Records of Liang, Volume 11
Zizhi Tongjian, Volume 155 [Liang Record 11]: From the year Xinhai (Chongguang Dayuanxian) to the year Renzi (Xuanyi Kundun), a total of two years.
In spring, the first month, on the day Xinsi, the emperor performed the suburban sacrifice at the southern altar and granted a general amnesty under heaven.
The Northern Wei Right Assistant Director of the Department of State Affairs, Zheng Xianhu, upon hearing that Luoyang had fallen and his troops had scattered, came to seek refuge. On the day Bingwu, Zheng Xianhu was appointed General of the Northern Expedition.
In the second month, on the day Xinchou, the emperor performed a sacrifice in the Hall of Light.
Since the imprisonment of Emperor Jingzong of Northern Wei, the imperial palace had been vacant for nearly a hundred days. Erzhu Shilong garrisoned Luoyang; commerce and trade flowed freely, and there were no bandits. The Erzhu brothers secretly discussed, believing that the Prince of Changguang was a distant relative and lacked popular support, so they wished to establish a closer relative. The Yitong Sansi, Prince of Guangling, Yuan Gong, was the son of Yuan Yu. He was fond of learning, possessed ambition and measure. During the Zhenguan era, he served as the Vice Director of the Yellow Gate for the Palace Attendants. Because Yuan Cha monopolized power, he feigned muteness and lived in the Longhua Buddhist Temple, cutting off contact with the outside world. In the final years of the Yong’an era, someone informed Emperor Jingzong that the Prince of Guangling was feigning muteness and harbored rebellious intent. Yuan Gong, frightened, fled to the Shangluo Mountains. The Governor of Luo Prefecture arrested him and sent him to the capital, where he was imprisoned and interrogated for a long time. Because there was no evidence, he was acquitted. The Chief Clerk of the Western Campaign Grand Headquarters, Xue Xiaotong, urged Erzhu Tianguang, saying: “The Prince of Guangling is the nephew of Emperor Gaozu. He has always had a fine reputation and has remained silent for many years. If we establish him as ruler, it will surely align with both heavenly intent and human hearts.” Erzhu Tianguang discussed this with Erzhu Shilong and others, but they suspected he was truly mute. They sent Erzhu Yanbo to secretly urge and inform him, and also to coerce him. Yuan Gong then said, “How can Heaven speak!” Erzhu Shilong and the others were greatly delighted. Xue Xiaotong was the son of Xue Cong.
On the day Jisi, the Prince of Changguang arrived south of Mang Mountain. Erzhu Shilong and the others had prepared an abdication edict for him. They sent the Grand Administrator of Taishan, Liaoxi native Dou Yuan, carrying a horsewhip, to enter alone and inform the Prince of Changguang, saying: “Heavenly intent and human hearts both belong to the Prince of Guangling. We hope you will emulate the abdication of Yao and Shun.” Thereupon, he signed the abdication edict. The Prince of Guangling submitted a memorial declining three times, then ascended the throne. He granted a general amnesty under heaven and changed the reign title to Putai. The Vice Director of the Yellow Gate, Xing Zicai, drafted the amnesty proclamation, which recounted the circumstances of Emperor Jingzong’s unjust killing of the Prince of Taiyuan, Erzhu Rong. Emperor Jiemin said: “Emperor Yong’an personally eliminated a powerful minister; this was not a loss of virtue. It was merely that Heaven had not yet grown weary of calamity, so he encountered a disaster like that of Cheng Ji.” Thereupon, he turned and ordered an attendant to bring a brush, personally wrote the amnesty proclamation, and stated directly: “The Chancellery: I, with my meager virtue, have complied with the people’s recommendation. I wish to share this great celebration with the myriad people. The articles for pardoning offenses will all follow the usual regulations.” The emperor had been silent for eight years. When he spoke at this time, both court and commoners were overjoyed, regarding him as an enlightened ruler and hoping for peace under heaven.
On the day Gengwu, an edict said: “The Three Sovereigns were called ‘Sovereigns,’ the Five Emperors were called ‘Emperors,’ and the Three Dynasties were called ‘Kings’—this was probably a gradual humility. Since the Qin Dynasty, they competed to be called ‘Emperor.’ I now only call myself ‘Emperor,’ which is already an honor.” Erzhu Shilong was granted the title Yitong Sansi. Posthumous honors were bestowed on Erzhu Rong as Grand Councilor and Prince of Jin, with the Nine Bestowals. Erzhu Shilong had the hundred officials discuss Erzhu Rong's matching in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. The Director of Rectification, Liu Jiming, said: “If matched with Emperor Shizong, he had no merit at that time; if matched with Emperor Xiaoming, he personally killed his mother; if matched with Emperor Zhuang, as a minister he could not end well. Based on this, there is no one to match him with.” Erzhu Shilong angrily said: “You deserve death!” Liu Jiming replied: “As the one who initiated this discussion, I speak according to ritual propriety. If it displeases your will, I am at your mercy for execution or dismemberment!” Erzhu Shilong did not punish him. Thus, Erzhu Rong was matched with Emperor Gaozu in the temple courtyard. A temple was also built for Erzhu Rong on Mount Shouyang, reconstructed from the old temple of the Duke of Zhou, on the grounds that Erzhu Rong’s merits equaled those of the Duke of Zhou. After the temple was completed, it was soon destroyed by fire.
Erzhu Zhao, because he had not participated in the plan to depose and establish the emperor, was furious and wanted to attack Erzhu Shilong. Erzhu Shilong sent Erzhu Yanbo to explain matters to him, and then he desisted.
Initially, Emperor Jingzong had sent the General of Pacifying the East, Shi Wulong, and the General of Pacifying the North, Yang Wenyi, each leading three thousand troops to guard the Taihang Range, and the Attendant-in-ordinary Yuan Zichong to garrison Henei. When Erzhu Zhao advanced south, Shi Wulong and Yang Wenyi led their troops to surrender first. As a result, Yuan Zichong’s army, seeing this, also collapsed. Erzhu Zhao then took advantage of his victory to directly enter Luoyang. By this time, Erzhu Shilong assessed the merits of Shi Wulong and Yang Wenyi and enfeoffed each as a Marquis of a Thousand Households. The Northern Wei ruler said: “Shi Wulong and Yang Wenyi had merit for the prince, but no merit for the state.” In the end, he did not approve.
Erzhu Zhongyuan garrisoned Huatai. He submitted a memorial requesting that one of his subordinate commanders be appointed Governor of West Yanzhou, first appointing him and then submitting the memorial. An edict replied: “Since you can fill the post nearby, why trouble yourself with a distant report!”
When Erzhu Tianguang eliminated Wanqi Chou’nu, he obtained a lion presented by Persia and sent it to Luoyang. When Emperor Jiemin ascended the throne, an edict said: “A caged beast violates its nature.” He ordered it sent back to its home country. The envoy, because the road to Persia was too far and impassable, killed the lion on the road and returned. The relevant department impeached him for defying the imperial edict. The emperor said: “How can one punish a person for the sake of a beast!” Thereupon, he pardoned him.
The Northern Wei General of Pacifying the Distance, Cui Zuchang of Qinghe, gathered troops from the seven commanderies of Qingzhou and besieged Dongyang. Within ten days, his forces numbered over a hundred thousand. The Governor, Prince of Donglai, Yuan Guiping, led the city’s populace in a stubborn defense. He sent the Grand Tutor’s Consultant, Cui Guangbo, to go out and pacify the besiegers. Cui Guangbo’s elder brother, Cui Guangshao, said: “The city populace has long been oppressive and unrestrained, and the people’s anger is intense. This cannot be resolved by comfort and explanation. If my younger brother goes, he certainly will not be preserved.” Yuan Guiping forced him to go. After he left the city, he was shot dead by arrows.
The Acting Chief of the You, An, Ying, and Bing Provinces, Liu Lingzhu, believed that his magical arts could move people’s hearts. He also deduced from calculations that the Erzhu clan was about to decline. Therefore, he raised an army, proclaiming himself King of Yan, with the titles of Kaifu Yitong Sansi and Grand Acting Chief, claiming he wanted to avenge Emperor Jingzong. He also falsely expounded prophetic texts, saying: “The Liu clan should become king.” Consequently, many commoners from You, Ying, Cang, and Ji followed him. Those who followed him lit fires at night as signals, and villages that did not light fires were collectively massacred by them. He led his troops south to Anguo City in Boling. Erzhu Zhao sent the Supervisor, Sun Baiyao, to Jizhou, ostensibly to requisition civilian horses, intending to arrest the Gao Gan brothers when they delivered the horses. Gao Gan and others, learning of this, conspired with the former Grand Administrator of Henei, Feng Longzhi, and others. Secretly deploying strong men, they attacked and occupied Xindu, killed Sun Baiyao, and captured the Governor, Yuan Ni. Gao Gan and others wanted to elevate his father, Gao Yi, to oversee the prefecture’s affairs. Gao Yi said: “In harmonizing and gathering the villagers, I am no match for Feng Pi.” Thereupon, they established Feng Longzhi to oversee the prefecture’s affairs. They held mourning for Emperor Jingzong, with officers and soldiers all wearing mourning clothes. They ascended an altar, swore an oath to the troops, and sent proclamations to all provinces and commanderies, jointly vowing to punish the Erzhu clan, and accepting Liu Lingzhu’s command. Feng Longzhi was a grandnephew of Feng Monu.
The Governor of Yinzhou, Erzhu Yusheng, led five thousand troops to attack Xindu. Gao Ao’ao did not have time to don his armor and led a dozen cavalry to charge at them. Gao Gan lowered five hundred men from the city by rope, but they could not catch up to rescue him. Gao Ao’ao had already engaged in battle, and Erzhu Yusheng was defeated and fled. Gao Ao’ao’s lance was unmatched in the world. His men, left and right, all fought as if one against a hundred. People of the time compared him to Xiang Yu.
Gao Huan stationed his troops at Hushan, at Dawang Mountain, for sixty days. Then he led his army eastward, claiming he was going to attack Xindu. The people of Xindu were all terrified. Gao Gan said: “I have heard that the Governor of Jinzhou, Gao Huan, has unmatched talent and strategy, and his ambitions will not allow him to serve under others. Moreover, the Erzhu clan is unprincipled, killing rulers and oppressing the people. This is precisely the time for a hero to establish merit. His coming today surely involves deep plans. I should meet him with light cavalry and secretly inquire into his intentions. You need not fear.” Thereupon, he led a dozen cavalry, along with Feng Longzhi’s son, Feng Zihui, to secretly go to Fukou to pay respects to Gao Huan. He urged Gao Huan, saying: “The Erzhu clan is cruel and rebellious, causing pain that binds both gods and men. Anyone with knowledge wishes to rise in action. Your Excellency’s authority and virtue have long been manifest, and the whole realm is devoted to you. If you raise an army on righteous grounds, then these violent elements will be no match for you. Although this province is small, its registered households number no less than a hundred thousand. The tax revenue from grain and fodder is sufficient to supply military provisions. I hope you will carefully consider this plan.” Gao Gan’s words were passionate. Gao Huan was greatly delighted and slept in the same tent with him.
In the beginning, the Henan Grand Administrator Li Xianfu of Zhao Commandery, who was fond of chivalry, gathered several thousand Li clan families to live in a region fifty or sixty li square west of Yin Mountain in Yin Province. After Li Xianfu died, his son Li Yuanzhong inherited. The family had always been wealthy and often lent money at interest, but Li Yuanzhong burned all the contracts and forgave the debts, so the villagers greatly respected him. At that time, bandits arose like a swarm of bees. Five hundred men from Qinghe were garrisoning to the west. On their return, they passed through Zhao Commandery, and because the roads were blocked, they all took refuge with Li Yuanzhong. Li Yuanzhong sent a servant as a guide, saying: “If you encounter bandits, just say that Li Yuanzhong sent you.” Following his words, the bandits all avoided them. When Ge Rong rose in revolt, Li Yuanzhong led his clan and followers to build fortifications to protect themselves. Sitting under a large oak tree, he personally executed three hundred people who disobeyed orders, one after another. When the bandits came, Li Yuanzhong always repelled them. Ge Rong said: “From Zhongshan to here, I have been repeatedly defeated by Zhao Li—how can I achieve great deeds!” So he led all his forces to besiege them, captured Li Yuanzhong, and kept him with the army. After the bandits were pacified, Li Yuanzhong was appointed on the spot as Grand Administrator of South Zhao Commandery. He was fond of drinking and had no administrative achievements.
When Erzhu Zhao assassinated Emperor Jingzong, Li Yuanzhong abandoned his office and returned home, planning to raise troops to punish him. Just as Gao Huan was heading east, Li Yuanzhong rode in an uncovered cart, carrying a plain zither and muddy wine, to welcome him. Gao Huan, hearing that he was a wine drinker, did not immediately receive him. Li Yuanzhong got out of the cart, sat alone, poured wine, and tore dried meat to eat, saying to the gatekeeper: “I originally heard that the lord was recruiting talents. Now that a national scholar has arrived at his gate, yet he does not spit out his food or stop washing his hair to receive him—one can see what kind of man he is. Return my name card; do not report me!” The gatekeeper reported this, and Gao Huan immediately received him, invited him in, and after two rounds of wine, Li Yuanzhong took his zither from the cart and played, singing with great emotion. After finishing the song, he said to Gao Huan: “The situation in the empire is clear. Will you, illustrious lord, still serve the Erzhu clan?” Gao Huan said: “My wealth and rank all come from them—how dare I not fulfill my loyalty!” Li Yuanzhong said: “You are no hero! Have Gao Gan and his brother arrived?” At that time, Gao Gan had already seen Gao Huan, but Gao Huan deceived him, saying: “My uncles are crude—how would they be willing to come!” Li Yuanzhong said: “Though crude, they understand affairs.” Gao Huan said: “The man from Zhao Commandery is drunk.” He ordered someone to support him out. Li Yuanzhong refused to rise. Sun Teng spoke up, saying: “This gentleman is sent by Heaven—he cannot be opposed.” Gao Huan then kept him again to talk. Li Yuanzhong spoke with generous tears, and Gao Huan was also overcome with grief. Li Yuanzhong then took the opportunity to present a strategy, saying: “Yin Province is small and lacks provisions and weapons—it is insufficient for great deeds. If you go to Ji Province, Gao Gan and his brother will surely be your hosts, and Yin Province can be left to your disposal. With Ji and Yin united, Cang, Ying, You, and Ding will naturally submit. Only Liu Dan, that crafty Hu, might resist, but he is no match for you.” Gao Huan quickly grasped Li Yuanzhong’s hand and thanked him.
When Gao Huan reached Shandong, he restrained his soldiers, forbidding them to harm even the slightest thing. Every time he passed through wheat fields, Gao Huan would dismount and lead his horse on foot. Hearing of this from far and near, everyone praised Gao Yitong’s strict command of his troops and turned their allegiance to him even more.
Gao Huan requested grain from the Xiangzhou Grand Administrator Liu Dan, but Liu Dan refused. There were rent grains from the cart camps, and Gao Huan seized them. Advancing to Xindu, Feng Longzhi, Gao Gan, and others opened the gates and received him. Gao Aocao was then outside raiding territory; hearing of this, he considered Gao Gan a woman and sent him a skirt. Gao Huan sent his heir, Gao Cheng, to see him with the rites of a descendant, and Gao Aocao then came with him.
On the Guiyou day, Northern Wei enfeoffed the Prince of Changguang, Yuan Ye, as the Prince of Donghai. They appointed the Qingzhou Grand Administrator, the Prince of Lujun, Yuan Su, as Grand Preceptor; the Prince of Huaiyang, Yuan Xin, as Grand Tutor; Erzhu Shilong as Grand Guardian; Zhangsun Zhi as Grand Commandant; the Prince of Zhaojun, Yuan Chen, as Minister of Works; the Xuzhou Grand Administrator, Erzhu Zhongyuan, and the Yongzhou Grand Administrator, Erzhu Tianguang, both as Grand Generals; and the Bingzhou Grand Administrator, Erzhu Zhao, as Grand Pillar General. They bestowed on Gao Huan the title of Prince of Bohai and summoned him to court. Zhangsun Zhi firmly declined the position of Grand Commandant, so they appointed him as General of Agile Cavalry, with the rank of Kaifu Yitong Sansi. Erzhu Zhao declined the title of Grand Pillar, saying: “This was the final office held by my uncle—how dare I accept it!” He firmly declined and did not accept, but was soon given the additional post of Commander of Ten Provinces’ Military Affairs, with the hereditary title of Bingzhou Grand Administrator. Gao Huan declined the summons to court. Erzhu Zhongyuan moved his garrison to Daliang and was additionally appointed as Yanzhou Grand Administrator.
When Erzhu Shilong first served as Pushe, he feared Erzhu Rong’s authority and strictly restrained himself, diligently attending to documents and entertaining guests, earning a reputation for intelligence and efficiency. After Erzhu Rong died, he became unrestrained. As Shangshu Ling, he handled affairs at home, signing orders while seated. No matter the size of an affair, if it was not first reported to Erzhu Shilong, the relevant department dared not execute it. He had Shangshu Lang Song Youdao and Xing Xin sit on the east and west sides of his hall to accept lawsuits and issue orders in his name. He openly indulged in greed and licentiousness, exercising life and death and granting or taking away power at will. He also tried to win over the soldiers’ hearts by indiscriminately granting official ranks, making everyone a general without any limit on numbers. From then on, rewards for merit became so excessive that people no longer valued them. At that time, Erzhu Tianguang held exclusive power over Guanxi, Erzhu Zhao occupied Bing and Fen, Erzhu Zhongyuan arbitrarily governed Xu and Yan, and Erzhu Shilong held power at the center, all competing in greed and cruelty. Erzhu Zhongyuan was especially severe. The wealthy families under his jurisdiction were often falsely accused of rebellion; their women and property were confiscated into his household, while the men were thrown into the Yellow River—such incidents were countless. East of Xingyang, all tax revenues went to his army and were not sent to Luoyang. In the southeastern provinces and commanderies, from governors down to commoners, everyone feared Erzhu Zhongyuan as if he were a wolf or tiger. Thus, people everywhere hated the Erzhu clan, but fearing their power, no one dared to resist.
On the Jichou day, Northern Wei appointed the Jingzhou Grand Administrator Heba Yue as the Qizhou Grand Administrator, and the Weizhou Grand Administrator Houmochen Yue as the Qinzhou Grand Administrator, both with the rank of Yitong Sansi.
Northern Wei sent the Grand Commander Hou Yuan and the General of Agile Cavalry, the man from Dai, Chilie Yanqing, to punish Liu Lingzhu. They reached Gucheng, and Hou Yuan, fearing Liu Lingzhu’s large numbers, wanted to lead his troops westward, occupy a strategic pass, and defend it, waiting for Liu’s changes. Chilie Yanqing said: “Liu Lingzhu is a mediocre man who uses demonic arts to delude the masses. When the great army arrives, they will all rely on charms and spells—how would they be willing to fight to the death and contend with us for victory? It would be better to leave the camp and go outside the city, pretending to return west. When Liu Lingzhu hears of this, he will surely relax his vigilance. Then our army can secretly advance and attack, capturing him in one strike.” Hou Yuan followed this advice, marched out and camped west of the city, claiming they were returning. On the Bingshen day, they selected a thousand elite cavalry and set out at night, directly reaching Liu Lingzhu’s camp. Liu Lingzhu was defeated and beheaded, and his head was sent to Luoyang.
Initially, when Liu Lingzhu raised his troops, he divined the outcome himself and said: “At the end of the third month, I will surely enter Ding Province, and the Erzhu clan will soon be destroyed.” When Liu Lingzhu’s head was sent in a box to Ding Province, it was indeed at the end of that month.
In summer, the fourth month, on the Yisi day, Crown Prince Zhaoming, Xiao Tong, died. Since the crown prince came of age, the emperor had him inspect and handle court affairs. Various departments presented matters, which piled up before him in great numbers. The prince discerned fraud and errors down to the smallest detail, but only ordered corrections without bringing accusations. He judged cases fairly, often showing leniency, and was generous and tolerant, able to accommodate everyone, with his joy and anger never showing on his face. He loved reading and writing, gathered talented people, and took pleasure in rewarding them tirelessly. Living in the Eastern Palace for over twenty years, he did not accumulate music or female entertainers. Whenever there were long rains or heavy snow, he sent his attendants throughout the lanes to inspect the poor and relieve them. He was naturally filial and cautious. In the Eastern Palace, even when at leisure, he always sat or lay facing west. Sometimes when summoned to the palace at night, he would sit upright until dawn. When he fell ill, fearing it would worry the emperor, whenever someone came to inquire about his health, he always forced himself to write back by hand. When he died, officials and commoners alike were shocked and grieved. Men and women in Jiankang City rushed to the palace gates, wailing and filling the roads.
On the Guichou day, Northern Wei appointed Gao Huan as Grand Commander, Grand Chief of the Eastern Circuit, and Grand Administrator of Ji Province, and also appointed the Prince of Anding, Erzhu Zhihu, as Grand Administrator of Si Province.
Erzhu Tianguang of Northern Wei set out from Xia Province and sent generals to punish Suqin Mingda. On the Guihai day, he captured Suqin Mingda and sent him to Luoyang, where he was beheaded.
On the Bingyin day, Northern Wei appointed the Palace Attendant and General of Agile Cavalry, Erzhu Yanbo, as Minister over the Masses.
Northern Wei issued an edict ordering that the relevant departments no longer refer to the “puppet Liang.”
In the fifth month, on the Bingzi day, the people of Jingzhou city in Northern Wei killed Zhao Xiuyan and again recommended Li Yanzhi to oversee the province’s affairs.
In Northern Wei, Erzhu Zhongyuan sent the commander Wei Sengqu and others to Dongyang to attack Cui Zuchan, and they beheaded him.
Initially, Crown Prince Zhaoming, when burying his mother, Lady Ding Guifei, sent someone to seek an auspicious burial site. Someone bribed the eunuch Yu Sanfu to request the sale of a plot of land, saying that if three hundred thousand cash could be obtained, one hundred thousand would be given to him. Yu Sanfu secretly reported to the Emperor, saying, "The land the Crown Prince has obtained is not as favorable for Your Majesty as this plot." The Emperor, being old and full of taboos, immediately ordered the purchase of this land. After the burial was completed, a Daoist said, "This land is unfavorable for the eldest son; if a curse is made to suppress it, perhaps it can be extended." So they made wax geese and various items and buried them at the eldest son's position beside the grave. The palace overseer Bao Miaozhi and Wei Ya were both initially favored by the Crown Prince, but Bao Miaozhi was later alienated by Wei Ya, so he secretly reported to the Emperor, saying, "Wei Ya performed a curse ritual for the Crown Prince." The Emperor sent someone to investigate and dig, and indeed found the wax geese and other items. Greatly startled, he wanted to pursue the matter thoroughly. Xu Mian firmly remonstrated and only then stopped, merely executing the Daoist. From then on, the Crown Prince was forever ashamed and resentful, unable to clear himself. When he died, the Emperor summoned his eldest son, the Southern Xuzhou Governor Huarong Duke Xiao Huan, to Jiankang, intending to make him heir. But harboring resentment over the previous matter, he hesitated for a long time and ultimately did not establish him. On the Gengyin day, he sent him back to his garrison.
Your servant Sima Guang says: A gentleman, in regard to the correct path, cannot deviate for a moment, cannot err by half a step. With the benevolence and filial piety of Crown Prince Zhaoming and the kindness and love of Emperor Wu, once tainted by suspicions, the prince died of worry, and the guilt extended to his descendants; seeking good fortune brought calamity, and he could not cleanse himself—can this not serve as a warning! Therefore, deceitful men and bizarre arts are what a gentleman should keep distant from.
On the Bingshen day, they established the Crown Prince's younger brother of the same mother, Jin'an King Xiao Gang, as the Crown Prince. Both court and commonalty mostly considered this improper. The Siyi Attendant Zhou Hongzheng, who had once served as Jin'an King's chief clerk, submitted a memorial saying, "The way of modesty and yielding has been neglected for many years. I humbly consider that Your Highness the Great King, with natural talent surpassing all, has earned the allegiance of all within the Four Seas, and thus the Emperor has issued a virtuous decree, making Your Highness the heir apparent. My intention is to hope to hear that Your Highness will emulate the supreme benevolence and righteousness of Muyi, uphold the great virtuous integrity of Zizang, flee the jade carriage without riding it, and discard the myriad chariots as if taking off shoes—perhaps this can change the corrupt and competitive customs and glorify the ways of the Kingdom of Wu. In ancient times there were such people; now hearing such words, who but Your Highness can practice them! To make the transformation of non-action reappear in ancient times and let the way of true kingship not fall in later ages—how magnificent would that be!" The king could not follow this. Zhou Hongzheng was the nephew of Zhou She.
The Crown Prince appointed the Attendant Reader of the Eastern Palace, Xu Chai of Donghai, as Household Provisioner, concurrently overseeing records, and soon concurrently acting as Commandant of the Guard. Xu Chai's literary style was frivolous and ornate, and everyone in the Eastern Palace imitated him, calling it "Palace Style" at the time. When the Emperor heard of this, he became angry, summoned Xu Chai, and wanted to reprimand him. When they met, Xu Chai responded with intelligence and sharpness, his words and meanings impressive, and the Emperor's anger dissipated instead. Then he questioned him on the Classics, histories, and Buddhism; Xu Chai discoursed freely, responding like an echo, and the Emperor greatly praised and marveled, his favor and treatment growing increasingly heavy. The Army Commander Zhu Yi was displeased and said to his intimates, "That old Xu comes and goes between the two palaces, gradually pressing in on me; I must make early preparations." Then he took the opportunity to report to the Emperor, saying, "Xu Chai is old, and moreover fond of mountains and waters; his intention is to obtain a commandery for self-cultivation." The Emperor, thinking Xu Chai truly desired this, summoned him and said, "The mountains and waters of Xin'an Commandery are excellent." So he was sent out as the Governor of Xin'an.
In the sixth month, on the Guichou day, they established Huarong Duke Xiao Huan as the Prince of Yuzhang, his younger brother Zhijiang Duke Xiao Yu as the Prince of Hedong, and Qu'a Duke Xiao Cha as the Prince of Yueyang. Because popular talk did not cease, the Emperor enfeoffed Xiao Huan and his brothers with large commanderies to comfort their hearts. After a long time, Bao Miaozhi was convicted of abducting someone, a crime not deserving death; Crown Prince Xiao Gang, recalling the grievance of Crown Prince Zhaoming, wept and had him executed.
In Northern Wei, Gao Huan was about to raise an army to attack the Erzhu clan. The Southern Pacification Generalissimo Hulü Jin, the Army Commander Shanwuren Kudi Qian, Gao Huan's wife's younger brother Lou Zhao, and his wife's elder brother's husband Duan Rong all urged him to accomplish this. Gao Huan then forged a letter, claiming that Erzhu Zhao was about to assign the Six Garrisons people to the Qihu as retainers, causing everyone to be anxious and fearful. He also forged a tally from Bingzhou, conscripting troops to attack Buluoji, raising ten thousand men, and was about to dispatch them. Sun Teng and the Commander-in-Chief Wei Jing requested to stay for five days, and they did this twice. Gao Huan personally escorted them to the outskirts, weeping as he clasped hands in farewell, and everyone wailed, the sound shaking the countryside. Gao Huan then admonished them, saying, "You and I are all homeless wanderers, bound by loyalty like one family; little did we expect the summons from above to be so harsh! Now, going directly west, we are already doomed to die; delaying the army's deadline is also death; being assigned to the national people is also death—what shall we do?" The crowd said, "Only rebellion!" Gao Huan said, "Rebellion is an urgent plan, but we must push forward one man as leader. Who is suitable?" The crowd together pushed forward Gao Huan. Gao Huan said, "You people from the same town are hard to control. Have you not seen Ge Rong? Though he had a million men, he had no laws and ultimately brought destruction upon himself. Now, with me as leader, it must be different from before: you must not bully the Han people, must not violate military orders; life and death obeying me, then it is acceptable; otherwise, I cannot be ridiculed by the world." Everyone kowtowed and said, "Life and death are as you command!" Gao Huan then slaughtered an ox to feast the officers and troops. On the Gengshen day, they raised troops at Xindu, but they still did not dare to openly say they were rebelling against the Erzhu clan.
It happened that Li Yuanzhong raised troops and approached Yinzhou. Gao Huan ordered Gao Gan to lead his forces to rescue it. Gao Gan rode lightly into the city to see the Inspector Erzhu Yusheng and planned military strategy with him. Erzhu Yusheng rode out of the city with Gao Gan; Gao Gan then seized and beheaded him, taking Erzhu Yusheng's head to present to Gao Huan. Gao Huan beat his chest and said, "Today the decision to rebel is settled!" He then appointed Li Yuanzhong as the Inspector of Yinzhou, stationed at Guang'a. Gao Huan then submitted a memorial stating the crimes of the Erzhu clan, but Erzhu Shilong concealed it and did not report it.
In Northern Wei, Yang Bo and his younger brothers Yang Chun and Yang Jin all had renowned virtue. Yang Bo was resolute; Yang Chun and Yang Jin were humble. Their family was filial and fraternal for generations, sharing clothing and eating together, a hundred people young and old, without any discord. Yang Chun and Yang Jin both reached the rank of Three Dukes, and from one family there were seven Commandery Governors and thirty-two Inspectors. When Emperor Jingzong executed Erzhu Rong, Yang Bo's son Yang Kan participated in the planning; Chengyang King Yuan Hui and Li Yu were all their relatives by marriage. When Erzhu Zhao entered Luoyang, Yang Kan fled back to Huayin. Erzhu Tianguang sent Yang Kan's father-in-law, Wei Yiyuan, to summon him, swearing an oath and promising to pardon his crime. Yang Kan said, "Even if he goes back on his word, the dead is only one man; I still hope to preserve a hundred mouths." So he came out to agree, and Erzhu Tianguang killed him. At that time, Yang Chun was in retirement, living with his son Yang Yu in Huayin. Yang Chun's younger brother, the Inspector of Jizhou Yang Shun, the Minister of Works Yang Jin, Yang Shun's son, the Inspector of Dongyongzhou Yang Bian, and the Grand Administrator of Zhengping Yang Zhongxuan were all in Luoyang. In autumn, the seventh month, Erzhu Shilong falsely accused the Yang family of rebellion, requesting their arrest and punishment. The Northern Wei ruler did not permit it. Erzhu Shilong earnestly petitioned, and the Emperor, having no choice, ordered the relevant departments to investigate and report. On the Renshen night, Erzhu Shilong sent troops to surround Yang Jin's residence, and Erzhu Tianguang also sent troops to Huayin to attack Yang Chun's house. Both the eastern and western branches of the family, old and young, were all killed, and their property was confiscated. Erzhu Shilong reported, "The Yang family was truly plotting rebellion; they resisted the arresting troops and were all killed in combat." The Emperor grieved and regretted for a long time, only remaining silent. Both court and commonalty, upon hearing this, were filled with pain and indignation. Yang Jin's son Yang Yi was the Inspector of Guangzhou; Erzhu Zhongyuan sent an envoy to kill him. Only Yang Jin's son Yang Yin, who happened to be away from home at the time of the arrest, escaped and hid, surviving. He went to Xindu to see Gao Huan, weeping as he recounted his family's calamity, and then took the opportunity to propose plans for attacking the Erzhu clan. Gao Huan greatly valued him and immediately appointed him as Attendant of the Traveling Secretariat.
On the Yihai day, the Emperor, standing at the railing in the hall, performed the ceremony of investing the Crown Prince and granted a general amnesty to the empire.
On the Bingxu day, the Northern Wei Minister of Education Erzhu Yanbo resigned due to drought. On the Wuzi day, Erzhu Yanbo was appointed as Attendant and Opener of the Three Departments. Erzhu Yanbo, among his brothers, was slightly less guilty of wrongdoing. Erzhu Shilong firmly declined the title of Grand Guardian. The Northern Wei ruler specially established the office of "Dignitary Equal to the Three Masters," ranking below the Supreme Dukes, and on the Gengyin day appointed Erzhu Shilong to it. Hu Si slandered Zhu Rui to Erzhu Shilong, and Erzhu Shilong killed him.
On the Gengyin day, an edict was issued: "All members of the imperial clan and relatives by marriage who have mourning obligations may be granted Tangmu Estates, enfeoffed as Village and County Marquises, graded according to proximity."
On the renchen day, He Jingrong, the Minister of Personnel, was appointed as Right Deputy Director of the Department of State Affairs. He Jingrong was the son of He Changyu.
In the Northern Wei, Erzhu Zhongyuan, Erzhu Dulu, and others, upon hearing that Gao Huan had raised an army, relied on their own strength and did not consider it a concern; only Erzhu Shilong was worried about it. Erzhu Zhao led twenty thousand infantry and cavalry out of Jingxing, heading toward Yin Province, and Li Yuanqi abandoned the city and fled to Xindu. In the eighth month, on the bingwu day, Erzhu Zhongyuan and Erzhu Dulu led troops to attack Gao Huan. In the ninth month, on the jimao day, Northern Wei appointed Erzhu Zhongyuan as Grand Chancellor; on the gengchen day, appointed Erzhu Tianguang as Grand Marshal.
On the guisi day, the Northern Wei emperor posthumously honored his father, the Prince of Guangling Hui, as the Former Emperor, and his mother, Lady Wang, as the Former Grand Consort; he enfeoffed his younger brother Yuan Yongye as the Prince of Gaomi, and his son Yuan Shu as the Prince of Bohai.
Winter, tenth month, on the yiyou day, the emperor visited the Tongtai Temple, ascended the Dharma seat, and expounded the Nirvana Sutra, ending after seven days.
Le Shan Hou, Xiao Zhengze, had previously been exiled to Yulin for crimes, where he recruited fugitives and planned to attack Panyu. The Governor of Guangzhou, Yuan Jingzhong, attacked and beheaded him. Xiao Zhengze was the younger brother of Xiao Zhengde.
Sun Teng advised Gao Huan, saying, "Now the court is cut off, and we have no authority for commands. If we do not temporarily establish an emperor, the troops will become disheartened and scatter." Gao Huan hesitated, but Sun Teng repeatedly and resolutely urged him, so they established Yuan Lang, the Grand Administrator of Bohai, as emperor. Yuan Lang was the son of Yuan Rong. On the renyin day, Yuan Lang ascended the throne west of the city of Xindu, changing the era name to Zhongxing. Gao Huan was appointed as Attendant-in-Ordinary, Chancellor, Commander-in-Chief of All Military Affairs, Grand General, Director of the Department of State Affairs, and Grand Marshal of the March; Gao Gan as Attendant-in-Ordinary and Minister of Works; Gao Aocao as General of Agile Cavalry, Grand Marshal with the same honors as the Three Dukes, and Governor of Ji Province; Sun Teng as Left Deputy Director of the Department of State Affairs; and Wei Langen, the Grand Marshal of the Hebei March, as Right Deputy Director.
On the yiyou day, Erzhu Zhongyuan, Erzhu Dulu, together with the General of Agile Cavalry, Hu Si Chun, the General of Chariot and Cavalry, Grand Marshal with the same honors as the Three Dukes, Heba Sheng, and the General of Chariot and Cavalry, Jia Xianzhi, encamped at Yangping. Jia Xianzhi’s given name was Zhi, but he was known by his courtesy name; he was the younger brother of Jia Xiandu. Erzhu Zhao emerged from Jingxing and encamped at Guang’a, his forces claiming to be one hundred thousand strong. Gao Huan employed a stratagem of sowing discord, saying, "The Erzhu Shilong brothers are plotting to murder Erzhu Zhao," and also, "Erzhu Zhao and Gao Huan are plotting together to murder Erzhu Zhongyuan and others." Consequently, they became suspicious of each other and hesitated to advance. Erzhu Zhongyuan and the others repeatedly sent Hu Si Chun and Heba Sheng to inform Erzhu Zhao, and Erzhu Zhao led three hundred light cavalry to meet Erzhu Zhongyuan. Seated together in the tent, his expression was unsettled; he waved his horsewhip, let out a long whistle, and gazed into the distance, suspecting that Erzhu Zhongyuan and the others had changed their plans. He then quickly walked out, mounted his horse, and returned. Erzhu Zhongyuan sent Hu Si Chun and Heba Sheng to pursue him, trying to reason with him, but Erzhu Zhao seized Hu Si Chun and Heba Sheng and brought them back to his camp. Erzhu Zhongyuan and Erzhu Dulu, greatly frightened, led their troops southward in flight. Erzhu Zhao enumerated the crimes of Heba Sheng and intended to execute him, saying, "You killed Wei Hegu—that is your first crime. When the Heavenly Pillar died, you did not come with Erzhu Shilong and the others, but instead went east to attack Erzhu Zhongyuan—that is your second crime. I have wanted to kill you for a long time; what do you have to say now?" Heba Sheng replied, "Wei Hegu was a great menace to the state; my father and I killed him, a considerable merit, yet you make it a crime? When the Heavenly Pillar was killed, it was a ruler killing a minister. I, Heba Sheng, would rather betray you, Great King, than betray the court. Today, life and death lie in the Great King’s hands. But the rebel enemies are right before us, while discord arises among blood relatives—from ancient times to the present, none have acted like this and not perished. I do not fear death; I only fear that the Great King has made a mistaken plan." Erzhu Zhao then released him.
Gao Huan was about to engage Erzhu Zhao in battle, but feared the strength of his numerous troops. He asked his trusted Adjutant-in-Ordinary, Duan Shao. Duan Shao said, "What is called 'numerous' is being able to make the multitude risk death; what is called 'strong' is being able to win the hearts of the world. The Erzhu clan murdered the emperor above, slaughtered nobles and ministers in the middle, and oppressed the common people below. Great King, attacking rebels with righteousness is like pouring hot water on snow—what is there to fear from their numbers or strength!" Gao Huan said, "Even so, I, with a small force, face a large one; I fear that without Heaven’s mandate, I cannot succeed." Duan Shao said, "I have heard that 'the small can overcome the great because the small follows the Way and the great is depraved.' 'Heaven has no favorites; it only aids the virtuous.' The Erzhu clan has thrown the world into chaos externally and lost the hearts of heroes internally. The wise do not scheme for them, the brave do not fight for them; the people’s hearts have already left them, so how could Heaven’s will not follow!" Duan Shao was the son of Duan Rong. On the xinhai day, Gao Huan defeated Erzhu Zhao decisively at Guang’a, capturing more than five thousand of his armored troops.
Eleventh month, on the yiyi day, the emperor visited the Tongtai Temple and expounded the Prajnaparamita Sutra, ending after seven days.
On the gengchen day, Gao Huan of Northern Wei led troops to attack Ye City. The Governor of Xiang Province, Liu Dan, fortified the city and defended it stubbornly.
This year, the people of Nanyanzhou city in Northern Wei, led by Wang Qiede, seized the Governor Liu Shiming and surrendered the entire province. Liu Shiming was a nephew of Liu Fang’s clan. The emperor appointed Attendant-in-Ordinary Yuan Shu as General of Pacifying the North and Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Expedition, to garrison Qiaocheng. He appointed Liu Shiming as General of Conquering the West, Governor of Ying Province, with the same honors as the Three Dukes. Liu Shiming did not accept, but resolutely requested to return north; the emperor agreed. When Liu Shiming reached Luoyang, he returned the tally of authority he held, retired to his native village, and did not serve again until his death.
Spring, first month, on the bingyin day, Nanping Wang, Xiao Wei, was appointed as Grand Marshal; Yuan Faseng as Grand Commandant; Yuan Ang as Minister of Works. Xi Feng Hou, Xiao Zhengde, was established as the Prince of Linhe. Xiao Zhengde had formerly cultivated a relationship with Zhu Yi. After the emperor enfeoffed the several sons of the Crown Prince Zhaoming, Zhu Yi said that Xiao Zhengde had not received a position commensurate with his status, so he was enfeoffed as a prince. The Crown Prince’s Right Guard Commander, Xue Fahu, was appointed as Governor of Si Province, to escort the Wei King, Yuan Yue, into Luoyang. On the gengwu day, the eldest son of the Crown Prince Xiao Gang, Xiao Daqi, was established as the Prince of Xuancheng.
Gao Huan of Wei attacked Ye City, dug tunnels, erected pillars, and then set them on fire, causing the city wall to collapse into the ground. On the renwu day, he captured Ye City, taking Liu Dan prisoner, and appointed Yang Yin as Right Deputy of the Marching Headquarters. At that time, military and state affairs were numerous; all documents, proclamations, and orders came from Yang Yin and the Kai Fu Consultant, Cui Ling. Cui Ling was a fifth-generation descendant of Cui Cheng.
Second month, Grand Commandant Yuan Faseng was appointed as the Prince of Eastern Wei, with the intention of sending him back north; the Governor of Yanzhou, Yang Kan, was appointed as Army Marshal, to depart together with Yuan Faseng. The Governor of Yang Province, Shao Ling Wang, Xiao Lun, sent men to the market to purchase on credit several hundred bolts of brocade, silk, and cloth. The merchants all closed their shops and did not come out. The Chamberlain for the National Treasury, He Zhitong, reported the matter as it was. Xiao Lun was reprimanded and ordered to return to his residence; thereupon he sent the Palace Guard Dai Zigao and others to assassinate He Zhitong in an alley of the capital with a long spear, the blade emerging from his back. He Zhitong recognized Dai Zigao, dipped his finger in his own blood, and on the carriage wall traced the characters "Shao Ling" with his hand, then expired. Thus the affair was exposed. On the gengxu day, Xiao Lun was guilty and had his official titles and ranks stripped, being reduced to a commoner, and was locked in his own residence. After thirty days, the chains were removed, and soon after, his rank was restored.
On the xinhai day, the Prince of Anding of Wei posthumously honored Emperor Jingzong as Emperor Wuhuai. On the jiazi day, Gao Huan was appointed as Chancellor, Pillar of the State General-in-Chief, and Grand Preceptor. Third month, on the bingyin day, Gao Cheng was appointed as General of Agile Cavalry. On the dingchou day, the Prince of Anding led the hundred officials into Ye City to reside.
Erzhu Zhao and Erzu Shilong began to suspect and hinder each other. Erzu Shilong used humble words and generous gifts to persuade Erzhu Zhao, wanting him to go to Luoyang, promising him whatever he desired, and also requested that Emperor Jiemin take Erzhu Zhao’s daughter as empress. Erzhu Zhao then became pleased, and together with Erzhu Tiangguang and Erzhu Dulu, they renewed their oath and became harmonious once more. Hu Siqin privately said to Heba Sheng, “The whole world resents the Erzhu clan, yet we serve them; the day of our destruction is not far off. It would be better to find a way to eliminate them.” Heba Sheng replied, “Erzhu Tiangguang and Erzhu Zhao each occupy their own territories; it is difficult to eliminate them all. If we cannot remove them completely, it will surely become a future disaster. What can be done?” Hu Siqin said, “This can be made easy for them to come.” So he persuaded Erzu Shilong to summon Erzhu Tiangguang and the others to hurry to Luoyang to jointly attack Gao Huan. Erzu Shilong repeatedly summoned Erzhu Tiangguang, but he did not come; so he sent Hu Siqin personally to invite him, saying, “Gao Huan has rebelled; only the Great King can pacify him. How can you sit by and watch the clan be destroyed!” Erzhu Tiangguang had no choice but to prepare to march east, and he consulted the Heba Yue for advice. Heba Yue said, “The Great King occupies three regions, with strong troops and horses. Gao Huan is merely a rabble; how can he be a match! If we can work together with one heart, attacking him will surely bring victory. If there is mutual suspicion among brothers, then we cannot even protect ourselves, let alone subdue others! In my humble opinion, it is better to temporarily hold Guanzhong to consolidate the base, and send elite troops to join with the various armies. Advancing, we can defeat the enemy; retreating, we can preserve ourselves.” Erzhu Tiangguang did not listen. In the intercalary month, on the Renyin day, Erzhu Tiangguang from Chang’an, Erzhu Zhao from Jinyang, Erzhu Dulu from Luoyang, and Erzhu Zhongyuan from Dongjun all gathered at Yecheng, with an army claiming to be 200,000 strong, encamping along both banks of the Huanshui River. Emperor Jiemin appointed Sun Changru as Grand Acting Chancellor to oversee all the armies.
Gao Huan ordered the Minister of Personnel, Feng Longzhi, to guard Yecheng. On the Guichou day, he marched out and stationed at Zimo. Grand Governor Gao Aocao led three thousand of his fellow villagers, including Wang Taotang, to follow. Gao Huan said, “The troops led by Grand Governor Gao are all Han soldiers; I fear they may not suffice for the task. I want to allocate over a thousand Xianbei troops to mix with yours—what do you think?” Gao Aocao replied, “The troops I lead have been trained for a long time. In previous battles, they were no inferior to the Xianbei soldiers. If we mix them now, our feelings may not be harmonious. If we win, they will vie for credit; if we lose, they will shirk responsibility. There is no need for additional allocation.”
On the Gengshen day, Erzhu Zhao led three thousand light cavalry to raid Yecheng at night, attacking the west gate. Failing to take it, they withdrew. On the Renxu day, Gao Huan had fewer than two thousand warhorses and fewer than thirty thousand infantry. Outnumbered and outmatched, he formed a circular formation at Hanling, linking oxen and donkeys to block the retreat, so that all officers and men were determined to fight to the death. Erzhu Zhao, seeing Gao Huan from afar, rebuked him for betraying him. Gao Huan said, “The reason we worked together was to jointly support the imperial house. Where is the Son of Heaven now?” Erzhu Zhao said, “The Prince of Yong’an (referring to Yuan Ziyou) wrongfully killed the Pillar of Heaven General (referring to Erzhu Rong). I was merely avenging him.” Gao Huan said, “In the past, I personally heard the Pillar of Heaven General’s schemes. At that time, you were standing at the gate—can you say he had no rebellious intent! Moreover, when a ruler kills a minister, what revenge is there to take! Today, our bond is severed!” Then they engaged in battle. Gao Huan led the central army, Gao Aocao led the left army, and Gao Huan’s cousin Gao Yue led the right army. Gao Huan’s forces fared poorly, and Erzhu Zhao and the others pressed the attack. Gao Yue led five hundred cavalry to charge their front, while another general, Hulü Dun, gathered scattered troops to follow behind. Gao Aocao led a thousand cavalry from Liyuan to strike horizontally, and Erzhu Zhao’s forces were greatly defeated. Heba Sheng and the Governor of Xuzhou, Du De, surrendered to Gao Huan on the battlefield. Erzhu Zhao, beating his chest, said to Murong Shaozong, “Had I not followed your advice, it would not have come to this!” He wanted to flee west with light cavalry, but Murong Shaozong reversed the flags, sounded the horns, gathered the scattered troops, and formed them into ranks to retreat. Erzhu Zhao returned to Jinyang, and Erzhu Zhongyuan fled to Dongjun. When Erzhu Yanbo heard of Erzhu Dulu and the others’ defeat, he wanted to personally lead troops to guard the River Bridge, but Erzhu Shilong did not consent.
Erzhu Dulu and Erzhu Tiangguang prepared to go to Luoyang. Grand Governor Hu Siqin said to Governor Jia Xiandu and Jia Xianzhi, “If we do not seize the Erzhu clan now, we will all be killed.” So that night, they swore an oath under a mulberry tree, agreeing to travel double-time and return first. Erzhu Shilong sent his Outer Troops Adjutant, Yang Shuyuan, to ride alone to Beizhong to inspect the defeated troops and admit them into the city in turn. When Hu Siqin arrived, he could not enter, so he deceived Yang Shuyuan, saying, “Erzhu Tiangguang’s troops are all westerners. I heard they want to loot Luoyang and move the capital to Chang’an. You should let me enter first to make preparations.” Yang Shuyuan believed him. In summer, the fourth month, on the Jiazi day (the first day), Hu Siqin and his men occupied the River Bridge and killed all of Erzhu’s partisans. Erzhu Dulu and Erzhu Tiangguang wanted to attack them, but just then a heavy rain fell day and night without stop. Men and horses were exhausted, and bows and arrows were unusable, so they fled west. When they reached the A212po Ford, they were captured and sent to Hu Siqin. Hu Siqin sent Acting Chancellor Sun Changru to Luoyang to report the situation, and also sent Jia Xianzhi and Zhang Huan with cavalry to surprise Erzhu Shilong, capturing him. Erzhu Yanbo was on duty in the palace at the time. Sun Changru reported at the Shenhu Gate, saying, “Gao Huan’s righteous army has risen; I request the execution of the Erzhu clan.” Emperor Jiemin sent the Palace Attendant Guo Chong to inform Erzhu Yanbo. Erzhu Yanbo fled in panic, was captured, and was beheaded together with Erzhu Shilong outside the Changhe Gate. Their heads, along with those of Erzhu Dulu and Erzhu Tiangguang, were sent to Gao Huan.
Emperor Jiemin sent the Secretariat Drafter Lu Bian to Yecheng to comfort Gao Huan. Gao Huan ordered him to pay homage to the Prince of Anding, but Lu Bian refused with righteous words and would not comply. Gao Huan could not change his mind, so he released him. Lu Bian was the nephew of Lu Tong. On the Xinwei day, the General of Agile Cavalry, Acting Governor of Jizhou, Hou Jing, surrendered to the Prince of Anding. Hou Jing was appointed as Minister of the Interior, Grand Acting Chancellor of the Southern Circuit, and Governor of Jizhou.
Erzhu Zhongyuan came to surrender. His subordinate governors Qiao Ning and Zhang Ziji came from Huatai to surrender to Gao Huan. Gao Huan rebuked them, saying, “You served Erzhu Zhongyuan, enjoyed his wealth and honor, made repeated oaths, and promised to live and die together. Formerly, when Erzhu Zhongyuan rebelled in Xuzhou, you were the chief instigators. Now, when Erzhu Zhongyuan fled south, you betrayed him. In serving the Son of Heaven, you are unfaithful; in serving Erzhu Zhongyuan, you are untrustworthy. Even dogs and horses recognize those who feed them—you are worse than dogs and horses!” Then he executed them.
When Erzhu Tiangguang set out east, he left his younger brother Erzhu Xianshou to guard Chang’an and summoned the Governor of Qinzhou, Houmo Chen Yue, planning to go east with him. Heba Yue knew that Erzhu Tiangguang would surely fail and wanted to keep Houmo Chen Yue to jointly scheme against Erzhu Xianshou in response to Gao Huan, but he could not devise a plan. Yuwen Tai said to Heba Yue, “Now Erzhu Tiangguang is still near, and Houmo Chen Yue may not have different intentions. If we tell him this plan, I fear he will panic. However, although Houmo Chen Yue is the commander, he cannot control the masses. If we first persuade his subordinates, some will surely stay. If Houmo Chen Yue advances, he will miss Erzhu Tiangguang’s deadline; if he retreats, he will fear changes in morale. Taking advantage of this to persuade him, nothing will fail.” Heba Yue was greatly pleased and immediately ordered Yuwen Tai to enter Houmo Chen Yue’s camp to persuade him. Houmo Chen Yue then joined Heba Yue in attacking Chang’an. Yuwen Tai led light cavalry as the vanguard. Erzhu Xianshou abandoned the city and fled. They pursued him to Huayin and captured him. Gao Huan appointed Heba Yue as Grand Acting Chancellor of the Western Pass, and Heba Yue appointed Yuwen Tai as Left Assistant of the Acting Chancellery and concurrently Prefectural Administrator, entrusting him with all matters, great and small.
Erzhu Shilong, while resisting Gao Huan, sent Qi Province Acting Chief Minister Fang Mo to recruit soldiers and hurry to the Four Rivers, and also sent his younger brother, Qing Province Governor Erzhu Bi, to rush to Luancheng, proclaiming that they would cross the Yellow River northward to form a pincer formation. After the defeat at Hanling, Erzhu Bi returned to Dongyang. Hearing that Erzhu Shilong and others had died, he intended to surrender and repeatedly swore oaths by cutting his arms with his followers. His adjutant commander Feng Shaolong, who was usually trusted by Erzhu Bi, advised him: "Now that we are sharing hardships, you should cut the flesh over your heart to swear an oath with everyone." Erzhu Bi followed his advice, gathered his subordinates in large numbers, bared his chest, and let Feng Shaolong cut it. Feng Shaolong took the opportunity to stab him with a knife and sent his head to Luoyang.
On the day Bingzi, Andong General Xin Yong surrendered Jianzhou to the Prince of Anding.
On the day Xinsi, the Prince of Anding arrived at Mang Mountain. Gao Huan, because the Prince of Anding was distantly related by blood, sent Servitor Wei Langen to Luoyang to offer condolences and also to observe the character of Emperor Jiemin, intending to revere him. Wei Langen, because Emperor Jiemin had a brilliant demeanor and feared he might be hard to control in the future, joined with the Gao Qian brothers and Huangmen Cui Ling to persuade Gao Huan to depose him. Gao Huan summoned the hundred officials to ask whom they should establish, but no one answered. The Grand Servitor from Dai Commandery, Qimu Jun, vigorously praised Emperor Jiemin's wisdom, saying he should govern the state. Gao Huan happily agreed. Cui Ling changed his expression and said: "If he is called wise, naturally he can wait for our Prince Gao to gradually ascend the great throne. Since the Prince of Guangling was established by rebellious barbarians, how can he be the Son of Heaven! If we follow Qimu Jun's words, what justification does the royal army have to rise in rebellion?" Gao Huan then confined Emperor Jiemin in the Chongxun Buddhist Temple.
When Gao Huan entered Luoyang, Hu Si Chong said to Heba Sheng: "Now the affairs of the world lie with you and me. If we do not control others first, we will be controlled by them. Gao Huan has just arrived; dealing with him is not difficult." Heba Sheng replied: "He has merit for the times; harming him would be inauspicious. These past few nights I have stayed with Gao Huan, recounting past feelings in detail, and I have received much kindness from him as an elder brother. Why should I fear him!" Hu Si Chong then desisted.
Because the Prince of Runan, Yuan Yue, was the son of Emperor Xiaowen, Gao Huan summoned him and wanted to establish him as emperor. But hearing that he was wild and unpredictable, he desisted.
At that time, many princes were hiding or fleeing. The Left Servitor of the Masters of Writing, the Prince of Pingyang, Yuan Xiu, was the son of Yuan Huai and was hiding in a rural farmhouse. Gao Huan wanted to establish him and sent Hu Si Chong to find him. Hu Si Chong saw Yuan Xiu's close associate, the Gentleman Attendant at the Outer Palace from Taiyuan, Wang Sizheng, and asked where the prince was. Wang Sizheng said: "I must know your intentions." Hu Si Chong said: "I want to establish him as the Son of Heaven." Only then did Wang Sizheng tell him. Hu Si Chong followed Wang Sizheng to see Yuan Xiu. Yuan Xiu changed his expression and said to Wang Sizheng: "You wouldn't be betraying me, would you?" Wang Sizheng said: "No." Yuan Xiu said: "Can you guarantee it?" Wang Sizheng said: "Circumstances change frequently; how can I guarantee it?" Hu Si Chong galloped back to report to Gao Huan. Gao Huan sent four hundred cavalry to welcome Yuan Xiu into a felt tent, expressed his sincerity, and his tears wet his lapel. Yuan Xiu declined on the grounds of his own shallow virtue. Gao Huan bowed twice, and Yuan Xiu returned the bow. Gao Huan came out to prepare robes and a carriage, offered hot water for bathing, and maintained strict vigilance throughout the night. At dawn, civil and military officials came holding horsewhips to pay court, and sent Hu Si Chong to present the memorial urging the throne. Hu Si Chong entered the tent door, bent over and stretched his neck, but dared not advance. Yuan Xiu ordered Wang Sizheng to take the memorial and read it, then said: "This forces me to call myself 'We.'" He then drafted an edict for the Prince of Anding, ordering him to abdicate the throne.
On the day Wuzi, Emperor Xiaowu ascended the throne outside the Eastern Wall. Using the old custom of the Dai capital, seven people were covered with black felt, Gao Huan being one of them. The emperor, on the felt, bowed to Heaven in the west, then entered the Taiji Hall. The assembled officials offered congratulations. He ascended the Changhe Gate, proclaimed a general amnesty, and changed the reign era to Taichang. He appointed Gao Huan as Grand Councilor, Heavenly Pillar Generalissimo, Grand Preceptor, and hereditary governor of Dingzhou. On the day Gengyin, he added the posts of Attendant and Unopened Mansion of Three Excellencies to Gao Cheng.
Initially, when Gao Huan raised troops at Xindu, Erzhu Shilong knew that Sima Ziru had an old friendship with Gao Huan, so he sent him out from the posts of Attendant and General of the Chariot and Cavalry to be Governor of Nanzhou. When Gao Huan entered Luoyang, he summoned Sima Ziru to be Chief Clerk of the Grand Secretariat, attending him day and night, participating in military and state affairs. The Guangzhou Governor from Guangning, Han Xian, was usually favored by Gao Huan. When Gao Huan entered Luoyang, all official ranks and titles appointed by the Erzhu clan were stripped away, except that Han Xian retained his original post.
He appointed the former Censor-in-Chief Fan Zihu as Acting Left Servitor of the Masters of Writing and Grand Secretariat of the Southeast Circuit, together with Xu Province Governor Du De, to pursue Erzhu Zhongyuan. Erzhu Zhongyuan had already left the territory, so they attacked Yuan Shu at Qiaocheng.
Grand Councilor Gao Huan summoned Heba Yue to be Governor of Ji Province. Heba Yue, fearing Gao Huan, wanted to enter the court alone. The Right Clerk of the Grand Secretariat, Xue Xiaotong, advised Heba Yue: "The Prince Gao defeated the millions of the Erzhu clan with several thousand Xianbei troops; indeed, he is hard to resist. However, among the generals, some are ordinarily above him in status, and some are his equals. Although they bow to him, their submission is not voluntary. Now some are in the capital, some occupy provinces and towns. If the Prince Gao eliminates them, he will lose the people's hearts; if he keeps them, they become troubles within his heart. Moreover, Tuwanzhong, though defeated and fled, is still in Bingzhou. The Prince Gao is busy pacifying the heroes within and resisting strong enemies without. How can he leave his lair to contend with you for the Guanzhong region! Now the heroes of Guanzhong all turn their hearts to you and are willing to serve you. With Mount Hua as your city wall and the Yellow River as your moat, advancing you can annex Shandong, retreating you can seal Hangu Pass. Why should you bind your hands and be controlled by others!" Before he finished speaking, Heba Yue grasped Xue Xiaotong's hand and said: "What you say is right." He then wrote a humble memorial but did not accept the summons.
On the day Renchen, Grand Councilor Gao Huan returned to Yecheng, sent Erzhu Dulu and Erzhu Tianguang to Luoyang, and had them executed.
In the fifth month, on the day Bingshen, the Wei emperor poisoned Emperor Jiemin outside the Inner Gate of the Masters of Writing. He ordered the hundred officials to attend the funeral and buried him with special rites.
He appointed the Prince of Pei Commandery, Yuan Xin, as Grand Preceptor; the Prince of Zhao Commandery, Yuan Chen, as Grand Protector; the Prince of Nanyang, Yuan Baoju, as Grand Commandant; and Zhangsun Zhi as Grand Tutor. Yuan Baoju was the son of Yuan Yu. Grand Councilor Gao Huan firmly declined the post of Heavenly Pillar Generalissimo. On the day Wuxu, the emperor granted his request. On the day Jiyou, the Prince of Qinghe, Yuan Dan, became Minister over the Masses.
The Attendant from Henan, Gao Longzhi, was originally the adopted son of the Xu family. Grand Councilor Gao Huan ordered him to acknowledge him as a younger brother. Relying on Gao Huan's power, he treated the high officials arrogantly. The Prince of Nanyang, Yuan Baoju, beat him and said: "How dare a garrison soldier act like this!" The Wei emperor, for Gao Huan's sake, on the day Ding Chou in the sixth month, demoted Yuan Baoju to General of the Chariot and Cavalry and sent him back to his home.
To avoid the taboo of the name of the Prince of Guangping, Wumu, the Wei emperor changed the posthumous title of Emperor Wuhuai to Emperor Xiaozhuang, with the temple name Jingzong.
In the autumn, seventh month, on the day Gengzi, the Wei emperor reappointed the Prince of Nanyang, Yuan Baoju, as Grand Commandant.
On the day Renshen, Wei Grand Councilor Gao Huan led troops into Fukou. Grand Commander Ku Diqian entered Jingxing to attack Erzhu Zhao. On the day Gengxu, the Wei emperor sent General of the Chariot and Cavalry, Unopened Mansion of Three Excellencies, Gao Longzhi, leading one hundred thousand infantry and cavalry to join Grand Councilor Gao Huan at Taiyuan. He then appointed Gao Longzhi as Military Counselor to the Councilor. Gao Huan stationed his army at Wuxiang. Erzhu Zhao plundered Jinyang extensively and fled north to Xiurong. Bingzhou was pacified. Because Jinyang was strategically dangerous on all sides, Gao Huan established the Grand Councilor's mansion and lived there.
Wei migrants from Xiazhou, Guo Qian, occupied Qingzhou and rebelled. Governor Yuan Yi abandoned the city and fled. An edict ordered Acting Secretariat Hou Jing and others to attack him. They captured his city, and Guo Qian came to surrender.
Wei Grand Secretariat of the Southeast Circuit, Fan Zihu, surrounded Yuan Shu at Qiaocheng and sent troops to capture five cities including Meng County, cutting off Yuan Shu's supply routes. Yuan Shu requested to lead his troops southward and return the territory to Wei. Fan Zihu and others agreed and made a covenant with him. When half of Yuan Shu's troops had come out, Fan Zihu attacked them, capturing Yuan Shu and Qiaocheng Governor Zhu Wenkai and bringing them back. Yang Kan marched to Guanzhu, but upon hearing of Yuan Shu's defeat, he returned. In the ninth month, Yuan Shu was sent to Luoyang. After a long time, he attempted to flee south again, and the Wei people killed him.
On the day Yisi, he appointed Minister of Works Yuan Ang as Acting Chief of the Masters of Writing.
In winter, the eleventh month, on the dingyou day, the winter solstice, the Wei emperor performed a sacrifice at the Circular Mound.
On the jiachen day, Wei executed the Prince of Anding, Yuan Lang, and the Prince of Donghai, Yuan Ye. On the jiyou day, the Prince of Runan, Yuan Yue, was appointed as Attendant-in-Chief and Grand Marshal.
Wei buried the Empress Dowager Ling, of the Hu clan.
The emperor, having heard that the Wei royal house had settled, on the gengchen day of the twelfth month, reappointed the Grand Commandant Yuan Faseng as the Governor of Yingzhou.
The Wei emperor, because the Prince of Runan, Yuan Yue, was close in bloodline and high in rank, on the dinghai day, killed him.
Wei granted a general amnesty and changed the reign title to Yongxing; because it was the same as that of Emperor Taizong (Tuoba Si), it was changed again to Yongxi.
The Wei emperor took the daughter of Grand Chancellor Gao Huan as his empress and ordered the Grand Master of Ceremonies, Li Yuanzhong, to go to Jinyang to deliver the betrothal gifts. Gao Huan feasted with him, and when their talk turned to past events, Li Yuanzhong said, "In the days of the uprising, with all the noise and bustle, there was great joy; lately, it has been quiet and silent, with no one paying any attention." Gao Huan clapped his hands and laughed, saying, "This man forced me to raise troops." Li Yuanzhong joked, "If you don't make me an Attendant-in-Chief, I’ll find another place to start an uprising." Gao Huan said, "There is no need to worry about having no place for an uprising; I just fear that an old fellow like you will never meet with it." Li Yuanzhong said, "It is precisely because meeting an old fellow like you is difficult that I have not left." Then he pulled Gao Huan’s beard and laughed heartily. Gao Huan understood his deeper meaning and valued him greatly.
After Erzhu Zhao arrived at Xiurong, he divided his troops to guard strategic passes and raided in all directions. The Wei Grand Chancellor Gao Huan announced that he would attack him, but his army set out and halted several times, so Erzhu Zhao's vigilance slackened. Gao Huan, calculating that he would surely hold a feast at the beginning of the year, sent the Commander-in-Chief Dou Tai to lead elite cavalry in a swift raid, marching three hundred li in a day and a night, while Gao Huan followed with the main army.