Records of Liang, Volume 13
Zizhi Tongjian, Volume 157 [Liang Chronicle 13]: From the year Yimao () to the year Ding-si (), a total of three years.
In spring, the first month, on the day of Wushen (the first day of the month), the Liang dynasty granted a general amnesty and changed the reign title to Datong. On the same day, the Western Wei Emperor Wen ascended the throne in the western suburbs of Chang'an, granted a general amnesty, changed the reign title to Datong, and posthumously honored his father, Prince Jingzhao Yuan Yu, as Emperor Wenjing, and his mother, Lady Yang, as Empress.
The Western Wei governor of Weizhou, Kezhuhun Daoyuan, had originally submitted to Houmo Chen Yue. After Houmo Chen Yue's death, Chancellor Yuwen Tai attacked him but could not conquer him, so he made a covenant with him and withdrew his army. Kezhuhun Daoyuan's family had lived in Huaishuo for generations, and he was friendly with the Eastern Wei Chancellor Gao Huan. Moreover, because his mother and elder brother were in Yecheng, he frequently corresponded with Gao Huan. Yuwen Tai wanted to attack him, so Kezhuhun Daoyuan led his three thousand households northwest across the Wulan Ford to Lingzhou. The Lingzhou governor Cao Ni provided him with supplies and escorted him to Yunzhou. When Gao Huan heard of this, he sent people with provisions and goods to welcome and comfort him, appointing him as General of Chariots and Cavalry. After Kezhuhun Daoyuan arrived in Jinyang, Gao Huan only then learned of Emperor Xiaowu's death, so he submitted a memorial requesting mourning for him. Emperor Xiaojing of Eastern Wei ordered his ministers to discuss this matter. Grand Academician Pan Chonghe believed: "If a ruler does not treat his subjects with propriety, the subjects need not mourn for him. Thus, the people of Shang Tang did not weep for Xia Jie, and the people of King Wu of Zhou did not mourn for King Zhou of Shang." National Academy Doctor Wei Jilong and Li Tonggui argued: "Empress Gao's separation from Emperor Xiaowu was not made public, so she should observe mourning." Emperor Xiaojing of Eastern Wei followed their advice.
The Western Wei General of Swift Cavalry and Yitong Sansi Li Hu and others summoned and pacified the Feiyetou tribes, then attacked Lingzhou with them for forty days. Cao Ni requested surrender. On the day of Jiyou (the second day of the month), Western Wei promoted Chancellor Lueyang Duke Yuwen Tai to Commander-in-Chief of All Military Affairs, Chief of the Imperial Secretariat, and Grand Acting Terrace, enfeoffing him as Prince of Anding. Yuwen Tai firmly declined the princely title and the position of Chief of the Imperial Secretariat, so he was enfeoffed as Duke of Anding. He appointed Chief of the Imperial Secretariat Husi Chun as Grand Guardian, and Guangping Prince Yuan Zan as Minister of Education.
On the day of Yimao (the eighth day of the month), Western Wei Emperor Wen established his consort Yi Fu as Empress and his son Yuan Qin as Crown Prince. The empress was benevolent, generous, frugal, and not jealous, and the emperor greatly respected her.
The Jihu barbarian Liu Lisheng, since the Xiaochang era, had proclaimed himself Son of Heaven, changed the reign title to Shenjia, and resided in Yunyang Valley. The Western Wei borderlands frequently suffered from his depredations, calling it "the Hu calamity." On the day of Renxu (the fifteenth day of the month), Eastern Wei Chancellor Gao Huan attacked Liu Lisheng and decisively defeated him.
The heir apparent of the Prince of Bohai, Gao Cheng, had an illicit affair with Gao Huan's concubine, Lady Zheng. When Gao Huan returned, a maidservant reported this, and two other maidservants testified. Gao Huan struck Gao Cheng one hundred strokes with a staff and imprisoned him, and Lady Lou was also cut off and not allowed to see him. Gao Huan had taken as a concubine Empress Erzhu of Emperor Xiaozhuang of Northern Wei, and greatly favored her. She bore him a son, Gao You, and Gao Huan wished to make him his heir. Gao Cheng sought help from Sima Ziru. Sima Ziru entered the palace to see Gao Huan, pretending not to know the matter, and requested to see Lady Lou. Gao Huan told him the reason. Sima Ziru said: "My son, Sima Xiaonan, also had illicit relations with my concubine; such matters are best covered up. Lady Lou is the great king's wife from the beginning; she once used her family's wealth to aid you, great king. When you were beaten at Huaishuo, your back had no intact skin, and Lady Lou served you day and night. Later, fleeing from the bandit Ge Rong, you fled together to Bingzhou in poverty; Lady Lou lit horse manure and made boots herself. How can such kindness be forgotten! A husband and wife are matched; their daughter is married to the Son of Heaven, and their son inherits the great enterprise. Moreover, the merits of General Lou Zhao—how can they be easily shaken? A single woman is like grass and weeds; besides, the maid's words may not be trustworthy!" Gao Huan then ordered Sima Ziru to re-investigate the matter. Sima Ziru saw Gao Cheng and rebuked him, saying: "A man among men, why would you falsely accuse yourself out of fear of authority!" He then instructed the two maidservants to recant, coerced the informant maid to hang herself, and then reported to Gao Huan: "It was indeed a falsehood." Gao Huan was greatly pleased and summoned Lady Lou and Gao Cheng. Lady Lou, seeing Gao Huan from afar, kowtowed at every step, while Gao Cheng approached prostrating and bowing. Father and son, husband and wife wept together and were reconciled as before. Gao Huan hosted a banquet and said: "The one who preserved our father-son relationship is Sima Ziru!" He bestowed upon him one hundred and thirty catties of gold.
On the day of Jiazi (the seventeenth day of the month), Western Wei appointed Guangling Prince Yuan Xin as Grand Tutor, and Yitong Sansi Wanqi Shouluogan as Minister of Works.
On the day of Jisi (the twenty-second day of the month), Eastern Wei appointed Chancellor Gao Huan as Grand Councilor, granted him the yellow axe, and conferred special ceremonial privileges; Gao Huan firmly declined.
The Eastern Wei Grand Acting Terrace Chief of the Imperial Secretariat Sima Ziru, leading Grand Commander Dou Tai, Taizhou Governor Han Gui, and others, attacked Tong Pass. Western Wei Chancellor Yuwen Tai stationed his army at Bashang. Sima Ziru and Han Gui turned back, crossed the river at Pujin by night, and attacked Huazhou. At that time, the walls of Huazhou were not yet completed, and scaling ladders were leaning against the city wall. By dawn, the Eastern Wei troops climbed the ladders and entered the city. Inspector Wang Pi was lying in bed, not yet risen. Hearing the noise outside the gate, he ran out naked, with hair in disarray, barefoot, wielding a white wooden staff and shouting. The Eastern Wei troops, seeing him, panicked and retreated. Wang Pi chased them all the way to the east gate. His subordinates gradually gathered, and they engaged in battle, defeating the Eastern Wei army. Sima Ziru and his men then withdrew.
In the second month, on the day of Xinsi (the fifth day of the month), Emperor Wu of Liang performed sacrifices at the Bright Hall.
On the day of Renwu (the sixth day of the month), Eastern Wei appointed Xianyang Prince Yuan Tan as Grand Tutor, and Xihe Prince Yuan Cong as Grand Commandant.
Eastern Wei sent Right Chief of the Imperial Secretariat Gao Longzhi to conscript one hundred thousand laborers to dismantle the Luoyang palaces and transport the timber to Yecheng.
On the day of Dinghai (the eleventh day of the month), Emperor Wu of Liang performed the ceremonial plowing of the imperial fields.
The Eastern Wei Yitong Sansi Lou Zhao and others attacked Yanzhou. Fan Zihu sent former Jiaozhou Inspector Yan Sida to defend Dongping. Lou Zhao captured Dongping. He then led his army to besiege Xiaqiu. After a prolonged siege without success, Lou Zhao flooded the city with water. On the day of Jichou (the thirteenth day of the month), Daye Ba came to see Fan Zihu to discuss matters and seized the opportunity to cut off Fan Zihu's head and surrender. Initially, Fan Zihu, due to a shortage of troops, had conscripted all the elderly and weak into the army. After Fan Zihu's death, these people scattered. The generals urged Lou Zhao to capture and execute them all. Lou Zhao said: "This province is unfortunate, having suffered cruel devastation. The people eagerly look to the imperial army to rescue them from their misery. Now, if we execute them again, to whom will the people cry out their grievances!" So he released them all.
On the day of Wuxu (the twenty-second day of the month), Inspector of Sizhou Chen Qingzhi attacked Eastern Wei, engaged in battle with Yuzhou Inspector Yao Xiong, and returned after suffering defeat.
In the third month, on the day of Xinyou (the fifteenth day of the month), Eastern Wei appointed Gao Sheng as Grand Commandant, Gao Aocao as Minister of Education, and Jiyin Prince Yuan Huiye as Minister of Works.
Eastern Wei Chancellor Gao Huan feigned peace negotiations with Liu Lisheng, promising to marry his daughter to Liu Lisheng's crown prince. Liu Lisheng did not take precautions, and Gao Huan launched a surprise attack. On the day of Xinyou (the fifteenth day of the month), the northern king of Liu Lisheng's forces cut off Liu Lisheng's head and surrendered. The remaining forces then established Liu Lisheng's son, the Prince of Nanhai, as their ruler. Gao Huan advanced and attacked, capturing the Prince of Nanhai, taking captive his empress, various princes, and over four hundred officials from the ranks of duke and above, as well as more than fifty thousand Han and Hu households.
On the day of Renshen (the twenty-sixth day of the month), Gao Huan entered the court at Yecheng and gave Emperor Xiaowu's empress in marriage to Pengcheng Prince Yuan Shao.
Western Wei Chancellor Yuwen Tai, because the wars had not ceased and the officials and people were weary and exhausted, ordered the relevant departments to examine ancient and modern practices that could adapt to the times and facilitate governance, to formulate twenty-four new regulations, and to submit them for implementation after memorializing the throne.
Yuwen Tai appointed Su Chuo, a man from Wugong, as a in his headquarters. After more than a year, Yuwen Tai still did not know him well, but everyone in the headquarters praised his abilities, and whenever there were difficult matters, they would consult him for decisions. Yuwen Tai was discussing affairs with his vice-director Zhou Huidai, but Zhou Huidai could not answer and asked to withdraw to consider. After leaving, he told Su Chuo, who analyzed and resolved the matter for him. Zhou Huidai then entered and reported back, and Yuwen Tai praised the response, asking, “Who devised this plan for you?” Zhou Huidai replied that it was Su Chuo, and praised Su Chuo as having the talent to assist a ruler. Yuwen Tai then promoted Su Chuo to be a. Yuwen Tai went with the high officials to observe fish at Kunming Lake. When they reached the old Cang Pond of the Han dynasty, he turned to ask those around him, but none knew anything about it. Yuwen Tai summoned Su Chuo to inquire, and Su Chuo explained the situation in detail. Yuwen Tai was very pleased, and then asked about the origins of heaven and earth and the course of the rise and fall of past dynasties. Su Chuo answered fluently. Yuwen Tai and Su Chuo rode slowly side by side, and when they reached Kunming Lake, they did not even cast their nets but returned. Yuwen Tai then kept Su Chuo until nightfall to discuss government affairs, lying down as he listened. Su Chuo pointed out and expounded the essentials of governance. Yuwen Tai rose, straightened his robes and hat, and sat upright, unconsciously moving his knees forward. They talked until dawn without tiring. The next morning, Yuwen Tai said to Zhou Huidai, “Su Chuo is truly a remarkable talent! I am about to entrust him with government affairs.” He immediately appointed Su Chuo as Grand, in charge of confidential matters, and from then on, his favor and trust grew increasingly weighty. Su Chuo began to establish the format for official documents, stipulating the use of red ink for outgoing and black ink for incoming documents, as well as the methods for accounting and household registration, which later generations largely followed.
Eastern Wei appointed Feng Yanzhi as governor of Qingzhou to replace Hou Yuan. Hou Yuan, fearing after losing his post, rebelled when he reached Guangchuan. At night, he attacked the southern city of Qingzhou and plundered the commanderies and counties. In summer, the fourth month, Gao Huan, the of Eastern Wei, sent Cai Jun, the governor of Jizhou, to campaign against him. Most of Hou Yuan’s subordinates deserted him. Hou Yuan attempted to flee south but was killed on the road by a seller of broth, and his head was sent to Yecheng.
Yuan Qinghe attacked Chengfu of Eastern Wei. Gao Huan, the of Eastern Wei, sent Gao Aocao with 30,000 men to rush to Xiangcheng, Dou Tai with 30,000 men to rush to Chengfu, and Hou Jing with 30,000 men to rush to Pengcheng. He appointed Ren Xiang as acting of the Southeast Circuit to command the various armies.
In the fifth month, Western Wei added the title of Pillar General of the State to Yuwen Tai.
Yuan Qinghe led his troops to approach Nanyanzhou of Eastern Wei. Han Xian, the governor of Luozhou of Eastern Wei, resisted him. In the sixth month, Yuan Qinghe attacked Nandun, and Yao Xiong, the governor of Yuzhou of Eastern Wei, defeated him.
In autumn, the seventh month, on the day of Jiaxu (the 30th day), Western Wei appointed Nian Xian, the General of the Palace Secretariat with Extraordinary Honors, as Grand Commandant, Wanhou Shouluogan as Minister of Works, and Yuele Gong, the General of the Palace Secretariat with Extraordinary Honors, as Minister of Works.
Xiao Fan, the governor of Yizhou and Prince of Poyang, and Fan Wenzhi, the governor of Liangzhou, joined forces to besiege Jinshou. Fu Jinghe, the governor of Dongyizhou of Western Wei, came to surrender. Xiao Fan was the son of Xiao Hui; Fu Jinghe was the son of Fu Shuyan.
Western Wei issued an edict listing twenty crimes of Gao Huan, and further stated: “We will personally lead the six armies and, together with Yuwen Tai, sweep away the wicked and ugly.” Gao Huan also issued a proclamation to Western Wei, calling Yuwen Heixiao (Yuwen Tai) and Hu Si Chun traitors, and further stated: “Now I command the various generals to lead a million troops, with a fixed date for a western campaign.” Eastern Wei sent the acting Yuan Yan to attack Yuan Qinghe.
Someone accused Yuan Huiye, the Minister of Works and Prince of Jiyin of Eastern Wei, and Xue Chu, the Minister of the Seven Military Bureaus, of colluding with Western Wei. In the eighth month, on the day of Xinmao (the 17th day), the two were escorted to Jinyang and both were dismissed from office.
On the day of Jiawu (the 20th day), Eastern Wei conscripted 76,000 laborers to build a new palace in Yecheng. It sent the Gao Longzhi and the aide of the Minister of Works, Xin Shu, to jointly oversee the construction, building the southern part of Yecheng, with a circumference of 25 li. Xin Shu was the son of Xin Chen.
Zhao Gang went from the Man region to visit Li Min, the governor of Dongjingzhou of Eastern Wei, a man from Zhaojun, and urged him to submit to Western Wei. Li Min complied, and so Zhao Gang was able to reach Chang’an. Yuwen Tai, the of Western Wei, appointed Zhao Gang as Left Grand Master of the Palace. Zhao Gang urged Yuwen Tai to recall He Ba Sheng, Dugu Xin, and others from Liang. Yuwen Tai sent Zhao Gang to Liang to make the request.
In the ninth month, on the day of Dingsi (the 14th day), Eastern Wei appointed Yuan Xu, the General of the Palace Secretariat with Extraordinary Honors and Prince of Xiangcheng, as Minister of Works.
In winter, the tenth month, the Grand Preceptor of Western Wei, the Prince of Shangdang Wenxuan, Zhangsun Zhi, died.
Wang Chaoshi, the governor of Qinzhou of Western Wei, was the elder brother of Yuwen Tai’s wife. He was arrogant and corrupt. Yuwen Tai memorialized requesting punishment according to law, and an edict ordered him to commit suicide.
In the eleventh month, on the day of Dingwei (the 5th day), the Attendant-in-ordinary and General of the Central Guard, Xu Mian, died. Although Xu Mian was not as upright as Fan Yun, he did not flatter or go along with others, so when Liang discussed virtuous ministers, both Fan Yun and Xu Mian were praised.
On the day of Guichou (the 11th day), Emperor Xiaojing of Eastern Wei performed the suburban sacrifice to Heaven at the Circular Mound.
On the day of Jiawu (date uncertain), the Changhe Gate of the Eastern Wei palace city caught fire. When this gate was first built, Gao Longzhi, riding a horse and looking from afar, said to the craftsmen, “The southwest corner is one cun higher.” When measured, it was indeed so. The Grand Master of the Palace Treasury, Ren Xingji, boasted of his skill and refused to alter it. Gao Longzhi harbored a grudge over this, and now he slandered him before Gao Huan, the, saying, “Ren Xingji is secretly colluding with Western Wei and deliberately had someone burn this gate.” Gao Huan then killed Ren Xingji.
Lan Qin, the governor of Beiliangzhou, led troops to attack Nanzheng. Yuan Luo, the governor of Liangzhou of Western Wei, surrendered the province.
Eastern Wei appointed Gao Yang, the son of Gao Huan, as General of Valiant Cavalry, General of the Palace Secretariat with Extraordinary Honors, and enfeoffed him as the Duke of Taiyuan. Gao Yang was decisive and resolute inside but appeared unintelligent outside. His brothers and all others mocked and despised him; only Gao Huan found him extraordinary and said to the chief clerk Xue Chu, “This child’s insight and judgment surpass mine.” When young, Gao Huan once wanted to observe his sons’ abilities and had each of them sort out tangled silk. Only Gao Yang drew a sword and cut through the tangled silk, saying, “What is tangled must be cut!” He also gave each of them troops and horses and sent them out, ordering the commander Peng Le to lead armored cavalry to feign an attack on them. The elder brother Gao Cheng and others all panicked, but Gao Yang alone deployed his troops to fight with Peng Le. Peng Le removed his helmet to explain the situation, but Gao Yang still captured him and presented him to Gao Huan.
Previously, Yang Yin, the right aide of the Grand, and his cousin Yang Youqing, the governor of Qizhou, were killed by Emperor Xiaowu for speaking bluntly. Yang Yin’s colleague Guo Xiu, jealous of his ability, frightened him, saying, “The King of Gao is going to send you to the emperor.” Yang Yin, afraid, changed his name and fled to Tianheng Island. After a long time, Gao Huan heard he was still alive, summoned him, and appointed him as the founding of the Duke of Taiyuan. Soon after, he was also appointed as the right aide of the Grand.
In the twelfth month, on the day of Jiawu (the 22nd day), Eastern Wei allocated salaries to officials based on the importance of their duties.
Western Wei appointed Nian Xian as Grand Tutor and Liang Jingrui, the governor of Hezhou, as Grand Commandant.
In this year, the demonic bandit Xian Yu Chen of Poyang changed his reign title to Shangyuan and had a following of over 10,000 people. Lu Xiang, the Interior Administrator of Poyang, a man from Wu Commandery, campaigned against and captured him. He interrogated and dealt with the partisans without executing a single innocent person. The common people sang a song about him: “After Xian Yu was pacified, good and evil were distinguished; the people had no unjust deaths thanks to Lord Lu.”
The Rouran Toubing Khan sought a marriage alliance with Eastern Wei. Gao Huan, the of Eastern Wei, enfeoffed the younger sister of the Prince of Changshan as the Princess of Lanling and married her to him. The Rouran repeatedly invaded Western Wei. Western Wei sent the Secretariat Drafter Ku Di Shi as an envoy to the Rouran and agreed on a marriage alliance. From then on, the Rouran no longer invaded.
In spring, the first month, on the day of Xinhai, Western Wei performed the suburban sacrifice at the southern altar, using the Divine Emperor as the co-attendant.
On the day of Jiazi, Gao Huan, the of Eastern Wei, personally led 10,000 cavalry to attack Xiazhou of Western Wei. On the way, they did not light fires for cooking. After four days, they arrived. They tied spears together as ladders and, taking advantage of the night, entered the city, captured the governor Hu Bo Emiqie, but still employed him. They left the commander Zhang Qiong with troops to guard the city and moved 5,000 households of the tribe to Eastern Wei.
Cao Ni, the governor of Lingzhou of Western Wei, and his son-in-law Liu Feng, the governor of Liangzhou and a man from Pule, again rebelled and surrendered to Eastern Wei. Western Wei troops surrounded them and flooded the city with water, which reached a depth of only four chi from the city walls. Gao Huan, the of Eastern Wei, mobilized 30,000 cavalry from A’zhi Luo to directly cross Lingzhou, circling behind the Western Wei army. The Western Wei army withdrew. Gao Huan led his cavalry to welcome Cao Ni and Liu Feng, took the remaining 5,000 households, and returned. He appointed Liu Feng as the governor of Nanfenzhou.
Eastern Wei awarded Gao Huan, the, the Nine Bestowals; Gao Huan firmly declined, and the matter was dropped.
Liang Wudi built the Huangji Temple for Emperor Wen to seek blessings, and ordered the relevant departments to find high-quality timber. Hong of Qu’e purchased large timber from Xiangzhou and floated it down the river. Meng Shaoqing, the Colonel of Nanjin, sought to curry favor with Liang Wudi, falsely accused Hong of being a bandit and killed him, confiscating his timber for the temple’s construction.
In the second month, on the day Yihai, Liang Wudi performed the plowing ceremony.
Gao Cheng, the heir of the Bohai Prince of Eastern Wei, was fifteen years old and served as Grand Acting Chief and Inspector of Bingzhou. He requested to enter Yecheng to assist in governance, but the Grand Councilor Gao Huan did not allow it. Sun Qian, the chief clerk of the Grand Councilor from Le’an, pleaded on his behalf, and permission was granted. On the day Dingyou, Gao Cheng was appointed as the Chief of the Imperial Secretariat, with the additional titles of Commander of the Guards and Grand Commander of the Capital Region. Although the Wei court had heard of his abilities and insight, they still underestimated him due to his youth. After he assumed office, he enforced the law strictly, and government affairs were handled without delay, causing shock and awe both inside and outside the court. He recommended Cui Xia, the Separate Driver of Bingzhou, as Left Chancellor and Director of the Ministry of Personnel, and trusted him closely.
Sima Ruzi and Gao Jishi invited Sun Qian to drink heavily, and Sun Qian died from severe intoxication. Grand Councilor Gao Huan personally attended the funeral. Sima Ruzi kowtowed and apologized, but Gao Huan said, “You have broken my right arm. Find me someone to replace him!” Sima Ruzi recommended Wei Shou, the Secretariat Drafter, and Gao Huan appointed him as chief clerk. Wei Shou was the son of Wei Zijian. Another day, Gao Huan said to Gao Jishi, “Your drinking killed my Chief Clerk Sun. Wei Shou’s handling of documents does not satisfy me. The Situ once praised a man who was cautious and meticulous. Who is he?” Gao Jishi replied that it was Chen Yuankang, the Recorder of the Situ from Guangzong, saying, “He can write in the dark at night and is an efficient official.” Gao Huan summoned him, and upon meeting, appointed him as the Meritorious Official of the Grand Councilor, in charge of confidential matters, and later promoted him to the Director of the Grand Acting Chief’s Bureau of Personnel. At that time, military and state affairs were numerous, and Chen Yuankang knew everything when asked. Sometimes when Gao Huan went out, just before leaving, he would leave Chen Yuankang behind, and there would be over ninety orders; Chen Yuankang could count them on his fingers and remember them all. He and Zhao Yanshen, the Meritorious Official from Pingyuan, jointly managed confidential matters, and people at the time called them Chen and Zhao. Chen Yuankang held a higher position than Zhao Yanshen, and his nature was gentle and cautious; Gao Huan was very close to him, saying, “Such a man is truly rare—heaven has given him to me!” Zhao Yanshen’s given name was Yin, but he was known by his style name.
Grand Councilor Gao Huan of Eastern Wei ordered Ato Luo to press toward the Western Wei, advancing against Wan Sifu, the Inspector of Qinzhou, and Gao Huan led troops to support him.
In the third month, on the day Wushen, Tao Hongjing of Danyang passed away. Tao Hongjing was broadly learned and skilled in many arts, and he was fond of the art of nurturing life. He served as a Court Gentleman for Attendance in the Qi dynasty, then resigned and retired to Maoshan. Liang Wudi had interacted with him in his early years, and after ascending the throne, he treated him with great favor and respect. Every time he received a letter from him, he would burn incense and accept it reverently. He repeatedly issued personal edicts summoning him from the mountains, but Tao Hongjing did not come out. Whenever the state had major events of good or ill omen, campaigns, or expeditions, he was always consulted first, and there were often several letters in a month. People at the time called him the “Chancellor of the Mountains.” On his deathbed, he wrote a poem: “Yifu indulged in wild abandon, Pingshu sat and discoursed on emptiness; How could they know that in the Zhaoyang Hall, They would make a Chanyu’s palace?” At that time, the scholar-officials vied to discuss abstruse theories and did not practice military affairs, so Tao Hongjing’s poem referred to this.
On the day Jiayin, Eastern Wei appointed Yuan Zhi, the Prince of Huashan, as Grand Marshal. Western Wei appointed Li Shuren, the Inspector of Liangzhou, as Minister of Education, and Wan Sifu Luo as Grand Preceptor.
In summer, the fourth month, on the day Yiwei, Liang appointed the General of the Cavalry and Charioteers, the Open Mansion with the Same Ceremonial as the Three Dukes, Yuan Faseng, as Grand Commandant.
Jiang Zisi, the Right Director of the Imperial Secretariat from Kaocheng, submitted a sealed memorial, earnestly discussing the gains and losses of governance. In the fifth month, on the day Guimao, Liang Wudi issued an edict saying, “The ancients said, ‘When the roof leaks, it is known below.’ I have faults that I cannot perceive myself. The words in the sealed memorial of Jiang Zisi and others should be frequently examined by the Imperial Secretariat. If there is anything harmful to the people, report it in detail promptly!”
On the day Wuchen, Gao Sheng of Eastern Wei passed away.
Yue Le Gong of Western Wei passed away.
Wan Sifu, the Inspector of Qinzhou of Western Wei, together with his son Wan Sifu Luo, the Grand Preceptor, Chi Gan Baole, the Inspector of Binzhou, Po Liu Han Chang, the Right Guard General, and three hundred commanders and generals, fled to Eastern Wei. Grand Councilor Yuwen Tai led light cavalry in pursuit, chasing them over a thousand li north of the Yellow River, but failed to catch them and returned.
In autumn, the seventh month, on the day Gengzi, Eastern Wei declared a general amnesty.
Liang Wudi treated He Ba Sheng and other surrendered generals from Western Wei with great generosity. He Ba Sheng requested to attack Gao Huan, but Liang Wudi did not allow it. He Ba Sheng and the others wanted to return. Shi Ning, the former Grand Commander of Jingzhou from Funing, said to He Ba Sheng, “Zhu Yi never disobeys whatever the Liang ruler says. Please cultivate a close relationship with him.” He Ba Sheng complied. Liang Wudi allowed He Ba Sheng, Shi Ning, and Lu Rou to return north, personally seeing them off at the Southern Park. He Ba Sheng, grateful for Liang Wudi’s kindness, from then on would not shoot any birds or animals flying south. When they reached Xiangcheng, Gao Huan, the Grand Councilor of Eastern Wei, sent Hou Jing to intercept them with light cavalry. He Ba Sheng and the others abandoned their boats and fled back via mountain paths. Many of their followers died from cold and hunger along the way. Upon reaching Chang’an, they went to the palace gate to apologize. The Western Wei emperor grasped He Ba Sheng’s hand and wept, saying, “The emperor’s wandering and displacement is heaven’s will, not your fault.” Grand Councilor Yuwen Tai recommended Lu Rou as a Consultant in the Central Secretariat, and together with Su Chuo, they managed confidential matters.
In the ninth month, on the day Renyin, Eastern Wei appointed Hou Jing, the Inspector of Dingzhou, concurrently as Right Deputy Director of the Imperial Secretariat and Commissioner of the Southern Circuit, commanding the generals to invade.
Western Wei appointed Yuan Fu, the Prince of Fufeng, as Minister of Education, and Hu Si Chun as Grand Tutor.
In winter, the tenth month, on the day Yihai, Liang Wudi issued an edict for a major campaign against Eastern Wei. Hou Jing of Eastern Wei led seventy thousand troops to invade Chuzhou, capturing the Inspector Huan He. He then advanced to the Huai River region. Chen Qingzhi, the Inspector of the Southern and Northern Si Provinces, defeated him, and Hou Jing abandoned his supplies and fled. In the eleventh month, on the day Jihai, the northern expeditionary army was halted.
Western Wei again changed the first ancestor, the Divine Prime Emperor, to Grand Progenitor, and the Dao Wu Emperor to Illustrious Progenitor.
In the twelfth month, Eastern Wei appointed Wei Jing, the Inspector of Bingzhou, as Grand Guardian.
On the day Renshen, Eastern Wei sent an envoy to request peace, and Liang Wudi agreed.
Yuan Dan, the Prince of Qinghe Wenxuan of Eastern Wei, passed away.
On the day Dingchou, Grand Councilor Gao Huan of Eastern Wei led the various armies to attack Western Wei, sending Gao Aocao to Shangluo and the Grand Commander Dou Tai to Tong Pass.
On the day Guiwei, Eastern Wei appointed Yuan Tan, the Prince of Xianyang, as Grand Preceptor.
In this year, Western Wei suffered a great famine in Guanzhong, with cannibalism occurring, and seventy to eighty percent of the people died.
In spring, the first month, Liang Wudi performed the southern suburban sacrifice and declared a general amnesty.
The Eastern Wei Gao Huan stationed his army at Puban and built three pontoon bridges, preparing to cross the Yellow River. The Western Wei Yuwen Tai stationed his army at Guangyang and said to his generals: "The enemy is closing in on us from three sides, building bridges to show they will cross the river. This is to tie us down, allowing Dou Tai to advance westward. Since Gao Huan raised his army, Dou Tai has always served as the vanguard; his troops are mostly elite soldiers, repeatedly victorious and arrogant. If we attack him now, we can surely defeat him. Defeat Dou Tai, and Gao Huan will flee without a fight." All the generals said: "The enemy is nearby; abandoning the near enemy to attack a distant one—if there is a mistake, regret will be too late! It is better to divide our forces to defend." The Yuwen Tai said: "Gao Huan attacked Tong Pass twice, and our army did not venture out from Bashang. Now he comes with a great force, thinking we will hold fast, and so he despises us. Seizing this moment to attack him, how can we fear not winning! Though the enemy has built bridges, they cannot cross directly. Within five days, I will surely capture Dou Tai!" The acting tai left cheng Su Chuo and the zhong bing can jun, Dai ren Da Xi Wu, also agreed. On the day gengxu, the Yuwen Tai returned to Chang'an, but the generals' opinions remained divided. The Yuwen Tai concealed his plan and asked his clan nephew, the zhi shi lang zhong Yuwen Shen. Yuwen Shen said: "Dou Tai is Gao Huan's fierce general. Now if our main army attacks Puban, Gao Huan will hold fast and Dou Tai will come to his rescue, putting us between internal and external enemies—this is a dangerous move. It is better to select light, elite troops and quietly strike out from Xiao Pass. Dou Tai is impetuous; he will surely come to a decisive battle. Gao Huan is cautious and will not immediately rescue him. If we press Dou Tai hard, we can surely capture him. Capture Dou Tai, and Gao Huan's momentum will naturally be broken; turning back to attack him, we can win a decisive victory." The Yuwen Tai was delighted and said: "This is exactly my thinking." So he proclaimed that he was going to defend Longyou. On the day xinhai, after an audience with the Western Wei Emperor, he secretly led the army eastward. At dawn on the day guichou, they reached Xiao Pass. Dou Tai, suddenly hearing of the army's arrival, crossed the river from Fengling. The Yuwen Tai struck out from Mazuze, attacked Dou Tai, and heavily defeated him. His troops were completely annihilated, Dou Tai committed suicide, and his head was sent to Chang'an. The Gao Huan, because the ice on the Yellow River was thin and he could not rush to rescue him, withdrew the bridges and retreated. The yi tong, Dai ren Xue Guyuan, covered the rear; in a single day, he broke fifteen swords before he could escape. The Yuwen Tai also led his army back.
Gao Ao Cao fought his way from Shangshan through continuous battles, encountering no resistance, and then attacked Shangluo. The Shangluo prefectural man Quan Yue and his younger brother Quan Meng Lue, together with the Shunyang man Du Zhu and others, plotted to turn the city over and welcome him. The Luozhou ci shi Quan Qi learned of this and killed Quan Yue and Quan Meng Lue. Du Zhu fled to Gao Ao Cao, who used him as a guide to attack Shangluo. Gao Ao Cao was struck by a stray arrow, which pierced through three places on his body. He was unconscious for a long time, then mounted his horse again, removed his helmet, and toured the city walls. Quan Qi held out for over ten days. His two sons, Quan Yuan Li and Quan Zhong Zun, fought fiercely in defense. Quan Zhong Zun was wounded in the eye and could no longer fight, so the city surrendered. Quan Qi, when he saw Gao Ao Cao, said: "My strength is exhausted; it is not that I submit in my heart." Gao Ao Cao appointed Du Zhu as Luozhou ci shi. Gao Ao Cao's wounds were severe, and he said: "I regret not seeing Ji Shi become ci shi." When the Gao Huan heard this, he immediately appointed Gao Ji Shi as Jizhou ci shi.
Gao Ao Cao wanted to enter Lantian Pass, but Gao Huan sent someone to tell him: "Dou Tai's army has been destroyed; the people's hearts are fearful and shaken. You should return quickly. The road is dangerous and the enemy numerous; just manage to escape." Gao Ao Cao could not bear to abandon his troops. He fought fiercely, and the entire army returned, taking Quan Qi and Quan Yuan Li with them. Quan Zhong Zun, because his wounds were severe, did not go. Quan Qi privately admonished his two sons, saying: "I have little life left. Your talents and capacities are sufficient to establish merit. Do not, because I am in the east, impair your integrity as subjects." Quan Yuan Li escaped on the road back. The Quan and Du clans were both local magnates, but the villagers despised the Du clan and respected the Quan clan. Quan Yuan Li and Quan Zhong Zun secretly made alliances with powerful men, attacked Du Zhu, and killed him. The Western Wei appointed Quan Yuan Li as hereditary Luozhou ci shi.
In the second month, on the day dinghai, Emperor Wu of Liang performed the plowing ceremony.
On the day jichou, he appointed the shang shu zuo pu she He Jing Rong as the zhong jiang jun, the hu jun jiang jun Xiao Yuan Zao as the zuo pu she, and the you pu she Xie Ju as the you guang lu da fu.
The Western Wei obtained a divine seal at Huaili and proclaimed a general amnesty.
In the third month, on the day xinwei, the Eastern Wei moved the spirit tablets of seven emperors into a new temple and proclaimed a general amnesty.
Xi Si Chun of the Western Wei died.
In summer, in the fifth month, the Western Wei appointed the Guangling Wang Yuan Xin as tai zai, and He Ba Sheng as tai shi.
In the sixth month, the Western Wei appointed the Fufeng Wang Yuan Fu as tai bao, Liang Jing Rui as tai fu, the Guangping Wang Yuan Zan as tai wei, and the kai fu yi tong san si, the Wuchuan Wang Yuan Meng as si kong.
The Eastern Wei Gao Huan, while touring the Tianchi of Fenyang, obtained a strange stone with faint raised characters forming the words "Liu Wang San Chuan." He asked the xing tai lang zhong Yang Xiu Zhi about this. Yang Xiu Zhi replied: "'Liu' is the character in the king's name; 'Wang' means one should become king over the realm. He, Luo, and Yi are the three rivers; Jing, Wei, and Luo are also three rivers. If the king receives the Mandate, he will ultimately occupy the Guanzhong and Luoyang regions." Gao Huan said: "People in the world often say I will rebel, and now I hear this! Be careful not to speak recklessly!" Yang Xiu Zhi was the son of Yang Gu. The xing tai lang zhong, Zhongshan man Du Bi, took the opportunity to urge Gao Huan to accept the abdication. Gao Huan raised his staff and drove him away.
The Eastern Wei sent the jian san qi chang shi Li Xie as an envoy to the Liang court, with the li bu lang Lu Yuan Ming and the tong zhi shi lang Li Ye Xing as deputy envoys. Li Xie was the grandson of Li Ping; Lu Yuan Ming was the son of Lu Chang. In autumn, in the seventh month, Li Xie and the others arrived at Jiankang. Emperor Wu of Liang received them and conversed with them; they responded fluently. After Li Xie and the others withdrew, Emperor Wu watched them go and said to his attendants: "I have encountered a strong opponent today. You often say that the north has no talented men at all—where did these people come from!" At that time, in the city of Ye, when discussing elegant figures, the foremost were Li Xie, Longxi Li Shen Jun, Fanyang Lu Yuan Ming, Beihai Wang Yuan Jing, Hongnong Yang Zun Yan, and Qinghe Cui Shan. Li Shen Jun's given name was Ting; he was the grandson of Li Bao. Wang Yuan Jing's given name was Xin; he was the great-grandson of Wang Xian. All were known by their courtesy names. Cui Shan was the son of Cui Ling.
At that time, the north and south were maintaining friendly relations, striving to outdo each other with outstanding talents. Those sent as envoys and those who received guests were always chosen from the most exceptional people of the time; those without ability or family standing could not participate. Whenever a Liang envoy arrived in Ye, the city would be stirred. Noble sons would gather in splendid attire to watch, gifts were abundant, and the guesthouse gate was like a marketplace. On the day of banquets, Gao Cheng often sent attendants to spy; whenever a Liang envoy made a clever remark, Gao Cheng would clap for him. The same was true when Northern Wei envoys came to Jiankang.
Du Gu Xin requested to return north, and Emperor Wu of Liang agreed. Du Gu Xin's parents were both in Shandong. Emperor Wu asked Du Gu Xin where he was going. Du Gu Xin said: "One who serves a lord dares not to cherish private family ties and harbor two minds." Emperor Wu considered him loyal and righteous, and his gifts were very generous. Du Gu Xin and Yang Zhong both arrived at Chang'an and submitted a memorial confessing their guilt. The Western Wei, because of Du Gu Xin's merit in pacifying San Jing, promoted him to the rank of piao qi da jiang jun, added the offices of shi zhong and kai fu yi tong san si, while his other offices and titles remained as before. The Yuwen Tai admired Yang Zhong's bravery and kept him in his tent.
Yuwen Shen of the Western Wei urged the Yuwen Tai to attack Hengnong. In the eighth month, on the day dingchou, Yuwen Tai led Li Bi and eleven other generals to attack the Eastern Wei, with the Bei Yongzhou ci shi Yu Jin as the vanguard. They attacked Pando and captured it. On the day wuzi, they reached Hengnong. On the day gengyin, they captured Hengnong, seized the Eastern Wei's Shanzhou ci shi Li Hui Bo, and captured eight thousand of his soldiers.
At that time, many cities north of the Yellow River had submitted to the Eastern Wei. The zuo cheng Yang Biao claimed that his father Yang Meng had once been the bailiff of Baijun in Shaoxing and knew the local heroes, and he requested to go and persuade them, in order to take Shaoxing. Yuwen Tai agreed. Yang Biao then rose with the local strongman Wang Fu Lian and others, captured the Shaoxing tai shou Cheng Bao and four county magistrates, and killed them. He submitted a memorial requesting the appointment of Wang Fu Lian as the commandery governor and sent spies to persuade and inform the Eastern Wei fortresses. Within ten days or a month, many people submitted. The Eastern Wei had the Dong Yongzhou ci shi Si Ma Gong garrison Zhengping. The si kong cong shi zhong lang, Wenxi man Pei Sui, wanted to attack him. Si Ma Gong abandoned the city and fled. Yuwen Tai appointed Yang Biao as acting administrator of Zhengping.
Emperor Wu of Liang repaired the Pagoda of King Aśoka at Changgan Temple, and retrieved the Buddha's hair and śarīra. On the day Xīn-mǎo, Emperor Wu of Liang visited Changgan Temple, held a feast of unrestricted charity, and granted a general amnesty.
In the ninth month, the Rouran invaded Sandui of Eastern Wei on behalf of Western Wei. The Gao Huan attacked them, and the Rouran retreated.
The Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs, Du Bi, because many civil and military officials in office were corrupt, said to the Gao Huan, requesting that they be punished. Gao Huan said, "Du Bi, come here! I will tell you! The custom of corruption in the world has been longstanding. Now the families of many commanders and generals are in Guanxi, and Yuwen Heitai often entices them; the people's hearts are undecided about staying or leaving. To the south of the River, there is also that old man of Wu, Xiao Yan, who devotes himself solely to the rites and music of robes and caps; the scholar-officials of the Central Plains look to him as the seat of legitimacy. If I hastily rectify the laws and regulations, without slight leniency, I fear that the commanders and generals would all defect to Heitai, and the scholars would all flee to Xiao Yan. If men of talent scatter, with what can I govern the state? You should wait a little; I will not forget."
Gao Huan was preparing to send troops to resist Western Wei. Du Bi requested first to eliminate internal enemies. Gao Huan asked who the internal enemies were. Du Bi said, "Those nobles who plunder the common people are." Gao Huan did not answer, but made the soldiers all draw their bows and nock arrows, raise their swords, press down their halberds, and line both sides of the road. He ordered Du Bi to walk through the middle, and Du Bi trembled with fear and sweated. Only then did Gao Huan slowly enlighten him, saying, "Although the arrows are nocked, they are not shot; although the swords are raised, they are not struck; although the halberds are pressed, they are not thrust—yet your soul still flies and your gall is lost. Those nobles personally braved the arrowheads and blades, surviving a hundred deaths in one life. Although they are sometimes greedy and base, their gains are great. How can they be treated like ordinary men!" Du Bi then kowtowed and apologized, saying he was not timely.
Whenever Gao Huan issued commands to the soldiers, he often had the's subordinate, Zhang Huayuan of Dai Commandery, proclaim the orders. He said to the Xianbei people, "The Han people are your slaves. The men plow for you, the women weave for you. They deliver grain and cloth to you, letting you be warm and full. Why do you bully them?" He said to the Han people, "The Xianbei people are your hired guests. They receive one hu of grain and one bolt of silk from you, and fight the bandits for you, letting you be at peace. Why do you hate them?"
At that time, the Xianbei people all despised the Han people, except that they alone feared Gao Aocao. When Gao Huan issued orders to the officers and men, he often used the Xianbei language. When Gao Aocao was in the ranks, he would use the Han language for him. After Gao Aocao returned from Shangluo, Gao Huan again appointed him as Army Supervisor and Grand Commander, commanding seventy-six commanders. He appointed the Minister of Works, Hou Jing, as Grand Chief Administrator of the Western Circuit, to train troops at Hulao together with Gao Aocao and the Chief Administrator Ren Xiang, the Censor-in-Chief Liu Gui, the Inspector of Yuzhou Yao Xiong, and the Inspector of Jizhou Murong Qian. Gao Aocao and the Inspector of Northern Yuzhou, Zheng Yanzu, were playing "holding the mallet" when Liu Gui summoned Zheng Yanzu. Gao Aocao did not release him in time and put a cangue on Liu Gui's messenger. The messenger said, "Putting on the cangue is easy; taking it off is difficult." Gao Aocao cut off the messenger's head on the cangue with a knife, saying, "What is so difficult about that!" Liu Gui did not dare to argue. The next day, Liu Gui and Gao Aocao were sitting together when a report came from outside that many laborers repairing the river had drowned. Liu Gui said, "One-cash Han, let them die as they will!" Gao Aocao was furious, drew his sword, and struck at Liu Gui. Liu Gui ran out and returned to his camp. Gao Aocao beat the drum to assemble his troops, intending to attack him. Hou Jing and Murong Qian together persuaded him, and only after a long time did he stop. Gao Aocao once went to the Chancellor's mansion, but the gatekeeper would not let him in. Gao Aocao drew his bow and shot him. When Gao Huan learned of this, he did not reprimand him.
In the intercalary month, on the day Jiǎ-zǐ, Emperor Wu of Liang appointed the Prince of Wuling, Xiao Ji, as Commander-in-Chief of the military affairs of Yi, Liang, and thirteen other provinces, and Inspector of Yizhou.
The of Eastern Wei, Gao Huan, led 200,000 troops from Hukou to Puban, and sent Gao Aocao with 30,000 troops to strike from Henan. At that time, there was a famine in Guanzhong. The of Western Wei, Yuwen Tai, led fewer than 10,000 troops, stationed at Hengnong to eat grain for over fifty days. Hearing that Gao Huan was about to cross the Yellow River, he led his army into the pass, and Gao Aocao then besieged Hengnong. Gao Huan's Senior Chief Clerk, Xue Shu, said to Gao Huan, "The western rebels have been famished for years, so they risk death to enter Shanzhou, wanting to seize the grain from the granaries. Now Gao Aocao has surrounded Shancheng, and the grain cannot be transported out. If we merely deploy forces on all roads, not engaging them in open battle, and wait until the wheat harvest in autumn, their people will naturally starve to death. Why worry that Baozhu and Heitai will not surrender! I hope you will not cross the river." Hou Jing said, "Now we have sent out troops, and the situation is extremely large. If by chance we cannot win, it will be difficult to regroup in haste. It would be better to divide into two armies and advance one after the other. If the forward army wins, the rear army can follow with full force; if the forward army fails, the rear army can respond." Gao Huan did not listen and crossed the river from Pujin.
The Yuwen Tai sent a messenger to warn the Inspector of Huazhou, Wang Pi. Wang Pi said to the messenger, "Old Pi lies across the road—how can a badger pass!" When Gao Huan reached the city of Fengyi, he said to Wang Pi, "Why did you not surrender earlier!" Wang Pi shouted loudly, "This city is Wang Pi's grave. Life and death are here. Let those who want death come!" Gao Huan knew it could not be attacked, so he crossed the Luo River and camped west of Xuyuan. Yuwen Tai reached Weinan and summoned troops from the various provinces, but they had not yet assembled. He wanted to attack Gao Huan, but the generals believed that the few could not match the many and requested to wait for Gao Huan to advance further west to observe the situation. Yuwen Tai said, "If Gao Huan reaches Chang'an, then the people's hearts will be greatly disturbed. Now, taking advantage of his recent arrival from afar, we can attack." He immediately built a pontoon bridge over the Wei River, ordered the soldiers to carry three days' dry rations, crossed the Wei on light horses, while the baggage train followed from Weinan westward along the Wei River. In winter, in the tenth month, on the day Rén-chén, Yuwen Tai reached Shayuan, sixty li from the Eastern Wei army. All the generals were afraid; only Yuwen Shen congratulated him. Yuwen Tai asked him the reason, and he replied, "Gao Huan has pacified Hebei and won the people's hearts. Relying on this to defend himself, he would not be easy to plot against. Now he has come with a lone army crossing the river—this is not what his troops desire. It is only because Gao Huan was ashamed of losing Dou Tai, and being obstinate, he refused to heed advice and came. This is what is called an army of anger; it can be captured in one battle. The matter is clear—why not congratulate! I hope you will give me a tally to mobilize Wang Pi's troops to cut off his retreat, so that his entire army will be annihilated." Yuwen Tai sent the Duke of Xuchang County, Daixi Wu, to reconnoiter Gao Huan's army. Daixi Wu took three cavalrymen, all dressed in the clothes of Gao Huan's officers and men. At dusk, they dismounted a few hundred paces from the enemy camp, eavesdropped to learn their watchword, then mounted their horses and patrolled the camp, like night patrolmen. When they encountered those who violated military discipline, they often flogged them. Only after fully understanding the enemy's situation did they return.
Gao Huan heard that Yuwen Tai had arrived. On the day Guǐ-sì, he led his army to meet him. Reconnaissance cavalry reported that Gao Huan's army was about to arrive. Yuwen Tai summoned the generals to plan. The Commander of the Palace Guard, Li Bi, said, "The enemy is numerous and we are few. We cannot deploy on level ground. Ten li east of here is Wei Bend. We can occupy it first and wait." Yuwen Tai followed this. With his back to the water, he deployed his army east-west, with Li Bi on the right wing and Zhao Gui on the left wing. He ordered the officers and men to lay their halberds down in the reeds and to rise upon hearing the drum signal. At the hour of Shēn (3–5 p.m.), the Eastern Wei army reached Wei Bend. The Commander, Tai'an man, Hulü Yangju, said, "Heitai has come with his entire state, wanting to fight a decisive battle. He is like a mad dog, which can sometimes bite. Moreover, the reeds at Wei Bend are deep and the mud is muddy, leaving no place to exert strength. It would be better to slow down and hold them off, secretly dispatch elite troops to directly attack Chang'an. Once their lair is overturned, then Heitai can be captured without a battle." Gao Huan said, "What about setting them on fire?" Hou Jing said, "We should capture Heitai alive and show him to the people. If we burn him to death in the midst of the crowd, who will believe it!" Peng Le, with great vigor, requested to fight, saying, "We are many, the rebels are few. With a hundred men catching one, how can we fear not winning!" Gao Huan followed this.
The Eastern Wei troops, seeing that the Western Wei force was small, vied to advance and attack, throwing their ranks into disorder. As the two armies were about to engage, the Grand Chancellor Yuwen Tai beat the drum, and the soldiers all rose up with vigor. The six armies under Yujin and others joined battle with him, while Li Bi and others led armored cavalry in a flank attack, cutting the Eastern Wei army in two, resulting in a great defeat. Li Bi’s younger brother, Li Biao, was short in stature but brave. Whenever he charged on horseback, he would conceal himself within the saddle armor, and the enemy, seeing him, would say, “Avoid this child!” Yuwen Tai sighed and said, “With such boldness and decisiveness, why need he be eight feet tall!” The General of the Expeditionary Forces, Geng Linggui of Wuchuan, inflicted many casualties, and his armor and tunic were all stained red. Yuwen Tai said, “Looking at his armor and tunic, one can fully know Geng Linggui’s bravery—why count the heads!” Peng Le, emboldened by wine, plunged deep into the Western Wei formation. The Western Wei troops stabbed him, and his intestines spilled out. He stuffed them back in and continued fighting. Grand Chancellor Gao Huan wanted to regroup and fight again, so he sent Zhang Huayuan with the roster to inspect and call the roll of the troops, but no one answered. Zhang Huayuan returned and reported to Gao Huan, saying, “The men have all fled; the camps are empty!” Gao Huan still refused to leave. The Marquis of Fucheng, Hulü Jin, said, “The hearts of the troops are scattered; they cannot be used again. We should quickly head for Hedong!” Gao Huan sat on his saddle without moving. Hulü Jin struck the horse with his whip, and only then did it gallop away. At night, when crossing the river, the boat was far from the shore. Gao Huan mounted a camel to board the boat, and only then managed to cross. He lost eighty thousand armored soldiers and discarded one hundred and eighty thousand pieces of armor and weapons. Grand Chancellor Yuwen Tai pursued Gao Huan to the banks of the Yellow River, selected and kept over twenty thousand armored soldiers, and released all the rest. Governor Li Mu said, “Gao Huan’s courage is shattered. If we pursue him quickly, we can capture him.” Yuwen Tai did not listen. He returned his army to Weinan, where the newly conscripted troops had just arrived. He then planted one willow tree per man on the battlefield to commemorate their achievements.
Hou Jing said to Gao Huan, “Heitai (Yuwen Tai) is newly victorious and arrogant; he is certainly unprepared. I hope you will give me twenty thousand elite cavalry, and I will go straight to capture him.” Gao Huan told this to Consort Lou. Consort Lou said, “If it truly is as he says, where would Hou Jing have any reason to return? To gain Heitai but lose Hou Jing—what benefit would that be!” Gao Huan therefore dropped the matter.
The Western Wei granted the Grand Chancellor Yuwen Tai the additional title of Pillar of the State Grand General, and twelve generals, including Li Bi, were all promoted in rank and had their fiefs increased, each with differences.
Gao Aocao, hearing that Gao Huan had been defeated, abandoned Hengnong and withdrew to defend Luoyang.
On the Jiyou day, the Western Wei’s acting minister Gong Jingshou and others attacked Luoyang. The Eastern Wei’s Governor of Luozhou, Han Xian, repelled them. A man of the province, Han Mulan, raised a rebellion, and Han Xian defeated him. A bandit was hiding among the corpses, and when Han Xian personally inspected and collected armor and weapons, the bandit suddenly leaped up and struck him, cutting through his shin and killing him. The Western Wei again sent the acting minister Feng Yi Wang Yuan Jihai together with Dugu Xin, leading twenty thousand infantry and cavalry, to march on Luoyang. The Governor of Luozhou, Li Xian, marched on Sanjing, while Heba Sheng and Li Bi surrounded Puban.
When the Eastern Wei’s Grand Chancellor Gao Huan was on his western campaign, a man of Puban, Jing Zhen, said to his great-uncle’s elder brother, Jing Xiang, “Gao Huan has driven out the Son of Heaven. The loyal and righteous men of the world all wish to plunge a blade into his belly. Now he has again sent his troops westward. I wish to join with you, elder brother, in raising troops to cut off his line of retreat. This is a golden opportunity not seen in a thousand years.” Jing Xiang agreed. They gathered the villagers, and within a few days, they had a force of over ten thousand men. It happened that Gao Huan was returning from his defeat at Shayuan. Jing Xiang and Jing Zhen led their troops to intercept him, killing and capturing many. When Heba Sheng and Li Bi reached Hedong, Jing Xiang and Jing Zhen led over one hundred thousand households from six counties, including Yishi, to surrender. Grand Chancellor Yuwen Tai appointed Jing Zhen as the Governor of Pingyang and Jing Xiang as a clerk in the acting ministry.
The Eastern Wei’s Governor of Qinzhou, Xue Chongli, held Puban. The Adjutant Xue Shan, a younger cousin of Xue Chongli, said to him, “Gao Huan bears the crime of driving out his sovereign. You and I, elder brother, are descendants of cap-and-gown men, having received the state’s favor for generations. Now the great army is at the city walls, yet we still hold fast for the Gao clan. Once the city is broken, our heads will be sent to Chang’an. We will be deemed rebels, and even in death we will have cause for shame. It would be better to surrender now.” Xue Chongli hesitated and could not decide. Xue Shan, together with his clansmen, killed the gate guards and welcomed the Western Wei army. Xue Chongli fled but was pursued and captured. Grand Chancellor Yuwen Tai advanced into Puban, pacified Fenzhou and Jiangzhou, and granted all the Xue clansmen who had participated in the plan to open the city the five ranks of nobility. Xue Shan said, “Turning from rebellion to submission is the constant duty of a subject. How can the entire family, old and young, all receive fiefs!” Together with his younger brother, Xue Shen, he firmly declined and did not accept.
The Eastern Wei’s acting administrator of Jinzhou, Feng Zuye, abandoned the city and fled. Yitong San Si Xue Xiuyi pursued him to Hongdong, urging Feng Zuye to return and defend the city, but Feng Zuye did not listen. Xue Xiuyi returned and occupied Jinzhou, pacifying and gathering the soldiers and civilians to hold it firmly. The Western Wei’s Yitong San Si Zhangsun Yanzi led troops to the city walls. Xue Xiuyi opened the city gates and lay in ambush with armored soldiers, waiting for him. Zhangsun Yanzi could not ascertain the true situation and therefore withdrew. Grand Chancellor Gao Huan appointed Xue Xiuyi as the Governor of Jinzhou.
Dugu Xin arrived at Xin’an, and Gao Aocao led his troops north across the Yellow River. Dugu Xin approached Luoyang. The Governor of Luozhou, the Prince of Guangyang, Yuan Zhan, abandoned the city and returned to Yecheng. Dugu Xin then occupied the Jinyong City. When Emperor Xiaowu had moved west, the Sanji Changshi Pei Kuan of Hedong said to his younger brothers, “The Son of Heaven has already gone west. I cannot go east and attach myself to the Gao clan.” He led his family to flee to the Dashi Ridge. When Dugu Xin entered Luoyang, he came out to see him. At that time, Luoyang was in ruins, and the gentry and scholars were scattered. Only Liu Qiu of Hedong was in Yangcheng, and Pei Mouzhi was in Yingchuan. Dugu Xin summoned them both, appointing Liu Qiu as a clerk in the acting ministry and Pei Mouzhi as a subordinate official in the open mansion.
The Eastern Wei’s Chief Administrator of Yingzhou, He Ruotong, seized the Governor Tian Qi and surrendered the city to the Western Wei. The Western Wei’s Governor Liang Hui entered and occupied Yingzhou City. The former Tongzhi Sanqi Shilang Zheng Wei raised troops in Chenliu, attacked the Eastern Wei’s Liangzhou, and seized the Governor Lu Yongji. The former Da Sima Congshi Zhonglang Cui Yanmu attacked Xingyang, seized the Governor Su Shu, and together with the Chief Administrator of Guangzhou, Liu Zhi, surrendered to the Western Wei. Zheng Wei was the son of Zheng Xianhu. Grand Chancellor Yuwen Tai appointed Zheng Wei as the Governor of Beixuzhou and Cui Yanmu as the Governor of Xingyang.
In the eleventh month, the Eastern Wei’s acting minister Ren Xiang led the generals Yao Xiong, Zhao Yu, and Shiyun Bao to attack Yingchuan. Grand Chancellor Yuwen Tai sent the Grand Governor Yuwen Gui and the Duke of Leling, Yifeng of Liaoxi, leading two thousand infantry and cavalry, to rescue it. When the army reached Yangzhai, Yao Xiong’s forces were already thirty li from Yingchuan, and Ren Xiang was following behind with a force of forty thousand. All the generals thought, “The enemy is numerous and we are few; we cannot contend for supremacy.” Yuwen Gui said, “Yao Xiong and the others think that our troops are few and will certainly not dare to advance. If they join forces with Ren Xiang and attack Yingchuan, the city will certainly be in danger. If He Ruotong falls, what are we sitting here for! Now, if we advance and occupy Yingchuan, we will have a city to defend, and we can also take them by surprise. Defeating them is certain!” So he advanced rapidly, occupied Yingchuan, and arrayed his troops with their backs to the city walls to wait. Yao Xiong and the others arrived and engaged in battle. They were greatly defeated. Yao Xiong fled, Zhao Yu requested to surrender, and over ten thousand of their soldiers were captured, all of whom were released and sent away. When Ren Xiang heard that Yao Xiong had been defeated, he did not dare to advance. Yuwen Gui and Yifeng took advantage of the victory to press forward. Ren Xiang withdrew to defend Wanling. Yuwen Gui pursued him, attacked, and Ren Xiang’s army was severely defeated. Shiyun Bao killed his Yangzhou Governor Na Chun and surrendered the province to the Western Wei. The Western Wei appointed Yuwen Gui as Kaifu Yitong San Si, and Shiyun Bao and Zhao Yu as Cheqi Da Jiangjun.
The Grand Governor Wei Xiaokuan of Duling attacked the Eastern Wei’s Yuzhou, captured it, and seized its acting minister Feng Yong. Wei Xiaokuan’s given name was Shuyu, but he was known by his courtesy name.
On the Bingzi day, the Eastern Wei appointed the Piaoqi Da Jiangjun and Yitong San Si Wanhou Pu as Taiwei.
The Minister of Agriculture, Zhang Legao, and others went to the Eastern Wei on a diplomatic mission.
In the twelfth month, the Western Wei’s acting minister Yang Baiju fought with the Eastern Wei’s Yangzhou Governor Duan Can at Liaowu. The Western Wei army was defeated.
The Western Wei’s Governor of Jingzhou, Guo Luan, attacked the Eastern Wei’s Governor of Dongjingzhou, Murong Yan of Qingdu. Murong Yan resisted day and night for over two hundred days, seized an opportunity to strike out, and greatly defeated Guo Luan. At that time, many of the Henan provinces had been lost, but only Dongjingzhou was preserved.
Xing Mola of Hejian, Lu Zhongli of Fanyang, and Lu Zhongli’s younger cousin Lu Zhongyu all raised troops along the coast in response to the Western Wei.
Gao Jishi, the governor of Jizhou in Eastern Wei, had a personal army of over a thousand men, eight hundred horses, and full sets of armor and weapons. Du Lingchun of Puyang and others turned to banditry, gathering nearly ten thousand men, attacking cities and plundering the countryside. Gao Jishi sent three hundred cavalry, defeated them in a single battle and captured them. He then attacked the Yangping bandits led by Lu Wentu and others, pacifying them all, and thus the region far and near was cleared. Someone said to Gao Jishi, "Puyang and Yangping are commanderies within the capital region. Without receiving an imperial decree and since they do not encroach upon your territory, why rush to send your private troops to fight far away? If you suffer a defeat, would you not incur blame?" Gao Jishi replied, "How can you speak so disloyally! I share the safety and danger with the state. How could I see bandits and not punish them? Moreover, the bandits know that the imperial army cannot arrive hastily, and they do not suspect that troops from other provinces would attack. Taking advantage of their unpreparedness, defeating them is certain. Even if I incur blame for this, I have no regrets!"