Annals of Jin, Volume 32
Volume 110 of Zizhi Tongjian
Annals of Jin, Chapter 32 (Suì-Yōng Yán-Mào, one year).
Spring, first month. Fan Yang King Murong De of Later Yan led forty thousand households from Ye City southward to Huatai. Wei Prince of Wei, Tuoba Yi, entered Ye City, confiscating the warehouse supplies there. He pursued Murong De to the banks of the Yellow River but did not catch him.
Zhao King Murong Lin presented Murong De with an imperial title. Murong De, following the precedent of his elder brother Murong Chui, styled himself King of Yan, changed the third year of Yongkang of Later Yan to the first year of the Yan King, used the commandery office to exercise imperial authority, and established a hundred officials. He appointed Zhao King Murong Lin as Minister of Works and concurrently Master of Documents, Murong Fa as General of the Central Army, Mu Yuba as Left Deputy of the Documents Chancellery, and Ding Tong as Right Deputy. Murong Lin again plotted rebellion, and Murong De killed him.
On the Gengzi day, Wei King Tuoba Gui of Northern Wei traveled south from Zhongshan to Gaoyi, where he found Wang Yong’s son, Wang Xian. Delighted, he said, “This is Wang Jinglüe’s grandson.” He appointed him as Central Rectifier of this province, concurrently overseeing the Selection Office, and also in charge of the Secretariat. Upon reaching Ye City, he established a Branch Secretariat, appointing Dragon-Soaring General Rinan Duke Heba as Master of Documents, along with Left Administrator Jia Yi, leading clerks, officers, and five thousand soldiers to garrison Ye City.
Tuoba Gui returned from Ye City to Zhongshan, preparing to go north. He conscripted ten thousand soldiers to build a straight road, cutting through the Heng Range from Wangdu to the Dai region, a total of over five hundred li. Fearing disturbances east of the Taihang Mountains after his departure, he set up another Branch Secretariat in Zhongshan, ordering Wei Prince Tuoba Yi to garrison it. He appointed Pacifying the Army General-in-Chief Lüeyang Duke Tuoba Zun as Left Deputy of the Masters of Documents to garrison Hekou in Bohai. Right General Yin Guo, supervising tax collection in Jizhou, upon hearing that Tuoba Gui was about to return north, plotted to attack Xindu. Southern Pacifying General Sun Changsong captured Yin Guo and killed him.
Qi Lun of Later Yan returned to Longcheng and reported that Zhongshan had fallen. Later Yan ruler Murong Bao ordered the cessation of troop mobilization. Liao Xi King Murong Nong said to Murong Bao, “Now that the move of the capital is just completed, we cannot campaign south. We should use the existing troops to attack the Kumo Xi, seize their cattle and horses to replenish military supplies, and then probe the situation. Let us wait until next year to discuss further.” Murong Bao heeded this. On the Jiwei day, they marched north. On the Gengshen day, they crossed the Jiao Luo River. Coincidentally, Southern Yan King Murong De sent Attendant Li Yan to pay respects to Murong Bao, saying, “Tuoba Gui has gone west; the Central Plains are empty.” Li Yan caught up with Murong Bao, who was overjoyed and turned the army back that very day.
On the Xinyou day, Wei King Tuoba Gui of Northern Wei departed from Zhongshan, relocating over one hundred thousand officials, commoners, and miscellaneous barbarians from the six provinces east of the Taihang Mountains to populate the Dai region. Bandits arose simultaneously in Boling, Bohai, and Zhangwu, and Lüeyang Duke Tuoba Zun and others pacified them.
Grand Administrator of Guangchuan, He Lailu, being bold and fierce by nature, felt ashamed to be subordinate to the Inspector of Jizhou, Wang Fu. He attacked Wang Fu, killed him, drove and coerced the garrison troops, plundered the commanderies of Yangping and Dunqiu, crossed the Yellow River southward, and defected to Southern Yan. Southern Yan King Murong De appointed He Lailu as Inspector of Bingzhou and enfeoffed him as Guangning King.
Western Qin King Qifu Gangui sent Qifu Yizhou to attack the Later Liang cities of Zhiyang, Jianwu, and Yunwu, capturing them. He took over ten thousand prisoners and then departed.
Later Yan ruler Murong Bao returned to the Longcheng palace and issued an edict ordering all armies to halt in place without disbanding. Civil and military officers and soldiers were to bring their families along with the imperial entourage. Liao Xi King Murong Nong and Changle King Murong Sheng earnestly remonstrated, saying: “The soldiers are weary and the strength is thin. Northern Wei has just achieved its ambitions; we cannot contend with them. We should temporarily rest the troops and observe the timing.” Murong Bao was about to follow this advice when Pacifying the Army General Mu Yu Teng said, “The common people can be made to share in success, but it is difficult to plan beginnings with them. Now that the army is assembled, Your Majesty should decide alone, seize the opportunity to advance, and not widely adopt differing opinions that hinder the grand plan.” Murong Bao then said, “My mind is made up. Anyone who dares to remonstrate will be beheaded!” In the second month, on the Yihai day, Murong Bao went out to the camp, leaving Murong Sheng to oversee rear affairs. On the Jimao day, the main army of Later Yan set out from Longcheng, with Mu Yu Teng as the vanguard, Minister of Works Murong Nong as the center, and Murong Bao as the rear, each separated by a day’s march, stretching for a hundred li in a continuous line.
On the Renwu day, Murong Bao reached Yilian. Captain of the Long-Serving Guard Duan Sugong and Song Chimei, taking advantage of the troops’ fear of war and labor, rebelled. Duan Sugong and his followers were all former subordinates of Gaoyang King Murong Long. They jointly forced and established Murong Long’s son, Gaoyang King Murong Chong, as their leader, killing Lewei Wei King Murong Zhou, Zhongmou Xi Gong Duan Yi, and various imperial princes. Hejian King Murong Xi had always been on good terms with Murong Chong, who shielded him, so he alone escaped harm. Later Yan ruler Murong Bao fled with a dozen horsemen to the camp of Minister of Works Murong Nong. Murong Nong was about to go out to welcome him, but his attendants held his waist and stopped him, saying, “We should wait a moment to observe the changes; it is not safe to go out immediately.” Murong Nong drew his sword to strike them, then went out to see Murong Bao. He also sent a rider to pursue Mu Yu Teng. On the Guiwei day, Murong Bao and Murong Nong led troops back to the main camp to attack Duan Sugong and his followers. The soldiers in Murong Nong’s camp also detested the war and labor, all throwing down their weapons and fleeing. Mu Yu Teng’s camp also collapsed. Murong Bao and Murong Nong fled back to Longcheng. Changle King Murong Sheng, hearing of the rebellion, led troops out of the city to meet them, and Murong Bao and Murong Nong barely escaped.
Prince of Kuaiji, Sima Daozi, fearing the pressure from Wang Gong and Yin Zhongkan, and because Qiao King Sima Shangzhi and his younger brother Sima Xiuzhi had talent and strategies, he drew them in as confidants. Sima Shangzhi said to Sima Daozi, “Now the regional governors are strong and the Chancellor’s authority is light. You should secretly establish trusted allies outside as your own shield.” Sima Daozi heeded this, appointing Wang Yu as Inspector of Jiangzhou, commanding the military affairs of Jiangzhou and four commanderies of Yuzhou, as a supporting force. Day and night he plotted with Sima Shangzhi, watching for openings in the four directions.
Wei King Tuoba Gui of Northern Wei went to the Fanqi Palace, distributing fields and plow oxen to the newly relocated people. While hunting at Mount Baideng, Tuoba Gui saw a bear leading several cubs. He said to Champion General Yu Li䃅, “You are famed for your courage and strength; can you fight them?” Yu Li䃅 replied, “Beasts are base, humans are noble. If I fight and cannot win, would it not be a waste of a brave man?” He then drove them toward Tuoba Gui, who shot and captured them all. Tuoba Gui turned to him and apologized. The Chieftain of Xiurong River, Erzhu Yujian, having followed Tuoba Gui in attacking Jinyang and Zhongshan with merit, was appointed as Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary. A territory of three hundred li was cut out around his dwelling and granted to him. The Rouran repeatedly raided Northern Wei’s borders. Master of Documents of the Central Army, Li Xian, requested to attack them. Tuoba Gui agreed, and after a great defeat of the Rouran, returned.
Yang Gui appointed his Commandant Guo Wei as Governor of Xiping and led twenty thousand elite cavalry north to Guo□. Tufa Wugu sent his younger brother, Chariot and Cavalry General Tufa Rutan, leading ten thousand cavalry to aid Yang Gui. Yang Gui reached Guzang and set up camp north of the city.
The Later Yan Minister of Affairs and Prince of Dunqiu, Lan Han, secretly colluded with Duan Sugu and others, leading troops to encamp east of the eastern city wall. The forces remaining in the city were very few. The Prince of Changle, Murong Sheng, moved the commoners near the city walls inward and conscripted more than ten thousand adult males to defend from the walls. Duan Sugu and his co-conspirators numbered only a little over a hundred; the rest were driven and coerced by them and had no will to fight. On the day jiawu of the third month, Duan Sugu and his men prepared to assault the city. The Prince of Liaoxi, Liehuan Liegong Murong Nong, feared the city could not hold, and was also enticed by Lan Han. He secretly slipped out of the city at night to join them, hoping thereby to preserve himself. The next morning, Duan Sugu and his men attacked the city. The defenders on the walls resisted with great vigor, and several hundred of Duan Sugu's men were killed. Duan Sugu then led Murong Nong on a circuit around the city. Murong Nong had always been known for his loyalty and prestige, and the people in the city relied on him as their pillar. When they suddenly saw him below the walls, they were all stunned and disheartened. They fled and scattered in defeat. Duan Sugu entered the city, unleashed his soldiers to kill and plunder, and the dead lay everywhere in a tangled mess. Murong Bao, Murong Sheng, Mu Yuteng, Yu Chong, Zhang Zhen, Li Han, and Zhao En fled south on light horses. Duan Sugu imprisoned Murong Nong within the palace. The Chief of the Longshang Guards, Ajiaoluo, who was Duan Sugu's chief plotter, considered Prince of Gaoyang Murong Chong young and weak, and wanted to replace him with Murong Nong. When Zang Rang and Chulijian, close associates of Murong Chong, heard of this, on the day dingyou, they killed Ajiaoluo and Murong Nong. Duan Sugu immediately killed Zang Rang and the others for this. Murong Nong's former subordinate, General of the Left Guard Yuwen Ba, fled to Liaoxi.
On the day gengzi, Lan Han attacked Duan Sugu and killed him along with all his partisans. He deposed Murong Chong and established the Heir Apparent Murong Ce, acting as regent and issuing a general amnesty. He sent an envoy to welcome Murong Bao, meeting him at Ji. Murong Bao wished to return immediately. The Prince of Changle, Murong Sheng, and others all said, "Lan Han's loyalty or treachery is still unknown. If you go alone on a single horse, and Lan Han has treacherous intentions, it will be too late for regrets. It would be better to go south and join the Prince of Fanyang, Murong De, assemble a force, and seize Jizhou. If we cannot succeed, we can then gather the southern troops and slowly return to the Dragon City. It is not too late." Murong Bao followed this advice.
The Qiang chieftain of Lishi, Huyan Tie, and the Qiang chieftain of Xihe, Zhang Chong, and others, were unwilling to migrate to the Dai region. They gathered a crowd and rebelled against Northern Wei. The Northern Wei General of Pacifying the Distant, Yu Yue, suppressed and pacified them.
The King of Northern Wei, Tuoba Gui, summoned Wang Yi to the court as an advisor and appointed the Duke of Lueyang, Tuoba Zun, to replace him as garrison commander of Zhongshan. In summer, on the day renxu of the fourth month, he appointed General of the Expeditionary Forces Mu Chong as Grand Commandant, and General of Pacifying the South, Changsun Song, as Minister over the Masses.
The Later Yan ruler, Murong Bao, traveled by back roads past Ye. The people of Ye requested him to stay, but Murong Bao did not agree. He went south to Liyang and concealed himself on the western bank of the Yellow River. He sent the Chief of the Inner Yellow Gate Eunuchs, Zhao Si, to tell the Prince of Beidi, Murong Zhong: "The Emperor received the Prime Minister's memorial in the second month and immediately marched south. He reached Yilian, where the Longshang Guards revolted. Having lost his position, he has come here. Please inform the Prime Minister quickly to come and welcome him!" Murong Zhong was a cousin of Murong De. He had been the first to urge Murong De to proclaim himself emperor. When he heard this message, he was disgusted, arrested Zhao Si, and imprisoned him, then reported the matter to the King of Southern Yan, Murong De. Murong De said to his ministers, "You urged me to take charge of the government for the sake of the great affairs of the state. I also, because the succeeding emperor was in exile and the people and spirits had no leader, temporarily followed your consensus to maintain the hearts of the people. Now that Heaven is repenting of its calamities, and the succeeding emperor has returned, I will prepare the imperial carriage to welcome him and go to the temporary palace to confess my crimes. What do you think?" The Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, Zhang Hua, said, "Now the realm is in great chaos, and only one of great talent and strategy can pacify and save the multitude. The succeeding emperor is muddle-headed and weak, incapable of continuing and expanding the founder's enterprise. If Your Majesty fulfills the integrity of a common man and abandons the mandate granted by Heaven, once your authority is lost, you will not even be able to preserve your life. How much less will the state be able to receive sacrifices!" Mu Yuhu said, "The succeeding emperor did not understand the needs of the time. He abandoned the capital and brought about his own defeat and ruin. That he cannot bear the many hardships is already very clear. In the past, Kuaikui went into exile, and Wei Zhe refused to accept him. The Spring and Autumn Annals considered this correct. If a son can refuse his father, how much more can a father refuse his son! Now Zhao Si's words—I do not know whether they are true or false. I request permission to ride swiftly to investigate on Your Majesty's behalf." Murong De sent him off with tears.
Mu Yuhu led several hundred stalwarts, following Zhao Si northward, claiming to be going to welcome and guard, but actually plotting treachery. Murong Bao had already sent Zhao Si to see Murong Zhong. Later, he met a woodcutter who said that Murong De had already proclaimed himself emperor. Frightened, Murong Bao fled north. When Mu Yuhu arrived, he did not see Murong Bao, so he seized Zhao Si and returned. Murong De, because Zhao Si was familiar with precedents, wanted to keep him and employ him. Zhao Si said, "Even a dog or horse knows to be attached to its master. I, Zhao Si, though a castrated man, request permission to return and serve the Emperor." Murong De insisted on keeping him. Zhao Si said angrily, "When the Zhou house moved east, it relied on Jin and Zheng. Your Highness is the Emperor's uncle in rank and a Senior Duke in status. You cannot lead the ministers to correct the imperial house. Instead, you rejoice in the overthrow of the foundation and act like Sima Lun, the Prince of Zhao. I, Zhao Si, though I cannot be like Shen Baoxu and preserve the state of Chu, I still admire Gong Junbin, who did not live dishonorably in the era of Wang Mang!" Murong De killed him.
Murong Bao sent the Duke of Fufeng, Loyal and Honorable Mu Yuteng, and the Prince of Changle, Murong Sheng, to Jizhou to gather troops. Murong Sheng, because Mu Yuteng had always been cruel and tyrannical and was hated by the people, killed him. They went to Julu and Changle, persuading the various local heroes, who all agreed to raise troops to support Murong Bao. Murong Bao, because Lan Han was sacrificing to the Later Yan ancestral temples and his actions seemed submissive, wanted to return to the Dragon City. Unwilling to stay in Jizhou, he marched north. He reached Jian'an and took shelter in the home of a commoner named Zhang Cao. Zhang Cao had always been brave and strong and requested to gather troops for Murong Bao. Murong Sheng also advised Murong Bao that he should stay for a while and observe Lan Han's situation. Murong Bao then sent the Palace Attendant of the Retinue, Li Han, to go ahead and see Lan Han first, while Murong Bao halted at Shicheng. Just then, Lan Han sent the General of the Left, Su Chao, to come and welcome him, professing Lan Han's loyalty. Murong Bao, because Lan Han was the maternal uncle of Murong Chui, the King of Yan, and the father of Murong Sheng's wife, believed he could have no other intentions. Without waiting for Li Han to return, he set out. Murong Sheng wept and strongly remonstrated, but Murong Bao would not listen. He left Murong Sheng behind. Murong Sheng, along with General Zhang Zhen, left the main road and hid.
On the day dinghai, Murong Bao reached Suomohan Pass, forty li from the Dragon City. The people in the city were all joyful. Lan Han was terrified and wanted to go out of the city in person to confess his crimes, but his brothers all stopped him. Lan Han then sent his younger brother Lan Jianan to lead five hundred cavalry out of the city to welcome him, and also sent his elder brother Lan Di to close the city gates, collect the weapons, and forbid anyone to enter or leave. The people in the city all knew that a change was coming but could do nothing about it. Lan Jianan met Murong Bao north of Suomohan Pass. After performing the formalities of obeisance, he followed Murong Bao as they advanced together. The Duke of Yingyin, Liegong Yu Chong, secretly said to Murong Bao, "Looking at Lan Jianan's expression, the disaster is very imminent. You should stop and think carefully. Why go straight ahead?" Murong Bao did not listen. After they had gone a few li, Lan Jianan first seized Yu Chong. Yu Chong shouted and cursed, "Your family, by a lucky chance, are imperial relatives and have received the state's favor and honor. Even extermination of your clan would not be sufficient repayment. Now you dare to plot rebellion—this is something that Heaven and Earth will not tolerate. Within a few days, you will be slaughtered. I only regret that I cannot personally cut you all to pieces!" Lan Jianan killed him. He led Murong Bao into the outer residence of the Dragon City and killed him. Lan Hao bestowed the posthumous title of Emperor Ling on Murong Bao, killed the Heir Apparent, Murong Ce, along with over a hundred kings, dukes, and high officials, and proclaimed himself Grand Commander-in-Chief, Grand General, Great Chanyu, and King of Changli, changing the reign title to Qinglong. He appointed Lan Di as Grand Commandant and Lan Jianan as General of Chariot and Cavalry. He enfeoffed the Prince of Hejian, Murong Xi, as Duke of Liaodong, following the precedent of the states of Qi and Song.
When Prince of Changle Murong Sheng heard of this, he galloped off to go to the funeral; Zhang Zhen stopped him. Murong Sheng said, “I am now throwing myself on Lan Han’s mercy in my impoverished state. Lan Han’s nature is foolish and shallow; he will certainly consider the marriage ties and cannot bear to kill me. Within ten days or half a month, it will be enough to stretch my will and feelings.” Thereupon he went to see Lan Han. Lan Han’s wife Yishi and Murong Sheng’s consort both wept and begged Lan Han to spare Murong Sheng, and Murong Sheng’s consort also kowtowed to Lan Han’s brothers. Lan Han felt pity, so he let Murong Sheng live in the palace and appointed him as Attendant-in-Ordinary and Left Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, treating him as intimately as before. Lan Di and Lan Jianan repeatedly requested to kill Murong Sheng, but Lan Han did not listen. Lan Di was arrogant, fierce, and dissolute; in serving Lan Han he was often discourteous, and Murong Sheng used this to sow discord between them. From then on, Lan Han’s brothers gradually grew suspicious of each other.
Later Liang’s Duke of Taiyuan Lü Zuan led troops to attack Yang Gui, and Guo * came to his rescue; Lü Zuan was defeated and returned.
Duan Ye sent Juqu Mengxun to attack Xi Commandery; he captured the governor Lü Chun and returned. Lü Chun was the son of Lü Guang’s younger brother. Thereupon the governor of Jincang, Wang De, and the governor of Dunhuang, Meng Min of Zhao Commandery, both surrendered their commanderies to Duan Ye. Duan Ye enfeoffed Juqu Mengxun as Marquis of Linchi, appointed Wang De as Grand Administrator of Jiuquan, and Meng Min as Governor of Shazhou.
In the sixth month, on the bingzi day, the King of Northern Wei, Tuoba Gui, ordered his ministers to discuss the name of the state. They all said, “Before the Zhou and Qin dynasties, all rose from feudal lords to become Sons of Heaven, so they used their state names as the title of the realm. Since the Han dynasty, none have had even a foot of territory as their foundation. Our state has been inherited for a hundred generations, founding its enterprise in Daibei, and then pacifying Huaxia; now we should take ‘Dai’ as the state name.” The Yellow Gate Attendant Cui Hong said, “In former times, the Shang people did not have a fixed dwelling place, so they had two names, Yin and Shang; although Dai was a former state, its mandate is new. In the early years of the Dengguo era, it was already changed to Wei. Wei is a name of greatness, the superior people of the divine continent; we should still call it Wei as before.” Tuoba Gui followed this.
Yang Gui, relying on his large numbers, wanted to have a decisive battle with the King of Later Liang, Lü Guang; Guo repeatedly used celestial phenomena to stop him. Later Liang’s Duke of Changshan Lü Hong was guarding Zhangye; Duan Ye sent Juqu Nancheng and Wang De to attack him. Lü Guang sent the Duke of Taiyuan Lü Zuan to lead troops to his aid. Yang Gui said, “Lü Hong has a crack force of ten thousand men; if he joins forces with Lü Guang, then Guzang will become even stronger and cannot be taken.” Thereupon he joined with Tufa Lilugu to ambush Lü Zuan; Lü Zuan engaged them in battle and heavily defeated them. Yang Gui fled to Wang Qiji. Guo was narrow-minded, rash, and cruel; he was not supported by the gentry and commoners. Hearing that Yang Gui had been defeated and fled, he surrendered to Western Qin. The King of Western Qin, Qifu Gangui, appointed him as General Who Establishes Loyalty and Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary.
Lü Hong abandoned Zhangye and led his troops eastward in flight. Duan Ye moved his administrative seat to Zhangye and prepared to pursue Lü Hong. Juqu Mengxun remonstrated, saying, “Do not block a retreating army, and do not pursue a cornered bandit; these are the prohibitions of military strategy.” Duan Ye did not listen and was heavily defeated on his return; he only escaped thanks to Juqu Mengxun. Duan Ye built Xi’an City and appointed his general Zang Mohai as its Grand Administrator. Juqu Mengxun said, “Zang Mohai is brave but lacks strategy; he knows only how to advance, not how to retreat. This is building a tomb for him, not a city!” Duan Ye did not listen, and Zang Mohai was soon defeated by Lü Zuan.
The Prince of Taiyuan of Later Yan, Murong Qi, was the son of Murong Kai and the grandson of Lan Han. Lan Han did not kill him either, but appointed him as General Who Conquers the South, allowing him to enter the palace and see the Prince of Changle, Murong Sheng. Murong Sheng secretly had Murong Qi escape and raise an army. Murong Qi raised troops at Jian’an, and his forces reached several thousand men. Lan Han sent Lan Di to attack him. Murong Sheng said to Lan Han, “Murong Qi is a mere child and cannot accomplish such a thing. Could it not be that someone is using his name to act as an internal accomplice? The Grand Commandant has always been arrogant and is hard to trust; it is not fitting to entrust him with a large army.” Lan Han thought this was right, withdrew Lan Di’s troops, and instead sent the General Who Pacifies the Army, Qiumu Ni, to lead troops against Murong Qi.
Thereupon, in Longcheng there was no rain from summer until autumn in the seventh month. Lan Han went daily to the various temples of Later Yan and before the spirit seat of Murong Bao to kowtow and pray, putting the blame on Lan Jianan. Lan Di and Lan Jianan heard of this, became angry, and also feared they would be killed. On the yisi day, they together led their troops to attack Qiumu Ni’s army and defeated him. Lan Han was greatly terrified and sent the heir-apparent Lan Mu to lead troops against them. Lan Mu said to Lan Han, “Murong Sheng is my sworn enemy; he will certainly coordinate with Murong Qi from within and without. This is a disease of the heart and vitals; he cannot be tolerated. You should first eliminate him.” Lan Han wanted to kill Murong Sheng, so he first summoned him to observe him. Murong Sheng’s consort learned of this and secretly told Murong Sheng; Murong Sheng claimed illness and did not go out, and Lan Han also dropped the matter and did not kill him.
Li Han, Wei Shuang, Liu Zhong, Zhang Hao, and Zhang Zhen were all men whom Murong Sheng had long treated generously, and Lan Mu drew them in as his confidants. Li Han and Wei Shuang were able to go in and out of Murong Sheng’s dwelling and secretly plotted with him. On the dingwei day, Lan Mu attacked Lan Di, Lan Jianan, and the others and defeated them. On the gengxu day, he feasted the officers and soldiers; Lan Han and Lan Mu both got drunk. That night, Murong Sheng went to the latrine, then climbed over the wall into the Eastern Palace, and together with Li Han and the others, killed Lan Mu. At that time, the army had not yet been dismissed from alert; they were all gathered at Lan Mu’s residence. Hearing that Murong Sheng had come out, they shouted joyfully and vied to be first, attacking Lan Han and killing him. Lan Han’s sons, Duke of Lu Lan He and Duke of Chen Lan Yang, were stationed at Lingzhi and Bailang respectively; Murong Sheng sent Li Han and Zhang Zhen to ambush and kill them. Lan Di and Lan Jianan fled into hiding, were captured, and beheaded. Thereupon, the capital and its surroundings were pacified, and men and women congratulated each other. Yu Wenba led several hundred stout warriors to come and submit; Murong Sheng appointed Yu Wenba as Grand Clan Steward.
On the xinhai day, Murong Sheng made a sacrifice to the Grand Temple and issued an edict, saying, “Relying on the blessings of the five ancestors and the strength of the civil and military officials, the ancestral temple and altars of soil and grain have been brought back from darkness into light. It is not only that I, a humble person, have escaped the duty of being irreconcilable enemies; all ministers and people can now act openly and justly in this age.” Thereupon he granted a general amnesty and changed the reign title to Jianping. Murong Sheng modestly did not dare to assume the imperial title of “Emperor” but ruled in the capacity of Prince of Changle, exercising the system of government. All the princes were demoted to dukes. He appointed the Duke of Dongyang Murong Gen as Left Chief of the Department of State Affairs; Wei Lun, Yang Qiu, Lu Gong, and Wang Teng as Chief of the Department of State Affairs; Yue Zhen as Attendant-in-Ordinary; Yang Zhe as Palace Secretary; Zhang Tong as Central Commandant; and the other civil and military officials all restored to their former positions. He changed the posthumous title of Murong Bao to Emperor Huimin and his temple name to Liezong. Initially, the Prince of Taiyuan, Murong Qi, had raised troops at Jian’an, and the people of the north and south flocked to him. Lan Han sent his nephew Lan Quan to attack Murong Qi; Murong Qi attacked and annihilated him, not even a single horse returning, and then advanced to camp at Yilian. After Murong Sheng killed Lan Han, he ordered Murong Qi to disband his troops. Murong Qi, following the schemes of the Dingling man Yansheng and the Wuhuan man Wang Long, refused the order. On the jiayin day, he led over thirty thousand men and advanced to Henggou, ten li from Longcheng. Murong Sheng led out his troops to attack, heavily defeated Murong Qi, captured him, and returned. He executed over a hundred of his partisans, ordered Murong Qi to commit suicide, and thus the line of the Prince of Huan was cut off. The ministers firmly requested that Murong Sheng assume the imperial title, but he did not consent.
The King of Northern Wei, Tuoba Gui, moved the capital to Pingcheng and began to construct palaces and halls, build ancestral temples, and establish altars for the gods of soil and grain. The ancestral temples were sacrificed to five times a year, using the vernal equinox, autumnal equinox, summer solstice, winter solstice, and the la day.
Huan Xuan requested to be appointed Governor of Guangzhou. The Prince of Kuaiji, Sima Daozhi, was wary of Huan Xuan and did not want him to occupy Jingzhou, so he went along with his wish and appointed Huan Xuan as Commander of the Military Affairs of Jiao and Guang Provinces and Governor of Guangzhou. Huan Xuan accepted the appointment but did not take up the post. The Inspector of Yuzhou, Yu Kai, because Sima Daozhi had carved out four of his commanderies and placed them under Wang Yu’s supervision, submitted a memorial saying, “Jiang Province is an inland area, while the western commandery borders on the enemy in the north; it is not fitting for Wang Yu to share the supervision.” The court did not agree. Yu Kai became angry and sent his son Yu Hong to persuade Wang Gong, saying, “The brothers Sima Shangzhi have again taken hold of the pivot of authority, surpassing Wang Guobao. They want to use the court’s power to weaken the regional commands, taking warning from previous events; the disaster cannot be predicted. Now, before their schemes are accomplished, you should make early plans.” Wang Gong thought this was right and told Yin Zhongkan and Huan Xuan. Yin Zhongkan and Huan Xuan agreed, recommending Wang Gong as the leader of the alliance and agreeing on a date to march together toward the capital.
At that time, suspicions and barriers prevailed both inside and outside the court, and patrols at the ferry crossings were extremely strict. Yin Zhongkan wrote a letter on twilled silk, hid it inside an arrow shaft, sealed it with lacquer, and sent it to Wang Gong via Yu Kai. When Wang Gong opened the letter, the silk was wrinkled and could no longer be recognized as Yin Zhongkan's handwriting. Suspecting that Yu Kai had forged it, and believing that Yin Zhongkan had already broken his promise the previous year by not showing up, he thought Yin would certainly not act now. Thus, he raised his troops ahead of schedule. His Sima, Liu Laozhi, admonished him, saying: "General, you are the emperor's maternal uncle; the Prince of Kuaiji is the emperor's uncle. The Prince of Kuaiji is also in charge of the government. Previously, for your sake, he killed his favorites Wang Guobao and Wang Xu, and also returned Wang Xin's letter. His reverence for you has been considerable. The recent appointments, though unsatisfactory, are not major errors. What loss is it to you to cede Yu Kai's four commanderies to Wang Yu? How can the army of Jinyang be raised repeatedly!" Wang Gong did not listen and submitted a memorial requesting to attack Wang Yu and Sima Shangzhi and his brother.
Sima Daozi sent a messenger to persuade Yu Kai, saying: "In the past, my bond with you was like flesh and bone. The drinking within the tent and the words spoken when we tied our belts together can be said to have been intimate. Now you abandon old friendships and form new alliances—have you forgotten the humiliation Wang Gong once inflicted upon you? If you intend to submit to him and let Wang Gong achieve his ambitions, he will surely consider you a fickle man; how could he be willing to deeply befriend and trust you? Your life itself may not be preserved, let alone wealth and honor!" Yu Kai angrily replied: "When Wang Gong previously went to attend the imperial tomb ceremony, the Prince of Xiang was anxious and at a loss. I knew the situation was urgent and soon led troops to arrive, so Wang Gong dared not act. Last year's affair, I also acted on orders. I have served the Prince of Xiang without any failure. But the Prince of Xiang could not resist Wang Gong and instead killed Wang Guobao and Wang Xu. From then on, who would dare to exert themselves for the Prince of Xiang? I, Yu Kai, truly cannot risk the lives of my entire household of a hundred people to help others commit slaughter." By this time, Yu Kai had already responded to Wang Gong's proclamation and was mustering troops. When the messenger returned, the court was anxious and fearful, and both inside and outside the capital were placed on alert.
The heir-apparent of the Prince of Kuaiji, Sima Yuanxian, said to Sima Daozi: "Previously, because we did not attack Wang Gong, we have this calamity today. If we now yield to their desires again, then the disaster for the Grand Tutor will soon arrive." Sima Daozi did not know what to do and entrusted everything to Sima Yuanxian, spending his days drinking fine wine. Sima Yuanxian was intelligent and alert, had some knowledge of literature and principles, and was resolute and sharp in ambition and integrity, taking the safety of the state as his own responsibility. Those who flattered him said that Sima Yuanxian was divinely martial and had the demeanor of Emperor Ming.
When Yin Zhongkan heard that Wang Gong had raised troops, thinking that he had been late the previous year, he led his troops in a rapid advance. Yin Zhongkan had never been familiar with military command and entrusted all military matters to the Administrator of Nan Commandery, Yang Quanqi, and his brothers. He made Yang Quanqi lead five thousand naval troops as the vanguard, with Huan Xuan following, and Yin Zhongkan himself leading twenty thousand troops in succession downstream. Yang Quanqi considered that from his ancestor, Grand Commandant Yang Zhen of the Han dynasty, down to his father Yang Liang, nine generations had been renowned for talent and virtue. He boasted of his family standing, believing that no one south of the Yangtze could match him. Some compared him to Wang Xun, and Yang Quanqi resented this. Moreover, because his family had crossed the Yangtze late, the current elite looked down on him in terms of marriage and official appointments. Yang Quanqi, his elder brother Yang Guang, younger brother Yang Siping, and cousin Yang Zijing were all coarse and often were sidelined and suppressed. Yang Quanqi frequently gnashed his teeth in anger and wished to seize an opportunity to fulfill his ambitions, so he also endorsed Yin Zhongkan's plans.
In the eighth month, Yang Quanqi and Huan Xuan suddenly arrived at Penkou. Wang Yu, caught off guard, panicked and fled to Linchuan. Huan Xuan sent a detachment to pursue and capture him.
Later Yan appointed the Duke of Hejian, Murong Xi, as Palace Attendant, Grand Chariot and Cavalry General, Central Leader of the Army, and Colonel of the Sili; and the Duke of Chengyang, Murong Yuan, as General of the Guard. Murong Yuan was a son of Murong Bao. They also appointed Liu Zhong as General of the Left, Zhang Hao as General of the Rear, and bestowed the surname Murong upon both. Li Zao was made Central Regular Attendant and General Who Assists the State, Wei Shuang as General of the Front, Zhang Shun as General Who Pacifies the West and Governor of Changli, and Zhang Zhen as General of the Right; all were enfeoffed as dukes.
On the Yihai day, the Infantry Commandant of Later Yan, Ma Qin, and others plotted rebellion and were executed. The matter implicated the General of the Agile Cavalry, the Duke of Gaoyang, Murong Chong, and Murong Chong's younger brother, the Duke of Dongping, Murong Cheng; both were ordered to commit suicide.
The General Who Pacifies Distant Lands, Deng Qifang, and the Grand Administrator of Nanyang, Lüqiu Xian, led twenty thousand troops to attack Southern Yan. They fought with the Central Army General of Southern Yan, Murong Fa, and the General Who Pacifies the Army, Murong He, at Guancheng. Deng Qifang and his forces were defeated, and he escaped alone on horseback.
The King of Northern Wei, Tuoba Gui, ordered the relevant departments to demarcate the imperial domain, mark road distances, unify weights and measures, and standardize measurement units. He sent envoys to inspect the provinces and commanderies, report misconduct by governors and magistrates, and personally assessed their promotions and demotions.
In the ninth month, on the Xinmao day, the Prince of Kuaiji, Sima Daozi, was granted the Yellow Axe, and his heir-apparent, Sima Yuanxian, was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Expedition. The General of the Guard, Wang Xun, and the General of the Right, Xie Yan, were sent to attack Wang Gong, while the Prince of Qiao, Sima Shangzhi, was sent to attack Yu Kai.
On the Yiwei day, Later Yan appointed the Duke of Dongyang, Murong Gen, as Master of Writing, Zhang Tong as Left Deputy, Wei Lun as Right Deputy, and Murong Hao as Inspector of Youzhou, stationed at Feiru.
On the Jihai day, the Prince of Qiao, Sima Shangzhi, defeated Yu Kai at Niu Zhu. Yu Kai fled alone on horseback to Huan Xuan. The Prince of Kuaiji, Sima Daozi, appointed Sima Shangzhi as Inspector of Yuzhou, his younger brother Sima Huizhi as Colonel of the Agile Cavalry and Governor of Danyang, Sima Yunzhi as Grand Administrator of Wuguo, and Sima Xiuzhi as Grand Administrator of Xiangcheng, each commanding troops to serve as his support. On the Yisi day, Huan Xuan defeated the imperial army at Baishi. Huan Xuan and Yang Quanqi advanced to Hengjiang. Sima Shangzhi retreated, and Sima Huizhi's entire naval force was annihilated. On the Bingwu day, Sima Daozi stationed himself at Zhongtang, and Sima Yuanxian guarded Shitou. On the Jiyou day, Wang Xun guarded the Northern Suburb, and Xie Yan stationed himself at Xuanyang Gate to guard against them.
Wang Gong had always looked down on others due to his talent and family standing. After killing Wang Guobao, he considered his authority irresistible and relied on Liu Laozhi as his claw and fang, but only treated him as a subordinate general. Liu Laozhi, proud of his own abilities, deeply felt humiliated and resentful. Sima Yuanxian learned of this and sent the Grand Administrator of Lujiang, Gao Su, to persuade Liu Laozhi to betray Wang Gong, promising to grant him Wang Gong's position and title after success. He also sent Sima Daozi's letter to Liu Laozhi, explaining to him the consequences of fortune and misfortune. Liu Laozhi said to his son, Liu Jingxuan: "Wang Gong formerly received the great favor of the late emperor, and now he is the emperor's maternal uncle. Unable to support the royal house, he has repeatedly raised troops against the capital. I cannot fathom Wang Gong's intentions. If he succeeds, will he surely be content to remain subordinate to the Son of Heaven and the Prince of Xiang? I wish to uphold the majesty of the state and punish the rebel with loyalty. What do you think?" Liu Jingxuan replied: "The court, though not possessing the virtues of Kings Cheng and Kang, also lacks the evils of Kings You and Li. Yet Wang Gong relies on military power to tyrannize and despise the royal house. Father, you have neither a blood bond nor a lord-vassal relationship with him. Although you have worked together for a short time, your ambitions and temperaments do not align. Now to attack him—what moral objection is there?"
Wang Gong's staff officer, He Danzhi, learned of their plot and informed Wang Gong. Because He Danzhi had always had a grudge against Liu Laozhi, Wang Gong did not believe him. Consequently, he prepared a banquet and invited Liu Laozhi, publicly calling him his elder brother, and entrusted him with all his elite troops and armor, making him lead the Commander of the Guard, Yan Yan, as the vanguard. When Liu Laozhi reached Zhuli, he beheaded Yan Yan and surrendered. He sent Liu Jingxuan and his son-in-law, the Grand Administrator of Dongguan, Gao Yazi, to turn back and attack Wang Gong. Wang Gong was just reviewing his troops outside the city when Liu Jingxuan charged and struck. Wang Gong's army completely collapsed. When Wang Gong tried to enter the city, Gao Yazi had already closed the gates. Wang Gong fled alone on horseback to Qu'e. He had never been skilled at riding, and his thighs had developed sores. A man of Qu'e, Yin Que, an old subordinate of Wang Gong, took him by boat to seek refuge with Huan Xuan. When they reached Changtang Lake, someone reported them. Wang Gong was captured, sent to the capital, and beheaded at Nitang. As he faced execution, Wang Gong was still adjusting his beard and hair, his expression calm. He said to the executioner: "I have come to this because I trusted others too readily. If one examines my original intentions, was I not loyal to the altars of state! Let only future generations know that there was a man named Wang Gong." His sons, younger brothers, and followers were all executed. Liu Laozhi was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Military Affairs of Yan, Qing, Ji, You, Bing, Xu, Yang, and Jinling to replace Wang Gong.
Soon Yang Quanqi and Huan Xuan arrived at Stone, and Yin Zhongkan reached Wuhu. Sima Yuanxian galloped back to the capital from Zhuli and sent Dan Yang Yin Wang Kai and others to conscript tens of thousands of citizens and soldiers of the capital to occupy Stone and resist them. Yang Quanqi, Huan Xuan, and others submitted a memorial to vindicate Wang Gong and requested the execution of Liu Laozhi. Liu Laozhi led the Northern Garrison Army swiftly to the capital and stationed at Xinting. When Yang Quanqi and Huan Xuan saw them, they were greatly alarmed and withdrew their forces to encamp at Caizhou. The court did not know the true strength of the western army; Yin Zhongkan and his men had tens of thousands of troops spread across the outskirts of the capital, causing internal and external anxiety and pressure.
Zuo Wei General Huan Xiu, the son of Huan Chong, said to Sima Daozhi: "The western army can be broken through persuasion; I know their internal situation. The subordinates of Yin Zhongkan and Huan Xuan rely solely on Wang Gong. Now that Wang Gong is destroyed, the western army is disheartened and fearful. If we now lure Huan Xuan and Yang Quanqi with heavy rewards, the two will surely be delighted. Huan Xuan can control Yin Zhongkan, and Yang Quanqi can be made to turn his coat, thus capturing Yin Zhongkan." Sima Daozhi adopted this plan and appointed Huan Xuan as Inspector of Jiangzhou. He summoned Xi Hui to be Shangshu and appointed Yang Quanqi to replace Xi Hui as Commander of the Military Affairs of Liang, Yong, and Qin Provinces and Inspector of Yongzhou. He appointed Huan Xiu as Inspector of Jingzhou, temporarily leading the civil and military officials of the Left Guard to his post, and ordered Liu Laozhi to escort him with a thousand men. He demoted Yin Zhongkan to Inspector of Guangzhou and sent Yin Zhongkan's uncle, Tai Chang Yin Mao, to announce the imperial edict, ordering Yin Zhongkan to withdraw his forces.
Zhang Xiang's son Zhang Chao gathered over three thousand households and occupied Nanpi, proclaiming himself King of the Wuhuan, and plundered the commanderies. The King of Northern Wei, Tuoba Gui, ordered Yu Yue to campaign against him.
Yang Gui stationed at Lianchuan, gathering the Yi and Han peoples, and his forces reached over ten thousand. Wang Qiji said to Yang Gui: "The Tufa clan has high talent and strong military power, and they are my master, Wang Qiji. It would be better to submit to them." Yang Gui then sent an envoy to surrender to the Western King of Ping, Tufa Wugu. Soon after, Yang Gui was defeated by the Qiang leader Liang Ji, fled west to Linghai, attacked the Yifu Xianbei, and occupied their territory. Tufa Wugu said to his ministers: "Yang Gui and Wang Qiji came to us in sincerity; you did not swiftly rescue them, allowing them to be destroyed by the Qiang. I am deeply ashamed." Pingxi General Hun Tun said: "Liang Ji has no deep plans; he can be captured in one battle."
Liang Ji attacked Xiping. A man of Xiping, Tian Xuanming, seized the commandery governor Guo Xing and replaced him, resisting Liang Ji, and sent his son as a hostage to Tufa Wugu. Tufa Wugu wanted to rescue him, but his ministers feared Liang Ji's strength and most hesitated. Zuo Sima Zhao Zhen said: "Yang Gui has just been defeated, and the Lü clan is still strong; north of Hongchi cannot be relied upon. The five commanderies south of the mountains might perhaps be taken. If the king has no ambition to expand, I dare not speak. If he wishes to manage the four quarters, this opportunity must not be lost. If we let the Qiang take Xiping, the Chinese and barbarians will be shaken, which is not to our benefit." Tufa Wugu said joyfully: "I also want to take the opportunity to achieve merit; how can I sit idle in a poor valley!" Then he said to his ministers: "If Liang Ji gains Xiping and holds the mountains and rivers, we can no longer subdue him. Though Liang Ji is fierce and brave, his army lacks discipline and is easy to defeat." He then advanced to attack Liang Ji and defeated him heavily. Liang Ji retreated to Longzhi Fort. Tufa Wugu attacked and captured it. Liang Ji fled alone to Jiaohe, with tens of thousands captured or killed. Tufa Wugu appointed Tian Xuanming as the Neishi of Siping. The governor of Ledu, Tian Yao, the governor of Huanghe, Zhang Chou, and the governor of Jiaohe, Wang Zhi, all surrendered their commanderies, and tens of thousands of Qiang and Hu settlements south of the mountains submitted to Tufa Wugu.
The Western King of Qin, Qifu Gangui, sent the Governor of Qin Province, Qifu Yizhou, Wuwei General Mu Wu, and Guanjun General Zhai Mao, leading twenty thousand cavalry, to campaign against Tuyuhun.
Winter, tenth month, on the Guiyou day, the ministers of Later Yan again presented the imperial title. On the Bingzi day, the Elder of Changle, Murong Sheng, ascended the imperial throne, granted a general amnesty, honored Queen Duan as Empress Dowager, and honored Consort Ding as Xianzhuang Empress. Initially, when Lan Han was in power, Murong Sheng followed the Later Yan ruler Murong Bao into exile, and Consort Lan served Empress Dowager Ding with even greater caution. After Lan Han was executed, Murong Sheng believed that Consort Lan should be implicated and wanted to kill her. Empress Dowager Ding, citing her merit in preserving the realm, argued firmly, and she was spared, but ultimately she was not made empress.
A general amnesty was granted.
When Yin Zhongkan received the edict, he was furious and urged Huan Xuan and Yang Quanqi to advance. Huan Xuan and the others were pleased with the court's appointments and wanted to accept them, hesitating. When Yin Zhongkan heard this, he hastily returned south from Wuhu and sent a messenger to the soldiers at Caizhou, saying: "If you do not scatter and return, when I reach Jiangling, I will slaughter all your families." Yang Quanqi's general Liu Xi led two thousand men back first. Huan Xuan and the others were greatly terrified and withdrew westward in disorder, chasing Yin Zhongkan to Xunyang and catching up with him. Yin Zhongkan had already lost his position and relied on Huan Xuan and the others for support. Huan Xuan and the others also relied on Yin Zhongkan's forces. Though they distrusted each other internally, the situation forced them to unite. They exchanged their sons and younger brothers as hostages. On the Renwu day, they formed an alliance at Xunyang, refused to accept the court's orders, jointly submitted a memorial to vindicate Wang Gong, requested the execution of Liu Laozhi and Prince of Qiao, Sima Shangzhi, and argued that Yin Zhongkan was innocent but had been alone in being demoted. The court greatly feared them, and there was internal and external turmoil. They then dismissed Huan Xiu again, returned Jingzhou to Yin Zhongkan, and issued a commendatory edict to comfort and inform them, seeking reconciliation. Only then did Yin Zhongkan and the others accept the edict. The Imperial Censor Jiang Ji impeached Huan Xiu for acting solely for his own benefit and misleading the court. An edict was issued dismissing Huan Xiu from office.
Initially, when Huan Xuan was in Jingzhou, his actions were arrogant and unrestrained. Yin Zhongkan's close associates all advised him to kill Huan Xuan, but Yin Zhongkan did not listen. Later, at Xunyang, relying on his reputation and position, they promoted Huan Xuan as the leader of the alliance, and Huan Xuan became even more proud and insolent. Yang Quanqi was arrogant and fierce, and Huan Xuan often treated him as a man of humble origins. Yang Quanqi was deeply resentful and secretly urged Yin Zhongkan that Huan Xuan would eventually become a disaster, requesting to attack him at the alliance altar. Yin Zhongkan, fearing the bravery and strength of Yang Quanqi and his brothers, worried that if Huan Xuan were killed, he could no longer control them, and strongly stopped him. They then each returned to their respective garrisons. Huan Xuan also knew of Yang