Tang Records, Volume 78
Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government, Volume 262 [Tang Records 78] From the year shangzhang tun tan to chongguang zuo e, two years in total.
Spring, first month: The Xuanzhou general Kang Ru advanced to attack Muzhou. Qian Liu sent his cousin Qian Liu with troops to resist.
Second month, gengshen day: The court appointed the Xichuan Wang Jian concurrently as Zhongshu Ling.
Renshen day: The Weiwu Wang Shenzhi was granted the title Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi.
Renwu day: The Minister of Personnel Cui Yin was appointed Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi and acting Qinghai.
Li Keyong mobilized a large number of troops and civilians to repair the moat of Jinyang city. The Liu Yanye admonished, saying: "The king’s prestige shakes China and the barbarians. You ought to train the army and strengthen border defenses. It is not fitting to repair the moat nearby; this will harm your reputation and provoke the enemy’s ambitions." Li Keyong apologized to him and rewarded him with gold, silver, and silk.
Summer, fourth month: The Dingnan Li Chengqing was granted the title Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi.
Zhu Quanzhong sent Ge Congzhou leading the four armies of Yanzhou, Yunzhou, Huazhou, and Weizhou, totaling 100,000 troops, to attack Liu Rengong. Fifth month, gengyin day: They captured Dezhou and beheaded the prefect Fu Gonghe. Jihai day: They besieged Liu Shouwen in Cangzhou. Liu Rengong again sent an envoy with humble words and generous gifts to seek aid from Hedong. Li Keyong sent Zhou Dewei leading 5,000 cavalry from Huangze to attack Xingzhou and Mingzhou to rescue Liu Rengong.
A mutiny occurred in Yongzhou, expelling the Li Hao. Li Hao borrowed troops from neighboring circuits to suppress the rebellion. Sixth month, guihai day: The Dongchuan Wang Zongdi was granted the title Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi.
The Sikong, Menxia Shilang, Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi Wang Tuan was clear-sighted and measured, and was then called a worthy chancellor. The emperor had long hated the eunuch privy councilors Zhu Daobi and Jing Wuxiu for their overbearing behavior. Cui Yin plotted daily with the emperor to remove the eunuchs, and the eunuchs learned of this. Therefore, the Southern Administration and the Northern Palace grew even more jealous and hateful toward each other, each allying with military governors for support to contend and undermine. Wang Tuan feared this would lead to disaster and calmly said to the emperor: "A ruler should strive to understand the great principles and avoid partiality. The harm of eunuch control—who does not know it! But their power cannot be eradicated all at once. One should wait until the various calamities gradually settle, then slowly devise ways to dissolve it. I hope Your Majesty will not speak lightly, lest you hasten treacherous change." When Cui Yin heard this, he slandered Wang Tuan before the emperor, saying: "Wang Tuan is treacherous and has become the outside ally of Zhu Daobi and the others." The emperor began to doubt him. When Cui Yin was dismissed as chancellor, he believed Wang Tuan had pushed him out and harbored even more resentment. When Cui Yin left the capital to govern Guangzhou, he wrote to Zhu Quanzhong, detailing Wang Tuan’s words, and had Zhu Quanzhong submit a memorial. Zhu Quanzhong memorialized: "Cui Yin must not leave the position of aide; Wang Tuan colludes with the imperial envoys inside and outside, together endangering the state." The memorials arrived in succession. Although the emperor understood the truth, he was pressured by Zhu Quanzhong and had no choice. After Cui Yin reached Hunan, he was recalled. Dingmao day: Cui Yin was appointed Sikong, Menxia Shilang, Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi; Wang Tuan was demoted to Vice Minister of Works. Zhu Daobi was appointed to supervise the Jingnan army, and Jing Wuxiu to supervise the Qingzhou army. Wuchen day: Wang Tuan was further demoted to Prefect of Xizhou; Jisi day, further demoted to Sihu of Yazhou. Zhu Daobi was permanently exiled to Huanzhou, and Jing Wuxiu permanently exiled to Aizhou. That same day, all were ordered to commit suicide. Wang Tuan died at Lantian Post; Zhu Daobi and Jing Wuxiu died at Bashi Post. Thereupon, Cui Yin monopolized court power, his authority shaking the court and the realm; the eunuchs looked askance at him, filled with indignation.
Liu Rengong led 50,000 troops from Youzhou to rescue Cangzhou and camped at Gunning Army. Ge Congzhou left Zhang Cunjing and Shi Shucong to guard the Cangzhou camp while he led elite troops to fight at Laoyadi, heavily defeating Liu Rengong, cutting off 30,000 heads. Liu Rengong fled and retreated to Waguan. Autumn, seventh month: Li Keyong again sent the Commander-in-Chief Li Sizhao with 50,000 troops to attack Xingzhou and Mingzhou to rescue Liu Rengong, and defeated the Bianzhou army at Neiqiu. Wang Rong sent an envoy to mediate between Youzhou and Bianzhou. Just then, it rained continuously, and Zhu Quanzhong recalled Ge Congzhou.
Gengxu day: Meng Qian, the of Zhaoyi, was appointed Jiedushi.
Jiayin day: Wang Jian, the Xichuan Jiedushi, was concurrently appointed Commander and Commissioner for Districting and Arranging the Dongchuan and Xinwu Armies.
Eighth month: Li Sizhao again defeated the Bianzhou army at Shamen River and attacked Mingzhou. Yichou day: Zhu Quanzhong led troops to rescue, but before he arrived, Li Sizhao had already captured Mingzhou and captured the prefect Zhu Shaozong. Zhu Quanzhong ordered Ge Congzhou to lead troops to attack Li Sizhao.
The Xuanzhou general Kang Ru, his provisions exhausted, fled back from Qingxi.
Ninth month: Ge Congzhou crossed the Zhang River from Yexian and camped at Huanglongzhen. Zhu Quanzhong personally led 30,000 central army troops to wade the Ming River and set up a camp. Li Sizhao abandoned the city and fled. Ge Congzhou set an ambush at Qingshankou, intercepted him on the way, and heavily defeated Li Sizhao.
Cui Yin, because the Taibao, Menxia Shilang, Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi Xu Yanruo ranked above him, hated him. Xu Yanruo himself requested retirement. At that time, all the military commands were occupied by powerful ministers; only the Li Zhirou was in Guangzhou, so Xu Yanruo requested to replace him. Yisi day: Xu Yanruo was appointed Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi and acting Qinghai Jiedushi. Initially, the Jingnan Jiedushi Cheng Rui, because Lizhou and Langzhou were originally within his jurisdiction but occupied by Lei Man, repeatedly requested that they be ceded to Jingnan. The court did not agree, and Cheng Rui was quite resentful. When Xu Yanruo passed through Jingnan, Cheng Rui hosted a banquet and calmly mentioned the matter. Xu Yanruo said: "Your Excellency holds high rank in one region and compares yourself to the Dukes Huan of Qi and Wen of Jin. You cannot even take a small bandit like Lei Man, yet you resent the court?" Cheng Rui was deeply ashamed.
Bingwu day: The Zhongshu Shilang and concurrently Minister of Personnel, Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi Cui Yuan was dismissed, retaining his original office. The Minister of Justice Pei Zhi was appointed Zhongshu Shilang, Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi. Pei Zhi was the son of Pei Tan’s younger brother. Gui Guan was elevated to Jingjiang Army, and the Jinglueshi Liu Shizheng was appointed Jiedushi.
Zhu Quanzhong, because Wang Rong colluded and communicated with Li Keyong, mobilized troops to attack him. He captured Lincheng, crossed the Hutuo River, attacked the south gate of Zhenzhou, and burned the outer city. Zhu Quanzhong personally arrived at Yuanshi. Wang Rong, terrified, sent the Zhou Shi to Zhu Quanzhong to request peace. Zhu Quanzhong was very angry and said to Zhou Shi: "I sent many letters to warn Duke Wang, but he did not listen! Now the army is already here; there is absolutely no reason to forgive!" Zhou Shi said: "Zhenzhou is adjacent to Taiyuan, trapped by raids and bullying. The four neighbors each protect themselves, with no one to rescue or care for them. Duke Wang allied with them for the sake of the people. Now if Your Excellency truly can eliminate harm for others, then who under heaven would not obey your commands? How could it be only Zhenzhou! Your Excellency is the Duke Huan of Qi or Duke Wen of Jin of the Tang dynasty. You should uphold ritual and righteousness to achieve hegemony. If you blindly exhaust your troops in war, though Zhenzhou is small, its walls are strong and its provisions ample. Even with 100,000 troops, Your Excellency will not easily take it! Moreover, the Wang family has held the military command for five generations; contemporaries praise their loyalty and filial piety. Everyone is willing to die for them. Can this be hoped for!" Zhu Quanzhong laughed, took Zhou Shi by the sleeve, and invited him into the tent, saying: "I was just joking with you!" Then he sent the guest general, a man from Kaifeng named Liu Han, into the city to meet Wang Rong. Wang Rong sent his son, the Deputy Jiedushi Wang Zhaozuo, and the sons of his generals as hostages, and rewarded the army with 200,000 bolts of fine brocade. Zhu Quanzhong withdrew his troops and betrothed his daughter to Wang Zhaozuo. The Chengde Zhang Ze said to Wang Rong: "Hedong is a powerful enemy. Now, although we have Zhu’s support, it is like a fire starting in the house—how can we wait for water from afar! Youzhou, Cangzhou, Yizhou, and Dingzhou are still attached to Hedong. Why not persuade Duke Zhu to take advantage of his victory to subdue them all, uniting the various circuits of Hebei into one body? This will then be able to restrain Hedong." Wang Rong again sent Zhou Shi to persuade Zhu Quanzhong. Zhu Quanzhong was very pleased and sent Zhang Cunjing with the Weibo troops to attack Liu Rengong. Jiayin day: They captured Yingzhou. Winter, tenth month, Bingchen day: They captured Jingzhou and captured the prefect Liu Renba. Xinyou day: They captured Mozhou.
Jingjiang Military Governor Liu Shizheng, upon hearing that Ma Yin had completely pacified the region north of the Lingnan mountains, became terrified and sent his deputy Chen Kefan to garrison Quanyi Ridge as a precaution. Ma Yin dispatched an envoy to seek peaceful relations with Liu Shizheng, but Chen Kefan refused him. Ma Yin then ordered his generals Qin Yanhui and Li Qiong to lead a force of seven thousand men to attack Liu Shizheng. When the Hunan army reached Quanyi, Liu Shizheng further sent Commandant Wang Jianwu to garrison Qincheng. Chen Kefan seized the plow oxen of the local county people to reward his troops, and the people, resenting him, volunteered to act as guides for the Hunan army, saying: "There is a small path southwest of here, only fifty li from Qincheng, wide enough for a single rider to pass." Qin Yanhui ordered Li Qiong to lead sixty cavalry and three hundred infantry to attack Qincheng. At midnight, they scaled the walls and captured Wang Jianwu. By dawn, they returned, bound Wang Jianwu in white silk, and displayed him before Chen Kefan's camp. Chen Kefan refused to believe it. Li Qiong then beheaded Wang Jianwu and threw the head into the camp, throwing the Gui Prefecture troops into terror. Li Qiong then attacked, captured Chen Kefan, and forced the surrender of two thousand of his officers and men, all of whom were executed. Li Qiong led his army straight to Gui Prefecture; more than twenty camps from Qincheng southward collapsed at the sight, and he besieged Gui Prefecture. After a few days, Liu Shizheng surrendered the city, and the five prefectures of Gui, Yi, Yan, Liu, and Xiang all submitted to Hunan. Ma Yin appointed Li Qiong as Prefect of Gui Prefecture and soon recommended him for the post of Jingjiang Military Governor.
Zhang Cunjing attacked Liu Rengong, capturing twenty cities. He prepared to advance from Wa Bridge straight to You Prefecture but was unable to proceed due to muddy roads. He then turned westward to attack Yi and Ding Prefectures. On the day Xinsi, he captured Qi Prefecture and killed its prefect Yang Yue.
On the day Guiwei, Zhu Youqian, the acting Baoyi Commander, was appointed Military Governor.
Zhang Cunjing attacked Ding Prefecture. Yiwu Military Governor Wang Gao sent his Rear Headquarters Commander Wang Zhichu to lead several tens of thousands of troops to resist. Wang Zhichu requested building stockades against the city walls to wait until the enemy was exhausted before striking. The Records Officer Liang Wen said: "In the past, when three hundred thousand troops from You and Zhen Prefectures attacked us, our army numbered less than five thousand, yet we defeated them in a single battle. Now Zhang Cunjing's army is no more than thirty thousand, while our forces are ten times larger than before. Why show weakness and plan to rely on city walls for defense?" Wang Gao thus ordered Wang Zhichu to engage the enemy at Shahe. The Yi and Ding Prefecture army suffered a great defeat, with more than half dead, and the remnants crowded around Wang Zhichu as they fled back. On the day Jiashen, Wang Gao abandoned the city and fled to Jinyang. The army then recommended Wang Zhichu as acting commander. Zhang Cunjing advanced and besieged Ding Prefecture. On the day Bingshen, Zhu Quanzhong arrived at the city walls. Wang Zhichu climbed the wall and shouted: "Our circuit has served the court with utmost loyalty and has never offended you. Why do you attack us?" Zhu Quanzhong replied: "Why have you allied with Hedong?" Wang Zhichu answered: "My elder brother and the Prince of Jin established their achievements at the same time, with neighboring territories and marital ties. Maintaining friendly relations is only proper. Please allow me to change my stance from now on." Zhu Quanzhong agreed. Wang Zhichu then blamed Liang Wen for the affair, exterminated his entire clan to apologize to Zhu Quanzhong, and rewarded the army with one hundred thousand bolts of silk. Zhu Quanzhong then withdrew and submitted a petition on Wang Zhichu's behalf requesting the ceremonial banner of a military governor. Wang Zhichu was the younger brother of Wang Chucun by the same mother. Liu Rengong sent his son Liu Shouguang to lead troops to rescue Ding Prefecture, encamping at the Yi River. Zhu Quanzhong ordered Zhang Cunjing to attack him, killing over sixty thousand men. From then on, all the towns north of the Yellow River submitted to Zhu Quanzhong.
Previously, Wang Gao had urgently requested aid from Hedong. Li Keyong sent Li Sizhao to lead thirty thousand infantry and cavalry down the Taihang Mountains, attack Huai Prefecture, capture it, and then advance on Heyang. Heyang Acting Commander Hou Yan was caught off guard and thrown into confusion; Li Sizhao breached the outer sheep-and-horse wall of Heyang. Just then, Youguo Army General Yan Bao led troops to the rescue, fighting fiercely outside the moat, and the Hedong forces retreated. Yan Bao was from Yun Prefecture.
Initially, Cui Yin and the emperor had secretly plotted to exterminate all the eunuchs. After Song Daobi and Jing Wuxiu were killed, the eunuchs grew even more fearful. After returning from Huazhou, the emperor was depressed and unhappy, often drinking heavily, and his moods were unpredictable, making his attendants feel especially endangered. Thus, Left Army Central Commander Liu Jishu, Right Palace Central Commander Wang Zhongxian, Privy Councilors Wang Yanfan, and Xue Qie secretly conspired together, saying: "The sovereign is frivolous, changeable, and deceitful, difficult to serve. He listens exclusively to the Southern Office, and we will ultimately face disaster. Better to install the Crown Prince, honor the sovereign as the retired emperor, summon the armies of Qi and Hua as support, and control the various circuits—who could harm us then?"
In the eleventh month, the emperor went hunting in the imperial park, then held a banquet. At night, drunk, he returned to the palace and personally killed several eunuchs and maidservants. The next morning, by the time of the Chen and Si hours, the palace gates had not yet opened. Liu Jishu went to the Secretariat and told Cui Yin: "There must have been an incident in the palace. As an inner official, I may act according to circumstances. Allow me to enter and investigate." He then led a thousand imperial guards to break through the gates and investigate, learning the full truth. Coming out, he said to Cui Yin: "The sovereign's actions are like this—how can he govern the realm? Deposing a benighted ruler and installing an enlightened one is an ancient practice. It is for the great plan of the state and cannot be considered treason." Cui Yin, fearing death, dared not oppose him. On the day Gengyin, Liu Jishu assembled all the officials, deployed troops in the court, drew up a joint petition from Cui Yin and others requesting the Crown Prince to act as regent, showed it to everyone, and forced them to sign. Cui Yin and the officials, having no choice, all signed. The emperor was at the Qiqiao Pavilion. Liu Jishu and Wang Zhongxian ambushed a thousand troops outside the gate, along with Xuanyue Advance Memorial Officer Cheng Yan and over ten others, and entered the palace requesting an audience. As soon as Liu Jishu and Wang Zhongxian ascended the hall, the troops shouted loudly, burst through the Xuanhua Gate, and reached the front of the Sizheng Hall. Encountering palace attendants, they killed them. Seeing the troops enter, the emperor fell from his bed in panic, rose, and tried to flee, but Liu Jishu and Wang Zhongxian held him and forced him to sit. A palace attendant ran to inform the empress, who rushed over, knelt, and pleaded: "Military Commissioner, do not frighten the Master of the House. If there is a matter, you may discuss it with the Military Commissioner." Liu Jishu and the others then produced the officials' petition and reported to the emperor: "Your Majesty is weary of the throne, and all within and outside the court wish the Crown Prince to act as regent. Please retire to the Eastern Palace to care for your health." The emperor said: "Yesterday, I drank and amused myself with you, unaware of any excess. How has it come to this?" They replied: "This is not the doing of your servants. It is the consensus of the Southern Office, which cannot be stopped. We hope Your Majesty will temporarily go to the Eastern Palace. When matters calm somewhat, we will welcome you back to the Great Interior." The empress said: "Master of the House, quickly comply with the Military Commissioner's words!" She then took out the imperial seal and handed it to Liu Jishu. The eunuchs helped the emperor and empress into the same carriage, with only a dozen consorts and attendants, and went to the Shaoyang Courtyard. Liu Jishu used a silver staff to draw on the ground and enumerated the emperor's faults: "On such-and-such a day and matter, you did not follow my words—this is the first crime." He listed dozens of such charges. Then he personally locked the courtyard gate, sealed it with molten iron, and ordered Left Army Deputy Commissioner Li Shiqian to surround it with troops. Every move the emperor made was reported to Liu Jishu. Food and drink were passed through holes cut in the wall. No weapons, needles, or knives were allowed in. The emperor asked for money and silk but received none, and paper and brushes were also denied. The weather was bitterly cold; the consorts and princesses had no clothes or bedding, and their cries could be heard outside. Liu Jishu and the others issued a false edict ordering the Crown Prince to act as regent and welcomed him into the palace. On the day Xinmao, they issued another false edict ordering the Crown Prince to ascend the throne, changing his name to Li Zhen. They honored the emperor as the Retired Emperor and the empress as the Retired Empress. On the day Jiawu, the Crown Prince ascended the throne and renamed the Shaoyang Courtyard as the Wen'an Palace. Liu Jishu granted ranks and titles to all officials and gave generous rewards to the officers and troops, hoping to win them over. He killed Prince Mu Li Yi, and all palace attendants, eunuchs, alchemists, monks, and Taoists favored by the emperor were beaten to death. Every night, people were killed; during the day, ten carts carried out the bodies, sometimes with only one or two corpses per cart, to instill fear. When he was about to kill Director of the Astronomical Office Hu Xiu Lin, Hu Xiu Lin said: "Military Commissioner, you have imprisoned the sovereign and now want to kill more innocent people!" Liu Jishu, daunted by his righteous words, stopped. Liu Jishu and his associates wanted to kill Cui Yin but feared Zhu Quanzhong, so they only removed him from his post as Supervisor of Finance and Salt and Iron Transport. Cui Yin secretly sent a letter to Zhu Quanzhong, urging him to raise an army to restore the emperor's rule.
The retired Left Vice Director Zhang Jun, living in Changshui, went to Luoyang to meet Zhang Quanyi and urged him to restore the royal house. He also sent letters to various regional commands urging them to raise troops. Li Yu, a jinshi from Wudi, was staying as a guest in Huazhou and submitted a letter to Han Jian, roughly saying: “Whenever I read history and see incidents between rulers and ministers, fathers and sons, that harm customs and morals, I wish I could execute them on the spot. You, illustrious lord, are stationed at a key pass near the capital, yet the ruler and father have been imprisoned and humiliated for over a month, while you sit by and watch the rebellious villains without acting to rescue the king—this is something I cannot understand. I privately estimate that the chief ministers at court, though having the will, lack power; the regional lords outside, though having power, lack the will. Only you, illustrious lord, are loyal and righteous, the pillar of the state. In past years, when the emperor was displaced, you wept as you welcomed him, provided supplies for many years, twice restored the ancestral temple and court, your righteousness moved people’s hearts, and you are still praised to this day. The current situation is especially different from the past. You are situated at a strategic crossroads, holding both the posts of general and chancellor. Since the palace coup occurred, over ten days have passed. If you do not issue orders to take the lead in restoring order, and hesitate, once the lords east of the mountains raise a righteous alliance and march west in force, how can you, illustrious lord, hope to keep yourself safe? This is an inevitable trend. It would be better to quickly spread proclamations in all directions, explaining right and wrong. Once the army’s might is roused, the chief villain will be terrified, and within ten days, the heads of the two traitors will be displayed throughout the empire—no plan is more advantageous than this.” Although Han Jian could not adopt this advice, he treated Li Yu generously, but Li Yu firmly declined and left.
Zhu Quanzhong, at the Dingzhou field headquarters, heard of the capital’s upheaval. On dingwei day, he turned back south. In the twelfth month, on wuchen day, he arrived at Daliang. Liu Jishu sent his adopted son Liu Xidu to Zhu Quanzhong, promising to hand over the Tang dynasty’s altars to him; he also sent Provisioner Li Fengben to show Zhu Quanzhong the abdication edict of the Grand Supreme Emperor. Zhu Quanzhong hesitated, undecided, and summoned his staff for consultation. Some said: “Matters of the imperial court are not something a regional command should meddle in.” Only Tianping Deputy Military Commissioner Li Zhen said: “When the royal house is in trouble, that is the capital for achieving hegemony. Now you, sir, are the Duke Huan of Qi and Duke Wen of Jin of the Tang dynasty, the pivot of safety or danger. Liu Jishu is but a eunuch, yet he dared to imprison and depose the Son of Heaven. If you do not punish him, by what authority can you command the lords? Moreover, if a young ruler ascends the throne, all power under heaven will fall into the hands of eunuchs—this is handing the handle of the Great Abyss Sword to others.” Zhu Quanzhong suddenly understood and immediately imprisoned Liu Xidu and Li Fengben, sending Li Zhen to the capital to investigate. After Li Zhen returned, Zhu Quanzhong dispatched his trusted clerk Jiang Xuanhui to the capital to plan with Cui Yin; he also summoned Cheng Yan to Daliang.
The Prince of Xue, Li Zhirou, Military Commissioner of Qinghai, died.
That year, Yang Xingmi was additionally appointed Acting Director of the Department of State Affairs.
The Prefect of Muzhou, Chen Sheng, died; his younger brother Chen Xun styled himself Prefect.
The crown prince had been on the throne for over ten days, but most memorials from the regional commands did not arrive. Wang Zhongxian had a harsh and meticulous nature. He had long known of many abuses in the Left and Right Armies. When he became the Deputy Commandant, he audited the army’s finances, discovered cases of embezzlement and fraud, and subjected the guilty to severe flogging, urgently demanding repayment of arrears. The officers and men became very unsettled. There was a Saltzhou Valiant Army Commander named Sun Dezhao, who served as a Left Spirit Strategy Commandant. Since Liu Jishu and his faction had deposed and installed the emperor, he had often been indignant. Cui Yin, hearing of this, sent his Judge Shi Jian to befriend him. Whenever Sun Dezhao was drunk, he would inevitably weep. Shi Jian, knowing his sincerity, secretly conveyed Cui Yin’s intent to him, saying: “Since the Grand Supreme Emperor was imprisoned, everyone within and outside the court, down to the common soldiers, has gnashed their teeth in hatred! Now, the only rebels are Liu Jishu and Wang Zhongxian. If you, sir, can truly kill these two men and welcome the Grand Supreme Emperor back to the throne, then your wealth and honor will be unmatched in the era, and your loyalty and righteousness will be remembered for a thousand ages. If you hesitate, the merit will fall into someone else’s hands!” Sun Dezhao thanked him and said: “Dezhao is only a minor officer. How dare I act on my own in matters of state? If the Chancellor gives orders, I dare not begrudge death!” Shi Jian reported this to Cui Yin. Cui Yin cut a strip from his robe and wrote a letter in his own hand, giving it to him. Sun Dezhao also made friends with Right Army Pure and Far Commandant Dong Yanbi and Zhou Chenghui, and they planned to ambush the officers at the Anfu Gate on New Year’s Eve, lying in wait.
Spring, the first month, on yiyou day (the first day of the month), Wang Zhongxian entered the court. When he reached the Anfu Gate, Sun Dezhao captured and beheaded him, then galloped straight to the Shaoyang Courtyard, knocked on the gate, and shouted: “The rebels have been executed! Please, Your Majesty, come out to comfort the troops.” Empress He did not believe him and said: “If that is true, show me his head!” Sun Dezhao presented Wang Zhongxian’s head. Emperor Zhaozong then broke down the door and came out with the empress. Cui Yin welcomed Emperor Zhaozong as he ascended the Changle Gate tower and led the hundred officials in congratulations. Zhou Chenghui captured Liu Jishu and Wang Yanfan and arrived shortly after. Just as they were about to be interrogated and rebuked, the two men were beaten to death with clubs. Xue Qibo jumped into a well to commit suicide; he was fished out and beheaded. The four men’s families were exterminated, and over twenty of their party members were executed. The eunuchs, supporting the crown prince, hid him in the Left Army and presented the Imperial Seal. Emperor Zhaozong said: “Li Yu is young and weak; he was set up by evil villains—it is not his fault.” He ordered him sent back to the Eastern Palace, demoted to Prince De, and restored his original name, Li Yu. On bingxu day, Sun Dezhao was appointed Grand Councilor of the Secretariat-Chancellery and acting Military Commissioner of Jinghai, and his surname and given name were changed to Li Jizhao.
On dinghai day, Cui Yin was promoted to Director of the Department of State Affairs. Cui Yin firmly declined. Emperor Zhaozong treated Cui Yin with even greater favor and kindness.
On jichou day, Zhu Quanzhong, hearing that Liu Jishu and his faction had been executed, broke Cheng Yan’s legs, put him in a cangue, and sent him to the capital. Together with Liu Xidu, Li Fengben, and others, they were all beheaded in the market. From then on, he valued Li Zhen even more.
On gengyin day, Zhou Chenghui was appointed Military Commissioner of Lingnan West Circuit, and his surname and given name were changed to Li Jihui. Dong Yanbi was appointed Military Commissioner of Ningyuan, and his surname was changed to Li. Both were also appointed Grand Councilors of the Secretariat-Chancellery. Together with Li Jizhao, they were kept in the palace as guards and were only allowed to return home after ten days. The rewards given to them nearly emptied the treasury. At the time, people called them the “Three Commissioner-Chancellors.”
On guisi day, Zhu Quanzhong was promoted to Prince of Dongping.
On bingwu day, an edict was issued: “In recent years, when chancellors presented matters in the Yanying Hall, the Privy Commissioners attended by their side, arguing endlessly. After withdrawing, they would claim that the imperial will had not been approved, and would make changes again, disrupting authority and corrupting governance. From now on, all shall follow the old system of the Dazhong era. After the chancellors finish presenting matters, only then may the Privy Commissioners ascend the hall to receive official business.” The two Army Deputy Commissioners, Li Shiqian and Xu Yansun, were ordered to commit suicide; they were members of Liu Jishu’s faction.
Li Maozhen, Military Commissioner of Fengxiang and Zhangyi, came to court for an audience. Li Maozhen was appointed Acting Director of the Department of State Affairs and Acting Director of the Chancellery, and his title was promoted to Prince of Qi.
After Liu Jishu and Wang Zhongxian died, Cui Yin and Lu Yi submitted a memorial saying: “The origin of the disaster was that eunuchs controlled the army. We request that Cui Yin be put in charge of the Left Army and Lu Yi of the Right Army. Then the regional lords would not dare to encroach and bully, and the royal house would be honored.” Emperor Zhaozong hesitated for two days without deciding. Li Maozhen, hearing of this, said angrily: “Cui Yin hasn’t even seized military power yet, and he already wants to destroy the regional lords!” Emperor Zhaozong summoned Li Jizhao, Li Jihui, and Li Yanbi for discussion. They said: “Our families have served in the army for generations, and we have never heard of a civil official becoming commander of the army. If we are placed under the Southern Court, there will certainly be many changes. It is more convenient to remain under the Northern Court.” Emperor Zhaozong then said to Cui Yin and Lu Yi: “The officers’ will is not to be placed under civil officials. Do not persist.” He then appointed Privy Commissioner Han Quanhui and Fengxiang Army Supervisor Zhang Yanhong as Left and Right Army Deputy Commandants. Han Quanhui had also previously been the supervisor of Fengxiang. He also summoned the retired former Privy Commissioner Yan Zunmei to serve as the Deputy Commandant of Both Armies and Inspector-General of the Army. Yan Zunmei said: “I cannot even handle one army, let alone both armies!” He firmly declined and refused to take the post. Yuan Yijian and Zhou Jingrong were appointed Privy Commissioners.
Li Maozhen took his leave and returned to his garrison. Cui Yin believed that the eunuchs, controlling the military, were ultimately a threat at his side and wanted to use external troops to restrain them. He hinted to Li Maozhen to leave three thousand soldiers in the capital to serve as palace guards, led by Li Maozhen’s adopted son Li Jiyun. The Left Remonstrance Advisor, a man of Wannian named Han Wo, thought this was inadvisable. Cui Yin said, “The soldiers themselves are unwilling to leave; it is not that I am forcing them to stay.” Han Wo replied, “Why did you summon them in the first place?” Cui Yin could not answer. Han Wo said, “Keeping these soldiers endangers both the family and the state; sending them away brings peace to both.” Cui Yin did not listen.
Zhu Quanzhong had already subdued Hebei and wanted to first take Hezhong to restrain Hedong. On the day of Jihai, he summoned his generals and said, “Wang Ke is a mediocre talent, relying on Taiyuan’s (Li Keyong’s) power to be arrogant and extravagant. I will now cut off the waist of the long snake; you, gentlemen, should bind him with a rope for me.” On the day of Gengzi, he dispatched Zhang Cunjing to lead thirty thousand soldiers from Sishui to cross the Yellow River, advancing via the Sheshan route to raid Hezhong, while Zhu Quanzhong followed with the main army. On the day of Wushen, Zhang Cunjing reached Jiang Prefecture. The prefectures of Jin and Jiang had not anticipated their arrival and were unprepared. On the day of Gengxu, the prefect of Jiang, Tao Jianzhao, surrendered; on the day of Renzi, the prefect of Jin, Zhang Hanyu, surrendered. Zhu Quanzhong sent his general Hou Yan to guard Jin Prefecture and He Yin to guard Jiang Prefecture, stationing twenty thousand soldiers to block the route for Hedong’s reinforcements. The court, worried that Zhu Quanzhong might enter Tong Pass from the west, urgently issued an edict to mediate peace; Zhu Quanzhong did not comply. Wang Ke sent secret envoys to urgently request aid from Li Keyong, with messengers on the road one after another, but Li Keyong, because the Bian army had already occupied Jin and Jiang prefectures, could not advance his forces. Wang Ke’s wife wrote to Li Keyong, saying, “Your daughter will soon be a captive; how can you, Father, bear not to save us?” Li Keyong replied, “Now the enemy troops block Jin and Jiang; we are outnumbered and cannot match them. Advancing would mean perishing together with you. It would be better for you and Wang Ke (Wang Lang) to lead the entire clan and submit to the court.” Wang Ke also wrote to Li Maozhen, saying: “The Son of Heaven has only just restored his throne, issuing an edict that the vassal lords must not attack each other but jointly assist the royal house. Now Duke Zhu, disregarding the imperial decree, has been the first to launch an attack; his intentions are clear. If Hezhong falls, then Tonghua, Bin, and Qi will not be able to defend themselves. The emperor’s realm will be handed over to others—this is an inevitable trend. You should quickly lead the troops of the various passes in Guanzhong, firmly guard Tong Pass, and come to rescue Hezhong. I know I am not brave, but I am willing to accept a small town on your western border; let this territory be yours. The safety or danger of Guanzhong, and the length or shortness of the nation’s fortune, hinge on this action of yours. I hope you will consider it carefully!” Li Maozhen, who had never had long-term plans, did not respond.
In the second month, on the day of Jiayin (the first day), the Hedong general Li Zhaozhao attacked Ze Prefecture and captured it.
On the day of Yimao, Zhang Cunjing led his army from Jin Prefecture; on the day of Jiwei, he reached Hezhong and then besieged the city of Hezhong. Wang Ke, with his power exhausted, wanted to flee to the capital, but the people were scattered in spirit. Just then, the pontoon bridge was damaged, and floating ice blocked the Yellow River, making boat travel very difficult. Wang Ke wanted to board a boat at night with several hundred members of his clan, personally persuading the defenders, but no one responded. The Yajiang Liu Xun said, “Now the people’s hearts are uneasy. If we go out at night to cross the river, there will surely be chaos as people scramble for boats; if one person causes trouble, the outcome will be unpredictable. It is better to temporarily show sincerity to Zhang Cunjing and slowly consider where to go.” Wang Ke followed his advice. On the day of Renxu, Wang Ke raised a white flag at the city corner and sent an envoy with the seal and tablet to ask for surrender from Zhang Cunjing. Zhang Cunjing demanded that the city gates be opened. Wang Ke said, “I have a relationship of generations and friendship with Duke Zhu. Please temporarily withdraw your troops and wait. When Duke Zhu arrives, I will naturally hand over the city to him.” Zhang Cunjing agreed and sent a messenger to report quickly to Zhu Quanzhong. On the day of Yichou, Zhu Quanzhong arrived at Luoyang; upon hearing the news, he was very pleased and rode swiftly to the scene. On the day of Wuchen, he reached Yuxiang. He first went to the grave of Wang Chongrong and wept bitterly, showing extreme grief; the people of Hezhong were all delighted. Wang Ke wanted to bind his own hands, lead a sheep, and go out of the city to welcome him, but Zhu Quanzhong quickly sent someone to stop him, saying, “How could I forget the kindness of the Grand Preceptor, my uncle! If the young lord does this, what face will I have in the future to meet my uncle in the underworld?” Thus, Wang Ke went out to welcome him according to normal etiquette, and Zhu Quanzhong held his hand, sighed, and wept, then they entered the city side by side on horseback. Zhu Quanzhong submitted a memorial recommending Zhang Cunjing as the Military Commissioner of Huguo, and Wang Ke’s entire clan was moved to Daliang. Later, Zhu Quanzhong sent Wang Ke to the court, and then had him killed in Hua Prefecture. When Zhu Quanzhong heard that Lady Zhang was seriously ill, he quickly returned east from Hezhong. Li Keyong sent an envoy with generous gifts to request peace with Zhu Quanzhong; although Zhu Quanzhong sent an envoy to reply, he was angered by the arrogant tone of Li Keyong’s letter and was determined to attack him.
Appointed the Academician of the Hanlin Academy and Vice Minister of Revenue Wang Pu as Vice Director of the Secretariat and co-chief minister. Appointed the Vice Minister of Personnel Pei Shu as Vice Minister of Revenue and co-chief minister. Wang Pu was the grandnephew of Wang Zhengya and had once served in Cui Yin’s staff, so Cui Yin recommended him.
Posthumously conferred the title of Gong'ai Crown Prince on the deceased Prince Mu, Li Yi.
Added the posts of concurrent Attendant-in-Chief to the Military Commissioner of Youzhou, Liu Rengong, and the Military Commissioner of Weibo, Luo Shaowei.
In the third month, on the day of Guiwei (the first day), Zhu Quanzhong arrived at Daliang. On the day of Guimao, he sent Shi Shucong and others to lead fifty thousand troops to attack Li Keyong, entering via the Taihang Mountains; the Wei Bo general Zhang Wengong entered from the Ci Prefecture Xin Pass; Ge Congzhou led the armies of Yan and Yun prefectures, combined with the Chengde army, entering from the Tumen Pass; the prefect of Luo Prefecture, Zhang Guihou, entered from the Maling Pass; the Military Commissioner of Yiwu, Wang Chuzhi, entered from the Feihu Pass; the acting prefect of Jin Prefecture, Hou Yan, led the armies of Ci, Xi, Jin, and Jiang prefectures, entering from the Yindi Pass. Shi Shucong entered the Tianjing Pass and advanced to Angche. On the day of Xinhai, the prefect of Qin Prefecture, Cai Xun, surrendered the city. The Hedong general Gai Zhang surrendered to Hou Yan, and Hou Yan immediately ordered him to act as the prefect of Qin Prefecture. On the day of Renzi, Shi Shucong captured Ze Prefecture, and the prefect of Ze Prefecture, Li Cunzhang, abandoned the city and fled. Shi Shucong attacked Lu Prefecture, and the Zhaoyi Military Commissioner, Meng Qian, surrendered. The Hedong garrison generals Li Shenjian and Wang Zhou led ten thousand infantry and two thousand cavalry to surrender to Shi Shucong. Shi Shucong advanced and approached Jinyang. In the summer, the fourth month, on the day of Yimao, Shi Shucong set out from the Shihui Pass and camped at Dongwo Station. Zhang Guihou led his army to Liao Prefecture. On the day of Dingsi, the prefect of Liao, Zhang E, surrendered. Another general, Bai Fengguo, combined with the Chengde army and entered from the Jingxing Pass. On the day of Jiwei, they captured the Cheng Tian Army, communicating with Shi Shucong’s beacon fires.
On the day of Jiaxu, Emperor Zhaozong of Tang visited the Imperial Ancestral Temple. On the day of Dingchou, a general amnesty was granted throughout the empire, and the reign title was changed. Rehabilitated the seventeen families of Wang Ya and others.
Initially, Yang Fugong, serving as the Zhongwei, had borrowed the annual profits from the liquor monopoly tax of the Finance Commissioner to support the two armies, and from then on refused to return them. At this time, Cui Yin was drafting the amnesty edict and wanted to suppress the eunuchs, allowing liquor sellers to brew their own liquor, only requiring them to pay the monthly liquor tax. The liquor previously brewed by the two armies was ordered to be sold at reduced prices, and after the seventh month, they were no longer allowed to sell it.
The Military Commissioner of Dongchuan, Wang Zongdi, asked for a replacement due to illness, and Wang Jian submitted a memorial recommending the Mabu Commissioner Wang Zongyu as the acting commissioner.
Shi Shucong and others led their troops to the walls of Jinyang and challenged them repeatedly, causing great panic within the city. Li Keyong ascended the walls to defend, neglecting to eat or drink. At that time, it rained continuously for over ten days, and the city walls collapsed in many places, requiring constant repairs. The Hedong generals Li Zhaozhao and Li Siyuan dug hidden gates and launched night raids on the Bian army camps, inflicting many casualties and capturing supplies. Li Cunjin defeated the Bian army at Dongwo. At that time, the Bian army was numerous but had insufficient supplies, and with the continuous rain, many soldiers fell ill with malaria and dysentery. Zhu Quanzhong therefore recalled his troops. In the fifth month, Shi Shucong and others withdrew via the Shihui Pass, and the other armies also retreated. The Hedong generals Zhou Dewei and Li Siyuan led five thousand elite cavalry in pursuit, inflicting many casualties and capturing many. Prior to this, the prefect of Fen Prefecture, Li Tang, had surrendered his entire prefecture to the Bian army. Li Keyong sent his general Li Cunshen to attack him, capturing the prefecture in three days, taking Li Tang and decapitating him. When Shi Shucong passed through Shangdang, Meng Qian took his clan and moved south with him. Zhu Quanzhong sent Ding Hui to replace him in garrisoning Lu Prefecture.
Zhu Quanzhong submitted a memorial requesting appointment as the military governor of Hezhong, and subtly indicated that the local officials and common people were asking for him to be their commander. On the Guimao day, Zhu Quanzhong was appointed military governor of Xuanwu, Xuanyi, Tianping, and Huguo. On the Jiyou day, Qian Liu, the military governor of Zhenhai and Zhendong, was additionally appointed as Acting Minister of Works.
When Cui Yin halted the sale of liquor yeast by the two armies, he also banned it in neighboring circuits. Li Maozhen coveted this profit and submitted a memorial requesting an audience to discuss the matter, and Han Quanhui asked permission for him to come. When Li Maozhen arrived at the capital, Han Quanhui formed a deep alliance with him. Only then did Cui Yin begin to fear, and secretly treated Zhu Quanzhong with even greater favor, becoming an enemy of Li Maozhen.
Zhang Quanyi, the military governor of Youguo, was concurrently appointed as Zhongshu Ling.
In the sixth month, on the Guihai day, Zhu Quanzhong went to Hezhong.
When Emperor Zhaozong of Tang was restored to the throne, the Secretariat Drafter Linghu Huan and the Supervising Secretary Han Wo both participated in the planning, so they were promoted to Hanlin Academicians. They were summoned for audiences many times to answer questions and consult on confidential matters. Linghu Huan was the son of Linghu Tao. At that time, Emperor Zhaozong entrusted all military and state affairs to Cui Yin. Whenever Cui Yin reported matters, the emperor discussed them calmly with him, sometimes continuing until candles were lit. The eunuchs feared him and dared not look him in the eye; matters, whether large or small, were only carried out after consulting Cui Yin. Cui Yin intended to eliminate all eunuchs, but Han Wo repeatedly remonstrated, saying: "It is taboo for affairs to go too far. These people cannot be completely done away with. I fear that if their faction is driven to desperation, it may give rise to other unforeseen troubles." Cui Yin did not listen. On the Dingmao day, Emperor Zhaozong summoned Han Wo alone and asked: "The evil-doers among the eunuchs are as numerous as a forest; how should they be dealt with?" Han Wo replied: "During the calamity in the Eastern Palace (referring to the palace), which eunuch was not complicit in evil? The time to deal with them was on the first day of the new year (referring to the emperor's recent restoration); now the opportunity has been missed." Emperor Zhaozong said: "At that time, why did you not speak of this to Cui Yin?" Han Wo replied: "Your servant saw that Your Majesty's edict stated: 'Except for the four families of Liu Jishu and others, the rest will not be investigated.' For a ruler, nothing is more important than trustworthiness. Since this edict was issued, it should be upheld. If even one more person is killed, then everyone will fear death. However, those who have been removed afterward are already not few; this is why they are fearful and uneasy. Your Majesty should select a few among them who are particularly lacking in conscience, clearly announce their crimes, punish them according to law, and then comfort and inform the rest, saying: 'I fear you might think I still harbor some prejudice; from now on, you need not doubt.' Then choose those among them who are loyal and honest to be their leaders. If their companions do good, reward them; if they commit offenses, punish them. In this way, everyone will be at ease. Now these people, inside and outside the palace, number in the tens of thousands; can they all be executed? The way of imperial governance should be to stabilize with steadiness and to control with impartiality. As for those trivial and cunning matters, once one side harbors scheming intentions, the other side will respond in kind, and ultimately no great achievement can be accomplished. This is what is meant by 'trying to straighten silk only tangles it further.' Moreover, the power of the court is now scattered among various circuits. If this power can first be reclaimed, then there will be nothing that cannot be done." Emperor Zhaozong thought this was very correct and said: "This matter will ultimately be entrusted to you."
Li Keyong sent his generals Li Sizhao and Zhou Dewu to lead troops out from Yingdiguan to attack Xi Prefecture, and the prefect Tang Li surrendered. They then attacked Ci Prefecture, and the prefect Zhang Gui surrendered.
In the intercalary month, Ding Hui, the military governor of Heyang, was appointed military governor of Zhaoyi, and Meng Qian was appointed military governor of Heyang, following Zhu Quanzhong's request.
The Daoist Du Congfa used sorcery to deceive and incite the people of Changzhou, Puzhou, and Hezhou into rebellion. Wang Jian sent the Commander of the Mobile Battalion Wang Zong'an to lead 30,000 troops, joining forces with the armies of Dongchuan and Wuxin, to suppress them. Wang Zong'an was formerly Wang Ji'an.
Cui Yin requested that Emperor Zhaozong execute all eunuchs and use only palace women to manage the affairs of the various palace offices. The eunuchs got wind of this, and Han Quanhui and others tearfully begged Emperor Zhaozong. The emperor then ordered Cui Yin: "If there are matters, submit sealed memorials for reporting; do not make verbal reports." The eunuchs found several literate beauties and sent them into the palace, secretly ordering them to spy on these matters. They fully grasped Cui Yin's secret plans, but Emperor Zhaozong was unaware. Han Quanhui and others were terrified. At every banquet or gathering, they wept and bid each other farewell, constantly plotting day and night on how to eliminate Cui Yin. At that time, Cui Yin concurrently held the post of Commissioner of the Three Bureaus. Han Quanhui and others incited the Imperial Guard to create an uproar in front of Emperor Zhaozong, accusing Cui Yin of withholding their winter clothing. The emperor, having no choice, relieved Cui Yin of his duties as Salt and Iron Commissioner. At that time, Zhu Quanzhong and Li Maozhen each harbored intentions to hold the emperor hostage and command the feudal lords. Zhu Quanzhong wanted the emperor to go to the eastern capital Luoyang, while Li Maozhen wanted the emperor to go to Fengxiang. Cui Yin knew that the plot had leaked and the situation was urgent. He wrote a letter to Zhu Quanzhong, claiming that he had received a secret edict ordering Zhu Quanzhong to lead troops to welcome the imperial carriage, and further said: "Previously, when the emperor was restored to the throne, it was all due to your excellent strategy. However, Fengxiang (Li Maozhen) took the lead in entering the court to claim credit. Now, if you do not come quickly, you will certainly become a guilty person. Not only will your merit be taken by others, but you will also be subjected to punitive expedition!" When Zhu Quanzhong received the letter, in the autumn, in the seventh month, on the Jiayin day, he hurriedly returned to Daliang to mobilize his troops.
Wang Zongkan, the Commander of the Longtai Garrison in Xichuan, and others suppressed the rebellion of Du Congfa and pacified it.
In the eighth month, on the Jiashen day, Emperor Zhaozong asked Han Wo: "I have heard that Lu Yi was displeased with my restoration. On the first day of the new year, he changed his clothes, rode a small horse, and left through the Qixiagate. Is this true?" Han Wo replied: "The plans for the restoration were known only to your servant, Cui Yin, and a few others; Lu Yi did not know. When he suddenly heard that there was a disturbance in the palace, how could human feelings not be alarmed and fearful? Changing clothes and fleeing, what harm was there in that! If Your Majesty blames him as a prime minister for lacking the will to die for the state, that is acceptable. But to say he was displeased with Your Majesty's restoration, I fear this comes from slanderous mouths. I hope Your Majesty will look into it carefully." Emperor Zhaozong then ceased to pursue the matter.
Han Quanhui and others, fearing execution, plotted to use armed force to coerce Emperor Zhaozong. They thus formed deep alliances with Li Jizhao, Li Jihui, Li Yanbi, and Li Jiyun, only Li Jizhao refused to follow them. One day, Emperor Zhaozong asked Han Wo: "What have you heard outside?" Han Wo replied: "I have only heard that the eunuchs are anxious and fearful, and that they are forming alliances with the meritorious officials and Li Jiyun and others, which may lead to unrest. I do not know if this is true." Emperor Zhaozong said: "This is not false. Lately, people like Li Jihui and Li Yanbi have been speaking increasingly arrogantly, making them hard to endure. Linghu Huan wants me to summon Cui Yin and Han Quanhui and others to the inner hall, set up a banquet, and reconcile them. What do you think?" Han Wo replied: "If this is done, they will become even more ferocious and rebellious." Emperor Zhaozong said: "Then what should be done?" Han Wo replied: "The only way is to openly announce the crimes of a few, quickly exile and banish them, and allow the rest to reform themselves. This might perhaps calm things down. If no one is investigated at all, they will certainly know that Your Majesty still has thoughts in mind, and will become even more uneasy. In the end, the matter will never be resolved." Emperor Zhaozong said: "Good!" Not long after, the eunuchs, believing that their faction and support were already consolidated, gradually disregarded imperial decrees and intentions. Sometimes Emperor Zhaozong would send them out as army supervisors, or demote them to guard the imperial mausoleums, but they all refused to comply. The emperor was helpless against them.
Someone reported to Yang Xingmi that Qian Liu had been killed by bandits. Yang Xingmi sent the Commander of the Infantry Li Shenfu and others to lead troops to take Hangzhou. The generals of the Two Zhe, Gu Quanwu and others, set up eight camps to resist.
On the guichou day of the ninth month, Emperor Zhaozong of Tang urgently summoned Han Wo and said to him: "I have heard that Zhu Quanzhong is coming to clear away the evil ministers around the sovereign—this is an act of utmost loyalty. But he must share the merit with Li Maozhen. If the two commanders contend with each other, the situation will become dangerous. You must tell Cui Yin on my behalf to quickly send a mounted messenger to the two garrisons, ordering them to coordinate their plans—that would be best." On the wushen day (the date appears erroneous; it should be a previous day), Emperor Zhaozong also said to Han Wo: "Li Jihui and Li Yanbi and their like are growing increasingly arrogant and overbearing. A few days ago, they entered the palace together with Li Jiyun and had a child sing songs to accompany their drinking in the eastern side of the hall—it was shocking." Han Wo replied: "Your servant knew this would inevitably happen. The mistake was made at the very beginning. When they first achieved merit on the first day of the first month, they should have been rewarded only with official titles, lands, residences, gold, and silk, and should not have been allowed to enter and leave the imperial palace at will. These men have always lacked understanding; they repeatedly request audiences to present reports, sometimes recklessly discussing court affairs, sometimes overstepping their authority to recommend individuals. When their wishes are not followed in the slightest, they bear resentment. Moreover, they only know how to pursue profit. Hired by the eunuchs with generous bribes, they have been made to act this way. Cui Yin originally retained the palace guards to control the eunuchs, but now the eunuchs and the guards have become one faction—what is to be done? If the Bianzhou army arrives, it will surely clash with the Qizhou army at the palace gates. Your servant feels a chill in his heart in private." Emperor Zhaozong could only look distressed and dejected.
In the winter, on the wuxu day of the tenth month, Zhu Quanzhong raised a great army and set out from Daliang.
Li Shenfu and Gu Quanwu had been locked in a protracted stalemate. Li Shenfu captured a prisoner from Hangzhou and allowed him to come and go freely in his bedchamber. Li Shenfu said to his generals: "The Hangzhou army is still strong. Our army should withdraw by night for the time being." The Hangzhou prisoner escaped and returned to report to Gu Quanwu. Li Shenfu ordered that no pursuit be made. At dusk, he sent the weaker soldiers ahead, took up the rear himself, and ordered the acting commandant of the field camp, Lü Shizao, to ambush troops at Qingshan. Gu Quanwu had always despised Li Shenfu and led his troops in pursuit. Li Shenfu and Lü Shizao attacked from front and rear, inflicting a great defeat on Gu Quanwu, beheading five thousand men and capturing Gu Quanwu alive. When Qian Liu heard of this, he wept in shock and said: "I have lost my fine general!" Li Shenfu attacked Lin'an, and Qin Zhao, a general from the two Zhe circuits, surrendered with three thousand men.
When Han Quanhui heard that Zhu Quanzhong was about to arrive, on the dingyou day, he ordered Li Jihui, Li Yanbi, and others to lead troops to seize Emperor Zhaozong, requesting that he proceed to Fengxiang. All palace gates were reinforced with troops, and the search and interrogation of personnel and documents became extremely strict. Emperor Zhaozong sent someone to secretly give an imperial edict to Cui Yin. The wording was deeply sorrowful, and it ended with: "For the sake of the great plan of the ancestral temples and altars, the situation compels me to journey west. You need only go east. How melancholy! How melancholy!" On the wuxu day, Emperor Zhaozong sent Lady Zhao of the state out to inform Han Wo: "Since morning, Li Yanbi and his men have been utterly lawless. I wished to summon you for a reply, but the circumstances would not permit it." She also said: "The emperor and the empress can only weep facing each other." From then on, the Hanlin academicians could no longer enter the palace for audiences. On the guimao day, Han Quanhui and his men had Emperor Zhaozong ascend the throne and summon the hundred officials, forcing him to abolish the edict issued on the bingwu day of the first month, restoring all the recent precedents from the Xiantong era. That day, a meeting was held at the Yanying Hall. Han Quanhui and his men attended by the side, jointly discussing state affairs. On the dingwei day, the Shence commandant Li Jiyun sent his subordinate soldiers to plunder the precious goods, curtains, tents, and ceremonial instruments from the inner treasury. Han Quanhui sent men to secretly escort the various princes and palace women to Fengxiang ahead of time. On the wushen day, Zhu Quanzhong reached Hezhong and submitted a memorial requesting that the emperor's carriage proceed to the eastern capital Luoyang. The capital was thrown into great panic; scholars and commoners fled into the mountains and valleys. That day, none of the hundred officials entered the court, and the palace gates were silent and empty.
On the yiyou day of the eleventh month (the first day of the month), Li Jiyun and his men led troops to maintain a strict guard at the palace gates, forbidding entry and exit, while various armies engaged in widespread looting. Scholars and commoners, wearing short clothes made of cloth or paper, filled the streets as far as the eye could see. Han Jian appointed his aide Sima Ye as acting defender of Kuangguo. Zhu Quanzhong led the armies of the four garrisons, seventy thousand men, straight to Tongzhou, and Sima Ye came out to welcome and surrender.
Because Li Jizhao refused to collude with them, Han Quanhui and his men cut off his contact with the outside world and prevented him from seeing Emperor Zhaozong. At that time, Cui Yin's residence was in Kaihua Ward. Li Jizhao led more than sixty of his subordinates, together with the troops from the various circuits east of the Pass stationed in the capital, to jointly guard Cui Yin. The hundred officials and the scholars and commoners who had fled the chaos all took refuge with him. On the gengxu day, Emperor Zhaozong sent the attendant official Zhang Shaosun to summon the hundred officials, but Cui Yin and the others all submitted memorials declining and refused to come. On the renzi day, Han Quanhui and his men deployed troops in front of the hall and said to Emperor Zhaozong: "Zhu Quanzhong is leading a great army approaching the capital, intending to seize the Son of Heaven and take him to Luoyang, seeking to force an abdication. Your servants request to accompany Your Majesty to Fengxiang to gather troops and resist him." Emperor Zhaozong refused, and, holding a sword, ascended the Qiqiao Tower. Han Quanhui and his men forced Emperor Zhaozong to descend. Emperor Zhaozong then went to the Shouchun Hall, while Li Yanbi had already set fire to the imperial courtyard. That day was the winter solstice. Emperor Zhaozong sat alone in the Sizheng Hall, one leg raised and the other foot resting on the railing, with no officials in the courtyard and no attendants by his side. After a while, unable to do otherwise, he mounted his horse together with the empress, consorts, imperial concubines, and various princes—over a hundred people in all—their weeping unceasing. They left the palace gates and, looking back, saw that the fire in the palace was already raging. That night, they lodged in Hu County.
Zhu Quanzhong sent Sima Ye to enter Huazhou and said to Han Jian: "You did not recognize your mistakes early and surrender of your own accord; you have forced our army to make a brief halt beneath the city walls." That day, Zhu Quanzhong led his army from Gushi southward across the Wei River. Han Jian sent the vice military commissioner Li Juchuan to request surrender, offering thirty thousand taels of silver to support the army. Zhu Quanzhong then turned southwest and headed straight for Chishui.
On the guichou day, Li Maozhen met the emperor's carriage at Tianjia'ai. Emperor Zhaozong dismounted to console and receive him. On the jiayin day, the carriage arrived at Zhouzhi; on the yimao day, it halted for one day.
When Zhu Quanzhong reached the west of Lingkou, he heard that the emperor's carriage had already gone west. After consulting with his staff, he turned his army back to Chishui. The retired Left Vice Director Zhang Jun advised Zhu Quanzhong, saying: "Han Jian is a partisan of Li Maozhen. If you do not take him first, he will certainly become a future calamity." Zhu Quanzhong, having heard that Han Jian had submitted a memorial stating the Son of Heaven had already gone to Fengxiang, led his army to press against Huazhou city. Han Jian, riding alone, came out to greet and bow. Zhu Quanzhong reproached him. Han Jian replied: "Han Jian does not recognize a single character. All memorials, documents, and proclamations were written by Li Juchuan." Because Li Juchuan had often devised plans for Han Jian, Zhu Quanzhong had him executed at the army gate. He said to Han Jian: "You are a native of Xuzhou. You may immediately return to your home village in glory." On the dingsi day, Han Jian was appointed military commissioner of Zhongwu, with its seat in Chenzhou, and soldiers were sent to escort him to his post. The former Shangzhou prefect Li Cunquan was appointed acting Huazhou prefect, and Zhao Xun, the military commissioner of Zhongwu, was transferred to be military commissioner of Kuangguo. When the emperor's carriage was in Huazhou, merchants had gathered in great numbers. Han Jian imposed heavy taxes, and in two years, he collected nine million strings of cash. By this time, Zhu Quanzhong seized all that wealth.
At this time, the capital had no Son of Heaven, and the traveling court had no chief minister. Cui Yin had the Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent, Lu Wo, and over two hundred others sign a joint memorial, requesting that Zhu Quanzhong go west to welcome the emperor's carriage. He also sent Wang Pu to Chishui to discuss matters with Zhu Quanzhong. Zhu Quanzhong replied in a letter: "To advance, I fear the slander of coercing the sovereign; to retreat, I harbor the shame of failing my country. Yet I dare not but exert myself." On the wuwu day, Zhu Quanzhong set out from Chishui.
On the xinyou day, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Lu Guangqi, was appointed to act in charge of the affairs of the Secretariat. The emperor's carriage halted at Qishan for three days. On the renxu day, it arrived at Fengxiang.
Zhu Quanzhong arrived at Chang’an, and the chief ministers led the hundred officials in a ranked welcome at Changle Slope. The next day, when he set out again, they bade him farewell in line at Lingao Post Station. Zhu Quanzhong rewarded Li Jizhao for his merits, initially ordering him to act as provisional Liuhou of Kuangguo, and then retaining him as Commissioner for the Two Streets for Military Arrangements, granting him very generous rewards. Li Jizhao offered up all of his eight thousand soldiers. Zhu Quanzhong sent his judges Li Ze and Pei Zhu to enter the court and present a memorial, stating: "We have received a secret edict and also obtained a letter from Cui Yin, ordering your servant to lead the army into the court." Han Quanhui and others forged an edict in reply, saying: "We have come here to avoid disaster, not because we were taken hostage by eunuchs. The so-called secret edict is all forged by Cui Yin. You should withdraw your troops and return to defend your own territory." Li Maozhen sent his general Fu Daozhao to station at Wugong to resist Zhu Quanzhong. On the Guihai day, Zhu Quanzhong’s general Kang Huaizhen defeated him.
On the Dingmao day, Lu Guangqi was appointed as Right Admonisher of the Chancellery, participating in confidential affairs.
On the Wuchen day, Zhu Quanzhong arrived at Fengxiang and encamped east of the city. Li Maozhen ascended the city wall and said to him: "The Son of Heaven came here to avoid disaster—it is not that I, his subject, have been discourteous. It is slanderous and sycophantic men who have misled you to this point." Zhu Quanzhong replied: "Han Quanhui kidnapped and moved the Son of Heaven. I have now come to inquire into the crime and to welcome and escort the Emperor back to the palace. If the Prince of Qi has not been involved in the plot, why trouble yourself to explain?" Emperor Zhaozong repeatedly issued edicts ordering Zhu Quanzhong to return to his command post, so Zhu Quanzhong submitted a memorial bidding farewell. On the Xinwei day, he moved his army northward toward Binzhou.
On the Jiaxu day, an edict was issued: The Defender-in-Chief and Vice Director of the Chancellery, with the same rank as Pingzhangshi, Cui Yin, was demoted and appointed as Minister of Works; the Vice Minister of Revenue and Vice Director of the Chancellery, with the same rank as Pingzhangshi, Pei Shu, was dismissed from the chancellorship, retaining his original office.
On the Yihai day, Zhu Quanzhong attacked Binzhou. On the Dingchou day, the Jingnan Jiedushi Li Jihui requested to surrender, restoring his original name Yang Chongben. Zhu Quanzhong kept his wife as a hostage in Hezhong and ordered Yang Chongben to continue guarding Binzhou. When Zhu Quanzhong entered Tong Pass heading west, Han Quanhui and Li Maozhen used an edict to command the mobilization of Hedong’s troops. Li Maozhen also sent a letter to Li Keyong requesting reinforcements. Li Keyong sent Li Sizhao to lead five thousand cavalry from Qinzhou straight to Jinzhou, where they engaged the Bianzhou army north of Pingyang and defeated them. On the Yihai day, Zhu Quanzhong departed from Binzhou. On the Wuyin day, he encamped at Sanyuan. In the twelfth month, on the Guiwei day, Cui Yin arrived at Sanyuan to see Zhu Quanzhong and urged him to hasten the escort of the Emperor’s carriage. On the Yichou day (the date seems erroneous here), Zhu Quanzhong sent Zhu Youning to attack Zhouzhi, but he could not capture it. On the Wuxu day, Zhu Quanzhong personally went to supervise the battle; Zhouzhi surrendered, and Zhu Quanzhong ordered the city to be massacred. Zhu Quanzhong ordered Cui Yin to lead the hundred officials and all the capital’s residents in relocating to Huazhou. An edict was issued appointing Pei Zhi as Acting Grand Master of the Daming Palace.
The Qinghai Jiedushi Xu Yanruo died, and his testamentary memorial recommended the Marching Army Marshal Liu Yin to act as provisional Liuhou.
Li Shenfu knew that Qian Liu was certainly not dead, and that the Lin’an city was too strong to be taken after a prolonged siege. Wanting to withdraw, but fearing interception by Qian Liu, he sent men to guard the ancestral tombs of Qian Liu, forbidding firewood gathering and grazing, and also had Gu Quanwu deliver a family letter. Qian Liu sent an envoy to thank him. Li Shenfu set up many flags on important roads and erected false encampments, so that Qian Liu believed the Huainan army was arriving in force, and thus requested peace. Li Shenfu accepted his provisions and gifts, then withdrew.
When Zhu Quanzhong entered Tong Pass, the Rongzhao Jiedushi Feng Xingxi sent his deputy Lu Chongju to submit to Zhu Quanzhong’s orders. Han Quanhui sent more than twenty palace eunuchs by different routes to mobilize the Jiang-Huai troops to station at Jinzhou, in order to threaten Zhu Quanzhong. Feng Xingxi killed all these eunuchs, seized their edicts and orders, and sent them to Zhu Quanzhong. Han Quanhui also sent eunuchs to Wang Jian to conscript troops, and Zhu Quanzhong also sent envoys to Wang Jian to request reinforcements. Wang Jian outwardly expressed harmony with Zhu Quanzhong and listed Li Maozhen’s crimes, but secretly urged Li Maozhen to hold firm, promising to rescue him. He appointed the Wuxin Jiedushi Wang Zongji and the former Dongchuan Jiedushi Wang Zongdi as Commanders of the Imperial Escort, leading fifty thousand troops, ostensibly to welcome the Emperor’s carriage, but in reality to launch a surprise attack on Li Maozhen’s various prefectures in the southern mountains.
The Jiangxi Jiedushi Zhong Chuan led his army to besiege Fuzhou’s Prefect Wei Quanfeng. Heavenly fire burned the city of Fuzhou, and the gentry and populace were panicked and stirred. The generals requested an immediate assault on the city. Zhong Chuan said: "To take advantage of another’s misfortune is not an act of benevolence." So he prayed, saying: "If this is Wei Quanfeng’s crime, let it not harm the people." The fire soon extinguished. When Wei Quanfeng heard of this, he confessed his guilt and submitted to orders, marrying his daughter to Zhong Chuan’s son Zhong Kuangshi. In his youth, Zhong Chuan once went hunting, got drunk, and encountered a tiger. He wrestled with the tiger; the tiger bit his shoulder, while Zhong Chuan also grabbed the tiger’s waist. The people nearby together killed the tiger, and he thus escaped. After becoming eminent, he regretted this and often admonished his sons, saying: "A scholar-official’s conduct in the world values wisdom and strategy—do not imitate my bare-handed fight with a tiger."
The Wuzhen Jiedushi Lei Man died, and his son Lei Yanwei declared himself provisional Liuhou.