Annals of Song, Volume 9

【Song Chronicle 9】 Zhaoyang Dahuangluo, one year.

Zizhi Tongjian, Volume 127. 【Song Chronicle 9】 From the jisi year (429 AD) to the gengwu year (430 AD), one year.

Spring, first month, on the day wuyin, the court appointed Nanqiao King Liu Yixuan as Situ and Governor of Yangzhou.

Xiao Daocheng and others led Di and Qiang tribes' troops to attack Bei Wei's Wudu. Bei Wei's Gaoping garrison commander Gou Moyu led two thousand elite cavalry to rush to the rescue. Xiao Daocheng and his forces withdrew to Nanzheng.

On the day renwu, the court appointed the General Who Subdues the North, Shixing King Liu Jun, as Governor of Jingzhou. The Emperor (Song Wendi)'s anger had not yet subsided, so Liu Jun had been detained for a long time at Jingkou; only after he was appointed Governor of Jingzhou was he allowed to enter the court.

On the day wuzi, an edict ordered the Governor of Jiangzhou, Wuling King Liu Jun, to command all armies to campaign against the Western Yang barbarians, stationing his forces at Wuzhou.

After Yan Daoyu fled, the Emperor dispatched envoys to search for her everywhere with great urgency. Yan Daoyu changed her clothes, disguised herself as a nun, and hid in the Eastern Palace. Later, she followed Shixing King Liu Jun to Jingkou, and sometimes came out to stay at the home of a commoner named Zhang Wu. When Liu Jun entered the court, he brought her back to the Eastern Palace, intending to take her with him to Jiangling. On the day dingsi, the Emperor held court in person, and Liu Jun entered the palace to receive his official appointment. That day, someone reported that Yan Daoyu was hiding at Zhang Wu's home. The Emperor sent men to raid the place, and they captured her two maidservants. They testified that Yan Daoyu had already returned to the capital with the General Who Subdues the North (Liu Jun). The Emperor believed that Liu Jun and the Crown Prince Liu Shao had already dismissed and sent Yan Daoyu away, but now he heard that they were still in contact with her. He felt regret, pity, and shock, and ordered the two maidservants to be brought from Jingkou. After verifying the evidence, he planned to punish Liu Shao and Liu Jun. Pan Shufei embraced Liu Jun and wept, saying: "Your previous curse affair has already been exposed, and I hoped you would restrain yourself and reflect on your faults. I never expected you would still dare to harbor Yan Daoyu! The Emperor is extremely angry. Even if I kowtow and plead for mercy, it cannot be resolved. What use is there in living now? You may send poison; I want to kill myself first, for I cannot bear to see you face disaster and failure." Liu Jun shook off his clothes and stood up, saying: "The affairs of the world will soon be clearly settled. I hope you will calm your mind a little; I will certainly not implicate you!"

On the day jiwei, Bei Wei's Jingzhao King Du Yuanbao was executed for plotting rebellion. Jianning King Tuoba Chong and his son Jinan King Tuoba Li were both implicated by Du Yuanbao and were ordered to commit suicide.

The Emperor wanted to depose the Crown Prince Liu Shao and order the death of Shixing King Liu Jun. He first discussed this matter with the Palace Attendant Wang Sengchuo. He had Wang Sengchuo investigate precedents for deposing crown princes and princes from the Han and Wei dynasties onward, and sent these materials to the Minister of Works and Director of the Department of State Affairs Xu Xianzhi and the Minister of Personnel Jiang Zhan.

Wuling King Liu Jun had never been favored, so he was repeatedly sent to outer regional commands and could not remain at Jiankang. Nanping King Liu Shuo and Jianping King Liu Hong were both beloved by the Emperor. Liu Shuo's consort was Jiang Zhan's sister; Sui King Liu Dan's consort was Xu Xianzhi's daughter. Jiang Zhan urged the Emperor to establish Liu Shuo, while Xu Xianzhi wanted to establish Liu Dan. Wang Sengchuo said: "The matter of establishing the crown prince rests entirely on Your Majesty's will. Your servant believes that a swift decision should be made and must not be delayed. 'If one should decide but does not decide, one will instead suffer disaster.' I hope Your Majesty will cut off private affection with righteous principle and bear with minor forbearance. If not, then you should be open and honest as before, without troubling yourself with further doubts and debates. Although the matter is secret, it easily spreads. Do not let calamity arise unexpectedly, to be laughed at by people a thousand years from now." The Emperor said: "You can be said to be one who can decide great matters. But this matter is of utmost importance; I cannot but ponder it over and over again. Moreover, Pengcheng King (Liu Yikang) has just died; others will say that I no longer have the way of compassion." Wang Sengchuo said: "Your servant fears that a thousand years hence, people will say that Your Majesty could only judge his younger brother, but could not judge his son." The Emperor was silent. Jiang Zhan was also present at the time. After leaving the palace gates, he said to Wang Sengchuo: "Were the words you just spoke not too vehement and direct?" Wang Sengchuo said: "I also regret that you were not direct enough!"

Liu Shuo entered the court from Shouyang. After his arrival, he did not meet the Emperor's expectations. The Emperor wanted to establish Liu Hong, but he found fault with him not being in the proper order of age, so the discussions went on for a long time without a decision. Every night, the Emperor talked with Xu Xianzhi after dismissing all others, sometimes continuing for entire days and nights. He often had Xu Xianzhi personally hold a candle and inspect along the walls, fearing someone might be eavesdropping. The Emperor told this plan to Pan Shufei, who in turn told Liu Jun. Liu Jun swiftly reported it to Liu Shao. Liu Shao then secretly plotted with his trusted team commander Chen Shuer, the fastness master Zhang Chaozhi, and others to rebel.

Earlier, the Emperor, because the imperial clan's power was strong and he feared internal strife, had specially increased the Eastern Palace's troops, making them equal to the Imperial Guard, so that it had up to ten thousand fully armed soldiers. Liu Shao was cunning and fierce by nature, and the Emperor relied heavily on him. When he was about to rebel, Liu Shao feasted and rewarded his officers and men every night, sometimes personally pouring wine. Wang Sengchuo secretly reported this to the Emperor. Just as Yan Daoyu's maidservants were about to be delivered, on the night of the day guihai, Liu Shao forged an imperial edict saying: "Lu Xiu has rebelled. You may guard the palace gates at dawn and lead the troops into the palace." He then sent Zhang Chaozhi and others to summon the two thousand or more soldiers he had been raising, all equipped with armor. He summoned the inner and outer battalion commanders and deputy commanders, deploying them in advance, claiming they were to suppress rebellion. That night, he summoned the former Zhongshuzi and Right Army Chief Clerk Xiao Bin, the Left Guard Commander Yuan Shu, the Zhongshe Ren Yin Zhongsu, and the Left Accumulated Crossbow General Wang Zhengjian to come to the palace together. Liu Shao, weeping, said to them: "The Emperor has listened to slander and is about to punish and depose me. I have examined myself and have no fault; I cannot bear this injustice. Tomorrow morning, I will carry out a great undertaking. I hope you will all work with me with one heart and one strength." Then he stood up and bowed to each of them. The crowd was stunned, and no one could reply. After a long time, Yuan Shu and Xiao Bin both said: "Since ancient times, there has been no such thing. I hope you will consider it further!" Liu Shao grew angry, and his expression changed greatly. Xiao Bin, afraid, said together with the others: "We will do our utmost to follow orders." Yuan Shu scolded him, saying: "Do you truly think that His Highness will do this? His Highness suffered from a wind illness in his youth; perhaps the illness has recurred." Liu Shao became even more furious, and then looked askance at Yuan Shu, saying: "Can the matter succeed?" Yuan Shu said: "Being in a position where you are not suspected, what worry is there that it will not succeed? It is just that after success, I fear you will not be tolerated by Heaven and Earth, and great disaster will follow immediately. Even if such a plan truly exists, it can still be stopped." The attendants pulled Yuan Shu out, saying: "What matter is this, that you say it can be stopped?" Yuan Shu returned to his office, walked around his bed, and did not go to sleep until the fourth watch.

On the day jiazhi, before the palace gates had opened, Liu Shao donned a red robe over his military uniform, rode in a painted-wheel carriage, and shared the vehicle with Xiao Bin. His attendants and guards followed as if for a regular court audience. In great urgency, he summoned Yuan Shu, who lay in bed and would not rise. Liu Shao stopped the carriage at Fenghua Gate and repeatedly sent messengers to hurry him. Yuan Shu slowly got up and came to the rear of the carriage; Liu Shao told him to mount, but he declined and refused, so Liu Shao ordered his attendants to kill him. The gatekeepers opened the palace gates, and Liu Shao entered through Wanchun Gate. According to established regulations, the Eastern Palace’s retinue could not enter the city gates. Liu Shao showed the gate guards a forged imperial edict, saying, “I have received orders to make arrests and carry out a punitive expedition.” He commanded the rear units to hurry forward. Zhang Chaozi and several dozen others rode their horses straight through Yunlong Gate and the (study pavilion), drew their swords, and charged directly into the Combined Hall. That night, the emperor had been conversing alone with Xu Zhanzhi until dawn, with the candles still unextinguished; the guards at the gates, steps, doors, and mats were still asleep and had not arisen. When the emperor saw Zhang Chaozi enter, he raised a table to defend himself, but all five of his fingers were cut off, and he was thus killed. Xu Zhanzhi, startled, rose and ran toward the northern window, but before he could open it, the soldiers killed him. Liu Shao entered the inner chamber of the Combined Hall, heard that the emperor was dead, came out, and sat in the Eastern Hall. Xiao Bin stood on duty holding a sword. He summoned the Secretariat Drafter Gu Gu, who was shocked and terrified and did not come out immediately. When Gu Gu finally emerged, Liu Shao asked, “You wanted to join in the deposition—why didn’t you report it earlier?” Before Gu Gu could answer, he was beheaded on the spot. Jiang Zhan was on duty in the Department of State Affairs. Hearing the uproar and clamor, he sighed and said, “If we had not rejected Wang Sengchuo’s advice, things would not have come to this!” He then hid in a small side room, but Liu Shao sent soldiers to kill him. The old generals on night duty, Luo Xun and Xu Han, all submitted and surrendered upon seeing the situation. The Left Leader of the Palace Guard, Guangwei General Bu Tianyu of Wuxing, had no time to put on armor but took up a sword and bow, hastily shouting for his attendants to fight. Xu Han said, “The heir apparent has entered the palace—what are you trying to do?” Bu Tianyu cursed him, saying, “The heir apparent often comes—why say such a thing today? You are the traitor!” He personally shot an arrow toward Liu Shao in the Eastern Hall, nearly hitting him. Liu Shao’s partisans attacked him, and he was slain, his arm cut off. The team commanders Zhang Hongzhi, Zhu Daoqin, and Chen Man died fighting alongside Bu Tianyu. The Left Guard General Yin Hong, in terror, reported and requested to accept punishment. Liu Shao sent men through the Eastern Pavilion to kill Consort Pan and several dozen of Taizu’s (Emperor Wen of Song) trusted attendants, and urgently summoned the Prince of Shixing, Liu Jun, ordering him to lead troops and station them at Zhongtang.

At the time, Liu Jun was in Xizhou. The (household retainer) Zhu Fayu told Liu Jun, “There is uproar and clamor within the palace; all the palace gates are closed. On the road, it is said that the heir apparent has rebelled. We do not know how far the disaster will develop.” Liu Jun feigned surprise and asked, “What should be done now?” Zhu Fayu urged him to enter and occupy Stone City. Liu Jun had not received news from Liu Shao and did not know whether the plot had succeeded; he was agitated and uncertain what to do. General Wang Qing said, “Now there is trouble within the palace, and we do not know the fate of His Majesty. Every subject should rise and rush to the national crisis. To rely on a city for self-defense is not the conduct of a subject.” Liu Jun did not listen; instead, he went out through the South Gate and headed straight for Stone City, with over a thousand civil and military followers. At that time, the Prince of Nanping, Liu Shuo, was stationed at Stone City with over a thousand soldiers. Soon after, Liu Shao sent Zhang Chaozi on horseback to urgently summon Liu Jun. Liu Jun dismissed others and inquired about the situation, then immediately put on military uniform and rode off. Zhu Fayu strongly tried to dissuade Liu Jun, but Liu Jun would not listen. When he went out through the Middle Gate, Wang Qing again remonstrated, saying, “The heir apparent has rebelled and committed treason; the whole realm resents him in anger. If Your Excellency only holds the city gates, sitting and consuming the stored provisions, within three days the evil faction will naturally scatter. Given your situation, how can you go now?” Liu Jun said, “These are the heir apparent’s orders. Whoever dares to speak again will be beheaded!” After entering the palace, he saw Liu Shao. Liu Shao said to Liu Jun, “Consort Pan has already been killed by the rebel soldiers.” Liu Jun replied, “This has been my long-cherished wish.”

Liu Shao, under the pretext of an edict from Taizu, summoned the Grand General Liu Yigong and the Minister of State Affairs He Shangzhi into the palace and detained them within. He also assembled all the officials, but only a few dozen arrived. Liu Shao hastily ascended the throne. He issued an edict saying: “Xu Zhanzhi and Jiang Zhan were rebellious and without proper conduct. I led troops into the hall, but it was already too late. I wept and lamented in grief, overwhelmed with sorrow, my liver and heart shattered. Now the criminals have been captured and the chief villains eliminated. A general amnesty may be declared, and the reign title changed to Taichu.”

After the accession ceremony, he immediately feigned illness and returned to Yongfu Province, not daring to attend the mourning; he protected himself with drawn swords, and at night lit lamps to guard against his own attendants. He appointed Xiao Bin as Director of the Department of State Affairs and Commander of the Elite Guard, He Shangzhi as Minister of Works, the former Right Guard Rate Tan Hezhi to guard Stone City, and the General of the Expeditionary Army, the Marquis of Yingdao, Liu Yicai, to guard Jingkou. Liu Yicai was the younger brother of Liu Yiqing. On the day yichou, he ordered the recall of all weapons previously distributed to various places, returning them to the arsenal. He executed the partisans of Jiang Zhan and Xu Zhanzhi, the Left Director of the Department of State Affairs Xun Chisong and the Right Director Zang Ningzhi, among others. Zang Ningzhi was the grandson of Zang Tao. He appointed Yin Zhongsu as Yellow Gate Attendant, Wang Zhengjian as General of the Left Army, and granted Zhang Chaozi, Chen Shuer, and others various ranks and rewards. The Auxiliary General Lu Xiu was in Jiankang; Liu Shao said to Lu Xiu, “Xu Zhanzhi often wanted to harm you. I have already eliminated him for you.” He ordered Lu Xiu and the Colonel of the Garrison Cavalry, Pang Xiuzhi, to jointly command the army. Liu Shao did not know of Wang Sengchuo’s plans and appointed him as Minister of Personnel and the Left Chief Clerk of the Steward’s Office, He Yan, as Palace Attendant.

The Prince of Wuling, Liu Jun, was stationed at Wuzhou. Shen Qingzhi came from Bashui to consult on military strategy. In the third month, on the day yihai, the (records clerk) Dong Yuansi arrived at Wuzhou from Jiankang and fully reported the heir apparent’s patricide and rebellion. Liu Jun sent Dong Yuansi to inform his subordinates. Shen Qingzhi secretly said to his confidants, “Xiao Bin is like a woman; the other generals are all easy to deal with. The Eastern Palace faction numbers no more than thirty men; the rest are coerced and will certainly not serve them. Now, by supporting the righteous army that follows Heaven’s will to punish the rebels, we need not worry about success.”

On the day renwu, Northern Wei honored the Empress Dowager Bao as Empress Dowager, posthumously honored her grandfather and father, and granted official titles to her brothers, all according to the treatment of imperial maternal relatives.

The heir apparent Liu Shao divided the five commanderies of Zhejiang into Huizhou, abolished Yangzhou, established the office of Colonel of the Metropolitan Police, and appointed the father of his consort, Yin Chong, as Colonel of the Metropolitan Police. Yin Chong was the great-grandson of Yin Rong. He appointed the Grand General Liu Yigong as Grand Guardian, the Inspector of Jingzhou, the Prince of Nanchen, Liu Yixuan, as Grand Commandant, the Prince of Shixing, Liu Jun, as General of the Cavalry, the Inspector of Yongzhou, Zang Zhi, as Governor of Danyang, and the Administrator of Kuaiji, the Prince of Sui, Liu Dan, as Inspector of Huizhou.

Liu Shao examined the documents in Emperor Wen’s (Emperor Wen of Song) small chest and the letters and memorials in Jiang Zhan’s household, obtaining Wang Sengchuo’s memorials concerning rewards for soldiers and precedents from former dynasties. On the day jiashen, he arrested Wang Sengchuo and killed him. Wang Sengchuo’s younger brother, Wang Sengqian, served as Left Western Bureau Attendant of the Steward’s Office. His close associates urged him to flee, but Wang Sengqian wept and said, “My elder brother served the state with loyalty and raised me with kindness. In today’s affair, I only regret that I cannot be implicated; if I can join him in the underworld, it will be like ascending to immortality.” Liu Shao then falsely implicated the various princes and marquises of the Northern Ward, claiming they had plotted rebellion with Wang Sengchuo, and killed Liu Jin, the Mourning Duke of Changsha; Liu Jin’s younger brother, the Lamenting Duke of Linchuan, Liu Ye; the Marquis of Guiyang, Liu Kai; and the Marquis of Xinyu, Liu Min. These were all men Liu Shao had long disliked. Liu Jin was the son of Liu Yixin; Liu Ye was the son of Liu Yiqing; Liu Min was the son of Liu Yiqing’s younger brother.

Liu Shao secretly sent a letter to Shen Qingzhi, ordering him to kill Prince Wuling, Liu Jun. Shen Qingzhi requested an audience with Liu Jun, who was afraid and declined on the pretext of illness. Shen Qingzhi forced his way in and showed Liu Jun the letter from Liu Shao. Liu Jun wept and begged to go inside to bid farewell to his mother. Shen Qingzhi said, “Your subordinate has received the late emperor’s great favor. Today’s matter depends only on ability. Why does Your Highness so deeply suspect me?” Liu Jun rose and bowed again, saying, “The safety of the family and the state rests entirely on the General.” Shen Qingzhi immediately ordered the troops inside and outside to be readied. The governor’s chief secretary, Yan Jun, said, “Now the four quarters do not yet know that the righteous army has risen. Liu Shao holds the capital. If the head and tail cannot respond to each other, this is a dangerous course. We should wait for the various commanderies to coordinate their plans before rising.” Shen Qingzhi said sternly, “Now we are undertaking a great enterprise, yet a mere stripling can meddle in it—how can we avoid defeat! He should be beheaded as a warning!” Liu Jun ordered Yan Jun to kneel and apologize to Shen Qingzhi, who said, “You should only know matters of documents and writing!” Thereupon, Shen Qingzhi was entrusted with everything. Within ten days, everything inside and outside was perfectly organized, and people called it a divine army. Yan Jun was the son of Yan Yanzhi.

On the gengyin day, Prince Wuling, Liu Jun, held a solemn oath-taking ceremony. He appointed Shen Qingzhi as concurrent Commandant of the Army; the Administrator of Xiangyang, Liu Yuanjing, and the Administrator of Suijun, Zong Que, as Advisory Officials and concurrent Central Army Officials; the Acting General of Pingdong, Zhu Xiuzhi, the Interior of Jiangxia; the Recorder Secretary, Yan Jun, as Advisory Official and concurrent Recorder Official, with overall authority over internal and external affairs; and the Advisory Official, Liu Yansun, as Chief Clerk and Administrator of Xunyang, acting as the official in charge of the office. Liu Yansun was the son of Liu Daochang.

The Prince of Nanqiao, Liu Yixuan, and Zang Zhi both refused to accept Liu Shao’s orders and, together with the Inspector of Sizhou, Lu Shuang, raised troops to respond to Liu Jun. Zang Zhi and Lu Shuang both went to Jiangling to see Liu Yixuan and also sent envoys to Liu Jun urging him to ascend the throne. On the xinmao day, Zang Zhi’s son, Zang Dun, and others who were in Jiankang, hearing that Zang Zhi had raised troops, all fled. Liu Shao, wanting to pacify them, issued an edict saying, “Zang Zhi is a relative of the state and a meritorious official, just now assisting the capital; yet his sons and younger brothers have scattered in all directions, which is truly surprising and lamentable. They may be sent for with proclamations to return, and they shall all be restored to their former positions.” Shortly afterward, Liu Shao captured Zang Dun and ordered the Grand General, Liu Yigong, to give him thirty strokes of the cane, then bestowed generous rewards.

On the guisi day, Liu Shao buried Taizu (Emperor Wen of Song) in the Changning Mausoleum, with the posthumous title of Emperor Jing and the temple name of Zhongzong.

On the yiwei day, Prince Wuling, Liu Jun, set out from Xiyang; on the dingyou day, he arrived at Xunyang. On the gengzi day, Liu Jun ordered Yan Jun to issue proclamations to the four quarters, calling for a joint campaign against Liu Shao. The provinces and commanderies, upon receiving the proclamations, responded in unison. The Prince of Nanqiao, Liu Yixuan, sent Zang Zhi to lead troops to Xunyang, to descend eastward together with Liu Jun, leaving Lu Shuang behind at Jiangling.

Liu Shao appointed the Inspector of Yanzhou and Jizhou, Xiao Sihua, as Inspector of Xuzhou and Yanzhou, and activated Zhang Yong as Inspector of Qingzhou. Xiao Sihua led his personal troops from Licheng back to Pingcheng and raised troops to respond to the righteous army at Xunyang; the General Who Establishes Military Merit, Huan Hu’zhi, at Licheng, also led his troops to join them. The Prince of Nanqiao, Liu Yixuan, appointed Zhang Yong as Inspector of Jizhou. Zhang Yong sent his Commandant, Cui Xunzhi, and others with troops to Liu Yixuan. Liu Yixuan, worried that Xiao Sihua and Zhang Yong might not set aside their old grievances, personally wrote a letter to Xiao Sihua, and also had the Chief Clerk, Zhang Chang, write to Zhang Yong, urging them to treat each other with sincerity.

The Prince of Sui, Liu Dan, was about to accept Liu Shao’s orders when the Military Advisor, Shen Zheng, urged the Commandant, Gu Chen, saying, “This state’s calamity is unheard of since the opening of Heaven and Earth. Now, relying on the brave and elite troops of Jiangdong, we should spread righteousness to the world—who would dare not respond! How can we allow His Highness to face north and pay homage to the rebellious traitor, accepting his false favor?” Gu Chen said, “Jiangdong has forgotten warfare for a long time. Although the difference between loyal and rebellious is clear, there is also a disparity in strength. We should wait until righteous movements arise from all quarters, then respond; that would not be too late.” Shen Zheng said, “There has never been a state without a ruler or a father in the world. Can we be at ease with enmity and shame, and seek righteousness elsewhere? Now, precisely because of the hatred and disgrace of regicide and rebellion, righteousness demands that we not live under the same sky. When raising troops, how can we seek to preserve ourselves! Feng Yan said, ‘The noble ministers of the great Han—are they not inferior to the humble scholars of Jing and Qi?’ How much more so, since His Highness is both a minister in principle and a member of the state!” Gu Chen then entered together with Shen Zheng to persuade Liu Dan, and Liu Dan followed their advice. Shen Zheng was the son of Shen Tianzi’s elder brother.

Liu Shao, considering himself well-versed in military affairs, said to the court officials, “You merely need to help me with documents; do not concern yourselves with military matters. If any enemy comes, I will naturally handle them. I only fear that those rebel thieves will not dare to move.” When he heard that the four quarters had raised troops, he began to worry and fear. He imposed martial law, recalled all officers and officials who were on rotation leave, moved the residents south of the Huai River to the north bank, gathered all the princes and high officials within the city, moved the Prince of Jiangxia, Liu Yigong, to reside in the lower quarters of the Secretariat, and placed Liu Yigong’s sons separately in the lower section of the Palace Attendants’ Bureau.

In summer, the fourth month, on the guimao day (the first day of the month), Liu Yuanjing led General Ning Shuo, Xue Andu, and eleven other armies out of the Penkou. The Central Army Adjutant, Xu Yibao, led the troops from Jingzhou closely behind. On the dingwei day, Prince Wuling, Liu Jun, set out from Xunyang, with Shen Qingzhi commanding the central army accompanying him.

Liu Shao established his consort, Lady Yin, as Empress.

On the gengxu day, Prince Wuling, Liu Jun’s proclamation reached Jiankang. Liu Shao showed it to the Grand Master of Ceremonies, Yan Yanzhi, and asked, “Who wrote this?” Yan Yanzhi said, “It was written by Yan Jun.” Liu Shao said, “Why are the words so extreme?” Yan Yanzhi said, “Yan Jun still does not care for his old father—how could he care for Your Majesty!” Liu Shao’s anger abated slightly. He imprisoned all of Prince Wuling, Liu Jun’s sons in the lower section of the Palace Attendants’ Bureau, and imprisoned the sons of the Prince of Nanqiao, Liu Yixuan, in the empty rooms of the Grand Granary. Liu Shao wanted to exterminate the families of all the officers and commoners from the three garrisons (Xunyang, Jiangling, Kuaiji). The Prince of Jiangxia, Liu Yigong, and He Shangzhi both said, “Those who undertake great enterprises do not care for their families. Moreover, most of these people are driven by force. If we suddenly execute their families, it will only strengthen their resolve.” Liu Shao considered this correct and issued an edict declaring no prosecutions.

Liu Shao suspected that the old court officials were not loyal to him, so he treated Lu Xiu and the Right Army Adjutant, Wang Luohan, generously and entrusted all military affairs to them. He made Xiao Bin his chief strategist and placed Yin Chong in charge of documents and tally slips. Xiao Bin urged Liu Shao to lead the navy upstream and fight a decisive battle, or otherwise hold Liangshan. The Prince of Jiangxia, Liu Yigong, thought that the southern army (Liu Jun’s forces) had come in haste with crude and small boats, at a disadvantage in naval warfare, and so offered a plan: “The rebel Liu Jun is young and unfamiliar with military affairs; having come from afar, he is exhausted. We should meet him rested and fresh. If we now go far out to Liangshan, the capital will become empty and weak. The eastern army (Liu Dan’s forces) might take advantage of the void and cause trouble. If we divide our forces to respond to both, our strength will be scattered and our power divided. It is better to conserve our energy and wait for the opportunity, sitting and watching events unfold. Abandoning the south bank and blocking Stone City with palisades is the old method of previous dynasties; there is no worry that the rebels will not be defeated.” Liu Shao thought this plan was very good. Xiao Bin said with a stern expression, “The Prince of Southern Central (Liu Jun) is barely twenty years old; to be able to accomplish such a great undertaking—how can he be judged by ordinary standards! The three sides (Xunyang, Jiangling, Kuaiji) are united in evil, with a strategic advantage upstream. Shen Qingzhi is very familiar with military affairs; Liu Yuanjing and Zong Que have repeatedly established military merit. The situation is such that it is truly no small enemy. We should only take advantage of the fact that people’s hearts have not yet dispersed and fight a decisive battle. If we sit idly in the terrace city, how can we last long? Now, the ruler (Liu Shao) and the multitude have no will to fight—is this not Heaven’s will?” Liu Shao did not listen. Someone advised Liu Shao to hold Stone City. Liu Shao said, “The reason former men held Stone City was to wait for the feudal lords to come to the king’s aid. If I hold here, who will come to rescue me? I should only fight with all my strength to decide victory or defeat; otherwise, I cannot win.” He personally went out daily to inspect the troops, comforted the officers and men, and personally supervised the water officials in building warships. On the renzi day, he burned the houses on the south bank of the Huai River and the boats within the Huai River, and drove all the people across the river to the north bank.

He established his son Liu Wei as the Crown Prince. He appointed Chu Tanzhi, the father-in-law of the Prince of Shixing Liu Jun's consort, as the Governor of Danyang. Chu Tanzhi was the son of Chu Yuzhi's elder brother. Liu Jun was appointed as Attendant-in-Ordinary, Director of the Palace Secretariat, Minister of Education, and Recorder of the Six Articles of the Department of State Affairs. Additionally, he granted the Prince of Nanping, Liu Shuo, the honor of opening a mansion with the same ceremonial privileges as the Three Excellencies. He appointed the Prince of Jianping, Liu Hong, who was the Governor of Southern Yan Province, as the Governor of Jiang Province. The Grand Commandant's Marshal, Chong Xiuzhi, fled south from Stone City ahead of everyone else, causing great shock among the people. He appointed Liu Yizi, the Marquis of Yingdao, as the Governor of Xiang Province, and Tan Hezhi as the Governor of Yong Province.

On the Guichou day, the army of the Prince of Wuling, Liu Jun, camped at Que Head. Wang Sengda, the Grand Administrator of Xuancheng, received Liu Jun's proclamation but did not know what to do. A retainer advised him: "Now the crime of rebellion is as vast as the heavens, unprecedented in ancient or modern times. For your sake, I think it best to respond to the righteous army's proclamation and spread the word to neighboring commanderies. If there are people with a sense of justice, who would not respond? This is the best plan. If you cannot do this, you could personally lead those who incline toward righteousness, carefully choose a convenient route by water or land, and flee to the righteous army in the south. This is also a moderate plan." Wang Sengda then fled south along a remote path, meeting Liu Jun at Que Head. Liu Jun immediately appointed him as Chief Clerk. Wang Sengda was the son of Wang Hong. When Liu Jun first set out from Xunyang, Shen Qingzhi said to others: "Wang Sengda will surely come to join the righteous cause." When asked why, Shen Qingzhi replied: "I saw him debate before the late Emperor with broad insight and decisive intent; based on this, he will certainly come."

Because his warships were not sturdy, fearing a naval battle, Liu Yuanjing hurried his march by doubling his speed. On the Bingchen day, he arrived at the infantry station of Jiangning, sending Xue Andu to lead elite cavalry to display military might on the Huai River, and he wrote letters to the court officials, explaining the principles of rebellion and loyalty.

Liu Shao granted the Grand Administrator of Wuxing, Zhou Jiao of Runan, the title of Champion General. The proclamation from the Prince of Sui, Liu Dan, also arrived. Zhou Jiao, who was always timid and cowardly, was confused and did not know what to do. His prefectural Marshal, Qiu Zhensun, killed him, and the entire commandery responded to Liu Dan.

On the Wuwu day, the Prince of Wuling, Liu Jun, arrived at Nanzhou, and those who came to surrender were continuous. On the Yimao day, the army camped at Lizhou. After Liu Jun left Xunyang, he fell ill and could not receive his generals and aides. Only Yan Jun went in and out of his bedchamber, holding Liu Jun on his lap and personally attending to his daily needs. Liu Jun's condition was often critical, and he could not handle government affairs, so Yan Jun made all decisions alone. Besides military and political matters, he also handled literary affairs, official documents, and proclamations, responding to all sides near and far, weeping and mourning for the late Emperor day and night, as if he were doing it all alone. This continued for dozens of days, and even the soldiers on the boats did not know that Liu Jun was gravely ill.

On the Guihai day, Liu Yuanjing secretly arrived at Xinting, relying on the mountains to build fortifications. Those who had newly surrendered urged Liu Yuanjing to advance quickly. Liu Yuanjing said: "That is not right. Although being in the right is hard to rely on, those who share evil will aid each other. Advancing rashly without preparation will truly open the enemy's ambitions."

Before Liu Yuanjing's fortifications were completed, Zhan Shu'er, Liu Shao's Dragon Soaring General, scouted this situation and urged Liu Shao to attack, but Liu Shao did not agree. On the Jiazi day, Liu Shao sent Xiao Bin to command the infantry and Chu Tanzhi to command the naval forces, along with Lu Xiu, Wang Luohan, Liu Jianzhi, and other elite troops totaling ten thousand, to attack the fortifications at Xinting. Liu Shao personally ascended the Vermilion Bird Gate to supervise the battle. Liu Yuanjing had previously ordered the army: "If the drumbeats are too dense, morale easily wanes; if shouting is too frequent, strength easily exhausts; only advance silently and fight swiftly, everything following my drumbeats." Liu Shao's officers and soldiers, coveting Liu Shao's generous rewards, all fought to the death. Liu Yuanjing was attacked from both water and land, but his spirit grew even more vigorous. He sent out all his brave warriors from his command, leaving only a few men to relay orders. When Liu Shao's army was about to win, Lu Xiu sounded the retreat drum, and Liu Shao's army then stopped their attack. Liu Yuanjing then opened his fortifications, beat drums and shouted, taking advantage of the momentum to attack. Liu Shao's army was utterly defeated, and many drowned in the Huai River. Liu Shao again led the remaining troops, personally coming to attack the fortifications. Liu Yuanjing defeated them again, with casualties exceeding those of the previous battle. The soldiers scrambled to flee to Sima Gully, where the stream was blocked by corpses; Liu Shao personally killed fleeing men but could not stop them. Liu Jianzhi died in battle, Xiao Bin was wounded, and Liu Shao barely escaped, fleeing back to the palace. Lu Xiu, Chu Tanzhi, and Tan Hezhi all fled south.

On the Bingyin day, the Prince of Wuling, Liu Jun, arrived at Jiangning. On the Dingmao day, the Prince of Jiangxia, Liu Yigong, fled south alone on a single horse; Liu Shao killed Liu Yigong's twelve sons.

Liu Shao and Liu Jun were in distress and at their wit's end, using a carriage to welcome the statue of the Marquis Jiang, placing it in the palace, kowtowing to seek blessings, worshiping the Marquis Jiang as Grand Marshal and enfeoffing him as the King of Zhongshan; they also worshiped the Spirit of Marquis Su as General of Agile Cavalry. They appointed Liu Jun as the Governor of Southern Yan Province, jointly with the Prince of Nanping, Liu Shuo, as Recorders of the Department of State Affairs.

On the Wuchen day, the army of the Prince of Wuling, Liu Jun, camped at Xinting. The Grand General, Liu Yigong, submitted a memorial urging him to ascend the throne. The Cavalier Attendant, Xu Ai, deceived Liu Shao in the palace, saying he was going to pursue Liu Yigong, but instead defected to the Prince of Wuling, Liu Jun. At that time, Liu Jun's military headquarters had just been established and was unfamiliar with court ceremonies; Xu Ai had long been versed in these matters. So Liu Jun made Xu Ai concurrently the Assistant of the Grand Court of Sacrifices, tasked with drafting the ceremonial procedures for the enthronement. On the Yisi day, Liu Jun ascended the imperial throne and granted a general amnesty. All civil and military officials were granted one rank of nobility, and those who had served in the army were granted two ranks. He posthumously changed the title of the late Emperor (Emperor Wen of Song) to Emperor Wen, with the temple name Taizu. He appointed the Grand General, Liu Yigong, as Grand Commandant, Recorder of the Six Articles of the Department of State Affairs, and Governor of Southern Yan Province. On this same day, Liu Shao also personally went to the palace hall to confer the title of Crown Prince on Liu Wei, granting a general amnesty, except for Liu Jun, Liu Yigong, Liu Yixuan, and Liu Dan, who were not included in the amnesty. On the Gengzi day, he appointed the Prince of Nanzhao, Liu Yixuan, as Director of the Palace Secretariat, Grand Chancellor, Recorder of the Six Articles of the Department of State Affairs, and Governor of Yang Province; the Prince of Sui, Liu Dan, as General of the Guard, with the honor of opening a mansion with the same ceremonial privileges as the Three Excellencies, and Governor of Jing Province; Zang Zhi as General of Chariot and Cavalry, with the honor of opening a mansion with the same ceremonial privileges as the Three Excellencies, and Governor of Jiang Province; Shen Qingzhi as General of the Guard; and Xiao Sihua as Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. On the Renshen day, he appointed Wang Sengda as Right Vice Director, Liu Yuanjing as Attendant-in-Ordinary and Left General of the Guard, Zong Que as Right General of the Guard, Zhang Chang as Minister of Personnel, and Liu Yansun and Yan Jun jointly as Attendants-in-Ordinary.

In the fifth month, on the Guiyou day, the first day of the month, Zang Zhi led twenty thousand troops from Yong Province to Xinting. The Governor of Yu Province, Liu Zunkai, sent his subordinate general, Xia Houxianzhi, to lead five thousand infantry and cavalry to camp at Guabu.

Before this, the Emperor (Emperor Xiaowu of Song, Liu Jun) had sent the General of Pacifying the Barbarians, Gu Binzhi, to lead troops eastward, under the command of the Prince of Sui, Liu Dan. Liu Dan sent the Adjutant, Liu Jizhi, to lead troops together with Gu Binzhi toward Jiankang, while Liu Dan himself camped at Xiling as a rear guard. Liu Shao sent the Palace General, Yan Qin, and others to resist them. They met at Banniu Tang in Qu'e, and Yan Qin's forces were heavily defeated. Liu Shao then erected palisades along the Huai River to defend, and also breached the Po Gang and Fangshan Dikes to cut off the eastern army. By then, all able-bodied men had already been conscripted, so women were called up for service.

On the Jiaxu day, Lu Xiu and others recruited brave men to attack Da Hang and captured it. Wang Luohan, upon hearing that the imperial army had crossed the river, immediately laid down his arms and surrendered. The riverine companies scattered in succession, with weapons, ceremonial regalia, drums, music, and umbrellas blocking the roads. That night, Liu Shao closed the six gates, digging moats and erecting palisades inside the gates. The city was in an uproar; the Governor of Danyang, Yin Hong, and other civil and military officials vied to climb over the city walls and surrender. Liu Shao burned the imperial carriage and ceremonial robes in the palace courtyard. Xiao Bin issued orders to the troops under his command, telling them all to disarm, and came from Stone City with a white flag to surrender. Emperor Xiaowu ordered Xiao Bin to be beheaded before the military camp. Liu Jun advised Liu Shao to load precious goods and flee by sea, but Liu Shao, believing that the people's hearts were scattered, did not carry this out.

On the Yihai day, General of the Supporting Army Zhu Xiuzhi captured the Eastern Residence. On the Bingzi day, the various armies captured the Terrace City, entering through the different gates, gathering in the palace courtyard, seizing Wang Zhengjian and beheading him. Zhang Chaozhi fled to the place where the imperial bed of the He Hall was located, where he was killed by the soldiers, his belly cut open and his heart gouged out. The generals cut off his flesh and ate it raw. The seven princes, including Jianping, came out wailing together. Liu Shao dug through the western wall and fled into a well in the Armory, where the squadron deputy Gao Qin captured him. Liu Shao said, "Where is the Son of Heaven?" Gao Qin said, "He is nearby at New Pavilion." He was brought before the hall. Zang Zhi saw him and wept bitterly. Liu Shao said, "One whom Heaven and Earth cannot cover or support (referring to himself), why does the elder grieve so?" He also said to Zang Zhi, "Can you request a distant exile for me?" Zang Zhi said, "The Sovereign is nearby south of the pontoon bridge; he will naturally make a disposition." They bound Liu Shao to a horse and escorted him to the military gate. At that time, the imperial seal was not seen. They asked Liu Shao, who said, "It is with Yan Daoyu." They went there to fetch it and obtained the seal. Under the banner of the halberd, they beheaded Liu Shao and his four sons. Liu Jun led several tens of his followers, seized the Prince of Nanping, Liu Shuo, and fled south. At Yuecheng, he encountered the Prince of Jiangxia, Liu Yigong. Liu Jun dismounted and said, "How is the Central Lang General now?" Liu Yigong said, "The Emperor has already assumed rule over the myriad states." Liu Jun then said, "Has Tiger Head (Liu Jun's childhood name) come too late?" Liu Yigong said, "Indeed, you should regret it is late." Liu Jun then said, "Surely I should not die?" Liu Yigong said, "You may go to the traveling palace to confess your crime." Liu Jun then said, "I wonder if I might still be granted an office to serve?" Liu Yigong said, "That is unpredictable." He then ordered him to return together with him, and killed him on the road, along with his three sons. The heads of Liu Shao and Liu Jun, father and son, were both hung on the Great Pontoon Bridge, and their bodies were exposed in the market. Liu Shao's consort, Lady Yin, as well as the daughters and concubines of Liu Shao and Liu Jun, were all ordered to die in prison. The study chamber where Liu Shao had lived was dug into a pond. When Lady Yin was about to die, she said to the prison warden Jiang Ke, "Your family butchers its own flesh and blood; why do you wrongfully kill innocent people?" Jiang Ke said, "You accepted the enfeoffment as Empress; is that not a crime?" Lady Yin said, "That was only a temporary measure; Wang Yingwu should have been made Empress." When Chu Zhanzhi fled south, Liu Jun had already separated from his consort, Lady Chu, and thus she was spared death. Yan Daoyu and Wang Yingwu were both flogged to death in the market, then their bodies were burned, and their ashes scattered in the river. Yin Chong, Yin Hong, Wang Luohan, and the Grand Administrator of Huainan, Shen Pu, were all executed.

On the Gengchen day, the curfew was lifted. On the Xinsi day, the Emperor went to the Eastern Residence. The hundred officials begged for forgiveness; an edict was issued pardoning them. On the Jiashen day, the Emperor honored his mother, Lady Lu Shuyuan, as Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager was from Danyang. On the Yiyou day, he established his consort, Lady Wang, as Empress. The Empress's father, Wang Yan, was a great-great-grandson of Wang Dao. On the Wuzi day, Liu Yuanjing was appointed as the Inspector of Yongzhou. On the Xinmao day, Yuan Shu was posthumously appointed as Grand Commandant, with the posthumous title of Zhongxian Gong; Xu Zhanzhi as Minister of Works, with the posthumous title of Zhonglie Gong; Jiang Zhan as Kaifu Yitong Sansi, with the posthumous title of Zhongjian Gong; Wang Sengchuo as Grand Master of the Golden Purple and Purple-Golden Light, with the posthumous title of Jian Hou. On the Renchen day, the Grand Commandant, Liu Yigong, was appointed as the Inspector of both Yangzhou and Southern Xuzhou, promoted to Grand Tutor, and concurrently held the position of Grand Marshal.

Initially, Liu Shao had appointed the Minister of Justice, He Shangzhi, as Minister of Works concurrently holding the post of Minister of Justice, and appointed his son, the Chief Clerk of the Northern Expedition, He Yan, as Palace Attendant. Both father and son occupied positions of power. When Liu Shao was defeated, He Shangzhi's attendants all scattered, and he himself washed the Yellow Pavilion. After Yin Chong and others were executed, everyone was chilled with fear. The Emperor, because He Shangzhi and He Yan had always had good reputations and had used their wits to maneuver in Liu Shao's court, often saving or protecting others, specifically pardoned them, reappointing He Shangzhi as Minister of Justice and He Yan as Chief Clerk to the Grand Marshal. Their appointments and treatment remained unchanged.

On the Jiawu day, the Emperor paid respects at the Chu Ning and Chang Ning tombs. Bu Tianyu was posthumously appointed as the Inspector of Yizhou, with the posthumous title of Zhuang Hou. Together with the four families of Yuan Shu and others, he was granted long-term salary provisions. Zhang Hongzhi and others were each posthumously appointed as Grand Administrators. On the Wuxu day, the Prince of Nanping, Liu Shuo, was appointed as Minister of Works; the Prince of Jianping, Liu Hong, as Left Chief of the Department of State Affairs; Xiao Sihua as Chief of the Secretariat and Grand Administrator of Danyang. In the sixth month, on the Bingwu day, the Emperor returned to the palace.

Initially, when the Emperor was campaigning against the Western Yang barbarians, Zang Zhi sent Liu Yuanjing to lead troops to rendezvous. When Zang Zhi raised his army, he wanted to support the Prince of Nanchen, Liu Yixuan, as the leader. He secretly sent Liu Yuanjing to lead his troops back west. Liu Yuanjing instead presented Zang Zhi's letter to the Emperor and said to the messenger, "General Zang probably does not know that the has raised the righteous banner. Now we are about to punish the rebels; we cannot return west." Zang Zhi therefore resented him. When Liu Yuanjing was appointed as the Inspector of Yongzhou, Zang Zhi, fearing he would become a threat to Jingzhou and Jiangzhou, suggested that Liu Yuanjing should serve as a claw-and-fang minister and should not be sent far away. The Emperor found it difficult to refuse his words. On the Wushen day, Liu Yuanjing was appointed as General of the Guardian Army, concurrently in charge of the defense of Stone City.

On the Jiyou day, the Inspector of Sizhou, Lu Shuang, was appointed as the Inspector of Southern Yuzhou. On the Gengxu day, the Defender of the Army's Chief Clerk, Xu Yibao, was appointed as the Inspector of Yanzhou.

On the Gengshen day, an edict was issued ordering the relevant departments to assess merits and grant rewards, enfeoffing Yan Jun and others as Dukes and Marquises.

On the Xinwei day, the Prince of Nanchen, Liu Yixuan, was re-enfeoffed as the Prince of Nanjun, and the Prince of Sui, Liu Dan, as the Prince of Jingling. Liu Yixuan's second son, the Marquis of Yiyang, Liu Kai, was established as the Prince of Nanchen.

In the intercalary month, on the Renshen day, the General of the Leading Army, Shen Qingzhi, was appointed as the Inspector of Southern Yanzhou, stationed at Xuyi. On the Guiyou day, Liu Yuanjing was appointed as the General of the Leading Army.

On the Yihai day, the Grand Empress Dowager of the Northern Wei, Helian, passed away.

The Grand Councilor, Liu Yixuan, firmly declined his position within the court and his son Liu Kai's princely title. On the Jiawu day, Liu Yixuan was reassigned as the Inspector of both Jingzhou and Xiangzhou, and Liu Kai was made the Prince of Yiyang. The staff and subordinates were all granted rewards and promotions. The Prince of Jingling, Liu Dan, was appointed as the Inspector of Yangzhou.

In autumn, the seventh month, on the Xinchou day (the first day of the month), a solar eclipse occurred. On the Jiayin day, an edict was issued seeking frank remonstrations. On the Xinyou day, an edict was issued abolishing the Office of Fine Workmanship and the decorative carvings and embellishments of the Imperial Workshops; all profiteering by imperial relatives and nobles was prohibited.

The Recorder of the Central Army, Zhou Lang, submitted a memorial, saying: "When poison is in the body, it must be cut out, even if it is in an unimportant place. The regions of Lixia and Sishui are not worth garrisoning. Those who discuss this will surely say that the Hu (Northern Wei) are weak and not to be avoided, but they do not know that our own illness is more severe than the Hu's. Now we vainly hold isolated cities, wasting resources and labor. If the enemy only sends three thousand light cavalry, alternating their raids, coming in spring to plunder the wheat fields, and in autumn to seize the grain...