit to others?” Shi Zhen Ruoliu did not answer. Tufa Wugu said: “Are you afraid of Lü Guang?” Shi Zhen Ruoliu said: “Our foundation is not yet stable, and our size and strength are no match. If Lü Guang turns his full force against us, what can we use to resist? It is better to accept the office, making him proud, and then act when an opportunity arises—there will be no failure.” Tufa Wugu then accepted the appointment.

In the second month, the Former Qin ruler Fu Deng attacked the Tu Ge tribes’ Yao Nu Fortress and Bo Pu Fortress, capturing both.

The Yan ruler Murong Chui left the Duke of Qinghe, Murong Hui, to guard Yecheng, mobilized troops from Si, Ji, Qing, and Yan provinces, sent the Prince of Taiyuan, Murong Kai, to march from Fukou, the Prince of Liaoxi, Murong Nong, to march from Huguan, while Murong Chui himself set out from Shating to attack Western Yan. He publicly announced the direction of the attack, and the various armies took up positions separately. When the Western Yan ruler Murong Yong heard of this, he deployed his forces in full readiness, divided his troops to defend, gathered grain and fodder at Taibi, and sent his nephew, the General of the East, Xiao Yidigui, the General of the East, Wang Siduo, and the General of the Right, Le Ma Ju, with over 10,000 troops to garrison that location.

In summer, the fourth month, the Former Qin ruler Fu Deng marched directly from Liu Mo to Fei Bridge. The Later Qin Governor of Shixing, Yao Xiang, held Mawei Fortress to block him. Crown Prince Yao Xing sent Yin Wei with troops to rescue Yao Xiang, and Yin Wei held Fei Bridge to await the Former Qin army. The Former Qin soldiers competed for water but could not obtain it; two or three out of every ten died of thirst. They then launched a fierce attack on Yin Wei. Yao Xing urgently sent Di Bozhi to say to Yin Wei: "Fu Deng is a cornered bandit; you should act steadily to defeat him." Yin Wei replied: "The late emperor has passed away, and men's hearts are disturbed. If we do not now take advantage of the soldiers' determination to exert themselves and capture the enemy, the great enterprise will be lost!" Thereupon he engaged the Former Qin army in battle, and the Former Qin army was greatly defeated. That night, the Former Qin army scattered; Fu Deng fled alone on horseback to Yongcheng. Crown Prince Fu Chong and Prince of Ancheng Fu Guang, hearing of the defeat, both abandoned their cities and fled. When Fu Deng arrived, he had nowhere to go, so he fled to Pingliang, gathered his remnant troops, and entered Mount Momao.

The Yan ruler Murong Chui stationed his army southwest of Yecheng and for over a month did not advance. The Western Yan ruler Murong Yong found this strange, suspecting that because the Taihang road was broad, Murong Chui intended to take another route to attack. He therefore assembled all his armies and stationed them at Zhiguan, blocking the Taihang mountain pass, leaving only the Tai Bi garrison. On the day Jiaxu, Murong Chui led his main army out from Fukou and entered the Tianjing Pass. On the day Yiyou of the fifth month, the Yan army reached Tai Bi. Murong Yong sent his cousin the Grand Commandant Da Yi Dangui to rescue Tai Bi, but Ping Gui defeated him. Xiao Yi Dangui sallied forth from the city to give battle, and the Prince of Liaoxi, Murong Nong, defeated him again, killing Le Maju and capturing Wang Ciduo alive, then besieged Tai Bi. Murong Yong recalled the army guarding Taihang and personally led fifty thousand elite troops to meet the enemy. Diao Yun and Murong Zhong were terrified and surrendered their troops to Yan; Murong Yong killed their wives and children. On the day Jihai, Murong Yong arrayed his forces south of Tai Bi and sent the Valiant Cavalry General Murong Guo to ambush a thousand horsemen in a ravine. On the day Gengzi, he engaged Murong Yong in battle. Murong Chui feigned retreat, and Murong Yong's army pursued. After pursuing for several li, Murong Guo's cavalry emerged from the ravine, cut off their rear, and the various armies attacked from all sides simultaneously. They heavily defeated the Western Yan army, beheading over eight thousand men. Murong Yong fled back to Changzi. The defender of Jinyang, hearing of this, abandoned the city and fled. The Prince of Danyang, Murong Zan, and others advanced and occupied Jinyang.

The Later Qin Crown Prince Yao Xing then announced the mourning and ascended the throne at Huaili, granting a general amnesty and changing the reign title to Huangchu. He then proceeded to Anding. He posthumously honored the Later Qin ruler Yao Chang as Emperor Wuzhao, with the temple name Taizu.

On the day Renzi of the sixth month, the Grand Dowager of Kuaiji, Lady Zheng, was posthumously honored as Empress Dowager Jianwenxuan. The assembled officials considered that Empress Dowager Xuan should be enshrined with Emperor Yuan. The Crown Prince's Former Tutor, Xu Miao, said: "When Empress Dowager Xuan was alive, she was not married to the late emperor. As for descendants, how can they establish a consort for an ancestor?" The National Academy Instructor of Mingjiao, Zang Tao of Dongguan, said: "Now that the honored title has been fixed, the boundless filial thoughts can be expressed. If a separate temple is established, the ritual of honoring the mother is made manifest. Using the son's title also clarifies the source of honor. One action conforms to three principles—is this not good?" Thereupon a temple was built west of the Grand Temple.

The Yan ruler Murong Chui advanced and besieged Changzi. The Western Yan ruler Murong Yong wished to flee to Later Qin. The Attendant-in-Ordinary Lan Ying said: "In former times, Shi Hu attacked Longdu, but the Grand Ancestor held fast and did not retreat, ultimately establishing the foundation of the Great Yan. Now Murong Chui is a seventy-year-old man, weary of warfare; he will not long encamp and attack us for years. We need only defend the city to exhaust him." Murong Yong followed his advice.

The Former Qin ruler Fu Deng sent his son, the Prince of Ruyin Fu Zong, to the Prince of Henan, Qifu Gangui, as a hostage to request reinforcements, and also elevated Qifu Gangui to the title of Prince of Liang, marrying his younger sister to Qifu Gangui as the Liang princess. Qifu Gangui sent the Former Army General Qifu Yizhou and others with ten thousand cavalry to rescue him. In autumn, the seventh month, Fu Deng led his troops out of the city to meet Qifu Gangui's army. The Later Qin ruler Yao Xing went from Anding to Jingyang and fought with Fu Deng south of the mountain, capturing Fu Deng alive and killing him. He disbanded all of Fu Deng's troops, sending them back to agriculture, moved thirty thousand households from Yinmi to Chang'an, and gave Fu Deng's Empress Li to Yao Huang. Qifu Yizhou and the others, hearing of this, led their troops back. The Former Qin Crown Prince Fu Chong fled to Huangzhong and ascended the throne, changing the reign title to Yanzhu. He posthumously honored Fu Deng as Emperor Gao, with the temple name Taizong.

The Later Qin General of Pacifying the South, Qiang Xi, and the General of Pacifying the Distant, Yang Duo, rebelled, making Dou Chong their leader. The Later Qin ruler Yao Xing personally led troops to punish them. When the army reached Wugong, Yang Duo's nephew Yang Liangguo killed Yang Duo and surrendered. Qiang Xi fled to Qinzhou, and Dou Chong fled to Qianchuan. The Di chieftain of Qianchuan, Qiu Gao, captured him and sent him in.

The Prince of Sanhe, Lü Guang, appointed his son Lü Fu as Commander of All Military Affairs West of the Yumen Pass and Grand Protector of the Western Regions, garrisoning Gaochang, and ordered the sons of his ministers to accompany him.

On the day Jisi of the eighth month, the Imperial Dowager Li was honored as Empress Dowager, residing in the Chongxun Palace.

The Western Yan ruler Murong Yong, besieged and in a critical situation, sent his son, the Duke of Changshan Murong Hong, and others to seek help from the Inspector of Yongzhou, Xi Hui, and presented a jade seal. Xi Hui memorialized: "If Murong Chui swallows up Murong Yong, the disaster will be deeper. It would be better to let both exist; then we can take advantage of the opportunity to destroy them together." The emperor considered this correct and issued an edict ordering the Inspectors of Qing and Yan provinces, Wang Gong, and the Inspector of Yuzhou, Yu Kai, to rescue him. Yu Kai was the grandson of Yu Liang. Murong Yong, fearing that the Jin army would not come, sent his Crown Prince Murong Liang as a hostage; Ping Gui pursued Murong Liang and caught up with him at Gaodu, capturing him. Murong Yong also urgently appealed to Wei. The Wei ruler Tuoba Gui sent the Duke of Chenliu Tuoba Qian and General Yu Yue with fifty thousand cavalry to cross the Yellow River eastward and camp at Xiurong to rescue him. Tuoba Qian was the son of Tuoba Gegen. Before the Jin and Wei armies arrived, Da Yi Dangui's general Fa Qin and others opened the city gates to welcome the Yan army. The Yan people seized Murong Yong and beheaded him, also beheading his high ministers and generals, Diao Yun, Da Yi Dangui, and over thirty others. They obtained the eight commanderies and over seventy thousand households under Murong Yong's rule, as well as the Former Qin emperor's chariots, vestments, musicians, and precious objects in great quantities. The Yan ruler Murong Chui appointed the Prince of Danyang, Murong Zan, as Inspector of Bingzhou, garrisoning Jinyang, and the Prince of Yidu, Murong Feng, as Inspector of Yongzhou, garrisoning Changzi. Murong Yong's Director of the Department of State Affairs, Qu Zun of Changli, his Director of the Department of State Affairs, Wang De of Yangping, his Director of the Palace Library, Li Xian of Zhongshan, his Supervisor of the Crown Prince's Household, Feng Ze of Bohai, his Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, Hu Mu Liang of Taishan, his Gentleman of the Central Secretariat, Zhang Teng, and his Gentleman of the Department of State Affairs, Gongsun Biao of Yan Commandery, were all promoted and appointed according to their talents.

In the ninth month, Murong Chui went from Changzi to Yecheng.

In winter, the tenth month, the Later Qin ruler Yao Chong was driven out by the Prince of Liang, Qifu Gangui, and fled to the Prince of Longxi, Yang Ding. Yang Ding left his Administrator Shao Qiang to guard Qinzhou and personally led twenty thousand men, together with Yao Chong, to attack Qifu Gangui. Qifu Gangui sent the Shepherd of Liangzhou, Qifu Kedan, the Shepherd of Qinzhou, Qifu Yizhou, and the General Who Establishes Righteousness, Qifu Jiegui, to lead thirty thousand cavalry to meet them. Qifu Yizhou engaged Yang Ding in battle and was defeated at Pingzhou. Qifu Kedan and Qifu Jiegui both withdrew their troops. Qifu Kedan's Administrator, Zhai Wen, drew his sword and said angrily: "The lord, relying on his martial prowess, founded the enterprise and was invincible, his might shaking Qin and Shu. As a member of the imperial clan holding the post of commander, you should exhaust your strength to serve and aid the state. Now although Qinzhou has been defeated, the two armies are still intact. Why do you retreat at the first sight of the wind? With what face will you see the lord? I, Zhai Wen, though untalented, can I not presume to cut down the general?" Qifu Kedan apologized, saying: "Earlier I did not know the minds of the men. If indeed they can do this, how dare I begrudge my life?" Thereupon he led the cavalry forward to battle. Qifu Yizhou and Qifu Jiegui also rallied their troops and followed. They heavily defeated Yang Ding's army, killing Yang Ding and Yao Chong, with seventeen thousand heads. Qifu Gangui then completely occupied the Longxi region.

Yang Ding had no sons. His uncle Yang Fogou's son, Yang Sheng, who had previously been garrisoning Chouchí, proclaimed himself General Who Conquers the West, Inspector of Qinzhou, and Duke of Chouchí. He posthumously honored Yang Ding as King Wu and sent envoys to Later Qin to declare himself a vassal. The Former Qin Crown Prince Fu Xuan fled to Yang Sheng. Yang Sheng divided the Di and Qiang tribes into twenty protectorates, each with its own garrison, and did not establish commanderies or counties.

The Lord of Later Yan, Murong Chui, made an inspection tour eastward to Yangping and Pingyuan, and ordered the Prince of Liaoxi, Murong Nong, to cross the Yellow River and, together with the General Who Pacifies the South, Yin Guo, seize the region of Qingzhou and Yanzhou. Murong Nong attacked Linqiu, and Yin Guo attacked Yangcheng; both were captured. The Grand Administrator of Dongping, Wei Jian, died in battle. The commanderies of Gaoping, Taishan, and Langye all abandoned their cities and fled. Murong Nong advanced to the seacoast, widely establishing local officials.

He Duohan of the Rouran abandoned his father and, together with Shelun, led his followers westward in flight. The Northern Wei general Zhangsun Qi pursued them, caught up with them at Bana Mountain in Shang Commandery, and beheaded He Duohan. Shelun gathered the remaining followers, several hundred men, and fled to Pihouba. Pihouba settled them on the southern border. Shelun attacked Pihouba and killed him. Pihouba’s sons, Qiba and Wujie, all fled to Northern Wei. Shelun plundered the tribes west of Wuyuan and fled north of the Great Desert.

In the eleventh month, the Prince of Liaoxi of Later Yan, Murong Nong, defeated Pi Lü Hun at Longshui and then entered Linzi. In the twelfth month, the Lord of Later Yan, Murong Chui, summoned Murong Nong and his forces to return.

The Lord of Later Qin, Yao Xing, sent an envoy to establish friendly relations with Later Yan and sent Murong Min, the son of the heir apparent Murong Bao, back to Later Yan. Later Yan enfeoffed Murong Min as the Duke of Hedong.

The King of Liang, Qifu Gangui, proclaimed himself King of Qin and issued a general amnesty.

In the spring, the first month, the Lord of Later Yan, Murong Chui, sent the Vice Director of the Palace Secretariat, Feng Ze, on a return mission to Later Qin. Subsequently, he went hunting from Pingyuan to Guangchuan, Bohai, and Changle, then returned.

The King of Western Qin, Qifu Gangui, appointed his heir apparent Qifu Chipan as concurrently Acting Master of Writings, the Left Chief Clerk Bian Rui as Left Servitor, and the Right Chief Clerk Miyi as Right Servitor. In establishing his offices, he followed the precedents of Emperor Wu of Wei and Duke Wen of Jin, but he still called himself the Great Chanyu and Grand General. Bian Rui and the others continued to serve concurrently as staff members in his administration.

The leader of the Xuegan tribe, Tai Xifu, escaped from Chang’an back to Lingbei. The Xianbei and various Hu tribes west of Shang Commandery all responded to him.

On the day jiayin in the second month, the Master of Writings, Lu Na, died.

On the first day of the third month, gengchen, a solar eclipse occurred.

The Heir Apparent left the imperial palace and took up residence in the Eastern Palace. The Grand Administrator of Danyang, Wang Ya, was appointed concurrently as Junior Tutor.

At that time, the Prince of Kuaiji, Sima Daoxi, monopolized power and was extravagant and unrestrained. His favorites, Zhao Ya, who had originally been a performer, and Ru Qianqiu, who had originally been a petty thief-catcher from Qiantang, both rose through flattery and bribery. Sima Daoxi appointed Zhao Ya as Grand Administrator of Wei Commandery and Ru Qianqiu as Army Advisor to the Cavalry General. Zhao Ya built an eastern mansion for Sima Daoxi, constructing mountains and digging ponds, spending incalculable sums of money. The Emperor once visited this mansion and said to Sima Daoxi, “Having a mountain inside the mansion is good, but the decoration is too excessive.” Sima Daoxi had no reply. After the Emperor left, Sima Daoxi said to Zhao Ya, “If the Emperor knows that the mountain was made by human labor, you will surely die!” Zhao Ya said, “With you here, how dare I, Zhao Ya, die!” His construction efforts became even more vigorous. Ru Qianqiu sold offices and usurped power, amassing wealth in the hundreds of millions. The Magistrate of Boping, a man of Wuxing named Wenren Shuang, submitted a memorial discussing these matters. The Emperor became even more disgusted with Sima Daoxi, but constrained by the Empress Dowager, he could not bear to depose him. Therefore, he promoted men of current reputation and his own trusted associates, including Wang Gong, Xi Hui, Yin Zhongkan, Wang Xun, and Wang Ya, appointing them to key posts inside and outside the court to guard against Sima Daoxi. Sima Daoxi also drew in Wang Guobao and Wang Guobao’s cousin, the Inner History of Langye, Wang Xu, as his confidants. From then on, factions vied to arise, and there was no longer the former fraternal harmony. The Empress Dowager often mediated between them. The Vice Director of the Palace Secretariat, Xu Miao, said calmly to the Emperor, “Emperor Wen of Han was a wise ruler, yet he regretted the matter of the Prince of Huainan. Emperor Wu (Emperor Wu of Jin) was intelligent and perceptive, yet he felt shame regarding the Prince of Qi. In relations between brothers, one truly should be deeply cautious. Although the Prince of Kuaiji has faults of addiction to drink and debauchery, he should be forgiven to calm public discussion. Externally, this is for the sake of the state; internally, it can comfort the Empress Dowager’s heart.” The Emperor accepted his advice and again entrusted Sima Daoxi with power as before.

Initially, after Yang Ding died, a man of Tianshui, Jiang Ru, attacked and occupied Shanggui. In the summer, the fourth month, the King of Western Qin, Qifu Gangui, sent Qifu Yizhou with six thousand cavalry to attack him. The Left Servitor Bian Rui and the Minister of the People, Wang Songshou, said, “Qifu Yizhou is repeatedly victorious and arrogant; he should not be entrusted with a sole command. He will surely fail because he underestimates the enemy.” Qifu Gangui said, “Qifu Yizhou is brave and fierce; none of the generals match him. I should send a capable assistant to aid him.” He therefore appointed the General Who Pacifies the North, Wei Qian, as Chief Clerk, and the General of the Left Forbidden Guard, Wu He, as Adjutant. When they reached Dahanling, Qifu Yizhou did not deploy his troops in proper formation, but let the soldiers go hunting and drink freely. He issued an order saying, “Anyone who dares to discuss military matters will be beheaded!” Wei Qian and others remonstrated, but he did not listen. Jiang Ru met them in battle and decisively defeated Qifu Yizhou.

The King of Wei, Tuoba Gui, rebelled against Later Yan and encroached upon and attacked the border tribes. On the day jiawu in the fifth month, the Lord of Later Yan, Murong Chui, sent the Heir Apparent Murong Bao, the Prince of Liaoxi Murong Nong, and the Prince of Zhao Murong Lin, leading eighty thousand men, to march from Wuyuan to attack Northern Wei. The Prince of Fanyang Murong De and the Prince of Chenliu Murong Shao separately led seventeen thousand infantry and cavalry as reinforcements. The Vice Director of the Palace Secretariat, Gao Hu, remonstrated, saying, “Wei and Yan have been allied by marriage for generations. When Wei had internal difficulties, Yan truly preserved them. The favor bestowed is deep, and the friendship has long been established. Recently, because we did not obtain the horses we requested, we detained their younger brother; the fault lies with us. Why suddenly raise an army to attack! Tuoba Gui is calm, brave, and resourceful. He has experienced hardships since youth. His troops are elite and his horses strong; he should not be taken lightly. The Heir Apparent is in his prime, with a determined heart and keen spirit. If you now entrust this expedition solely to him, he will surely despise Wei and underestimate the enemy. If, by some chance, the outcome is not as desired, it will damage our prestige and ruin the great undertaking. I hope Your Majesty will think deeply!” His words were quite vehement. Murong Chui became angry and dismissed Gao Hu from his post. Gao Hu was the son of Gao Tai.

On the day guichou in the sixth month, the Prince of Taiyuan Yuan of Later Yan, Murong Kai, died.

The King of Western Qin, Qifu Gangui, moved his capital to Xicheng.

In the autumn, the seventh month, the King of Sanhe, Lü Guang, led one hundred thousand men to attack Western Qin. The Left Supporter of Western Qin, Mi Guizhou, and the General of the Left Guard, Mozhe Gudi, advised the King of Western Qin, Qifu Gangui, to acknowledge Lü Guang as a vassal and to send his son Qifu Chibo as a hostage. Lü Guang led his army back. Qifu Gangui regretted this and killed Mi Guizhou and Mozhe Gudi.

Zhang Gun of Northern Wei heard that the Yan army was about to arrive and said to the King of Wei, Tuoba Gui, “The Yan army has grown accustomed to victory from the successes at Huatai and Changzi. They have mobilized the entire state’s strength to come. They have a contemptuous heart towards us. We should show weakness to make them arrogant; only then can we defeat them.” Tuoba Gui followed this advice and moved all his tribes and livestock west across the Yellow River for over a thousand li to avoid the Yan army. When the Later Yan army reached Wuyuan, they subdued over thirty thousand households of separate Wei tribes, harvested over a million hu of millet, established Heicheng, advanced to the banks of the Yellow River, and built boats to prepare crossing equipment. Tuoba Gui sent the Right Adjutant, Xu Qian, to seek help from Later Qin.

Tufa Wugu attacked the Yifu and Zhejue tribes, defeating and subduing them all, and built Lianchuan Fortress as his capital. Zhao Zhen of Guangwu, who had been fond of unusual stratagems since youth, heard that Tufa Wugu was at Lianchuan, abandoned his family property, and followed him. Tufa Wugu was delighted and said, “I have obtained Master Zhao; my great undertaking can be accomplished!” He appointed him as Left Adjutant. The King of Sanhe, Lü Guang, enfeoffed Tufa Wugu as the Duke of Guangwu Commandery.

A comet appeared in the lunar mansion Xunü and extended to the mansion Ku. The Emperor was troubled in his heart and, at the Huayuan Garden, raised his wine cup and prayed, saying, “Comet, I offer you this cup of wine. Since ancient times, has there ever been an emperor who lived to ten thousand years?”

In the eighth month, the King of Wei, Tuoba Gui, assembled his troops south of the Yellow River. In the ninth month, he advanced to the riverbank. The Heir Apparent of Later Yan, Murong Bao, arrayed his troops, preparing to cross the river. A violent wind arose, blowing several dozen boats to the southern bank. Northern Wei captured over three hundred armored soldiers from these boats and released them all, sending them back.

When Murong Bao set out from Zhongshan, the Lord of Later Yan, Murong Chui, was already ill. When they reached Wuyuan, Tuoba Gui sent men to block the roads to Zhongshan, seized the Later Yan envoys, and captured them all. Murong Bao and the others received no news from Murong Chui for several months. Tuoba Gui had the captured envoys taken to the riverbank to tell them, “Your father is already dead. Why do you not return quickly?” Murong Bao and the others were anxious and fearful, and the soldiers were panicked and agitated.

Tuoba Gui sent Chenliu Duke Tuoba Qian with 50,000 cavalry to encamp east of the Yellow River, Dongping Duke Tuoba Yi with 100,000 cavalry to encamp north of the Yellow River, and Lueyang Duke Tuoba Zun with 70,000 cavalry to block the southern route of the Later Yan army. Tuoba Zun was the son of Tuoba Shouwu. The Later Qin ruler Yao Xing sent Yang Fosong to lead troops to rescue Northern Wei. The Later Yan sorcerer Jin An said to Crown Prince Murong Bao: “The celestial signs are unfavorable; the Yan army is sure to suffer a great defeat. If you leave quickly, you can avoid disaster.” Murong Bao did not listen. Jin An withdrew and told others: “We will all have our corpses left in the wilderness, unable to return!”

The Later Yan and Northern Wei confronted each other for several tens of days. Zhao Prince Murong Lin’s subordinate Murong Song and others, believing Murong Chui was truly dead, plotted rebellion to establish Murong Lin as ruler. The plot was exposed; Murong Song and others were executed, and Murong Bao, Murong Lin, and others became suspicious of each other internally. In winter, the tenth month, on the xinwei day, they burned the ships and fled by night. At that time, the Yellow River had not yet frozen, and Murong Bao thought the Northern Wei army could certainly not cross, so he set no scouts. In the eleventh month, on the ji mao day, a sudden storm arose, and the Yellow River froze. Wei King Tuoba Gui led his army across the river, left the baggage behind, selected over 20,000 elite cavalry, and pursued rapidly.

The Yan army reached Canhe Slope. A great wind arose, and a black vapor like a dam came from behind the Yan army, covering the camp from above. The monk Zhi Tanmeng said to Murong Bao: “The wind is violent and fierce; this is an omen that the Wei army is coming. You should send troops to resist them.” Murong Bao, thinking the Wei army was far away, laughed and did not respond. Zhi Tanmeng persisted in his plea without stopping. Murong Lin became angry and said: “With the prince’s divine martial prowess and the army’s strength, we are enough to sweep across the desert; how dare the Suolu (referring to Northern Wei) come from afar! And Zhi Tanmeng speaks wildly to frighten the crowd; he should be beheaded as a warning!” Zhi Tanmeng wept and said: “The Fu clan (Former Qin), relying on a million troops, was defeated at Huainan precisely because they trusted in numbers and despised the enemy, not believing in the Way of Heaven!” Minister of Works Murong De urged Murong Bao to heed Zhi Tanmeng’s words, so Murong Bao sent Murong Lin to lead 30,000 cavalry to camp behind the army as a precaution. Murong Lin thought Zhi Tanmeng was completely delusional, let the cavalry roam and hunt, and refused to set up defenses. Murong Bao sent cavalry back to scout the Wei troops; after the cavalry had ridden over ten li, they dismounted, loosened their saddles, and lay down to rest.

The Wei army marched day and night. On the yi you day, at dusk, they reached the west of Canhe Slope. The Yan army was east of Canhe Slope, camping by the water south of Panyang Mountain. Wei King Tuoba Gui deployed his generals at night, preparing to ambush the Yan army. The soldiers held wooden bits in their mouths and bound the horses’ mouths, moving quietly forward. On the bing xu day, at sunrise, the Wei army climbed the mountain and looked down on the Yan camp from above. The Yan army was about to march east; when they turned back and saw the Wei army, the soldiers were greatly terrified and fell into chaos. Tuoba Gui released his troops to attack; the Yan soldiers fled toward the water, and men and horses trampled each other, with countless tens of thousands crushed or drowned. Lueyang Duke Tuoba Zun led troops to intercept the Yan army in front. Some 40,000 to 50,000 Yan soldiers immediately laid down their weapons and surrendered, while only a few thousand escaped. Crown Prince Murong Bao and others barely escaped on single horses. They killed Yan’s Right Deputy Director, Chenliu Daowang Murong Shao, captured Luyang Wang Murong Wonu, Guilin Wang Murong Daocheng, Jiyin Gong Yin Guo, and several thousand civil and military officials, along with countless weapons, armor, grain, and supplies. Murong Daocheng was the son of Murong Chui’s younger brother.

Wei King Tuoba Gui selected talented and usable Yan ministers, such as Dai Commandery Governor Guangchuan native Jia Run, Jia Run’s cousin Chief Cavalry Commander and Changli Commandery Governor Jia Yi, and Grand Astrologer Liaodong native Chao Chong, to stay. He planned to give clothing and food to the rest and send them back, to win over and pacify the people of the Central Plains. Central Grandee Wang Jian said: “Yan is vast and strong; now they have come with their entire state’s forces, and we have won a great victory by luck. It would be better to kill them all, so their state will be empty, and taking it will be easier. Moreover, capturing enemies and releasing them—I fear it is not acceptable!” So they buried them all alive. In the twelfth month, Tuoba Gui returned to Shengle in Yunzhong.

Yan Crown Prince Murong Bao felt ashamed of the defeat at Canhe Slope and requested to attack Wei again. Minister of Works Murong De said to Yan ruler Murong Chui: “The Lu (referring to Northern Wei), because of their victory at Canhe Slope, have contempt for the crown prince. You should rely on Your Majesty’s divine martial strategy to subdue them; otherwise, it will become a future calamity.” Murong Chui then appointed Qinghe Duke Murong Hui to serve as Acting Director of the Imperial Secretariat, concurrently Inspector of Youzhou, replacing Gaoyang Wang Murong Long in guarding Longcheng; appointed Yangcheng Wang Lan Han as Northern Central General, replacing Changle Duke Murong Sheng in guarding Jicheng; and ordered Murong Long and Murong Sheng to lead all their elite troops back to Zhongshan, planning a major attack on Wei the following year.

That year, Qin ruler Yao Xing enfeoffed his uncle Yao Xu as Jin Wang, Yao Shuode as Longxi Wang, his younger brother Yao Chong as Qi Gong, and Yao Xian as Changshan Gong.

In spring, the first month, Yan’s Gaoyang Wang Murong Long led the armored troops of Longcheng into Zhongshan. The army was splendid and well-ordered, and the Yan people’s morale gradually revived.

The Xiuguan leader Quan Wanshi led his followers to surrender to Western Qin. Yan ruler Murong Chui sent Expedition East General Ping Gui to conscript troops from Jizhou. In the second month, Ping Gui, leading the armies of Boling, Wuyi, and Changle Commanderies, rebelled at Lukou. His nephew, Inspector Ping Xi, advised against it, but Ping Gui did not listen. Ping Gui’s younger brother, Haiyang Magistrate Ping Han, also raised troops in Liaoxi to respond. Murong Chui sent Town East General Yu Song to attack Ping Gui; Yu Song was defeated and died. Murong Chui personally led the army to attack Ping Gui. When the main force reached Lukou, Ping Gui abandoned his troops, took his wife, children, and Ping Xi and several tens of others, fled across the Yellow River, and Murong Chui returned. Ping Han led his troops straight to Longcheng. Qinghe Duke Murong Hui sent Dongyang Duke Murong Gen and others to attack Ping Han; they defeated him, and Ping Han fled to Shannan.

In the third month, on the gengzi day, Yan ruler Murong Chui left Fanyang Wang Murong De to guard Zhongshan and led the army out secretly. They crossed Qingling, passed through Tianmen, cut through mountains to open roads, catching Wei by surprise, and headed straight for Yunzhong. Wei’s Chenliu Duke Tuoba Qian, with over 30,000 households of tribes, guarded Pingcheng. Murong Chui reached Lieling and appointed Liaoxi Wang Murong Nong and Gaoyang Wang Murong Long as the vanguard to attack him. At this time, the Yan army, having just been defeated, all feared Wei; only the Longcheng troops were fierce and sharp, vying to be first. Tuoba Qian had never set up defenses. In the intercalary month, on the yi mao day, the Yan army reached Pingcheng; Tuoba Qian only then realized it, led his troops out to fight, was defeated and died, and the Yan army incorporated all his tribes. Wei King Tuoba Gui was shocked and terrified, wanting to flee. The various tribes, hearing of Tuoba Qian’s death, all had second thoughts, and Tuoba Gui did not know where to go.

When Murong Chui passed Canhe Slope, he saw the piled corpses like a mountain and held a memorial service for them. The soldiers all wailed loudly, their cries shaking the valley. Murong Chui, ashamed and angry, vomited blood, and from then on fell ill. He advanced in a small cart drawn by horses and stopped thirty li northwest of Pingcheng. Crown Prince Murong Bao and others, hearing of this, all led their armies back. Some deserters from the Yan army told the Wei army: “Murong Chui is already dead; the cart carries his corpse.” Wei King Tuoba Gui wanted to pursue, but hearing that Pingcheng had fallen, he led his army back to defend based on the mountain’s natural defenses.

Murong Chui stayed in Pingcheng for ten days; his illness grew worse. He then built Yanchang City and returned. In summer, the fourth month, on the gui wei day, he died at Zuyang in Shanggu. They kept the death secret. On the bing shen day, they arrived at Zhongshan; on the wu xu day, they announced the funeral. His posthumous title was Chengwu Huangdi, and his temple name was Shizu. On the ren yin day, Crown Prince Murong Bao ascended the throne, granted a general amnesty, and changed the reign title to Yongkang.

In the fifth month, on the xin hai day, he appointed Fanyang Wang Murong De as Commander of All Military Affairs of Ji, Yan, Qing, Xu, Jing, and Yu Provinces, Grand Chariot and Cavalry General, and Inspector of Jizhou, to guard Yecheng; and Liaoxi Wang Murong Nong as Commander of All Military Affairs of Bing, Yong, Yi, Liang, Qin, and Liang Provinces, and Inspector of Bingzhou, to guard Jinyang. He also appointed Anding Wang Kuru Guanwei as Grand Preceptor, and Fuyu Wang as Grand Tutor. On the jia yin day, he appointed Zhao Wang Murong Lin concurrently as Left Deputy Director of the Imperial Secretariat, Gaoyang Wang Murong Long concurrently as Right Deputy Director, Changle Duke Murong Sheng as Colonel Director of Retainers, and Yidu Wang Murong Feng as Inspector of Jizhou.

On the day of Yimao, the Vice Director of the Imperial Secretariat, Pengcheng native Liu Gai, was appointed as Inspector of Xuzhou, stationed at Juancheng.

On the day of Jiazi, Wang Cai Duke Xie Yan was appointed as Left Vice Director of the Imperial Secretariat.

Initially, the former wife of Yan ruler Murong Chui, Lady Duan, bore sons Murong Ling and Murong Bao; his later wife, also Lady Duan, bore sons Murong Lang and Murong Jian. However, he showed favoritism toward sons born of various concubines: Murong Lin, Murong Nong, Murong Long, Murong Rou, and Murong Xi. When Murong Bao was first established as Crown Prince, he had a good reputation, but soon became negligent and slothful, causing disappointment both in and out of court. The later Lady Duan once said to Murong Chui, "The Crown Prince is sufficient to maintain the legacy in times of peace; now that the state faces difficulties, I fear he lacks the talent to save the era. The Prince of Liaoxi and the Prince of Gaoyang are both Your Majesty's worthy sons; you should select one and entrust the great enterprise to him. The Prince of Zhao, Murong Lin, is deceitful, strong-willed, and stubborn; he will surely become a disaster for the state, and you should plan for this early." Murong Bao was skilled at serving those close to Murong Chui, and most of them praised him, so Murong Chui considered him worthy. He said to Lady Duan, "Do you want me to become like Duke Xian of Jin?" Lady Duan withdrew in tears and said to her sister, the Princess of Fanyang, "The Crown Prince lacks talent; the whole world knows it. I spoke for the sake of the state and the altars, but the ruler regards me as Li Ji—how painful this is! I see that the Crown Prince will surely bring ruin to the state. The Prince of Fanyang has extraordinary bearing; if the fate of Yan is not yet ended, perhaps it rests with the Prince of Fanyang!" Murong Bao and Murong Lin heard of this and harbored resentment. On the day of Yichou, Murong Bao sent Murong Lin to say to Lady Duan, "You often said the ruler could not preserve the great enterprise; now can he or cannot he? You should take your own life early to preserve the Duan clan!" Lady Duan said angrily, "You brothers do not hesitate to force the murder of your own mother; how can you preserve the legacy of your ancestors? Am I afraid of death? I am only worried that the state's ruin is not far off." Then she committed suicide. Murong Bao discussed that Lady Duan had plotted to depose the legitimate heir and lacked maternal virtue, so she should not be given a funeral. The assembled ministers all agreed. Zhongshu Ling Sui Shi said openly at court, "A son has no principle of deposing his mother. The Han Empress Dowager Ansi Yan personally deposed Emperor Shun, yet she was still enshrined in the ancestral temple. How much more so in the case of the former empress, whose unclear words—whether true or false—are not yet known?" Thus, a funeral was held for her.

In the sixth month, on the day of Guihai, Wei ruler Tuoba Gui sent General Wang Jian and others to attack Yan's Guangning Prefect Liu Kangni, killed him, and moved his tribe to Pingcheng. Yan's Shanggu Prefect, Kaifeng Duke Murong Xiang, abandoned his commandery and fled. Murong Xiang was a great-grandson of Murong Huang (also written as "Gui").

On the day of Dinghai, Wei's Grand Consort He passed away.

Yan ruler Murong Bao reviewed the old household registers of the scholar-official families, distinguishing the pure from the impure, verifying the households, and abolishing the protected tenant households within the military camps, placing all under the jurisdiction of the commanderies and counties. From then on, the scholars and common people sighed in resentment and began to have thoughts of desertion.

Sanhe King Lü Guang ascended to the position of Heavenly King, with the state title Daliang, granted a general amnesty, and changed the era name to Longfei. He established a complete set of officials, appointed his heir Lü Shao as Crown Prince, enfeoffed twenty of his sons and younger brothers as dukes and marquises, and appointed Zhongshu Ling Wang Xiang as Left Vice Director of the Imperial Secretariat, and five others, including Editorial Director Duan Ye, as ministers.

Lü Guang sent an envoy to appoint Tufa Wugu as General of the Southern Expedition, Inspector of Yizhou, and Left Xian King. Tufa Wugu said to the envoy, "The sons of King Lü are greedy and licentious, and his three nephews are violent and cruel. Far and near, people are full of sorrow and resentment. How can I go against the people's wishes and accept an unrighteous title? I should undertake the enterprise of an emperor." So he kept the envoy's musical band and ceremonial guards, declined the offer, and sent the envoy back.

Ping Gui gathered his remaining followers and occupied Gaotang. Yan ruler Murong Bao sent the Prince of Gaoyang, Murong Long, to lead troops to attack him. The common people of the eastern region had long cherished Murong Long's kindness, and those welcoming and waiting for him lined the roads continuously. In autumn, the seventh month, Murong Long advanced to the banks of the Yellow River. Ping Gui abandoned Gaotang and fled. Murong Long sent General of Established Might Murong Jin and others to cross the Yellow River in pursuit, and they beheaded Ping Gui at Jibei. Ping Xi fled to Pengcheng.

[The ruler] married the daughter of the late Zhongshu Ling Wang Xianzhi as the Crown Princess. Wang Xianzhi was the son of Wang Xizhi.

The Wei ministers urged Wei ruler Tuoba Gui to assume the title of Emperor. Tuoba Gui began to set up the imperial banners and flags, and when he went out or in, the roads were cleared and guarded. He changed the era name to Huangshi. Staff Officer of the Army, Shanggu native Zhang Xun, urged Tuoba Gui to advance into the Central Plains, and Tuoba Gui considered his words correct.

Yan's Prince of Liaoxi, Murong Nong, led several tens of thousands of his entire personal troops to Bingzhou. Bingzhou had long lacked reserve provisions. That year, early frost fell, and the people could not supply their food. Murong Nong also sent various departmental protectors to separately oversee the various barbarian tribes, causing both Han and barbarians to resent him and secretly invite the Wei army to come. In the eighth month, on the day of Jihai, Wei ruler Tuoba Gui launched a great attack on Yan, with infantry and cavalry totaling over four hundred thousand. They emerged from Mayi in the south, crossed over the Juzhu Mountains, with banners stretching over two thousand li, advancing with drumbeats. Left General, Yanmen native Li Li, led fifty thousand cavalry as the vanguard. Separately, he sent General Guofeng Zhen and others to emerge from the east via the Jundu Pass to attack Yan's Youzhou.

Yan's General of the Northern Expedition, Inspector of Youzhou and Pingzhou, Qinghe Duke Murong Hui, had a mother of low status but was the eldest son. He was exceptionally talented and had great bearing and skill. Yan ruler Murong Chui loved him. When Murong Bao attacked Wei, Murong Chui ordered Murong Hui to act as the steward of the Eastern Palace and oversee the affairs of the Imperial Secretariat, with all courtesies exactly like those of the Crown Prince. When Murong Chui replaced [the commander] in the Wei campaign, he ordered Murong Hui to guard Longcheng, entrusting him with the heavy responsibility of the northeast. The assistants in his princely establishment were all selected from talented and prestigious men of the time. When Murong Chui was gravely ill, he left a testament ordering Murong Bao to make Murong Hui his heir. But Murong Bao loved his youngest son, Puyang Duke Murong Ce, and his heart was not set on Murong Hui. The Duke of Changle, Murong Sheng, was the same age as Murong Hui and was ashamed to be ranked below him. So he joined the Prince of Zhao, Murong Lin, in urging Murong Bao to establish Murong Ce, and Murong Bao followed their advice. On the day of Yihai, he established Consort Duan as Empress and Murong Ce as Crown Prince. Murong Hui and Murong Sheng were both advanced to princely rank. Murong Ce was eleven years old and had always been foolish and weak. When Murong Hui heard this, he harbored resentment. In the ninth month, the Prince of Zhangwu, Murong Zhou, escorted the spirit coffins of the former Yan ruler Murong Chui and the Cheng'ai Empress Duan to Longcheng for burial at Xuanping Mausoleum. Murong Bao issued an edict ordering Murong Zhou to lead the staff, personal troops, and families of the Prince of Gaoyang, Murong Long, back to Zhongshan. Murong Hui disobeyed the edict and kept many of the troops without sending them back. Murong Zhou was older and of a higher generation, but Murong Hui bullied him in every matter. Those who saw this knew he harbored rebellious intentions.

On the day of Wuwu, the Wei army reached Yangqu. They advanced along the western mountains, approached Jinyang, and sent cavalry to circle the city, shouting, then withdrew. Yan's Prince of Liaoxi, Murong Nong, went out to meet them in battle but was severely defeated. He fled back to Jinyang, but his Sima Mu Rong Yu closed the city gates and would not let him in. Murong Nong led his wife and children and several thousand cavalry eastward in flight. Wei's Central Leader General, Zhangsun Fei, pursued them, caught up with them at Luchuan, and captured Murong Nong's wife and children. The Yan army was completely annihilated. Murong Nong was wounded and, alone with three cavalrymen, fled back to Zhongshan.

Wei ruler Tuoba Gui then seized Bingzhou. He began to establish the Secretariat and Censorate, setting up Inspectors, Prefects, and officials below the Masters of Writing, all using Confucian scholars. When scholar-officials came to his military camp, whether young or old, he brought them in for consolation, letting each speak freely. Those with even slight talent that could be employed were all promoted and appointed. On the day of Jiwei, he sent Auxiliary General Xi Shou to occupy territory as far as the Fenchuan River, capturing Yan's Danyang King Murong Maide and Lishi Protector Gao Xiuhe. He appointed Zhongshu Shilang Zhang Xun and others as Prefects of various commanderies, to pacify the scattered people and encourage farming and sericulture.

The Lord of Yan, Murong Bao, upon hearing that the Wei army was about to arrive, held deliberations in the Eastern Hall. The Zhongshan Yin, Fu Mo, said: "Now the Wei army is numerous and strong, coming from a thousand li to fight, taking advantage of their momentum and sharpness. If we allow them to enter the plains, we cannot withstand them; we should hold the strategic passes to resist them." The Zhongshu Ling, Sui Sui, said: "The Wei army consists mostly of cavalry, coming and going swiftly and fiercely. They carry their provisions on horseback, which lasts no more than ten days. We should order the commanderies and counties to gather the people into forts of a thousand families each, dig deep moats and build high walls, and clear the fields to await them. When they arrive, they will have nowhere to plunder, and within sixty days, their food will be exhausted and they will retreat on their own." The Shangshu, Feng Yi, said: "Now the Wei troops number in the hundreds of thousands, the strongest enemy in the world. Even if the people build forts, it is insufficient for self-defense; this is gathering troops and provisions to aid the enemy. Moreover, it shakes the people’s hearts and shows weakness to the enemy. It is better to rely on the passes and resist them in battle—this is the superior strategy." The Prince of Zhao, Murong Lin, said: "The Wei army now takes advantage of their victorious momentum and sharpness; their edge cannot be withstood. We should fully guard Zhongshan, wait until they are exhausted, and then seize the opportunity to attack." Thus they repaired the city walls and stored up grain, preparing for a protracted defense. They ordered the Prince of Liaoxi, Murong Nong, to go out and garrison Anxi, entrusting all military movements and affairs to Murong Lin.

Emperor Sima Yao was fond of drinking wine, lingering in the inner palace, and rarely was sober enough to govern. Outsiders seldom gained an audience. Lady Zhang was foremost in the emperor’s favor among the harem, and all the other women feared her. On the day Gengshen, the emperor feasted with the harem; singing girls and musicians all attended. At that time, the Lady was nearly thirty years old. The emperor teased her, saying: "By your age, you should be deposed; my heart is set on someone younger." The Lady secretly became angry. By evening, the emperor was drunk and slept in the Qingshu Hall. The Lady made the eunuchs all drink wine and dismissed them, then sent a maid to cover the emperor’s face with a quilt and killed him. She heavily bribed the attendants, saying that he had died suddenly from a nightmare. At that time, the Crown Prince Sima Dezong was dim and weak, and the Prince of Kuaiji, Sima Daozi, was confused and reckless, so no further investigation was made. Wang Guobao knocked on the palace gates at night, wanting to enter and draft the imperial testament. The Shizhong, Wang Shuang, refused him, saying: "The Great Traveling Emperor has passed away, and the Crown Prince has not yet arrived. Anyone daring to enter the palace shall be beheaded!" Wang Guobao then stopped. Wang Shuang was Wang Gong’s younger brother. On the day Xinyou, the Crown Prince ascended the throne and granted a general amnesty under heaven.

On the day Guihai, the relevant officials submitted a memorial: "The Prince of Kuaiji, Sima Daozi, should be advanced to Grand Tutor, Inspector of Yangzhou, and granted the authority of the Yellow Axe." An edict was issued that all matters, both internal and external, great and small, should be consulted with him.

Emperor An, Sima Dezong, was dull-witted from childhood and could not speak, to the point that he could not distinguish cold from heat or hunger from satiety. His eating, drinking, and daily activities were not self-initiated. His younger brother by the same mother, the Prince of Langya, Sima Dewen, was respectful and cautious, always attending to him, adjusting things appropriately so that everything was suitable.

Initially, Wang Guobao was a partisan of the Prince of Kuaiji, Sima Daozi. He was arrogant and lawless, repeatedly impeached by the Censor-in-Chief, Chu Can. Wang Guobao built a (studio) that was the same as the Qingshu Hall, which greatly disgusted Emperor Xiaowu. Wang Guobao, in fear, then turned to flatter the emperor more and distanced himself from Sima Daozi; the emperor again favored and became close to him. Sima Daozi was enraged and once, in the palace, personally rebuked Wang Guobao to his face, throwing a sword at him, completely severing their former friendship. When the emperor died, Wang Guobao again served Sima Daozi, engaging in evil and sycophantic practices with Wang Xu. Sima Daozi became even more deluded, relying on him as a confidant, and thus Wang Guobao participated in controlling the great power of the court, his authority shaking both the court and the provinces, and was hated by the people of the time.

Wang Gong entered the capital for the mountain burial, often speaking with righteous severity, and Sima Daozi greatly feared him. After Wang Gong withdrew from court, he sighed and said: "Though the rafters and beams are new, there is already the lament for the millet!" Wang Xu urged Wang Guobao to take advantage of Wang Gong’s presence at court to persuade the Prince of Xiang to ambush and kill him, but Wang Guobao did not agree. Sima Daozi wanted to harmonize relations within and outside the court, so he expressed deep sincerity to Wang Gong, hoping to eliminate old grievances. But Wang Gong, whenever he spoke of current affairs, always did so with harsh tones and stern expressions. Sima Daozi knew that Wang Gong could not be reconciled, and thus they began plotting against each other.

Someone advised Wang Gong to use his entry into the court to raise troops and kill Wang Guobao. Wang Gong, because the Inspector of Yuzhou, Yu Kai, had a very strong army and was allied with Wang Guobao, feared him and did not dare to act. Wang Xun said to Wang Gong: "Although Wang Guobao will eventually become a source of chaos, the key is that his crimes are not yet evident. If we suddenly strike first, we will surely lose the expectations of the court and the public. Moreover, with strong troops secretly deployed within the capital, who can say this is not rebellion? If Wang Guobao never reforms, and his evil deeds spread throughout the realm, then, following the people’s will, we can eliminate him without worrying about failure." Wang Gong then desisted. Shortly after, he said to Wang Xun: "Lately, I see you as being like Hu Guang." Wang Xun replied: "Wang Ling contended fiercely in court, while Chen Ping was cautiously silent; it only depends on the outcome!"

Winter, tenth month, day Jiashen, they buried Emperor Xiaowu at the Longping Mausoleum. Wang Gong returned to his garrison. As he was about to depart, he said to Sima Daozi: "The sovereign is in mourning; the responsibility of the Chief Minister is difficult, even for Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou. I hope the Great King will personally attend to the myriad of affairs and accept straightforward words. Expel the songs of Zheng, and distance yourself from flatterers." Wang Guobao and others became even more fearful.

The King of Wei, Tuoba Gui, sent the Champion General, a man from Dai, Yu Liqian, and the Ningshuo General, Gongsun Lan, leading 20,000 infantry and cavalry, secretly to open the old road of Han Xin from Jinyang. On the day Jiyou, Tuoba Gui went from Jingxing straight to Zhongshan. Li Xian surrendered to Wei, and Tuoba Gui appointed him as the Left Chief Clerk for the Eastern Expedition.

The Inspector of Liangzhou of Western Qin, Kedan, was not on good terms with the Inspector of Qinzhou, Yizhou, and Kedan fled to Liang.

The King of Wei, Tuoba Gui, attacked Changshan and captured it, taking the Prefect, Gou Yan. From Changshan eastward, some defenders and magistrates fled, others surrendered; all commanderies and counties submitted to Wei, only the three cities of Zhongshan, Ye, and Xindu held out for Yan. In the eleventh month, Tuoba Gui ordered the Duke of Dongping, Tuoba Yi, to lead 50,000 cavalry to attack Ye, the Champion General, Wang Jian, and the Left General, Li Li, to attack Xindu. On the day Wuwu, Tuoba Gui advanced on Zhongshan; on the day Jiwei, he attacked. The Prince of Gaoyang of Yan, Murong Long, defended the southern city, leading his troops in a fierce battle from morning to evening, killing several thousand men, and only then did the Wei troops withdraw. Tuoba Gui said to his generals: "The city of Zhongshan is strong. Murong Bao will surely not be willing to come out and fight. A hasty attack will harm our soldiers, a prolonged siege will waste food. It is better to first take Ye and Xindu, then plan for Zhongshan." On the day Dingmao, Tuoba Gui led his troops south.

The Prince of Zhangwu, Murong Yin, returned from Longcheng. Hearing of the Wei invasion, he galloped into Jicheng and, together with the General Who Pacifies the North, the Prince of Yangcheng, Murong Lan, ascended the walls to hold the city. Murong Lan was a cousin of Murong Chui. A separate Wei general, Shi He Tou, attacked but could not capture it, and withdrew to garrison Yuyang.

Tuoba Gui camped his army at Lukou. The Grand Administrator of Boling, Shen Yong, fled to Henan; the Grand Administrator of Gaoyang, Cui Hong, fled to an island. Tuoba Gui had long heard of Cui Hong’s reputation and sent officials to search for him. They captured him and appointed him as Huangmen Shilang. Together with the Jishizhong Huangmen Shilang, Zhang Gun, he managed key affairs and established institutions. The Magistrate of Boling, Qu Zun, surrendered to Wei, and Tuoba Gui appointed him as Zhongshu Ling, handling the issuing and receiving of orders and managing official documents.

The Prince of Fanyang of Yan, Murong De, sent the Prince of Nan’an, Murong Qing, and others to attack the Wei army at night under the walls of Ye, defeating them. The Wei army withdrew to garrison Xincheng. Murong Qing and others requested to pursue. The Biejia, Han Zhuo, said: "The ancients first planned and then fought. There are four reasons why the Wei army cannot be attacked: they are a solitary army from afar operating in a guest position, favoring field battles—this is one; they have deeply penetrated and approached the capital region, camping in a death ground—this is two; their vanguard has already been defeated, but their rear formation is still solid—this is three; they are many, and we are few—this is four. There are three reasons why our official army should not move: fighting within our own territory—this is one; if we move and do not win, the people’s hearts will be hard to stabilize—this is two; the city moats are not repaired, and if the enemy comes, we have no preparation—this is three. Now the Wei army has no provisions. It is better to deepen the moats and heighten the walls, strengthen the troops, and tire them out." Murong De followed this advice and recalled Murong Qing. Murong Qing was Murong Xiang’s elder brother.

In the twelfth month, the Duke of Liaoxi of Wei, He Lai Lu, led 20,000 cavalry to join the Duke of Dongping, Tuoba Yi, in attacking Ye. He Lai Lu was He Na’s younger brother.

Wei's tribal leader Meigen was bold and courageous, and King Tuoba Gui of Wei grew to detest him. Fearing execution, Meigen, on the jichou day, led several dozen of his personal guards to surrender to Later Yan. The Later Yan ruler Murong Bao appointed him General of the Eastern Expedition and enfeoffed him as the Duke of Yanmen. Meigen requested permission to launch a raid against Wei, but Murong Bao was reluctant to grant him a large force, assigning him only over a hundred cavalry. Meigen imitated the Wei army's signals and, under cover of night, entered the Wei camp, reaching the central command tent before Tuoba Gui realized it and fled in panic and disgrace. Because his force was too small to destroy the main Wei army, Meigen only captured a number of heads and prisoners before returning.

Yang Sheng sent an envoy to request an official appointment. The imperial court issued an edict appointing Yang Sheng as General of the Southern Expedition and Duke of Chouchi. Yang Sheng submitted a memorial recommending Fu Xuan as General of the Northern Expedition.

That year, Yuezhijiegui led twenty thousand households to rebel against Western Qin and surrender to Later Qin. The Later Qin people settled them in Chengji and appointed Yuezhijiegui as General of the Western Expedition and Duke of Pingxiang.

Yao Shuode, the Prince of Longxi of Later Qin, attacked Jiang Lai at Shanggui, and Jiang Lai surrendered with his troops. Later Qin appointed Yao Shuode as Governor of Qin Province, stationed at Shanggui, and summoned Jiang Lai to court as a minister. Qiang Xi and Qian Qiancheng led thirty thousand troops to besiege Shanggui together. Yao Shuode defeated them; Qiang Xi fled to Chouchi and later came to surrender. Yao Shuode pursued Qian Qiancheng westward to Lüeyang, where Qian Qiancheng surrendered.

After Western Yan was destroyed, its appointed Grand Administrator of Hedong, Liu Gong, and others each held their troops and defended their positions. The Later Qin ruler Yao Xing sent the Prince of Jin, Yao Xu, to attack them. Liu Gong and his men held the Yellow River to resist, and Yao Xu could not cross. Initially, during the Disaster of Yongjia, the Xue clan of Fenyin gathered their clan and followers, relying on the Yellow River for defense, and did not submit to Liu Yuan or Shi Le. When the Fu clan rose to power, they invited Xue Qiang with proper ceremonies and appointed him General of the Eastern Expedition. Xue Qiang guided the Later Qin army across the river at Longmen, thus entering Puban. Liu Gong and the others all surrendered. Yao Xing appointed Yao Xu as Governor of both Bing and Ji provinces, stationed at Puban.