Annals of Qi, Volume 4
In the fourth year of the Zhao Yang Zuo E cycle, one year.
In spring, the first month, the General of the Cavalry and Chariots, Wang Jingze, was appointed Minister of Works, and the General of the Town Army, Chen Xianda, was appointed Inspector of Jiangzhou. Chen Xianda, considering himself from a humble background yet holding a prominent official position, often felt ashamed and fearful with each promotion. He warned his sons not to bully others because of wealth and rank. However, most of his sons pursued luxury and extravagance. When Chen Xianda heard of this, he was greatly displeased. His son, Chen Xiushang, serving as a Recorder of Ying Prefecture, passed through Jiujiang. Chen Xianda said, "The chowrie-tail fly-whisk is something used by aristocratic families like the Wangs and Xies; you need not carry such an item!" He immediately took it and burned it in front of them.
Earlier, the Emperor had built three thousand open carts at Stone City, intending to attack Pengcheng by land. The people of Wei learned of this, and Liu Chang repeatedly wept and begged the Wei ruler, requesting to guard the border, gather the remaining people, and wash away his personal grievances. The Wei ruler held a great assembly of nobles and ministers at the Jingwu Hall to discuss a southern campaign and stored large quantities of horse fodder between the Huai and Si Rivers. When the Emperor heard of this, he appointed the General of the Right Guard, Cui Huijing, as Inspector of Yuzhou to guard against the Wei army.
Wei sent the Vice Director of the Recluses' Section, Xing Luan, and others on a diplomatic mission. Xing Luan was the grandson of Xing Ying.
On the Bingzi day, the Heir Apparent Wen Hui, Xiao Changmao, passed away. The Heir Apparent's demeanor was very gentle and refined. In his later years, the Emperor delighted in feasting and entertainment, delegating the affairs of the Secretariat to the Heir Apparent, whose authority thus extended throughout the court and beyond.
The Heir Apparent was naturally extravagant and wasteful. The halls and gardens he built surpassed those of the Emperor, costing millions. Fearing the Emperor might see them, he arranged long bamboos by the side gates. Most of his various garments and playthings exceeded proper bounds and were lavish. He petitioned to build a small garden in the Eastern Fields, having the officers and soldiers of the Eastern Palace take turns constructing it. The walls enclosed streets and lanes, stretching far and wide in splendor. Although the Emperor was stern and had many spies, no one dared report the Heir Apparent's actions. Once, the Emperor visited the Eastern Fields to inspect the Heir Apparent's garden. Seeing its grandeur, he was furious and arrested the supervising master. The Heir Apparent hid all of them, thereby incurring severe reprimand from the Emperor.
The Heir Apparent also had his favored minister, Xu Wenjing, manufacture a royal carriage, as well as the Emperor's personal chariot and ceremonial items. Once, when the Emperor unexpectedly visited the Eastern Palace, in the haste there was no time to hide the royal carriage. Xu Wenjing placed a Buddha statue inside it, so the Emperor suspected nothing. Xu Wenjing's father, Xu Taoren, said to his son, "I am simply preparing to sweep the graves and await the funeral!" He then moved away to avoid involvement. Later, Xu Wenjing was ultimately ordered to commit suicide, and Xu Taoren did not even mourn.
After the Heir Apparent died, the Emperor toured the Eastern Palace. Seeing the Heir Apparent's garments and playthings, he was enraged and ordered the relevant officials to destroy them as appropriate. Because the Prince of Jingling, Xiao Ziliang, was on good terms with the Heir Apparent and had not reported these matters, he too was reprimanded.
The Heir Apparent had always detested the Marquis of Xichang, Xiao Luan. He once said to Xiao Ziliang, "I deeply dislike this man; I do not know why. Perhaps it is because he is ill-fated." Xiao Ziliang interceded on his behalf. When Xiao Luan later took power, none of the Heir Apparent's descendants survived.
In the second month, the Wei ruler began plowing the imperial field south of Pingcheng.
The Inspector of Yongzhou, Wang Huan, hated the Chief Clerk of the Southern Barbarians, Liu Xingzu. He arrested Liu Xingzu and imprisoned him, falsely accusing him of inciting the mountain barbarians to rebel. The Emperor ordered Liu Xingzu to be sent to Jiankang. Wang Huan killed him in prison and falsely reported that he had hanged himself. The Emperor was furious and sent the Secretariat Drafter Lü Wenxian and the Direct General of the Palace Gate, Cao Daogang, with five hundred palace guards to arrest Wang Huan. He ordered the Military Governor of the West, Cao Hu, to march from Jiangling overland to join forces at Xiangyang.
Wang Huan's son, Wang Biao, had always been fierce and treacherous, and Wang Huan could not control him. The Chief Administrator, Yin Rui, was Wang Huan's son-in-law. He said to Wang Huan, "Since Lü and Cao have come without showing the actual imperial edict, this might be a treacherous plot. We should arrest them and then quickly report to the throne." Wang Huan adopted his advice. Wang Biao then mobilized over a thousand troops from the prefecture, opened the armories to equip them with armor and weapons, marched out of the Southern Hall, arrayed the soldiers, and closed the city gates to resist. Wang Huan's student, Zheng Yu, kowtowed and begged Wang Huan to allow him to go out and welcome the imperial envoy. Wang Huan said, "I am not rebelling. I only want to send someone to petition and explain my case. I am merely afraid of being bullied and pressured by petty men like Lü and Cao, so I have temporarily closed the gates to defend myself." Wang Biao then went out and fought with Cao Hu's army. Defeated, he fled back into the city. In the third month, on the Yihai day, the Marshal, Huang Yaoqi, and the Chief Clerk of the Southern Barbarians, Pei Shuye of Hedong, rose in arms within the city, attacked Wang Huan, and killed him. They captured Wang Biao and his younger brothers, Wang Shuang, Wang Bi, and Yin Rui, all of whom were executed. Wang Biao's elder brothers, Wang Rong and Wang Chen, died in Jiankang. Wang Chen's younger brother, the Secretary of the Palace Library, Wang Su, alone managed to escape and fled to Wei.
In summer, the fourth month, on the Jiawu day, the Prince of Nan Commandery, Xiao Zhaoye, was established as the Imperial Grandson. All civil and military officials of the Eastern Palace were reassigned to the Grandson's staff. The Heir Apparent's consort, Wang of Langye, was made the Grandson's Grand Consort, and the Princess of Nan Commandery, He, was made the Grandson's Consort. Consort He was the daughter of He Ji.
The Wei Grand Supreme, Tuoba Pi, and others requested the establishment of an empress. On the Wuxu day, Empress Feng was established. The Empress was the daughter of Feng Xi. The Wei ruler, citing the Bai Hu Tong which states, "The ruler does not treat his wife's parents as subjects," decreed that the Grand Preceptor should not refer to himself as a subject in memorials and should not kneel when entering court. Feng Xi firmly declined.
The chieftain of the Guangcheng barbarians, the General Who Subdues the Barbarians, Tian Yizong, led his tribe of over four thousand households in rebellion and surrendered to Wei.
In the fifth month, on the Renxu day, the Wei ruler feasted the descendants of the four temple lineages in the Xuanwen Hall. He personally arranged them by age, using family etiquette.
On the Jiazi day, the Wei ruler went to the court hall, summoned officials from the nobles down to decide difficult administrative matters, and interrogated and recorded the crimes of prisoners. The Emperor said to the Minister of Works, Mu Liang, "From now on, for court affairs before noon, you yourselves should first discuss and deliberate. After noon, I will decide with you."
On the Bingzi day, the Prince of Yidu, Xiao Keng, was appointed Inspector of Southern Yuzhou. Previously, the Prince of Luling, Xiao Ziqing, had served as Inspector of Southern Yuzhou. When proceeding to his post, he had mockingly treated his accompanying troops as a naval force. When the Emperor heard of this, he was furious, executed his Registrar, and replaced him with Xiao Keng. Xiao Ziqing returned to his residence, and the Emperor never saw him again for the rest of his life.
The chieftain of the Xiangyang barbarians, Lei Posi, and others led over a thousand households requesting to move inland to Wei. The Wei people settled them north of the Mian River.
The Wei ruler, because Pingcheng had a cold climate—snow still falling in the sixth month, and frequent dust storms—planned to move the capital to Luoyang. Fearing the ministers would not comply, he discussed a large-scale attack on Qi to pressure them. He fasted in the side chamber to the left of the Bright Hall and had the Grand Master of Ceremonies, Wang Chen, perform divination, obtaining the "Revolution" hexagram. The Emperor said, "Tang of Shang and Wu of Zhou revolutionized, following Heaven's will and meeting human hearts. What good fortune could be greater than this!" None of the ministers dared to speak. The Minister of Ren Commandery, Tuoba Cheng, said, "Your Majesty, with accumulated brilliance, possesses the Central Plain. Now, setting out to campaign against those not yet submitted, yet obtaining the hexagram of Tang and Wu's revolution, it is not entirely auspicious." The Emperor said sternly, "The oracle says, 'The great man changes like a tiger.' How can it be inauspicious!" Tuoba Cheng said, "Your Majesty's rise has been like a dragon for a long time. How is it that only now you change like a tiger?" The Emperor's countenance changed and he said, "The altars of the state are mine. Does the Prince of Rencheng wish to dishearten the multitude?" Tuoba Cheng said, "Though the altars belong to Your Majesty, I am a minister of the altars. How can I see danger and not speak?" After a long time, the Emperor relaxed and said, "Each speaks his own ambition. What harm is there in that!"
After returning to the palace, he summoned Tuoba Cheng and said to him directly, "Regarding the Ge hexagram just now, I should discuss it with you again. I was angry in the Bright Hall because I feared that everyone would vie to speak and obstruct my grand plan, so I used stern words and a fierce demeanor to intimidate the civil and military officials. I trust you can understand my intention." Then, dismissing the attendants, he said to Tuoba Cheng, "Today's action is indeed not easy. But the state arose in the north and moved to Pingcheng; this is a place for military exploits, not for civil governance. Now I intend to change customs and transform traditions—this path is truly difficult. I wish to use this southern expedition to move the capital to the Central Plains. What do you think?" Tuoba Cheng replied, "Your Majesty wishes to settle in the Central Plains to govern the realm—this is why the Zhou and Han dynasties prospered." The emperor said, "The northerners are accustomed to routine and attached to their homeland; they will surely be startled and stirred up. What can be done?" Tuoba Cheng answered, "Extraordinary affairs are inherently beyond the comprehension of ordinary people. Your Majesty's sagely decision is firm; what can they do?" The emperor said, "Prince of Rencheng, you are my Zhang Liang!"
In the sixth month, on the bingxu day, an order was issued to build a pontoon bridge over the river, intended for crossing the army. The Secretary of the Imperial Library, Lu Yuan, submitted a memorial, stating: "In former times, peaceful and prosperous rulers never personally led the six armies to decide victory on the battlefield. Is this not because victory is insufficient to display valor, while defeat damages prestige? In the past, Emperor Wu of Wei defeated Yuan Shao with ten thousand weary troops, and Xie Xuan crushed the Former Qin with three thousand infantry. The shifts between victory and defeat are decided in an instant, not by the size of the forces." The imperial edict replied: "The reason peaceful rulers did not personally engage in military affairs is either because the realm was unified and invincible, or because they were weak and sought ease. Now, to say the realm is unified is not the case; to compare it to weakness would be shameful. If it is held that a ruler should not personally lead troops, then what use are the war chariots created by the former kings? Emperor Wu of Wei's victory likely followed heavenly principle, and the failure of the Fu clan was due to misgovernment. Can it be that a smaller force always defeats a larger one, or the weak always subdues the strong?" On the dingwei day, the Wei ruler practiced military affairs and ordered Shangshu Li Chong to oversee the selection of military officers.
The monk Fachi of Jiankang and the commoner Zhou Panlong of Xuzhou rebelled. At night, they attacked Xuzhou city and broke in. The governor Wang Xuanmiao suppressed and killed them.
In autumn, the seventh month, on the guichou day, the Wei state established the imperial son Tuoba Xun as heir apparent.
On the wuwu day, the Wei court declared martial law both inside and outside, issued a manifesto and official dispatches, claiming they were about to launch a southern campaign. An edict was issued to conscript able-bodied men from Yangzhou and Xuzhou and to widely set up recruitment to prepare against the Wei army.
The Secretariat Drafter Wang Rong, relying on his talent and family standing, aspired to become a high minister or chancellor before the age of thirty. Once, while on night duty in the Secretariat, he pounded the table and sighed, saying, "In such solitude, I will be laughed at by Deng Yu!" When traveling, he encountered the Zhuque Bridge drawbridge opening, causing a noisy crowd that blocked his advance. He beat the carriage wall and sighed, "Without eight outriders clearing the way before the carriage, how can one be called a great man!" Prince Jingling, Xiao Ziliang, admired his literary talent and treated him with particular closeness and favor.
Seeing that the emperor had intentions of northern expeditions, Wang Rong repeatedly submitted memorials encouraging and urging action, and he vigorously practiced horseback riding and archery. When the Wei army was about to invade, Xiao Ziliang recruited soldiers at the Eastern Residence and appointed Wang Rong as General of Pacifying the Frontier, entrusting him with this task. Wang Rong devoted all his efforts to recruitment, obtaining several hundred men from the Jiangxi region, all of whom were capable.
Just then, the emperor fell ill. An edict ordered Xiao Ziliang to enter the Yanchang Hall with armed guards to attend to medical care. Xiao Ziliang appointed Xiao Yan, Fan Yun, and others as military commanders within the tent. On the wuchen day, Chen Xianda, the governor of Jiangzhou, was dispatched to guard Fancheng. The emperor, worried that the court and the populace would be anxious and fearful, forced himself, despite his illness, to summon the Grand Music Bureau to perform formal court music. Xiao Ziliang remained in the inner hall day and night, while the Grand Heir entered the palace every other day to pay respects.
On the wuyin day, the emperor's condition became critical, and for a time he stopped breathing. The Grand Heir had not yet entered the palace; both inside and outside were in panic and fear, and the hundred officials had already changed into mourning clothes. Wang Rong planned to forge an edict to establish Xiao Ziliang as emperor, and the draft of the edict was already written. Xiao Yan said to Fan Yun, "The roads are buzzing with talk, all saying that an extraordinary act is imminent. Wang Yuanchang is not a man of talent to save the age; watch him fail." Fan Yun replied, "The one who worries for the state is only the Secretariat Director Wang." Xiao Yan said, "Worrying for the state—does he want to be a Duke of Zhou or a Duke of Shao, or does he want to be a Shu Diao?" Fan Yun dared not answer. When the Grand Heir arrived, Wang Rong, dressed in military uniform and red robes, blocked the entrance of the Eastern Palace's guard of honor at the gate of the Secretariat, preventing entry. After a short while, the emperor regained consciousness and asked where the Grand Heir was. He then summoned all the Eastern Palace's weapons and armored troops into the palace, entrusting court affairs to the Left Chief Administrator of the Department of State Affairs, the Marquis of Xichang, Xiao Luan. Shortly after, the emperor died. Wang Rong arranged for Xiao Ziliang's troops to guard the various palace gates. When Xiao Luan heard of this, he galloped swiftly to the Cloud-Dragon Gate but could not enter. Xiao Luan said, "I have an edict summoning me!" Pushing aside the guards, he forced his way in, escorted the Grand Heir to the throne, and ordered his attendants to help Xiao Ziliang out. He gave commands and deployments, his voice as resonant as a bell, and no one in the hall disobeyed. Wang Rong, knowing the plot had failed, removed his military uniform and returned to the Secretariat, sighing, "The lord has ruined me!" Consequently, the Prince of Yulin deeply resented him.
The posthumous edict said: "The Grand Heir's virtue advances daily, and the state is entrusted to him. Ziliang should assist him well, thinking to promote the way of governance. All affairs of court, great and small, must be discussed with Xiao Luan and decided together! The affairs of the Department of State Affairs are the root of authority; they are entirely entrusted to the Right Chief Administrator Wang Yan and the Minister of Personnel Xu Xiaosi. Military strategies are entrusted to Wang Jingze, Chen Xianda, Wang Guangzhi, Wang Xuanmiao, Shen Wenji, Zhang Gui, and Xue Yuan."
Emperor Shizu paid close attention to state affairs, striving to grasp the overall principles. He was strict and decisive. Prefecture and county officials served long terms; if local chiefs violated the law, he would send a sword to execute them. Thus, during the Yongming era, the people were prosperous and content, and banditry ceased. However, he was quite fond of pleasure trips, feasting, and lavish display, and often regretted this, but could not immediately stop.
Before the Prince of Yulin was established as emperor, many suspected that Xiao Ziliang would be made ruler, and discussions were rife. Wu Ling Wang Xiao Ye declared loudly in the midst of the crowd, "If we are to establish the worthy, it should be me; if we are to establish the legitimate heir, it should be the Grand Heir." Therefore, the emperor relied heavily on him. The Palace Attendants Zhou Fengshu and Cao Daogang had long been the emperor's confidants, and both were appointed to guard the palace night watch. After a few days, Cao Daogang was further made Gentleman of the Yellow Gate.
Initially, the Marquis of Xichang, Xiao Luan, was favored by Emperor Taizu. Xiao Luan was frugal and simple by nature; his carriages, horses, ceremonial robes, and attendants were all on a par with ordinary scholars. In the offices he held, he was known for strictness and competence, so Emperor Shizu also valued him. In Emperor Shizu's posthumous edict, it was ordered that Prince Jingling Xiao Ziliang assist in government and that Xiao Luan manage the affairs of the Department of State Affairs. Xiao Ziliang had always been benevolent and reluctant to handle mundane affairs, so he further deferred to Xiao Luan. Thus, the edict's phrase, "affairs, great and small, must be discussed with Xiao Luan," reflected Xiao Ziliang's wishes.
The emperor was raised in his youth by Xiao Ziliang's consort, Lady Yuan, and her affection was very evident. After Wang Rong's scheme, the emperor became deeply wary of Xiao Ziliang. When the late emperor's coffin was carried out of the Taiji Hall, Xiao Ziliang was in the Secretariat. The emperor sent the Tiger Guard General Pan Chang with two hundred armored troops to garrison the western steps of the Taiji Hall to guard against him. After the mourning rites were completed, all the princes came out. Xiao Ziliang requested to stay until the burial at the imperial mausoleum, but this was not permitted.
On the renwu day, citing the posthumous edict, Wu Ling Wang Xiao Ye was appointed General of the Guard, and together with the General of the Southern Expedition Chen Xianda, they were granted the status of Open Palace and Equal to the Three Excellencies. The Left Chief Administrator of the Department of State Affairs, the Marquis of Xichang Xiao Luan, was made Chief Administrator of the Department of State Affairs. The Grand Heir's Supervisor Shen Wenji was made Protector of the Army. On the guiwei day, Prince Jingling Xiao Ziliang was made Grand Tutor. The three levies and various overdue taxes were remitted, and the Imperial Wardrobe and useless ponds, fields, and official residences were reduced. Taxes at checkpoints and markets were lowered.
Prior to this, edicts remitting taxes often were not actually carried out, and demands continued as before. At this time, the Marquis of Xichang Xiao Luan held power, and both kindness and trust were practiced, bringing great joy to the people.
In the Wei state, the Duke of Yangshan, Jinghuan, Wei Yuan, died.
The Wei ruler appointed the Chief Secretary for the Affairs of the Chancellery, Prince of Guangling, Tuoba Yu, to bear the imperial staff and pacify the six garrisons, conscripting their elite cavalry. On the dinghai day (14th day), the Wei ruler bid farewell to the Yonggu Mausoleum. On the jichou day (16th day), he set out from Pingcheng on a southern campaign, with infantry and cavalry numbering over three hundred thousand. He sent the Grand Commandant Tuoba Pi and Prince of Guangling Tuoba Yu to remain in charge of Pingcheng, additionally granting them authority with the imperial staff. Tuoba Yu said, "The Grand Commandant should solely direct matters; I can serve as his deputy." The Wei ruler replied, "The wisdom of the aged and the decisiveness of the young—do not decline." He appointed Prince of Henan, Tuoba Gan, as General of Chariot and Cavalry, Commander-in-Chief of the Military Affairs West of the Pass, and also appointed the Minister of Works Mu Liang, the General Pacifying the South Lu Yuan, and the General Pacifying the South Xue Yin as deputies to Tuoba Gan, totaling seventy thousand men to exit through the Ziwu Valley. Xue Yin was the great-grandson of Xue Bian.
Prince Yulin was naturally intelligent and eloquent, with graceful bearing and excellent manners, adept at responding to others, and his expressions of sorrow and joy exceeded the ordinary; for this reason, Emperor Shizu loved him. Yet he suppressed true feelings and concealed deceit, harboring base and evil intentions in secret, sharing clothes, food, and daily life with the petty men around him.
In the beginning, when he was Prince of Nanjun, he followed Prince Jingling, Xiao Ziliang, in Xizhou. Crown Prince Wenhui often restricted his movements and curbed his expenditures. The prince secretly sought money from wealthy men, and none dared to refuse. He made separate keys and hooks, and at night opened the rear gate of Xizhou, going with his attendants to various encampments to indulge in debauchery and feasting. His tutor Shi Renzu and calligraphy tutor Hu Tianyi said to each other, "If we report this to the two palaces, the matter will not be easy to handle; if he is beaten by someone in the encampments or bitten by an animal, it would not only bring disaster upon ourselves but also involve our entire families. We are both seventy years old; what is there to cherish in our remaining lives?" Within a few days, the two committed suicide one after the other, and neither palace knew of it. To those attendants he favored, he awarded official positions in advance, writing them on yellow paper and having them carried in pouches, promising to implement them when he ascended the throne.
While attending to the Crown Prince's illness and during the mourning period, he wore a sorrowful expression and appeared emaciated with grief, causing all who saw him to sob uncontrollably; but as soon as he returned to his private chambers, he laughed and drank freely. He often had the witch Yang perform prayers and sacrifices, urging her to quickly seek the throne. After the Crown Prince died, he attributed it to Yang's efforts and revered and trusted her even more. When he became the Grandson, and Emperor Shizu fell ill, he again had Yang perform prayers and sacrifices. At that time, Consort He was still in Xizhou. As Emperor Shizu's condition worsened, the Grandson wrote to Consort He, writing a large "joy" character in the center of the paper, surrounded by thirty-six small "joy" characters.
When attending to Emperor Shizu's illness, as soon as he spoke, tears streamed down his face. Emperor Shizu believed he would surely be able to shoulder the great task and told him, "Within five years, entrust everything to the Grand Chancellor; do not concern yourself. After five years, do not entrust it to anyone else. If you manage things yourself and do not succeed, there is no great regret." At the point of death, he grasped his hand and said, "If you think of your grandfather, act well!" Then he passed away. As soon as the encoffining was completed, he summoned all of Emperor Shizu's female musicians and had them perform all kinds of music.
Within ten days of ascending the throne, he arrested Wang Rong and sent him to the Court of the Imperial Prison, ordering the Palace Censor Kong Zhigui to impeach Wang Rong for being treacherous, frivolous, and cunning, recruiting lawless men, and slandering the court. Wang Rong sought help from Prince Jingling, Xiao Ziliang, but Xiao Ziliang was anxious and afraid and dared not save him. So Wang Rong was granted death in prison, at the age of twenty-seven.
Earlier, Wang Rong had wanted to form a connection with Xu Mian of Donghai, often sending people to summon him. Xu Mian said to others, "Wang Jun has a high reputation but a narrow mind; it is difficult to lightly associate with him." Soon after, Wang Rong met with disaster. Because of this, Xu Mian became known. A student of the Imperial Academy, Wei Zhun of Kuaiji, was appreciated by Wang Rong for his talent and learning; when Wang Rong wanted to establish Xiao Ziliang, Wei Zhun encouraged and facilitated this. Fellow students Yu Xi and Qiu Guobin said privately to each other, "Prince Jingling lacks ability, and the Palace Secretary Wang has no decisiveness; failure is at hand." When Wang Rong was executed, Wei Zhun was summoned to the Secretariat for interrogation, and he died of terror, his body turning completely blue and purple; people at the time said his gallbladder had burst from fear.
On the renyin day (29th day), the Wei ruler reached Sizhou. Seeing crippled and blind commoners on the road, he stopped his carriage to console them and provided them with clothing and food for life.
The Grand Marshal, Prince of Anding, Tuoba Xiu, arrested three soldiers who had committed theft, paraded them in the army, and was about to execute them. The Wei ruler encountered them while marching and ordered them pardoned. Tuoba Xiu disagreed, saying, "Your Majesty personally leads the six armies, about to pacify the region south of the Yangtze. We have only just arrived here, and already petty men have committed theft. If we do not execute them, how can we prohibit evil?" The emperor said, "Indeed, as you say. But it is the sovereign's way to occasionally grant extraordinary grace. These three men deserve death, but because they encountered me by chance, although they violated military law, they may be specially pardoned." He then said to the Director of the Imperial Secretariat, Feng Dan, "The Grand Marshal is strict in enforcing the law; all of you must be cautious." After this, the army became orderly.
Your servant Sima Guang says: "The sovereign's relationship to his state is like that of a man; he regards distant places as if they were near, and the frontier as if it were the court. By promoting worthy men to staff the bureaucracy and improving governance to benefit the people, then within the borders, there is none who is not properly provided for. Therefore, the former kings used yellow silk to plug their ears and tassels to cover their eyes, intending to set aside the function of ears and eyes in the near at hand and extend their intelligence to the four directions. Those who are crippled or ill should be supported; the relevant authorities should be ordered to universally implement this throughout the realm. Now, to grant grace only to those encountered on the road—how many are left out! Is this kind of benevolence not too trivial? Furthermore, pardoning criminals to disrupt the laws of the officials is especially not the sovereign's proper conduct. What a pity! Emperor Xiaowen was a worthy ruler of Wei, yet he acted in such a way!"
On the wushen day (5th day of the 8th month?), the Wei ruler reached Bingzhou. The Inspector of Bingzhou, Wang Xi, had a reputation for good governance; the region was peaceful, and the emperor commended him. Wang Xi instructed the people to erect many stone inscriptions along the roadside, falsely praising his virtues. When the emperor heard of this and questioned him, Wang Xi's answers were untruthful. The emperor became angry and demoted Wang Xi's official rank and title by two grades.
In the ninth month, on the renzi day (10th day?), Wei dispatched the concurrent Chief Minister for Receptions, Gao Cong of Bohai, and others on a diplomatic mission.
On the dingsi day (15th day?), the Wei ruler issued an edict stating that wherever the imperial carriage passed, if the autumn crops of the people were damaged, compensation of five hu of grain per mu would be given.
On the xinyou day (19th day?), Crown Prince Wenhui was posthumously honored as Emperor Wen, with the temple name Shizong.
When Emperor Shizu's funeral bier was being loaded onto a boat, the emperor performed the farewell ceremony within the Duan Gate. Before the funeral carriage had even left the Duan Gate, he hastily claimed illness and returned to the palace. As soon as he entered the cabinet gate, he had barbarian music performed within the palace; the sound of drums and bells shook both inside and outside. On the bingyin day (24th day?), Emperor Wu was buried in the Jing'an Mausoleum, with the temple name Shizu.
On the wuchen day (26th day?), the Wei ruler crossed the Yellow River. On the gengwu day (28th day?), he arrived at Luoyang. On the renshen day (30th day?), he visited the Imperial Academy to view the Stone Classics.
On the yihai day (3rd day of the 10th month?), the King of Dengzhi, Xiang Shupeng, sent his son Jiu to Wei for an audience and requested to pass the throne to Jiu; the Wei ruler agreed.
From the time the Wei ruler departed from Pingcheng to Luoyang, continuous heavy rain did not stop. On the day bingzi, he issued an order for the armies to advance. On the day dingchou, the emperor, wearing military attire and holding a horse whip, rode out on horseback. The assembled ministers kowtowed before his horse. The emperor said: “The court’s decision has already been made; the great army is about to advance. What more do you all wish to say?” Minister Li Chong and others said: “Today’s action is opposed by everyone under Heaven; only Your Majesty wishes to carry it out. Your subjects do not know where Your Majesty, going alone, intends to reach! We have this intent but cannot find appropriate words; we risk death to beg you!” The emperor, greatly angered, said: “I am managing the realm, hoping to unify it, yet you Confucian scholars repeatedly doubt the great plan. Axes and halberds are always ready; speak no more!” He spurred his horse to set out, whereupon Prince of Anding, Tuoba Xiu, and others earnestly wept and remonstrated. The emperor then told the ministers: “Now we have raised a great army with no small effort; to act without achievement—how can this be passed on to future generations? I have lived for generations in the remote north and wish to move the capital to the Central Plains. If we do not campaign south, then we should move the capital here. What do the princes and nobles think? Those who wish to move the capital, stand to the left; those who do not, stand to the right.” Prince of Anding, Tuoba Xiu, and others led the group to stand on the right. Prince of Nan’an, Tuoba Zhen, stepped forward and said: “ ‘Those who accomplish great deeds do not consult the multitude.’ Now if Your Majesty halts the southern campaign and moves the capital to Luoyang, this is the desire of your subjects and the fortune of the people.” The assembled ministers all shouted long live the emperor. At that time, although the old officials were unwilling to move inland, they feared the southern campaign, and no one dared to speak; thus the plan to move the capital was settled.
Li Chong said to the emperor: “Your Majesty is about to fix the capital at Luoyang. The ancestral temples and palaces cannot be awaited while traveling on horseback. I hope Your Majesty will temporarily return to the old capital, allowing the ministers to complete preparations, after which you may come with full regalia and the sounding of carriage bells.” The emperor said: “I intend to inspect the provinces, stopping briefly at Yecheng, and return early next spring. It is not appropriate to go back north.” He then sent the Prince of Rencheng, Tuoba Cheng, back to Pingcheng to inform the remaining officials of the move, saying: “Today is truly what is called ‘reform.’ Prince, you must exert yourself!” Because the ministers had many differing opinions, the emperor said to Weiweiqing and General of the Southern Campaign, Yu Lie: “What is your view?” Yu Lie said: “Your Majesty’s sage plans are profound and far-reaching, beyond the grasp of shallow and ignorant men. If I speak from my heart, those who delight in moving the capital and those who cling to the old ways are exactly half and half.” The emperor said: “Since you do not oppose, that is approval. I deeply appreciate the benefit of your silence.” He sent him back to guard Pingcheng, saying: “All affairs of the remaining administration are entrusted entirely to you.” Yu Lie was the grandson of Yu Lidi.
Previously, a man from Beidi named Zhi You gathered several thousand men and raised troops at Stone Mountain north of Chang’an City. He sent an envoy to report to the Liangzhou Inspector Yin Zhibo. A man from Qinzhou, Wang Guang, also raised troops in response, attacked and captured the Wei Inspector Liu Zao, and the people of seven provinces between Qin and Yong all shook and responded, with troops reaching a hundred thousand, each holding their fortifications and awaiting rescue from Qi. The Wei Prince of Henan, Tuoba Gan, led troops to attack them, but Tuoba Gan’s army suffered a great defeat. Zhi You advanced to the Turbid Valley north of Xianyang. Mu Liang fought him and was again defeated. Yin Zhibo sent the military commander Xi Deren and others leading several thousand troops to support them. Zhi You and his forces advanced toward Chang’an. Lu Yuan and Xue Yin resisted and attacked, greatly defeating them, with tens of thousands surrendering. Lu Yuan only executed the ringleaders and did not question the rest. He captured Zhi You and Wang Guang and beheaded them both.
Winter, tenth month, on the day wuyin (first day of the month), the Wei ruler arrived at Jinyong City. He summoned Mu Liang and ordered him, together with Minister Li Chong and Director of Works Dong Er, to oversee the construction of the Luoyang capital. On the day jimao, he arrived at Henan City. On the day yiyou, he arrived at Yuzhou. On the day guisi, he camped at Shiji. On the day yiwu, Wei lifted martial law, set up an altar east of Huatai City, and announced to the traveling ancestral temple his intent to move the capital. A general amnesty was granted. The Huatai Palace was constructed. The Prince of Rencheng, Tuoba Cheng, arrived at Pingcheng. When the people first heard of the capital move, none were not shocked and alarmed. Tuoba Cheng cited examples from ancient and modern times, gradually enlightening them, and the people became convinced. Tuoba Cheng returned to Huatai to report, and the Wei ruler said happily: “Without the Prince of Rencheng, my affairs would not have been accomplished.”
On the day renyin, the Grand Empress Dowager (the mother of the Crown Prince’s son) was honored as Empress Dowager, and the consort was established as empress.
On the day guimao, the Wei ruler arrived at Yecheng. Wang Su paid homage to the Wei ruler at Yecheng and laid out strategies for campaigning against Qi. The Wei ruler spoke with him, unconsciously drawing his mat closer and letting the sun’s shadow pass. From then on, his respect and favor for Wang Su grew daily, and none among relatives, old friends, or high ministers could drive a wedge between them. The Wei ruler sometimes dismissed his attendants to speak alone with Wang Su, not stopping until midnight, and felt that he had met his true minister too late. Soon, he appointed him General of the Auxiliary Army and Chief Clerk of the Grand General. At that time, the Wei ruler was deliberating on reviving rites and music and changing to Chinese customs; all matters of ceremonial regalia were largely determined by Wang Su.
On the day yisi, the Wei ruler sent the Prince of Anding, Tuoba Xiu, leading attendant officials to Pingcheng to welcome the families.
On the day xinhai, the emperor enfeoffed his younger brothers: Xiao Zhaowen as Prince of Xin’an, Xiao Zhaoxiu as Prince of Linhai, and Xiao Zhaocan as Prince of Yongjia.
The Wei ruler built a palace west of Yecheng. In the eleventh month, on the day guihai, he moved into it.
The Imperial Censor, Jiang Yan, impeached the former Yizhou Inspector Liu Quan and the Liangzhou Inspector Yin Zhibo for embezzling millions, and both were punished. Initially, when Liu Quan left his posts as Inspector of Guangzhou and Sizhou, he had exhausted his assets to present gifts to Emperor Shizu, leaving no surplus at home. While in Yizhou, he made a golden bathing basin, and other items were equally extravagant. By the time Emperor Yulin ascended the throne, Liu Quan’s gifts diminished. The emperor became angry, arrested Liu Quan, and handed him over to the Court of Justice, intending to kill him. The Prince of Xichang, Xiao Luan, saved him, and he escaped death but was still confined for life. Liu Quan was the son of Liu Mian.