Tang Annals 63
Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government, Volume 247
[Tang Records, Volume 63] Beginning from the year Zhaoyang Dayuanxian (Gui Hai year) and ending in the seventh month of the year Yanfeng Kuntun (Jia Zi year), it spans a little over one year.
In spring, the first month, the Uighur Wujie Khan led his army to invade and press close to Zhenwu Army. Liu Mian dispatched the Prefect of Linzhou, Shi Xiong, and the Commander of All Troops and Horses, Wang Feng, to lead three thousand cavalry from the three tribes of Shatuo, Zhuxie Chixin, along with Qibi and Tuoba, to raid the Uighur khan's camp. Liu Mian himself led the main army to follow and support. When Shi Xiong reached Zhenwu Army, he ascended the city wall to observe the number of Uighur troops. He saw dozens of felt carts, with attendants dressed in red and green, resembling people from the Central Plains. He sent spies to investigate, who reported back: "These are the princess's tents." Shi Xiong sent a spy to tell the princess: "The princess has come here; this is your home. You should seek a way to return! Now I am about to launch an attack on the khan. Please have the princess secretly protect herself along with her attendants, stop the carts, and do not move!" Shi Xiong then chiseled out more than ten openings in the city wall, led his troops out at night, and directly attacked the khan's camp. Reaching the khan's tent, the enemy only then became aware. The khan was greatly alarmed, not knowing what to do. He abandoned his baggage and fled, with Shi Xiong pursuing him. On the Gengzi day, the Uighurs were completely defeated at Mount Sha Hu. The khan was wounded and fled with several hundred cavalry. Shi Xiong welcomed the Taihe Princess back. They beheaded ten thousand people and subdued over twenty thousand of the tribe. On the Bingwu day, Liu Mian's victory memorial reached Chang'an.
Li Sizhong entered the court. Considering himself a surrendered Uighur general, he feared suspicion from the border generals. He requested permission to return to court together with his younger brother Li Sizhen and others, as well as Ai Hongshun. The emperor granted his request.
On the Gengxu day, Shi Xiong was appointed as the Defense Commissioner of Fengzhou. The Wujie Khan fled and took refuge with the Heichezi tribe. His scattered soldiers mostly surrendered to Youzhou.
In the second month, on the Gengshen day of the first month, a solar eclipse occurred.
An edict was issued to disband the Guiyi Army, and its soldiers were distributed among the various circuits as cavalry, with generous provisions and rewards provided.
On the Xinwei day, the Xiajiasi (Kirghiz) sent an envoy, Zhu Wu He Suo, to present two fine horses. An edict ordered the Grand Master of the Imperial Stud, Zhao Fan, to prepare a banquet and reward them. On the Jiaxu day, the emperor received them in audience and placed the Xiajiasi envoy's rank above that of the Bohai envoy. The emperor wanted Zhao Fan to go to the Xiajiasi to demand Anxi and Beiting. Li Deyu and others submitted a memorial saying: "Anxi is over seven thousand li from the capital, and Beiting over five thousand li. Even if we obtained them, we would still need to set up Protectorates again and station ten thousand Tang troops for defense. It is unknown where these troops could be conscripted from, and which route could be used for grain transport. This would be exchanging real expenditure for empty fame; it is not a good plan." The emperor then dropped the matter.
The Vice Director of the Chancellery and Co-Head of the Department of State Affairs, Cui Gong, was dismissed and appointed as Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs.
The Xiajiasi requested enfeoffment. Li Deyu memorialized, saying that friendly relations should be established with them, allowing them to lead their own troops to capture the culprits who killed the envoys and to punish the Heichezi. The emperor was worried that once a khan's title was granted, they would no longer observe the rites of a subject, and would follow the precedents of the Uighurs in demanding annual rewards and selling horses. He was hesitant. Li Deyu memorialized: "The Xiajiasi have already proclaimed themselves khan. Now, if we wish to use their strength, I fear we cannot begrudge them this title. The Uighurs had the merit of pacifying the An Lushan Rebellion, so they were given an annual reward of twenty thousand bolts of silk and were allowed market trade. The Xiajiasi have never performed meritorious service for the Central Plains; how dare they immediately demand gifts and bribes! If we fear they will not submit, we should make an agreement with them. They must proclaim themselves subjects like the Uighurs did, and only then will we carry out the enfeoffment. Moreover, we should discuss shared surnames to draw them close, making them observe the rites of descendants." The emperor followed his advice.
On the Gengyin day, the Taihe Princess returned to the capital. She was re-enfeoffed as the Grand Senior Princess Anding. An edict ordered the Chief Councilor to lead the hundred officials to welcome her in front of the Zhangjingsi Temple. When the princess reached the Guangshun Gate, she removed her ornate garments and took off her hairpins and earrings, apologizing for the crime of the Uighurs betraying imperial favor and the failure of the peace-through-marriage policy. The emperor sent a eunuch to comfort and instruct her, only then did the princess enter the palace. The six princesses, including Yang'an, did not come to comfort the Anding Princess, and each was punished by having their stipend goods and sealed silk deducted.
The Wei-Bo Circuit Military Commissioner, He Zhongshun, was granted the name He Hongjing.
In the third month, the Grand Master of the Imperial Stud, Zhao Fan, was appointed as the Pacification Commissioner for the Xiajiasi. The emperor ordered Li Deyu to draft the "Letter Bestowed upon the Xiajiasi Khan," instructing him: "In the twenty-first year of the Zhenguan reign, the former ruler of the Xiajiasi personally came to court and was granted the titles of General of the Left Guard Garrison and the Jiankun Protector. Until the Tianbao era, their tribute missions were uninterrupted. Recently, they were obstructed by the Uighurs. The Uighurs bullied and mistreated all the barbarian states. That the khan could avenge this wrong is a great achievement and a noble feat, unmatched in recent times. Now, the remnants of the Uighur army number less than a thousand, scattered and fleeing into the mountains and valleys. Since the khan bears a grudge against them, he must completely annihilate them. If any residual force is left, it will surely create future troubles. I have also heard that the origin of the khan's surname is the same as my clan. Our state succeeds from the Administrator of Beiping (Li Guang), while the khan is a descendant of the Colonel (Li Ling). Considering this to unite our lineage, the hierarchical position can be known. Now, I wish to enfeoff the khan and specially bestow upon him a fine title. However, not knowing the khan's intentions, I am temporarily sending an envoy to convey my feelings. When Zhao Fan returns, I will dispatch another envoy to perform the ceremonial rites." From the time the Uighurs arrived at the frontier and the Xiajiasi paid tribute, whenever there were edicts and imperial commands, the emperor mostly ordered Li Deyu to draft them. Li Deyu requested that this be entrusted to the Hanlin Academicians. The emperor said: "The Academicians cannot fully capture my intent; you must write them yourself."
Liu Mian memorialized: "Over three thousand soldiers of the Guiyi Army Uighurs, along with forty-three chieftains, were ordered by edict to be distributed among the various circuits. They all shouted loudly, linked their camps, and entrenched themselves along the Hutuo River, refusing to obey orders. They have all been executed. The Uighurs who surrendered to Youzhou, over thirty thousand in number, have all been dispersed and assigned to the various circuits." Li Deyu, in a retrospective discussion of the matter of Weizhou and Xidamou, said: "Weizhou occupies a high mountain peak, with rivers on three sides. It is the strategic key to the flatlands of the barbarians and the route for Han forces to march out. Initially, when the He and Long regions were entirely lost, only this prefecture survived. The Tubo secretly married a woman to the gatekeeper of this prefecture. After twenty years, her two sons grew up, secretly opened the city gates, and led troops in during the night. Thus the prefecture was taken and called Wuyou Cheng (City of No Worry). From then on, Tubo could concentrate their forces on the western border and no longer worried about the southern route. They invaded and pressed close to the imperial suburbs, causing successive emperors to dine late. During the Zhenyuan era, Wei Gao wanted to manage the He and Huang regions, and he had to start with this city. He mobilized all his elite troops and fiercely attacked for several years. Although he captured Lunmangre and returned, the city walls were strong and ultimately could not be taken. When I first arrived in Western Shu, I outwardly proclaimed the might of the state, and internally rectified border defenses. The people of Weizhou were familiar with my trustworthy commands and surrendered the entire city. When I first accepted their surrender, the Southern Barbarians were shocked and awed. The eight states west of the mountains all wished to submit. As for Tubo's cities like Heshui and Qiji, since they had lost their strategic advantage, they naturally had to withdraw their troops. This could reduce the garrisons of eight towns and regain over a thousand li of old territory. Moreover, the year before Weizhou surrendered, Tubo had still besieged Luzhou—how did they care about the treaty! At the time I accepted the surrender, I pointed to heaven and swore an oath. I personally promised to memorialize the court and reward them all accordingly. At that time, those who did not agree with me, looking at the situation out of jealousy, issued an edict ordering me to arrest Xidamou and his men and have them killed. How could I bear to use the lives of over three hundred people to abandon trust and seek temporary safety! I memorialized multiple times, pleading for mercy and forgiveness. But the imperial reply was stern and urgent, ultimately ordering me to send them back. They were bound with three types of fetters and carried in bamboo baskets. When they were about to depart, they cried out in grievance with a moaning sound. The generals and officials facing me were all in tears. Those who escorted them were also mocked and ridiculed by the barbarian chieftain, who said, 'Since they have already surrendered to us, why send them here?' He then had these surrendered people executed on the Han border, indulging in cruel atrocities to solidify the wavering hearts, even throwing their infants into the air and catching them on spear points. This cut off the path of loyal submission and gratified the violent feelings. Since ancient times, there has been nothing like this. Although twelve years have passed, the cycle of fate belongs to a thousand years. I request that we remember and reward their loyal souls, each being posthumously honored and granted a title!" An edict was issued to posthumously appoint Xidamou as General of the Right Guard.
Sima Guang commented: "Those who debate are mostly perplexed about whether to accept or reject Wei Zhou, unable to decide between the right and wrong of Niu Sengru and Li Deyu. I consider that in ancient times, Xun Wu besieged the city of Gu, and someone from Gu requested to surrender the city in rebellion. Xun Wu did not permit it, saying: 'If someone rebels by surrendering our city, that is something we deeply detest; if others surrender a city to us, why should I be pleased! I cannot draw close to treachery merely because I desire to gain a city.' He then had the people of Gu kill the rebel and repair the defensive equipment. At that time, the Tang dynasty had just made peace with Tubo and accepted their city of Wei Zhou. From the perspective of benefit, Wei Zhou was important, but trustworthiness was more important; from the perspective of harm, the matter of Wei Zhou was slow-moving, while the situation in Guanzhong was urgent. So for those planning for the Tang dynasty, what should be given priority? Xitanmou, from the Tang perspective, was someone yearning for civilization; from the Tubo perspective, he was inevitably a rebellious subject. What pity is there in his execution! Moreover, what Li Deyu spoke of was profit, while what Niu Sengru spoke of was righteousness. Even a common man would be ashamed to pursue profit and lose righteousness—how much more so for the Son of Heaven! It is like a neighbor’s ox straying into one’s own home; someone advises the elder brother to return it, while another advises the younger brother to seize it. The one urging return says: 'Seizing it is unjust and will lead to a lawsuit.' The one urging seizure says: 'He once seized our sheep; why be rigid about righteousness! An ox is a large animal; selling it can make one wealthy.' From this perspective, the right and wrong of Niu Sengru and Li Deyu can be clearly seen."
In summer, the fourth month, on the day Xinsi, Li Deyu requested to retire to a leisurely post. The Emperor said: "Every time you resign your office, it leaves me unable to handle court affairs for ten days. Now major matters are still unfinished—how can you seek to leave!"
Initially, the Zhaoyi military governor Liu Congjian had repeatedly submitted memorials exposing the crimes of Qiu Shiliang, and Qiu Shiliang also said that Liu Congjian was coveting the court. By the time the Emperor ascended the throne, Liu Congjian had a horse nine feet tall, which he presented to the Emperor, but the Emperor did not accept it. Liu Congjian believed Qiu Shiliang was obstructing him, and in anger killed the horse. From then on, mutual suspicion and resentment grew between them. He then recruited fugitives, repaired weapons, and neighboring circuits all secretly guarded against him. Liu Congjian monopolized horse trading and merchant travel, earning fifty thousand strings of cash annually, and also earned tens of thousands from selling iron and boiling salt. Major merchants were all granted the position of yajiang, allowing them to establish good relations with various circuits and engage in trade through this. Relying on Liu Congjian’s power, these merchants often bullied military and civil officials wherever they went, and all circuits detested them. Liu Congjian fell ill and said to his wife, Lady Pei: "I served the court with loyalty and uprightness, but the court did not understand my intentions, and none of the circuits supported me. After I die, if someone else comes to command this army, my family will be left without a livelihood!" He then conspired with his staff members Zhang Gu and Chen Yangting to emulate the Hebei towns, appointing his younger brother Liu Congsu’s son, Liu Zhen, as Yanei Commander of the Capital Cavalry and Infantry, his nephew Liu Kuangzhou as Commander of the Central Army, Kongmuguan Wang Xie as Yaya Commander of the Personal Guard, and the slave Li Shigui as Commander of the Ten Generals of the Headquarters, with Liu Shouyi, Liu Chenzhong, Dong Kewu, and Cui Xuandu each commanding the yabing. Zhang Gu was from Yunzhou; Chen Yangting was from Hongzhou. Liu Congjian soon died, and Liu Zhen kept the death secret. Wang Xie plotted for Liu Zhen, saying: "We should follow the precedent of the Baoli era; within a hundred days, the ceremonial banner will naturally arrive. We only need to serve the eunuch supervisor strictly, richly reward the imperial envoys, ensure no troops are dispatched from the four borders, and secretly prepare within the city." He sent yajiang Jiang Yin to submit a memorial requesting an imperial physician, and the Emperor sent the inner attendant Xie Chaozheng with a doctor to inquire about the illness. Liu Zhen also pressured the eunuch supervisor Cui Shikang to submit a memorial claiming Liu Congjian was ill and requesting that his son Liu Zhen be appointed acting governor. The Emperor sent the attendant-in-waiting Xue Shigan to convey the decree, saying: "I fear Liu Congjian’s illness may not yet be healed; he should temporarily go to the Eastern Capital for treatment. When he improves somewhat, there will be another appointment. Also, order Liu Zhen to come to court, and he will certainly be given high office and rank."
The Emperor discussed the Ze-Lu matter with the chancellors. Most chancellors believed: "The remnants of the Uighurs have not yet been eliminated, and the border still requires vigilant defense. If we also attack Ze-Lu, the state’s financial resources will be difficult to sustain. We request that Liu Zhen be allowed to temporarily manage the military affairs." The remonstrance officials and various courtiers who submitted opinions also said this. Only Li Deyu alone said: "The situation in Ze-Lu differs from the three towns of Hebei. Hebei has long been accustomed to rebellion, and people’s hearts are hard to educate. Therefore, successive dynasties have placed it outside consideration. Ze-Lu is located near the heartland, and this army has always been known for loyalty and righteousness; it once repelled Zhu Tao and captured Lu Congshi. Previously, many Confucian officials were used as commanders. When Li Baozhen established this army, Emperor Dezong still did not permit hereditary succession and had Li Jian escort the coffin back to the Eastern Capital. Emperor Jingzong did not care for state affairs, and the chancellors lacked long-term strategy. After Liu Wu died, due to precedent, Liu Congjian was appointed. Liu Congjian was arrogant and difficult to control, repeatedly submitting memorials to coerce the court. Now, on the verge of death, he has arbitrarily handed over military power to his young son. If the court again grants it to him, then which of the four quarters’ towns would not want to imitate his actions? The Emperor’s authority and orders would be impossible to enforce!" The Emperor said: "How do you plan to subdue him? Can it really succeed?" Li Deyu replied: "What Liu Zhen relies on are the three towns of Hebei. As long as Zhen and Wei do not cooperate with him, Liu Zhen will be powerless. If we send a high-ranking minister to inform Wang Yuankui and He Hongjing, telling them that since the time of hardship, successive wise rulers have permitted hereditary succession in Hebei, which has become a precedent, different from Ze-Lu. Now the court will use military force against Ze-Lu and does not wish to dispatch the Imperial Guard to Shandong again. The three prefectures in Shandong under Zhaoyi’s jurisdiction will be entrusted to the two towns to attack. At the same time, proclaim to the soldiers and officers that after the rebels are pacified, generous rewards and promotions will be given. If the two towns obey orders and do not obstruct the imperial army from the side, then Liu Zhen will certainly be captured!" The Emperor said happily: "My opinion coincides with yours; I guarantee there will be no regret." He then firmly decided to attack Liu Zhen, and the opinions of those who spoke were no longer adopted. The Emperor ordered Li Deyu to draft an edict to be bestowed upon Chengde military governor Wang Yuankui and Weibo military governor He Hongjing, the gist of which said: "The Ze-Lu town is different from your situations. Do not plan for your descendants by wanting to maintain a relationship of mutual support. As long as you can display achievements, blessings will naturally reach future generations." On the day Dingchou, the Emperor held court and praised these words as hitting the mark, saying: "It should be told to them so directly!" He also bestowed an edict on Zhang Zhongwu, saying: "The Uighur remnants have not been eliminated, and there is much worry on the frontier; I specially entrust you with resisting foreign aggression." Wang Yuankui and He Hongjing, upon receiving the edict, complied in fear.
Xie Chaozheng arrived at Shangdang. Liu Zhen met him and said: "The chief minister is critically ill and cannot receive the edict while prostrating." Xie Chaozheng wanted to force his way in, but the military commanders Liu Wude and Dong Kewu stood behind the curtain, and Xie Chaozheng, fearing some unforeseen incident, quickly withdrew. Liu Zhen gave him gifts worth several thousand strings of cash and also sent yajiang Liang Shuwen to court to express thanks. Xue Shigan entered the region and did not inquire at all about Liu Congjian’s illness, directly revealing that he knew of his death. The commander-in-chief Guo Yi and others then mobilized a large force to greet the imperial envoy at Longquan Station, requesting the adoption of the Hebei precedent. They also went to see the eunuch supervisor to state their case. Cui Shikang was weak and timid and dared not oppose. Thus, the officers and officials supported Liu Zhen to appear before the soldiers and announce the funeral. Xue Shigan ultimately could not enter the headquarters gate, and Liu Zhen also did not accept the imperial decree. Guo Yi was from Yanzhou. Xie Chaozheng returned to court to report, and the Emperor, angered, had him caned and exiled to Gongling. Jiang Yin and Liang Shuwen were imprisoned. On the day Xinsi, the court finally ceased audience for Liu Congjian, posthumously appointed him Grand Tutor, and issued an edict ordering Liu Zhen to escort the coffin back to the Eastern Capital. He also summoned Liu Congsu and had him write a letter to instruct Liu Zhen, but Liu Zhen did not comply. On the day Dinghai, the Zhongwu military governor Wang Maoyuan was appointed Heyang military governor, and the Bin’ning military governor Wang Zai was appointed Zhongwu military governor. Wang Maoyuan was the son of Wang Qiyao; Wang Zai was the son of Wang Zhixing.
Huangzhou Prefect Du Mu submitted a memorial to Li Deyu, stating: "I once asked Dong Zhongzhi, a general of Huaixi, why the three prefectures could not be conquered in four years. Dong Zhongzhi believed it was because the imperial court recruited too many miscellaneous troops. The guest troops were few in number, and since they could not form an army of their own, circumstances forced them to rely on the local troops. They were weak and divided in purpose, which mostly led to defeat. Thus, in the first two years, every battle was won, and mostly the guest troops were killed or wounded. After two years, when the guest troops were reduced, they fought only against the full armies of Chenxu and Heyang. Even if the Tangzhou troops could not take the city by surprise, the resources of Caizhou could not hold out. At that time, if the court had ordered Ezhou, Shouzhou, and Tangzhou only to defend their borders without attacking, and had used only the full armies of the two circuits of Chenxu and Zhengwei, together with the crossbowmen of Xuan and Run, to hold the passes, then within a year, Caizhou would have been no more. Now the rebellion in Shangdang is different from that in Huaixi. Huaixi had been rebellious for nearly fifty years. The people had tasted the sweetness of rebellion and seen its benefits, and their customs had become deeply entrenched. Their momentum was already established, and they believed that no army under heaven could match them. Their roots were deep and their sources wide, so attacking them was naturally difficult. But Shangdang is not like this. Since An Lushan and Shi Siming marched south, it did not readily submit; after the Jianzhong era, it repeatedly rose up in loyalty and righteousness. Thus, Duke Ni, Li Baozhen, was able to trap Tian Yue and repel Zhu Tao, often using isolated, impoverished, and cold-weary troops to block the strong and violent forces of Hebei. This proves that the people's hearts are loyal and red, and their habits are steadfast—this can be fully seen. When Liu Wu died, Liu Congjian sought to succeed him, and those who cooperated with him were only the two thousand Zhongjun troops that came with him from Yunzhou. It happened that the Baoli era was full of troubles, so the position was granted to him. Now, only twenty-odd years have passed, and the customs have not changed. The old veterans are still alive. Even if they wanted to be coerced, they would certainly not obey. Now, though Chengde and Weibo have exerted their utmost loyalty and obedience, they can only besiege a city, attack a fort, and capture the old and young. If we order Heyang to build fortifications with ten thousand men, block the Tianjing Pass, and set up high walls and deep moats without engaging in battle, and only use the two armies of Zhongwu and Wuning, plus five thousand elite troops from Qingzhou and two thousand crossbowmen from Xuan and Run, to strike directly at Shangdang, within a few months, we will certainly destroy their lair!" At that time, Li Deyu was planning the campaign against Zelu and largely adopted Du Mu's words.
Although the emperor outwardly honored and favored Qiu Shiliang, he inwardly resented him. Qiu Shiliang was somewhat aware of this, so he requested a sinecure on the grounds of old age and illness. An edict was issued appointing him Left Guard General-in-Chief and concurrently Commissioner of the Inner Palace Service, in charge of the office.
Li Deyu said to the emperor: "Those who discuss the matter all say that Liu Wu had merit, and Liu Zhen should not be hastily executed, but rather favor and courtesy should be preserved. Please order the to deliberate, to exhaust human feelings." The emperor said: "What merit did Liu Wu have? At that time, he was merely driven by the need to save his own life; it was not his original intention to serve the state. Even if he had merit, he and his son have been generals and chancellors for over twenty years, and the state has repaid them enough. How can Liu Zhen again speak for himself! I think that where there is merit, there should be manifest reward; where there is crime, it cannot be casually pardoned." Li Deyu said: "Your Majesty's words truly grasp the essentials of governance."
In the fifth month, Li Deyu said that Li Zongmin, Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent and residing in the Eastern Capital, had associated with Liu Congjian and should not be placed in Luoyang. On the Wuxu day, Li Zongmin was appointed Prefect of Huzhou.
Hedong Circuit Military Commissioner Wang Maoyuan led three thousand cavalry and infantry to guard Wanshan; Hedong Circuit Military Commissioner Liu He led two thousand cavalry and infantry to guard Mangche Pass, with fifteen hundred infantry stationed at Yushe; Chengde Circuit Military Commissioner Wang Yuankui led three thousand cavalry and infantry to guard Linming, raiding Yao Mountain; Hezhong Circuit Military Commissioner Chen Yixing led one thousand cavalry and infantry to guard Yicheng, with five hundred infantry reinforcing Jishi. On the Xinchou day, an edict was issued stripping Liu Congjian and his son Liu Zhen of their official ranks, appointing Wang Yuankui as Zelu Northern Circuit Pacification Commissioner, He Hongjing as Southern Circuit Pacification Commissioner, to join Chen Yixing, Liu He, and Wang Maoyuan in a joint attack. Previously, when a self-proclaimed ruler arose among the northern garrisons, the court would invariably first send a mourning envoy, then a posthumous title and gift envoy, and a pacification envoy in succession to discuss military matters. If it was truly impossible to grant the commandery seal, another office would be given; only after the army refused to obey orders would military action be taken. Thus, half a year often passed, allowing the garrison to fully prepare for defense. At this time, the chief ministers also wanted to temporarily send envoys to instruct and explain, but the emperor immediately issued an edict for a punitive campaign. On the day Wang Yuankui received the edict, he dispatched his troops to station at Zhaozhou.
On the Renyin day, Hanlin Academy Director-in-Chief Cui Xuan was appointed Vice Director of the Chancellery and Grand Councilor. Cui Xuan was the son of Cui Yuanlue. The emperor summoned Academician Wei Cong at night, gave him Cui Xuan's name, and had him draft the edict. Neither the chief ministers nor the Privy Council knew of this. At that time, the Privy Councilors Liu Xingshen and Yang Qinyi were both cautious and honest, not daring to interfere in government affairs. The old eunuchs scolded them, saying: "This is because Liu and Yang are weak and timid, corrupting the old customs." Wei Cong was the son of Wei Qiandu.
Wu Ning Circuit Military Commissioner Li Yanzuo was appointed Jinjiang Circuit Army Commissioner for the March. Liu He returned from Daizhou to Taiyuan.
The Wangxian Terrace was built in the palace.
In the sixth month, Wang Maoyuan dispatched Horse Troop Commander Ma Ji and others to lead two thousand cavalry and infantry to station at Kedou Store south of Tianjing Pass. Liu Zhen dispatched Inner General of the Headquarters Xue Maoqing to lead two thousand of his personal troops to oppose them.
The Khagan of the Xiajiasi sent General Wenwuhe to court to present tribute. The emperor gave him a letter, informing him that the Uighurs and Heichezi would be quickly pacified, and then an envoy would be sent to confer a title.
On the Guiyou day, Qiu Shiliang retired as Left Guard General-in-Chief and Commissioner of the Inner Palace Service. His faction saw him off to his private residence. Qiu Shiliang taught them the method of consolidating power and favor, saying: "Do not allow the Son of Heaven to have leisure. Constantly entertain his eyes and ears with extravagant and wasteful things, making him feel novelty and grandeur every day and month, so that he has no time to attend to other matters. Then we can realize our desires. Never let him read books or approach Confucian scholars. If he sees the history of the rise and fall of previous dynasties, and his heart knows worry and fear, then we will be alienated and expelled." His faction bowed and left.
On the Bingzi day, an edict was issued ordering Wang Yuankui, Li Yanzuo, Liu He, Wang Maoyuan, and He Hongjing to advance together with five armies in mid-July. Any request for surrender from Liu Zhen was to be rejected. Another edict ordered Liu He to personally lead his army to seize the road at Yangche Pass, pressing close to the bandit's territory.
Shang Bibi, the Military Commissioner of Shanzhou in Tubo, had served as a grand councilor for generations in Tubo. Bibi was fond of reading and was unwilling to hold office, and was respected by all in the country. When he was over forty, the Tsangtsen Tsampo forced him into service and had him garrison Shanzhou. Bibi was generous, steady, brave, and resourceful, and the soldiers he trained were mostly elite and valiant. Although Lun Kongre raised the banner of a righteous army, he was actually plotting to usurp the state. He was wary of Bibi, fearing that he would attack his rear, and wanted to eliminate him first. This month, he launched a major campaign against Bibi, with banners and livestock stretching endlessly for a thousand li. When they reached Zhenxi, a great wind arose, with thunder and lightning. Heavenly fire killed over ten junior generals and hundreds of livestock. Kongre found this ominous and hesitated to advance. Bibi said to his subordinates: "Kongre's coming here this time regards us as ants, thinking we are not worth slaughtering. Now he has encountered a heavenly calamity and hesitates to advance. I might as well go forward and submit to make him retreat, so that his ambition becomes more arrogant and he neglects his defenses. Then we can plot against him." So he sent an envoy with gold, silk, cattle, and wine to feast his army, and also sent a letter saying: "Your Excellency raised a righteous army to rescue the state from difficulty. Within the entire territory, who has not heard of this and submitted! If you dispatch an envoy and give me a letter, how would I dare not follow your orders! Why must you trouble yourself to lead a multitude and personally condescend to visit my humble garrison! Bibi is by nature dull and stubborn, and only loves reading. The former Tsampo bestowed upon me the post of garrison commander, which was indeed an inappropriate appointment. Day and night I am ashamed and fearful, only seeking to retire and return to the fields. If Your Excellency grants me the remnants of my years and allows me to return to my garden, that would fulfill my lifelong wish." Kongre was very pleased upon receiving the letter. He showed it to all his generals and said: "Bibi only knows how to hold books; how could he understand military affairs! When I obtain the state, I should give him the position of grand councilor. Let him sit at home; he is of no use anyway." Then he wrote a reply, warmly and earnestly responding, and then led his army back. When Bibi heard this, he slapped his thigh and laughed, saying: "If our state has no ruler, I will submit to the Great Tang. How could I serve this kind of dog and rat!"
In autumn, the seventh month, Lu Jun, the military governor of Shannan East Circuit, was appointed as the Pacification Commissioner for Zhaoyi. Because Lu Jun had been lenient, benevolent, and achieved good governance in Xiangyang, winning the hearts of the people, the court assigned him to lead Zhaoyi to pacify it.
The emperor dispatched Li Hui, Vice Minister of Justice and concurrent Censor-in-Chief, to proclaim imperial grace and pacify the three garrisons of Hebei, ordering Youzhou to pacify the Huigu early in autumn, and Zhenzhou and Weizhou to pacify Ze and Lu early. Li Hui was the eighth-generation descendant of Emperor Taizu. On the day Jiachen, Li Deyu said to the emperor, "I observe that in past campaigns in the Hebei region, various circuits' armies coveted provisions supplied by the court’s fiscal commission once they crossed their borders. Some secretly colluded with the rebels, grabbing a single county or stockade, claiming merit for themselves, and idly consuming transported supplies, thereby delaying time. Now I request to issue commands to the armies, ordering Wang Yuankui to take Xingzhou, He Hongjing to take Mingzhou, Wang Maoyuan to take Zezhou, and Li Yanzuo and Liu Mian to take Luzhou, without seizing county towns." The emperor followed his advice.
After Li Yanzuo, the military governor of the Jin-Jiang March, departed from Xuzhou, he marched extremely slowly, and further requested to rest his army in Jiangzhou while also asking for reinforcements. Li Deyu said to the emperor, "Li Yanzuo is lingering and watching, with no intention whatsoever to campaign against the rebels. None of his requests should be granted; an imperial edict should be issued to sternly reprimand him, ordering him to advance to Yicheng." The emperor complied. Li Deyu then requested to appoint Shi Xiong, the Defense Commissioner of Tiande, as Li Yanzuo’s deputy, and once Shi Xiong reached the army, to have him replace Li Yanzuo. On the day Yisi, Shi Xiong was appointed as the Deputy Military Governor of the Jin-Jiang March, and an edict ordered Li Yanzuo to advance and station at Yicheng.
Liu Zhen submitted a memorial pleading his case: "My late father, Liu Congjian, once cleared Li Xun’s grievances and exposed the crimes of Qiu Shiliang; thus, he was resented by powerful favored ministers, who said my father harbored treacherous intentions. I therefore dare not lead my entire clan to submit to the court. I humbly beg Your Majesty to grant a little leniency and careful examination, so that my domain may survive!" He Hongjing also submitted a memorial on his behalf, but neither received a reply. When Li Hui reached Hebei, He Hongjing, Wang Yuankui, and Zhang Zhongwu all prepared bow-and-arrow cases to greet him in the outskirts, standing on the left side of the road, not daring to have anyone lead their horses, letting the court envoy go first. Such had not been seen since the outbreak of hostilities. Li Hui was clear-minded, eloquent, and bold; none of the three garrisons failed to follow his decrees.
Wang Yuankui reported capturing Xuanwu Stockade and attacking Yaoshan. Liu Zhen sent troops to rescue Yaoshan, but Wang Yuankui defeated them. The emperor issued an edict sternly reprimanding Li Yanzuo, Liu Mian, and Wang Maoyuan, ordering them to advance rapidly and press close to the rebels’ territory, and also praised Wang Yuankui’s military achievements to encourage them, bestowing upon Wang Yuankui the title of Tongping Zhangshi.
In autumn, the eighth month, on the day Yichou, Li Pi, a senior general of Zhaoyi, came to surrender. Some in the discussions said this was a deliberate ploy by the rebels, sending Li Pi to surrender in order to confuse and disrupt the government army. Li Deyu said to the emperor, "Since the start of the campaign half a year ago, no one has surrendered. Now why ask whether he is genuine or feigned? Moreover, he should be generously rewarded to encourage those who come later, only he should not be placed in an important position."
The emperor said casually, "Emperor Wenzong liked to listen to outside opinions, but most remonstrating officials did not sign their names when discussing matters, like anonymous letters." Li Deyu said, "When I previously served in the Secretariat, Emperor Wenzong was not like this. It was Li Xun and Zheng Zhu who taught Emperor Wenzong to use manipulation to control his subordinates, thus creating this atmosphere. A ruler should only employ talent with an open heart; for those who deceive and conceal, use strict punishment to deter them—who would dare to do so then!" The emperor considered this correct.
Wang Yuankui’s vanguard had entered Xingzhou territory for over a month, but He Hongjing had yet to dispatch troops. Wang Yuankui repeatedly submitted secret memorials, claiming He Hongjing harbored duplicity. On the day Dingmao, Li Deyu memorialized, "The Zhongwu Army has fought many battles with merit, and its military might is very strong. Wang Zai is in his prime, and his strategies are commendable. I request to issue an edict to He Hongjing, saying, 'Heyang and Hedong are both obstructed by mountain passes and cannot advance. The rebels have repeatedly sent troops to burn and pillage Jin and Jiang prefectures. Now I am sending Wang Zai to lead the entire Zhongwu Army directly through Weibo, straight to Mizhou, to disperse the rebels’ forces.' He Hongjing will surely be frightened—this is the tactic of attacking the mind and undermining strategy." The emperor followed this. An edict ordered Wang Zai to select all elite infantry and cavalry troops and proceed from Xiangzhou and Weizhou to Mizhou. On the day Jiaxu, Xue Maoqing breached Kedou Stockade, captured Heyang senior general Ma Ji and others, and burned and plundered seventeen small stockades, reaching only about ten li from Huaizhou. Because Xue Maoqing lacked Liu Zhen’s orders, he dared not enter the city. At that time, discussions were rife, with some arguing that Liu Wu had merit and his lineage should not be cut off. Others said that Liu Congjian had raised 100,000 elite troops and had enough provisions for ten years—how could he be defeated! The emperor was also doubtful about this and asked Li Deyu about it. Li Deyu replied, "Small advances and retreats are common in military affairs. I hope Your Majesty will not heed outside talk; then success will certainly be assured!" The emperor then said to the grand councilors, "Tell the court officials for me: If anyone submits memorials that obstruct discussions, I will surely behead them on the rebels’ border!" The discussants then stopped. When He Hongjing heard that Wang Zai was about to arrive, he feared that the Zhongwu Army entering Weibo territory would cause unrest in his army, so he hastily dispatched troops. On the day Bingzi, He Hongjing memorialized that he had personally led his entire army across the Zhang River and was heading to Mizhou.
On the day Gengchen, Li Deyu memorialized, "Heyang’s military strength is weak. Since the defeat at Kedou Store, the rebels’ momentum has grown even more arrogant. Wang Maoyuan is also ill, and the army’s morale is shaken and fearful, wanting to retreat and defend Huaizhou. I have privately observed that since the Yuanhe era, various rebels have always targeted the weak points of the government army, concentrating their forces to attack. When one army cannot hold, they then turn to attack elsewhere. Now Weibo has not yet engaged the rebels, and the western army is blocked by difficult terrain and cannot advance, so the rebels can concentrate their forces to the south. If Heyang withdraws, it will not only damage the army’s prestige but also likely alarm the garrison at Luoyang. I hope to issue an edict ordering Wang Zai not to go to Mizhou, but to immediately lead the Zhongwu Army to support Heyang. This will not only shield the Eastern Capital but also control Weibo nearby. If there is concern about supplying the entire army, first send a vanguard of 5,000 troops to Heyang, which will be enough to bolster the momentum." On the day Jiashen, Li Deyu further memorialized, requesting that Wang Zai be ordered to advance with his entire army, and also urgently allocate equipment and silk to relieve Heyang’s shortages. The emperor followed all his advice. Wang Maoyuan stationed his army at Wanshan. Liu Zhen sent his staff general Zhang Ju and Liu Gongzhi and others to join Xue Maoqing in attacking him, agreeing to surround Wanshan on the first day of the ninth month. On the day Yiyou, Liu Gongzhi and others led their troops secretly ahead, passing five li south of Wanshan, and burned Yongdian. Zhang Ju led his troops behind; when passing Wanshan, scouts reported that the city’s defenses were weak. Wanting to claim sole merit, he launched an attack. By sunset, the city was about to fall, and Zhang Ju then sent a man to report to Liu Gongzhi and the others. Just then, the Yicheng Army happened to arrive. Wang Maoyuan was in dire straits and wanted to abandon the city and flee with his troops. The Commandant of Metropolitan Prefect, Meng Zhang, blocked his horse and remonstrated, "The rebels have their own advances and retreats; half are at Yongdian, half are here—they are merely disorderly soldiers. Now the Yicheng Army has just arrived and has not yet eaten. If they hear that the Censor-in-Chief has fled, they will scatter on their own. I hope you will reluctantly stay for a while!" Wang Maoyuan then stopped. Coinciding with nightfall, Liu Gongzhi and the others did not arrive. Zhang Ju withdrew his troops. As soon as they climbed the mountain, light rain fell, and it grew dark. The rebels frightened each other, shouting, "The pursuers are near!" and all fled. Men and horses trampled each other, and very many fell to their deaths off cliffs and into deep valleys.
The emperor considered it inappropriate for the two military governors, Wang Maoyuan and Wang Zai, to jointly camp at Heyang. On the day Gengyin, Li Deyu and others memorialized, "Wang Maoyuan is familiar with administrative affairs but lacks command talent. I request to appoint Wang Zai as the Heyang March Attack Commissioner. After Wang Maoyuan recovers from illness, let him only guard Heyang. If his illness worsens, it can also avoid other concerns." On the ninth month, day Xinmao, Wang Zai was appointed concurrently as the Heyang March Attack Commissioner.
He Hongjing submitted a memorial announcing the capture of Feixiang and Ping’en, inflicting heavy casualties on the rebel forces. He also seized a placard from Liu Zhen, which referred to the imperial troops as bandits and stated that they should be slaughtered mercilessly upon encounter. On the Guisi day, the Emperor said to the Chancellor: “Since He Hongjing has already captured two counties, earlier suspicions can be dispelled. Now that there have been casualties, even if he wanted to play both sides, it is no longer possible.” He then promoted He Hongjing to the post of Jianjiao Zuo Puye.
On the Bingwu day, Heyang reported that Wang Maoyuan had died. Li Deyu submitted a memorial: “Wang Zai should only be allowed to lead the troops of Wanshan Camp as the military governor of Zhongwu, and should not be concurrently appointed as the military governor of Heyang, lest he disregard the prefectures and counties of Heyang and cause arbitrary disruptions. Moreover, the military governor of Heyang originally concurrently held the post of Prefect of Huaizhou, often delegating affairs to a judge. The rent and taxes of five counties under Henan Prefecture were allocated to Heyang; it would be better to simply use these five counties to establish Mengzhou, and set up a separate prefect for Huaizhou. After Zhaoyi is pacified, Zezhou should then be assigned to Heyang’s jurisdiction. In that case, the strategic passes of Taihang would no longer be in Zhaoyi’s hands, Heyang would become a key stronghold, and the Eastern Capital would have no further worries!” The Emperor adopted his suggestion. On the Wushen day, Jing Xin, the Grand Administrator of Henan, was appointed as the military governor of Heyang and the surveillance commissioner of Huai and Meng. Wang Zai led the campaign army to confront the enemy, while Jing Xin was solely responsible for supplying provisions.
On the Gengxu day, Shi Xiong was appointed to replace Li Yanzuo as the military governor of the Jinjiang Campaign Circuit, and ordered to march from Jishi to capture Luzhou, while also deploying troops to garrison Yicheng to guard against enemy incursions.
In this month, the Tibetan Lun Kongre was encamped at Daxiachuan. Shang Bibi sent his generals Pang Jiexin and Mangluo Xuelu to lead fifty thousand elite troops to attack him. When they reached south of Hezhou, Mangluo Xuelu ambushed forty thousand soldiers in a strategic defile, while Pang Jiexin ambushed ten thousand in a willow grove. He sent a thousand cavalry to ascend the mountains and shoot arrows with letters attached, insulting Lun Kongre. Lun Kongre, enraged, led tens of thousands of troops in pursuit. Pang Jiexin feigned defeat, occasionally making his horses appear exhausted and unable to advance. Lun Kongre pursued more fiercely, unwittingly covering several dozen li, when suddenly the ambush troops sprang out, cutting off his retreat and attacking from front and rear. A strong wind arose, raising dust and sand, and the streams and valleys overflowed. Lun Kongre suffered a great defeat, with corpses stretching for fifty li, countless drowned, and Lun Kongre himself escaping on a single horse.
The day after Shi Xiong replaced Li Yanzuo, he led his troops across the Wuling Mountains, broke through five camps, and killed or captured thousands. At the time, Wang Zai was stationed at Wanshan, and Liu Mian at Shihui, both hesitating to advance. When the Emperor received Shi Xiong’s report of victory, he was greatly pleased. In winter, on the Gengshen day of the tenth month, the Emperor held court and said to the Chancellors: “Shi Xiong is truly a fine general!” Li Deyu then remarked: “Years ago, a man on the streets of Luzhou bent over and sang: ‘Shi Xiong and his seven thousand men have arrived!’ Liu Congjian considered it sorcery and had him killed. The one who will break Luzhou is certainly Shi Xiong.” The Emperor issued an edict to reward Shi Xiong with silk as a special honor. Shi Xiong placed all the silk at the camp gate, took one bolt for himself following the soldiers’ standard, and distributed the rest entirely to the officers and troops. Thus, the soldiers were all willing to die for him.
Earlier, when Liu Mian defeated the Uighurs and recovered the Taihe Princess, Zhang Zhongwu became jealous of him, and from then on, a rift developed between the two. The Emperor sent Li Hui to Youzhou to mediate, but Zhang Zhongwu remained resentful at heart. The court feared that personal grudges might lead to mishaps. On the Xinwei day, Liu Mian was transferred to be the military governor of Yicheng, and Li Shi, the former military governor of Jingnan, was appointed as the military governor of Hedong.
The Dangxiang invaded Yanzhou. The court appointed Li Yanzuo, the former military governor of Wuning, as the military governor of Shuofang and Lingshan. In the eleventh month, Bin’ning reported that the Dangxiang had invaded. Li Deyu submitted a memorial: “The Dangxiang are becoming increasingly rampant and cannot be left unmanaged. I have heard that the Dangxiang are separately attached to various garrisons; when they plunder here, they flee there. The military governors each covet their camels and horses and do not capture and hand them over, so there is no way to stop them. I have repeatedly memorialized that it would be better to have one garrison oversee them all. Your Majesty believed that a single garrison’s exclusive control over the Dangxiang would give it too much power. I now request that a Prince be appointed to concurrently oversee all circuits, and that a clean and capable court official be chosen as his deputy, stationed in Xiazhou to handle litigation matters. This might be more appropriate.” Consequently, Prince Qi, Li Qi, was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Ling, Xia, and other six circuits and as the grand commissioner for pacifying the Dangxiang. The Censor-in-Chief Li Hui was appointed as the deputy commissioner for pacifying the Dangxiang, and the Historiography Academy editor Zheng Ya was appointed as the commander’s administrative assistant. They were sent with imperial edicts to pacify the Dangxiang and the people of the six garrisons.
The Annan Military Commissioner Wu Hun conscripted soldiers to build city walls. The soldiers mutinied, burned down the city towers, and looted the granaries. Wu Hun fled to Guangzhou. The military supervisor Duan Shize calmed the mutineers.
The Zhongwu army had long been renowned for its elite bravery, and Wang Zai governed his troops strictly. The people of Zhaoyi greatly feared him. Xue Maoqing, because of his merit in capturing Kedou Stockade, hoped for a promotion beyond the ordinary. Someone said to Liu Zhen: “What the provisional governor seeks is merely the military governor’s banner and seal. Xue Maoqing has advanced too deeply, killed many imperial troops, and angered the court. This is why the banner and seal come more slowly.” Consequently, Xue Maoqing received no reward. Harboring resentment, Xue Maoqing secretly communicated with Wang Zai and made plans. On the Dingsi day of the eleventh month, Wang Zai led his troops to attack Tianjing Pass. Xue Maoqing put up a brief resistance, then hastily withdrew his troops. Wang Zai thus captured Tianjing Pass and garrisoned it. The camps east and west of the pass, hearing that Xue Maoqing had not held his position, all withdrew. Wang Zai then burned Dajia Village and Xiaojia Village. Xue Maoqing entered Zezhou and secretly sent spies to summon Wang Zai to attack Zezhou, promising to act as an inside agent. Wang Zai was suspicious and dared not advance. He missed the agreed time and did not arrive, leaving Xue Maoqing to beat his chest and stamp his feet in frustration. Liu Zhen learned of this, lured Xue Maoqing to Luzhou, killed him, and exterminated his entire clan. He appointed the military commissioner Liu Gongzhi to replace Xue Maoqing, An Quanqing to guard Wuling, Li Zuoyao to guard Diaohuangling, Guo Liao to guard Shihui, and Kang Liangquan to guard Wuxiang. Guo Liao was the nephew of Guo Yi. On the Wuchen day, Wang Zai attacked Zezhou. He engaged Liu Gongzhi in battle and was defeated. Liu Gongzhi, taking advantage of the victory, recaptured Tianjing Pass. On the Jiaxu day, Wang Zai counterattacked Liu Gongzhi, inflicting a heavy defeat, then besieged Lingchuan and captured it. Hedong reported the capture of Shihui Pass.
Li Tian, the Prefect of Mingzhou, was Li Shi’s cousin. When Li Shi arrived at Taiyuan, Liu Zhen sent a military officer, Jia Qun, to Li Shi, delivering a letter from Li Tian. The letter stated: “Liu Zhen is willing to surrender his entire clan to the Honorable Minister and escort Liu Congjian’s coffin back to the Eastern Capital for burial.” Li Shi imprisoned Jia Qun and reported the letter to the court. Li Deyu submitted a memorial: “Now the imperial armies are encircling from all sides, and reports of victory come daily. The rebel forces are exhausted and desperate, so they pretend to sincerely surrender, hoping to delay our advance. Once they can barely hold their own, they will invade again. I request that an edict be issued ordering Li Shi to reply to Li Tian’s letter, saying: ‘I dared not report your previous letter to the court. If the young master truly repents and wishes to surrender his entire clan, binding his hands behind his back to await punishment at the border, then I, Li Shi, will personally go to receive the surrender and escort you to the capital. If he only pretends to be sincere, first requesting a ceasefire, and then hopes to clear his name, then I, Li Shi, absolutely dare not stake the lives of my entire family of a hundred members as a guarantee.’ At the same time, I request that an edict be issued to all circuits to take advantage of the division between the rebels and their subordinates, press the attack swiftly, and within ten days or half a month, internal turmoil will certainly occur.” The Emperor followed his advice. The Right Reminder Cui Zhe submitted a memorial requesting that Liu Zhen’s surrender be accepted. The Emperor was enraged and demoted Cui Zhe to the post of Magistrate of Dengcheng.
Initially, when Liu He defeated the Uighurs, he left three thousand soldiers to guard Hengshui Stockade. Wang Feng, the Chief Military Supervisor of the Hedong Field Headquarters, submitted a memorial requesting reinforcements for Yushe, and the emperor issued an edict ordering Hedong to send two thousand troops. At that time, Hedong had no troops available; even the warehouse keepers and craftsmen were conscripted into the army for the campaign. Li Shi assembled one thousand five hundred garrison soldiers from Hengshui, appointed General Yang Ben to lead them, and ordered them to proceed to Wang Feng's location. On the Renwu day, the garrison soldiers arrived at Taiyuan. Previously, when soldiers went on campaign, each was issued two bolts of silk. When Liu He departed, he took all the goods from the treasury with him. Li Shi had just arrived, and military supplies were scarce; he made up the shortfall with his own silk, but each soldier received only one bolt. By this time, it was the end of the year, and the soldiers requested to set out after the first day of the new year. The Army Supervisor Lü Yizhong repeatedly issued orders urging their departure. Yang Ben exploited the soldiers' anger, and knowing that the city was defenseless, he started a rebellion.
In the spring, on the Yiyou day of the first month, Yang Ben led his troops in plundering the city, killed Commander Liang Jiye, and Li Shi fled to Fenzhou. Yang Ben occupied the Military Governor's headquarters, released the imprisoned Jia Qun, and sent his own nephew together with Jia Qun to see Liu Zhen, pledging brotherhood. Liu Zhen was overjoyed. Yang Zhen, the defender of Shihui Pass, upon hearing of the rebellion in Taiyuan, again surrendered Shihui Pass to Liu Zhen.
On the Wuzi day, Lü Yizhong sent an envoy to report the situation, and the court was in an uproar. Some said that military operations in both Zelu and Taiyuan should be halted. Wang Zai further submitted a memorial stating: "A patrol commander has obtained a memorial from Liu Zhen. I recently sent someone to Zelu, and the rebels show signs of wanting to submit. If permission is granted to accept their surrender, I request that an edict be issued!" Li Deyu submitted a memorial saying: "Wang Zai accepted Liu Zhen's memorial without authorization and sent men into the rebel territory, yet he did not report it to the court. Judging by Wang Zai's intentions, it seems he wants to monopolize the credit for pacification. In the past, Han Xin defeated Tian Rong, and Li Jing captured Jieli; both took advantage of the moment when the enemy was begging for surrender to launch a secret attack. Now, we can only have Wang Zai lose credibility—how can we harm the court's majestic authority! Achieving a singular achievement lies precisely today; we must not miss this opportunity because of a minor disturbance in Taiyuan. I hope that an imperial envoy will be immediately dispatched to the field headquarters to urge him to advance, launch a surprise attack while they are unprepared, and it must be that Liu Zhen and all his generals come with their entire clans, their hands bound behind their backs, before surrender can be accepted. At the same time, send another imperial envoy to the Jinjiang Field Headquarters to secretly tell Shi Xiong that if Wang Zai accepts Liu Zhen's surrender, then Shi Xiong will have no merit to record. When the matter is on the verge of success, Shi Xiong must seize the singular achievement on his own and not miss this opportunity." He also wrote a letter on behalf of the Chancellor's office to Wang Zai, saying: "In the past, although Wang Chengzong defied orders, he still sent his younger brother Wang Chenggong with a memorial to Chancellor Zhang to plead for mercy, and also sent his sons Wang Zhigan and Wang Zhixin to court; Emperor Xianzong did not grant his request. Now, Liu Zhen does not come to the honorable minister in person with his hands bound to surrender, nor does he send his own blood relatives to plead for mercy, but instead places his memorials on the main road. If the patrol commander did not immediately destroy them, it seems inappropriate. Moreover, Liu Zhen has colluded with Yang Ben, his rebellious traces are so clear, yet the generals and high ministers tolerate and accept his deceit—this is to attribute private favor to subordinates while placing the responsibility for non-pardon on the court. From the perspective of principle, this is probably not feasible. From now on, if any further memorials appear, they should be burned on the spot. Only when he comes with his hands bound to surrender can he be accepted." Li Deyu further submitted a memorial saying: "The people of Taiyuan have always been loyal and obedient; it is only because of poverty and emptiness that rewards and provisions are insufficient. Moreover, what great deed can one thousand five hundred men accomplish! They must not be tolerated or indulged. Furthermore, since military operations have not ceased, I deeply fear that this might shake the resolve of people everywhere. Not long ago, Zhang Yanshang was driven out by Zhang Zhou, fled to Hanzhou, and later returned to Chengdu. I hope an edict will be issued ordering Li Shi and Lü Yizhong to return to the Taiyuan field headquarters, gather nearby troops, and suppress and eliminate the rebels." The emperor followed all his advice. At that time, Li Shi had already arrived at Jinzhou; the emperor issued an edict ordering him to return to Taiyuan. On the Xinmao day, an edict was issued ordering Wang Feng to keep all the Taiyuan troops at Yushe, lead one thousand cavalry from Yiding and three thousand infantry from Xuanwu and Yansihai to attack Yang Ben; and also ordered Wang Yuankui to lead five thousand infantry and cavalry through Tumen to support Wang Feng's army. Li Pi, the Prefect of Xinzhou, submitted a memorial saying: "Yang Ben sent someone to try to persuade me; I have already beheaded him, cut off his escape route northward, and am dispatching troops to attack him." On the Xinchou day, the emperor discussed the Taiyuan situation with the chancellors. Li Deyu said: "Now, the Taiyuan army is all outside; the rebels number only slightly over one thousand. It is certain that the various prefectures and garrisons will not respond. I expect they will be eliminated soon; we should only quickly issue an edict ordering Wang Feng to advance, and once he reaches the city, there will certainly be internal unrest." The emperor said: "Zhang Zhongwu, seeing that Zhenzhou and Weizhou have achieved merit in attacking Zelu, must be envious. What about sending him to attack Taiyuan?" Li Deyu replied: "The route from Zhenzhou to Taiyuan is the shortest and most convenient. Last year, when Zhang Zhongwu attacked the Uighurs, he contended for merit with Taiyuan; I fear he might not be able to restrain his soldiers, causing harm to the people." So the matter was dropped.
The emperor sent the Inner Commissioner Ma Yuanshi to Taiyuan to issue an imperial proclamation to the rebel soldiers and also to observe their strength. Yang Ben feasted with him for three days and bribed him. On the Wushen day, Ma Yuanshi returned from Taiyuan, and the emperor sent him to the chancellors to discuss. Ma Yuanshi said loudly before everyone: "Your Excellency the Chancellor must grant him the Military Governor's banner and tally as soon as possible!" Li Deyu said: "Why?" Ma Yuanshi said: "From the yamen gate to Liuzi, there are fifteen li of gleaming armor lined up; how can they be attacked!" Li Deyu said: "It was precisely because there were no troops in Taiyuan that Chancellor Li mobilized the Hengshui army to Yushe. The armor in the treasury is all at the field headquarters. How could Yang Ben suddenly gather so many troops?" Ma Yuanshi said: "The people of Taiyuan are strong and fierce; they can all serve as soldiers, and Yang Ben recruited them." Li Deyu said: "Recruiting requires funds. It was precisely because Chancellor Li was short by one bolt of silk per soldier and could not provide it that this rebellion occurred. Where did Yang Ben get the funds?" Ma Yuanshi was speechless. Li Deyu said: "Even if he has fifteen li of gleaming armor, this bandit must still be killed!" He then submitted a memorial saying: "Yang Ben is a petty bandit and absolutely cannot be forgiven. If the state's strength is insufficient, it would be better to let Liu Zhen go." The Hedong soldiers stationed at Yushe, hearing that the court had ordered troops from other regions to attack Taiyuan, feared that their wives and children would be slaughtered and annihilated by them, so they rallied around the Army Supervisor Lü Yizhong and attacked Taiyuan on their own. On the Renzi day, they captured Taiyuan, captured Yang Ben alive, and executed all the rebel soldiers.
In the third month, on the Jiayin day of the first month, there was a solar eclipse.
On the Yimao day, Lü Yizhong submitted a memorial reporting the capture of Taiyang. On the Bingchen day, Li Deyu said to the emperor: "Wang Zai should have captured Zezhou long ago; now it has been delayed for two months. This is probably because Wang Zai and Shi Xiong have never been on good terms. Now, if Zezhou is captured, it is still two hundred li from Shangdang; while Shi Xiong's garrison is only one hundred fifty li from Shangdang. Wang Zai fears that attacking Zezhou would tie down the main force of Zhaoyi, allowing Shi Xiong to take advantage of the weakness and enter Shangdang to claim sole credit. Furthermore, Wang Zai has a son named Wang Yanshi. His father Wang Zhixing loved him and took him as his own son. Wang Yanshi currently serves as the Prefect of Cizhou and is held hostage by Liu Zhen. Wang Zai is watching and hesitating to advance; perhaps this is the reason." The emperor ordered Li Deyu to draft an edict to Wang Zai, urging him to advance. It also said: "We consider that this petty bandit will ultimately not be pardoned from punishment. We also know that Wang Yanshi is your beloved younger brother; to uphold the great principle, it lies in restraining personal feelings."
On the Dingsi day, Li Shi was appointed as Junior Tutor of the Heir Apparent and assigned to the Eastern Capital. Cui Yuanshi, the Military Governor of Hezhong, was appointed as the Military Governor of Hedong, and Shi Xiong as the Military Governor of Hezhong. Cui Yuanshi was the younger brother of Cui Yuanlüe.
On the Yiwei day, Shi Xiong captured three stockades including Liangma and one fortress.
On the Xinyou day, Taiyuan presented Yang Ben and his fifty-four accomplices, all of whom were beheaded at Gouji Ridge.
On the renshen day, Li Deyu said to the emperor: "Matters sometimes succeed through provocation: Your Majesty ordered Wang Zai to march on Cizhou, and He Hongjing then sent out his troops; when external forces were dispatched to attack Taiyuan, the garrison soldiers captured Yang Bian first. Now Wang Zai has been lingering without advancing for a long time. I request that Liu He be transferred to guard Heyang, and still order him to lead two thousand elite soldiers from Yicheng straight to Wanshan, placing them at Wang Zai's elbow. If Wang Zai understands the court's intent, he will certainly not dare to delay. If Wang Zai advances, Liu He, commanding a heavy force to the south, will also create a formidable momentum." The emperor said: "Good!" On the wuyin day, Liu He, the military governor of Yicheng, was appointed military governor of Heyang.
Wang Feng attacked Kang Liangquan, a general of Zhaoyi, and defeated him. Kang Liangquan abandoned the Stone Pass and retreated to station at Guyao Ridge.
The Xiajiasi sent General Dide Yisinan Zhu and others to the court to present tribute, saying they wished to move their residence to the Huihu's yurt and requested a fixed time for their campaign and a meeting place. The emperor issued an edict informing them: "This autumn, when the khan attacks the Huihu and the Heichezi, the four garrisons of Youzhou, Taiyuan, Zhenwu, and Tiande shall be ordered to send troops to hold the strategic passes, intercept their fleeing people, and immediately carry out the enfeoffment, following all procedures of the Huihu precedent." The court, seeing the Huihu in decline and the Tubo in internal turmoil, discussed recovering the four garrisons and eighteen prefectures of He and Huang. Thus, Liu Shuimeng, the Jishizhong, was appointed as the border inspection commissioner, tasked with first preparing equipment and dry provisions and reconnoitering the strength of the Tubo garrison forces. They also ordered Tiande, Zhenwu, and Hedong to train soldiers and sharpen their weapons, waiting for the Xiajiasi to attack the Huihu this autumn, then intercept the routed people fleeing south. All these matters were to be reported to the court by Liu Shuimeng after detailed consultation with the military governors and the tuanlianshi. Liu Shuimeng was the grandson of Liu Yan.
The Daoist Zhao Guizhen was appointed as Right Street Daoist Gate Professorial Instructor.
Jifeng Zan, a general under Tubo's Lun Kongre, disgusted by Lun Kongre's cruelty, surrendered to Shang Bibi. Lun Kongre raised troops to attack Shang Bibi at Shanzhou, and Shang Bibi divided his forces into five routes to resist him. Lun Kongre withdrew to hold Donggu, and Shang Bibi surrounded him with wooden palisades, cutting off his water supply. Lun Kongre led over a hundred cavalry to break out and flee to hold Boshan, while the rest of his men all surrendered to Shang Bibi.
Summer, fourth month, Wang Zai attacked Zezhou.
The emperor was fond of immortals, and the Daoist Zhao Guizhen gained favor. The remonstrating officials repeatedly admonished him about this. On the bingzi day, Li Deyu also admonished, saying: "Zhao Guizhen was a criminal during the reign of Emperor Jingzong; it is inappropriate to be close to him!" The emperor said: "When I have nothing to do in the palace, I discuss the Dao with him to dispel boredom, that is all. As for state affairs, I always consult you and the secondary audience officials; even if there were a hundred Zhao Guizhens, they could not delude me." Li Deyu said: "A petty man, seeing where power and profit lie, rushes to ingratiate himself, like a moth flying into a flame. I have heard that in the last ten days, Zhao Guizhen's gate is crowded with carriages and horses; I earnestly hope Your Majesty will be deeply vigilant!"
On the wuyin day, Wang Qi, the Zuo Puye, was appointed Tong Pingzhangshi and concurrently served as military governor of Shannan West Circuit. Wang Qi, because he was a civil official who had never held a chancellorship and was directly appointed as a military governor with the chancellor title—there being no precedent for this—firmly declined. The emperor said: "There is no distinction between court and province for a chancellor; if I have any faults, you can swiftly send a memorial to inform me!"
Li Deyu, because the subordinate officials in the prefectures and counties were excessively numerous, memorialized that the Libu Langzhong Liu Zhongying be ordered to reduce them. In the sixth month, Liu Zhongying memorialized that 1,214 positions had been abolished. Liu Zhongying was the son of Liu Gongchuo.
An eunuch exposed the past crimes of Qiu Shiliang, and several thousand weapons were found in his house. The emperor issued an edict stripping him of his offices and titles and confiscating his property.
Autumn, seventh month, on the xinmao day, the emperor discussed with Li Deyu, sending Wang Feng to station his troops at Yicheng. The emperor said: "I have heard that Wang Feng's enforcement of law is too strict. Is that so?" Li Deyu replied: "I have also questioned him about this matter. Wang Feng said: 'With naked blades ahead, if the law is not strictly enforced, who would be willing to advance?'" The emperor said: "This argument has some truth. Summon him again and admonish him!" Li Deyu then spoke, saying that Liu Zhen could not be pardoned. The emperor said: "That is indeed the case." Li Deyu said: "In the past, before Li Huaiguang was pacified, the capital suffered from locusts and drought, and the price of rice was a thousand cash per dou. The Taicang's grain supply for the Son of Heaven and the six palaces did not even have a reserve for a few dozen days. Emperor Dezong summoned the hundred officials and sent the eunuch Ma Qinxu to question them. Zuo Sanqichangshi Li Mi took a piece of parasol tree leaf, crushed it, and gave it to Ma Qinxu to present. Dezong summoned him and asked what this meant. Li Mi replied: 'The bond between Your Majesty and Huaiguang, as lord and subject, is like this leaf—it cannot be joined again!' From then on, Dezong's resolve was firm. After defeating Li Huaiguang, he appointed Li Mi as chancellor, who then managed all affairs for several years." The emperor said: "He was indeed an extraordinary man!"
The emperor heard that the female entertainers in Yangzhou were skilled in drinking games. He issued an imperial edict ordering the Huainan Jianjun to select seventeen of them for presentation. The Jianjun requested the military governor Du Cong to join in the selection, and also wanted to separately choose fine women from good families, train them, and then present them. Du Cong said: "The Jianjun himself received the edict; Du Cong dares not participate!" The Jianjun repeatedly requested, but Du Cong did not comply. The Jianjun grew angry and detailed the matter in a memorial. When the emperor saw the memorial, he remained silent. Those around him requested that the military governor be ordered to join in the selection. The emperor said: "Issuing an edict to a frontier garrison to select female entertainers for the palace—how could this be the act of a sagely Son of Heaven! Du Cong's refusal to follow the Jianjun's wishes fully embodies the dignity of a great minister; he is truly of chancellor caliber. I am deeply ashamed!" He immediately ordered the Jianjun to cease the selection. On the jiachen day, Du Cong was appointed Tong Pingzhangshi, concurrently serving as Du Zhi and Yantie Zhuanyunshi. When Du Cong came to the palace to thank the emperor, the emperor comforted him, saying: "You did not obey the Jianjun's words. I know you have the aspiration to assist the ruler. Now, in appointing you as chancellor, it is as if I have found a Wei Zheng!"