Later Tang Records 6
In the sixth year of the Later Tang, beginning in the year shangzhang shetige and ending in the sixth month of xuanwei zhixu, a total of slightly more than two years.
In spring, the first month, Dong Zhang sent troops to build seven stockades at Jianmen. On the xinsi day, Meng Zhixiang sent Zhao Jiliang to Zizhou to mend relations.
The Deputy Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial, Guo Zaijing, submitted a memorial requesting the casting of large coins worth five thousand, three thousand, and one thousand cash. The court considered his proposal to take the imaginary as real, lacking insight and speaking nonsense, and demoted him to Deputy Minister of the Palace Garrison, with the status of tongzheng.
The state of Wu changed the title of Prince Yang Che from Prince of Pingyuan to Prince of Dehua.
On the yimao day, the first day of the second month, Zhao Jiliang returned to Chengdu and said to Meng Zhixiang, "Dong Zhang is greedy and cruel, fond of triumph, ambitious but short-sighted. In the end, he will be a calamity for Western Sichuan." The Commander-in-Chief of the Capital, Li Renhan, and Zhang Ye wanted to host a banquet to invite Meng Zhixiang. Two days in advance, a nun reported that these two generals planned to assassinate Meng Zhixiang on the day of the banquet. Meng Zhixiang interrogated the matter but found no evidence. On the dingyou day, he traced the origin of the rumor to the military officers Du Yanchang and Wang Xingben and had them executed by waist-cutting. On the wuxu day, Meng Zhixiang went to the banquet, completely without attendants, going alone to Li Renhan’s residence. Li Renhan kowtowed, wept, and said, "An old soldier can only die to repay your grace." From then on, all the generals became close, dependent, and respectful.
On the renzi day, Meng Zhixiang and Dong Zhang jointly submitted a memorial saying, "The two circuits have heard that the court has established a military governor at Langzhou and increased troops in Mianzhou and Suizhou, and they are all fearful and anxious." The emperor issued an edict to pacify and instruct them. On the yimao day, the emperor performed the suburban sacrifice at the Round Mound, granted a general amnesty, and changed the reign name. The Military Governor of Fengxiang and Concurrent Zhongshu Ling, Li Congyan, entered the court to participate in the sacrifice. In the third month, on the renshen day, an edict was issued transferring Li Congyan to be the Military Governor of Xuanwu.
On the guihai day, the ruler of Wu established Jiangdu Wang Yang Lian as the Crown Prince.
On the bingzi day, Zhu Hongzhao, the Commissioner of the Palace Secretariat, was appointed Military Governor of Fengxiang.
Kang Fu reported the capture of Baojing Zhen and the beheading of Li Kuangbin.
The Yining Army was renamed back to the Zhaoyi Army.
The emperor intended to establish Consort Cao as Empress. Consort Cao said to Consort Wang, "I usually suffer from heart trouble and am weary of social interactions. Younger sister, do this in my place." Consort Wang said, "The Empress is the equal of the emperor. Who dares to interfere!" On the gengyin day, Consort Cao was established as Empress. Consort Wang served the Empress with respect, and the Empress also cherished her. Initially, Consort Wang had entered the palace through An Chonghui’s assistance and often felt grateful to him. The emperor was naturally frugal, but as his reign continued, palace expenditures gradually became extravagant. An Chonghui repeatedly admonished him. Consort Wang took brocade from the outer treasury to make carpets, and An Chonghui earnestly remonstrated, citing the example of Empress Liu as a warning; thus, Consort Wang resented him.
Gao Conghui sent an envoy with a memorial to Wu, informing them that his ancestral graves were in the Central Plains and fearing that the Later Tang would attack, Wu’s troops would not be able to rescue him in time, thereby cutting off relations with Wu. Wu sent troops to attack him but did not prevail.
Dong Zhang was concerned that the Prefect of Mianzhou, Wu Qianyu, was spying on his activities. In summer, the fourth month, on the jiaxu day, the first day of the month, he submitted a memorial requesting that Wu Qianyu be concurrently appointed as the Marching Adjutant and imprisoned him in the prefectural office.
The Military Governor of Xuanwu, Fu Xi, relying on his status as a veteran general, often argued against An Chonghui in discussions. An Chonghui sought out his faults and reported them to the emperor. On the dingyou day, an edict ordered Fu Xi to retire with the title of Grand Preceptor of the Crown Prince.
On the wuxu day, Meng Zhixiang was additionally appointed Concurrent Zhongshu Ling, and Xia Luqi was appointed Tongping Zhangshi.
Initially, when the emperor was in Zhending, Li Congke had a quarrel with An Chonghui while drinking. Li Congke struck An Chonghui, who fled to escape harm. After sobering, Li Congke apologized, but An Chonghui harbored resentment. By this time, An Chonghui was in power, and even the princes Li Congrong and Li Conghou treated him with utmost respect, fearing they might fall short. At that time, Li Congke was the Military Governor of Hezhong and Tongping Zhangshi. An Chonghui repeatedly spoke ill of him before the emperor, but the emperor did not listen. An Chonghui then forged an imperial order, instructing the Commander of the Yanei Personal Guard of Hedong, Yang Yanwen, to expel Li Congke. That day, Li Congke went out of the city to inspect warhorses. Yang Yanwen led troops to close the city gates and resist him. Li Congke sent someone to knock on the gate and demand, "I have treated you well. Why do this?" The reply was, "Yang Yanwen dares not betray your grace, but he has received orders from the Privy Council. Please, Your Highness, enter the court." Li Congke halted at Yuxiang and sent an envoy to report the situation. When the envoy arrived, on the renyin day, the emperor asked An Chonghui, "Where did Yang Yanwen get such words?" An Chonghui replied, "This is just the ravings of a traitor. He should be swiftly suppressed." The emperor was suspicious and wanted to capture Yang Yanwen to interrogate him, so he appointed Yang Yanwen as Prefect of Jiangzhou. An Chonghui insisted on sending troops to attack him, and the emperor ordered the Western Capital Defender Su Zitong and the Infantry Commander-in-Chief of the Capital Yao Yanchou to lead troops to suppress him. The emperor commanded Yao Yanchou to capture Yang Yanwen alive, saying he wanted to interrogate him personally. At the same time, he summoned Li Congke to Luoyang. Li Congke, knowing he had been framed by An Chonghui, hurried to the court to defend himself.
An Chonghui was additionally appointed Concurrent Zhongshu Ling.
When Li Congke arrived in Luoyang, the emperor reprimanded him and sent him back to his residence, cutting off his court attendance. On the xinhai day, Su Zitong and others captured Hezhong and beheaded Yang Yanwen. On the guichou day, the head was presented. The emperor was angry that Yao Yanchou had not captured him alive and sternly rebuked him. An Chonghui hinted to Feng Dao and Zhao Feng to report that Li Congke had failed in his defense and should be punished. The emperor said, "My son was framed by treacherous parties, and the truth is not yet clear. Why do you say such things? Do you intend that he should not live in the world? This is not your idea." The two withdrew in fear. Another day, Zhao Feng raised the matter again, but the emperor did not respond. The next day, An Chonghui personally brought it up. The emperor said, "In the past, when I was a minor officer, my family was poor. This son picked up horse manure to support me. Now that I have become the Son of Heaven, how can I not protect him! What do you want to do to make it convenient for you?" An Chonghui said, "How dare I speak of matters between Your Majesty and your son! I only ask Your Majesty to decide!" The emperor said, "Let him live quietly in his private residence—that is enough. What more is there to say!" On the bingchen day, Su Zitong was appointed Military Governor of Hezhong. After taking office, Su Zitong, following An Chonghui’s instructions, inventoried the armor and weapons in the military headquarters and reported them, claiming Li Congke had made them privately. It was only due to Consort Wang’s protection within the palace that Li Congke avoided punishment. Scholar-officials dared not associate with Li Congke; only the Director of the Ministry of Rites and Compiler of the History Institute, Lü Qi, who lived nearby, often visited him. Whenever Li Congke submitted memorials or requested matters, he first consulted Lü Qi before acting.
On the wuwu day, the emperor added the honorific title "Shengming Shenwu Wende Gongxiao Huangdi."
An Chonghui reported that the Military Governor of Zhaoyi, Wang Jianli, had made remarks that stirred unrest when passing through Weizhou. In the fifth month, on the bingyin day, an edict ordered him to retire with the title of Grand Preceptor.
Dong Zhang mustered and assembled the militia, having them all shave their heads and tattoo their faces. He also set up Yongding Guan north of Jianmen and arranged beacon fires.
Meng Zhixiang repeatedly submitted memorials requesting that thirteen salt monopolies, such as Yunan, be ceded to Western Sichuan, using the salt revenue to support the troops stationed at Ningjiang. On the xinmao day, the emperor approved.
In the sixth month, on the guisi day, the first day of the month, a solar eclipse occurred.
On the xinhai day, an imperial decree ordered that from then on, the positions of Defense Commissioner, Militia Commissioner, Prefect, Marching Adjutant, and Vice Military Governor would all be appointed by the court, and the circuits were not permitted to submit recommendations.
Dong Zhang sent troops to plunder the garrison stockades of Suizhou and Langzhou. In autumn, the seventh month, on the wuchen day, the two circuits, because the court had repeatedly dispatched troops to garrison Suizhou and Langzhou, again submitted a memorial to argue. From then on, few merchants and travelers from the northeast dared to enter Shu.
In the eighth month, on the yiwei day, the Commander of the Pengsheng Army, Li Xingde, and the shijiang Zhang Jian, brought an informant, Bian Yanwen, who reported, "An Chonghui has mobilized troops, claiming he will personally attack Huainan; he also summoned diviners and physiognomists to inquire about his fate." The emperor questioned the Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Guard, An Congjin, and Yao Yanzhou about this. The two said, "This is merely a traitor trying to sow discord between Your Majesty and your meritorious old ministers. An Chonghui has served Your Majesty for thirty years and has fortunately obtained wealth and honor. Why would he contemplate rebellion! We beg to guarantee him with our clans." The emperor then beheaded Bian Yanwen, summoned An Chonghui, comforted and consoled him, and the lord and his minister wept facing each other.
The former Zhongwu military governor Zhang Yanlang was appointed acting Minister of Works and concurrently Director of the Three Fiscal Agencies. The official title of Director of the Three Fiscal Agencies dates from this point.
Wu's Xu Zhigao, because the Haizhou military commander Wang Chuanzheng had a formidable reputation and popular support, and at the time when the militia commissioner Chen Xuan was being dismissed and recalled to court, Xu Zhigao promised to let Wang Chuanzheng succeed him; shortly afterward, he sent Chen Xuan back to Haizhou and summoned Wang Chuanzheng to Jiangdu. Wang Chuanzheng became angry, believing that Chen Xuan had slandered him. On the jihai day, he led his subordinates into the court to bid farewell to Chen Xuan. Taking the opportunity, he killed Chen Xuan, burned and plundered the city walls, and led his five thousand troops to defect. Xu Zhigao said, "This is my fault." He pardoned Wang Chuanzheng's wife and children. The Lianshui commissioner Wang Yan led troops into Haizhou. Xu Zhigao appointed Wang Yan as Grand General of the Valiant Guard, in charge of Haizhou affairs. Wang Chuanzheng was the son of Wang Wan; his uncle Wang Yu served as the prefect of Guang Prefecture. Wang Chuanzheng sent a secret envoy with a letter to Guang Prefecture. Wang Yu arrested the envoy and reported the matter, then requested to resign and return home. Xu Zhigao appointed Wang Yu as Commandant of the Palace Guard. At that time, political power was in the Xu family's hands, and those in charge of the imperial guard and night watch were especially hard to find suitable candidates. Xu Zhigao, because Wang Yu was steady, honest, and meticulously careful, employed him.
On the renyin day, Zhao Feng memorialized: "I have heard that recently there have been villains who slandered high ministers, shaking the pillars of the state, but the punishment has not been thorough enough." The emperor then arrested Li Xingde and Zhang Jian and exterminated their entire clans.
The emperor established his son Li Congrong as the Prince of Qin; on the bingchen day, he established Li Conghou as the Prince of Song.
Dong Zhang's son, Dong Guangye, served as the Palace Commissioner in Luoyang. Dong Zhang wrote to him, saying: "The court has cut off my subordinate prefectures to establish a military command, stationing three thousand troops—this is certainly to kill me. When you see the key ministers, speak for me: If the court sends another single rider into the Xie Valley, I will certainly rebel! This is my farewell to you." Dong Guangye showed the letter to the Privy Council Secretary Li Qianhui. Soon after, the court again sent another general, Xun Xianyi, to lead troops to garrison Lang Prefecture. Dong Guangye said to Li Qianhui: "Before these troops arrive, my father will certainly rebel. I dare not care for myself, but I fear troubling the court with troop deployments. I hope you can stop sending these troops, and my father guarantees there will be no other incident." Li Qianhui reported this to An Chonghui, who did not listen. When Dong Zhang heard of this, he rebelled. The three commands of Li Prefecture, Lang Prefecture, and Sui Prefecture reported to the court, also saying that they had gathered troops and were about to attack the three commands. An Chonghui said, "I knew this would happen long ago; it's just that Your Majesty was lenient and did not punish him." The emperor said, "I have not betrayed anyone; if anyone betrays me, I will punish him!"
In the ninth month, on the guihai day, the Western Sichuan reporting official Su Yuan reported to Meng Zhixiang, saying: "The court plans to launch a large-scale campaign to attack the two Sichuan circuits." Meng Zhixiang discussed this with his deputy Zhao Jiliang. Zhao Jiliang suggested that the Eastern Sichuan troops first capture Sui Prefecture and Lang Prefecture, then combine forces to hold the Sword Gate, so that even if the main army came, they would have no worries from behind. Meng Zhixiang followed this advice and sent an envoy to agree with Dong Zhang to raise troops together. Dong Zhang issued a proclamation to the three commands of Li Prefecture, Lang Prefecture, and Sui Prefecture, enumerating their crimes of alienating the court, and led troops to attack Lang Prefecture. On the gengwu day, Meng Zhixiang appointed the capital commander Li Renhan as Chief Campaign Commissioner, the Han Prefecture prefect Zhao Tingyin as his deputy, and the Jian Prefecture prefect Zhang Ye as Vanguard Commissioner, leading thirty thousand troops to attack Sui Prefecture; he also sent the inner capital commander Hou Hongshi and the Vanguard Commander Meng Sigong with four thousand troops to join Dong Zhang in attacking Lang Prefecture.
An Chonghui had long monopolized power, and many in the court and outside hated him. Imperial Consort Wang and the Military Virtue Commissioner Meng Hanqiong gradually gained power and repeatedly spoke of An Chonghui's shortcomings before the emperor. An Chonghui, troubled and fearful, submitted a memorial requesting to be relieved of his key duties. The emperor said, "I have no grievance against you. I have already killed those who slandered you; why do you do this?" On the jiaxu day, An Chonghui again reported in person: "I come from a humble and lowly background and have reached this position. Suddenly, I was falsely accused of rebellion. If not for Your Majesty's extreme wisdom, my entire clan would have been exterminated. Because my talents are shallow and my responsibilities heavy, I fear I cannot ultimately quell the rumors. I hope you will grant me a regional command to preserve my remaining years." The emperor did not agree. An Chonghui kept pleading, and the emperor became angry, saying, "Go ahead, then! I am not short of people!" The former Chengde military governor Fan Yanguang urged the emperor to keep An Chonghui, and said, "If An Chonghui leaves, who can replace him?" The emperor said, "Could you not do it?" Fan Yanguang said, "I have served Your Majesty for only a short time, and my abilities are inferior to An Chonghui's. How dare I take on this responsibility?" The emperor sent Meng Hanqiong to the Secretariat to discuss An Chonghui's matter. Feng Dao said, "If you all truly care for Lord An, you should relieve him of his privy council duties—that would be appropriate." Zhao Feng said, "You are wrong." They then memorialized that a high minister should not be moved lightly.
When the Eastern Sichuan troops reached Lang Prefecture, the generals all said: "Dong Zhang has long plotted rebellion, using gold and silk to win over his soldiers; his momentum is unstoppable. We should dig deep moats and raise high walls to thwart him. Within ten days, the main army will arrive, and the rebels will flee on their own." Li Renju said, "The Shu soldiers are weak; how can they withstand my elite troops?" He then gave battle, but before the two armies had even clashed, his forces were routed and retreated. Dong Zhang attacked the city day and night. On the gengchen day, the city fell. Dong Zhang killed Li Renju and exterminated his family. Previously, when Dong Zhang was a Liang general, the commander Yao Hong had once been under his command. At this time, Yao Hong was leading a thousand troops to garrison Lang Prefecture. Dong Zhang sent a secret letter to entice him, but Yao Hong threw the letter into the latrine. After the city fell, Dong Zhang captured Yao Hong and rebuked him, saying: "I promoted you from the ranks; why have you betrayed me today?" Yao Hong said: "Old rebel! In the past, you were a slave of the Li family, sweeping horse manure, and when you got a piece of roasted meat, you were endlessly grateful. Now the Son of Heaven has appointed you a military governor; what has he done wrong to you that you rebel? You have betrayed the Son of Heaven; what favor have I received from you that you say I betray you? You are nothing but a slave's material, naturally knowing no shame. I am a righteous man; how could I bear to do what you do? I would rather die for the Son of Heaven than live together with a man's slave!" Dong Zhang was furious, had a large cauldron heated in front of him, and ordered ten strong men to cut off pieces of Yao Hong's flesh and eat them themselves. Yao Hong cursed without stopping until his death. The emperor placed Yao Hong's two sons in the imperial guard and generously rewarded their family.
On the jiashen day, Fan Yanguang was appointed Privy Councilor, while An Chonghui's duties remained unchanged.
On the bingxu day, an edict was issued to strip Dong Zhang of his official rank and titles, and troops were sent to punish him. On the dinghai day, Meng Zhixiang was appointed concurrently as the Southwest Supply Commissioner. The Tianxiong military governor Shi Jingtang was appointed Chief Campaign Commissioner for the Eastern Sichuan Circuit, with Xia Luqi as his deputy. Dong Zhang sent Meng Sigong to lead a detachment to attack Ji Prefecture. Meng Sigong advanced rashly, was defeated, and returned. Dong Zhang was furious and sent him back to Chengdu, where Meng Zhixiang removed him from his post. On the wuzi day, Shi Jingtang was appointed acting overseer of Eastern Sichuan affairs. On the gengyin day, the Right Valiant Guard General Wang Sitong was appointed Western Capital Commissioner and concurrently Acting Horse and Foot Commandant, serving as the vanguard for the campaign against Shu.
The ruler of Southern Han sent his generals Liang Kezhen and Li Shoufu to attack Jiao Prefecture. They captured it, seized the Jinghai military governor Qu Chengmei, and returned. He appointed his general Li Jin to garrison Jiao Prefecture.
Winter, tenth month, on the guisi day, Li Renhan besieged Sui Prefecture. Xia Luqi defended the city tightly. Meng Zhixiang ordered the capital adjutant Gao Jingrou to lead twenty thousand Yi militia from Zi Prefecture to build a long wall to encircle Sui Prefecture. Xia Luqi sent the cavalry commander Kang Wentong out to fight. When Kang Wentong heard that Lang Prefecture had fallen, he led his troops to surrender to Li Renhan.
On the wuxu day, Dong Zhang led troops to rush to Li Prefecture. Encountering rain, his grain and fodder transport could not keep up, and he returned to Lang Prefecture. When Meng Zhixiang heard of this, he said in alarm: "Just after breaking Langzhong, we should have directly taken Li Prefecture. The commander there is not brave; he would surely have fled at the sight of our forces. We could have seized his granaries and occupied the strategic points of Man Tian, and the northern army would ultimately have been unable to advance west to rescue Wuxin. Now, Lord Dong is confined to Lang Prefecture, far away from the Sword Gate—this is not a good plan." He wanted to send three thousand troops to help defend the Sword Gate, but Dong Zhang firmly declined, saying, "It is already defended."
Taking advantage of the return of the court's envoy Du Peiyu, who had been sent to enfeoff the King of Min, Qian Liu attached a memorial confessing his faults and blaming himself. His son Qian Chuanguan and his generals and aides repeatedly submitted memorials on Qian Liu's behalf to plead his case. On the guimao day, an imperial decree allowed the Liangzhe transport commissioners to act as they saw fit.
Feng Yun, the Commissioner of the Palace Secretariat and Northern Institute, was appointed as the Left Guard General and the Northern Capital Garrison Commander. On the Dingwei day, Dong Guangye was executed along with his clan. King Ma Yin of Chu fell ill and sent envoys to the court, requesting to pass his throne to his son Ma Xisheng. The court suspected that Ma Yin had already died, and on the Xinhai day, appointed Ma Xisheng as the reinstated Military Governor of Wu’an and concurrent Attendant-in-Chief.
Meng Zhixiang appointed Zhang Wu, the former Military Governor of Zhenjiang in the Former Shu, as the Commander for the Recruitment and Punitive Expedition of the Gorge Circuit, leading a naval force to Kuizhou, with Yuan Yanchao, the Commander of the Left Flying Paddles, as his deputy. On the Guichou day, the Dongchuan army captured the five prefectures of Zheng, He, Ba, Peng, and Guo.
On the Bingchen day, Yan Keqiu, the Left Deputy Director of the Department of State Affairs and Co-Participant in Governance of Wu, died. Xu Zhigao appointed his eldest son, the Grand General Xu Jingtong, as Minister of War and Participant in Governance, because Xu Zhigao was about to garrison Jinling.
Liang Kezhen, a general of the Southern Han, entered Champa and seized its treasures and goods before returning.
In the eleventh month, on the Wuchen day, Zhang Wu arrived at Yuzhou, where the Prefect Zhang Huan surrendered to him, and he then captured Luzhou, sending the general Zhu Wo with a detachment to Qianzhou and Fuzhou.
On the Jisi day, King Ma Yin of Chu died. His dying instructions mandated that his sons and brothers should succeed him in turn; a sword was placed in the ancestral temple with the words: "Kill whoever disobeys my command!" The generals discussed sending troops to guard the four borders before announcing the mourning. Huang Sun, the Vice Minister of War, said: "We have lost our lord, but there is a new lord; what is there to guard against! We should only send envoys to neighboring circuits to announce the mourning and explain the succession."
Shi Jingtang entered San Pass. Wang Jingzhi, the Prefect of Jiezhou, Feng Hui, the Prefect of Luzhou, along with Wang Sitong, the Commander of the Forward Cavalry and Infantry, and Zhao Zaili, the Commander of the Infantry Army, led troops from behind Rentou Mountain, passed south of Jianmen, and then turned back to attack Jianmen. On the Renshen day, they captured Jianmen, killed three thousand Dongchuan soldiers, captured the Commander-in-Chief Qi Yanwen, and occupied and defended Jianmen. Feng Hui was from Weizhou. On the Jiaxu day, Wang Hongzhi and others broke through Jianzhou, but the main army did not follow up, so they burned the houses there, seized supplies and grain, and retreated to defend Jianmen. On the Yihai day, an edict stripped Meng Zhixiang of his official titles and ranks. On the Jimao day, Dong Zhang sent an envoy to Chengdu to report the emergency. Meng Zhixiang, upon hearing that Jianmen had fallen, was greatly alarmed and said: "Dong Gong has indeed delayed me!" On the Gengchen day, he sent Li Zhao, the Commander of the Inner Guard, with five thousand troops to rush to Jianzhou, warning him: "You must travel day and night at double speed, seize Jianzhou first, and then the northern army will be powerless." He also sent an envoy to Suizhou, ordering Zhao Tingyin to lead ten thousand troops to join the garrison at Jianzhou. He also sent Li Yun, the former Military Governor of Yongping in the Former Shu, with four thousand troops to Longzhou to hold the strategic points. At that time, the weather was cold, and the soldiers were fearful and hesitant to advance. Zhao Tingyin wept and exhorted them, saying: "Now the northern army is strong. If you do not fight vigorously to repel the enemy, then your wives and children will belong to others." Only then did the men’s spirits rouse. Dong Zhang led the combined armies of the two circuits from Langzhou to camp at Muma Stockade. Previously, Pang Fucheng, the Inner Guard Commander of Xichuan from Taigu, and Xie Huang, the Zhaoxin Commander, were camped at Laisu Village. Hearing that Jianmen had fallen, they said to each other: "If the northern army takes Jianzhou again, the situation for the two Shu regions will be perilous." They immediately led over a thousand of their troops by a small road to Jianzhou. Just as they arrived, over ten thousand government troops descended from the northern mountains in force. It happened to be dusk, and the two discussed: "We are outnumbered; if we wait until dawn, we will all be finished." Pang Fucheng led several hundred men at night up the northern mountains and raised a great clamor behind the government camp, while Xie Huang led the remaining troops with short weapons to attack from the front. The government troops were greatly alarmed, abandoned their camp, and fled, retreating again to defend Jianmen, not venturing out for over ten days. When Meng Zhixiang heard this, he said joyfully: "I initially thought that after Wang Hongzhi and his men took Jianmen, they would directly seize Jianzhou, hold its city, or lead troops straight to Zizhou, and Dong Gong would surely abandon Langzhou and flee back; our forces would lose their support and would also have to lift the siege of Suizhou. Thus we would be attacked from within and without, the two Shu regions would be shaken, and the situation would be worrying and dangerous. Now they have burned Jianzhou, transported grain east back to Jianmen, and halted their advance—my cause has succeeded." The government troops split their forces to head for Wenzhou, intending to attack Longzhou, but were defeated by Pan Fuchao, the Dingyuan Commander of Xichuan, and Sha Yanzhuo, the Yisheng Commander from Taiyuan. On the Jiashen day, Zhang Wu died in Yuzhou. Meng Zhixiang ordered Yuan Yanchao to replace him in command of the army. As Zhu Wo was about to reach Fuzhou, Yang Hanbin, the Military Governor of Wutai, abandoned Qiannan and fled to Zhongzhou. Zhu Wo pursued him to Fengdu, then turned back to capture Fuzhou. Meng Zhixiang appointed Cui Shanquan, a clerk from Chengdu, as acting Wutai Military Governor. Dong Zhang sent Wang Hui, the former Prefect of Lingzhou, with three thousand troops to join Li Zhao and others in dividing their forces to camp south of Jianzhou Mountain.
On the Bingxu day, Ma Xisheng assumed his position, claiming to follow his father’s dying instructions to abolish the kingdom’s institutions and restore the old system of a vassal commandery.
Yelü Tuyu, the Prince of Dongdan of the Khitan, because he had lost his position, led forty of his followers across the sea from Dengzhou to defect.
In the twelfth month, on the Renchen day, Shi Jingtang arrived at Jianmen. On the Yimo day, he advanced and camped north of Jianzhou Mountain. Zhao Tingyin arrayed his forces behind the Yacheng Back Mountain, while Li Zhao and Wang Hui arrayed theirs at the River Bridge. Shi Jingtang led his infantry to attack Zhao Tingyin. Zhao Tingyin selected five hundred skilled archers and ambushed them on Shi Jingtang’s retreat route, holding his troops in readiness. When the spears were almost within reach, he raised the banner, beat the drums, and shouted the attack. The northern army was defeated, fell down the mountains, and over a hundred were captured or killed. Shi Jingtang then sent cavalry to charge the River Bridge, but Li Zhao shot them with strong crossbows, and the cavalry could not advance. At dusk, Shi Jingtang withdrew his forces. Zhao Tingyin pursued and, together with the ambush, attacked and defeated him. Shi Jingtang retreated and camped at Jianmen.
On the Guimao day, Kuizhou reported the recapture of Kaizhou.
On the Gengxu day, Ma Xisheng, the Military Governor of Wu’an, was appointed as the Military Governor of Wu’an and Jingjiang, with the additional concurrent title of Grand Councilor.
Shi Jingtang’s campaign against Shu had no achievements. Envoys returning from the front mostly reported that the roads were narrow and perilous, making advance extremely difficult, and the people of the Guanyou region were exhausted by transporting provisions, often fleeing and hiding in the mountains and valleys, banding together as bandits. The emperor was worried about this. On the Renzi day, he said to his close ministers: "Who can accomplish this for me? I should personally lead the expedition." An Chonghui said: "Your servant is ashamed to hold the position of Privy Councilor; the army’s prestige has not been raised—it is your servant’s fault. I beg to go personally to supervise the campaign." The emperor agreed. An Chonghui immediately took his leave. On the Guichou day, he set out, traveling several hundred li each day. When the western commanderies heard of this, they were all terrified. Money, silk, and grain were transported day and night without pause to Lizhou, with men and livestock dying in the mountains and valleys beyond count. At that time, the emperor had already become distant from An Chonghui. Shi Jingtang had originally not wanted to campaign westward, and only after An Chonghui left the emperor’s side did he dare to submit multiple memorials arguing that Shu could not be conquered, and the emperor largely agreed.
Previously, there were fifteen hundred Xichuan soldiers garrisoning Kuizhou, and the emperor released them all to return.
In the spring, first month, on the Renxu day, Meng Zhixiang submitted a memorial thanking the emperor. On the Gengwu day, Li Renhan captured Suizhou, and Xia Luqi committed suicide. On the Guiyou day, Shi Jingtang again led his army to Jianzhou and camped north of the mountain. Meng Zhixiang displayed Xia Luqi’s head to Shi Jingtang. Xia Luqi’s two sons were following Shi Jingtang in the army and wept, begging to retrieve their father’s head for burial. Shi Jingtang said: "Meng Zhixiang is a generous man; he will surely bury your father. Wouldn’t that be better than having the head separated from the body?" Later, Meng Zhixiang indeed encoffined and buried Xia Luqi. Shi Jingtang fought Zhao Tingyin but was unsuccessful and again retreated to Jianmen.
On the Bingxu day, Gao Conghui was additionally appointed as concurrent Grand Councilor. A Dongchuan general returned Hezhou to the Wuxin Army.
Initially, Zhu Hongzhao, the military governor of Fengxiang, curried favor with An Chonghui through flattery and successively obtained posts in major towns. When An Chonghui passed through Fengxiang, Zhu Hongzhao greeted him with prostrations before his horse, arranged lodgings in his official residence, invited An Chonghui into his private chambers, and had his wife and children line up to bow in greeting, offering wine and food with extremely respectful etiquette. An Chonghui said tearfully to Zhu Hongzhao, "Slanderous villains have conspired against me from all sides; I barely escaped disaster. Thanks to the sovereign's clear insight, I was able to preserve my clan." After An Chonghui left, Zhu Hongzhao immediately submitted a memorial, saying, "An Chonghui harbors resentment and speaks malicious words. He must not be allowed to go to the field camp, for fear he might seize Shi Jingtang's military authority." He also wrote a letter to Shi Jingtang, stating, "An Chonghui acts recklessly. If he arrives at the front, the officers and soldiers will likely be alarmed and suspicious, leading to collapse without battle. He should be stopped midway." Shi Jingtang was greatly alarmed and promptly reported, "If An Chonghui comes, it may cause unrest among the troops. He should be recalled quickly." Xuanhui Commissioner Meng Hanqiong, returning from the west, also spoke of An Chonghui's faults and crimes. Consequently, an edict was issued recalling An Chonghui to the court.
On the first day of the second month (jichou), Shi Jingtang, seeing that Suizhou and Langzhou had already fallen and grain transport was cut off, burned his camps and withdrew northward. The army reported this to Meng Zhixiang, who hid the letter and said to Zhao Jiliang, "The northern army is advancing gradually. What should be done?" Zhao Jiliang replied, "They cannot cross Mianzhou; they will surely flee." Meng Zhixiang asked why. Zhao Jiliang said, "We are at ease, they are fatigued. They have advanced a thousand li deep into enemy territory with their provisions exhausted. How could they not flee!" Meng Zhixiang laughed heartily and showed him the letter.
An Chonghui reached Sanquan, received the edict, and hurried back. When he passed through Fengxiang, Zhu Hongzhao refused him entry to the city. An Chonghui, terrified, galloped eastward.
The armies of the Two Rivers pursued Shi Jingtang to Lizhou. On the renchen day, Li Yanqi, the military governor of Zhaowu, abandoned his post and fled. On the jiawu day, the Two Rivers armies entered Lizhou. Meng Zhixiang appointed Zhao Tingyin as acting military governor of Zhaowu. Zhao Tingyin sent an envoy secretly to Meng Zhixiang, saying, "Dong Zhang is full of tricks. He can be shared with in times of hardship but not in times of ease. In the future, he will surely become your scourge. Take advantage of his arrival at Jianzhou to comfort the troops and devise a plan to eliminate him. By merging the forces of the Two Rivers, you can achieve great ambitions in the realm." Meng Zhixiang did not agree. Dong Zhang entered Zhao Tingyin's camp, stayed overnight, and then left. Zhao Tingyin sighed and said, "If my plan is not followed, the calamity will be hard to quell!"
On the gengzi day, Meng Zhixiang appointed Li Renhan, acting military governor of Wuxin, as commander of the Xiazhou Route Field Campaign, ordering him to lead a naval force eastward to seize territory. On the xinchou day, An Chonghui, commissioner of military affairs and concurrent Zhongshu Ling, was appointed military governor of Huguo. Zhao Feng said to the emperor, "An Chonghui is Your Majesty's household minister. His heart will never betray the sovereign. It is only because he could not guard against everything and was slandered by others. If Your Majesty does not clearly perceive his heart, An Chonghui will soon meet his death." The emperor, thinking Zhao Feng was forming a faction, was very displeased.
On the yisi day, Zhao Tingyin and Li Zhao led their troops back from Jianzhou, leaving five thousand soldiers to garrison Lizhou. On the bingwu day, Dong Zhang also returned to Dongchuan, leaving three thousand soldiers to garrison Guozhou and Langzhou.
On the dingsi day, Li Renhan captured Zhongzhou.
Xu Zhigao of Wu wanted to appoint Song Qiqiu, Zhongshu Shilang and Inner Hub Commissioner, as chancellor. Song Qiqiu, believing his seniority and reputation were insufficient, sought to display lofty integrity through retirement. He took leave to bury his father in Hongzhou, then entered the Jiuhua Mountains, staying at Yingtian Temple, and submitted a memorial requesting seclusion. The Wu ruler issued an edict summoning him, and Xu Zhigao also wrote a letter inviting him back, but he did not come. Xu Zhigao sent his son, Xu Jingtong, personally into the mountains to urge and explain. Only then did Song Qiqiu return. He was appointed Right Puye with retirement status, and an order was issued to rename Yingtian Temple as Zhengxian Temple.
On the first day of the third month (jiwei), Li Renhan captured Wanzhou. On the gengshen day, he captured Yun'an Salt Administration. On the xinyou day, the Khitan Prince of the Eastern Dan, Yelü Tuyu, was given the surname Dongdan and the personal name Muhua, and was appointed military governor of Huaihua and observer of Ruizhou and Shenzhou. His retainers and previously captured Khitan generals, including Tiyin, were all granted names and surnames. Tiyin was given the surname Di and the personal name Huaihui.
Li Renhan reached Kuizhou. An Chongruan, military governor of Ningjiang, abandoned his post and fled with Yang Hanbin from Junzhou and Fangzhou. On the renxu day, Li Renhan captured Kuizhou.
After the emperor relieved An Chonghui of his duties as commissioner of military affairs, he summoned Li Congke and said tearfully, "If An Chonghui's will had been followed, how could you have seen me again!" On the bingyin day, Li Congke was appointed General of the Left Guard Command.
On the renshen day, Kong Xun, military governor of Henghai and Tong Pingzhangshi, died.
On the yiyou day, Qian Liu was reappointed as Commander-in-Chief of All Military Affairs, Imperial Father, and King of Wuyue. The emperor sent Zhang Jian, commander of the Palace Gate Guard, to convey the decree, explaining that the earlier order for him to retire was a false edict issued by An Chonghui.
On the dinghai day, Li Yu, Grand Master of the Imperial Secretariat, was appointed Zhongshu Shilang and Tong Pingzhangshi.
Summer, fourth month. On the xinmao day, Consort Wang was elevated to Shufei.
Wang Yanbing, military governor of Fengguo and concurrent Zhongshu Ling of Min, hearing that Min King Wang Yanjun was ill, had his second son Wang Jisheng act as acting governor of Jianzhou, while he himself led Wang Jixiong, the prefect of Jianzhou, in commanding a naval force to attack Fuzhou. On the guimao day, Wang Yanbing attacked the west gate, and Wang Jixiong attacked the east gate. Wang Yanjun sent Wang Renda, commander of the Towered Ships, to lead a naval force to resist. Wang Renda hid armored troops in his ships, hoisted a white flag, and pretended to surrender. Wang Jixiong, delighted, dismissed his guards and boarded Wang Renda's ship to offer comfort. Wang Renda beheaded Wang Jixiong and hung his head on the west gate. Wang Yanbing, who was setting fires to attack the city, saw the head and wailed loudly. Wang Renda then launched an attack, and Wang Yanbing's forces scattered. Wang Yanbing's attendants carried him away in a sedan chair, but on the jiachen day, he was pursued and captured. Wang Yanjun, seeing him, said, "Indeed, I troubled my elder brother to come down again!" Wang Yanbing, ashamed, could not speak. Wang Yanjun imprisoned him in a separate room and sent envoys to Jianzhou to pacify his partisans. The partisans killed the envoys, supported Wang Jisheng and his younger brother Wang Jilun, and fled to Wuyue. Wang Renda was Wang Yanjun's nephew.
Zhao Yanshou, commissioner of the Xuanhui Northern Courtyard, was appointed commissioner of military affairs.
On the jiyou day, Shi Jingtang, military governor of Tianxiong and Tong Pingzhangshi, was concurrently appointed Vice Commissioner of the Six Armies and Various Guards. On the xinhai day, Zhu Hongzhao was appointed commissioner of the Xuanhui Southern Courtyard.
Fifth month. Wang Yanjun, the King of Min, executed Wang Yanbing in the marketplace, restoring his original name Zhou Yanchen. He sent his younger brother, Wang Yanzheng, the chief military instructor, to Jianzhou to comfort the officials and populace.
On the dingmao day, the tax per mu on distiller's yeast was abolished. In the cities, the price of government-made yeast was halved compared to the old price; in the countryside, the people were permitted to make their own yeast. The people found this convenient.
On the jimao day, Meng Hanqiong was appointed as Director of the Inner Attendant Office and concurrently commissioner of the Xuanhui Northern Courtyard. Meng Hanqiong had originally been a slave of Zhao Wang Rong. At this time, although Fan Yanguang and Zhao Yanshou served as commissioners of military affairs, they, witnessing An Chonghui's downfall due to obstinacy, dared not express approval or disapproval of government affairs. Only Meng Hanqiong and Consort Wang held power within the palace, and everyone feared them. Previously, when requests from within the palace slightly exceeded normal limits, An Chonghui would always insist on memorializing, thus nearly eliminating improper demands. By this time, Meng Hanqiong directly issued orders from the inner palace to take resources from the treasury, bypassing the Bureau of Military Affairs and the Three Fiscal Agencies, without any documentation or authorization. The amount taken was incalculable.
On the xinsi day, Meng Hu, prefect of Xiangzhou, was appointed General of the Left Valiant Guard and concurrently commissioner of the Three Fiscal Agencies.
Zhao Tingyin, acting military governor of Zhaowu, hurried from Chengdu to Lizhou. After a month, he requested permission to lead troops to capture Xingyuan, Qinzhou, and Fengzhou. Meng Zhixiang, considering the soldiers exhausted and the people distressed, did not agree.
The Protectorate General of the State Security (Huguo) Military Commissioner and concurrent Acting Chief Minister (Zhongshu Ling) An Chonghui felt uneasy in his heart and submitted a memorial requesting retirement. During the intercalary month, on the Gengyin day, an edict was issued allowing him to retire with the title of Grand Tutor to the Heir Apparent (Taizi Taishi). That same day, his sons An Chongzan and An Chongxu fled to Hezhong. On the Renchen day, Li Congzhang, the Military Commissioner of Baoyi, was appointed as the Military Commissioner of Huguo. On the Jiawu day, the Infantry Commander-in-Chief (Bujun Zhihuishi) Yao Yanchou was sent with troops to Hezhong. When An Chongzan and his brother arrived in Hezhong, An Chonghui exclaimed in surprise, "Why have you come?" Then he added, "I understand; this is not their own intention—they were directed by others. I will repay the state with death; what more is there to say!" He then arrested his two sons and submitted a memorial to send them to the court. The next day, an imperial envoy arrived, saw An Chonghui, and wept for a long time. An Chonghui asked him the reason, and the envoy said, "Others say you harbor treacherous intentions, and the court has already sent Yao Yanzhou with troops to arrive." An Chonghui said, "I have received great favor from the state, and even death would not be enough to repay it. How dare I harbor any disloyal thoughts, and even trouble the state to dispatch troops, adding to the sovereign's worries—my crime is even greater." When An Chongzan and his brother reached Shanzhou, an edict was issued to imprison them. The Director of the Imperial City Bureau (Huangcheng Shi) Zhai Guangye had always detested An Chonghui. The emperor sent him to Hezhong to investigate, saying, "If An Chonghui truly has treacherous intentions, kill him." When Zhai Guangye arrived in Hezhong, Li Congzhang led armored soldiers to surround An Chonghui's residence and entered himself to see An Chonghui, kneeling in the courtyard. An Chonghui, startled, descended the steps to return the bow, when Li Congzhang suddenly struck him on the head with an iron whip. An Chonghui's wife, Lady Zhang, screamed and rushed to save him, but she too was beaten to death. After the report was submitted, on the Jihai day, an edict was issued, citing An Chonghui's sowing discord among Meng Zhixiang, Dong Zhang, and Qian Liu as his crimes, and also falsely accusing him of planning to personally attack Huainan to seize military power, sending close confidants to secretly bring his two sons back to his circuit; both sons were executed together.
On the Bingwu day, the emperor sent Su Yuan, the presentation officer from Xichuan, and Liu Cheng, a military officer from Dongchuan, each back to their own circuits, informing them that An Chonghui had monopolized power and issued orders arbitrarily, leading to military campaigns, and that he had now been executed.
In June, on the Yichou day, Li Congke was reinstated as Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs (Tong Pingzhangshi) and appointed as the Western Capital Defender (Xidu Liushou). On the Bingzi day, an order was issued to equalize the land taxes of the common people across all circuits.
The King of Min, Wang Yanjun, was fond of the arts of immortals. The Daoist Chen Shouyuan, the shaman Xu Yan, and Sheng Xingtao together induced him to build a Precious Palace (Baohuang Gong), exhausting the splendor of wood and stone construction, and appointed Chen Shouyuan as its master.
In autumn, September, on the Jihai day, the name of Dongdan Muhua was changed by imperial decree to Li Zanhua.
Xu Zhijian, the Military Commissioner of Zhennan and Acting Chief Minister (Tong Pingzhangshi) of Wu, died. Xu Zhixun, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of All Circuits (Zhudao Fudu Tongshuai), Military Commissioner of Zhenhai, and Acting Chief Minister (Shou Zhongshu Ling), was appointed to succeed him, and was granted the title Prince of Donghai Commandery. Initially, when Xu Zhigao summoned Xu Zhixun to court, Xu Zhijian had participated in the planning. When Xu Zhixun encountered Xu Zhijian's funeral cortege on the road, he touched the coffin and wept, saying, "My younger brother was so devoted; I have no regrets, but what face do I have to meet the late king underground?" On the Xinchou day, Fan Yanguang, the Privy Councillor (Shumishi), was granted the additional title of Acting Chief Minister (Tong Pingzhangshi).
On the Xinhai day, an order was issued to release the falcons and hawks from the Five Falconries (Wufang) and to forbid further tribute of such from within or outside the court. Feng Dao said, "Your Majesty can be said to have extended benevolence to birds and beasts." The emperor said, "It is not so. In the past, I once followed Emperor Wu of Jin (Wuhuang) on a hunt. At that time, the autumn crops were ripe, and a wild beast fled into the fields. I sent cavalry to catch it, and by the time we captured the beast, little of the crops remained. From this I reflected that hunting brings harm without benefit, so I simply do not do it."
In winter, October, on the Dingmao day, the Military Commissioner of Yangzhou, Li Jintang, attacked Tongzhou and captured it.
On the Renwu day, Wang Yanzheng was appointed as the Prefect of Jianzhou.
In November, on the Jiashen day (the first day of the month), a solar eclipse occurred.
On the Guisi day, Su Yuan arrived in Chengdu. Meng Zhixiang, upon hearing that his nephews and nephews in the court were all safe, sent an envoy to inform Dong Zhang, proposing that they jointly submit a memorial to apologize. Dong Zhang angrily said, "Duke Meng's relatives are all safe, so naturally he should submit. My clan has already been destroyed—what apology is there! The edict is all in Su Yuan's belly; how could Liu Cheng have known it in advance? Am I not aware of this!" From then on, they became enemies again.
On the Yiwei day, Li Renhan led his troops from Kuizhou back to Chengdu.
Xu Zhigao, the Acting Chief Minister (Zhongshu Ling) of Wu, submitted a memorial stating that he had assisted in governance for many years and requested permission to retire to Jinling for old age. Consequently, Xu Zhigao was appointed as the Military Commissioner of Zhenhai and Ningguo, stationed at Jinling, retaining his other offices, and overseeing court affairs as per the precedent of Xu Wen. His son, the Minister of War (Bingbu Shangshu) and Participant in Determining Government Matters (Canzhi Zhengshi), Xu Jingtong, was appointed as Director of the Department of State Affairs (Situ) and Acting Chief Minister (Tong Pingzhangshi), in charge of all military affairs (Zhongwai Zuoyou Zhujunshi), and remained in Jiangdu to assist in governance. Wang Lingmou, the Inner Privy Councillor (Neishumi Shi) and Acting Chief Minister (Tong Pingzhangshi), was appointed as Right Vice Director (You Puye) and concurrently Attendant of the Chancellery (Jian Menxia Shilang). Song Qiqiu was appointed as Right Vice Director (You Puye) and concurrently Attendant of the Secretariat (Jian Zhongshu Shilang). Both were granted the title of Acting Chief Minister (Tong Pingzhangshi) and concurrently Inner Privy Councillors (Neishumi Shi) to assist Xu Jingtong. Zhang Chong, the Military Commissioner of Desheng, was granted the title Prince of Qinghe Commandery. Zhang Chong was greedy and cruel in Luzhou, causing great suffering to the people of the prefecture. He frequently entered the court, using large amounts of wealth to ingratiate himself with powerful figures, and thus often managed to return to his post, harming Luzhou for over twenty years.
In December, on the Jiayin day (the first day of the month), permission was first given to the people to cast their own farming tools and various iron implements. For every two mu of land, they were required to pay a tax of three qian on farming implements in both the summer and autumn seasons.
Ma Xisheng, the Military Commissioner of Wu'an and Jingjiang, heard that Emperor Taizu of Liang loved chicken, and imitated him. After succeeding to his position, he killed fifty chickens daily for his meals, showing no signs of grief during the mourning period. On the Gengshen day, King Wumu Ma Yin was buried in Hengyang. When the funeral was about to begin, Ma Xisheng suddenly consumed several plates of chicken. The former Vice Minister of Personnel (Libu Shilang), Pan Ji, sarcastically remarked, "In ancient times, Ruan Ji ate steamed suckling pig during mourning; in every age, there are worthy men!"
On the Guihai day, Xu Zhigao arrived in Jinling.
Zhao Tingyin, the Acting Military Commissioner of Zhaowu, reported to Meng Zhixiang that the walls and moats of Lizhou had been repaired and that he had recently shared the same merit as the Commander-in-Chief of the Inner Guard (Yanei Du Zhihuishi) Li Zhao at Jianzhou. He hoped to yield Zhaowu to Li Zhao. Meng Zhixiang praised and instructed him but did not agree. Zhao Tingyin repeatedly declined. On the Guiyou day, Meng Zhixiang summoned Zhao Tingyin back to Chengdu and had Li Zhao succeed him.
Chen Shouyuan and others of Min, pretending to be under the orders of the Precious Emperor (Baohuang), said to the King of Min, Wang Yanjun, "If you can abdicate and receive the Dao, you shall become Son of Heaven for sixty years." Wang Yanjun believed them. On the Bingzi day, he ordered his son, the Vice Military Commissioner (Jiedu Fushi) Wang Jipeng, to act as acting administrator of the military headquarters (Quan Junfu Shi). Wang Yanjun abdicated and received the Daoist registry (Daolu), taking the Daoist name Xuanxi.
The General of Aizhou, Yang Tingyi, adopted three thousand foster sons, plotting to recover Jiaozhou. Li Jin, the defending general of Jiaozhou under Southern Han, learned of this but accepted his bribes and did not report it. That year, Yang Tingyi raised troops and besieged Jiaozhou. The ruler of Southern Han sent Cheng Bao, the Chengzhi, to lead troops to rescue him. Before they arrived, the city had already fallen. Li Jin fled back, and the ruler of Southern Han killed him. Cheng Bao besieged Jiaozhou. Yang Tingyi came out to fight, and Cheng Bao was defeated and killed.
In spring, the first month, Fan Yanguang, the Privy Councillor (Shumishi), submitted a memorial saying, "From Lingzhou to Fangquzhen in Binzhou, imperial envoys and foreign tribute bearers are frequently robbed by the Dangxiang people. I request permission to send troops to attack them." On the Jichou day, Yao Yanzhou, the Military Commissioner of Jingnan, and Kang Fu, the former Military Commissioner of Shuofang, were sent with a total of seven thousand infantry and cavalry to punish the Dangxiang.
On the Yiwei day, Meng Zhixiang's wife, the Princess of Fuqing, died.
Meng Zhixiang felt that the court's favors toward him were generous, but Dong Zhang had blocked the road through Mianzhou, preventing him from sending envoys to the court to express gratitude. He then discussed with Zhao Jiliang, the Vice Military Commissioner (Jiedu Fushi), and others, considering sending an envoy via the Xia Gorge to submit a memorial to the court. The Chief Secretary (Zhang Shuji) Li Hao said, "If you, my lord, act without consulting Dongchuan and send an envoy alone, then in the future, the blame for breaking the covenant will rest on us." Thus, he again sent an envoy to inform Dong Zhang, but Dong Zhang did not comply.
In February, Zhao Jiliang discussed with the various generals, intending to send Gao Yanxiu, the Zhaowu commander (Dujian) from Taiyuan, to lead troops to take Bizhou, thereby cutting off the route of the Shannan troops entering the mountain passes. Meng Zhixiang discussed this with his staff. Li Hao said, "The court sent Su Yuan and others back to the west, and we have not yet reciprocated with a memorial of thanks. Now, if we send troops to invade—if you, my lord, do not consider the ancestral tombs and your nephews—then it would be better to issue a proclamation and raise troops to directly attack Liangzhou and Yangzhou. What need is there for Bizhou?" Meng Zhixiang then stopped the plan. Zhao Jiliang consequently came to dislike Li Hao.
On the Xinwei day, an order was first issued for the National Academy (Guozijian) to collate the Nine Classics and to carve blocks for printing and sale.
Yao Yanchou and others reported that they had defeated nineteen tribes of the Dangxiang, capturing 2,700 people.
He granted Gao Conghui the title of Prince of Bohai.
Xu Zhigao of Wu built a Ritual Talents Academy in his mansion, gathered books, invited scholar-officials, and discussed current affairs with Sun Sheng and Chen Jue of Hailing.
Meng Zhixiang three times sent envoys to persuade Dong Zhang, saying that the sovereign treated the two circuits of Shu with great favor; if he did not submit a memorial of thanks and apology, he might provoke another punitive campaign. Dong Zhang did not listen. On the Xinchou day of the third month, he sent Li Hao to Zizhou to strongly explain the advantages and disadvantages. When Dong Zhang saw Li Hao, he cursed him without ceasing and would not agree. Li Hao returned and said to Meng Zhixiang, “Dong Zhang is unreasonable in discussion and also has designs on the Western Circuit. You should prepare against him.”
On the Jiachen day, Wang Yanjun of Min was restored to his throne.
Qian Liu, the Wusu Prince of Wuyue, fell gravely ill. He said to his generals and officials, “My illness will surely not improve. All my sons are foolish and weak. Who can serve as the commander?” The crowd wept and said, “The Linggong of the two garrisons (Qian Chuanguan) is benevolent, filial, and meritorious. Who would not support him!” Qian Liu then brought out all his seals and keys and handed them to Qian Chuanguan, saying, “The generals and officials have chosen you. You should well guard the foundation.” He also said, “My descendants must serve the Central Plains court well. Do not abandon the rites of serving a great state because of a change of dynasty.” He died on the Gengxu day, at the age of eighty-one. Qian Chuanguan observed mourning in the same tent with his brothers. The inner yamen commander Ji Renzhang said, “The Linggong inherits the former king’s hegemony. The generals and officials come to pay respects morning and evening. He should dwell separately from the other young masters.” He then ordered the stewards to set up another tent, helped Qian Chuanguan move into it, and told the generals and officials, “From now on, only the Linggong may be received. Prohibit the attendants of the other young masters from entering freely.” Day and night he maintained vigilant guard, never resting. In Qian Liu’s later years, all his attendants attached themselves to Qian Chuanguan; only Ji Renzhang repeatedly offended him over various matters. At this time, Qian Chuanguan comforted him. Ji Renzhang said, “When the former king was alive, Renzhang did not know how to serve the Linggong. Now I fulfill my duty of loyalty and guard my integrity, just as when I served the former king.” Qian Chuanguan sighed in admiration for a long time. After Qian Chuanguan succeeded to the throne, he changed his name to Qian Yuan’guan, and all brothers whose names contained the character “Chuan” changed it to “Yuan.” Following the dying instructions, he abolished court ceremonial and adopted the regulations of a regional command. He exempted taxes on abandoned and ownerless fields among the people. He ordered the prefect of Chuzhou, Cao Zhongda, to temporarily oversee governance. He established the Office for Selecting Talent, in charge of selecting and evaluating officials, managed by Shen Rong, the vice commissioner of agricultural colonies in Zhexi. The inner yamen commanders, Liu Renji of Fuyang and Lu Renzhang, had long served in their posts. Lu Renzhang was stern by nature, and Liu Renji liked to slander others; both were hated by the multitude. One day, all the generals gathered at the government gate and requested their execution. Qian Yuan’guan sent his nephew Qian Renjun to instruct them, saying, “These two generals have served the former king for a long time. I was just about to rely on their merits. Do you wish to vent your private grudges and kill them? Is this acceptable? I am your sovereign; you should obey my orders. Otherwise, I should return to Lin’an to yield the path to the worthy!” The crowd, frightened, withdrew. He then appointed Lu Renzhang as prefect of Quzhou and Liu Renji as prefect of Huzhou. When anyone inside or outside the court submitted a memorial accusing others, Qian Yuan’guan set it aside without inquiry. Thus the generals and officials became harmonious and united.
Initially, the Khitan’s Sheli Cila and Tiyin were both captured by Zhao Dejun. The Khitan repeatedly sent envoys requesting their release. The emperor discussed this with the officials. Zhao Dejun and others all said, “The reason the Khitan has not invaded the borders for many years and has repeatedly sought peace is because these men are in our hands. If we release them, border troubles will arise again.” The emperor asked Yang Tan, the prefect of Jizhou, about this. Yang Tan replied, “Cila is a fierce general of the Khitan. In the past, he helped Wang Du plot to harm the state. Fortunate to be captured, Your Majesty spared his life, and the rewards given were already generous. The Khitan’s loss of him is like losing a limb. He has been at court for many years and knows China’s strengths and weaknesses. If he can return, he will certainly become a major disaster. As soon as he leaves the frontier, he will shoot arrows southward. I fear regret will be too late.” The emperor then stopped the release. Yang Tan was a Shatuo.
The emperor wanted to appoint Li Zanhua to a commandery in Henan. All the officials deemed it impossible. The emperor said, “I formed a brotherly pact with his father, so Li Zanhua submitted to me. I am old. For future sovereigns, even if they wished to recruit him, how could they succeed?” In summer, on the Guihai day of the fourth month, he appointed Li Zanhua as the military governor of Yicheng and selected scholar-officials from the court as his aides and assistants. Li Zanhua only indulged in leisure and pleasure and did not participate in governance. The emperor praised him; although he sometimes committed illegal acts, they were not investigated. He also gave him Xia, a palace woman of Zhuangzong, as his wife. Li Zanhua liked to drink human blood. His concubines often had their arms pierced for him to suck. When maidservants or servants committed minor faults, they were sometimes blinded or subjected to cutting or burning. Xia could not endure his cruelty and petitioned to divorce and become a nun.
On the Yichou day, Song Wang Li Conghou was additionally appointed as Zhongshu Ling.
Dong Zhang, the military governor of Dongchuan, summoned his generals to discuss attacking Chengdu. All said it could certainly be taken. Wang Hui, the former prefect of Lingzhou, said, “The land of Jiannan stretches ten thousand li, and Chengdu is the largest. Now it is midsummer, and raising an army without a proper reason will surely not succeed.” Dong Zhang did not listen. When Meng Zhixiang heard this, he sent Pan Rensi, the commander of the cavalry, with 3,000 men to Hanzhou to reconnoiter. Dong Zhang entered the territory of the Western Circuit, broke through the town of Baiyanglin, and captured the garrison commander Wu Hongli. His momentum was great. Meng Zhixiang was very worried. Zhao Jiliang said, “Dong Zhang is brave but lacks kindness. The soldiers are not attached to him. Defending a city would be difficult for him to conquer, but in field battle he will be captured. Now he does not guard his own lair—this is advantageous for you. When Dong Zhang uses troops, his elite forces are all in the vanguard. You should lure them with weak troops and await them with strong forces. Though you may suffer a small defeat at first, you will certainly win a great victory later. Dong Zhang has always had a fierce reputation. Now he suddenly raises an army and comes; people’s hearts are fearful. You should personally go out to resist them to strengthen everyone’s confidence.” Zhao Tingyin considered Zhao Jiliang’s words correct and said, “Dong Zhang is rash and without strategy. Raising an army, he will surely be defeated. I will capture him for you.” On the Xinsi day, he appointed Zhao Tingyin as commander-in-chief of the mobile camp infantry and cavalry, leading 30,000 men to resist Dong Zhang.
On the first day of the fifth month, Zhao Tingyin entered the court to take his leave. Dong Zhang’s proclamation arrived, along with letters to Zhao Jiliang, Zhao Tingyin, and Li Zhao, falsely accusing them, saying that Zhao Jiliang and Zhao Tingyin had conspired with him to summon him. Meng Zhixiang handed the letter to Zhao Tingyin, who did not look at it, threw it on the ground, and said: “This is merely a divisive scheme, wanting you to kill the deputy commissioner and me.” Then he bowed twice and departed. Meng Zhixiang said: “The matter will surely succeed.” Li Zhao, who had never been literate, looked at the letter and said: “Dong Zhang is teaching me to rebel.” Thereupon he imprisoned the messenger who had brought the letter, but also gathered his troops to protect himself. Dong Zhang’s army reached Hanzhou, and Pan Rensi engaged him in battle at Red Water, suffered a great defeat, and was captured by Dong Zhang, who then conquered Hanzhou. On the Guiwei day, Meng Zhixiang left Zhao Jiliang and Gao Jingrou to guard Chengdu, led eight thousand soldiers himself and rushed to Hanzhou, arriving at Minmuzhen, where Zhao Tingyin arrayed his forces north of the town. On the Jiashen day, near dawn, Zhao Tingyin arrayed his forces at Jizong Bridge, and the Yisheng Dingyuan Capital Commandant of Cavalry and Infantry Zhang Gongduo arrayed his forces behind him. Soon after, Dong Zhang saw that the Western Sichuan army was formidable in strength, retreated, and arrayed his forces below Wuhou Temple. Dong Zhang’s valiant soldiers under his command shouted loudly: “What are we doing here in the midday sun? Why not fight quickly!” Dong Zhang then mounted his horse. As soon as the vanguard engaged, the Eastern Sichuan Right Wing Cavalry and Infantry Capital Commander Zhang Shoujin surrendered to Meng Zhixiang, saying: “All of Dong Zhang’s troops are here, with no reinforcements; you should attack them swiftly.” Meng Zhixiang ascended a high grave to supervise the battle, but the Left Mingyi Commander Mao Zhongwei and the Left Chongshan Commander Li Tang, who held Jizong Bridge, were both killed by the Eastern Sichuan army. Zhao Tingyin’s three attacks were all unfavorable, and the troops of Yanei Deputy Commander Hou Hongshi also retreated. Meng Zhixiang, afraid, pointed his horsewhip at the rear formation. Zhang Gongduo led his troops shouting forward, and the Eastern Sichuan army suffered a great defeat, with several thousand dead. They captured more than eighty people, including the Eastern Sichuan Central Capital Commander Yuan Gui and Yanei Deputy Commander Dong Guangyan. Dong Zhang beat his chest and said: “My personal guards are all lost; on what can I rely!” He fled with a few cavalrymen, while the remaining seven thousand soldiers surrendered, and the Western Sichuan army also recovered Pan Rensi. Meng Zhixiang led his troops in pursuit of Dong Zhang to Wuhou Ford, where the Eastern Sichuan Cavalry and Infantry Capital Commander Yuan Gui surrendered. The Western Sichuan army entered the Hanzhou government mansion but could not find Dong Zhang; the soldiers scrambled for Dong Zhang’s military supplies, so Dong Zhang was able to escape. Zhao Tingyin pursued him to Red Water and again received the surrender of three thousand Eastern Sichuan soldiers. That night, Meng Zhixiang stayed overnight in Luo County and ordered Li Hao to draft a proclamation to inform the Eastern Sichuan officials and commoners, and also to draft a letter of condolence to Dong Zhang, stating that he would go to Zizhou to inquire about the reasons for breaking the covenant, and asking him to explain the offense of attacking. On the Yiyou day, Meng Zhixiang met Zhao Tingyin at Red Water, then returned west, ordering Zhao Tingyin to lead troops to attack Zizhou. Dong Zhang returned to Zizhou, entered the city in a sedan chair, and Wang Hui greeted him, asking: “The Grand Defender set out with the entire army, but now fewer than ten men have returned. Why is this?” Dong Zhang wept and could not answer. When he reached his mansion, while eating, Wang Hui, together with Dong Zhang’s nephew, Yanei Capital Adjunct Dong Yanhao, led three hundred soldiers shouting and charging in. Dong Zhang took his wife and children and ascended the city wall; his son Dong Guangsi committed suicide. Dong Zhang ran to the north gate tower, summoned Commander Pan Zhou, and ordered him to suppress the rebels. Pan Zhou led ten soldiers up the tower, cut off Dong Zhang’s head, also took Dong Guangsi’s head, and gave them to Wang Hui. Wang Hui surrendered the entire city. Zhao Tingyin entered Zizhou, sealed the storehouses, and awaited Meng Zhixiang. Li Zhao, hearing of Dong Zhang’s defeat, finally executed Dong Zhang’s messenger and reported it. On the Bingxu day, Meng Zhixiang entered Chengdu. On the Dinghai day, he again led eight thousand soldiers to Zizhou, arriving at Xindu. Zhao Tingyin presented Dong Zhang’s head. On the Jichou day, he set out from Xuanwu, and Zhao Tingyin led the Eastern Sichuan generals and officials to welcome him.
Kang Fu reported that the Dangxiang bandits who had been plundering had been executed, and the rest had all surrendered and submitted.
On the Renchen day, Meng Zhixiang fell ill. On the Guisi day, his illness worsened. Zhongmen Deputy Commissioner Wang Chuhui attended him day and night. When the cook presented food, he always had the vessels emptied before taking them out, to reassure the people. Li Renhan came from Suizhou, and Zhao Tingyin welcomed him at Ban Bridge; Li Renhan did not acknowledge the Eastern Sichuan battle achievements but instead insulted Zhao Tingyin, who became furious. On the Yiwei day, Meng Zhixiang recovered. On the Dingyou day, he entered Zizhou. On the Wuxu day, he rewarded the troops. After finishing, Meng Zhixiang said to Li Renhan and Zhao Tingyin: “Which of you two generals should garrison this place?” Li Renhan said: “If the Commandant gives me Shu Prefecture again, I will go there as well.” Zhao Tingyin did not answer. Meng Zhixiang was startled, withdrew, and ordered Li Hao to draft a document, waiting for one of the two generals to yield, then appoint the other as acting commander. Li Hao said: “In the past, Emperor Taizu of Liang and Emperor Zhuangzong of Tang both concurrently held four commands. Now the two generals are unwilling to yield to each other; only by you concurrently holding the position would it be appropriate. You should quickly return to Chengdu and discuss it with Chief Minister Zhao.”
On the Jihai day, the Khitan envoy Dieluoluo took his leave to return to his country. The Emperor said: “My intention is to pacify the border; I cannot fail to fully satisfy their requests.” Thereupon he sent Cu'gusheli to return with him. Because the Khitan had failed to obtain Cula, they repeatedly invaded Yunzhou and Zhenwu from then on.
Meng Zhixiang ordered Li Renhan to return to Suizhou, left Zhao Tingyin as the Eastern Sichuan Inspector, and appointed Li Hao to act as the military governor of Zizhou. Li Hao said: “Two tigers are fighting; I dare not accept this appointment. I wish to follow you back.” Thereupon he appointed the Capital Adjutant Wang Yanzhu as the Eastern Sichuan Supervisor. On the Guimao day, Meng Zhixiang returned to Chengdu, and soon after, Zhao Tingyin also led his troops back west. Meng Zhixiang said to Li Hao: “After obtaining Eastern Sichuan, my worries have deepened.” Li Hao asked the reason. Meng Zhixiang said: “Since I left Zizhou, I have received seven memorials from Li Renhan, all saying: ‘You should concurrently hold Eastern Sichuan yourself; otherwise, the generals will not submit.’ Zhao Tingyin says: ‘I originally did not dare to take on Eastern Sichuan, but because Li Renhan was not yielding, I developed a striving heart.’ You explain things to Zhao Tingyin for me, and then change Langzhou to Baoning Army, adding the four prefectures of Guo, Peng, Qu, and Kai, and let him go there to garrison. I will concurrently hold Eastern Sichuan myself, to cut off Li Renhan’s extravagant hopes.” Zhao Tingyin was still not convinced and requested to fight a duel with Li Renhan, with the winner to be the Eastern Sichuan Military Governor. Li Hao mediated vigorously, and only then did Zhao Tingyin accept the appointment. In the sixth month, Zhao Tingyin was appointed as the acting commander of Baoning. On the Wuwu day, Zhao Jiliang led the generals and officials to request that Meng Zhixiang concurrently serve as the Eastern Sichuan Military Governor, and Meng Zhixiang agreed. Zhao Jiliang and the others further requested that Meng Zhixiang assume the title of king, temporarily exercise the power of issuing edicts, and reward meritorious officials, but Meng Zhixiang did not agree.
When Dong Zhang raised his army to attack Meng Zhixiang, the Shannan West Circuit Military Governor Wang Sitong reported this to the court. Fan Yanguang said to the Emperor: “If the two Sichuan regions merge into one rebel, and he pacifies the people and holds the strategic points, then capturing them will be even more difficult. We should take advantage of their mutual conflict and plan early.” The Emperor ordered Wang Sitong to lead the troops from Xingyuan to secretly plan an advance. Soon after, hearing that Dong Zhang had been defeated and killed, Fan Yanguang said: “Although Meng Zhixiang has occupied the entire Shu region, his soldiers are all from the east. Meng Zhixiang fears they may miss their homeland and rebel, and he also wants to rely on the court’s authority to intimidate his troops. If Your Majesty does not condescend to appease him, he will have no opportunity to reform.” The Emperor said: “Meng Zhixiang is an old acquaintance of mine; he was driven to this state by others’ slander. What condescension is there!” Thereupon he sent the Offering Official Li Cunsi to bestow an edict on Meng Zhixiang, saying: “Dong Zhang was like a fox or wolf, bringing destruction upon his own clan. Your ancestral graves and relatives are all safe and secure. You should just fulfill your family’s good name, and abide by the great principles of ruler and subject.” Li Cunsi was the son of Li Cunning and Meng Zhixiang’s nephew.
The king of Min, Wang Yanjun, said to Chen Shouyuan: "Ask the Bao Huang for me: Since I am to be the Son of Heaven for sixty years, what will happen after that?" The next day, Chen Shouyuan came in and said: "Last night I presented a memorial and received the decree of the Bao Huang, stating that you should become the Grand Immortal Master of the Luo." Xu Yan and others also said: "The Chongshun King of the Northern Temple once saw the Bao Huang, and his words were the same as Chen Shouyuan's." Wang Yanjun became even more self-assured and began plotting to proclaim himself emperor. He submitted a memorial to the court saying: "Qian Liu has died; I request that I be appointed as the King of Wuyue. Ma Yin has died; I request that I be appointed as the Minister of the Department of State Affairs." The court did not respond, and from then on, Wang Yanjun ceased his tribute payments.