Tang Annals 23

Volume 207 [Tang Records 23] From the seventh month of the Gengzi year to the first month of the Yisi year, a total of four years and more.

Empress Zetian Shunsheng, Part 2: Jiushi Era, Year 1 (Gengzi Year, 700 AD)

Autumn, seventh month: Captives were presented at Hanshu Hall. The Empress appointed Kaigu as Left Jade-Linked Guard Grand General and Duke of Yan, granting him the surname Wu. She summoned the ministers for a joint banquet, raised her cup to Di Renjie, and said, "This is your achievement." Preparing to reward him, Di Renjie replied, "This is due to Your Majesty’s majesty and the efforts of the generals; what merit does your subject have!" He firmly declined and did not accept. Intercalary seventh month, on the Wuyin day, the imperial carriage returned to the palace. On the Jichou day, the Vice Minister of the Heavenly Offices, Zhang Xi, was appointed as Vice Director of the Phoenix Chancellery and Co-Administrator of State Affairs. The Vice Director of the Imperial Chancellery and Co-Administrator of State Affairs, Li Jiao, was dismissed and made Director of the Chengjun Academy. Zhang Xi was Li Jiao’s uncle, and thus Li Jiao was relieved of his governmental duties. On the Dingyou day, the Tibetan general Qumang Buzhi invaded Liangzhou, besieged Changsong, and fought with the Grand Commander of the Longyou Armies, Tang Xiujing, at the Hongyuan Valley. Qumang Buzhi’s armor was bright and splendid. Tang Xiujing said to his generals, "The Tibetan Lun Qinling and other Luns have died; Qumang Buzhi has just become a general and is unfamiliar with military affairs. Those noble sons all follow him; they appear elite but are actually easy to handle. Allow me to defeat them for you." He then donned armor and charged into battle, winning six engagements. The Tibetan army was heavily defeated and fled, with 2,500 heads taken and two deputy generals captured.

The Vice Director of the Minor Treasury Office, Yang Yuanheng, and the Imperial Provisioner, Yang Yuanxi, were both sons of Yang Hongwu. Yang Yuanxi had once offended Zhang Yizhi. Zhang Yizhi said to the Empress, "Yang Yuanxi is of the same clan as Yang Su; Yang Su and his son were rebels of the Sui dynasty, and their descendants should not serve as supply officers." The Empress complied. On the Renyin day, an edict was issued: "Yang Su and his brothers and descendants shall not serve as capital officials." Yang Yuanheng was demoted to Prefect of Muzhou, and Yang Yuanxi was demoted to Prefect of Beizhou. On the Gengxu day, Wei Yuanzhong was appointed Grand Commander of the Longyou Armies to attack Tibet. On the Gengshen day, the Empress wished to build a large Buddha statue, ordering monks and nuns across the empire to contribute one cash per day to fund the project. Di Renjie submitted a memorial remonstrating, saying in part: "Current Buddhist temples surpass imperial palaces in scale. Construction cannot employ spirits and ghosts; it must use the people. Materials do not fall from the sky; they ultimately come from the earth. If the people are not harmed, where else can they be obtained?" He also said: "Wandering monks all use Buddhist doctrines to delude the people. In every alley, there are scripture halls; in every market, there are monasteries. The urgent pursuit of their teachings is stricter than official levies; the required rituals are harsher than imperial decrees." He continued: "Emperor Wu of Liang and Emperor Jianwen gave without limit. When the three Huai rivers surged and the five Ling mountains raised beacon fires, monasteries filled the streets but could not save them from disaster; monks’ robes covered the fields, but where were the armies to aid the throne?" He added: "Even if all monk contributions were collected, they would not make up one percent. Since the Buddha statue is so vast, it cannot be placed in the open; covering it with a hundred halls still risks insufficiency. The other corridors cannot be entirely absent. The Tathagata established his teachings with compassion as the foundation. How could He wish to waste labor and wealth on empty adornment?" He concluded: "Recently, floods and droughts have been untimely, and borders are currently unstable. If official funds are exhausted and the people’s strength is used up, once local difficulties arise, what will be used to rescue them?" The Empress said, "You instruct me in doing good; how can I disobey?" Thus, she halted the project.

Axi Ji Buluo rebelled. The Empress dispatched the Left Golden-Wing Guard General Tian Yangming and the Attending Censor of the Palace Secretariat Feng Siye to campaign against him. When the army reached Suiye, Buluo plundered near the city at night and then left. Feng Siye led cavalry in pursuit but was defeated by him. Tian Yangming led the troops of the Western Turkic Külüg Qaghan, Shehu Luo, to attack his city. After more than ten days, they could not capture it. In the ninth month, Buluo feigned surrender. Feng Siye lured him and beheaded him, then captured his followers.

The Empress trusted and relied heavily on the Inner Historian, Duke Wenhui of Liang, Di Renjie. No minister could compare with him. She often called him "Elder of the State" without using his name. Di Renjie liked to remonstrate directly to her face, and the Empress often set aside her own opinions to follow his advice. Once, while accompanying the Empress on an outing, the wind blew off Di Renjie’s headdress, and his horse bolted and could not be stopped. The Empress ordered the Crown Prince to chase after him, seize the bridle, and secure it. Di Renjie repeatedly requested retirement due to old age and illness, but the Empress did not permit it. When he entered the palace for an audience, the Empress often stopped him from kneeling, saying, "Whenever I see you bow, I feel pain in my body." She thus exempted him from night duty and instructed his colleagues: "Unless it is a military or state matter, do not trouble him with it." On the Xinchou day, Di Renjie died. The Empress wept and said, "The court is empty!" From then on, when state affairs arose and the officials could not decide, the Empress would sigh and say, "Why did Heaven take my Elder of the State so early?"

The Empress once asked Di Renjie, "I want to find an excellent talent to employ. Who is suitable?" Di Renjie said, "May I ask what Your Majesty intends to use him for?" The Empress replied, "I want to make him a general or a minister." Di Renjie answered, "In terms of literary talent and cultured elegance, Su Weidao and Li Jiao are already suitable. If you must select an extraordinary genius, then there is Zhang Jianzhi, the Governor of Jingzhou. Though elderly, he has the makings of a chief minister." The Empress promoted Zhang Jianzhi to Commandant of Luozhou. After a few days, she asked Di Renjie again. Di Renjie replied, "I previously recommended Zhang Jianzhi, but he has not yet been employed." The Empress said, "He has already been promoted." Di Renjie answered, "What I recommended him for was to be a chief minister, not a commandant." Thus, he was promoted to Vice Minister of Autumn Offices. After a long time, he was finally made chief minister. Di Renjie also once recommended the Vice Minister of Summer Offices, Yao Yuanchong; the Surveillance Censor from Qu’e, Huan Yanfan; and the Prefect of Taizhou, Jing Hui, along with dozens of others, all of whom later became famous ministers. Someone said to Di Renjie, "The peaches and plums of the world are all at your gate." Di Renjie replied, "Recommending talents is for the state, not for personal gain."

Initially, when Di Renjie served as Prefect of Weizhou, he practiced benevolent governance, and the people established a living shrine for him. Later, his son Di Jinghui became a Staff Officer of Weizhou and became a scourge to the people through his greed and cruelty, so the people destroyed Di Renjie’s statue. Winter, tenth month, on the Xinhai day, Wei Yuanzhong was appointed Grand Chief Commander of the Xiaoguan Circuit to guard against the Turks. On the Jiayin day, an edict was issued to again make the first month the eleventh month and the first month of the lunar year the first month, with a general amnesty. On the Dingsi day, the Grand Herald Wei Juyuan was dismissed, and the Right Chief Secretary of the Cultural Offices, Wei Anshi, was appointed Vice Director of the Imperial Chancellery and Co-Administrator of State Affairs. Wei Anshi was the grandson of Wei Jin. At that time, Wu Sansi and the Zhang Yizhi brothers monopolized power. Wei Anshi repeatedly rebuked them to their faces. Once, while attending a banquet in the palace, Zhang Yizhi brought in the Shu merchant Song Bazi and a few others to gamble together. Wei Anshi knelt and memorialized, "Merchants are base men and should not participate in this feast." He turned to order the attendants to drive them out, and all present were greatly startled. The Empress, because his words were upright, comforted and encouraged him, and his colleagues all admired and praised him.

On the Dingmao day, the Empress visited Xin’an. On the Renshen day, she returned to the palace. Twelfth month, on the Jiayin day, the Turks plundered over 10,000 horses from the various pastoral offices of Longyou and departed. At that time, the slaughter ban had not yet been lifted. The Drafter of the Phoenix Chancellery, Cui Rong from Quanjie, memorialized: "Slaughtering and cooking livestock, shooting and hunting birds and animals—the sages recorded these in the canons and rituals and they cannot be abandoned or omitted. Moreover, people south of the Yangzi eat fish, and those west of the Yellow River eat meat; neither can be done without for a single day. The rich cannot change this, and the poor find it unbearable. Furthermore, the poor and lowly depend on slaughter for a living. Killing one person a day will ultimately not stop it; it only encourages intimidation and fosters deceit. Those who govern, if they conform to the seasons and follow the ritual texts, will naturally allow the myriad things to thrive and the people to be content in their nature." On the Wuwu day, the slaughter ban was lifted again, and sacrifices using livestock were restored as before.

Empress Zetian Shunsheng, Part 2: Chang’an Era, Year 1 (Xinchou Year, 701 AD)

In the spring, on the dingchou day of the first month, because Cheng Prefecture memorialized that the footprints of the Buddha had been discovered, the reign title was changed to Dazu.

On the jiyou day of the second month, Li Huaiyuan, Vice Director of the Phoenix Gate Chancellery and a native of Bairen County, was appointed Tongping Zhangshi.

In the third month, Zhang Xi, Vice Director of the Phoenix Gate Chancellery and Tongping Zhangshi, was sentenced to death for leaking palace speech during the selection of officials and for embezzling tens of thousands in bribes. He was released at the execution ground and exiled to Xunzhou. At that time, Su Weidao was also implicated in a crime and was delivered to the Judicial Prison together with Zhang Xi. Zhang Xi rode on horseback, his expression composed, and stayed in the Third-Rank Courtyard, with his tent, screens, food, drink, and daily life as usual. Su Weidao walked to the place of confinement, slept on the ground, and ate only coarse tea and plain rice. When the Empress Dowager heard of this, she pardoned Su Weidao and restored his official position.

That same month, heavy snow fell. Su Weidao considered it an auspicious omen and led the hundred officials into court to offer congratulations. Palace Attendant Wang Qiuli stopped him, saying: "If snow in the third month is auspicious snow, then thunder in the twelfth month would be auspicious thunder?" Su Weidao ignored him. After entering court, Wang Qiuli alone did not congratulate and submitted a memorial, saying: "Now the spring sun is warm and harmonious, grasses and trees are sprouting, yet this cold snow has become a disaster. How can it be falsely called an auspicious omen! Those who offer congratulations are all sycophants." The Empress Dowager therefore suspended the court session.

At that time, someone also presented a three-legged ox, and the chief ministers again offered congratulations. Wang Qiuli declared loudly: "Whenever something is abnormal, it is a portent. This tripod's legs are not in their proper place—it is a sign that governance and instruction cannot be carried out." When the Empress Dowager heard this, her expression changed.

In the summer, on the yihai day of the fifth month, the Empress Dowager visited Sanyang Palace.

Wei Yuanzhong was appointed Military Commander-in-Chief of the Lingwu Circuit to guard against the Turks.

Gu Cong, Vice Director of the Ministry of Personnel and a native of Yanguan County, was appointed Tongping Zhangshi.

On the gengshen day of the sixth month, Li Xiuxiu, Minister of the Ministry of War, was appointed Tongping Zhangshi.

Li Xiuxiu was extremely filial by nature. His mother was originally of humble birth, and his wife, née Cui, frequently scolded the maidservants. When his mother heard of this, she was greatly displeased, and Li Xiuxiu immediately divorced his wife. Someone said: "Your wife, though indiscreet, has not committed any offense that reaches the seven grounds for divorce. Why be so decisive?" Li Xiuxiu replied: "I took a wife originally to serve my parents. Now that she has offended my mother's will, how dare I keep her!" He ultimately divorced her.

In the autumn, on the jiaxu day of the seventh month, the Empress Dowager returned to the palace.

On the jiashen day, Li Huaiyuan was dismissed and appointed Minister of the Ministry of Justice.

In the eighth month, the Turkic Qaghan Modu (Mochuo) invaded the border. The Empress Dowager ordered the Grand Protector of Andong, Prince Xiang (Li Dan), to serve as Commander-in-Chief of the Tianbing Circuit, leading all armies to counter the invasion. Before the army departed, the enemy had already withdrawn.

On the bingyin day, Su Anheng of Wuyi County submitted a memorial, saying: "Your Majesty reverently follows the trust placed by the late sage and accepts the abdication of the heir apparent. Respecting Heaven and conforming to men, this has been for twenty years. Has Your Majesty never heard of Emperor Shun yielding the throne and the Duke of Zhou returning the government? Shun gave the empire to Yu, who was only a clansman; the Duke of Zhou and King Cheng were merely uncle and nephew. How can a clansman compare to the affection of a son? How can an uncle compare to the grace of a mother? Now the heir apparent honors filial piety and is mature in years. If he were made to rule over the empire, how would that differ from Your Majesty personally? Your Majesty is advanced in years and honored in virtue, and has grown weary of the imperial throne. The affairs of government are burdensome and weary the mind and spirit. Why not abdicate to the Eastern Palace heir apparent, allowing Your Majesty to nurture your sacred body in leisure? From ancient times, those who ruled the empire have never seen two families reigning simultaneously. Now the Prince of Liang, the Prince of Ding, the Prince of Henei, the Prince of Jianchang, and others, relying on Your Majesty's protection, have all been enfeoffed as princes. I believe that after Your Majesty's thousand autumns and ten thousand years, this matter will not be proper. I request that they be demoted to dukes or marquises and granted idle posts. I have also heard that Your Majesty has over twenty grandsons, who currently have not a single inch of enfiefment—this is not a long-term plan. I request that land be divided and enfeoffed to them as princes, and that teachers be chosen to instruct them in the way of filial piety, so that they may assist the Zhou house and act as a screen for the imperial family. This would be a fine thing." When the memorial was presented, the Empress Dowager summoned him, bestowed food, and after comforting and exhorting him, sent him away.

The Empress Dowager was advanced in years, and many affairs of state were entrusted to the Zhang Yizhi brothers. Li Chongrun, the Prince of Shao, together with his sister, the Yongtai Princess, and her husband, Wei Yanji, the Prince of Wei, secretly discussed this matter. Zhang Yizhi informed the Empress Dowager. On the renshen day of the ninth month, the Empress Dowager forced them all to commit suicide. Wei Yanji was the son of Wei Chengsi.

On the bingshen day, Prince Xiang was appointed to oversee the affairs of the Left and Right Guard of the Yulin Army.

In the winter, on the renyin day of the tenth month, the Empress Dowager traveled west through the Pass. On the xinyou day, she arrived at the capital. A general amnesty was granted, and the reign title was changed.

On the wuyin day of the eleventh month, Hanyuan Palace was renamed Daming Palace.

Cui Xuanwei, Vice Director of the Ministry of Personnel and a native of Anping County, was upright by nature and never made personal requests or sought audiences. The chief ministers disliked him and transferred him to the post of Left Director of the Chancellery. After a month, the Empress Dowager said to Cui Xuanwei: "Ever since you were transferred, I have heard that the officials of the ministry held vegetarian feasts to celebrate. This is only to indulge in great corruption. Now I restore you to your former post." Thereupon she reappointed him Vice Director of the Ministry of Personnel and bestowed seventy lengths of colored silk.

Guo Yuanzhen, Director of the Bureau of Receptions, was appointed Military Governor of Liangzhou and Commissioner of the Various Armies of Longyou.

Previously, the southern and northern borders of Liangzhou did not exceed 400 li. The Turks and Tibetans would suddenly arrive at the city walls every year, causing great suffering to the people. Guo Yuanzhen began by establishing Hecheng Garrison at the southern gorge and the Baiting Army in the northern desert, controlling strategic points, and expanding the prefecture's territory to 1,500 li. From then on, the enemy no longer approached the city walls. Guo Yuanzhen also ordered Li Hanchong, the Prefect of Ganzhou, to open and establish military agricultural colonies, making full use of the benefits of water and land. Previously, one hu of millet or wheat in Liangzhou was worth several thousand cash. After Li Hanchong's management, one bolt of silk could buy several dozen hu, and the accumulated military grain could last for several decades. Guo Yuanzhen was skilled in pacification and governance. During his five years in Liangzhou, both the barbarians and the Chinese revered and submitted to him. His orders were carried out and prohibitions observed. Cattle and sheep filled the fields, and lost items were never picked up by others.

Zetian Shunsheng Empress Dowager, Second Year of Chang'an (Ren Yin Year, 702 AD)

In the spring, on the yiyou day of the first month, military examinations were established for the first time.

The Turks invaded Yan and Xia Prefectures. On the gengyin day of the third month, the Turks breached Shiling and invaded Bingzhou. Xue Jichang, Chief Administrator of Yongzhou, was appointed Acting Right Censor-in-Chief and Commissioner of the Shandong Defense Army. The armies of Cang, Ying, You, Yi, Heng, Ding, and other prefectures were all placed under Xue Jichang's command. In the summer, in the fourth month, Zhang Renyuan, the Prefect of Youzhou, was placed in sole charge of the defenses of You, Ping, Gui, and Tan Prefectures, and was to coordinate with Xue Jichang to resist the Turks.

On the renshen day of the fifth month, Su Anheng again submitted a memorial, saying: "I have heard that the empire is the empire of Shenyao and Wenwu. Although Your Majesty occupies the legitimate line, in reality it relies on the old foundation of the Tang. Now the heir apparent has been recalled, and his age and virtue are both flourishing. Your Majesty clings to the imperial throne and forgets the deep grace between mother and son. With what face will you see the ancestral temples of the Tang family? With what decree will you visit the tomb of the Great Emperor? Why does Your Majesty worry day and night, unaware that the bell has tolled and the hourglass has run out? I foolishly believe that both the will of Heaven and human affairs should return to the Li family. Although Your Majesty is at ease on the throne, you do not know that when a thing reaches its extreme it reverses, and when a vessel is full it overturns. Why should I begrudge one morning's life and not bring peace to the empire of ten thousand chariots?" The Empress Dowager still did not punish him.

On the yiwei day, Prince Xiang was appointed Governor of Bingzhou and Acting Commander-in-Chief of the Andao Circuit, with Wei Yuanzhong as his deputy.

On the renxu day of the sixth month, the Acting Defender-in-Chief of the Divine Capital, Wei Juyuan, was summoned to the capital, and the Deputy Defender-in-Chief, Li Qiao, replaced him.

In the autumn, on the jiawu day of the seventh month, the Turks invaded Daizhou.

The Zhang Yizhi brothers, the Director of the Palace Domestic Service, were extremely favored and honored, their power overshadowing both court and country. On the wuwu day of the eighth month, the heir apparent, Prince Xiang, and the Princess of Taiping submitted a memorial requesting that Zhang Changzong be enfeoffed as a prince. An edict was issued refusing. On the renxu day, they requested again, and he was granted the title of Duke of Ye.

An imperial decree stated: "From now on, anyone who reports remnants of the Yangzhou, Yu, and Bo uprisings shall not be pursued in any case. Neither the inner nor outer government offices shall accept such cases."

On the yichou day of the ninth month, a solar eclipse occurred. It was not a total eclipse but appeared like a hook. The Divine Capital, Luoyang, saw a total eclipse.

On the renshen day, the Turks invaded Xinzhou.

On the jimao day, Tibet dispatched the great minister Lun Misha to seek peace.

On the gengchen day, Wu Sansi, the Chief Adviser to the Heir Apparent, was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Dagudao Circuit, with Jing Hui, the Chief Administrator of Luozhou, as his deputy. On the xinsi day, Prince Xiang Li Dan was again appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Bingzhou Circuit, with Wu Sansi, Wu Youyi, and Wei Yuanzhong as deputies. Yao Yuanchong was appointed Chief Administrator, and Zheng Gao, Vice Director of the Court of State Ceremonial, was appointed Adjutant. However, they ultimately did not depart.

On the guiwei day, a banquet was held in the Linde Hall for Lun Misha. At that time, Tang Xiujing, the Military Governor of Liangzhou, who had entered court, also attended the banquet. Lun Misha looked at him repeatedly. The Empress Dowager asked the reason, and he replied: "In the battle of Hongyuan, this general was extremely brave. Therefore, I wish to know him." The Empress Dowager promoted Tang Xiujing to the rank of Grand General of the Right Martial Guard and the Golden Guard. Tang Xiujing was thoroughly familiar with border defense affairs. From Jieshi in the east to the Four Garrisons in the west, stretching for ten thousand li, he could clearly recall all the strategic mountains and rivers.

Winter, the 10th month, the day of Jia Chen, the Heavenly Official Vice Minister and Co-Participant in Government Affairs Gu Cong died. On the day of Wu Shen, the Tufan Tsanpu led over ten thousand people to invade Mao Prefecture. The Governor-General Chen Daci fought four battles against them, completely defeating them, beheading over a thousand. On the day of Xin Wei of the 11th month, the Investigating Censor Wei Jing submitted a memorial, stating: "Your Majesty, having already known that Lai Junchen was treacherous and evil, executed him by the extreme penalty. I request a thorough reinvestigation of the ten major cases examined by Lai Junchen and his associates, to redress the injustices." The Empress Dowager then ordered the Investigating Censor Su Ting to reinvestigate the old cases of Lai Junchen and others, thereby exonerating and pardoning many. Su Ting was the great-grandson of Su Kui. On the day of Wu Zi, the Empress Dowager performed the suburban sacrifice at the southern altar and granted a general amnesty under heaven. On the day of Jia Wu of the 12th month, Wei Yuanzhong was appointed as the Pacification Commissioner of the Andong Circuit; the General of the Yulin Guard Li Duozuo was made Acting Governor of You Prefecture; the General of the Right Yulin Guard Xue Ne and the General of the Left Wuwei Guard Luo Wuzheng were appointed as deputies. On the day of Wu Shen, the Beiting Protectorate was established in Ting Prefecture. The Attending Censor Zhang Xunxian served as the Commissioner for Inspection of Hedong. Having a difficult case he could not decide, he worried about it and asked his attendant clerk: "Is there any worthy guest here with whom I can discuss matters?" The attendant clerk said that the former Magistrate of Pingxiang County, Zhang Jiazhen from Yishi County, had extraordinary talent. Zhang Xunxian summoned him and inquired about the matter; Zhang Jiazhen analyzed it point by point, all of which were clear. Zhang Xunxian then asked him to draft a memorial, the contents of which were things he himself had not thought of. Zhang Xunxian returned to the capital and met the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager praised his memorial, and Zhang Xunxian explained in detail that it was written by Zhang Jiazhen, and requested to transfer his own office to him. The Empress Dowager said: "Does We not have a single office to employ a worthy man?" She then summoned Zhang Jiazhen, received him in the inner hall, spoke with him, was greatly pleased, and immediately appointed him as an Investigating Censor; she promoted Zhang Xunxian to Director of the Ministry of Personnel Affairs, as a reward for his recommendation of talent.

Zetian Shunsheng Empress Dowager, Chang'an 3rd year (Gui Mao year, AD 703)

Spring, the 3rd month, the day of Ren Xu Shuo (the first day of the month), a solar eclipse occurred. Summer, the 4th month, Tufan sent an envoy presenting one thousand horses and two thousand taels of gold, requesting a marriage alliance. Intercalary month, the day of Ding Chou, Wei Anshi was ordered to remain in charge of the Divine Capital. On the day of Ji Mao, the Wenchang Tai was changed to the Zhong Tai. The Left Director of the Zhong Tai, Li Jiao, was appointed to oversee the affairs of the Nayan (Secretariat). The King of Silla, Kim Ri-hong, died; an envoy was sent to establish his younger brother Kim Ch'ung-gi as king. Summer, the 6th month, the day of Xin You, the Turkic Qaghan Močuo sent his minister Moheqian to come, requesting to marry his daughter to the son of the Crown Prince. Ning Prefecture suffered a great flood, drowning over two thousand people. Autumn, the 7th month, the day of Gui Mao, the Chief Remonstrator Zhu Jingze was appointed as Co-Participant in Government Affairs. On the day of Wu Shen, the Prince of Bing Prefecture and Prince of Xiang, Li Dan, was appointed as the Governor of Yong Prefecture. On the day of Geng Xu, the Minister of War and Acting Governor of Liang Prefecture, Tang Xiujing, was appointed as Co-Participant in the Phoenix and Imperial Edict Departments of the Three Grades. At that time, the Turgesh chieftain Wuzhile was engaged in mutual attacks with the various tribes of the Western Turks, and the road to Anxi was cut off. The Empress Dowager ordered Tang Xiujing and the various chancellors to discuss the matter. Soon after, a report was submitted, and the Empress Dowager immediately implemented his suggestions. Over ten days later, the various prefectures of Anxi requested the dispatch of troops for support; the travel schedules were exactly as Tang Xiujing had planned. The Empress Dowager said to Tang Xiujing: "I regret employing you too late!" She said to the various chancellors: "Tang Xiujing is familiar with border affairs; even ten of you cannot match him."

At that time, the Western Turkic Qaghan, Huselo, was cruel in his punishments, and the tribes were all dissatisfied. Wuzhile was originally subordinate to Huselo, styled Mohedagan. He was able to pacify the tribes, and they all submitted to him; Huselo could not control him. Wuzhile established twenty governors, each commanding seven thousand troops, stationed northwest of Suiye; later, he captured Suiye and moved his headquarters there to reside. Huselo's followers scattered, so he entered the court and dared not return; Wuzhile annexed all of his territory. Autumn, the 9th month, the day of Geng Yin Shuo (the first day of the month), a solar eclipse occurred, a total solar eclipse.

Initially, the Left Terrace Chief and Co-Participant in the Phoenix and Imperial Edict Departments of the Three Grades, Wei Yuanzhong, served as the Grand Administrator of Luo Prefecture. The Prefect of Luoyang, Zhang Changyi, relying on the power of his several elder brothers, each time he went to the office, would directly ascend to the Grand Administrator's seat. When Wei Yuanzhong took office, he shouted him down. A household slave of Zhang Yizhi engaged in violence and disorder in the markets; Wei Yuanzhong had him beaten to death. When Wei Yuanzhong became Chancellor, the Empress Dowager summoned Zhang Yizhi's younger brother, the Governor of Qi Prefecture, Zhang Changqi, intending to appoint him as the Grand Administrator of Yong Prefecture. In the court, the Empress Dowager asked the Chancellors: "Who is qualified to be the Grand Administrator of Yong Prefecture?" Wei Yuanzhong replied: "None of the current court ministers can replace Xue Jichang." The Empress Dowager said: "Xue Jichang has long served as the chief official of the capital; I intend to appoint him to another office. What about Zhang Changqi?" The various Chancellors all said: "Your Majesty has found the right man." Only Wei Yuanzhong said: "Zhang Changqi is not competent!" The Empress Dowager asked the reason. Wei Yuanzhong said: "Zhang Changqi is young and unfamiliar with governance. Previously in Qi Prefecture, the registered households almost entirely fled. Yong Prefecture is the imperial capital, with heavy and complex affairs; he is not as capable as Xue Jichang, who is astute and strong, and familiar with affairs." The Empress Dowager fell silent and desisted. Wei Yuanzhong also once spoke face-to-face: "Your subject, since the time of the former emperor, has received favor and grace. Now, reluctantly serving as Chancellor, I cannot fulfill my duty of loyalty and die for principle, allowing petty men to be near Your Majesty's side—this is your subject's crime!" The Empress Dowager was displeased, and for this reason, the Zhang brothers deeply resented him.

The Vice Director of the Ritual Department, Gao Jian, was a favorite of Princess Taiping. It happened that the Empress Dowager was unwell. Zhang Changzong feared that if the Empress Dowager died, he would be killed by Wei Yuanzhong, so he falsely accused Wei Yuanzhong and Gao Jian of privately discussing: "The Empress Dowager is old; it would be better to support the Crown Prince for a lasting plan." The Empress Dowager was enraged and imprisoned Wei Yuanzhong and Gao Jian, intending to have them confront Zhang Changzong in court. Zhang Changzong secretly recruited the Phoenix Imperial Edict Gentleman Zhang Yue, bribing him with high office and rich rewards, to have him testify against Wei Yuanzhong. Zhang Yue agreed. The next day, the Empress Dowager summoned the Crown Prince, the Prince of Xiang, and the various Chancellors, and had Wei Yuanzhong confront Zhang Changzong; the arguments went back and forth without result. Zhang Changzong said: "Zhang Yue has heard Wei Yuanzhong's words; please summon him to inquire." The Empress Dowager summoned Zhang Yue. As Zhang Yue was about to enter the court, the Phoenix Imperial Edict Gentleman from Nanhe, Song Jing, said to Zhang Yue: "Fame and moral duty are most important; gods and spirits are difficult to deceive. Do not form cliques for private gain or frame a loyal man to seek temporary escape from disaster. If you are punished by exile for this, the honor will still be great. If unexpected misfortune occurs, I, Song Jing, will surely knock at the gate and strive, dying with you. Strive hard; the gaze of ten thousand generations rests on this one act!" The Attending Censor of the Palace, from Jiyuan, Zhang Tinggui, said: "To hear the Way in the morning, to die in the evening—that is acceptable!" The Left History, Liu Zhiji, said: "Do not stain the green history, nor implicate your descendants!"

When Zhang Shuo entered court, the Empress Dowager questioned him, but Zhang Shuo did not answer. Wei Yuanzhong, frightened, said to Zhang Shuo, "Is Zhang Shuo trying to join Zhang Changzong in fabricating charges to frame Wei Yuanzhong?" Zhang Shuo rebuked him, saying, "Wei Yuanzhong, as chancellor, how can you imitate the words of a common market ruffian!" Zhang Changzong, standing nearby, pressed and urged Zhang Shuo to speak quickly. Zhang Shuo said, "Your Majesty sees how he presses me even before Your presence, let alone outside! I now face the vast court and dare not fail to answer truthfully. I truly never heard Wei Yuanzhong say such words; it is merely Zhang Changzong forcing me to falsely accuse him!" Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong immediately shouted, "Zhang Shuo is plotting rebellion with Wei Yuanzhong!" The Empress Dowager asked for details. They replied, "Zhang Shuo once said that Wei Yuanzhong was like Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou; Yi Yin exiled Tai Jia, and the Duke of Zhou acted as regent—if this is not plotting rebellion, what is it?" Zhang Shuo said, "Zhang Yizhi and his brother are petty men; they have only heard the names of Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou, but how could they understand the principles of Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou! Earlier, when Wei Yuanzhong had just donned the purple robe of office, I, as a, went to congratulate him. Wei Yuanzhong said to the guests, 'To receive favor without merit fills me with shame and fear.' I indeed said, 'Your Excellency bears the responsibilities of Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou; what shame is there in a third-rank office?' Now Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou were the most loyal of ministers, honored by ancients and moderns alike. If Your Majesty appoints a chancellor and does not allow him to emulate Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou, whom should he emulate? Moreover, do I not know that today, by siding with Zhang Changzong, I could immediately gain high office, while by siding with Wei Yuanzhong, I would face immediate extermination of my clan! But I fear the wronged spirit of Wei Yuanzhong and dare not slander him." The Empress Dowager said, "Zhang Shuo is a fickle and unreliable man; he should be imprisoned and punished together." Later, when interrogated again, Zhang Shuo gave the same answer. The Empress Dowager, enraged, ordered the chancellors and the Prince of Henei, Wu Yizong, to interrogate him jointly, but Zhang Shuo held to his original statement.

Zhu Jingze submitted a straightforward memorial to plead for him, saying, "Wei Yuanzhong has long been renowned for loyalty and uprightness; the charges against Zhang Shuo have no basis. If they are punished, it will lose the hopes of all under Heaven." Su Anheng also submitted a memorial, arguing: "At the beginning of Your Majesty's new reign, people considered you a ruler who could accept remonstrance; in later years, they consider you a ruler who heeds slander and flattery. Since Wei Yuanzhong was imprisoned, the streets and lanes are filled with murmurs, all saying that Your Majesty trusts evil men and drives away the worthy. Loyal ministers and determined scholars privately strike their thighs and sigh, but in court they close their mouths, fearing to offend the wishes of Zhang Yizhi and his associates, only to die in vain without benefit. Now taxes and corvée are heavy, the people are impoverished, and with slanderous flatterers monopolizing power and acting arbitrarily, punishments and rewards are improper. I privately fear that the people's hearts will be unsettled, giving rise to other upheavals—contending at the Vermilion Bird Gate, inquiring about the tripods before the Daming Hall. How will Your Majesty apologize, how will you resist?" When Zhang Yizhi and his group saw his memorial, they were greatly angered and wanted to kill him, but thanks to the protection and rescue of Zhu Jingze, Fengge Sheren Huan Yanfan, and Zhuzuo Lang Lu Ze Wei Zhigu, he escaped death.

On the day dingyou, Wei Yuanzhong was demoted to the post of Gaoyao Commandant; Gao Jian and Zhang Shuo were both banished to Lingnan. When Wei Yuanzhong took his leave, he said to the Empress Dowager, "I am old, and now going to Lingnan, where nine out of ten chances are death. There will surely come a day when Your Majesty thinks of me." The Empress Dowager asked why, and at the time Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong were both attending at her side. Wei Yuanzhong pointed at them and said, "These two young men will ultimately be the root of disaster." Zhang Yizhi and the others descended the hall, beating their chests and kowtowing, crying out their innocence. The Empress Dowager said, "Wei Yuanzhong, go!"

The Palace Censor, Wang Jun of Jingcheng, again submitted a memorial pleading for Wei Yuanzhong. Song Jing said to him, "Lord Wei was fortunate to survive; now you again risk the imperial wrath—will this not bring you trouble!" Wang Jun said, "Lord Wei was punished for loyalty; I, Wang Jun, am stirred by righteousness. Even if I am reduced to ruin, I will have no regrets." Song Jing sighed and said, "I could not plead for Lord Wei; indeed, I have failed the court!"

The Grand Administrator of the Heir Apparent, Cui Zhenshen, and eight others saw Wei Yuanzhong off outside the city. Zhang Yizhi forged a complaint from a secret informant named Chai Ming, claiming that Cui Zhenshen and the others were plotting rebellion with Wei Yuanzhong. The Empress Dowager sent the Investigating Censor of Dantu, Ma Huaisu, to interrogate the matter, and said to him, "These matters are all true; simply question them briefly and report quickly." Soon, palace envoys urged him repeatedly, saying, "The signs of rebellion are very clear; why such delay?" Ma Huaisu requested that Chai Ming be brought for confrontation. The Empress Dowager said, "I myself do not know where Chai Ming is; you just interrogate according to the complaint—why do you need the informant?" Ma Huaisu reported the truth. The Empress Dowager, enraged, said, "Do you want to let the rebels go free?" He replied, "I dare not let rebels go free. Wei Yuanzhong was demoted as a chancellor; Cui Zhenshen and the others, being relatives and old acquaintances, saw him off. If they are falsely accused of rebellion, I truly dare not do so. In the past, Luan Bu presented a case before the head of Peng Yue, and Emperor Gaozu did not consider him guilty; how much less is Wei Yuanzhong's punishment less than that of Peng Yue, yet Your Majesty would execute those who saw him off! Moreover, Your Majesty holds the power of life and death; if you wish to punish someone, it depends solely on Your Majesty's will. But if you order me to interrogate, how dare I not report the truth!" The Empress Dowager said, "Do you want to pardon them all?" He replied, "My talent is dull; truly I see no crime in them!" The Empress Dowager's anger eased. Cui Zhenshen and the others thus escaped punishment.

The Empress Dowager once ordered a banquet for high dignitaries, where Zhang Yizhi and his brother were seated above Song Jing. Zhang Yizhi, who had always been wary of Song Jing and wanted to please him, vacated a higher seat and bowed, saying, "You are the foremost man of the day; why sit in a lower place?" Song Jing said, "My talent is poor and my rank low; you, Zhang Qing, consider me foremost—why is that?" The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Zheng Gao, said to Song Jing, "Zhongcheng, how can you address Fifth Young Master as qing?" Song Jing said, "By official position, it is proper to call him qing. You are not a servant of Zhang Qing's household—what is this talk of 'Young Master'!" All the guests were shocked and uneasy. At that time, from Wu Sansi down, everyone carefully attended to Zhang Yizhi and his brother, but only Song Jing did not bow to them. The Zhang brothers harbored deep resentment and often sought to slander him; but the Empress Dowager knew their intentions, so Song Jing escaped harm.

On the day dingwei, the Left Grand General of the Guards, Wu Youyi, was appointed Acting Guardian of the Western Capital.

Winter, tenth month, on the day bingyin, the imperial chariot departed from the Western Capital; on the day yiyou, it arrived at the Divine Capital.

Eleventh month, on the day jichou, the Turks sent envoys to thank for permission to marry. On the day bingshen, a banquet was held at the Terrace of Suyu, attended by the Heir Apparent. The Supervisor of the Heir Apparent's Household, Cui Shenqing, submitted a memorial, arguing: "Now officials of the fifth rank and above wear turtle tallies, to guard against fraud when summoned by special edict; the inner tally is matched, and then orders are obeyed. How much more is the Heir Apparent the foundation of the state! Since ancient times, jade tallies have been used for summons. This is indeed extremely cautious. Yesterday, because the Turkic envoys were received in audience, the Heir Apparent was to attend the morning audience; only a written order was sent to the Eastern Palace, but no edict was issued for handling. In my humble opinion, if the Heir Apparent is summoned on days other than the first and fifteenth for special audiences, I hope an ink edict and jade tally will be issued." The Empress Dowager greatly approved.

The Liao people of Shi'an, led by Ouyang Qian, gathered tens of thousands, attacked prefectures and counties, and the court sought a good official to pacify them. Zhu Jingze recommended the Director of the Bureau of Personnel, Pei Huaigu, as possessing both civil and military talent. An edict was issued appointing Pei Huaigu as Governor of Guizhou and concurrently as Commissioner for Pacification and Suppression. As soon as Pei Huaigu reached the mountain passes, he quickly sent letters explaining the consequences of good and evil. Ouyang Qian and his followers surrendered, saying, "We were oppressed by officials, so we raised troops to save ourselves." Pei Huaigu went on a light horse to meet them. His attendants said, "The Liao people are untrustworthy and should not be taken lightly." Pei Huaigu said, "I rely on loyalty and trust, which can communicate with the spirits, let alone with men!" So he went to their camp. The rebels were overjoyed and returned the goods they had plundered; all the tribal chiefs who had been wavering came to sincerely submit, and the region beyond the mountains was completely pacified.

That year, envoys were sent separately to inspect prefectures and counties according to the six criteria.

All the tribes on the southern border of the Tubo kingdom rebelled. The Tsenpo, Khi 'Od-snang, personally led an army to attack them but died in the military camp. His sons contended for succession, and after a long time, the people established his son, Gyeltsen, as Tsenpo, who was then seven years old.

Empress Zetian Shunsheng, the fourth year of the Chang'an era (Jiachen, 704 AD)

In the spring, the first month, on the bing-shen day (doubtful), the court built the Heavenly Pivot (a bronze and iron pillar) at the divine capital Luoyang, following the suggestion of Wu Sansi. The Heavenly Pivot was entirely cast from bronze and iron, shaped like a pillar, 105 feet high, 12 feet in diameter, with eight sides, each five feet wide. Its base was an iron mountain-shaped pedestal, 170 feet in circumference, surrounded by bronze coiled dragons and qilin auspicious beasts; atop the pillar was cast a cloud-supporting dew-collecting basin, three zhang in diameter, on which stood four dragon-men (strongmen holding fiery dragons), holding fiery pearls (bronze spheres), one zhang tall. The craftsman Mao Poluo designed the model, and Wu Sansi composed the inscription, which loudly praised the Wu Zhou revolution and disparaged the Li Tang dynasty, and carved the names of the civil and military officials and the chieftains of the four barbarian tribes, finally engraving on the pillar body the eight large characters: "The Heavenly Pivot of the Great Zhou for the Praise of Virtue by the Ten Thousand States." After the Heavenly Pivot was completed, Wu Zetian personally attended the scene and bestowed a banquet on the officials; Liang King Wu Sansi was appointed Commissioner of the Heavenly Pivot (the commission responsible for building it).

In the third month, on the ding-wei day (the fourth), Wu Zetian fell gravely ill; the chancellor and the heir apparent were not allowed to enter and attend to her, only Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong, the brothers, were by her side serving. Chancellor Cui Xuanwei submitted a memorial saying: "The heir apparent and Prince Xiang (Li Dan) are both benevolent and filial close relatives, fully capable of attending to Your Majesty's medicines. In the heavily guarded palace, I believe it is inappropriate to allow persons of a different surname to enter and leave at will." Wu Zetian replied in: "I deeply appreciate your good intentions." Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong, seeing that Wu Zetian's illness was critical, feared that misfortune would befall them, and secretly formed factions for private gain, plotting to protect themselves. Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices Zhang Tongxiu, Prefect of Bianzhou Zhang Changqi, Vice Director of the Palace Treasury Zhang Changyi, and others all attached themselves to them.

In the fourth month, on the wu-shen day (the fifth), Wu Zetian appointed Wei Anshi, the Grand Councilor, as the Defender-in-Chief of the Divine Capital, concurrently holding the posts of Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Minister of Rites, and Minister of Justice. Previously, the Minister of Agriculture Zhao Lüwen and the Director of the Bureau of Titles Lu Yuqing had advised Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong; after Lu Yuqing was dismissed, he attached himself to Wei Anshi, who repeatedly reported their crimes to Wu Zetian.

In the fifth month, Wu Zetian appointed Zhang Tongxiu as Vice Minister of Rites. In the same month, Zhang Tongxiu, Zhang Changqi, and Zhang Changyi were imprisoned for corruption and bribery, and Wu Zetian ordered the Left and Right Censorates to jointly try the case. On the bing-wu day (the fourth), Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong were also imprisoned. Wu Zetian summoned the chancellors for discussion; among the chancellors, some said: "Zhang Changzong and others deserve the death penalty." Wu Zetian disagreed. Minister of the Court of Judicial Review Huan Yanfan submitted a memorial saying: "Zhang Changzong and others received favor without merit, yet harbored treacherous intentions, bringing guilt upon themselves. Your Majesty cannot bear to execute them, but instead indulges them—this is to defy Heaven's will and harm Your Majesty's sacred virtue." Wu Zetian said: "Zhang Changzong once presented me with elixirs; he is indeed attentive in serving my intentions." Huan Yanfan said: "What Your Majesty loves is the elixirs; what Your Majesty disregards is the altars of state. Zhang Changzong and others are merely crafty flatterers; if Your Majesty pardons them because of elixirs, what will the world say?" Wu Zetian remained silent. In the sixth month, Wu Zetian demoted Zhang Tongxiu, Zhang Changqi, and Zhang Changyi to magistrates of remote prefectures; she further demoted Zhang Changzong to Vice Minister of Agriculture, while Zhang Yizhi retained his original post, but ordered them to return to their respective offices. Shortly after, Wu Zetian restored Zhang Changzong's office.

In the autumn, the seventh month, Wu Zetian ordered the Prince of Jian’an, Wu Youyi, to defend the western capital Chang’an, replacing Wu Yizong.

In the eighth month, Wu Zetian issued an edict that in the first month of the following year, she would proceed to the western capital Chang’an.

Wu Zetian specially took out goods worth a million cash from the palace and gave them to Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong, ordering them to set up a vegetarian feast to pray for blessings. Someone reported this to Chancellor Wei Anshi, who said: "The Zhang Yizhi brothers are merely favored flatterers; if I learn they are plotting treason, I will naturally handle it according to law. As for such a minor matter as setting up a vegetarian feast to pray for blessings, why bother about it!" Chancellors Yang Zaisi, Li Jiao, Cui Xuanwei, and others also chimed in agreement.

In the ninth month, Wu Zetian appointed Zhang Yizhi as Director of the Palace Library and Zhang Changzong as Vice Minister of Rites. The Remonstrator Zhu Jingze submitted a memorial saying: "Your Majesty favors Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong; I dare not say much. But I have heard that Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong have unfathomable intentions; if Your Majesty continues to indulge them, I fear there may be unexpected changes. I wish Your Majesty would consider the altars of state as important and deal with them early." Wu Zetian did not adopt his advice.

In the winter, the tenth month, on the ren-yin day (the second), Wu Zetian appointed Wei Anshi, the Grand Councilor, as the Defender-in-Chief of the Divine Capital, concurrently holding the posts of Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Minister of Rites, and Minister of Justice. Previously, the Minister of Agriculture Zhao Lüwen and the Director of the Bureau of Titles Lu Yuqing had advised Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong; after Lu Yuqing was dismissed, he attached himself to Wei Anshi, who repeatedly reported their crimes to Wu Zetian.

In the eleventh month, Wu Zetian's illness worsened; Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong became even more arrogant. Chancellors Zhang Jianzhi, Cui Xuanwei, the Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs Jing Hui, Minister of the Court of Judicial Review Huan Yanfan, and the Assistant of the Prince of Xiang’s Mansion Yuan Shuji secretly plotted to kill Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong. Zhang Jianzhi said to General of the Right Guard Li Duozuo: "The wealth and honor you enjoy today—who bestowed them?" Li Duozuo wept and replied: "They were bestowed by the Great Emperor Gaozong (Emperor Gaozong of Tang)." Zhang Jianzhi said: "Now the son of the Great Emperor Gaozong (the heir apparent Li Xian) is being endangered by Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong. Does the general not wish to repay Gaozong’s grace?" Li Duozuo said: "As long as it benefits the altars of state, I will follow the chancellor’s orders completely, not daring to consider myself." Thereupon, they swore an oath by heaven and earth, and together fixed the plan to kill Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong.

In the spring, the first month, on the bing-shen day, a decree was issued appointing the General of the Right Guard Ashina Huaidao as the Qaghan of the Ten Tribes of the Western Turks. Huaidao was the son of Huseluo.

On the ding-wei day, the Sanyang Palace was demolished, and its materials were used to build the Xingtai Palace on Mount Wan’an. Both of these palaces were built on the suggestion of Wu Sansi, who requested that the Empress Dowager visit them annually; the projects were extremely costly, and the people suffered greatly. The Left Reminder Lu Zangyong submitted a memorial arguing: "Your Majesty’s close attendants mostly take obedience as loyalty, while court officials all take offending the sovereign as a caution, causing Your Majesty not to know that the people have lost their livelihoods, harming Your Majesty’s virtue. If Your Majesty truly takes the people’s toil as a reason and issues an edict to stop these projects, then the world will know that Your Majesty has suffered for yourself and loved the people." The Empress Dowager did not follow his advice. Lu Zangyong was a grandson of a younger brother of Lu Chengqing.

On the ren-zi day, Wei Sili, the Vice Minister of Personnel, was appointed Vice Director of the Phoenix Department and Grand Councilor.

Li Jiongxiu, the Vice Minister of War and Grand Councilor, was heavily involved in bribery; the Investigating Censor Ma Huaisu impeached him. In the second month, on the gui-hai day, Li Jiongxiu was demoted to Prefect of Luzhou.

On the ren-shen day, Zhu Jingze, the Grand Rectifier and Grand Councilor, retired due to old age and illness. When Zhu Jingze served as chancellor, he prioritized selecting talented people and dealt with no other trivial matters.

The Empress Dowager once discussed prefects and county magistrates with the chancellors. In the third month, on the ji-chou day, Li Jiao and Tang Xiujing and others submitted a memorial: "We observe that in the court’s discussions and the sentiments of people far and near, none do not value capital officials and disdain external appointments; every time a local governor is appointed, there are repeated complaints. Recently, those sent to external posts are mostly officials who have been demoted; the lack of clarity in customs is truly due to this. We hope that from the departments, courts, offices, and directorates, worthy and virtuous people may be carefully selected to govern the large prefectures separately and jointly revive the various government affairs. We request to resign from our close attendant posts and take the lead as examples." The Empress Dowager ordered them to write down names and draw lots; she obtained Wei Sili, the Censor-in-Chief Yang Zaisi, and twenty others. On the gui-si day, an edict ordered them each to serve as acting prefects in their original posts, with Wei Sili as Prefect of Bianzhou. Later, only the Prefect of Changzhou, Xue Qianguang, and the Prefect of Xuzhou, Sima Huang, had commendable achievements in governance.

On the ding-hai day, the Prince of Ping’en, Wu Chongfu, was enfeoffed as the Prince of Qiao.

Zong Chuke, the Vice Minister of War, was appointed Grand Councilor.

The Vice Director of the Phoenix Department and Tong Fengge Luantai Sanpin Su Weidao requested leave to return home to bury his father. An imperial edict ordered the prefectures and counties to provide for the funeral arrangements. Su Weidao took the opportunity to encroach upon his fellow villagers’ grave fields and imposed excessive corvée labor. The Investigating Censor Xiao Zhizhong impeached him, resulting in his demotion to the Prefect of Fangzhou. Xiao Zhizhong was the great-great-grandson of Xiao Yin.

Summer, fourth month, Renxu: Wei Anshi, Tong Fengge Luantai Sanpin, was appointed Nayan, and Li Jiao was appointed to the post of Neishi.

The Empress Dowager went to Xingtai Palace.

The Empress Dowager again levied taxes on monks and nuns throughout the empire to construct a great Buddha image at Baisima Slope, ordering the Minister of Spring Offices, Wu Youning, to oversee the project, which cost hundreds of millions. Li Jiao submitted a memorial stating: “Among the commoners registered in the empire’s household registers, the poor and weak are numerous. The funds for building the Buddha image now amount to over one hundred seventy thousand strings of cash. If distributed as alms, giving one thousand cash to each person, it could relieve over one hundred seventy thousand households. This would save them from the hardships of hunger and cold, reduce the vexations of forced labor, conform to the compassionate mind of all Buddhas, and spread the nurturing intent of the sage ruler. Both men and spirits would rejoice, and the merit would be boundless. Compared to forming good karma only afterward, how does this match the immediate reward!” The Investigating Censor Zhang Tinggui submitted a remonstrance, saying: “Your subject, in terms of current affairs, holds that the priority should be to govern the borders, fill the treasuries, and nurture the people’s strength. In terms of Buddhism, the priority should be to rescue suffering, eliminate all forms, and esteem non-action. I humbly beseech Your Majesty to consider my foolish loyalty, to implement the Buddha’s intent, to prioritize good governance, and not to reject the advice because of the speaker.” The Empress Dowager therefore halted the project, summoned Zhang Tinggui, and deeply rewarded and comforted him.

Yao Yuanchong, Vice Director of the Phoenix Department and Tong Fengge Luantai Sanpin, firmly requested to return home to care for his elderly mother; in the sixth month, Xinyou, Yao Yuanchong was appointed acting Chief Steward of the Prince of Xiang’s mansion, with salary and rank both at the level of Sanpin.

Yichou: Cui Xuanwei, Director of the Heavenly Offices, was appointed Tong Pingzhangshi.

The Vice Director of the Phoenix Department, Tong Pingzhangshi, and acting Prefect of Bianzhou, Wei Sili, was summoned to Xingtai Palace.

Dingchou: Li Jiao was appointed Tong Fengge Luantai Sanpin. Li Jiao himself requested to be relieved of his Neishi duties.

Renwu: Yao Yuanchong, Chief Steward of the Prince of Xiang’s mansion, was concurrently placed in charge of the Minister of Summer Offices and Tong Fengge Luantai Sanpin.

Autumn, seventh month, Bingxu: Yang Zaisi, Deputy Director of the Divine Capital, was appointed Neishi.

Yang Zaisi, serving as Chancellor, relied solely on flattery to please others. Zhang Tongxiu, Junior Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, was the elder brother of Zhang Yizhi. He once gathered the nobles for a banquet. When the wine was flowing, he jestingly said to Yang Zaisi: “Neishi Yang’s face looks like a Goguryeo person.” Yang Zaisi gladly agreed, cut out paper and stuck it on his headband, draped a purple robe backward, and performed a Goguryeo dance, causing the whole company to laugh heartily. At that time, someone praised Zhang Changzong’s beauty, saying: “Sixth Lang’s face is like a lotus flower.” Only Yang Zaisi said: “That’s wrong.” When Zhang Changzong asked him why, Yang Zaisi said: “It’s that the lotus flower is like Sixth Lang.”

Jiawu: The Empress Dowager returned to the palace.

Yiwu: Zhang Tongxiu, Junior Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices; Zhang Changqi, Prefect of Bianzhou; and Zhang Changyi, Junior Director of the Palace Workshops, were all imprisoned for corruption. An edict ordered the Left and Right Courts to conduct a joint interrogation. Bingshen: An edict ordered that Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong, for abusing their power, also be interrogated together. Xinchou: Jia Jingyan, Chief Judge of the Directorate of Judicial Administration, memorialized: “Zhang Changzong forcibly purchased another’s land; he should be fined twenty catties of copper.” The edict said: “Approved.” Yisi: The Censor-in-Chief Li Chengjia and the Chief Censor Huan Yanfan memorialized: “The Zhang Tongxiu brothers’ illicit funds total over four thousand strings of cash. Zhang Changzong, according to law, should be dismissed from office.” Zhang Changzong memorialized: “Your subject has merit toward the state, and the crime committed does not warrant dismissal.” The Empress Dowager asked the Chancellors: “Does Zhang Changzong have merit?” Yang Zaisi said: “Zhang Changzong prepared the divine elixir, which Your Majesty took and found effective; this is an extraordinary merit.” The Empress Dowager was pleased, pardoned Zhang Changzong’s crime, and restored his office. The Left Rectifier of Omissions Dai Lingyan composed a “Fu on the Two-Legged Fox” to satirize Yang Zaisi; Yang Zaisi sent Dai Lingyan away as the Magistrate of Changshe County.

Bingwu: Zong Chuke, Vice Minister of Summer Offices and Tong Pingzhangshi, was guilty of an offense and demoted to the Commander of Yuanzhou, filling the post of the Grand Generalissimo of the Lingwu Circuit.

Guichou: Zhang Tongxiu was demoted to the Assistant Magistrate of Qishan, and Zhang Changyi was demoted to the Assistant Magistrate of Bowang.

Wei Anshi, Vice Director of the Phoenix Department, Acting Nayan, and Tong Fengge Luantai Sanpin, impeached Zhang Yizhi and his associates for their crimes. An edict ordered Wei Anshi and Tang Xiujing, Right Heir Apparent and Tong Fengge Luantai Sanpin, to interrogate them, but before it was finished, the circumstances changed. In the eighth month, Jiayin, Wei Anshi was appointed concurrently to oversee the Chief of Yangzhou. Gengshen, Tang Xiujing was appointed concurrently Commander of Youzhou and Yingzhou and Protector-General of Andong. When Tang Xiujing was about to depart, he secretly said to the Crown Prince: “The two Zhangs, relying on imperial favor, do not observe the conduct of subjects; they will surely cause rebellion. Your Highness should guard against them.” Yao Yuanchong, Chief Steward of the Prince of Xiang’s mansion and concurrently in charge of the Minister of Summer Offices and Tong Fengge Luantai Sanpin, memorialized: “Your subject serves the Prince of Xiang and should not control military forces. Your subject dares not cherish his life, but fears it might bring harm to the Prince of Xiang.” Xinyou: He was transferred to the Minister of Spring Offices, with the other duties as before. Yao Yuanchong’s given name was Yuanzhi. At that time, the Tujue Bili Yuanchong rebelled, so the Empress Dowager ordered Yao Yuanchong to use his style name.

Since the Tujue Mojo had already made peace through marriage, Wuyin, he finally sent the Prince of Huaiyang, Wu Yanxiu, back.

Ninth month, Renzi: Yao Yuanzhi was appointed the Grand Generalissimo of the Lingwu Circuit. Xinyou: Yao Yuanzhi was appointed the Pacification Commissioner of Lingwu Circuit.

When Yao Yuanzhi was about to depart, the Empress Dowager ordered him to recommend officials outside the court who could serve as Chancellors. He replied: “Zhang Jianzhi is steady, profound, and resourceful, capable of deciding great matters; moreover, this man is already old. I beg Your Majesty to employ him urgently.” Winter, tenth month, Jiaxu: Zhang Jianzhi, Vice Minister of Autumn Offices, was appointed Tong Pingzhangshi. He was then nearly eighty years old.

Yihai: Wei Sili was appointed acting Prefect of Weizhou, with the other duties as before.

Renwu: Fang Rong, Chief of Huaizhou and a man of Henan, was appointed Tong Pingzhangshi.

The Empress Dowager ordered the Chancellors each to recommend persons suitable for the position of Vice Director. Wei Sili recommended Cen Xi, the Magistrate of Guangwu, saying: “I only regret that he is implicated by his uncle Cen Changqian.” The Empress Dowager said: “If he has talent, what does this implication matter!” Thereupon she appointed him Vice Director of the Heavenly Offices. From then on, those who had been implicated began to be employed.

Eleventh month, Dinghai: Wei Chengqing, Director of the Heavenly Offices, was appointed Vice Director of the Phoenix Department and Tong Pingzhangshi.

Guimao: Li Jiao, Chancellor of the National University and Tong Fengge Luantai Sanpin, was dismissed and transferred to the Minister of Earth Offices.

Twelfth month, Jiayin: An edict ordered that all offices newly established since the Dazu era be abolished.

Bingchen: Wei Sili, Vice Director of the Phoenix Department and Tong Pingzhangshi, was dismissed and transferred to the Chancellor of the National University, while his acting post of Prefect of Weizhou remained as before; this was because his elder brother Wei Chengqing had entered court as Chancellor.

The Empress Dowager fell ill and stayed in the Palace of Eternal Life. The Chancellors could not see her for several months; only Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong attended at her side. When her condition slightly improved, Cui Xuanwei memorialized: “The Crown Prince and the Prince of Xiang are benevolent, wise, filial, and fraternal, fully capable of attending to the medicines and soups. Matters within the palace are of great importance; I humbly beg that people of different surnames not be allowed to enter or leave.” The Empress Dowager said: “I thank you for your kind intentions.” Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong, seeing that the Empress Dowager was gravely ill, feared that disaster would fall upon them, so they gathered their partisans and secretly made preparations. Repeatedly, people wrote anonymous letters or posted notices on the main streets, saying, “The Yizhi brothers are plotting rebellion,” but the Empress Dowager took no notice.

On the day Xinyi, Yang Yuansi, a native of Xuzhou, reported: "Zhang Changzong once summoned the sorcerer Li Hongtai to perform divination. Li Hongtai said that Zhang Changzong had the physiognomy of the Son of Heaven and advised him to build a Buddhist temple in Dingzhou, so that the empire would turn its hearts to him." The Empress Dowager ordered Wei Chengqing, together with Minister of Justice Cui Shenqing and Censor-in-Chief Song Jing, to interrogate him. Cui Shenqing was the younger brother of Cui Shenji. Wei Chengqing and Cui Shenqing memorialized: "Zhang Changzong testified that 'Li Hongtai's words had already been reported to the court.' According to law, voluntary surrender can exempt him from punishment. Li Hongtai's seditious words mislead the people; we request his arrest and punishment according to law." Song Jing and the Chief Judge of the Grand Court, Feng Quanzhen, memorialized: "Zhang Changzong is so favored, yet he summoned a sorcerer for divination—what did he seek? Li Hongtai claimed to have divined the pure Qian hexagram, which is the hexagram of the Son of Heaven. If Zhang Changzong considered Li Hongtai's words delusional, why did he not immediately hand him over to the authorities! Although he said he had reported it, it ultimately harbors a treacherous heart. According to law, he should be executed and his property confiscated. We request his arrest and imprisonment to thoroughly investigate his crime!" The Empress Dowager remained silent for a long time. Song Jing again said: "If he is not arrested immediately, I fear it will unsettle the people's hearts." The Empress Dowager said: "You may stop the investigation for now; wait until I review the detailed documents." Song Jing withdrew. The Left Reminder, Li Yong of Jiangdu, advanced and said: "Just now, I observed Song Jing's memorial; his purpose is to stabilize the altars of state, not for his own gain. I hope Your Majesty will approve his request." The Empress Dowager did not listen. Shortly thereafter, she issued an edict ordering Song Jing to go to Yangzhou to conduct an investigation, then ordered him to examine the corruption of Quzhuzhong Xiang, the Governor of Youzhou, and then ordered him to assist Li Jiao in pacifying Long and Shu. Song Jing refused to go in every case, memorializing: "According to precedent, when a prefectural or county official commits a crime, those of high rank are investigated by the Attending Censor, and those of low rank by the Investigating Censor. The Censor-in-Chief should not be sent out unless for matters of military or state importance. Now, there is no disturbance in Long or Shu; I do not know why Your Majesty sends me out. I dare not obey any of these edicts."

The Vice Minister of Justice, Huan Yanfan, submitted a memorial arguing: "Zhang Changzong, without merit, enjoys favor, yet harbors a treacherous heart and incriminates himself. This is Heaven's anger. If Your Majesty cannot bear to execute him, it will violate Heaven's will and bring misfortune. Moreover, since Zhang Changzong said he had reported the matter, he should not have continued to associate with Li Hongtai, seeking blessings and averting calamities. This shows he initially had no intention of repentance. The reason he reported it was to claim prior disclosure if the matter was exposed, and to wait for an opportunity to rebel if it was not. This is the cunning of a treacherous minister. If it can be pardoned, who then should be punished! Moreover, since the matter has been exposed again, and Your Majesty releases him without inquiry, it makes Zhang Changzong even more self-satisfied and smug, and the people of the empire think his life is not fated to end. This is Your Majesty nurturing his rebellion. If rebellious ministers are not executed, the altars of state will perish. I request that he be handed over to the Three Departments of the Phoenix and Chancellery for thorough investigation of his crime!" The memorial was submitted, but no response was given.

Cui Xuanwei also repeatedly spoke on the matter. The Empress Dowager ordered the judicial authorities to decide his crime. Cui Xuanwei's younger brother, the Vice Minister of Justice Cui Bian, sentenced him to death. Song Jing again memorialized, requesting Zhang Changzong's arrest and imprisonment. The Empress Dowager said: "Zhang Changzong has already reported it himself." Song Jing replied: "Zhang Changzong was compelled by an anonymous letter, in a desperate situation he confessed; it was not from his own heart. Moreover, for treason and rebellion, voluntary surrender does not exempt punishment. If Zhang Changzong does not receive severe punishment, what use are the laws of the state!" The Empress Dowager tried to placate him with gentle words. Song Jing's voice and expression grew even more severe, saying: "Zhang Changzong receives extraordinary favor. I know that as soon as I speak, disaster will come, but righteous indignation fills my heart; even death leaves no regret!" The Empress Dowager was displeased. Yang Zaisi, fearing he would anger the Empress Dowager, hastily issued an edict ordering him to withdraw. Song Jing said: "The wise sovereign is here; no need for the prime minister to presumptuously issue edicts!" The Empress Dowager then approved his request, sending Zhang Changzong to the Censorate. Song Jing stood in the courtyard interrogating him. Before the matter was concluded, the Empress Dowager sent a palace attendant to summon Zhang Changzong and issued a special pardon, releasing him. Song Jing sighed and said: "Not shattering that scoundrel's head first—this is truly a regret!" The Empress Dowager then ordered Zhang Changzong to go to Song Jing to apologize, but Song Jing refused to see him.

The Left Censor-in-Chief, Huan Yanfan, and the Right Censor-in-Chief, Yuan Shuji of Dongguang, jointly recommended the Supervisor of the Household of the Heir Apparent, Yang Jiao, as a Censor. Yang Zaisi said: "Yang Jiao does not like the task of striking out; what shall we do?" Huan Yanfan said: "Selecting talent for an official post—must we wait for his willingness? For those who are unwilling, especially give it to them. This promotes the spirit of difficult advancement and curbs the path of impatient office-seekers." Thus, they promoted Yang Jiao to be an Attending Censor of the Right Censorate. Yang Jiao was the great-great-grandson of Yang Xiuzhi.

Earlier, Li Jiao and Cui Xuanwei had memorialized: "In the past, during the time of the revolution, many people committed rebellious acts, leading to harsh officials who arbitrarily applied cruel laws. We request that all those who were ruined by the impeachments of Zhou Xing and others be fully exonerated and pardoned." The Vice Minister of Justice, Huan Yanfan, also memorialized repeatedly, submitting over ten memorials, before the Empress Dowager agreed.

Emperor Zhongzong, the Great Harmony and Great Sage Filial August Sovereign, Part One

The Empress Zetian Shunsheng, Later Section, Shenlong First Year (Yisi, 705 CE)

Spring, first month, on the day Renwu (the first day of the month), a general amnesty was granted throughout the empire, and the reign title was changed. From the Wenming era onward, those who had committed crimes, unless they were involved in the three cases of Yangzhou, Yuzhou, and Bozhou, or were principal offenders in various rebellions, were all pardoned. The Empress Dowager was seriously ill. The Director of the Qilin Bureau, Zhang Yizhi, and the Vice Minister of the Spring Office, Zhang Changzong, held power in the palace. Zhang Jianzhi, Cui Xuanwei, together with the Right Vice Director of the Central Secretariat, Jing Hui, the Vice Minister of Justice, Huan Yanfan, and the Commandant of the Prince of Xiang's Manor, Yuan Shuji, planned to kill them. Zhang Jianzhi said to the General of the Right Guard of the Feathered Forest, Li Duozuo: "General, from whom do you have your present wealth and rank?" Li Duozuo wept and said: "From the Great Emperor Gaozong." Zhang Jianzhi said: "Now, the Great Emperor's son is being harmed by two scoundrels. Does the general not wish to repay the Great Emperor's grace?" Li Duozuo said: "As long as it benefits the state, I will follow your orders without sparing myself or my wife and children!" Then he swore an oath to Heaven. Thus, he joined in devising the plan with him.

Earlier, Zhang Jianzhi and the Chief Administrator of Jing Province, Yang Yuanyan of Minxiang, had taken turns in office. Once they crossed a river together on a boat. When they reached the middle of the river, they spoke of the Empress Dowager's change of dynastic house. Yang Yuanyan was impassioned and had the ambition to restore the Tang house. When Zhang Jianzhi became Chancellor, he recommended Yang Yuanyan as General of the Right Feathered Forest, saying to him: "Do you remember what was said on the river that day? Today's appointment is not given lightly." Zhang Jianzhi also appointed Huan Yanfan, Jing Hui, and the Right Vice Director of the Secretariat, Li Zhan, all as Generals of the Left and Right Feathered Forest, entrusting the Imperial Guard to them. Zhang Yizhi and the others were suspicious and fearful, so they had their own partisan, Wu Youyi, appointed as General of the Right Feathered Forest, and only then were Zhang Yizhi and the others reassured.

Soon, Yao Yuanzhi returned from Lingwu to the capital. Zhang Jianzhi and Huan Yanfan said to each other: "The matter is accomplished!" Then they told him their plan. Huan Yanfan informed his mother of the matter. His mother said: "Loyalty and filial piety cannot both be fulfilled; it is acceptable to consider the state first and the family second." At that time, the Heir Apparent was entering and exiting the Northern Gate for his daily activities. Huan Yanfan and Jing Hui met the Heir Apparent and secretly stated their strategy. The Heir Apparent agreed.

On the day Guimao (the twenty-second day), Zhang Jianzhi, Cui Xuanwei, Huan Yanfan, together with the General of the Left Prestigious Guard, Xue Sixing, and others, led over five hundred soldiers from the Left and Right Feathered Forest to the Xuanwu Gate, and sent Li Duozuo, Li Zhan, and the Chief of the Inner Palace, the Commandant-Escort, Wang Tongjiao of Anyang, to the Eastern Palace to welcome the Heir Apparent. The Heir Apparent hesitated and refused to come out. Wang Tongjiao said: "The late Emperor entrusted the rivers and mountains to Your Highness, yet Your Highness suffered unjust imprisonment and deposition, causing resentment among men and spirits alike for twenty-three years! Now, Heaven has awakened the hearts of the people. The Northern Gate Imperial Guard and the Southern Court officials are united in purpose to kill the evil scoundrels today and restore the Li house's altars of state. We hope Your Highness will graciously proceed to the Xuanwu Gate to respond to the people's hopes." The Heir Apparent said: "The evil scoundrels should indeed be eliminated, but the Empress is unwell; how can she not be alarmed! Gentlemen, please make further plans." Li Zhan said: "The generals and chancellors have disregarded their families to sacrifice for the altars of state. Why does Your Highness want to throw them into the cauldron! Please, Your Highness, go out personally to stop them." Only then did the Heir Apparent come out.

Wang Tongjiao supported the crown prince onto his horse and followed him to Xuanwu Gate, where they cut through the door bolt and charged in. The Empress Dowager was in Yingxian Palace when Zhang Jianzhi and the others beheaded Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong in the corridor, then entered the Changsheng Hall, where the Empress Dowager resided, and surrounded her with guards. The Empress Dowager rose in alarm and asked, “Who is causing the rebellion?” They replied, “Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong plotted treason; your subjects, following the crown prince’s command, have executed them. Fearing a leak, we dared not report beforehand. To use troops within the palace is a capital offense!” The Empress Dowager, seeing the crown prince, said, “Is it you? Since the boys have already been killed, you may return to the Eastern Palace!” Huan Yanfan stepped forward and said, “How can the crown prince go back again? Formerly, the Late Emperor entrusted his beloved son to Your Majesty. Now the crown prince is of mature age and has long resided in the Eastern Palace. Heaven’s will and human hearts have long yearned for the Li clan. The ministers have not forgotten the kindness of Emperor Taizong and the Late Emperor, and thus they serve the crown prince in executing the traitorous ministers. We hope Your Majesty will pass the throne to the crown prince, to comply with Heaven’s will and human hearts!” Li Zhan was the son of Li Yifu. When the Empress Dowager saw him, she said to him, “Are you also the general who killed Zhang Yizhi? I have treated you and your father well, yet it has come to this!” Li Zhan was ashamed and could not reply. The Empress Dowager then said to Cui Xuanwei, “Others were all recommended and advanced by others; only you were personally promoted by me, yet you are here too?” He replied, “This is precisely the way to repay Your Majesty’s great virtue.”

Then Zhang Changqi, Zhang Tongxiu, and Zhang Changyi were arrested and all beheaded, their heads displayed together with those of Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong at Tianjin Bridge in the south. That same day, Yuan Shuji followed the Prince of Xiang in commanding the Southern Guard troops to guard against contingencies, and arrested Wei Chengqing, Fang Rong, and Minister of Rites Cui Qingshen, imprisoning them—all were part of Zhang Yizhi’s faction. Earlier, Zhang Changyi had built a new residence, extremely lavish, surpassing those of princes and princesses. Someone wrote on his gate at night: “One day’s silk can weave how many days’ netting?” He wiped it off, and another person wrote again; this happened six or seven times. Zhang Changyi took a brush and wrote beneath it: “One day is enough.” Only then did it stop.

On the Jia Chen day (23rd), an edict was issued for the crown prince to oversee the state, and a general amnesty was granted. Yuan Shuji was appointed as Fengge Shilang and Tongping Zhangshi, and ten envoys were dispatched with the emperor’s imperial seal and edicts to console the various prefectures. On the Yi Si day (24th), the Empress Dowager passed the throne to the crown prince.

On the Bing Wu day (25th), Emperor Zhongzong ascended the throne. A general amnesty was proclaimed, except for Zhang Yizhi’s faction; all those wronged by Zhou Xing and others were ordered to have their grievances redressed, and their children who had been confiscated were all released. The Prince of Xiang was given the title Prince An of Xiang, appointed as Grand Commandant and Tong Fengge Luantai Sanpin, and the Princess of Taiping was given the title Princess Zhen of Taiping. For the imperial clan whose members had previously been confiscated, their descendants all had their clan registration restored, and they were granted appropriate official ranks and titles.

On the Ding Wei day (26th), the Empress Dowager moved to Shangyang Palace, with Li Zhan remaining to guard her. On the Wu Shen day (27th), the emperor led the hundred officials to Shangyang Palace and bestowed on the Empress Dowager the honorific title Zetian Dasheng Emperor.

On the Geng Xu day (29th), Zhang Jianzhi was appointed Minister of War and Tong Fengge Luantai Sanpin, Cui Xuanwei as Neishi, Yuan Shuji as Tong Fengge Luantai Sanpin, and Jing Hui and Huan Yanfan both as Nayan; all were granted the title of Duke of a commandery. Li Duozuo was granted the title Prince of Liaoyang Commandery, Wang Tongjiao as Right Qianniu General and Duke of Langya Commandery, and Li Zhan as Right Yulin General-in-Chief and Duke of Zhao; the rest of the officials received rewards varying by rank.

When Zhang Jianzhi and the others were attacking Zhang Yizhi, Director of the Palace Administration Tian Guidao led a thousand cavalry to guard Xuanwu Gate. Jing Hui sent someone to request the thousand cavalry, but Tian Guidao had not been involved in the planning beforehand and refused to hand them over. After the matter was settled, Jing Hui wanted to kill him, but Tian Guidao argued on principle, so he was spared and demoted to return to his private residence. The emperor commended his loyalty and bravery, summoned him, and appointed him as Junior Minister of the Imperial Stud.