Records of Liang, Volume 19

In the nineteenth year of the Liang reign, the year Gengwu, one year.

Emperor Jianwen of the Taizong Era (Part One)

First Year of Dabao (Gengwu, 550 CE)

Spring, first month. The Grand Administrator of Shixing, Chen Baxian, raised troops and attacked Guangzhou. The Inspector of Guangzhou, Yuan Jingzhong, plotted to respond to Hou Jing. Chen Baxian seized the initiative, attacked Yuan Jingzhong, and defeated him. Yuan Jingzhong hanged himself and died. Chen Baxian welcomed Xiao Bo, the Inspector of Dingzhou, to become the Inspector of Guangzhou.

The former Inspector of Gaozhou, Lan Yu, attacked various commanderies. Lan Yu was the younger brother of Lan Qin. He lured Shixing and ten other commanderies to jointly attack Ouyang Wei, who was acting as the supervisor of Hengzhou. Xiao Bo sent Ouyang Wei to rescue them. Lan Yu and his allies were defeated, and Ouyang Wei captured them. Because of this, Xiao Bo promoted Ouyang Wei to the position of Grand Administrator of Shixing.

Hou Jing sent Ren Yue and Yu Qing, leading twenty thousand troops, to attack various regional garrisons.

The Prince of Shaoling, Xiao Lun, wanted to rescue the Prince of Hedong, Xiao Yu, but his troops and provisions were insufficient. He thus wrote a letter to the Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, saying: "Heaven's time and earth's advantages are not as good as human harmony. How much less so for brothers, who are like hands and feet—how can they harm each other? Now that a great enemy is before us, how can we act like the feudal lords of the Warring States, only seeking self-preservation? I, Xiao Lun, have few troops and exhausted supplies. I do not beg for your aid, but only hope you can set aside past grievances and consider the state." Xiao Yi replied, enumerating Xiao Yu's crimes, saying he was not worth rescuing. When Xiao Lun received the letter, tears fell like rain, and he said: "The great affairs of the empire have come to this! If the Prince of Xiangdong truly acts like this, what hope is left for me!" Thus, Xiao Lun broke off relations with Xiao Yi.

Second month. Hou Jing sent Ren Yue to Jiangling to join forces with the subordinates of the Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, to attack Xiao Yu. Xiao Yi sent the general Bao Quan to attack Xiangzhou, and also sent Wang Sengbian with ten thousand troops to assist Bao Quan.

The Prince of Shaoling, Xiao Lun, wanted to rescue Xiao Yu, but his troops were insufficient. He thus sent an envoy to the Turkic Khagan, requesting to borrow troops. The Turkic Khagan sent Ashina Gui with five thousand cavalry to assist. Xiao Lun also used a stratagem to borrow troops from Western Wei. Western Wei sent the general Dugu Xin with twenty thousand troops to assist. Xiao Lun then joined the armies of the Turks and Western Wei to attack Hou Jing.

Hou Jing sent his generals Ren Yue and Yu Qing with twenty thousand troops to attack Jiangling. The Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, sent Wang Sengbian and Bao Quan, among others, to lead troops to resist. Ren Yue and his forces were heavily defeated.

Xiao Yi sent an envoy to Western Wei, requesting a marriage alliance. Western Wei sent an envoy to Jiangling to form an alliance with Xiao Yi.

Xiao Yi appointed his son Xiao Fangzhu as the Inspector of Xiangzhou and sent him to Changsha. Wang Sengbian, Bao Quan, and others attacked Xiangzhou. Xiao Yu came out of the city to meet them in battle and was defeated by Wang Sengbian. Xiao Yu retreated to defend Changsha. Wang Sengbian and his forces besieged Changsha.

The Prince of Shaoling, Xiao Lun, was at Runan. He was defeated by Hou Jing's general Ren Yue. Xiao Lun fled to Dingzhou. The Inspector of Dingzhou, Xiao Bo, took him in.

Hou Jing sent his general Yu Qing to attack Poyang. The Grand Administrator of Poyang, He Yang, died in battle.

Third month. Hou Jing sent his generals Song Zixian and Ren Yue, among others, to attack Jiangxia. The Grand Administrator of Jiangxia, Xiao Dakuang (Xiao Yi's son), abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Yu Qing to attack Xunyang. The Grand Administrator of Xunyang, Xiao Dalin (Xiao Yi's son), abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Ren Yue to attack Yuzhang. The Grand Administrator of Yuzhang, Xiao Daqiu (Xiao Yi's son), abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Song Zixian to attack Baling. The Grand Administrator of Baling, Xiao Daxun (Xiao Yi's son), abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Yu Qing to attack Changsha. The Grand Administrator of Changsha, Xiao Dachun (Xiao Yi's son), abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

The Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, because Xiao Yu did not obey orders, sent Wang Sengbian and Bao Quan, among others, to press the attack on Changsha. Xiao Yu requested reconciliation with Xiao Yi, but Xiao Yi did not agree. Xiao Yu then sought aid from Hou Jing. Hou Jing sent his general Ren Yue with twenty thousand troops to rescue him. Wang Sengbian and his forces met them in battle and greatly defeated Ren Yue's army. Ren Yue fled back to Jiankang.

Xiao Yi sent his son Xiao Fangdeng with ten thousand troops, to join Wang Sengbian and others in attacking Changsha. Xiao Yu came out of the city to meet them in battle. Xiao Fangdeng died in battle. Xiao Yu retreated into Changsha and fortified the city for defense.

Fifth month. Hou Jing sent his generals Song Zixian and Ren Yue, among others, with twenty thousand troops to attack Jiangling. The Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, sent Wang Sengbian and Bao Quan, among others, to lead troops to resist. Song Zixian and his forces were heavily defeated.

Hou Jing sent his general Yu Qing to attack Baling. The Grand Administrator of Baling, Xiao Daxun, abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Ren Yue to attack Jiangxia. The Grand Administrator of Jiangxia, Xiao Dakuang, abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Song Zixian to attack Xiangzhou. The Inspector of Xiangzhou, Xiao Yu, came out of the city to meet them in battle and was defeated by Song Zixian. Xiao Yu retreated to defend Xiangzhou. Song Zixian besieged Xiangzhou.

Sixth month. Hou Jing sent his general Ren Yue to attack Jiangling. The Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, sent Wang Sengbian and Bao Quan, among others, to lead troops to resist. Ren Yue was heavily defeated.

Hou Jing sent his general Yu Qing to attack Changsha. The Grand Administrator of Changsha, Xiao Dachun, abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Song Zixian to attack Baling. The Grand Administrator of Baling, Xiao Daxun, abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Ren Yue to attack Jiangxia. The Grand Administrator of Jiangxia, Xiao Dakuang, abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

The Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, because Xiao Yu would not surrender, sent Wang Sengbian and Bao Quan, among others, to press the attack on Xiangzhou. Xiao Yu's subordinate general Hua Jiao surrendered, and Xiao Yu was captured. Xiao Yi beheaded Xiao Yu and sent his head to Jiangling.

Xiao Yi appointed his son Xiao Fangzhu as the Inspector of Xiangzhou and sent him to Xiangzhou. He also sent Wang Sengbian and Bao Quan, among others, to attack Hou Jing's generals Ren Yue and Song Zixian, and they heavily defeated them.

Hou Jing sent his general Yu Qing to attack Xunyang. The Grand Administrator of Xunyang, Xiao Dalin, abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Ren Yue to attack Yuzhang. The Grand Administrator of Yuzhang, Xiao Daqiu, abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Song Zixian to attack Baling. The Grand Administrator of Baling, Xiao Daxun, abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Yu Qing to attack Changsha. The Grand Administrator of Changsha, Xiao Dachun, abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

The Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, sent Wang Sengbian and Bao Quan, among others, to attack Hou Jing's generals Ren Yue and Song Zixian, and they heavily defeated them. Ren Yue and his forces fled back to Jiankang.

Autumn, seventh month. Hou Jing sent his generals Song Zixian and Ren Yue, among others, with twenty thousand troops to attack Jiangling. The Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, sent Wang Sengbian and Bao Quan, among others, to lead troops to resist. Song Zixian and his forces were heavily defeated.

Hou Jing sent his general Yu Qing to attack Baling. The Grand Administrator of Baling, Xiao Daxun, abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Ren Yue to attack Jiangxia. The Grand Administrator of Jiangxia, Xiao Dakuang, abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Song Zixian to attack Xiangzhou. The Inspector of Xiangzhou, Xiao Fangzhu, came out of the city to meet them in battle and was defeated by Song Zixian. Xiao Fangzhu retreated to defend Xiangzhou. Song Zixian besieged Xiangzhou.

Eighth month. The Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, sent Wang Sengbian and Bao Quan, among others, to attack Hou Jing's general Song Zixian and others, and they heavily defeated them. Song Zixian and his forces fled back to Jiankang.

Hou Jing sent his general Yu Qing to attack Changsha. The Grand Administrator of Changsha, Xiao Dachun, abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Ren Yue to attack Yuzhang. The Grand Administrator of Yuzhang, Xiao Daqiu, abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Song Zixian to attack Baling. The Grand Administrator of Baling, Xiao Daxun, abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

The Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, sent Wang Sengbian and Bao Quan, among others, to attack Hou Jing's general Ren Yue and others, and they heavily defeated them. Ren Yue and his forces fled back to Jiankang.

Ninth month. Hou Jing sent his generals Song Zixian and Ren Yue, among others, with twenty thousand troops to attack Jiangling. The Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, sent Wang Sengbian and Bao Quan, among others, to lead troops to resist. Song Zixian and his forces were heavily defeated.

Hou Jing sent his general Yu Qing to attack Baling. The Grand Administrator of Baling, Xiao Daxun, abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Ren Yue to attack Jiangxia. The Grand Administrator of Jiangxia, Xiao Dakuang, abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Song Zixian to attack Xiangzhou. The Inspector of Xiangzhou, Xiao Fangzhu, came out of the city to meet them in battle and was defeated by Song Zixian. Xiao Fangzhu retreated to defend Xiangzhou. Song Zixian besieged Xiangzhou.

Winter, tenth month. The Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, sent Wang Sengbian and Bao Quan, among others, to attack Hou Jing's general Song Zixian and others, and they heavily defeated them. Song Zixian and his forces fled back to Jiankang.

Hou Jing sent his general Yu Qing to attack Changsha. The Grand Administrator of Changsha, Xiao Dachun, abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Ren Yue to attack Yuzhang. The Grand Administrator of Yuzhang, Xiao Daqiu, abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Song Zixian to attack Baling. The Grand Administrator of Baling, Xiao Daxun, abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

The Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, sent Wang Sengbian and Bao Quan, among others, to attack Hou Jing's general Ren Yue and others, and they heavily defeated them. Ren Yue and his forces fled back to Jiankang.

In the eleventh month, Hou Jing sent his generals Song Zixian and Ren Yue with twenty thousand men to attack Jiangling. Xiangdong Wang Xiao Yi dispatched Wang Sengbian, Bao Quan, and others to lead a resistance, and Song Zixian and his forces were heavily defeated.

Hou Jing sent his general Yu Qing to attack Baling. The Baling Inner History Xiao Daxun abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Ren Yue to attack Jiangxia. The Jiangxia Inner History Xiao Daku abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Song Zixian to attack Xiangzhou. The Xiangzhou Inspector Xiao Fangzhu went out of the city to meet the enemy and was defeated by Song Zixian. Xiao Fangzhu withdrew to defend Xiangzhou, and Song Zixian besieged the city.

In the twelfth month, Xiangdong Wang Xiao Yi dispatched Wang Sengbian, Bao Quan, and others to attack Hou Jing's subordinate general Song Zixian and his forces, inflicting a heavy defeat on them. Song Zixian and the others fled back to Jiankang.

Hou Jing sent his general Yu Qing to attack Changsha. The Changsha Inner History Xiao Dachun abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Ren Yue to attack Yuzhang. The Yuzhang Inner History Xiao Daqiu abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Hou Jing sent his general Song Zixian to attack Baling. The Baling Inner History Xiao Daxun abandoned the city and fled to Jiangling.

Xiangdong Wang Xiao Yi dispatched Wang Sengbian, Bao Quan, and others to attack Hou Jing's subordinate general Ren Yue and his forces, inflicting a heavy defeat on them. Ren Yue and the others fled back to Jiankang.

In the spring, the first month, on the day Xinhai, the first day of the month, a general amnesty was granted, and the reign title was changed. Chen Baxian set out from Shixing and arrived at the Dayu Ridge. Cai Luyang led twenty thousand men stationed at Nanye to resist him. Cai Luyang's wife's nephew, Xiao Mohe of Lanling, was only thirteen years old. He rode out alone into battle, and no one dared to oppose him. Du Sengming's horse was wounded, and Chen Baxian rescued him, giving him his own mount. Du Sengming mounted again and continued the fight, and the various armies took advantage of the momentum to attack. Cai Luyang was heavily defeated and fled to save himself. Chen Baxian advanced to Nankang, and Xiangdong Wang Xiao Yi, acting on the emperor's authority, appointed Chen Baxian as General of Illustrious Might and Inspector of Jiaozhou.

On the day Wuchen, the fourteenth day, Eastern Wei promoted the Taiyuan Duke Gao Yang to be Chancellor, Commander-in-Chief of All Military Affairs, Supervisor of the Secretariat, Grand Executive Assistant, and Prince of Qijun.

On the day Gengwu, the sixteenth day, the Prince of Shaoling, Xiao Lun, arrived at Jiangxia. The Inspector of Yingzhou, the Prince of Nanping, Xiao Ke, went out to the outskirts to receive him and wished to yield the province to him, but Xiao Lun did not accept. Consequently, they recommended Xiao Lun as Acting Holder of the Yellow Axe and Commander-in-Chief of All Military Affairs, with authority to establish a full bureaucracy on the emperor's behalf.

Yang Zhong of Western Wei besieged Anlu. Liu Zhongli hurried back with his army to rescue it. The various generals feared that if Liu Zhongli arrived, Anlu would be difficult to capture, and they requested an urgent assault. Yang Zhong said: "The circumstances of offense and defense are different; it cannot be taken immediately. If we delay the days and tire the army, we will be caught between enemies within and without—this is not a good plan. The southerners are mostly accustomed to naval warfare and are not skilled in field combat. Liu Zhongli's army is nearby; if I take them by surprise with an unexpected attack, they will be relaxed while we are invigorated, and we can defeat them in one stroke. If we defeat Liu Zhongli, then Anlu will fall without being attacked, and the other cities can be pacified by issuing proclamations." He then selected two thousand cavalry, ordered them to march with gags in their mouths through the night, and defeated Liu Zhongli at Chongtou, capturing Liu Zhongli and his younger brother Liu Zili, and taking all their troops prisoner. Ma Xiu surrendered Anlu, and another general, Wang Shusun, surrendered Jingling; both submitted to Yang Zhong. Thereupon, all the lands east of the Han River were incorporated into Western Wei.

Lai Yi of Guangling advised the former Grand Administrator of Guangling, Zu Hao, saying: "Dong Shaoxian is reckless and lacks strategy; the people's hearts do not turn to him. To attack and kill him is the task of a brave man. Now I wish to gather and lead a band of volunteers and support you. If we succeed, we can establish achievements like those of the Dukes Huan of Qi and Wen of Jin. If Heaven does not grant good fortune, it will still be enough to become a loyal minister of the Liang house." Zu Hao said: "This is precisely my desire." Thereupon, they joined forces and gathered a hundred or more brave men. On the day Guiyou, the nineteenth day, they attacked Guangling and killed the Inspector of Nanyanzhou, Dong Shaoxian. They occupied the city and swiftly issued proclamations far and near, recommending the former Crown Prince's Attendant, Xiao Mian, as Inspector, while still forming an alliance with Eastern Wei for support. Zu Hao was the son of Zu Xuan. Xiao Mian was the elder brother of Xiao Bo. On the day Yihai, the twenty-first day, Hou Jing sent Guo Yuanjian with troops to arrive suddenly. Zu Hao defended the city by holding the walls.

In the second month, Yang Zhong of Western Wei, taking advantage of his victory, arrived at Shicheng and intended to press toward Jiangling. Xiangdong Wang Xiao Yi sent the Attendant Yu Ke to persuade Yang Zhong, saying: "Xiao Cha has come to attack his uncle, and Wei helps him—how can this win the hearts of the empire?" Yang Zhong then halted north of the Jian River. Xiao Yi sent the Attendant Wang Xiaosi and others to send his son Xiao Fanglue as a hostage to seek peace, and the Western Wei people agreed. Xiao Yi made a covenant with Yang Zhong, saying: "Wei takes Shicheng as its boundary; Liang takes Anlu as its boundary. I request to be a vassal, and we shall exchange hostages, trade goods, and forever maintain good neighborly relations." Yang Zhong then withdrew.

The King of Dangchang, Liang Miding, was attacked by a member of his own clan, Liaogan. Liang Miding fled to Western Wei, and Liaogan made himself king. The Qiang chieftain Bangqi Tiezhen occupied Quzhu River, and together with Zheng Wuqiu, a man of Weizhou, he united various Qiang tribes to rebel against Western Wei. The Chancellor Yuwen Tai sent the General-in-Chief Yuwen Gui and the Inspector of Liangzhou, Shi Ning, to campaign against them. They captured and executed Bangqi Tiezhen and Zheng Wuqiu. Shi Ning separately attacked Liaogan, defeated him, and Liaogan fled with a hundred cavalry to the uncivilized Qiang Gong Lianyu. Shi Ning then escorted Liang Miding back to Dangchang, established Minzhou at Quzhu River, advanced to attack Gong Lianyu, executed Liaogan, and captured Gong Lianyu, sending him to Chang'an.

Hou Jing sent Ren Yue, Yu Qing, and others with twenty thousand troops to attack the various commanderies.

The Prince of Shaoling, Xiao Lun, wished to rescue the Prince of Hedong, Xiao Yu, but his troops and provisions were insufficient. He therefore wrote a letter to Xiangdong Wang Xiao Yi, saying: "Heaven's time and earthly advantages are not as good as human harmony; how much more so when it comes to brothers of the same flesh and blood—how can they harm each other? Now the altars of state are in peril and disgrace; the wounds are great and the suffering deep. We should only cut open our hearts, taste gall, weep blood, and rest on our weapons. As for other minor grievances, perhaps they should be forgiven. If external calamities are not yet removed and domestic troubles arise again, examining the present and inquiring into the past, there is no state that has not perished. The principle of warfare is merely to overcome the enemy; but when it comes to harming one's own flesh and blood, the more victories, the crueler. Winning is no achievement, and losing brings loss—it exhausts the people, injures the soldiers, and damages righteousness; the loss is great. The reason Hou Jing's army dares not spy on the region south of the Yangzi is indeed because the protective barriers are strong and the imperial clan's defenses are firm and tight. If my younger brother attacks and takes Dongting, without sheathing his sword, Xiao Cha of Yongzhou, suspicious and fearful, will be hard-pressed to find peace and will certainly invite Western Wei's army to seek advantage in the situation. If my younger brother is not at peace, the house and state will be finished. I earnestly hope you will lift the siege of Xiangzhou and preserve the plan for the altars of state." Xiao Yi replied, stating that Xiao Yu's crimes were unforgivable, and added: "Xiao Cha led Yang Zhong to invade and press upon me. I can easily deal with him with laughter and talk, so as to repel the army of Qin. Right and wrong have their own public judgment; I will not further state my case. As soon as Xiangzhou is pacified in the morning, I will set out that very evening." When Xiao Lun received the letter, he threw it on the table and said with tears of grief: "The affairs of the empire have come to this! If Xiangzhou is lost, my destruction is not far off!"

Hou Jing sent Hou Zijian with eight thousand naval troops and himself led ten thousand infantry to attack Guangling. After three days, they captured it, seized Zu Hao, bound him, and shot him with arrows until his body was covered, then tore him apart with chariots and exposed his corpse. All the people in the city, young and old, were buried in pits and then shot at while riding horses. He appointed Hou Zijian as Inspector of Nanyanzhou to guard Guangling. Hou Jing returned to Jiankang.

On the day Bingxu, the second day, the Prince of Anlu, Xiao Dachun, was appointed Inspector of Dongyang Province. Wuzhou was abolished. On the day Yisi, the twenty-first day, the Secretariat Director Wang Ke was appointed Left Deputy Director.

On the day Gengyin, the sixth day, Eastern Wei appointed the Secretariat Director Gao Longzhi as Grand Guardian. The Inner History of Xuancheng, Yang Baihua, advanced and occupied Anwu. Hou Jing sent Yu Ziyue and others with troops to attack him but could not capture it.

The Executive Assistant of Eastern Wei, Xin Shu, led troops to invade and besiege Yangping but could not capture it.

Hou Jing married the emperor's daughter, the Princess of Liyang, and greatly loved her. In the third month, on the day Jiashen (date uncertain), Hou Jing invited the emperor to the Leyou Garden for the spring purification feast, setting up tents and drinking for three days. After the emperor returned to the palace, Hou Jing and the princess occupied the imperial bed together, sitting side by side facing south, while the civil and military officials sat in rows at the banquet.

On the day Gengshen, the seventh day, Eastern Jin promoted the Chancellor Gao Yang to the rank of Prince of Qi.

The Inner History of Linchuan, Wang Yi of Shixing, and others attacked Zhuang Tie. The Prince of Poyang, Xiao Fan, sent his general Hou Zhen of Baxi to rescue him. Wang Yi and the others were defeated and killed.

The Heir Apparent of Poyang, Xiao Si, fought with Ren Yue at Sanzhang. Ren Yue was defeated and fled. Xiao Si then moved his garrison to Sanzhang and named it Anle Stockade.

Summer, fourth month, on the gengchen day (first day of the month), Xiao Yi, the Prince of Xiangdong, enfeoffed Xiao Shao, the Marquis of Shangjia, as the Prince of Changsha.

On the bingwu day (twenty-seventh day), Hou Jing requested the emperor to come to Xizhou. The emperor rode in a plain carriage, with over four hundred guards. Hou Jing led several thousand men clad in iron armor, guarding him on left and right. When the emperor heard the sound of string and bamboo instruments, he wept sadly and ordered Hou Jing to dance. Hou Jing also asked the emperor to dance. When the feast ended and they sat down to disperse, the emperor embraced Hou Jing on the bed and said, "I miss the Chancellor!" Hou Jing said, "If Your Majesty did not miss me, how could I have come here?" It continued until nightfall.

At that time, the Jiangnan region suffered successive years of drought and locust plagues, with Jiangzhou and Yangzhou being especially severe. The common people fled in exile, entering mountains, valleys, rivers, and lakes together, gathering grass roots, tree leaves, water chestnuts, and foxnuts to eat. When these were all consumed, the dead lay everywhere in the fields. Wealthy households had no food; their faces were like birds and their bodies like swans. Dressed in fine silks and carrying gold and jade, they lay prostrate on their beds, resigning themselves to fate. For a thousand miles, there was no smoke from human habitation; human footprints were rare, and white bones piled up like hills.

Hou Jing was cruel by nature. He set up a large pestle at Stone City and used it to pound those who violated the law to death. He often admonished his generals, saying, "When breaching stockades or pacifying cities, you should kill everyone, so that the world knows my might." Thus, whenever his generals won victories, they devoted themselves solely to burning and plundering, killing people like cutting grass, treating it as a game and a joke. Therefore, even in death, the people ultimately refused to submit to him. He also forbade people from whispering to each other; those who violated this were punished, and the penalty extended to their relatives. Those who served as his generals were all called xingtai; those who came to surrender or submit were called kaifu; those he particularly trusted and relied on were called zuoyou xianggong; and those of exceptional bravery were called kuzhi du'du.

Western Wei enfeoffed the imperial son Yuanyu as the Prince of Yan and Yuangong as the Prince of Wu.

Hou Jing recalled Song Zixian to Jingkou.

Xiao Lun, the Prince of Shaoling, in Yingzhou, called his administrative hall the Zhengyang Hall, and all the inner and outer studios and pavilions were given inscribed names. His subordinates bullied and tyrannized the military headquarters, and none of the Yingzhou staff officers and generals were without resentment. The Military Counselor Jiang Zhongju, the chief strategist of Xiao Ke, the Prince of Nanping, persuaded Xiao Ke to plot against Xiao Lun. Xiao Ke said in alarm, "If I kill the Prince of Shaoling to pacify this town, the brothers in Jingzhou and Yizhou will certainly be pleased in their hearts. If the realm is pacified, they will reproach me on grounds of righteousness. Moreover, the great rebel has not yet been eliminated; harming one's own flesh and blood is a path to self-destruction. For now, stop this." Jiang Zhongju did not listen, deployed the generals, and set a date to act. But the plot leaked, and Xiao Lun crushed him to death with troops. Xiao Ke, in a flustered state, went to apologize. Xiao Lun said, "It was the work of petty men, not your fault, elder brother. The malicious faction has died; you need not be deeply troubled, elder brother."

Wang Sengbian fiercely attacked Changsha. On the xinsi day (second day of the month), he captured it. He seized Xiao Yu, the Prince of Hedong, beheaded him, and sent his head to Jiangling. Xiao Yi, the Prince of Xiangdong, returned his head for burial. Earlier, when the heir-apparent Xiao Fangdeng died in battle, Zhou Tiehu of Linzheng had the greatest merit, and Xiao Yu had treated him with great favor and trust. When Wang Sengbian captured Zhou Tiehu, he ordered him boiled alive. Zhou Tiehu shouted, "Hou Jing has not yet been destroyed—why kill a brave man!" Wang Sengbian, struck by the strangeness of his words, released him and returned him to his command. Xiao Yi appointed Wang Sengbian as General of the Left Guard, with the additional posts of Attendant-in-Ordinary and Chief Clerk of the Western Campaign.

Xiao Yi, having heard of the death of Emperor Wu of Liang the previous year but concealing it because Changsha had not yet been captured, only on the renyin day (twenty-third day) announced the mourning. He carved a sandalwood statue of Emperor Wu, placed it in the Baifu Hall, served it with great reverence, and reported every movement to it. Because the Son of Heaven was controlled by traitorous ministers, Xiao Yi refused to use the Dabao reign title and still called it the fourth year of the Taiping era. On the bingwu day (twenty-seventh day), Xiao Yi ordered a great campaign against Hou Jing and dispatched proclamations far and wide.

Xiao Fan, the Prince of Poyang, arrived at Pen City. He changed Jinxi into Jinzhou and appointed his heir-apparent Xiao Si as its governor. Most of the commanderies and counties in Jiangzhou also changed their officials arbitrarily. Xiao Daxin, the Prince of Xunyang, could not enforce his orders beyond his own commandery. Xiao Daxin sent troops to attack Zhuang Tie. Xiao Si, who had long been friendly with Zhuang Tie, requested troops to rescue him. Xiao Fan sent Hou Tian with five thousand elite soldiers to help Zhuang Tie. From then on, the two towns grew suspicious of each other and no longer had any intention of attacking the rebels. Xiao Daxin sent Xu Sihui with two thousand men to build a fort at Ji Pavilion to guard against Xiao Fan. Market trade was blocked, and Xiao Fan's tens of thousands of troops could not obtain food, so many starved to death. Xiao Fan, in anger, developed a carbuncle on his back. On the yimao day (seventh day of the fifth month), he died. His troops kept his death secret and supported Xiao Fan's younger brother, the Marquis of Annan, Xiao Tian, as their leader, with several thousand men.

On the bingchen day (eighth day), Hou Jing appointed Yuan Sicheng as Grand Xingtai of the Eastern Circuit to guard Qiantang. On the dingsi day (ninth day), he appointed Hou Zijian as Governor of Nanyanzhou.

When Gao Yang, the Prince of Qi in Eastern Wei, was Kaifu, the Bohai man Gao Dezheng served as his Guanji (secretary). Because of this, they were close, and Gao Dezheng spoke without holding back. The Jinzi Guanglu (Grand Master of Splendid Happiness) Dan Yangren Xu Zhicai and the Beiping Governor Guangzongren Song Jingye were both skilled in prognostication charts. They believed that when the year star was in wu (the seventh earthly branch), a change of dynasty should occur. Through Gao Dezheng, they informed Gao Yang and urged him to accept the abdication. Gao Yang informed Lady Lou, who said, "Your father was like a dragon, and your elder brother like a tiger. Yet they still thought the Heavenly Throne could not be usurped and remained lifelong subjects facing north. Who are you to attempt the deeds of Shun and Yu?" Gao Yang informed Xu Zhicai, who said, "Precisely because you are not as good as your father and brother, you should ascend the throne early." Gao Yang cast a statue for divination, and it was successful. He then sent Kaifu Yitong Sansi Duan Shao to ask Hulü Jin, the Governor of Sizhou. Hulü Jin came to see Gao Yang and firmly said it was impossible, arguing that Song Jingye, who first presented the omen, should be killed. Gao Yang discussed it with the nobles before Lady Lou. Lady Lou said, "My son is weak and upright; he certainly has no such intention. It is Gao Dezheng who delights in chaos and has incited him." Because people's hearts were not united, Gao Yang sent Gao Dezheng to Yecheng to gauge the intentions of the high officials. Before he returned, Gao Yang led his troops eastward. When he reached Pingdu City, he summoned the nobles and meritorious officials to discuss, but no one dared to answer. The Chief Clerk Du Bi said, "The Western Pass is our formidable enemy. If we accept the abdication of Wei, I fear they will support the emperor, call themselves a righteous army, and march east. How will the king deal with them?" Xu Zhicai said, "Now the one contending for the realm with the king also wants to do what the king is doing. Even if he is stubborn, he will only follow us in proclaiming himself emperor." Du Bi had no reply. When Gao Dezheng reached Yecheng, he hinted to the high officials, but no one responded. Sima Ziru met Gao Yang at Liaoyang and firmly said it was impossible. Gao Yang wanted to return. The Granary Deputy Li Ji said, "Why did the king come, and now wants to return?" Gao Yang pretended to order someone to kill him at the east gate but instead ordered a gift of ten bolts of silk. He then returned to Jinyang, and from then on was often unhappy. Xu Zhicai and Song Jingye daily presented their theories of yin-yang and miscellaneous divination, saying he should accept the Heavenly Mandate early. Gao Dezheng also urged him without cease. Gao Yang sent the diviner Li Mi to cast the yarrow stalks, and they obtained the Daheng hexagram. Li Mi said, "This is the hexagram of Emperor Wen of Han." He also sent Song Jingye to divine with the tortoise shell, and they obtained the Qian hexagram changing to the Ding hexagram. Song Jingye said, "Qian signifies the ruler. Ding signifies the fifth month hexagram. The abdication should occur in midsummer." Someone said, "One cannot enter the palace in the fifth month; if one does, one will not end one's term." Song Jingye said, "The king will be the Son of Heaven; there is no fixed term. How can he not end his term?" Gao Yang was greatly pleased, and so set out from Jinyang.

Gao Dezheng recorded various matters in Yecheng and submitted them item by item to Gao Yang. Gao Yang ordered his attendant Chen Shanti to ride a post horse, carrying the list and a secret letter to Yang Yin. In this month, Chen Shanti arrived in Yecheng. Yang Yin immediately summoned the Grand Master of the Imperial Music Office Xing Shao and others to discuss drafting the ceremonial regulations, while the Palace Secretary Wei Shou drafted the documents for the Nine Bestowments, abdication, and urging of the throne. They led the imperial princes of the Wei clan into the North Palace and detained them in the Eastern Studio. On the jiayin day (sixth day of the fifth month), Eastern Wei promoted Gao Yang to the position of Xiangguo, with overall authority over the hundred officials, and prepared the Nine Bestowments. When Gao Yang reached the front pavilion, the horse he rode suddenly fell, and he felt deeply disgusted. When he reached Pingdu City, he refused to go further. Gao Dezheng and Xu Zhicai earnestly urged him, saying, "Chen Shanti has gone ahead; I fear he may leak the secret." They immediately ordered Sima Ziru and Du Bi to ride post horses and continue on to observe popular sentiment. When Sima Ziru and the others reached Yecheng, the people, seeing that the affair was already decided, no one dared to voice dissent. Gao Yang arrived in Yecheng, gathered laborers carrying construction tools, and assembled them south of the city. Gao Longzhi asked, "What is this for?" Gao Yang changed color and said, "I have my own business. Why do you ask? Do you want to be exterminated to the third degree?" Gao Longzhi apologized and withdrew. They then built the Circular Mound and prepared the ritual implements.

On the day bingchen (eighth day), Sikong Pan Le, Shizhong Zhang Liang, Huangmenlang Zhao Yanshen and others requested an audience to report affairs. Emperor Xiaojing of Eastern Wei received them in the Zhaoyang Hall. Zhang Liang said, “The Five Elements succeed each other in turn, with a beginning and an end. The Prince of Qi is sagely, virtuous, and clear-minded; all directions look up to him. We beg Your Majesty to emulate the distant examples of Yao and Shun.” Emperor Xiaojing composed his countenance and said, “This matter has been yielded and declined for a long time; I will respectfully withdraw and yield.” He then said, “If this is so, a decree must be written.” Zhongshulang Cui Xie and Pei Rangzhi said, “The decree has already been completed.” They sent Shizhong Yang Yin to present it. The Lord of Eastern Wei signed it, then said, “Where will I be placed?” Yang Yin replied, “There is another residence in the northern city.” Thereupon he descended from the imperial seat, walked to the eastern corridor, and recited Fan Yezong’s eulogy from the Hou Han Shu: “The Emperor Xian was born in an ill-timed age, his person wandered, the state suffered distress; ending our four hundred years, forever to be a guest of the Yu.” The responsible officials requested that he set out. Emperor Xiaojing said, “The ancients cherished even a discarded hairpin or a worn-out shoe; I wish to bid farewell to the six palaces—may I?” Gao Longzhi said, “Today, the world is still Your Majesty’s world, let alone the six palaces!” Emperor Xiaojing entered and bade farewell to the consorts and concubines, down to the lowest ranks; the entire palace wept. Consort Li of Zhao recited a poem by Prince Si of Chen: “May the Prince cherish his jade body, and together enjoy the period of yellow hair.” Zhizhang Zhao Daode waited at the eastern pavilion with an old ox-cart. Emperor Xiaojing mounted the cart; Zhao Daode jumped onto the cart and embraced him. Emperor Xiaojing rebuked him, saying, “I myself revere Heaven and comply with the people; what creature dares to press me thus?” Zhao Daode still did not dismount. When they exited the Yunlong Gate, the kings and hundred officials bowed in farewell; Gao Longzhi wept. Then they entered the northern city and resided in the southern residence of Sima Ziru. The Grand Tutor, Prince of Pengcheng, Yuan Shao, and others were sent to present the seal and ribbon, yielding the throne to Qi.

On the day wuwu (tenth day), the Prince of Qi ascended the imperial throne at the southern suburbs, granted a general amnesty, and changed the reign title to Tianbao. Since the reign of Emperor Jingzong of Wei, the hundred officials had been cut off from salaries; only at this time were they restored. On the day jiwei (eleventh day), the Lord of Eastern Wei was enfeoffed as the Prince of Zhongshan, treated with the rites due to a subject who is not a vassal. Posthumous honors were granted: the Prince of Qi, Xianwu, was made Emperor Xianwu, with the temple name Taizu, later changed to Gaozu; the Prince Wenxiang was made Emperor Wenxiang, with the temple name Shizong. On the day xinyou (thirteenth day), the king’s mother, Lady Lou, was honored as Empress Dowager. On the day yichou (seventeenth day), the titles of the Wei nobility were reduced in graded ranks; those who had served in the hegemonic court or had submitted from the west and south were not included in the reduction.

Wencheng Hou Xiao Ning raised troops in the Wu region, with a following of ten thousand men. On the day jisi (twenty-first day), he attacked Wu Commandery; Acting Wu Commandery Administrator Hou Zirong met him in battle and killed him. Xiao Ning was the younger brother of Xiao Fan. Hou Zirong took the opportunity to let his troops plunder the commandery extensively.

Since the Jin dynasty’s crossing to the south, the three Wu regions had been the most prosperous; tribute, taxes, merchants, and travelers all came from there. By the time of the rebellion of Hou Jing, gold, silver, and silks had all been looted; then people were seized for food, or sold into the northern territories; the surviving population was nearly wiped out.

At this time, only the territories under Jingzhou and Yizhou remained complete and abundant. The Grand Tutor, Prince of Yizhou, Wuling Wang Xiao Ji, issued proclamations to the commissioners of expeditions and garrisons, sending his heir, Xiao Yuanzhao, with thirty thousand troops to receive the orders of the Prince of Xiangdong. When Xiao Yuanzhao’s army reached Bashui, Xiao Yi appointed him as Inspector of Xinzhou and ordered him to garrison Baidi, forbidding him to sail eastward.

In the sixth month, on the day xinsi (third day), the Prince of Nan Commandery was appointed to act as director of Yangzhou affairs.

The Prince of Jiangxia, Xiao Dakuang; the Prince of Shanyang, Xiao Dacheng; and the Prince of Yidu, Xiao Dafeng, fled by a small road from Xin’an to Jiangling.

The Lord of Qi enfeoffed ten members of the imperial clan, including Gao Yue, and seven meritorious officials, including Kudi Gan, as princes. On the day guiwei (fifth day), his younger brothers were enfeoffed: Gao Jun as Prince of Yong’an, Gao Yan as Prince of Pingyang, Gao You as Prince of Pengcheng, Gao Yan as Prince of Changshan, Gao Huan as Prince of Shangdang, Gao Yu as Prince of Xiangcheng, Gao Zhan as Prince of Changguang, Gao Xie as Prince of Rencheng, Gao Shi as Prince of Gaoyang, Gao Ji as Prince of Boling, Gao Ning as Prince of Xinping, Gao Run as Prince of Fengyi, and Gao Qia as Prince of Hanyang.

After the Prince of Poyang, Xiao Fan, died, Hou Tian attached himself to Zhuang Tie, but Zhuang Tie was wary of him. Hou Tian felt uneasy. On the day bingxu (eighth day), he falsely claimed to be discussing affairs with Zhuang Tie, took the opportunity to kill him, and occupied Yuzhang himself.

The Prince of Xunyang, Xiao Daxin, sent Xu Sihui to make a night attack on Pengcheng; An’nan Hou Xiao Tian and Pei Zhiheng repelled him. The Lord of Qi married the daughter of Li Xizong of Zhao Commandery, who bore him sons Gao Yin and Gao Shaode; he also took Duan Shao’s sister as a consort. When it came time to establish the central palace, Gao Longzhi and Gao Dezheng wanted to build connections with the meritorious nobles for support, so they said, “A woman of the Han people cannot be the mother of the empire; a beautiful match should be chosen elsewhere.” The emperor did not listen. On the day dinghai (ninth day), Lady Li was established as Empress, Lady Duan as Zhaoyi, and his son Gao Yin as Heir Apparent. On the day gengyin (twelfth day), Kudi Gan was appointed Grand Zai, Peng Le Grand Commandant, Pan Xiangle Minister of Education, and Sima Ziru Minister of Works. On the day xinmao (thirteenth day), the Prince of Qinghe, Gao Yue, was appointed as Commandant of the Metropolitan Region.

Hou Jing appointed Yang Yaren as Minister of the Five Armaments. On the day gengzi (twenty-second day), Yang Yaren fled to Jiangxi, intending to go to Jiangling. When he reached Dongguan, bandits, suspecting he carried gold and silver, intercepted and killed him.

The Western Wei people wanted to let the Prince of Yueyang, Xiao Cha, conduct funeral rites and succeed to the throne, but Xiao Cha declined and did not accept. The Counselor-in-Chief, Yuwen Tai, sent Rong Quan to issue a patent investing Xiao Cha as the Prince of Liang, who then began to establish a secretariat and set up the hundred officials.

Chen Baxian repaired the ancient fort at Qitou and moved his residence there.

Initially, Emperor Zhaocheng of Yan fled to Goguryeo and sent a clansman, Feng Ye, with three hundred men to cross the sea and flee to the Song, and they thus remained in Xinhui. From Feng Ye down to his grandson Feng Rong, they served for generations as the Inspector of Luo Prefecture. Feng Rong’s son, Feng Bao, was the Grand Administrator of Gaoliang. The Xian family of Gaoliang had been chieftains of the Man tribes for generations, with a tribe of over one hundred thousand households. They had a daughter, resourceful and skilled in military affairs; all the caves submitted to her trust and righteousness. Feng Rong betrothed her as Feng Bao’s wife. Although Feng Rong had been regional lords for generations, they were not local natives, and their orders were not carried out. Madam Xian restrained her own clan, making them follow the rites of commoners. Whenever she participated with Feng Bao in deciding lawsuits, if any chieftain committed an offense, even if a relative, she did not let them off. From then on, the Feng family was able to enforce their government orders.

The Inspector of Gaozhou, Li Qianshi, occupied Dagangkou and sent an envoy to summon Feng Bao. Feng Bao intended to go, but Madam Xian stopped him, saying, “The inspector has no reason to summon the grand administrator for no cause; he must be trying to deceive you into rebelling together.” Feng Bao said, “How do you know?” Madam Xian said, “The inspector was summoned to rescue the Terrace City, but he claimed illness, forged weapons, gathered troops, and then summoned you. This must be to use you as a hostage to mobilize your army. I hope you will not go for now, and observe the situation.” A few days later, Li Qianshi indeed rebelled, sending his chief general Du Pinglu with troops to enter Ganshi, building a fort at Yuliang to threaten Nankang. Chen Baxian sent Zhou Wenyu to attack him. Madam Xian said to Feng Bao, “Du Pinglu is a fierce general; now he has entered Ganshi to confront the government troops, and he will certainly not be able to return. Li Qianshi, in the prefecture, is powerless. If you go in person, there will certainly be a battle. You should send an envoy with humble words and generous gifts, telling him, ‘I dare not come out myself, but wish to send my wife to pay respects.’ When he hears this, he will certainly be pleased and not be on guard. I will lead over a thousand men, carrying miscellaneous goods on foot, claiming to deliver valuables. When we reach the stockade, breaking it will be certain.” Feng Bao followed her advice. Li Qianshi indeed set no defenses; Madam Xian attacked and greatly defeated him. Li Qianshi fled and held Ningdu. Zhou Wenyu also repelled Du Pinglu and occupied his city. Madam Xian met Chen Baxian at Ganshi; after returning, she said to Feng Bao, “The Commandant Chen is no ordinary man; he has won the people’s hearts and will certainly be able to pacify the rebels. You should provide him generously.”

The Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, appointed Chen Baxian as Inspector of Yuzhou, concurrently acting as the Grand Administrator of Yuzhang.

On the day xinchou (twenty-third day), Pei Zhiheng attacked Jiting; Xu Sihui repelled him.

In autumn, the seventh month, on the day xinhai (fourth day), the Lord of Qi established the consort of Shizong, Lady Yuan, as Empress Wenxiang, with the palace name Jingde. He also enfeoffed Shizong’s sons: Gao Xiaowan as Prince of Hejian, and Gao Xiaoyu as Prince of Henan. On the day yimao (eighth day), he appointed Shangshuling Feng Longzhi as Director of the Chancellery, and the Left Puye of the Department of State Affairs, Prince of Pingyang, Gao Yan, as Shangshuling.

On the day xinyou (fourteenth day), the Prince of Liang, Xiao Cha, went to court with Western Wei.

Initially, Eastern Wei sent the Yitong, a man from Wuwei named Dieluo Yun, and others to welcome Xiao Si, the heir of the Prince of Poyang, and stationed him at Wancheng to defend it. Before Xiao Si could depart, the troops of Ren Yue arrived, and Dieluo Yun and his men retreated; Xiao Si thus lost his support, went out to battle, was defeated, and died. Ren Yue then marched through the territory to Pengcheng. Xiao Daxin, the Prince of Xunyang, sent his Sima Wei Zhi out to fight, but he was defeated. There were still over a thousand warriors under his command, all urging Xiao Daxin to flee and hold Jianzhou; Xiao Daxin could not accept this advice. On the day of Wuchen (the twenty-first day), he surrendered Jiangzhou to Ren Yue. Prior to this, Xiao Daxin had sent the former Crown Prince's Xima, Wei Zang, to guard Jianchang, with five thousand armored soldiers. When he heard that Xunyang had fallen, he wanted to lead his troops to flee to Jiangling, but before he could depart, he was killed by his subordinates. Wei Zang was the son of Wei Can.

Yu Qing campaigned through the territory to Yuzhang. Hou Tian was defeated and surrendered to him. Yu Qing sent Hou Tian to Jiankang. Hou Jing, because Hou Tian shared his surname, treated him generously, kept his wife and younger brother as hostages, and sent Hou Tian to accompany Yu Qing in campaigning through the various commanderies south of Lishui, appointing Hou Tian as the Inspector of Xiangzhou.

Initially, a man from Bashan named Huang Fa (the character is incomplete in the source, but likely Huang Fa Ju or similar), who possessed great strength, gathered followers to defend his hometown during the Hou Jing rebellion. The Grand Administrator He Xu went down to Jiangzhou and appointed Huang Fa to oversee the commandery's affairs. Huang Fa stationed himself at Xingan. Yu Qing sent a detachment from Yuzhang to attack Xingan, but Huang Fa defeated him. Chen Baxian sent Zhou Wenyu to advance and attack Yu Qing, and Huang Fa led his troops to join forces.

The Prince of Shaoling, Xiao Lun, upon hearing that Ren Yue was about to arrive, sent his Sima Jiang Si'an with five thousand elite troops to attack him. Ren Yue's forces were scattered; but Jiang Si'an did not set up defenses, so Ren Yue regrouped his troops and attacked him, and Jiang Si'an fled in defeat.

The Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, changed Yidu to Yizhou and appointed Wang Lin as its Inspector.

In this month, he appointed Xiao Dalian, the Prince of Nan Commandery, as the Inspector of Jiangzhou.

The Western Wei, Yuwen Tai, because the Qi ruler had proclaimed himself emperor, led the various armies to campaign against him. He appointed the Prince of Qi, Guo, to guard Longyou, summoned the Inspector of Qinzhou, Yuwen Dao, as the Great General, commander of the military affairs of twenty-three provinces, stationed at Xianyang, to guard Guanzhong.

A monk from Yizhou, Sun Tianying, led several thousand followers in a night attack on the provincial capital. The Prince of Wuling, Xiao Ji, engaged him in battle and killed him.

The Prince of Shaoling, Xiao Lun, extensively repaired armor and weapons, intending to campaign against Hou Jing. The Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, detested him. In the eighth month, on the day of Jiawu (the seventeenth day), he sent the General of the Left Guard, Wang Sengbian, and the Inspector of Xinzhou, Bao Quan, among others, leading ten thousand naval troops eastward toward Jiangzhou and Yingzhou, claiming to resist Ren Yue, and also saying they would welcome the Prince of Shaoling back to Jiangling, granting him Xiangzhou.

The Qi ruler had just ascended the throne and was governing with vigor. Zhao Daode, on account of a matter, entrusted a request to the Grand Administrator of Liyang, a man from Qinghe named Fang Chao. Fang Chao did not open the letter and beat the messenger to death with a club; the Qi ruler considered this commendable and ordered all prefectural and county officials to set up clubs to execute messengers who brought requests or entreaties. After a long time, the Director of the Capital Bureau, Song Gui, submitted a memorial saying: "If accepting bribes or requests from messengers is punishable by death, how should one be punished for personally bending the law?" Thereupon, this practice was stopped.

The Director of Merit in the Capital Bureau, Zhang Lao, submitted a memorial requesting the compilation of a Qi legal code. An edict was issued to Vice Director of the Right, Xue Chu, and others to take the Wei Linzhi Ge (a legal document) and further discuss its revisions and adjustments.

The Qi ruler selected men from the Six Garrisons, each one expected to be worth a hundred men, and they were required to face battle with a determination to die before being chosen. These were called the "Baibao Xianbei" (Hundred Treasures Xianbei). He also selected Chinese men of exceptional courage and strength, called "Brave Warriors," to be prepared for defense at strategic border points.

He began establishing a nine-grade household system, taxing the wealthy in money and the poor in labor service.

In the ninth month, on the day of Dingsi (the tenth day), the Western Wei army set out from Chang'an.

Wang Sengbian's army reached Yingwu Island. The Sima of Yingzhou, Liu Longhu, and others secretly sent hostages to Wang Sengbian. When the Prince of Shaoling, Xiao Lun, heard of this, he sent his son, the Weizheng Marquis Xiao Zhi, to lead troops to attack them. Liu Longhu was defeated and fled to Wang Sengbian. Xiao Lun wrote a letter rebuking Wang Sengbian, saying: "Last year, General killed another man's nephew; this year, you attack another man's brother. Seeking honor in this way, I fear the world will not permit it!" Wang Sengbian sent the letter to the Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, who ordered an advance. On the day of Xinyou (the fourteenth day), Xiao Lun gathered his subordinates in the Western Garden, wept, and said: "I originally had no other intentions; my ambition was only to destroy the rebel. The Prince of Xiangdong constantly thinks I am contending with him for the throne, and so I am attacked. Now, if I want to defend, our grain stores are cut off; if I want to fight, it will be a laughingstock for a thousand years. I cannot bear to be bound without cause; I should flee downstream to avoid this." His subordinates, all brave men, vied to request permission to go out and fight, but Xiao Lun did not agree. He and Xiao Zhi boarded a boat from the Granary Gate and went north. Wang Sengbian entered and occupied Yingzhou. Xiao Yi appointed the Prince of Nanping, Xiao Ke, as the Chief Minister of the Chancellery, with the title of Kaifu Yitong Sansi, his heir Xiao Fangzhu as the Inspector of Yingzhou, and Wang Sengbian as the General of the Leading Army.

On the road, Xiao Lun encountered the General of the Eastern Town, Pei Zhigao. Pei Zhigao's son, Pei Ji, plundered his military equipment. Xiao Lun, with his attendants, took a light boat and fled to the Dongyin Temple in Wuchang. The monk Fa Xin hid Xiao Lun in a cave. Xiao Lun's Senior Administrator, Wei Zhi, and his Sima, Jiang Lü, upon hearing that Xiao Lun was still alive, rushed to welcome him and persuaded the refugees from the Seven Stockades to provide grain and weapons. Xiao Lun emerged and encamped at Bashui. Eight or nine thousand refugees attached themselves to him. Gradually gathering his scattered troops, he stationed himself at Qichang and sent an envoy to Qi to request surrender. Qi appointed Xiao Lun as the King of Liang.

The Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, changed the titles of his sons: Xiao Dakuang was made the Prince of Linchuan, Xiao Dacheng the Prince of Guiyang, and Xiao Dafeng the Prince of Runan.

On the day of Guihai (the sixteenth day), the Western Wei army reached Tong Pass.

On the day of Gengwu (the twenty-third day), the Qi ruler went to Jinyang and ordered the Crown Prince, Gao Yin, to reside in the Liangfeng Hall and oversee the state.

The Zhongbing Canjun of the Prince of Nan Commandery, Zhang Biao, and others raised troops at Mount Ruoye, broke through several counties in eastern Zhejiang, and had a force of several tens of thousands. A man from Wu Commandery, Lu Linggong, and others persuaded the Grand Administrator, the Prince of Nanhai, Xiao Dalin, to go and submit to him. Xiao Dalin said: "If Zhang Biao succeeds, it will not be due to my strength; if he fails, he will use me as an excuse. I cannot go."

Ren Yue advanced and attacked Xiyang and Wuchang. Initially, the Inspector of Ningzhou, a man from Pengcheng named Xu Wensheng, had recruited several tens of thousands of troops to campaign against Hou Jing. The Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, appointed him as the Inspector of Qinzhou and ordered him to lead his troops eastward. He encountered Ren Yue at Wuchang. Xiao Yi appointed the Prince of Luling, Xiao Ying, as the Inspector of Jiangzhou, with Xu Wensheng as the Senior Administrator acting as the prefectural and commandery administrator, overseeing the various generals to resist him. Xiao Ying was the son of Xiao Xu. The Prince of Shaoling, Xiao Lun, having led the Qi troops but not yet arrived, moved his camp to Masha, eighty li from Xiyang. When Ren Yue heard of this, he sent the Yitong, Chi Luo Zitong, and others leading two hundred iron cavalry to attack him. Xiao Lun, without setting up defenses, spurred his horse and fled. At this time, the Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, had also formed an alliance with Qi, so the Qi people held back and did not assist Xiao Lun. The Inspector of Dingzhou, Tian Zulong, welcomed Xiao Lun, but Xiao Lun, knowing that Tian Zulong was well-treated by Xiao Yi, feared being captured by him, so he returned to Qichang. When he reached Runan, Li Su, the city commander appointed by Western Wei at Runan, who was a former subordinate of Xiao Lun, opened the city gates and received him. Ren Yue then occupied Xiyang and Wuchang.

Pei Zhigao led over a thousand of his sons, younger brothers, and retainers to Xiashou. The Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, summoned him and appointed him as the Grand Administrator of Xinxing and Yongshou commanderies. He also appointed the Prince of Nanping, Xiao Ke, as the Inspector of Wuzhou, stationed at Wuling.

Initially, the Prince of Shaoling, Xiao Lun, had appointed the Prince of Hengyang, Xiao Xian, as the Inspector of Qizhou, stationed at Qichang. Ren Yue attacked and captured him, sent him to Jiankang, and killed him. Xiao Xian was the grandson of Xiao Chang.

On the day of Yihai (the twenty-eighth day), Hou Jing was advanced to the position of Xiangguo, granted twenty commanderies, made the Prince of Han, and given extraordinary honors.

The Prince of Yueyang, Xiao Cha, returned to Xiangyang.

The people of Lizhou attacked their Inspector, Zhang Ben. Zhang Ben abandoned the city and fled. The people of the province led the Qiang chieftain, the Northern Yi Inspector Yang Fachen, to occupy Lizhou and sent two men of the Wang and Jia surnames to the Prince of Wuling, Xiao Ji, to request that Yang Fachen be made Inspector. Xiao Ji severely reprimanded him, imprisoning Yang Fachen's sons, Yang Chongyong and Yang Chonghu. In winter, the tenth month, on the day of Dingchou (the first day), Yang Fachen sent an envoy to submit to Western Wei.

On the day of Jimao (the third day), the Qi ruler went to the Jinyang Palace. The Prince of Guangwu, Gao Changbi, was not on good terms with the Inspector of Bingzhou, Duan Shao. When the Qi ruler was about to go to Jinyang, Gao Changbi said to the emperor: "Duan Shao has strong troops there; I fear his intentions may not be trustworthy. How can you go straight to rely on him?" The emperor did not listen. Upon arrival, he told Duan Shao what Gao Changbi had said, remarking: "With someone as loyal as you, there are still those who slander you—how much more so for others!" Gao Changbi was the younger brother of Gao Yongle. On the day of Yiyou (the ninth day), he appointed Tejin Yuan Shao as Vice Director of the Left of the Chancellery and Duan Shao as Vice Director of the Right.

On the day of Yiwei (the nineteenth day), Hou Jing added to himself the title of General of the Universe, Commander of All Military Affairs under Heaven, and presented the edict to the emperor. The emperor, startled, said: "Does the General actually have the title of 'Universe'!"

He established his sons: Xiao Dajun as the Prince of Xiyang, Xiao Dawei as the Prince of Wuning, Xiao Daqiu as the Prince of Jian'an, Xiao Daxin as the Prince of Yian, Xiao Dazhi as the Prince of Suijian, and Xiao Dayuan as the Prince of Leliang.

In Qi, the Eastern Xu Prefecture governor and acting chief minister Xin Shu guarded Xiapi. In the eleventh month, Hou Jing collected taxes and entered Jiankang. Xin Shu led his troops across the Huai River to intercept him, burning a million piculs of his grain, and then surrounded Yangping. Hou Jing's acting chief minister Guo Yuanjian led troops to rescue him. On Renxu (the sixteenth day), Xin Shu plundered over three thousand households and returned to Xiapi.

Prince of Wuling, Xiao Ji, led his various armies out from Chengdu. Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, sent an envoy with a letter to stop him, saying: "The people of Shu are brave and fierce, easily stirred but hard to pacify. You, younger brother, should hold that region; I myself will destroy the rebels." On another sheet he wrote: "Our territories are like those of Sun and Liu, each secure within its borders; our affection is deep as that of Lu and Wei, with letters always passing between us."

On Jiazi (the eighteenth day), Prince of Nanping, Xiao Ke, led the civil and military officials in presenting a memorial urging Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, to become Chancellor, overseeing all government affairs; Xiao Yi refused.

The Western Wei Chancellor, Yuwen Tai, built a bridge from Hongnong, crossed the Yellow River, and arrived at Jianzhou. On Bingyin (the twentieth day), the Qi ruler personally led his army and camped at Dongcheng. When Yuwen Tai heard of his army's strict and grand formation, he sighed and said: "Gao Huan is not dead!" It happened to be a long period of rain, from autumn to winter, and many of the Western Wei army's livestock died. Thus, he returned from Puban. Consequently, all of Henan east of Luoyang and Hebei east of Pingyang were incorporated into Qi.

On Dingmao (the twenty-first day), Xu Wensheng stationed his army at Beiji. Ren Yue led a naval force to engage him. Xu Wensheng decisively defeated him, killing Chiluozitong and Zhao Weifang, and then advanced to Dajukou. Hou Jing sent Song Zixian and others with twenty thousand troops to assist Ren Yue. Because Ren Yue was holding Xiyang and could not advance for a long time, Hou Jing himself came out and camped at Jinxi.

Prince of Nankang, Xiao Huili, seeing that Jiankang was empty, plotted with the Left Garrison General of the Crown Prince, Liu Jingli, the Marquis of Xixiang, Xiao Quan, and the Marquis of Dongxiang, Xiao Mian, to raise troops and kill Wang Wei. The Marquis of Anle, Xiao Yili, fled to Changlu and gathered a following of over a thousand men. The Marquis of Jian'an, Xiao Ben, and the heir of Zhongsu, Xiao Ziyong, knowing of the plot, reported it to Wang Wei. Wang Wei arrested Xiao Huili, Liu Jingli, Xiao Quan, Xiao Mian, and Xiao Huili's younger brother, the Marquis of Qiyang, Xiao Tongli, and executed them all. Xiao Yili was killed by his attendants. Chu Mian, a man from Qiantang, because he was an old friend of Xiao Huili, was tortured with a thousand blows, but never uttered a different story. Xiao Huili said to him from the next cell: "Chu Lang, is it not for me that you have come to this? Though you endure death to prove me innocent, in my heart I truly wish to kill the rebels!" Chu Mian would not confess, and Hou Jing eventually pardoned him. Xiao Quan was the son of Xiao Bing; Xiao Ben was the son of Xiao Zhengde's younger brother; Xiao Ziyong was the grandson of Xiao Dan.

Since the Emperor ascended the throne, Hou Jing's guard had been very strict, and outsiders could not gain an audience. Only the Marquis of Wulin, Xiao Zi, along with Director of the Imperial Secretariat Wang Ke and Secretary Yin Buhai, because they were civil and weak, were allowed to enter the inner chambers. The Emperor only discoursed with them. After Xiao Huili died, Wang Ke and Yin Buhai, fearing disaster, gradually kept their distance. Xiao Zi alone did not leave the Emperor, constantly attending court. Hou Jing detested him and sent his enemy Diao Shu to assassinate Xiao Zi outside the Guangmo Gate.

When the Emperor ascended the throne, Hou Jing and the Emperor ascended the Chongyun Hall, and before the Buddha took an oath, saying: "From now on, let there be no suspicion between lord and minister. I certainly will not betray Your Majesty, and Your Majesty must not betray me!" After Xiao Huili's plot was leaked, Hou Jing suspected the Emperor knew of it, so he killed Xiao Zi. The Emperor knew his end was near, and pointing to the hall where he lived, said to Yin Buhai: "Pang Juan shall die beneath this place."

Hou Jing personally led his troops to attack Yang Baihua at Xuancheng. Yang Baihua, exhausted, surrendered. Because he was a man of the north, Hou Jing spared him and appointed him Minister of the Left for Revenue, but killed his brother's son Yang Bin to avenge the grievance with Lai Liang.

In the twelfth month, on the first day of Bingzi (the first day of the month), Hou Jing enfeoffed the Marquis of Jian'an, Xiao Ben, as Prince of Jingling, and the heir of Zhongsu, Xiao Ziyong, as Prince of Sui, and also bestowed upon them the surname Hou.

On Xinchou (the twenty-sixth day), the Qi ruler returned to Yecheng.

Prince of Shaoling, Xiao Lun, was at Runan, repairing city walls and gathering soldiers, planning to attack Anlu. The Western Wei Prefect of Anzhou, Ma You, reported this to Chancellor Yuwen Tai. Yuwen Tai sent Yang Zhong with ten thousand troops to rescue Anlu.

Prince of Wuling, Xiao Ji, sent the Prefect of Tongzhou, Yang Ganyun, and the Prefect of South Liangzhou, Qiao Yan, with a combined force of twenty thousand to attack Yang Fachen. Yang Fachen raised troops and held Jiange to resist.

Hou Jing returned to Jiankang.

Originally, Emperor Jingzong of Wei had appointed Erzhu Rong as Grand General of Pillars of State, a rank superior to that of Chancellor. After Erzhu Rong's defeat, this office was abolished. In the third year of Datong, Emperor Wen again appointed Chancellor Yuwen Tai to this office. Subsequently, those whose merits assisted the founding and whose reputation and substance were both esteemed also held this office, totaling eight men: the Duke of Anding, Yuwen Tai; the Prince of Guangling, Yuan Xin; the Duke of Zhaojun, Li Bi; the Duke of Longxi, Li Hu; the Duke of He...