Sui Annals 6
From the year of Zhaoyang Zuoe to the year of Zhameng Dayuanxian, a total of three years.
Emperor Yang of Sui, the ninth year of the Daye reign (Guiyou year, 613 AD)
Spring, first month, Dingchou day: An edict was issued conscripting troops from across the empire to assemble at Zhuo Commandery. Recruitment of commoners into the Xiaoguo Army began, and the old city of Liaodong was repaired to store military grain.
The bandit leader Bai Yusha from Lingwu plundered pasture horses and allied with the Tujue in the north, bringing calamity to the Longyou region. He was called the "Slave Bandit."
Wuxu day: A general amnesty was granted.
Jihai day: The Minister of Justice, Wei Wensheng, and others were ordered to assist Prince Dai, Yang You, in defending the western capital, Chang'an.
Second month, Renwu day: An edict stated: "Yuwen Shu failed to supply the army with sufficient food, causing the imperial forces to be defeated. This was a logistical error by the military officers, not Yuwen Shu's fault. His official rank and title should be restored." Shortly thereafter, he was additionally granted the rank of Kaifu Yitong Sansi.
The Emperor said to his attendants: "Goguryeo, this petty foe, has insulted and slighted the great empire. Now, even if it means moving seas and mountains, I still hope for success, let alone against this enemy!" Thus, he again discussed conquering Goguryeo. Left Guanglu Daifu Guo Rong admonished: "The Rong and Di tribes' discourtesy is a matter for your ministers to handle. A crossbow with a thousand jun weight is not triggered for a single rat. Why must Your Majesty personally humble the imperial dignity to deal with a small foe?" The Emperor did not listen.
Third month, Bingzi day: Meng Haigong from Jiyin rose in rebellion as a bandit, occupying Zhouqiao with a force of tens of thousands. Whenever he saw someone quoting classics and discussing history, he killed them.
Dingchou day: One hundred thousand adult males were conscripted to build Daxing City. Wuyin day: The Emperor departed for Liaodong, ordering the Minister of Revenue, Fan Zigai, and others to assist Prince Yue, Yang Tong, in defending the eastern capital, Luoyang.
At that time, bandits sprang up everywhere. Wang Bo and Meng Rang from Qi Commandery, Guo Fangyu from Beihai, Zhang Jincheng from Qinghe, Hao Xiaode from Pingyuan, Ge Qian from Hejian, and Sun Xuanya from Bohai each gathered followers to raid and plunder. The largest groups had over a hundred thousand men, the smallest several tens of thousands, bringing great suffering to the Shandong region. The realm had been peaceful for so long that people were unfamiliar with military affairs. Whenever local officials and troops engaged these bandits, they often fled at the first sight of them. Only the Commandery Deputy of Qi, Zhang Xutuo from Wenxiang, won the support of both soldiers and civilians. Brave and decisive in battle, he led the commandery troops to attack Wang Bo at the foot of Mount Tai. Wang Bo, relying on his repeated victories, did not set up defenses. Zhang Xutuo launched a surprise attack and routed Wang Bo. Wang Bo gathered his remaining men and crossed the Yellow River northward. Zhang Xutuo pursued him to Linyi and defeated him again. Wang Bo then allied with Sun Xuanya, Hao Xiaode, and others, leading over a hundred thousand men to attack Zhangqiu. Zhang Xutuo met them with twenty thousand infantry and cavalry and routed the bandits. The bandit leader Pei Changcai and others suddenly attacked the city with twenty thousand men, plundering wildly. Zhang Xutuo, unable to assemble his forces in time, engaged the enemy with only five horsemen. The bandits surrounded him in layers, over a hundred deep. Zhang Xutuo was wounded in many places but his courage only grew fiercer. Just then, reinforcements arrived from the city, and the bandits fell back slightly. Zhang Xutuo led his men in a counterattack, and Pei Changcai and his followers fled. Gengzi day: Guo Fangyu and others combined forces to capture Beihai, plundering heavily before leaving. Zhang Xutuo said to his subordinates: "The bandits rely on their strength, thinking I cannot rescue them. Now, if I advance swiftly, I will surely defeat them!" He selected elite troops and marched day and night, defeating the bandits, killing tens of thousands, and capturing countless supplies and weapons.
Luo Shixin from Licheng, aged fourteen, followed Zhang Xutuo to attack bandits on the banks of the Wei River. As the bandits formed their battle lines, Luo Shixin galloped to the front, killed several men, cut off one man's head, tossed it into the air, caught it on his spear, and paraded it before the bandit ranks. The bandits stared in shock, none daring to approach. Zhang Xutuo seized the moment to lead his men in a fierce assault, and the bandits were utterly defeated and scattered. Luo Shixin pursued the fleeing bandits, cutting off the nose of each man he killed and putting it in his bosom. Upon returning, he used them to verify his kill count. Zhang Xutuo praised and valued him, keeping him close by his side. Whenever there was a battle, Zhang Xutuo charged first, with Luo Shixin as his deputy. The Emperor sent an envoy to commend and instruct them, and ordered a painting of Zhang Xutuo and Luo Shixin's battle formations for him to view.
Summer, fourth month, Gengwu day: The Emperor's carriage crossed the Liao River. Renshen day: Yuwen Shu and Shang Da Jiangjun Yang Yichen were sent to march straight to Pyongyang.
Left Guanglu Daifu Wang Rengong set out from the Fuyu route. Wang Rengong advanced to Xincheng, where several tens of thousands of Goguryeo troops met him in battle. Wang Rengong led a thousand elite cavalry and defeated them. The Goguryeo people fortified their city and held it. The Emperor ordered the generals to attack Liaodong, allowing them to act as they saw fit. Flying towers, battering rams, cloud ladders, and tunnels were used in simultaneous attacks from all sides, day and night without cease. But the Goguryeo defenders adapted their strategies, and after more than twenty days, the city was not taken. Both attackers and defenders suffered heavy casualties. The scaling ladders were fifteen zhang long. Shen Guang from Wuxing, a member of the Xiaoguo Army, climbed to the top, approached the city wall, and fought the Goguryeo soldiers at close quarters. He killed more than ten men, but the Goguryeo soldiers attacked him in turn, causing him to fall. Before he hit the ground, he caught a rope hanging from the ladder and climbed back up. The Emperor saw this, praised his bravery, and immediately appointed him as a Court Gentleman for Consultation, often keeping him close by.
The Minister of Rites, Yang Xuangan, was fierce and agile, skilled in horseback archery, fond of reading, and loved to cultivate friendships. Famous scholars across the realm largely associated with him. He was on close terms with Li Mi, the Duke of Boshangong. Li Mi was the great-grandson of Li Bi. From a young age, he possessed talent and strategy, with lofty ambitions and a generous nature, despising wealth and cherishing scholars. He served as a Left Personal Attendant. When the Emperor saw him, he said to Yuwen Shu: "That dark-skinned lad under the left guard has unusual eyes. Do not let him serve as a palace guard!" Yuwen Shu then hinted to Li Mi to claim illness and resign. Li Mi accordingly withdrew from public life and devoted himself to study. Once, while riding a yellow ox and reading the Hanshu, he was noticed by Yang Su, who found him unusual. Yang Su summoned him home, spoke with him, and was greatly pleased. He said to his sons, including Yang Xuangan: "Li Mi's insight and tolerance are such that you cannot match him!" From then on, Yang Xuangan formed a deep friendship with Li Mi. Sometimes Yang Xuangan belittled Li Mi, who said: "One's words should match reality; how can one flatter to one's face? If it comes to deciding the course of battle before the ranks, shouting to intimidate the enemy, I am inferior to you. But in rallying the worthy and talented of the realm, each to their proper use, you are inferior to me. How can you slight the scholars of the realm just because your rank is a little higher?" Yang Xuangan smiled and was convinced.
Yang Su, relying on his achievements, grew arrogant. At imperial banquets, he sometimes failed in proper courtly conduct. The Emperor harbored resentment but said nothing, and Yang Su himself sensed it. By the time Yang Su died, the Emperor said to his close ministers: "If Yang Su had not died, he would have eventually been exterminated as a clan." Yang Xuangan understood this well. Moreover, believing his family had been noble for generations and that many court officials were old subordinates of his father, he saw the court's increasing disorder and the Emperor's growing suspicion, and felt uneasy. He secretly plotted rebellion with several of his younger brothers. When the Emperor was undertaking the campaign, Yang Xuangan said of himself: "My family has received the state's grace for generations, and I wish to serve as a general." The Emperor said happily: "A general's family must produce a general; a minister's family must produce a minister—truly so!" From then on, his favor and treatment grew increasingly weighty, and he gradually participated in court affairs.
When the Emperor campaigned against Goguryeo, he ordered Yang Xuangan to oversee transport at Liyang. Thereupon, he conspired with Huben Langjiang Wang Zhongbo and Zan Zhi of Ji Commandery, Zhao Huaiyi, deliberately delaying the grain shipments and not departing on time, intending to cause food shortages for the armies that had crossed the Liao River. The Emperor sent envoys to urge him on. Yang Xuangan claimed that the water routes were infested with bandits, preventing continuous departures. Yang Xuangan's younger brothers, Huben Langjiang Yang Xuanzong and Yingyang Langjiang Yang Wanshi, had both followed the Emperor to Liaodong. Yang Xuangan secretly sent men to summon them, and both fled back. Yang Wanshi reached Gaoyang, where he was captured by Supervisor Xu Hua and executed at Zhuo Commandery.
At that time, the Right Grand General of the Agile Guard, Lai Hu'er, was leading a naval force from Donglai, about to enter the sea and head straight for Pyongyang. Yang Xuangan sent a family slave disguised as an envoy arriving from the east, falsely claiming that Lai Hu'er had rebelled. On the yisi day of the sixth month, Yang Xuangan entered Liyang, closed the city gates, extensively conscripted able-bodied men, used sailcloth to make helmets and armor, and established official posts and subordinates, all following the old system of the Kaihuang era. He transmitted documents to neighboring commanderies, using the pretext of punishing Lai Hu'er, ordering each to mobilize troops and assemble at the granary location. Among the county and commandery officials with talent, Yang Xuangan summoned them under the guise of transporting grain, appointing Zhao Huaiyi as Governor of Weizhou, Yuan Wuben, the Assistant Magistrate of Dongguang, as Governor of Lizhou, and Tang Yi, the Recorder of Henei Commandery, as Governor of Huaizhou.
The Attending Secretary of the Censorate, You Yuan, was supervising transport at Liyang. Yang Xuangan said to him, “The solitary tyrant indulges in cruelty and is trapped in a distant land—this is Heaven’s time to destroy him. I am now personally leading a righteous army to slay the unrighteous ruler. What do you think?” You Yuan, with a stern expression, said, “Your father received the state’s favor, unmatched in recent times. You and your brothers, with high offices and noble ranks shining together, ought to exhaust your loyalty and preserve your integrity to repay this great kindness. How could it be expected that before the grave earth is dry, you personally plot rebellion! I only have death to offer; I dare not follow your command!” Yang Xuangan, enraged, imprisoned him and repeatedly threatened him with weapons, but could not make him yield, so he killed him. You Yuan was the grandson of You Minggen.
Yang Xuangan selected five thousand strong and vigorous young men from among the transport laborers and three thousand boatmen from Danyang and Xuancheng. He sacrificed three animals, swore an oath to the troops, and told them, “The sovereign is unrighteous, disregarding the people’s welfare. The realm is in turmoil, and countless have died in Liaodong. Now I rise with you to save the suffering of millions of people—what do you think?” The crowd all leaped and cheered, shouting “Long live!” Then he organized the army and deployed them. Tang Yi escaped from Yang Xuangan and returned to Henei.
Previously, Yang Xuangan had secretly sent a family slave to Chang’an to summon Li Mi and his younger brother Yang Xuanting to Liyang. By the time he raised the troops, Li Mi had just arrived. Yang Xuangan was overjoyed, treating him as his chief strategist, and said to Li Mi, “You have always taken it as your duty to rescue the world and save the people—now is the time! What plan should we adopt?” Li Mi said, “The Son of Heaven has embarked on a campaign, far beyond Liaodong, with over a thousand li still to reach Youzhou. To the south is the sea, to the north are the powerful Hu, and in the middle is only one road, which is extremely perilous by nature. If you lead troops to strike unexpectedly, drive straight into Jizhou, seize the strategic pass of Linyu, and block his throat, his return route will be cut off. When Goguryeo hears of this, they will surely pursue from behind. Within ten or fifteen days, his supplies will be exhausted, and his troops will either surrender or scatter. You can capture them without battle—this is the best plan.” Yang Xuangan said, “Tell me the next one.” Li Mi said, “The Guanzhong region is defensible on all four sides and is a land of abundance. Although Wei Wensheng is there, he is not worth worrying about. Now, lead the troops drumming westward, bypass cities without attacking, and directly seize Chang’an. Recruit local heroes, pacify the local gentry and commoners, and hold the strategic terrain for defense. Even if the Son of Heaven returns, having lost his base, we can deal with him slowly.” Yang Xuangan said, “Tell me the next one.” Li Mi said, “Select elite troops, travel day and night, surprise and capture the Eastern Capital, and use it to issue commands to the realm. But I fear Tang Yi has already informed them, and they have prepared defenses. If you attack and fail to take it in a hundred days, the realm’s armies will converge from all sides, and the outcome will be beyond my knowledge.” Yang Xuangan said, “Not so. Now the families and dependents of all officials are in the Eastern Capital. If we seize it first, it will be enough to shake their resolve. Moreover, bypassing cities without taking them—how can we display our might! Your lower plan is exactly the upper plan.” Thus, he led troops toward Luoyang, sending Yang Xuanting with a thousand brave soldiers as the vanguard to first attack Henei. Tang Yi defended the city, and Yang Xuanting achieved nothing.
Tang Yi also sent someone to inform the Prince of Yue, Yang Tong, and Fan Zigai in the Eastern Capital, ordering them to lead troops and prepare defenses. The people of Xiuwu mutually led each other to defend Linqing Pass. Yang Xuangan could not cross, so he forded the Yellow River south of Ji Commandery. Those who followed him were as numerous as a market crowd. He sent his younger brother Yang Jishan with three thousand troops to march west from Yanshi along the Luo River, while Yang Xuanting crossed Mount Mang from the White Horse Board and marched south. Yang Xuangan led over three thousand men behind them, about ten li apart, claiming to be the main army. His soldiers all carried single-blade swords and willow shields, without bows, arrows, helmets, or armor. The Eastern Capital sent the Prefect of Henan, Daxi Shanyi, with five thousand elite troops to resist Yang Jishan, and the Director of the Palace Construction Office and Governor of Henan, Pei Hongce, with eight thousand troops to resist Yang Xuanting. Daxi Shanyi crossed south of the Luo River and camped at Hanwang Temple. The next day, Yang Jishan’s army arrived; Daxi Shanyi’s troops fled without a fight, and their armor and weapons were all seized by Yang Jishan. Pei Hongce advanced to the White Horse Board; at the first clash, he was defeated and fled, with over half his armor and weapons abandoned. Yang Xuanting did not pursue. Pei Hongce retreated three or four li, gathered the scattered troops, and formed a new formation to wait. Yang Xuanting arrived slowly, sat resting for a long time, then suddenly rose and attacked. Pei Hongce was defeated again. This happened five times. On the bingchen day, Yang Xuanting reached the Sun Gate. Pei Hongce, with only a dozen cavalry, galloped into the palace city. None of the rest returned; all surrendered to Yang Xuangan.
Yang Xuangan encamped at the Upper Spring Gate. Each time he swore to his troops, saying, “I am a Supreme Pillar of State, with family wealth accumulated to hundreds of millions in gold. As for rank and riches, I have no further desires. Now, disregarding the disaster of clan extermination, I act only to rescue the people of the realm from their dire straits!” The crowd all rejoiced. Elders vied to offer cattle and wine, and sons and younger brothers came to the camp gate seeking to serve, numbering in the thousands each day.
The Inner History Attendant, Wei Fusi, the son of Wei Guang’s elder brother, had gone out of the city with the army to resist Yang Xuangan and was captured. Yang Xuangan treated him generously and made him, along with his associate Hu Shidan, manage documents. Yang Xuangan had Wei Fusi write a letter to Fan Zigai, listing the crimes of Emperor Yang of Sui, saying, “Now I intend to depose the and establish an enlightened ruler. I hope you will not cling to petty principles and bring disaster upon yourself.” Fan Zigai had just been transferred from an external frontier post to the capital. Most of the old officials in the Eastern Capital looked down on him, and when it came to military arrangements, they did not follow his orders closely. Pei Hongce was of equal rank with Fan Zigai in the court. Earlier, when he had gone out to attack the rebels and failed, Fan Zigai ordered him to go out again. He refused, and Fan Zigai had him dragged out and beheaded as a warning. The State Academy Sacrificial Wine, Yang Wang of Hedong, showed slight disrespect, and Fan Zigai was about to kill him as well. Yang Wang kowtowed until his forehead bled and was spared. From then on, the generals and officials were awed and silent, none daring to look up; orders were carried out and prohibitions obeyed. Yang Xuangan attacked the city with all his elite troops, but Fan Zigai defended skillfully according to the situation, and Yang Xuangan could not take it. However, the sons of high officials and nobles who had volunteered for military service, upon hearing that Pei Hongce had been killed, dared not enter the city. Han Qinhu’s son Han Shie, Guanwang Yang Xiong’s son Yang Gongdao, Yu Shiji’s son Yu Rou, Lai Hu’er’s son Lai Yuan, Pei Yun’s son Pei Shuang, the Grand Court Minister Zheng Shanguo’s son Zheng Yan, Zhou Luohou’s son Zhou Zhong, and over forty others all surrendered to Yang Xuangan. Yang Xuangan entrusted all close and important positions to them. Zheng Shanguo was the son of Zheng Yi’s elder brother.
Yang Xuangan gathered over fifty thousand troops, sent five thousand to defend the Cidao Road, five thousand to defend the Yique Road, sent Han Shie with three thousand to besiege Xingyang, and Gu Jue with five thousand to capture Hulao. Hulao surrendered, and Gu Jue was appointed Governor of Zhengzhou, stationed at Hulao.
The Prince of Dai, Yang You, sent the Minister of Justice, Wei Wensheng, with forty thousand troops to rescue the Eastern Capital. Wei Wensheng reached Huayin, opened Yang Su’s grave, burned his bones, to show the soldiers his resolve to die, then advanced with drums through the Xiao and Mian regions, heading straight for the north of the Eastern Capital city. Yang Xuangan met him to resist. Wei Wensheng fought as he advanced and encamped at Jingu.
The siege of Liaodong city had been dragging on for a long time without success. Emperor Yang ordered the creation of over a million cloth sacks, filled them with earth, and planned to pile them into a fish-scale causeway, thirty paces wide and as high as the city walls, so that soldiers could ascend and attack the city. He also constructed eight-wheeled tower carts, taller than the city walls, positioned on both sides of the causeway, intending to shoot down into the city from above. A date was set for the assault, and the city’s situation grew desperate. Just then, a memorial reporting Yang Xuangan’s rebellion arrived. The emperor was greatly alarmed. He summoned the Nayan Su Wei into his tent and said to him, “This child is quite clever—will he become a calamity?” Su Wei replied, “Only one who can distinguish right from wrong and assess success or failure can be called clever. Yang Xuangan is coarse and shallow; he is certainly not worth worrying about. My only concern is that this may gradually become the root of greater turmoil.” The emperor then heard that the sons of high-ranking nobles were all with Yang Xuangan and became even more anxious. The Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, Husi Zheng, had long been friendly with Yang Xuangan. When Yang Xuangan rebelled, Husi Zheng conspired with him, and when Yang Xuanzong and his brothers fled to join the rebellion, Husi Zheng secretly let them escape. The emperor was about to thoroughly investigate the associates of Yang Xuanzong and others, and Husi Zheng, feeling uneasy, fled to Koguryo on the day Wuchen. On the day Gengwu, at the second watch of the night, the emperor secretly summoned his generals and ordered the army to withdraw. Military supplies, equipment, and siege engines were piled up like mountains, and the camps, tents, tables, and other items were left untouched and abandoned entirely. The troops, filled with fear, lost all formation and scattered in various directions. Koguryo immediately noticed this but dared not attack, only beating drums and shouting within the city. By noon the next day, they gradually emerged to scout and reconnoiter, still suspecting that the Sui army might be feigning retreat. Only after two days did they send several thousand troops in pursuit, but they feared the large number of Sui soldiers and did not dare approach closely, often keeping a distance of eighty to ninety li. When they neared the Liao River and learned that the imperial camp had already crossed completely, they finally dared to close in on the rear guard. At that time, the rear guard still numbered several tens of thousands. The Koguryo troops followed and plundered, ultimately killing or capturing several thousand of the old and weak soldiers.
Initially, when Emperor Yang launched his second campaign against Koguryo, he again asked the Grand Astrologer Yu Zhi, “What will come of this?” Yu Zhi replied, “Your servant is truly ignorant and confused, but I still hold to my previous view. If Your Majesty personally undertakes the expedition with the dignity of the Son of Heaven, the toil and expense will indeed be too great.” The emperor said angrily, “If I go myself, it may still not be certain of victory; if I only send others, how can it succeed!” When he returned, he said to Yu Zhi, “You previously did not want me to go—was it for this reason? Can Yang Xuangan succeed?” Yu Zhi said, “Yang Xuangan’s position is high, but he has never been the focus of public expectation. He merely seizes on the people’s weariness, hoping for success by luck. Now that the empire is unified, it is not easy to shake.”
The emperor sent Tiger Ben General Chen Leng to attack Yuan Wuben at Liyang, and also sent General of the Left Guard Yuwen Shu and General of the Left Hou Guard Qutu Tong to dispatch troops by post-horse to suppress Yang Xuangan. Lai Hu’er, who had reached Donglai, heard that Yang Xuangan was besieging the Eastern Capital. He assembled his generals to discuss turning back to rescue it. The generals all argued that without an imperial edict, they should not withdraw on their own authority, and they firmly refused to comply. Lai Hu’er said sternly, “The siege of Luoyang is a disease of the heart and vitals; Koguryo’s defiance is merely a scab or an itch. When it comes to state affairs, one should act when one knows what to do. I alone bear responsibility for any arbitrary decision—it has nothing to do with you. Anyone who obstructs or debates will be dealt with according to military law!” That very day, he turned the army back. He sent his sons Lai Hong and Lai Zheng by post-horse to report swiftly. At that time, the emperor had returned to Zhuo Commandery and had already ordered Lai Hu’er to rescue the Eastern Capital. When he saw Lai Hong and Lai Zheng, he was overjoyed and issued an edict to Lai Hu’er saying, “When you turned back, it was precisely when I ordered you to rescue. The minds of ruler and minister align, matching like two halves of a tally, even from a thousand li away.”
Earlier, the General of the Right Wu Hou, Li Zixiong, had been stripped of his rank for some offense and ordered to serve in the army. He followed Lai Hu’er at Donglai. The emperor suspected him and issued an edict to have Li Zixiong shackled and sent to the imperial travel palace. Li Zixiong killed the messenger and fled to Yang Xuangan. Wei Wensheng led twenty thousand infantry and cavalry across the Chan River to engage Yang Xuangan, who defeated him multiple times. In every battle, Yang Xuangan led from the front, and wherever he went, he was unstoppable. He was also skilled at comforting and cherishing his soldiers, who were willing to die for him. Thus, he won most of his engagements, and his forces swelled to one hundred thousand. Wei Wensheng, with fewer troops and unable to resist, suffered losses of over half his men, nearly to the last. He then advanced and camped at the southern foot of Mount Mang, where he fought a decisive battle with Yang Xuangan, engaging in over ten clashes in a single day. Just then, Yang Xuanging was struck by a stray arrow and died, causing Yang Xuangan’s army to retreat slightly.
In autumn, in the seventh month, on the day Guiwei, Liu Yuanjin, a commoner from Yuhang, raised troops in response to Yang Xuangan. Liu Yuanjin’s hands were over a foot long, and his arms hung down past his knees. Believing his appearance was extraordinary, he harbored secret ambitions. Just then, Emperor Yang again conscripted troops from the Three Wu regions for the campaign against Koguryo. The soldiers of the Three Wu said to one another, “In previous years, when the empire was at its height, many of our fathers and brothers who went on the Koguryo campaign have not yet returned; now we are already exhausted, and we must undertake this journey again—there is no hope for us!” Consequently, many deserted. The commanderies and counties pursued them urgently. When they heard that Liu Yuanjin had risen in revolt, the deserters gathered like clouds, and within half a month, his followers numbered tens of thousands.
Initially, when Yang Xuangan reached the Eastern Capital, he believed the whole empire would respond to him, and his success was imminent. After obtaining Wei Fusi, he regarded him as a trusted confidant and no longer relied solely on Li Mi. Whenever Wei Fusi devised a strategy, he always took an equivocal stance. Li Mi, sensing his intentions, said to Yang Xuangan, “Wei Fusi was never part of our alliance; in fact, he harbors a wait-and-see attitude. Your Lordship has just begun a great undertaking, and a treacherous man is close at hand. If you follow his judgments, you will surely be misled. I beg you to execute him!” Yang Xuangan said, “How could it come to that?” After Li Mi withdrew, he said to those close to him, “The Duke of Chu delights in rebellion but does not seek victory. We will soon become captives!”
Li Zixiong urged Yang Xuangan to proclaim himself emperor quickly. Yang Xuangan asked Li Mi about this, and Li Mi said, “In the past, Chen Sheng wanted to call himself king, but Zhang Er’s remonstrance led to his estrangement; the Emperor Wu of Wei (Cao Cao) sought the Nine Bestowments, and Xun Yu’s opposition led to his death. Now I want to speak frankly, but I fear repeating the fate of those two; to flatter and go along with your wishes is not my intention. Why is this? Since the uprising began, although we have won repeatedly, the commanderies and districts have not submitted. The defenses of the Eastern Capital are still strong, and relief troops from all over the empire are arriving in increasing numbers. Your Lordship should exert yourself in battle to seize Guanzhong early, rather than hastily seeking self-importance. Why show such narrow-mindedness to others!” Yang Xuangan laughed and abandoned the idea of proclaiming himself emperor.
Qutu Tong led his troops and camped at Heyang. Yuwen Shu arrived soon after. Yang Xuangan asked Li Zixiong for advice, and Li Zixiong said, “Qutu Tong is well-versed in military affairs. If he crosses the Yellow River, the outcome will be hard to decide. It would be better to divide our forces to block him. If Qutu Tong cannot cross, then Fan Zigai and Wei Wensheng will lose their support.” Yang Xuangan agreed and prepared to block Qutu Tong. Fan Zigai, aware of this plan, repeatedly attacked his camp, preventing Yang Xuangan from moving. Qutu Tong crossed the Yellow River and camped at Pojian. Yang Xuangan divided his army into two, resisting Wei Wensheng to the west and Qutu Tong to the east. Fan Zigai also led out his troops for a great battle. Yang Xuangan’s forces suffered repeated defeats. He consulted with his confederates, and Li Zixiong said, “The relief troops for the Eastern Capital are increasing day by day, and our army has been defeated many times; we cannot stay long. It is better to go directly into Guanzhong, open the Yongfeng Granary to relieve the poor, and then the Three Regions can be secured with a single command. Occupying the treasuries and storehouses, we can contend for the empire to the east—this too is the enterprise of a hegemon-king.” Li Mi said, “Yuan Hongsi, the defender of Honghua, commands strong troops in Longyou. We can claim he has rebelled and send an envoy to welcome Your Lordship, thereby entering Guanzhong under this pretext to deceive the masses.”
Just then the Yang clan of Huayin requested to serve as guides. On the renchen day, Yang Xuangan lifted the siege of the Eastern Capital and led his troops westward straight toward Tong Pass, proclaiming: "I have already broken the Eastern Capital and seized the territory west of the pass!" The armies of Yuwen Shu and others pursued him closely. When they reached Hongnong Palace, local elders blocked Yang Xuangan’s path and advised him: "The palace city is empty and has great stores of grain; attacking it would be easy to capture." Yang Xuangan agreed. The Hongnong Prefect, Prince Cai Yang Zhiji, said to his subordinates: "Yang Xuangan, hearing that the main army is about to arrive, wants to head west and seize Guanzhong. If he succeeds in his plan, he will be hard to defeat. We should use a stratagem to delay him, preventing his advance; within ten days, he can be captured." When Yang Xuangan’s army reached the city walls, Yang Zhiji climbed the ramparts and reviled him. Enraged, Yang Xuangan halted to attack Hongnong Palace. Li Mi remonstrated: "You, sir, are using false claims to deceive the masses into marching west. Military affairs value speed, and the pursuers are about to arrive—how can you tarry! If ahead you cannot seize the pass, and behind you have no place to fall back, once your army scatters, on what will you rely to preserve yourself?" Yang Xuangan would not listen. He attacked Hongnong Palace, set fire to the city gates, but Yang Zhiji added fuel from inside, and Yang Xuangan’s soldiers could not enter. After three days without capturing it, he led his troops westward. At Wengxiang, the armies of Yuwen Shu, Wei Wensheng, Lai Huer, and Qutu Tong caught up with him at Huangtian Plain. Yang Xuangan climbed Pandou and deployed his forces in a continuous line fifty li long, fighting as he moved, but was defeated three times in one day. On the renyin day of the eighth month, Yang Xuangan formed his battle line at Dongdu Plain. The various armies attacked him, and he suffered a great defeat. Alone with a dozen cavalry, he fled toward Shangluo. When the pursuers caught up, Yang Xuangan shouted at them, and they all turned back. At Jialu Garrison, alone with his younger brother Yang Jishan, they fled on foot. Realizing he could not escape, he said to Yang Jishan: "I cannot suffer the humiliation of being killed by others—you kill me!" Yang Jishan drew his sword, cut him down, then stabbed himself but did not die. He was captured by the pursuers and sent, together with Yang Xuangan’s head, to where the Emperor was. Yang Xuangan’s corpse was dismembered in the Eastern Capital market; after three days, it was cut into pieces and burned. Yang Xuangan’s brother Yang Xuanjiang, serving as the Prefect of Yiyang, was about to join Yang Xuangan when he was killed by the Deputy Prefect Zhou Xuanwang. Yang Renxing, holding the post of Court Gentleman for Consultation, was executed in Chang’an.
When Yang Xuangan besieged the Eastern Capital, the commoner Han Xiangguo of Liang Commandery raised troops in response. Yang Xuangan appointed him Marshal of the Henan Circuit. Within ten days to a month, his forces grew to over one hundred thousand, plundering commanderies and counties. When they reached Xiangcheng and heard of Yang Xuangan’s defeat, his followers gradually scattered. He was captured by officials, and his head was sent to the Eastern Capital.
Emperor Yang, because Yuan Hongsi was a relative of Husi Zheng and was serving as Acting Governor of Honghua Commandery, sent the Chief Steward of the Palace Garrison, Li Yuan, to ride post-horses and arrest him, then took his place as Acting Governor. All the armies of the thirteen commanderies west of the pass were under Li Yuan’s authority. Li Yuan governed his troops with leniency and simplicity, and many people attached themselves to him. Emperor Yang, because Li Yuan had an unusual appearance and his name corresponded to prophetic diagrams, grew suspicious of him. Soon, Li Yuan was summoned to where the Emperor was. Li Yuan, claiming illness, did not go to pay court. His niece, a woman of the Wang clan, was in the harem, and Emperor Yang asked her: "Why has your uncle come so late?" She replied that he was ill. Emperor Yang said: "Can he die?" When Li Yuan heard of this, he became terrified, and thereupon indulged in drinking and accepting bribes to conceal his true intentions.
On the guimao day, Zhu Xie of Wu Commandery and Guan Chong of Jinling gathered followers and raided the Jiangzuo region. Zhu Xie had originally been a lay Daoist; he was versed in the classics and histories, well acquainted with military strategy, and short of stature. Serving as a boshi (scholar) in Kunshan, he raised troops with several dozen students. The common people, suffering from corvée labor, flocked to him as if going home. Guan Chong was tall and handsome, with an ambitious and unrestrained spirit. He lived in seclusion in Changshu and claimed he bore the physiognomy of a king, so the various bandits jointly honored him. At that time, Emperor Yang was in Zhuo Commandery and ordered Tiger Cub General Zhao Liuer to lead ten thousand troops to garrison Yangzi, dividing them into five camps to guard against the southern rebels. Guan Chong sent his subordinate Lu Yi across the Yangzi River to attack Zhao Liuer by night. He broke through two of his camps, seized weapons and supplies, and departed. His forces grew even larger, reaching one hundred thousand.
On the xinyou day, the Minister of Agriculture, Zhao Yuanshu of Yunyang, was executed for being a member of Yang Xuangan’s faction. Emperor Yang sent the Grand Court Administrator Zheng Shanguo, the Chief Censor Pei Yun, and the Vice Minister of Justice Gu Yi, together with the Acting Governor Fan Zigai, to investigate Yang Xuangan’s faction. Gu Yi was originally a Hu from Tianzhu (India). Emperor Yang said to Pei Yun: "Yang Xuangan raised a single shout, and one hundred thousand followed him. This shows that there should not be too many people in the empire—if there are many, they gather and become bandits. If we do not execute them all, we cannot warn future generations." Fan Zigai’s nature was already cruel, and Pei Yun accepted this directive, so they applied harsh punishments, killing over thirty thousand people, all with their property confiscated. More than half of these were wrongfully put to death, and over six thousand were exiled. When Yang Xuangan besieged the Eastern Capital, he had opened the granaries to relieve the people. All those who had received grain were buried alive south of the capital city. The scholars whom Yang Xuangan had befriended, Yu Chuo of Kuaiji and Wang Zhou of Langye, were both exiled to the frontier for their crimes. Yu Chuo and Wang Zhou fled, were captured, and executed.
Emperor Yang excelled at writing essays and disliked others surpassing him. After Xue Daoheng died, Emperor Yang said: "Can he still write ‘On the empty beam, swallows drop mud’?" After Wang Zhou died, Emperor Yang recited his fine lines and said: " ‘In the courtyard, grass, heedless of others, turns green’—can he still write such lines?" Emperor Yang was proud of his literary talent and often acted arrogantly toward the empire’s scholars. He once said to his attendants: "Everyone under Heaven thinks I inherited the empire from my ancestors. Even if I were to compete with the scholar-officials in the highest selection, I should still become the Son of Heaven."
Emperor Yang said casually to the Imperial Secretary Yu Shinan: "By nature, I dislike people offering remonstrance. If it is someone of high status and fame who remonstrates to gain a reputation, I find it even more intolerable. As for base scholars, though I may tolerate them a little, in the end I do not place them in important positions. You should understand this!" Yu Shinan was the younger brother of Yu Shiji.
Emperor Yang sent Pei Ju to pacify Longyou. Pei Ju took the opportunity to go to Huining, where he comforted the tribes of the Chuyue Khan and sent Qieda Dushe to raid Tuyuhun to enrich himself. After returning, he reported the situation, and Emperor Yang rewarded him heavily.
On the ji mao day of the ninth month, the commoner Peng Xiaocai of Donghai rose up as a bandit, leading a force of several tens of thousands.
On the jiawu day, the imperial carriage reached Shanggu. Because supplies were insufficient, the Prefect Yu He and others were dismissed. On the jisi day of the intercalary month, they arrived at Boling.
In the winter, on the dingchou day of the tenth month, the rebel leader Lü Mingxing besieged Dong Commandery. Tiger Cub General Fei Qingnu defeated him.
Liu Yuanjin led his followers, about to cross the Yangzi River, when Yang Xuangan was defeated. Zhu Xie and Guan Chong welcomed Liu Yuanjin, made him their leader, and occupied Wu Commandery. Liu Yuanjin proclaimed himself Son of Heaven, with Zhu Xie and Guan Chong both serving as Chief Stewards. They established a full bureaucracy. Most of the powerful figures in Piling, Dongyang, Kuaiji, and Jian’an arrested their local officials and responded to him. Emperor Yang sent the General of the Left Guard in Chief, Tuwan Xu of Daijun, and the Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, Yu Juluo of Xiagui, to lead troops to suppress him.
On the jiyou day of the eleventh month, the General of the Right Guard, Feng Xiaoci, attacked Zhang Jincheng in Qinghe. Feng Xiaoci was defeated and died.
When Yang Xuangan was advancing westward, Wei Fusi fled to the eastern capital Luoyang to surrender; at that time, those in his situation were not pursued. Fan Zigai confiscated Yang Xuangan's documents and registers, obtained the draft of his letters, sealed them, and presented them to Emperor Yang. The emperor ordered Wei Fusi to be arrested and sent to the imperial presence. Li Mi escaped, was captured, and also sent to Luoyang. Fan Zigai shackled Wei Fusi, Li Mi, Yang Jishan, Wang Zhongbo, and more than ten others and escorted them to Gaoyang. Li Mi and Wang Zhongbo secretly plotted an escape, showing all the gold they carried to the escorting envoys, saying: "When we die, we leave this gold to you, hoping you will use it to bury us; the rest is in gratitude for your kindness." The envoys, coveting the gold, agreed, and their vigilance gradually slackened. Li Mi requested to buy wine and food, and every time they feasted, they made noise all night, and the envoys did not mind. When they reached Shiliang Post in Wei Commandery, Li Mi and his men got the guards drunk, chiseled through the wall, and escaped. Li Mi called for Wei Fusi to flee together, but Wei Fusi said: "I am innocent; the Son of Heaven will at most rebuke me to my face." When he reached Gaoyang, Emperor Yang showed Wei Fusi the draft of Yang Xuangan's letters, arrested him, and handed him over to the Dali Temple. Yuwen Shu memorialized: "Those who are vicious and rebellious are what all subjects should hate; if they are not severely punished, it will not deter future generations." The emperor said: "Do as you see fit." On the day Jiaxu in the twelfth month, Yuwen Shu, outside the city, bound those to be punished on wooden racks, placed cartwheels around their necks, and ordered all civil and military officials above the ninth rank to strike and shoot them with weapons. Arrows flew like porcupine quills, their limbs shattered, yet they remained in the wheels. Yang Jishan and Wei Fusi were additionally subjected to dismemberment by chariots, and then their ashes were burned and scattered. Yang Jishan claimed he had personally killed Yang Xuangan, hoping to be spared the death penalty. The emperor said: "If so, he is merely a kind of owl!" Thereupon, he changed his surname to Xiao (Owl).
In Tang County, Song Zixian was skilled in illusionary arts and could transform into a Buddha image, claiming to be the advent of Maitreya Buddha. People far and near believed and were deluded by him, and he plotted to use a great alms-giving assembly to raise troops and attack the imperial carriage; the plot was exposed, and he was executed, along with more than a thousand families of his followers.
In Fufeng, the monk Xiang Haiming also claimed to be the advent of Maitreya Buddha. All who submitted to him would receive auspicious dreams, so people in the three capital districts unanimously believed in him. He then raised troops in rebellion, with a following of several tens of thousands. On the day Dinghai, Xiang Haiming proclaimed himself emperor and changed the reign title to Baiwu (White Crow). Emperor Yang issued an edict ordering the Grand Coachman Yang Yichen to defeat him.
Emperor Yang summoned Wei Wensheng and Fan Zigai to the imperial presence; he comforted them, bestowed lavish rewards, and then sent them back to their respective posts.
Liu Yuanjin attacked Danyang, and Tuwan Xu crossed the River and defeated him. Liu Yuanjin lifted the siege and withdrew. Tuwan Xu advanced and encamped at Qu'e. Liu Yuanjin built stockades to resist Tuwan Xu; they faced each other for over a hundred days. Tuwan Xu launched an assault, and the bandits suffered a great defeat, with tens of thousands killed. Liu Yuanjin fled alone by night and held his camp. Zhu Xie and Guan Chong and others encamped at Piling, with connected camps stretching over a hundred li. Tuwan Xu took advantage of the victory to attack and defeated them again. The bandits withdrew and held Mount Huang. Tuwan Xu surrounded them; Liu Yuanjin and Zhu Xie barely escaped with their lives. Guan Chong and over five thousand of his officers and soldiers were killed in battle; over thirty thousand of their women and children were captured, and the siege of Kuaiji was lifted. Yu Juluo acted together with Tuwan Xu, and they were victorious in every battle, but the common people flocked to rebellion as if going to a market. The bandits, even after being defeated, gathered again, and their momentum grew stronger.
Liu Yuanjin withdrew and held Jian'an. Emperor Yang ordered Tuwan Xu to advance and attack him. Tuwan Xu, because his soldiers were exhausted, requested to rest the troops and wait until the next spring. The emperor was displeased. Yu Juluo also believed that the bandits could not be pacified in a short time. Several of his sons were in Luojing, and he secretly sent a family servant to fetch them; the emperor was greatly angered. The relevant officials, to curry favor with the emperor, memorialized that Tuwan Xu was cowardly and that Yu Juluo had been defeated in battle. Yu Juluo was therefore executed. Tuwan Xu was summoned to the imperial presence; he died of worry and anger on the road.
Emperor Yang then sent Jiangdu Assistant Wang Shichong to mobilize several tens of thousands of troops from Huainan to attack Liu Yuanjin. Wang Shichong crossed the River and won successive battles. Liu Yuanjin and Zhu Xie were defeated and died in Wu. The remaining followers either surrendered or scattered. Wang Shichong assembled those who had first surrendered before the auspicious image at Tongxuan Temple, burned incense, and swore an oath, promising not to kill the surrendered. Those who had scattered initially thought of fleeing to the sea to become pirates. When they heard of this, within about a month, almost all returned to surrender. Wang Shichong buried them all alive in Huangting Ravine, killing over thirty thousand people. Consequently, the remaining partisans gathered again to become bandits, and the government troops could not suppress them until the fall of the Sui dynasty. Emperor Yang considered Wang Shichong to have the talent of a general and favored and employed him even more.
In this year, Emperor Yang issued an edict stipulating that the property of all who committed banditry should be confiscated. At that time, bandits were everywhere in various regions. Commandery and county officials each took the opportunity to act tyrannically, arbitrarily deciding life and death.
In Zhangqiu, Du Fuwei and Linji man Fu Gongshi were friends sworn to death, and both had fled to become bandits. Du Fuwei was then sixteen years old. Every time he went into battle, he always charged at the front and retreated last; therefore, his comrades elected him as their leader. In Xiapi, Miao Haichao also gathered followers and became a bandit. Du Fuwei sent Fu Gongshi to tell him: "Now you and I both suffer under the Sui tyranny. We have each raised the banner of righteousness, but with our strength divided and our forces weak, we constantly fear being captured. If we unite, we can resist the Sui. If you are willing to be the leader, I will respectfully follow; if you consider yourself incapable, you should come and submit to my command; otherwise, we will fight a decisive battle." Miao Haichao, afraid, led his followers to surrender to Du Fuwei. Du Fuwei then turned to plundering the Huainan region, calling himself a general. The Jiangdu Defender sent Colonel Song Hao to attack him. Du Fuwei engaged him, feigned inability to win, lured Song Hao's army into a reed marsh, then set fire with the wind, and all of Song Hao's men were burned to death. The bandit leader Zhao Pocheng of Hailing, thinking Du Fuwei's troops few, despised him and summoned him to join forces. Du Fuwei sent Fu Gongshi with elite troops to encamp outside, while he himself took about ten attendants, led oxen, and carried wine to pay a visit. At the feast, he killed Zhao Pocheng and merged his followers.
Sui Yangdi, Daye 10th Year (Jiaxu year, 614 AD)
Spring, second month, on the day Xinwei, Emperor Yang issued an edict ordering all officials to discuss the campaign against Goguryeo. For several days, no one dared to speak. On the day Wuzi, Emperor Yang issued an edict again mobilizing troops from across the empire, advancing simultaneously from all routes.
On the day Dingyou, the Fufeng bandit leader Tang Bi installed Li Hongzhi as the Son of Heaven, with a following of one hundred thousand men, and styled himself the King of Tang.
Third month, on the day Renzi, Emperor Yang arrived at Zhuo Commandery. Soldiers deserting on the road were continuous. On the day Guihai, he reached Linyu Palace, sacrificed to the Yellow Emperor, and executed rebel soldiers to smear blood on drums, but desertions still did not stop.
Summer, fourth month, the Yulin Governor, Chengji man Dong Chun, fought with the Pengcheng bandit leader Zhang Dahubiao at Changlu, greatly defeating Zhang Dahubiao, cutting off over ten thousand heads.
On the day Jiawu, the emperor's carriage arrived at Beiping.
Fifth month, on the day Gengshen, the Yan'an bandit leader Liu Jialun proclaimed himself August King, established the reign title of Dashi (Great Age), and had a following of one hundred thousand men, coordinating with the Ji Hu to rebel. Emperor Yang issued an edict appointing the Left Guard General Qutu Tong as the Bandit-Suppression Commissioner within the Passes, mobilizing troops to attack him. They fought at Shang Commandery, beheaded Liu Jialun and over ten thousand of his officers and soldiers, and captured tens of thousands of men and women before returning.
In autumn, the seventh month, on the guichou day, the Emperor Yang's carriage halted at Huaiyuan Town. At that time, the realm was already in great turmoil; the conscripted troops, for the most part, had missed their deadlines and not arrived, and Koguryo was also exhausted and weakened. Lai Huer reached Biseong Fortress, and Koguryo dispatched troops to meet him in battle. Lai Huer defeated them and was about to advance on Pyeongyang. King Won of Koguryo, in fear, on the jiasi day, sent an envoy to beg for surrender and also delivered Husi Zheng in chains. The Emperor Yang was overjoyed and sent an envoy bearing a tally to recall Lai Huer. Lai Huer gathered his troops and said: "The great army has gone on three expeditions but has not pacified Koguryo. If we return this time, there will be no chance to come again. To toil without merit—I privately feel ashamed. Now Koguryo is truly exhausted; with these troops of ours attacking them, we can conquer them in a few days. I intend to advance directly and surround Pyeongyang, capture King Won, present a victory report, and then return—would that not be good as well?" He then submitted a memorial requesting to continue the advance and refused to accept the imperial decree. The Chief Administrator Cui Junsu argued resolutely, but Lai Huer would not listen, saying: "The enemy's power is already broken; if I am allowed to act alone, I can naturally accomplish this matter. I am outside the court; affairs should be decided by my sole authority. I would rather be punished after capturing King Won and returning than abandon this success—I cannot do it!" Cui Junsu told the generals: "If we follow the marshal in defying the imperial edict, I will certainly report it to the court, and everyone will be implicated in the crime." The generals were afraid and all requested to return. Only then did Lai Huer accept the decree.
In the eighth month, on the jisi day, the Emperor Yang returned from Huaiyuan Town to the capital. The Handan bandit leader Yang Gongqing led his followers, eight thousand strong, to rob the eighth brigade of the imperial rear guard, seizing forty-two horses from the Feihuang Upper Stable before departing. In winter, the tenth month, on the dingmao day, the Emperor Yang arrived at the Eastern Capital Luoyang; on the jichou day, he returned to the Western Capital Chang'an. He sacrificed the Koguryo envoy and Husi Zheng at the Imperial Ancestral Temple; he also summoned King Won of Koguryo to court, but King Won ultimately did not come. The Emperor Yang ordered the generals to prepare their equipment and plan for future action, but in the end, nothing came of it.
Initially, in the last years of the Kaihuang reign period, the state was prosperous and strong; both court and commoners focused on Koguryo as the target. Only Liu Xuan considered it unwise and wrote the Treatise on Pacifying the Barbarians to criticize this policy. By this time, his words had come true.
In the eleventh month, on the bingshen day, Husi Zheng was executed outside the Jinguang Gate, following the method used for Yang Jishan. His flesh was also boiled and given to the hundred officials to eat; some sycophants ate their fill. His remaining bones were collected, burned, and scattered.
On the yisi day, a suburban sacrifice was held at the Southern Altar. The Emperor Yang did not fast at the temporary lodging. The next morning, the imperial procession was prepared; upon arrival, the ceremony was conducted. That day, a strong wind blew. The Emperor Yang alone sacrificed to the Supreme God, while the Three Dukes separately sacrificed to the Five Emperors. After the ceremony, the Emperor Yang galloped back on horseback.
On the yimao day, the Lishi Hu barbarian Liu Miaowang rebelled, proclaiming himself Son of Heaven, with a following of several tens of thousands. General Pan Changwen attacked him but did not prevail.
The Jijun bandit leader Wang Deren, commanding several tens of thousands of troops, occupied Mount Linlu and engaged in banditry.
The Emperor Yang was about to go to the Eastern Capital Luoyang. The Grand Astrologer Geng Zhi remonstrated, saying: "For years you have campaigned against Liaodong, and the people are truly weary and exhausted. Your Majesty should pacify and stabilize the Guanzhong region, let the people devote themselves to farming, and after three or five years, when the realm is somewhat prosperous and well-supplied, you may then tour the various regions. This would be appropriate." The Emperor Yang was displeased. Geng Zhi used illness as an excuse not to accompany him. The Emperor Yang, enraged, imprisoned Geng Zhi, who ultimately died in prison. In the twelfth month, on the renshen day, the Emperor Yang went to the Eastern Capital Luoyang and proclaimed a general amnesty; on the wuzi day, he entered the Eastern Capital Luoyang.
The Donghai bandit leader Peng Xiaocai turned to plundering Yishui. The Pengcheng Prefectural Governor Dong Chun attacked and captured him. Although Dong Chun was repeatedly victorious in battle, the number of bandits increased daily. Someone slandered Dong Chun as cowardly. The Emperor Yang, enraged, sent Dong Chun in chains to the Eastern Capital Luoyang and executed him.
Meng Rang set out from Changbai Mountain, raiding and plundering various commanderies. When he reached Xuyi, his followers numbered over one hundred thousand. He occupied the Du Liang Palace and relied on the Huai River to establish a strong defensive line. The Jiangdu Deputy Magistrate Wang Shichong led troops to resist him, setting up five rows of palisades to block strategic points, deliberately showing a weak posture. Meng Rang laughed and said: "Wang Shichong is merely a petty clerk skilled in writing documents—how can he command troops? I will capture him alive now, beat the drums, and advance straight into Jiangdu!" At that time, the common people had all built fortifications to defend themselves, and there was nothing to plunder in the fields. The bandit forces gradually grew hungry. Meng Rang then left a small force to besiege the five rows of palisades and sent men south to plunder. Wang Shichong, taking advantage of their laxity, launched an attack and heavily defeated the bandit army. Meng Rang fled with several dozen horsemen. Wang Shichong's army beheaded over ten thousand enemies.
The Qijun bandit leader Zuo Xiaoyou, with a following of one hundred thousand, camped at Dungou Mountain. The Commandery Deputy Magistrate Zhang Xutuo set up camps to pressure him. Zuo Xiaoyou, in dire straits, surrendered. Zhang Xutuo's prestige shook the eastern region of China. For his merit, he was promoted to Qijun Tongshou and concurrently served as the Imperial Commissioner for Promoting and Demoting Officials and Bandit Suppression for the twelve commanderies of Henan Circuit. The Zhuojun bandit leader Lu Mingyue, with a following of over one hundred thousand, camped at Zhu'a. Zhang Xutuo led ten thousand men to intercept him. The two sides confronted each other for over ten days. Zhang Xutuo's provisions ran out, and he prepared to withdraw. He said to his officers and men: "When the bandits see us retreating, they will certainly dispatch their entire force to pursue us. If we send a thousand men to launch a surprise attack and seize their camp, we can gain great advantage. This is indeed a dangerous task—who can go?" No one responded. Only Luo Shixin and Li Cheng's Qin Shubao volunteered to go. Zhang Xutuo then abandoned his camp and fled, ordering the two men to each lead a thousand soldiers and ambush in the reeds. Lu Mingyue dispatched his entire force in pursuit. Luo Shixin and Qin Shubao galloped to the bandit camp. The camp gates were closed. The two leaped onto their watchtowers, each killing several men, causing great chaos in the camp. They cut the bolts, let the outside soldiers in, and then set fire to over thirty of the bandits' stockades. Smoke and flames rose to the sky. Lu Mingyue fled back. Zhang Xutuo turned his troops and attacked fiercely, heavily defeating the bandit army. Lu Mingyue escaped with several hundred horsemen. The number of bandits captured or beheaded was incalculable. Qin Shubao's given name was Qiong, but he was known by his courtesy name.
In the eleventh year of the Daye reign period of Sui Emperor Yang (the Yihai year, 615 CE)
In spring, the first month, the staff of the Palace Library was increased by one hundred and twenty, and these positions were filled with scholars. The emperor loved reading and writing. From the time he served as the General-in-Chief of Yangzhou, he had established a staff of of up to one hundred people, constantly having them compile books. This continued until he ascended the throne, for nearly twenty years in total, with the compilation work never ceasing. From the Confucian classics, literary works, military texts, agriculture, geography, medicine, divination, Buddhism, Daoism, and even gambling, falconry, and dog breeding—all were compiled into new books, nothing was not precise and complete. In total, thirty-one works were completed, amounting to over seventeen thousand scrolls. Initially, the Western Capital's Jiaze Hall contained three hundred seventy thousand scrolls of books. The emperor ordered the Palace Secretary Liu Guanyan and others to collate and organize them, removing duplicates and confusion, resulting in a proper imperial edition of thirty-seven thousand scrolls, which was stored in the Eastern Capital's Xiuwen Hall. Additionally, fifty copies were transcribed, selected into three grades, and placed separately in the palaces, provincial offices, and government bureaus of Chang'an and Luoyang. Those imperial editions were all bound and trimmed to be splendid and clean, equipped with precious scroll rods and brocade covers. In front of the Guanwen Hall, fourteen book chambers were built. The windows, beds, and curtains were all extremely precious and ornate. Every three chambers had a square door, with a brocade curtain hanging down. Above the curtain were two flying immortals. Outside the door, a mechanism was installed on the ground. When the emperor visited the book chambers, a palace lady holding an incense burner would walk ahead and step on the mechanism. Then the flying immortals would descend, gather the curtain, and fly upward; the door leaves and bookcase doors would all open automatically. When the emperor went out, the curtain would fall and close, returning to its original state. Because the population was fleeing and bandits were numerous, on the gengwu day of the second month, the emperor issued an edict ordering all common people to reside within walled towns, with fields allocated nearby. Commanderies, post stations, inns, villages, and fortified hamlets all had to build walls.
The Shanggu bandit leader Wang Xuba proclaimed himself King of the Man-Heavens, with the state title of Yan. The bandit leader Wei Dao'er proclaimed himself Li Shan Fei. Each had a following of several hundred thousand men. To the north, they allied with the Turks; to the south, they raided the Yan and Zhao regions.
Formerly, Emperor Gao of the Sui dynasty dreamed that a flood submerged the capital, and being disgusted by this omen, he moved the capital to Daxing. The Duke of Shenming, Li Mu, died, and his grandson Li Yun inherited his title. Li Yun’s uncle Li Hun resented his stinginess, so he instigated his elder brother’s son Li Shanheng to murder him, then falsely accused his cousin Li Qutan, causing him to be executed for the crime. Li Hun said to his wife’s elder brother, the Left Guard Commissioner Yuwen Shu: “If I can succeed to the fief, I will annually present half of the fief’s tax revenues to you.” Yuwen Shu spoke on his behalf before the Crown Prince, and memorialized Emperor Gao, allowing Li Hun to be Li Mu’s heir. Two years later, Li Hun ceased sending the fief’s tax revenues to Yuwen Shu, and Yuwen Shu bore a deep grudge. After Emperor Yang ascended the throne, Li Hun was repeatedly promoted to the post of Right Martial Guard General-in-Chief and was enfeoffed as the Duke of Cheng. The Emperor, suspicious of his powerful family lineage, grew wary of him. Just then, a sorcerer named An Jiatuo said, “The Li clan should become the Son of Heaven,” and urged the Emperor to kill everyone surnamed Li in the realm. Li Hun’s nephew, the Director of the Imperial Workshops Li Min, whose childhood name was Hong’er, was suspected by the Emperor of matching the prophecy. The Emperor often confronted him face-to-face, hoping he would take his own life. Li Min, greatly terrified, frequently met privately with Li Hun and Li Shanheng to avoid others. Yuwen Shu slandered them before the Emperor and sent the Tiger Ben General, Hedong native Pei Huiji, to submit a memorial accusing Li Hun of plotting rebellion. The Emperor arrested Li Hun and his entire family, and sent the Left Director of the Department of State Affairs Yuan Wendu and the Censor-in-Chief Pei Yun to jointly investigate. After several days of interrogation, no evidence of rebellion was found, and they reported the facts truthfully. The Emperor ordered Yuwen Shu to pursue the case thoroughly. Yuwen Shu tricked Li Min’s wife, née Yuwen, into submitting a memorial falsely accusing Li Hun of planning to take advantage of crossing the Liao River to, together with his family members serving as generals, attack and seize the Emperor’s encampment, and establish Li Min as the Son of Heaven. Yuwen Shu took the memorial into the palace and presented it. The Emperor wept, saying: “My ancestral temples and altars nearly toppled; it is only thanks to you that they were preserved.” On the day Dingyou of the third month, Li Hun, Li Min, Li Shanheng, and thirty-two members of their clan were executed. Relatives within three degrees of mourning were all exiled to the frontiers. Several months later, Li Min’s wife was also poisoned.
Two peacocks flew from the Western Park and alighted before the Treasure City Audience Hall. More than ten people, including the Imperial Guard Lieutenant Gao Deru, saw them and reported them as luan birds. By then, the peacocks had flown away, leaving no way to verify the claim, so the hundred officials offered congratulations. The Emperor issued an edict stating that Gao Deru’s sincerity had aligned with Heaven’s will, and he was the first to witness the auspicious omen. He was promoted to Court Gentleman for Consultation and rewarded with one hundred bolts of silk; the others each received one bolt. A Yiluan Hall was also built on that spot.
On the day Jiyou, the Emperor toured Taiyuan. In summer, the fourth month, he went to Fenyang Palace to escape the heat. The palace compound was cramped and confined; the officials and soldiers scattered among the valleys, building thatched huts as barracks to live in.
The Deputy Director of the Palace Garrison, Li Yuan, was appointed as the Pacification Commissioner for Shanxi and Hedong, empowered to act on the Emperor’s authority in promoting and demoting officials, and selecting and filling civil and military posts in the commanderies and counties. He was also ordered to mobilize troops from Hedong to pursue and suppress various bandits. Li Yuan marched to Longmen, attacked the bandit leader Mu Duan’er, and defeated him.
In autumn, on the day Yichou of the eighth month, the Emperor toured the northern frontier.
Earlier, Pei Ju, seeing that the Turkic Shibi Khan’s tribe was growing stronger, devised a plan to divide his power. He intended to marry a woman of the imperial clan to Shibi’s younger brother, Chiji She, and enfeoff him as the Southern Khan. Chiji She dared not accept, and Shibi gradually became resentful upon hearing of this. The Turkic minister Shi Hu Xuji was highly resourceful and favored by Shibi. Pei Ju pretended to conduct mutual trade with him, lured him to the city of Mayi, and killed him. He then sent an envoy to inform Shibi: “Shi Hu Xuji betrayed the Khan and came to surrender; I have already killed him for you.” Shibi understood the truth and from then on ceased to come to court.
On the day Wuchen, Shibi led several hundred thousand cavalry in a plot to ambush the Emperor’s carriage. Princess Yicheng first sent an envoy to report the incident. On the day Renshen, the carriage sped into Yanmen. The Prince of Qi, Yang Jian, led the rear army to defend Gu County. On the day Guiyou, the Turks besieged Yanmen. The populace was terrified; they dismantled civilian houses for defensive equipment. In the city, there were 150,000 soldiers and civilians, with only enough grain to last twenty days. Of the forty-one cities in Yanmen Commandery, the Turks captured thirty-nine; only Yanmen and Gu County remained unconquered. The Turks fiercely attacked Yanmen, and arrows reached the Emperor’s presence. The Emperor was greatly frightened, embraced the Prince of Zhao, Yang Gao, and wept until his eyes swelled.
The Left Guard General-in-Chief Yuwen Shu advised the Emperor to select several thousand elite cavalry to break out. The Grand Master of Remonstrance Su Wei said: “For defense, we have ample strength; lightly armored cavalry is the strength of the Turks. Your Majesty, as the ruler of ten thousand chariots, how can you act rashly!” The Minister of Civil Affairs Fan Zigai said: “Your Majesty risks danger on a gamble; if once you are in a desperate situation, what regret will avail? Better to rely on the solid city to blunt their sharpness and await the arrival of relief troops summoned from the four quarters. If Your Majesty personally consoles and encourages the officers and men, announces that you will no longer campaign against Liaodong, and generously increases rewards and commendations, then everyone will surely strive on their own. What worry that success cannot be achieved!” The Inner History Xiao Yu believed: “According to Turkic customs, the Khatun participates in military plans. Moreover, Princess Yicheng, as the Emperor’s daughter married to a foreigner, must rely on the support of a great state. If we send an envoy to inform her, even if it brings no benefit, what loss is there? Additionally, the officers’ and soldiers’ thoughts are that they fear Your Majesty, after relieving the Turkic threat, will again attack Koguryo. If a clear edict is issued, announcing the pardon of Koguryo and the exclusive campaign against the Turks, then everyone’s minds will be at ease, and each will fight as if for himself.” Xiao Yu was the younger brother of the Empress. Yu Shiji also urged the Emperor to increase rewards and issue an edict halting the Liaodong campaign. The Emperor heeded them.
The Emperor personally inspected the officers and soldiers, saying to them: “Strive to attack the enemy. If you can survive, all who are in the ranks need not worry about wealth and honor; I will certainly not allow the relevant offices to twist the law and erase your merits.” He then ordered: “For those who have merit in defending the city, those without official rank shall be directly granted the sixth rank, with a reward of one hundred bolts of silk; those with rank shall be promoted according to grade.” Envoys were sent to comfort the officers and soldiers, crowding the roads without end. Thus, everyone was inspired, fighting day and night in defense, with many killed and wounded.
On the day Jiashen, an edict was issued to recruit soldiers from across the realm. Commandery governors and county magistrates vied to come to the rescue. Li Shimin, the sixteen-year-old son of Li Yuan, answered the call and was attached to the Garrison Guard General Yun Dingxing. He advised Yun Dingxing to carry many flags and drums to create deception, saying: “Shibi dared to send troops to surround the Son of Heaven because he thought we could not hastily come to the rescue. We should extend our banners for several tens of li during the day, and sound drums and gongs at night in response. The enemy will surely think that a great relief army has arrived and will flee at the sight. If not, with the enemy numerous and us few, if the enemy’s entire army attacks, we certainly cannot hold out.” Yun Dingxing followed his advice.
The Emperor sent a secret envoy to Princess Yicheng to request aid. Princess Yicheng sent an envoy to inform Shibi: “There is an urgent situation in the north.” Relief forces from the Eastern Capital and various commanderies also arrived at Xinkou. On the day Jiachen of the ninth month, Shibi lifted the siege and departed. The Emperor sent people out to reconnoiter; the valleys were all empty, with no Turkic horses. He then dispatched two thousand cavalry in pursuit, reaching Mayi, where they captured over two thousand Turkic elderly and weak, then returned.
On the day Dingwei, the Emperor’s carriage returned to Taiyuan. Su Wei said to the Emperor: “Now the bandits have not ceased, and the soldiers and horses are exhausted. I hope Your Majesty will quickly return to the Western Capital to consolidate the foundation, considering the great plan for the state.” The Emperor initially agreed to his suggestion. Yuwen Shu said: “Most of the attending officials’ wives and children are in the Eastern Capital; it would be fitting to take the route to Luoyang and then enter through Tong Pass.” The Emperor followed his advice.
In winter, the tenth month, on the _renxu_ day, the emperor arrived at the Eastern Capital. Gazing around the streets, he said to his attendant ministers, "There are still plenty of people here." This meant that when he had previously pacified Yang Xuangan, he had killed too few. Su Wei pressed the point that the standards for rewarding meritorious service were too generous and should be reconsidered. Fan Zigai earnestly petitioned, arguing that it would be wrong to break faith. The emperor said, "Are you trying to win people's hearts?" Fan Zigai, frightened, dared not reply. The emperor was by nature stingy with official ranks and rewards. When Yang Xuangan was first pacified, there were many who should have been granted meritorious ranks, so he reestablished the military officer grades: _Jianjie Wei_ (Establish Valor Commandant) was the sixth grade, followed in descending order by _Fenwu Wei_ (Inspire Martial Commandant), _Xuanhui Wei_ (Spread Benevolence Commandant), _Suide Wei_ (Pacify Virtue Commandant), _Huairen Wei_ (Cherish Benevolence Commandant), _Bingyi Wei_ (Uphold Righteousness Commandant), _Fengcheng Wei_ (Serve Sincerity Commandant), and _Lixin Wei_ (Establish Trust Commandant), each rank descending one step. Among the troops who defended Yanmen, numbering seventeen thousand, only fifteen hundred were granted ranks by this time. All were measured against the standards for rewarding merit in the Yang Xuangan campaign: those who achieved first-class merit in a single battle were promoted one grade; those who originally had no military rank were only granted _Lixin Wei_; those who achieved first-class merit in three battles were granted _Bingyi Wei_; those who were in the ranks but had no merit were promoted one grade after four battles, and no rewards were given. Just then, there was also discussion of launching another expedition against Koguryo, so none of the soldiers and officers were without anger and resentment.
Earlier, Xiao Yu, being a relative by marriage and possessing talent and moral conduct, had once served the emperor in the Eastern Palace. He was repeatedly promoted to _Neishi Shilang_ (Inner History Attendant) and was entrusted with handling confidential affairs. Xiao Yu was by nature upright and forthright, and he repeatedly remonstrated, contradicting the emperor's intentions, so the emperor gradually distanced himself from him. After the siege of Yanmen was lifted, the emperor said to his ministers, "The Turks are arrogant and rebellious—what can their strength accomplish! Before they had scattered for long, Xiao Yu hastily terrified and shook the morale of the army. This behavior is unforgivable!" He was sent out to become the governor of Hechi Commandery, and on that very day he was ordered to depart. _Houwei Jiangjun_ (Guard General of the Rear) Yang Zichong had accompanied the emperor at Fenyang Palace. Knowing that the Turks would surely invade, he repeatedly requested an early return to the capital, but the emperor did not accept this. After the siege was lifted, the emperor angrily said, "Yang Zichong is cowardly and disturbs the hearts of the people. He is unfit to serve as a guard officer." He was sent out to become the governor of Lishi Commandery. Yang Zichong was a younger relative of Emperor Gaozu's clan.
During the Yang Xuangan rebellion, the dragon boats and the water palaces were all burned. The emperor issued an edict ordering Jiangdu to rebuild them, totaling several thousand vessels, with their scale and design still larger than the old ones.
On the _renshen_ day, Lu Mingyue led a force of one hundred thousand to invade Chen Commandery and Runan.
Li Zitong, a man from Donghai, possessed bravery and strength. Initially, he attached himself to the bandit chief Zuo Xiangcai in the Changbai Mountains. All the bandits were extremely cruel, but Li Zitong alone was generous and benevolent, so many people submitted to him. In less than half a year, he had a following of over ten thousand. Zuo Xiangcai became jealous of him, so Li Zitong led his followers away, crossed the Huai River, and joined forces with Du Fuwei. Du Fuwei selected strong warriors from his army and adopted them as righteous sons, more than thirty in all. Among them, Wang Xiongdan of Jiyin and Kan Leng of Linji were the most outstanding. Soon after, Li Zitong plotted to kill Du Fuwei and sent troops to attack him. Du Fuwei was severely wounded and fell from his horse. Wang Xiongdan carried him on his back and fled into a reed thicket, then gathered the scattered troops to regroup. General Lai Zheng attacked Du Fuwei and defeated him. The wife of his subordinate general Ximen Junyi, née Wang, was brave and strong. She carried Du Fuwei on her back as he fled, while Wang Xiongdan led a dozen strong warriors to guard them, fighting fiercely against the Sui army, and thus they escaped death. Lai Zheng then attacked Li Zitong and defeated him. Li Zitong led the remnants of his forces and fled to Hailing, where he gathered more soldiers, reaching twenty thousand, and proclaimed himself General.
Zhu Can of Chengfu originally served as a county clerk, later joined the army, and then deserted to gather followers and become a bandit. He was called the "Kedahan Bandit," claiming the title of _Jialouluo Wang_ (King Garuda). His followers numbered over one hundred thousand. He led his troops to plunder Jingzhou, Mianzhou, and the various commanderies and counties south of the mountains, leaving neither men nor livestock alive wherever he passed.
In the twelfth month, on the _gengyin_ day, the emperor issued an edict ordering _Minbu Shangshu_ (Minister of Revenue) Fan Zigai to dispatch tens of thousands of troops from Guanzhong to attack the bandit chief Jing Pantuo and others in Jiang Commandery. Fan Zigai made no distinction between good and evil, burning all villages and fortifications north of the Fen River. Any bandits who surrendered were also buried alive. The people were filled with resentment and anger, and increasingly gathered together to become bandits. The emperor issued an edict ordering Li Yuan to replace him. When there were those who surrendered, Li Yuan placed them by his side, and thus most bandits surrendered, several tens of thousands in total, before and after. The remaining partisans scattered and fled to other commanderies and counties.