Tang Annals 9

Zizhi Tongjian, Volume 193, Chapter 193 [Tang Records 9]: From the ninth month of the year of the Wood Dog to the end of the year of the Metal Hare, a total of three years and more.

Tai Zong Wen Wu Da Sheng Da Guang Xiao Huang Di Shang Zhi Zhong, Zhenguan Second Year (Wu Zi, 628 CE).

Ninth month, day Bingwu: For the first time, an order was issued that retired officials should rank above officials of the same grade in court precedence. The Emperor said, "Recently I have often seen ministers repeatedly submitting memorials to celebrate auspicious omens. If the people are well-fed and content without auspicious omens, that does not hinder them from being like Yao and Shun. If the people are distressed and resentful despite many auspicious omens, that does not hinder them from being like Jie and Zhou. During the Later Wei period, officials burned the 'linked-branch tree' and boiled the white pheasant to eat. Could that be called a well-ordered world?" On day Dingwei, a decree was issued: "From now on, only major auspicious omens are allowed to be reported in memorials; all other various auspicious omens need only be reported to the relevant departments." Once, a white magpie built a nest in the locust tree of the bedchamber hall, shaped like a joined double drum, and the attending officials offered congratulations. The Emperor said, "I often laughed at Emperor Yang of Sui for his fondness of auspicious omens. The true auspicious omen lies in obtaining worthy talents; what is there to celebrate about this!" He ordered the nest to be torn down and the white magpie released into the wild.

There was a slight drought. Li Baiyao, Secretariat Drafter, submitted a memorial saying, "In previous years, palace women were released, but I have heard privately that in the Supreme Emperor's palace and the imperial harem, there are still many useless women. Not only do they waste clothing and food, but the accumulation of yin energy is also sufficient to cause drought." The Emperor said, "Women imprisoned in the deep palace are indeed worthy of pity. Apart from sweeping and cleaning, what use are they? They should all be released, allowing them to seek husbands." He then sent Zuo Cheng of the Shangshu Sheng, Dai Zhou, and Geishizhong, Du Zhenglun of the Huan River region, to select and release women at the western gate of the harem. In total, over three thousand women were released.

Day Jiwei: The Turks invaded the border. Some court officials requested the repair of the ancient Great Wall and the mobilization of the people to garrison fortresses and passes. The Emperor said, "Disasters and anomalies have befallen the Turks one after another. Jieli does not fear Heaven and cultivate virtue, but instead becomes increasingly cruel and violent. His own flesh and blood attack each other; his destruction is imminent. I am about to sweep the desert clean for you gentlemen. Why should we trouble the people to build distant passes and fortresses?"

Day Renshen: The former Minister of the Court of Agriculture, Dou Jing, was appointed Commander of Xiazhou. When Dou Jing was in the Court of Agriculture, the Junior Minister Zhao Yuankai was adept at accumulating wealth. Dou Jing despised him and said loudly to his subordinates, "Emperor Yang of Sui was extravagant and imposed heavy taxes; the Court of Agriculture could not have done without you. But now the Son of Heaven is frugal and loves the people; what use do you have!" Zhao Yuankai was deeply ashamed.

The Emperor asked Wang Gui, "Why is it that those who govern the state in recent times are increasingly inferior to previous generations?" Wang Gui replied, "The Han dynasty revered Confucian scholarship, and most chancellors were scholars who understood the classics. Therefore, customs were simple and honest. In recent times, literary refinement has been valued while Confucianism has been slighted, mixed with laws and decrees. This is why governance and transformation have increasingly declined." The Emperor considered his words correct.

Winter, tenth month: Du Yan, Grand Censor, Counselor-in-Chief of the Secretariat, and Duke Anxiang of Ji, died.

Li Shou, Duke of Suian and Commander of Jiaozhou, was convicted of corruption. Because the Governor of Yingzhou, Lu Zushang, was talented in both civil and military affairs, and was incorruptible, fair, and upright, the Emperor summoned him to court and instructed him, "Jiaozhi has long lacked a suitable person. I need you to go and pacify it." Lu Zushang bowed and withdrew, but soon regretted it and declined on the grounds of an old illness. The Emperor sent Du Ruhui and others to convey his will, saying, "Even commoners value their promises. Why do you regret it after having agreed to serve me?" Lu Zushang firmly refused. On day Wuzi, the Emperor summoned him again and instructed him, but Lu Zushang insisted on declining. The Emperor was furious and said, "If I send someone and they do not go, how can I govern affairs?" He ordered Lu Zushang to be beheaded in the court hall. Soon after, he regretted it. Another day, discussing with his attendants, he asked, "What kind of man was Emperor Wenxuan of Qi?" Wei Zheng replied, "Emperor Wenxuan was violent, but when others argued with him, if he was in the wrong, he would yield. Previously, Wei Kai, Chief Administrator of Qingzhou, was sent on a mission to the Liang state and upon return was appointed Chief Administrator of Guangzhou. He refused to take up the post. Yang Zunyan reported this to the emperor. Emperor Wenxuan was angry, summoned him, and rebuked him. Wei Kai said, 'Your servant previously served as Chief Administrator of a large province. After returning from the mission, with merit and no fault, he was transferred to a small province. This is why your servant refuses to go.' Emperor Wenxuan turned to Yang Zunyan and said, 'His words are reasonable. Pardon him.' This was his strength." The Emperor said, "Correct. Although Lu Zushang had lost the way of a minister, I was too cruel in killing him. Judging from this, I am inferior to Emperor Wenxuan!" He ordered the restoration of Lu Zushang's official rank and hereditary privileges.

Wei Zheng's appearance was no more than ordinary, but he had courage and strategic insight, and was adept at turning the ruler's intentions. He often risked the ruler's anger to offer earnest remonstrances. Sometimes, when the Emperor was extremely furious, Wei Zheng's expression remained unchanged, and the Emperor would also restrain his anger. Once, Wei Zheng asked for leave to visit his ancestors' graves. Upon returning, he said to the Emperor, "People say that Your Majesty intended to go to Mount Zhongnan. Everything outside was prepared, but in the end, you did not go. What is the reason?" The Emperor smiled and said, "I did have the idea initially, but I feared your criticism, so I stopped midway." The Emperor once obtained a fine goshawk and was carrying it on his arm. Seeing Wei Zheng approaching from afar, he hid it in his bosom. Wei Zheng reported on affairs for a long time without stopping, and the goshawk eventually suffocated in his bosom.

Eleventh month, day Xinyou: The Emperor performed the suburban sacrifice at the Round Mound.

Twelfth month, day Renwu: The Huangmen Shilang, Wang Gui, was appointed Acting Shizhong. Once, when the Emperor was at leisure, he spoke with Wang Gui. A beautiful woman was attending at the side. The Emperor pointed to her and said, "This is the concubine of Li Yuan, Prince of Lujiang. Li Yuan killed her husband and took her." Wang Gui rose from his mat and said, "Does Your Majesty consider Li Yuan's taking her correct or incorrect?" The Emperor said, "Killing someone and seizing his wife—why do you still ask about right or wrong?" Wang Gui replied, "In ancient times, Duke Huan of Qi knew why Duke Guo perished—it was because he liked good men but could not employ them. Yet he himself abandoned the men he had spoken of. Guan Zhong considered this no different from Duke Guo. Now this beautiful woman is still at Your Majesty's side. I believe Your Majesty's mind considers it correct." The Emperor was pleased, immediately released her, and returned her to her family.

The Emperor sent the Taichang Shaoqing, Zu Xiaosun, to teach music to the palace women. The teaching did not meet the Emperor's expectations, and the Emperor rebuked him. Wen Yanbo and Wang Gui remonstrated, saying, "Zu Xiaosun is a refined scholar. Now you have him teach palace women, and then you blame him. We privately consider this unacceptable." The Emperor was angry and said, "I placed you in positions of close trust. You should exhaust your loyalty and uprightness to serve me, but instead you collude with subordinates to deceive your superior and plead for Xiaosun?" Wen Yanbo bowed in apology. Wang Gui did not bow and said, "Your Majesty rebukes us with loyalty and uprightness. Now what I have said—is there any private or crooked motive? This is Your Majesty who has failed your servant, not your servant who has failed Your Majesty." The Emperor fell silent and let the matter drop. The next day, the Emperor said to Fang Xuanling, "Since ancient times, it has indeed been difficult for emperors to accept remonstrance. Yesterday I rebuked Wen Yanbo and Wang Gui, and I still regret it. Do not stop speaking fully because of this."

The Emperor said, "Those who nurture my people are only the Commanders and Governors. I often write their names on screens and view them while sitting or lying down. When I learn of their good or evil deeds during their tenure, I annotate them below their names, prepared for promotions and demotions. County magistrates are especially close to the people and must not be chosen without care." He then ordered all officials of the fifth rank and above, both inside and outside the court, to each recommend those competent to serve as county magistrates and report their names.

The Emperor said, "Recently, there have been cases of slaves accusing their masters of plotting rebellion. This is a bad practice. Rebellion cannot be carried out by one person; it must involve plotting with others. Why worry that it will not be exposed? Why allow slaves to make accusations? From now on, if a slave accuses his master, the case shall not be accepted, and the slave shall be beheaded."

The Western Turkic Khagan, Tong Yabghu, was killed by his uncle; his uncle then proclaimed himself khagan, becoming Moheduo Houquli Sibi Khagan. The people of the state were not submissive, and the Nushibi tribe recommended Nizhu Mohe She as khagan, but Nizhu refused. Tong Yabghu’s son, Tieli Teqin, fled the chaos caused by Moheduo and took refuge in Kangju. Nizhu welcomed him and established him as khagan, making him Yibi Bolo Siyebu Khagan, who engaged in mutual warfare with Moheduo, their troops in continuous conflict. Both sent envoys to request marriage alliances. The Emperor did not consent, saying, “Your states are in turmoil, and the roles of lord and subject are not yet settled; how can marriage be discussed?” He also admonished them to each guard their own tribes and cease further attacks. Consequently, the various states of the Western Regions and the Tiele, who had previously submitted to the Western Turks, all rebelled against them.

Most of the northern tribes of the Turks rebelled against Jieli Khagan and submitted to Xueyantuo. They jointly promoted their chieftain Yinan as khagan, but Yinan dared not accept. The Emperor, plotting against Jieli, dispatched the Youji General Qiao Shiwang via a small route with a sealed document, appointing Yinan as Zhenzhu Pijia Khagan and bestowing upon him drums and banners. Yinan was greatly pleased and sent envoys to court with tribute, establishing his headquarters at Yudujun Mountain in the great desert. His domain extended east to the Mohe, west to the Western Turks, south to the desert, and north to the Julun River. The tribes of Huihu, Bayegu, Adie, Tongluo, Pugu, and others all submitted to him.

[The reign of] Taizong Wenwu Dasheng Daguang Xiao Huangdi, Part 2, Year 3 of the Zhenguan Era (Jichou, 629 CE).

Spring, first month, on the day Wuwu, Taizong performed sacrifices at the Imperial Ancestral Temple; on the day Guihai, he conducted the Plowing Ceremony in the eastern suburbs. The monk Faya was executed for spreading heretical statements. The Minister of Education, Pei Ji, had heard his words; on the day Xinwei, Pei Ji was convicted, dismissed from office, and sent back to his hometown. Pei Ji requested to remain in the capital, but the Emperor reproached him, saying: “Considering your merits, how could you have reached this position? It was solely through favor that you became first among the ministers. During the Wude era, bribery was rampant and laws were disordered, all stemming from you. Yet, mindful of past ties, I could not bear to punish you fully. Being able to return and guard your ancestral graves is already fortunate!” Pei Ji then returned to Puzhou. Shortly after, because a madman named Xinxing claimed that Pei Ji was destined for imperial rule, and Pei Ji did not report it, the law prescribed death; this was commuted to exile in Jingzhou. Just then, mountain Qiang tribes rebelled, and some spread rumors that they would seize Pei Ji to lead them. The Emperor said: “Pei Ji deserved death, and I spared him; this certainly will not happen.” Soon, it was reported that Pei Ji led his household retainers to defeat the bandits. The Emperor, recalling his role in aiding the founding of the dynasty, summoned him to court, but he happened to die.

Second month, on the day Wuyin, Fang Xuanling was appointed Left Puye, Du Ruhui Right Puye, and the Right Chief of the Department of State Affairs, Wei Zheng, was made acting Director of the Palace Library, participating in court affairs.

Third month, on the day Jiyou, the Emperor personally reviewed prisoners. A man named Liu Gong had a tattoo of the character “sheng” (victory) on his neck and claimed, “I should surpass the world,” for which he was imprisoned. The Emperor said: “If Heaven intends to raise him up, I cannot eliminate him; if there is no mandate, what use is the ‘victory’ tattoo?” So he released him.

On the day Dingsi, the Emperor said to Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui: “You serve as Puye and should broadly seek worthy talents, granting offices according to their abilities—this is the duty of a chancellor. Recently, I hear you are overwhelmed with hearing lawsuits daily, with no leisure; how can this help me find talents?” He then decreed: “The minor affairs of the Department of State Affairs shall be handled by the Left and Right Assistants; only major matters that should be reported shall be brought to the Puye.”

Fang Xuanling was thoroughly versed in administrative affairs and supported them with literary learning, exerting himself day and night, fearing only that one matter might be mishandled. He applied the law leniently and fairly, and when he heard of others’ strengths, it was as if they were his own. He did not select talents by demanding perfection, nor did he measure others by his own abilities. Together with Du Ruhui, he promoted scholars, always feeling that he had not done enough. As for the court’s regulations and systems, they were both established by these two. Whenever the Emperor planned matters with Fang Xuanling, he would invariably say: “Without Du Ruhui, it cannot be decided.” When Du Ruhui arrived, he would ultimately adopt Fang Xuanling’s strategy. This was because Fang Xuanling was skilled in planning and Du Ruhui in decision-making. The two were deeply in harmony, working with one heart for the state, so that when the Tang dynasty praised worthy chancellors, it always singled out Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui. Although Fang Xuanling was favored and favored, he was sometimes reprimanded for matters; he would then come to the court hall for several days in succession, kowtowing in apology, trembling as if he had no place to hide.

Fang Xuanling oversaw the compilation of the national history. The Emperor said to him: “Recently, I saw the ‘Han Shu’ recording the ‘Zixu Fu’ and ‘Shanglin Fu,’ which are ornate and useless. Those who submit memorials discussing affairs, with words and reasoning sincere and upright—whether I adopt them or not—should all be recorded.”

Summer, fourth month, on the day Yihai, the Retired Emperor moved to the Hongyi Palace, which was renamed the Da’an Palace. Taizong first ascended the Taiji Hall and said to his attendants: “The Zhongshu and Menxia are key departments; if imperial edicts are inconvenient, they should all be discussed and corrected. Recently, I have only seen compliance, not differing opinions. If it is merely a matter of processing documents, who cannot do that? Why choose talents?” Fang Xuanling and others all kowtowed in apology. According to old practice: for all major military and state affairs, the Zhongshu Sheren each expressed their views and jointly signed, called the “five-flower judgment.” The Zhongshu Shilang and Zhongshu Ling reviewed, and the Jishizhong and Huangmen Shilang corrected. The Emperor began to reaffirm the old system, and from then on, there were few errors.

Ma Zhou of Chiping County traveled as a guest to Chang’an and lodged in the home of Zhonglang General Chang He. Sixth month, on the day Renwu, due to a drought, an edict was issued ordering all civil and military officials to speak frankly on gains and losses. Chang He, a military man unlearned, did not know what to say; Ma Zhou drafted over twenty items of beneficial measures for him. The Emperor, amazed at his ability, questioned Chang He, who replied: “This is not from me; it was drafted by my house guest Ma Zhou.” The Emperor immediately summoned Ma Zhou; before he arrived, he sent messengers to urge him several times. When he was granted an audience, the Emperor spoke with him, greatly pleased, and ordered him to serve on duty at the Menxia Sheng. Shortly after, he was appointed Censor of the Surveillance Bureau, and his missions matched the imperial intent. The Emperor praised Chang He for recognizing talent and awarded him three hundred bolts of silk.

Autumn, eighth month, on the day Jisi (first day of the month), a solar eclipse occurred.

On the day Bingzi, Xueyantuo’s Pijia Khagan sent his younger brother Tongtegin to court with tribute. The Emperor bestowed upon him a precious sword and a precious whip, saying: “Among your tribe, those guilty of great crimes shall be beheaded, and minor ones whipped.” Yinan was greatly pleased. The Turkic Jieli Khagan became very frightened and began sending envoys to declare himself a vassal, requesting a princess and to perform the rites of a son-in-law.

The Acting Governor of Daizhou, Zhang Gongjin, submitted a memorial stating the conditions for attacking the Turks, arguing: “First, Jieli indulges his desires and displays violence, killing loyal and good men, favoring the wicked. Second, the Xueyantuo and other tribes have all rebelled. Third, Tuli, Tuoshe, and Yugu She have all been accused and have no place to hide. Fourth, the northern frontier suffers early frosts, and fodder and grain are exhausted. Fifth, Jieli alienates his own tribes and trusts the various Hu, who are fickle; when a great army arrives, internal upheaval will surely occur. Sixth, many Han Chinese have entered the north, and recently they are said to gather everywhere, holding mountain passes; when the army emerges from the frontier, they will naturally respond.” The Emperor, considering that Jieli Khagan had already requested peace through marriage and had also aided Liang Shidu, on the day Dinghai, ordered the Minister of War, Li Jing, as Commander of the Expeditionary Army to attack the Turks, with Zhang Gongjin as his deputy.

Ninth month, on the day Bingwu, nine Turkic chieftains led three thousand cavalry to surrender. On the day Wuwu, the chieftains of Bayegu, Pugu, Tongluo, and Xi all led their tribes to surrender.

Winter, eleventh month, on the day Xinchou, the Turks invaded Hexi. The Prefect of Suzhou, Sun Wuda, and the Prefect of Ganzhou, Cheng Renzhong, engaged them, defeated them, and captured over a thousand people.

The Emperor sent an envoy to Liangzhou. The Grand Protector, Li Daliang, had a fine falcon. The envoy hinted for Li Daliang to present it, but Li Daliang secretly submitted a memorial, saying: “Your Majesty has long ceased hunting, yet an envoy requests a falcon. If this is Your Majesty’s intent, it deeply contradicts your former purpose; if the envoy acts on his own, then you have employed the wrong person.” On the day Guimao, the Emperor said to his attendants: “Li Daliang can be called loyal and upright.” He personally wrote an edict praising him, bestowing upon him a Hu bottle and Xun Yue’s “Han Ji.”

On the Gengshen day, Li Shiji, the Military Governor of Bingzhou, was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Tonghan Circuit, Minister of War Li Jing as the Commander-in-Chief of the Dingxiang Circuit, Huazhou Governor Chai Shao as the Commander-in-Chief of the Jinshui Circuit, Lingzhou Grand Governor Xue Wanche as the Commander-in-Chief of the Changwu Circuit, with a total force of over one hundred thousand troops, all under Li Jing’s command, advancing in separate columns to attack the Turks.

On the Yichou day, Prince Li Daozong of Rencheng attacked the Turks at Lingzhou and defeated them.

In the twelfth month, on the Wuchen day, the Qaghan of the Tuli Khan came to court. The Emperor Taizong said to his attendants, “In the past, the Grand Emperor, for the sake of the people, submitted to the Turks as a vassal. I have always felt deep pain over this. Now the Shanyu has come to bow his head, which almost suffices to wash away the disgrace of the past.”

On the Renwu day, the Mohe sent an envoy to court with tribute. The Emperor said, “The Mohe have come from afar, presumably because the Turks have already submitted. In former times, people believed there was no perfect strategy for managing the Rong and Di. Now I have brought peace to the Central Plains, and the barbarians of the four quarters naturally submit. Is this not the perfect strategy?”

On the Guiwei day, the Right Vice Director Du Ruhui resigned due to illness, and the Emperor approved.

On the Yiyou day, the Emperor asked the Palace Steward Kong Yingda, “The Analects say: ‘To ask of those who are less capable, to ask of those who know less, to possess yet seem not to, to be full yet seem empty.’ What does this mean?” Kong Yingda explained the meaning in detail in his reply and added, “This applies not only to ordinary people but also to emperors and kings. The mind of an emperor holds divine wisdom, but his outward demeanor should be deep and still. Thus, the Book of Changes says, ‘Cultivate the Way through ignorance, govern the people through obscurity.’ If one, occupying the supreme position, flaunts his intelligence, lords it over others with his abilities, conceals faults, and rejects remonstrance, then the conditions below cannot reach the ruler above, and this is the path to self-destruction.” The Emperor greatly approved of his words.

On the Gengyin day, the Turkic Yushushe led his people to surrender.

In the intercalary month, on the Dingwei day, the Eastern Xie chieftain Xie Yuanshen and the Southern Xie chieftain Xie Qiang came to court. The various Xie were all branches of the Southern Man, located west of Qianzhou. An edict was issued to establish Yingzhou in the territory of the Eastern Xie and Zhuangzhou in the territory of the Southern Xie, placing them under the jurisdiction of the Qianzhou Governor.

At this time, many distant states came to court with tribute, their garments and costumes unusual. Vice Director of the Secretariat Yan Shigu requested that these be painted to be passed down to later generations, creating the “Painting of the Assembled Tributary States.” The Emperor approved.

On the Yichou day, the Zangke chieftain Xie Nengyu and the Chongzhou Man brought tribute. An edict was issued to establish Zangzhou in the territory of Zangke. The Dangxiang chieftain Xifeng Bulai came to surrender, and his territory was established as Guizhou. In each case, the chieftains were appointed as Governors. The Dangxiang territory stretched over three thousand li, divided into tribes by surname, with no overlordship among them. The Xifeng, Feiting, Wangli, Pochao, Yecí, Pangdang, Miqin, and Tuoba were all major clans. After Xifeng Bulai received Tang courtesies, the remaining tribes came to surrender one after another, and their territories were established as the four prefectures of Ju, Feng, Yan, and Yuan.

In this year, the Ministry of Revenue reported: Among the barbarians of the four quarters who returned from beyond the frontier or surrendered before and after, there were over one million two hundred thousand men in total.

Fang Xuanling and Wang Gui were in charge of evaluating both central and local officials. The Imperial Secretary of the Censorate, Quan Wanji of Wannian County, submitted a memorial stating that the evaluations were unfair. The Emperor ordered Hou Junji to investigate. Wei Zheng remonstrated, saying, “Fang Xuanling and Wang Gui are both long-standing court officials, always entrusted by Your Majesty for their loyalty and integrity. Among the many officials they evaluated, it is inevitable that one or two may be inappropriate! Examining the circumstances, however, it is ultimately not a matter of favoritism. If an investigation confirms this, then both of them would become untrustworthy, and how could they continue to hold such important posts? Moreover, Quan Wanji has recently been in the evaluation office and never raised any objections. Only when he himself failed to obtain a favorable evaluation did he submit this memorial. This is precisely an attempt to provoke Your Majesty’s anger, not a display of wholehearted service to the state. If the investigation proves true, it brings no benefit to the court; if it is false, it only wastes Your Majesty’s trust in your ministers. What I cherish is the great principle of governance, and I dare not show personal partiality toward those two ministers.” The Emperor then dropped the matter and did not pursue it further.

Puzhou Governor Pang Xiangshou was dismissed due to corruption. He personally stated that he had previously served in the Prince of Qin’s residence. The Emperor, taking pity on him, was inclined to allow him to resume his former office. Wei Zheng remonstrated, saying, “Those who were formerly in the Prince of Qin’s residence are numerous both in and out of the court. I fear that everyone will rely on personal favor, and this will cause those who do good deeds to be afraid.” The Emperor gladly accepted this advice and said to Pang Xiangshou, “In the past, I was the Prince of Qin, the master of one residence. Now I occupy the supreme position and am the master of the entire realm. I cannot show partiality to old acquaintances alone. The ministers’ insistence is like this; how dare I go against it?” He bestowed silk on him and sent him away. Pang Xiangshou left in tears.

In the fourth year of the Zhenguan era (Gengyin year, corresponding to 630 CE), during the reign of Emperor Taizong, the Great Sage and Great Filial Sovereign.

Spring, first month. Li Jing led three thousand elite cavalry from Mayi and launched a night raid on Dingxiang, achieving a great victory. The Qaghan Jieli was utterly astonished that Li Jing had arrived so suddenly and exclaimed in alarm, “Could it be that Tang has not mobilized its entire realm’s forces? If not, how would Li Jing dare to penetrate so deeply alone?” The Turkic troops were thrown into panic several times a day, and the Qaghan Jieli moved his headquarters to the Qikou Pass. Li Jing also sent spies to sow discord among his close advisors. The Qaghan Jieli’s trusted minister, Kangsumi, led the Sui Emperor Yang’s Empress Xiao and his grandson Yang Zhengdao to surrender. On the Yihai day (the ninth), news of Li’s victory reached the court. The Emperor, delighted, said, “In the Han dynasty, Li Ling led five thousand infantry against the Xiongnu and ended up trapped in barbarian territory, yet his deeds were recorded in history and passed down through the ages. Now Li Jing, with three thousand cavalry, has penetrated deep into enemy territory, captured Dingxiang, and awed the Northern Di. This is truly an unprecedented feat since ancient times, enough to wash away the disgrace of our court’s alliance at the Wei River!”

The Qaghan Jieli fled to the Yin Mountains and sent Zhishi Sili to court to see the Emperor, pretending to request surrender, but in reality seeking a respite to regain strength and plot a comeback. The Emperor sent the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial, Tang Jian, and others to offer comfort and pacification. He also issued an edict ordering Li to lead troops to welcome the Qaghan Jieli. The Qaghan Jieli outwardly showed deference and submission, but inwardly he was hesitant, waiting for the grass to grow and the horses to fatten before escaping into the northern desert. Li Jing led his army to rendezvous with Li Shiji at Baidao, and the two conspired together, saying, “Although Jieli has been defeated, his forces are still considerable. If he escapes into the northern desert and joins with the tribes there, the road is long and difficult to pursue, and the consequences will be endless. Now that the court’s envoy has just arrived among the Turks, Jieli will certainly let his guard down. If we select ten thousand elite cavalry, carry twenty days’ rations, and launch a surprise attack from Baidao, we are sure to achieve a great victory.” The two reported this plan to Zhang Gongjin, who said, “The Emperor has already issued an edict accepting their surrender, and the court’s envoy has reached the Turks. How can we attack them?” Li Jing said, “This is the strategy Han Xin used to defeat Qi. What is there to regret about someone like Tang Jian?” So he led the army to set out that very night, with Li Shiji following close behind. When the army reached the Yin Mountains, they encountered over a thousand Turkic outpost tents, captured them all, and had them accompany the main force. The Qaghan Jieli, overjoyed at seeing the Tang envoy Tang Jian, calmed down and ceased to make defensive preparations. Li Jing sent Su Dingfang to lead two hundred cavalry as the vanguard. Advancing through thick fog, they were only seven li from the Qaghan’s headquarters when they were discovered. The Qaghan Jieli mounted his swift horse and fled first, while his troops scattered. The Tang forces killed over ten thousand people, captured more than one hundred thousand men and women, seized hundreds of thousands of various livestock, executed the Sui Princess Yicheng, and took her son Dieshi alive. The Qaghan Jieli led over ten thousand men in an attempt to cross the desert, but Li Shiji blocked their path at the Qikou Pass. Unable to pass, the great chieftains all led their people to surrender, and Li Shiji captured over fifty thousand men before returning. The territory thus expanded from the Yin Mountains northward to the desert, and the victory report was swiftly conveyed to the court.

On the Jiayin day (date uncertain), due to the victory over the Turks, the Emperor held a banquet at the Shuntian Gate, where the sovereign and his ministers raised their cups in celebration. The Emperor said to his attendants, “In the past, the Grand Emperor submitted to the Turks as a vassal for the sake of the people’s suffering. I always felt pain over this. Now the Shanyu of the Turks has been captured alive. This can truly be said to wash away the disgrace of the past!”

On the Renxu day (date uncertain), after parading the Qaghan Jieli through the streets of Chang’an, the Emperor still appointed him as the General of the Right Guard and bestowed upon him fine fields and a beautiful residence.

The Retired Emperor Li Yuan, upon hearing that the Jieli Khan had been captured, sighed and said: "In the past, Emperor Gaozu of Han was besieged by the Xiongnu at Baideng City and ultimately could not avenge that humiliation. Now my son has been able to annihilate the Turks. I have entrusted the realm to the right person—what more is there to worry about!" Then he summoned Taizong, along with more than ten high-ranking ministers, as well as the various princes, princesses, and imperial consorts, to hold a celebratory banquet at Lingyan Pavilion. When the wine was flowing freely, the Retired Emperor personally played the pipa, Taizong rose and danced, and the dukes and ministers rose in succession to offer toasts, not dispersing until late into the night.

Some Turkic tribesmen fled to the northern desert, and Li Jing led his army in pursuit all the way to the Qikou Pass, where he launched an attack. Other Turkic tribesmen defected to the Xueyantuo. The chieftains of the Huihu, Bayegu, Tongluo, Pugu, Duolange, Sijie, Adie, Qibi, Dijie, Hun, and Huxue tribes all came to surrender to the Tang. Consequently, the Tang incorporated all the former Turkic territories into its domain, and the northern border, from the Yin Mountains to the great desert, was entirely made Tang territory.

In spring, in the first month, Li Jing led three thousand elite cavalry from Mayi, advanced to Eyangling, and attacked Dingxiang by night, capturing it. The Turkic Jieli Khan had not expected Li Jing’s sudden arrival and exclaimed in great alarm: "If the Tang army had not mobilized the entire nation’s forces, how would Li Jing dare to penetrate so deep with a lone army!" His tribes were repeatedly thrown into panic within a single day, so he moved his camp to Qikou. Li Jing then sent spies to sow discord among Jieli’s trusted followers, and Jieli’s close associate Kangsumi arrived with the Sui Empress Xiao and Emperor Yang’s grandson, Yang Zhengdao, to surrender. On the day Yihai, they arrived at the capital. Previously, some surrendered Hu people had said: "Someone in the Central Plains has been secretly corresponding with Empress Xiao." At this time, Zhongshu Sheren Yang Wenguan requested an investigation, but the Emperor said: "When the realm was not yet settled and the Turks were strong, ignorant commoners might have done such things. Now that the realm is at peace, why pursue past offenses?"

Li Shiji marched out from Yunzhong, engaged the Turks at Baidao, and inflicted a major defeat on them.

In the second month, on the day Jihai, the Emperor visited the hot springs at Mount Li.

On the day Jiachen, Li Jing defeated the Turkic Jieli Khan at the Yin Mountains. Earlier, after his defeat, Jieli had fled to Tieshan with a remnant force of still several tens of thousands. He sent Zhishisili to court to apologize and request permission to lead his entire tribe in submitting to the Tang, promising to come to court in person. The Emperor sent Honglu Qing Tang Jian and others to offer comfort and reassurance, and also issued an edict ordering Li Jing to lead troops to welcome Jieli. Jieli, though outwardly humble in speech, was inwardly hesitant, intending to wait until the grass was lush and the horses fat before fleeing north to the desert. Li Jing joined forces with Li Shiji at Baidao and plotted together, saying: "Although Jieli has been defeated, his tribe remains strong. If he escapes north of the Qisha Desert and relies on the Nine Surnames tribes, the route will be difficult and distant, and pursuit will be hard. Now that the Emperor’s envoy has arrived at his camp, the enemy will surely let down their guard. If we select ten thousand elite cavalry, carry twenty days' rations, and launch a surprise attack, we can capture him without a fight." They informed Zhang Gongjin of this plan, and Zhang Gongjin said: "The edict has already permitted his surrender, and our envoy is there—how can we attack!" Li Jing replied: "This is exactly how Han Xin defeated Qi. What do men like Tang Jian matter!" Thereupon, they set out by night, with Li Shiji following behind. When the army reached the Yin Mountains, they encountered over a thousand Turkic tents, captured them, and continued forward. Jieli, upon meeting the envoy, was overjoyed and felt secure. Li Jing sent Su Dingfang of Wuyi with two hundred cavalry as the vanguard. Advancing through fog, they were only seven li from the camp when the enemy noticed them. Jieli fled on a thousand-li horse, and when Li Jing’s main army arrived, the enemy forces scattered. Tang Jian managed to escape and return. Li Jing beheaded over ten thousand, captured more than a hundred thousand men and women, seized several hundred thousand heads of various livestock, killed the Sui Princess Yicheng, and captured her son Dieshiluo. Jieli led over ten thousand men trying to cross the Qikou Pass, but Li Shiji had stationed his troops there. When Jieli arrived and could not pass, all his great chieftains surrendered with their men, and Li Shiji captured over fifty thousand before returning. The territory thus opened stretched from north of the Yin Mountains to the great desert, and a victory bulletin was sent to the court.

On the day Bingwu, the Emperor returned to the palace.

On the day Jiayin, a general amnesty was declared due to the conquest of the Turks. The Censor-in-Chief Wen Yanbo was appointed Zhongshu Ling, the Acting Shizhong Wang Gui was made Shizhong, the Acting Hubu Shangshu Dai Zhou was made Hubu Shangshu and participated in state affairs, and Taichang Shaoqing Xiao Yu was made Censor-in-Chief and joined the chancellors in deliberating state affairs.

In the third month, on the day Wuchen, the Turkic Jiabi Tele Ashina Simo was appointed General of the Right Wuwei Guard.

The rulers of the four barbarian tribes came to the palace and requested that the Emperor be honored as the Heavenly Khan. The Emperor said: "I am already the Son of Heaven of the Great Tang—must I also take on the role of a khan?" The assembled ministers and the barbarian rulers all shouted long live. Thereafter, edicts bestowed upon the rulers of the northwestern regions were all addressed from the Heavenly Khan.

On the day Gengwu, the Turkic Sijie Yijin led forty thousand of his tribesmen to surrender.

On the day Bingzi, the Tuli Khan was appointed General of the Right Wei Guard and Prince of Beiping Commandery.

Initially, the Shibi Khan had appointed Qimin Khan’s maternal uncle Sunishi as Shaboluo She, commanding fifty thousand households, with his camp northwest of Lingzhou. By the time the Jieli Khan’s rule became chaotic, only Sunishi’s tribe remained loyal and did not rebel. When Tuli came to defect, Jieli made him a minor khan. After Jieli’s defeat and flight, he sought refuge with Sunishi, intending to flee to Tuyuhun. The Datongdao Marching General-in-Chief, Li Daozong, Prince of Rencheng, led troops to press him, ordering Sunishi to capture and deliver Jieli. Jieli escaped by night with a few cavalry and hid in a desolate valley. Sunishi, in fear, pursued on horseback and captured him. On the day Gengchen, the Deputy Marching General-in-Chief Zhang Baoxiang led his troops to suddenly arrive at the Shaboluo camp, captured Jieli, and sent him to the capital. Sunishi surrendered with all his men, and the land south of the desert thus became empty.

Duke Caicheng, Du Ruhui, fell gravely ill. The Emperor sent the Crown Prince to inquire after his health and personally visited him. On the day Jiashen, Du Ruhui died. Whenever the Emperor received fine items, he would think of Du Ruhui and send envoys to bestow them upon his family. For a long time afterward, whenever he spoke of Du Ruhui, he would inevitably weep, and he said to Fang Xuanling: "You and Du Ruhui together assisted me. Now I see only you, and Du Ruhui is no longer here!"

The Turkic Jieli Khan was escorted to Chang’an. In summer, in the fourth month, on the day Wuxu, the Emperor went to the Shuntian Tower, arrayed a grand display of ceremonial guards and artifacts, and summoned Jieli. He enumerated Jieli’s crimes, saying: "You relied on your father and elder brother’s foundation, but indulged in debauchery and tyranny, leading to your own ruin—this is the first crime. You repeatedly formed alliances with me and then betrayed them—this is the second crime. You trusted in your strength and loved war, leaving bones exposed in the grass—this is the third crime. You trampled my crops and plundered my sons and daughters—this is the fourth crime. I pardoned your offenses and preserved your state, but you delayed in coming—this is the fifth crime. Yet since the Bian Bridge alliance, you have not committed large-scale invasions, so you are spared death." Jieli wept, apologized, and withdrew. The Emperor issued an edict to house him in the Court of the Imperial Stud and provide him generously with food and drink.

The Retired Emperor, upon hearing of Jieli’s capture, sighed and said: "Emperor Gaozu of Han was besieged at Baideng and could not take revenge. Now my son has been able to destroy the Turks. I have entrusted the realm to the right person—what more is there to worry about!" The Retired Emperor summoned the Emperor, more than ten high-ranking officials, and the various princes, consorts, and princesses to a banquet at Lingyan Pavilion. When the wine was flowing freely, the Retired Emperor personally played the pipa, the Emperor rose and danced, and the dukes and ministers took turns rising to offer toasts, continuing until nightfall.

After the Turks were destroyed, some of their tribes fled north to submit to Xueyantuo, others fled west into the Western Regions, and still others, about one hundred thousand people, surrendered to the Tang. The emperor issued an edict commanding his ministers to deliberate on how to settle them. Most of the court officials said: "The Northern Di have been a scourge to the Central Plains since ancient times. Now, by good fortune, they have been defeated and annihilated. They should all be moved south of the Yellow River, into the regions of Yanzhou and Yuzhou, to disperse their tribes and clans, and let them live scattered among the prefectures and counties. Teach them farming and weaving, and thus transform these barbarians into peasants, forever leaving the lands north of the frontier empty." The Vice Director of the Chancellery, Yan Shigu, believed: "The Turks and the Tiele have been impossible to subdue since high antiquity. Since Your Majesty has been able to subdue them, I beg that they all be settled north of the Yellow River. Separate chieftains should be established to lead their tribes, and in this way there will be no trouble forever." The Vice Minister of Rites, Li Baiyao, believed: "Although the Turks are called one state, their tribes are divided and each has its own chieftain. Now, taking advantage of their dispersal, we should establish rulers for each of their original tribes, so that they are not subordinate to one another. Even if we wish to preserve the Ashina clan, they should only be made to submit to their own tribe. When a state is divided, it is weak and easy to control; when power is balanced, it is difficult for them to swallow each other. Each will preserve itself and will certainly not be able to contend with the Central Plains. I also request that a Protectorate be set up at Dingxiang to oversee them—this is a long-term strategy for securing the frontier." The Commander of Xiazhou, Dou Jing, believed: "The nature of the Rong and Di is like that of birds and beasts; they cannot be awed by penal law, nor can they be transformed by benevolence and righteousness. Moreover, their longing for their old homeland is not easily forgotten. Settling them in the Central Plains will bring harm and no benefit. If a sudden change occurs, they will invade our territory. It would be better to take advantage of their defeat and ruin, bestow upon them unexpected favor, grant them the titles of princes, marry imperial clan women to them, divide their lands, and scatter their tribes. Weaken their power and divide their strength, making them easy to control, so that they may forever serve as frontier vassals and ensure peace along the borders." Wen Yanbo said: "Moving them to the regions of Yanzhou and Yuzhou would go against their nature and is not the way to nurture them. I propose following the precedent of the Jianwu era of the Han dynasty, settling the surrendered Xiongnu below the frontier, preserving their tribes, following their customs and habits, to fill the empty lands and make them a screen for the Central Plains. This is the best policy." Wei Zheng said: "The Turks have been bandits and raiders for generations—they are the enemies of the people. Now, by good fortune, they are defeated and ruined. Your Majesty, because they have submitted, cannot bear to kill them all. They should be sent back to their old lands and not allowed to remain in the Central Plains. The Rong and Di have the faces of men but the hearts of beasts; when weak they beg to submit, when strong they rebel—this is their constant nature. Now nearly one hundred thousand have surrendered. In a few years, their numbers will more than double, and they will surely become a disease at our heart. It will be too late for regrets. In the early years of the Jin dynasty, various Hu peoples were mixed with Han in the Central Plains. Guo Qin and Jiang Tong both urged Emperor Wu of Jin to drive them beyond the frontier to cut off the root of disaster, but the emperor did not listen. Twenty-odd years later, the lands between the Yi and Luo Rivers became the dwelling place of the Hu—this is a clear warning from past events!" Wen Yanbo said: "The sovereign’s relation to all things is like that of Heaven covering and Earth supporting, leaving nothing out. Now the Turks, having no way out, have come to submit to us. How can we abandon and not accept them? Confucius said: 'In teaching, there should be no distinctions of class.' If we save them from death, grant them a livelihood, and teach them ritual and righteousness, in a few years they will all become our people. Select their chieftains and have them serve as palace guards. If they fear our authority and cherish our virtue, what future trouble could there be?" The emperor ultimately adopted Wen Yanbo’s strategy and settled the surrendered Turks, from Youzhou in the east to Lingzhou in the west. He divided the territory formerly ruled by Tuli, establishing the four prefectures of Shun, You, Hua, and Chang as commanderies under a Protectorate. He also divided Jieli’s territory into six prefectures, setting up the Dingxiang Protectorate on the left and the Yunzhong Protectorate on the right to govern these tribes.

On the Xinwei day of the fifth month, Tuli was appointed Commander of Shunzhou and ordered to lead the officials of his tribe. The emperor admonished him, saying: "Your grandfather, Qimin Khan, threw himself into the arms of the Sui dynasty. The Sui established him as the Great Khan, ruling over the northern wastes. Your father, Shibi Khan, on the contrary, became a scourge to the Sui. Heaven’s Way did not tolerate this, and so it has brought you to this state of ruin and disorder today. The reason I do not make you a khan is to take warning from the precedent of Qimin Khan. Now I appoint you commander. You must carefully observe the laws of the state and not plunder one another. This is not only for the long-term peace of the Central Plains but also for the eternal preservation of your clan!"

On the Renshen day, Ashina Sunishi was appointed Prince of Huaide, and Ashina Simo was appointed Prince of Huaihua. When Jieli fled, all the tribal chieftains abandoned him and came to surrender, but only Simo followed him and was eventually captured together with Jieli. The emperor praised his loyalty and appointed him General of the Right Martial Guard, and soon thereafter appointed him Commander of Beikaizhou, ordering him to lead Jieli’s old troops.

On the Dingchou day, the General of the Right Martial Guard, Shi Danai, was appointed Commander of Fengzhou. The remaining chieftains who came forward were all given the posts of General or Commandant of the Palace Guard, and were distributed within the court. Those of the fifth rank and above numbered over one hundred, almost equal to half the court officials. Consequently, nearly ten thousand families took up residence in Chang’an.

On the Xinsi day, an edict was issued saying: "From now on, if a litigant, after a decision by the Department of State Affairs, is still not satisfied, he is permitted to appeal to the Palace of the Heir Apparent, who will be entrusted to adjudicate. If still not satisfied, then the matter may be memorialized to the court."

On the Dinghai day, the Censor-in-Chief, Xiao Yu, impeached Li Jing, saying that when he destroyed Jieli’s camp, he had no control over his army, and that the Turks’ treasures and valuables had been plundered clean by the soldiers. He requested that the matter be handed over to the judicial authorities for investigation. The emperor specially ordered that no impeachment be made. When Li Jing entered court for an audience, the emperor severely reprimanded him. Li Jing kowtowed and apologized. After a long time, the emperor said: "In the Sui dynasty, Shi Wansui defeated the Tardu Khan but received no reward for his merit; on the contrary, he was executed for a crime. I am not like this. I will record your merit and pardon your offense." He then bestowed on Li Jing the title of Grand Master of the Palace with Left Honor, gave him one thousand bolts of silk, and increased his actual fief to a total of five hundred households. Soon after, the emperor said to Li Jing: "Previously, someone slandered you with false reports. Now I have understood the truth; do not take it to heart." He then bestowed another two thousand bolts of silk.

The kingdom of Lin’yi presented a fire pearl. The relevant department considered that their memorial was not respectful in wording and requested to attack them. The emperor said: "Those fond of war will perish, as we have seen with Emperor Yang of Sui and Jieli Khan. To defeat a small state is no sign of martial prowess, and moreover, victory is not certain! Why bother about minor matters of speech?"

On the Dingyou day of the sixth month, Ashina Sunishi was appointed Commander of Beiningzhou, and the Commandant of the Palace Guard, Shi Shanying, was appointed Commander of Beifuzhou. On the Renyin day, the General of the Right Swift Cavalry Guard, Kang Sumi, was appointed Commander of Bei’anzhou.

On the day Yimao, soldiers were conscripted to repair the Luoyang Palace in preparation for an imperial tour. The Supervising Secretary Zhang Xuansu submitted a memorial remonstrating: "The date for the imperial tour to Luoyang has not yet been set, yet the palace is being built in advance—this is not a pressing matter. In the past, Emperor Gaozu of Han adopted Lou Jing's advice and moved the capital from Luoyang to Chang'an. Was this not because Luoyang's terrain was not as strategically advantageous as Guanzhong's? Emperor Jing adopted Chao Cuo's advice, and the Seven Kingdoms rebelled. Now Your Majesty has settled the Turks in the Central Plains; is their closeness to the court comparable to that of the Seven Kingdoms? How can you not first worry about this, but instead rush to build palaces and lightly set out on an imperial tour? I recall that when the Sui dynasty first built its palaces, there were no large trees in the nearby mountains, so they were transported from afar. Two thousand men pulled a single pillar, using wooden wheels that generated heat from friction and caught fire. So they cast iron hubs for the wheels, but after traveling one or two li, the iron hubs cracked. They then sent several hundred men carrying spare hubs to replace them along the way, covering no more than twenty or thirty li a day. Calculating the labor cost for one pillar, it consumed several hundred thousand man-days; the rest can be imagined. When Your Majesty first pacified Luoyang, you ordered the demolition of all the grandiose and extravagant Sui palaces. Yet in less than ten years, you are rebuilding them. Why did you detest them then but imitate them now? Moreover, with today's resources, how can they compare to the Sui dynasty? Your Majesty, by laboring a wounded and suffering people and following the bad precedents of a fallen dynasty, may end up being worse than Emperor Yang!" The Emperor said to Zhang Xuansu: "You say I am not as good as Emperor Yang. How do I compare to Jie and Zhou?" Zhang Xuansu replied: "If this project is not halted, the result will ultimately be the same calamity." The Emperor sighed and said: "I did not consider this carefully, and it has come to this!" Turning to Fang Xuanling, he said: "I thought Luoyang was at the center of the realm, equidistant for tribute from all regions, and intended to benefit the people, so I ordered its construction. Now what Xuansu has said is indeed reasonable. The project should be stopped immediately. Even if I later have to go to Luoyang on business and sleep in the open, it will be fine." He then bestowed two hundred bolts of colored silk upon Zhang Xuansu.

Autumn, seventh month, on the day Jiazi (the first day of the month), a solar eclipse occurred.

On the day Yichou, the Emperor asked Fang Xuanling and Xiao Yu: "What kind of sovereign was Emperor Wen of Sui?" They replied: "Emperor Wen was diligent in governing; he often held court until the sun was setting. For officials of the fifth rank and above, he would have them seated to discuss affairs, and the guards would pass meals so they could eat. Although his nature was not benevolent, he could be considered a ruler who exerted himself to govern well." The Emperor said: "You know only one aspect, not the other. Emperor Wen was not discerning but liked to scrutinize everything. Not being discerning, he could not fully understand matters; liking to scrutinize, he was suspicious of others. He decided everything himself and did not trust his ministers. The realm is vast, and he handled myriad affairs daily. Even if he exhausted his spirit and energy, how could everything be handled correctly? Since the ministers knew the sovereign's intentions, they simply obeyed orders and accepted his decisions. Even if there were mistakes, no one dared to remonstrate or argue. This is why his dynasty fell after two generations. I am not like this. I select the worthy talents of the realm and place them in the various official posts, letting them think about the affairs of the realm, reporting through the chief ministers. After careful review and confirmation, they present it to me. Those with merit are rewarded, those with faults are punished. Who would dare not to exert their utmost in their duties? Why worry that the realm will not be well governed?" He then issued an edict to all departments: "From now on, when an imperial decree or order is issued and there are inconveniences in its implementation, you should all present your objections. Do not flatter and comply without fully expressing your opinions."

On the day Guiyou, the former Grand Tutor to the Heir Apparent, Li Gang, was appointed as Junior Tutor to the Heir Apparent, and the concurrent Censor-in-Chief, Xiao Yu, was appointed as Junior Guardian to the Heir Apparent.

Li Gang suffered from a foot ailment. The Emperor bestowed upon him a hand-carried carriage, allowing him to ride it to the inner court, and frequently summoned him into the palace to ask about state affairs. Whenever he went to the Heir Apparent's palace, the Heir Apparent personally bowed to him. Whenever the Heir Apparent handled government affairs, the Emperor had Li Gang and Fang Xuanling sit beside him.

Previously, Xiao Yu had participated in deliberations on court affairs with the chief ministers. Xiao Yu had a strong and straightforward nature and was skilled in debate. Fang Xuanling and others could not match him, and the Emperor often did not adopt his suggestions. When Fang Xuanling, Wei Zheng, and Wen Yanbo had minor faults, Xiao Yu would impeach them, but the Emperor ultimately did not pursue the matter. Xiao Yu thus felt disgruntled and was eventually relieved of his post as Censor-in-Chief, transferred to Junior Guardian to the Heir Apparent, and no longer participated in court deliberations.

The Western Turkic tribes were scattered in Yiwu. The Emperor issued an edict appointing the Governor of Liangzhou, Li Daliang, as the Commissioner of Pacification for the Northwest Circuit. Grain was stored at the Qikou Pass, and those who came were given grain. Envoys were sent to offer comfort and consolation, traveling back and forth continuously. Li Daliang submitted a memorial saying: "To cherish those from afar, one must first stabilize those near at hand. The Central Plains are the root, while the four barbarian tribes are the branches and leaves. To exhaust the Central Plains to support the four barbarians is like pulling up the root to nourish the branches and leaves. I have examined far back to the Qin and Han dynasties and looked more recently at the Sui dynasty. In both cases, serving the Rong and Di externally led to the exhaustion of national strength. Now, pacifying the Western Turks only shows labor and expense, with no benefit. Moreover, the prefectures and counties west of the Yellow River are desolate. Since the Turks weakened, the people have only just been able to farm and harvest. Now, if they are forced to supply this service, the people will not be able to bear it. It would be better to temporarily stop the efforts of comfort and consolation. The land of Yiwu is mostly desert. Some of its people have established their own rulers and request to become subjects and be incorporated. If we loosely accept them and let them dwell outside the frontier, as a screen for the Central Plains, this would confer empty favor while reaping real benefits." The Emperor followed his advice.

Eighth month, on the day Bingwu, an edict was issued saying: "There are no rank distinctions in everyday clothing. From now on, officials of the third rank and above shall wear purple, the fourth and fifth ranks shall wear crimson, the sixth and seventh ranks shall wear green, and the eighth rank shall wear blue. Women shall follow the colors of their husbands' ranks."

On the day Jiayin, an edict appointed the Minister of War, Li Jing, as Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. Li Jing was of a deep and honest nature; whenever he deliberated on state affairs with the current chief ministers, he was humble and cautious, as if he were not good at speaking.

After the Turks were destroyed, the Governor of Yingzhou, Xue Wanshu, sent the Qidan chieftain Tanmeizhe to persuade and explain matters to the various eastern barbarian tribes. The Xi, Xi, and Shiwei, along with more than ten other tribes, all came to submit. Xue Wanshu was the elder brother of Xue Wanjun.

On the day Wuwu, the Turkic Yugu She came to surrender. Yugu She was the younger brother of Tuli. After Jieli was defeated, Yugu She fled to Gaochang. Hearing that Tuli had been well treated by the Tang, he came to surrender.

Ninth month, on the day Wuchen, the lord of Yiwu City entered court. At the end of the Sui dynasty, Yiwu became a dependency, and Yiwu Commandery was established. After the great chaos of the Sui, it submitted to the Turks. After Jieli was destroyed, the lord of Yiwu City led the seven cities under his command to surrender, and the area was established as Yixi Prefecture.

The Sijie tribe was suffering from famine and poverty. The Prefect of Shuozhou, Zhang Jian, who was from Xinfeng, gathered them. Those who did not come still lived north of the desert, but relatives privately visited each other, and Zhang Jian did not prohibit it. When Zhang Jian was later transferred to be the Governor of Shengzhou, officials in the prefecture reported that the Sijie tribe was about to rebel. The Emperor issued an edict for Zhang Jian to investigate. Zhang Jian, riding alone, entered the Sijie tribe, persuaded and explained matters, and moved them to Daizhou. He was then appointed acting Governor of Daizhou, and in the end, none of the Sijie tribe rebelled. Zhang Jian then encouraged them to cultivate land, and that year they had a great harvest. Fearing that the Hu people's accumulated wealth might lead to disloyalty, Zhang Jian memorialized requesting government grain purchases to stockpile border reserves. The tribe was delighted, worked even harder at cultivation, and the border reserves were thus replenished.

On the day Bingzi, the southern barbarian lands were opened up, and Fei Prefecture and Yi Prefecture were established.

On the day Jimao, the Emperor visited Long Prefecture.

Winter, eleventh month, on the day Renchen, the Right Guard General-in-Chief, Hou Junji, was appointed Minister of War and participated in court deliberations.

On the day Jiazi, the imperial carriage returned to the capital. The Emperor read the Mingtang Zhenjiu Shu (The Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion of the Bright Hall), which said: "The five viscera and six bowels of the human body are all attached to the back." On the day Wuyin, an edict was issued that from then on, prisoners were not to be flogged on the back.

Twelfth month, on the day Jiachen, the Emperor hunted at the Deer Park. On the day Yisi, he returned to the palace.

On the jiayin day, Qu Wentai, the king of Gaochang, came to court. The various states of the Western Regions all wished to send envoys to present tribute through Qu Wentai. The emperor sent Qu Wentai's minister, Yandahuqian, to welcome them. Wei Zheng admonished, saying: "In the past, Emperor Guangwu did not accept the Western Regions sending their princes as hostages or establishing a protectorate, considering that one should not trouble the Central Plains on account of the barbarians. Now the realm has just been pacified. When Qu Wentai came earlier, the labor and expense along the route were already great. If ten states now present tribute, their envoys will number no less than a thousand. The border people will be exhausted and depleted, and they will not be able to endure the harm. If we permit merchants to come and go and trade with the border people, that is acceptable; but if we treat them as honored guests, it is not to the benefit of the Central Plains." At that time, Yandahuqian had already set out, and the emperor urgently ordered him to stop.

The various grand councilors were feasting at the palace. The emperor said to Wang Gui: "Your insight is refined, and you are skilled in discussion. From Fang Xuanling on down, you should appraise each one and also say how you compare with them." Wang Gui replied: "In diligently and untiringly serving the state, and doing everything that is known to be right, I am not as good as Fang Xuanling. In being accomplished in both civil and military affairs, and serving both as a general and as a minister, I am not as good as Li Jing. In presenting memorials clearly and in detail, and in handling receipts and disbursements with fairness, I am not as good as Wen Yanbo. In managing complex affairs and handling all government business well, I am not as good as Dai Zhou. In being ashamed that the ruler does not match Yao and Shun, and in taking remonstrance and admonition as my duty, I am not as good as Wei Zheng. As for stirring up the muddy and clarifying the clear, detesting evil and delighting in good, I have a slight advantage over these several gentlemen." The emperor deeply approved, and the others also admired the accuracy of his remarks.

When the emperor first ascended the throne, he once discussed moral transformation with his ministers. The emperor said: "Now, following a great upheaval, I fear that the people will not be easy to transform." Wei Zheng replied: "That is not so. People who have long been at peace become arrogant and comfortable; when arrogant and comfortable, they are hard to transform. People who have experienced war become distressed and impoverished; when distressed and impoverished, they are easy to transform. It is like the hungry being easily satisfied with food, and the thirsty being easily satisfied with drink." The emperor deeply approved. Feng Deyi refuted this, saying: "After the Three Dynasties, people's hearts gradually became frivolous and deceitful. Therefore, the Qin dynasty exclusively used law, and the Han dynasty mixed in the way of the hegemon, because they wished to transform but could not—how could it be that they could transform but did not wish to! Wei Zheng is a bookish scholar who does not understand current affairs. If we believe his empty theories, it will surely ruin the state." Wei Zheng said: "The Five Emperors and Three Kings did not replace the people and then transform them. In the past, the Yellow Emperor campaigned against Chiyou, Zhuanxu executed the Jiuli, Tang banished Jie, and King Wu punished Zhou—all were able to personally bring about great peace. Was that not following great upheavals? If it is said that the ancients were simple and honest and gradually became frivolous and deceitful, then by today, they should all have turned into ghosts and monsters—how could rulers govern them!" The emperor ultimately followed Wei Zheng's words.

In the first year of the Zhenguan era, there was a famine in Guanzhong; one peck of rice was worth one bolt of silk. In the second year, there was a locust plague throughout the realm. In the third year, there was a great flood. The emperor diligently comforted the people. Although the people wandered east and west in search of food, there were no sighs or complaints. In this year, there was a great harvest throughout the realm; those who had scattered all returned to their villages. One peck of rice cost no more than three or four cash. For the entire year, only twenty-nine people were sentenced to death. From the Eastern Sea in the east to the Five Ranges in the south, doors were not closed at night, and travelers did not carry provisions, receiving supplies all along the route. The emperor said to Zhangsun Wuji: "In the early years of the Zhenguan era, those who submitted memorials all said: 'The ruler should hold sole authority and should not entrust it to his subordinates.' They also said: 'He should display military might and campaign against the barbarians in all four directions.' Only Wei Zheng urged me to 'stop military affairs, cultivate civil culture, and when the Central Plains are settled, the barbarians of the four directions will naturally submit.' I followed his words. Now Jieli has been captured, his chieftains all serve as guards wearing swords, and their tribes all wear caps and robes. This is Wei Zheng's merit. I only regret that Feng Deyi cannot see it!" Wei Zheng bowed twice in thanks and said: "The destruction of the Eastern Turks and the peace within the seas are all due to Your Majesty's majesty and virtue. What merit does your servant have?" The emperor said: "I was able to employ you, and you were able to fulfill the tasks assigned—how can the merit lie only with me!"

Fang Xuanling memorialized, saying: "Inspecting the armor and weapons in the armories, they far exceed those of the Sui dynasty." The emperor said: "Armor and weapons as military preparations are indeed indispensable. But did Emperor Yang's armor and weapons not suffice? In the end, he lost the realm. If you all devote your utmost efforts to bring peace to the people, that is my armor and weapons."

The emperor said to the Secretary of the Palace Library, Xiao Jing: "When you were in the Sui dynasty, did you often see the empress?" Xiao Jing replied: "Even her own sons and daughters could not see her. What kind of person is your servant to be able to see her?" Wei Zheng said: "I have heard that Emperor Yang did not trust the Prince of Qi. He often sent eunuchs to observe him. When he heard that the prince was feasting, he said, 'What is he so pleased about that he is so happy?' When he heard that the prince was sorrowful and haggard, he said, 'He has other thoughts, so he is like this.' Even between father and son, it was like this—how much more so with others!" The emperor laughed and said: "Now, in my treatment of Yang Zhengdao, I far surpass Emperor Yang's treatment of the Prince of Qi." Xiao Jing was the elder brother of Xiao Yu.

The Western Turks' Yipihushe Kaghan was the son of the former kaghan and was supported by the tribes. Most of the chieftains of the Modochuo Kaghan's tribe submitted to him. Yipihushe led troops to attack Modochuo, who was defeated and fled to Mount Jinshan, where he was killed by Nishutai. The various tribes jointly elected Yipihushe as the Great Kaghan.

[Taizong Wenwu Dasheng Daguang Xiao Huangdi Shang zhi Zhong, Zhenguan Fifth Year (Xinmao, 631 CE)]

Spring, first month. An imperial edict ordered that monks, nuns, and Daoists must all bow to their parents in reverence. On the guisi day, the emperor held a grand hunt at Kunming Lake, and the rulers of the barbarians of the four directions all followed him. On the jiawu day, he feasted Qu Wentai, the king of Gaochang, along with the assembled ministers. On the bingzi day, he returned to the palace and personally presented the game to the Da'an Palace. On the guiwei day, Li Xiaogong, the Prince of Zhao Commandery, and the other court-assembly commissioners submitted a memorial, stating that the barbarians of the four directions had all submitted and requesting that the Fengshan sacrifices be performed. The emperor wrote an edict in his own hand, but did not approve it.

The relevant officials memorialized that the crown prince should undergo the capping ceremony and that an auspicious day in the second month should be used. They requested that troops be conscripted to prepare the ceremonial guard. The emperor said: "Spring plowing has just begun. It should be changed to the tenth month." The Junior Tutor, Xiao Yu, memorialized, saying: "According to the yin-yang books, it is not as good as the second month." The emperor said: "Good or ill fortune lies in human action. If every move depends on yin and yang, without regard for ritual and righteousness, can good fortune be obtained? Following the correct path in one's actions naturally brings good fortune. The farming season is the most urgent; it must not be missed."

Second month, jiachen day. An edict said: "In all prefectures where there are 'jade-viewing mounds' (piles of enemy corpses covered with earth), regardless of whether they are old or new, they should all be leveled, covered with earth to form tombs, and the bones and remains interred so that they are not left exposed."

Jiyou day. The emperor's younger brothers were enfeoffed: Li Yuanyu as the Prince of Kuai, Li Yuanming as the Prince of Qiao, Li Lingkui as the Prince of Wei, Li Yuanxiang as the Prince of Xu, and Li Yuanxiao as the Prince of Mi. Gengxu day. The emperor's sons were enfeoffed: Li Ke as the Prince of Liang, Li Yun as the Prince of Tan, Li Zhen as the Prince of Han, Li Zhi as the Prince of Jin, Li Shen as the Prince of Shen, Li Xiao as the Prince of Jiang, and Li Jian as the Prince of Dai.

Summer, fourth month, renchen day. Li Jian, the Prince of Dai, died. Renyin day. The Xueshizhi tribe of Lingzhou rebelled. Li Daozong, the Prince of Rencheng, and others led troops in pursuit and defeated them.

At the end of the Sui dynasty, many people from the Central Plains had drifted into Eastern Turkic territory. After the Eastern Turks surrendered, the emperor sent envoys to redeem them with gold, silver, and silk. Fifth month, yichou day. The relevant officials memorialized that they had obtained eighty thousand men and women in total.

Sixth month, jiayin day. The Crown Prince's Junior Tutor, Li Gang, the Duke Xinchang Zhen, died. Formerly, the daughter of Yu Wenxian, the Prince of Qi of the Northern Zhou, was widowed and had no sons. Li Gang supported and provided for her generously. When Li Gang died, this daughter mourned for him with the rites of a father.

Autumn, eighth month, jiachen day. Envoys were sent to Goguryeo to collect the bones of the Sui soldiers who had died in battle, to bury them, and to perform sacrifices.

A man named Li Haode from Henei suffered from a mental illness and rashly spoke some delusional and seditious words. The emperor issued an edict to investigate the matter. The Grand Master of the Court of Judicial Review, Zhang Yungu, submitted a memorial saying: "There is evidence that Li Haode is ill, and according to the law, he should not be punished." The Attending Censor of the Imperial Secretariat, Quan Wanji, impeached him, submitting a memorial saying: "Zhang Yungu's native place is in Xiangzhou. Li Haode's elder brother, Li Houde, is the governor of Xiangzhou. Zhang Yungu, out of personal favoritism, intentionally showed leniency, and his investigation of the case was not truthful." The emperor became angry and ordered Zhang Yungu to be beheaded in the marketplace. Soon afterward, he regretted it. So he issued an edict saying: "From now on, when there is a capital crime, even if an immediate execution has been ordered, the execution must still be carried out only after three re-examinations have been made."

Quan Wanji and the Attending Censor Li Renfa both gained the emperor's favor by exposing others' private matters. From then on, many high officials were repeatedly reprimanded and rebuked. Wei Zheng admonished, saying: "These petty men like Quan Wanji do not understand the great principles. They take exposing others as uprightness and presenting slander as loyalty. Your Majesty is not unaware that they are not up to the task; it is probably that you wish to use them, as they are unafraid of giving offense, to warn and urge the various ministers. But Quan Wanji and his ilk rely on imperial favor and power to carry out their treacherous schemes. Those whom they impeach and attack are not really guilty. Even if Your Majesty cannot promote good men to encourage proper customs, how can you draw close to the depraved and harm yourself?" The emperor remained silent but bestowed five hundred bolts of silk upon Wei Zheng. After a long time, the evil deeds of Quan Wanji and others were exposed on their own, and they were all punished.

In the ninth month, the emperor repaired the Renshou Palace and renamed it the Jiucheng Palace. He also prepared to repair the Luoyang Palace. The Minister of Revenue, Dai Zhou, submitted a memorial of remonstrance, arguing: "The turmoil has just ended; the common people are destitute, and the state treasury is empty. If construction is carried on without cease, both public and private resources will be exhausted, and it will be difficult to bear!" The emperor praised him, saying: "Dai Zhou is not a relative of mine. It is only because of his loyalty, uprightness, and concern for state affairs, and his speaking without reservation, that I repay him with official rank." After a long time, he finally ordered the Director of the Palace Buildings, Dou Jin, to repair the Luoyang Palace. Dou Jin dug ponds, piled up artificial hills, and had it decorated with extravagant luxury. The emperor immediately ordered it to be destroyed and dismissed Dou Jin from his post.

In winter, in the tenth month, on the day bingwu, the emperor was chasing a rabbit in the rear imperial park. The General of the Left Guard, Zhishi Sili, admonished him, saying: "Heaven has made Your Majesty the father and mother of the Central Plains and the barbarian tribes. How can you debase yourself like this!" The emperor then wanted to chase a wild deer. Sili took off his headdress, untied his belt, knelt on the ground, and resolutely admonished him. The emperor therefore stopped.

Earlier, the emperor had ordered the assembled ministers to discuss the matter of enfeoffing the feudal lords. Wei Zheng argued in his discussion: "If the feudal lords are enfeoffed, then the high ministers and grand masters will all rely on their salaries, which will inevitably lead to increased taxation. Furthermore, the tax revenues from the area near the capital are not abundant, and what is needed must be supplied from outside the capital region. If all of this is used to enfeoff the feudal states, the state's expenses will immediately become insufficient. Additionally, places like Yan, Qin, Zhao, and Dai all border the barbarian tribes. If there is an emergency, it would be difficult to dispatch troops from the interior quickly." The Vice Minister of Rites, Li Baiyao, argued: "The length of a dynasty's destiny is determined by Heaven. Yao and Shun were great sages, yet they could not hold onto the empire forever. Han and Wei rose from lowly origins, yet they could not refuse the mandate of Heaven. If we now let the descendants of meritorious officials and imperial relatives all possess the people and the altars of the soil and grain, after a few generations they will become arrogant, extravagant, and self-indulgent. They will attack and slaughter one another, and the harm to the common people will be especially severe. It would be better to have the prefects and county magistrates serve in rotation." The Vice Director of the Imperial Secretariat, Yan Shigu, argued: "It would be better to enfeoff the various imperial princes as kings, but not let their power become too large. In between, there should be prefectures and counties, intermingled and co-existing, checking and maintaining each other, so that each can hold his own fief. Acting with a united will, they will be sufficient to support the court. The officials for them should all be selected and appointed by the Department of State Affairs. Apart from the laws and decrees of the court, they are not permitted to arbitrarily assume authority or inflict punishments. The ceremonies for court audiences and offerings should all be set down as regulations. Once this system is established, there will be no worries for ten thousand generations."

In the eleventh month, on the day bingchen, an edict was issued saying: "Imperial clansmen and meritorious and virtuous high officials should be ordered to guard their vassal states and fiefs, and to pass them on to their descendants. Unless there is a major offense, they shall not be dismissed or removed. The relevant departments shall clearly formulate regulations, determine the ranks, and report them."

On the day dingsi, the state of Lin Yi presented a five-colored parrot. On the day dingmao, the state of Silla presented two beautiful women. Wei Zheng argued that they should not be accepted. The emperor said happily: "The parrot from Lin Yi could still complain of suffering from the cold and wanted to return to its own country. How much more so these two women, who are far from their parents and relatives!" He sent them back, together with the parrot, to their respective envoys.

The state of Wo (Japan) sent an envoy to present tribute. The emperor dispatched the Prefect of Xinzhou, Gao Biaoren, holding a tally, to go and pacify them. Gao Biaoren argued with the king of Wo over ritual protocol, and without proclaiming the imperial edict, he returned.

On the day bingzi, the emperor performed the suburban sacrifice to Heaven at the Circular Mound.

In the twelfth month, the Vice Director of the Imperial Stud, Li Shikai, opened up land in the Dangxiang region and established sixteen prefectures and forty-seven counties.

The emperor said to his attending ministers: "I consider the death penalty to be of the utmost importance, which is why I ordered the three re-examinations. It was for the sake of careful deliberation. But the relevant officials, in the space of a moment, complete the three re-examinations. Furthermore, in ancient times, when a criminal was executed, the ruler would remove music and reduce his meals for that reason. Within my palace, there is no permanent music, but I often refrain from wine and meat for this reason, only it has not been made into a statute. Moreover, when the various departments decide a case, they only rely on the legal articles. Even if there are circumstances worthy of pity, they dare not violate the law. In this, how could there be absolutely no injustice!" On the day dinghai, an imperial rescript was issued saying: "When executing a death-sentenced prisoner, there should be five re-examinations within two days. For those sent down to the prefectures, there should be three re-examinations. On the day of execution, the Office of Imperial Cuisine should not present wine or meat, and the Inner Music Office and the Court of Imperial Sacrifices should not play music. All cases should be reviewed by the Chancellery. Those who, according to the law, deserve death but whose circumstances are worthy of leniency, should have their cases recorded and reported." As a result, many people had their lives spared. As for the five re-examinations, they were to be made one or two days before the execution, and on the day of execution itself, another three re-examinations were to be made. Only for those guilty of the crimes of rebellion, parricide, or patricide was a single re-examination sufficient.

On the day jihai, the Court Assembler, the Commander of Lizhou, Wu Shiyue, and others again submitted a memorial requesting the performance of the Feng and Shan sacrifices, but it was not approved. On the day renyin, the emperor visited the hot springs at Mount Li. On the day wushen, he returned to the palace.

The emperor said to the high ministers of state: "I constantly worry that I might, out of personal joy or anger, improperly grant rewards or inflict punishments. Therefore, I hope that you will remonstrate with all your might. You yourselves should also accept remonstrances from others, and you must not, because of your own likes, dislike others for going against you. If you yourselves cannot accept remonstrances, how can you remonstrate with others?" The state of Kang requested to submit to allegiance. The emperor said: "The emperors of former dynasties delighted in attracting states from the farthest distances to obtain a reputation for bringing distant lands into submission. It was actually of no use, and it only exhausted the common people. Now that the state of Kang has come to submit, if they have an emergency, it would be against our principles not to go to their rescue. A march of ten thousand li—how could it not be exhausting! To exhaust the common people in exchange for an empty reputation—I will not do such a thing." So he did not accept them.

The emperor said to his attending ministers: "Governing a state is like treating an illness. Even when the illness is cured, one should still take care and nourish oneself. If one immediately indulges oneself, and the illness returns, it will be incurable. Now the Central Plains are fortunately at peace, and the four barbarian tribes have all submitted. Indeed, this is rarely seen since ancient times. Yet I grow more cautious day by day, only worrying that I may not be able to finish well what I started well. Therefore, I wish to hear more remonstrances from you." Wei Zheng said: "The fact that the empire is at peace internally and externally—I do not consider this a cause for joy. I am only joyful that Your Majesty can think of danger in times of safety."

The emperor once discussed judicial punishments with his attending ministers. Wei Zheng said: "During the reign of Emperor Yang of Sui, there was a case of banditry. Emperor Yang ordered Yu Shicheng to arrest the suspects. Anyone who was even slightly suspicious was interrogated under torture. In all, there were over two thousand people. Emperor Yang ordered them all to be beheaded. The Grand Master of the Court of Judicial Review, Zhang Yuanji, felt the number was too large. He tried to investigate the circumstances of their cases. Among them, five people had once been bandits; the rest were all commoners. But in the end, he dared not insist on reporting this, and they were all executed." The emperor said: "How could this be only Emperor Yang's lack of the Way? His ministers also were not loyal. When ruler and ministers are like this, how could they not be destroyed? You should take this as a warning!"

That year, the Gaozhou Chief Administrator Feng Ang came to court. Shortly thereafter, the Lao people of the various Luodou caves rebelled, and the emperor ordered Feng Ang to lead his tribe of twenty thousand men as the vanguard of the army. The Lao, numbering tens of thousands, held strategic passes, and the various units were unable to advance. Feng Ang, holding his crossbow, said to those beside him: "When I shoot these arrows, it will be enough to know victory or defeat." He shot seven arrows in succession, hitting seven men. The Lao all fled, and he took advantage of the victory to pursue, beheading over a thousand men. The emperor praised his merit, with rewards before and after beyond count. The territory under Feng Ang's jurisdiction stretched two thousand li, with over ten thousand slaves, and treasures and goods piled high; yet he governed diligently and wisely, and the people under him all loved him.

The King of Silla, Kim Jinpyeong, died without an heir, and the people of the state installed his daughter Kim Seondeok as queen.