Records of Liang, Volume 10
Zizhi Tongjian, Volume 154 [Liang Ji 10], Year of the Shangzhang Yanmao, one year.
Spring, first month, on the jichou day, the Northern Wei Inspector of Yizhou, Zhangsun Shou, and the Inspector of Liangzhou, Yuan Jun, among others, sent generals to attack Yan Shixin, killing him. Xiao Wan and others also died in battle, with a loss of over ten thousand men.
On the xinhai day, the people of the eastern Xu prefectural city, Lü Wenxin and others, killed the Inspector, Yuan Dabin, seized the city, and rebelled. Northern Wei sent the Minister of Works, Fan Zihu of Pingcheng, among others, to suppress them. In the second month, on the jiayin day, Lü Wenxin was executed.
Moqi Chounu raided Guanzhong. Northern Wei’s Erzhu Rong sent the General of Martial Guard, Heba Yue, to campaign against him. Heba Yue privately said to his elder brother, Heba Sheng, “Chounu is a formidable enemy. If we attack him now and cannot win, we will certainly be guilty; if we win, slander and jealousy will arise.” Heba Sheng said, “What should be done then?” Heba Yue replied, “I wish to have a member of the Erzhu clan as the commander-in-chief, and I will assist him.” Heba Sheng relayed this to Erzhu Rong on his behalf. Erzhu Rong was delighted and appointed Erzhu Tianguang as the shichi envoy, commander-in-chief of the military affairs of the two Yong and two Qi provinces, General of the Chariot and Cavalry, and Inspector of Yongzhou. He appointed Heba Yue as the Left Grand Commander, and also appointed the General of the Western Expedition from Daijun, Houmo Chenyue, as the Right Grand Commander, both as deputies to Erzhu Tianguang for the campaign.
When Erzhu Tianguang first set out, he was only equipped with a thousand soldiers, and he requisitioned horses from the people along the road west of Luoyang to supply them. At that time, the Shu bandits of Chishui blocked the road. An edict ordered the Attendant-in-Ordinary, Yang Kan, to first go and pacify and instruct them, and also to levy their horses. The Shu people hesitated and did not comply. When the army reached Tong Pass, Erzhu Tianguang dared not advance. Heba Yue said, “The Shu bandits are nothing more than petty thieves. If you still hesitate when encountering them, how will you fight when facing a great enemy?” Erzhu Tianguang said, “Today’s affairs are all entrusted to you.” Heba Yue then advanced, attacked the Shu bandits north of the Wei River, defeated them, and captured two thousand horses. He selected the strong ones to supplement the soldiers and also levied horses from the people, obtaining a total of over ten thousand. Because the soldiers were still few, they halted and did not advance. Erzhu Rong, angered, sent the Cavalry Attendant, Liu Gui, by post-horse to the camp to rebuke Erzhu Tianguang, gave him a hundred strokes of the cane, and also assigned him an additional two thousand soldiers.
In the third month, Moqi Chounu personally led his troops to besiege Qi Province. He sent his Grand Executive Assistant, Yuchi Pusa, and his puye, Moqi Wu, from Wugong south across the Wei River to attack and surround the stockades. Erzhu Tianguang sent Heba Yue with a thousand cavalry to rescue them. Yuchi Pusa and his men had already broken through the stockades and were withdrawing. Heba Yue deliberately killed and plundered their officials and people to provoke them. Yuchi Pusa led twenty thousand infantry and cavalry to the north bank of the Wei River. Heba Yue led several dozen light cavalry to the south bank of the Wei River and held a dialogue with Yuchi Pusa across the water, proclaiming the majesty of the state. Yuchi Pusa ordered an attendant to relay messages. Heba Yue, angered, said, “I am speaking with Pusa; who are you?” He shot and killed him with an arrow. The next day, he again led over a hundred cavalry across the water to speak with the bandits, gradually moving eastward to a place where the water was shallow enough to ford. Heba Yue immediately spurred his horse and galloped east. The bandits, thinking he was fleeing, abandoned their infantry, mounted their light cavalry, and forded the Wei River southward to pursue Heba Yue. Heba Yue relied on a transverse ridge to set an ambush and waited for them. When half the bandits had crossed east of the ridge, Heba Yue turned his troops to attack. The bandits were defeated and fled. Heba Yue issued an order: bandits who dismounted would not be killed. The bandits all dismounted, and soon he captured three thousand men, without missing a single horse, and thus captured Yuchi Pusa. He then crossed to the north bank of the Wei River, subdued over ten thousand infantry, and seized their baggage. When Moqi Chounu heard this, he abandoned Qi Province and fled north to Anding, setting up a stockade at Pingting. Erzhu Tianguang then arrived from Yongzhou at Qi Province and joined forces with Heba Yue.
Summer, fourth month, Erzhu Tianguang arrived between the Qian and Wei Rivers, halted the army to graze the horses, and proclaimed, “The weather is about to become hot; we cannot march. We will await the autumn cool before considering advance or retreat.” He captured a scout of Moqi Chounu and released him. Moqi Chounu believed this and dispersed his troops to farm in Xichuan. He sent his Grand Commandant, Houfuhou Yuanjin, to lead five thousand soldiers to occupy a strategic point and set up a stockade, while many others set up stockades with a thousand or fewer men. Erzhu Tianguang, knowing that his forces were scattered, secretly ordered the various armies, as dusk fell, to set out in succession at the same time. At dawn, they surrounded Houfuhou Yuanjin’s main stockade and breached it. All the prisoners captured were released and sent away. When the other stockades heard of this, they all surrendered. Erzhu Tianguang advanced day and night, reaching the walls of Anding City. The bandit’s Inspector of Jingzhou, Houjichang Gui, surrendered the city. Moqi Chounu abandoned Pingting and fled, intending to head for Gaoping. Erzhu Tianguang sent Heba Yue to lead light cavalry in pursuit. On the dingmao day, they caught up at Pingliang. Before the bandits could form ranks, the zhige officer from Daijun, Houmo Chenchong, charged alone into the bandit formation, captured Moqi Chounu alive on horseback, and then shouted loudly. The bandit masses all scattered, with no one daring to resist. As more cavalry arrived, the bandit forces collapsed, and they were thoroughly defeated. Erzhu Tianguang pressed on toward Gaoping. The people of the city seized Xiao Baoyin and sent him in surrender.
On the renshen day, the Tuyuhun king, Fupo, was appointed Inspector of the two provinces of Xiqin and He.
On the jiaxu day, Northern Wei, due to the pacification of Guanzhong, granted a general amnesty. Moqi Chounu and Xiao Baoyin were sent to Luoyang and placed on the main street outside the Changhe Gate. Men and women gathered to watch for three days. The Prince of Danyang, Xiao Zan, submitted a memorial requesting that Xiao Baoyin’s life be spared. The Minister of Personnel, Li Shengjun, and the Gentleman Attendant of the Yellow Gate, Gao Daomu, who had long been friendly with Xiao Baoyin, wanted to help him. They said to the Northern Wei emperor, “Xiao Baoyin’s rebellion was a matter of the previous dynasty.” Just then, the edict-receiving official, Wang Daoxi, entered from outside. The emperor asked Wang Daoxi what he had heard outside. He replied, “I only heard that Minister Li and Gentleman Gao have deep friendship with Xiao Baoyin and both hold positions where they can speak, so they will surely spare him. Moreover, they say that Xiao Baoyin rebelled in the previous dynasty. Was Xiao Baoyin’s role as Grand Tutor of Moqi Chounu not during Your Majesty’s reign? If the rebel is not eliminated, how can the law be enforced?” The emperor then ordered Xiao Baoyin to commit suicide at the Camel and Ox Office, and executed Moqi Chounu in the marketplace.
In the sixth month, on the dingsi day, the emperor again appointed the Prince of Runan of Northern Wei, Yuan Yue, as the King of Wei.
On the wuyin day, Northern Wei issued an edict that all members of the Hu clan who had received titles at court were demoted to commoners.
On the gengshen day, the surrendered Northern Wei general, Fan Zun, was appointed General of Anding North and sili Governor of Sizhou, to follow the King of Wei, Yuan Yue, back north.
After Moqi Chounu’s defeat, from Jingzhou and Binzhou westward to Lingzhou, the bandit partisans all surrendered to Northern Wei. Only the xingtai he had appointed, Moqi Daoluo, led six thousand men into the mountains and did not surrender. At that time, Gaoping was experiencing a severe drought. Erzhu Tianguang, because the horses lacked fodder, withdrew his troops and camped fifty li east of the city. He sent the Commander, Sunye Liji, with two hundred men to act as acting administrator of Yuanzhou to guard it. Moqi Daoluo secretly conspired with the city people, attacked Sunye Liji, and killed him along with his men. Erzhu Tianguang led the various armies to the scene. Moqi Daoluo came out to fight but was defeated; he led his men westward into Qiantun Mountain and occupied a strategic position to defend himself. Erzhu Rong, because Erzhu Tianguang had lost Sunye Liji and failed to capture Moqi Daoluo, again sent an envoy to give him a hundred strokes of the cane. An edict demoted Erzhu Tianguang to General of Pacifying the Army and Inspector of Yongzhou, reducing his title to marquis.
Erzhu Tianguang pursued Moqi Daoluo to Qiantun Mountain. Moqi Daoluo was defeated and fled, entering Longshan to seek refuge with the bandit leader of Lüeyang, Wang Qingyun. Moqi Daoluo was brave and resolute, unmatched by anyone. Wang Qingyun, overjoyed to have him, believed great things could be accomplished. He then proclaimed himself emperor at Shuiluocheng, established the various offices, and appointed Moqi Daoluo as Grand General.
In the autumn, the seventh month, Erzhu Tianguang led his various armies into the Long Mountains and arrived at Shuilo City. Wang Qingyun and Wanqi Daoluo came out to do battle. Erzhu Tianguang shot Wanqi Daoluo in the arm; he dropped his bow and fled back, [and Erzhu Tianguang] captured the eastern city. The rebels combined their forces and fled to the western city. The city had no water; the men were both thirsty and exhausted. Among those who surrendered, some said that Wang Qingyun and Wanqi Daoluo intended to break out and escape. Erzhu Tianguang, fearing he might lose them, sent someone to summon and instruct Wang Qingyun to surrender early, saying: “If you cannot decide for yourselves, you should listen to the men and discuss it together tonight, and report back early tomorrow morning.” Wang Qingyun and the others hoped for a slight delay so they could break out under cover of night, and thus replied: “We beg to wait until tomorrow.” Erzhu Tianguang then sent someone to tell them: “I know you need water. Now I will withdraw slightly and let you take water from the stream to drink.” The rebels were delighted and no longer had any intention of fleeing. Erzhu Tianguang secretly ordered his soldiers to make many wooden stakes, each seven feet long. After dusk, they arranged them around the city, thickening them on the main roads. He also ambushed men among the stakes to guard against a charge, and at the same time secretly ordered the tying of long ladders north of the city. That night, Wang Qingyun and Wanqi Daoluo indeed galloped out to break through the siege. They encountered the wooden stakes; their horses were each wounded and fell. The ambushed soldiers rose up and immediately captured them. The soldiers climbed the ladders into the city. The remaining rebels all went out south of the city, encountered the wooden stakes and stopped, with no way out, and surrendered. On the bingzi day, Erzhu Tianguang confiscated their weapons and buried them all alive. The dead numbered seventeen thousand. He dispersed their families. Thus, the three Qin regions, He, Wei, Gua, Liang, and Shan provinces all surrendered. Erzhu Tianguang stationed his army at Lüeyang. An edict restored Erzhu Tianguang’s official titles and ranks, and soon added the posts of Attendant-in-Ordinary and. He appointed Heba Yue as governor of Jing Province and Houmo Chen Yue as governor of Wei Province. The people of Qin Province city plotted to kill their governor Luo Chao; the people of Nanqin Province city plotted to kill their governor Xin Xian. Both Luo Chao and Xin Xian detected this and fled to Erzhu Tianguang, who sent troops to suppress and pacify them. Infantry Commandant Yuwen Tai followed Heba Yue into the passes. For his merit, he was promoted to General of Western Expeditions and acting administrator of Yuan Province. At that time, Guan and Long were devastated. Yuwen Tai pacified them with kindness and trust, and the common people were all grateful and delighted, saying: “If we had met Envoy Yuwen earlier, how would we have followed the rebels!”
In the eighth month, on the gengxu day, the Emperor gave a farewell feast for the Prince of Wei, Yuan Yue, at the Deyang Hall, and sent troops to escort him to the border.
In Northern Wei, Erzhu Rong, though living in an outer garrison town, remotely controlled the court government. He placed his trusted partisans and followers all around the Wei ruler, spying on his movements and activities. Whether great or small, he was sure to know everything. Although the Wei ruler was controlled by Erzhu Rong, he was by nature diligent in government affairs, working from morning to night without tiring. He often personally reviewed legal cases and tried to rectify injustices. When Erzhu Rong heard of this, he was displeased. The Emperor also discussed with the Minister of Personnel, Li Shenjun, about rectifying the selection of officials. Erzhu Rong had previously recommended someone to fill the post of Qiu County magistrate. Li Shenjun, because the candidate’s qualifications were too low, did not submit the memorial and selected another person instead. Erzhu Rong was greatly angered and immediately sent the man he had recommended to seize the post. Li Shenjun, terrified, resigned. Erzhu Rong sent the Left Chief Administrator of the Department of State Affairs, Erzhu Shilong, to act as Minister of Personnel in charge of selecting officials. Erzhu Rong submitted a memorial requesting the appointment of northerners as governors of the various provinces in Henan. The Emperor did not approve. Grand Chancellor Yuan Tianmu entered the palace to argue the matter in person, but the Emperor still refused. Yuan Tianmu said: “Since the Heavenly Pillar has such great merit and is the prime minister of the state, if he requested to universally replace all the officials under heaven, I fear Your Majesty could not refuse. How much more so when he merely requests the appointment of a few men as provincial governors—yet it is not adopted!” The Emperor said sternly: “If the Heavenly Pillar does not act as a subject, I too must be replaced. If he still wishes to preserve his duty as a subject, there is no reason to replace all the officials under heaven!” When Erzhu Rong heard this, he was very resentful and said: “By whom was the Son of Heaven established? Now he actually does not listen to my words!”
Empress Erzhu was jealous by nature and often stirred up resentment. The Emperor sent Erzhu Shilong to reason with her using great principles. The Empress said: “The Son of Heaven was established by my family. Now it has come to this. My father could have done it himself originally, and now he can certainly decide anew.” Erzhu Shilong said: “It is only that he did not do it himself. If he had originally done it himself, I, your subject, would now also be enfeoffed as a prince.”
The Emperor, beset by Erzhu Rong from without and by the Empress from within, was often disgruntled and unhappy, taking no pleasure in being the Son of Heaven. He only rejoiced that bandits and rebels had not yet been pacified, wishing to let them contend with Erzhu Rong. When Guan and Long were pacified and the report of victory arrived, he was actually not very happy. He said to the Chief Administrator of the Department of State Affairs, the Prince of Linhuai, Yuan Yu: “Now there are no more rebels under heaven.” Yuan Yu, seeing the Emperor’s unhappy expression, said: “I fear that after the rebels are pacified, it will be time to trouble Your Majesty with worries.” The Emperor, fearing others would find it strange, changed the subject and said: “Yes. Pacifying and settling the aftermath of chaos is even more difficult.” When Erzhu Rong saw that the four quarters were at peace, he submitted a memorial saying: “The Military Advisor Xu Zhou advised me to seek the Nine Bestowals. I detested his words and have already dismissed and sent him away.” At that time, Erzhu Rong hoped to receive special treatment, so he used these words to hint at the court. The Emperor truly did not wish to grant it, but praised his loyalty.
Erzhu Rong was fond of hunting, regardless of cold or heat. He would arrange the hunting circle and advance, ordering the soldiers to be perfectly aligned. Even if they encountered dangerous terrain, they were not allowed to disobey or avoid it. If a single deer escaped, several men were sure to be executed. Once, a soldier saw a tiger and fled. Erzhu Rong said to him: “Are you afraid of death?” and immediately executed him. From then on, every time they hunted, the soldiers were as if on a battlefield. He once saw a tiger in a deep valley and ordered more than ten men to fight it with bare hands, not allowing the tiger to be harmed. Several men died, but in the end, they captured the tiger. He took pleasure in this, and his subordinates were greatly pained. Grand Chancellor Yuan Tianmu said casually to Erzhu Rong: “Your Majesty’s merit and achievements are already great. The four quarters are at peace. You should only cultivate good government, rest and nourish the people, and hunt in season. Why must you gallop and chase in the height of summer, harming the harmonious qi?” Erzhu Rong rolled up his sleeves and said: “The Empress Dowager Ling was of the female sort and could not correct herself. To support and offer the throne to the Son of Heaven is the common duty of a subject. Ge Rong and his ilk were originally slaves who took advantage of the times to rebel, like runaway servants; catching them was all. Recently, I have received the great favor of the state but have not yet unified all within the seas. How can this already be called merit and achievement? I have heard that the court officials are still lax and unrestrained. This autumn, I intend to join with you, brother, in reviewing the troops and horses, to hunt at Mount Songgao, and let the corrupt and high-ranking court officials enter the hunting circle to fight tigers. Then, we will go out through Luyang, pass through the three Jing provinces, drive all the raw barbarians northward to fill the six garrison towns, and on the return of the army, sweep away the Fen Hu. Next year, I will select elite cavalry and divide them to attack Jiang and Huai. If Xiao Yan surrenders, I will give him a marquisate of ten thousand households. If he does not surrender, I will use several thousand cavalry to go straight across the Yangzi and bind him. Then, I will join you, brother, in serving the Son of Heaven and inspect the four quarters. Only then can it be called merit. If we do not hunt frequently now, the soldiers will become lax. How can they be used again!”
The consort of the Prince of Chengyang, Yuan Hui, was the daughter of the Emperor’s maternal uncle. Attendant-in-Ordinary Li Yu was the son of Li Yanshi and the husband of the Emperor’s elder sister. Yuan Hui and Li Yu wished to gain power and favor, and detested Erzhu Rong as a hindrance to themselves. Every day, they slandered Erzhu Rong before the Emperor, urging him to eliminate him. The Emperor, taking warning from the disaster at Heyin, feared that Erzhu Rong might ultimately be difficult to preserve, and thus secretly conceived the idea of plotting against Erzhu Rong. Attendant-in-Ordinary Yang Kan and Right Chief Administrator of the Department of State Affairs, Yuan Luo, also participated in the plan.
It happened that Erzhu Rong requested to enter the court, wishing to see the Empress give birth. Yuan Hui and others urged the Emperor to assassinate him when he entered court. Only the Marquis of Jiaodong, Li Kanxi, and the Prince of Jiyin, Yuan Huiye, said: “If Erzhu Rong comes, he will certainly be prepared. I fear it cannot be plotted.” They also considered killing his partisans and raising troops to resist him. The Emperor was hesitant and undecided. Meanwhile, the people of Luoyang were filled with anxiety and fear. The Vice Director of the Imperial Secretariat, Xing Zicai, and others had already fled east to take refuge. Erzhu Rong then sent letters to all the court officials, allowing them to go or stay as they wished. The Secretariat Drafter Wen Zisheng presented the letter to the Emperor. The Emperor had always hoped he would not come, but when he saw the letter, he knew Erzhu Rong would certainly come, and his countenance showed great displeasure. Xing Zicai’s given name was Shao; he was known by his courtesy name, and was a younger cousin of Xing Luan. At that time, many people were known by their courtesy names, and the old histories all followed this practice.
Martial General of the Guard Xi Yi had frequently been sent to convey orders between the capital and the army since the first year of the Jianyi era. The emperor often regarded him as important, but because of his close ties with Erzhu Rong, he dared not discuss confidential matters with him. Xi Yi said, "If there is any upheaval, I would rather die for Your Majesty than serve the Qihu." The emperor replied, "I assure you that the Heavenly Pillar has no disloyal intentions, and I will not forget your sincere loyalty."
Erzhu Shilong suspected that the emperor was planning a coup, so he wrote an anonymous letter and posted it on his own door, saying: "The Son of Heaven, along with Yang Kan and Gao Daomu, is plotting to kill the Heavenly Pillar." He then presented it to Erzhu Rong. Erzhu Rong, confident in his own strength, dismissed it, tore up the letter himself, and spat on the ground, saying, "Shilong has no courage. Who would dare to harbor rebellious thoughts!" Erzhu Rong's wife, the Elder Princess of Beixiang, also urged him not to go, but Erzhu Rong would not listen.
That month, Erzhu Rong set out from Bingzhou with four to five thousand cavalry. At the time, people said Erzhu Rong was rebelling, and also that "the Son of Heaven will certainly plot against Erzhu Rong." In the ninth month, Erzhu Rong arrived in Luoyang. The emperor wanted to kill him, but because Grand Preceptor Yuan Tianmu was in Bingzhou and feared he might become a future threat, he held back and summoned Yuan Tianmu as well. Someone told Erzhu Rong, "The emperor intends to plot against you." Erzhu Rong immediately reported this, and the emperor said, "Outsiders also say that the king wants to harm me—how can such things be believed!" Thus, Erzhu Rong ceased to suspect, and whenever he entered the palace to see the emperor, he brought no more than a few dozen attendants, all unarmed. The emperor wanted to abandon the plan, but the Prince of Chengyang, Yuan Hui, said, "Even if he does not rebel, how can we tolerate this? And besides, there is no guarantee!"
Earlier, a long star appeared from the Central Terrace and swept past the Great Horn. Gao Rongzu of Hengzhou, who was well-versed in astronomy, was asked about it by Erzhu Rong and replied, "It is an omen of removing the old and establishing the new." Erzhu Rong was greatly pleased. When Erzhu Rong arrived in Luoyang, Secretariat Director Li Xianhe said, "Now that the Heavenly Pillar has arrived, how could there be no Nine Bestowments? Why should the king have to ask for them himself? It is also that the Son of Heaven does not recognize the times." Commander-in-Chief Guo Luocha said, "This year, we can truly draft an abdication edict—why stop at the Nine Bestowments!" Staff Officer Chu Guang said, "People say there is a purple aura over the city of Bingzhou—why worry that the Heavenly Pillar’s destiny will not be fulfilled!" Erzhu Rong's subordinates all bullied and insulted the emperor's close attendants without any restraint, and so these matters all reached the emperor's ears.
Xi Yi again sought an audience with the emperor, requesting a private conversation. The emperor immediately went to the Mingguang Hall to speak with him. Knowing his loyalty, he summoned the Prince of Chengyang, Yuan Hui, along with Yang Kan and Li Yu, and told them what Xi Yi had said. Erzhu Rong's youngest daughter was married to the emperor's nephew, the Prince of Chenliu, Yuan Kuan. Erzhu Rong once pointed to him and said, "I will eventually gain the help of this son-in-law." Yuan Hui reported this to the emperor, saying, "Erzhu Rong fears that Your Majesty will ultimately become his bane. If there is an heir to the Eastern Palace, he will certainly seek to install a young ruler. If the empress does not bear a prince, he will install the Prince of Chenliu." The emperor dreamed that he held a knife and cut off ten of his own fingers. Troubled by the dream, he told it to Yuan Hui and Yang Kan. Yuan Hui said, "When a viper bites the hand, a strong man cuts off his wrist. Cutting off fingers is in the same category—it is an auspicious sign."
On the day of Wuzi, Yuan Tianmu arrived in Luoyang, and the emperor went out of the palace to welcome him. Erzhu Rong and Yuan Tianmu entered together and went to the West Woods Garden for a banquet and archery. Erzhu Rong memorialized, "Recently, the attendant officials have all neglected military training. Your Majesty should lead five hundred cavalry out on a hunt, and incidentally handle legal cases." Earlier, Xi Yi had said that Erzhu Rong intended to use the hunt as a pretext to seize the emperor and move the capital, so the emperor became even more suspicious.
On the day of Xinmao, the emperor summoned Secretariat Drafter Wen Zisheng, told him about the plan to kill Erzhu Rong, and asked him about the affair of killing Dong Zhuo. Wen Zisheng narrated the entire incident in detail. The emperor said, "If Wang Yun had immediately pardoned the people of Liangzhou, it would certainly not have come to this." After a long pause, he said to Wen Zisheng, "You know all the feelings and reasoning in my heart. Even if I must die, I will still do it—how much less when death is not certain! I would rather die like the Duke of Gaogui Village than live like the Duke of Changdao Village!" The emperor said that after killing Erzhu Rong and Yuan Tianmu, he would immediately pardon their followers, and they should all remain calm. Attendant of Responses Wang Daoxi said, "Erzhu Shilong, Sima Ziru, and Zhu Yuanlong are especially trusted by Erzhu Rong and know the true state of affairs in the realm. It would be unwise to let them live." Yuan Hui and Yang Kan both said, "If Erzhu Shilong cannot be preserved, how could Erzhu Zhongyuan and Erzhu Tianguang ever come to submit!" The emperor also thought this correct. Yuan Hui said, "Erzhu Rong always has a knife at his waist; he might become violent and harm people. When the time comes, I hope Your Majesty will rise and take cover." So they ambushed Yang Kan and more than ten others to the east of the Mingguang Hall. That day, Erzhu Rong and Yuan Tianmu entered the palace together. They sat down to eat but had not finished when they rose and left. Yang Kan and his men ascended the eastern steps, but saw that Erzhu Rong and Yuan Tianmu had already reached the central courtyard, and the plan failed.
The day of Renchen was the emperor's day of mourning; the day of Guisi was Erzhu Rong's day of mourning. On the day of Jiawu, Erzhu Rong briefly entered the palace, then went to the Prince of Chenliu's residence to drink and became heavily intoxicated. He subsequently claimed illness and did not enter the palace for several days. The emperor's plans were largely leaked, and Erzhu Shilong again told Erzhu Rong, urging him to depart quickly. Erzhu Rong looked down on the emperor, thinking him powerless, and said, "Why the hurry!"
All those involved in the emperor's plot were terrified, and the emperor himself was anxious. The Prince of Chengyang, Yuan Hui, said, "Use the pretext that the empress has given birth to a prince. Erzhu Rong will surely come to court, and we can kill him then." The emperor said, "The empress has only been pregnant for nine months—can this be done?" Yuan Hui said, "It is common for women to give birth before the expected time; he will certainly not suspect it." The emperor followed this plan. On the day of Wuxu, the emperor stationed soldiers in ambush in the eastern wing of the Mingguang Hall, announced that the prince had been born, and sent Yuan Hui to ride to Erzhu Rong's residence to inform him. Erzhu Rong was gambling with the Prince of Shangdang, Yuan Tianmu. Yuan Hui took off Erzhu Rong's cap, danced and twirled in celebration, and the civil and military officials inside the palace also passed on the message urging him to come. Erzhu Rong believed it and entered the court together with Yuan Tianmu. When the emperor heard that Erzhu Rong had come, he could not help but change color. Secretariat Drafter Wen Zisheng said, "Your Majesty's expression has changed." The emperor repeatedly asked for wine to drink. The emperor ordered Wen Zisheng to draft an amnesty edict. After it was written, Wen Zisheng took it out and encountered Erzhu Rong coming in from outside, who asked, "What document is this?" Wen Zisheng, without changing his expression, said, "An amnesty edict." Erzhu Rong did not look at it and went in. The emperor sat facing west in the eastern wing. Erzhu Rong and Yuan Tianmu sat facing south to the northwest of the imperial couch. Yuan Hui entered and had just bowed once when Erzhu Rong saw the Junior Steward of the Palace Provisions, Lu An, and the Imperial Attendant Li Kanxi, among others, draw their swords and enter from the eastern gate. He immediately rose and rushed toward the imperial seat. The emperor had already placed a horizontal knife under his knee, and he killed Erzhu Rong with his own hand. Lu An and the others struck wildly, and Erzhu Rong and Yuan Tianmu were both killed at the same time. Erzhu Rong's son, Erzhu Puji, along with General of Chariot and Cavalry Erzhu Yangdu and thirty others who had followed Erzhu Rong into the palace, were also killed by the ambushed soldiers. The emperor obtained Erzhu Rong's writing tablet, on which were several memorials and notes, all listing names of people to retain or dismiss. Those who were not his close confidants were all marked for expulsion. The emperor said, "If this rascal had gotten past today, he would have been impossible to control." Then there were cheers both inside and outside the palace, filling the city of Luoyang with sound. The hundred officials entered the palace to offer congratulations. The emperor ascended the Changhe Gate, issued an edict of general amnesty, and dispatched Martial General of the Guard Xi Yi and former Governor of Yan Province Cui Yuan to lead troops to guard Beizhong. That night, Erzhu Shilong, accompanying the Elder Princess of Beixiang, led Erzhu Rong's troops, burned the Xiyang Gate, and left the city to encamp at Heyin.
General of the Guard Hesheng Ba and Erzhu Rong's partisan Tian Yi, among others, heard of Erzhu Rong's death and rushed to his residence. At the time, the palace gates were not yet strictly guarded. Tian Yi and the others discussed immediately attacking the palace gates, but Hesheng Ba stopped them, saying, "Since the Son of Heaven has carried out such a great deed, he must be prepared. Our forces are few—how can we act rashly! If we can only get out of the city, we can make other plans afterward." Tian Yi then desisted. When Erzhu Shilong fled, Hesheng Ba did not follow him, and the emperor greatly commended him. Zhu Rui, although entrusted by Erzhu Rong, was adept at handling affairs at court, and the emperor also treated him well. Thus, Zhu Rui followed Erzhu Shilong in his flight but turned back midway.
Erzhu Rong had always treated the Gold and Purple Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, Sima Ziru, generously. After Erzhu Rong's death, Sima Ziru rushed out of the palace, went to Erzhu Rong's residence, abandoned his family, and followed Erzhu Rong's wife and children out of the city. Erzhu Shilong wanted to return north, but Sima Ziru said, "In warfare, there is no objection to deceit. Now the realm is in panic and uncertainty, and only strength matters. At this moment, we cannot show weakness to others. If we hastily flee north, I fear trouble may arise at our very elbows. It would be better to divide our forces to hold the River Bridge, turn back toward the capital, and take them by surprise—perhaps we can succeed. Even if we fail, it will at least demonstrate that we still have strength to spare, making the empire fear our power and not dare to rebel or defect." Erzhu Shilong heeded this advice. On the day Jihai, they attacked the River Bridge, captured Xi Yi and his men, killed them, and held the North Central City. The Northern Wei court was greatly frightened and sent the former Grand Administrator of Huayang, Duan Yu, to offer pacification and instruction, but Erzhu Shilong beheaded him as a warning.
Northern Wei appointed the Inspector of Yongzhou, Erzhu Tianguang, as Attendant-in-Chief and Companion of the Three Excellencies, and appointed the Minister of Works, Yang Jin, as Commander-in-Chief of the Nine Provinces including Bing and Si, General of Chariot and Cavalry, Inspector of Bingzhou, concurrently Director of the Department of State Affairs and Grand Commissioner of the Northern Circuit, to manage the He and Fen regions.
When Erzhu Rong entered Luoyang, he had Gao Aocao follow him and imprisoned him in the Camel and Ox Office. After Erzhu Rong's death, the emperor summoned Gao Aocao, offering him comfort and encouragement. Gao Aocao's elder brother, Gao Gan, rushed from East Jizhou to Luoyang. The emperor appointed Gao Gan as Commissioner of Hebei and Gao Aocao as Direct General of the Palace, allowing them to return and gather men from their home villages as support, both internally and externally. The emperor personally saw them off to the River Bridge, raised a cup of wine, pointed at the river, and said, "You brothers are heroes of Ji Province, able to inspire your soldiers to die for you. Should an incident occur in the capital, come to the riverbank and raise dust for me." Gao Gan wept as he received the edict, and Gao Aocao drew his sword and danced, vowing to die for the cause.
In winter, on the first day of the tenth month, Guimao, Erzhu Shilong sent Erzhu Fulügui to lead a thousand Hu cavalry, all dressed in white, to the city walls, demanding the corpse of the Prince of Taiyuan. The emperor ascended the Daxia Gate to observe and sent the Chief Secretary, Niu Fashang, to tell them, "The Prince of Taiyuan rendered great service but did not end well, secretly plotting rebellion. The law knows no partiality, and he has already been executed. The crime only extends to Erzhu Rong alone; the rest are not pursued. If you surrender, your offices and ranks will remain as before." Erzhu Fulügui said, "We followed the Prince of Taiyuan into the capital, and suddenly encountered this unjust punishment. Now we cannot bear to return empty-handed. We hope to obtain the Prince of Taiyuan's corpse; with life or death, we will have no regrets." Thereupon they wept and wailed, overcome with grief, and all the Hu mourned bitterly, their voices shaking the city. The emperor was also moved and sent Attendant-in-Chief Zhu Rui to present an iron covenant to Erzhu Shilong. Erzhu Shilong said to Zhu Rui, "The Prince of Taiyuan's merits covered heaven and earth; he served the state with a loyal heart. The Prince of Changle, disregarding his oath, wrongfully slaughtered him. Today, two lines of iron characters—how can they be trusted! I will avenge the Prince of Taiyuan, and there is no chance of surrender!" Zhu Rui returned and reported to the emperor. The emperor immediately took goods from the treasury and placed them outside the west gate of the city, recruiting dare-to-die troops to attack Erzhu Shilong. In one day, he obtained ten thousand men, who fought with Erzhu Fulügui and his forces outside the city. Erzhu Fulügui and his men had grown up in military campaigns, while the people of Luoyang were not accustomed to battle, and they repeatedly lost. On the day Jiachen, the former General of Chariot and Cavalry, Li Shuren, was appointed Grand Commander, leading troops to attack Erzhu Shilong.
On the day Wushen, the imperial son was born, and a general amnesty was declared. The Director of the Palace Library, Wei Langen, was appointed concurrently Left Acting Director of the Department of State Affairs and Commissioner of Hebei, with the three provinces of Ding, Xiang, and Yin all submitting to Wei Langen's command.
Erzhu's army was still at the city walls. The emperor summoned his ministers for extensive discussion, but all were fearful and did not know what to do. The General of Straight Remonstrance and Constant Attendant, Li Miao, shook his robes and rose, saying, "Now these petty rebels are so reckless, and the court faces unpredictable danger—this is the time for loyal ministers and righteous men to give their all. Though I am not brave, I request to lead a unit of troops to cut straight across the River Bridge for Your Majesty." The Prince of Chengyang, Yuan Hui, and Gao Daomu both thought it good, and the emperor approved. On the day Yimao, Li Miao recruited men to take boats from the upper reaches of Mazhu downriver at night. A few li from the bridge, they launched fireboats to burn the River Bridge, and they arrived in an instant. Erzhu's troops on the south bank, seeing the fire, rushed to cross from the north of the bridge. Soon the bridge broke, and many drowned. Li Miao led over a hundred men to anchor on an islet, waiting for reinforcements from the south. The official army did not arrive. Erzhu's forces attacked, and all his men were killed; Li Miao threw himself into the water and died. The emperor grieved and regretted his loss, posthumously appointing him General of Chariot and Cavalry and Companion of the Three Excellencies, enfeoffing him as Marquis of Heyang with the posthumous name Zhonglie. Erzhu Shilong also withdrew his troops and fled north. On the day Bingchen, an edict ordered the Commissioner of the Circuit, Yuan Ziangong, to lead ten thousand infantry and cavalry out the western route, and Yang Yu to lead eight thousand recruited soldiers out the eastern route to attack. Yuan Ziangong still garrisoned the Dan Valley in Taihang, building fortifications to prepare. Erzhu Shilong arrived at Jianzhou, where the Inspector, Lu Xizhi, closed the city and defended it. Erzhu Shilong captured the city and slaughtered everyone to vent his anger; only Lu Xizhi escaped with his life. An edict appointed the former Inspector of East Jingzhou, Yuan Xiangong, as Inspector of Jinzhou, concurrently Left Acting Director of the Department of State Affairs and Commissioner of the Western Circuit.
The Inspector of East Xuzhou of Northern Wei, the Guangmu man Husizhen, had always relied on Erzhu Rong. After Erzhu Rong's death, Husizhen was terrified. Hearing that the Prince of Runan, Yuan Yue, was on the border, he abandoned his prefecture and led his troops to join Yuan Yue. Yuan Yue appointed Husizhen as Attendant-in-Chief, General-in-Chief, and Minister of Works, enfeoffing him as Duke of Lingqiu and also making him Vanguard Commander of the Grand Commissioner's Circuit.
The Inspector of Fenzhou, Erzhu Zhao, upon hearing of Erzhu Rong's death, led cavalry from Fenzhou to occupy Jinyang. Erzhu Shilong arrived at Zhangzi, and Erzhu Zhao came to meet him. On the day Renshen, they jointly supported the Grand Administrator of Taiyuan and Acting Inspector of Bingzhou, the Prince of Changguang, Yuan Ye, to ascend the throne. A general amnesty was declared, and the reign era changed to Jianming. Yuan Ye was the son of Yuan Ying's younger brother. Erzhu Zhao was appointed General-in-Chief and promoted to prince; Erzhu Shilong was made Director of the Department of State Affairs, enfeoffed as Prince of Leping, and given the titles Grand Preceptor and Shepherd of Sizhou. Erzhu Rong's cousin, Erzhu Dulu, was made Grand Commandant and enfeoffed as Prince of Changshan; Erzhu Shilong's elder brother, the Grand Secretariat of the Heavenly Pillar, Erzhu Yanbo, was made Attendant-in-Chief; the Inspector of Xuzhou, Erzhu Zhongyuan, was made General of Chariot and Cavalry, concurrently Left Acting Director of the Department of State Affairs and Grand Commissioner of the Three Xuzhou Circuits. Erzhu Zhongyuan also raised troops and advanced toward Luoyang.
When Erzhu Tianguang captured Pingliang, Suqin Mingda requested to surrender but soon rebelled and fled north. Erzhu Tianguang sent Heba Yue to attack him, and Suqin Mingda fled to Dongxia. Heba Yue, hearing of Erzhu Rong's death, did not pursue further but returned to Jingzhou to await Erzhu Tianguang. Erzhu Tianguang, together with Houmochen Yue, also descended from Longshan and plotted with Heba Yue to lead their troops toward Luoyang. Emperor Jingzong sent Zhu Rui to comfort and instruct Erzhu Tianguang. Erzhu Tianguang, plotting with Heba Yue, wanted to force the emperor to flee and establish another member of the imperial clan. They repeatedly sent memorials saying, "We truly have no different intentions; we only wish to look up to the imperial countenance and state the offenses of our clan." They also had their subordinates send memorials saying, "Erzhu Tianguang harbors other plans secretly; we hope you will consider a winning strategy to guard against him."
The Grand Administrator of Fanyang, Lu Wenwei, lured the Inspector of Pingzhou, Hou Yuan, out for a hunt, then closed the city gates to refuse him entry. Hou Yuan stationed his troops south of the commandery, held mourning for Erzhu Rong, and led his troops south, advancing to Zhongshan. The Acting Director of the Department of State Affairs of the Circuit, Wei Langen, intercepted him but was defeated by Hou Yuan.
Emperor Jingzong appointed the Prince of Chengyang, Yuan Hui, concurrently Grand Marshal and Recorder of the Department of State Affairs, overseeing internal and external affairs. Yuan Hui believed that since Erzhu Rong was dead, the branches and leaves would naturally scatter. But when Erzhu Shilong and others raised troops on all sides and their party grew daily, Yuan Hui became anxious and fearful, not knowing what to do. He was jealous by nature and disliked others being ahead of him. He often planned alone with the emperor, and when ministers offered strategies, Yuan Hui always urged the emperor not to accept them, saying, "Why worry that these petty rebels cannot be pacified!" He was also stingy with resources, granting few rewards, or giving much but then reducing it midway, or giving and then taking back. Thus, he wasted resources without inspiring gratitude.
On the first day of the eleventh month, Guiyou, Emperor Jingzong appointed the General of Chariot and Cavalry, Zheng Xianhu, as Grand Commander, to join Commissioner Yang Yu in attacking Erzhu Zhongyuan.
On the day Yihai, the Minister of Education, Sun Changshou, was appointed Grand Commandant, and the Prince of Linhuai, Yuan Yu, was made Minister of Education.
On the day Bingzi, the Inspector of Yongzhou, Duke of Guangzong, Erzhu Tianguang, was promoted to prince. The Prince of Changguang also appointed Erzhu Tianguang as Prince of Longxi.
Erzhu Zhongyuan attacked Western Yanzhou, and on the dingchou day, he captured it, taking Wang Yan prisoner. Wang Yan was the son of Wang Xiao’s elder brother. On the guwei day, Emperor Jingzong appointed the Right General of the Guard, Heba Sheng, as the Commander of the Eastern Expedition. On the renchen day, he also appointed Zheng Xianhu as Acting Left Pushe of the and as, to jointly campaign against Erzhu Zhongyuan with Heba Sheng. On the wuxu day, an edict dismissed Wei Langan from his post and appointed Dingzhou Xue Tanzhao as Acting and as the Northern Route. Zheng Xianhu suspected Heba Sheng and stationed him outside the camp. On the gengzi day, Heba Sheng fought Erzhu Zhongyuan east of Huatai, was defeated, and surrendered to Erzhu Zhongyuan.
Previously, Erzhu Rong had once casually asked his attendants, “If I were gone, who could command the army?” They all said Erzhu Zhao. Erzhu Rong said, “Although Erzhu Zhao is brave in battle, the troops he leads are no more than three thousand cavalry; any more and he becomes disorganized. The one who can replace me is only He Liuhun.” He then warned Erzhu Zhao, saying, “You are no match for him; in the end, he will lead you by the nose.” So he appointed Gao Huan aszhou. When Erzhu Zhao led his army toward Luoyang, he sent a messenger to summon Gao Huan. Gao Huan sent his Chief Clerk Sun Teng to Erzhu Zhao, excusing himself with the words, “The mountain Shu are not yet pacified, and I am currently attacking them. I cannot abandon this and leave a future worry. When the mountain Shu are pacified, I will act as a pincer across the river.” Erzhu Zhao was displeased and said, “Go back and tell thezhou Gao that I have had a good dream. I dreamed I ascended a high mound with my ancestors. Beside the mound, the land was already cultivated and ripe, with only malin weeds left. My ancestors ordered me to pull them up, and I did so effortlessly. From this, it seems that wherever I go, I will be victorious.” Sun Teng returned and reported this. Gao Huan said, “Erzhu Zhao is so arrogant and foolish, yet dares to rebel. I certainly cannot serve the Erzhu clan much longer.”
In the twelfth month, on the renyin day (the first day of the month), Erzhu Zhao attacked Dangu. Commander Cui Bofeng died in battle, Commander Shi Wulong opened the camp walls and surrendered, and Yuan Zigong retreated. Erzhu Zhao used light cavalry to double-march and advance, crossing the river from the west of the He Bridge. Earlier, Emperor Jingzong thought the Yellow River was deep and wide, believing Erzhu Zhao could not cross it suddenly. On this day, the river water was not even deep enough to reach the horses’ bellies. On the jiachen day, a violent wind blew, raising yellow dust to fill the sky. Erzhu Zhao’s cavalry struck the palace gates. The palace guards only then realized the danger; they drew their bows to shoot, but the arrows would not fly, and they scattered in panic. Huashan King Yuan Zhi, a great-great-grandson of Yuan Jin, had always been attached to the Erzhu clan. The emperor had just heard of Erzhu Zhao’s southward advance and wanted to personally lead the armies to attack him. Yuan Zhi persuaded the emperor, saying, “The Yellow River is ten thousand ren deep; how could Erzhu Zhao cross it?” The emperor thus calmed himself. When Erzhu Zhao entered the palace, Yuan Zhi also blocked the guards, preventing them from fighting. The emperor walked out of the Yunlong Gate on foot. He encountered Chengyang King Yuan Hui fleeing on horseback. The emperor repeatedly called out to him, but Yuan Hui did not look back and rode away. Erzhu Zhao’s cavalry seized the emperor and locked him in the tower of Yongning Temple. The emperor was extremely cold and asked Erzhu Zhao for a headcloth, but Erzhu Zhao refused to give it. Erzhu Zhao set up camp in the Shangshu Province, used the emperor’s golden drums, set up a water clock in the courtyard, beat the crown prince to death, defiled the imperial consorts and princesses, let his soldiers plunder wildly, and killed Sikong Linhuai King Yuan Yu, Shangshu Zuopushe Fanyang King Yuan Hui, and Qingzhou Li Yanshi, among others.
Chengyang King Yuan Hui fled to the south of the mountains and arrived at the home of former Luoyang Magistrate Kou Zuren. Kou Zuren’s family had three men who served as, all recommended and promoted by Yuan Hui. Because of this old favor, Yuan Hui took refuge with him. Yuan Hui brought with him a hundred jin of gold and fifty horses. Kou Zuren coveted his wealth; outwardly he accommodated him, but privately said to his sons and younger brothers, “I hear that Erzhu Zhao has offered a reward for capturing Chengyang King. Whoever gets him will be enfeoffed as a marquis of a thousand households. Today, wealth and rank have arrived!” So he frightened Yuan Hui, saying that the authorities were about to pursue him, and made him flee to another place. He then sent men to ambush and kill him on the way, sending his head to Erzhu Zhao. Erzhu Zhao did not give him any reward. Erzhu Zhao dreamed that Yuan Hui said to him, “I have two hundred jin of gold and a hundred horses at Kou Zuren’s house; you can take them.” When Erzhu Zhao woke up, he believed the dream was real. He immediately launched a raid, arrested Kou Zuren, and demanded the gold and horses. Kou Zuren thought someone had informed on him and confessed out of fear, saying, “I actually received a hundred jin of gold and fifty horses.” Erzhu Zhao suspected he was hiding more, and demanded the amount from the dream. Kou Zuren’s house originally had thirty jin of gold and thirty horses, all of which he handed over to Erzhu Zhao. Erzhu Zhao still did not believe him, grew angry, seized Kou Zuren, hung his head from a high tree, tied heavy stones to his feet, and beat him to death.
When Erzhu Shilong arrived in Luoyang, Erzhu Zhao, thinking himself meritorious, rebuked Erzhu Shilong, saying, “Uncle has been at court for a long time and should have wide eyes and ears. How could you let the Tianzhu suffer such calamity?” He grasped his sword and glared, his voice and expression harsh. Erzhu Shilong humbly apologized and bowed in apology before the matter subsided. From then on, he deeply hated Erzhu Zhao. Erzhu Zhongyuan also arrived in Luoyang from Huatai.
On the wushen day, the Wei Changguang King issued a general amnesty.
After Erzhu Rong’s death, Emperor Jingzong had issued an edict ordering the western river bandit leader Gedouling Bufan to attack Xiurong. When Erzhu Zhao entered Luoyang, Gedouling Bufan moved south, his army’s momentum very strong. Thus, Erzhu Zhao had no time to stay long and hurriedly returned to Jinyang to resist, leaving Erzhu Shilong, Erzhu Dulu, and Erzhu Yanbo to guard Luoyang. On the jiayin day, Erzhu Zhao moved Emperor Jingzong to Jinyang. Erzhu Zhao personally supervised the inspection of goods at the He Bridge. Gao Huan heard that the emperor was being moved to Jinyang. He led his cavalry eastward on a patrol, intending to intercept him, but did not catch up. So he wrote a letter to Erzhu Zhao, explaining the consequences of good and evil, and said that he should not kill the Son of Heaven and incur an evil reputation. Erzhu Zhao was angered and did not accept it. Erzhu Tianguang rode lightly into Luoyang, met with Erzhu Shilong and the others, and immediately returned to Yongzhou.