Tang Annals 61

Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government, Volume 245

[Tang Records 61] From the year of Sheti Ge (jia) to the year of Qiangyu Dahuangluo (ding), four years in total.

Spring, first month. The emperor's illness slightly improved. On the day of Dingsi, he went to the Taihe Hall to receive close ministers, but his mental faculties had declined and could not be restored to their original state.

Second month, first day of Renwu. A solar eclipse occurred.

Summer, sixth month, day of Bingxu. Prince Ju, Li Shu, died.

Because of a prolonged drought, the emperor issued an edict seeking methods to pray for rain. The Gentleman Attendant of the Outer Gate, Li Zhongmin, submitted a memorial, stating: "The successive years of severe drought are not due to the insufficiency of Your Majesty's virtue, but solely because of the wrongful punishment in the case of Song Shenxi and the treachery of Zheng Zhu. Now, in the methods of praying for rain, nothing compares to executing Zheng Zhu and redressing the grievance of Song Shenxi." The memorial was retained in the palace. Li Zhongmin claimed illness, resigned from office, and returned to the Eastern Capital.

Prince Tan, Li Jing, died.

Initially, Li Zhongyan had been exiled to Xiangzhou. He encountered an amnesty and returned to the Eastern Capital. It happened that the Eastern Capital Defender, Li Fengji, wanted to re-enter court as a chancellor. Li Zhongyan claimed to have a very close relationship with Zheng Zhu. Li Fengji then had Li Zhongyan heavily bribe Zheng Zhu. Zheng Zhu introduced Li Zhongyan to Wang Shoucheng. Wang Shoucheng recommended him to the emperor, saying Li Zhongyan was skilled in the Book of Changes. The emperor summoned him. At that time, Li Zhongyan was still in mourning for his mother, making it difficult for him to enter the palace. So he was made to wear commoner's clothes and was called the Mountain Man Wang. Li Zhongyan had a dignified appearance, a tall and sturdy build, was unrestrained and valued integrity, was very skilled in literary composition, had a good eloquence, and was very adept at stratagems. When the emperor saw him, he was extremely pleased and considered him an extraordinary talent. His treatment became increasingly lavish day by day. After Li Zhongyan's mourning period ended, in the autumn, eighth month, on the day of Xinmao, the emperor wanted to appoint Li Zhongyan as a Remonstrance Official and place him in the Hanlin Academy. Li Deyu said: "As for Li Zhongyan's past conduct, I presume Your Majesty must surely know it. How is it suitable to place him in a position of personal attendant?" The emperor said: "Can he not be allowed to correct his faults?" Li Deyu replied: "I have heard that only Yan Hui could not repeat a mistake. The faults of those sages and worthies were only due to incomplete consideration or a deviation from the mean. As for Li Zhongyan's evil, it is generated from the very core of his nature. How could he possibly repent and change!" The emperor said: "Li Fengji recommended him. I do not wish to break my word." Li Deyu replied: "Li Fengji, being a chancellor, actually recommended a treacherous person to mislead the state. He too is a guilty man." The emperor said: "Then let us give him another office." Li Deyu replied: "That will not do either." The emperor turned his head to look at Wang Ya. Wang Ya replied: "It can be done." Li Deyu waved his hand to stop him. The emperor turned his head and happened to see this, his expression becoming very displeased, and so the matter was dropped. Initially, when Wang Ya heard that the emperor intended to employ Li Zhongyan, he drafted a remonstrance memorial, the wording of which was extremely vehement and agitated. Shortly afterwards, seeing that the emperor's resolve was firm and fearing the strength of Li Zhongyan's faction, he changed his mind midway. Soon afterwards, Li Zhongyan was appointed as Assistant Instructor of the Four Gates. The Supervising Secretaries Zheng Su and Han Chi returned the appointment document. When Li Deyu was about to leave the Secretariat, he said to Wang Ya: "How gratifying that the Supervising Secretaries have returned the appointment document!" Wang Ya immediately summoned Zheng Su and Han Chi and said to them: "Li Gong just left a message, asking the two Gentlemen to not return the appointment document." The two then issued the appointment. The next day, they told this to Li Deyu. Li Deyu said in surprise: "If I, Li Deyu, did not want you to return the document, you ought to have heard it from me in person. Why was it necessary to convey it through others? Moreover, when the relevant departments block and return an edict, do they need to report the chancellor's intention!" The two men left resentfully and regretfully.

Ninth month, day of Xinhai. Zheng Zhu, the Vice Commissioner of the Zhaoyi Circuit, was summoned to the capital. Wang Shoucheng, Li Zhongyan, and Zheng Zhu all detested Li Deyu. Because the Shannan West Circuit Governor, Li Zongmin, had a poor relationship with Li Deyu, they brought in Li Zongmin to oppose him. On the day of Renxu, an edict was issued summoning Li Zongmin from Xingyuan.

Winter, tenth month, day of Xinsi. Troops in Youzhou rebelled, expelled the Circuit Governor Yang Zhicheng and the Army Supervisor Li Huaiwu, and promoted the Military Commissioner Shi Yuanzhong to act as acting commander.

Day of Gengyin. Li Zongmin was appointed as Vice Director of the Secretariat and co-Chancellor. On the day of Jiawu, Li Deyu, the Vice Director of the Secretariat and co-Chancellor, was appointed as co-Chancellor and Acting Governor of the Shannan West Circuit. On the same day, Li Zhongyan was appointed as Hanlin Academician for Lectures. The Supervising Secretaries Gao Zhu, Zheng Su, Han Chi, the Remonstrance Advisor Guo Chengqie, and the Secretariat Drafter Quan Quan argued against this, but were unsuccessful. Guo Chengqie was the grandson of Guo Xi. Quan Quan was the son of Quan Deyu.

Day of Yisi. The Examination Office memorialized requesting the reinstatement of the poetry and rhapsody examination for the jinshi degree. The request was approved.

Li Deyu sought an audience with the emperor, personally stated his case, and requested to remain in the capital. On the day of Bingwu, Li Deyu was appointed as Minister of War.

When Yang Zhicheng passed through Taiyuan, Li Zaiyi personally beat him and wanted to kill him. His staff remonstrated and rescued him, so he was spared death, but Li Zaiyi killed his wife, children, and the accompanying officers and soldiers. The court, because Li Zaiyi had merit, did not pursue the matter. Li Zaiyi's mother and elder brother were buried in Youzhou. Yang Zhicheng dug up their graves and seized their belongings. Li Zaiyi submitted a memorial requesting to cut out Yang Zhicheng's heart to offer as a sacrifice to his mother. The court did not permit it.

Eleventh month. The Chengde Circuit Governor Wang Tingcou died. The army established his son, the Commander-in-Chief of the Capital Troops, Wang Yuankui, to act as acting commander. Wang Yuankui changed his father's practices and was very respectful in his courtesies to the court.

Shi Yuanzhong presented the dragon robe and various other usurped items that Yang Zhicheng had privately made. On the day of Dingmao, Yang Zhicheng was exiled to Lingnan and was killed on the road.

Li Zongmin said that the appointment for Li Deyu had already been issued and he should not be allowed to choose arbitrarily. On the day of Yihai, Li Deyu was again appointed as Governor of Zhenhai Circuit, no longer concurrently holding the post of co-Chancellor. At that time, Li Deyu and Li Zongmin each had their own factions, mutually excluding and promoting each other. The emperor was very worried about this and often sighed, saying: "Eliminating the bandits in Hebei is easy; eliminating the factions in the court is difficult!"

Your servant Sima Guang says: "The gentleman and the petty man cannot tolerate each other, just as water and fire cannot be placed in the same vessel. Therefore, when the gentleman attains position, he expels the petty man; when the petty man gains power, he ousts the gentleman. This is a natural principle. However, when the gentleman advances the worthy and dismisses the unworthy, his intentions are impartial, and his statements regarding matters are truthful. When the petty man praises those he likes and defames those he dislikes, his intentions are partial, and his statements regarding matters are false. What is impartial and truthful is called upright; what is partial and false is called a faction. The key lies in how the sovereign distinguishes them. Therefore, when an enlightened sovereign is in power, he measures virtue to assign positions, assesses ability to confer offices; rewards those with merit, punishes those with guilt; treachery cannot confuse him, flattery cannot sway him. If this is so, how can factions arise? As for a benighted sovereign, it is not so. His wisdom cannot perceive clearly, his firmness cannot decide. The upright and the wicked are employed simultaneously; slander and praise come intermingled. He does not decide for himself whether to accept or reject; the authority of reward and punishment is secretly transferred to others. Then flatterers and the treacherous gain their ambition, and discussions about factions arise.

It is only when the wood rots that insects are born; it is only when the vinegar turns sour that gnats gather. Therefore, if factions appear in the court, the sovereign ought to examine himself, and should not blame his officials. If Emperor Wenzong was worried about his officials forming factions, why did he not examine whether the things they defamed or praised were true or false; whether the people they advanced or dismissed were worthy or unworthy; whether their intentions were impartial or partial; whether the persons themselves were gentlemen or petty men! If they are true, worthy, impartial, and gentlemen, he should not only adopt their words but should also promote them. If they are false, unworthy, partial, and petty men, he should not only reject their words but should also punish them. If this is done, even if he wanted them to form factions, who would dare? To neglect doing this and yet resent the difficulty of governing the officials is like not sowing or weeding and yet resenting the field being overgrown. If the factions in the court cannot even be removed, how much less the bandits in Hebei!

Day of Bingzi. Li Zhongyan requested to change his name to Li Xun.

Youzhou memorialized stating that troops in Mozhou had rebelled and the Prefect Zhang Yuanfan had disappeared.

In the twelfth month, on the yimao day, Zheng Zhu was appointed as Grand Coachman of the Palace, having previously been the Deputy Military Governor of Zhaoyi. Guo Chenghui repeatedly submitted memorials stating this was inadvisable, but the emperor would not listen. Zheng Zhu then pretended to submit a memorial firmly declining the post, and the emperor sent a palace attendant to bestow the appointment document upon him again, but he did not accept it.

On the guiwei day, Shi Yuanzhong was appointed as Acting Defender-in-Chief of Lulong.

Initially, Song Shenxi and the Censor-in-Chief Yuwen Ding had received a secret edict to execute Zheng Zhu and ordered the Governor of Jingzhao, Wang Fan, to launch a surprise attack and arrest him. Wang Fan secretly showed the documents from the Secretariat to Wang Shoucheng, and thus Zheng Zhu escaped death, deeply grateful to Wang Fan. Wang Fan was also on good terms with Li Xun, so Li Xun and Zheng Zhu jointly recommended him, summoning him from his post as Surveillance Commissioner of Zhexi to be Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs.

In the spring, in the first month, on the yimao day, Wang Yuankui was appointed as Military Governor of Chengde.

Duke of Chao, Li Cou, died and was posthumously honored as Prince of Qi.

Zheng Zhu submitted a memorial stating that there were calamities in the Qin region and that a great public works project should be undertaken to avert them. On the xinmao day, 1,500 men from the Left and Right Spirit Strategy Armies were mobilized to dredge the Qujiang and Kunming Pools.

In the third month, Prince of Ji, Li Qiu, died.

On the bingchen day, Shi Yuanzhong was appointed as Military Governor of Lulong.

Initially, when Li Deyu was Surveillance Commissioner of Zhexi, the wet nurse of the Prince of Zhang, Du Zhongyang, had been banished back to Jinling because of the Song Shenxi affair, and an edict ordered Li Deyu to settle and look after her. It happened that Li Deyu had already left Zhexi, so he sent a document to the Acting Commissioner Li Chan, instructing him to handle it according to the edict. By this time, the Left Vice Director Wang Fan and the Vice Minister of Revenue Li Han submitted a memorial accusing Li Deyu of bribing Du Zhongyang heavily and secretly colluding with the Prince of Zhang in a plot against the state. The emperor was very angry and summoned the Grand Councilors, along with Wang Fan, Li Han, Zheng Zhu, and others, to confront them face to face. Wang Fan, Li Han, and the others slandered him vehemently. Lu Sui said, "Li Deyu would not stoop to such things. If what is said is true, then I, your servant, should also be found guilty!" Only after these words were spoken did the matter subside somewhat. In the summer, in the fourth month, Li Deyu was appointed as Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent, with a separate post in the Eastern Capital.

On the guisi day, Zheng Zhu was appointed as Acting Grand Coachman of the Palace, concurrently serving as Censor-in-Chief. Only then did Zheng Zhu accept the appointment and recommend the Vice Director of the Granary Bureau, Li Kuan, to replace himself, saying: "The crimes added to me, your servant, though in principle I am innocent, but Li Kuan's loyalty is that of one who serves the sovereign and fulfills his duty." People of the time all laughed at him.

On the bingshen day, Lu Sui, holding the posts of Vice Director of the Chancellery and Grand Councilor with the same status, was made Grand Councilor with the same status and appointed as Military Governor of Zhenhai. He was urged to proceed to his post and was not permitted an audience to take his leave. This was because of his efforts to rescue Li Deyu.

Initially, the Governor of Jingzhao, a native of Henan named Jia Su, was narrow-minded, irritable, and frivolous. He had a grudge against Li Deyu but was on good terms with Li Zongmin and Zheng Zhu. On the Festival of the Third Day of the Third Month, a banquet was bestowed upon the hundred officials at Qujiang. According to precedent, the Governor of Jingzhao was to dismount outside the outer gate and bow to the imperial censors. Jia Su, relying on his power and influence, rode directly inside. The Palace Censor Yang Jian and Su Te argued with him. Jia Su cursed them, saying, "Yellow-faced brats, how dare you!" As a result, his salary was docked. Jia Su felt disgraced by this and requested a transfer. An edict was issued appointing him as Surveillance Commissioner of Zhexi. Before he could set out, on the wuxu day, Jia Su was appointed as Vice Director of the Chancellery and Grand Councilor with the same status.

On the gengzi day, an edict was issued stating that when the emperor had first fallen ill some days earlier, Wang Ya had summoned Li Deyu to inquire about the emperor's condition, but Li Deyu had not come. Furthermore, in Western Shu, he had collected arrears of taxes amounting to 300,000 strings of cash, causing the people distress and hardship. Li Deyu was demoted to be the Senior Administrator of Yuanzhou.

Initially, after Song Shenxi was found guilty, the eunuchs became even more arrogant. Emperor Wenzong outwardly appeared tolerant, but in his heart, he could not endure it. After Li Xun and Zheng Zhu gained favor, they discerned the emperor's intentions. Taking advantage of the opportunity when he was explaining the classics to the emperor, Li Xun repeatedly used subtle language to move the emperor. The emperor saw that he was talented and eloquent and believed that Li Xun could be consulted on major plans. Moreover, because Li Xun and Zheng Zhu had both gained advancement through the recommendation of Wang Shoucheng, he hoped that the eunuchs would not suspect them. Thus, he secretly told them his true thoughts. Li Xun and Zheng Zhu then took it upon themselves to eliminate the eunuchs. They supported each other, planning and discussing day and night. There was nothing they proposed that the emperor did not follow. Their influence and power were extremely great. Zheng Zhu spent most of his time in the palace; sometimes when he was on leave and went home, visitors crowded his doorway, and bribes and gifts piled up like a mountain. Outsiders only knew that Li Xun and Zheng Zhu relied on the eunuchs to act arbitrarily and wield power, but they did not know that they had a secret plan with the emperor.

That the emperor was able to be established as emperor was due to the service of the General of the Right Guard of the Army, a native of Xingning named Qiu Shiliang. Wang Shoucheng suppressed him, and thus there was conflict between the two. Li Xun and Zheng Zhu planned for the emperor, promoting Qiu Shiliang's official rank to divide Wang Shoucheng's power. In the fifth month, on the yichou day, Qiu Shiliang was appointed as Left Commander of the Spirit Strategy Army. Wang Shoucheng was very displeased.

On the wuchen day, the Left Vice Director Wang Fan was appointed as Minister of Revenue and Controller of Expenditure.

A rumor spread in the capital that Zheng Zhu was preparing an elixir of immortality for the emperor and needed the hearts and livers of small children. The common people were frightened and alarmed. When the emperor heard of this, he was disgusted. Zheng Zhu had always hated the Governor of Jingzhao, Yang Yuqing, so he conspired with Li Xun to frame him, saying that the rumor had originated from the household of Yang Yuqing. The emperor was furious. In the sixth month, Yang Yuqing was imprisoned in the Censorate prison. Zheng Zhu requested an appointment to a post in the two Departments (the Chancellery and the Secretariat). The Vice Director of the Secretariat and Grand Councilor with the same status, Li Zongmin, did not agree. Zheng Zhu then slandered Li Zongmin before the emperor. Just then, Li Zongmin interceded on behalf of Yang Yuqing. The emperor was enraged and shouted at him to leave. On the renyin day, Li Zongmin was demoted to be the Prefect of Mingzhou.

The Left Commander of the Spirit Strategy Army, Wei Yuansu, and the Privy Envoys Yang Chenghe and Wang Jianyan had been in power in the palace for a long time and vied with Wang Shoucheng for influence, leading to discord. Li Xun and Zheng Zhu took the opportunity to send Yang Chenghe out of the capital to Xichuan, Wei Yuansu to Huainan, and Wang Jianyan to Hedong, all as Army Supervisors. In the autumn, in the seventh month, on the jiachen day, which was the first day of the month, Yang Yuqing was demoted to be the Marshal of Qianzhou.

On the gengxu day, the Purple Cloud Tower was built at Qujiang.

On the xinhai day, the Censor-in-Chief Li Guyan was appointed as Vice Director of the Chancellery and Grand Councilor with the same status. Li Xun and Zheng Zhu planned a strategy for the emperor to achieve peace. They believed that first the eunuchs should be eliminated, then the Hehuang region should be recovered, and finally the Hebei garrisons should be pacified. They laid out their plans as clearly as pointing to the lines on the palm of a hand. The emperor believed it was so, and his trust in them grew daily. Initially, when Li Zongmin was Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, he had secured his position as Grand Councilor through the connections of the Commandant-Escort Shen, the female academician Song Ruoxian, and the Privy Envoy Yang Chenghe. After he was demoted to be the Prefect of Mingzhou, Zheng Zhu exposed this matter. On the renzi day, he was further demoted to be the Senior Administrator of Chuzhou. The Editorial Director of the Palace Library, with a separate post in the Eastern Capital, Shu Yuanyu, was on good terms with Li Xun. After Li Xun came to power, he summoned him to court to be the Right Director of the Bureau of the Imperial Secretariat, concurrently serving as Attendant Censor and overseeing miscellaneous affairs, to try the case of Yang Yuqing. On the guichou day, he was promoted to be Censor-in-Chief. Shu Yuanyu was the elder brother of Shu Yuanbao. The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Li Han, was demoted to be the Prefect of Fenzhou, and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, Xiao Huan, was demoted to be the Prefect of Suizhou, both because they were members of Li Zongmin's faction. At this time, Li Xun and Zheng Zhu successively expelled three Grand Councilors, and their power and influence shook the empire. From then on, there was no favor as small as a silk thread or a grudge as fine as a hair that they did not repay.

Li Xun submitted a memorial stating that the number of monks and nuns was too great, wasting public and private resources. On the dingsi day, the emperor issued an edict ordering the examination of monks and nuns throughout the realm. Those who could not recite the scriptures up to standard were forcibly laicized. The establishment of monasteries and the private tonsuring of people into the clergy were prohibited.

At that time, people all said that Zheng Zhu would soon become Grand Councilor. The Attending Censor Li Gan publicly declared in court: "If the white hemp paper edict appointing a Grand Councilor comes out, I will certainly tear it up in court!" On the guihai day, Li Gan was demoted to be the Marshal of Fengzhou. However, Li Xun also became wary of Zheng Zhu and did not want him to become Grand Councilor, so this matter was ultimately shelved.

On the jiazi day, the Erudite of the National University, Li Xun, was appointed as Vice Minister of the Ministry of War and Drafter of the Imperial Secretariat, retaining his post as Academician-in-Waiting.

The General of the Left Gold Wu Guard, Shen, was demoted to be the Prefect of Shaozhou. In the eighth month, on the bingzi day, Li Zongmin was further demoted to be the Administrator of the Chaozhou Military Headquarters, and Song Ruoxian was ordered to commit suicide.

On the dingchou day, Tai Pu Qing Zheng Zhu was appointed as Minister of Works and concurrently as Hanlin Academician-in-waiting. Zheng Zhu liked to wear deerskin fur garments and styled himself a recluse; Emperor Wenzong treated him with the courtesy due to a teacher or friend. When Zheng Zhu first gained favor, the Emperor once asked Hanlin Academician and Vice Minister of Revenue Li Jue, "Do you know Zheng Zhu? Have you ever spoken with him?" Li Jue replied, "Your servant not only knows his name but also understands his character well. This man is wicked and devious. If Your Majesty favors him, I fear it will do no good to your sagely virtue. Your servant, unworthily occupying a close and confidential post, how dare I associate with such a person!" On the wuyin day, Li Jue was demoted to be Prefect of Jiangzhou. Shen was further demoted to be Adjutant of Liuzhou.

On the bingshen day, an imperial edict declared that Yang Chenghe had shielded Song Shenxi, and that Wei Yuansu, Wang Jianyan, Li Zongmin, and Li Deyu had colluded with each other, accepting bribes from them. Yang Chenghe was to be sent to Huan Prefecture, Wei Yuansu to Xiang Prefecture, and Wang Jianyan to En Prefecture, with orders for local officials to escort them in fetters. Yang Yuqing, Li Han, and Xiao Huan were the leaders of the faction; Yang Yuqing was demoted to Adjutant of Qian Prefecture, Li Han to Marshal of Fenzhou, and Xiao Huan to Marshal of Suizhou. Soon after, envoys were sent to pursue and order Yang Chenghe, Wei Yuansu, and Wang Jianyan to die by suicide. At that time, Cui Tanjun had already died, but his coffin was opened and his corpse flogged. On the jihai day, former Prefect of Luzhou Luo Liyan was appointed as Junior Minister of Agriculture. Luo Liyan was a corrupt official who obtained this post by bribing and ingratiating himself with Zheng Zhu. When Zheng Zhu entered the Hanlin Academy, Zhongshu Sheren Gao Yuanli drafted the appointment edict, which mentioned that Zheng Zhu served the Emperor's parents with medicine; Zheng Zhu bore a grudge over this. He then memorialized that Gao Yuanli had once gone out of the city to see off Li Zongmin. On the renyin day, Gao Yuanli was demoted to be Prefect of Langzhou. Gao Yuanli was the sixth-generation descendant of Gao Shilian. At that time, court officials whom Zheng Zhu and Li Xun disliked were all denounced as members of the faction of the two Li’s (Li Zongmin and Li Deyu). Every day there were matters of demotion and expulsion, and the ranks of the court were nearly emptied. The court was filled with anxiety and fear, and Emperor Wenzong was also aware of this situation. Li Xun and Zheng Zhu, fearing that their position might be shaken, on the guimao day of the ninth month, the first day of the month, advised the Emperor to issue an edict stating: "All those who are relatives, old friends, disciples, or former subordinates of Li Deyu and Li Zongmin, unless already dismissed before today, shall not be further investigated." Only then did people's minds settle slightly.

The Salt and Iron Commissioner Wang Ya memorialized, requesting a change in the tea monopoly laws for Jianghuai and Lingnan, and an increase in the tea tax.

On the gengshen day, Fengxiang Military Governor Li Ting was appointed as Zhongwu Military Governor, replacing Du Cong.

When Emperor Xianzong died, people all said it was done by the eunuch Chen Hongzhi. At that time, Chen Hongzhi was serving as the military supervisor of Shannan East Circuit. Li Xun, on behalf of Emperor Wenzong, planned to recall him to the capital. When Chen Hongzhi reached Qingni Post Station, on the guihai day, he was beaten to death with clubs.

Zheng Zhu requested to be appointed as Fengxiang Military Governor. Vice Director of the Chancellery and co-Chancellor Li Guyan disagreed. On the dingmao day, Li Guyan was appointed as Military Governor of Shannan West Circuit, and Zheng Zhu as Fengxiang Military Governor. Although Li Xun had gained advancement through Zheng Zhu’s introduction, once his power and position were flourishing, he became very wary of Zheng Zhu in his heart. He planned to use internal and external forces to eliminate the eunuchs together, so he sent Zheng Zhu out to Fengxiang. This was actually intended to eliminate Zheng Zhu as well, after the eunuchs were removed. Zheng Zhu wanted to select renowned sons of good families and men of talent and virtue as his staff. He requested that Vice Minister of Rites Wei Wen be appointed as his deputy, but Wei Wen refused. Someone said to Wei Wen, "Refusing him will surely bring disaster." Wei Wen replied, "Choosing disaster is not as good as choosing the lesser one. Refusing him will at most result in exile to a distant place; complying with him will bring unpredictable calamity." In the end, he declined.

On the wuchen day, the Right Shence Army Commander, acting General of the Right Guard, and Director of the Inner Palace Service Wang Shoucheng was appointed as Left and Right Shence Army Inspector of the Army, concurrently commanding the Twelve Guards. Li Xun and Zheng Zu planned for Emperor Wenzong, using an empty title to honor Wang Shoucheng, but in reality to seize his power.

On the jisi day, Censor-in-Chief and concurrent Vice Minister of Punishments Shu Yuanyu was appointed as Vice Minister of Punishments; and Director of the Bureau of Military Appointments, Drafter of the Secretariat, and concurrently Hanlin Academician-in-waiting Li Xun was appointed as Vice Minister of Rites, both as co-Chancellors. Li Xun was still ordered to enter the Hanlin Academy every two or three days to lecture on the Book of Changes. When Shu Yuanyu served as Censor-in-Chief, whenever anyone was disliked by Li Xun and Zheng Zhu, he would impeach and attack them on their behalf, and for this reason he became Chancellor. Furthermore, Emperor Wenzong, seeing that Li Zongmin and Li Deyu had many factions, considered Jia Su and Shu Yuanyu to be men of humble origin who had recently advanced, so he promoted them to be Chancellors, hoping that they would not form factions. Li Xun rose from the status of an exile and within a year reached the position of Chancellor. The Son of Heaven trusted him wholeheartedly. Li Xun was sometimes in the Zhongshu Province, sometimes in the Hanlin Academy. The affairs of the empire were all decided by Li Xun. Wang Ya and others followed his intentions, fearing only that they could not keep up. From the Shence Army Commanders and Secretaries of the Palace Secretariat down to the various generals of the Imperial Guard, all were shocked and fearful when they saw Li Xun, greeting him with bows and kowtows. On the renshen day, Vice Minister of Punishments and concurrently Investigating Censor Li Xiaoben was appointed as acting Censor-in-Chief. Li Xiaoben was a member of the imperial clan and had gained advancement by relying on Li Xun and Zheng Zhu.

Li Ting, relying on his status as a meritorious old general, was disrespectful toward Zheng Zhu. When Zheng Zhu replaced Li Ting to guard Fengxiang, he first sent his personal officer Dan Jun to the army to offer rewards, and then falsely accused Li Ting of being greedy and tyrannical during his tenure. In winter, the tenth month, on the yihai day, Li Ting was appointed as Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent with a sinecure in the Eastern Capital, and Du Cong was appointed as Zhongwu Military Governor. Zheng Zhu often prided himself on having a strategy for governing the state. Emperor Wenzong asked him for a method to enrich the people; Zheng Zhu could not answer, so he requested the implementation of a tea monopoly. Thereupon, Wang Ya was concurrently appointed as Tea Monopoly Commissioner. Wang Ya knew that this was unworkable but did not dare to disobey, and the people suffered greatly from it.

Zheng Zhu wanted to win praise from Buddhist monks and nuns, and earnestly requested to stop the reduction of monks and nuns. Emperor Wenzong complied.

Li Xun and Zheng Zhu secretly said to Emperor Wenzong, requesting to eliminate Wang Shoucheng. On the xinsi day, the palace envoy Li Haogu was sent to Wang Shoucheng’s residence to present him with poisoned wine, killing him; he was posthumously appointed as Grand Governor of Yangzhou. Li Xun and Zheng Zhu had originally relied on Wang Shoucheng to advance, but in the end they plotted and killed him. People felt satisfaction that Wang Shoucheng had been flattered by treacherous men and ultimately killed, but also hated the cunning and treachery of Li Xun and Zheng Zhu. Thus, the remnants of the Yuanhe rebellion faction were nearly completely eliminated. On the yiyou day, Zheng Zhu went to Fengxiang to assume his post.

On the gengzi day, the Defender of the Eastern Capital, Minister of Education and concurrent Attendant-in-ordinary Pei Du was appointed as concurrent Director of the Chancellery, with his other offices remaining unchanged. Most of those whom Li Xun promoted and elevated were arrogant and treacherous men, but occasionally he also selected men of great renown in the empire to win popular support. For instance, Pei Du, Linghu Chu, and Zheng Tan were all veteran ministers and virtuous men of several reigns, long sidelined by those in power and placed in idle posts; Li Xun all recommended them to high office. Therefore, among the scholar-officials, there were also those who hoped that he might truly bring peace to the empire; it was not only the Son of Heaven who was deceived by him. However, perceptive men, seeing his rampant and excessive behavior, knew that he would fail.

In the eleventh month, on the bingwu day, Dali Qing Guo Xinyu was appointed as Military Governor of Bin’ning. On the guichou day, the Military Governor of Hedong Circuit and co-Chancellor Li Zaiyi was concurrently appointed as Attendant-in-ordinary. On the dingsi day, the Minister of Revenue and Director of Expenditure Wang Fan was appointed as Military Governor of Hedong. On the wuwu day, the Mayor of Jingzhao Li Shi was appointed as Vice Minister of Revenue and Director of Expenditure; and the Junior Mayor of Jingzhao Luo Liyan was appointed as acting Mayor of Jingzhao. Li Shi was the fifth-generation descendant of Li Shenfu. On the jiwei day, the Grand Chamberlain Han Yue was appointed as General of the Left Gold Guard.

Initially, Zheng Zhu and Li Xun had planned that after arriving at the garrison, they would select several hundred strong men, all armed with white wooden clubs and carrying axes hidden in their bosoms, to serve as personal guards. In this month, on the day of wuxu, when Wang Shoucheng was buried at the Chan River, Zheng Zhu petitioned to enter the court to participate in the funeral arrangements, thus bringing his personal guards to follow him. He also petitioned to have all the inner officials, including the Chief Advisors (Zhongwei), go to the Chan River for the funeral, where Zheng Zhu would take the opportunity to close the gates and order his personal guards to kill them with axes, leaving none alive. After the plan was set, Li Xun plotted with his faction: “If this succeeds, then Zheng Zhu alone will claim the merit. It would be better to let Guo Xingyu and Wang Fan, under the pretext of going to their posts, recruit a large number of strong men as retainers, and also mobilize the troops of the Gold Guard, the Censorate, and the Capital Prefecture to eliminate the eunuchs first, and then get rid of Zheng Zhu together.” Guo Xingyu, Wang Fan, Luo Liyan, Han Yue, and the Vice Censor-in-Chief Li Xiaoben were all men Li Xun had treated generously in the past, so he placed them in key positions. He conspired only with these men and Shu Yuanyu; no one else knew.

On the day of renxu, the Emperor arrived at the Zichen Hall. After the officials had taken their positions, Han Yue did not report the usual peace, but instead memorialized: “Last night, sweet dew fell on the pomegranate tree behind the Left Gold Guard’s main hall. I have already reported this through the palace gates in sequence.” He then performed the kneeling dance, and the Grand Councilors also led the officials in offering congratulations. Li Xun and Shu Yuanyu urged the Emperor to go and see it himself to receive Heaven’s blessing, and the Emperor agreed. The officials withdrew and formed ranks in the Hanyuan Hall. At the chen hour, the Emperor rode a palanquin out of the Zichen Gate and ascended the Hanyuan Hall. He first ordered the Grand Councilors and the officials of the Secretariat and Chancellery to go to the Left Gold Guard to inspect; after a long time, they returned. Li Xun memorialized: “Your servant and the others examined it, and it may not be true sweet dew. It should not be hastily announced, lest it bring congratulations from all under Heaven.” The Emperor said: “How could that be!” He turned to the Left and Right Chief Advisors, Qiu Shiliang and Yu Zhihong, and ordered them to lead all the eunuchs to inspect. After the eunuchs left, Li Xun hurriedly summoned Guo Xingyu and Wang Fan, saying: “Come and receive the imperial decree!” Wang Fan’s legs trembled and he dared not advance; only Guo Xingyu knelt below the steps. At that time, each of the two men had several hundred retainers, all armed and standing outside the Danfeng Gate. Li Xun had earlier sent someone to summon them into the palace, ordering them to receive the decree. Only the soldiers from Hedong entered; the soldiers from Binzhou ultimately did not come.

When Qiu Shiliang and the others arrived at the Left Gold Guard to inspect the sweet dew, Han Yue’s complexion changed and he broke out in cold sweat. Qiu Shiliang found it strange and said: “Why is the General like this?” Soon the wind lifted the curtains, revealing many armed men, and the sound of weapons clashing was heard. Qiu Shiliang and the others were terrified and fled. The gatekeeper tried to close the gate, but Qiu Shiliang shouted at him, and the bolt was not inserted. Qiu Shiliang and the others rushed to the Emperor’s presence to report the incident. When Li Xun saw this, he urgently called out to the Gold Guard soldiers: “Those who ascend the hall to protect the Emperor will each be rewarded with a hundred strings of cash!” The eunuchs said: “The matter is urgent! Please, Your Majesty, return to the palace!” They immediately lifted the palanquin, welcomed the Emperor, helped him aboard, lifted the screen behind the hall, and quickly rushed northward. Li Xun clung to the palanquin and shouted: “Your servant’s report is not finished! Your Majesty cannot enter the palace!” The Gold Guard soldiers had already ascended the hall. Luo Liyan led over three hundred patrol soldiers from the Capital Prefecture from the east, and Li Xiaoben led over two hundred attendants from the Censorate from the west. They all ascended the hall and attacked, causing the eunuchs to bleed and cry out in grievance, with over ten dead and wounded. The Emperor’s palanquin turned and entered the Xuanzheng Gate. Li Xun clung to the palanquin and shouted even more urgently. The Emperor rebuked him, and the eunuch Xi Zhirong struck him hard in the chest with his fist, causing him to fall to the ground. The palanquin then entered, and the gate was immediately closed. The eunuchs all shouted “Long live the Emperor!” The officials scattered in panic. Li Xun, knowing the plan had failed, took off his attendant’s green robe, put it on, and fled on horseback. On the road, he loudly declared: “What crime have I committed to be exiled and demoted?” No one suspected him. Wang Ya, Jia Su, and Shu Yuanyu returned to the Secretariat and said to each other: “The Emperor will soon open the Yanying Hall and summon us for counsel.” The officials of the two departments came to the Grand Councilors to ask the reason, and they all said: “We do not know what the matter is. Please, everyone, do as you see fit!” Qiu Shiliang and the others, knowing that the Emperor had been involved in their plot, were resentful and angry, and spoke disrespectfully. The Emperor was ashamed and fearful and said nothing. Qiu Shiliang and the others ordered the Deputy Commissioners of the Left and Right Divine Strategy Armies, Liu Tailun and Wei Zhongqing, each to lead five hundred imperial soldiers, with drawn blades, to charge out of the palace gates to punish the rebels. Wang Ya and the others were about to have a meal when a clerk reported: “Soldiers have come out of the palace, killing everyone they meet!” Wang Ya and the others fled in panic on foot. Over a thousand clerks and soldiers from the two departments and the Gold Guard crowded at the gate, scrambling to escape. The gate was soon closed; more than six hundred who could not get out were all killed. Qiu Shiliang and the others divided their troops, closed the palace gates, searched the various offices, and pursued the rebel faction. Clerks of the various offices and merchants doing business inside were all killed, adding another thousand or more dead. Bodies lay everywhere, blood flowed, and the area was a mess. The seals, documents, maps, curtains, and vessels of the various offices were all destroyed. They also sent over a thousand cavalry each out of the city to pursue fugitives, and sent soldiers to conduct a massive search within the city. Shu Yuanyu changed clothes, rode alone out of the Anhua Gate, but imperial soldiers caught up and seized him. Wang Ya walked on foot to a tea house in Yongchang Ward, where imperial soldiers seized him and took him to the Left Army. Wang Ya was over seventy years old at the time. He was put in chains, interrogated under torture, and unable to bear the pain, he falsely confessed, claiming that he had plotted treason with Li Xun to establish Zheng Zhu as emperor. Wang Fan returned to his private residence in Changxing Ward, closed the gate, and defended himself with his soldiers. When a Divine Strategy Army general arrived at the gate, he shouted: “Wang Ya and others have rebelled. They wish to appoint you, Secretary, as Grand Councilor. Fish General (Yu Zhihong) sent me to convey this intention!” Wang Fan was overjoyed and came out to see him. The Divine Strategy general repeatedly urged him to go and offer congratulations. Wang Fan, realizing he had been deceived, went forward in tears. When he arrived at the Left Army, he saw Wang Ya and said: “Twentieth Elder Brother, you yourself rebelled—why drag me into it?” Wang Ya said: “Fifth Younger Brother, when you were the Capital Prefect, did you not leak words to Wang Shoucheng? How could today have come about?” Wang Fan lowered his head and said nothing. Luo Liyan was also arrested in Taiping Ward, along with the relatives and servants of Wang Ya and others, and all were sent to the Left and Right Divine Strategy Armies for imprisonment. The Vice Director of the Bureau of Revenue, Li Yuangao, was a distant cousin of Li Xun. Li Xun had actually shown him no favor, yet he was also arrested and killed. The former Military Commissioner of Lingnan, Hu Zheng, whose family was immensely wealthy, was targeted by imperial soldiers greedy for his property. Under the pretext of searching for Jia Su, they entered his home, seized his son Hu Yin, and killed him. They also broke into the homes of the Left Regular Attendant Luo Rang, the Supervisor of the Household of the Heir Apparent Hun Jinsui, and the Hanlin Academician Li Zhi, looting their property until it was stripped clean. Hun Jinsui was the son of Hun Zhen. Ruffians from the markets took the opportunity to settle personal grudges, killing people and plundering all kinds of goods. Mutual attacks and robberies raised dust that darkened the sky.

On the guihai day, the hundred officials entered the court. Only when the sun came out was the Jianfu Gate opened, and each official was permitted only one attendant. The (imperial guards) stood on both sides of the road with drawn swords. When they reached the Xuanzheng Gate, it had not yet opened. At that time, there were no Grand Councilors or Censors to manage the court ranks, and the hundred officials no longer kept their order in the ranks. The emperor arrived at the Zichen Hall and asked: “Why have the Grand Councilors not come?” Qiu Shiliang said: “Wang Ya and others plotted rebellion and are now imprisoned.” Then he presented Wang Ya’s handwritten letter to the emperor, summoning the Left Vice-Director of the Department of State Affairs Linghu Chu, the Right Vice-Director Zheng Tan, and others to ascend the hall and look at it. The emperor could not contain his grief and indignation, and said to Linghu Chu and the others: “Is this Wang Ya’s own handwriting?” They replied: “It is!” The emperor said: “If this is truly so, his crime deserves death without pardon!” Then he ordered Linghu Chu and Zheng Tan to remain in the Secretariat-Chancellery overnight and participate in decisions on confidential state affairs. He ordered Linghu Chu to draft an imperial edict to announce [the matter] to the empire at large. Linghu Chu’s narration of Wang Ya and Jia Su’s rebellion was too vague and general, and Qiu Shiliang and his associates were displeased, so he did not become Grand Councilor. At this time, the robbers in the markets and wards had not yet stopped. The emperor ordered the generals of the Left and Right Divine Strategy Armies, Yang Zhen and Jin Suiliang, each to lead five hundred men and station them at the main thoroughfares, beating drums to warn the people. They killed more than ten people, and then order was restored. Jia Su changed his clothes and hid among the common people for one night. Knowing there was no place to escape, he donned plain clothes, rode a donkey to the Xing’an Gate, and declared: “I am the Grand Councilor Jia Su, harmed by treacherous men. You may send me to the Two Armies!” The gate guards seized him and delivered him to the Western Army. Li Xiaoben changed into a green robe, still wearing a golden belt, covered his face with a cap, and fled alone on horseback to Fengxiang. When he reached the west of Xianyang, he was captured by pursuing troops.

On the jiazi day, the Right Vice-Director of the Department of State Affairs Zheng Tan was appointed as Grand Councilor with the title Tong Ping Zhangshi.

Li Xun had long been on friendly terms with the monk Zongmi of the Zhongnan Mountains and went to seek refuge with him. Zongmi wanted to shave his head and hide him, but his disciples did not agree. Li Xun left the mountains, intending to flee to Fengxiang, but was captured by Song Chu, the Pacification Commissioner of Zhouzhi. He was put in fetters and sent to the capital. When he reached Kunming Pond, Li Xun feared suffering cruel torture and humiliation in the army, and said to the escorts: “Whoever captures me can become rich and noble! I hear the are searching everywhere. You will surely be robbed of me by them. It would be better to take my head and send it!” The escorts followed his advice, cut off his head, and sent it in.

On the yichou day, the Vice-Minister of the Revenue Department and Director of the Salt and Iron Monopoly, Li Shi, was appointed as Grand Councilor with the title Tong Ping Zhangshi, while still remaining Director of the Salt and Iron Monopoly. The former Hedong Military Governor Li Zaiyi was restored to his original post. The Left Divine Strategy Army dispatched three hundred men, using Li Xun’s head as a guide, escorting Wang Ya, Wang Fan, Luo Liyan, and Guo Xingyu. The Right Divine Strategy Army dispatched three hundred men, escorting Jia Su, Shu Yuanyu, and Li Xiaoben. They presented the captives as offerings at the Imperial Ancestral Temple and the Altar of Soil and Grain, then paraded them through the Eastern and Western Markets. The emperor ordered the hundred officials to witness the scene. The captives were executed by waist-cutting beneath the Single Willow Tree, and their heads were hung at the Xing’an Gate. Their relatives, whether near or distant, were all executed; not even infants or young children were spared. The wives and daughters who were not executed were confiscated as government slaves. Among the common people who watched, many resented Wang Ya’s tea monopoly law; some cursed him, and some threw tiles and stones at him.

Your servant Sima Guang says: “Those who discuss this matter all say that Wang Ya and Jia Su had literary reputations, and at first did not know of Li Xun and Zheng Zhu’s plot, yet were cruelly killed with their entire clans. They sigh with indignation over their injustice. I alone hold that this is not so. When the state is in peril and one does not support it, what use is such a Grand Councilor! Wang Ya and Jia Su occupied high positions and enjoyed generous emoluments. Li Xun and Zheng Zhu were petty men, utterly vicious and evil, using every kind of treacherous and cunning means to struggle for the positions of generals and councilors. Wang Ya and Jia Su stood side by side with them in the same ranks and felt no shame. When the state was in danger, they felt no anxiety. They went along with the times and ingratiated themselves, temporarily seeking to preserve their own positions, day after day, thinking that they had found the best strategy for preserving themselves, and that no one could surpass them. If everyone acted like this and yet suffered no disaster, then which treacherous minister would not want to do so! Once disaster arose from the unexpected, their bodies and heads were separated, and they died by punishment. This was Heaven’s punishment. How could Qiu Shiliang have exterminated their clans!”

Wang Ya had a distant cousin named Wang Mu, who lived south of the Yangzi River. He was old and poor. When he heard that Wang Ya had become Grand Councilor, he rode a donkey to visit him, hoping to obtain a post as Assistant Magistrate or District Defender. He stayed in Chang’an for over two years before he was granted one audience with Wang Ya, who treated him with great coldness. After a long time, Wang Mu, through a favored servant of Wang Ya, conveyed his wishes, and Wang Ya promised him a minor post. From then on, Wang Mu went to Wang Ya’s residence morning and evening, waiting for the appointment. When Wang Ya’s entire household was arrested, Wang Mu happened to be in Wang Ya’s residence, and he was executed by waist-cutting together with Wang Ya. Shu Yuanyu had a nephew of the same clan named Shu Shouqian, who was respectful and intelligent. Shu Yuanyu was very fond of him, and he had followed Shu Yuanyu for ten years. One day, Shu Yuanyu suddenly became angry with him on baseless grounds, and he was daily rebuked, and even the servants and maids looked down on him. Shu Shouqian felt uneasy and requested to return south of the Yangzi River. Shu Yuanyu did not detain him, and Shu Shouqian left with a sigh. That evening, when he reached Zhaoying County, he heard that Shu Yuanyu’s entire household had been arrested, and only Shu Shouqian escaped.

On this day, Linghu Chu was appointed as Salt and Iron Transport Commissioner, and the Left Sanchang Attendant Zhang Zhongfang served as Acting Mayor of Jingzhao. At that time, within a few days, all matters of life and death, bestowing and taking away, appointments and dismissals, were decided by the Commanders-in-Chief of the Left and Right Divine Strategy Armies, and the emperor had no prior knowledge of them.

Initially, Wang Shoucheng had hated the eunuchs Tian Quancao, Liu Xingshen, Zhou Yuanzhi, Xue Shigan, Sixian Yiyi, Liu Ying□, and others. Li Xun and Zheng Zhu took this opportunity to send them separately to Yan Prefecture, Lingwu, Jingyuan, Xia Prefecture, Zhenwu, and Fengxiang to inspect the borders, and ordered Hanlin Academician Gu Shiyong to draft an edict granting [authority] to the Six Circuits to kill them. Just then Li Xun’s plot failed. When the Six Circuits received the edict, they all set it aside without executing it. On the bingyin day, the court considered that Gu Shiyong had forged an imperial decree and imprisoned him in the Censorate jail.

Before this, Zheng Zhu led five hundred personal troops and had already set out from Fengxiang, arriving at Fufeng. The Fufeng County Magistrate Han Liao knew of his plot and did not provide him with food or utensils. He took the official seal and his clerk and soldiers and fled to Wugong. When Zheng Zhu learned that Li Xun had already failed, he returned to Fengxiang. Qiu Shiliang and his associates sent someone bearing a secret imperial directive to the Fengxiang Army Supervisor Zhang Zhongqing, ordering him to arrest Zheng Zhu. Zhang Zhongqing was terrified and confused, not knowing what to do. The (adjutant) Li Shuhe advised Zhang Zhongqing: “I, Li Shuhe, for your sake, will summon Zheng Zhu in a friendly manner. Screen off his attendant soldiers, and seize him at his seat. The matter can be resolved immediately!” Zhang Zhongqing followed this advice, and ambushed armored soldiers, waiting for Zheng Zhu. Relying on his own armed escort, Zheng Zhu went to see Zhang Zhongqing. Li Shuhe gradually drew away his attendant soldiers and entertained them with a feast outside. Zheng Zhu took only a few men inside. After drinking tea, Li Shuhe drew his sword and cut down Zheng Zhu. Then he closed the outer gate and killed all of Zheng Zhu’s personal troops. He then produced the secret imperial pardon and announced it to the officers and men. Thereupon, he exterminated Zheng Zhu’s entire family and killed the Vice Commissioner Qian Kefu, the Military Circuit Judge Lu Jianneng, the Surveillance Circuit Judge Xiao Jie, the Administrative Secretary Lu Hongmao, and others, along with their followers; over a thousand people died. Qian Kefu was the son of Qian Hui. Lu Jianneng was the son of Lu Lun. Xiao Jie was the younger brother of Xiao Mian. The court did not yet know that Zheng Zhu had died. On the dingmao day, an edict was issued stripping Zheng Zhu of his official rank and titles, ordering the neighboring circuits to hold their troops and await developments. The Left Divine Strategy Army General Chen Junyi was appointed Fengxiang Military Governor. On the night of the wuchen day, Zhang Zhongqing sent Li Shuhe and others to present Zheng Zhu’s head to the capital. It was hung at the Xing’an Gate for public display. Then the people’s hearts were somewhat calmed, and the various units in the capital each began to return to their camps.

An imperial edict was issued: among the generals and soldiers, those who had merit in suppressing the rebellion and those who had formed ranks were to be rewarded with official positions and titles according to their deeds. The Right Shence Army captured Han Yue in Chongyi Ward, and on the day of Jisi, he was beheaded. Qiu Shiliang and others were all promoted in rank and rewarded differently. From then on, all major affairs of the empire were decided by the Northern Bureau (the eunuch authorities), and the chancellors merely executed documents. The eunuchs' arrogance grew even more intense; they pressured and threatened the Son of Heaven, despised the chancellors, and insulted and bullied court officials and scholars as if they were weeds. Whenever matters of state were discussed at the Yanying Hall, Qiu Shiliang and his ilk would invariably cite the examples of Li Xun and Zheng Zhu to refute the chancellors. Zheng Tan and Li Shi said, "Li Xun and Zheng Zhu were indeed the instigators of the calamity, but we do not know through whom Li Xun and Zheng Zhu were initially recommended for advancement?" The eunuchs were somewhat discomfited, and the scholar-officials relied on them to be preserved. At that time, the Central Secretariat (Zhongshu Sheng) was left with only empty walls and dilapidated buildings, lacking all kinds of necessities. Jiangxi and Hunan presented one hundred and twenty portions of clothing and grain to serve as funds for the chancellors to recruit attendants. On the day of Xinwei, Li Shi submitted a memorial saying, "If the chancellors are loyal and upright without evil thoughts, the spirits will protect them. Even if they encounter bandits, they cannot be harmed. If they harbor treachery and deceit in their hearts, no matter how tightly they set up guards, the ghosts and gods will slay them. Your subject is willing to exert his utmost sincerity to repay the state, and only follow the old precedents, using the soldiers of the Imperial Guard (Jinwu Wei) as escorts—that is sufficient. The clothing and grain presented by those two circuits, I beg to have them stopped." The emperor followed his advice.

In the twelfth month, on the day of Renshen, the first day of the month, Gu Shiyong was banished to Dan Prefecture. When he reached Mount Shang, he was ordered to commit suicide.

The Monopoly Tea Commissioner Linghu Chu submitted a memorial requesting the cessation of the tea monopoly, and the emperor followed his advice.

The Finance Commissioner (Duzhi) submitted a report registering Zheng Zhu's property, obtaining one million and more bolts of silk, with other items of comparable value.

On the day of Gengchen, the emperor asked the chancellors, "Has the marketplace settled down?" Li Shi replied, "It is gradually settling. But the weather has been extremely cold recently, probably because there have been too many executions and punishments." Zheng Tan said, "The close relatives of the criminals have already been executed previously; the rest are probably not worth pursuing further." At that time, the eunuchs deeply hated Li Xun and his followers. Anyone who had even the slightest kinship with them, or who had once received some favor or recommendation from them, was still being incessantly executed or demoted. Therefore, the two chancellors spoke thus.

After Li Xun and Zheng Zhu were executed, the six circuit patrol commissioners were recalled. Tian Quancao, harboring resentment over Li Xun and Zheng Zhu's plot, declared on the road, "When I enter the city, I will kill everyone wearing Confucian robes, regardless of rank!" On the day of Guiwei, Tian Quancao and his men rode post-horses rapidly into the Golden Light Gate. Rumors spread in the capital that bandits had arrived. Scholars and commoners were terrified and in an uproar, fleeing in all directions, raising clouds of dust. Officials of the various departments in the Central and Chancellery Secretariats, upon hearing the news, all fled and scattered; some could not even fasten their belts or put on socks before mounting horses and galloping away. Zheng Tan and Li Shi were in the Central Secretariat when they saw officials and soldiers gradually fleeing. Zheng Tan said to Li Shi, "The situation is very abnormal; we should temporarily go out and take shelter!" Li Shi said, "The position of chancellor is lofty and its authority is great; it is the focus of people's hearts. We must not act rashly! The truth of the matter is still unknown. If we sit here calmly and hold firm, perhaps we can stabilize things. If the chancellor also flees, then both inside and outside the court will be in total chaos. Moreover, if a real disaster occurs, escaping will not save us!" Zheng Tan acknowledged that his words were correct. Li Shi sat reading documents, calm and unperturbed. Eunuchs relaying orders successively called out, "Close the gates of the various offices in the Imperial City!" The Left Golden Army Grand General Chen Junshang led his troops and stood beneath the Wangxian Gate. He said to the eunuchs relaying orders, "When the bandits arrive, it will not be too late to close the gates. Please observe the changes slowly; it is not appropriate to show weakness!" It was only after dusk that order was restored. That day, hoodlums in the marketplace all wore red or black clothes, carrying bows, arrows, knives, and spears, looking northward. Seeing the Imperial City gates closed, they wanted to loot and plunder. If it had not been for Li Shi and Chen Junshang holding the situation steady, the capital would have nearly fallen into chaos again. At that time, officials of the two secretariats who were supposed to be on duty all bid farewell to their families.

On the day of Jiashen, an edict was issued to halt the construction of the Qujiang Pavilion and Halls.

On the day of Dinghai, an edict was issued: "The relatives and partisans of the rebels, unless they have been previously executed or are named for arrest, shall not be pursued further. All officials and clerks, even if they were coerced into following or implicated by mistake, are to be pardoned. Others are not allowed to recklessly inform against each other or to threaten and intimidate. Those who are now in hiding and fleeing shall not be pursued further; within three days, each is permitted to return to their original department." At that time, the Imperial Guards were ferocious and tyrannical. The Metropolitan Governor (Jingzhao Yin) Zhang Zhongfang dared not investigate them. The chancellors considered him incompetent, so he was transferred out of the capital to be the prefect of Hua Prefecture, and the Chamberlain for the National Treasury (Sinong Qing) Xue Yuanshang was appointed to replace him. Xue Yuanshang once went to Li Shi's residence. Hearing Li Shi sitting in the hall arguing fiercely with someone, Xue Yuanshang sent someone to spy, who reported that a Shence Army officer was lodging a complaint. Xue Yuanshang strode in quickly and reproached Li Shi, saying, "Your Excellency assists the Son of Heaven in governing the empire. Now, in the near vicinity, you cannot control a single military officer, allowing him to be so insolent. How can you awe the barbarians of the four directions?" He immediately strode out, mounted his horse, and ordered his attendants to seize that officer and wait at the Xiama Bridge. When Xue Yuanshang arrived, the officer had already been stripped and made to kneel. The officer's comrades complained to Qiu Shiliang. Qiu Shiliang sent a eunuch to summon Xue Yuanshang, saying, "The Central Commandant (Zhongwei) humbly requests the presence of the Grand Governor (Dayin)." Xue Yuanshang said, "I happen to have official business. I will come immediately after finishing it." Then he had the officer beaten to death with staves. Afterwards, he went to see Qiu Shiliang dressed in white clothes (prisoner's garb). Qiu Shiliang said, "How dare a bookish scholar beat a general of the Imperial Guards to death!" Xue Yuanshang said, "The Central Commandant is a high minister, and the chancellor is also a high minister. If the chancellor's subordinate were to act disrespectfully towards the Central Commandant, what should be done? If the Central Commandant's subordinate acts disrespectfully towards the chancellor, can he be pardoned? The Central Commandant shares the empire's weal and woe with the state; he should cherish the law for the state. I, Xue Yuanshang, have come wearing prison clothes. Whether I live or die is at the Central Commandant's disposal!" Qiu Shiliang knew the officer was already dead and could do nothing about it, so he ordered wine to be brought and drank merrily with Xue Yuanshang before parting. Previously, after Wu Yuanheng was assassinated, an edict was issued to take bows, arrows, and broadswords from the imperial treasury and give them to the Imperial Guard ceremonial escort, ordering them to guard the chancellor, withdrawing at the Jianfu Gate. At this time, this practice was completely abolished.

In the spring, the first month, on the day of Xinchou, the first day of the month, the emperor presided over the Xuanzheng Hall, granted a general amnesty, and changed the reign title. Qiu Shiliang requested the use of the Shence Army's ceremonial guard to protect the palace gates. The Remonstrance Advisor Feng Ding said this was not permissible, and so it was stopped. Feng Ding was the younger brother of Feng Su.

In the second month, on the day of Guiwei, the emperor was conversing with the chancellors. He was concerned that memorials from various regions were ornate but lacking in classical elegance. Li Shi replied, "In ancient times, people wrote based on the matter at hand; nowadays, people use writing to obstruct the matter."

The Zhaoyi Military Governor (Jiedushi) Liu Congjian submitted a memorial requesting the public announcement of the crimes of Wang Ya and others, and further said, "Wang Ya and his associates were Confucian scholars who received the state's favor and glory. They all wished to preserve their own bodies and families. How could they have been willing to rebel! Li Xun and his followers were actually trying to purge the inner officials (eunuchs). The two Central Commandants themselves plotted to save their own lives, which led to mutual slaughter, yet they falsely accused them of treason. I am truly afraid they were innocent. If the chancellor indeed had rebellious intentions, he should have been handed over to the relevant authorities for punishment according to the law. How could the inner officials have taken it upon themselves to lead troops, wantonly looting and plundering, extending to scholars and commoners, causing indiscriminate killing and injury! Blood flowed in the palace, with corpses numbering in the thousands. They hunted down and implicated people, causing fear and suspicion both inside and outside the court. Your subject wishes to go to the court in person to state right and wrong face to face, but I fear I might also be implicated and killed, and the matter would not succeed. I respectfully intend to repair the border defenses, train my soldiers, be Your Majesty's trusted aide within, and be Your Majesty's protective screen without. If the treacherous ministers are difficult to subdue, I swear to die in order to cleanse the evils at Your Majesty's side!" On the day of Bingshen, Liu Congjian was given the additional title of Minister of Education (Jianjiao Situ).

The Tian De Army submitted a report stating that three thousand tents of the Tuyuhun tribe had surrendered at Feng Prefecture.

In the third month, on the renyin day, Li Deyu, the chief administrator of Yuan Prefecture, was appointed prefect of Sui Prefecture. The Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs, Linghu Chu, calmly submitted a memorial, saying: "Wang Ya and others have already been executed, their families wiped out, and their remains abandoned. I request that the authorities bury them, so as to accord with the gentle and harmonious vital forces." The Emperor grieved for a long time and ordered the Capital Prefecture to bury Wang Ya and ten others west of the city, granting each a set of burial clothes. The eunuch Qiu Shiliang secretly sent people to open the graves and throw the bones into the Wei River. On the dingwei day, the Imperial City Garrison Commander Guo Jiao memorialized: "Among the ceremonial weapons of the various offices, those with sharp blades, I request that all be handed over to the Armory Commissioner. When the guard of honor is formed, ceremonial swords should be issued instead." The Emperor consented. Liu Congjian again sent his personal officer Jiao Chuchang to submit a memorial declining his official post, stating: "What I have presented concerns the great principles of the state. If it can be followed, then Wang Ya and the others ought to be vindicated. If it cannot be followed, then the system of rewards should not be improperly applied. How can there be a principle where, having failed to obtain justice for the dead, the living still enjoy emoluments?" He then openly exposed the crimes of Qiu Shiliang and others. On the xinyou day, the Emperor summoned Jiao Chuchang, comforted and instructed him, then sent him back. At that time, Qiu Shiliang and his ilk were acting with arrogant abandon, and court officials daily feared their families would be ruined. But after Liu Congjian’s memorial arrived, Qiu Shiliang and the others became afraid. Therefore, Zheng Tan and Li Shi were largely able to manage state affairs, and the Son of Heaven, relying on them, was able to be somewhat self-reliant.

Summer, fourth month, on the jimao day, Li Zongmin, the Revenue Manager of Chao Prefecture, was appointed Marshal of Heng Prefecture. All those whom Li Xun had accused as being in the faction of Li Deyu and Li Zongmin were gradually reinstated.

Prince of Zi, Li Xie, died.

On the jiawu day, Li Guyan, the Military Commissioner of Shannan West Circuit, was appointed Vice Director of the Chancellery and Grand Councilor with the same rank. The Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs, Linghu Chu, was ordered to succeed him.

On the wuxu day, the Emperor leisurely discussed the merits and faults of poetry with the Grand Councilors. Zheng Tan said: "None are better than the three hundred poems of the Classic of Poetry. They were all composed by the people to satirize or praise current government affairs. The sovereigns collected them to observe customs; I have never heard of a sovereign composing poetry himself. The poetry of later literati is florid but insubstantial and of no benefit to governance. Emperor Chen Houzhu and Emperor Yang of Sui were both skilled at poetry, but they could not avoid losing their states. Why should Your Majesty emulate them?" Zheng Tan was devoted to the Confucian classics, and the Emperor greatly respected him.

On the jiyou day, the Emperor went to the Zichen Hall. The Grand Councilors, because they had reported on state affairs, prostrated themselves to express gratitude. Outside, there was a rumor: "The Son of Heaven wants the Grand Councilors to command the Imperial Guards; they have already prostrated themselves in thanks." From this, suspicion and estrangement arose again at court and in the capital, and people’s hearts were panicked. Officials and commoners did not dare to undress and sleep for several days. On the yichou day, Li Shi memorialized, requesting to summon Qiu Shiliang and the others to explain face-to-face and dispel their doubts. The Emperor, for this reason, summoned Qiu Shiliang and the others. The Emperor, along with Li Shi and the others, explained and instructed them, telling them not to be suspicious or fearful. Only then did the matter calm down.

Intercalary month, on the yiyou day, Li Ting, the Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent in the Eastern Branch, was appointed Military Commissioner of Hezhong. The Emperor once sighed and said: "To entrust him with military authority and not be suspicious, to place him in a leisurely post and not be resentful—only Li Ting is capable of this."

On the yiwei day, Li Guyan recommended Cui Qiu to be a Secretary of the Diary. Zheng Tan repeatedly argued against it. The Emperor said: "In government affairs, do not contradict each other!" Zheng Tan said: "If the Grand Councilors are in complete agreement, then there is sure to be something deceiving Your Majesty!"

Li Xiaoben’s two daughters were confiscated into the Right Army. The Emperor summoned them into the palace. Autumn, seventh month, the Right Reminder Wei Mo submitted a memorial, arguing: "Your Majesty does not favor music and women and has repeatedly released palace women to be married to widowers. I have heard privately that in the past few months, the Education and Music Office has selected and examined hundreds of candidates, and the Estate Office has not stopped purchasing women. Furthermore, Your Majesty has summoned Li Xiaoben’s daughters into the palace, not avoiding the fact that they share the same surname and lineage. This has caused a great uproar of public opinion, and I privately feel regret for Your Majesty. In the past, when Emperor Guangwu of Han once glanced at a screen of famous women, Song Hong still spoke directly and admonished him sternly, and Emperor Guangwu immediately removed the screen. How can Your Majesty not consider Song Hong’s words and wish to rank below Emperor Guangwu?" The Emperor immediately released Li Xiaoben’s daughters. He promoted Wei Mo to the position of Rectifier of Omissions, saying: "When I selected and purchased women, it was to bestow them upon the various princes. I pitied Li Xiaoben’s daughters, who were young girls of the imperial clan, orphaned and without support, so I took them in to raise in the palace. Wei Mo, when matters were still ambiguous, was able to speak out fully in remonstrance. This can be said to show love for me and to be worthy of his ancestor!" He ordered the Secretariat to draft a well-crafted edict to reward him. Wei Mo was the fifth-generation descendant of Wei Zheng.

Xiao Hong, the Military Commissioner of Fufang, falsely claimed to be the younger brother of the Empress Dowager. The matter was exposed. Eighth month, on the jiashen day, he was exiled to Huan Prefecture and was ordered to commit suicide on the road. Zhao Zhen, Lü Zhang, and others were all exiled to Lingnan. Initially, Li Xun knew that Xiao Hong was an impostor. Xiao Hong became afraid and recruited Li Xun’s elder brother, Li Zhongjing, to serve in his headquarters. Previously, for those who left the Divine Strategy Army to become Military Commissioners, the army would always fund their travel expenses. After they arrived at their post, they had to repay three times the amount. There was a man who left the Left Divine Strategy Army to be Commissioner of Fufang. He died before repaying. The army pressed Xiao Hong for payment. Xiao Hong, relying on Li Xun’s power, refused to pay. They then pressed the dead man’s son for payment. Xiao Hong instigated the dead man’s son to intercept the Grand Councilors and plead his own case. Li Xun ruled to cancel the debt. Qiu Shiliang therefore resented Xiao Hong. The Empress Dowager had a younger half-brother in Minzhong. He was frail and could not come forward to claim kinship. A man from Min, Xiao Ben, followed him and obtained the names of his close and distant relatives. Through Qiu Shiliang, he presented them to the Emperor and exposed Xiao Hong’s fraud. Xiao Hong was thus punished. The Emperor believed Xiao Ben was the Empress Dowager’s true younger brother. On the wushen day, he promoted him to Right Advisor-in-Attendance.

Ninth month, on the dingchou day, Li Shi said to the Emperor that Song Shenxi was loyal and upright, had been framed by slanderous villains, exiled, and died in a remote and desolate place, and had not yet been vindicated. The Emperor lowered his head for a long time, then wept and said: "I have long known this matter was wrong. Evil men pressured me. For the sake of the state’s great plans, my own brothers could scarcely be preserved. As for Song Shenxi, he was only able to preserve his life. It was not only the inner court eunuchs; people in the outer court also aided them. It was all because of my lack of discernment. Had I encountered Emperor Zhao of Han, there would certainly have been no such injustice!" Zheng Tan and Li Guyan also together spoke of Song Shenxi’s injustice. The Emperor felt deep remorse and shame, and his face showed a look of mortification. On the gengchen day, an edict was issued fully restoring Song Shenxi’s official rank and titles. His son, Song Shenwei, was appointed District Defender of Chenggu.

Li Shi appointed the Vice Director of the Ministry of Revenue, Han Yi, as a provisional judge of the Finance Commission. Han Yi was investigated for embezzling over three thousand strings of cash, imprisoned, and punished. Li Shi said: "I initially thought Han Yi understood financial matters well, so I employed him. I did not expect him to be so corrupt!" The Emperor said: "A Grand Councilor need only know people to employ them and punish them when they err. Thus, talent is easy to obtain. The man you employed did not conceal his fault; this can be called being perfectly just and selfless. Former Grand Councilors, when employing people, liked to twist the truth to conceal their faults and did not want others to impeach them. This is a great defect." Winter, eleventh month, on the dingsi day, Han Yi was demoted to be Revenue Manager of Wu Prefecture.

After the Sweet Dew Incident, the Emperor was depressed and unhappy. The activities of the two armies’ football matches and gatherings were reduced by sixty to seventy percent. Even at banquets, when music and singing and dancing filled the court, he never showed a smile. In his leisure time, he would either pace and gaze into the distance or sigh alone. On the renwu day, the Emperor addressed the Grand Councilors in the Yanying Hall, saying: "Every time I discuss the affairs of the world with you, I cannot help but feel worried." The Grand Councilors replied: "The world cannot be governed by seeking quick results." The Emperor said: "Every time I read the histories, I feel ashamed to be a mediocre ruler." Li Shi said: "Now among the officials at court and outside, there are many petty men who are still suspicious and obstructive. I hope Your Majesty will control them with greater leniency. As for those who are upright, incorruptible, and law-abiding, like Liu Hongyi and Xue Jiling, Your Majesty should also reward them to encourage good conduct." On the jiashen day, the Emperor again said to the Grand Councilors: "When I discuss the affairs of the world with you, some matters are forced by circumstances and cannot be implemented. After withdrawing from court, I can only get drunk and seek oblivion!" The Grand Councilors replied: "This is all our crime."

Because the relevant authorities reported that the Left Treasury had long-standing accumulated abuses, they requested an inspection and audit, and also said that the treasury officials whose crimes occurred before the amnesty should be pardoned. The emperor agreed. Soon after, it was indeed discovered that some had falsely claimed that silk fabrics were water-damaged or soiled, and the emperor ordered their pardon. The Supervising Secretary Di Jianmo sealed and returned the edict, saying: "The treasury officials are guilty of corruption; in principle, they cannot be pardoned!" The emperor told him: "When the authorities first requested the inspection, I had already agreed to it. Rather than break my word, I would rather let the guilty go free. You have fulfilled your duty, and I greatly commend you!"

In the twelfth month, on the Gengxu day, the Hua Prefectural Governor Lu Jun was appointed Military Commissioner of Lingnan. Li Shi said to the emperor: "When Lu Jun was appointed Military Commissioner of Lingnan, the court officials all congratulated each other. They consider Lingnan a wealthy region, and in recent years, appointments have been obtained through heavy bribes to the Northern Bureau (eunuchs). Now that the Northern Bureau does not interfere with the court's authority, Your Majesty should commend this. I hope that both inside and outside the court will uphold the law; this is the foundation of good governance." The emperor heeded this. After Lu Jun arrived at his post, he became known for his incorruptibility and benevolent governance.

On the Jiwei day, King Li Zong of Shu passed away.

In the spring, the second month, on the Jiwei day, the emperor said to the chief ministers: "When recommending talent, do not consider closeness or distance. I have heard that when Dou Yizhi served as chief minister, he never employed relatives or old friends. If relatives or old friends truly have ability, and one abandons them to avoid suspicion, that is not true selflessness."

King Li Wei of Jun passed away.

In the third month, a comet appeared in the Zhang constellation, over eight zhang long. On the Renshen day, an edict was issued to suspend music and dancing, reduce meals, and stretch one day's allowance over ten days.

In the summer, the fourth month, on the Jiachen day, the emperor summoned the Secretariat Drafter, Hanlin Academician and Concurrent Attendant of Books Liu Gongquan and others to a side hall. The emperor lifted his sleeve to show them, saying: "This garment has been washed three times!" Everyone praised the emperor's frugal virtue, except Liu Gongquan, who remained silent. When the emperor asked him why, he replied: "Your Majesty, honored as the Son of Heaven and possessing all within the four seas, should advance worthy men, dismiss the unworthy, accept remonstrances, and strictly enforce rewards and punishments, and thus achieve a grand peace. Wearing washed clothes is but a minor detail." The emperor said: "I know that a Secretariat Drafter should not serve as a Reminder, but because you have the demeanor of a remonstrating official, I must entrust you with this post." On the Yisi day, Liu Gongquan was appointed Grand Master of Remonstrance, retaining his other posts.

On the Wuxu day, the Hanlin Academician and Vice Minister of Works Chen Yixing was appointed Grand Councilor.

In the sixth month, a mutiny occurred in Heyang Army. The Military Commissioner Li Yong fled to Huaizhou. The soldiers burned the government offices, killed Li Yong's two sons, and looted for several days before stopping. Li Yong was a market commoner from Chang'an, whose name was registered in the Imperial Guard rolls. He obtained his command post through bribery. Wherever he went, he relied on his connections, was greedy, cruel, and lawless. His subordinates could not endure it, so they revolted. On the Dingwei day, Li Yong was demoted to the post of Senior Administrator of Lizhou. On the Wushen day, the Left Gold Guard General Li Zhifang was appointed Military Commissioner of Heyang.

In the autumn, the seventh month, on the Guihai day, Zhenwu reported that over three hundred tents of the Dangxiang tribe had plundered and fled.

The Supervising Secretary Wei Wen served as the Heir Apparent's tutor. He went to the Eastern Palace in the morning and did not see the Heir Apparent until noon. Wei Wen admonished him, saying: "The Heir Apparent should rise at cockcrow, greet his father, and attend to his meals; he should not indulge solely in feasting and pleasure!" The Heir Apparent did not accept his advice, so Wei Wen resigned from the tutoring post. On the Xinwei day, he was relieved of the tutoring duties but retained his original office.

One hundred fifty tents of Tujue in Zhenwu rebelled, plundering and robbing the military colonies. On the Wuyin day, the Military Commissioner Liu He defeated them. In the eighth month, on the Gengxu day, Consort Wang of Zhaoyi was appointed Virtuous Consort, and Consort Yang of Zhaorong was appointed Worthy Consort. Emperor Jingzong's sons were enfeoffed: Li Xiufu as King of Liang, Li Zhizhong as King of Xiang, Li Yanyang as King of Qi, and Li Chengmei as King of Cheng. On the Guichou day, the emperor's son Li Zongjian was enfeoffed as King of Jiang.

After the Heyang soldiers expelled Li Yong, they daily stirred each other up, wanting to revolt. In the ninth month, Li Zhifang arrested over seventy ringleaders and executed them all. The remaining partisans were assigned to other military commands, and then the situation calmed.

In the winter, the tenth month, the engraving of the Stone Classics by the Directorate of Education was completed.

Fujian reported that a Jinjiang commoner named Xiao Hong claimed to be a relative of the Empress Dowager. An edict ordered the Censorate to investigate the matter.

On the Wushen day, the Vice Director of the Chancellery and Grand Councilor Li Guyan was appointed Grand Councilor and concurrently Military Commissioner of Xichuan.

On the Jiayin day, the Censorate reported that Xiao Hong's claim was false and fraudulent. An edict ordered him to be escorted back to his hometown without punishment, in the hope that this would lead to finding the Empress Dowager's true relatives.