Tang Annals 62
Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government, Volume 246
[Tang Annals, Volume 62] Beginning from the year Wuwu (the year of the Grand Unity and Dunzang), ending in the year Renxu (the year of Xuanmo and Yanmao), a total of five years.
Emperor Wenzong, Yuansheng Zhaoxian Xiaohuangdi, lower part, Kaicheng third year (Wuwu, 838 AD)
Spring, first month, on the day Jiazi, Li Shi entered the court. On the way, he encountered bandits who shot arrows at him, inflicting minor injuries. His attendants scattered and fled, and Li Shi's horse, startled, ran back to his residence. Another group of bandits intercepted and attacked him at the lane gate, cutting off his horse's tail; Li Shi barely escaped with his life. The emperor, upon hearing this, was greatly shocked and ordered the Six Armies of the Divine Strategy to dispatch troops for his protection. He also issued an edict for intensified searches for the bandits within and outside the court, but ultimately nothing was found. On the day Yichou, only nine officials entered the court. The capital did not calm down until several days later.
On the day Dingmao, the late Prince Li Cou of Qi was posthumously honored as Prince Huaiyi of the Crown Prince.
On the day Wushen, Yang Sifu, the Commissioner of Salt and Iron Transport and Minister of Revenue, and Li Jue, the Vice Minister of Revenue and Acting Head of the Revenue Bureau, were both appointed as Tong Pingzhangshi (co-chancellors), retaining their original posts as commissioners and acting heads. Yang Sifu was the son of Yang Yuling.
Li Shi, the Vice Director of the Secretariat and Tong Pingzhangshi, had, after the Sweet Dew Incident, when people's hearts were fearful and eunuchs were arrogant and domineering, thrown himself into danger without regard for his own safety, sacrificing for the state. Thus, the court's discipline was barely maintained. Qiu Shiliang deeply hated him and secretly sent bandits to assassinate him, but failed. Li Shi, frightened, repeatedly submitted memorials claiming illness and requesting resignation. The emperor was well aware of the reasons but could do nothing. On the day Bingzi, Li Shi was appointed as the military governor of Jingnan Circuit, retaining the honorary title of Tong Pingzhangshi.
Chen Yixing was straightforward by nature and detested Yang Sifu's character. Whenever they discussed state affairs, they often clashed and rebuked each other. On the day Renchen, Chen Yixing resigned due to foot illness, but the emperor did not approve. The emperor ordered the Qiju Sheren (Imperial Diarist) Wei Mo to present his grandfather Wei Wenzheng Gong's (Wei Zheng's) ceremonial tablet. Zheng Tan said, "The key lies in the person, not in the tablet." The emperor said, "This is also comparable to the sweet pear tree." (A reference to a poem praising a virtuous official, suggesting the tablet is cherished for the person's sake.)
Yang Sifu wanted to recommend and promote Li Zongmin but feared obstruction from Zheng Tan, so he first had a eunuch hint at it to the emperor. When the emperor held court, he said to the chancellors, "Li Zongmin has been in the provinces for many years; he should be given a post." Zheng Tan said, "If Your Majesty pities Li Zongmin's exile, you may only move him a few hundred li northward; it is not appropriate to employ him again. If you employ him, I beg to resign first." Chen Yixing said, "Li Zongmin previously disrupted court governance by forming cliques. Why should Your Majesty pity such a petty man!" Yang Sifu said, "In handling affairs, moderation is key; one cannot act solely on personal likes and dislikes." The emperor said, "He can be given a prefecture." Zheng Tan said, "A prefecture is too generous; he should only be made the Sima of Hongzhou." Thereupon, he and Yang Sifu attacked each other, accusing each other of forming cliques. The emperor said, "Giving him a prefecture does no harm." After Zheng Tan and the others withdrew, the emperor said to Qiju Lang Zhou Jingfu and Sheren Wei Mo, "Is it acceptable for the chancellors to quarrel so loudly?" They replied, "Indeed, it is not. But Zheng Tan and the others are acting out of utmost loyalty and indignation, unaware of it themselves." On the day Dingyou, Li Zongmin, the Sima of Hengzhou, was appointed as the Prefect of Hangzhou. Li Guyan was on good terms with Yang Sifu and Li Jue, so he recommended them for high positions to push out Zheng Tan and Chen Yixing. Whenever state affairs were discussed, disputes arose, and the emperor could not decide.
Third month, the Zangke (a southwestern minority regime) invaded the Qingxi garrison of Fuzhou, but the garrison troops repelled them.
Initially, in the last years of the Taihe era, Du Cong was the military governor of Fengxiang Circuit. An edict was issued to reduce the number of Buddhist monks and nuns. At that time, five-colored clouds appeared at Qishan, near Famen Temple. Popular rumors said it was an auspicious sign from the Buddha's relics, caused by the restlessness of the monks and nuns. The army supervisor wanted to report it, but Du Cong said, "Clouds changing color—what regularity is there! If the Buddha truly loved monks and nuns, he would manifest signs in the capital." Soon after, a white rabbit was captured, and the supervisor again wanted to report it, saying, "This is an auspicious omen from the west." Du Cong said, "The beast is not yet tame; keep it for now." After ten days, the rabbit died. The supervisor was displeased, believing Du Cong was concealing the emperor's virtue, and alone drew a picture to present it. When Zheng Zhu replaced Du Cong as governor of Fengxiang, he reported the appearance of purple clouds and also presented a white pheasant. In the eighth month of that year, sweet dew fell on the cherry trees in front of the Zichen Hall. The emperor personally picked and tasted it, and the (officials) congratulated him. In the eleventh month of that year, the Sweet Dew Incident occurred at the Jinwu Guard. Later, when Du Cong was Minister of Works and Acting Head of the Finance Commission, Hezhong reported the appearance of a zouyu (a mythical benevolent beast), and the officials congratulated the emperor. The emperor said to Du Cong, "Li Xun and Zheng Zhu both used auspicious omens to peddle their chaos; only then did I realize that auspicious things are not the state's good fortune. You, earlier in Fengxiang, did not report the white rabbit—truly, you had foresight." Du Cong replied, "In ancient times, the Yellow River produced the He Tu (River Chart), from which Fuxi drew the Eight Trigrams; the Luo River produced the Luo Shu (Luo Writing), from which Yu the Great arranged the Nine Categories of governance. Both benefited people, so they were esteemed. As for auspicious omens of birds, beasts, and plants, when have they not existed! Liu Cong was rebellious and unprincipled, yet a yellow dragon appeared three times; Shi Jilong was tyrannical, yet he obtained sixteen blue qilin and seven white deer to draw his canopy chariot. From this perspective, where does the auspiciousness lie in virtue! Emperor Xuanzong once served as the Bieja of Luzhou. After his accession, Luzhou reported nineteen auspicious omens. Xuanzong said, 'When I was in Luzhou, I only knew to be diligent in my duties; I knew nothing of these auspicious things.' I hope Your Majesty will regard the people's prosperity and stability as the state's good fortune; the rest is not worth noting." The emperor approved his words. Another day, the emperor said to the chancellors, "Timely weather and a bountiful harvest—these are the supreme auspicious omens; fine grain and miraculous fungi—what benefit do they bring to affairs!" The chancellors then said, "The Spring and Autumn Annals records disasters and anomalies to warn rulers, but does not write about auspicious omens—precisely for this reason!" Summer, fifth month, on the day Yihai, an edict was issued: "All circuits, if there are auspicious omens, are not to report them, nor are they to be submitted to the relevant departments. The ceremonies for reporting auspicious omens during the winter sacrifices to the imperial ancestral temple, the sacrifices to the Taiqing Temple, and the New Year's Day audience are all to be stopped."
Initially, Wang Yanping, the military governor of Lingwu Circuit, had embezzled over 7,000 strings of cash from public funds. The emperor, considering his father Wang Zhixing's merits, spared his life and exiled him for a long term to Kangzhou. Wang Yanping secretly requested the three circuits of Weibo, Chengde, and Youzhou to submit memorials pleading his case. The emperor, unable to refuse, on the day Renyin of the sixth month, changed his post to Sihu Canjun of Yongzhou.
Eighth month, on the day Jihai, Prince Jia Li Yun passed away.
The mother of Crown Prince Li Yong, Consort Wang, was out of favor and was killed by Consort Yang Xianfei through slander. The crown prince was fond of feasting and pleasure-seeking and associated with petty people. Consort Yang slandered him day and night. Ninth month, on the day Renxu, the emperor opened the Yanying Hall and summoned the chancellors, officials of the Secretariat and Chancellery, the Censorate, and the Lang officials, stating the crown prince's faults and evil deeds, and discussing his deposition, saying, "Is such a person fit to be the Son of Heaven?" All the officials said, "The crown prince is young; perhaps there is still an opportunity to correct his faults. The foundation of the state is of utmost importance; how can it be easily shaken!" The Censor-in-Chief Di Jianmo argued especially earnestly, even to the point of tears. Ji Shiwei Wen said, "Your Majesty has only one son. If you do not instruct him, causing him to reach this state, is it only the crown prince's fault!" On the day Guihai, the six Hanlin academicians and the sixteen commanders of the Six Armies of the Divine Strategy again submitted memorials arguing, and the emperor's anger slightly subsided. That evening, the crown prince was finally able to return to the Shaoyang Palace. The Director of the Palace Supply Office, Wang Shaohua, and others, as well as eunuchs and palace women implicated in the crime, were exiled or executed, dozens in number.
Zhang Fan, the military governor of Yiwu Circuit, had held his post for fifteen years and was feared by Youzhou and Chengde. When he fell ill, he requested an audience at court. Before the court could make arrangements, his condition worsened. He admonished his son Zhang Yuanyuan to lead the entire clan to submit to the court, not to follow the precedents of the Hebei circuits. After his death, the army wanted to set up Zhang Yuanyuan. The acting governor Li Shiji disagreed, but the crowd killed him, along with over a dozen senior generals. On the day Renshen, Li Zhongqian, the Prefect of Yizhou, was appointed as the military governor of Yiwu Circuit. He Qingchao, the Commander-in-Chief of the Cavalry of Yiwu, voluntarily submitted to the court, and on the day Guiyou, he was appointed as the Prefect of Yizhou.
The court, considering that Li Yanzuo, the military governor of Yichang Circuit, had been in his post for a long time, on the day Jiaxu, appointed Liu Yue, the Prefect of Dezhou, as the deputy military governor, intending to replace him.
Since the Kaicheng era, when generals and officials of the Shence Army were promoted or transferred, most of them did not report to the court but directly sent documents to the Secretariat for review and implementation, with changes occurring almost daily. On the Guiwei day, an edict was finally issued: all changes in the appointments of Shence Army generals and officials must first be reported to the court, with documents sent to the Secretariat before verification and implementation.
Winter, tenth month, the surveillance commissioner of Yiding memorialized: the army did not accept Li Zhongqian and requested that Zhang Yuanyi be made acting commander.
Crown Prince Li Yong still showed no signs of reform. On the Gengzi day, he suddenly died, with the posthumous title Zhuangke.
On the Yisi day, Zuo Jinwu General Guo Min was appointed as the military governor of Bin’ning.
The chief ministers discussed raising troops to attack Yiding. The emperor said: “Yiding is small and its people impoverished, half of its military supplies rely on the Fiscal Commission for provision. If pressed hard, they will do anything; if eased, internal strife will naturally arise. We need only carefully guard the four borders and await their changes.” So Zhang Yuanyi was appointed as acting prefect of Daizhou. Soon, discord indeed arose within the army, and they submitted a memorial citing Li Zhongqian’s unsuitability for military command, for which the court dismissed Li Zhongqian. On the Renxu day of the eleventh month, an edict was issued: once Zhang Yuanyi left Dingzhou, those among the Yiwu army who had first plotted to establish Zhang Yuanyi were all pardoned without investigation.
Yichang military governor Li Yanzuo was appointed as Tianping military governor, and Liu Yue was appointed as Yichang military governor.
On the Dingmao day, Zhang Yuanyi left Dingzhou.
On the Gengwu day, the emperor asked Hanlin academician Liu Gongquan about public opinion. Liu Gongquan replied: “Since Guo Min was appointed as military governor of Bin’ning, there is considerable suspicion outside.” The emperor said: “Guo Min is the nephew of Shangfu Guo Ziyi and the uncle of the empress dowager. He has committed no faults in his official career, and moving from the Jinwu Guard to a small regional command—what can outsiders criticize?” Liu Gongquan replied: “It is not that Guo Min is unfit to be military governor. I have heard that Your Majesty recently selected two daughters of Guo Min to enter the palace—is this true?” The emperor said: “Yes, they merely serve the Grand Empress Dowager.” Liu Gongquan said: “Outsiders, unaware of the inner details, all say that Guo Min sent his daughters into the harem, and thus obtained the regional command.” The emperor lowered his head for a long time and said: “What then should be done?” Liu Gongquan replied: “Only by sending them back from the Southern Palace (the residence of the Grand Empress Dowager) to their home will the external naturally subside.” That day, the Grand Empress Dowager sent eunuchs to escort the two daughters back to Guo Min’s home. The emperor enjoyed composing poetry and once considered establishing a position for poetry academicians. Li Jue said: “The poets of today are frivolous and shallow, of no benefit to governance.” So the matter was dropped.
On the Jiaxu day, Cai prefect Han Wei was appointed as Yiwu military governor.
Hedong military governor, Situ, and Zhongshu Ling Pei Du, due to illness, requested to return to the eastern capital Luoyang. On the Xinchou day of the twelfth month, an edict ordered Pei Du to enter court to participate in governance, and eunuchs were sent to urge him on his way. Zheng Tan repeatedly submitted resignations. On the Bingwu day, an edict ordered him to enter the Secretariat once every three to five days.
That year, the Tibetan Yitai Tsenpo died, and his brother Darma succeeded him. Yitai Tsenpo was frail and ill, entrusting governance to his ministers, thus barely able to maintain his position, and for a long time did not become a border threat. Darma was debauched and cruel, the people within the kingdom did not submit, calamities and anomalies occurred frequently, and Tibet grew even weaker.
Emperor Wenzong, Yuansheng Zhaoxian Xiaohuangdi, Kaicheng fourth year (Jiyou, 839 AD)
Spring, intercalary first month, on the Jihai day, Pei Du arrived at the capital. Due to illness, he returned to his residence and could not enter court for an audience. The emperor sent envoys with condolences and gifts without cease. On the Bingxu day of the third month, Pei Du died, with the posthumous title Wenzhong. The emperor blamed Pei Du for leaving no posthumous memorial, and upon inquiring with his family, obtained a half-draft manuscript, which expressed concern over the unsettled succession of the heir apparent, with no mention of personal matters. Pei Du’s appearance was no more than ordinary, but his prestige extended far to the surrounding barbarian tribes. When the barbarian tribes saw Tang envoys, they always inquired about Pei Du’s age and whether he was in office. Like Guo Ziyi, he was personally tied to the nation’s security for over twenty years.
Summer, fourth month, on the Wuchen day, the emperor praised the talent of Fiscal Commissioner Du Cong. Yang Sifu and Li Jue took the opportunity to request Du Cong’s appointment as Minister of Revenue. Chen Yixing said: “Imperial favors should originate from the emperor. Since ancient times, those who lost their state have done so because great power was in the hands of ministers.” Li Jue said: “Your Majesty once told me that a ruler should choose chief ministers and should not suspect them.” On the Dinghai day of the fifth month, the emperor discussed governance with the chief ministers. Chen Yixing again said that power should not be allowed to rest in the hands of ministers. Li Jue said: “Yixing’s meaning is that he suspects among the chief ministers those who manipulate Your Majesty’s authority. I have repeatedly requested to resign; if I could obtain the position of a prince’s tutor, that would be my fortune.” Zheng Tan said: “Your Majesty’s governance in the first and second years of Kaicheng was particularly fine, but in the third and fourth years it gradually declined.” Yang Sifu said: “The first and second years were when Zheng Tan and Yixing held power; the third and fourth years were when I and Li Jue jointly governed. The fault lies entirely with me!” So he kowtowed and said: “I dare not enter the Secretariat again!” Then he quickly walked out. The emperor sent a palace attendant to recall him and comforted him, saying: “Zheng Tan misspoke; why are you so hasty?” Zheng Tan rose to apologize, saying: “I am foolish and clumsy; my intention was not to target Sifu. But his haste shows that Sifu cannot tolerate me.” Sifu said: “Zheng Tan said governance has worsened year by year—not only should I be guilty, but it also implicates Your Majesty’s sage virtue.” After the audience, he submitted three memorials requesting resignation. The emperor sent a palace attendant to summon him out. On the Guisi day, he entered court. On the Bingshen day, Menxia Shilang, Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi Zheng Tan was dismissed to be Right Puye, and Chen Yixing was dismissed to be Vice Minister of Personnel. Zheng Tan’s nature was honest and frugal, and Chen Yixing was also upright, so Yang Sifu and others greatly resented them.
Because Salt and Iron Promotion Officer and Supernumerary Libu Yuanwailang Yao Xu could handle difficult cases, the emperor ordered him to temporarily act as Zhifang Yuanwailang. You Cheng Wei Wen disagreed and memorialized: “Lang officials are a pure selection from the court and should not be used to reward capable functionaries.” The emperor then appointed Yao Xu as Supernumerary Libu Langzhong, still serving as Salt and Iron Promotion Officer. On the Dingchou day of the sixth month, the emperor asked Chief Minister Yang Sifu about this matter, who replied: “Wei Wen’s intention is to clarify the categories of appointment. If all capable functionaries cannot enter the pure stream, then who will govern the empire’s affairs for Your Majesty? I fear it would resemble the decline of the Jin dynasty.” However, the emperor had always valued Wei Wen and ultimately did not overturn his insistence.
Autumn, seventh month, on the Guiwei day, Zhang Yuanyi was appointed as Zuo Xiaowei General, his mother Houmo Chen was enfeoffed as Grand Lady of Zhao, and a reward of two hundred bolts of silk was given. During the Yiding rebellion, Houmo Chen exhorted and instructed the soldiers, and also warned Yuanyi to comply with court orders, so she was rewarded.
On the Jiachen day, Taichang Qing Cui Dan was appointed as Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi. Cui Dan was the younger brother of Cui Ying.
Eighth month, on the Xinhai day, Prince of Fu, Li Jing, died.
On the Guiyou day, Zhaoyi military governor Liu Congjian submitted a statement: “Xiao Ben falsely claims to be the empress dowager’s brother; both high and low believe Xiao Hong is genuine, but because Xiao Ben comes from the Left Army, Xiao Hong was suppressed by the Censorate. Now Xiao Hong has come to me and requested that I report this to the throne. I request that Xiao Hong be summoned to the capital to confront Xiao Ben face to face, to distinguish truth from falsehood.” An edict ordered the Three Judicial Offices to investigate. Winter, tenth month, on the Yimao day, the emperor went to Qiju Sheren Wei Mo to view his records of the emperor’s activities. Wei Mo disagreed, saying: “The records record both good and evil, to serve as a warning to the ruler. Your Majesty need only strive to practice virtue; there is no need to view the history!” The emperor said: “I have previously viewed it.” Wei Mo replied: “That was the fault of previous historians. If Your Majesty views the history yourself, then historians will certainly avoid certain matters—how can it be trusted by later generations!” The emperor then dropped the matter.
Consort Yang requested that the emperor's younger brother, Prince Li Rong of An, be established as heir. The emperor discussed this with the chancellor, and Li Jue considered it improper. On the bingyin day, the young son of Emperor Jingzong, Prince Li Chengmei of Chen, was established as the heir apparent. On the dingmao day, the emperor went to the Hall of Huining to watch music performances. There was a young boy climbing a pole, while a man ran wildly back and forth beneath it. The emperor found this strange, and those around him said, "That is his father." The emperor wept and said, "I, the Son of Heaven, am honored and noble, yet I cannot protect even one son." He summoned the music instructor Liu Chucai and three others, along with the palace woman Zhang Shishi and nine others, and rebuked them, saying, "It was all of you who harmed the heir apparent! Now that a new heir has been established, do you intend to do the same again?" He had them seized and handed over to the officials. On the jisi day, they were all executed. The emperor was deeply grieved by this, and his old illness consequently worsened.
In the eleventh month, the Three Judicial Offices investigated and determined that neither Xiao Ben nor Xiao Hong was the true younger brother of the Empress Dowager. Xiao Ben was stripped of his name from the registry and exiled to Ai Prefecture; Xiao Hong was exiled to Dan Prefecture. Meanwhile, the true younger brother of the Empress Dowager remained in Minzhong, never able to present himself at court.
On the yihai day, the emperor's condition improved slightly. He sat in the Hall of Sizheng and summoned the duty academician Zhou Chi, granting him wine, and then asked, "To which former ruler can I compare myself?" Zhou Chi replied, "Your Majesty is a ruler like Yao and Shun." The emperor said, "How dare I compare myself to Yao and Shun! The reason I asked you is that I wished to know how I compare to King Nan of Zhou and Emperor Xian of Han." Zhou Chi was startled and said, "They were rulers of fallen states—how can they be compared to Your Majesty's sage virtue!" The emperor said, "King Nan and Emperor Xian were controlled by powerful feudal lords; now I am controlled by domestic slaves. In this respect, I fear I am not even their equal!" He then wept until his tears soaked his lapel. Zhou Chi prostrated himself on the ground and wept. From then on, the emperor no longer held court to govern.
In this year, the empire's registered households numbered 4,997,652.
The Uyghur Chancellor An Yunhe and the Teqin Chai Ge plotted rebellion, and the Zhangxin Khagan killed them. Another chancellor, Jie Luofu, was commanding troops outside. He bribed Zhu Xie Chixin of the Shatuo with three hundred horses and borrowed his army to jointly attack the khagan. The khagan was defeated in battle and committed suicide. The people of the state established the Teqin Sate as the new khagan. That year, a plague occurred, accompanied by heavy snow, and many sheep and horses died. The Uyghurs subsequently declined. Chixin was the son of Zhiyi.
Emperor Wenzong, the Yuan Sheng Zhao Xian Xiao Emperor, Part Two: The Kaicheng Era, Year Five (Gengshen, 840 CE)
Spring, first month, on the jimao day, an edict was issued establishing Prince Ying, Li Chan, as the imperial younger brother and heir apparent, with all military and state affairs temporarily handled by him. It also stated that the heir apparent, Li Chengmei, was still young and had not yet received instruction from teachers; he could be re-enfeoffed as Prince of Chen. At that time, the emperor was gravely ill and ordered Liu Hongyi and Xue Jiling of the Bureau of Military Secrets to summon Yang Sifu and Li Jue to the palace, intending to entrust the heir apparent with supervising the state. The palace army commanders Chou Shiliang and Yu Hongzhi believed that the establishment of the heir apparent had not been accomplished through their efforts, so they claimed the heir apparent was young and ill, and proposed reconsidering who should be established. Li Jue said, "The position of the heir apparent has already been determined—how can it be changed midway!" Chou Shiliang and Yu Hongzhi then forged an edict to establish Li Chan as the imperial younger brother and heir. On that day, Chou Shiliang and Yu Hongzhi led troops to the Sixteen Residences, welcomed Prince Ying to the Shaoyang Compound, and the hundred officials paid homage at the Hall of Sixian. Li Chan was deep, resolute, and decisive, with his joy and anger never showing on his face. He and Prince Li Rong of An had always been treated generously by the emperor, unlike the other princes. On the xinsi day, the emperor passed away in the Hall of Taihe. Yang Sifu was appointed to act as chief mourner. On the guiwei day, Chou Shiliang urged the imperial younger brother to order the deaths of Consort Yang Xianfei, Prince Li Rong of An, and Prince Li Chengmei of Chen. An edict was issued that the deceased emperor would be encoffined fourteen days later, with the period of mourning observed. Remonstrance official Pei Yizhi submitted a memorial stating that the date was too distant, but it was not heeded. At that time, Chou Shiliang and others harbored resentment against Emperor Wenzong, and all musicians and eunuchs who had been favored by Emperor Wenzong were successively executed or demoted. Pei Yizhi again submitted a memorial, saying: "Your Majesty, having succeeded to the great throne from a princely rank, should solemnly observe the mourning period, with a heart of grief and longing. Hasten the funeral rites and quickly deliberate on major governance to comfort the empire. Yet within just a few days, you have repeatedly executed close ministers of the late emperor, startling the eyes and ears of the empire and harming the spirit of the late emperor. How can the people's hearts have anything to look up to! The state's foundation is of utmost importance. If these people are without fault, they certainly should not be punished; if they are guilty, they are already within Heaven's net with no place to escape—what harm would there be in waiting ten more days to execute them?" This was not heeded. On the xinmao day, the Great Encoffining of Emperor Wenzong took place. Emperor Wuzong ascended the throne. On the jiawu day, the emperor's mother, Consort Wei, was posthumously honored as Empress Dowager.
Second month, on the yimao day, a general amnesty was granted throughout the empire.
On the bingyin day, the posthumous title Xuan Yi was conferred on Empress Dowager Wei.
Summer, fifth month, on the jimao day, Vice Director of the Chancellery and co-chief minister Yang Sifu was dismissed and appointed Minister of Personnel. The Minister of Justice, Cui Gong, was appointed co-chief minister and concurrently Salt and Iron Transport Commissioner.
Autumn, eighth month, on the renxu day, the Yuan Sheng Zhao Xian Xiao Emperor was buried at the Zhangling Mausoleum, with the temple name Wenzong.
On the gengwu day, Vice Director of the Chancellery and co-chief minister Li Jue was found guilty of dereliction of duty as the director of the imperial funeral when the dragon hearse sank into the ground. He was dismissed and appointed Grand Master of Ceremonies. The metropolitan governor, Jing Xin, was demoted to be the military prefect of Chen Prefecture.
The Yiwu Army mutinied and expelled the military governor, Chen Junshang. Chen Junshang recruited several hundred brave men, re-entered the military city, and executed the mutineers.
Initially, when Emperor Wenzong ascended the throne, it was not the intention of the chancellors. Therefore, Yang Sifu and Li Jue were successively dismissed, and Li Deyu, the military governor of Huainan, was recalled to court. Ninth month, on the jiaxu day (new moon), Li Deyu arrived in the capital. On the dingchou day (the 4th), Li Deyu was appointed Vice Director of the Chancellery and co-chief minister. On the gengchen day (the 7th), Li Deyu entered court to thank the emperor. He said to Emperor Wuzong: "The key to governing the empire lies in distinguishing between the wicked and the upright among the officials. These two types of people are incompatible. The upright call the wicked wicked, and the wicked also call the upright wicked—it is very difficult for the ruler to distinguish between them. I believe the upright are like pines and cypresses, standing alone and tall, not dependent on others; the wicked are like vines and creepers, which cannot stand on their own without clinging to something else. Therefore, the upright serve the ruler with a single heart, while the wicked vie to form factions. The late emperor deeply understood the harm of factions, yet in the end, he employed precisely those who formed factions. This was truly because his mind was unsettled, so the treacherous were able to exploit the gaps. Not every chancellor can be loyal and good; some may deceive and blind the ruler. When the ruler's heart begins to waver, he then consults petty men at his side to scrutinize the great ministers. For example, in the later years of Emperor Dezong, the only ones he listened to and trusted were men like Pei Yanling, while the chancellors merely signed edicts—this was why governance grew increasingly chaotic. If Your Majesty can truly carefully select worthy and capable men as chancellors, immediately dismiss any you find to be treacherous and deceitful, constantly ensure that all state affairs originate from the Central Secretariat, entrust them wholeheartedly and unwaveringly, then why worry about the empire not being well governed!" He further said: "The late emperor was fond of superficial formalities with his great ministers, tolerating minor faults without mentioning them. Day by day, month by month, this accumulated until it led to disaster and ruin. This was a great mistake. I hope Your Majesty will take this as a warning! If we ministers have faults, Your Majesty should confront us in person. If the matter has no basis in fact, we can argue our case; if it does have basis, our words and reasoning will naturally be exhausted. For minor faults, allow us to repent and reform; for major crimes, execute or exile us. In this way, there will be no estrangement or suspicion between ruler and minister." Emperor Wuzong praised and adopted his advice.
Initially, when Li Deyu was in Huainan, the emperor issued an edict summoning the eunuch monitor Yang Qinyi. Everyone said that Yang Qinyi would surely take charge of the Bureau of Military Secrets. Li Deyu did not show him any special courtesy, and Yang Qinyi harbored resentment. One day, Li Deyu invited Yang Qinyi alone. He set out wine in the central hall, and their friendship and courtesy were extremely profound. He brought out several tables laden with rare antiques and treasures, and after the feast, presented them all to Yang Qinyi. Yang Qinyi was overjoyed beyond expectations. When Yang Qinyi reached Bian Prefecture, the emperor again ordered him to return to Huainan. Yang Qinyi returned all the gifts he had been given. Li Deyu said, "What is this worth?" and ultimately gave them to him. Later, Yang Qinyi indeed took charge of the Bureau of Military Secrets; when Li Deyu came to power, Yang Qinyi contributed considerable effort.
In the beginning, west of Yiwu and north of Yanqi, there was the Xijiasi tribe, which was the ancient Jiankun, called Jiegu in the early Tang dynasty, and later renamed Xijiasi. During the Qianyuan era, they were defeated by the Huigu and were cut off from contact with the Central Plains ever since. Their chieftain was called Are, who established his tent headquarters in the Qing Mountains, a distance of forty days' travel by camel from the Huigu tent headquarters. The people there were fierce and brave; the Tufan and Huigu often bribed them and lent them official titles. After the Huigu declined, Are began to call himself khan. The Huigu sent a chancellor with troops to attack him, and the two sides fought for over twenty years. The Huigu were repeatedly defeated by the Xijiasi, who taunted the Huigu, saying: "Your fate has run out; I will surely seize your golden tent!" The golden tent was where the Huigu khan lived. When Jueluowu killed Zhangxin Khan and established Sa as khan, a Huigu general named Julü Mohe led 100,000 Xijiasi cavalry to attack the Huigu, inflicting a great defeat, killing Sa and Jueluowu, burning their tent headquarters, leaving nothing behind, and the Huigu tribes scattered. Their chancellor Sazhi, Tele Mang, and others led five tribes westward to flee to the Geluolu; one group fled to the Tufan; one group fled to Anxi; the khan's younger brother Wamosi and others, along with their chancellors Chixin, Pugu, and Tele Naxiechuo, each led their followers to the border below Tiande Army, trading grain with the local mixed barbarians, and requested to submit to the interior. Autumn, tenth month, on the day of bingchen (the fourteenth), Wen Deyi, the commander of Tiande Army, submitted a memorial: "The defeated Huigu soldiers are pressing against the western city, stretching for sixty li without end. The border people are terrified because of the sudden massive arrival of the Huigu." The emperor issued an edict ordering Liu Mian, the military commissioner of Zhenwu, to station troops at Yunjia Pass to guard against the Huigu.
He Jintao, the military commissioner of Weibo, died. The army promoted his son, the commander of all cavalry and infantry, He Zhongshun, as acting military commissioner.
Empress Dowager Xiao moved to the Jiqing Hall in the Xingqing Palace and was titled the Jiqing Grand Empress Dowager.
Eleventh month, on the day of guiyou (the first day), Emperor Wuzong went to Yunyang for an imperial hunt.
According to precedent, when a new emperor ascended the throne, officials from the Menxia and Zhongshu provinces were to jointly affix their signatures. When Wuzong ascended the throne, the Remonstrance Advisor Pei Yizhi omitted his signature, and was therefore demoted to be the prefect of Hangzhou.
Kaifu Yitong Sansi, Left Guard General-in-Chief, and concurrent Inner Interlocutor Superintendent Qiu Shiliang requested to use the rank of Kaifu to secure a position as Qianniu Beishen for his son. The Supervising Secretary Li Zhongmin replied: "The rank of Kaifu is indeed entitled to secure a position for a son, but how can an Interlocutor Superintendent have a son?" Qiu Shiliang was ashamed and enraged. Li Deyu also considered Li Zhongmin to be a partisan of Yang Sifu and detested him, so he had him demoted to be the prefect of Wuzhou.
Twelfth month, on the day of gengshen (the eighteenth), He Zhongshun was appointed as the acting military commissioner of Weibo.
The emperor's son Li Jun was established as the Prince of Qi.
Emperor Wuzong, the Supreme Sovereign of the Way, Solemn and Filial
Emperor Wenzong, the Primordial Sage, Solemn and Filial, the Lower Part: Huichang First Year (Xinyou, 841 AD)
Spring, first month, on the day of xinsi (the ninth), Wuzong performed the suburban sacrifice to Heaven at the Round Mound, granted a general amnesty, and changed the era name.
Liu Mian reported that the Huigu had already withdrawn. The emperor issued an edict ordering Liu Mian to return to his garrison.
Second month, thirteen tribes of the Huigu near the tent headquarters established Wu Xitele as Wujie Khan, and moved south to defend Mount Cuozi.
Third month, on the day of jiaxu (the third), the Censor-in-Chief Chen Yixing was appointed as Vice Director of the Chancellery and Grand Councilor.
Initially, Liu Hongyi and Xue Jiling, the Commissioners of Confidential Affairs, were favored by Emperor Wenzong, and Qiu Shiliang hated them. Emperor Wuzong's accession was not due to the intentions of these two men or the grand councilors; therefore, Yang Sifu was demoted to be the Surveillance Commissioner of Hunan, and Li Jue was demoted to be the Surveillance Commissioner of Guiguan. Qiu Shiliang repeatedly slandered Liu Hongyi and the others before Wuzong, urging him to eliminate them. On the day of yiwei (the twenty-fourth), Liu Hongyi and Xue Jiling were ordered to commit suicide, and eunuchs were sent to Tanzhou and Guizhou to execute Yang Sifu and Li Jue. The Minister of Revenue, Du Cong, galloped to see Li Deyu and said: "The Son of Heaven is young and has just ascended the throne; this matter should not be handled lightly!" On the day of bingshen (the twenty-fifth), Li Deyu, along with Cui Gong, Cui Dan, and Chen Yixing, submitted three consecutive memorials. They also invited the Commissioners of Confidential Affairs to the Secretariat and had them enter the court to report. They argued: "Emperor Dezong suspected Liu Yan of undermining the position of the Heir Apparent and killed him; both inside and outside the court considered him wronged. The rebellious circuits in the Hebei region were thus frightened and used this as a pretext. Dezong later regretted it and employed Liu Yan's descendants. Emperor Wenzong suspected Song Shenxi of colluding with a prince, exiled and demoted him to death. Shortly after, he regretted it and wept for him. If Yang Sifu, Li Jue, and the others are truly guilty, we request that their punishment be further reduced by demotion. If they cannot be pardoned, they should first be interrogated, and only after their crimes are clear and evident should they be executed. Now, without consulting us, you have hastily sent messengers to kill them, and everyone is shocked and terrified. We hope Your Majesty will open the Yanying Hall and grant us an audience." By the hour of shen, Wuzong opened the Yanying Hall and summoned Li Deyu and the others to enter. Li Deyu and the others, weeping, earnestly argued: "Your Majesty should be cautious in this action and not cause future regret!" Wuzong said: "I will not regret it!" He repeatedly ordered them to sit down. Li Deyu and the others said: "We hope Your Majesty will spare the lives of these two men, so that they do not die and leave the people thinking it unjust. Now, having not received Your Majesty's decree, we dare not sit." After a long time, Wuzong finally said: "For your sake, I will spare them." Li Deyu and the others descended the steps and danced. Wuzong called them back up, sat them down, and sighed, saying: "When I ascended the throne, did the grand councilors ever regard me? Li Jue and Xue Jiling's intention was towards Prince Chen (Li Chengmei); Yang Sifu and Liu Hongyi's intention was towards Prince An (Li Rong). Prince Chen was still the dying wish of Emperor Wenzong; Prince An specifically relied on Consort Yang. Yang Sifu even wrote to Consort Yang, saying: 'Aunt, why not emulate Empress Wu Zetian and assume regency!' If Prince An had achieved his ambition, how could I have survived to this day?" Li Deyu and the others said: "This matter is obscure, and it is difficult to know the truth." Wuzong said: "Consort Yang was once ill, and Emperor Wenzong allowed her younger brother Yang Sixuan to enter the palace to attend her for over a month, thus they were able to communicate their intentions. I have inquired in detail from the palace personnel; the situation is very clear, not false." So he recalled the two envoys, and changed the punishment to demoting Yang Sifu to be the prefect of Chaozhou, Li Jue to be the prefect of Zhaozhou, and Pei Yizhi to be the secretary of the Huanzhou Bureau of Revenue.
Summer, sixth month, on the day of yisi (the sixth), an edict was issued: "From now on, when subjects discuss the crimes of others, they should all request that the matter be handed over to the Censorate for interrogation, and shall not request to have it handled within the palace, in order to put a stop to slanderous and evil words."
He Zhongshun, the acting military commissioner of Weibo, was appointed as military commissioner.
Emperor Wuzong ordered the Daoist priest Zhao Guizhen to establish a Nine Heavens Daoist ritual site in the Three Halls, and personally received the talismanic register. The Reminder of the Right, Wang Zhe, submitted a memorial earnestly remonstrating, and was therefore demoted to be a clerk of the Henan Prefecture.
Autumn, eighth month, Qiu Shiliang was further honored with the title of Army Inspector Commissioner.
The Heavenly Virtue Army Commissioner Tian Mou and the Army Supervisor Wei Zhongping wanted to attack the Uighurs to gain merit, so they submitted a memorial saying: "The rebellious general Wamosi and others of the Uighurs are encroaching upon and pressing close to the border. The tribes of Tuyuhun, Shatuo, and Dangxiang have been their enemies for generations. We request permission to dispatch troops to expel them." The emperor ordered the court officials to deliberate on this matter. Those participating in the discussion all believed that since Wamosi and his followers had betrayed their khan and come, they should not be accepted, and it would be appropriate to attack them as Tian Mou and the others requested. The emperor consulted the Chancellor about this. Li Deyu said: "A cornered bird that flies into one's arms should still be saved. Moreover, the Uighurs have repeatedly rendered great services. Now, having been defeated by a neighboring state, their tribes are scattered, they are destitute and have nowhere to turn, and they have come from afar to rely on the Son of Heaven, without the slightest encroachment on the border. Why should we attack them when they are in distress? We should send an envoy to pacify them and transport grain to reward them. This was the method Emperor Xuan of Han used to subdue Chanyu Huhanye." Chen Yixing said: "This is what is called lending weapons to bandits and supplying provisions to thieves. It would be better to attack them." Li Deyu said: "Those tribes such as the Tuyuhun each have their own clans. When they see profit, they rush forward nimbly; when things are unfavorable, they scatter like startled birds and fleeing fish, each returning to its own lair. How would they be willing to stand firm and fight to the death for the state? Now, the troops of the Heavenly Virtue Army number only a little over a thousand. If the battle turns unfavorable, the city's fall is inevitable. It would be better to pacify them with kindness and righteousness, to give them stability. They will certainly not become a calamity. Even if they plunder the border, we must wait until we have mobilized various armies to attack them. How can we let only the Heavenly Virtue Army attack them!" At that time, an imperial edict was issued appointing the Chief Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial, Zhang Jia, as the Border Inspection Envoy, ordering him to ascertain the true situation of the Uighurs. He had not yet returned. The emperor asked Li Deyu: "Wamosi and the others request to surrender. Can we guarantee and trust them?" Li Deyu replied: "I dare not guarantee the people in the court, let alone dare to guarantee the minds of the Rong-Di people thousands of miles away! But to call them rebellious generals is probably not permissible. If the khan were still in his state, and Wamosi and his followers led their people to come, then according to ritual, they could not be accepted. Now, I hear that their state is in chaos and has no ruler, and the generals and chancellors have fled, some to Tubo, some to the Karluks. Only this group of men has come from afar to rely on the Great State. Looking at the words of their memorial, they are urgent, desperate, and sincere. How can they be called rebellious generals? Moreover, Wamosi and the others arrived at Tian De in September of last year, and only in February of this year did they establish Wujie as the khan. There was originally no relationship of ruler and subject between them. I hope that for now, we will issue an edict ordering Hedong and Zhenwu to strictly defend the border to guard against them. Wait until they attack and invade towns and cities, then use military force to drive them out and eliminate them. Or, if they plunder a little among the Tuyuhun and other tribes, allow them to retaliate on their own, and do not use the official army to help them. Still, issue an edict ordering Tian Mou and Zhongping not to stir up trouble to gain merit, always to maintain great trust, and to pacify them appropriately. Although they are Rong-Di, they will surely know gratitude." On the Xinyou day, an edict was issued ordering Tian Mou to restrain his officers, soldiers, and the various tribal mixed barbarians, not to be the first to violate the Uighurs. In September, on the first day of the month (Wuchen), an edict was issued ordering Hedong and Zhenwu to strictly defend against them. Tian Mou was the younger brother of Tian Bu.
On the Guisi day, the Lulong Army revolted, killed the Military Governor Shi Yuanzhong, and promoted the staff officer Chen Xingtai to act as acting governor.
Li Deyu requested sending an envoy to console and pacify the Uighurs, and also to transport thirty thousand hu of grain to reward them. The emperor was hesitant about this. In the intercalary September, on the Ji day, the emperor opened the Yanying Hall and summoned the chancellors to discuss this matter. Chen Yixing, while in the waiting area, repeatedly said that providing grain to the bandits was not permissible. Li Deyu said: "Now, the armies we are mobilizing have not yet assembled, and Tian De is isolated and in danger. If we do not use this grain to give to the starving barbarians, temporarily making them quiet, and should Tian De fall, who will bear the blame!" When Chen Yixing came before the emperor, he then dared not speak. The emperor then agreed to use twenty thousand hu of grain to relieve them.
The former Shannan East Circuit Military Governor and co-Chancellor Niu Sengru was appointed as the Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent. Previously, the Han River had flooded, destroying the houses of the people in Xiangzhou. Therefore, Li Deyu considered this Niu Sengru's fault and dismissed him.
The Lulong Army revolted again, killed Chen Xingtai, and set up the staff officer Zhang Jiang.
Initially, Chen Xingtai had expelled Shi Yuanzhong and sent the eunuch supervisor's attendant bearing a memorial from the army's generals requesting the ceremonial staff of authority. Li Deyu said: "I am very familiar with the situation in the Hebei region. Recently, when the court sends envoys to issue an edict, it is often done too quickly, and thus the situation within the army becomes solidified. If we leave it alone for a few months without inquiring, a change will surely occur on its own. Now, I request that we keep the supervisor's attendant and not send an envoy to observe them." Soon after, the army indeed killed Chen Xingtai, set up Zhang Jiang, and again requested the ceremonial staff. The court also did not intervene. It happened that the Xiongwu Army Commissioner Zhang Zhongwu raised troops to attack Zhang Jiang and also sent the military official Wu Zhongshu bearing a memorial to the capital, claiming that Zhang Jiang was cruel and tyrannical, and requesting permission to lead his own army to punish him. In winter, in October, Wu Zhongshu arrived at the capital. An imperial edict ordered the chancellors to inquire about the situation. Wu Zhongshu said: "Chen Xingtai and Zhang Jiang were both itinerant guests, so the people's hearts do not submit to them. Zhang Zhongwu is a former general of Youzhou, loyal and righteous by nature, well-versed in history and literature, familiar with military affairs, and the people's hearts all incline towards him. Earlier, when Zhang Jiang had just killed Chen Xingtai, he summoned Zhang Zhongwu, wanting to yield the acting governor position to him. A hundred or so people in the headquarters disagreed. Zhang Zhongwu went as far as Changping, but Zhang Jiang then rejected him. Now, I estimate that as soon as Zhang Zhongwu set out from Xiongwu, the army has already expelled Zhang Jiang." Li Deyu asked: "How many soldiers does Xiongwu have?" He replied: "There are eight hundred soldiers, and outside there are five hundred from the local militia." Li Deyu said: "With so few troops, how can he achieve merit?" He replied: "It lies in winning people's hearts. If people's hearts are not with him, what use are thirty thousand troops?" Li Deyu asked again: "What if he cannot prevail?" He replied: "The grain of Youzhou is all in Guizhou and the seven northern garrisons. If he cannot enter Youzhou, he will occupy Juyong Pass and cut off their grain route, and Youzhou will naturally be in distress!" Li Deyu memorialized: "Chen Xingtai and Zhang Jiang both sent high-ranking generals to submit memorials, coercing the court and begging for the ceremonial staff, so we could not give it to them. Now, Zhang Zhongwu has first submitted a memorial himself, requesting to dispatch troops to punish the rebellion for the court. Giving him the ceremonial staff seems to be a proper and justified action." So Zhang Zhongwu was appointed as the acting governor of Lulong. Zhang Zhongwu soon captured Youzhou.
The emperor went to Xianyang for the autumn hunt.
In November, Li Deyu submitted a statement saying: "Now, the Uighurs have been broken and destroyed, and the Grand Princess Taihe's whereabouts are unknown. If we do not send an envoy to inquire, then the Rong-Di will surely think that the state, having married the princess into the barbarian court, did not care for her in the first place. This would both fail the princess and hurt the feelings of the barbarians. I request that the Secretarial Drafter Miao Zhen be sent with an imperial edict to Wamosi, ordering him to convey it to the princess. At the same time, we can probe the true situation of Wamosi's compliance or defiance." The emperor followed this advice.
The emperor greatly enjoyed hunting and martial arts entertainments. The petty servants of the Five Bureaus could enter and exit the palace, and rewards were extremely generous. The emperor once went to pay respects to Empress Dowager Guo and leisurely asked about the way of being a Son of Heaven. The empress dowager admonished him to accept remonstrances. After the emperor withdrew, he took all the memorials from the remonstrance officials and read them. Most of them were admonishing him about hunting. From then on, the emperor's outings for hunting decreased slightly, and the Five Bureaus no longer received extra rewards.
On the Guihai day, the Vice Director of the Secretariat and co-Chancellor Cui Dan was appointed as co-Chancellor to serve as the Xichuan Circuit Military Governor.
In the beginning, after the Xiajiasi defeated the Huigu, they obtained the Taihe Princess, claiming to be descendants of Li Ling and sharing the same surname as the Tang dynasty. They dispatched ten Dagan to escort the princess back to the Tang court. The Huigu Wujie Khan led his army to intercept and attack the Dagan, killing them all, taking the princess hostage, and moving south across the desert, stationing at the border of Tiande Army. The princess sent an envoy with a memorial, stating that the Khan had been established and requesting enfeoffment. Wujie also sent his chancellor, Yegan Jiasi, and others with a memorial, requesting to borrow the city of Zhenwu for the princess and the Khan to reside. On the Gengchen day of the twelfth month, an edict was issued dispatching the Right Jinwu General Wang Hui and others to console the Huigu and provide relief of twenty thousand hu of grain. A letter was also granted to Wujie Khan, informing him: “You should lead your tribes to gradually restore your old territories; drifting and lodging at the border fortifications is by no means a good plan.” It also said: “Regarding your request to borrow the city of Zhenwu, there is no precedent in previous dynasties. If you wish to relocate to a better place and seek support from a great state, you must temporarily halt and station south of the desert. I will permit the princess to come to court and personally inquire about matters. If assistance is needed, I will certainly not be stingy.”
Emperor Wenzong Yuansheng Zhaoxian Xiaohuangdi, Huichang Second Year (Renxu, AD 842)
Spring, the first month: Zhang Zhongwu was appointed as the military governor of Lulong.
The court, because the Huigu were stationed north of Tiande and Zhenwu, appointed the Military Department Li Shi as an envoy to inspect the border to assess the capabilities of the generals. Li Shi was the son of Li Fu.
Second month: The Huainan military governor Li Shen entered court. On the Dingchou day, Li Shen was appointed as Zhongshu Shilang, Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi, and Pandu Zhi.
The Hedong military governor Fu Che repaired the old garrison at Batou Feng to guard against the Huigu. Li Deyu submitted a memorial requesting reinforcements to guard the area and to repair the East and Middle Shouxiang Cities to strengthen the position of Tiande. The emperor agreed. The Right Sanqi Changshi Liu Gongquan had always been on good terms with Li Deyu. Cui Gong submitted a memorial appointing him as Jixian Xueshi and Pan Yianshi. Li Deyu, because the favor did not originate from himself, used a pretext to demote Liu Gongquan to Taizi Zhanshi.
The Huigu again submitted a memorial requesting grain, as well as to investigate and verify the property plundered by Tuyuhun and Dangxiang, and again requested the city of Zhenwu. An edict was issued dispatching the inner envoy Yang Guan to deliver a letter to the Khan, informing him that the city could not be lent, and that the other matters should be handled and arranged.
Third month: On the Wushen day, Li Shi returned from his border inspection, claiming that the Zhenwu military governor Liu Ke possessed and strategy and could be entrusted with great tasks. At that time, the Hedong military governor Fu Che was ill. On the Gengshen day, Liu Ke was appointed to replace him. The Jinwu Shang Jiangjun Li Zhongshun was appointed as the Zhenwu military governor. The Jiangzuo Shaojian Miao Zhen was dispatched to enfeoff Wujie Khan, but he was ordered to travel slowly and stop at Hedong, waiting until the Khan’s position was secure before proceeding. Soon after, the Khan repeatedly invaded and harassed the border, and Miao Zhen ultimately did not complete his mission.
The Huigu Wamosi, because Chixin was cunning and fierce and difficult to predict, first told Tian Mou that Chixin was plotting to invade the border. He then lured Chixin and Pugu and killed them. The Naqieluo gathered Chixin’s seven thousand tents of followers and fled east. Hedong submitted a memorial: “Huigu troops have reached Hengshui, killing and plundering soldiers and civilians. They have now withdrawn and stationed east of Shiyipo.” Li Deyu submitted a statement, saying: “Shiyipo is three hundred li west of the Khan’s camp. It is unknown whether this force belongs to Naqieluo’s faction or was dispatched by the Khan. We should temporarily blame this force for not obeying the Khan’s command and arbitrarily plundering the border region. Secretly issue an edict to Liu Ke and Zhang Zhongwu to first plan against this force. If it can be attacked and driven away, there will be justification. Once this force is crushed, the Khan will surely know fear.”
Summer, the fourth month: On the Gengchen day, the Tiande Defense Commissioner Tian Mou submitted a memorial, saying: “The Huigu are constantly harassing. There is no time to await court orders. We have already dispatched three thousand troops to resist them.” On the Renwu day, Li Deyu submitted a memorial, saying: “Tian Mou completely does not understand military affairs. The Rong and Di are skilled in field warfare but not in siege warfare. Tian Mou only needs to hold fast and wait for the armies of the various circuits to assemble. Now he has committed his entire force to battle. If he suffers a setback, the city will be empty. With what can he secure himself? I hope you will quickly dispatch an eunuch to stop him. If the battle has already begun, then order the Qiang and Tuyuhun in the areas of Yunzhou, Shuozhou, and Tiande to each dispatch troops to vigorously attack the Huigu. Any captured spoils, let them keep for themselves. The Huigu have been lodged for two years. Their grain is exhausted, and their people’s hearts are easily swayed. An edict should be issued ordering Tian Mou to summon those who surrender, supply them with grain, and transport them to Taiyuan. They cannot be left in Tiande. Although Wamosi’s loyalty or falsehood is not yet known, he must be given official rank and rewards early. Even if he is not loyal, it is sufficient as a scheme to sow discord. Moreover, we wish to reward his loyalty and righteousness as a pretext for punitive action, letting the various distant barbarians know that we only blame the Khan for defying orders and do not intend to completely eliminate the Huigu. Shi Xiong is skilled in combat and unmatched. I request that he be appointed as the Tiande Deputy Defense Commissioner to assist Tian Mou in military operations.” The emperor agreed with all his suggestions.
Initially, during the Taihe era, the Hexi Dangxiang harassed the border. Emperor Wenzong recalled Shi Xiong from Baizhou and assigned him to the Zhenwu Army as a lieutenant. He repeatedly achieved military merits, but due to Wang Zhixing, he was not greatly promoted. At this time, Li Deyu recommended and employed him. On the Jiashen day, Wamosi led his state’s Tele, chancellors, and over two thousand two hundred people to surrender.
The emperor trusted Li Deyu. The Guanjun Rongshi Qiu Shiliang resented him. It happened that the emperor was about to accept an honorific title and ascend the Danfeng Tower to announce a general amnesty. Someone told Qiu Shiliang that the chancellor and the Pandu were discussing drafting the amnesty edict to reduce the clothing and grain of the imperial guards and the fodder for their horses. Qiu Shiliang declared in public: “If so, on that day, the soldiers will surely make a disturbance in front of the tower!” When Li Deyu heard this, on the Yiyou day, he requested to open the Yanying Hall to personally argue his case. The emperor became angry and immediately dispatched an eunuch to declare to the two armies: “The amnesty edict originally has no such matter. Moreover, the amnesty edict all comes from my intention, not from the chancellor’s decision. How can you speak such words!” Qiu Shiliang then became fearful and ashamed and admitted his fault. On the Dinghai day, the assembled officials presented the honorific title of Rensheng Wuwen Zhishen Daxiao Huangdi. A general amnesty was granted throughout the empire.
Fifth month: On the Wushen day, the Honglu Qing Zhang Jia was dispatched to console Wamosi and his followers. Wamosi was appointed as the Left Jinwu General and Huaihua Commandery Prince. The other chieftains were given official ranks according to their grade. His followers were granted five thousand hu of grain and three thousand bolts of silk.
The Naqieluo led his followers from Zhenwu and Datong, eastward through Shiwei and Heisha, then southward straight to Xiongwu Army, spying on Youzhou. The Lulong military governor Zhang Zhongwu dispatched his younger brother Zhang Zhongzhi to lead thirty thousand troops to intercept and attack. They heavily defeated the Naqieluo, killing and capturing countless numbers, and completely surrendered his seven thousand tents of followers, distributing them among the various circuits. The Naqieluo fled, but the Wujie Khan captured and killed him. At that time, although Wujie’s followers had diminished, they still claimed to number one hundred thousand, stationed north of Yunzhou at Lümen Mountain. Yang Guan returned from the Huigu. The Khan submitted a memorial requesting grain, cattle, and sheep, and also requesting to seize and send back Wamosi and his followers. The edict replied: “As for grain, you may use the price of your horses to purchase three thousand shi from Zhenwu. Cattle are assets for plowing; the Central Plains forbid slaughtering them. Sheep are very scarce in the Central Plains; they come from the various northern border tribes, and the state has never levied or requisitioned them. As for Wamosi, ever since your state was first broken, he first fled to the border. He has not followed you, the Khan, for two years. Considering your suspicion of him, he was driven to extremes and submitted to the court. The previous Khan precisely because of suspicion and cruelty without trusted associates led to internal discord and external betrayal. Now you, the Khan, have lost your territory and come as a distant guest. You should especially deeply correct your former faults. If you again harm your own flesh and blood, then which of the trusted ministers at your side will dare to protect themselves! I am committed to universal love and have already accepted his surrender. I will not fail in kindness to the Khan, nor will I harm the court’s good faith. Is this not a case of achieving both, perfectly in line with a good plan!”
Wamosi entered court. Sixth month: On the Jiashen day, Wamosi’s followers were organized into the Guiyi Army. Wamosi was appointed as the Left Jinwu General and served as its military commissioner.
The Menxia Shilang, Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi Chen Yixing was dismissed and appointed as the Left Pushe. Autumn, seventh month: The Shangshu You Cheng Li Rangyi was appointed as Zhongshu Shilang, Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi.
A man from Lanzhou, Tian Manchuan, occupied the prefectural city and rebelled. Liu Ke suppressed and executed him.
Wamosi requested to settle his family in Taiyuan and to defend the border with all his might alongside his brothers. An edict ordered Liu Mian to comfort his family. Wujie Khan again sent his chancellor to present a memorial, requesting to borrow troops to help restore his state, and also to borrow Tian De City. The edict refused. Initially, the Khan moved between Tian De and Zhen Wu, plundering the Qiang and Tuyuhun, and then encamped north of Baitou Beacon. The court repeatedly sent envoys to instruct him to return to the south of the desert, but the Khan did not comply with the edict. Li Deyu believed: “Na Jiechu is encamped north of the mountains, and Wujie fears he might conspire with the Xi and Khitan to intercept him, so he dare not leave the border. I hope an edict can order Zhang Zhongwu to instruct the Xi and Khitan to join with the Uighurs in destroying Na Jiechu, so that the Khan can return north.” After Na Jiechu died, the Khan still did not leave. Those discussing the matter also thought the Uighurs were waiting for the horse payment. An edict ordered the full payment of the horse price to them, but the Khan still did not leave. In the eighth month, the Khan led his troops past the south of Baitou Beacon, suddenly entered the Datong River region, drove off and plundered tens of thousands of cattle and horses from the various tribes of Hedong, and fought their way to the gates of Yun Prefecture. The prefect Zhang Xianjie closed the gates and defended himself. The Tuyuhun and Dangxiang all took their families and fled into the mountains to take refuge. On the Gengwu day, an edict ordered troops from Chen Prefecture, Xu Prefecture, Xu Prefecture, Ru Prefecture, and Xiangyang to garrison at Taiyuan, Zhen Wu, and Tian De, awaiting the spring of the next year to expel the Uighurs.
On the Dingchou day, Wamosi and his brothers Alizhi, Xiwuchuo, Wuluosi were all granted the surname Li, with personal names Sizhong, Sizhen, Siyi, and Sili; the state minister Aixiangnu was granted the surname Ai, with the personal name Hongshun; Hongshun was also appointed vice commissioner of the Guiyi Army. The emperor sent the Uighur Shi Jiezhi back to his state, bestowing a letter to the Khan, instructing: “Since your state was broken by the Gekesi, you came to the border seeking refuge, and we have received and comforted you without exception. Now the Khan still remains near this border region, without discussing returning to your homeland, sometimes raiding Yun Prefecture and Shuo Prefecture, sometimes attacking and plundering the Qiang and Tuyuhun tribes. I infer your deep intentions, and it seems you rely on the bond of marriage. Every time I observe your actions, you actually harbor plans for a sudden raid. The generals and ministers inside and outside the court all request to exterminate you. I am deeply compassionate and restrain myself, unable to bear taking advantage of your misfortune. The Khan should quickly choose a good plan, and not leave regrets.” The emperor also ordered Li Deyu to write a reply on behalf of Liu Mian to the Uighur chancellor Jiegan Jiasi, stating: “The Uighurs came from afar to seek refuge, and should emulate Huhanye by sending a son to attend court and personally appearing in court. Also, let the Taihe Princess come to court to pay respects to the Grand Empress Dowager, pleading for mercy. Then our aid and relief would have nothing to be ashamed of. But you instead look askance at the border cities, arrogant and self-satisfied, making excessive demands as if in your own homeland, and further penetrate deep into the border, ceaselessly harassing and plundering. Seeking aid and continued good relations—how can this be done! Your letter also says the barbarians are easily stirred up and hard to pacify, and if angered, cannot be controlled. The Uighurs were broken by the Gekesi, and the bones of the entire state’s generals and ministers lie abandoned in the wilds. The graves of successive Khans are far off at the edge of the sky. The Uighurs’ anger is not directed at the Gekesi; instead, you despise and abandon righteousness, seeking to vent your will in the Central Plains. How can heaven and earth’s spirits tolerate this! In the past, Zhizhi did not serve the Great Han and was ultimately destroyed. The warning of past events—how can it not be kept in mind!”
On the Wuzi day, Li Deyu and others memorialized: “If, according to the previous edict, the three circuits of Hedong and others strictly prepare their troops and defenses, awaiting the next spring to expel them, taking advantage of the Uighurs’ exhaustion and the official army avoiding the bitter cold, then the Youzhou army should be ordered to stop and await orders in their own circuit. If we fear that after the rivers freeze, the Uighurs might again launch a sudden raid, requiring early expulsion, then we should decide within a few days before the weather turns cold. Use the troops of Hebei to reinforce those of Hedong, and order them to achieve results within two months. Now I hear that outside discussions are diverse and conflicting. If we do not fully consult the opinions of all officials, we will ultimately be obstructed by vain words. I hope an order can be given for the public and high officials to gather and deliberate.” The edict followed this. At the time, most of those discussing thought it appropriate to wait for the next spring. In the ninth month, Liu Mian was appointed concurrently as the Commissioner for Summoning and Expelling the Uighurs. If expulsion was needed, the military authority of the various circuits’ field camps was ordered to be under his command. Zhang Zhongwu was appointed as the Commissioner for Pacifying the Uighurs on the Eastern Front, with his own circuit’s field camp troops as well as the Xi, Khitan, and Shiwei all under his own command. Li Sizhong was appointed as the Commissioner for the Dangxiang and the Uighurs’ Southwestern Front of Hexi, all to assemble at Taiyuan. Liu Mian was ordered to garrison at Yanmen Pass.
Initially, the Xi and Khitan were subordinate to the Uighurs, each having a supervisor, who annually urged their tribute and also spied on Tang affairs. Zhang Zhongwu sent his yamen officer Shi Gongxu to command both tribes, and they killed over eight hundred Uighur supervisors and others. Zhang Zhongwu defeated Na Jiechu and captured the wife and children of the Shiwei chieftain. The Shiwei offered gold, silk, sheep, and horses to ransom them, but Zhang Zhongwu refused, saying: “Only if you kill the Uighur supervisors will I return them!” On the Guimao day, Li Deyu and others memorialized: “The reporting officer from Hedong, Sun Chou, has just arrived, saying the Uighurs have moved their camp southward by forty li. Liu Mian believes this is certainly because the Khitan are not of one mind with them, and they fear being attacked. Based on this situation, it is precisely appropriate to expel them. We asked Sun Chou if, joining forces with Youzhou, pursuing and expelling the Uighurs would require additional troops. Sun Chou said no great increase is needed; only Datong has few troops, and obtaining a thousand men from Yiding for assistance would suffice.” The emperor followed all of this. An edict ordered Hedong, Youzhou, Zhen Wu, and Tian De each to dispatch their main forces, moving their camps slightly forward to pressure the Uighurs.
The emperor heard of the reputation of the Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent, Bai Juyi, and wanted to appoint him as chancellor, asking Li Deyu about it. Li Deyu had always detested Bai Juyi, so he said Bai Juyi was old, frail, and often ill, unable to bear court audiences. His younger cousin, the Left Siyuan Waibei Lang Bai Minzhong, was no less skilled in rhetoric and learning than Bai Juyi, and furthermore had insight and breadth of vision. On the Jiachen day, Minzhong was appointed as Academician of the Hanlin Academy.
Li Sizhong requested to join with six thousand cavalry from the Qibi, Shatuo, and Tuyuhun to attack the Uighurs together. On the Yisi day, the Silver Prefecture prefect He Qingchao and the Wei Prefecture prefect Qibi Tong were ordered to each lead the Hedong barbarian troops to Zhen Wu, receiving Li Sizhong’s command. Qibi Tong was the fifth-generation descendant of Heli.
Winter, tenth month, on the Dingmao day, the emperor’s son Li Xian was established as Prince of Yi, and Li Qi as Prince of Yan.
The Xiajiasi sent General Tabu Hezu and others to Tian De Army, saying: “Previously we dispatched Dulu Shii He and others to escort the Taihe Princess back to the Great Tang, but to this day there is no news, and we do not know if she has arrived or has been obstructed by villains. Now we are sending troops to search for her, above and below heaven, and will certainly find her.” They also said: “We are about to move to Heluo River, dwelling in the old Uighur territory, and have already obtained the five tribes of Anxi, Beiting, and Dada.”
Eleventh month, on the Xinshuo day, the Zhaoyi military governor Liu Congjian memorialized, requesting to dispatch five thousand troops to attack the Uighurs. An edict disallowed it.
The emperor sent envoys to bestow winter clothes on the Taihe Princess, and ordered Li Deyu to write a letter to the princess, generally stating: “The previous court set aside familial bonds to marry you off, for the sake of stabilizing the state and borders, believing that the Uighurs would surely resist external threats and bring peace to the frontier. Now the Uighurs’ actions greatly deviate from reason. Every time they turn their horses southward, do they not fear the majesty of Gaozu and Taizong! If they intend to harass the border, do they not consider the kindness of the Grand Empress Dowager! As their state mother, you are fully capable of commanding them. If the Uighurs cannot follow orders, then the marital alliance is severed. From now on, they must not use your aunt as an excuse!”
The emperor went to Jingyang for a hunting inspection. On the Yimao day, the Admonisher-in-Chief Gao Shaoyi and Zheng Lang remonstrated in the inner court, saying: “Your Majesty has recently been hunting somewhat too frequently, going too far from the city, returning under the stars late at night, causing various state affairs to be neglected.” The emperor changed his expression and acknowledged his fault. After Gao Shaoyi and the others withdrew, the emperor said to the chancellors: “The original purpose of establishing remonstrance officials was to allow them to discuss state affairs. I wish to hear them often.” The chancellors all congratulated him. On the Jiwei day, Gao Shaoyi was appointed as Geishizhong, and Zheng Lang as Left Admonisher-in-Chief.
Liu Hui and Zhang Zhongwu insisted that the severe winter season made it impossible to advance troops, and requested to wait until the beginning of the year. Li Zhongshun alone requested to advance together with Li Sizhong. On the Bingyin day of the twelfth month, Li Deyu submitted a memorial requesting that Li Sizhong be ordered to advance and station his troops at Baoda Stockade; this was approved.
On the Dingmao day, the sent their minister Lunpure to report the funeral of the Darma Tsanpo. The court ordered the Vice Director of the Palace Building Office, Li Jing, to serve as the condolence envoy. Liu Hui submitted a memorial reporting the relocation of his troops to Yun Prefecture.
Li Zhongshun submitted a memorial reporting an attack on the, defeating them.
On the Bingxu day, the emperor established his son Li Yi as the Prince of De and Li Cuo as the Prince of Chang.
Initially, the Darma Tsanpo of had a favored minister whom he appointed as Chancellor. When Darma died without a son, this favored chancellor installed the brother of his consort, Lady Silin, named Shang Yanli’s son, Qilihu, as Tsanpo. The boy was only three years old, and the favored chancellor together with the consort controlled state affairs. Several dozen senior ministers were all excluded from participating in governance. The Chief Chancellor, Jieduna, upon seeing Qilihu, refused to bow, saying: "The Tsanpo’s clan has many members, yet you install the son of the Silin family. Who among the people will obey his commands? Which spirits will accept his sacrifices? The state is surely doomed! The many anomalies and disasters in recent years are precisely due to this. I, an old minister, have no power to correct this upheaval and repay the kindness of the late Tsanpo—I can only die!" He drew his sword, cut his own face, and wept as he left. The favored chancellor killed him and exterminated his clan, enraging the people. Moreover, they sent no envoy to the Tang court to request investiture. The Luomen River Pacification Commissioner, Lunrege, was fierce and cruel by nature, full of cunning schemes. He gathered his followers and told them: "The traitors have abandoned the imperial clan and installed the son of the Silin family, specifically harming loyal and good officials to intimidate the ministers. Moreover, they have not received Tang investiture—what right do they have to be called Tsanpo! I should raise a righteous army with you, enter the court, and kill the consort Silin and those in power to rectify the state. Heaven aids those who follow righteousness; no undertaking will fail." He then persuaded three tribes, obtaining 10,000 cavalry. That year, he formed an alliance with the Qinghai Military Governor and raised troops, calling himself State Chancellor. When he reached Wei Prefecture, he encountered State Chancellor Shang Siluo stationed at Bohan Mountain. Lunrege attacked him, and Shang Siluo abandoned his baggage and fled westward to Song Prefecture. Lunrege then massacred Wei Prefecture. Shang Siluo mobilized troops from the Subi, Tuyuhun, and Yangtong tribes, totaling 80,000 men, and held the Tao River, burning bridges to resist. When Lunrege arrived, he shouted across the river to Subi and the others: "Traitorous ministers have thrown the state into chaos. Heaven has sent me to execute them. Why do you assist rebels? I am now already serving as Chancellor. I control all the troops within the state. If you do not submit, I will annihilate your tribes!" Subi and the others hesitated and did not fight. Lunrege led elite cavalry across the river, and Subi and the others all surrendered. Shang Siluo fled westward but was pursued, captured, and killed. Lunrege absorbed all his forces, totaling over 100,000 men. From Wei Prefecture to Song Prefecture, wherever he passed, he slaughtered and destroyed, with corpses lying piled in heaps.