Annals of Liang, Volume 1

Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government, Volume 145

Volume 145 [Liang Chronicle 1]: From the year Xuanwu Dunzang to the year Yanfeng Tuntan, a total of three years.

Spring, first month. Emperor He of Southern Qi dispatched concurrent Attendant-in-Ordinary Xi Chanwen and others to console Jiankang. Grand Marshal Xiao Yan issued an order: "All extravagant expenses from the era of the Marquess of Eastern Darkness, unless necessary for studying ritual music and ceremonial standards or repairing armor and weapons, are prohibited." On the Wuxu day, Empress Dowager Xuande was welcomed into the palace to govern as regent, and Xiao Yan relinquished his role as acting authority. On the Jihai day, Colonel of Ningshuo Xiao Bing was appointed Supervisor of Southern Yan Province's Military Affairs. Xiao Bing was Xiao Yan's cousin. On the Renyin day, Grand Marshal Xiao Yan was promoted to Commander-in-Chief of All Internal and External Military Affairs, permitted to enter the court wearing a sword and shoes, and exempted from announcing his name at court audiences. On the Jiyou day, Chief Clerk of the Grand Marshal's Office Wang Liang was appointed Palace Attendant-in-Chief and concurrently Minister of Works.

Initially, Grand Marshal Xiao Yan was close and intimate with Huangmen Attendant Fan Yun, Prefect of Nanqinghe Shen Yue, and Right Chief Clerk of the Palace Secretariat Ren Fang, as they were all at Prince Jingling Xiao Ziliang's Western Residence. By this time, Xiao Yan promoted Fan Yun to Grand Marshal's Advisory Counselor and concurrently Director of Records, Shen Yue to General of the Cavalry, and Ren Fang to Recorder of the Secretariat, all participating in planning and deliberations. The former Prefect of Wuxing Xie Fei and State Academy Chancellor He Yin had both previously abandoned their posts to live at home. Xiao Yan submitted a memorial summoning them as Military Advisory Sacrificial Officials, but neither Xie Fei nor He Yin responded.

Grand Marshal Xiao Yan harbored intentions to accept the abdication. Shen Yue subtly probed his thoughts, but the Grand Marshal did not respond. Another day, Shen Yue spoke again: "Now differs from ancient times; we cannot expect the world to embrace simple and pure customs. The scholar-officials, seeking to cling to the dragon and follow the phoenix, all hope to establish even a small merit. At present, even children and herders know that the Qi dynasty's fortune has ended, and Your Excellency should accept this Heavenly mandate. The prophecies in astronomy and apocryphal texts are very clear. Heaven's will cannot be defied, and the people's sentiments cannot be lost. If the Heavenly mandate is ordained, even if one wishes to yield, it is impossible." The Grand Marshal said, "I am considering this matter." Shen Yue said, "When Your Excellency first raised the righteous banner in Fan and Mian, you should have considered it then. Now the imperial enterprise is complete; what is there still to consider? If you do not fix the great undertaking early, should someone raise dissent, it would damage your prestige and virtue. Moreover, people are not made of gold or jade; the affairs of the times and the world are hard to guarantee. How can you leave the title of Duke of Jian'an to your descendants? If the Son of Heaven returns to the capital and the hundred officials take their respective positions, then the roles of ruler and subject will be fixed, and no one will dare to harbor shifting intentions. If the sovereign is wise above and the ministers are loyal below, would anyone still follow you as a 'rebel'?" The Grand Marshal considered his words correct.

After Shen Yue left, the Grand Marshal summoned Fan Yun and told him of this matter. Fan Yun's reply largely matched Shen Yue's meaning. The Grand Marshal said, "The thoughts of wise men are so consistent. Bring Xiuwen (Shen Yue) with you tomorrow morning!" After Fan Yun left, he told Shen Yue, who said, "You must wait for me!" Fan Yun agreed, but Shen Yue entered ahead of time. The Grand Marshal ordered him to draft the relevant matters. Shen Yue then took out a pre-written edict and various official appointment arrangements from his breast pocket, and the Grand Marshal made no changes at all. Soon, Fan Yun arrived from outside but could not enter the palace gate. He paced outside the Shouguang Pavilion, only saying, "Tut tut!" When Shen Yue came out, he asked, "What arrangement was made for me?" Shen Yue pointed to the left (indicating the post of Left Deputy Director of the Department of State Affairs). Fan Yun smiled and said, "It has not betrayed my expectations." After a while, the Grand Marshal summoned Fan Yun inside, praised Shen Yue's extraordinary talent and wisdom, and said, "Since I raised troops three years ago, the meritorious generals and officers have indeed contributed, but those who could achieve the imperial enterprise are you two!"

On the Jiayin day, an edict was issued promoting Grand Marshal Xiao Yan to Chancellor of State, overseeing all officials, as Governor of Yang Province, enfeoffed with ten commanderies as Duke of Liang, with the full Nine Bestowments of honor, establishing a Liang state government, and canceling his title of Director of the Department of State Affairs while retaining his position as General of the Cavalry. In the second month, on the Xinyou day, the Duke of Liang began accepting his appointment.

Xiao Baozhi, Prince of Xiangdong of Southern Qi, was the son of Prince of Anlu Xiao Mian and was fond of literature. After the death of the Marquess of Eastern Darkness, Xiao Baozhi hoped the people's hearts would turn to him, waiting for the imperial carriage. Soon, Wang Zhenguo and others presented the Marquess's head to the Duke of Liang. The Duke appointed Xiao Baozhi as Grand Master of Ceremonies, but Xiao Baozhi felt uneasy. On the Renxu day, the Duke of Liang declared that Xiao Baozhi had plotted rebellion, and he was executed along with his younger brothers, Xiao Baolan, Duke of Jiangling, and Xiao Baohong, Duke of Ruanan.

On the Bingyin day, an edict was issued that the Liang state's selection of important positions would all follow the system of the Heavenly Court. Thus, Shen Yue was appointed Minister of Personnel and concurrently Right Deputy Director of the Department of State Affairs, and Fan Yun was appointed Palace Attendant.

The Duke of Liang took the Yu consort of the Marquess of Eastern Darkness as his own, which somewhat interfered with state affairs. Fan Yun remonstrated about this, but the Duke did not listen. Fan Yun, together with Palace Attendant and General of the Guard Wang Mao, entered an audience. Fan Yun said, "In the past, when Liu Bang, the Duke of Pei, entered Guanzhong, he did not favor women, which was why Fan Zeng feared his lofty ambitions. Now, Your Excellency has just pacified Jiankang, and the people of the world look up to your reputation and character. Why do you follow the path of the fallen and dissipated, being burdened by women?" Wang Mao rose and bowed, saying, "Fan Yun is correct. Your Excellency must keep the world in mind and should not keep her." The Duke of Liang remained silent. Fan Yun immediately requested that the Yu consort be given to Wang Mao. The Duke, considering his intention virtuous, agreed. The next day, he rewarded Fan Yun and Wang Mao each with one million cash.

On the Bingxu day, an edict was issued increasing the Duke of Liang's enfiefment by ten commanderies and promoting him in rank to Prince. On the Guisi day, the Prince of Liang accepted his appointment, pardoning all crimes punishable by death within the Liang state and the areas under its prefectures and provinces.

On the Xinchou day, Xiao Baoyou, Prince of Shaoling, Xiao Baosong, Prince of Jinxi, and Xiao Baozhen, Prince of Guiyang of Southern Qi were executed.

The Prince of Liang was about to execute the various princes of Southern Qi, but the guard was not strict. The eunuch Yan Wenju of Xiao Baoyin, Prince of Poyang, and his close attendant Ma Gong and others plotted, chiseling through the wall at night to rescue Xiao Baoyin. They prepared a small boat on the riverbank, dressed Xiao Baoyin in black cloth short clothes, tied over a thousand cash at his waist, and secretly ran to the river. He walked on straw sandals, his feet having no intact skin. The guards pursued him at dawn. Xiao Baoyin pretended to be a fisherman, drifting up and down the current for over ten li, and the pursuers did not suspect him. After the pursuers dispersed, he crossed to the western bank and took refuge with the commoner Hua Wenrong. Hua Wenrong, together with his clan members Hua Tianlong and Hua Huilian, abandoned their homes and led Xiao Baoyin into hiding in mountain valleys, hiring a donkey for him to ride, hiding by day and traveling by night, until they reached the eastern city of Shouyang. The Wei commander on guard, Du Yuanlun, dispatched a rider to report to the Inspector of Yang Province, Prince of Rencheng Yuan Cheng, who sent carriages and attendants to welcome Xiao Baoyin. Xiao Baoyin was then sixteen years old, walking with a haggard appearance, and those who saw him thought he was a captured slave. Yuan Cheng treated him with the rites of a guest. Xiao Baoyin requested to wear the coarse hempen mourning garments for a sovereign. Yuan Cheng sent someone to instruct him in the principles of ritual propriety and gave him the mourning garments for an elder brother. Yuan Cheng led his officials to offer condolences. Xiao Baoyin observed the mourning rites with propriety, fully adhering to the most sorrowful restraint. There were many old acquaintances and former subordinates in Shouyang who all came to receive his condolences; only the members of the Xiahou clan did not appear, because Xia Houxiang had followed the Prince of Liang. Yuan Cheng highly valued him.

Emperor He of Southern Qi returned east and appointed Xiao Dan as Supervisor of the Military Affairs of Jing and Xiang Provinces and Inspector of Jing Province. After Jing Province had experienced war and turmoil, both public and private resources were scarce. Xiao Dan exerted himself to govern well, extensively establishing military colonies, reducing corvée labor, consoling the families of those who died in battle, and supplying their needs. He considered himself young and in a position of great responsibility, so he said to his assisting officials: "If governance is not good, it is something that all gentlemen should regret together. I now open my mind; you should not conceal anything!" Consequently, everyone was able to speak their minds freely. When commoners had lawsuits, they stood before him waiting for instructions, and decisions were rendered in an instant. There were no backlogged matters in the government offices, and the people of Jing Province were very pleased.

Emperor He of Southern Qi arrived at Gushu. On the Bingchen day, an edict was issued abdicating the throne to the Prince of Liang.

On the Dingsi day, Xiao Baoyuan, Prince of Luling, died.

Man people from Luyang, led by Lu Beiyan and others, rose in arms and attacked Ying Province in Northern Wei.

In summer, the fourth month, on the xinyou day, the Empress Dowager Xuande issued an edict: "The western edict has arrived; the emperor, emulating former dynasties, reverently cedes the imperial throne to the Prince of Liang. Tomorrow he should approach the Front Hall, dispatch an envoy to respectfully present the seal and ribbon of office, and I, the bereaved one, will retire to a separate palace." On the renxu day, a formal document was issued, and the concurrent Grand Guardian and Master of Writing, Wang Liang, along with others, was sent to present the imperial seal and ribbon to the Liang palace. On the bingyin day, the Prince of Liang ascended the imperial throne at the Southern Suburb, proclaimed a general amnesty, and changed the reign title. On this same day, he posthumously honored his elder brother Xiao Yi as Grand Chancellor, enfeoffed him as the Prince of Changsha, with the posthumous name Xuanwu, and his funeral rites followed the precedent of the Jin dynasty's Prince Xian of Anping, Sima Fu.

On the dingmao day, he honored the Emperor He as the Prince of Baling, with his palace established at Gushu. The rites and honors accorded to him all followed the protocol of the Qi dynasty's early treatment of the Song Emperor Shun. He honored the Empress Dowager Xuande as the consort of the Qi Emperor Wen, and Queen Wang as the consort of the Prince of Baling. All hereditary kings and marquises of the Qi dynasty had their ranks demoted or abolished, except for the title of the Song Prince of Runan, which was not revoked.

He posthumously honored his father as Emperor Wen, with the temple name Taizu, and his mother as Empress Xian. He posthumously conferred the title of Empress De on his consort, Lady Xi. He enfeoffed fifteen meritorious civil and military officials, including the Chariot and Cavalry General, as dukes or marquises. He enfeoffed his younger brother, the Central Protector of the Army, Xiao Hong, as the Prince of Linchuan; the Governor of Southern Xu Province, Xiao Xiu, as the Prince of Ancheng; the Governor of Yong Province, Xiao Wei, as the Prince of Jian'an; the Left Guard General, Xiao Hui, as the Prince of Poyang; and the Governor of Jing Province, Xiao Dan, as the Prince of Shixing. He appointed Xiao Hong as the Governor of Yang Province.

On the dingmao day, he appointed the Director of the Secretariat, Wang Liang, as Master of Writing; the Left Chief Administrator of the Chancellery, Wang Ying, as Director of the Secretariat; the Minister of Personnel, Shen Yue, as Left Deputy Master of Writing; and the Chief Attendant concurrently Minister of Personnel, Fan Yun, as a Regular Attendant of the Palace Secretariat and Minister of Personnel.

He issued an edict releasing and dismissing all women from the Rear Palace, the Music Bureau, the Western Pavilions, and the Prison Workshops.

On the wuchen day, the Prince of Baling, Xiao Baorong, died. At the time, Emperor Wu of Liang wished to establish the Nanhai Commandery as the state of Baling and move the Prince of Baling there to reside. Shen Yue said: "The circumstances of ancient and modern times are different. As Emperor Wu of Wei said, 'One must not covet empty fame and thereby incur real disaster.'" Emperor Wu nodded in agreement and then sent his trusted attendant, Zheng Boqin, to Gushu to present raw gold to the Prince of Baling. The Prince of Baling said: "I do not need gold to die; strong liquor is sufficient." He then drank until he was heavily intoxicated; Zheng Boqin took the opportunity to advance and killed him.

When the Prince of Baling was governing Jing Province, a man from Langye, Yan Jianyuan, served as a Recorder for Military Affairs. After Xiao Yan ascended the imperial throne, Yan Jianyuan served as a Secretary to the Censor-in-Chief and concurrently as the Vice Censor-in-Chief. After the Qi Emperor He abdicated, Yan Jianyuan fasted for several days and then died. When Emperor Wu of Liang heard of this, he said: "I am acting in accordance with Heaven's mandate and the people's wishes. What does this have to do with the scholars and officials of the realm, and yet Yan Jianyuan has gone to such an extreme!"

On the gengwu day, an edict was issued: "The relevant authorities should, following the precedents of the Zhou and Han dynasties, deliberate on provisions for redeeming punishments with fines. For all officials in office who personally commit offenses punishable by flogging or caning, they are entirely permitted to redeem their punishment with property to avoid the penalty. Clerks, scribes, and soldiers of the Department of State Affairs and the Censorate who wish to redeem themselves are also permitted to do so."

He appointed the Duke of Xiemu County, Xiao Baoyi, as the Prince of Baling, to preside over the ancestral temple of the Qi dynasty. Xiao Baoyi had been disabled since childhood and could not speak, so he alone was spared.

A Southern Qi Nan Kang Marquis, Xiao Zike, and his younger brother, the Qiyang Marquis, Xiao Zifan, once had an audience on some matter. Emperor Wu of Liang said to them calmly: "The realm is a common vessel; it cannot be seized by force. If there is no mandate from Heaven and the ordained times, even with the strength of Xiang Ji, one will ultimately be defeated. Emperor Xiaowu of Song was suspicious by nature; among his brothers, any who had even slight talent or reputation were poisoned. Court officials who were suspected or wrongfully executed were numerous. Yet sometimes, though he suspected someone, he could not remove them; at other times, he did not suspect them, yet they ultimately became a calamity. For example, your grandfather (Xiao Ze), because of his talent and stratagems, was suspected, yet nothing could be done about him; the Prince of Xiangdong (Xiao Luan), because of his mediocrity and stupidity, was not suspected, yet all his sons and grandsons died by his hand. At that time, I had already been born; how could they have known that I would reach my present position! From this, one knows that a man who has the mandate of Heaven cannot be harmed by human effort. When I first pacified Jiankang, people all urged me to eliminate you and your kind to unify the people's hearts. If I had followed their advice at that time, who could have said it was not permissible! It was precisely because, since the Jiangdong era, at every change of regime, mutual slaughter and extermination inevitably occurred, harming the harmonious qi, that the fortunes of the state did not endure. Furthermore, although Qi and Liang represent a change of dynasty, the circumstances differ from those of previous eras. Although my relationship with you brothers is beyond the five degrees of mourning, the clan ties are not distant. At the very beginning of the Qi dynasty's founding, we also shared hardships and joys, feeling as one family. How could we suddenly treat each other like strangers! If you brothers truly possess the mandate of Heaven, I am not capable of killing you; if you do not possess it, why would I suddenly do such a thing! This would only serve to show my lack of magnanimity. Moreover, during the Jianwu era, your family suffered ruin and devastation. I raised the righteous army not only to cleanse the shame of my own lineage but also to avenge you brothers. If you had been able to restore order during the Jianwu and Yongyuan eras, how could I not have laid down my arms and promoted and supported you! I took the realm from the household of Emperor Ming (Xiao Luan), not from your household. In the past, Liu Ziyu claimed to be the son of Emperor Cheng of Han. Emperor Guangwu said: 'Even if Emperor Cheng were to return to life, the realm could not be regained, let alone Liu Ziyu!' Cao Zhi was the grandson of Emperor Wu of Wei, yet he became a loyal minister of Jin. Moreover, you are still members of the imperial clan today. I am treating you with openness and candor; you should no longer harbor feelings of estrangement! Wait a little, and you will naturally know my true heart." The brothers Xiao Zike, sixteen in all, all served as officials in the Liang dynasty. Xiao Zike, Xiao Zifan, Xiao Zizhi, Xiao Zixian, Xiao Ziyun, and Xiao Zihui all became known for their talents, held pure and distinguished offices, and each died a natural death.

An edict was issued summoning Xie Tiao to serve as Left Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, with the honorific status of Kaifu Yitong Sansi; He Yin as Right Grand Master of Splendid Happiness; and He Dian as a Palace Attendant. He Yin and He Dian ultimately did not assume their posts.

On the guiyou day, an edict was issued: "The Bureau of Public Carriages should place a box next to the Slander-wood and another beside the Lung-stone. If an official in a position fails to speak out, and someone else wishes to express an opinion, they should cast it into the Slander-wood box. If there are persons with merit, talent, or capacity who have been wronged, suppressed, and unable to make their case known, they should cast their plea into the Lung-stone box."

Emperor Wu of Liang personally wore washed clothes, and his daily meals consisted only of vegetables. Whenever he selected local governors, he was careful to choose incorruptible and impartial men. He would summon them before him and exhort them on the principles of governance. He promoted the Secretary of the Department of State Affairs, Dao Gai, as the Grand Warden of Jian'an, and the Left Household Secretary, Liu Zong, as the Grand Warden of Jin'an. Both of these men were renowned for their incorruptibility. Dao Gai was a great-great-grandson of Dao Yanzhi. He also issued a decree: "Magistrates of small counties who have ability should be promoted to large counties; magistrates of large counties who have ability should be promoted to commandery governors with a salary of two thousand shi." He appointed the Magistrate of Shanyin, Qiu Zhongfu, as the Grand Warden of Changsha, and the Magistrate of Wukang, He Yuan of Donghai, as the Grand Warden of Xuancheng. From then on, no incorruptible and capable man failed to be encouraged.

The Luyang Man besieged Huyang in Northern Wei. The General of Pacifying the Army, Li Chong, led troops to defeat them, killing Lu Beiyan. He relocated more than ten thousand households to You, Bing, and other provinces, as well as to the Six Garrisons. Shortly thereafter, they rebelled again and fled south. The local troops pursued and attacked them, and by the time they reached the Yellow River, they were all killed.

In the intercalary month, on the dingsi day, the Northern Wei's Duke of Tunjun, Mu Liang, died.

The favored ministers of the Southern Qi Marquis of Donghun, Sun Wenming and others, although they had been pardoned, still felt insecure. In the fifth month, on the yihai day, at night, they led several hundred of their followers. Using the opportunity to transport reeds for torches, they bound weapons inside the reeds and entered the Southern and Northern Side Gates to start a rebellion. They set fire to the Shenhu Gate and the Zongzhang Hall, entered the Office of the Commandant of the Palace Guards, and killed the Commandant, the Marquis of Taoyang Min, Zhang Hongce. The Front Army Commander, Lü Sengzhen, was on duty in the palace. He led the palace guards to resist, but could not drive them back. Emperor Wu of Liang, in military attire, personally approached the Front Hall and said: "The rebels came at night; this shows they are few in number. At dawn they will flee." He ordered the five watches of the drum to be beaten. The General of the Leading Army, Wang Mao, and the Swift Cavalry General, Zhang Huishao, heard of the disturbance, led troops to rush to the rescue, and only then did the bandits scatter in all directions. After a thorough search, they were all executed.

Chen Bozhi, the Inspector of Jiangzhou, was illiterate. When he received official documents or lawsuits, he merely drew a large “nuo” (signature mark). When matters arose, the secretary would convey oral instructions, and the responsible officials would make decisions. Deng Shan of Yuzhang and Dai Yongzhong of Yongxing had old ties of kindness with Chen Bozhi. Chen appointed Deng Shan as Biejia and Dai Yongzhong as Jishi Canjun. Chu Wei of Henan, whose given name is missing, lived in Jiankang. He had always been of low character and frustrated in his official career. He repeatedly visited Shangshu Fan Yun, but Fan Yun treated him without courtesy. Chu Wei, angered, privately said to those close to him: “After the Jianwu era, grass-roots lowly families all became nobles. What crime have I committed to be abandoned? Now the empire is newly founded, famines are continuous, and the chaos of loss and death is still unpredictable. Chen Bozhi holds a strong army in Jiangzhou; he is not the sovereign’s old subject and harbors suspicions about himself. Moreover, the Mars star lingers over the Southern Dipper constellation—could this not be for my sake? If I now take action, even if I fail, defecting to Northern Wei would still earn me the post of a Henan commandery governor.” So he went to Chen Bozhi and was greatly favored and trusted. Chen also appointed his fellow villager Zhu Longfu as Changliu Canjun, and taking advantage of Chen’s ignorance and confusion, they indulged in fraud and profiteering.

Emperor Wu of Liang heard of this and sent Chen Huyu to privately admonish Chen Bozhi, and also sent someone to replace Deng Shan as Biejia. Chen Bozhi refused both orders and submitted a memorial saying: “Zhu Longfu is brave and fierce; Deng Shan has merit. The Biejia appointed by the court, I request to appoint as Zhizhong.” Deng Shan then urged Chen Bozhi: “The court’s treasury is empty, and there are no weapons. The three granaries have no grain, and the eastern border is suffering from famine and exile. This is a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity—do not miss it!” Chu Wei, Dai Yongzhong, and others jointly approved. Chen Bozhi said to Deng Shan: “I will now petition to appoint you; if it is again refused, I will rebel together with you.” Emperor Wu issued an edict ordering Chen Bozhi to place Deng Shan in a commandery within his jurisdiction. Thereupon, Chen Bozhi gathered his prefectural and provincial subordinates and said: “I have received orders from Prince Jian’an Xiao Baoyin of Qi to lead one hundred thousand brave men from north of the Yangtze, who have already arrived at Liuhe. Now he orders me to use the existing troops in Jiangzhou to transport grain and quickly move eastward. I have received the deep kindness of Emperor Ming and swear to repay it with death.” He then ordered martial law, had Chu Wei forge a letter from Xiao Baoyin to show to his subordinates, set up an altar before the hall, and swore a blood oath together.

Chu Wei advised Chen Bozhi: “Now that we are undertaking a great affair, we should attract popular support. The Changshi Cheng Yuanchong is not of one mind with us. The Neishi of Linchuan, Wang Guan, is the grandson of Wang Sengqian and a good person. He can be summoned to replace Cheng Yuanchong as Changshi.” Chen Bozhi agreed and appointed Chu Wei as Xunyang Prefect, Dai Yongzhong as Fuyi General, and Zhu Longfu as Inspector of Yuzhou. Wang Guan did not accept the appointment. Zheng Bolun, the Prefect of Yuzhang, mobilized commandery troops to defend and resist. After losing his position, Cheng Yuanchong gathered several hundred men at home and, taking advantage of Chen Bozhi’s lack of preparedness, suddenly rushed to the hall. Chen Bozhi personally came out to fight. Cheng Yuanchong was defeated and fled into Mount Lu. Chen Bozhi secretly sent a letter to his brothers Chen Huyu and others, and they all fled to Xuyi.

On the day of Wuzi, an edict appointed General of the Leading Army Wang Mao as General of the Southern Expedition and Inspector of Jiangzhou, leading troops to punish Chen Bozhi.

The garrison commander of Xiaoxian in Yangzhou under Northern Wei, Dang Fazong, attacked the Daxian garrison, breached it, and captured Longxiang General Zhu Pusa.

When Chen Bozhi heard that Wang Mao was coming, he said to Chu Wei and others: “Since Wang Guan refused the appointment and Zheng Bolun is unwilling to submit, we will be trapped empty-handed. Now let us first pacify Yuzhang, open the southern route, conscript many able-bodied laborers, increase the transport of supplies and grain, and then sweep northward to attack the hungry and exhausted army. We are not afraid of failure.” In the sixth month, he left his fellow villager Tang Gaoren to guard the city and led troops toward Yuzhang, attacking Zheng Bolun but failing to capture the city. Wang Mao’s army arrived, and Chen Bozhi, caught between enemies, was defeated and fled. He crossed the Yangtze by a small route and, along with Chen Huyu and others, as well as Chu Wei, defected to Northern Wei.

Emperor Wu of Liang sent his attendant Chen Jiansun to deliver Liu Jilian’s three sons and younger brothers into Shu, ordering him to convey imperial condolences. Liu Jilian accepted the order and prepared his travel belongings for the return journey. Only then did Deng Yuanqi, the Inspector of Yizhou, proceed to take up his post.

Initially, when Liu Jilian served as the Prefect of Nan Commandery, he had been discourteous to Deng Yuanqi. The Dulu Zhu Daochen had committed a crime, and Liu Jilian wanted to kill him, but he escaped and hid, thus avoiding death. By this time, Zhu Daochen served as Deng Yuanqi’s secretary and advised Deng: “Yizhou has long been in turmoil and division, with both public and private resources exhausted. Liu Yizhou (Jilian) is about to return to the capital—how can he prepare the expenses for a long journey? Please allow me to go ahead and inspect, and prepare for the reception along the route. Otherwise, the supplies for a journey of ten thousand li will be hard to obtain.” Deng Yuanqi agreed. When Zhu Daochen arrived, his words were disrespectful. He also visited all the officials of the prefecture and province, and when he saw any utensils, he forcibly seized them. If he could not get something, he would say: “These things will belong to others sooner or later—why be so stingy?” Thus, the military headquarters became greatly fearful, believing that Deng Yuanqi’s arrival would certainly lead to Liu Jilian’s death and that the disaster would implicate his associates. They competed to inform Liu Jilian. Liu Jilian also thought so, and fearing his past discourtesy to Deng Yuanqi, he gathered troops for calculation, securing one hundred thousand elite armored soldiers. He sighed: “Occupying this naturally fortified land and holding this strong army, advancing, I can rectify the dynasty; retreating, I would not be inferior to Liu Bei. If I abandon this, where else can I go?” He then summoned his subordinates, falsely claimed an edict from Empress Xuan De of Qi, gathered troops to rebel again, arrested Zhu Daochen, and killed him. He summoned Zhu Shilue, the Prefect of Baxi, and Li Ying, the Magistrate of Fu County, but both refused the order. In this month, Deng Yuanqi arrived at Baxi, and Zhu Shilue opened the city gates to receive him.

Before this, many people in Shu had fled. When they heard that Deng Yuanqi had arrived, they vied to come out and submit, all claiming to be righteous troops responding to the court. The total number of soldiers in the army, new and old, exceeded thirty thousand. Deng Yuanqi had been on the road for a long time, and his food supplies were exhausted. Someone advised him: “Shu’s governance is lax, and many people feign illness. If you inspect the household registers of Baxi Commandery and punish them accordingly, the gains will certainly be substantial.” Deng Yuanqi thought this was correct. Li Ying remonstrated, saying: “Your Excellency faces a strong enemy ahead and has no reinforcements behind. The mountain people have just submitted and are observing our virtue. If you use harsh methods to correct them, the people will surely be unable to bear it. Once the people’s hearts scatter, even regret will be too late. Why must you use such sickly means to support the army? Please allow me to go out and plan—do not worry that supplies and grain will be insufficient.” Deng Yuanqi said: “Good. I entrust everything to you!” Li Ying withdrew, then led wealthy commoners to contribute military supplies and grain, obtaining thirty thousand hu.

In autumn, the eighth month, on the day of Dingwei, an order was given to Shangshu Dinglang Cai Fadu of Jiyang to abridge and supplement the old laws compiled by Wang Zhizhi, to formulate the “Liang Code.” He was also ordered to discuss and finalize it together with Shangshu Ling Wang Liang, Shizhong Wang Ying, Shangshu Pushe Shen Yue, and Libu Shangshu Fan Yun, among nine others.

Emperor Wu of Liang had long been skilled in musical temperament and wished to rectify the correct court music. He personally made four musical instruments, named “tong.” Each tong had three strings. The Huangzhong string used two hundred seventy strands of silk and was nine chi long; the Yingzhong string used one hundred forty-two strands of silk and was four chi, seven cun, and four fen long; the ten intermediate pitches were reduced in proportion. Through the sound of the tong, he calculated the monthly breaths (qi) in succession, without the slightest error, and they were also mutually harmonious. He also made twelve flutes. The Huangzhong flute was three chi, eight cun long; the Yingzhong flute was two chi, three cun long; the ten intermediate pitches were reduced in proportion. These imitated the sound of the tong and, when compared with ancient bells and jade pitch pipes, showed no difference. Thus, with the eight sounds to accompany and the seven notes to perform, everything was harmonious. Before this, the hanging instruments in the court consisted only of four bo bells, mixed with sixteen sets of bianzhong, bianqing, and hengzhong. Emperor Wu began ordering the installation of twelve bo bells, each with its own bianzhong and bianqing, totaling thirty-six sets, and dispensing with the hengzhong, erecting jian drums at the four corners.

When Emperor Gaozu Xiaowen of Northern Wei passed away, the former Grand Tutor Pingyang Gong Yuan Pi came from Jinyang to mourn and then remained in Luoyang. Yuan Pi was over eighty years old, had served six emperors, reached the highest official position of ducal advisor, but ultimately became a commoner. The Northern Wei ruler (Emperor Xuanwu), because Yuan Pi was an old member of the imperial clan, showed pity and treated him with courtesy. On the day of Yimao, Yuan Pi was appointed as Sanlao.

The Yang Province Governor, Prince of Ren Cheng Yuan Cheng, submitted a memorial requesting an attack on Zhongli. The Northern Wei ruler sent the Imperial Guard Supervisor Fan Shao of Dunhuang to Shouyang to discuss the matter of advance or halt. Yuan Cheng said: "We should use one hundred thousand troops, a round trip of one hundred days, and request the court to quickly prepare grain and weapons." Fan Shao said: "Now autumn is nearing its end, and we are about to mobilize. Weapons can be gathered, but where will the grain come from! With troops but no grain, how can we defeat the enemy!" Yuan Cheng pondered for a long time, then said: "Indeed, as you say." So they stopped.

On the Ding Si day of the ninth month, the Northern Wei ruler went to Ye City. In winter, on the Geng Zi day of the tenth month, he returned to Huai. He competed with the imperial clan and close attendants in shooting at a distance; the emperor shot over three hundred fifty paces, and the officials erected a stele with an inscription to praise him. On the Jia Chen day, he returned to Luoyang.

On the Ji Wei day of the eleventh month, a small temple was established to offer sacrifices to the mother of the founding emperor. After each sacrifice in the Grand Temple, a single set of sacrificial offerings was used for this temple.

On the Jia Zi day, the emperor's son Xiao Tong was established as the Crown Prince.

The Northern Wei palace in Luoyang was completed.

In the twelfth month, General Zhang Xiao Zhi invaded Northern Wei's Huainan region and captured Mu Ling Fort. The Northern Wei's Prince of Ren Cheng Yuan Cheng sent the General of Auxiliary State Cheng Xing to attack him. On the Jia Chen day, Zhang Xiao Zhi was defeated and fled, and the Northern Wei recaptured Mu Ling.

Liu Lian Lian sent his general Li Feng Bo and others to resist Deng Yuan Qi. Deng Yuan Qi fought with them, with victories and defeats on both sides. After some time, Li Feng Bo and others were defeated and retreated to Chengdu. Deng Yuan Qi advanced and encamped at West Peace. Liu Lian Lian drove and plundered the residents, closed the city gates, and fortified his defense. Deng Yuan Qi advanced and encamped at Jiang Bridge, twenty li from Chengdu, leaving his heavy baggage at Pi County. Li Feng Bo and others attacked Pi County by a side road, captured it, and all the military supplies were lost. Deng Yuan Qi abandoned Pi County and directly besieged the provincial capital. The City Bureau Adjutant Jiang Xi Zhi planned to surrender the city, but failed and was killed.

The Northern Wei's Princess of Chenliu was widowed. The Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs Gao Zhao and the Qin Province Governor Zhang Yi both wanted to marry her. The princess agreed to Zhang Yi but not to Gao Zhao. Gao Zhao was furious and slandered Zhang Yi before the Northern Wei ruler, causing Zhang Yi to be deposed for many years.

That year, there was a severe drought in Jiangdong. One peck of rice cost five thousand coins, and many people starved to death.

In spring, the first month, on the Yi Mao day (the first day), the Liang court appointed the Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs Shen Yue as Left Vice Director, the Minister of Personnel Fan Yun as Right Vice Director, and the Director of the Department of State Affairs Wang Liang as Left Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. On the Bing Chen day (the second day), Wang Liang was convicted of feigning illness on New Year's Day and failing to attend the court audience. His title was stripped, and he was reduced to commoner status.

On the Yi Hai day (the twenty-first day), the Northern Wei ruler performed the plowing ceremony at the imperial field.

The Di people in Northern Wei's Liang Province, led by Yang Hui, rebelled. Yang Chun, acting as the Liang Province administrator, led troops to suppress them.

In Chengdu, food was exhausted within the city. One sheng of rice cost three thousand coins, and cannibalism occurred. Liu Lian Lian subsisted on congee for months, with no plan left. The Southern Liang Emperor Wu sent the Chief Secretary Zhao Jing Yue to read the imperial edict accepting Liu Lian Lian's surrender. Liu Lian Lian bared his upper body and begged for punishment. Deng Yuan Qi moved Liu Lian Lian outside the city and soon visited him, treating him with courtesy. Liu Lian Lian apologized, saying: "Had I known this earlier, how could there have been the events of the past!" Pi City also surrendered. Deng Yuan Qi executed Li Feng Bo and others and sent Liu Lian Lian under escort to Jiankang.

Initially, Deng Yuan Qi, worried on the journey that the undertaking might not succeed and lacking goods for rewards, promised official positions to all scholars who came to join him. Consequently, nearly two thousand people received appointment documents as Deputy Governors or Administrative Aides.

Liu Lian Lian arrived at Jiankang, entered the East Side Gate, and kowtowed every few steps until he reached the presence of Emperor Wu. The emperor smiled and said: "You wanted to emulate Liu Bei, but you cannot even compare to Gongsun Shu. Is it because you lacked a Wolong-like minister?" He pardoned him and reduced him to commoner status.

On the Ji Si day of the third month (date uncertain), the Northern Wei empress performed the sericulture ceremony at the northern suburbs.

On the Geng Chen day (the twenty-seventh day), the Northern Wei's Yang Province Governor, Prince of Ren Cheng Yuan Cheng, sent the Chief of Chang Feng Fort Qi Dao Xian to invade the Southern Liang, capturing the forts of Yin Shan and Bai Gao.

Xiao Bao Yin knelt at the Northern Wei palace gates, requesting troops to attack the Southern Liang. Even in violent storms and heavy rain, he never moved from his position. It happened that Chen Bo Zhi surrendered to the Northern Wei and also requested to lead troops in service. The Northern Wei ruler then summoned the Eight Directors and the officials of the Chancellery to the court for deliberation. In summer, the fourth month, on the Gui Wei day (the first day), the Northern Wei appointed Xiao Bao Yin as Commander of the Three Provinces of East Yang, General of the East Guard, Yang Province Governor, Duke of Danyang, and Prince of Qi. The gifts and ceremonies were extremely generous. He was allocated ten thousand troops and ordered to garrison East City. Chen Bo Zhi was appointed as Commander of Huainan's Military Affairs, General of the South Pacification, and Jiang Province Governor, garrisoning Yang Shi, awaiting the autumn and winter seasons for a major offensive. Xiao Bao Yin was to receive his appointment the next day, weeping from night until dawn. The Northern Wei also allowed Xiao Bao Yin to recruit strong men and warriors from all directions, obtaining several thousand men. Yan Wen Zhi, Hua Wen Rong, and four others were all appointed as generals or army commanders. Xiao Bao Yin had a noble and dignified character, abstaining from wine and meat for an extended period, his face gaunt. He ate coarse grain and wore coarse clothes, never laughing or joking.

On the Gui Mao day (the twenty-first day), Cai Fa Du presented the "Liang Code" in twenty volumes, the "Ordinances" in thirty volumes, and the "Statutes" in forty volumes. The emperor issued an edict for their promulgation and implementation.

In the fifth month, on the Ding Si day (the sixth day), the Marquis of Xiao Cheng, Fan Yun, died. Fan Yun served his lord with utmost effort and loyalty, doing everything within his knowledge. He handled heavy tasks with extraordinary energy. After his death, the thought Shen Yue should take charge of the central, but the emperor considered Shen Yue frivolous and unstable, not as good as the Left Director of the Department of State Affairs Xu Mian. Therefore, he appointed Xu Mian and the Right Guard General Zhou She of Runan to jointly participate in state affairs. Zhou She's capacity was not as great as Xu Mian's, but he surpassed him in purity and simplicity. Both were praised as wise chancellors, often staying in the central secretariat and rarely taking leave to go home. When Xu Mian sometimes went home, the dogs would all bark. Whenever he submitted memorials, he always burned the drafts. Zhou She participated in confidential affairs for over twenty years, never leaving the emperor's side. He managed the national history, imperial decrees, rituals, laws, and military plans. He laughed and talked with others all day without stopping, but never leaked confidential matters. The especially admired him for this.

On the Ren Shen day (the twenty-first day), the Southern Liang forbade all commanderies and counties from offering tribute to the court and the Eastern Palace. Only the provinces and Kuaiji Commandery were allowed to present local products. If the products were not locally produced, they were also not allowed to be offered.

On the Jia Xu day (the twenty-third day), the Northern Wei's Yang Chun and others heavily defeated the rebellious Di people, killing several thousand of them.

In the sixth month, on the Ren Wu day (the first day), the Northern Wei established the emperor's younger brother Yuan Yue as the Prince of Runan.

The Northern Wei's Yang Province Governor, Prince of Ren Cheng Yuan Cheng, submitted a memorial saying: "Xiao Yan repeatedly blocks the East Pass, wanting to let the Chao Lake flood to inundate the various forts in Huainan. The people of Wu and Chu are skilled in water. By flooding and plundering at the same time, the land of Huainan will no longer belong to our state. Shouyang is more than five hundred li from the Yangtze River. The people are panicked and fearful, all dreading water damage. If we follow the people's wishes and attack the enemy's weak points, giving advance orders to the provinces to gather troops and horses, and assemble in large numbers in early autumn, then plan and act according to the situation, even if we cannot achieve unification for certain, the region west of the Yangtze River can henceforth be free of worry." On the Bing Xu day (the fifth day), the Northern Wei mobilized twenty thousand men from the six provinces of Ji, Ding, Ying, Xiang, Bing, and Ji, along with one thousand five hundred horses. They were ordered to assemble entirely at Huainan by mid-eighth month. Together with the original thirty thousand troops at Shouyang, all were placed under Yuan Cheng's command and dispatch. Xiao Bao Yin and Chen Bo Zhi were both subject to Yuan Cheng's control.

Xie Tiao arrived at the court on a small boat. The emperor issued an edict appointing him as Chamberlain for Ceremonials, Minister over the Masses, and Director of the Department of State Affairs. Xie Tiao declined, citing foot illness preventing him from paying homage. He wore a turban and rode in a small sedan chair to the Cloud Dragon Gate to express thanks. The emperor summoned him at the Hua Lin Park and allowed him to enter the feast in a small carriage. The next day, the emperor personally visited Xie Tiao's residence, feasting and conversing with great enjoyment. Xie Tiao firmly stated his intention to retire to seclusion, but the emperor did not permit it. He then requested to return east to fetch his mother, and the emperor agreed. Before his departure, the emperor again personally bid him farewell, composing a poem to see him off. Court messengers greeted and sent him off, filling the roads continuously. When he returned, the emperor issued an edict to build a mansion for him on his old property, treating him with great courtesy. Xie Tiao had always disliked trouble and did not attend to official duties, causing considerable disappointment among the.

On the Jia Wu day (the thirteenth day), the Southern Liang appointed the Director of the Palace Library Wang Ying as Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs.

In autumn, the seventh month, on the Yi Mao day (the fifth day), the Northern Wei's Duke of Pingyang, Yuan Pi, died.

After the Northern Wei lifted the ban on the salt ponds, the profits were entirely monopolized by wealthy and powerful families. On the Geng Wu day (the twentieth day), the Northern Wei reverted the salt pond revenues to government control.

On the day Xinsi (21st), the Northern Wei appointed Prince Pengcheng, Yuan Xie, as Grand Preceptor; Yuan Xie firmly declined. The Northern Wei ruler issued an imperial edict urging and explaining, and also wrote a personal letter earnestly pleading; Yuan Xie had no choice but to accept the appointment.

In the eighth month, on the day Gengzi (20th), the Northern Wei appointed the Southern General Yuan Ying as Commander-in-Chief for the Campaign against Yiyang. The Southern Liang Inspector of Si Province, Cai Daogong, upon hearing that the Wei army was approaching, sent the Swift Cavalry General Yang You to lead over three thousand households of residents outside the city to hold Xianshou Mountain, where they established three camps. In winter, the tenth month, Yuan Ying commanded the various armies to besiege the Xianshou camp, and a camp resident, Ren Maju, killed Yang You and surrendered to the Northern Wei. The Prince of Rencheng, Yuan Cheng, ordered the commanders Dang Fazong, Fu Shuyan, Taiyuan Wang Nianshen, and others to split their forces and invade Dongguan, Daxian, Huailing, and Jiushan, while Gao Zuzhen led three thousand cavalry as a mobile force, and Yuan Cheng followed closely with the main army. Fu Shuyan was the son of Fu Lingyue. The Northern Wei army captured the three cities of Guanyao, Yingshan, and Daxian, and Baita, Qiancheng, and Qingxi all fell. The Southern Liang Inspector of Xuzhou, Sima Mingsu, led three thousand troops to rescue Jiushan, the Chief Clerk of Xuzhou, Pan Bolin, held Huailing, and the General of Pacifying the Barbarians, Wang Xie, defended Jiaocheng. Dang Fazong and his forces advanced, captured Jiaocheng, and broke through Huailing. In the eleventh month, on the day Renwu (date uncertain), they captured Sima Mingsu and killed Pan Bolin.

Prior to this, the Southern Liang Prefect of Nanliang, Feng Daogen, was garrisoning Fuling. When he first arrived, he had the city walls and moats repaired and sent scouts far into the distance, as if the enemy were about to arrive. Everyone laughed at him. Feng Daogen said, “Being timid in defense and brave in battle—this is what I mean.” Before the walls were finished, Dang Fazong and his forces suddenly arrived at the city with twenty thousand troops, and everyone was greatly alarmed. Feng Daogen ordered the city gates to be thrown wide open, ascended the tower in loose, casual robes, and selected two hundred elite soldiers to go out and engage the Wei army, defeating them. Seeing his calm demeanor and their own defeat in battle, the Wei troops withdrew. Feng Daogen led one hundred cavalry in pursuit of Gao Zuzhen and defeated him. The supply lines of the various Northern Wei armies were cut off, and they retreated. The Southern Liang appointed Feng Daogen as Inspector of Yuzhou.

The Prince of Wuxing’an, Yang Jishi, died. On the day Jiwei (date uncertain), the Northern Wei established his heir, Yang Shaoxian, as the Prince of Wuxing. Yang Shaoxian was young, and state affairs were decided by his two uncles, Yang Jiqi and Yang Jiyi.

On the day Yihai (date uncertain), the Southern Liang Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs, Shen Yue, resigned to observe mourning due to his mother’s death.

After the Northern Wei moved its capital to Luoyang, the northern borders became desolate and remote, leading to famine and hardship among the people. The Northern Wei ruler appointed the Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs, Yuan Huai, as Chief of the Imperial Secretariat and Commissioner of the Circuit, and sent him with credentials to inspect the six garrisons on the northern border and the three provinces of Heng, Yan, and Shuo, to provide relief to the destitute, assess the merits and demerits of officials, and decide all matters on his own before reporting. Yuan Huai balanced resources between the well-off and the needy, and the starving people depended on him to survive. The Garrison Commander of Woye, Yu Zuo, was the uncle of the empress and had a marriage connection with Yuan Huai. At that time, Yu Jin was in power, his influence overwhelming the court and countryside, and Yu Zuo had engaged in many acts of bribery. When Yuan Huai was about to enter Woye, Yu Zuo greeted him by the roadside outside the city, but Yuan Huai did not speak to him and immediately impeached and dismissed him from office. The Garrison Commander of Huaishuo, Yuan Nixu, was an old acquaintance of Yuan Huai, but his corruption was notorious. He invited Yuan Huai to a feast and said to him, “My life’s span depends entirely on your word—how can you not ask for leniency!” Yuan Huai replied, “Today, this gathering with an old friend is not a place for interrogation. Tomorrow, in the official hall, the commissioner will examine the garrison commander’s crimes.” Yuan Nixu wept in silence, unable to respond, and was ultimately investigated and convicted. Yuan Huai further memorialized: “The border garrisons have few duties but too many officials; in Woye alone, from the garrison commander down, there are over eight hundred people. I request that all be reduced by two-fifths.” The Northern Wei ruler followed his advice.

On the day Yiyou (date uncertain), the Southern Liang general Wu Ziyang fought with the Northern Wei’s Yuan Ying at Baisha, and Wu Ziyang was defeated.

The Man people of Dongjingzhou in the Northern Wei, led by Fan Su’an, rebelled. On the day Yiyou (date uncertain), the Northern Wei appointed the Left Guard General Li Chong as Southern General and Commander-in-Chief for the Campaign against the Man, leading infantry and cavalry to suppress them.

The father of Ji Yin of Fengyi had served as Magistrate of Yuanxiang County. He was falsely accused by a corrupt clerk, arrested, and sent to the Court of Judicial Review, where his crime warranted the death penalty. Ji Yin was then fifteen years old. He struck the Complaint Drum and asked to die in his father’s place. Emperor Wu, considering his youth, suspected he was being manipulated and ordered the Chamberlain of the Court of Judicial Review, Cai Fadu, to strictly coerce and deceive him to extract the truth. Cai Fadu laid out various instruments of torture and questioned Ji Yin, saying, “You have asked to die for your father, and the imperial edict has already permitted it. Are you truly able to die? Besides, you are young and ignorant; if someone has put you up to this, you are allowed to recant.” Ji Yin said, “Though this prisoner is foolish and young, does he not know the horror of death? It is only that I cannot bear to see my father suffer the ultimate punishment, so I ask to take his place. This is no small matter—how could I be directed by another? Since the clear edict permits the substitution, it is no different from ascending to immortality—how could there be any recanting!” Cai Fadu then softened his expression and coaxed him, saying, “The sovereign knows your father is innocent and will soon release him. I see you are a good child; if you change your story now, perhaps both father and son can be spared.” Ji Yin said, “My father has been impeached for a grave crime and must be punished according to law. This prisoner closes his eyes and stretches his neck, only awaiting the execution—there is nothing more to say.” At that time, Ji Yin’s hands and feet were shackled. Cai Fadu took pity on him and ordered that they be replaced with lighter ones. Ji Yin refused, saying, “A death-sentenced prisoner should only have heavier restraints—how can they be lightened?” In the end, he would not remove them. Cai Fadu reported everything to the emperor, who then pardoned the father’s crime.

The Grand Administrator of Danyang, Wang Zhi, investigated his deeds at the Court of Judicial Review and inquired among the villagers, intending to recommend him as a paragon of filial piety at the beginning of the year. Ji Yin said, “Grand Administrator Wang is truly strange—how can he think so little of me? When a father is disgraced, the son dies—that is the natural principle. If I accept this recommendation, I would be using my father to gain fame—what could be more shameful than that?” He firmly refused, and the matter was dropped.

The Northern Wei ruler took the daughter of Gao Zhao’s elder brother, Gao Yan, as a noble consort.

The Northern Wei Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary Zhao Xiu, born of lowly and humble origins but suddenly elevated to eminence, relied on imperial favor to become arrogant and unrestrained, bullying princes and dukes, earning the hatred of all. The Northern Wei ruler built a residence for Zhao Xiu, modeled on those of the princes; neighbors who ceded their land were sometimes promoted out of turn to be chiefs of large commanderies. Zhao Xiu requested leave to return home to bury his father, and all expenses and labor required were supplied by the government. On the road, Zhao Xiu indulged in debauchery and licentiousness. Those close to him, taking advantage of his absence, exposed his crimes; upon his return, his former favor slightly waned. Gao Zhao secretly compiled a list of his offenses. The Attendant-in-Waiting and Director of the Imperial Inspectors, Zhen Chen, the Gentleman of the Yellow Gate Li Ping, and the Chamberlain of the Court of Judicial Review, the Prince of Yangping, Wang Xian, who had all previously flattered and clung to Zhao Xiu, now fearing implication, vied to help Gao Zhao attack him. The emperor ordered the Director of the Department of State Affairs, Yuan Shao, to interrogate him, issued an edict publicizing his wickedness, spared him the death penalty, had him flogged a hundred times, and exiled him as a soldier to Dunhuang. But Zhao Xiu, dull and careless, was initially unaware; he was gambling at the residence of the Commander-in-Chief, Yu Jing, when several Palace Guard soldiers, claiming an imperial edict, summoned him and sent him to the Commander-in-Chief’s office. Zhen Chen and Wang Xian oversaw the punishment, preparing five strong executioners to flog him in turns, intending to ensure his death. Zhao Xiu, always stout and able to endure pain, died only after an additional three hundred lashes were secretly administered. Immediately, post horses were summoned to hasten his departure; outside the city, unable to support himself, he was bound and placed on a saddle, driven at speed for eighty li before he died. Hearing of this, the emperor rebuked Yuan Shao for not reporting back, but Yuan Shao said, “Zhao Xiu was a sycophantic villain, a pestilence to the state. If I had not taken the opportunity to eliminate him, I fear Your Majesty would have been blamed for ten thousand generations.” The emperor considered his words upright and did not punish him. After Yuan Shao left, the Prince of Guangping, Yuan Huai, bowed to him and said, “Your integrity surpasses that of Ji An.” Yuan Shao replied, “I only regret that I killed him too late—I am ashamed.” Yuan Shao was the grandson of Yuan Su. The next day, Zhen Chen and Li Ping, as members of Zhao Xiu’s faction, were both dismissed from office, and over twenty of his associates, implicated and sentenced to death or dismissal, were affected. The Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary Gao Cong, who had been close to Zhao Xiu but also curried favor with Gao Zhao through clan ties, alone was spared.

In the spring, the first month, on the gengxu day, General of Expedition Against the Barbarians Zhao Zuyue fought a battle with the Jiangzhou Inspector of Northern Wei, Chen Bozhi, at Dongguan, and Zhao Zuyue was defeated. On the guichou day, the Right Deputy Director of the Department of State Affairs, Wang Ying, was appointed Left Deputy Director, and the Crown Prince Steward Liu Dan was appointed Right Deputy Director. On the bingchen day, the Inspector of Dongjing Province of Northern Wei, Yang Dayan, attacked the rebellious Man barbarians, Fan Ji'an and others, and greatly defeated them. Fan Ji'an was the younger brother of Fan Su'an. On the bingyin day, Northern Wei granted a general amnesty and changed the reign title to Zhengshi. When Xiao Baoyin's army reached Ruyin, the eastern city had already been taken by Liang, so he stationed his troops at Qixian Temple in Shouyang. In the second month, on the wuzi day, General Jiang Qingzhen, taking advantage of the absence of the Prince of Rencheng, Yuan Cheng, from the area, attacked Shouyang and occupied the outer city. The Chief Administrator, Wei Zuan, lost control of the situation in the confusion; the Grand Consort of Rencheng, Lady Meng, led the soldiers up the city walls, first securing the strategic points, encouraging the civil and military officials, pacifying the new and old residents, and exhorting everyone with rewards and punishments, so that the officers and men all had a fighting spirit. The Grand Consort personally inspected the defenses, not avoiding arrows and stones. Xiao Baoyin arrived with his troops and joined forces with the provincial army to attack; they fought from the fourth watch of the night until the shen hour of the afternoon, and Jiang Qingzhen was defeated and fled. Wei Zuan was consequently dismissed from office. The Prince of Rencheng, Yuan Cheng, attacked Zhongli. The Emperor sent General of Champion, Zhang Huishao, and others leading five thousand soldiers to transport grain to Zhongli. Yuan Cheng sent the General of Pacific Distant Territories, Liu Sizu, and others to intercept them. On the dingyou day, they fought at Shaoyang; the Liang army was greatly defeated, and ten generals, including Zhang Huishao, were captured, and almost all the soldiers were killed. Liu Sizu was the nephew of Liu Fang. The Department of State Affairs, reviewing Liu Sizu's military merits, considered that he should be enfeoffed as a Marquis of a thousand households. The Attendant in the Palace and Leader of the Right Guard, Yuan Hui, demanded two maidservants from Liu Sizu, but when he did not get them, the matter was shelved. Yuan Hui was the grandson of Yuan Su. The Emperor sent the General of Pacific West, Cao Jingzong, the Rear Army Wang Sengbing, and others leading thirty thousand infantry and cavalry to rescue Yiyang. Wang Sengbing led twenty thousand men to occupy Zaxian, while Cao Jingzong led ten thousand men as a reserve. Yuan Ying sent the General of Champion, Yuan Cheng, and others to occupy Fancheng to resist them. On the renshen day of the third month, they greatly defeated Wang Sengbing at Fancheng, capturing and beheading over four thousand men. Northern Wei issued an edict to the Prince of Rencheng, Yuan Cheng, saying: "In the fourth month, the Huai River will rise, and there will be no obstacles for boats sailing. The southern army will have the advantage of the season; do not covet small gains and bring about regret." It happened to rain heavily, and the Huai River suddenly swelled. Yuan Cheng led his troops back to Shouyang. The Northern Wei army was in a very difficult situation during the retreat, losing over four thousand men. The Gentleman of the Central Secretariat and native of Jun, Jia Sibo, served as Yuan Cheng's Army Supervisor and brought up the rear of the column. Yuan Cheng thought he was a Confucian scholar and would certainly die in battle, but when Jia Sibo returned, he was very pleased and said: "'The benevolent must have courage,' as I have seen in the Army Supervisor." Jia Sibo pretended to have lost his way and did not boast of his merits. The relevant department submitted a memorial requesting that Yuan Cheng's office of Kaifu be removed and his rank reduced by three grades. The Emperor used the captured Northern Wei generals to request the return of Zhang Huishao, and the Northern Wei people returned him. The Grand Tutor, Acting Director of the Department of State Affairs, and Recorder of the Secretariat of Northern Wei, the Prince of Beihai, Yuan Xiang, was proud and extravagant, fond of women and music, insatiably greedy, extensively built mansions, seized other people's houses, doted on his attendants, and made requests everywhere, causing everyone inside and outside the court to sigh with resentment. The Northern Wei ruler, because of his high rank and close kinship, did not diminish his favor and courtesy towards him, and consulted with him on all military and state affairs, and none of the matters he memorialized were not approved. When the Northern Wei ruler first took charge of state affairs, he summoned his uncles by force. Yuan Xiang, together with the Prince of Xianyang and the Prince of Pengcheng, entered in a single carriage, with very strict and tight defenses. The High Consort was very frightened and followed behind in her carriage, weeping. After they were allowed to leave, she said to Yuan Xiang: "I myself think I do not seek wealth and honor; I only hope that mother and son can protect each other, and together with you sweep the streets for a living." When Yuan Xiang came to power again, the High Consort no longer remembered the past events but instead helped Yuan Xiang in his greed and cruelty. The General of Champion, Ru Hao, was favored by the Emperor for his cleverness and skill. He often stayed by the Emperor's side, conveying and approving the reports of the Chancellery, manipulating power and accepting bribes, so that both the court and the common people feared him, and Yuan Xiang also relied on him. Ru Hao married the younger cousin of the Director of the Department of State Affairs, Gao Zhao. The elder sister of Ru Hao's wife was the consort of the Prince of Anding, Yuan Xie, Yuan Xiang's cousin once removed. Yuan Xiang committed adultery with Yuan Xie's consort, and therefore became even closer to Ru Hao. The Palace Attendant General, Liu Zhou, was originally recommended by Yuan Xiang. The Palace General, Chang Weixian, was favored for his skill in raising horses, and Chen Saojing managed the Emperor's combing and washing; they all gained the Emperor's favor and colluded with Ru Hao inside and outside the palace, selling power. Gao Zhao was originally from Gaoli, and people at the time looked down on him. After the Emperor dismissed the Six Regents and executed the Prince of Xianyang, Yuan Xi, he specifically entrusted state affairs to Gao Zhao. Because Gao Zhao had few relatives in the court, he therefore formed cliques; those who attached themselves to him were promoted beyond the usual order within a short time, while those who did not attach themselves he framed for great crimes. He was particularly suspicious of the various princes. Because Yuan Xiang's position was above his own, he wanted to eliminate him in order to monopolize the court administration. He therefore slandered Yuan Xiang before the Emperor, saying: "Yuan Xiang, together with Ru Hao, Liu Zhou, Chang Jixian, and Chen Saojing, are plotting rebellion." In the summer, the fourth month, the Emperor summoned the Commandant of the Interior, Cui Liang, into the palace at night and ordered him to impeach Yuan Xiang for greed, extravagance, and dissipation, and Ru Hao and the other four for relying on power and being greedy and tyrannical. Ru Hao and the others were arrested and imprisoned in the Southern Platform, and a hundred Tiger Ben warriors were sent to surround and guard Yuan Xiang's mansion. Fearing that Yuan Xiang might be frightened and flee, he sent his attendant Guo Yi to gallop out through the Jinyong Gate to proclaim the imperial intent, showing him the impeachment memorial from the Commandant of the Interior. Yuan Xiang said: "If it is indeed as the Commandant of the Interior has impeached, what is there for me to worry about! I am only afraid that a greater crime will be added to it. The things that others have given me, I have indeed accepted." The next morning, the relevant department submitted a memorial sentencing Ru Hao and the others for their crimes, and they were all ordered to commit suicide. The Emperor summoned the five princes, including the Prince of Gaoyang, Yuan Yong, into the palace to discuss Yuan Xiang's crime. Yuan Xiang was sent in a single carriage to the Hualin Park. His mother and wife followed him in, and he was given a few young male and female servants. The guard was very strict, and no communication was allowed inside or outside. On the dingwei day of the fifth month, the first day of the month, an edict was issued pardoning Yuan Xiang's death sentence and reducing him to commoner status. Soon after, Yuan Xiang was moved to the Taifu Temple, and the guard around him was even stricter. His mother and wife returned to the southern mansion and were allowed to visit him once every five days. Initially, Yuan Xiang had married the daughter of the Prince of Song, Liu Chang, but treated her very distantly and coldly. After Yuan Xiang was imprisoned, the High Consort learned of the affair with the Consort of Anding, Gao, and was very angry, saying: "You have so many wives and concubines; why did you need that Gaoli maid, to incur such a crime!" She beat him with a stick over a hundred times, and his wounds festered and ulcerated, so that it took over ten days before he could stand. She also beat Consort Liu several tens of times, saying: "All women are jealous; why are you the only one who is not jealous!" Consort Liu accepted the punishment with a smile and never said anything. Several of Yuan Xiang's household slaves secretly formed a clique, intending to kidnap Yuan Xiang and escape. They secretly wrote down names and entrusted them to a serving maid to pass to Yuan Xiang. Just as Yuan Xiang took them in his hand to look, the chief of the gate guards saw them from afar, suddenly rushed in and snatched them from Yuan Xiang's hand, and reported the matter. Yuan Xiang wept bitterly several times and suddenly died. An edict was issued ordering the relevant department to bury him according to the rites. Prior to this, the Steward of Ritual Affairs, Shi Yuanxian, presented a young chicken with four wings and four feet. An edict was issued to inquire of the Attendant in the Palace, Cui Guang, about this matter. Cui Guang submitted a memorial saying: "In the Chuyuan reign period of Emperor Yuan of Han, a hen of the Chief Clerk of the Chancellor's mansion hatched chicks and gradually turned into a rooster, with comb and spurs fully grown, able to crow and lead the flock. In the Yongguang reign period, someone presented a rooster with horns. Liu Xiang considered this 'the fowl is a small domestic animal, in charge of waking people on time, a symbol of minor officials holding power. In the Jingning first year, Shi Xian was executed; this was the verification.' In the Guanghe first year of Emperor Ling, a hen at the Southern Palace Monastery wanted to turn into a rooster, but only the comb on its head did not change. An edict was issued inquiring of the Court Gentleman, Cai Yong. Cai Yong replied: 'The head is the chief, the symbol of the ruler. Now the body of the fowl has already changed, but the change has not reached the head, and the Emperor knows of this matter. This is a symbol that there will be such a matter but it will not succeed. If the response is not sincere and the government is not corrected, the comb may perhaps grow, and the calamity will be greater.' After this, the Yellow Turbans disrupted the four directions, and the empire consequently fell into chaos. Now, although the form of the fowl is different from that of Han, its portent is quite similar, truly causing fear. I, following the theories of Liu Xiang and Cai Yong, reason that many wings and feet are also a symbol of ministers fomenting and assisting each other; the chick has not yet grown, its feet and feathers are slightly small, this is also a sign that the situation is still weak and easy to control. I have heard that the appearance of anomalies is all used to indicate good or bad fortune. An enlightened ruler, seeing them, becomes fearful, and can thereby attract blessings; a benighted ruler, seeing them, becomes negligent, and thereby attracts calamities. Perhaps now there are also those who, from a lowly position, have become eminent and interfere in government affairs, like the Shi Xian type of previous generations! I hope Your Majesty will advance worthy men and dismiss the wicked, then the anomalies will disappear and good fortune will gather." A few days later, Ru Hao and the others were executed, and the Emperor valued Cui Guang even more. Gao Zhao advised the Emperor to order the leaders of the palace guards to lead the Feather Forest and Tiger Ben warriors to guard the mansions of all the princes, almost amounting to imprisonment. The Prince of Pengcheng, Yuan Xie, earnestly remonstrated, but the Emperor did not listen. Yuan Xie's aspirations were high and pure; he did not seek glory or power, avoiding government affairs and living at home. But when he went out, there was no pleasure in mountains and waters; when he was at home, there was no friend to share his thoughts. Alone with his wife and children, he was often melancholy and unhappy. The Northern Wei people besieged Yiyang. The soldiers inside the city were fewer than five thousand, and the grain was only enough to support them for half a year. The Northern Wei army attacked them day and night without stopping. The Inspector, Cai Daogong, defended against them according to the situation and repelled them at will. They held out for over a hundred days, and the number of enemy captured and beheaded before and after was incalculable. The Northern Wei army feared him and prepared to retreat. It happened that Cai Daogong fell seriously ill. He then summoned his younger cousin, the General of Brave Cavalry, Cai Lingen, his elder brother's son, the Gentleman of the Secretariat, Cai Sengxie, and all the generals and aides, and said: "I have received the deep kindness of the state and cannot destroy the bandits. Now my illness is getting worse; it seems I will not last much longer. You should die to uphold the integrity of the defense; do not let me have regrets after my death!" Everyone wept. Cai Daogong died. Cai Lingen acted as the administrator of the province and defended the city in his place. In the sixth month, on the guiwei day, a general amnesty was granted. Northern Wei suffered a great drought. The Regular Attendant and concurrent Acting Director of the Department of State Affairs, Xing Luan, submitted a memorial saying: "In the past, enlightened rulers valued grain and cloth and despised gold and jade. Why? Because grain and cloth nourish the people and stabilize the state, while gold and jade are useless and corrupt virtue. The late Emperor deeply cautioned against extravagance and advocated frugality, to the extent of using paper and silk for curtains and copper and iron for bridles. The gold in the treasuries was only sufficient for use and was not acquired and stored to waste the state's resources. By the beginning of the Jingming reign period, succeeding the foundation of peace, the four borders were pure and tranquil, and those far and near all submitted. Consequently, tribute goods arrived continuously, merchants and travelers entered the border in succession, and various offerings and tributes were many times more than usual. Gold and jade were often in surplus, but state expenses were often insufficient. If not restricted, I fear the annual budget cannot be made sufficient. From now on, I request that unless something is essential, it should not be accepted." The Northern Wei ruler adopted his suggestion. In the autumn, the seventh month, on the guichou day, the garrison commander of Jiaocheng, Chai Qingqing, surrendered the city to Northern Wei. The Inspector of Xuzhou of Northern Wei, Yuan Jian, sent the Governor of Huaiyang, Wu Qinsheng, leading over a thousand men to rush there. The relief forces from Huaiyin cut off their path. Wu Qinsheng fought several battles and defeated them, thus taking Jiaocheng. On the jiazi day, the Emperor's son Xiao Zong was established as the Prince of Yuzhang. Li Chong of Northern Wei broke the rebel Man barbarians of Dongjing Province, captured Fan Su'an alive, and then attacked the various Man tribes of Xijing Province, and they all surrendered. When the Northern Wei people heard that Cai Daogong had died, they attacked Yiyang even more urgently, with hand-to-hand combat every day. Cao Jingzong stationed his troops at Zaxian and did not advance; he only paraded his troops and went hunting and playing. The Emperor again sent the General of Pacifying the North, Ma Xianpi, to rescue Yiyang. Ma Xianpi fought his way forward, and his military strength was very strong. Yuan Ying built an encampment on Shiya Mountain, sent his generals to set up ambushes on the surrounding mountains, and deliberately showed weakness. Ma Xianpi, taking advantage of his victory, went straight up to the siege lines and attacked Yuan Ying's encampment. Yuan Ying pretended to retreat to lure him in, and when they reached flat ground, he unleashed his troops to attack. The Commander of the Army, Fu Yong, clad in armor and holding a lance, charged in alone on horseback, with only the Army Lord Cai Sanhu as his second, breaking through the enemy formation and crossing it. Liang's archers shot Fu Yong, and the arrow pierced his left thigh. Fu Yong pulled out the arrow and charged into the enemy formation again. Ma Xianpi was greatly defeated; one of his sons died in battle, and Ma Xianpi retreated. Yuan Ying said to Fu Yong: "You are wounded; for the time being, return to camp." Fu Yong said: "In the past, Emperor Gaozu of Han felt his foot so as not to let others know. Although I am of humble status, I am also a general of the state. How could I let the bandits have the reputation of having wounded a general!" He then pursued the enemy with all the armies and did not return until night. At that time he was over seventy years old, and there was no one in the army who did not consider him brave. Ma Xianpi again led over ten thousand men to attack Yuan Ying. Yuan Ying again defeated him, killing General Chen Xiuzhi. Ma Xianpi knew that Yiyang was in critical danger and used all his elite troops for a decisive battle. They fought three times in one day, and each time they were greatly defeated and returned. Cai Lingen was exhausted and out of resources. In the eighth month, on the yiyou day, he surrendered to Northern Wei. When the garrison commanders of the Three Passes heard of this, on the xinyou day, they also abandoned the city and fled. Yuan Ying had his Adjutant, Lu Xidao, write the victory proclamation, but disliked it for not being refined, so he ordered Fu Yong to revise it. Fu Yong did not add literary embellishment but only directly stated the key points of the military deployment and situation. Yuan Ying greatly praised him, saying: "Looking at these plans, even if there were a city of metal walls and a moat of boiling water, it could not be defended." Initially, the Prince of Nan'an, Hui, because he was implicated in the conspiracy of Mu Tai, had his title and fief posthumously revoked. When Yuan Ying conquered Yiyang, he was re-established as the Prince of Zhongshan. The Censor-in-Chief, Ren Fang, submitted a memorial impeaching Cao Jingzong. The Emperor, because he was a meritorious official, set the matter aside and did not pursue it. The Commandant of the Palace, Zheng Shaoshu, was loyal to the Emperor. Whatever he heard or knew outside, he did not conceal in the slightest. Whenever he spoke to the Emperor, if it was good, he attributed the merit to the Emperor; if it was bad, he took the blame upon himself. The Emperor therefore trusted him. An edict was issued establishing Si Province at Nanyiyang, moving the seat of government to south of the Pass, and appointing Zheng Shaoshu as Inspector. Zheng Shaoshu built city walls, repaired weapons and equipment, opened up fields, stored grain, and gathered the scattered people, so that the people were able to settle down. Northern Wei established Ying Province at Yiyang and appointed Sima Yue as Inspector. The Emperor sent Ma Xianpi to build two cities, Zhudun and Mayang, south of the Three Passes. Sima Yue sent troops to attack Zhudun and captured it. In the ninth month, on the renzi day, the Khan of Tuyuhun, Fu Lianchou, was appointed Inspector of Xi Qin and He Provinces and Prince of Henan. The Rouran invaded the fields of the Woye and Huaihuai Garrisons of Northern Wei. An edict was issued for the Chariot and Cavalry General-in-Chief, Yuan Huai, to inspect the northern border, indicate the strategy, and summon troops as needed, allowing him to make decisions on his own. Yuan Huai reached Yunzhong, and the Rouran fled. Yuan Huai thought that using the Central Plains' system to control the barbarians was not as good as building cities and fortresses. He returned to Heng and Dai, inspected the strategic points around the various garrisons, and identified places where cities could be built and garrisons established. He wanted to build nine cities from east to west, along with suitable methods for storing grain and weapons, forming a relief force pattern like dog's teeth, for a total of fifty-eight items. He submitted a memorial, saying: "Now the capital is established in Chengzhou, far from the north. The various states in Dai have often rebelled and have also suffered from drought and famine. Of the warhorses, armor, and weapons, eight out of ten are lacking. I think we should follow the old garrisons, so that east and west can see each other and the situation is connected. Build cities and set up garrisons, station troops to guard the strategic points, encourage farming and store grain. Once there is an emergency, we can attack and destroy them at any time. Those roving bandits who invade will ultimately not dare to attack the cities, nor dare to cross south of the cities. In this way, the north will have no worries." The Northern Wei ruler adopted his suggestion. In the sixteenth year of the Taihe reign period of Northern Wei, Emperor Gaozu ordered the Supervisor of the Secretariat, Gao Lu, together with the Secretary to the Director of the Palace, Gongsun Chong, to determine the correct standard of music. This took a long time and was not completed. It happened that Emperor Gaozu died, and Gao Lu also died. In the Jingming reign period, Gongsun Chong was appointed Grand Music Director and presented the bronze and stone instruments and books he had tuned and calibrated. By this time, Emperor Shizong began to order officials from the Eight Seats and below to discuss the matter. In the winter, the eleventh month, on the wuwu day, Northern Wei issued an edict to establish the National Academy. At that time, Northern Wei had been at peace for many days, and the study of learning was very flourishing. In Yan, Qi, Zhao, and Wei, the number of teachers was incalculable. Students registered in the records numbered as many as over a thousand, and at least several hundred. The provinces recommended Cultivated Talents, and the commanderies presented Filial and Incorrupt candidates; each year the numbers exceeded those of the past. On the jiazi day, the law code allowing redemption of crimes with gold was abolished. In the twelfth month, on the bingzi day, Northern Wei issued an edict ordering the Palace Gentleman of the Secretariat, a native of Chen, Yuan Fan, and others to deliberate on the laws and ordinances, with the Prince of Pengcheng, Yuan Xie, and others supervising the matter. On the jihai day, the Northern Wei ruler visited Yique. The Emperor had always been fond of Confucian learning. He considered that although the Eastern Jin, Song, and Qi had established the National Academy, it was abolished within ten years, and even when it existed, it was only a hollow form without the actual content of teaching.