Tang Annals 53
Zizhi Tongjian, Volume 237
[Tang Records 53] From the year bingxu (Bingwu, 806 CE) to the sixth month of the year jichou (Jichou, 809 CE), a total of three years and more.
Emperor Xianzong, Zhaowen Zhangwu Dasheng Zhishen Xiaohuangdi, the Supreme and Paramount, Yuanhe First Year (Bingxu, 806 CE)
Spring, first month, on the bingyin day of the new year, the emperor led the assembled officials to Xingqing Palace to present the honorary title to the Grand Supreme Emperor.
On the dingmao day, a general amnesty was granted throughout the empire, and the reign title was changed to Yuanhe.
On the xinwei day, Han Gao, the Observer of Eyue, was appointed as the Military Commissioner of Fengyi. On the guiyou day, Yi You, the Acting Deputy of Fengyi, was appointed as the Prefect of Anzhou and Acting Deputy of Anzhou. Yi You was the son of Yi Shen. On the renwu day, Wang Shizhen, the Military Commissioner of Chengde, was granted the honorary title of Tongping Zhangshi.
On the jiashen day, the Grand Supreme Emperor passed away at Xingqing Palace.
After Liu Pi received the ceremonial banner and axe, his ambition became even more arrogant. He requested to also oversee the Three Chuan region, but the emperor did not consent. Liu Pi then raised troops and besieged Li Kang, the Military Commissioner of Dongchuan, at Zizhou, intending to have his aide Lu Wenruo serve as the Military Commissioner of Dongchuan. Lin Lin, a Tui Guan from Putian, strongly admonished Liu Pi not to raise troops. Liu Pi, enraged, put him in shackles and imprisoned him. Later, he brought him out and was about to behead him, secretly instructing the executioner not to actually kill him, but only to repeatedly rub the sword against his neck, hoping to make him yield and then pardon him. Lin Lin shouted, "Villain, if you are going to behead me, then behead me. Is my neck your whetstone?" Liu Pi looked around at his attendants and said, "What a loyal and righteous man!" He then demoted him to the position of Marshal of Tangchang County. The emperor wanted to punish Liu Pi, but was cautious about using military force. The high officials, in their discussions, also considered Shu to be rugged and difficult to take. Only Du Huangchang said, "Liu Pi is a reckless and foolish scholar; capturing him is as easy as picking up a mustard seed! I know that Gao Chongwen, the Commander of the Shence Army, is brave and resourceful and can be employed. I hope Your Majesty will entrust the military matters solely to him, without appointing a supervisor. Liu Pi will surely be captured." The emperor followed his advice. Li Jifu, the Academician of the Hanlin Academy, also urged the emperor to punish Shu, and the emperor therefore valued him. On the wuzi day, an order was issued for Gao Chongwen, the Military Commissioner of the Left Shence Mobile Camp, to lead five thousand infantry and cavalry as the vanguard; Li Yuanyi, the Military Commissioner of the Shence West Capital Mobile Camp, to lead two thousand infantry and cavalry as the second army; and together with Yan Li, the Military Commissioner of Shannan West Circuit, to jointly punish Liu Pi. At that time, there were many senior and highly esteemed generals who all considered themselves suitable candidates for the Shu campaign. When the edict appointing Gao Chongwen arrived, they were all very surprised.
The emperor discussed the military governors with Du Huangchang, who said, "Since Emperor Dezong experienced troubles, he has been entirely lenient and accommodating, never replacing a military governor while he was alive. When a governor died, he would first send a eunuch to ascertain where the army's loyalties lay, and then grant the position to that person. Eunuchs sometimes secretly accepted bribes from senior generals and, upon their return, praised them. The court would then issue the ceremonial banner and axe, never making appointments based on the court's own judgment. If Your Majesty truly wishes to restore the established laws and regulations, you should gradually use the law to decide and restrain the military governors. Then the empire can be well governed." The emperor deeply agreed with this, and from then on began to mobilize troops to punish Shu, so that his authority extended even to the Two River regions. This was all inspired by Du Huangchang.
Gao Chongwen stationed his troops at Changwu Fortress, training five thousand soldiers, always maintaining vigilance as if an enemy were about to arrive. He received the imperial edict at the hour of Mao (5-7 AM) and set out at the hour of Chen (7-9 AM), with weapons, equipment, and provisions all complete and without any shortage. On the jiawu day, Gao Chongwen marched out from Xiegui Pass, and Li Yuanyi marched out from Luogu Pass, both heading for Zizhou. When Gao Chongwen's army reached Xingyuan, a soldier broke someone else's chopsticks while eating at an inn. Gao Chongwen had him beheaded and displayed his head as a warning.
Liu Pi captured Zizhou and took Li Kang prisoner. In the second month, Yan Li captured Jianzhou and beheaded Wen Dezhao, the Prefect of Jianzhou.
Xi Wang Huiluoke entered the court for an audience. On the dingyou day, Huiluoke was enfeoffed as the Prince of Raole Commandery and sent back.
On the guichou day, Tian Ji'an, the Military Commissioner of Weibo, was granted the honorary title of Tongping Zhangshi.
On the wuwu day, the emperor discussed with the prime ministers: "From ancient times, emperors and kings have sometimes labored diligently over various affairs of state, and sometimes sat upright with folded hands, doing nothing. Each has its gains and losses. Which is the proper way?" Du Huangchang replied, "An emperor must bear the heavy responsibility of Heaven, Earth, and the ancestral temples above, and pacify the people and the four barbarian tribes below. He must be anxious and industrious day and night, and by nature cannot be idle or at ease. However, there are distinctions between superiors and subordinates, and order in the principles and regulations. If he carefully selects the worthy talents of the empire and entrusts them with responsibilities, rewards them for merit, punishes them for crimes, selects and appoints them out of impartiality, and executes rewards and punishments with trustworthiness, then who will not exert their utmost strength? What request will not be fulfilled? The toil of an enlightened ruler lies in seeking out talented individuals, and his ease lies in employing them. This is why Emperor Shun was able to govern through non-action. As for the trivial and miscellaneous affairs of registers, documents, prisons, and markets, each has its own responsible department. They are not matters an emperor should personally handle. In the past, Qin Shihuang weighed documents to set his workload, Emperor Ming of Wei personally reviewed the affairs of the Secretariat, and Emperor Wen of Sui had his guards deliver his meals. None of these brought any benefit to their times, but instead were ridiculed by later generations. Their energy and eyesight were not lacking in diligence, but the things they did were inappropriate. What an emperor fears is not being sincere and open; what a minister fears is not exhausting his loyalty. If the superior is suspicious of the subordinate, and the subordinate deceives the superior, and one seeks to achieve good governance in this way—is it not very difficult?" The emperor very much agreed with his words.
In the third month, on the bingyin day, Fan Xizhao, the Military Commissioner of the Shence West Capital Mobile Camp, was appointed as the General of the Right Jinwu Guard.
Gao Chongwen led his army from Langzhou towards Zizhou. Xing Ci, a general under Liu Pi, fled with his troops. Gao Chongwen advanced and stationed his forces at Zizhou. Liu Pi returned Li Kang to Gao Chongwen to clear himself of blame. Gao Chongwen, because Li Kang had lost the battle and surrendered the city, had him beheaded. On the bingzi day, Yan Li reported the capture of Zizhou. On the dingchou day, an edict was issued stripping Liu Pi of his official rank and title.
Initially, Han Quanyi entered the court and had his nephew Yang Huilin act as Acting Deputy of Xiasui. Du Huangchang, because Han Quanyi had no merit in his campaigns and was arrogant and disrespectful, directly ordered him to retire, and appointed Li Yan, the General of the Right Qianniu Guard, as the Military Commissioner of Xiasui. Yang Huilin led his troops to resist and submitted a memorial stating, "The officers and soldiers have forced me to become the Military Commissioner." Yan Shou, the Military Commissioner of Hedong, submitted a memorial requesting permission to punish him. An edict was issued ordering the armies of Hedong and Tian De to jointly attack Yang Huilin. Yan Shou sent his Yajiang A Die Guangjin and his younger brother A Die Guangyan to lead the troops. The A Die clan originally came from the Buluoji tribe of the Hequ region. The two brothers were both renowned for their bravery in the Hedong army. On the xinsi day, Zhang Chengjin, the Military Commissioner of Xiazhou, killed Yang Huilin and sent his head to the capital.
Wei Dan, the Military Commissioner of Dongchuan, arrived at Hanzhong and submitted a memorial saying, "Gao Chongwen is leading a guest army from afar and has no supplies. If Zizhou is given to him to stabilize the army's morale, he will surely be able to achieve meritorious service." Summer, fourth month, on the dingyou day, Gao Chongwen was appointed as the Deputy Military Commissioner of Dongchuan and Acting Commissioner.
Pan Mengyang, wherever he went, devoted himself entirely to pleasure and feasting, with three hundred attendants and servants, and accepted large amounts of bribes. When the emperor heard of this, on the jiachen day, Pan Mengyang was appointed as the Chief Minister of the Court of Judicature and was relieved of his duties as Deputy Commissioner of the Court of Revenue and the Salt and Iron Transport.
On the bingwu day, the special imperial examinations for scholars were held. As a result, Yuan Zhen, the Collator of the Palace Library; Dugu Yu, the Investigating Censor; Bai Juyi, the Collator from Xiaqui; and former Jinshi Xiao Fu and Shen Chuanshi stood out. Dugu Yu was the son of Dugu Ji; Xiao Fu was the grandson of Xiao Hua; Shen Chuanshi was the son of Shen Jiji.
Du You requested to be relieved of his duties overseeing finances and recommended Li Xun, the Vice Minister of War, Commissioner of Revenue, and Deputy Commissioner of Salt and Iron Transport, to replace him. On the dingwei day, Du You was granted the title of Minister of Education and relieved of his duties as Commissioner of Salt and Iron Transport. Li Xun was appointed as Commissioner of Revenue and Salt and Iron Transport. Since Liu Yan, no one who held financial posts could match him. Li Xun managed the office for one year, and the tax revenue he collected was about the same as during Liu Yan's time. The following year, it surpassed Liu Yan, and the year after that, it increased by one million eight hundred thousand min of cash.
On the wushen day, Liu Yong, the Military Commissioner of Longyou Western Circuit and Prefect of Qinzhou, was appointed as the Military Commissioner of Baoyi Army.
On the xinyou day, Yuan Zhen was appointed as the Right Rectifier of Omissions; Dugu Yu as the Left Rectifier of Omissions; Bai Juyi as the Marshal of Zhouzhi County and Collator of the Academy; Xiao Fu as the Right Rectifier of Omissions; and Shen Chuanshi as the Collator of the Palace Library.
Yuan Zhen submitted a memorial discussing the duties of remonstrance officials, arguing: "In the past, Emperor Taizong appointed Wang Gui and Wei Zheng as remonstrance officials. Whether feasting, traveling, sleeping, or eating, he never allowed the remonstrance officials to be absent from his side. He also ordered that when officials of the third rank and above entered the court to discuss major state affairs, they must be accompanied by a remonstrance official to participate in deliberations on gains and losses. Thus, the realm was well governed. Nowadays, remonstrance officials, in major matters, cannot participate in imperial audiences; in secondary matters, they cannot take part in current politics. They merely line up in ranks, perform court rituals, and that is all. In recent years, the main hall has not been used for presenting affairs, and the hundred officials have ceased taking turns for audiences. The only way remonstrance officials can fulfill their duties is by submitting sealed memorials when imperial decrees are improper. Between ruler and minister, even when offering tactful remonstrances before matters become apparent or planning in utmost secrecy, it is still difficult to change the sovereign’s intent. How much more so when decrees have already been implemented and appointments already made, yet one wishes to revoke an imperial edict with a single written petition? This is truly difficult indeed. I hope Your Majesty will frequently summon them at the Yanying Hall, allowing them to fully express their views. How can they be placed in the position of remonstrance officials yet be kept at a distance and alienated?" Shortly afterward, he submitted another memorial, arguing: "The beginning of order or chaos in a state always has its sprouts and signs. Opening the path for direct speech and broadening the scope of hearing and seeing are the sprouts of order. Liking flattery and sycophancy and being deceived by those close to one are the signs of chaos. Since ancient times, at the start of a sovereign’s reign, there have always been those who dare to speak directly. If the sovereign accepts and rewards them, then gentlemen delight in advancing their principles and compete to be loyal and upright; petty men, greedy for profit, will not engage in evil deeds. Thus, the intentions of those above and below become connected, and matters in remote and obscure places can be conveyed. If one wishes not to govern the realm well, is that possible? If, instead, the sovereign rejects and punishes them, then gentlemen will conceal their talents, keep silent, and preserve themselves; petty men will flatter and ingratiate themselves to steal official positions. Thus, even affairs within ten paces can be deceived. If one wishes not to fall into chaos, is that possible? In the past, when Emperor Taizong first began his reign, Sun Fujia admonished him on a minor matter. Taizong was pleased and rewarded him generously. Therefore, at that time, those who admonished worried only that their words were not thorough enough; they never considered the fear of offending taboos. Did Taizong truly delight in going against his own wishes and dislike following his desires? It was because the pleasure of compliance was small, but the calamity of danger and ruin was great. Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, a full year has passed, and we have not heard of anyone receiving a reward like Sun Fujia’s. Your servants, occupying the ranks of remonstrance officials, have been idle for a long time and have not obtained an audience. Each time we line up in ranks, holding our breath and bowing, we dare not raise our heads to look. How then do we have time to discuss gains and losses or state what is permissible and what is not? If even the attending officials are like this, how much more so are distant ministers? This is probably the fault of the multitude of officials adhering to old customs." He then submitted a memorial itemizing ten matters, such as requesting orderly audiences for the hundred officials, restoring the practice of presenting affairs in the main hall, and prohibiting untimely tributes.
Yuan Zhen, also recalling that during the Zhenyuan era, Wang Pi and Wang Shuwen gained favor in the Eastern Palace through petty arts and almost disrupted the realm during the Yongzhen era, submitted a memorial urging the emperor to select upright scholars early and have them instruct the various princes. He argued: "When Emperor Taizong was first a prince, he lived with eighteen scholars skilled in literature and of pure conduct. Later, the crown prince and various princes, though they had their own staffs, these people were increasingly kept at a distance and belittled. As for those in the role of tutors, they were either old, blind, deaf, or disabled and unable to perform their duties, or retired military generals and dismissed commanders who were illiterate. Those in charge of companionship, guidance, counsel, and discussion were especially redundant and idle to the extreme; scholar-officials were ashamed to begin their careers through such positions. Even if occasionally a few solitary, elderly Confucian scholars were found, after several months or more than a year, they might only meet once. How then did they have time to impart moral virtue and righteousness or to regulate them with laws and standards? Common people, in loving their own sons, still know to seek wise tutors to instruct them. How much more so for the heir to the Son of Heaven, on whom the fate of the realm depends!" The emperor greatly approved and adopted his words, frequently summoning him.
On the Renxu day, Prince Shao Li Yue passed away.
In the fifth month, on the Bingzi day, Cheng Zhigong, the Liu Hou of Heng Hai, was appointed as the Jiedushi.
On the Gengchen day, Zheng Yuqing, the Shangshu Zuo Cheng and Tong Pingshangshi, was dismissed from his post as chief minister and reassigned as the Taizi Binke.
On the Xinmao day, the Empress Dowager was honored as the Huang Taihou.
Liu Pi constructed the fortress at Lutou Pass, connecting eight stockades, and garrisoned over ten thousand troops to resist Gao Chongwen. In the sixth month, on the Dingyou day, Gao Chongwen defeated him. Liu Pi set up a stockade at the Wansheng Mound east of the pass. On the Wuxu day, Gao Chongwen sent the valiant general Gao Xiayu, a native of Fanyang, to attack and seize it. Overlooking the pass city from a height, they fought eight battles and were victorious in all.
Liu Ji, the Jiedushi of Lu Long, was given the additional title of Shizhong. On the Jihai day, Li Shigu, the Jiedushi of Ping Lu, was also given the additional title of Shizhong.
On the Gengzi day, Gao Chongwen defeated Liu Pi at Deyang. On the Guimao day, he defeated him again at Hanzhou. Yan Li sent his general Yan Qin to defeat over ten thousand of Liu Pi’s troops at Shibei Valley in Mianzhou.
Initially, Li Shigu had a half-brother named Li Shidao, who was usually kept at a distance and excluded, inevitably suffering poverty and hardship. Li Shigu privately said to those close to him: "It is not that I do not love Shidao, but when I was fifteen, I grasped the military seal and banner, and I regret that I did not understand the hardships of farming. Moreover, Shidao is several years younger than me. I want him to know where food and clothing come from and to entrust him with the administration of prefectures and counties. I suspect that you gentlemen may not understand my intentions." When Li Shigu became gravely ill, Li Shidao was then managing the affairs of Mizhou. He delighted in painting and playing the bili. Li Shigu said to the Panguan Gao Mu and Li Gongdu: "Before I become unconscious, I wish to ask you. After my death, whom do you wish to establish as the leader?" The two exchanged glances and did not answer. Li Shigu said: "Is it not Shidao? By human nature, who would be willing to treat a blood relative lightly and an outsider generously? But if the established leader is unsuitable, it will not only ruin the military administration but also bring destruction to my clan. Shidao, as a descendant of dukes and marquises, does not devote himself to training troops and governing the people but specializes in learning the base affairs of petty men and takes them as his skills. Can he truly be fit to be the leader? I hope you will consider this carefully!" In the intercalary month, on the Renxu day, which was the first day of the month, Li Shigu died. Gao Mu and Li Gongdu kept his death secret and secretly went to Mizhou to welcome Li Shidao, honoring him as the deputy Jiedushi.
In autumn, the seventh month, on the Guichou day, Gao Chongwen defeated ten thousand of Liu Pi’s troops at Xuanwu. On the Jiawu day, an edict was issued: "All the additional troops sent to Xichuan are to be under the command and direction of Gao Chongwen."
On the Renyin day, the Zhide Dasheng Da'an Xiaohuangdi was buried at Fengling, with the temple name of Shunzong.
In the eighth month, on the Renxu day, Consort Guo was enfeoffed as Guifei.
On the Dingmao day, Prince Li Ning was established as the Prince of Deng, Li Kuan as the Prince of Li, Li You as the Prince of Sui, Li Cha as the Prince of Shen, Li Huan as the Prince of Yang, Li Liao as the Prince of Jiang, and Li Shen as the Prince of Jian.
Li Shidao took charge of military affairs, but after a long time, the imperial court's appointment still had not been issued. Li Shidao discussed with his generals and advisors, and some requested to launch raids on surrounding areas. Gao Mu resolutely stopped him, requesting instead to pay the two-tax system to the court, submit a roster of officials, implement the salt monopoly law, and send envoys bearing memorials to the capital repeatedly. Du Huangchang requested to take advantage of Li Shidao's unstable position to divide his power. The Emperor, because Liu Pi had not yet been pacified, on the ji-si day, appointed Li Shidao as Acting Military Governor of Pinglu and Prefect of Yunzhou. Hua Huan, the chief clerk of the Imperial Secretariat, had long served in the Secretariat and colluded with Liu Guangqi, the Commissioner of Palace Communications. Whenever the chief ministers disagreed with Liu Guangqi, Hua Huan would convey Liu's intentions and often achieve the desired result. Du You, Zheng Yin, and others all treated him with deference. When Zheng Yuqing was discussing matters with other chief ministers, Hua Huan interjected, pointing and gesturing to debate right and wrong. Zheng Yuqing angrily rebuked him. Not long after, Zheng Yuqing was dismissed as chief minister. Bribes and gifts to Hua Huan from various regions arrived in an unceasing stream. Li Jifu, the Secretariat Drafter, accused him of monopolizing power and acting arrogantly, requesting his removal. The Emperor ordered the chief ministers to close the four gates of the Secretariat, conduct a search, and arrest him. After his full record of treacherous crimes was exposed, on the xin-chou day of the ninth month, Hua Huan was demoted to Registrar of Leizhou and soon ordered to commit suicide. His property was confiscated, totaling tens of millions in cash.
On the ren-yin day, Gao Chongwen again defeated Liu Pi's forces at Lushou Pass, and Yan Qin defeated Liu Pi's forces at Shenquan. General Aduo Guangyan of Hedong led his troops to join Gao Chongwen's camp but arrived one day late. Fearing execution, he wanted to penetrate deep into enemy lines to atone for his fault. He thus stationed his army west of Lushou Pass, cutting off Liu Pi's supply route. The people in the city were extremely anxious and fearful. At this time, Li Wenruo, the defender of Liu Pi's Mianjiang Stockade, and Qiu Liangfu, the defender of Lushou Pass, both surrendered their cities to Gao Chongwen. Liu Pi's son-in-law, Su Qiang, was captured, along with tens of thousands of surrendered soldiers. Gao Chongwen then drove straight towards Chengdu. Enemy forces collapsed wherever he went, and his army encountered no resistance. On the xin-hai day, he captured Chengdu. Liu Pi and Lu Wenruo led several dozen cavalry westward, fleeing towards Tubo. Gao Chongwen sent Gao Xiayu and others in pursuit, catching up with them at Yangguantian. Liu Pi jumped into the river but did not drown and was captured. Lu Wenruo first killed his wife and children, then tied stones to himself and drowned in the river. Gao Chongwen entered Chengdu, encamped on the main road, and allowed his soldiers to rest. Shops and markets remained undisturbed. Piles of treasure were like mountains, but the army did not commit the slightest violation. Liu Pi was placed in a prison cart and sent to the capital. Gao Chongwen executed Liu Pi's senior general Xing Ci and the postal station inspector Shen Yan, but pardoned everyone else. All military and government affairs, large and small, were ordered to follow the precedents set by Wei Nan-kang (Wei Gao). He handled matters calmly and methodically, and the entire region was pacified.
Earlier, Wei Gao had appointed Cui Cong, the director of grain transport in the Western Mountains, to oversee affairs in Qiongzhou. When Liu Pi rebelled, Cui Cong sent a letter admonishing him. Liu Pi sent troops to attack him, but Cui Cong held the city and defended it stubbornly. Only after Liu Pi's defeat was Cui Cong able to escape danger. Cui Cong was a great-grandson of Cui Rong.
Wei Gao's staff officers, Fang Shi, Wei Gansu, Dugu Mi, Fu Zai, Xi Shimei, Duan Wenchang, and others dressed in mourning clothes and hemp sandals, put dirt in their mouths, and pleaded guilty. Gao Chongwen released them all, treated them with courtesy, drafted a memorial recommending Fang Shi and the others, gave them generous gifts, and sent them off. Looking at Duan Wenchang, he said, "You, sir, will surely become a general or chief minister in the future. I dare not recommend you." Fu Zai was from Lushan; Fang Shi was a nephew of Fang Guan; Duan Wenchang was a great-great-grandson of Duan Zhixuan.
Liu Pi had two concubines, both extremely beautiful. The Army Supervisor requested to present them to the Emperor. Gao Chongwen said, "The Son of Heaven ordered me to suppress and pacify the vile rebels. My first duty is to comfort the people. To immediately offer women to curry favor with the Emperor – is this the Son of Heaven's original intention! I, Gao Chongwen, adhere to principle and will not do such a thing." He then married them to officers who had no wives.
Du Huangchang's advice on the campaign against Shu and his strategic instructions to Gao Chongwen all perfectly matched the actual situation. Gao Chongwen had always been afraid of Liu Yong. Du Huangchang sent someone to tell him, "If you achieve no merit in battle, I shall have Liu Yong replace you." Therefore, Gao Chongwen fought with desperate effort. After Shu was pacified, when the chief ministers came to court to congratulate him, the Emperor looked at Du Huangchang and said, "This is your achievement!"
On the xin-si day, an edict was issued summoning Li Bo, the Recluse of Shaoshi Mountain, to serve as Left Reminder. Li Bo declined on grounds of illness and did not report for duty. However, whenever there were matters of right or wrong in court policy, Li Bo would always submit a memorial to state his views.
Winter, tenth month, on the jia-zi day, Zhang Maozhao, the Military Governor of Yiding, came to court.
An imperial decree was issued, assigning the six prefectures of Zi, Jian, Ling, Rong, Chang, and Lu to Dongchuan. Fang Shi and the others had not yet reached the capital when they were all appointed to posts in the central government ministries or directorates. On the bing-yin day, Gao Chongwen was appointed Military Governor of Xichuan. On the wu-chen day, Yan Li was appointed Military Governor of Dongchuan. On the geng-wu day, Liu Sheng, the Director of the Palace Construction Directorate, was appointed Military Governor of Shannan West Circuit. When Liu Sheng reached Hanzhong, the prefectural troops who had campaigned against Liu Pi were returning. Before they reached the city, a new edict ordered them to garrison Zizhou. The soldiers, resentful and angry, pressured the Army Supervisor and plotted rebellion. Liu Sheng, hearing of this, galloped into the city, comforted them, and then asked, "On what basis did you men achieve success?" They replied, "By killing the rebel Liu Pi." Liu Sheng said, "Liu Pi was executed because he disobeyed the imperial edict, thus you were able to achieve merit. Can you now allow others to kill you to gain merit?" Everyone bowed and requested to follow the edict and proceed to their garrison post. The military government was thus stabilized. On the ren-wu day, Li Shidao, the Acting Military Governor of Pinglu, was appointed Military Governor.
On the wu-zi day, Liu Pi was escorted to Chang'an and was executed along with his clan and associates.
Zhang Yin, the Military Governor of Wuning, fell ill and submitted a memorial requesting a replacement. On the wu-shen day of the eleventh month, Zhang Yin was recalled to serve as Minister of Works. Wang Shao, the Eastern Capital Warden, was appointed to replace him, and the two prefectures of Hao and Si were again attached to the Wuning Army. The people of Xuzhou were pleased to regain these two prefectures, so no disturbance occurred.
On the bing-chen day, the Inner Attendant-in-Ordinary Tu-tu Chengcui was appointed Left Commander of the Divine Strategy Army. Tu-tu Chengcui had served the Emperor in the Eastern Palace and gained favor through his competence and agility.
This year, the Uighurs came to court to pay tribute, for the first time bringing Manichaean monks with them. Temples were established in China to house them. The Manichaean rule was to eat only in the evening, to eat vegetables but not cheese. The Uighurs believed in this faith, and their Khagan sometimes consulted with these monks on state affairs.
Xianzong, the Exalted and Martial Manifest and Sagacious Divine Filial Emperor, the Supreme One, First Year of the Yuanhe Era (Dinghai year, 807 AD).
Spring, first month, on the xin-mao day, the Emperor performed the suburban sacrifice to Heaven at the Round Altar and issued a general amnesty.
Because Du You was advanced in age and of high virtue, the Emperor treated him with special respect and courtesy, often addressing him as Minister over the Masses without using his personal name. Du You, due to old age and illness, requested retirement. An edict ordered Du You to come to court no more than two or three times a month, and to take the opportunity to go to the Secretariat to discuss major affairs of state. On other days, he was permitted to live in retirement at Fanchuan.
The Vice Director of the Chancellery and Chief Minister of the same rank, Du Huangchang, possessed grand strategies for governing the realm but was not meticulous about minor details, and thus could not remain in the chief minister post for long. On the yi-si day, Du Huangchang was appointed Chief Minister of the same rank and Acting Military Governor of Hezhong, Jin, Jiang, Ci, and Xi Circuits. On the ji-you day, Wu Yuanheng, the Vice Minister of Revenue, was appointed Vice Director of the Chancellery, and Li Jifu, the Hanlin Academician, was appointed Vice Director of the Secretariat, both as Chief Ministers of the same rank. When Li Jifu heard this news, he was moved to tears. He said to Pei Ji, the Secretariat Drafter, "I drifted among the Jianghuai region for over fifteen years. Now, suddenly, I have received such grace and have reached this position. I wish to repay this kindness only by recommending worthy talents. But I have little acquaintance with the junior officials at court. You have profound discernment. I hope you will point them all out to me." Pei Ji took a brush and listed over thirty people. Within a few months, nearly all of them had been selected for appointments. At the time, everyone praised Li Jifu for his ability to discover talent.
Second month, on the gui-you day, Yongzhou memorialized that it had defeated the Yellow Bandits and captured their chieftain, Huang Chengqing.
Summer, fourth month, on the jia-zi day, Fan Xichao, the General of the Right Guard, was appointed Military Governor of Shuofang, Ling, and Yan Circuits. The troops of the Right Divine Strategy Army, Yanzhou, and Dingyuan were placed under his command to reform old abuses and employ frontier generals.
In autumn, the eighth month, Liu Ji, Wang Shizhen, and Zhang Maozhao quarreled over private grievances and took turns submitting memorials requesting that the other party be punished. On the wuyin day, Fang Shi, a Supervising Secretary, was appointed as the Pacification Commissioner for Youzhou, Chengde, and Yiwu to mediate between them.
On the yiyou day of the ninth month, Prince Li Chou of Mi died.
After Xia and Shu were pacified, the circuit governors all became fearful and restrained, and many requested an audience at court. Li Qi, the governor of Zhenhai Circuit, also felt uneasy and requested an audience, which the emperor approved. He sent an imperial eunuch to Jingkou to offer comfort and condolences, and also to reward his officers and soldiers. Although Li Qi appointed the administrative assistant Wang Dan as acting governor, he had no intention of departing, repeatedly delaying his travel date. Wang Dan and the imperial envoy urged and advised him many times. Li Qi was displeased, submitted a memorial claiming illness, and requested to come to court at the end of the year. The emperor consulted the chief ministers about this, and Wu Yuanheng said: "Your Majesty has just taken personal charge of governance. If Li Qi is allowed to come when he requests to come, and allowed to stop when he requests to stop, then whether he comes or not is decided by Li Qi himself. How will Your Majesty command the empire?" The emperor considered this correct and issued an edict summoning him. When Li Qi's deceit was exhausted, he rebelled. After Wang Dan took charge of the affairs of the military headquarters, he made considerable arrangements for the governance of the commandery, which made Li Qi even more dissatisfied. He secretly instructed his personal troops to kill him. It happened to be time for distributing winter clothing. Li Qi assembled the soldiers in his tent, and when Wang Dan and the imperial envoy came in to pay respects, several hundred soldiers in the courtyard clamored, saying: "Who is Wang Dan to presume to take charge of military affairs!" They dragged him down, cut off his flesh, and ate it. The senior general Zhao Qi came out to try to calm and stop them, but he too was dragged down, his flesh cut off and eaten. They put a sword to the imperial envoy's neck, reviled him, and were about to kill him. Li Qi feigned surprise, rose, and rescued him.
In winter, the tenth month, on the jiwei day, an edict was issued summoning Li Qi to be Left Vice-Director of the Department of State Affairs, and appointing Li Yuansu, the Censor-in-Chief, as governor of Zhenhai Circuit. On the gengshen day, Li Qi submitted a memorial stating that a mutiny had occurred in the army and that the acting governor and the senior general had been killed. Previously, Li Qi had selected five trusted men to serve as garrison commanders in the five prefectures under his jurisdiction: Yao Zhi'an in Suzhou, Li Shen in Changzhou, Zhao Weizhong in Huzhou, Qiu Zichang in Hangzhou, and Gao Su in Muzhou. Each commanded several thousand soldiers and spied on the activities of the prefects. At this point, Li Qi ordered them to each kill their prefect. He sent the personal officer Geng Boliang to lead three thousand troops to build a stone wall at Stone City. Yan Fang, the prefect of Changzhou, using a plan from his retainer Li Yun, forged an imperial edict declaring himself an Assistant Pacification Commissioner, beheaded Li Shen, and issued proclamations to Suzhou, Hangzhou, Huzhou, and Muzhou, requesting a joint advance to punish Li Qi. Xin Mi, the prefect of Huzhou, secretly recruited several hundred local youths, attacked Zhao Weizhong's camp at night, and beheaded him. Li Su, the prefect of Suzhou, was defeated by Yao Zhi'an, captured alive, and sent to Li Qi. He was put in cangue and shackles and nailed to the side of a ship. Before he reached Jingkou, however, Li Qi's rebellion failed, and he managed to escape. On the yichou day, an edict was issued stripping Li Qi of his official ranks and titles and removing him from the imperial clan registry. Wang E, the governor of Huainan Circuit, was appointed as Commander of the various armies and Pacification and Punishment Commissioner. Troops from Xuanwu, Yining, and Wuchang were mobilized, together with troops from Huainan and Xuanshe, to set out from Xuanzhou. Troops from Jiangxi were to set out from Xinzhou, and troops from Zhedong were to set out from Hangzhou, all to punish him.
After Gao Chongwen had been in Shu for a full year, he said one day to the eunuch overseer: "I, Gao Chongwen, was a soldier from Heshuo. By luck, I achieved merit and reached this position. Xichuan is a place where the chief ministers come and go. How could I, Gao Chongwen, dare to remain here greedily for long?" He repeatedly submitted memorials saying: "Shu is an easy place, with no opportunity to render service. I wish to go to the frontier and exert my strength to the death." The emperor considered who could replace Gao Chongwen but found it difficult to choose a suitable person. On the dingmao day, Wu Yuanheng, Vice-Director of the Department of State Affairs and Grand Councilor with the same status, was appointed Grand Councilor with the same status and concurrently Governor of Xichuan Circuit.
Because Xuanzhou was wealthy, Li Qi wanted to take it first. He sent the Military Commissioner Zhang Ziliang, Li Fengxian, and Tian Shaoshao to lead three thousand troops to attack Xuanzhou. The three men knew that Li Qi would surely fail, and together with the personal officer Pei Xingli, they plotted to punish him. Pei Xingli was Li Qi's nephew, so he knew all of Li Qi's secret plans. The three generals were encamped outside the city. When they were about to depart, they assembled the soldiers and announced: "The Vice-Director has rebelled. Government troops are converging from all sides. The two generals from Changzhou and Huzhou have died one after another, and his situation is already desperate. Now he wants us to go far away to take Xuancheng. Why should we follow him and bring destruction upon our entire clans? Why not turn away from rebellion and submit to the court, changing disaster into good fortune?" The soldiers were delighted and agreed. That very night, they turned their army back and marched straight to the city. Pei Xingli lit fires, beat drums, and raised a clamor, responding from inside the city. He led troops straight to the government office. When Li Qi heard that Zhang Ziliang and the others had risen in revolt, he was furious. Then he heard that Pei Xingli had responded to them, he beat his chest and said: "What hope is left for me!" He fled barefoot and hid beneath a tower. His personal general Li Jun led three hundred crossbowmen and rushed toward the mountain pavilion, intending to fight. Pei Xingli ambushed them, intercepting and beheading him. Li Qi's entire household wept. His attendants seized Li Qi, wrapped him in a curtain, lowered him by rope from the city wall, put him in cangue and shackles, and sent him under guard to the capital. The crossbowmen and the tribal soldiers vied with each other to commit suicide, their corpses lying on top of each other. On the guixu day, the circuit army reported this to the court. On the yihai day, the officials congratulated the emperor in the Zichen Hall. The emperor's expression was mournful as he said: "I am without virtue, causing those who violate the law to arise repeatedly in the empire. This is my shame. What is there to congratulate!"
When the chief ministers discussed executing Li Qi's relatives within the greater mourning degree, the Director of the Bureau of Military Personnel, Jiang Yi, said: "Li Qi's relatives within the greater mourning degree are all descendants of the Prince of Huai'an, Li Shengtong. The Prince of Huai'an had the merit of assisting in the founding of the dynasty. He was buried in the imperial mausoleum and enjoyed sacrifices in the ancestral temple. How can he be implicated because of the evil deeds of a descendant from a later generation?" They also wanted to execute his brothers. Jiang Yi said: "Li Qi's brothers are the sons of the late Commander-in-Chief Li Guozhen, who died for the state. How can we let him have no descendants to continue his sacrifices?" The chief ministers considered this correct. On the xinsi day, Li Qi's cousin, Li Xian, the prefect of Songzhou, and others were all demoted and exiled.
In winter, the eleventh month, on the jiashen day, the first day of the month, Li Qi was brought to Chang'an. The emperor went to the Xing'an Gate and interrogated him face to face. Li Qi replied: "I did not originally rebel. It was Zhang Ziliang and the others who instructed me." The emperor said: "You were the commander. When Zhang Ziliang and the others rebelled, why did you not behead them and then come to court?" Li Qi had no reply. Thereupon, he and his son Li Shihui were both executed by waist-cutting.
The relevant authorities requested that Li Qi's ancestral graves and family shrine be destroyed. The Vice Censor-in-Chief, Lu Tan, remonstrated, saying: "Li Qi and his son have been executed, and their crimes have been fully atoned for. In the past, when the Han dynasty executed Huo Yu, it did not implicate Huo Guang. In the previous dynasty, when Fang Yiai was executed, it did not implicate Fang Xuanling. The 'Announcement to Kang' says: 'Fathers and sons, brothers, crimes do not implicate each other.' Because of Li Qi's evil deeds, should we implicate his great-great-grandfather?" Thus, the graves and shrine were not destroyed.
The relevant authorities inventoried Li Qi's property and transported it to the capital. The Hanlin Academicians Pei Ji and Li Jiang remonstrated, saying: "Li Qi was extravagant beyond his station, extorting the people of six prefectures to enrich his own household, sometimes killing them unjustly to seize their wealth. Your Majesty, pitying the people who had no place to appeal, punished and executed him. Now, transporting gold and silk by cart to the capital will likely cause disappointment near and far. We hope that the rebel's assets can be granted to the people of Zhexi to replace this year's land and poll taxes." The emperor sighed in admiration for a long time and immediately followed their advice.
Lu Congshi, the governor of Zhaoyi Circuit, secretly colluded with Wang Shizhen and Liu Ji on the inside, while on the outside he presented plans and requested permission to plot against Shandong. He took it upon himself to lead his army eastward. The emperor ordered him to return to Shangdang, but Lu Congshi used the excuse of needing to forage for food in Xingzhou and Mingzhou and did not obey the edict in time. Only after a long time did he return.
One day, the Emperor summoned Li Jiang to an audience in the Bathing Hall and said to him, "There is an extremely unusual matter that I have not wanted to speak of lately. I discussed with Zheng Yin a decree ordering Lu Congshi to return to Shangdang, after which I would summon him to court. But Zheng Yin leaked this to Lu Congshi, allowing him to claim that Shangdang lacked grain and that he needed to go to Shandong for provisions. As a minister, he has betrayed me to such an extent. How should I deal with him?" Li Jiang replied, "If this is true, even exterminating his entire clan would be more than sufficient! But Zheng Yin and Lu Congshi would certainly not have revealed this themselves. From whom did Your Majesty learn of it?" The Emperor said, "Li Jifu submitted a secret memorial." Li Jiang said, "I have privately heard discussions among scholar-officials, who say that Zheng Yin is a good man. I am afraid this cannot be the case. Perhaps it is a colleague who wishes to monopolize court affairs, jealous of favor and wary of the worthy. I hope Your Majesty will examine this more carefully, and not let people say that Your Majesty listens to slander!" After a long pause, the Emperor said, "Indeed, Zheng Yin certainly would not go to such lengths. Without your words, I would have almost acted wrongly." The Emperor also once asked Li Jiang casually, "The remonstrance officials mostly slander court affairs without any factual basis. I wish to demote one or two of the most egregious ones to warn the rest. What do you think?" Li Jiang replied, "This is probably not Your Majesty's true intention. There must be treacherous ministers who want to blind Your Majesty's sight and hearing. The life and death of a minister depend on the joy and anger of the sovereign. How many dare to open their mouths and remonstrate! Even those who do remonstrate think day and night, delete in the morning and revise in the evening, and when their words reach Your Majesty, not two or three out of ten remain. Therefore, if a sovereign tirelessly seeks remonstrance, he still fears they will not come; how much less should he punish them! If this is done, it will block the mouths of all under heaven, and it will not be a blessing for the state." The Emperor considered his words correct and stopped.
The assembled ministers requested that the Emperor be honored with the title Ruisheng Wenwu Huangdi. On the day bingshen, the Emperor agreed.
Bai Juyi, the Magistrate of Zhouzhi and Collator of the Jixian Academy, composed over one hundred yuefu poems and other poems, satirizing and admonishing current affairs. They circulated and reached the palace. The Emperor, upon seeing them, liked them very much and summoned Bai Juyi to the Hanlin Academy as a scholar.
In the twelfth month, on the day bingchen, the Emperor said to the chancellor, "Emperor Taizong, with his divine and sage qualities, still had to go back and forth many times with ministers who remonstrated. How much more so for me, who is ignorant and ill-informed. From now on, if matters are not correct, you should speak up ten times, not just once or twice and stop."
On the day bingyin, Gao Chongwen was appointed Tong Pingzhangshi and served as the Military Governor of Bin’ning and Commander-in-Chief of the Various Armies West of the Capital.
Yu Di, the Military Governor of Shannan East Circuit, feared the Emperor’s bright and awe-inspiring authority and requested a marriage for his son Yu Jiyou with a princess. The Emperor married his daughter, Princess Puning, to him. Hanlin Academician Li Jiang said, "Yu Di is of a Hu tribe, and Yu Jiyou is a son by a concubine. They are not worthy to match an imperial daughter. Another family of high standing and talent should be chosen." The Emperor said, "This is not something you understand." On the day jimao, the princess married Yu Jiyou, and the favor and ceremonies were exceedingly grand. Yu Di was overjoyed. Shortly afterward, the Emperor sent someone to hint that he should come to court to give thanks, so Yu Di obeyed the summons and came to court.
That year, Li Jifu completed the "Yuanhe National Accounts Register" and presented it to the Emperor. It totaled forty-eight military commands under heaven, 295 prefectures, and 1,453 counties. Among these, fifteen circuits—Fengxiang, Fufang, Bin’ning, Zhenwu, Jingyuan, Yinxia, Lingsalt, Hedong, Yiding, Weibo, Zhenji, Fanyang, Cangjing, Huaixi, and Ziqing—with seventy-one prefectures, did not report their households. The annual tax revenue relied solely on eight circuits—Zhejiang East and West, Xuanshe, Huainan, Jiangxi, Eyue, Fujian, and Hunan—with forty-nine prefectures and 1.44 million households, a reduction of three-quarters compared to the number of taxpaying households in the Tianbao era. The troops supported by the state under heaven numbered over 830,000, an increase of one-third compared to the Tianbao era, roughly meaning that two households supported one soldier. Losses from floods and droughts, as well as expenses for temporary levies, were not included in this figure.
Xianzong Zhaowenzhangwu Dasheng Zhixiao Shenhuangdi, Part One, Part One, Yuanhe Third Year (Wuzi, 808 AD)
Spring, first month, on the day guisi, the assembled ministers presented the honorific title Ruisheng Wenwu Huangdi to the Emperor; a great amnesty was granted. "From now on, local officials coming to the capital shall not present tribute." Zhishumi Liu Guangqi submitted a memorial requesting that eunuch envoys be dispatched to carry the amnesty edict to each circuit, with the intention of obtaining gifts from various places. Hanlin Academicians Pei Ji and Li Jiang memorialized, saying, "Wherever the imperial envoys go, they disturb the people. It would be better to simply hand it over to the urgent postal relay for transmission." The Emperor followed their advice. Liu Guangqi claimed this was an old precedent, but the Emperor said, "If the old precedent is correct, then follow it; if it is not, why not correct it!"
Hao Mi, the garrison commander of Linjing, because Linjing was strategically located with abundant water and grass, and the Tibetans would certainly station troops there when they invaded, therefore reported to Duan You, the Military Governor of Jingyuan. After a memorial was submitted to the court, a city was constructed. From then on, the Jingyuan region was at peace.
In the second month, on the day wuyin, the Grand Princess Xian’an died among the Uyghurs. In the third month, the Tengli Khagan of the Uyghurs died.
On the day guisi, Prince Xun, Li Zong, died.
On the day xinhai, Imperial Censor-in-Chief Lu Tan submitted a memorial impeaching Liu Sheng, former Military Governor of Shannan West Circuit, and Yan Jimei, former Surveillance Commissioner of Zhedong, for violating the amnesty by presenting tribute. The Emperor summoned Lu Tan, praised and comforted him, and said, "I have already pardoned their crimes; I cannot break my word." Lu Tan said, "The amnesty was proclaimed to all under heaven—this is Your Majesty’s great trust. Liu Sheng and others did not fear Your Majesty’s law. Why preserve a small trust and abandon a great trust!" The Emperor then ordered the tribute to be returned to the relevant departments.
Summer, fourth month, the Emperor examined the candidates in the category of "worthy and upright, straightforward and outspoken in remonstrance." Niu Sengru, Magistrate of Yiwei, Huangfu Shi, Magistrate of Luhun, and Li Zongmin, a former Presented Scholar, all pointed out the faults of current governance without evasion. Yang Yuling, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and Wei Guanzhi, Vice Director of the Ministry of Personnel, served as examining officials. Wei Guanzhi rated them as superior. The Emperor also commended them. On the day yichou, an edict was issued for the Secretariat to handle them favorably. Li Jifu disliked their frankness and wept before the Emperor, saying, "Hanlin Academicians Pei Ji and Wang Ya reviewed the examination papers. Huangfu Shi is Wang Ya’s nephew, and Wang Ya did not explain this beforehand; Pei Ji also raised no objection." The Emperor, having no choice, dismissed Pei Ji and Wang Ya from their academician posts. Pei Ji was made Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Wang Ya was made Director of the Bureau of Revenues, and Wei Guanzhi was made Prefect of Guozhou. A few days later, Wei Guanzhi was further demoted to Prefect of Bazhou, and Wang Ya was demoted to Marshal of Guozhou. On the day yihai, Yang Yuling was appointed Military Governor of Lingnan, also implicated for not raising objections during the examination. Niu Sengru and the others did not receive appointments for a long time and were each summoned as staff officers by various military commands. Niu Sengru was the seventh-generation descendant of Niu Hong; Li Zongmin was the great-great-grandson of Li Yuanyi; Wei Guanzhi was the sixth-generation descendant of Wei Fusi; Huangfu Shi was from Xin’an in Muzhou.
On the day dingchou, the morning audience ceremony at the Xuanzheng Hall on the first day of the fifth month was abolished.
Pei Jun, the Military Governor of Jingnan, was appointed Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. Pei Jun had long relied on eunuchs to gain prominence. After becoming Vice Director, he was boastful and arrogant. Once, when entering court, he stood beyond his proper rank. Censor-in-Chief Lu Tan bowed and asked him to return to his place, but Pei Jun did not comply. Lu Tan said, "In the past, Yao Nanzhong served as Vice Director, and his rank was here." Pei Jun said, "Who is Yao Nanzhong?" Lu Tan replied, "He was a man who upheld the correct path and did not befriend powerful favorites." Lu Tan was soon transferred to Right Lesser Guardian.
In the fifth month, Bai Juyi, Academician of the Hanlin Academy and Left Remonstrator, submitted a memorial, stating: "Niu Sengru and others spoke frankly about the gains and losses of current governance, received imperial favor and rewards, and passed the examinations, yet they were rebuked and exiled, all sent to posts outside the passes. Yang Yuling and others, because they dared to include frank words in the examination papers, and Pei Ji and others, because they did not reject frank words when reviewing the papers, were all punished and demoted. Lu Tan, because of his diligent service, was demoted to the rank of Polisher. These men are all those on whom the hopes of the present age rest, and the world judges the gains and losses of governance by their advancement or dismissal. Once they are all distanced and cast off without guilt, those above and below will seal their lips, and the masses will be agitated. Does Your Majesty know this? Moreover, Your Majesty has already issued an edict seeking frank words and seeking the utmost remonstrance. The policy responses of Niu Sengru and others were like this. Even if they cannot be promoted and implemented, how can one bear to punish and banish them! In the past, when Emperor Dezong first ascended the throne, he also sought men of frank words and utmost remonstrance. When the examination question was about drought, Mu Zhi replied: 'According to the precedent of the Two Han Dynasties, the Three Dukes should be dismissed. Bu Shi expressed his opinion, and Sang Hongyang could be boiled alive.' Emperor Dezong deeply praised him, promoting him from a district marshal in the capital region to Left Supporter of the Palace. Now, the words of Niu Sengru and others do not surpass those of Mu Zhi, yet they are immediately banished. I fear this is not following the practices of our ancestors!" Mu Zhi was the son of Mu Ning.
On the day Bingwu, the new khan of the Uyghurs was enfeoffed as Ai Dengli Luo Mi Shi He Pi Jia Baoyi Khan.
The chieftain of the Western Savage Man tribes, Huang Shaoqing, requested to surrender. In the sixth month, on the day Guihai, he was appointed Prefect of Guishun Prefecture.
The Shatuo were foremost among the various barbarian tribes in bravery and decisiveness. The Tibetans settled them in Ganzhou, and whenever there was a battle, they were used as the vanguard. The Uyghurs attacked the Tibetans and captured Liangzhou. The Tibetans suspected the Shatuo of having divided loyalties with the Uyghurs and wanted to move them beyond the Yellow River. The Shatuo were frightened. Their chieftain, Zhuxie Jinzhong, together with his son Zhuxie Zhiyi, planned to return to the Tang dynasty. They led their tribe of thirty thousand people eastward along the Udejian Mountains. After traveling for three days, a large force of Tibetan pursuers arrived. They fought all the way from the Tao River to the Stone Gate, engaging in several hundred battles. Zhuxie Jinzhong died in battle, and more than half of his followers were killed or wounded. Zhuxie Zhiyi led the remaining followers, still nearly ten thousand people, with three thousand horsemen, to Lingzhou to surrender. Fan Xizhao, the Military Commissioner of Lingyan, upon hearing of this, personally led his troops to the border to welcome them. He settled them in Yanzhou, bought cattle and sheep for them, expanded their animal husbandry, and treated them well. An imperial edict established the Yin Mountain Prefecture, appointing Zhuxie Zhiyi as Military Officer. Soon after, Zhuxie Jinzhong's younger brother, Gele Abo, also led seven hundred followers to surrender to Fan Xizhao. An imperial edict appointed him Commander of the Yin Mountain Prefecture. From then on, whenever the Lingyan region had a military campaign, using the Shatuo troops ensured victory in every engagement, and the Lingyan army grew increasingly strong.
Autumn, seventh month, on the day Xinsi, the first day of the month, a solar eclipse occurred.
Lu Tan, the Polisher of the Right, was appointed Surveillance Commissioner of Xuanshe. When Su Qiang was executed, his elder brother Su Hong was serving on the staff in Jinzhou. He resigned and returned home, and no one dared to recruit him. Lu Tan memorialized: "Su Hong has talent and conduct. He cannot be abandoned because of his younger brother's crime. I request to recruit him as a Judge." The Emperor said: "If Su Qiang had not died and indeed had talent and conduct, he could still be employed, let alone his elder brother!" When Lu Tan arrived at his post, there was a drought and famine. Grain prices rose daily. Someone requested to lower grain prices. Lu Tan said: "The lands of Xuan and She are narrow and produce little grain, relying on grain transported from all directions. If grain prices are low, merchant ships will not come, and the situation will become even more dire." Soon, the price of rice reached two hundred cash per dou. Merchants and travelers gathered, and the people relied on this to survive.
Ninth month, on the day Gengyin, Yu Di was appointed Minister of Works, retaining his post as Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs; Pei Jun, the Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs, was granted the honorary title of Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs and appointed Military Commissioner of Shannandongdao. Wang E, the Military Commissioner of Huainan, entered the court. Wang E's family wealth was enormous. He made large contributions and bribed eunuchs, seeking the position of Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. Bai Juyi, Academician of the Hanlin Academy, submitted a statement arguing: "The Grand Councilor is the highest position among ministers. It should not be granted to those without pure reputation and great merit. Previously, Pei Jun was appointed, and the outer court was already in turmoil. Now, if Wang E is also appointed, then men like Wang E will all have improper ambitions. If all are granted, then the statutes and regulations will be greatly damaged, and they will not be grateful; if not granted, then there will be differences in generosity, which may breed resentment. Once the door of opportunism is opened, it cannot be closed. Moreover, Wang E has been at his post for five years, extorting and amassing wealth by every possible means. His wealth is already sufficient, and he presents it himself. If he is appointed Grand Councilor, the various regional commands will all say that Wang E obtained this position through contributions. They will then compete to exploit the people. How can the people bear this!" The matter was then dropped.
On the day Renchen, Han Hong, the Military Commissioner of Xuanwu, was granted the honorary title of Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs.
On the day Bingshen, Pei Ji, Vice Director of the Ministry of Revenue, was appointed Vice Director of the Secretariat and Grand Councilor. Although the Emperor had dismissed Pei Ji from his Academician post because of Li Jifu, he cherished and trusted him even more, so he soon promoted him to Grand Councilor. Initially, Emperor Dezong did not trust the Grand Councilors and personally decided on even the smallest affairs of the realm. As a result, men like Pei Yanling came to power. The Emperor, while still in his princely residence, had already disapproved of this practice. After ascending the throne, he selected and promoted Grand Councilors, entrusting them with his whole heart. He once said to Pei Ji and others: "Even with the wisdom of Emperor Taizong and Emperor Xuanzong, they relied on their assistants to achieve good governance. How much more so for me, who is ten thousand times inferior to the former sages!" Pei Ji also exhausted his sincerity to assist the Emperor. The Emperor once asked Pei Ji: "What is the most urgent task in governing the state?" Pei Ji replied: "First, rectify one's own mind." According to the old system, the people paid taxes in three streams: one for the imperial treasury, one for the Military Commissioners, and one retained by the prefectures. When the Two-Tax Law was established in the early Jianzhong era, goods were valuable and coinage was cheap. Later, goods became cheap and coinage valuable, and the amount paid by the people had already doubled compared to the beginning. For the goods retained by the prefectures or sent to the Commissioners, the local authorities further reduced the provincial valuation standard and increased the exaction from the people based on the actual market price. When Pei Ji became Grand Councilor, he memorialized: "For the goods retained by the prefectures and sent to the Commissioners across the realm, I request that the provincial valuation standard be uniformly applied. As for the Surveillance Commissioners, they should first tax the prefectures under their jurisdiction to support themselves. If insufficient, only then may they tax the subordinate prefectures." From then on, the people of the Jianghuai region gradually gained respite. Before this, the officials in power mostly disliked the Remonstrators discussing the gains and losses of current governance. Only Pei Ji praised them. Pei Ji's bearing was stern and dignified, and people did not dare to approach him with private matters. Once, an old friend came to visit him from afar. Pei Ji's material support was very generous, and he treated him with warmth and intimacy. This man then took the opportunity to request a position as a Clerk in the capital prefecture. Pei Ji said: "Your talent is not suited for this office. I dare not harm the public justice of the court for the sake of private friendship with an old friend. If in the future a blind Grand Councilor takes pity on you, you may obtain such a post, but I, Pei Ji, absolutely will not do it."
On the day Wuxu, Li Jifu, Vice Director of the Secretariat and Grand Councilor, was granted the honorary title of Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs and appointed Military Commissioner of Huainan.
Du Huangchang, the Military Commissioner of Hezhong and Jinjiang, and Duke of Binxuan, died.
Winter, twelfth month, on the day Gengxu, the original Yuan Prefecture was established at Linjing, and Hao Bi, the garrison commander, was appointed Prefect.
The King of Nanzhao, Yimouxun, died. His son, Xungequan, succeeded him.
Spring, first month, on the day Wuzi, Prince Jian, Li Gou, died.
The Kang King of Bohai, Da Songlin, died. His son, Da Yuanyu, succeeded him and changed the reign title to Yongde.
A drought and famine occurred in the south. On the day Gengyin, Zheng Jing, Director of the Left Office of the Department of State Affairs, and others were ordered to serve as Pacification Commissioners for the circuits of Jianghuai, Erzhe, Jing, Hu, Xiang, and E, to provide relief and comfort to the people. When they departed, the Emperor admonished them, saying: "When I use a single bolt of silk in the palace, I record the quantity. Only when relieving the people do I not count the expense. You should understand this intention and not imitate Pan Mengyang, who only knew how to drink and tour the mountains."
The Supervising Secretary Li Fan served in the Chancellery. Whenever an imperial edict or decree issued by the Emperor was improper, he would write his comments on the back of the yellow paper. A clerk requested that a separate sheet of white paper be attached, but Li Fan said, “If that were done, it would become a memorial. How could it still be called annotating an edict?” Pei Ji recommended Li Fan as having the bearing of a chief minister. Because the Vice Director of the Chancellery and concurrent Grand Councilor Zheng Yin was compliant, silent, and sought only to ingratiate himself, the Emperor, on the dingmao day of the second month, dismissed Zheng Yin from his post as Grand Councilor, appointed him Crown Prince’s Guest, and promoted Li Fan to Vice Director of the Chancellery and Grand Councilor. Li Fan spoke without reserve on all matters, and the Emperor greatly valued him.
Yan Shou, the Military Commissioner of Hedong, had been in his post for nine years. All appointments and vacancies in military and administrative affairs were decided solely by the Army Supervisor Li Fuguang, while Yan Shou merely folded his hands and obeyed. Pei Ji reported this situation in detail and requested that Li Yong replace him. On the yiyou day of the third month, Yan Shou was appointed Left Chief Steward, and Li Yong, the Military Commissioner of Fengxiang, was appointed Military Commissioner of Hedong.
Wang Shizhen, the Military Commissioner of Chengde, died. His son, Deputy Commissioner Wang Chengzong, assumed the position of Acting Commissioner on his own authority. In the three circuits of Hebei, each had successively established the post of Deputy Commissioner, filled by the eldest son, who would take over military affairs upon his father’s death.
Because of a prolonged drought, the Emperor wished to issue a grace decree. The Hanlin Academicians Li Jiang and Bai Juyi submitted a memorial, stating, “If one wishes to extend real benefits to the common people, nothing is better than reducing their taxes and rents.” They also said, “Aside from those needed for service, the number of palace women is still excessive. Affairs require economizing expenses, and material goods value conforming to human sentiment.” They further requested, “Prohibit the circuits from imposing exorbitant levies to be used as tribute offerings.” They also said, “In the customs of Lingnan, Qianzhong, and Fujian, good people are frequently seized and sold as slaves. We request a strict prohibition.” On the jiyou day of the intercalary month, an edict was issued to reduce punishments for prisoners throughout the empire, remit taxes and rents, release palace women, halt tribute offerings, and prohibit the seizure and sale of people, all according to the requests of the two officials. On the jiwei day, it rained. Li Jiang presented a memorial of congratulation, saying, “From this, one knows that worrying before an event occurs enables one to avoid worry; worrying only after an event has happened provides no remedy for it.”
Previously, when the partisans of Wang Shuwen were exiled, an edict stated that even if a general amnesty were granted, they were not to be moved to a closer location. Li Xun, the Minister of Personnel and Salt and Iron Transport Commissioner, memorialized: “Cheng Yi, the Prefect of Chenzhou, has administrative talent that is clear and discerning. I request that he be appointed Commissioner of Yangzi.” The Emperor agreed. Li Xun was meticulous in supervision. Officials stationed a thousand li away were as apprehensive as if they were before Li Xun himself. Cheng Yi, in checking and auditing accounts, was even more precise than Li Xun, and ultimately was able to demonstrate his abilities.
The great-grandson of Wei Zheng, Wei Chou, was extremely poor and had mortgaged their old residence to someone for money. Li Shidao, the Military Commissioner of Pinglu, requested to redeem it with his own funds. The Emperor ordered Bai Juyi to draft an edict. Bai Juyi memorialized, saying, “This matter relates to encouragement and exhortation; it should be handled by the court. Who is Li Shidao, that he dares to seize this fine reputation? I hope an order will be given to the relevant department to redeem it with government funds and return it to Wei Chou’s descendants.” The Emperor followed this advice, took two thousand strings of cash from the Inner Treasury to redeem it, and bestowed it upon Wei Chou, also forbidding that it be mortgaged or sold again.
Wang Chengzong’s uncle, Wang Shize, fearing that disaster would implicate the clan because of Wang Chengzong’s unauthorized succession, voluntarily surrendered at the capital together with his retainer Liu Qichu. The Emperor issued an edict appointing Wang Shize as General of the Divine Strategy Army.
The Hanlin Academicians Li Jiang and others memorialized: “Your Majesty has succeeded to the throne for four years now, yet the heir apparent’s Eastern Palace has not been established, and the ceremony for appointing the heir apparent has not been performed. This opens the door for others to covet the imperial position and violates the principle of carefully preserving the heritage. It is not the way to serve the ancestral temple or value the state altars. We earnestly beg Your Majesty to set aside the minor scruples of modesty and carry out the great ceremony of impartiality.” On the dingmao day, an edict was issued establishing the eldest son, Prince of Deng, Li Ning, as the Heir Apparent. Li Ning was the son of Consort Ji.
On the xinwei day, Fan Xichao, the Military Commissioner of Lingyan, memorialized requesting that the clothing and grain provisions for six hundred troops of the Taiyuan Autumn Defense Army be supplied to the Shatuo. The Emperor agreed.
In summer, the fourth month, Pei Jun, the Military Commissioner of Shannan East Circuit, relying on the assistance of eunuchs, was the first to present over one thousand five hundred taels of silverware after the grace decree was issued. The Hanlin Academicians Li Jiang and Bai Juyi and others memorialized: “Pei Jun wishes to test Your Majesty with this. We hope Your Majesty will refuse to accept it.” The Emperor immediately ordered the silverware to be handed over to the Finance Commission. Shortly thereafter, an imperial decree was issued to the Office of the Capital Liaison: “From now on, the tribute offerings of the various circuits are not to be reported to the Censorate. If anyone comes to inquire, report their names.” Bai Juyi again submitted a memorial on this matter, but the Emperor did not listen.
The Emperor wished to eliminate the evil practice of hereditary succession in the circuits of Hebei. Taking advantage of Wang Shizhen’s death, he wanted to send someone from the court to take over. If they did not obey, he would raise troops to punish them. Pei Ji said, “Li Na was arrogant and disrespectful; Wang Wujun had merit for the state. Your Majesty previously permitted Li Shidao to inherit, but now wishes to deprive Wang Chengzong of his inheritance. This goes against the principles of discouragement and encouragement, and they surely will not be convinced.” Therefore, the discussion dragged on for a long time without a decision. The Emperor asked the various Academicians about this matter. Li Jiang and others replied: “Who among the circuits of Hebei does not follow the court’s prestige and teachings, who does not sigh with indignation? However, to take it by force now, I fear we may not necessarily succeed. In Chengde Army, from Wang Wujun onwards, father and son have succeeded each other for over forty years. Human sentiment is accustomed to this and does not find it improper. Moreover, Wang Chengzong has already taken charge of the military. If we suddenly replace him, I fear he may not immediately accept the edict. Furthermore, Fanyang, Weibo, Yiding, and Ziqing all pass on their territories by heredity, having the same system as Chengde. When they hear that Chengde’s commissioner has been replaced, their hearts will surely be uneasy, and they will secretly form mutual alliances for support. Although Zhang Maozhao has made a request, I fear it may not be sincere. The reason for saying this is that if the court sends someone to replace Wang Chengzong, the neighboring circuits will assist in this matter, profiting whether they advance or retreat. If the person sent can enter Chengde, they will claim merit. If the edict cannot be carried out, they will take the opportunity to form secret ties. As for the court’s dignity, could it stop there? Armies must be raised and attacks made from all four sides. The generals and commissioners of those circuits will receive promotions and titles, the soldiers will be supplied with clothing and grain; they will keep their troops idle, treat the enemy with contempt, sit and watch who wins and who loses, while the burdens of exhausting troops and wasting resources will all fall upon the court. Now, there are floods in the Jiang-Huai region, and both public and private resources are exhausted. Matters concerning military action probably cannot be discussed lightly.” Zuo Jun Zhongwei Tu Tu Chengcui wished to curry favor with the Emperor’s intent and seize Pei Ji’s power, so he himself requested to lead troops on a punitive campaign. The Emperor was hesitant and undecided. The Junior Steward of the Imperial Clan, Li Shi, submitted a memorial claiming: “Wang Chengzong must be punished. Tu Tu Chengcui is Your Majesty’s close and trusted subject. You should entrust the Imperial Guard to him and let him command the various armies. Who would dare not obey!” The Emperor showed Li Shi’s memorial to the various Academicians and said, “This is a treacherous minister. He knows that I wish to appoint Tu Tu Chengcui as a general, so he submitted this memorial. Remember him; from now on, do not allow him to advance.” Lu Congshi, the Military Commissioner of Zhaoyi, encountered his father’s death. The court for a long time did not issue an edict ordering him to resume his post in mourning garments. Lu Congshi became fearful, and through Tu Tu Chengcui, persuaded the Emperor, requesting to dispatch his own army to punish Wang Chengzong. On the renchen day, Lu Congshi was reinstated as General of the Left Guard of the Golden Hare, with his other posts unchanged.
Previously, during the Pingliang Alliance meeting, the Assistant Marshal’s Administrative Assistant Lu Mi and the Alliance Meeting Administrative Assistant Zheng Shuju both fell into the hands of the Tibetans. Afterwards, the Tibetans sought peace. Lu Mi’s son, Lu Sui, three times went to the palace gates, weeping and presenting memorials, begging that the Tibetan request be granted. Emperor Dezong believed the Tibetans were full of deceit and did not consent. By this time, the Tibetans again sought peace. Lu Sui again presented five memorials and went to the chief ministers to weep and beg. Pei Ji and Li Fan also spoke to the Emperor, requesting that peace be granted. The Emperor consented. In the fifth month, he ordered the Director of the Ministry of Rites, Xu Fu, to go as an envoy to Tibet.
In the sixth month, Fan Xizhao, the military governor of Lingyan, was appointed military governor of Hedong. The court discussed that the Shatuo were in Lingwu, close to the Tubo, and feared that they might be fickle. Moreover, because their tribe was numerous, they worried that it would drive up grain prices. Therefore, they ordered them all to follow Fan Xizhao to Hedong. Fan Xizhao selected one thousand two hundred elite cavalry from among them, called them the Shatuo Army, established a military commissioner to command them, and settled the remaining tribesmen in Dingxiangchuan. From then on, Zhuye Yizhi began to hold Painted Flower Mound in Shenwu River.
Zuo Zhongwei Tuwu Chengcui concurrently served as the Merit and Virtue Commissioner. He undertook a large-scale construction of the Anguo Temple and petitioned to erect a stele recording the emperor's sacred virtues. The stele's height and size were to be entirely modeled on the Huayue Stele. He first built a stele pavilion and asked the emperor to order the Hanlin Academicians to compose the stele inscription. He also said, "Your servant has already prepared ten thousand strings of cash to reward the writer of the inscription." Emperor Xianzong ordered Li Jiang to compose the inscription. Li Jiang memorialized, "Yao, Shun, Yu, and Tang never erected steles to proclaim their own sacred virtues. Only the First Emperor of Qin carved stones to boast of his achievements wherever he toured. I do not know which precedent Your Majesty intends to follow! Moreover, to describe the merits of building a temple, it is merely a matter of its magnificence and being a place for sightseeing—how can this be used to glorify sacred virtue?" When the emperor was reading the memorial, Tuwu Chengcui happened to be at his side. The emperor then ordered the stele pavilion to be pulled down. Tuwu Chengcui said, "The stele pavilion is very large and cannot be pulled down by force. Please allow it to be dismantled slowly." He hoped by this to delay the matter, seeking an opportunity to speak again. The emperor said sternly, "Use many oxen to pull it down!" Only then did Tuwu Chengcui dare not speak further. In total, one hundred oxen were used to pull, and only then was the stele pavilion brought down.