Tang Annals 26
Zizhi Tongjian, Volume 210
Volume 210 [Tang Records 26] From the eighth month of the gengxu year (710 AD) to the end of the guihai year (723 AD), covering a period of over three years.
Emperor Ruizong, Xuanzhen Dasheng Daxing Xiaohuangdi, lower part, Jingyun year 1 (gengxu, 710 AD)
Eighth month, gengyin day, went to Li Zhongfu’s residence to investigate. Li Zhongfu suddenly arrived; the county officials galloped out and reported to the; all the officials fled and hid, only the Luozhou Cui Rizhi led men to attack him. The Li Yong met Li Zhongfu at Tianjin Bridge; those following already numbered several hundred. Li Yong galloped to the garrison camps and told them: "The Prince of Qiao offended the former emperor, and now without reason enters the Eastern Capital; this must be rebellion. You should render meritorious service to seek wealth and honor." He also informed the to close all the city gates. Li Zhongfu first rushed to the left and right garrison camps; the soldiers in the camps shot arrows at him, arrows falling like rain. Then he turned and rushed to the Left Side Gate, wanting to seize the’s troops. Seeing the gate closed, he became enraged and ordered it set on fire. Before the fire could be lit, soldiers from the left garrison camp came out and pressed him. Li Zhongfu, in dire straits, galloped out through Shangdong Gate and fled into the mountains to hide. The next day, the launched a major search, and Li Zhongfu drowned himself in the. Cui Rizhi was Cui Riyong’s cousin; for his merits he was appointed Dongdu.
Zheng Yin had an ugly appearance and a thick beard. After the failure, he tied up his hair, dressed in women’s clothing, and hid in a cart. When captured and interrogated, his thighs trembled so he could not answer. Zhang Lingjun remained calm, turned to look at Zheng Yin and said: "I started this affair with this man; failure is only fitting!" Both were executed in the Eastern Capital market. In the beginning, Zheng Yin relied on Lai Junchen to gain advancement; after Lai Junchen was killed, he relied on Zhang Yizhi; after Zhang Yizhi was killed, he relied on the Wei clan; after the Wei clan failed, he relied on the Prince of Qiao, Li Zhongfu, and ultimately for rebellion was punished with clan extermination. Yan Shansi was spared death and exiled to Jingzhou.
The, relying on their merits in pacifying the Wei clan, were mostly brutal and unruly; the people in Chang’an city suffered from them. An edict was issued appointing them all to posts outside the capital. Also, using as was stopped; a new unit called was established, attached to the left and right armies.
Yao Yuanzhi, Song Jing, and Bi Gou submitted a memorial saying: "The of the previous dynasty should all be abolished." The emperor followed this. Guisi day, abolished totaling several thousand.
The, Pei Tan was demoted to Pu Prefecture.
Posthumously appointed Su Anheng as.
Ninth month, xinwei day, appointed Tang Xiuxiu, who had retired as, as.
Winter, tenth month, jiashen day, Yao Yuanzhi and Song Jing submitted: "The spirit tablet of the Great Acting Emperor should be placed in the for joint sacrifice. We request that the spirit tablet of Yizong be moved to the Eastern Capital and a separate temple be built." This was followed.
Yiwu day, posthumously restored the of the Heavenly Empress as Dasheng Tianhou.
Dingyou day, appointed the Xue Ne as. The title of began with Xue Ne.
The Princess of Taiping, because the heir apparent was young, thought lightly of him; later she feared his intelligence and bravery, and wanted to choose another, weak and incompetent, to establish as emperor so she could hold power for a long time. She repeatedly spread rumors, saying: "The heir apparent is not the eldest son and should not be established." Jihai day, an edict was issued to admonish the court and the realm, to quell the rumors. The princess often secretly spied on the heir apparent’s actions, reporting even trivial matters to the emperor. Those around the heir apparent often became the princess’s eyes and ears; the heir apparent was deeply uneasy.
Posthumously conferred the name Jiemin on the late heir apparent Li Chongjun. Wannian native Wei Cou submitted a letter, arguing: "For those whom rewards and punishments cannot reach, we examine their conduct to determine a posthumous name for praise or blame. The late heir apparent Li Chongjun, together with Li Duozuo and others, led troops into the palace. Zhongzong ascended Xuanwu Gate to avoid him; the heir apparent sat on his horse, urging his soldiers on, his expression calm. When his subordinates turned their weapons, and Li Duozuo and others were killed, only then did the heir apparent flee. If the guards had not held firm at that time, the disaster that would have resulted—how could one bear to speak of it! The next day, Zhongzong wept like rain and said to the: ‘I almost could not see you again.’ Such was the danger. Now the holy court has buried him with proper rites and given him the posthumous name Jiemin; I privately am perplexed. According to the rites of a subject, when passing by the ancestral temple, one must dismount; when passing by the ruler’s seat, one must hasten. When Han Chengdi was heir apparent, he dared not cross the imperial road. But Li Chongjun raised troops within the palace, rode before the emperor’s presence—this was the height of disrespect. If we praise him for killing Wu Sansi and his son, then raising troops to kill treacherous officials to honor the ruler and father is acceptable; but now he wanted to seize the throne for himself—this is competing with Wu Sansi in rebellion, how is it worthy of praise! If we praise him for wanting to depose the Wei clan, then at that time the Wei clan’s treacherous signs were not yet evident, and the bond between ruler and subject was not severed; without Zhongzong’s order to depose her, this is coercing the father to depose the mother—how is that permissible! The Li heir apparent of Han was trapped by Jiang Chong’s slander, and in anger killed Jiang Chong. Although he raised troops and fought, he did not besiege or threaten his ruler and father; when he died defeated, and when his grandson became emperor, he was reburied, yet still given the posthumous name Li. How much less can Li Chongjun be given the posthumous name Jiemin! I fear that later generations of rebellious subjects and treacherous sons will take this as a precedent, opening the source of rebellion—this is not the way to praise good and punish evil. I request that his posthumous name be changed. Li Duozuo and others followed Li Chongjun in raising troops; they are not without guilt. Your Majesty now pardoning them is acceptable, but calling it vindication is also improper." The emperor greatly approved of his words, but the chief ministers thought the edict had already been issued and could not be changed; only the posthumous appointments for Li Duozuo and others were stopped.
Eleventh month, wushen day, appointed Yao Yuanzhi as.
Yiyou day, buried Emperor Xiaohui in Dingling, with the temple name Zhongzong. The court discussion held that Empress Wei was guilty and should not be buried together. Posthumously conferred on the late Zhao as Hesi Shunsheng Empress; her burial place was sought but no one knew it, so a spirit garment was used to summon the soul, covered with a mourning cloth, and jointly buried in Dingling.
Renzi day, Wei Anshi was dismissed as;, Su Gui was dismissed as.
Jiayin day, posthumously restored Pei Yan’s official rank and title.
In the beginning, Pei Zhou first fled back from Lingnan, was again beaten with one hundred strokes, and exiled to Beiting. At the place of exile, he engaged in commerce and chivalry, often sending people to secretly inquire about affairs in the capital. When Empress Wu executed the exiles, Pei Zhou knew beforehand, fled to the barbarian regions; the Beiting pursued and captured him, imprisoned him, and reported to the court. When the envoy arrived, all the exiles were put to death; Pei Zhou, because he was awaiting a reply, was not killed. Soon after, Empress Wu issued an edict to comfort the exiles; those not dead were all released to return home, so Pei Zhou was able to return. Now, when seeking Pei Yan’s descendants, only Pei Zhou remained; he was appointed.
Renxu day, posthumously restored Wang Tongjiao’s official rank and title.
Gengwu day, Xu Wenzhen Gong Su Gui died. An edict was issued to summon his son Su Ting from mourning to serve as; Su Ting firmly declined. The emperor sent Li Rizhi to convey the intent; Li Rizhi sat all the way without saying a word and returned, reporting: "I saw him deeply grieved and wasted; I could not bear to speak, fearing he might die of excessive sorrow." The emperor then allowed him to complete the full mourning period.
Twelfth month, guiwei day, the emperor had his two daughters, Princess Xicheng and Princess Longchang, become nuns to pray for blessings for the Heavenly Emperor and Heavenly Empress, and also wanted to build Daoist temples west of the capital. Ning Yuanting submitted a statement, arguing: "The rebellious of the previous dynasty, because of doting on her daughter, became arrogant and extravagant, leading to disaster; Xindu and Yicheng, being of secondary birth, were modest and yielding, and so were preserved. Moreover, both Buddhism and Daoism take purity and tranquility as their foundation; one should not build large temples and monasteries on a grand scale, exhausting the people and wasting resources. Emperor Liang Wu in the former dynasty brought about failure; the former emperor in the later age encountered calamity—the mirror of the past is not far. Now the two princesses have entered the Way; if temples are to be built for them, they should not be excessively ornate, inviting criticism from all sides. Also, those monks favored by the former dynasty are still by Your Majesty’s side; they should be expelled and dismissed." The emperor read it and considered it correct.
The eunuch Xing Gui, because of a private matter, entrusted a request to the Chang'an magistrate Li Chaoyin. Li Chaoyin imprisoned him. When the Emperor heard of this, he summoned Li Chaoyin and commended him, saying: "You, as the magistrate of a capital county, are able to act thus—what more have I to worry about!" Thereupon, he went to the Cheng Tian Gate, assembled the hundred officials and the provincial tribute commissioners, proclaimed Li Chaoyin's deeds, and issued an edict stating: "Eunuchs, encountering a time of leniency and peace, invariably abuse their authority. I have read the histories of previous dynasties and have often sighed over this. That one should accord with my intent truly lies in this man. He may be promoted one grade to Grand Master of the Palace, granted a superior assessment in the examinations, and given one hundred bolts of silk."
On the Renzi day, the Xi and Khitan invaded the border, plundering Yuyang and Yongnu, then withdrew through the Lulong Pass. The Youzhou commander-in-chief Xue Ne pursued them but did not achieve victory.
According to the old system, appointments to offices of the third rank and above were made by patent, those of the fifth rank and above by edict, and those of the sixth rank and below by decree; all were entrusted to the Department of State Affairs for memorializing and determination. Civil officials were under the Ministry of Personnel, and military officials under the Ministry of War. The Minister was called the Central Selector, and the Vice Ministers were called the Eastern and Western Selectors. At the end of Zhongzong's reign, favored ministers held power, selection was chaotic, and there was no discipline. By this time, Song Jing was appointed Minister of Personnel, with Li Yi and Lu Congyuan as Vice Ministers. They all feared no powerful figures, and the path of personal entreaties was cut off. Those assembled numbered over ten thousand, and those retained by the Three Selectors were no more than two thousand; people admired their fairness. Yao Yuanzhi was appointed Minister of War, with Lu Xiangxian and Lu Huaishen as Vice Ministers, and the selection of military officers was also well managed. Lu Congyuan was a grandnephew of Lu Chengqing; Lu Xiangxian was a son of Lu Yuanfang.
The Attending Censor Ni Ruoshui, a native of Haocheng, submitted an impeachment against the State Academy Chancellor Zhu Qinming and the Director of Studies Guo Shanyun for disturbing the established norms and altering the system, catering to the Emperor's wishes to harm the sovereign. Thereupon, Zhu Qinming was demoted to be the Prefect of Raozhou, and Guo Shanyun was demoted to be the Senior Administrator of Guazhou.
The Attending Censor Yang Fu impeached and investigated without avoiding the powerful and noble. The powerful and noble slandered him. The Emperor said: "When the falcon strikes the cunning hare, one must rush to aid it; otherwise, it will surely be bitten by the hare. The Censor, in punishing treachery, is likewise. If the sovereign does not protect and defend them, they too will be harmed by the treacherous." Yang Fu was a grandnephew of Emperor Wen of Sui. The Hexi Military Commissioner, Fiscal Commissioner, and Agricultural Commissioner were established, governing the seven prefectures of Liang, Gan, Su, Yi, Gua, Sha, and Xi, with the seat of government at Liangzhou.
The various Man tribes of Yaozhou had previously attached themselves to Tubo. The Acting Investigating Censor Li Zhigu requested to dispatch troops to attack them. After they surrendered, he further requested to build cities, establish prefectures and counties, and increase taxes. The Deputy Director of the Chancellery Xu Jian considered this inadvisable; his advice was not followed. Li Zhigu conscripted soldiers from Jiannan to build cities, and taking advantage of this, he intended to kill their chieftains and plunder the men and women as slaves. The various Man tribes became resentful and angry. The Man chieftain Bangyin led Tubo forces to attack Li Zhigu, killed him, and used his body for a sacrifice to heaven. From then on, the roads to Yaozhou and Xizhou were cut off and impassable for years. The Anxi Protector Zhang Xuanshe invaded and plundered the northern border of Tubo. Tubo, though resentful, did not break off the marriage alliance, but instead bribed the Duzhou commander-in-chief Yang Ju, requesting the land of the Nine Bends of the Hexi Corridor as a fief for the princess. Yang Ju memorialized and granted it to them.
Emperor Ruizong Xuanzhen Dasheng Daxing Xiaohuangdi, Second Year of Jingyun (Xinhai, AD 711)
Spring, first month, on the Guichou day, the Turkic Qaghan Mochuo sent an envoy to request peace; the Emperor agreed.
On the Jiwei day, the Grand Servant Guo Yuanzhen and the Secretariat Drafter Zhang Yue were both appointed as co-Chancellors.
Prince Wen, Li Chongmao, was enfeoffed as Prince Xiang and appointed Prefect of Jizhou, with a Zhonglang General leading five hundred soldiers to guard him.
On the Yichou day, Consort Liu was posthumously established as Empress Suming, with her tomb called Huiling; Consort Dou was established as Empress Zhaocheng, with her tomb called Jingling. Their souls were summoned and buried south of the Eastern Capital Luoyang, and temples were established in the capital, called the Yikun Temple. Consort Dou was the mother of the Heir Apparent.
Princess Taiping, along with the Changshi of Yizhou Dou Huaizhen and others, formed a faction, intending to harm the Heir Apparent. She had her son-in-law Tang Yi invite Wei Anshi to her residence, but Wei Anshi firmly declined to go. The Emperor once secretly summoned Wei Anshi and said to him: "I hear that all in the court are inclined toward the Heir Apparent; you should observe carefully." Wei Anshi replied: "How can Your Majesty speak such words that would ruin the state! This must be a scheme of Princess Taiping. The Heir Apparent has merit to the state, is benevolent, wise, filial, and fraternal—all under heaven knows this. I hope Your Majesty will not be misled by slander." The Emperor, startled, said: "I understand; say no more." At the time, Princess Taiping was eavesdropping from behind the curtain, and she spread rumors to frame Wei Anshi, wanting to have him arrested and interrogated. Thanks to Guo Yuanzhen's rescue, he was spared.
Princess Taiping also once summoned the Chancellors inside the Guangfan Gate while riding in a carriage, hinting at the need to change the Heir Apparent. The assembly was greatly alarmed. Song Jing said in a loud voice: "The Heir Apparent has great merit to all under heaven; he is truly the master of the ancestral temples and altars. Why does the Princess suddenly bring up this proposal?"
Song Jing and Yao Yuanzhi secretly said to the Emperor: "Prince Song is Your Majesty's eldest son; Prince Bin is the eldest grandson of Gaozong. Princess Taiping is stirring up discord between them, which will unsettle the Heir Apparent. We request that Prince Song and Prince Bin both be appointed as prefects, and that the Left and Right Yulin Army commands of Prince Qi and Prince Xue be removed, appointing them as Commanders of the Left and Right Guards to serve the Heir Apparent. Princess Taiping should be settled together with Wu Youji in the Eastern Capital Luoyang." The Emperor said: "I have no other brothers; I have only one younger sister, Taiping. How can I send her far away to the Eastern Capital! As for the various princes, you may dispose of them as you see fit." Thereupon, an edict was first issued: "From now on, princes and imperial sons-in-law shall not be in charge of the Imperial Guard; those currently in such positions shall be transferred to other offices."
Soon after, the Emperor said to his attendant ministers: "A diviner said that within five days there will be a sudden attack on the palace. You must guard against it for me." Zhang Yue said: "This is surely a slanderous man wishing to sow discord between the Eastern Palace. I hope Your Majesty will have the Heir Apparent oversee the state; then rumors will naturally subside." Yao Yuanzhi said: "What Zhang Yue says is the fundamental strategy for the state's great plan." The Emperor was very pleased.
Second month, on the Bingzi day, the first day of the month, Prince Song, Li Chengqi, was appointed Prefect of Tongzhou; Prince Bin, Li Shouli, was appointed Prefect of Binzhou; the Left Yulin Army General-in-Chief, Prince Qi, Li Longfan, was appointed Commander of the Left Guard; the Right Yulin Army General-in-Chief, Prince Xue, Li Longye, was appointed Commander of the Right Guard; Princess Taiping was settled in Puzhou.
On the Dingchou day, the Heir Apparent was ordered to oversee the state. Appointments of officials of the sixth rank and below, and judgments of penal servitude and below, were all to be handled by the Heir Apparent. The Palace Attending Censor Cui Li and the Heir Apparent's Zhongyun Xue Zhaosu said to the Emperor: "The irregularly appointed officials were all appointed by the late Emperor. The gracious commands have already been issued. Yao Yuanzhi and others proposed to abolish them all at once, which reveals the late Emperor's faults and invites resentment toward Your Majesty. Now, public opinion is in turmoil throughout the empire, and a very serious incident may occur." Princess Taiping also said this, and the Emperor considered it correct. On the Wuyin day, an edict was issued: "All those who received office through irregular special decrees and were previously dismissed may be considered for appointment according to their abilities."
When Princess Taiping heard of Yao Yuanzhi and Song Jing's plans, she was greatly angered and reproached the Heir Apparent for this. The Heir Apparent, frightened, submitted a memorial accusing Yao Yuanzhi and Song Jing of sowing discord between his aunt and his elder brothers, and requested that they be punished by death. On the Jiashen day, Yao Yuanzhi was demoted to be the Prefect of Shenzhou, and Song Jing was demoted to be the Prefect of Chuzhou. On the Bingxu day, the appointments of Prince Song and Prince Bin as prefects were also suspended.
The Secretariat Drafter and Participant in Deliberations on Confidential Military Affairs Liu Youqiu was removed from office and appointed Minister of Revenue. The Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent Wei Anshi was appointed as a Chancellor. Wei Anshi and Li Rizhi replaced Yao Yuanzhi and Song Jing in governing. From then on, the discipline and order fell into chaos, just as in the Jinglong period. The former Commander of Armor of the Right Guards Prefecture, Liu Ze, submitted a memorial, stating: "The irregularly appointed officials were all introduced through servants and concubines—how could this have been the original intent of Emperor Xiaohé! Your Majesty abolished them all, and no one under heaven did not acclaim your wisdom. Suddenly, to recall them all, without distinguishing good from evil, attacking back and forth—why is Your Majesty's governance so inconsistent! Those who discuss this all say that Princess Taiping had the foreign monk Huifan twist the meaning and introduce these men, deceiving and misleading Your Majesty. I fear that small matters will accumulate into great ones, and the disaster will not be small." The Emperor did not listen. Liu Ze was a grandson of Liu Heng.
The Left and Right Ten Thousand Cavalry and the Left and Right Yulin Armies were collectively called the Four Northern Armies, and Ge Fushun and others were placed in command of them.
Third month, the daughter of Prince Song, Li Chengqi, was enfeoffed as Princess Jinshan and promised in marriage to the Turkic Mochuo.
In summer, the fourth month, on the jiashen day, Song Wang Li Chengqi declined the post of Situ; the emperor granted his request and appointed him Taizi Binke. Wei Anshi was appointed Zhongshu Ling.
The emperor summoned all officials of the third rank and above, saying: "I have always been of a tranquil disposition and do not consider being emperor as honorable. In the past, when I was the heir apparent and later the Imperial Younger Brother, I declined both. Now I wish to pass the throne to the Crown Prince. What do you think?" None of the officials answered. The Crown Prince sent the Youshuzi Li Jingbo to firmly decline, but the emperor did not consent. The Dianzhong Shiyushi He Fengyao, who was attached to the Princess Taiping, said to the emperor: "Your Majesty is not yet old and is precisely the one on whom the realm relies and looks up to. How can you suddenly act like this?" Only then did the emperor desist.
On the wuzi day, an edict was issued: "All government affairs are to be handled by the Crown Prince. Matters concerning the military, the death penalty, and the appointment of officials of the fifth rank and above are to be discussed with the Crown Prince first, and then reported."
On the xinmao day, Li Rizhi was appointed acting Shizhong.
On the renyin day, a general amnesty was granted.
In the fifth month, the Crown Prince requested to yield the throne to Song Wang Li Chengqi; the emperor did not consent. He requested to recall the Princess Taiping to the capital; the emperor agreed.
On the gengxu day, an edict was issued: "The tombs of Empress Zetian's parents shall still be called Hao Ling and Shun Ling, and appropriate government offices shall be established." This was requested by the Princess Taiping on behalf of Wu Youji.
On the xinyou day, Xicheng Gongzhu was renamed Jinxian Gongzhu, and Longchang Gongzhu was renamed Yuzhen Gongzhu. Taoist abbeys were built for each of them, occupying many private residences and costing millions in labor and resources. The Yousanqi Changshi Wei Zhigu and the Huangmen Shilang Li Yi remonstrated, but the emperor did not listen.
On the renxu day, the Dianzhong Jian Dou Huaizhen was appointed Yushi Daifu and Tongping Zhangshi.
The monk Huifan, relying on the power of the Princess Taiping, forcibly seized the property of commoners. The Yushi Daifu Xue Qianguang and the Dianzhong Shiyushi Murong Xun submitted a memorial impeaching him. The princess appealed to the emperor, and Xue Qianguang was sent out as the Cishi of Qizhou.
The emperor dispatched envoys to inspect the ten circuits. Those who discussed the matter believed that the Shannan Circuit was too vast in its jurisdiction, so it was divided into the East and West Circuits. The Longyou Circuit was also divided to form the Hexi Circuit. In the sixth month, on the renwu day, the realm was further divided to establish twenty-four Dudu (Governors-General) for Bian, Qi, Yan, Wei, Ji, Bing, Pu, Fu, Jing, Qin, Yi, Mian, Sui, Jing, Qi, Tong, Liang, Xiang, Yang, An, Huai, Yue, Hong, and Tan, each responsible for investigating the good and evil conduct of the Cishi and officials below in their respective jurisdictions. Only Luoyang and the prefectures near the capital were not under the jurisdiction of the Dudu offices. The Taizi Youshuzi Li Jingbo and the Sheren Lu Fu and others submitted a statement: "The Dudu wield the power of life and death, which is too heavy a responsibility. If unsuitable people are appointed, the harm will be considerable. At present, the Yushi are of low rank but high prestige. If they conduct inspections at regular times, evil will naturally be suppressed." Later, the Dudu were finally abolished, and only ten Anchashi (Inspectors) for the circuits were established.
In autumn, the seventh month, on the guisi day, the post of Zhaorong Shangguan was posthumously restored, and her posthumous name was given as Huiwen.
On the yimao day, because a withered persimmon tree at the former residence of Gaozu had sprouted anew, a general amnesty was granted.
On the jisi day, the Youyushi Daifu Xie Wan was appointed Shuofang Da Zongguan. Xie Wan inspected the garrison troops of the three fortresses and submitted a memorial to reduce them by one hundred thousand men.
On the gengwu day, the Zhongshu Ling Wei Anshi was appointed Zuo Puye and Taizi Binke, with the title Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin. Because the Princess Taiping was displeased that Wei Anshi did not attach himself to her, she honored him with an empty title, in reality to strip him of his power.
In the ninth month, on the gengchen day, Dou Huaizhen was appointed Shizhong. Every time Dou Huaizhen left the court, he invariably went to the Princess Taiping's residence. At that time, the two abbeys of Jinxian and Yuzhen were being built. Most of the officials remonstrated, but only Dou Huaizhen encouraged their completion and personally supervised the works. People at the time said that Dou Huaizhen had formerly been the Empress's "A-Fuzhe" and was now the princess's "Yisi" (warden of her estate).
In winter, the tenth month, on the jiachen day, the emperor went to the Chengtian Gate, summoned Wei Anshi, Guo Yuanzhen, Dou Huaizhen, Li Rizhi, and Zhang Yue, and proclaimed an edict, reprimanding them, saying: "Government and teaching have many shortcomings; floods and droughts have caused disasters; the treasury is increasingly depleted; and the number of officials is increasing daily. Although this is due to my own shallow virtue, it is also because my assisting ministers lack talent. Wei Anshi may be appointed Zuo Puye and Dongdu Liushou; Guo Yuanzhen may be appointed Libu Shangshu; Dou Huaizhen may be appointed Zuo Yushi Daifu; Li Rizhi may be appointed Hubu Shangshu; Zhang Yue may be appointed Zuo Cheng; let them all be dismissed from government affairs." Liu Youqiu, the Libu Shangshu, was appointed Shizhong; Wei Zhigu, the Yousanqi Changshi, was appointed Zuosanqi Changshi; and Cui Shi, the Taizi Zhanshi, was appointed Zhongshu Shilang, all with the title Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin. Lu Xiangxian, the Zhongshu Shilang, was appointed Tongping Zhangshi. All this was done according to the wishes of the Princess Taiping.
Lu Xiangxian was pure and had few desires; his speech was lofty and profound, and he was respected by the people of his time. Cui Shi secretly served the Princess Taiping. The princess wanted to recommend him as a chancellor. Cui Shi requested to be promoted together with Lu Xiangxian. The princess did not agree, and Cui Shi said: "If that is the case, then I dare not accept the position either." The princess then spoke to the emperor on behalf of both of them. The emperor did not wish to appoint Cui Shi, but the princess tearfully pleaded, and he finally consented.
The Youbuque Xin Tifo submitted a memorial, stating: "From ancient times, regarding those who lost the Way and brought their state to ruin and their family to destruction, speaking is not as good as experiencing, and hearing is not as good as seeing. Allow me to speak of what Your Majesty has seen with your own eyes. Emperor Taizong was Your Majesty's grandfather. He brought order out of chaos, founded the imperial enterprise, and established standards. Offices were not conferred without merit; wealth was not wasted. He did not build many monasteries and abbeys, yet there was blessing; he did not ordain many monks and nuns, yet there was no calamity. Heaven and earth protected him, wind and rain came at the proper times, grain and cloth were abundant, the barbarians submitted, his reign was long, and his fame surpasses ten thousand generations. Why does Your Majesty not imitate him! Emperor Zhongzong was Your Majesty's elder brother. He abandoned the foundations laid by his ancestors and followed the wishes of women. Incompetent people receiving salaries numbered in the thousands; those without merit receiving fiefs numbered in the hundreds. He never stopped building monasteries, wasting hundreds of billions in wealth. He ordained countless people as monks, and those exempted from taxes and corvée numbered in the hundreds of thousands. Expenditure increased daily, while income decreased daily. He snatched food from the mouths of the people to feed greedy and cruel men, and stripped clothes from ten thousand people to daub on clay and wood. Consequently, men were resentful and the gods were angry; his followers were alienated and his relatives deserted him. Floods and droughts occurred together, both public and private resources were exhausted. His reign was not long, and calamity befell his person. Why does Your Majesty not take warning and correct this! In recent times, floods and droughts have followed one another, along with frost and locust plagues. The people have nothing to eat, and I have not heard of any relief or aid. Yet you are building Taoist abbeys for your two daughters, costing over a million strings of cash. Does Your Majesty not consider how much is stored in the current treasury, and how much is needed for expenses inside and outside the court, that you lightly spend over a million strings on useless works! Your Majesty exterminated the Wei clan, yet you have not removed their evil policies. You can bear to abandon Taizong's laws, but you cannot bear to abandon Zhongzong's corrupt practices! Moreover, when Your Majesty and the Crown Prince were in power under the Weis, you were in danger day and night, gnashing your teeth at the host of villains. Now that you have fortunately removed them, if you do not change what they did, I fear there will be people who gnash their teeth at Your Majesty. If that is so, why did Your Majesty hate the host of villains and kill them? In the past, the late emperor loved rebellious men. Zong Jinqing built mansions for them, and Zhao Lüwei repaired gardens for them, exhausting the state's wealth and using up human strength. The mansions were completed but there was no time to live in them; the gardens were completed but there was no time to enjoy them. Yet the men themselves were killed. Now, those who advocate extravagance in building abbeys are certainly not acting on Your Majesty's or the princess's own intentions. I fear there are men like Zong and Zhao following and persuading you, and this cannot but be perceived. If Your Majesty does not stop this work, I fear the people's sorrow and resentment will be no less than in the previous reign. Everyone knows that disaster and ruin are about to come, but they dare not speak. To speak invites punishment and death. Those like Wei Yuejiang and Yan Qinrong were killed by the previous reign, but Your Majesty rewarded them. Is this not because Your Majesty knows that straightforward speech benefits the state! What I have said today is also straightforward speech like that of the previous reign. I hope Your Majesty will examine it clearly." Although the emperor could not follow his advice, he appreciated his sincerity and integrity.
The Yushi Zhongcheng He Fengyao was appointed acting Honglu Qing and was sent as an envoy to the Turks. He advised Mo-chuo: "Chumi and Jiankun, upon hearing that the Khagan has formed a marriage alliance with the Tang, will all submit. Why does the Khagan not wear the robes and cap of the Tang, so that the various Hu may see it? Would that not be a fine thing!" Mo-chuo agreed. The next day, he wrapped his head in a turban, put on a purple robe, bowed twice facing south, and proclaimed himself a subject. He sent his son Yangwuzhi and the state chancellor to accompany He Fengyao to court. In the eleventh month, on the wuyin day, they arrived at the capital. Because his mission was successful, He Fengyao was promoted to Hubu Shilang.
On the renchen day, an order was issued that all commoners in the realm should be enrolled for military service at the age of twenty-five and be discharged at the age of fifty-five.
In the twelfth month, on the Guimao day, Ashina Xian, the Xingxiwang Khan, was appointed as Commissioner for Pacifying the Ten Tribes.
The emperor summoned Sima Chengzhen, a Daoist priest from Mount Tiantai, and questioned him about the arts of yin and yang and divination. Sima Chengzhen replied, "The Way is to diminish and diminish again, until one reaches non-action. How could one willingly labor the mind to study such arts!" The emperor said, "Cultivating the self through non-action is indeed lofty, but what about governing the state?" Sima Chengzhen answered, "The state is like the body. If one complies with the natural Way of all things and harbors no selfish thoughts in the heart, then the world will be well governed." The emperor sighed and said, "Even the words of Guangchengzi could not surpass this." Sima Chengzhen earnestly requested to return to his mountain, and the emperor granted his request.
Lu Zangyong, the Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs, pointed to Mount Zhongnan and said to Sima Chengzhen, "Within this there are great benefits. Why must it be Mount Tiantai?" Sima Chengzhen replied, "In my view, this is merely a shortcut to officialdom!" Lu Zangyong had once lived in seclusion on Mount Zhongnan and was summoned by Empress Wu Zetian to serve as Left Remonstrator, which is why Sima Chengzhen spoke thus.
Emperor Xuanzong, the Perfectly Accomplished, Greatly Sagely, Greatly Filial, August Thearch, the Supreme One
Emperor Ruizong, the Mysterious, True, Greatly Sagely, Greatly Filial, August Thearch, the Lower Part
The First Year of the Xiantian Era (Renzi, AD 712)
In the spring, the first month, on the Xinsi day (the third), Emperor Ruizong performed the southern suburban sacrifice to Heaven. For the first time, he adopted the proposal of Remonstrator Jia Zeng to sacrifice jointly to Heaven and Earth. Jia Zeng was the son of Jia Yanzhong.
On the Wuzi day (the tenth), Emperor Ruizong went east of the Chan River to perform the plowing ceremony of the imperial field.
On the Jichou day (the eleventh), a general amnesty was proclaimed, and the reign title was changed to Tai Ji.
On the Yiwei day (the seventeenth), Emperor Ruizong ascended the Anfu Gate and feasted the Turkic chieftain Yangwozhi, showing him Princess Jinshan. Shortly afterward, due to Ruizong's abdication, the marriage was ultimately not completed. Zuo Yushi Daifu Dou Huaizhen and Hubu Shangshu Cen Xi were jointly appointed Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin.
In the second month, on the Xinyou day (the thirteenth), the Right Censorate was abolished.
Xiao Zhizhong, the Prefect of Pu Prefecture, curried favor with Princess Taiping, and the princess recommended him as Xingbu Shangshu. Jiang Qinxu, the Chief Administrator of Hua Prefecture, was Xiao Zhizhong's brother-in-law. He said to him, "With your talent, why worry about not achieving prominence? Do not engage in improper and presumptuous affairs." Xiao Zhizhong did not respond. After Jiang Qinxu withdrew, he sighed and said, "A great clan that has produced ministers and high officials for nine generations will be wiped out in an instant. How lamentable!" Xiao Zhizhong had always had a reputation for elegance. Once, as he came out of the princess's mansion, he encountered Song Jing, who said, "This is not what I expected of you, Sir Xiao." Xiao Zhizhong smiled and said, "What Song Sheng says is excellent!" Then he whipped his horse and rode away.
Xue Na, the Grand Protector of You Prefecture, had governed You Prefecture for over twenty years. The officials and common people lived and worked in peace. He had never led troops beyond the frontier, yet the enemy dared not invade. Xue Na had a feud with Li Jin, the Prefect of Yan Prefecture. Li Jin slandered him before Liu Youqiu, and Liu Youqiu recommended the Left Yulin General Sun Quan to replace Xue Na. In the third month, on the Dingchou day (date uncertain), Sun Quan was appointed Grand Protector of You Prefecture, and Xue Na was transferred to be Chief Administrator of Bing Prefecture.
In the summer, the fifth month, the Liao people of Yi Prefecture rebelled.
On the Wuyin day (the first), Emperor Ruizong performed the northern suburban sacrifice to Earth.
On the Xinsi day (the fourth), a general amnesty was proclaimed, and the reign title was changed to Yan He.
In the sixth month, on the Dingwei day (the first), the Right Sanqi Changshi Wu Youji died and was posthumously enfeoffed as Prince of Ding.
Because Cen Xi had rendered service in protecting him during the rebellion of Crown Prince Jiemin, on the Guichou day (the seventh), Emperor Ruizong appointed Cen Xi as Shizhong.
On the Gengshen day (the fourteenth), Sun Quan, the Grand Protector of You Prefecture, fought a battle with Li Dapu, the chieftain of the Xi, at Lengjing, and his entire army was annihilated. At the time, Sun Quan led the Left Xiaowei General Li Kailuo, the Left Weiwei General Zhou Yiti, and an army of twenty thousand infantry and eight thousand cavalry, divided into three forces, to attack the Xi and the Khitan. General Wu Heli admonished him, saying, "The roads are dangerous and the weather is hot. A lone army advancing far will surely be defeated." Sun Quan said, "Xue Na was on the frontier for many years and ultimately could not recover Ying Prefecture for the state. Now, taking advantage of their unpreparedness, we will surely succeed." He then sent Li Kailuo with four thousand cavalry as the vanguard. They encountered eight thousand Xi cavalry, and Li Kailuo's forces fought unsuccessfully. Sun Quan, being timid, dared not go to their rescue. He led his troops and intended to withdraw, whereupon the enemy took advantage and attacked, and the Tang army was utterly defeated. Sun Quan formed a square formation against the mountains to defend himself. Li Dapu sent a messenger to Sun Quan, saying, "The imperial court has already made peace with us through marriage. For what purpose has the great army come?" Sun Quan said, "I have received an imperial decree to come and pacify and comfort you. Li Kailuo disobeyed the general's orders and fought with you without authorization. Allow me to behead him as an apology." Li Dapu said, "If so, where is the state's token?" Sun Quan gathered all the silk and fabrics in the army, obtaining over ten thousand bolts. Together with purple robes, gold belts, and fish pouches, he presented them to Li Dapu. Li Dapu said, "I request the general to return south. Do not cause mutual alarm." The officers and troops were terrified, and their formations were no longer orderly. The enemy pursued them, and the soldiers scattered in defeat. Sun Quan and Zhou Yiti were captured by the enemy and presented to the Turks. Moqie killed them all. Li Kailuo and Wu Heli escaped and returned.
In the autumn, the seventh month, a comet appeared in the west. It passed through the Xuanyuan constellation and entered the Taiwei enclosure, reaching as far as the Dajiao star.
A physiognomist said to Dou Huaizhen, the Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin, "You are facing the calamity of punishment." Dou Huaizhen was terrified and requested to resign from his post and become a slave in Anguo Temple. Emperor Ruizong ordered that his resignation be accepted. On the Yihai day (date uncertain), Dou Huaizhen was again appointed Zuo Puye and Yushi Daifu, with the rank of Pingzhang Junguo Zhongshi.
Princess Taiping had a diviner say to Emperor Ruizong, "The comet is used to clear out the old and establish the new. Moreover, both the Emperor's Throne star and the star before the Heart have changed. The Crown Prince should become the Son of Heaven." Emperor Ruizong said, "To pass the throne to a virtuous person in order to avoid calamity—my resolve is fixed!" Princess Taiping and her faction all strongly remonstrated, saying it was not permissible. Emperor Ruizong said, "During the reign of Emperor Zhongzong, wicked and evil persons were in power, and celestial omens appeared repeatedly. At that time, I requested that Zhongzong select a worthy son to be established as the Crown Prince to respond to the calamity. Zhongzong was displeased, and I was worried and fearful, unable to eat for several days. How can I persuade others to do something but be unable to do it myself?" When the Crown Prince heard of this, he hastened to the palace for an audience. He threw himself to the ground, knocked his head, and said, "I, with my meager merit, was promoted beyond my rank to be the Crown Prince, and I fear I am not competent to serve. I do not know why Your Majesty suddenly wishes to pass the great throne to me." Emperor Ruizong said, "The fact that the altars of state could be stabilized again and that I could obtain the realm are both due to your merit. Now that the Emperor's Throne star has an omen, I pass the throne to you, turning calamity into fortune. What doubt do you still have?" The Crown Prince firmly declined. Emperor Ruizong said, "You are a filial son. Why must you wait until you are before the coffin to ascend the throne?" The Crown Prince withdrew in tears.
On the Renchen day (date uncertain), Emperor Ruizong issued an edict to pass the throne to the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince presented a memorial firmly declining. Princess Taiping advised Emperor Ruizong that although he had passed the throne, he should still personally oversee the great affairs of state. Emperor Ruizong then said to the Crown Prince, "Do you think the affairs of the realm are weighty and wish me to oversee them? In the past, Shun abdicated to Yu, yet he still personally toured the various regions. Although I have passed the throne, how can I forget the family and the state? I will review and handle all military and state affairs together."
In the eighth month, on the Gengzi day (the third), Emperor Xuanzong ascended the throne. He honored Emperor Ruizong as the Grand Emperor. The Grand Emperor referred to himself as "Zhen," and his commands were called "Gao." He held court at the Taiji Hall every five days. The Emperor referred to himself as "Yu," and his commands were called "Zhi" and "Chi." He held court at the Wude Hall every day. Appointments of officials of the third rank and above, as well as major criminal and governmental matters, were decided by the Grand Emperor. The rest were decided by the Emperor.
On the Renyin day (the fifth), the exalted title of Shengdi Tianhou was bestowed on the Great Sagely Empress.
On the Jiachen day (the seventh), a general amnesty was proclaimed, and the reign title was changed.
On the Yisi day (the eighth), Bohai Commandery was established north of Mo Prefecture, Hengyang Army was established within the territories of Heng Prefecture and Ding Prefecture, and Huairou Army was established within the territories of Gui Prefecture and Wei Prefecture, with fifty thousand troops stationed.
On the Bingwu day (the ninth), Consort Wang was established as Empress. The Empress's father, Wang Renjiao, was appointed Taipu Qing. Wang Renjiao was a native of Xiaqui. On the Wushen day (the eleventh), the Emperor's son, Xu Chang Wang Li Sizhi, was established as the Prince of Tan, and Zhending Wang Li Siqian was established as the Prince of Ying.
Liu Youqiu was appointed You Puye and Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin, Wei Zhigu as Shizhong, and Cui Shi as Jianjiao Zhongshu Ling.
Previously, when Wang Ju of Henei was involved in Wang Tongjiao’s conspiracy, he fled into hiding and made a living by copying books in Jiangdu. When the Crown Prince was still heir apparent, Wang Ju returned to Chang’an and was selected to fill the post of Chief Clerk of Zhuji. He went to pay his respects to the Crown Prince. Upon entering the courtyard, Wang Ju deliberately walked slowly with his gaze raised high. An eunuch said, “His Highness is behind the curtain.” Wang Ju replied, “What ‘His Highness’? Nowadays there is only the Princess Taiping!” The Crown Prince immediately summoned him and spoke with him. Wang Ju said, “The Consort Wei murdered the sovereign and rebelled, and the people’s hearts are not with her; killing her was easy. The Princess Taiping is Empress Wu’s daughter, extremely fierce and cunning, and most of the ministers are used by her. I privately worry about this.” The Crown Prince pulled him to sit on the same couch and said tearfully, “The Emperor’s only full sibling is the Princess Taiping. To speak of her affairs would wound the Emperor’s heart; not to speak would allow the calamity to deepen daily. What is to be done?” Wang Ju said, “The filial piety of the Son of Heaven differs from that of commoners; one should prioritize stabilizing the ancestral temple and the altars of state. The Princess Gai, sister of Emperor Zhao of Han, was raised from childhood, yet when she committed a crime, she was executed. One who governs the empire cannot be concerned with small niceties!” The Crown Prince said happily, “What skills do you have, that you can associate with me?” Wang Ju replied, “I can refine elixirs and engage in witty banter.” The Crown Prince then memorialized to appoint him as a Supervising Secretary in the Crown Prince’s Household Administration, spending time with him daily, and gradually promoted him to Palace Cadet of the Crown Prince. After the Crown Prince ascended the throne, he appointed him Vice Director of the Secretariat.
At this time, most of the chancellors were partisans of the Princess Taiping. Liu Youqiu plotted with the General of the Right Guard of the Feathered Forest, Zhang Wei, to use the Feathered Forest troops to kill them. Zhang Wei secretly said to Xuanzong, “Dou Huaizhen, Cui Shi, and Cen Xi all advanced through the princess’s patronage and plot treason day and night. If they are not eliminated early, once an incident occurs, how can the Grand Emperor be at peace! Please kill them quickly. I have already made plans with Liu Youqiu; we await only Your Majesty’s command.” Xuanzong thought he spoke very correctly. Zhang Wei leaked the plot to the Attending Censor Deng Guangbin. Xuanzong, greatly frightened, immediately submitted a full report. On the day bingchen (19th day), Liu Youqiu was imprisoned. The relevant department memorialized: “Liu Youqiu and others alienated blood relatives; their crime deserves death.” Xuanzong argued for Liu Youqiu, saying he had great merit and could not be killed. On the day guihai (26th day), Liu Youqiu was exiled to Fengzhou, Zhang Wei to Fengzhou, and Deng Guangbin to Xiuzhou.
Previously, when Cui Shi served as the Governor of Xiangzhou, he secretly corresponded with the Prince of Chen, Li Chongfu, who gave him a gold belt. After Li Chongfu failed, Cui Shi should have been executed, but Zhang Shuo and Liu Youqiu rescued and protected him, allowing him to escape death. Soon after, Cui Shi attached himself to the Princess Taiping and plotted with her to remove Zhang Shuo from political office, sending him to the eastern capital as a Left Vice Director. When Liu Youqiu was exiled to Fengzhou, Cui Shi secretly instructed Zhou Lizhen, the Governor of Guangzhou, to kill him. Wang Jun, the Governor of Guizhou and a native of Jingcheng, knew of this plot and detained Liu Youqiu, not sending him on. Zhou Lizhen repeatedly issued official documents demanding him, but Wang Jun did not respond. Zhou Lizhen reported the matter. Cui Shi repeatedly pressured Wang Jun to send Liu Youqiu away. Liu Youqiu said to Wang Jun, “You resist the ruling power to protect an exile; it is impossible to be safe, and it will only cause trouble for you in vain.” He insisted on going to Guangzhou. Wang Jun said, “Your crime is not something that can sever friendship. If I am punished because of you, I have no regrets!” Ultimately, he delayed and did not send him. Thus Liu Youqiu escaped death.
On the first day of the ninth month, the day dingmao (1st day), a solar eclipse occurred.
On the day xinmao (25th day), the Emperor’s son Li Qisheng was established as the Prince of Shan. Li Qisheng’s mother, Lady Yang, was the great-granddaughter of Yang Shida. The Empress had no sons, so she adopted him.
In winter, the tenth month, on the day gengzi (4th day), Xuanzong visited the Imperial Ancestral Temple and granted a general amnesty.
On the day guimao (7th day), Xuanzong went to Xinfeng and hunted at the foot of Mount Li.
On the day xinyou (25th day), the Shatuo Jinshan sent an envoy to court to present tribute. The Shatuo were a separate branch of the Chuyue tribe, surnamed Zhuye.
In the eleventh month, on the day yiyou (20th day), the Xi and Khitan tribes raided Yuyang with twenty thousand cavalry. The Governor of Youzhou, Song Jing, closed the city gates and did not go out. The enemy plundered extensively and then left.
The Grand Emperor issued an edict, ordering the Emperor to inspect the borders, starting from He and Long in the west to Yan and Ji in the east, to select generals and train troops. On the day jiawu (29th day), Song Jing, the Governor of Youzhou, was appointed Grand Commander of the Left Army; Xue Ne, the Senior Administrator of Bingzhou, was appointed Grand Commander of the Central Army; and Guo Yuanzhen, the Grand Commander of Shuofang and Minister of War, was appointed Grand Commander of the Right Army.
In the twelfth month, the Minister of Justice, Li Rizhi, requested retirement.
While in office, Li Rizhi managed affairs without using flogging. There was a clerk in the Ministry of Justice who, three days after receiving an imperial decree, forgot to carry it out. Li Rizhi became angry, fetched a club, assembled the officials, and was about to beat him. After a moment, he said, “If I beat you, the empire will surely say that you can provoke Li Rizhi to anger and receive his club, which is not something others can equal. Your wife and children would also abandon you.” So he let him go. The officials were all moved and delighted; no one dared to break the law. If there were occasional delays or mistakes, everyone together criticized the offender.
Emperor Ruizong Xuanzhen Dasheng Daxiao Xinghuang Emperor, Kaiyuan First Year (Gui Chou, AD 713)
In the spring, in the first month, on the Yihai day, the emperor issued an edict saying: “From now on, guards shall enlist at the age of twenty-five and retire at fifty; the Yulin Flying Cavalry shall all be selected and supplemented from the guards.” The Minister of Personnel, Xiao Zhizhong, was appointed as Zhongshu Ling. The date for the emperor’s inspection tour of the border was changed; the soldiers who had already been recruited were disbanded and sent back, with an agreement to reassemble in the eighth month, but ultimately the tour did not take place. In the second month, on the Gengzi night, the palace gates were opened to display lanterns and fires, and the large-scale drinking gathering from the previous year was also made up, with a grand assembly of song, dance, and acrobatics. The Retired Emperor and the emperor personally came to the gate tower to watch, sometimes continuing day and night, lasting for over a month in total. Zuo Shiyi, Huayin native Yan Tingzhi, submitted a memorial admonishing, saying: “Drinking gatherings are meant to accommodate the convenience of the people, where everyone pools money for joy. Now, however, it exhausts the strength of the myriad people to manage the expenses of various acrobatics—this is not the way to glorify sage virtue or beautify customs.” Thereupon it was stopped. Initially, after the fall of Goguryeo, its collateral branch, Dae Jo-yeong, moved to Yingzhou. When Li Jinzhong rebelled, Dae Jo-yeong, together with the Mohe man Qisi Beiyu, gathered their followers and fled east, relying on dangerous terrain to hold fast. After Li Jinzhong died, Empress Wu sent General Li Kaigu to suppress his remaining partisans. Li Kaigu attacked Qisi Beiyu, killed him, led troops across Tianmen Ridge, and closed in on Dae Jo-yeong. Dae Jo-yeong gave battle, Li Kaigu suffered a great defeat, barely escaping with his own life. Dae Jo-yeong then led his followers east to occupy Dongmou Mountain, built a city, and settled there. Dae Jo-yeong was brave and skilled in battle; Goguryeo and Mohe people gradually submitted to him, his territory spanning two thousand li in circumference, with a population of over one hundred thousand and tens of thousands of capable soldiers. He styled himself King of Zhen, relying on the Turks. At that time, the Xi and Khitan had both rebelled, roads were blocked, and Empress Wu could not launch a punitive expedition. After Emperor Zhongzong ascended the throne, he sent Attendant Censor Zhang Xingji to go and offer pacification and comfort; Dae Jo-yeong sent his son to court to serve. By this time, Dae Jo-yeong was appointed as Left Brave Guard Generalissimo and King of Bohai; the area he governed was established as Huhan Prefecture, and Dae Jo-yeong was concurrently appointed as its Governor. On the Gengshen day, the emperor ordered Yan Tingzhi’s loyalty and uprightness to be proclaimed to all officials, and he richly rewarded him. In the third month, on the Xinsi day, the empress personally performed the ceremony of sericulture. Jinling Wei Yang Xiangru submitted a memorial discussing current affairs, roughly saying: “Emperor Yang of Sui, relying on his strength, did not worry about governance. Although edicts were issued frequently, reputation and reality contradicted each other; his words were like those of Yao and Shun, but his actions were like those of Jie and Zhou. He took the entire empire and discarded it in one stroke.” He also said: “The Sui dynasty perished through indulgence of desires, while Taizong flourished by restraining desires. I hope Your Majesty will carefully choose!” He further said: “No ruler does not love loyalty and uprightness and detest sycophancy and wickedness. Yet loyal and upright people are often alienated, while sycophantic and wicked people are often, to the point where the state is overturned and the ruler perishes without realizing it. Why is this? It is indeed because loyal and upright people mostly go against the ruler’s will, while sycophantic and wicked people mostly comply with it. Accumulated opposition leads to dislike, accumulated compliance leads to affection—this is the reason for the distinction between and alienation. An enlightened ruler is not like this. He loves opposition to gather loyalty and talent, hates compliance to remove sycophancy and wickedness—then the achievements of Taizong’s peace, are they still far off?” He also said: “The law values brevity to be prohibitive, and punishment values leniency to be enforceable. Your Majesty is now promoting the highest virtue and broadly enacting new policies. I request that all overly detailed and minute provisions be completely discarded, and small faults not be pursued. If small faults are not pursued, there will be no vexatious severity; if major crimes are not omitted, wickedness can be curbed. This will make the law simple yet hard to violate, lenient yet able to restrain—that would be excellent.” The emperor, after reading it, considered it very good. Before this, the repairs to the Daming Palace had not been completed. In the summer, in the fifth month, on the Gengyin day, the emperor ordered that because agricultural work was busy, the repairs should be halted and wait for the slack agricultural month. In the sixth month, on the Bingchen day, the Minister of War, Guo Yuanzhen, was appointed as Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin. Princess Taiping, relying on the power of the Retired Emperor, monopolized authority and managed affairs, and had conflicts with the emperor. Of the seven chancellors, five came from her faction. Civil and military high officials mostly attached themselves to her. She, together with Dou Huaizhen, Cen Xi, Xiao Zhizhong, Cui Shi, as well as the Junior Preceptor of the Heir Apparent, Xue Ji, the Chief of Yongzhou, the Prince of Xinxing, Li Jin, the General of the Left Yulin Guard, Chang Yuankai, the Acting Commander of the Right Yulin Guard, Li Ci, the General of the Left Jinwu Guard, Li Qin, the Secretariat Drafter, Li You, the Right Sanji Changshi, Jia Yingfu, the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial, Tang Xian, and the monk Huifan, plotted to depose the emperor. They also conspired with the palace woman Yuanshi to poison the red polypore powder presented to the emperor. Li Jin was the grandson of Li Deliang. Chang Yuankai and Li Ci frequently went back and forth to the princess’s residence, plotting together in collusion. Wang Ju said to the emperor: “The matter is urgent; action must not be delayed!” The Left Vice Director, Zhang Yue, sent a sword from the Eastern Capital as a gift to the emperor, meaning to urge him to make a decision. The Chief of Jingzhou, Cui Riyong, entered the court to report on affairs and said to the emperor: “Princess Taiping has been plotting rebellion for some time. Your Majesty, when previously in the Eastern Palace, was still a subject; if you wanted to punish her, you needed to use strategy and force. Now that you have ascended the throne, you need only issue an edict—who dares not obey? If, by chance, the wicked succeed, what use will regret be?” The emperor said: “Indeed, as you say. I only fear disturbing the Retired Emperor.” Cui Riyong said: “The filial piety of the Son of Heaven lies in stabilizing the empire. If the wicked succeed, then the altars of state will become ruins—where then is filial piety? Please first secure the Northern Army, then arrest the rebel partisans; this will not disturb the Retired Emperor.” The emperor considered this correct. He appointed Cui Riyong as Vice Minister of Personnel. In autumn, in the seventh month, Wei Zhigu informed that Princess Taiping planned to rebel on the fourth day of this month, ordering Chang Yuankai and Li Ci to lead the Yulin troops to suddenly enter the Wude Hall, while Dou Huaizhen, Cen Xi, and Xiao Zhizhong would raise troops at the Southern Offices to respond. The emperor then, together with the Prince of Qi, Li Fan, the Prince of Xue, Li Ye, Guo Yuanzhen, as well as the Dragon Martial General, Wang Maozhong, the Deputy Director of the Palace Administration, Jiang Jiao, the Junior Chief Steward of the Court of the Imperial Stud, Li Lingwen, the Feng Cheng Feng Yu, Wang Shouyi, the Nei Jishi, Gao Lishi, and the Guoyi, Li Shoude, among others, planned to kill them. Jiang Jiao was the great-grandson of Jiang Mo; Li Lingwen was the grandson of Li Ke, Li Jing’s younger brother; Wang Shouyi was the son of Wang Renjiao; Gao Lishi was a native of Pan Prefecture. On the Jiazi day, the emperor then sent Wang Maozhong to requisition horses and over three hundred soldiers from the imperial stables, and together with over ten co-conspirators, entered from the Wude Hall into the Qianhua Gate, summoned Chang Yuankai and Li Ci, and first killed them. They captured Jia Yingfu and Li You in the Nei Ke Sheng and brought them out, then arrested Xiao Zhizhong and Cen Xi at the court hall, and killed them all. Dou Huaizhen fled into a drain, hanged himself, and his corpse was mutilated; his surname was changed to Du. When the Retired Emperor heard of the incident, he ascended the Chengtian Gate tower. Guo Yuanzhen reported that the emperor had previously received an edict to execute Dou Huaizhen and others, and there was no other matter. The emperor soon arrived at the tower, and the Retired Emperor then issued an edict proclaiming the crimes of Dou Huaizhen and others, and then granted a general amnesty, only not pardoning the relatives and partisans of the rebels. Xue Ji was ordered to die by suicide in the Wannian prison. On the Yichou day, the Retired Emperor issued an edict: “From now on, military and state affairs, government orders, and punishments shall all be handled by the emperor. I will now be pure and tranquil, nourishing my mind, to fulfill my long-cherished wish.” On that day, he moved to the Baifu Hall. Princess Taiping fled into a mountain temple, emerging only after three days, and was ordered to die at home. Her several sons and partisans who were executed numbered several dozen. Xue Chongjian, because he had repeatedly admonished his mother and been beaten, was specially pardoned from death, granted the surname Li, and his offices and titles remained as before. The princess’s property was confiscated; goods and valuables were piled up like mountains, rare items comparable to the imperial treasury; the sheep, horses, fields, gardens, and loan interest from her estates could not be fully collected even after several years. Huifan’s property also amounted to several hundred thousand strings of cash. The Prince of Xinxing, Li Jin, had his surname changed to Li. Initially, when the emperor was plotting to kill Dou Huaizhen and others, he summoned Cui Shi, intending to make him a confidant. Cui Shi’s younger brother, Cui Di, said to Cui Shi: “If the lord has questions, do not conceal anything.” Cui Shi did not listen. After Dou Huaizhen and others were killed, Cui Shi, together with the Right Vice Director, Lu Zangyong, were both convicted of secretly serving Princess Taiping. Cui Shi was exiled to Dou Prefecture, and Lu Zangyong to Long Prefecture. When the Prince of Xinxing, Li Jin, was about to be executed, he sighed and said: “The one who originally plotted this matter was Cui Shi. Now I die while Cui Shi lives—is this not too unjust!” Just then, the relevant authorities interrogated the palace woman Yuanshi, and she implicated Cui Shi as a co-conspirator in the poisoning. Thereupon, an edict was issued to have Cui Shi die by suicide in Jingzhou. Xue Ji’s son, Xue Boyang, because he had married a princess, was spared death, exiled to Lingnan, and committed suicide on the way. Initially, when Princess Taiping and her partisans were plotting to depose the emperor, Dou Huaizhen, Xiao Zhizhong, Cen Xi, and Cui Shi all considered it feasible; only Lu Xiangxian considered it not feasible. The princess said: “Deposing the elder to establish the younger is already improper; moreover, he has lost virtue—why not depose him?” Lu Xiangxian said: “Since he was established because of merit, he should be deposed only because of crime. Now he truly has no crime; Xiangxian ultimately dares not comply.” The princess left angrily. After the emperor killed Dou Huaizhen and others, he summoned Lu Xiangxian and said to him: “In cold winter, one knows the pine and cypress—indeed, it is so!” At that time, when thoroughly investigating the princess’s branch partisans, many were liable to be implicated. Lu Xiangxian secretly interceded for them, pleading for mercy, and saved many; but he never spoke of it himself, and no one knew at the time. Among the officials, those who had been favored by the princess and those she detested were either demoted or promoted, and it was not finished even after a whole year. On the Dingmao day, the emperor ascended the Chengtian Gate tower and granted a general amnesty. On the Jisi day, he rewarded meritorious officials such as Guo Yuanzhen with different ranks of offices, titles, mansions, gold, and silk. Gao Lishi was appointed as General of the Right Jianmen Guard, overseeing the affairs of the Nei Shi Sheng. Initially, during the reign of Taizong, it was established that the Nei Shi Sheng would not set up third-rank officials; eunuchs wore yellow robes and received salaries, only guarding gates and transmitting orders. Even during the time of the Heavenly Empress, eunuchs did not hold power. During the reign of Zhongzong, many were favored, and eunuchs of the seventh rank and above reached over a thousand, yet there were still few who wore crimson official robes. When the emperor was in the prince’s residence, Gao Lishi served with all his heart. After he became the Heir Apparent, he memorialized to appoint him as Nei Jishi. At this time, because of his merit in killing Xiao Zhizhong and Cen Xi, he was rewarded. Thereafter, eunuchs gradually increased to over three thousand, and those appointed as third-rank generals gradually increased; those wearing crimson and purple official robes numbered over a thousand. The flourishing of eunuch power began from this. On the Renshen day, the Chief of Yizhou, Bi Gou, and five others were sent to inspect and pacify the ten circuits. On the Yihai day, the Left Vice Director, Zhang Yue, was appointed as Zhongshu Ling. On the Gengchen day, the Zhongshu Shilang and Tong Pingzhang Shi, Lu Xiangxian, was dismissed and appointed as Chief of Yizhou and Inspector of the Jiannan Circuit. In the eighth month, on the Guisi day, Liu Youqiu, who had been exiled to Feng Prefecture, was appointed as Left Puye and Pingzhang Military and State Affairs. On the Bingchen day, the Turkic Khaghan Mochuo sent his son Yangwozhi to seek marriage; on the Dingsi day, permission was granted to marry the daughter of the Prince of Shu, the Nanhe County Mistress, to him. When Emperor Zhongzong died, the Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin, Li Jiao, secretly submitted a memorial to Empress Wei, requesting that the sons of the Prince of Xiang be placed in outlying areas. After the emperor ascended the throne, he obtained this memorial in the palace and showed it to his attendants. Li Jiao was then retired as a Tejin. Someone requested that he be killed. Zhang Yue said: “Although Li Jiao did not recognize the distinction between compliant and rebellious, in planning for the situation at that time, he was loyal.” The emperor agreed. In the ninth month, on the Renxu day, Li Jiao’s son, the Shuaigeng Ling Li Chang, was appointed as the Prefect of Qianzhou, and Li Jiao was ordered to accompany him to his post. On the Gengwu day, Liu Youqiu was appointed as Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin. On the Bingxu day, the Right Censorate was reestablished to oversee the prefectures, and the inspectors of the various circuits were abolished. In winter, in the tenth month, on the Xinmao day, the emperor summoned the magistrates of the counties in the capital area and admonished them on the intention to care for and nurture the people due to the year’s famine. On the Jihai day, the emperor toured Xinfeng; on the Guimao day, he held military exercises at the foot of Mount Li, mobilizing two hundred thousand soldiers, with banners stretching over fifty li. Because the military formation was not orderly, the Minister of War, Guo Yuanzhen, was tried under the army’s banner and was about to be killed. Liu Youqiu and Zhang Yue knelt before the emperor’s horse and admonished, saying: “Yuanzhen has great merit to the altars of state; he cannot be killed.” Thereupon he was exiled to Xinzhou. The Jishizhong and Zhilishi, Tang Shao, was beheaded because of his negligence in establishing military ritual. The emperor initially wanted to establish his authority, and did not intend to kill Tang Shao either; the General of the Jinwu Guard, Li Miao, hastily announced the edict and had him killed. The emperor soon dismissed Li Miao from office, never to be employed for life. At that time, when the two high officials were punished, the various armies were mostly shaken and alarmed, losing their composure. Only the Left Army Commissioner, Xue Ne, and the Shuofang Circuit Grand Commander, Xie Wan, kept their two armies steady. The emperor sent light cavalry to summon them, but they could not enter their formations. The emperor deeply praised them, comforting and encouraging them. On the Jiachen day, he hunted on the Wei River. The emperor wanted to appoint the Prefect of Tongzhou, Yao Yuanzhi, as chancellor. Zhang Yue was jealous of him, so he had the Censor-in-Chief, Zhao Yanzhao, impeach him; the emperor did not accept this. He also had the Director of the Palace Administration, Jiang Jiao, say to the emperor: “Your Majesty has often wanted to select a Hezong Commander but found it difficult to find the right person. Your servant has now found one.” The emperor asked who it was. Jiang Jiao said: “Yao Yuanzhi is accomplished in both civil and military affairs; he is truly the right person.” The emperor said: “This is Zhang Yue’s idea. How dare you deceive me to my face? You deserve death!” Jiang Jiao kowtowed and confessed his crime. The emperor immediately sent a palace messenger to summon Yao Yuanzhi to the traveling palace. When he arrived, the emperor was hunting. He summoned him, and immediately appointed him as Minister of War and Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin. Yao Yuanzhi was shrewd and efficient in handling affairs. Having been chancellor three times, he concurrently served as Minister of War. He silently remembered everything about border garrisons, reconnaissance, soldiers, horses, and equipment reserves. When the emperor first ascended the throne, he exerted himself to govern well, consulting Yao Yuanzhi on every matter. Yao Yuanzhi responded fluently, while his colleagues merely assented; therefore, the emperor entrusted him with special responsibilities. Yao Yuanzhi requested to curb powerful and favored nobles, to be sparing with ranks and rewards, to accept remonstrances, to refuse tributes, and not to be overly intimate with the courtiers; the emperor adopted all these suggestions. On the Yisi day, the emperor’s carriage returned to the capital. Yao Yuanzhi once memorialized to request the promotion of Lang officials in due order. The emperor looked up at the palace roof. Yao Yuanzhi repeated his statement several times, but the emperor did not respond. Yao Yuanzhi became afraid and quickly withdrew. After the court session, Gao Lishi admonished, saying: “Your Majesty has just taken charge of the myriad affairs. When a chancellor reports on matters, you should indicate approval or disapproval face to face. How can you not examine them at all?” The emperor said: “I have entrusted the various government affairs to Yao Yuanzhi. Major matters should be reported for joint discussion. But such minor officials as Lang officials—must he trouble me with each one?” Just then, Gao Lishi went to the Central Secretariat to convey the imperial decree, telling Yao Yuanzhi what the emperor had said. Yao Yuanzhi then became happy. Those who heard it all admired the emperor’s understanding of the ruler’s proper role. The Zuo Shiyi from Qujiang, Zhang Jiuling, because Yao Yuanzhi held great prestige and was trusted by the emperor, submitted a letter urging him to distance himself from flattering and impatient people and to employ pure and honest ones, roughly saying: “Appointing people according to their abilities is the essence of governance; sharing rule with the worthy does not go beyond this path. However, in employing talent in the past, it was not that there was a lack of insight into people. The reason for errors lay in recommending based on personal feelings.” He also said: “Since the lord marquis has held the important position of chancellor and wields the power of appointment, those shallow and insubstantial individuals have stretched their necks and stood on tiptoe to come, flattering relatives to seek reputation, currying favor with guests to gain acceptance. Among them, how could there be no talent? The fault lies in their lack of a sense of shame.” Yao Yuanzhi praised and adopted his words. When the Prince of Xinxing, Li Jin, was killed, his subordinates all fled, only the Sigong, Li Zong, followed on foot, not losing the propriety of an official position, and even wept over his corpse. When Yao Yuanzhi heard of this, he said: “This is a man of the same type as Luan Bu.” When Yao Yuanzhi became chancellor, he promoted Li Zong to be a Lang of the Secretariat. On the Jiyou day, the Minister of Punishments, Zhao Yanzhao, was appointed as Grand Commander of the Shuofang Circuit. In the eleventh month, on the Yichou day, Liu Youqiu concurrently served as Shizhong. On the Xinsi day, the assembled officials submitted a memorial requesting that the honorary title Kaiyuan Shenwu Emperor be added; the emperor agreed. On the Wuzi day, he accepted the conferral. The Zhongshu Shilang, Wang Ju, was favored and treated generously by the emperor, to an extent unmatched by any other official. Every time he had an audience, he accompanied the emperor in conversation and banter, not leaving until night. Sometimes even on his days off, he was often summoned by palace messengers. Someone said to the emperor: “Wang Ju is a man of stratagems, deceit, and techniques. He can be used to pacify turmoil but is difficult to employ in preserving peace.” The emperor therefore gradually distanced himself from him. In this month, Wang Ju was ordered to concurrently serve as Censor-in-Chief and to inspect the northern border armies. In the twelfth month, on the Gengyin day, a general amnesty was granted, and the reign title was changed. The Left and Right Puye of the Secretariat were changed to Left and Right Chengxiang; the Zhongshu Sheng was changed to Ziwei Sheng; the Menxia Sheng was changed to Huangmen Sheng, and Shizhong was changed to Jian; Yongzhou was changed to Jingzhao Fu, Luozhou was changed to Henan Fu, and the Zhangshi was changed to Yin, and the Sima was changed to Shaoyin. On the Jiawu day, the Tibetan kingdom sent a high minister to seek peace. On the Renyin day, Yao Yuanzhi was concurrently appointed as Ziwei Ling. To avoid the taboo of the Kaiyuan honorific title, Yao Yuanzhi reverted to his original name, Yao Chong. The emperor ordered: “When the Dudu, Cishi, and Duhu are about to assume their posts, they must all be summoned for a personal farewell audience, and then go to the side gate to await the imperial decree.” After Yao Chong became chancellor, the Ziwei Ling, Zhang Yue, became fearful and therefore secretly went to the residence of the Prince of Qi to express his allegiance. Another day, Yao Chong was responding to the emperor in a side hall and walked with a slight limp. The emperor asked: “Do you have a foot ailment?” Yao Chong replied: “Your servant has an ailment of the heart and abdomen, not a foot ailment.” The emperor asked why. Yao Chong replied: “The Prince of Qi is Your Majesty’s beloved younger brother, and Zhang Yue is a high minister assisting in governance. Yet he secretly rode in a carriage to enter the Prince of Qi’s residence—I fear he may cause trouble, hence my worry.” On the Guichou day, Zhang Yue was demoted to be the Prefect of Xiangzhou. The Right Puye and Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin, Liu Youqiu, was also dismissed and appointed as Junior Preceptor of the Heir Apparent. On the Jiayin day, the Huangmen Shilang, Lu Huaishen, was appointed as Tong Ziwei Huangmen Pingzhang Shi.