Annals of Qi, Volume 9
Volume 143 [Qi Records, Chapter 9] The year of Shangzhang Zhixu, one year.
[Qi Records, Chapter 9] The year of Shangzhang Zhixu, one year.
Spring, first month, on New Year's Day, the emperor came out after finishing his meal; as soon as the morning congratulations ended, he returned to the western wing of the hall to sleep. From the hour of Si to the hour of Shen, the hundred officials attended in their positions, all collapsing from extreme hunger. When they rose to attend the feast, it was hastily concluded.
On the day Yisi, Northern Wei issued a general amnesty and changed the reign title to Jingming.
The Inspector of Yuzhou, Pei Shuye, heard that the emperor had repeatedly killed high ministers and felt uneasy in his heart. Ascending Shouchun City, he looked north at the Fei River and said to his subordinates: "Do you seek wealth and honor? I can achieve it!" When he was appointed Inspector of Nanyanzhou, he was displeased about the transfer inland. It happened that Chen Xianda rebelled. Pei Shuye sent his Sima, the Liaodong man Li Yuanhu, to lead troops to rescue Jiankang, but he actually harbored divided loyalties; after Chen Xianda was defeated, he returned. The court suspected Pei Shuye of disloyal intentions, and Pei Shuye also sent envoys to spy on news from Jiankang, with public discussions further fueling suspicion. Pei Shuye's elder brother's sons, Pei Zhi, Pei Yang, and Pei Can, all served as Zhige in the palace, and were very frightened. They abandoned their mother and fled to Shouchun, urging Pei Shuye, saying that the court would surely launch a surprise attack and that he should make early plans. Xu Shibiao and others, because Pei Shuye was on the border—if the situation became urgent, he would bring Northern Wei as reinforcements, and the court's forces could not subdue him—reported to the emperor and sent Pei Shuye's clansman, the Zhongshu Sheren Pei Changmu, to convey the imperial will, permitting him to remain in his original post. Pei Shuye still felt anxious and fearful, while Pei Zhi and others continued to urge him.
Pei Shuye sent his confidant Ma Wenfan to Xiangyang to consult Xiao Yan about a plan for self-preservation, saying: "The general trend of the realm can be known; I fear there is no way to preserve myself. It would be better to turn northward, and at least I could become the Duke of Henan." Xiao Yan replied: "A group of petty men hold power—how can they consider long-term plans! Their schemes are confused and hesitant, and they will ultimately not succeed. You only need to send your family back to the capital to appease them. If you are unexpectedly pressured, then you should lead twenty thousand infantry and cavalry straight out to Hengjiang, cut off their rear route, and then the great affairs of the realm can be decided in one move. If you intend to submit to the north, they will certainly send someone to replace you, setting aside a single prefecture north of the Yellow River to place you—how could you obtain the Duke of Henan! In that case, your hope of returning south will be cut off." Pei Shuye hesitated and sent his son Pei Fenzhi into Jiankang as a hostage, while also sending messengers to the Northern Wei Inspector of Yuzhou, Xue Zhendu, to inquire whether surrendering to Northern Wei was feasible. Xue Zhendu urged him to surrender early, saying: "If you come only when the matter becomes urgent, then your merit will be small and your reward thin." He repeatedly sent secret envoys back and forth. In Jiankang, rumors constantly circulated that Pei Shuye was about to rebel. Pei Fenzhi, terrified, fled back to Shouchun. Pei Shuye then sent Pei Fenzhi and his elder brother's son-in-law, the Duling man Wei Boxin, to present a memorial surrendering to Northern Wei. On the day Dingwei, Northern Wei sent the General of the Chariot and Cavalry, the Prince of Pengcheng, Yuan Xie, and the General of Eastern Cavalry, Wang Su, leading one hundred thousand infantry and cavalry to rush to Shouchun; they appointed Pei Shuye as Commissioner with Extraordinary Powers, Commander of the Military Affairs of Yuzhou, Yongzhou, and five other provinces, General of the Southern Expedition, and Inspector of Yuzhou, enfeoffing him as Duke of Lanling Commandery.
On the day Gengwu, an imperial edict was issued to punish Pei Shuye. In the second month, on the day Bingxu, the Commandant of the Palace Guard, Xiao Yi, was appointed Inspector of Yuzhou. On the day Wuxu, Northern Wei appointed the Prince of Pengcheng, Yuan Xie, as Minister of Education, concurrently Inspector of Yangzhou, to guard Shouchun. Northern Wei sent the General-in-Chief Li Chou and Yang Dayan leading two thousand cavalry into Shouchun, and also sent Xi Kangsheng leading a thousand Imperial Guard troops to rush there. Yang Dayan was the grandson of Yang Nandang.
Before the Northern Wei army had crossed the Huai River, on the day Jihai, Pei Shuye died of illness. Most of his staff wanted to recommend the Sima Li Yuanhu to act as acting inspector, but within a day or two, they could not agree. The former Commander of Jian'an, the Anding man Xi Fazhi, and others considered that Li Yuanhu was not from their same locality and feared he might have divided loyalties, so they jointly recommended Pei Zhi to act as acting inspector. They concealed Pei Shuye's death, and all orders and decisions came from Pei Zhi. When Xi Kangsheng arrived, Pei Zhi then opened the gates and admitted the Northern Wei army; the keys to the city and warehouses were entirely handed over to Xi Kangsheng. Xi Kangsheng summoned the elders within the city, proclaimed the imperial edict, and comforted and rewarded them. Northern Wei appointed Pei Zhi as Inspector of Yanzhou, Li Yuanhu as Inspector of Qizhou, Xi Fazhi as Inspector of Yuzhou, and the Army Commander from Jingzhao, Wang Shibi, as Inspector of Nanzhou.
In Baxi Commandery, a commoner named Yong Daoxi gathered over ten thousand people and approached the commandery city. The Grand Administrator of Baxi, Lu Xiulie, defended the city by encircling it. In the third month, Liu Jilian sent the Central Military Staff Officer Li Fengbo leading five thousand men to rescue him. They joined forces with the commandery troops to attack Yong Daoxi and killed him. Li Fengbo wanted to advance and punish the remaining bandits east of the commandery. The Magistrate of Fu County, Li Ying, stopped him, saying: "The soldiers are weary and the generals are arrogant; pressing forward into dangerous terrain on the back of a victory is not a sound plan. It would be better to delay slightly and consider future plans." Li Fengbo did not listen; his entire army entered the mountains and suffered a great defeat, returning in retreat.
On the day Yimao, the court dispatched the General of Pacifying the West, Cui Huijing, leading a naval force to punish Shouchun. The emperor cleared the ceremonial guard and went out to Langye City to see him off. The emperor, dressed in military attire, sat atop the tower and summoned Cui Huijing to enter the encirclement alone on horseback, with no one following. After only a few words of conversation, Cui Huijing bowed and departed. After coming out, Cui Huijing was very pleased.
The Inspector of Yuzhou, Xiao Yi, led thirty thousand infantry and encamped at Xiaoxian. The Inspector of Jiaozhou, Li Shuxian, encamped at Hefei. Xiao Yi sent his subordinate generals Hu Song and Li Daoshi leading over ten thousand men to encamp at Sihu. The Colonel of the Chariot and Cavalry, Sima Chen Bozhi, led a naval force going upstream on the Huai River, approaching Shouchun, and encamped at Xiashi. Many of the scholars and commoners in Shouchun planned to respond to the Qi army.
Xi Kangsheng of Northern Wei defended both inside and outside, closing the city gates for a full month, until reinforcements arrived. On the day Bingshen, the Prince of Pengcheng, Yuan Xie, and Wang Su attacked Hu Song, Chen Bozhi, and others, thoroughly defeating them. They then attacked Hefei and captured Li Shuxian alive. The Commander of Unified Forces, Yuwen Fu, said to Yuan Xie: "Jian'an is a key town south of the Huai, a strategic thoroughfare for both sides. If we capture it, Yiyang will be easy to take; if we do not, Shouchun will be difficult to hold." Yuan Xie agreed with him and sent Yuwen Fu to attack Jian'an. The Commander of Jian'an, Hu Jinglue, tied himself up and surrendered.
On the day Jihai, the younger brother of the Northern Wei emperor, Yuan Tao, died.
When Cui Huijing set out from Jiankang, his son Cui Jue served as a Zhige General and secretly made an agreement with him. When Cui Huijing reached Guangling, Cui Jue fled to join him. After Cui Huijing had passed Guangling by several tens of li, he assembled all the army commanders and said: "I have received the deep favor of three emperors and should bear the heavy responsibility entrusted by the former emperor. The young lord is benighted and chaotic, and the court is corrupt and disordered. The state is in danger without being supported—the duty lies with me today. I wish to join with you all in establishing a great achievement to stabilize the state—what do you think?" Everyone responded, and so he turned his army back toward Guangling. The Sima Cui Gongzu guarded Guangling City and opened the gates to admit them. When the emperor heard of the revolt, on the day Renzi, he granted the Right General of the Guard, Zuo Xingsheng, a tally, commanding all the land and naval forces of Jiankang to punish them. Cui Huijing stayed at Guangling for two days, then gathered his troops and crossed the Yangtze River.
Initially, the governors of Southern Xu and Southern Yan provinces, Jiangxia King Xiao Baoxuan, had married Xu Xiaosi’s daughter as his consort. After Xu Xiaosi was executed, the emperor issued an edict ordering him to divorce her, and Xiao Baoxuan harbored resentment. Cui Huijing sent an envoy to honor Xiao Baoxuan as leader, but Xiao Baoxuan killed the envoy and then mobilized his generals and officials to defend the city. The emperor dispatched Cavalry Commander Qi Ping and External Supervisor Huang Linfu to assist in guarding Jingkou. When Cui Huijing was about to cross the Yangtze River, Xiao Baoxuan secretly coordinated with him, killing Sima Kong Jin, Archivist Lü Chengxu, as well as Qi Ping and Huang Linfu. He opened the city gates to welcome Cui Huijing and sent Chief Clerk Shen Yizhi and Consultant Liu [name missing] to deploy the troops separately. Xiao Baoxuan rode in an eight-person sedan chair, holding a red command flag, and followed Cui Huijing toward Jiankang. The court sent General of Swift Cavalry Zhang Fohu, Direct-Attendant General Xu Yuancheng, and four other generals to occupy Zhuli, where they built several forts to resist them. Xiao Baoxuan sent a messenger to Zhang Fohu, saying, “I am returning to the court myself; why must you stubbornly block me?” Zhang Fohu replied, “I, a humble person, have received great favor from the state and am ordered to establish this small garrison here. Your Highness, if you are returning to court, simply pass through directly—how would I dare to block you?” Then they shot arrows at Cui Huijing’s army, and battle ensued. Cui Jue and Cui Gongzu led the vanguard; both were men from the northern borderlands, skilled in combat, and they traveled lightly without cooking meals, using several boats along the river to carry wine and food as military provisions. Whenever they saw smoke rising from the court army’s city forts, they attacked with full force. The court army could no longer obtain food and thus became hungry and exhausted. Xu Yuancheng and others discussed surrendering, but Zhang Fohu disagreed. Cui Gongzu and his men attacked the forts, captured them, and killed Zhang Fohu. Xu Yuancheng surrendered, while the other four generals all died in battle.
On the day Yimao, the emperor sent Central Army Commander Wang Ying to command all the armies, occupying Hutou and building fortifications connected to the western cliffs of Mount Jiang, with tens of thousands of elite troops. Wang Ying was the great-great-grandson of Wang Dan. When Cui Huijing reached Zhaxi, a man from Zhutang named Wan Fu’er advised him, “Now the level roads are all cut off by the court army, so we cannot consider advancing; we should only ascend via the Dragon’s Tail Path on Mount Jiang to strike unexpectedly.” Cui Huijing followed this advice, dispatched over a thousand men, who filed along the mountain from the western cliff, descending at night, beating drums and shouting as they approached the city. The court army was terrified and immediately fled in panic. The emperor further sent Right Guard General Zuo Xingsheng to lead thirty thousand palace troops to Beili Gate to resist Cui Huijing, but Zuo Xingsheng retreated at the sight of the enemy.
On the day Jiazi, Cui Huijing entered Leyou Park. Cui Gongzu led a dozen light cavalrymen to break into the North Ye Gate, then came out again. All the palace gates were closed, and Cui Huijing led his forces to surround the imperial palace. Consequently, the cities of Dongfu, Shitou, Baixia, and Xinting all collapsed. Zuo Xingsheng fled but could not enter the palace; he escaped to a reed boat on a small island in the Qinhuai River. Cui Huijing captured and killed him. The palace sent troops to strike back but did not succeed. Cui Huijing burned the Lantai government offices as a battlefield. Guard Commandant Xiao Yang stationed himself at the South Ye Gate, managing affairs within the city, responding to situations, and the people’s hearts were somewhat calmed. Cui Huijing proclaimed that he was acting on the orders of Empress Dowager Xuande to depose the emperor and make him King of Wu.
When Chen Xianda rebelled, the emperor again summoned all the princes and marquises into the palace. Baling King Xiao Zhaozhou, recalling the disasters of the Yongtai era, pretended to be a monk with his younger brother Yongxin Marquis Xiao Zhaoying and fled to the west of the Yangtze River. Xiao Zhaozhou was the son of Xiao Ziliang. When Cui Huijing raised his army, the Xiao Zhaozhou brothers came out to join him. Cui Huijing’s intentions then shifted toward Xiao Zhaozhou, and he hesitated, uncertain whom to establish as leader.
After the victory at the Battle of Zhuli, Cui Jue and Cui Gongzu argued over credit, and Cui Huijing could not decide. Cui Gongzu urged Cui Huijing to use fire arrows to burn the North Ye Tower. Cui Huijing thought that the great undertaking was about to succeed and that rebuilding later would cost much labor, so he did not listen. Cui Huijing was fond of discussing philosophical principles and also understood Buddhist doctrines. He lingered in the Falun Temple, engaging in lofty conversations with guests, while Cui Gongzu harbored deep resentment. At that time, Yu Province Governor Xiao Yi was leading his troops stationed at Xiaoxian. The emperor sent a secret messenger to inform him. Xiao Yi, who was eating, threw down his chopsticks, stood up, and led General Hu Song, Li Jushi, and several thousand men to cross the Yangtze River from Caishi, stationing at Yuecheng. They lit torches, and the city beat drums and cheered in celebration. Cui Gongzu first advised Cui Huijing to send two thousand men to cut off the western bank’s army, preventing them from crossing the river. Cui Huijing believed the city would fall sooner or later and that the external reinforcements would naturally disperse, so he did not listen. At this point, Cui Gongzu requested to attack Xiao Yi’s army, but again he was refused; he only sent Cui Jue to lead several thousand elite troops across the southern bank. Xiao Yi’s army advanced at dawn to engage in battle, and after several exchanges, the soldiers fought to the death. Cui Jue suffered a great defeat, with over two thousand men drowning in the Huai River. Cui Jue fled alone on horseback, opened the pontoon bridge, and relied on the Huai River as a barrier. Cui Gongzu had looted the Eastern Palace’s female musicians, but Cui Jue forcibly seized them. Cui Gongzu’s resentment deepened deeply. That night, together with Cui Huijing’s fierce general Liu Lingyun, he went to the city walls and surrendered, causing the army to lose cohesion.
In summer, on the day Guiyou of the fourth month, Cui Huijing slipped away with a few close confidants, intending to cross north over the Yangtze River; the various armies north of the city did not know this and were still resisting in battle. The city’s troops struck out, killing several hundred men. Xiao Yi’s army crossed to the northern bank, and the remnants of Cui Huijing’s forces all scattered. Cui Huijing’s siege of the city lasted only twelve days before it failed. His followers gradually dispersed along the way, and he arrived alone at Xiepu, where a fisherman killed him, placed his head in a loach basket, and carried it on a pole to Jiankang. Cui Gongzu was imprisoned in the Shangfang and was soon executed. Cui Jue fled and became a Taoist priest, but was captured and executed.
When Xiao Baoxuan first arrived at Jiankang, he encamped at Dongcheng, and many scholars and commoners flocked to join him. After Cui Huijing’s defeat, the court seized the registers of court officials and commoners who had defected to Xiao Baoxuan and Cui Huijing. The emperor ordered them burned, saying, “Even the Jiangxia King acted like this; how can we punish others further?” Xiao Baoxuan fled for several days before coming out. The emperor summoned him into the rear hall, wrapped him in a screen, and ordered several dozen attendants to beat drums and blow horns while galloping around him. He sent someone to say to Xiao Baoxuan, “You recently surrounded me in the same manner.”
Initially, Cui Huijing wanted to befriend the hermit He Dian, but He Dian ignored him. When he besieged Jiankang, he forced He Dian to appear. He Dian went to his camp, spent the whole day discussing philosophical principles, and did not touch on military matters. After Cui Huijing’s defeat, the emperor wanted to kill He Dian. Xiao Yang said to Ru Fazhen, “If He Dian had not enticed the rebels to talk with him, the consequences would have been unimaginable. From this perspective, he deserves a reward!” The emperor then desisted. He Dian was the elder brother of He Yin.
After Xiao Yi left Xiaoxian, Wang Su also returned to Luoyang. Wandering exiles on the border falsely spread rumors that Wang Su was again plotting to return to his home state. On the day Yisi of the fifth month, an edict appointed Wang Su as Commander-in-Chief of the Yu, Xu, and Si provinces’ military, Governor of Yu Province, and Duke of Xifeng.
On the day Jiyou, Jiangxia King Xiao Baoxuan was executed.
On the day Renzi, a general amnesty was proclaimed.
On the day Bingzi of the sixth month, Northern Wei’s Pengcheng King Yuan Xie was promoted to Grand Marshal and concurrently Commandant of the Masses; Wang Su was granted the title of Open Palace and Equal to the Three Excellencies.
The Taiyang barbarians Tian Yuqiu and others, with twenty-eight thousand households, submitted to Northern Wei. Northern Wei established four commanderies and eighteen counties.
On the day Yichou, a partial amnesty was implemented for Jiankang, Southern Xu, and Southern Yan provinces. Previously, after Cui Huijing was pacified, an edict had pardoned his partisans. However, the favored ministers held power and did not follow the edict; those without guilt but wealthy were all falsely accused of being rebel partisans, executed, and their property confiscated. Those who actually had attached themselves to the rebels but were poor were not pursued. Someone said to Secretariat Drafter Wang Xuanzhi, “The amnesty edict lacks credibility, and popular sentiment is very adverse.” Wang Xuanzhi said, “We should simply have another amnesty.” Therefore, another amnesty was declared. Soon, the favored ministers resumed their executions and excesses as before.
At this time, the emperor favored thirty-one attendants and ten eunuchs. The Palace Attendant and Valiant Cavalry General Xu Shibiao had long been entrusted by the emperor, and whenever executions were carried out, they passed through his hands. After the Chen Xianda incident, he was given the additional title of Auxiliary General; although the Protector General Cui Huijing was appointed as commander, military power was actually in the hands of Xu Shibiao. Xu Shibiao also knew that the emperor was benighted and dissolute, and he secretly said to his partisans Ru Fazhen and Mei Chong'er: "Which generation of emperors has not had their favorites? It's just that our master is too vile!" Ru Fazhen and the others, contending with him for power, reported these words to the emperor. The emperor gradually grew to detest his ferocity and violence, and sent palace guards to kill him. Xu Shibiao resisted and fought to the death. From then on, Ru Fazhen and Mei Chong'er held power; both served as External Supervisors, orally proclaiming imperial edicts. Wang Xuanzhi was solely in charge of documents, colluding with them.
The emperor called his favored Consort Pan's father, Pan Baoqing, and Ru Fazhen "Uncle," and Mei Chong'er and Yu Lingyun "Elder Brother." The emperor went with Ru Fazhen and the others to Pan Baoqing's home, personally drawing water and helping the cooks prepare meals. Pan Baoqing used his influence to commit injustices; wealthy people were all falsely accused of crimes, and their fields, residences, and property were invariably seized by imperial request. When one family was framed, the calamity extended to relatives and neighbors. Fearing future consequences, he had all the adult males killed.
The emperor frequently visited the homes of his favored ministers in charge of decrees for feasts and entertainments, going to offer congratulations or condolences on occasions of joy or mourning.
The eunuch Wang Baosun, thirteen or fourteen years old, was called the "Boy Attendant" and was the most favored, participating in court affairs. Even Wang Xuanzhi and Mei Chong'er had to defer to him; he controlled the high ministers, altered imperial edicts, and even rode a horse into the palace, reviling and berating the Son of Heaven. When the dukes and ministers saw him, none dared not hold their breath.
The Tuyuhun king Fuliandou served Northern Wei with full propriety, but within his own state, he established all the offices of government, following the same system as the Son of Heaven, and issued commands to neighboring states. The Northern Wei ruler sent an envoy to reprimand him, but pardoned him.
The Champion General and Cavalry Commandant Chen Bozhi again led troops to attack Shouyang. Northern Wei's Prince of Pengcheng, Yuan Xie, defended against him. Before reinforcements arrived, the Commandant of Runan, Fu Yong, led three thousand commandery troops to relieve Shouyang. Chen Bozhi defended the mouth of the Huai River very firmly. Fu Yong, twenty-some li from the Huai mouth, hauled his boats onto the southern bank of the Ru River, using water buffalo to pull them, and headed straight south toward the Huai River. After launching the boats, he crossed the river. Just as they reached the southern bank, the Qi troops also arrived. It happened to be dusk, and Fu Yong quietly entered the city. Yuan Xie was overjoyed, saying: "I have been looking northward for a long time, fearing I might never see Luoyang again. I did not expect you to arrive." Yuan Xie ordered Fu Yong to lead his troops into the city, but Fu Yong said: "My coming here was to drive back the enemy. If I enter the city as you command, that would mean sharing the siege with Your Highness—how would that be a rescue?" So he encamped outside the city.
In autumn, on the yiyou day of the eighth month, Yuan Xie deployed his officers and troops, and together with Fu Yong, attacked Chen Bozhi at the mouth of the Fei River, inflicting a great defeat on him, beheading nine thousand men and capturing ten thousand. Chen Bozhi escaped and fled back. The Huainan region was thus annexed by Northern Wei.
Northern Wei sent the Town-General Yuan Ying to lead troops to rescue Huainan, but before he arrived, Chen Bozhi had already been defeated. The Northern Wei ruler summoned Yuan Xie back to Luoyang. Yuan Xie repeatedly submitted memorials resigning his posts as Grand Marshal and concurrent Minister of Works, requesting to return to Zhongshan; the Northern Wei ruler did not agree. He appointed Yuan Ying as acting governor of Yang Province, and soon appointed Wang Su as Commander of the Military Affairs of Huainan and Inspector of Yang Province, with credentials to replace Yuan Ying.
On the jiashen day at night, a fire broke out in the rear palace. At that time, the emperor was out and had not returned. Those inside the palace could not get out, and those outside dared not open the gates on their own authority. When the gates were finally opened, the dead were piled on top of each other, and more than three thousand rooms were burned down.
At that time, the favored ministers were all called "Ghosts." There was a man named Zhao Gui, who could recite the Western Capital Rhapsody, and said to the emperor: "Since the Cypress Beam Tower has suffered a disaster, we can build the Jianzhang Palace." The emperor then grandly constructed the Fangyue, Yushou, and other halls, painting the walls with musk, decorating them with carvings and paintings, making them extremely ornate. The laborers worked from night until dawn, yet still could not keep pace.
For the palace ladies' clothing and adornments, efforts were made to select rare and precious items. The old items in the treasury were no longer sufficient. Precious metals and jewels from among the people were purchased at high prices, with the cost rising several times over. The liquor tax in Jiankang was all collected in gold, yet still could not meet the need. Golden lotuses were chiseled and affixed to the ground, and Consort Pan was made to walk on them, with the saying: "This is step-by-step, lotus flowers bloom." Additionally, pheasant feathers, crane down, and white egret plumes were levied. The favored ministers took advantage to commit fraud for profit, demanding ten times the value for each item levied. They also went to the prefectures and counties to find people to pay in lieu, collecting only cash, not delivering the goods. The prefects and magistrates dared not speak out, and further increased the exactions. Thus it continued, one after another, without cease. The common people were impoverished and exhausted, weeping on the roads.
The Army Commander Wu Ziyang and others marched out from the Three Passes to invade Northern Wei. In the ninth month, they fought with Northern Wei's Eastern Yu Province Inspector Tian Yizong at Changfeng Fortress. Wu Ziyang and the others were defeated and returned.
When Xiao Yi entered the capital to provide relief, Xiao Yan sent a trusted follower, Yu Anfu, to gallop and urge Xiao Yi, saying: "After you have eliminated the rebels, there will be an undeserved merit. Even if you encounter an enlightened ruler and a worthy sovereign, it is still difficult to maintain your position; how much more so in a chaotic court—how can you protect yourself? If, after the rebels are destroyed, you still lead your troops into the palace, following the precedent of Yi Yin and Huo Guang, this is a once-in-a-millennium opportunity. If you do not wish to do this, then submit a memorial requesting to return to Liyang, using the defense against external enemies as a pretext. That way, your authority will shake both within and without the court; who would dare not obey? Once you lay down your military power and accept a high title and rich emolument, your status may be high but you will have no troops—you will certainly regret it." The Chief Clerk Xu Yaofu also earnestly advised him, but Xiao Yi did not listen.
After Cui Huijing died, Xiao Yi served as Minister of Works. He had nine younger brothers: Xiao Fu, Xiao Yan, Xiao Chang, Xiao Rong, Xiao Hong, Xiao Wei, Xiao Xiu, Xiao Dan, and Xiao Hui. Xiao Yi, as a founding merit, held the foremost position at court. Xiao Chang served as Commandant of the Palace Guard, in charge of the palace keys. At that time, the emperor's comings and goings were without restraint. Some advised Xiao Yi to take advantage of the emperor's going out to raise troops and depose him, but Xiao Yi did not listen. The favored ministers Ru Fazhen and Wang Xuanzhi, fearing Xiao Yi's majesty and power, urged the emperor, saying: "Xiao Yi is about to repeat the old affair of the Longchang era. Your Majesty's life is in imminent danger." The emperor thought they were right. Xu Yaofu learned of this and secretly prepared boats on the river, urging Xiao Yi to flee west to Xiangyang. Xiao Yi said: "Since ancient times, there has been death. How could there be a Minister of Works who rebels and flees?" Xiao Yi's younger brothers and nephews all made preparations for him. In winter, on the jimao day of the tenth month, the emperor presented Xiao Yi with poison in the Zhongshu Province. As he was dying, Xiao Yi said: "My younger brother is in Yongzhou—this is a great worry for the court." Xiao Yi's younger brothers and nephews all hid and fled through the streets and lanes, and no one informed on them. Only Xiao Rong was arrested and executed.
On the dinghai day, Northern Wei appointed Prince of Pengcheng Yuan Xie as Minister of Works and Recorder of the Department of State Affairs. Yuan Xie firmly declined, but was not permitted. Yuan Xie had always loved tranquility and simplicity, and was not enthusiastic about power or profit. Emperor Gaozu valued his abilities, so he entrusted him with important responsibilities; although there was an imperial edict left behind, he was again kept by Emperor Shizong. Yuan Xie often acted against his own wishes, frequently sighing mournfully. His bearing was elegant, his appearance dignified, his majesty like that of a god; his every move and pause were measured. When he came and went, speaking and laughing, onlookers forgot their weariness. He revered literature and history, and in his spare time from official duties, he read without pause. He was cautious and prudent, never committing an error; even when living in seclusion, he showed no signs of laxity. He loved and respected refined scholars, treating them with utmost courtesy. He was incorruptible, upright, frugal, and simple; in his household, there were no private requests for favor.
On the jihai day of the eleventh month, Northern Wei's Eastern Jing Province Inspector Huan Hui invaded, capturing Xiazha Stockade. Two thousand or more households submitted to him. Huan Hui was the son of Huan Dan.
Initially, the emperor suspected that Xiao Yan, the governor of Yongzhou, harbored rebellious intentions. Zhi Hou Zheng Zhi of Xingyang, whose younger brother Zheng Shaoshu served as Xiao Yan’s Ning Man Chief Scribe, was sent by the emperor under the pretext of visiting Zheng Shaoshu to assassinate Xiao Yan. Zheng Shaoshu learned of this and secretly informed Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan held a banquet at Zheng Shaoshu’s home and joked with Zheng Zhi, saying: “The court sent you to murder me; today, at this leisurely feast, it’s the perfect opportunity to strike.” Both host and guest burst into laughter. He then had Zheng Zhi tour the city walls, treasuries, troops, horses, weapons, and warships. After withdrawing, Zheng Zhi said to Zheng Shaoshu: “Yongzhou’s strength is not easy to plot against.” Zheng Shaoshu replied: “Brother, when you return, tell the Son of Heaven in detail: if he wants to attack Yongzhou, I, Zheng Shaoshu, request to lead these troops in a single battle!” They escorted Zheng Zhi to Nanxian, wept facing each other, and parted.
After Xiao Yi’s death, Xiao Yan heard of it and that night summoned Zhang Hongce, Lü Sengzhen, Chief Scribe Wang Mao, Adjutant Liu Qingyuan, and Merit Officer Ji Shizhan to his home to devise a plan. Wang Mao was the son of Wang Tiansheng; Liu Qingyuan was the son of Liu Yuanjing’s younger brother. On the day Yisi, Xiao Yan gathered his staff and said to them: “The benighted ruler is tyrannical, with crimes surpassing those of King Zhou; I should join you all in eliminating him!” That same day, they erected banners, assembled troops, and obtained over ten thousand armored soldiers, more than a thousand horses, and three thousand ships. They took bamboo and wood from Tanxi to equip the warships, covering them with thatch; everything was completed promptly. The various generals fought over oars, but Lü Sengzhen produced those he had prepared beforehand, issuing two per ship, and the disputes ceased.
At this time, Xiao Baorong, the Prince of Nankang, served as the governor of Jingzhou, while Xiao Yingzhou, the Chief Scribe of the Western Central Lang, acted as the administrator of the prefecture. The emperor sent General of the Auxiliary State, Liu Shanyang, the governor of Baxi and Zitong Commanderies, with three thousand troops to take up his post, and borrowed Xiao Yingzhou’s forces to have him attack Xiangyang. Xiao Yan knew of this plan and sent Army Counselor Wang Tianhu to Jiangling, delivering letters everywhere to the prefectural offices, claiming: “Liu Shanyang is advancing westward, simultaneously attacking Jingzhou and Yongzhou.” Xiao Yan then said to his generals and staff: “Jingzhou has always feared the people of Xiangyang, and with the lips gone, the teeth feel cold—how could they not secretly agree? I will unite the forces of Jingzhou and Yongzhou, beat the drums, and march eastward. Even if Han Xin or Bai Qi were reborn, they could not devise plans for Jiankang; let alone this benighted ruler commanding such petty clerks!” Xiao Yingzhou and others received the letters and hesitated, unable to decide. When Liu Shanyang reached Baling, Xiao Yan again sent Wang Tianhu with letters to Xiao Yingzhou and his younger brother Xiao Yingda, the Prince of Nankang. After Wang Tianhu departed, Xiao Yan said to Zhang Hongce: “In the art of war, attacking the mind is paramount. Recently, I sent Wang Tianhu to Jingzhou, and everyone received a letter. Now, with urgent post-haste, I have sent only two letters to the Administrator brothers, stating, ‘Details will be conveyed orally by Wang Tianhu.’ When they ask Wang Tianhu, he will have nothing to say. Wang Tianhu is the Administrator’s confidant; they will surely think the Administrator and Wang Tianhu conspired to conceal this, and thus everyone will become suspicious. Liu Shanyang, confused by the, will inevitably suspect the Administrator. The Administrator, unable to clarify his position, will fall into my trap. This is using two empty letters to pacify a province.”
Liu Shanyang reached Jiang’an and lingered for over ten days without advancing. Xiao Yingzhou was greatly frightened and could not devise a plan. That night, he sent for Xi Chanwen, the City Bureau Army Counselor of the Western Central Lang from Anding, and Liu Chen, the Consultation Army Counselor, and closed the doors to discuss. Xi Chanwen said: “Xiao, the governor of Yongzhou, has been nurturing his troops and horses for a long time. Jiangling has always feared the people of Xiangyang, and moreover, with the disparity in numbers, attacking him would surely fail to subdue him; even if we could subdue him, we would ultimately not be tolerated by the court. Now, if we kill Liu Shanyang and rise together with Yongzhou, establishing a Son of Heaven to command the nobles, then our hegemonic enterprise will succeed! Liu Shanyang hesitates to advance because he does not trust us. Now, kill Wang Tianhu and send his head to him; his doubts will be dispelled. When he arrives, we can plot against him, and success will be certain.” Liu Chen said: “The court’s madness grows daily; the nobles in the capital are all trembling with fear. Now, fortunate to be far away, we can temporarily find peace. This matter of Yongzhou is merely using him to have us destroy each other. Have you not seen Xiao Lingjun? With his thousands of elite troops, he was framed by a band of petty men, and calamities followed in succession. ‘Past events not forgotten are lessons for the future.’ Moreover, Yongzhou has ample troops and provisions, and Governor Xiao’s heroic bearing is unmatched—he is certainly no match for Liu Shanyang. If we defeat Liu Shanyang, Jingzhou will again suffer the punishment for defeat in battle, leaving us in a dilemma. We should ponder deeply.” Xiao Yingda also urged Xiao Yingzhou to follow Xi Chanwen’s plan. The next morning, Xiao Yingzhou said to Wang Tianhu: “You know Liu, the Auxiliary State; today, I must borrow your head!” So they killed Wang Tianhu and sent his head to Liu Shanyang, conscripting the people’s carts and oxen, claiming to mobilize infantry to attack Xiangyang. Liu Shanyang was greatly pleased.
On the day Jiayin, Liu Shanyang reached Jiangjin, riding alone in a carriage, wearing plain clothes, and taking several dozen attendants to meet Xiao Yingzhou. Xiao Yingzhou sent the former Governor of Wenyang, Liu Xiaoqing, and others to ambush within the city. When Liu Shanyang entered the gate, they beheaded him in his carriage. Deputy Army Commander Li Wulü gathered the remaining troops and surrendered.
Liu Chen was the son of Liu Shilong. Xiao Yingzhou feared that the Western Central Lang Marshal, Xia Houxiang, might not agree, so he told this to Liu Chen. Liu Chen said: “It’s easy! Recently, Xia Houxiang sought a marriage alliance with me, but I did not agree.” So he married his daughter to Xia Houxiang’s son, Xia Houkui, and informed him of the plan; Xia Houxiang complied. On the day Yimao, they issued an order in the name of the Prince of Nankang, Xiao Baorong, to declare martial law, and also ordered the pardon of prisoners, the distribution of favors, and the proclamation of rewards. On the day Bingchen, Xiao Yan was appointed as the Commissioner with Imperial Authority and Supervisor of the Vanguard’s Military Affairs. On the day Dingsi, Xiao Yingzhou was appointed as the Supervisor of the Military Affairs of the Marching and Stationed Forces. Xiao Yingzhou had great capacity; having initiated this major undertaking, he humbly delegated authority, and the people’s hearts turned to him. He appointed Adjutant Zong Guai of Nanyang, along with his fellow commandery’s Central Troop Army Counselor Liu Tan and Consultation Army Counselor Le Ai, as those respected and trusted by the prefecture’s people. The military headquarters’ plans and strategies were consulted with them on every matter. Xiao Yingzhou and Zong Guai each donated their personal wealth and grain, and borrowed from the rich to fund the army. The monks of Changfa Temple were wealthy, having buried a golden dragon weighing several thousand catties. Xiao Yingzhou took it and used it for military expenses.
Xiao Yingzhou sent an envoy to deliver Liu Shanyang’s head to Xiao Yan, and also said that the year and month were inauspicious, and they should wait until the second month of the next year to advance. Xiao Yan said: “At the start of the undertaking, what we relied on was a momentary spirit of boldness and decisiveness. Every matter is linked; I still worry about hesitation and slackness. If we halt the troops for a hundred days, regret will surely arise. Moreover, if we halt the army of one hundred thousand, provisions will naturally be exhausted. If people harbor different intentions like children, the great enterprise cannot succeed. Besides, the deployment is already settled; how can we stop midway? In the past, King Wu of Zhou attacked Zhou, acting against the Grand Year Star—why wait for auspicious omens!”
On the day Wuwu, Xiao Yan submitted a memorial urging the Prince of Nankang, Xiao Baorong, to assume the imperial title; it was not permitted. In the twelfth month, Xiao Yingzhou and Xia Houxiang issued a proclamation to the hundred officials of Jiankang and the governors of all provinces and commanderies, enumerating the crimes of the emperor, along with Mei Chong’er and Ru Fazhen. Xiao Yingzhou sent General of the Champion, Yang Gongze of Tianshui, to advance toward Xiangzhou, and the Western Central Lang Army Counselor Deng Yuanqi of Nan Commandery to advance toward Xiakou. Army Commander Wang Fadu was dismissed for failing to advance. On the day Yihai, the generals and staff of Jingzhou again urged Xiao Baorong to assume the imperial title; it was not permitted. Xia Houxiang’s son, Xia Houdan, the General of the Valiant Cavalry, served as the Palace Central Commander. Xia Houxiang secretly summoned him, and Xia Houdan fled from Jiankang. On the day Renchen, he arrived at Jiangling, claiming to bear the order of Empress Dowager Dehuang: “The Prince of Nankang should succeed to the throne, but we are awaiting the purification of the palace; he cannot immediately ascend the throne. He may be enfeoffed with ten commanderies as the Prince of Xuancheng, Chancellor, and Governor of Jingzhou, with the yellow axe, select the hundred officials, and maintain the Western Central Lang Office and Nankang Principality as before. When the army approaches the capital, the relevant departments will prepare the imperial carriage to welcome him.”
Jingling Prefect Cao Jingzong of Xinye sent a trusted associate to persuade Xiao Yan to welcome the Prince of Nankang to establish his capital in Xiangyang, first rectifying his title, then advancing; Xiao Yan did not comply. Wang Mao privately said to Zhang Hongce: "Now that the Prince of Nankang is in someone else's hands, they hold the Son of Heaven to command the lords. If you advance, you will be manipulated by others. How can this be a long-term plan for the future!" Zhang Hongce reported this to Xiao Yan, who said: "If the great undertaking ahead cannot succeed, naturally both jade and stone will burn together; if it can succeed, my authority will shake the four seas. Who would dare not obey? How could I be insignificant and subject to others' control?"
At first, when Chen Xianda and Cui Huijing rebelled, the people were unsettled. Someone asked Wei Rui, the Grand Administrator of Shangyong from Duling, about the current situation. Wei Rui said: "Although Chen Xianda is an old general, he is not a man destined to rule an era; Cui Huijing has experienced many affairs of the world, but he is weak and lacks courage; their destruction by extermination of their clans is fitting. The one who will stabilize the world, I fear, will surely be the commander of our prefecture!" He then sent his two sons to establish ties with Xiao Yan. When Xiao Yan raised his army, Wei Rui led two thousand troops from the prefecture and rushed day and night to join him. Kang Xun, the Grand Administrator of Huashan from Lantian, led three thousand troops from the prefecture to join Xiao Yan. Feng Daogen was then in mourning for his mother; hearing that Xiao Yan had raised an army, he led all the able-bodied men among his township's youth to go and join him. Liu Dan, the Inspector of Liangzhou and Nanzhou, also raised troops in response to Xiao Yan. Liu Dan was Liu Chen's elder brother.
When the emperor heard that Liu Shanyang had died, he issued an edict to campaign against Jingzhou and Yongzhou. On the day Wuyin, he appointed Liu Hui, the Senior Administrator of the Champion General, as Inspector of Yongzhou; he sent General of Swift Cavalry Xue Yuansi, Director of the Imperial Workshop Ji Rongbo, and troops along with over one hundred and forty supply ships to Zhang Chong, the Inspector of Yingzhou, so he could resist the western army. Xue Yuansi and others, mindful of Liu Shanyang's death, suspected Zhang Chong and dared not advance, stopping at Xiakoupu; hearing that the western army was about to arrive, they then all entered Yingcheng. Fang Sengji, the former Prefect of Jingling, was about to return to Jiankang; when he reached Yingzhou, the emperor ordered Fang Sengji to remain and defend Lushan, appointing him General of Swift Cavalry. Zhang Chong formed an alliance with him and sent Army Commander Sun Lezu with several thousand men to help Fang Sengji defend Lushan.
Xiao Yingzhou sent a letter to Deng Yuanqi, the Grand Administrator of Wuning, summoning him to come. Zhang Chong had always treated Deng Yuanqi generously, and many urged him to return to Yingzhou. Deng Yuanqi shouted to the crowd: "The court is cruel and violent, butchering chancellors; a group of petty men hold power, and the moral principles of scholar-officials are utterly lost. The two prefectures of Jingzhou and Yongzhou have jointly initiated this great undertaking; why worry about not succeeding! Moreover, my elderly mother is in the west; if the undertaking fails, I will simply be killed by the benighted court, fortunately avoiding the crime of being unfilial." That very day he packed and set out, arriving at Jiangling, where he served as Military Officer of the Western Central Headquarters.
Zhang Baoji, the Acting Governor of Xiangzhou, raised troops to defend himself, uncertain which side to support. Yang Gongze captured Baling and advanced to Baisha. Zhang Baoji, frightened, requested to surrender. Yang Gongze entered Changsha, pacifying and accepting him.
This year, Yang Jishi, the Inspector of Northern Qinzhou, led over ten thousand men north from Hanzhong, attempting to reclaim his former territory. Yang Chun, the Inspector of Liangzhou under Wei, led five thousand cavalry and infantry to station himself at Xiabian, sending a letter to Yang Jishi analyzing the advantages and disadvantages. Yang Jishi then again led over a thousand of his personal troops to surrender to Wei. Wei restored his noble title and ordered him to return and guard Wuxing.