Annals of Song, Volume 2
Song Chronicle 2: From the year Jiazi (424 AD) to the year Dingmao (427 AD), a total of four years.
Spring, first month. Wei changed its reign title to Shiguang. On the day Bingyin, Wei's Anding Shang King Tuoba Mi passed away.
The Prince of Yingyang, during the mourning period, showed no propriety, delighting in close familiarity with his attendants and indulging in unrestrained games. The Tejin, retired official Fan Tai, submitted a sealed memorial, saying: "I have heard that Your Majesty often frequents the rear gardens, rather practicing martial preparations, with drum sounds rising within the palace and reaching beyond. To profane military force within the inner court and raise clamor between the palace gates—this not only fails to awe the four barbarian tribes but rather astonishes those near and far. Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have entrusted government affairs to the chief ministers, truly emulating the virtue of King Gaozong of Yin in observing mourning; yet now you draw near to petty men—I fear this is not the great foundation of the state nor the way to govern the realm." The Prince of Yingyang did not heed this. Fan Tai was the son of Fan Ning.
The Southern Yu Province Inspector, Prince of Luling, Liu Yizhen, was shrewd and intelligent, fond of literary arts, but his nature was frivolous. He formed deep and close bonds with the Crown Prince's Left Guard Commander Xie Lingyun, the External Attendant Regular Yan Yanzhi, and the monk Huilin. He once said: "If the day comes when I achieve my ambitions, I will make Xie Lingyun and Yan Yanzhi chancellors, and Huilin the Military Governor of Western Yu Province." Xie Lingyun was the grandson of Xie Xuan; his nature was narrow and arrogant, and he did not observe statutes. The court treated him merely as a literary talent, not regarding him as having practical ability. Xie Lingyun himself believed his talents qualified him to participate in the great powers of the court, and he often harbored resentment. Yan Yanzhi was the great-grandson of Yan Han; he was addicted to wine and unrestrained. Xu Xianzhi and others detested Liu Yizhen's association with Xie Lingyun and his group. Liu Yizhen's former subordinate Fan Yan earnestly admonished him, but Liu Yizhen said: "Xie Lingyun is empty and careless; Yan Yanzhi is narrow and shallow. They are precisely what Emperor Wen of Wei called 'most literary men of past and present do not observe petty restraints.' It is merely a matter of congenial temperament; I cannot forget the mutual appreciation between us." Consequently, Xu Xianzhi and others considered that Xie Lingyun and Yan Yanzhi were stirring up dissent, slandering and defaming the ruling ministers. They therefore sent Xie Lingyun out as the Grand Administrator of Yongjia and Yan Yanzhi as the Grand Administrator of Shi'an.
When Liu Yizhen arrived at Liyang, he continually demanded goods and wealth. The ruling ministers often reduced his requests and did not grant them fully. Liu Yizhen harbored deep resentment, repeatedly made discontented remarks, and also submitted a memorial requesting to return to the capital. The Consultant Officer, He Shangzhi of Lujiang, repeatedly admonished him, but Liu Yizhen did not listen. At that time, Xu Xianzhi and others had already secretly plotted to depose the emperor, and the next in line for succession should have been Liu Yizhen. They therefore took advantage of the discord between Liu Yizhen and the emperor, first submitting a memorial listing his crimes, reducing him to commoner status, and exiling him to Xin'an Commandery. The former Magistrate of Jiyang County, Zhang Yuezhi of Tangyi, submitted a memorial saying: "The Prince of Luling, from childhood, received the generous and affectionate treatment of the late emperor, and in maturity, enjoyed the harmonious and kind grace of Your Majesty. Therefore, whatever was in his heart, he spoke directly, his bosom always open and honest. Occasionally he transgressed the way of a subject, thus attracting accusations of arrogance. As for his innate talents, they were accomplished early; truly he possesses outstanding virtues. He should be treated with leniency and nurtured, his good deeds promoted and his faults concealed, instructed by the Way, advancing or retreating gradually. Yet now, he is arbitrarily stripped of rank and honor, imprisoned and exiled to a distant commandery. This, above, harms the deep fraternal bond between Your Majesty and your brother; below, it causes distress and confusion among those near and far. I privately consider that at the founding of the Great Song, the roots and branches were not yet flourishing; it is fitting to widely establish princely bulwarks, fostering harmony through the Way. Who among men is without fault? What matters is the ability to renew oneself. As the beloved son of Emperor Wu and the worthy younger brother of Your Majesty, how can he be cast away forever for a single transgression?" When the memorial was submitted, the court appointed Zhang Yuezhi as an Officer of the Liangzhou Administration, and soon after had him killed.
Summer, fourth month, on the day Jiachen, the Wei ruler made an eastern inspection tour to Daming.
The Qin ruler, Qifu Chipan, sent the Southern General Zhennan Ji Bi and others leading ten thousand infantry and cavalry, southward to campaign against the four states of Baigou, Chefu, Cuizhi, and Pangwei; all these states surrendered.
Xu Xianzhi and others, because the Southern Yan Province Inspector Tan Daoji was a veteran general of the previous dynasty, with prestige that awed both court and provinces, and moreover commanded troops, summoned Tan Daoji and the Jiang Province Inspector Wang Hong to court. In the fifth month, both arrived at Jiankang, and Xu Xianzhi informed them of the plan to depose the emperor.
On the day Jiashen, Xie Hui, on the pretext that the buildings of the Commandant's Office were dilapidated, had all his family members move out, and assembled troops within the office. He also sent the Secretariat Attendant Xing Antai and Pan Sheng as internal agents. At night, he invited Tan Daoji to stay with him; Xie Hui was so tense he could not sleep, but Tan Daoji fell into a deep sleep as soon as he lay down, and Xie Hui therefore admired him.
At that time, the emperor was at the Hualin Park, setting up shops and personally engaging in trade, amusing himself by pulling boats with his attendants. In the evening, he went to the Tianyuan Pond to play, and slept on a dragon boat. On the morning of the day Yiyou, Tan Daoji led troops in front, followed closely by Xu Xianzhi and the others, entering through the Yunlong Gate. Xing Antai and his associates had previously instructed the palace guards, so no one resisted. The emperor had not yet risen; soldiers advanced and killed two attendants, wounded the emperor's finger, and carried him out through the Eastern Pavilion. They confiscated his seal and ribbon, the assembled officials bowed in farewell, and guards escorted him to the former Crown Prince's palace.
The Attendant-in-Ordinary Cheng Daohui urged Xu Xianzhi and the others to install the emperor's younger brother, the Southern Yu Province Inspector Liu Yigong. Xu Xianzhi and the others believed that the Prince of Yidu, Liu Yilong, had always possessed a good reputation and had been associated with many auspicious omens. They therefore falsely proclaimed an edict from the Empress Dowager, listing the emperor's crimes, reducing him to the Prince of Yingyang, and ordering the Prince of Yidu to succeed to the throne, granting amnesty to all criminals below the death penalty. They also falsely proclaimed another edict from the Empress Dowager, returning the seal and ribbon, and reducing the empress to the status of the Prince of Yingyang's consort, moving the Prince of Yingyang to the Wu region. They sent Tan Daoji to enter the court and guard it. When the Prince of Yingyang arrived in Wu, he was lodged at the Jinchang Pavilion. On the day Guichou of the sixth month, Xu Xianzhi and the others sent Xing Antai to kill him. The Prince of Yingyang was strong; he broke through the encirclement and fled out of Changmen, but the pursuers struck him down with a door bar and killed him.
Pei Ziye remarked: In ancient times, when a ruler raised his sons, as soon as they could speak, they were taught words by tutors; as soon as they could walk, they were instructed in ritual by assistants. The educational methods of the Song dynasty were vastly different from antiquity. Within the palace, they were entrusted to servants and maids; outside, they associated with menial attendants. The Crown Prince and imperial princes had tutors and attendants, but both these positions were filled by base individuals. Their conduct was controlled, their rules and standards imparted, their discernment of good and evil guided—all came from these. Their speech did not touch upon ritual and righteousness; their knowledge did not extend through past and present. The cautious and rule-abiding might be encouraged to be stingy; the wild and foolish might be led into evil. Although there were tutors, they were mostly elderly grandees filling the post; although there were friends and literary companions, they were mostly youths from wealthy families, merely filling positions, not engaging in genuine companionship. When young princes governed provinces, the Chief Administrators acted on their behalf; and in transmitting commands and decrees, there were again the Secretarial Aides. These individuals were often overbearing and tyrannical, stealing and manipulating authority. Therefore, although the imperial clan branches were flourishing, few were upright and worthy. When the successor monarchs were young, generation after generation inherited deceit and wickedness. Although evil things and foul natures were innate, custom became second nature—such was the deep-seated harm. By the time of Emperor Taizong, he even cast aside the realm—this too was caused by close familiarity. Alas! Those who possess a state should take this as a warning!
Fu Liang led the mobile secretariat and the hundred officials, preparing the imperial carriage to go to Jiangling to welcome the Prince of Yidu. The Minister of Sacrifices, Cai Kuo, arrived at Xunyang but fell ill and could not proceed further. Fu Liang bid him farewell. Cai Kuo said: "The Prince of Yingyang is in the Wu region; he should be generously provided for. If he should meet with misfortune, you gentlemen will bear the name of regicides. Would it then be possible to stand in the world?" By that time, Fu Liang had already discussed with Xu Xianzhi about killing the Prince of Yingyang, and he immediately sent a swift messenger to stop it, but it was too late. Xu Xianzhi was greatly angered and said: "When one conspires with others, how can he then turn around and shift the evil reputation onto someone else?" Xu Xianzhi and his associates also sent envoys to kill the former Prince of Luling, Liu Yizhen, on the road at Xin'an.
Xu Xianzhi, because Jing Province was strategically important and feared that after the Prince of Yidu arrived, he might appoint someone else, hastily issued an imperial order appointing the Commandant General Xie Hui as acting Military Governor of the seven provinces including Jing and Xiang, and Inspector of Jing Province, intending to have him stationed outside as support. Elite troops and veteran generals were all assigned to him.
In autumn, the seventh month, the traveling court arrived at Jiangling. They set up a traveling gate south of the city, inscribed with the words "Grand Marshal's Gate." Fu Liang led the hundred officials to present a memorial before the gate, offering the imperial seal and ribbon. The ceremonial gifts were lavish. The Prince of Yidu, then eighteen years old, issued an edict saying: "I, lacking virtue and talent, am shamed by the descent of the great mandate. Looking back upon myself, I tremble with fear. How can I bear this burden! For now, I shall temporarily return to the court to express my grief at the imperial tombs and to speak my mind with the worthy gentlemen. I hope you will understand my intent and not waste words." The prefectural and provincial aides all styled themselves "subject" and requested that the plaques on all gates be made according to the standards of the palace and ministries; the Prince of Yidu refused all such requests. He ordered the local authorities of the province, commanderies, and princedoms to pardon current punishments within their jurisdictions and to remit outstanding debts.
The various generals and aides, upon hearing that the Prince of Yingyang and the Prince of Luling had died, were all filled with suspicion and urged the Prince of Yidu not to go east. Minister of Horse Wang Hua said: "The late emperor rendered great merit to the world, and all within the four seas submitted to him. Although the succeeding ruler lost the guiding principles, the people's hearts have not changed. Xu Xianzhi is a man of mediocre ability from a humble family; Fu Liang is a mere scholar in plain clothes—they do not have the ambitions of Emperor Xuan of Jin or General Wang Dun; this is quite clear. They were entrusted with a heavy responsibility; how could they lightly betray such kindness? They feared the severity and decisiveness of the Prince of Luling, knowing that in the future they could not tolerate him. Because Your Highness is generous, wise, benevolent, and gentle, known far and wide, and because they have gone beyond protocol to welcome you, they hope thereby to show their gratitude. As for those groundless rumors, they are surely not true. Moreover, these five men, Xu Xianzhi and the others, have equal achievements and equal standing; who would yield to whom? Even if they harbored ill intentions, the situation would make it impossible to carry out. If the deposed ruler had lived, they would have feared future calamity, hence they caused his death. This is probably because they were overly concerned with preserving their own lives; how would they dare to suddenly conceive of rebellion? They only wanted to hold power to secure themselves and to serve you as they would a young lord." The Prince of Yidu said: "Are you going to play the role of Song Chang again?" Chief Historian Wang Tanzhou and Nanman Colonel Dao Yanzhi both urged the Prince of Yidu to set out, and Wang Tanzhou further elaborated on the signs from Heaven and men. The Prince of Yidu then said: "The various lords received the late emperor's; they cannot violate righteousness. Moreover, meritorious ministers and veteran generals fill the court and the provinces. Now our military strength is sufficient to subdue others; what is there to doubt!" He then ordered Wang Hua to oversee all rear affairs and remain to guard Jingzhou. The Prince of Yidu wished to send Dao Yanzhi to lead the troops ahead. Dao Yanzhi said: "If we are certain they will not rebel, we should simply go downstream in court robes. If we fear a change, this army is not enough to rely on and will instead open a rift; this is not the way to satisfy expectations near and far." Just then, the Inspector of Yongzhou, Chu Shudu, died, so Dao Yanzhi was sent to temporarily garrison Xiangyang.
On the jiaxu day, the Prince of Yidu departed from Jiangling. He received Fu Liang, wept aloud, and his grief moved all those nearby. He then inquired into the full circumstances of Liu Yizhen's and the young emperor's deaths and depositions, sobbing and choking, so that none of the attendants could raise their heads to look at him. Fu Liang's sweat flowed like rain, and he could not answer. He then expressed his sincerity to Dao Yanzhi, Wang Hua, and others, forging deep bonds. The Prince of Yidu ordered the civil and military officers of his province and commandery to arm themselves and strictly guard him. The hundred officials and troops sent by the traveling court were not allowed to approach his entourage. Adjutant of the Central Army Zhu Rongzi, holding a sword, stood guard outside the door of the Prince of Yidu's boat and did not remove his belt for several tens of days.
The Wei ruler returned to his palace.
The King of Qin, Qifu Chipanshu, sent his heir apparent, Qifu Mumu, together with General of the Northern Expedition Mu Bigan and others, with thirty thousand infantry and cavalry, to set out from the Diaoqu Valley. They attacked the Baicao Ridge and Linsong Commandery in Hexi, breached both, and plundered over twenty thousand people before returning.
In the eighth month, on the bingshen day, the Prince of Yidu arrived at Jiankang. The assembled ministers welcomed him and paid their respects at Xinting. Xu Xianzhi asked Fu Liang: "To whom can the Prince of Yidu be compared?" Fu Liang said: "He is above [Duke Wen of Jin] and [Duke Jing of Jin]." Xu Xianzhi said: "He will surely understand my sincere heart." Fu Liang said: "Not necessarily."
On the dingyou day, the Prince of Yidu visited the Chuning Mausoleum. Upon returning, he lodged in the Zhongtang Hall. The hundred officials presented the imperial seal and ribbon. The Prince of Yidu declined several times before accepting and ascended the throne in the Zhongtang Hall. He prepared the imperial carriage and entered the palace, ascended the Grand Ultimate Front Hall, proclaimed a general amnesty, changed the reign title, and conferred upon civil and military officials titles of nobility of the second rank.
On the wuxu day, he visited the Imperial Ancestral Temple. He issued an edict restoring the original title of the Prince of Luling and welcoming back his coffin, as well as Sun Xiuhua and Consort Xie, to Jiankang.
On the gengzi day, he appointed the acting Inspector of Jingzhou, Xie Hui, as the full inspector. As Xie Hui was about to depart, he bid farewell to Cai Kuo. Dismissing others, he asked: "Can I escape?" Cai Kuo said: "You received the late emperor's trust and shouldered the responsibility of the altars. You deposed a dark ruler and established an enlightened one; in righteousness, there is nothing wrong. But you killed two elder brothers of the ruler and now face north as a subject, wielding the authority that overawes the ruler, occupying the strategic upper reaches. Judging the past to predict the present, it is difficult to escape." Xie Hui began to fear he would not be allowed to leave the capital. After setting out, he looked back at Stone City and said joyfully: "Now I have finally gotten away!"
On the guimao day, Xu Xianzhi was advanced to the post of Minister over the Masses, Wang Hong to that of Minister of Works, Fu Liang was given the honorific of Opening a Palace and Placing Commanderies, Xie Hui was given the title of General of the Guards, and Tan Daoji was given the title of General of the Northern Expedition.
The relevant office memorialized requesting that the emperor follow precedent and proceed to the Hualin Garden to hear legal cases. The emperor issued an edict saying: "I am largely unfamiliar with governmental affairs and punishments; let the two lords follow the previous practice and investigate and judge the cases."
The emperor appointed Wang Tanzhou and Wang Hua as Palace Attendants, with Wang Tanzhou concurrently serving as General of the Right Guard and Wang Hua as General of the Swift Cavalry, and Zhu Rongzi as General of the Right Army.
On the jiashen day, he posthumously honored his mother, Consort Hu, as Empress Zhang. He enfeoffed his younger brothers: Liu Yigong as Prince of Jiangxia, Liu Yixuan as Prince of Jingling, and Liu Yiji as Prince of Hengyang; and he appointed Liu Yixuan as General of the Left to guard Stone City.
Xu Xianzhi and the others wanted to immediately appoint Dao Yanzhi as Inspector of Yongzhou, but the emperor did not agree. He summoned Dao Yanzhi to be General of the Central Army and entrusted him with military authority. Dao Yanzhi came south from Xiangyang; Xie Hui had already arrived at his post and feared that Dao Yanzhi would not pass through his territory. When Dao Yanzhi reached Yangkou, he went on foot to Jiangling, expressing great sincerity. Xie Hui also treated him generously and forged bonds. Dao Yanzhi left behind horses, a sharp sword, and a famous knife as gifts for Xie Hui, who was thus greatly reassured.
The Helian Shengge Khan of the Rouran, upon hearing of the death of Wei Taizong, led sixty thousand cavalry into Yunzhong, killing and plundering officials and commoners, and capturing the Shengle Palace. Wei Shizu personally led light cavalry to attack him, reaching Yunzhong in three days and two nights. The Helian Shengge led his cavalry to surround the Wei ruler in over fifty layers, pressing close to the horses' heads, piled up like walls. The officers and soldiers were terrified, but the Wei ruler's expression remained calm, and the crowd's spirits settled. The Helian Shengge appointed his brother's son, Yuzhi Jin, as a general. A Wei man shot and killed him. The Helian Shengge became frightened and fled. The Director of the Masters of Writing, Liu Jie, said to the Wei ruler: "Datan relies on his large numbers and will surely come again. I request that after the autumn harvest, we raise a great army in two divisions, advancing from east and west together to attack him." The Wei ruler agreed.
In the ninth month, on the bingzi day, he established Consort Yuan as empress. Consort Yuan was a great-granddaughter of Yuan Dan.
In winter, the tenth month, the King of Tuyuhun, A'chai of Wei, died. A'chai had twenty sons. When he was gravely ill, he summoned all his sons and younger brothers and said to them: "The late Duke of Chariot and Cavalry, for the sake of the great enterprise, abandoned his own son Shiqian and passed the great position to me. How could I dare to privately favor Weidai and forget the late lord's intent! After my death, you should honor Murui as your lord." Weidai was A'chai's eldest son; Murui was A'chai's younger brother by the same mother, the son of his uncle Wuxieti. A'chai then ordered each of his sons to offer an arrow. He took one arrow and gave it to his younger brother Muliyan to break; Muliyan broke it. He then took nineteen arrows and gave them to him to break; Muliyan could not break them. A'chai then instructed them, saying: "Do you understand? One alone is easy to break; many together are hard to destroy. You should unite your hearts and combine your strength; only then can you protect the state and pacify the family." With these words, he died.
Murui also had talent and strategy. He pacified and gathered the unemployed people from Qin and Liang, as well as miscellaneous barbarians like the Di and Qiang, amounting to five or six hundred settlements, and his followers gradually grew powerful.
In the twelfth month, the Wei ruler ordered Anji General Sun Chang’an and Anbei General Wei Juan to attack the Rouran to the north, while the Wei ruler personally led the army and encamped at Mount Zuo. The Rouran fled northward, and the various armies pursued them, returning with great spoils. Sun Chang’an was the son of Sun Fei.
An edict was issued to honor the mother of the Prince of Yingyang, Lady Zhang, as the Grand Dowager of Yingyang.
The King of Lin’i, Fan Yangmai, invaded the commanderies of Rinan and Jiude.
The King of Dangchang, Liang Micong, sent his son Liang Mihuang to pay court to Wei. Dangchang was a branch of the Qiang people. The Qiang lands bordered the Central Plains to the east and reached the Western Regions to the west, stretching for several thousand li. Each area had its own chieftain, with tribes occupying separate lands and not submitting to one another. Among them, Dangchang was the most powerful, with a population of over twenty thousand tribes, and all other tribes feared it.
The Xia ruler was about to depose the Crown Prince Helian Gui and instead establish his younger son, the Duke of Jiuguan, Helian Lun. When Helian Gui heard of this, he led seventy thousand troops north to attack Helian Lun. Helian Lun led thirty thousand cavalry to resist, and they fought at Gaoping. Helian Lun was defeated and died. Helian Lun’s elder brother, the Duke of Taiyuan, Helian Chang, led ten thousand cavalry to attack Helian Gui, killed him, and annexed his troops, numbering eighty-five thousand, before returning to Tongwan. The Xia ruler was very pleased and established Helian Chang as Crown Prince. The Xia ruler was fond of self-aggrandizement and named his four city gates: the east gate called Summoning Wei, the south gate called Facing Song, the west gate called Subduing Liang, and the north gate called Pacifying Shuo.
In spring, the first month, Xu Xianzhi and Fu Liang submitted a memorial requesting the return of the reins of government. After three such memorials, the emperor approved. On the day bingyin, the emperor began personally handling state affairs. Xu Xianzhi still requested to retire and return home, but Xu Peizhi, Cheng Daohui, and the Grand Administrator of Wuxing, Wang Shaozhi, and others all considered this inappropriate and strongly urged him otherwise. Xu Xianzhi then accepted the edict and continued to manage affairs.
On the day xinwei, the emperor performed a suburban sacrifice in the southern suburbs and granted a general amnesty.
On the day jimao, the ruler of Wei returned to Pingcheng.
In the second month, in Later Yan, a woman transformed into a man. The ruler of Later Yan asked his ministers about this matter. The Left Director of the Department of State Affairs, Fu Quan, replied: “At the end of the Former Han, a hen turned into a rooster, and yet the calamity of Wang Mang’s usurpation occurred. How much more so now, when a woman has become a man—this is an omen that a minister is about to become a ruler.”
In the third month, on the day bingyin, the ruler of Wei honored his wet nurse, Lady Dou, as the Protecting Dowager. Originally, when the Dowager died, the Shizu (Tuoba Tao) was still young. The Taizong (Tuoba Si) considered Dou kind and good, with virtuous conduct, and had her raise and care for Shizu. Dou nurtured Shizu with great kindness and instructed him in accordance with ritual propriety. Shizu was grateful for her virtue, so he bestowed upon her this honorable title, and the manner of her support was no different from that of his own mother.
On the day dingsi, Wei appointed Sun Changsong as Grand Commandant, Sun Chang’an as Minister over the Masses, and Xi Jin as Minister of Works.
In summer, the fourth month, the King of Later Qin, Qifu Chipan, sent the General Who Pacifies the Distant, Chilujian, and others to attack the General Who Guards the West of Hexi, Juqu Baiti, at Linxi. They captured him and relocated over five thousand households of the local people to Fuhan.
The ruler of Wei sent the Dragon-Soaring General, Budui, and others on a mission, and the two states began to restore friendly relations.
In the sixth month, the King of Wudu, Huìwen, Yang Sheng, died. Originally, when Yang Sheng heard that Eastern Jin had perished, he refused to adopt the reign title of Liu Song and still used the Yixi reign title. He said to his heir, Yang Xuan: “I am old and should remain a subject of Jin for the rest of my life. You must serve the Song emperor well.” When Yang Sheng died, Yang Xuan styled himself Commander-in-Chief of the Military Affairs of Longyou, General of the Western Expedition, Opener of the Three Offices, Inspector of Qinzhou, and King of Wudu. He sent envoys to report the death and then began to use the Yuanjia reign title.
In autumn, the seventh month, the General Who Guards the South of Later Qin, Qifu Chipan, Ji Bi, and others attacked the leader of the Black Water Qiang, Qiu Dan, to the south and heavily defeated the enemy.
In the eighth month, the Wulie Emperor of Xia (Helian Bobo) died and was buried in the Jiaping Mausoleum. His temple name was Shizu. The Crown Prince, Helian Chang, ascended the throne as emperor. He granted a general amnesty and changed the reign title to Chengguang.
Wang Hong considered that he had not originally participated in the decision to depose and establish the emperor and was unwilling to accept the position of Minister of Works. He submitted memorials declining the post for a year, and the emperor then agreed. On the day yiyou, Wang Hong was appointed General of Chariot and Cavalry, Grand Commander, and Opener of the Three Offices.
In winter, the tenth month, Qiu Dan led his people to surrender to Later Qin. Later Qin appointed Qiu Dan as General Who Returns to Goodness. They also appointed the General Who Breaks the Line, Qifu Xindi, as Colonel Who Pacifies the Qiang to garrison that area.
On the day guimao, the ruler of Wei launched a great campaign against the Rouran, dividing his forces into five routes and advancing simultaneously. Sun Chang’an and others marched out from the eastern route via the Black Desert. The Chamberlain for Law Enforcement, Sun Changdaosheng, and others marched out from between the White Desert and the Black Desert. The ruler of Wei advanced via the central route. The Duke of Dongping, E Qing, marched out from Liyuan. Xi Jin and others marched out via the western route, passing through Mount Erhan. The various armies reached the south of the desert, abandoned their baggage, switched to light cavalry, took only fifteen days’ worth of dry provisions, and crossed the desert to attack the Rouran. The Rouran tribes were greatly startled and fled northward until they were out of sight.
In the eleventh month, the heir of Wudu, Yang Xuan, was appointed Inspector of Northern Qinzhou and King of Wudu.
Originally, a man from Kuaiji, Kong Ningzi, had served as the Military Counselor to the General Who Pacifies the West under the emperor (Liu Yu). After the emperor ascended the throne, he appointed Kong Ningzi as Colonel of the Infantry. Together with the Palace Attendant Wang Hua, both harbored ambitions for wealth and rank and resented the monopoly of power by Xu Xianzhi and Fu Liang. Thus, they constantly slandered them before the emperor day and night. It happened that Xie Hui’s two daughters were to be married to the Prince of Pengcheng, Liu Yikang, and the Marquis of Xinye, Liu Yibin. Xie Hui sent his wife, Lady Cao, and his eldest son, Xie Shixiu, to escort the daughters to Jiankang. The emperor intended to kill Xu Xianzhi and Fu Liang and also to raise an army to attack Xie Hui. Outwardly, he announced a campaign against Wei to recover the region south of the Yellow River, and also claimed he would perform sacrifices at the imperial tombs. Thus, he prepared equipment and built warships. Fu Liang wrote to Xie Hui, saying: “The campaign against Heshuo has not yet been halted, and there is much fear and worry both inside and outside the court.” He also said: “Many ministers at court are remonstrating against the northern expedition, and the emperor will send the Outer Supervisor Wan Youzong to consult with you.” At that time, the arrangements at court were unusual, and many of their plans had been leaked.
In the spring, during the first month, Xie Hui’s younger brother, the Huangmen Xie Zhao, sent a messenger riding fast to report to Xie Hui. Xie Hui still thought it was not true. He showed Fu Liang’s letter to the Canjun Military Advisor He Chengtian, saying, “I estimate that Youzong will surely arrive within a day or two. Duke Fu worries that I will cause trouble, so he sent this letter first.” He Chengtian said, “The news I hear outside all indicates that the western campaign has already been decided. How could Youzong have any reason to go north!” Xie Hui still considered it false and had He Chengtian draft a preliminary reply to the imperial edict, stating that the campaign against the barbarians should wait until next year. The Jiangxia Inner History Cheng Daohui received a letter from a man of Xunyang, saying, “The court is about to take major action; the matter is already settled.” He sent his Fu General’s Central Troop Army Counselor Yue Mi to seal it and show it to Xie Hui. Xie Hui asked He Chengtian, “If this is true, what do you want me to do?” He Chengtian replied, “I have been favored by the General and often think of repaying your kindness. The incident has come—how dare I conceal the truth! But tomorrow we must impose martial law and apply military discipline; what I have in mind may not be fully expressed.” Xie Hui said fearfully, “Do you want me to commit suicide?” He Chengtian said, “It has not come to that. With the dignity of an emperor, mobilizing the whole realm to attack one province, the difference in size is already great, and the circumstances of obedience and rebellion are different. To seek safety beyond the borders is the best plan. Next best is to send a trusted general to lead troops and station at Yiyang, while the General personally leads the main army to engage in battle at Xiakou; if defeated, then hurry to Yiyang and exit through the northern border—that is the second plan.” Xie Hui was silent for a long time, then said, “Jingzhou is a place of military use; soldiers and provisions are easily supplied. Let me first give battle; what is too late about fleeing!” So he had He Chengtian draft a memorial and a proclamation, and also planned with the Wei Army Canjun Military Advisor, the Langya man Yan Shao, to raise troops. Yan Shao took poison and died. Xie Hui set up banners and imposed martial law. He said to the Sima Yu Dengzhi, “Now I am about to go east in person. I want to entrust you with leading three thousand men to guard the city, to defend against and resist Liu Cui.” Yu Dengzhi said, “Your subordinate’s parents are in the capital, and I have never had troops. After careful consideration, I dare not accept this command.” Xie Hui then asked the assembled generals and aides, “Are three thousand soldiers enough to defend the city?” The Nanman Sima Zhou Chao replied, “It is not only enough to defend the city; if an enemy comes, we can also achieve merit.” Yu Dengzhi then said, “Zhou Chao is certainly capable. I request to resign my posts as Sima and Nan Commandery Administrator to him.” Xie Hui immediately appointed Zhou Chao as Sima, concurrently serving as the Nan Yiyang Administrator; he transferred Yu Dengzhi to the position of Chief Clerk, while retaining his Nan Commandery Administrator post. Yu Dengzhi was the grandson of Yu Yun.
The Emperor, because Wang Hong and Tan Daoji had not originally participated in the plan to depose and assassinate, and because Wang Hong’s younger brother Wang Tanshou was again favored and trusted by the Emperor, secretly sent a messenger to report to Wang Hong when the matter was about to be set in motion, and also summoned Tan Daoji, intending to send him to attack Xie Hui. Wang Hua and others all considered this inadvisable. The Emperor said, “Tan Daoji was merely coerced into following; he was not the original conspirator. The murder affair has nothing to do with him. If I pacify and employ him, there will surely be no concern.” On the Yichou day, Tan Daoji arrived at Jiankang.
On the Bingyin day, an imperial edict was issued, proclaiming the crimes of Xu Xianzhi, Fu Liang, and Xie Hui in killing the Prince of Yingsun and the Prince of Luling, and ordered the relevant departments to execute them. It also said, “Xie Hui occupies the upper reaches; perhaps he will not immediately submit. I shall personally lead the six armies to make thorough preparations. The Central Leader General Dao Yanzhi may be sent that very day to advance like lightning; the Expeditionary Northern General Tan Daoji will follow on the road; a command is given to the Wei Army Prefecture to capture and eliminate them in due time. The Yongzhou Governor Liu Cui and others have already been ordered to cut off their escape and hiding routes. The crime is limited to the chief offenders; the rest will not be pursued.”
On the same day, an edict summoned Xu Xianzhi and Fu Liang. Xu Xianzhi had reached the West Bright Gate when Xie Zhao happened to be on duty. He sent a messenger to report to Fu Liang, saying, “There are unusual arrangements within the palace.” Fu Liang, using the excuse that his sister-in-law was ill, temporarily returned home. He sent a messenger to report to Xu Xianzhi. Xu Xianzhi returned to the Western Province, rode in a palace lady’s inquiry carriage out of the city, walked to Xinlin, entered a pottery kiln, and hanged himself. Fu Liang rode in a carriage out of the city gate, galloped to his elder brother Fu Di’s tomb, where the Tunqi Colonel Guo Hong arrested him. When they reached Guangmo Gate, the Emperor sent the Zhongshu Sheren holding the edict to show it to Fu Liang, and said to him, “Because of your sincerity at Jiangling, your sons shall be kept safe.” After Fu Liang finished reading the edict, he said, “Fu Liang received the favor of the late emperor as a commoner, and was thus entrusted with the regency. Deposing the foolish and establishing the wise was for the state’s plan. If you want to punish me, how could there be no excuse!” He was then executed, and his wife and children were exiled to Jian’an. Xu Xianzhi’s two sons were executed, but his elder brother’s son Xu Peizhi was pardoned. Xie Hui’s son Xie Shixiu was executed, and Xie Zhao was arrested.
The Emperor, about to attack Xie Hui, consulted Tan Daoji on the strategy. Tan Daoji replied, “Your servant formerly accompanied Xie Hui on the northern campaign. Of the ten strategies for entering the Pass, Xie Hui had nine. His talent and planning were sharp and capable, with few equals. But he has never personally led an army to decide victory or defeat; military affairs are perhaps not his forte. Your servant knows Xie Hui’s wisdom, and Xie Hui knows your servant’s bravery. Now, following the imperial command to attack him, he can be captured before the battle array is formed.” On the Dingmao day, Wang Hong was summoned and appointed as Shizhong, Situ, Recording Minister of State Affairs, and Yangzhou Governor; the Prince of Pengcheng, Liu Yikang, was appointed as Commander of the Military Affairs of Jingzhou, Xiangzhou, and eight other provinces, and as Jingzhou Governor.
Yue Mi again sent a messenger to inform Xie Hui that Xu Xianzhi, Fu Liang, and Xie Zhao had already been killed. Xie Hui first held a mourning ceremony for Xu Xianzhi and Fu Liang, then announced the deaths of his younger brother and son, and subsequently personally went to the Archery Hall to organize his troops. When Xie Hui had followed the Emperor Gaozu on campaigns, his command and arrangements were always appropriate. Within a few days, people from all directions came to join him, and he obtained thirty thousand elite soldiers. He then submitted a memorial praising Xu Xianzhi, Fu Liang, and others for their loyalty and steadfastness, and stating that they had suffered wrongful calamities. He further said, “If we had been intent on seizing power and not dedicated to the state, when we first deposed the Prince of Yingsun, Your Majesty was far away; the Martial Emperor’s sons still had young ones. If we had set them up and issued orders, who would have dared to dispute! How could we have sailed upstream for three thousand li, left empty the lodgings for seventy days, and looked up to the Son of Heaven’s banners! The late Prince of Luling, during the period of the Prince of Yingsun, accumulated resentment and offended his superior, thus bringing about his own untimely death. Without deposing, how could there have been restoration! Geng Yan did not leave rebels to his lord and father; what have I done to betray the Song House! This is all because Wang Hong, Wang Tanshou, and Wang Hua are treacherous, frivolous, and suspicious, spreading slander to bring disaster. Now I should raise troops to eliminate the evil ones by Your Majesty’s side.”
The King of Qin, Qifu Chichupan, again sent an envoy to the Wei state, requesting troops to attack the Xia state.
Initially, Empress Yuan gave birth to the imperial son Liu Shao. The Empress examined him carefully herself and quickly sent a messenger to report to the Emperor, saying, “This child’s appearance and form are abnormal; he will surely break the state and ruin the family. He cannot be raised.” She wanted to kill him immediately. The Emperor, in a hurry, reached the door of the Empress’s hall, pushed aside the curtain with his hand to stop her, and only then did she desist. Because they were still in mourning, it was kept secret. In the intercalary month, on the Bingxu day, Liu Shao’s birth was announced.
The Emperor issued an edict imposing martial law, granted a general amnesty, and ordered the various armies to proceed in sequence to attack Xie Hui. Xie Hui sent his younger brother Xie Dun as the Jingling Inner History, leading ten thousand men to manage the defense tasks, while he himself led twenty thousand men from Jiangling. Their ships lined up from Jinjin to Pozhong, and their banners covered the sun. Xie Hui sighed, saying, “I regret not being able to use this army as an army to aid the king!”
Xie Hui intended to send troops to attack the Xiangzhou Governor Zhang Shao. He Chengtian, because Zhang Shao’s elder brother, the Yizhou Governor Zhang Maodu, was on good terms with Xie Hui, said, “Zhang Shao’s intentions are still unclear; we should not attack him immediately.” Xie Hui sent a letter to summon Zhang Shao to surrender, but Zhang Shao did not comply.
In the second month, on the Wuwu day, the Jinzi Guanglu Wang Jinghong was appointed as Shangshu Left Puye, and the Jian’an Governor Zheng Xianzhi as Right Puye. Wang Jinghong was the great-grandson of Wang Yi.
On the Gengshen day, the Emperor set out from Jiankang. He ordered Wang Hong and the Prince of Pengcheng, Liu Yikang, to remain behind and guard the capital, and to reside in the Central Secretariat’s lower office. The Shizhong Yin Jingren was put in charge of the affairs of the rear. The Emperor’s elder sister, the Eldest Princess of Kuaiji, remained in the palace to oversee the six palaces.
Xie Hui set out eastward from Jiangling; He Chengtian remained in the headquarters and did not accompany him. When Xie Hui arrived at the mouth of the river, Dao Yanzhi had already reached Pengcheng Island. Yu Dengzhi, stationed at Baling, was timid and cowardly, not daring to advance; it happened to be raining continuously for several days. Canjun Liu Hezhi said, "Both sides are in the rain; Tan Zhengbei will arrive soon, and the eastern army is strong; we should only fight quickly." Yu Dengzhi, fearful and hesitant, had a minor general Chen You make large sacks, fill them with reeds, and hang them on the ship's masts, saying they could be used to burn the enemy ships. The use of fire should wait for clear weather, thereby delaying the date of battle. Xie Hui thought this was correct and halted the army for fifteen days. Then he sent Zhongbing Canjun Kong Yanxiu to attack General Xiao Xin at Pengcheng Island and defeated him. He also attacked the camp at the mouth of the island and captured it. All the generals wanted to retreat to Xiakou, but Dao Yanzhi considered it inadvisable. So they held firm at Yinqi. Xie Hui again submitted a memorial to defend himself, boasting of his victory, saying: "If Your Majesty beheads the four villains in the court and hangs the three overseers below the palace gates, your servant will then lead the army back and return to guard his post."
Initially, Xie Hui, along with Xu Xianzhi and Fu Liang, had made plans for their own safety, thinking that Xie Hui would occupy the upper reaches, while Tan Daoji guarded Guangling, each with strong troops, enough to restrain the court; Xu Xianzhi and Fu Liang would hold power in the capital, able to last long. When they heard that Tan Daoji was leading troops to come, they were terrified and at a loss.
After Tan Daoji arrived, he joined forces with Dao Yanzhi's army and pulled the ships to the shore. Xie Hui, seeing at first that the ships were few, slighted them and did not immediately engage in battle. By evening, they raised the sails with the wind and advanced, connected in a long line from front to back; the western army's morale collapsed, and they no longer had the will to fight. On the day Wuchen, the court army reached the tail of Jizhi Island, lined up their ships to cross the river, and Xie Hui's army suddenly scattered completely. Xie Hui fled at night, took refuge at Baling, obtained a small boat, and returned to Jiangling.
Before this, the emperor sent Yongzhou Cishi Liu Cui to lead infantry and cavalry overland to attack Jiangling, reaching Sha Bridge; Zhou Chao led over ten thousand men to meet the battle, severely defeating Liu Cui, with more than half of his soldiers dead or wounded. Soon after, news of Xie Hui's defeat arrived. Initially, Xie Hui considered Liu Cui virtuous and appointed Liu Cui's son Liu Guangzhi as Canjun; the emperor suspected him, but Wang Hong said, "Liu Cui has no selfish motives; there is certainly no cause for concern." When Liu Cui received the order to campaign south, he showed no hesitation, and the emperor commended him for this. Xie Hui did not kill Liu Guangzhi either but sent him back to Liu Cui.
On the day Bingzi, the emperor returned east from Wuhu.
When Xie Hui reached Jiangling, he had no other measures but to apologize shamefully to Zhou Chao. That night, Zhou Chao abandoned his army, took a small boat alone, and surrendered to Dao Yanzhi. Xie Hui's followers had almost all scattered, so he took his younger brother Xie Dun and seven others and fled north on horseback. Xie Dun was fat and strong, unable to ride well; Xie Hui often waited for him, and they could not move quickly. On the day Jimao, they reached Yantou in Anlu, where they were captured by the local commander Guang Shunzhi and sent in a prison cart to Jiankang.
When Dao Yanzhi reached Matou, He Chengtian came to surrender on his own. Dao Yanzhi then took charge of Jingzhou Prefecture affairs and appointed Zhou Chao as Canjun; Liu Cui reported the defeat at Sha Bridge, so Zhou Chao was arrested. Then Xie Hui, Xie Jiao, Xie Dun, along with their brothers' sons and their associates Kong Yanxiu, Zhou Chao, and others, were executed. Xie Hui's daughter, the Princess of Pengcheng, with disheveled hair and bare feet, bid farewell to Xie Hui, saying, "A man should die on the battlefield; why die in a mess in the marketplace?" Yu Dengzhi was dismissed from office and confined for incompetence; He Chengtian and Nanman Xingcanjun Wang Xuanmo of Xinyang, along with others, were all pardoned. When Xie Hui fled, those around him abandoned him. Only Yanling Gai pursued and followed without giving up; the emperor appointed Yanling Gai as Zhenjun Gongcao Duhu.
When Xie Hui raised his army, he summoned Wei's Nanman Xiaowei Wang Huilong as reinforcements. Wang Huilong led ten thousand men to capture Siming Garrison and advanced to besiege Xiangcheng. Hearing of Xie Hui's defeat, he withdrew.
Yizhou Cishi Zhang Maodu received an imperial edict to attack Jiangling; after Xie Hui's defeat, Zhang Maodu's army only reached Baidi. Those who discussed the matter suspected Zhang Maodu of disloyalty, but the emperor, because Zhang Maodu's brother Zhang Shao had shown loyal integrity, pardoned him without further inquiry and sent him back.
In the third month, on the day Xinsi, the emperor returned to Jiankang, summoned Xie Lingyun as Mishujian, and Yan Yanzhi as Zhongshu Shilang, treating them with great favor and generosity.
The emperor, because the monk Huilin was skilled in discourse, consulted with him on state affairs. Huilin then became involved in power and influence; guests gathered, and there were often dozens of carriages at his gate. Gifts and bribes from all directions came continuously, with feasts set at seven or eight places, and seats always full. Huilin wore high-heeled wooden clogs and a sable fur coat, and set up secretaries and clerks. Kong Kai of Kuaiji once visited him and encountered a crowd of guests; they merely exchanged pleasantries. Kong Kai sighed and said, "There is actually a black-robed prime minister; it can be said that the cap and shoes are reversed!"
In summer, the fifth month, on the day Yiwei, Tan Daoji was appointed as Zhengnan General, Kaifu Yitong Sansi, and Jiangzhou Cishi, and Dao Yanzhi as Nanyuzhou Cishi. The emperor sent Sanqichangshi Yuan Yu and fifteen others to tour various provinces, commanderies, and counties separately, to observe official governance and inquire about the people's hardships; also ordered commanderies and counties each to state the gains and losses of government affairs. On the day Bingwu, the emperor went to Yansheng Hall to hear lawsuits, and from then on held trials three times a year.
Zuo Puye Wang Jinghong, of a quiet and indifferent nature, had a great reputation; when signing official documents, he initially did not look at their content. He once participated in hearing a case, and when the emperor asked about a difficult legal matter, Wang Jinghong did not answer. The emperor changed his expression and asked those around him, "Why wasn't a copy of the trial document given to the Puye?" Wang Jinghong said, "Your servant received the trial document and read it, but he himself does not understand it." The emperor was very displeased, and although he still treated him with courtesy, he no longer entrusted him with current affairs.
In the sixth month, Youwei Jiangjun Wang Hua was appointed as Zhonghujun, retaining his post as Shizhong. Wang Hua, because Wang Hong was assisting in governance and Wang Tanshou was trusted and favored by the emperor equal to himself, felt his own abilities were not fully utilized and often sighed, saying, "If there are suddenly several grand councilors, how can the empire be well-governed?" At that time, the position of grand councilor had no fixed office; anyone with whom the ruler discussed state affairs and entrusted with secrets was considered a grand councilor, hence Wang Hua's words. There were also those who served as Shizhong but were not grand councilors; however, Shangshu Ling, Puye, Zhongshu Jian, Ling, Shizhong, Shilang, and Jishizhong were all important posts of the time.
Wang Hua, Liu Zhan, Wang Tanshou, and Yin Jingren all served as Shizhong, and their demeanor and talents were unmatched at the time. The emperor once feasted with these four men in the He Hall and was very pleased. When the feast ended and they left, the emperor watched them for a long time and sighed, saying, "These four worthy men are outstanding talents of the age, jointly managing the vital affairs; I fear later generations will find it hard to succeed them!"
Huangmen Shilang Xie Hongwei, along with Wang Hua and others, were all highly regarded by the emperor, and they were then called the Five Ministers. Xie Hongwei was the grandnephew of Xie Yan. He was of a composed and careful spirit, speaking only at the right time, and did not casually laugh or talk in front of servants, so both noble and lowly respected him like a spirit. His uncle Xie Hun particularly valued him and often said, "Weizi is different from the crowd without harming things, and is in harmony with the world without harming the Way; I have nothing to criticize."
The emperor wanted to enfeoff Wang Tanshou, Wang Hua, and others, and patted the imperial bed, saying, "This seat would not be here today without you brothers." Then he showed them the edict of ennoblement. Wang Tanshou firmly declined, saying, "The recent events relied on Your Majesty's wisdom; the criminals were captured. How can your servants exploit the state's calamity for their own fortune?" The emperor then stopped.
The Wei lord issued an edict asking the dukes and ministers: "Now we are to use troops; between Helian and Rouran, which state should we attack first?" Changsun Song, Changsun Han, and Xi Jin all said, "The Helian clan are natives and cannot become a major threat. It is better to first attack the Rouran; if we catch them, we can gain much; if not, we can hunt in the Yin Mountains and obtain their animal skins and horns to supply the army." Taichang Cui Hao said, "The Rouran gather like birds and scatter like beasts; if we send a large army to pursue, we cannot catch them; if we send a light force, it is insufficient to subdue them. The Helian clan's territory is no more than a thousand li, their government and punishments are cruel and tyrannical, abandoned by gods and men; we should attack them first." Shangshu Liu Jie and Wujing Hou An Yuan requested first to attack the Yan state. So the Wei lord traveled west from Yunzhong to Wuyuan, then hunted in the Yin Mountains, and went east to Houdou Mountain. In autumn, the eighth month, he returned to Pingcheng.
The emperor ordered Dianzhong Jiangjun Ji Heng to go as an envoy to the Wei state.
Yan Crown Prince Feng Yong died, and his second son Feng Yi was made crown prince.
The Qin king Qifu Chipan attacked Hexi, reaching Lianchuan, and sent Crown Prince Qifu Mumo and others leading thirty thousand infantry and cavalry to attack Xi'an, but they did not capture it; then they attacked Fanhe. The Hexi king Juqu Mengxun raised troops to resist, and also sent an envoy to persuade the Xia ruler to take advantage of the opportunity to raid Paohan. The Xia ruler sent the Southern Expedition General-in-Chief Hulu Gu, leading twenty thousand cavalry, to attack Yuanchuan, and the Chariot and Cavalry General-in-Chief Wei Fa, leading thirty thousand cavalry, to attack Nan'an. When Qifu Chipan heard this, he withdrew his army and returned. In the ninth month, he relocated the old, weak, and livestock from within his territory to Jiaohe and Mohe Reng Hanchuan, leaving the Left Chancellor Qifu Tanda to guard Paohan. Wei Fa captured Nan'an, taking captive the Qin prefect of Qin Province, Zhai Shuang, and the governor of Nan'an, Li Liang.
Tuyuhun Wo Kui and others led over twenty thousand tribesmen to rebel against Qin, fleeing to Angchuan and submitting to the Tuyuhun king Murong Mugui.
There was a great drought and a locust plague.
The Left Grand Master of Splendid Happiness Fan Tai submitted a memorial, saying: "Women have the duty of the three followings and no right to decide for themselves. The women of Xie Hui’s family are still in the Shangfang prison. I hope Your Majesty will pay attention." An edict was issued pardoning them.
The Wei ruler heard that the Xia founder had died and that his sons were plotting against each other, causing unrest in the state, and he wished to attack Xia. Zhangsun Song and others all said: "If they defend their cities, they will wait while we toil; when Da Tan hears of this, he will take advantage of our weakness to invade. This is a dangerous course."
Cui Hao said: "In recent years, the Mars star has twice remained in the Feathered Forest asterism, hooking and coiling, and divination indicates the destruction of Qin. This year, the five planets appear together in the east, favoring a western campaign. Heavenly signs and human affairs correspond; we must not miss the opportunity." Zhangsun Song argued stubbornly, and the emperor, greatly angered, rebuked Zhangsun Song for corruption in office and ordered the guards to humiliate him. He then sent the Minister of Works Xi Jin, leading forty-five thousand men, to attack Puban; the Song Army General Zhou Ji, leading ten thousand men, to attack Shancheng; and appointed the governor of Hedong, Xue Jin, as guide. Xue Jin was the son of Xue Bian.
The Wei ruler wished to appoint the Zhongshu Erudite, Pingji man Li Shun, as commander of the vanguard army and consulted Cui Hao. Cui Hao said: "Li Shun indeed has strategic plans, but Your servant has marriage ties with him and knows well that he is decisive in his actions and should not be entrusted with sole command." The emperor then desisted. From this, Cui Hao and Li Shun developed a rift.
Winter, tenth month, on the day Ding Si, the Wei ruler set out from Pingcheng.
The Qin Left Chancellor Qifu Tanda fought with the Xia general Hulu Gu at Mount Kanglan, and Qifu Tanda was defeated. In the eleventh month, Hulu Gu and Wei Fa attacked Paohan. The Qin king Qifu Chipan moved his capital to Dinglian. Hulu Gu entered the southern city, but the Town-Soothing General Zhao Shousheng led three hundred dare-to-die troops in a fierce battle and drove him back. Hulu Gu and Wei Fa then attacked the Sha Province governor Chu Lian Qian at Huanghe. Chu Lian Qian sent the Rear General Qifu Wannian to defeat them. They then attacked Xiping, capturing the Pacify-the-West General Ku Luogan, burying alive over five thousand soldiers, and plundering more than twenty thousand households of common people before withdrawing.
The Di people of Quchi, Yang Xingping, requested to submit. The Liang and South Qin Provinces governor Ji Han sent the Shixing governor Pang Zi to occupy Wuxing. The Di king Yang Chan sent his younger brother Yang Nandang to lead troops to resist Pang Zi, but Pang Zi drove him back.
The Wei ruler marched to Junzijin, where the weather suddenly turned bitterly cold and the river froze over. On the day Wu Yin, he led twenty thousand light cavalry across the river to raid Tongwan. On the day Ren Wu, the winter solstice, the Xia ruler was feasting his ministers when the Wei army suddenly arrived, causing panic among high and low alike. The Wei ruler encamped at Heishui, over thirty li from the city. The Xia ruler came out to fight, was defeated, and fled back into the city. The city gates could not be closed in time, and Neisanlang Dou Daitian led his troops to take advantage and enter the Western Palace, setting fire to the western gate. When the palace gates were closed, Dou Daitian leaped over the walls and escaped. The Wei ruler appointed Dou Daitian as Bravery-and-Martial General. The Wei army camped north of the city that night. On the day Gui Wei, they divided their forces to plunder on all sides, killing and capturing tens of thousands, and obtaining over a hundred thousand cattle and horses. The Wei ruler said to his generals: "Tongwan cannot be taken now; later, I will take it with you." They then relocated over ten thousand households and returned.
The Xia governor of Hongnong, Cao Da, hearing that Zhou Ji was approaching, fled without a fight. The Wei army took advantage of their victory and advanced straight ahead, thus entering the Sanfu region. It happened that Zhou Ji died in the army. The Puban defender, the Duke of Dongping, Yi Dou, hearing that Xi Jin was approaching, sent an envoy to Tongwan to report the emergency. When the envoy reached Tongwan, the Wei army had already surrounded the city; he returned and told Yi Dou: "Tongwan has already fallen." Yi Dou, terrified, abandoned the city and fled west to Chang'an. Xi Jin then captured Puban. The Xia ruler's younger brother, Zhu Xingxian, was first guarding Chang'an. When Yi Dou arrived, they abandoned Chang'an together and fled west to Anding. In the twelfth month, Xi Jin entered Chang'an. The Di and Qiang people of Qin and Yong provinces all came to Xi Jin to surrender. The Hexi king Juqu Mengxun and the Di king Yang Xuan, hearing this, both sent envoys to submit to Wei.
The former Wu Commandery governor Xu Peizhi gathered over a hundred followers and plotted to start a rebellion in the palace on the first day of the first month of the next year. The plot was revealed, and on the day Ren Xu, he was arrested and beheaded.
The Grand Consort of Yingyang, Lady Zhang, died.
The Qin Southern Expedition General Ji Bi was stationed at Nanqiang. The Longxi man Xin Dan led three thousand households to expel Ji Bi, who fled back to Paohan. Xin Dan fled south to Yichi.
When Wei first gained control of the Central Plains, many common people had fled and gone into hiding. During the Tianxing era, an edict was issued to search out all sorts of fugitive households, ordering them to pay silk cloth. Consequently, many who registered themselves as households producing fine silk and gauze were not attached to commanderies and counties, leading to uneven tax and labor levies. In this year, an edict was issued for the first time to abolish all such arrangements and place them under the commanderies and counties.
Spring, first month, on the day Xin Si, the Song emperor performed the suburban sacrifices. On the day Yi You, the Wei ruler returned to Pingcheng. Many of the forcibly relocated common people from Tongwan died on the road; only six or seven out of ten reached Pingcheng. On the day Ji Hai, the Wei ruler went to You Province. The Xia ruler Helian Chang sent the Duke of Pingyuan, Helian Ding, leading twenty thousand troops, to Chang'an. When the Wei ruler heard this, he cut timber in the Yin Mountains, manufactured large quantities of siege equipment, and again planned to attack Xia. The Shan Qiang tribes rebelled against Later Qin.
Second month, the Later Qin king Qifu Chipan sent the Left Chancellor Qifu Tanda to pacify and comfort the Qiang people of Wushi, and the Southern Expedition General Ji Bi to pacify and comfort the Qiang people of Taoyang. The Qiang captured Qifu Tanda and sent him to Xia; Ji Bi was attacked by the Qiang, fled back, and lost eight or nine out of ten of his soldiers and horses. The Wei ruler returned to Pingcheng. On the day Yi Mao, the Song emperor went to Dantu, and on the day Ji Si, visited the Jing Mausoleum. Initially, after Song Wudi Liu Yu became eminent, he ordered the farming tools he had used in poverty to be stored away to show his descendants. When the emperor visited the old palace and saw these tools, his face showed shame. One of his close attendants said: "The Great Shun personally plowed at Lishan, and Bo Yu personally tamed the waters. If Your Majesty did not see these relics, how could you know of the late emperor's supreme virtue and the hardships of farming?"
Third month, on the day Bing Zi, the Wei ruler sent the Prince of Gaoliang, Tuoba Li, to guard Chang'an. Tuoba Li was the grandson of Tuoba Jin. He also issued an edict ordering the Jinwu guard Huan Dai to build a bridge at Junzijin. On the day Ding Chou, the Wei Prince of Guangping, Tuoba Lian, died. On the day Ding Hai, the Song emperor returned to Jiankang. On the day Wu Zi, the Right Deputy Director of the Department of State Affairs, Zheng Xianzhi, died. The Later Qin king Qifu Chipan appointed the Auxiliary State General Duan Hui as Liang Province governor, stationed at Ledu; the Pacify-the-West General Qu Jing as Sha Province governor, stationed at Siping; and the Pacify-the-North General Chu Lian Fuzheng as Liang Province governor, stationed at Chishui.
Summer, fourth month, on the day Ding Wei, the Wei court gentleman for miscellaneous affairs, Bu Dui, and others came on a diplomatic mission. On the day Geng Xu, Song appointed the Tingwei Wang Huizhi as Jiao Province governor and recalled the former governor Du Hongwen. Du Hongwen was ill and had himself carried in a litter to set out; someone advised him to wait until he recovered, but Du Hongwen said: "My family has held the tally of authority for three generations, and I have always wished to devote myself to the court; how much more so when summoned!" He then departed and died at Guang. Du Hongwen was the son of Du Huidu. The Wei general Xi Jin and the Xia Duke of Pingyuan, Helian Ding, were locked in a stalemate at Chang'an. The Wei ruler wished to take advantage of the situation to raid Tongwan. He selected elite troops, trained the soldiers, deployed the generals, and ordered the Minister of Instruction Zhangsun Han and others to lead thirty thousand cavalry as the vanguard; the Prince of Changshan, Tuoba Su, and others to lead thirty thousand infantry as the rear; the Prince of Nanyang, Tuoba Fuzhen, and others to lead thirty thousand infantry to transport siege equipment; and General He Duoluo to lead three thousand elite cavalry as scouts. Tuoba Su was the son of Tuoba Zun.
In the fifth month, the Wei ruler set out from Pingcheng and ordered the Dragon-Soaring General, Lu Si of Dai Commandery, to command the various armies to guard the great desert in preparation against the Rouran. On the Xinsi day, he crossed the Yellow River at Junzi Ford. On the Renwu day, Wang Hua, the Central Protector of Liu Song, passed away. The Wei ruler arrived at Bielin Mountain, built a city, left behind the heavy baggage, and led 30,000 light cavalry on a swift march day and night. All his ministers remonstrated, saying: “The city of Tongwan is strong and not something that can be captured in a short time. Now if we attack it with a lightly equipped force, and we cannot take it, we will have no supplies for retreat. It would be better to advance together with the infantry and siege equipment.” The ruler said: “In the art of war, besieging a city is the lowest strategy. Only when there is no other choice do we resort to it. Now if we let the infantry and siege equipment advance together, they will surely be terrified and hold out stubbornly. If the attack cannot succeed in time, the food will be exhausted, the soldiers will be weary, and there will be nothing to plunder outside the city—then we will be in a dilemma with no escape. It is better to go straight to their city with light cavalry. When they see that the infantry has not arrived, their hearts will surely relax. We deliberately show weakness to lure them; perhaps they will come out to fight, and we can capture them. The reason for doing this is that our army is more than two thousand li from home, separated by a great river—this is what is called ‘placing them in a death ground and then they will live.’ Therefore, using them to besiege a city is insufficient, but using them for a decisive battle is more than enough.” So they set out.
On the Guimao day, the first day of the sixth month, there was a solar eclipse. The Wei ruler arrived at Tongwan and deployed his troops in ambush in deep valleys, sending only a small force to the foot of the city. Di Ziyu, a Xia general, surrendered to Wei. He said: “When the Xia ruler heard of the Wei army, he sent a messenger to recall the Duke of Pingyuan, Helian Ding, who said: ‘Tongwan is strong and steep, not easy to capture. Wait until I have captured Xi Jin, then I will slowly go. Attacking from both inside and outside, we will surely succeed.’ Therefore, the Xia ruler is holding out and waiting for him.” The Wei ruler was worried about this. So he withdrew his troops to show weakness and sent E Qing and the Prince of Yongchang, Tuoba Jian, with 5,000 cavalry to plunder the populace to the west.
A soldier in the Wei army committed a crime and fled to Xia, saying that the Wei army had run out of food, the soldiers were eating wild vegetables, the heavy baggage was still behind, and the infantry had not arrived, so they should attack quickly. The Xia ruler heeded his words. On the Jiachen day, he led 30,000 infantry and cavalry out of the city. Zhangsun Han and others all said: “The Xia infantry formation is hard to break; we should avoid their sharp edge.” The Wei ruler said: “We have come from afar seeking the enemy, only fearing they will not come out. Now that they have come, if we avoid them and do not attack, their spirits will rise and ours will flag—this is not a good plan.” So he assembled his troops, feigned flight, and lured them to wear them out. The Xia troops divided into two wings, beating drums and shouting in pursuit. After advancing five or six li, wind and rain suddenly came from the southeast, raising dust and sand, darkening the sky. The eunuch Zhao Ni, who was well versed in magical arts, said to the Wei ruler: “Now the wind and rain come from the enemy’s side; we are facing them, and they have their backs to the wind and rain—Heaven does not help us. Moreover, the officers and soldiers are hungry and thirsty. I wish Your Majesty would collect the cavalry and avoid them, waiting for another time.” Cui Hao rebuked him, saying: “What kind of talk is this! We have come a thousand li to decide the battle, and in one day, how can we change the plan! The enemy is greedy to advance without stopping, and their rear has been cut off. We should conceal our troops, divide our forces to attack, and strike them by surprise. The wind is in how men use it—there is no fixed rule!” The Wei ruler said: “Excellent!” So he divided the cavalry into left and right columns to attack the enemy from both sides. The Wei ruler’s horse stumbled, and he fell off, nearly being captured by the Xia troops; Tuoba Qi shielded him with his body, fighting desperately, and the Xia troops then retreated. The Wei ruler leaped back onto his horse, stabbed to death the Xia Minister of the Interior, Heliwen, and also killed more than ten cavalrymen. Although hit by a stray arrow himself, he fought fiercely without stopping, and the Xia army was utterly defeated and scattered. Tuoba Qi was a great-great-grandson of Tuoba Yihuai.
The Wei troops pursued the Xia ruler victoriously to the north of the city, killing his younger brother, the Duke of Henan, Helian Man, and his nephew, Helian Mengsun, with over ten thousand dead. The Xia ruler could not get back into the city in time and fled to Shanggui. The Wei ruler, wearing ordinary clothes, pursued the fleeing enemy and entered their city; Tuoba Qi strongly urged him not to, but he would not listen. The Xia people noticed, and all the city gates were closed. The Wei ruler then, together with Tuoba Qi and others, entered their palace, found some women’s skirts, tied them to a spear, and the Wei ruler used them to climb up, thus escaping. Just as dusk fell, the Xia Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, Wen Zhi, escorted the Xia ruler’s mother out in flight. Zhangsun Han led 8,000 cavalry in pursuit of the Xia ruler as far as Gaoping, but did not catch him and returned.
On the Yisi day, the Wei ruler entered the city and captured the Xia princes, dukes, ministers, generals, commandants, as well as the various mothers, empresses, consorts, sisters, and palace women in the tens of thousands, over 300,000 horses, tens of millions of cattle and sheep, and countless treasures, chariots, flags, and vessels from the treasuries, which were distributed to the officers and soldiers according to rank. Previously, Helian Bobo, the Shizu of Xia, had been extravagant in nature; when building Tongwan city, the walls were ten ren high, the base thirty paces thick, the top ten paces wide, and the palace walls five ren high, so hard that they could sharpen knives and axes. The terraces and pavilions were magnificent and grand, all carved and painted, decorated with gorgeous brocades, fully displaying elegance. The Wei ruler turned to his attendants and said: “Such a small state yet it worked the people this hard—could it avoid ruin?” He found the Xia Grand Astrologer, Zhang Yuan and Xu Bian, and reappointed them as Grand Astrologers. He also found the former Jin general Mao Xiuzhi and the Later Qin general Ku Luogan, and sent Ku Luogan back to Later Qin. Because Mao Xiuzhi was skilled in cooking, he appointed him as Palace Provisioner. When the Wei ruler saw the writings of the Xia Imperial Editor, Zhao Yi of Tianshui, which excessively praised the Xia ruler, he became angry and said: “This little fellow was without virtue—how dare he write like this! Who wrote it? I should immediately investigate him!” Cui Hao said: “Literary men’s praise and blame often exceed reality; it was probably unavoidable and not enough to convict him.” So he desisted. The Wei ruler took three daughters of the Xia Shizu as noble consorts.
Xi Jin and the Xia Duke of Pingyuan, Helian Ding, were still locked in stalemate at Chang’an. The Wei ruler ordered the Imperial Clan Minister, E Qing, and the Grand Coachman, Qiu Dui, to lead 5,000 cavalry to seize the area west of the Pass. When Helian Ding heard that Tongwan had been captured, he fled to Shanggui; Xi Jin pursued him to Yongcheng, but did not catch him and returned. E Qing and Qiu Dui attacked the Xia city of Ercheng and captured it. The Wei ruler issued an edict ordering Xi Jin and the others to withdraw. Xi Jin submitted a memorial saying: “Helian Chang has fled to Shanggui to protect himself, gathering scattered remnants, but has no resources to hold his ground. Now, taking advantage of his distress, it would be easy to destroy him. I beg for additional armor and horses to pacify Helian Chang before returning.” The Wei ruler did not agree. Xi Jin insisted, so he consented, granting him 10,000 men, sending General Liu Ba to deliver 3,000 horses, and leaving E Qing and Qiu Dui to join him in attacking Xia.
On the Xinyou day, the Wei ruler returned east from Tongwan, appointing the Prince of Changshan, Tuoba Su, as Generalissimo of the Southern Expedition, with a borrowed tally, and together with the Chief of the Palace Guards, Huan Dai, and Mo Yun, left them to guard Tongwan. Mo Yun was the younger brother of Mo Ti. The Later Qin ruler, Qifu Chipan, returned to Fuhan.
In the autumn, the seventh month, on the Jimao day, the Wei ruler arrived at Zuoling. The Rouran invaded Yunzhong, but when they heard that Wei had already captured Tongwan, they fled. The Later Qin ruler, Qifu Chipan, said to his ministers: “I knew that the Helian clan could not succeed. Helian Chang took the risk to submit to Wei, and now it has turned out just as I said.” In the eighth month, he sent his uncle, the General of Pacifying the Distant, Qifu Wotou, and others to Wei to present tribute.
On the renzi day, the ruler of the Northern Wei returned to Pingcheng and distributed the spoils of war according to rank to the officials remaining in the capital. The ruler of the Northern Wei was by nature strong, robust, and fierce; when facing a walled city or arraying for battle, he personally faced arrows and flying stones, with soldiers beside him dying and being wounded one after another, yet his expression remained calm. Because of this, his generals and soldiers feared and obeyed him, all willing to exhaust their strength to the death. He was frugal and straightforward in nature; his clothes, chariots, horses, and food were only enough for use. The officials requested to heighten the city walls and build palaces, saying: "The Book of Changes says: 'The king and dukes set up strategic defenses to guard their state.' Moreover, Xiao He said: 'The Son of Heaven takes the four seas as his home; if it is not magnificent and splendid, it cannot increase his authority.'" The emperor said: "The ancients said: 'It lies in virtue, not in strategic defenses.' Qu Qi used steamed earth to build his city, yet I destroyed him. Where does it lie in the city walls? Now the world is not yet pacified, and the people's strength is needed; matters of construction, I will not undertake. Xiao He's reply was not a refined and correct statement." He often considered property as the foundation of the army and state, and could not be lightly wasted. As for rewards, they were all given to families of those who died for the state in service; relatives and favored ministers never received anything extra. When appointing generals to lead troops, he personally gave instructions; those who violated them mostly led to defeat. He was skilled at knowing people, sometimes promoting talent from among the common soldiers, only based on their abilities and strengths, regardless of their background. His observation and judgment were keen and sharp; subordinates could not conceal any truth from him. Rewards did not miss the lowly, and punishments did not avoid the noble; even those he greatly loved were ultimately not spared. He often said: "The law, I uphold it together with the people under heaven; how dare I treat it lightly?" Yet his nature was cruel, decisive in killing, often killing people and then regretting it afterward.
In the ninth month, on the dingyou day, the people of Anding surrendered their entire city to the Northern Wei. The Di king Yang Xuan sent his general Fu Baizuo to besiege the Later Qin's Inspector of Liang Province, Chu Lian Fuzheng, at Chiyan. When the city's food was exhausted, the people seized Chu Lian Fuzheng and surrendered. Chu Lian Fuzheng reached Luogu but escaped back. In the winter, the tenth month, the Later Qin appointed the Swift Cavalry General Wu Han as General Pacifying the South and Inspector of Liang Province, to garrison at Nanqiang.
In the eleventh month, the ruler of the Northern Wei sent his Commandant of the Palace Bureau, Gongsun Gui, concurrently serving as Grand Herald, bearing credentials to appoint Yang Xuan as Commander of Military Affairs of Jing, Liang, and four other provinces, Inspector of Liang Province, and King of Southern Qin. Upon reaching the border, Yang Xuan did not come out to welcome him; Gongsun Gui reproached him, intending to return with the credentials, and Yang Xuan, afraid, came to the outskirts to welcome him. The ruler of the Northern Wei considered Gongsun Gui's actions commendable and appointed him as Master of Documents. Gongsun Gui was the son of Gongsun Biao.
In the twelfth month, the Later Qin's Inspector of Liang Province, Wu Han, was attacked by various Qiang tribes and led two thousand households back to Fuhan.