Records of Liang, Volume 7
Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government, Volume 151 [Liang Chronicle 7] From the year of the Soft and Dignified (Bingwu) to the year of the Strong and Harmonious (Dingwei), a total of two years.
Emperor Wu, the High Ancestor, Seventh Year of the Putong Era (Bingwu, 526 CE)
Spring, first month, on the Xinchou day (first day of the month), a general amnesty was granted to the world.
On the Renzi day (twelfth day), Northern Wei appointed the Prince of Runan, Yuan Yue, as concurrent Grand Commandant.
Soldiers from the garrisons of Shili, Xuecheng, and Huyan in Anzhou of Northern Wei rebelled, responding to Du Luozhou, with a combined force of twenty thousand men. Du Luozhou hastened there from Songqian. The acting tai, Chang Jing, sent a separate general, Cui Zhongzhe, to station at Jundu Pass to intercept them. Cui Zhongzhe died in battle, and Yuan Tan's army scattered during the night. Northern Wei appointed the separate general Li Ju to replace Yuan Tan as commander-in-chief. Cui Zhongzhe was the son of Cui Bing.
Initially, the Prince of Guangyang, Yuan Shen, of Northern Wei had an illicit affair with the consort of the Prince of Chengyang, Yuan Hui. Yuan Hui served as President of the Department of State Affairs and was trusted by Empress Dowager Hu. It happened that the people of Hengzhou requested that Yuan Shen be appointed their governor. Yuan Hui said that Yuan Shen's intentions were difficult to fathom. When Du Luozhou rebelled, the surrendered households of Wuyuan living in Hengzhou secretly plotted to support Yuan Shen as their lord. Yuan Shen, greatly afraid, submitted a memorial requesting to return to Luoyang. Northern Wei appointed the General of the Left Guard, Yang Jin, to replace Yuan Shen as Grand Commander of the Northern Circuit, and issued an edict appointing Yuan Shen as Minister of Personnel. Yuan Hui was the grandson of Yuan Changshou.
The surrendered households of Wuyuan, led by Xianyu Xiuli and others, led the northern town refugees to rebel at Zuocheng in Dingzhou, changing the reign title to Luxing. They led their army towards the prefectural seat, and the prefectural troops resisted them but were defeated. Yang Jin arrived at Lingqiu and, hearing that Dingzhou was critically endangered, led his troops to rescue it, entered the city, and occupied the prefectural seat. When Xianyu Xiuli arrived, Yang Jin wanted to go out and attack him. The chief administrator, Xu Bei, disagreed. Yang Jin struck Xu Bei with his sword. Xu Bei fled and barely escaped death. Yang Jin opened the city gates and engaged in battle, beheading several hundred men. The rebel army retreated, and the people's hearts were somewhat calmed. Shortly thereafter, an edict appointed Yang Jin as Governor of Dingzhou and concurrent Acting Tai of the Northern Circuit. Northern Wei appointed the Governor of Yangzhou, Zhangsun Zhi, as Grand Commander for the Northern Expedition to oversee military affairs, to jointly campaign against Xianyu Xiuli with the Prince of Hejian, Yuan Chen.
Second month, on the Jiaxu day (fifth day), the various armies of the Northern Expedition were stood down.
The Western Chidi, Helü Luoyang, of Northern Wei rebelled west of Sanggan, colluding with the Feiyetou herders. Third month, on the Jiayin day (fifteenth day), the, Erzhu Rong, defeated Helü Luoyang at Shenjing and defeated the Feiyetou herders west of the Yellow River.
Summer, fourth month, on the Yiyou day (seventeenth day), the Prince of Linchuan, Jinghui, Xiao Hong, died.
Northern Wei granted a general amnesty to the world.
On the Guisi day (twenty-fifth day), Northern Wei appointed the, Grand Chariot and Cavalry General, and Prince of Chengyang, Yuan Hui, as. Yuan Hui, together with the Xu He, slandered the Yuan Shun in front of the Empress Dowager. Yuan Shun was sent out as General of the Palace Guard and Grand Master of the Palace Ceremonies. Yuan Shun took leave of the Empress Dowager at the Xiyou Garden. Xu He was in attendance nearby. Yuan Shun pointed at Xu He and said to the Empress Dowager: "This is the Zai Pi of Northern Wei. If Northern Wei does not perish, this man will never die!" Xu He, shrinking his shoulders, withdrew. Yuan Shun shouted at him: "You are merely a petty talent with a brush and knife, fit only for document and desk work. How can you defile the Chancellery and corrupt our ethical principles!" Then he shook out his robes and stood up. The Empress Dowager remained silent.
Soldiers of Shuozhou city in Northern Wei, led by Xianyu Ahu and others, occupied the city and rebelled.
Du Luozhou marched south to plunder Jicheng. Chang Jing of Northern Wei sent Commander Liang Zhongli to defeat him. On the Dingwei day (date uncertain), Commander-in-Chief Li Ju fought with Du Luozhou north of Jicheng, was defeated, and died. Chang Jing led his troops to resist. Du Luozhou led his army back to Shanggu.
Zhangsun Zhi marched to Ye. An edict relieved him of his post as Grand Commander and replaced him with the Prince of Hejian, Yuan Chen. Zhangsun Zhi submitted a statement: "Previously, I was with Yuan Chen south of the Huai. Yuan Chen was defeated while I was preserved, thus establishing a private grievance. Now it is difficult for me to accept his command and coordination." The Northern Wei court did not heed this. The army advanced to the Hutuo River. Zhangsun Zhi did not want to engage in battle; Yuan Chen did not comply. Xianyu Xiuli intercepted and attacked Zhangsun Zhi at Wulu. Yuan Chen did not go to his rescue. Zhangsun Zhi's army was greatly defeated. Zhangsun Zhi and Yuan Chen were both found guilty and had their names removed from the registers.
Fifth month, on the Dingwei day (ninth day), the Northern Wei ruler issued an edict that he would personally lead a northern campaign, and the court and capital were put on alert. Shortly thereafter, no action was taken.
The Governor of Hengzhou, Yuan Lue, since arriving south of the Yangtze, wept morning and evening, often as if in mourning. After Yuan Yi of Northern Wei died, the Empress Dowager Hu wanted to recall him. Learning that Yuan Lue had relied on Diao Shuang to escape death, she summoned Diao Shuang as Guanglu and dispatched Jiang Ge and Zu □ Hengzhi (missing character in original) to return south to exchange for Yuan Lue. Emperor Wu of Liang escorted him back with proper rites, and the gifts were very generous. As soon as Yuan Lue crossed the Huai River, Northern Wei appointed him, bestowed the title Prince of Yiyang, appointed Sima Shibin as, Li Faguang as magistrate of his native county, Diao Chang as Governor of Dongping, and Diao Shuang as Governor of Xiyanzhou. Everywhere Yuan Lue passed, for every meal and every lodging, he was rewarded.
Northern Wei appointed the Grand Chancellor and Prince of Gaoyang, Yuan Yong, as Grand Marshal. It also appointed the Prince of Guangyang, Yuan Shen, as Grand Commander to campaign against Xianyu Xiuli; the Prince of Zhangwu, Yuan Rong, as Left Commander; and Pei Yan as Right Commander; all were subject to Yuan Shen's command and coordination.
Yuan Shen took his own son along on the campaign. The Prince of Chengyang, Yuan Hui, said to the Empress Dowager: "The Prince of Guangyang takes his beloved son with him, wielding military power outside; I fear he may have different intentions." Thereupon, the Empress Dowager ordered Yuan Rong and Pei Yan to secretly guard against him. Yuan Rong and Pei Yan showed the order to Yuan Shen. Yuan Shen was very afraid and dared not make any decision, whether great or small, on his own. The Empress Dowager sent someone to ask him the reason. Yuan Shen replied: "Yuan Hui hates me to the bone. When I am far away outside, Yuan Hui's slanders against me can do anything. Since Yuan Hui came to power, most of what I have memorialized and requested has not been granted. Yuan Hui does not harm only me; the officers and men who follow me, those with merit are all suppressed and obstructed, unable to compare with other armies, and are still deeply hated and envied. Sometimes, because they are guilty, he uses harsh legal clauses to frame them, even to the point of execution. Therefore, those who follow me on campaign are all without fear. Those who speak well of me, he regards as enemies; those who speak ill of me, he treats as relatives. Yuan Hui wields power at court, morning and evening he wants to place me in a death trap. How can I be at ease! If Your Majesty would send Yuan Hui out to be a governor of a province, then I would have no internal worries and might perhaps fight to the death before the rebels, displaying my loyalty and strength." The Empress Dowager did not heed this.
Yuan Hui, together with the Zheng Yan and others, flattered and formed cliques. Outwardly appearing gentle and cautious, inwardly they were jealous and harsh, dispensing rewards and punishments arbitrarily. The government of Northern Wei thus became even more chaotic.
On the Wushen day (tenth day), the Governor of Yanzhou, Cui Bing, of Northern Wei led his troops to abandon the city and flee to Dingzhou.
On the Yichou day (twenty-seventh day), Northern Wei appointed the General of the Western Pacification, Zongzheng Zhensun, as Commander-in-Chief to campaign against the rebellious Hu in Fenzhou.
Sixth month, the surrendered Shu people of Northern Wei, Chen Shuangchi, gathered a crowd and rebelled, proclaiming himself King Shijian. Northern Wei appointed the acting General of the Western Pacification, Zhangsun Zhi, as Commander for the Campaign against Shu. The separate general, Xue Xiuyi of Hedong, rode lightly to Chen Shuangchi's camp and enlightened him with the advantages and disadvantages. Chen Shuangchi immediately surrendered. An edict appointed Xue Xiuyi as Commandant of Longmen Town.
On the Bingzi day (ninth day), Northern Wei changed the title of the Prince of Yiyang, Yuan Lue, to Prince of Dongping. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to Grand General and President of the Department of State Affairs. He was trusted by the Empress Dowager Hu and was of equal standing with the Prince of Chengyang, Yuan Hui. However, Xu He and Zheng Yan were in power, and Yuan Lue dared not oppose them.
Du Luozhou sent his commander, Wang Cao Qizhen, and others to lead troops to plunder south of Ji. Autumn, seventh month, on the Bingwu day (ninth day), the acting tai, Chang Jing, sent Commander Yu Rong and others to attack them at Liyuan. They heavily defeated the rebel army, beheading Wang Cao Qizhen and over three thousand of his officers and men. Du Luozhou led his troops south to Fan Yang. Chang Jing, together with Yu Rong and others, defeated him again.
The of Northern Wei, Yuan Zuan, as acting tai, garrisoned Hengzhou. Xianyu Ahu led refugees from Shuozhou to invade Hengzhou. On the Wushen day (eleventh day), they captured Pingcheng. Yuan Zuan fled to Jizhou.
Emperor Wu of Liang, hearing that the Huai River dam was very high and that Shouyang city was nearly flooded, again dispatched the Governor of Yingzhou, Yuan Shu, and others to attack Lijiang from the northern route, and the Governor of Yuzhou, Xiahou Dan, and others to attack Shouyang from the southern route.
In the eighth month, on the guisi day (the twenty-seventh), the rebel leader Yuan Hongye killed Xianyu Xiuli and requested to surrender to Northern Wei; the rebel faction Ge Rong then also killed Yuan Hongye and established himself.
The Northern Wei General of Pacifying the North, Commander of All Military Affairs in the Heng and Shuo Regions, Erzhu Rong, passed through Sizhou. The Inspector of Sizhou, Wei Qingbin, feared him and held the city without coming out. Erzhu Rong became angry, launched an army to attack Sizhou, captured Wei Qingbin, and returned to Xiurong. He appointed his paternal uncle Erzhu Yusheng as Inspector, and the Northern Wei court could not stop him. Initially, Heba Yun and his younger brothers Heba Sheng and Heba Yue followed Yuan Zuan in Hengzhou. When Pingcheng fell, the Heba brothers were scattered. Heba Yue fled to Erzhu Rong, and Heba Sheng fled to Sizhou. When Erzhu Rong conquered Sizhou, he obtained Heba Sheng and was overjoyed, saying: "Having obtained you brothers, the empire will not be difficult to pacify!" He appointed him as a Separate General, and major military matters were often planned with him.
In the ninth month, on the jiyou day (date uncertain), the Prince of Poyang, the Loyal and Resolute Xiao Hui, died.
Ge Rong absorbed Du Luozhou's followers and then marched north toward Yingzhou. The Northern Wei Prince of Guangyang, the Loyal and Martial Yuan Shen, followed in pursuit from Jiaojin. On the xinhai day (the fifteenth), Ge Rong reached Bailuoluo, used light cavalry to launch a surprise attack on the Prince of Zhangwu, the Martial and Martial Yuan Rong, and killed him. Ge Rong proclaimed himself Son of Heaven, established the state name of Qi, and changed the reign title to Guang'an. Yuan Shen, hearing of Yuan Rong's defeat, halted his army and did not advance. The Attendant-in-Ordinary Yuan Yan spoke to the Empress Dowager, saying: "The Prince of Guangyang hesitates and does not advance, sits and observes the situation, and plots treason. There is a man named Yu Jin, whose wisdom and strategy are exceptional; he is his chief strategist. In this time of turmoil, I fear he is not a loyal minister of Your Majesty." The Empress Dowager deeply agreed and issued an edict posting a notice at the gate of the Department of State Affairs, offering a heavy reward to anyone who could capture Yu Jin. When Yu Jin heard of this, he said to Yuan Shen: "Now a female ruler administers court affairs and trusts slanderous and fawning men. If the prince's true heart is not made clear, I fear disaster will soon arrive. I beg to bind myself and go to court to confess my guilt to the authorities." He then went directly to the notice and proclaimed himself as Yu Jin; the authorities reported it. The Empress Dowager summoned him and was extremely angry. Yu Jin detailed Yuan Shen's loyalty and explained the circumstances of halting the army. The Empress Dowager's anger eased, and she released him.
Yuan Shen led his army back and rushed to Dingzhou. The Inspector of Dingzhou, Yang Jin, also suspected Yuan Shen of having treacherous intentions. When Yuan Shen heard of this, he stayed at a Buddhist temple south of the prefecture. After two days, Yuan Shen summoned the Area Commander Mao Shi and several others, crossed arms to form an alliance, and swore to rescue and console each other in times of danger. Mao Shi grew even more suspicious, secretly reported to Yang Jin that Yuan Shen was plotting treason. Yang Jin sent Mao Shi to attack Yuan Shen. Yuan Shen fled, and Mao Shi shouted as he pursued him. Yuan Shen and his attendants took a small path to the borders of Boling, where they encountered Ge Rong's patrol cavalry and were seized and taken to Ge Rong. When the rebel masses saw Yuan Shen, many showed joyful expressions. Ge Rong had just taken the throne, feared him, and thus killed him. The Prince of Chengyang, Yuan Hui, falsely accused Yuan Shen of surrendering to the rebels and arrested his wife and children. Yuan Shen's administrative aide Song Youdao pleaded his case for him, and they were released. Song Youdao was the great-great-grandson of Song You.
On the jiashen day (date uncertain), the Northern Wei Acting Chief Minister Chang Jing defeated Du Luozhou, beheaded his Prince of Wuchuan, Heba Wenxing, and others, and captured four hundred men.
Jiu Dexing attacked and captured the Northern Wei Pingzhou, killing the Inspector Wang Mainu.
The commoner Lü Bodu of Tianshui was originally a member of Mo Zhe Niansheng's faction. Later, he occupied Xianqin to resist Mo Zhe Niansheng. Soon, unable to prevail, he fled to Hu Chen. Hu Chen appointed him Grand Commander and King of Qin, provided him with troops and horses, and sent him to attack Mo Zhe Niansheng. Lü Bodu repeatedly defeated Mo Zhe Niansheng's army, again occupied Xianqin, then betrayed Hu Chen and brought in the Northern Wei army from the east. Mo Zhe Niansheng, in dire straits, requested to surrender to Xiao Baoyin. Xiao Baoyin sent the Acting Chief Clerk of the Left, Cui Shihe, to occupy Qinzhou. Northern Wei appointed Lü Bodu as Inspector of Jingzhou and enfeoffed him as Duke of Pingqin Commandery. The Grand Commander Yuan Xiuyi halted his army at Longkou and for a long time did not advance. Mo Zhe Niansheng rebelled again, captured Cui Shihe, and sent him to Hu Chen, who killed him on the way. After a long time, Lü Bodu was killed by Wanqi Chou'nou, and the rebel forces grew even stronger. Xiao Baoyin could not control them. Hu Chen colluded with Mo Zhe Niansheng and gradually became remiss toward Po Liuhan Baling. Po Liuhan Baling sent his minister Fei Lü to Gaoping, lured Hu Chen, and killed him. Wanqi Chou'nou absorbed all his followers.
In winter, the eleventh month, on the gengchen day (the fourteenth), a general amnesty was granted throughout the empire.
The Noble Consort Ding passed away. The Heir Apparent did not eat or drink. Emperor Wu of Liang sent someone to say to him: "Excessive grief should not harm your life; besides, I am still here!" The Heir Apparent then drank a few measures of congee. The Heir Apparent's body had originally been stout and robust, with a waistband of ten spans; by this time, he had shrunk and thinned by more than half.
The army of Xiahou Dan and others entered Northern Wei territory, and every place they reached was conquered. On the xinsi day (the fifteenth), the Northern Wei Inspector of Yangzhou, Li Xian, surrendered Shouyang and submitted. The Proclaiming Valiant General Chen Qingzhi entered and occupied the city. In total, fifty-two cities were subdued, and seventy-five thousand men and women were captured. On the dinghai day (the twenty-first), Li Xian was released and returned to Northern Wei. Shouyang was again established as Yuzhou, and Hefei was changed to Southern Yuzhou. Xiahou Dan was appointed as Inspector of both Yuzhou and Southern Yuzhou. Shouyang had long suffered from war and turmoil, and the people were scattered and displaced. Xiahou Dan reduced punishments, decreased taxes, devoted efforts to agriculture, and economized on corvée labor. Soon, the number of households became substantial and restored.
Du Luozhou besieged Fanyang. On the wuxu day (date uncertain), the commoners captured the Northern Wei Inspector of Youzhou, Wang Yannian, and the Acting Chief Minister Chang Jing, sent them to Du Luozhou, and opened the city gates to admit him.
The commoner Liu Shu and others of Pingyuan Commandery in Northern Wei's Qizhou rebelled, attacked and captured commanderies and counties, and repeatedly defeated the prefectural armies. The Inspector Yuan Xin appointed the native of Pingyuan, Fang Shida, as a general to suppress and pacify them.
Cao Yizong occupied Rangcheng and approached Xinye. Northern Wei dispatched the Area Commander Wei Chengzu and the Left Chief Clerk of the Department of State Affairs, Southern Circuit Acting Chief Minister Xin Zuan, to rescue him. Cao Yizong's army was unsuccessful in battle and dared not advance. Xin Zuan was Xin Xiong's cousin.
The bandits in Northern Wei increased day by day, and punitive campaigns were unending. The state's financial resources were exhausted. They levied taxes in advance for six years' worth of land and labor taxes, yet it was still insufficient. They then stopped supplying wine and meat to the hundred officials, and also levied one coin per person, as well as taxes on inns and shops. The people sighed and resented it. The Chief Clerk of the Ministry of Personnel, Xin Xiong, submitted a memorial, arguing: "When the barbarians and the Chinese gather together in rebellion, could they have other grievances? It is precisely because commandery governors and county magistrates are not the right men, and the people cannot endure their governance! We should take this opportunity to pacify them promptly. However, the selection of commandery and county officials has always been looked down upon. The sons of nobles and talented men are unwilling to take these posts. This malpractice should be reformed. Divide the commanderies and counties into three grades, establish a method for selecting pure officials, and make sure to fully consider talent and reputation. If both cannot be obtained, first look at talent and then at family standing, without being bound by seniority. Promote and demote them every three years. For those who are competent, appoint them to famous posts in the capital. If one has not served as a commandery governor or county magistrate, they cannot be appointed as a capital official. In this way, people will think of self-encouragement, grievances can be redressed, and violence will naturally cease." The emperor did not follow this advice.
The seventh year of the Datong era of Emperor Wu of Liang (dingwei, corresponding to AD 527).
In spring, the first month, on the yichou day (the first), Xu Mian, the Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs, was appointed as Vice Director. On the xinwei day (the seventh), Emperor Wu of Liang performed the suburban sacrifice in the southern suburbs.
On the jiaxu day (the tenth), Northern Wei appointed the Minister of Works Huangfu Du as Minister over the Masses and Unequaled in Honor, and Xiao Baoyin as Minister of Works.
The Northern Wei divided four commanderies from Dingzhou and Xiangzhou to establish Yinzhou, and appointed Cui Kai of Boling, the Circuit Intendant of the Northern Circuit, as its Inspector. Cui Kai submitted a memorial saying: "Yinzhou has just been established; it has not a foot of weapon or a peck of grain. I request assistance with weapons and grain." The emperor issued an edict referring the matter to the outer court for deliberation and report, but in the end nothing was given. Someone advised Cui Kai to leave his family behind and go to his post alone with a single horse. Cui Kai said: "I have heard that one who enjoys another's stipend must share his worries. If I go alone, then among the officers and men, who will be willing to firm their resolve?" Thereupon he took his entire family and went to his post. Ge Rong advanced and pressed the prefectural city. Someone advised him to reduce the number of the weak and small to avoid them. Cui Kai sent his youngest son and a daughter out of the city at night; soon afterward he regretted this and said: "People will say that my resolve is not firm, that I harm loyalty to preserve private affection." Thereupon he ordered them recalled. When the bandit army arrived, the disparity in strength was great, and there were no defensive or resistant implements. Cui Kai comforted and encouraged the officers and men to resist, and none of them did not strive to fight, all saying: "Cui Gong does not begrudge a hundred mouths of his family; what do we cherish in our lives?" They fought continuously without cease; the dead lay upon one another, but there was never a thought of betrayal. On the day Xinsi (the 7th day), the city fell. Cui Kai held his tally and did not yield. Ge Rong killed him, then surrounded Jizhou.
Xiao Baoyin of the Northern Wei had been on campaign for many years, and his officers and men were exhausted. The bandit army of Qin attacked him, and Xiao Baoyin was heavily defeated at Jingzhou. He gathered more than ten thousand scattered troops and encamped at Xiaoyao Garden. Pan Yiyuan, the Inspector of East Qinzhou, surrendered Qicheng to the bandit army. Mo Zhe Niansheng advanced and pressed Qizhou. The people of the city seized the Inspector Wei Langen and responded to him. Bi Zuhui, the Inspector of Binzhou, died in battle. Xing Xin, the Circuit Intendant, abandoned the city and fled. The army of Yuan Hao, the Prince of Beihai, was also defeated. The bandit leader Hu Yinzhu occupied North Huazhou, and Chi Qian Qilin occupied Binzhou to respond to Mo Zhe Tiansheng. The region within the Pass fell into great chaos. Yang Kan, the Inspector of Yongzhou, recruited soldiers and obtained more than seven thousand men. He led them to hold the city in defense. The emperor issued an edict adding to Yang Kan the posts of Attendant in the Palace and concurrently Acting Director of the Department of State Affairs, appointing him Circuit Intendant to command and dispatch the generals of the region within the Pass. Mao Hongbin, the Merit Officer of Beidi, led the bandit army to plunder north of the Wei River. Yang Kan, the Recording Secretary of Yongzhou, led three thousand troops in a sudden attack. Mao Hongbin became frightened and requested to be allowed to attack the bandit army to render service. Thereupon he captured and escorted Su Qin Wuguo Ren. Su Qin Wuguo Ren was the son of Su Qin Mingda’s elder brother. Mo Zhe Tiansheng, taking advantage of his victory, invaded Yongzhou. Yang Kan, a subordinate commander of Xiao Baoyin, concealed himself in a moat and shot an arrow. Mo Zhe Tiansheng fell at the sound of the bowstring, and his followers thereupon scattered. Yang Kan was the son of Yang Zhi.
Lu Siling, a Gentleman of the Right People’s Section of the Northern Wei, from Yangping, submitted a memorial, arguing: "Success in military campaigns lies with the generals and commanders. If the right man is obtained, the empire can be easily pacified; if the wrong man is obtained, the three Riverine Commanderies will become a battlefield. I privately observe that in recent years, the generals and commanders have mostly been favored sons of powerful families. They drink wine and ride horses, complacent and proud, with restless spirit, raising their eyebrows and rolling up their sleeves, thinking themselves capable of attack and combat. But when they face a great enemy, worry and fear fill their hearts, and their heroic plans and sharp spirit vanish in an instant. Thereupon they order the weak soldiers to go forward and confront the bandits, while the strong soldiers protect their own persons in the rear. In addition, their weapons and equipment are not refined, and their advance and retreat have no regulation. To use such troops to resist the multitudes holding strategic positions and to oppose an enemy that has fought many battles—how can they avoid defeat? Therefore, the soldiers know they will surely be defeated and, as soon as they gather, flee first. The generals and commanders fear the enemy and delay without advancing. The state believes that offices and ranks have not been fully granted and repeatedly bestows gracious appointments. It also suspects that rewards are too meager and daily dispenses gold and silk. The state treasury is emptied, and the people’s resources are exhausted. Consequently, the bandit multitudes become more rampant, and the common people are ruined—all for this reason. Virtue can move righteous men; kindness can inspire those willing to die. Now, if promotions and demotions are made clear, rewards and punishments are properly applied, soldiers are carefully selected, weapons and equipment are repaired, and first eloquent men are sent to explain the consequences of good and evil, then, if they do not repent, we follow Heaven’s principles to punish the rebels. If this is done, what difference is there between sharpening a keen axe to cut down a morning mushroom or stirring up a great furnace to burn a hair?" The emperor did not follow this advice.
On the day Wuzi (the 24th day), the Northern Wei appointed Huangfu Du as Grand Commandant.
On the day Jichou (the 25th day), the Northern Wei ruler, because the four quarters were not yet pacified, issued an edict declaring inner and outer court in a state of alert. He was about to personally lead an expedition to punish the rebels, but in the end it did not come to pass.
Zhan Sengzhi, the Inspector of Qiaozhou, surrounded the Northern Wei’s Eastern Yuzhou. Generals Peng Qun and Wang Bian surrounded Langya. The Northern Wei ordered Qingzhou and Southern Qingzhou to rescue Langya. Xiahou Kui, the Inspector of Sizhou, led General of Valiant Might Pei Zili and others out by way of the Yiyang Road, attacked the Northern Wei’s three passes—Pingjing, Muling, and Yinshan—and captured them all. Xiahou Kui was the younger brother of Xiahou Dan. Pei Zili was the son of Pei Sui.
In the Northern Wei’s Eastern Qinghe Commandery, mountain bandits arose in numerous groups. The emperor issued an edict appointing Fang Jingbo, the Chief Administrator of Qizhou, as the Grand Administrator of Eastern Qinghe. A commandery commoner named Liu Jianhu had once been rude to Fang Jingbo and had fled with his entire family. Fang Jingbo pursued and captured him. He appointed Liu Jianhu’s son as a Clerk of the Western Section and sent him to instruct the mountain bandits. Because Fang Jingbo did not bear grudges for past offenses, the mountain bandits all came out in succession to surrender.
Fang Jingbo’s mother, née Cui, was versed in the classics and had clear and discerning insight. A woman from Beiqiu brought a case against her son for unfilial conduct. Fang Jingbo reported this to his mother. His mother said: "I have heard that hearing of someone is not as good as seeing him face to face. These mountain villagers do not know ritual and righteousness—why is it worth severe punishment?" Thereupon she summoned the woman and sat with her face to face at the same table to eat, making the woman’s son stand in the hall and watch Fang Jingbo serve his mother food. In less than ten days, the son regretted his actions and begged to go home. Madam Cui said: "This one’s face shows shame, but his heart is not yet changed. Keep him for a while." After a total of more than twenty days, the son knocked his head until it bled, and his mother, weeping, begged for his release. Only then did they allow him to go home. In the end, he became famous for his filial piety. Fang Jingbo was a cousin’s son of Fang Fashou.
In the second month, the bandit army of Qin occupied the Tong Pass of the Northern Wei.
On the day Gengshen (the 27th day), Zhao Xiande, a commoner of the Northern Wei’s Dong Commandery, rebelled. He killed the Grand Administrator Pei Yan and proclaimed himself Commander-in-Chief.
General Cheng Jingjun attacked the Northern Wei’s Pengcheng. The Northern Wei appointed Cui Xiaofen, the former Inspector of Jingzhou, as the Circuit Intendant of Xuzhou to resist him. Before this, Cui Xiaofen, because he was a partisan of Yuan Yi, had been removed from the register along with Lu Tong and others. At this time, about to proceed to Xuzhou, he entered the palace to take leave of the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager said to Cui Xiaofen: "You and I are related by marriage. How could you stick your head into Yuan Yi’s carriage and say, ‘This old woman should be sent away’?" Cui Xiaofen said: "I have received the state’s deep favor. In truth, I have never spoken such words. If I had done so, who could have heard it? If someone heard it, then that person’s intimacy with Yuan Yi far exceeds mine." The Empress Dowager’s anger relaxed, and a look of regret and shame appeared on her face. Cheng Jingjun intended to build a dam across the Si River to flood Pengcheng. Cui Xiaofen, together with Commander Li Shuren and others, attacked him. Cheng Jingjun fled back.
In the third month, on the day Jiazi (the 1st day), the Northern Wei ruler issued an edict that he would personally lead a western expedition and declared inner and outer court in a state of alert. Just then, the bandit army of Qin fled westward, and the Tong Pass was regained. On the day Wuchen (the 5th day), he issued an edict to turn back for a northern expedition. In reality, neither action was carried out.
Ge Rong had long besieged Xindu. The Northern Wei appointed Yuan Ziyong, the Purple-Gold Grand Master for Splendid Happiness, as the Grand Commander of the Northern Expedition to rescue it.
Initially, Emperor Wu of Liang had built the Tongtai Temple and also opened the Datong Gate opposite to it, taking the fanqie sound of the names to harmonize. The emperor went to the temple morning and evening, always entering and leaving by this gate. On the day Xinwei (the 8th day), the emperor went to the Tongtai Temple and gave himself up as a servant. On the day Jiaxu (the 11th day), he returned to the palace, granted a general amnesty, and changed the reign title.
In the Northern Wei, Liu Jun, a commoner of Guangchuan in Qizhou, gathered a crowd and rebelled, proclaiming himself Grand Circuit Intendant. Fang Xu, a commoner of Qinghe, proclaimed himself Grand Commander and occupied Changguo City.
In summer, the fourth month, the Northern Wei general Yuan Binzhi punished Dong Commandery and beheaded Zhao Xiande.
On the day Jiyou (the 17th day), the Rouran Khagan, Toubing, sent an envoy to pay tribute to the Northern Wei and also requested permission to punish the various bandit groups. The Northern Wei people, fearing his unreliability, issued an edict saying that it was the height of summer and that they would wait for a future order.
After Xiao Baoyin of Northern Wei was defeated in battle, the relevant authorities sentenced him to death, but the emperor issued an edict sparing his life and demoting him to commoner status. The governor of Yong Province, Yang Chun, requested resignation due to illness, and Xiao Baoyin was instead appointed Commander of Military Affairs for Yong, Jing, and four other provinces, General Who Conquers the West, Governor of Yong Province, Commander Unequaled in Honor, and Grand Chief Commander for the Western Campaign, with all territories west of the Pass under his command and control. Yang Chun returned to his hometown. His son Yang Yu was about to travel to Luoyang when Yang Chun said to him: “The current governor of Yong Province is no better than Xiao Baoyin, but his chief assisting officials should be dispatched by the court as trusted close ministers—how can he be allowed to appoint them himself? This is one oversight among a hundred considerations of the sacred court. Moreover, Xiao Baoyin does not regard the governorship as an honor; I see that when he obtained this province, his joy was especially excessive. As for rewards and punishments, he does not follow normal regulations, and I fear he may have treacherous intentions. When you go to the capital, you should report my views to both sages and inform the chief ministers. They should send a different Chief Clerk, a Commandant, and a Defender of the City. To stabilize Guanzhong, these three men are precisely what is needed. If they are not sent, it will surely become a deep concern.” Yang Yu personally reported this to the Northern Wei ruler and the Empress Dowager, but neither heeded it.
On the day bingyin (third day) of the fifth month, Cheng Jingjun attacked Linqu and Zhuyi of Northern Wei and captured them. The Eastern Palace Direct Attendant Lan Qin attacked Xiao City and Jue Fortress of Northern Wei and captured them; Lan Qin beheaded the Northern Wei general Cao Longya.
In the sixth month, the Northern Wei Commander Li Shuren campaigned against Liu Jun and pacified him.
In autumn, the seventh month, Liu Huo and Zheng Bian of Chen Commandery in Northern Wei rebelled at Xihua, changing the reign title to Tian Shou, and conspired with Zhan Sengzhi. Northern Wei appointed the Acting Governor of East Yu Province, Cao Shibiao of Qiao Commandery, as Commissioner of the Southeast Circuit to campaign against them, and Yuan Zigong replaced Cao Shibiao as Governor of East Yu Province. The various generals considered that the rebel forces were strong and the government troops weak, and that they were all remnants of defeated forces, so they dared not engage in battle and wanted to defend the city. Cao Shibiao was suffering from a back abscess and was carried out in a litter. He summoned the commander Shi Yunbao and said: “The reason Zhan Sengzhi dares to invade deeply is because Liu Huo and Zheng Bian, both prominent men among the province’s people, act as his internal allies. I recently heard that Liu Huo is leading troops to welcome Zhan Sengzhi, eighty li from here. Now, if we strike by surprise, we can defeat them in one battle. Once Liu Huo is broken, Zhan Sengzhi will naturally flee.” He then selected troops and gave them to Shi Yunbao, who left the city at dusk, arrived by dawn, attacked Liu Huo, and greatly defeated his army, pursuing and wiping out all remnants. When Zhan Sengzhi heard this, he fled back. Zheng Bian was a relative and old acquaintance of Yuan Zigong and fled to hide with him. Cao Shibiao summoned his officers and publicly reprimanded Yuan Zigong, arrested Zheng Bian, and executed him.
The Governor of Xiang Province, Prince Le'an Yuan Jian of Northern Wei, together with the Northern Circuit Commander Pei Yan, jointly relieved Xindu. Taking advantage of the many troubles in Northern Wei, Yuan Jian secretly harbored treacherous intentions and occupied Yecheng in rebellion, surrendering to Ge Rong.
On the day jichou (twenty-seventh day), Northern Wei issued a general amnesty.
Initially, the Attendant Censor Gao Daomu of Liaodong was sent on a mission to Xiang Province. The former Governor Li Shizhe was extravagant, unrestrained, and did not observe the law, so Gao Daomu investigated and prosecuted him. Li Shizhe’s younger brother Li Shengui was in power. A household slave of Gao Daomu’s elder brother Gao Qianzhi appealed to be restored to commoner status, and Li Shengui arrested Gao Qianzhi and imprisoned him in the Court of Judicial Review. Just as an amnesty was about to be issued, Li Shengui petitioned the Empress Dowager to first grant Gao Qianzhi death, and the court officials all pitied him.
Peng Qun and Wang Bian surrounded Langye from summer to autumn. The Governor of Qing Province, Prince Pengcheng Yuan Shao of Northern Wei, dispatched his Commandant Lu Yu, and the Governor of South Qing Province, Hu Ping, dispatched his Chief Clerk Liu Renzhi, leading troops to attack Peng Qun and Wang Bian, defeating them; Peng Qun died in battle. Yuan Shao was the son of Yuan Xie.
In the eighth month, Northern Wei dispatched Commander Yuan Ziyong, Li Shengui, and Pei Yan to attack Yecheng. When Yuan Ziyong’s army reached Tangyin, Prince Le'an Yuan Jian sent his younger brother Yuan Binzhi to raid Yuan Ziyong’s camp at night, but failed. Yuan Ziyong took advantage of the victory to advance and besiege Yecheng. On the day dingwei (sixteenth day), he captured it, beheaded Yuan Jian, sent his head to Luoyang, and changed his surname back to Tuoba. Northern Wei then dispatched Yuan Ziyong and Pei Yan to campaign against Ge Rong.
In the ninth month, city dwellers of Qin Province, Du Can, massacred the entire family of Mo’zhe Niansheng, and Du Can acted as acting governor of the province. City dwellers of South Qin Province, Xin Chen, also acted as acting governor and sent envoys to Xiao Baoyin requesting surrender. Northern Wei again appointed Xiao Baoyin as Chief Minister of the Department of State Affairs and restored his original title.
The Governor of Qiao Province, Zhan Sengzhi, besieged Yuan Qinghe, Governor of East Yu Province of Northern Wei, at Guangling. The Northern Wei general Yuan Xianbo came to his rescue. The Governor of Si Province, Xiahou Kui, led troops from Wuyang to assist Zhan Sengzhi. In winter, the tenth month, Xiahou Kui arrived at the city walls, and Yuan Qinghe surrendered the entire city. Xiahou Kui yielded the merit to Zhan Sengzhi, but Zhan Sengzhi said: “Yuan Qinghe wanted to surrender to you, not to me. If I go forward now, it will certainly go against his intentions. Moreover, the troops I lead are a motley assembly of volunteers and cannot be controlled by military law. Your governance of the army has always been strict and clear; there will certainly be no violence or plunder. Accepting the surrender and pacifying those who submit is most appropriate.” Xiahou Kui then ascended the city walls, tore down the Northern Wei banners, and raised the Liang banners. Yuan Qinghe ordered his troops to emerge from the city in an orderly manner. The officials and people remained at peace, and forty thousand men and women were captured.
Your servant Sima Guang says: Zhan Sengzhi may be called a gentleman! He forgot the toil of his long siege and yielded the merit to a newly arrived general. He knew his own shortcomings and did not conceal others’ strengths. He achieved success without taking credit, thereby accomplishing the state’s great affairs. Loyal and selfless, he may truly be called a gentleman!
Yuan Xianbo fled at night. The various armies pursued him, beheading and capturing tens of thousands. The emperor issued an edict appointing Zhan Sengzhi as Acting Governor of East Yu Province, stationed at Guangling. Xiahou Kui led his army to camp at Anyang and dispatched a separate general to attack and massacre Chu City. From then on, the northern road from Yiyang was cut off from Northern Wei.
The Leader of the Palace Guard Cao Zhongzong and the Eastern Palace Direct Attendant Chen Qingzhi attacked Woyang of Northern Wei. The emperor issued an edict ordering the Governor of Xunyang, Wei Fang, to lead troops and join them. The Northern Wei Scattered Cavalier Attendant Fei Mu led troops and arrived suddenly. Wei Fang’s camp had not yet been established, and he had only a little over two hundred men. Wei Fang took off his helmet, dismounted, and sat on a folding stool directing operations. His soldiers fought to the death, and not one failed to match a hundred men. The Northern Wei army then retreated. Wei Fang was the son of Wei Rui.
Northern Wei also dispatched general Yuan Zhao and others leading fifty thousand troops to relieve Woyang. The vanguard reached Tuo Stream, forty li from Woyang. Chen Qingzhi wanted to engage them, but Wei Fang considered that the Northern Wei vanguard would certainly be light and elite troops and thought it better not to attack, but to wait for them to arrive. Chen Qingzhi said: “The Northern Wei army has come from afar and is weary. They are far from us and will certainly not be on guard. We must take advantage of their lack of concentration to blunt their edge. If you gentlemen have doubts, I, Chen Qingzhi, request permission to go alone and take them.” He then led two hundred cavalry forward and attacked, defeating them. The Northern Wei troops were panicked and terrified. Chen Qingzhi then returned and, together with the various generals, advanced with linked camps, facing Woyang city and confronting the Northern Wei army. From spring to winter, they fought dozens or hundreds of battles, and the troops became exhausted. When they heard that the Northern Wei intended to build fortifications behind the army, Cao Zhongzong and others feared being caught between two enemies and discussed withdrawing the army. Chen Qingzhi, holding his ceremonial staff, stood at the military gate and said: “We came here together and have spent a full year, with enormous expenditure. Now you gentlemen have no will to fight and only want to retreat—is this not merely wanting to establish merit, but rather assembling to plunder? I have heard that placing troops in a deadly situation allows them to survive. We must wait until the enemy has fully assembled, then engage them. If you truly want to withdraw, I have a secret edict; anyone who violates it today will be dealt with according to the edict!” Cao Zhongzong and the others then desisted.
The Northern Wei built thirteen fortifications, intending to control the Liang army. Chen Qingzhi launched a night attack with troops carrying gags in their mouths, capturing four of the fortifications. The commander of Woyang, Wang Wei, requested to surrender. Wei Fang selected more than thirty of the surrendered men and sent them separately to inform the various Northern Wei camps. Chen Qingzhi displayed the prisoners and severed heads, beat drums, and raised war cries as they advanced. All nine remaining Northern Wei fortifications collapsed. They pursued the enemy, capturing or killing nearly all of them, and the corpses blocked the Wo River. They took over thirty thousand men and women from the surrendered city.
When Xiao Baoyin was defeated at Jing Province, some advised him to return to Luoyang and confess his crimes, while others said it would be better to remain in Guanzhong and render meritorious service. The Acting Chief Clerk of the Circuit, Feng Jing of Hejian, said: “Holding troops and not returning—this crime is even greater.” Xiao Baoyin did not listen. He considered that he had spent many years on campaign, with enormous expenditure, and once defeated, he felt uneasy in his heart. The Northern Wei court also suspected him.
The Commandant of the Palace Guards, Li Daoyuan, had always been known for his severity and ferocity. Qiu Nian, a favored retainer of Yuan Yue, the Governor of Si Province and Prince of Runan, manipulated power and acted with unrestrained license. Li Daoyuan arrested Qiu Nian and threw him into prison. Yuan Yue pleaded for Qiu Nian with Empress Dowager Hu, who issued an edict pardoning him. Li Daoyuan executed Qiu Nian and subsequently impeached Yuan Yue.
At that time, the signs of Xiao Baoyin’s rebellion had already become apparent. Yuan Yue then memorialized the throne to appoint Li Daoyuan as the Grand Commissioner of Guanxi. When Xiao Baoyin heard this, he believed it was directed against him and became greatly terrified. The frivolous young men of Chang’an further urged him to raise an army. Xiao Baoyin consulted the man of Hedong, Liu Kai, about this. Liu Kai said, “Your Highness is the son of Emperor Ming of Qi, and the hearts of the realm turn to you. If you rise up now, it will indeed accord with the people’s hopes. Moreover, there is a folk song that says, ‘The phoenix bore ten sons, nine were fledglings; one was no fledgling, and chaos arose in Guanzhong.’ Chaos is governance; Your Highness ought to govern Guanzhong. What is there to hesitate about!” When Li Daoyuan reached the Yinpan Post Station, Xiao Baoyin sent his general Guo Zihui to attack and kill him, then had his body encoffined and buried. He memorialized the throne, claiming that Li Daoyuan had been killed by bandits. He also submitted another memorial to defend himself, alleging that he had been falsely accused by Yang Chun and his son.
Xiao Baoyin’s Administrative Assistant of the Mobile Secretariat, Su Zhan of Wugong, was lying ill at home. Xiao Baoyin sent Su Zhan’s maternal cousin, Jiang Jian, an Attendant Officer in the Open Mansion of Tianshui, to persuade Su Zhan, saying: “Yuan Lue received Xiao Yan’s orders to eliminate me. Li Daoyuan’s arrival makes matters unpredictable. I cannot sit idle and await death. Now I must act for my own sake and no longer be a vassal of Wei. Life and death, honor and disgrace, I will share them with you.” When Su Zhan heard this, he burst into loud wailing. Jiang Jian hastily stopped him, saying, “How can you behave like this!” Su Zhan said, “My entire household of a hundred mouths is now about to be slaughtered—how can I not weep!” After crying for several tens of sobs, he slowly said to Jiang Jian, “Tell the Prince of Qi for me: The Prince originally relied on others like a desperate bird, depending on the court to give him wings. He received favor and trust to this extent. Just as the state faces many difficulties, he cannot exhaust his loyalty to repay this kindness, but instead seeks to exploit others’ misfortunes, heeding the words of ignorant men on the road, wanting to hold Guanzhong with a weary and defeated army to plot usurpation. Now, although the virtue of Wei has declined, the Mandate of Heaven has not changed. Moreover, the Prince’s grace has not yet reached the people. I see only his failure, not his success. I, Su Zhan, cannot let the Prince annihilate my entire clan of a hundred mouths.” Xiao Baoyin then sent another man to say to him, “I am doing this only to save myself from death. The reason I did not inform you beforehand was fear that you would ruin my plan.” Su Zhan said, “Whoever plots a great undertaking must obtain the realm’s extraordinary talents to act together. Now you are only plotting with the gamblers of Chang’an—can there be any chance of success? I fear that brambles will surely grow in your halls. I hope you will grant me my old bones to return to my home village. Perhaps I may die of illness and meet my ancestors below.” Xiao Baoyin had always valued Su Zhan and knew he would not be used by him, so he allowed him to return to Wugong.
On the day Jiayin (date uncertain), Xiao Baoyin proclaimed himself Emperor of Qi, changed the reign title to Longxu, pardoned the people under his jurisdiction, and established a full court. The Chief Administrator of the Regional Command, Mao Xia, was the elder brother of Mao Hongbin. Together with Mao Hongbin, they raised troops from among the Di and Qiang peoples at the Mazhi Stockade to resist Xiao Baoyin. Xiao Baoyin sent General Lu Zuqian to attack them, but Lu Zuqian was killed by Mao Xia. Xiao Baoyin was just performing the suburban sacrifice at the southern altar; before the accession ceremony was complete, he heard of the defeat, changed color, and without time to marshal his ranks, fled back in disarray. He appointed Jiang Jian as Left Assistant Director of the Department of State Affairs and made him his confidant. Zhou Huida of Wen’an, serving as Xiao Baoyin’s envoy, was in Luoyang. The relevant authorities sought to arrest him, but Zhou Huida fled back to Chang’an. Xiao Baoyin appointed Zhou Huida as Supervisor of Attendants.
Xiao Zan, the Prince of Danyang, heard that Xiao Baoyin had rebelled and fled in fear to White Deer Mountain. When he reached the River Bridge, he was captured. The Wei ruler knew he had not participated in the plot, so he released and comforted him. The Mobile Secretary Feng Weibo and others plotted with heroes from Guanzhong to raise troops to kill Xiao Baoyin, but the matter leaked, and they were executed.
Wei appointed the President of the Department of State Affairs, Sun Changsun, as Mobile Secretariat to campaign against Xiao Baoyin.
Xue Fengxian of Zhengping rebelled, and his clansman Xue Xiuyi also gathered a crowd in Hedong. They respectively occupied the salt ponds, besieged Puban, and linked forces east and west to respond to Xiao Baoyin. The emperor issued an edict appointing the Commander Unequal to Affairs, Zongzheng Zhensun, to campaign against them.
In the eleventh month, on the day Dingmao (the 7th), the Protector of the Army Xiao Yuanyuan was appointed as Commander of the Northern Expedition, stationed at Guoyang. On the day Wuchen (the 8th), the Western Xu Province was established at Guoyang.
Ge Rong besieged Wei’s Xindu from spring to winter. The Inspector of Ji Province, Yuan Fu, encouraged the officers and soldiers, defending day and night. Food supplies were exhausted, and there was no outside relief. On the day Jichou (the 29th), the city fell. Ge Rong captured Yuan Fu and drove the residents out of the city; those who froze to death were six or seven out of ten. Yuan Fu’s elder brother, Yuan You, was the City Defense Commander. Ge Rong gathered his officers and discussed their fate. Yuan Fu and his brother each took the blame, vying to die for the other. Commander Pan Shao and several hundred others all kowtowed and begged to be executed to save the governor. Ge Rong said, “These men are all loyal officials and righteous men of Wei.” Consequently, all five hundred of the imprisoned were spared death.
Wei appointed Yuan Ziyong as Inspector of Ji Province, leading troops to campaign against Ge Rong. Pei Yan submitted a memorial requesting to go with him, and the emperor granted it. Yuan Ziyong said, “If Pei Yan goes, I request to stay; if I go, I request that Pei Yan stay. If we are forced to go together, defeat will come at any moment.” The emperor did not agree. In the twelfth month, on the day Wushen (date uncertain), when the army reached the bend of the Zhang River northeast of Yangping, Ge Rong led a hundred thousand troops to attack them. Yuan Ziyong and Pei Yan both died in battle.
When the officials and people of Xiang Province heard that Ji Province had fallen and that Yuan Ziyong and others had been defeated, no one felt safe. The Inspector of Xiang Province, Li Shen of Hengnong, remained composed and calm, encouraging the officers and soldiers. High and low were united in heart and effort. Ge Rong attacked with all his elite forces but ultimately could not take the city.
The people of Qin Province killed Du Can and surrendered to Wei.