Tang Annals 47

From the fifth month of the year jia-yin to the seventh month of the year yi-mao, a total of slightly over one year.

In the fifth month, Wang Shao, the Salt and Iron Commissioner and a native of Wannian, transported silk fabrics from the Jiang-Huai region to the emperor. The emperor ordered that they first be distributed to the officers and soldiers, and only then did he use them to make his own garments. Han Huang intended to send an envoy to present forty loads of fine silk brocade to the emperor’s temporary residence. His aide He Shigan requested to go. Han Huang said happily, “If you can undertake this journey for me, please cross the river today.” He Shigan agreed. When he returned home to bid farewell to his family, he found that firewood, rice, and other provisions were already laid out in the courtyard. When he boarded the boat, he found that luggage, equipment, and tools had already filled the cabin. Down to the toilet sticks, Han Huang had personally recorded and listed them, leaving nothing incomplete or lacking. For every porter, he gave a piece of silver to be worn at the waist. He also transported a hundred boatloads of grain to supply Li Sheng, personally carrying rice sacks onto the boats. His generals and staff vied to carry them, finishing in a short time. Each boat was assigned five crossbowmen for defense and support; if bandits appeared, they struck the boat’s side to warn each other, and five hundred crossbows were already drawn. By the time they reached Wei Bridge, the bandits dared not approach. At that time, the Guanzhong region was afflicted by war and famine; the price of a peck of rice was five hundred coins. After Han Huang’s rice arrived, the price dropped by four-fifths. Han Huang was strong-willed and stern by nature, and his own life was frugal and simple. His wife often wore a silk skirt, and only replaced it when it was torn.

After the Tibetans defeated Han Min and his forces, they plundered extensively and withdrew. Zhu Ci sent Tian Xijian to bribe the Tibetans with large amounts of gold and silk, which the Tibetans accepted. Han Youwei reported this to the emperor. Hun Jian also submitted a memorial, saying: “Shang Jiezan has repeatedly sent people to set a date for a joint attack on Chang’an, but afterward he did not come. I hear that his troops suffered a great plague this spring, and recently he has led his army away.” The emperor, because Li Sheng and Hun Jian’s forces were insufficient, had hoped to rely on the Tibetans to recover the capital. Hearing that they had left, he was deeply worried and consulted Lu Zhi on the matter. Lu Zhi considered the Tibetans greedy and treacherous, bringing harm and no benefit. Their voluntary departure was truly cause for celebration. He then submitted a memorial, the gist of which said: “The Tibetans delay and watch, being fickle and unpredictable. They have penetrated deep into the capital region, secretly accepting instructions from the rebels, causing all the generals and commanders to be hesitant and anxious: wanting to abandon them and advance alone, they fear the Tibetans might harbor resentment and pursue them; wanting to wait for them to act jointly, they fear the Tibetans will break their word and delay. If the barbarians have not yet withdrawn, the rebels will ultimately never be eliminated.” It also said: “The generals and commanders think Your Majesty does not trust them, and they also fear the Tibetan barbarians will seize their merit. The soldiers fear Your Majesty does not appreciate their past toil, and they dread the Tibetan barbarians monopolizing the gains. The rebel partisans fear that if the Tibetans win, they themselves will not die but will all be captured. The common people fear the Tibetans’ arrival, for their possessions will certainly be plundered entirely. Therefore, the hearts of those who follow the imperial teachings cannot but slacken, and the position of those trapped in the rebel territory cannot but harden.” It also said: “Now Li Huaiguang is separately holding Pu and Jiang prefectures, while the Tibetans have withdrawn far to the border. The situation is already divided, with no worries from front or rear. Hun Jian, Li Sheng, and the other generals can now fully exert their abilities and strength.” It further said: “I only hope Your Majesty will carefully pacify and receive them, diligently encourage the officers and troops, and the great enterprise of restoration can be expected within ten days or a half-month. You should no longer cling to those dog-and-sheep-like Tibetan barbarians, thereby losing the hearts of the generals and soldiers.” The emperor again sent someone to Lu Zhi, saying: “What you said about the Tibetan situation is very good, but Hun Jian, Li Sheng, and the various armies should be discussed and planned for, so that they can now advance. I intend to send envoys to convey my will and offer rewards. You should carefully and thoroughly submit a detailed report to me.” Lu Zhi considered: “A wise ruler selects his generals, entrusts them with heavy responsibilities, and demands success, so they can achieve merit. Moreover, now the distance between Qin and Liang is a thousand li, and military situations change unpredictably. To plan from afar is not necessarily appropriate. If they disobey orders, it damages the ruler’s authority; if they obey orders, it harms military operations. Advance and retreat are both hindered and obstructed, making success difficult. It would be better to grant them the authority to act according to circumstances, and treat them with special rewards. Then the generals will be moved and delighted, and their wisdom and courage can be fully displayed.” He then submitted a memorial, the gist of which said: “The blades and arrows clash on the battlefield, yet decisions are made in the deep palace; opportunities change in an instant, yet strategies are determined a thousand li away. Approval and rejection hinder each other, and both good and bad are inauspicious. Above, there is the reproach of interference; below, there is no will to fight to the death.” It also said: “Hearsay differs from actual circumstances, and empty estimation differs from facing a major event.” It further said: “If someone among them deliberately disobeys orders, can Your Majesty at that time punish them for defying an imperial decree? If so, those who disobey orders cannot actually be punished, and those who obey orders may not necessarily be suitable. Wasting empty words only exhausts the sage’s thoughts; it is not only without benefit, but the loss is truly great.” It also said: “The authority of a ruler is especially different from that of a minister. Only by not relying on one’s own abilities can one employ the talents of others.”

On the guiyou day, the Prince of Jing, Li Ting, died.

Gao Chengzong, the Surveillance Commissioner of Xu, Hai, Yi, and Mi prefectures, died. On the jiaxu day, his son Gao Mingying was appointed to act as military commissioner.

On the yihai day, Li Baozhen and Wang Wujun camped thirty li from Beizhou. Zhu Tao, hearing that the two armies were about to arrive, urgently summoned Ma Shi, who traveled day and night to reach him. Someone said to Zhu Tao: “Wang Wujun is skilled in field warfare; do not confront his edge. You should move your camp slightly forward to press them, and let the Uighurs cut off their supply routes. We will sit and consume the provisions of De and Di prefectures, rely on the camp to form battle formations, attack if advantageous, and retreat to hold firm if not. Wait until they are hungry and exhausted, then we can subdue them.” Zhu Tao hesitated and could not decide. Just then, Ma Shi’s army arrived, and Zhu Tao ordered a battle the next day. Ma Shi said: “The soldiers are exhausted and weary from the summer heat; please let them rest for a few days before fighting.”

The Regular Attendant Yang Bu, General Cai Xiong, and the Uighur envoy Da-gan came to see Zhu Tao. Da-gan said: “When the Uighurs fight against neighboring states in our own country, we often defeat several thousand enemy cavalry with five hundred cavalry, like sweeping away fallen leaves. Now, having received countless gold, silk, cattle, and wine from the Great King, we wish to render meritorious service for the Great King. This is the right time. Tomorrow, I hope the Great King will halt his horse on a high hill and watch as the Uighurs eliminate Wang Wujun’s cavalry for the Great King, leaving not a single horse to return.” Yang Bu and Cai Xiong said: “The Great King’s brilliant strategy surpasses the world. Leading the entire army of Yan and Ji, you are about to sweep Henan and pacify Guanzhong. Now, facing a minor enemy, you hesitate and do not attack. This will lose the expectations of all, near and far. On what basis will you achieve hegemony? Da-gan’s request to fight is correct.” Zhu Tao was delighted, and thus resolved to give battle. On the morning of the bingzi day, Wang Wujun sent his Military Commissioner Zhao Lin to lead five hundred cavalry to ambush in the mulberry forest. Li Baozhen formed a square formation in the rear, while Wang Wujun led the cavalry in front, personally confronting the Uighurs. The Uighurs released their troops to charge. Wang Wujun ordered his cavalry to rein in their horses and avoid them. The Uighurs burst through to their rear. As they were about to turn back, Wang Wujun then released his troops to attack. Zhao Lin emerged from the forest to strike from the flank, and the Uighurs fled in defeat. Wang Wujun immediately pursued. Zhu Tao’s cavalry also fled, trampling their own infantry formations. Both infantry and cavalry fled eastward. Zhu Tao could not control them and thus fled to his camp. Li Baozhen and Wang Wujun combined their forces in pursuit. At that time, Zhu Tao led thirty thousand men into battle; over ten thousand died, and another ten thousand or more scattered and routed. Zhu Tao only took a few thousand men into his camp to hold it. Just then, it grew dark, and a heavy fog descended. The two armies could not advance. Li Baozhen camped to the northwest of the camp, and Wang Wujun to the northeast. That night, Zhu Tao burned his camp and led his troops out through the south gate, fleeing toward Dezhou, abandoning plundered goods piled up like a mountain. The two armies, due to the fog, could not pursue. Zhu Tao killed Yang Bu and Cai Xiong before returning to Youzhou. He felt both ashamed and worried that the of Fanyang, Liu Peng, might take advantage of his defeat to scheme against him. Liu Peng mobilized all the remaining garrison troops to line the road for twenty li, prepared the ceremonial guard, and welcomed him into the government office. The two faced each other, feeling both sorrow and joy. People of the time praised Liu Peng’s conduct.

Initially, Zhang Xiaozhong led Yizhou in submitting to the imperial court. An edict was issued appointing Zhang Xiaozhong as Yiwu Jiedushi, with Yi, Ding, and Cang prefectures placed under his jurisdiction. Li Gulie, the prefect of Cangzhou, was the elder brother of Li Weiyue's wife. He requested to return to Hengzhou. Zhang Xiaozhong sent Yaiya Anxi native Cheng Hua to take over the affairs of the prefecture. Li Gulie took all the silk, fine silks, treasures, and goods from the military headquarters, amounting to several tens of carts. As he was about to depart, the soldiers shouted loudly, "The prefect has emptied the storehouses and taken everything. What will we soldiers do when we face cold and hunger in the future!" Thereupon, they killed Li Gulie and his entire family. Hearing of the disturbance, Cheng Hua escaped through a hole in the wall. The mutinous soldiers found him and asked him to take charge of the prefecture's affairs. Cheng Hua had no choice but to agree. When Zhang Xiaozhong heard about this, he immediately issued a document appointing Cheng Hua as acting prefect of Cangzhou. Cheng Hua had always been lenient and treated the soldiers with sincerity, so the troops were pacified.

At that time, Zhu Tao and Wang Wujun rebelled and sent envoys to persuade Cheng Hua to join them, but Cheng Hua refused. Zhang Xiaozhong was then in Dingzhou. To travel from Cangzhou to Dingzhou, one had to pass through Yingzhou, which was under Zhu Tao's control, making the route impassable. Cangzhou Lushi Canjun Li Yu advised Cheng Hua to submit a memorial to the throne explaining the situation and requesting the establishment of a separate army. Cheng Hua agreed and sent Li Yu with the memorial to the emperor's temporary residence. The emperor immediately appointed Cheng Hua as prefect of Cangzhou, deputy grand marshal of the Heng Navy, and acting military commissioner, bestowing upon him the name Rihua. He ordered Cheng Rihua to supply the Yiwu Army with an annual tax of 120,000 strings of cash. Wang Wujun again sent someone to entice him. At that time, the army was short of horses. Cheng Rihua deceived the envoy, saying, "If Governor Wang truly wishes me to submit, he should provide two hundred cavalry to assist me." Wang Wujun gave him the horses, but Cheng Rihua kept them all and sent the soldiers back. Wang Wujun was furious, but he was locked in a stalemate with Ma Sui and others and could not attack, so Cheng Rihua was able to preserve himself. It was only after Wang Wujun submitted to the court that Cheng Rihua sent someone to apologize, repay the value of the horses, and present gifts. Wang Wujun was pleased and resumed friendly relations.

On the gengyin day, Li Sheng arrayed his troops in grand formation, proclaiming his intention to recapture the capital. Prior to this, Yao Lingyan and others had repeatedly sent spies to probe the date of Li Sheng's advance, but they were all captured by the patrol cavalry. Li Sheng brought them before the assembled ranks and said to them, "Go back and tell those bandits to strive to hold their positions and not to be disloyal to their master!" He then gave them wine and money and released them. Thereupon, he led his army to the Tonghua Gate, displayed his military might, and then returned, with the bandits not daring to engage. Li Sheng summoned his generals and asked them from which direction to advance. All the generals requested, "First take the outer city, occupy the wards and markets, and then attack the palace from the north." Li Sheng said, "The wards and markets are narrow. If the bandits set up an ambush and fight, the residents will be thrown into panic and confusion, which will be disadvantageous for the imperial army. Now, the bandits' elite troops are all concentrated in the imperial park. It would be better to attack from the north of the park, break their core, and the bandits will surely flee. In this way, the palaces will not be damaged, and the wards and markets will not be disturbed. This is the best strategy!" All the generals said, "Excellent!" He then sent dispatches to Hun Jian, as well as Zhenguo Jiedushi Luo Yuanguang and Shangzhou Jiedushi Shang Kegu, appointing a date to meet outside the city walls. On the renchen day, Shang Kegu defeated and killed Zhu Ci's general Qiu Jingzhong west of Lantian. On the yiwei day, Li Sheng moved his army to Micang Village outside the Guangtai Gate. On the bingshen day, as Li Sheng was personally supervising the construction of the camp, Zhu Ci's fierce general Zhang Tingzhi and Li Xifu led a large force to arrive. Li Sheng said to his generals, "Initially, I feared the bandits would hide and not come out. Now they come to seek death. This is Heaven helping us; we must not miss this opportunity!" He ordered Vice Marshal of the Deputy Marshal's Army Wu Shen and others to release their troops to attack. At that time, the Huazhou camp was in the north with fewer troops, and the bandits concentrated their forces to attack it. Li Sheng ordered Yaqian General Li Yan and others to lead elite troops to reinforce them. Li Yan and the others fought vigorously, and the bandits were defeated and retreated. Li Yan and the others pursued, and taking advantage of the victory, they entered the Guangtai Gate. They engaged again and defeated the bandits once more. As night fell, Li Sheng withdrew his troops and returned to camp. The remaining bandits fled into the Baihua Gate. During the night, sounds of wailing were heard. Li Xifu was the younger brother of Li Xilie. On the dingyou day, Li Sheng again deployed his troops. The generals requested to wait until the western army arrived before launching a pincer attack on the bandits. Li Sheng said, "The bandits have suffered successive defeats and are terrified. If we do not take advantage of our victory to capture them and allow them to prepare, that will not be a good plan." The bandits again came out to fight, and the imperial army won multiple victories. Luo Yuanguang defeated Zhu Ci's forces west of the Chan River. On the wuxu day, Li Sheng arrayed his troops outside the Guangtai Gate. He sent Li Yan and Yaqian Bingma Shi Wang Bi to lead the cavalry, and Yaqian General Shi Wanqing to lead the infantry, straight to the Shenpa Village outside the park wall. Li Sheng had first sent men to cut a breach over two hundred paces in the park wall overnight. By the time Li Yan and the others arrived, the bandits had already erected palisades to block the gap, stabbing and shooting at the imperial army from behind them, so the army could not advance. Li Sheng was furious and berated his generals, saying, "You have let the bandits go this far! I will execute you first!" Shi Wanqing was frightened and led his troops forward first, pulled down the palisades, and charged in. Wang Bi and Li Yan followed closely with the cavalry. The bandit army was utterly defeated and scattered. The various army units entered simultaneously from different routes. Yao Lingyan and others were still fighting fiercely. Li Sheng ordered the Juesheng Army Commissioner Tang Liangchen and others to lead infantry and cavalry to press them, advancing while fighting. After more than ten engagements, the bandits could no longer hold. When they reached the Baihua Gate, several thousand bandit cavalry emerged from behind the imperial army. Li Sheng led over a hundred cavalry to turn and resist. Those around him shouted, "The Duke has arrived!" The bandits all panicked and scattered. Prior to this, Zhu Ci had sent Zhang Guangsheng to station five thousand troops at Jiuqu, over ten li from the Dongwei Bridge. Zhang Guangsheng secretly pledged his loyalty to Li Sheng. After Zhu Ci's defeat, Zhang Guangsheng urged Zhu Ci to flee. Zhu Ci then, along with Yao Lingyan, led his remaining troops westward, still nearly ten thousand men. Zhang Guangsheng saw Zhu Ci out of the city, then returned and surrendered to Li Sheng. Li Sheng sent Bingma Shi Tian Ziqi to lead cavalry in pursuit of Zhu Ci. Li Sheng encamped in front of the Hanyuan Hall and stayed in the Right Jinwu Guard compound. He issued an order to the various armies, saying, "I rely on the strength of the officers and men to cleanse the imperial palace. The scholars and common people of Chang'an have long been trapped in the hands of the bandits. If there is even the slightest disturbance, it will not be in accord with the original intent of pacifying the people and punishing the guilty. It is not too late for me and you gentlemen to see our families. For five days, no correspondence with families is permitted." He ordered Jingzhao Yin Li Qiyun and others to comfort the residents. Li Sheng's senior general Gao Mingyao seized a singing girl from the bandits, and Shang Kegu's soldiers took horses from the bandits without authorization. Li Sheng had them both beheaded, and the entire army trembled in fear. Public and private affairs were peaceful, with not the slightest harm done. Some people in distant wards only learned after a night had passed that the imperial army had already entered the city. On this day, Hun Jian, Dai Xiuyan, and Han Yougui also captured Xianyang, defeating over three thousand bandits. Hearing that Zhu Ci had fled west, they dispatched troops to intercept him.

On the jihai day, Li Sheng sent Jingxi Bingma Shi Meng She to station at the Baihua Gate, Shang Kegu at the Wangxian Gate, Luo Yuanguang at the Zhangjing Temple, and Li Sheng himself led three thousand Yaqian troops to station at the Anguo Temple to secure the capital. He executed eight of Zhu Ci's partisans, including Li Xiqian, Jing Gang, and Peng Yan, in the marketplace.

After Wang Wujun defeated Zhu Tao, he returned to Hengzhou and submitted a memorial resigning from his posts as Youzhou and Lulong Jiedushi. The emperor granted his request.

In the sixth month, on the guimao day, Li Sheng sent his secretary, Wu Renyu Gongyi, to compose a victory proclamation to report to the emperor, saying, "Your servant has cleansed the imperial palace and reverently paid homage at the ancestral temples and imperial tombs. The frames for the bells and chime stones have not been moved, and the appearance of the ancestral temples remains as before." The emperor, in tears, said, "Heaven gave birth to Li Sheng for the sake of the state, not for me alone." When Li Sheng was at the Wei Bridge, the planet Mars had remained at the position of Jupiter for a long time before departing. His guests and staff all came to congratulate him, saying, "Mars has left its normal position; this is the imperial family's good fortune! You should advance quickly." Li Sheng said, "The Son of Heaven is in exile. Your servant knows only to fight to the death. Celestial signs are distant and unfathomable; who can know their meaning!" Only after capturing Chang'an did he tell them, "Earlier, I was not rejecting your advice. I have heard that the waxing and waning of the five planets is without pattern. If it were to return and linger at Jupiter's position again, our army would be defeated without even fighting!" All present apologized, saying, "This was something we could not have imagined!"

Zhu Ci was about to flee to Tubo, but his followers scattered along the way. By the time he reached Jingzhou, only a hundred or so cavalry remained. Tian Xijian closed the city gates and refused to admit him. Zhu Ci said to him, “Your tally of authority was granted by me. Why do you betray me in my time of peril?” He sent men to set the city gates ablaze. Tian Xijian seized the tally, threw it into the fire, and said, “I return your tally to you!” Zhu Ci’s followers all wept. The soldiers of Jingzhou then killed Yao Lingyan and surrendered to Tian Xijian. Zhu Ci, alone with his Fanchuan personal troops, his clan, and his retainers, fled north to Yima Pass, but the prefect of Ningzhou, Xiahou Ying, refused them passage. When they reached the western city stockade of Pengyuan, Zhu Ci’s general Liang Tingfen shot him with an arrow, causing him to fall into a pit. Han Min and others beheaded him and surrendered to Jingzhou. Yuan Xiu and Li Ziping fled to Fengxiang, where Li Chulin executed them and sent their heads to the emperor’s location.

The emperor ordered Lu Zhi to draft an edict to Hun Jian, instructing him to search for the head-wrapped palace women lost in Fengtian. Lu Zhi submitted a memorial, stating: “Now that the great rebel has just been pacified, the exhausted and suffering common people, along with the wounded and weary soldiers, have yet to receive comfort and consolation. Yet Your Majesty first seeks out women—this does not align with the people’s expectations of renewal and reform. If a plan begins with the utmost perfection, few can bring it to a good end; but if it begins without a plan, what end can it possibly have? I dare not comply with the edict Your Majesty has granted to Hun Jian.” The emperor therefore did not issue the edict, but in the end he sent eunuchs to conduct the search. On the yisi day, an edict was issued appointing the Vice Minister of Personnel, Ban Hong, as an imperial commissioner to console the soldiers and pacify the people. On the bingwu day, Li Cheng executed more than ten civil and military officials who had accepted Zhu Ci’s favor and appointments, including Cui Xuan and Hong Jinglun. He also submitted a memorial praising those who had upheld their integrity, such as Liu Nai and Jiang Yan. On the jiyou day, Li Cheng was appointed Sikong and Zhongshu Ling. Luo Yuanguang and Shang Kegu each received promotions of varying ranks. Tian Xijian, the Investigating Censor and Military Governor, was appointed as the Jingyuan Circuit Military Commissioner.

An edict was issued changing the name of Liangzhou to Xingyuan Prefecture.

On the jiayin day, Hun Jian was appointed Shizhong, and Han Yougui and Dai Xiuyan each received promotions of varying ranks.

When Zhu Ci was defeated, Li Zhongchen fled to Fanchuan but was captured. On the bingchen day, he was beheaded.

The emperor asked Lu Zhi: “Now, at Fengxiang, there are various armies coming to greet the imperial carriage. Their momentum is very great. Would it be appropriate to take this opportunity to send someone to replace Li Chulin? What do you think?” Lu Zhi submitted a memorial, stating: “To do so would be akin to coercion and intimidation. From the perspective of quelling disorder, it would not be valorous; from the perspective of devoting effort to governance, it would not be sincere. If this serves as the reason for an imperial tour, how could one enter (this place) in the future? Those who discuss this matter may call it a tactical expedient, but I privately do not understand its reasoning. The meaning of ‘tactical expedient’ is like the weight of a steelyard. Now, as Your Majesty’s carriage passes through a place, the first act is to implement coercion and seizure—replacing one general while damaging the emperor’s righteousness, gaining one place while arousing suspicion from all directions. This is treating the light as heavy and the heavy as light. To call this a tactical expedient, is it not the opposite! To regard violating righteousness as a tactical expedient and employing schemes as wisdom—if a ruler does this, he will surely lose the people’s hearts; if a minister does this, he will surely bring death upon himself. The reason why successive dynasties have seen much turmoil and prolonged treachery is precisely this error. It would be better to wait until the capital is secure, then summon and appoint him to an office. He would rejoice at the grace and pardon, and would hasten to serve without respite. How would he dare to resist and cause the trouble of further punitive action?” On the wuwu day, the imperial carriage departed from Hanzhong.

Li Cheng administered Chang’an to prepare the various government offices for operation. He requested permission to go to Fengxiang to welcome and escort the emperor, but the emperor did not allow it. The Inner Attendant Yin Yuanzhen, sent on a mission to Tonghua, arbitrarily went to Hezhong to summon Li Huaiguang to surrender. Li Cheng memorialized: “Yin Yuanzhen falsely conveyed imperial orders to pardon the chief offender. I request that he be punished!”

In autumn, in the seventh month, on the bingzi day, the imperial carriage arrived at Fengxiang. Qiao Lin, Jiang Zhen, Zhang Guangsheng, and others were executed. Li Cheng believed that although Zhang Guangsheng had served the rebel, he had also contributed significantly to eliminating the rebels, and wished to spare him, but the emperor did not permit it.

The Deputy Marshal’s Administrative Assistant, Gao Ying, repeatedly advised Li Huaiguang to submit. Li Huaiguang sent his son Li Cui to the emperor’s temporary residence to apologize, requesting to bind himself and return to court. On the gengchen day, an edict was issued sending the Grand Master of Remonstrance, Kong Chaofu, with the previously issued edict appointing Li Huaiguang as Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent, to Hezhong to offer comfort and pacification. All the Shuofang officers and men were restored to their original offices and titles.

On the renwu day, the imperial carriage arrived at Chang’an. Hun Jian, Han Yougui, and Dai Xiuyan led their troops to escort it. Li Cheng, Luo Yuanguang, and Shang Kegu led their troops to welcome it. There were over one hundred thousand infantry and cavalry, and banners stretched for several tens of li. Li Cheng met the emperor at Sanqiao, first congratulating him on pacifying the rebels, then apologizing for being too late in recovering the capital. He knelt by the roadside and begged to be punished. The emperor halted his horse, comforted and consoled him, weeping for him, and ordered his attendants to help him mount his horse. After returning to the palace, on every day of leisure, he feasted the meritorious officials and bestowed generous rewards. Li Cheng was given the highest place, Hun Jian the next, and the various generals and ministers after them.

The Prince of Cao, Li Gao, sent his generals Yi Shen and Wang E to besiege Anzhou. Li Xilie sent his nephew Liu Jiexu to lead eight thousand infantry and cavalry to rescue Anzhou. Li Gao sent another general, Li Boqian, to ambush them at Yingshan, beheading over a thousand men and capturing Liu Jiexu alive. He displayed him before the city walls, and Anzhou then surrendered. Yi Shen was appointed Prefect of Anzhou. He then attacked Li Xilie’s general Kang Shuye at Lixiang and drove him back.

On the dinghai day, Kong Chaofu arrived at Hezhong. Li Huaiguang, dressed in civilian clothes, awaited punishment. Kong Chaofu did not stop him. Most of Li Huaiguang’s attendants were Hu people, and they all sighed, saying, “The Grand Commandant no longer holds office!” Kong Chaofu also publicly announced, “Who among the army can replace the Grand Commandant in leading the troops?” At this, Li Huaiguang’s attendants became angry and clamorous. Before the edict had finished being read, the crowd killed Kong Chaofu along with the eunuch envoy Dan Shouying. Li Huaiguang did not stop them either, and he again readied his army to prepare for defense. On the xinmao day, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the empire.

Previously, when Emperor Suzong was at Lingwu, the Emperor served as Prince Fengjie and studied literature with Li Mi. During Emperor Daizong’s reign, Li Mi resided at the Penglai Academy, and the Emperor, then Crown Prince, also associated with him. By the time the Emperor was at Xingyuan, Li Mi served as the prefect of Hangzhou. The Emperor urgently summoned him by edict, and he went to the imperial traveling camp together with Du Ya, the prefect of Muzhou. On the Yihai day, Li Mi was appointed Left Sanqi Changshi, and Du Ya was appointed Vice Minister of Justice. Li Mi was ordered to be on duty daily at the Western Secretariat to await summons for consultations, and both the court and the public looked up to him and attached themselves to him. The Emperor asked Li Mi, “Hezhong is very close to the capital, and the Shuofang troops have always been known as elite. Men like Daxu Xiaojun can each match ten thousand others. I worry day and night about this—what should be done?” Li Mi replied, “There are many things in the world to worry about, but if only Hezhong is concerned, it is not worth worrying about. To judge the enemy’s strength, one should assess the general, not the soldiers. Now Li Huaiguang is the general; men like Daxu Xiaojun are merely soldiers—why bother about them! Since Li Huaiguang lifted the siege of Fengtian, he watched Zhu Ci, a doomed captive, but could not capture him; instead, he allied with him, allowing Li Sheng to capture him and achieve merit. Now that Your Majesty has returned to the palace, Li Huaiguang does not bind himself and come to confess his crimes, but instead kills envoys and lurks like a rat in Hezhong—he is like a man in a nightmare! I fear only that he will soon be killed by his own subordinates, leaving the other generals without the means to claim merit.” Initially, the Emperor had mobilized the Tibetans to attack Zhu Ci, promising them the lands of Yixi and Beiting after success. After Zhu Ci was killed, the Tibetans came to demand the lands. The Emperor wanted to recall the two regional military governors, Guo Xin and Li Yuanzhong, back to court and give the lands to them. Li Mi said, “Anxi and Beiting have fierce and brave people, control the fifty-seven kingdoms of the Western Regions and the Ten Surnames of the Turks, and also divert the Tibetan forces, preventing them from concentrating their troops to invade the east—how can we give them away! Moreover, the officers and soldiers of these two garrisons are isolated and far away; they have exhausted their loyalty and strength, steadfastly defending the country for nearly twenty years—truly pitiable. If we abandon them to the Rongdi, their hearts will surely deeply resent the Central Plains, and later they will follow the Tibetans in invading, as if avenging personal grievances. Besides, initially the Tibetans hesitated, secretly held a dual stance, plundered Wugong heavily, and left after receiving bribes—what merit did they have!” The general opinion also agreed, so the Emperor did not grant the lands.

When Li Xilie heard that Li Xiqian had been executed, he was very angry. On the Renyin day of the eighth month, he sent a eunuch envoy to Caizhou to kill Yan Zhenqing. The envoy said, “There is an imperial decree.” Yan Zhenqing bowed twice. The envoy said, “Now I am ordered to give you death.” Yan Zhenqing said, “This old servant has no merit, and my crime deserves death. May I ask on which day the envoy departed from Chang’an?” The envoy said, “I came from Daliang, not from Chang’an.” Yan Zhenqing said, “Then you are merely a rebel—how can this be called an imperial decree!” Thereupon, they strangled him.

Li Sheng, because Jingzhou bordered the frontier and had repeatedly seen its military commanders killed, often being a source of rebellion, submitted a memorial requesting to go there to deal with those who disobeyed orders and to work hard at farming and storing grain to resist the Tibetans. On the Guimao day, Li Sheng was appointed concurrent Military Commissioner of Fengxiang and Longyou, as well as Vice Marshal of the Four Garrisons, Beiting, and Jingyuan Field Army, and his title was advanced to Prince of Xiping. At that time, Li Chulin had come to court, and Li Sheng requested to go with him to Fengxiang to execute him, as a warning against rebellion and insurrection. The Emperor, having just recovered the capital, was focused on pacifying the unsettled and did not permit this. Previously, the Emperor had ordered Hun Zhen and Luo Yuanguang to attack Li Huaiguang’s army in Tongzhou. Li Huaiguang sent his general Xu Tingguang with six thousand elite soldiers to garrison at Changchun Palace to resist them. Hun Zhen and others were repeatedly defeated by him and could not advance. At that time, the Ministry of Revenue could not supply sufficient provisions, and many of the discussants requested pardoning Li Huaiguang, but the Emperor did not agree. Li Huaiguang sent his brother-in-law Yao Tingzhen to guard Jinzhou, his personal officer Mao Chaoyiwen to guard Xizhou, and Zheng Kang to guard Cizhou. Ma Sui sent people to persuade them all to surrender. The Emperor then added to Hun Zhen the posts of Military Commissioner of Hezhong and Jiangzhou, and Vice Marshal of the Hezhong, Tonghua, and Shanxi Field Army; added to Ma Sui the posts of Military Commissioner of Fengcheng, Jin, Ci, and Xi, and Vice Marshal of the Field Army within the circuit; and ordered them to join forces with the Zhenguo Military Commissioner Luo Yuanguang and the Fufang Military Commissioner Tang Chaochen to attack Li Huaiguang. Initially, Wang Wujun was fiercely attacking Kang Rizhi at Zhaozhou. Ma Sui submitted a memorial requesting an edict to make Wang Wujun and Li Baozhen jointly attack Zhu Tao, attaching Shenzhou and Zhaozhou to Wang Wujun, and transferring Kang Rizhi to be Military Commissioner of Jin, Ci, and Xi. The Emperor agreed. Before Kang Rizhi arrived, the three prefectures had already surrendered to Ma Sui, so the Emperor made Ma Sui concurrently oversee the three prefectures. Ma Sui submitted a memorial yielding the three prefectures to Kang Rizhi and stated that granting official posts based on surrender might set a precedent for future meritorious people. The Emperor praised him and agreed. Ma Sui sent envoys to welcome Kang Rizhi. When Kang Rizhi arrived, he inventoried the treasury’s goods and returned them to him.

On the Jiachen day, Li Chulin, the Military Commissioner of Fengxiang, was appointed General of the Left Jinwu Guard.

On the Bingwu day, Hun Zhen was given the additional post of Marshal of the Shuofang Field Army.

When Li Sheng arrived at Fengxiang, he investigated the crime of killing Zhang Yi and executed the partial general Wang Bin and more than ten others.

Zhu Tao was attacked by Wang Wujun and could barely maintain his army; he submitted a memorial awaiting punishment.

On the Guiwei day, Ma Sui led thirty thousand infantry and cavalry to attack Jiangzhou.

The Ministry of Revenue, because the tens of thousands of officers and soldiers under Li Huaiguang’s command had rebelled with him, did not supply winter clothing. The Emperor said, “The Shuofang Army has been loyal for generations; now they are merely coerced by Li Huaiguang—what crime do the officers and soldiers have!” In winter, on the Jihai day of the tenth month, an edict was issued: “Winter clothing and reward money for the Shuofang Army and other troops under Li Huaiguang’s command should be stored separately. When the roads are slightly cleared, distribute them immediately.”

Li Mian submitted several memorials requesting self-demotion. On the Xinchou day, Li Mian was stripped of his posts as Commander-in-Chief and Military Commissioner, though his titles of Chief Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs remained unchanged.

On the Bingchen day, Li Huaiguang’s general Yan Yan invaded Tongzhou, and the government army was defeated at Shayuan. An edict was issued to mobilize troops from Binzhou, and Han Youwei led six thousand armored soldiers to go there.

On the Yichou day, Ma Sui captured Jiangzhou and divided his forces to take Wenxi, Wanquan, Yuxiang, Yongle, and Yishi.

Initially, after Yu Chao’en was executed, Emperor Daizong no longer allowed eunuchs to control the army. When the Emperor ascended the throne, he entrusted all the imperial guards to Bai Zhizhen. After Bai Zhizhen was found guilty, the Emperor replaced him with the eunuch Dou Wenchang, who accompanied the Emperor on his journey to Shannan, and the left and right armies of the Shence Army gradually assembled. After the Emperor returned to Chang’an, he was very suspicious of senior generals commanding heavy troops and gradually dismissed them. On the Wuchen day, Dou Wenchang was appointed to oversee the left wing of the Shence Army as Commissioner of Horse and Infantry, and Wang Xiqian was appointed to oversee the right wing, marking the beginning of eunuchs separately controlling the imperial guards.

On the bingzi day of the intercalary month, Tian Xijian, the military governor of Jingyuan, was appointed as the Chief Minister of the Court of the Imperial Regalia. When Li Sheng first arrived at Fengxiang, Tian Xijian sent an envoy to convey greetings. Li Sheng said to the envoy, "Jingzhou is near the Tibetans. If the Tibetans invade, can the prefectural troops resist them alone? I want to send troops to defend and assist, but I do not know Minister Tian's opinion." The envoy returned and reported these words to Tian Xijian, who indeed requested reinforcements. Li Sheng dispatched his trusted general Peng Lingying and others to garrison Jingzhou. Soon after, Li Sheng pretended to inspect the border and went to Jingzhou. Tian Xijian came out of the city to welcome him. Li Sheng rode side by side with him into the city, reminiscing about old times and sharing pleasantries. Tian Xijian's wife, née Li, served Li Sheng with the rites due to an uncle. Li Sheng addressed Tian Xijian as "Cousin Tian." Li Sheng ordered preparations for three days' worth of food, saying, "Once the inspection and pacification are complete, I will return to Fengxiang." Tian Xijian no longer harbored suspicions. Li Sheng held a banquet, and Tian Xijian, along with his generals and aides, all went to Li Sheng's camp. Li Sheng ambushed soldiers outside the corridor. After the meal, as they began drinking, Peng Lingying led the Jingzhou generals down from the hall. Li Sheng said, "You and I have been separated for a long time. Each of you should state your name." Thereupon, he identified the mutineers, Shi Qi and more than thirty others, and rebuked them, saying, "You have repeatedly rebelled and committed treason, harmed the loyal and virtuous—this is truly intolerable to Heaven and Earth!" They were all taken out and beheaded. Tian Xijian was still seated. Li Sheng looked at him and said, "Cousin Tian cannot be said to be without fault. Out of consideration for our close friendship, I should allow you to keep your corpse intact." Tian Xijian replied, "Yes." So he was taken out and strangled to death, along with his son Tian E. Li Sheng entered Tian Xijian's camp, declared his reasons for executing him, and the troops were so terrified that their thighs trembled, and no one dared to move.

Li Xilie sent his general Zhai Chonghui to lead his entire army to besiege Chenzhou, but it was not captured for a long time. Li Cheng realized that the forces at Daliang were insufficient to control Huazhou, so he burned the ceremonial banners granted by Li Xilie and swore to his troops to submit to the imperial court. On the jiawu day, Li Cheng was appointed as the military governor of Bianhua.

Liu Zhi, the military governor of Songbo, dispatched Ma Bu Du Yuhou Liu Chang, along with Qu Huan, the military governor of the Longyou and Youzhou march circuits, leading thirty thousand troops to rescue Chenzhou. In the eleventh month, on the guimao day, they defeated Zhai Chonghui west of Chenzhou city, beheading thirty-five thousand men, capturing Zhai Chonghui alive, and presenting him to the court. Taking advantage of the victory, they advanced on Bianzhou. Li Xilie, terrified, fled back to Caizhou. Li Cheng led his troops to rush to Bianzhou. When they reached the north of the city, he was too afraid to advance. Liu Zhi's army arrived at the east of the city. On the wuwu day, Li Xilie's defending general, Tian Huaizhen, opened the city gates to receive them. The next day, Li Cheng entered the city and encamped at Junyi. The soldiers of the two armies clashed daily. Coincidentally, Li Xilie's defending general at Zhengzhou, Sun Ye, surrendered to Li Cheng, and Li Cheng led his troops to encamp at Zhengzhou. The imperial court issued an edict appointing Xue Yu, the commander-in-chief's adjutant from Baoding, as the prefect of Bianzhou. Li Mian arrived at Chang'an, dressed in plain clothes, awaiting punishment. Many in the discussions believed that "Li Mian lost Daliang and should not continue to serve as chancellor." Li Mi said to the emperor, "Li Mian is upright, loyal, refined, and honest, but military affairs are not his strength. When Daliang fell, nearly twenty thousand of his soldiers abandoned their wives and children to follow him, which shows he had won the people's hearts deeply. Moreover, Liu Zhi came from Li Mian's command. After Li Mian reached Suiyang, he handed over his entire army to him, and ultimately, Daliang was pacified—this is also Li Mian's merit." The emperor then ordered Li Mian to resume his position. Others in the discussions also said, "Han Huang, hearing that the emperor was away from the capital, gathered troops and built Stone City, secretly harboring disloyal intentions." The emperor became suspicious and asked Li Mi about it. Li Mi replied, "Han Huang is upright, loyal, incorruptible, and frugal. Since the emperor has been away from the capital, Han Huang's tribute has never ceased. Moreover, he has governed and pacified the fifteen prefectures east of the Yangtze River, with no bandits arising—this is all Han Huang's merit. The reason he built Stone City is that, seeing the turmoil in the Central Plains, he believed Your Majesty might undertake a southern migration like that of the Yongjia era, and he prepared for reception and protection. This is the loyal and thorough consideration of a subject—how can it be used as a crime against him! Han Huang's nature is fierce and stern, and he does not cling to the powerful, so he attracts much slander. I hope Your Majesty will investigate clearly. I dare to guarantee that he has no other intentions." The emperor said, "Outside, discussions are rife, and memorials are as numerous as hemp. Have you not heard of this?" Li Mi replied, "I have certainly heard of it. His son Han Gao serves as a Kao Gong Yuan Wai Lang. He now dares not return home to visit his parents precisely because of these slanders." The emperor said, "Even his son is so afraid—on what basis do you guarantee him?" Li Mi replied, "I understand Han Huang's intentions very clearly. I hope Your Majesty will allow me to submit a memorial stating that he has no duplicity, and request that it be proclaimed in the Secretariat for the whole court to know." The emperor said, "I am just about to entrust you with important duties—how can it be easy to vouch for someone! Be careful not to go against the crowd, lest you be implicated as well." After Li Mi withdrew, he immediately submitted a memorial, requesting to guarantee Han Huang with the lives of his entire family of a hundred members. Another day, the emperor said to Li Mi, "You ended up submitting the memorial. I have kept it in the palace for you. Although I know you and Han Huang are relatives and old friends, should you not cherish your own life!" Li Mi replied, "How dare I show partiality to relatives and old friends out of personal feelings and betray Your Majesty! It is just that Han Huang truly has no disloyal intentions. I submitted the memorial for the court, not for myself." The emperor said, "How is it for the court?" Li Mi replied, "Now, with drought and locust plagues across the realm, a peck of rice in Guanzhong costs a thousand cash, and the granaries are nearly empty. Yet the Jiangdong region has had a bountiful harvest. I hope Your Majesty will soon issue my memorial to dispel the court's doubts, personally tell Han Gao to return home to visit his parents, so that Han Huang feels grateful and free from self-doubt, and quickly transports grain reserves. Is this not for the court?" The emperor said, "Good! I understand completely." He immediately issued Li Mi's memorial, ordered Han Gao to take leave and return home, personally bestowed a crimson robe on him, and said, "Your father has recently been the subject of slander. I now understand the reason and have been relieved and no longer believe it." Then he added, "Guanzhong is short of grain. Go back and tell your father to transport it quickly." When Han Gao arrived at Runzhou, Han Huang was moved to tears of joy. That very day, he personally went to the riverbank to release a million hu of grain, allowed Han Gao to stay for five days, and then return to court. Han Gao bid farewell to his mother, and his weeping was heard outside. Han Huang became angry, called him out, and flogged him. He personally escorted him to the river and sent him off, braving the wind and waves. Shortly afterward, Chen Shaoyou, hearing that Han Huang had sent tribute grain, also sent two hundred thousand hu as tribute. The emperor said to Li Mi, "Han Huang was even able to influence Chen Shaoyou to send tribute grain!" Li Mi replied, "Not only Chen Shaoyou—the various circuits will all compete to offer tribute!"

Minister of Personnel and Grand Councilor Xiao Fu, having completed his mission to Jiang-Huai, returned and entered the court together with Li Mian, Lu Han, and Liu Congyi. After Li Mian and the others withdrew, Xiao Fu remained alone and said to the Emperor: “Chen Shaoyou held the posts of both general and chancellor, yet he was the first to violate the principles of a minister. Wei Gao, as a low-ranking subordinate in the commandery, alone established loyalty and righteousness. I request that Wei Gao replace Chen Shaoyou in governing Huainan, so that good and evil are clearly distinguished.” The Emperor deemed this correct. Shortly thereafter, the Emperor sent the inner attendant Ma Qinqi to bow to Liu Congyi and whisper in his ear before leaving. The various chancellors returned to their offices. Liu Congyi went to Xiao Fu and said: “Ma Qinqi conveyed the imperial decree, ordering me to consult with you about the matter discussed this morning, and to memorialize and implement it immediately, not letting Li Mian and Lu Han know. May I ask what this matter is?” Xiao Fu replied: “Under Tang Yao and Yu Shun, when officials were promoted or demoted, the local governors all participated in the deliberations. When titles were conferred in court, it was done in consultation with the scholars. If Li Mian and Lu Han are unworthy to serve as chancellors, they should be dismissed. Since they hold the positions of chancellors, how can affairs of state be discussed without including them, and this one matter be concealed from them alone? This is the greatest malady of the present day. This morning, the Emperor already spoke of this, and I personally stated that it was not feasible. I did not expect the imperial intent to remain thus. I am not afraid to memorialize and implement it with you, but I fear that gradually it will become a bad practice, and I dare not inform you.” In the end, he did not tell Liu Congyi what the matter was. Liu Congyi memorialized this to the Emperor, who became even more displeased. Xiao Fu then submitted a memorial requesting resignation. On the Yi Chou day, he was dismissed and appointed Left Patrimonial Guardian. After Liu Qia captured Bian Prefecture, he obtained Li Xilie’s “Daily Records of Activities,” which recorded: “On such-and-such a month and day, Chen Shaoyou submitted a memorial pledging allegiance.” When Chen Shaoyou heard this, he was ashamed and terrified, fell ill, and on the Yi Hai day of the twelfth month, died. He was posthumously awarded the title of Grand Preceptor, and mourning and sacrifices were conducted according to standard rites. The senior general of Huainan, Wang Shao, wanted to establish himself as Acting Defender, having the officers and soldiers recommend him to take charge of military affairs, and also intended to carry out extensive plundering. Han Huang sent an envoy to him, saying: “If you dare to rebel, I will lead the entire army across the river that very day to execute you!” Wang Shao and the others were frightened and desisted. When the Emperor heard of this, he was delighted and said to Li Mi: “Han Huang not only stabilizes Jiangdong but can also stabilize Huainan. Truly he has the capacity of a grand minister. You can indeed be said to know people!” On the Geng Chen day, Han Huang was appointed Grand Councilor and Commissioner for Transport of Jiang-Huai. Han Huang transported grain and silk from Jiang-Huai into the imperial treasuries without a single month’s interruption. The court relied on this, and envoys sent to reward him came in an unbroken stream; his favor and treatment began to deepen.

That year, locusts ravaged everywhere far and wide, stripping all vegetation bare, but they did not eat the rice. A severe famine occurred, and corpses of those who starved to death lined the roads everywhere.

Spring, the first month, on the Ding You day (the first day of the month), a general amnesty was proclaimed, and the reign title was changed.

On the Gui Chou day, Yan Zhenqing was posthumously awarded the title of Minister of Education, with the posthumous name Wenzhong.

The newly appointed Prefect of Xin Prefecture, Lu Qi, encountered the amnesty and was transferred to the post of Chief of Ji Prefecture. He said to others: “I will certainly enter the court again.” Soon after, the Emperor indeed intended to appoint him Prefect of Rao Prefecture. The Supervising Secretary Yuan Gao was supposed to draft the edict. Holding the edict, he said to Lu Han and Liu Congyi: “When Lu Qi was Grand Councilor, he caused the Emperor to flee, and the realm was left in ruin. How can he suddenly be promoted to the post of a major prefecture? I hope the chancellors will insist on memorializing against it.” Lu Han and the others did not listen, and instead ordered another Secretariat Drafter to draft the edict. On the Yi Mao day, the edict was issued, but Yuan Gao withheld it and did not let it go out. He also memorialized, saying: “Lu Qi is utterly vicious; all officials hate him as an enemy, and the soldiers of the Six Armies want to eat his flesh. How can he be employed again?” The Emperor did not heed him. The Remonstrator Chen Jing and Zhao Xu and others submitted memorials, saying: “Lu Qi monopolized power for three years, throwing the ranks of officials into chaos. Heaven, Earth, and the spirits all know this; the Hua and Yi peoples alike spurn him. If this great villain is shown favor, it will surely lose the hearts of the people under Heaven.” On the Ding Si day, Yuan Gao again argued the matter at the main hall. The Emperor said: “Lu Qi has already encountered two amnesties.” Yuan Gao said: “An amnesty only pardons his crimes; it cannot allow him to serve as a prefect.” Chen Jing and the others also argued without cease, saying: “When Lu Qi was in power, the officials constantly felt a sword hanging over their necks. If he is employed again, the faction of villains will rise again in an instant.” The Emperor grew angry, and all the attendants withdrew. The remonstrance officials gradually retreated, but Chen Jing turned his head and said: “Zhao Xu and the others, do not retreat. This is a matter of state; we must argue to the death.” The Emperor’s anger slightly abated. On the Wu Wu day, the Emperor said to the chancellors: “Giving Lu Qi the post of prefect of a small prefecture—can that be done?” Li Mian said: “If Your Majesty wishes to give it to him, even a major prefecture would be acceptable, but what about the disappointment of the realm’s people?” On the Ren Xu day, Lu Qi was appointed Commandant of Li Prefecture. The Emperor sent someone to say to Yuan Gao: “I have slowly reflected on your words, and they are indeed very appropriate.” He also said to Li Mi: “I have already agreed to Yuan Gao’s memorial.” Li Mi said: “In recent days, those outside have privately compared Your Majesty to Emperors Huan and Ling of Han. Now, hearing Your Majesty’s sagely words, they are even beyond Yao and Shun!” The Emperor was very pleased. In the end, Lu Qi died in Li Prefecture. Yuan Gao was the grandson of Yuan Siyi.

In the third month, Li Xilie captured Deng Prefecture.

On the Wu Wu day, Li Cheng, the Military Commissioner of Bian-Wei, was appointed Military Commissioner of Zheng-Wei.

The Emperor married the daughter of Emperor Daizong, Princess Jiacheng, to Tian Xu.

Li Huaiguang’s Commander of the Capital Guards, Lü Minghu, secretly expressed his intention to submit to Ma Sui. The matter was leaked, and Li Huaiguang killed him, exterminating his clan. The matter implicated the staff officers Gao Ying and Li Yong. Li Huaiguang assembled the officers and soldiers and interrogated them. Gao Ying and Li Yong spoke with righteous indignation, distinguishing loyalty from rebellion, without any shame or concealment. Li Huaiguang imprisoned them. Li Yong was a grandnephew of Li Yong. Ma Sui’s army was stationed at Bao Ding. He defeated Li Huaiguang’s army at Tao City, beheading over ten thousand men. He divided his forces and joined with Hun Jian, advancing toward Hezhong.

Summer, the fourth month, on the Ding Chou day, Li Gao, the Prince of Cao, was appointed Military Commissioner of Jingnan. Li Xilie’s general Li Sideng surrendered with Sui Prefecture.

On the Ren Wu day, Ma Sui and Hun Jian defeated Li Huaiguang’s army south of Changchun Palace, then dug a moat and surrounded the palace city. Li Huaiguang’s generals surrendered one after another. An edict was issued appointing Ma Sui and Hun Jian as Commissioners for Pacification and Recruitment.

In the fifth month, on the Bing Shen day, Liu Qia changed his name to Liu Xuanzuo.

Han Youwei requested troops from Hun Jian to jointly capture Chaoyi. Li Huaiguang’s general Yan Yan wanted to contest Chaoyi, but the soldiers pointed to the troops of Bin Prefecture and said: “They are either our fathers and elder brothers or our sons and younger brothers. How can we turn our swords against them?” The clamor was very loud. Yan Yan hastily led his troops away. Li Huaiguang realized that the army’s hearts were not with him, so he pretended to want to submit to the court, gathered wealth, decorated carriages, and intended to send tribute once the roads were clear. Thus, he managed to delay for over a month.

In the sixth month, on the Xin Si day, Liu Xuanzuo was concurrently appointed Prefect of Bian Prefecture.

On the Xin Mao day, the General of the Golden Guard, Wei Gao, was appointed Military Commissioner of Xichuan.

Zhu Tao died of illness. The officers and soldiers installed the former Prefect of Zhuo Prefecture, Liu Peng, to take charge of military affairs.

At that time there was a continuous drought and a plague of locusts, and the supplies and grain of the Financial Commissioner's office were completely exhausted. Many of those discussing government affairs requested that Li Huaiguang be pardoned. Li Sheng submitted a memorial saying: "There are five reasons why pardoning Li Huaiguang is inadvisable: First, Hezhong is only three hundred li from Chang'an, and Tongzhou is situated at a strategic pass. If we send many troops, it would not be enough to demonstrate the court's trust, and if we send few, they would be insufficient for defense. Once he suddenly stirs up trouble in the east, how will we subdue him? Second, if we now pardon Li Huaiguang, we must return Jinzhou, Jiangzhou, Cizhou, and Xizhou to him. Hun Zhen would have nowhere to go, and Kang Rizhi would have to be transferred. The territory would be unsettled—how can we reward the generals and soldiers? Third, Your Majesty has been waging war for years to eliminate a small rebel. Before our military strength is exhausted, we hastily pardon his rebellious crime. Now there are the Tubo in the west, the Huihu in the north, and the Huaixi in the south, all observing our strength and weakness. They will not say that Your Majesty is bestowing grace and caring for the people, but will say that we stopped because our forces could not overcome him. They will inevitably vie to harbor covetous intentions. Fourth, if Li Huaiguang is pardoned, then all the Shuofang officers and soldiers must be rewarded according to their merits. But the treasury is currently empty, and rewards cannot meet their expectations. This will instead anger them and cause rebellion. Fifth, once the siege of Hezhong is lifted and the operations of the various circuits are halted, if the reward ceremonies are not carried out, resentful words will surely arise. Now in Hezhong, a peck of rice costs five hundred cash, and fodder and hay are nearly exhausted. Between the city walls, the number of people dying of starvation is very great. Moreover, almost all of their generals have been killed. Your Majesty orders the various circuits to besiege them for ten days or half a month, and there will certainly be internal collapse. Why nurture a festering heartache and cause future regret?" He also requested the deployment of twenty thousand troops, with provisions and supplies prepared by himself, to personally attack Li Huaiguang. In autumn, the seventh month, on the jiashen day, the first day of the month, Ma Sui entered the court from the field camp and memorialized: "Li Huaiguang's wicked rebellion is extremely severe. Pardoning him would make it impossible to command the realm. I hope you will give me another month's rations, and I will surely pacify him for Your Majesty." The emperor granted his request.

The commander of the Shaan and Guo circuit's troops, Daxi Baohui, poisoned and killed the military governor Zhang Quan with poisoned wine, took command of the military affairs himself, and petitioned the court for the military governor's tally and banner, while secretly summoning Li Huaiguang's general Daxi Xiaojun for support. The emperor said to Li Mi: "If Puzhou and Shanzhou join forces, we will not be able to subdue them quickly. Moreover, Daxi Baohui occupies Shanzhou, so both water and land transport will be cut off. I must trouble you to go." On the xinchou day, Li Mi was appointed Defense and Water-and-Land Transport Commissioner for Shaan and Guo. The emperor wanted to send the Divine Strategy Army to escort Li Mi to his post and asked: "How many men are needed?" Li Mi replied: "The city of Shanzhou is surrounded by sheer cliffs on three sides. Attacking it might not succeed in a year or half a year. I request to enter alone and on horseback." The emperor said: "How can you enter alone on horseback?" Li Mi replied: "The people inside Shanzhou city are not accustomed to defying orders; this is only the evil deed of Daxi Baohui alone. If we send a large army to the border, they will surely close the city gates and defend it. Now, if I go alone on horseback to their outskirts, if he mobilizes a large army to deal with me, he would not be a match; if he sends a minor officer to kill me, it is not impossible that I might turn it to my advantage. Moreover, all the Hedong troops are now stationed at Anyi, and Ma Sui has entered the court. I hope Your Majesty will order Ma Sui to set out together with me, so that the people of Shanzhou, wanting to harm me, will also fear that the Hedong army will be mobilized to attack them. This is also a favorable situation." The emperor said: "Even so, I am about to rely on you. I would rather lose Shanzhou than lose you. It is better to send someone else." Li Mi replied: "Someone else will certainly not be able to enter. Now the incident has just occurred, and the people's hearts are not yet settled, so I can catch them off guard and thwart their treacherous schemes. If someone else hesitates and delays, by the time they have finished planning, it will be impossible to advance." The emperor agreed. Li Mi received the Shanzhou reporting official and the generals and officials from that circuit who were in Chang'an and said to them: "The Sovereign, because of the famine in Shanzhou and Guozhou, did not grant me the military governor's tally and banner but appointed me as Transport Commissioner, wanting me to oversee the grain from Jianghuai to relieve them. The Shanzhou field camp is in Xia County. If Daxi Baohui can be employed, he should be allowed to lead the field camp. If he achieves merit, he will be given the tally and banner." Daxi Baohui's scouts galloped back to report, and Daxi Baohui was somewhat reassured. Li Mi reported all this to the emperor, saying: "I want the soldiers to think of grain and Daxi Baohui to think of the tally and banner, so he will certainly not harm me." The emperor said: "Good!" On the wushen day, Li Mi and Ma Sui took leave together. On the gengxu day, Li Mi was additionally appointed as the Surveillance Commissioner for Shaan and Guo. As Li Mi left Tong Pass, the Fangzhou military governor Tang Chaochen led three thousand infantry and cavalry and deployed outside the pass, saying: "I have received a secret edict to escort you to Shanzhou." Li Mi said: "On the day I took leave, I received the imperial intent to act as circumstances dictate. This man cannot follow me; if he does, I will not be able to enter Shanzhou." Tang Chaochen, having received the edict, did not dare to leave. Li Mi wrote a dispatch sending him back and then galloped ahead. Daxi Baohui did not send his staff out to welcome him; only scouts came one after another. Li Mi spent the night at Quwo, and the staff came to welcome him without waiting for Daxi Baohui's orders. Li Mi smiled and said: "My task is accomplished!" Fifteen li from the city, Daxi Baohui also came out to pay his respects. Li Mi praised his merits in managing the military affairs and preserving the city, saying: "The gossip in the army is not worth taking to heart. Your positions all remain as before." Daxi Baohui was very pleased after leaving. After Li Mi entered the city and handled affairs, some guests and aides requested a private audience to report matters. Li Mi said: "When the commander is replaced, there is gossip in the army—this is common practice. I have come, and things will naturally settle down. I do not wish to hear these things." From then on, those who were uneasy calmed down on their own. Li Mi only took the account books and handled grain reserves. The next day, he summoned Daxi Baohui to his residence and said to him: "It is not that I cherish you and do not wish to kill you, but I fear that from now on, in dangerous and doubtful places, the generals appointed by the court will be unable to enter. That is why I spare your life. You must prepare a coffin and sacrificial offerings for the former military governor. Do not enter the Guanzhong region. Choose a safe place for yourself, secretly take your family, and I guarantee there will be no further trouble." When Li Mi took leave, the emperor gave him a register of seventy-five Shanzhou generals who had participated in the rebellion, ordering him to kill them. After Li Mi had sent Daxi Baohui away, at noon, a pacification commissioner arrived. Li Mi memorialized: "I have already sent Daxi Baohui away; the rest are not worth investigating." The emperor again sent a eunuch envoy to Shanzhou, insisting that he kill them. Li Mi had no choice but to put the military commander Lin Tao and four others in shackles and send them to the capital, earnestly requesting that they be pardoned. The imperial edict exiled them to garrison Tiande Army; after more than a year, they were eventually killed. As for Daxi Baohui, he fled and his whereabouts became unknown. Daxi Xiaojun led his troops to the border, but upon hearing that Li Mi had already entered Shanzhou, he turned back.

On the renzi day, Liu Peng was appointed Military Governor of Youzhou and Lulong.

There was a great drought. The Ba and Chan rivers nearly dried up, and the wells in Chang'an had no water. The Financial Commissioner's office memorialized that the court's internal and external funds could only sustain seventy more days.