Later Tang Records 8
Zizhi Tongjian, Volume 279 [Later Tang Annals, Chapter 8] From the second month of the jiawu year to the end of the yiwei year, a total of more than one year.
In the second month, on the guiyou day, the Shu ruler appointed Wu Tai Jiedushi Zhao Jiliang as Sikong, concurrently Menxia Shilang and Tongping Zhangshi, while still retaining his original post as Jiedushi.
Many people in Wu were unwilling to move the capital. Du Yiya Zhou Zong said to Xu Zhigao: "If the ruler moves west, you will have to move east. This will not only be costly and laborious but also go against the wishes of the people." On the bingzi day, the Wu ruler sent Song Qiqiu to Jinling to inform Xu Zhigao to halt the relocation of the capital. Previously, Xu Zhigao had long harbored the ambition to receive the abdication and replace Wu, but because the Wu ruler had committed no faults, he worried that the people would not be convinced and wanted to wait for the next ruler; Song Qiqiu also thought this was appropriate. One day, Xu Zhigao looked in the mirror, plucked out a white beard hair, and sighed, saying: "The state is at peace, but I am already old. What can be done?" Zhou Zong understood his intention, requested to go to Jiangdu, subtly hinted at the idea of abdication to the Wu ruler, and also informed Song Qiqiu. Because Zhou Zong had acted before him, Song Qiqiu became jealous, sent a messenger posthaste to Jinling, and wrote a personal letter earnestly advising against it, arguing that both the timing and popular sentiment were not yet right; Xu Zhigao was greatly startled. After a few days, Song Qiqiu arrived, requested that Zhou Zong be executed to apologize to the Wu ruler, and consequently demoted Zhou Zong to the post of Deputy Commissioner of Chizhou. After a long time, Deputy Jiedushi Li Jianxun, Marching Military Commissioner Xu Jie, and others repeatedly presented Xu Zhigao's achievements, arguing that he should respond to the people's will as soon as possible. Thereupon, Zhou Zong was recalled and reinstated as Du Yiya. From then on, Xu Zhigao distanced himself from Song Qiqiu.
Zhu Hongzhao and Feng Yun did not want Shi Jingtang to remain long in Taiyuan, and also wished to recall Meng Hanqiong. On the jimao day, they transferred Chengde Jiedushi Fan Yanguang to be Tianxiong Jiedushi, replacing Meng Hanqiong; transferred the Prince of Lu, Li Congke, to be Hedong Jiedushi, concurrently Beidu Liushou; and transferred Shi Jingtang to be Chengde Jiedushi. They did not issue formal edicts but merely sent envoys with oral decrees to escort them to their new posts.
The Wu ruler issued an edict ordering Xu Zhigao to return to his official residence. On the jiashen day, a great fire broke out in Jinling; on the yiyou day, another great fire broke out. Xu Zhigao suspected some disturbance and led troops to guard himself. On the jichou day, he re-entered his official residence.
The Prince of Lu was already suspicious of the court, and the court further ordered the Prince of Yang, Li Congzhang, to act temporarily as Fengxiang Jiedushi. Li Congzhang was coarse and malicious by nature; previously, when he replaced An Chonghui as commander in Hezhong, he had attempted to kill him. When the Prince of Lu heard that he was coming, he was especially disgusted and wanted to resist the order, but his troops were weak and supplies scarce, and he did not know what to do. He discussed with his officers and aides, who all said: "The ruler is young, and all state affairs are decided by Zhu Hongzhao and Feng Yun. Your Highness's merit and fame overshadow the ruler. If you leave your garrison, you will certainly have no means of self-preservation. You cannot accept the appointment." The Prince of Lu asked the Observing Judge Ma Yinsun, a native of Dihe: "Now, if I must pass through the capital, where should I go to be safe?" Ma Yinsun replied: "When the ruler summons, one must go without even waiting for the carriage to be ready. Going to attend the mourning and then proceeding to the garrison—what is there to doubt? The treacherous plans of those people cannot be followed." Everyone laughed at him. The Prince of Lu then issued a proclamation to neighboring circuits, saying: "Zhu Hongzhao and others, taking advantage of the late emperor's serious illness, murdered the elder and installed the younger, monopolized court power, alienated and estranged the ruler's own kin, and destabilized the frontier garrisons, fearing they will overturn the state. I, Li Congke, am about to enter the court to clear out the evil ones around the ruler, but my strength alone cannot accomplish this. I hope to seek help from neighboring garrisons to complete this task." Because the Western Capital Liushou Wang Sitong was on the main route eastward, the Prince of Lu especially wanted to win him over. He sent Tuiguan Hao Yi, Yaya Zhu Tingyi, and others successively to Chang'an to persuade Wang Sitong with arguments of advantage and disadvantage, lure him with beautiful women, and if he did not comply, to eliminate him on the spot. Wang Sitong said to his generals and officials: "I received great kindness from Emperor Mingzong. Now if I rebel together with Fengxiang, even if the affair succeeds and brings glory, I would only be a rebel minister for a time. Moreover, if the affair fails and brings disgrace, it would leave an eternal stain of shame." Thereupon, he arrested Hao Yi and the others and reported the matter to the court. At that time, most of the Prince of Lu's envoys were seized by neighboring circuits, or else they wavered and adopted a wait-and-see attitude, holding to both sides. Only Longzhou Fangyushi Xiangli Jin wholeheartedly sided with him, sending his judge Xue Wenwu back and forth to discuss matters. Xiangli Jin was a native of Bingzhou. The court discussed punishing Fengxiang. Kang Yicheng did not want to go out, fearing he would lose military power, so he requested that Wang Sitong be appointed commander-in-chief, with Yulin Dudu Zhihuishou Hou Yi as Xingying Mabu Du Yuhou. Hou Yi knew that the army was about to mutiny, so he pleaded illness and did not go. The chief ministers were very angry and transferred him out to be Shangzhou Cishi. On the xinmao day, Wang Sitong was appointed Xixing Xingying Mabu Du Bushu, with former Jingnan Jiedushi Yao Yanchou as his deputy, former Jiangzhou Cishi Chang Congjian as Mabu Du Yuhou, and Yanwei Bujun Zuoxiang Zhihuishou Yin Hui, Yulin Zhihuishou Yang Siquan, and others all serving as subordinate generals. Yin Hui was a native of Weizhou.
The Shu ruler appointed Zhongmen Shi Wang Chuhui as Shumi Shi.
On the dingyou day, Wang Sitong was given the additional title of Tongping Zhangshi and placed in charge of Fengxiang Xingfu; Huguo Jiedushi An Yanwei was appointed Xixing Xingying Dujian. Although Wang Sitong had loyal and righteous intentions, he lacked discipline in commanding the army. The Prince of Lu had long experienced battles, and among the officers and soldiers, those who hoped for good fortune and advancement were inclined toward him. An edict was issued sending Dianzhi Chu Kuazuo to arrest Bozhou Tuanlianshi Li Zhongji and imprison him in Songzhou. The Prince of Yang, Li Congzhang, reached Guansai, but when he heard that Fengxiang had resisted the order, he turned back.
In the third month, An Yanwei together with five jiedushi—Zhang Qianqian of Shannan Xidao, Sun Hanchao of Wuding, Zhang Congbin of Zhangyi, and Kang Fu of Jingnan—submitted a memorial and combined their troops to attack Fengxiang. Sun Hanchao was the son of Li Cunjin.
On the yimao day, the armies from various circuits assembled in great numbers outside the walls of Fengxiang and attacked, capturing the eastern and western outer city gates. Many within the city died. On the bingchen day, they again advanced to attack the city, determined to take it. Fengxiang's moats were shallow and low, and its defenses were lacking. The people were in dire straits. The Prince of Lu ascended the city wall and wept, saying to the outside troops: "Since before I came of age, I followed the late emperor through a hundred battles, passing through life and death, covered with wounds, and only then established the state we have today. You followed me and witnessed these things with your own eyes. Now the court trusts slanderous ministers and suspects its own flesh and blood. What crime have I committed that I should be killed?" Thereupon, he wailed loudly. Those who heard him were deeply moved with pity. Zhang Qianqian was narrow-minded and impetuous. He was in charge of attacking the southwestern corner of the city and drove the soldiers up the walls with drawn swords. The soldiers became enraged, shouted curses, and turned back to attack him. Zhang Qianqian spurred his horse and fled, barely escaping death. Yang Siquan then shouted: "The Great Prince is our ruler." Thereupon, he led his troops to remove their armor and discard their weapons, surrendering to the Prince of Lu. They entered through the western gate, and Yang Siquan presented a slip of paper to the Prince of Lu, saying: "I hope that when the Great Prince captures the capital, he will appoint me Jiedushi, not Fangyushi or Tuanlianshi." The Prince of Lu immediately wrote "Yang Siquan may be appointed Bin'ning Jiedushi" and gave it to him. Wang Sitong was still unaware of this. He urged the soldiers to climb the city walls, but Yin Hui shouted: "The troops on the west side of the city have already entered and are receiving rewards." The soldiers then vied to discard their armor and weapons and surrender, the noise shaking the earth. By noon, the rebel troops had all entered the city, and the outside forces were completely routed. Wang Sitong and the six jiedushi all fled. The Prince of Lu gathered all the wealth of the officers, officials, soldiers, and commoners in the city to reward his troops, even valuing cooking pots and tripods to distribute as payment. On the dingsi day, Wang Sitong, Yao Yanchou, and others fled to Chang'an. The Deputy Western Capital Liushou Liu Suiyong closed the city gates and would not let them enter, so they fled toward Tong Pass. Liu Suiyong was the son of Liu Xun.
The Prince of Lu erected the general's banner and drums, formed his troops in order, and marched eastward, taking as his confidant Kongmu Guan Yu Chengren Liu Yanlang. At first, the Prince of Lu worried that Wang Sitong and others would combine forces to hold Chang'an and resist him. When he reached Qishan and heard that Liu Suiyong had not allowed Wang Sitong to enter the city, he was overjoyed. He sent an envoy to pacify Liu Suiyong, who brought out all the goods from the treasuries and storehouses and placed them outside. The soldiers who arrived first were given rewards and allowed to pass. By the time the Prince of Lu arrived, the vanguard had already been rewarded and did not enter the city. On the gengshen day, the Prince of Lu reached Chang'an. Liu Suiyong welcomed and paid homage to him, then ransacked the people's property to serve as rewards.
That day, Wang Jingcong, the Western Army Infantry Commander, and others fled back from the front, causing great alarm both at court and among the populace. The emperor did not know what to do and said to Kang Yicheng and others: "The late emperor left the world behind, and I was guarding a frontier domain. At that time, the choice of successor was decided by you all; I truly had no desire to contend for the realm. Since I have inherited the great enterprise, being young, state affairs are entrusted to you. I have had no discord among my brothers; you informed me of the great plans for the state, and how could I dare to defy them! When the war began, everyone boasted and thought the rebels would be easy to pacify; now that matters have come to this, what plan can turn misfortune into good fortune? I wish to personally welcome the Prince of Lu and yield the imperial throne to him. If even then I cannot avoid punishment, I will accept it willingly." Zhu Hongzhao and Feng Yun were extremely terrified and dared not answer. Kang Yicheng wanted to take all the imperial guards and surrender as his own merit, so he said: "The western army's panic and rout were merely due to the commander's poor strategy. Now the imperial guard troops are still numerous; I beg to go myself and hold the strategic passes, gather the scattered soldiers, and strive for future merit. I hope Your Majesty will not worry excessively!" The emperor sent an envoy to summon Shi Jingtang, intending to order him to lead troops to resist. Kang Yicheng insisted on going himself, so the emperor assembled the soldiers, comforted and instructed them, and distributed all the goods from the treasury to reward them, promising that after pacifying Fengxiang, each man would be given an additional two hundred strings of cash. If the treasury was insufficient, palace ornaments and valuables would supplement it. The soldiers became even more arrogant and unrestrained, carrying their rewards on their backs and boasting on the road: "When we get to Fengxiang, we'll ask for another share." He sent Chu Kuangzuo to Songzhou to kill Li Chongji; Chu Kuangzuo tortured Li Chongji to extract his family wealth. He also killed the nun Huiming.
Earlier, the Cavalry Commander-in-Chief Zhu Hongshi had been favored by Li Congrong, the Prince of Qin. When Zhu Hongzhao became Privy Councilor, Zhu Hongshi served him as a clansman. When Li Congrong led troops to Tianjin Bridge, Zhu Hongshi was the first to attack Li Congrong on behalf of Meng Hanqiong, and Kang Yicheng therefore resented him. On the Xinyou day, the emperor personally went to the Left Storage Treasury to distribute gold and silk to the soldiers. Kang Yicheng and Zhu Hongshi discussed the advantages and disadvantages of military action. Zhu Hongshi wanted to use the imperial guard to hold Luoyang securely, saying: "If we do this, they will not dare to advance directly, and then we can slowly plan our advance, ensuring complete safety." Kang Yicheng angrily said: "By saying this, Zhu Hongshi, are you trying to rebel!" Zhu Hongshi replied: "You are the one who wants to rebel; who are you calling a rebel?" Their voices grew more severe. The emperor heard of this, summoned them to inquire, and the two argued in his presence. Unable to distinguish right from wrong, the emperor had Zhu Hongshi executed, and the soldiers became even more enraged.
On the Renxu day, the Prince of Lu arrived at Zhaoying and heard that the vanguard had captured Wang Sitong. The Prince of Lu said: "Although Wang Sitong made mistakes, he devoted himself to the one he served; this is commendable." On the Guihai day, he arrived at Lingkou. The vanguard brought Wang Sitong before him. The Prince of Lu rebuked him, and Wang Sitong replied: "I rose from the ranks, and the late emperor promoted me to the rank of military governor. I often felt ashamed that I had no merit to repay his great kindness. I am not unaware that submitting to Your Highness would bring immediate wealth and honor, while aiding the court would bring disaster upon myself. But I feared that when I died, I would have no face to see the late emperor in the underworld. To be defeated and killed is only fitting. Please let me die soon!" The Prince of Lu was moved and said: "You may rest for now." He intended to pardon Wang Sitong, but Yang Siquan and his ilk were ashamed to face him. When the Prince of Lu passed through Chang'an, Yin Hui seized Wang Sitong's family wealth and female entertainers and concubines, repeatedly saying to Liu Yanlang: "If we keep Wang Sitong, we might lose the soldiers' hearts." Taking advantage of the Prince of Lu's drunkenness, without waiting for a report, he arbitrarily killed Wang Sitong along with his wife and children. When the Prince of Lu sobered up, he was very angry with Liu Yanlang and sighed regretfully for several days.
On the Guihai day, an edict was issued appointing Kang Yicheng as the Fengxiang Field Commander-in-Chief, with Wang Sitong as his deputy. On the Jiazi day, the Prince of Lu arrived at Huazhou, captured Yao Yanchou, and imprisoned him. On the Yichou day, he arrived at Wenxiang. The various armies dispatched by the court, whenever they encountered the western forces, all went forward and surrendered; not a single man fought. On the Bingyin day, Kang Yicheng led the imperial guard troops out of Luoyang. An edict was issued appointing the Imperial Guard Cavalry Commander An Congjin as the capital patrol inspector; An Congjin had already received a letter from the Prince of Lu and secretly arranged trusted followers. That day, the Prince of Lu arrived at Lingbao. The Protectorate Military Governor An Yanwei and the Kuangguo Military Governor An Zhongba both surrendered. Only the Baoyi Military Governor Kang Sili planned to hold Shancheng firmly to await Kang Yicheng. Previously, five hundred Pengsheng cavalry were stationed in Shaanxi and became the vanguard of the Prince of Lu. When they reached the city walls, they shouted to those on the walls: "One hundred thousand imperial guards have already acclaimed the new emperor. What use are you few men? You will only bring disaster upon the entire city!" Thereupon, the Pengsheng soldiers competed to leave the city and welcome them. Kang Sili could not stop them and, compelled, also went out to welcome them. On the Dingmao day, the Prince of Lu arrived at Shanzhou. His aides advised him: "Now that Your Highness is near the capital region, there are rumors that the emperor has fled. Your Highness should halt here for a while and first send a letter to reassure the scholars and people of the capital." The Prince of Lu followed this advice and sent a letter to inform the civil and military scholars and people of Luoyang, stating that only the clans of Zhu Hongzhao and Feng Yun would not be pardoned; the rest should have no worries or fears. When Kang Yicheng's army reached Xin'an, the troops under his command banded together in groups of a hundred or ten, discarded their armor and weapons, and vied to go to Shanzhou to surrender, forming an unending stream. When Kang Yicheng reached Ganhao, he had only a few dozen men left. He encountered more than ten reconnaissance cavalrymen of the Prince of Lu. Kang Yicheng untied his bow and sword as tokens and, through the reconnaissance cavalry, requested to surrender to the Prince of Lu.
On the day wuchen, the Prince of Min heard that the Prince of Lu had reached Shan Prefecture and that Kang Yicheng’s army had scattered. Alarmed and bewildered, not knowing what to do, he hastily sent a eunuch to summon Zhu Hongzhao to discuss where to go. Zhu Hongzhao said, “Summoning me urgently means they want to blame me for this.” He then threw himself into a well and died. An Congjin, hearing that Zhu Hongzhao was dead, killed Feng Yun at his mansion, exterminated his family, and sent the heads of Zhu Hongzhao and Feng Yun to the Prince of Lu. The emperor wanted to flee to Wei Prefecture and summoned Meng Hanqiong to go ahead to Wei Prefecture to make arrangements; Meng Hanqiong did not respond to the summons but fled alone on horseback to Shan Prefecture. Initially, when the emperor was a vassal, he trusted and favored his personal officer Murong Qian, and after ascending the throne, appointed him as Commander of the Imperial Guard. The emperor planned to cross the Yellow River northward and secretly discussed it with him, ordering him to lead his troops to guard the Xuanwu Gate. That evening, the emperor took fifty cavalrymen out through the Xuanwu Gate and said to Murong Qian, “I am going to Wei Prefecture to slowly plan a restoration. You lead the mounted Imperial Guard and follow me.” Murong Qian said, “In life or death, I will follow you.” He then pretended to assemble his troops; after the emperor left, he shut the gate and did not move. On the day ji-si, Feng Dao and others entered the court. When they reached the Duan Gate, they heard that Zhu Hongzhao and Feng Yun were dead and that the emperor had fled north. Feng Dao and Liu Xu wanted to return, but Li Yu said, “The Son of Heaven has fled, and we have not participated in the planning. Now the Empress Dowager is in the palace; we should go to the Central Secretariat, send a eunuch to receive the Empress Dowager’s instructions, and then return to our mansions. This is the proper rite for subjects.” Feng Dao said, “The sovereign has lost the state; subjects only serve the sovereign. To enter the palace city without the sovereign may not be appropriate. The Prince of Lu has already posted notices everywhere; it would be better to return and await his orders.” So they returned. When they reached the Tian Gong Temple, An Congjin sent someone to tell them, “The Prince of Lu is traveling day and night and will soon arrive. You, gentlemen, should lead the hundred officials to Gu River to welcome him.” Thus they stopped at the temple and gathered the hundred officials. When the Secretariat Drafter Lu Dao arrived, Feng Dao said, “We have been waiting for you, Drafter, for a long time. The most urgent matter is the document urging the Prince of Lu to ascend the throne; it should be drafted quickly.” Lu Dao said, “When the Prince of Lu enters the court, the hundred officials can form ranks to welcome him; that is sufficient. If there is a matter of deposing or establishing a sovereign, it should await the Empress Dowager’s edict. How can we immediately discuss urging him to ascend?” Feng Dao said, “Matters should be practical.” Lu Dao said, “How can there be a case where the Son of Heaven is outside, and his subjects hastily urge someone to take the throne! If the Prince of Lu maintains his vassal’s duty and faces north, and then rebukes us with great righteousness, what words will we have to answer! You, sir, would do better to lead the hundred officials to the palace gate, present our name-cards to inquire of the Empress Dowager’s well-being, and follow her instructions. Then both leaving and staying would be proper.” Before Feng Dao could reply, An Congjin repeatedly sent people to urge, “The Prince of Lu has arrived; the Empress Dowager and the Grand Consort have already sent eunuchs to welcome and console him. How can the hundred officials have no ranks!” Feng Dao and the others then scattered in haste. Shortly after, as the Prince of Lu had not yet arrived, the three chief councilors rested outside the Shangyang Gate. Lu Dao passed by, and Feng Dao summoned him again to speak. Lu Dao’s answer was the same as before. Li Yu said, “The Drafter’s words are correct. The sins of us people are so many that even if we plucked out all our hair, we could not count them.”
Kang Yicheng went to Shan Prefecture to beg for forgiveness. The Prince of Lu rebuked him, saying, “When the late emperor passed away, the establishment of the heir was in your hands. Now the emperor is in mourning, and government affairs originate from you. Why could you not maintain consistency from start to finish, driving my younger brother to this state?” Kang Yicheng was terrified, knocked his head, and begged for death. The Prince of Lu had always detested his character and did not want to kill him immediately but temporarily pardoned him. The Chief of the Horse and Foot Guards, Cong Congjian, and the Left Dragon Wu Commander, Wang Jingkan, were both captured by their subordinates and surrendered to the Prince of Lu. All the eastern armies surrendered. The Prince of Lu submitted a memorial to the Empress Dowager requesting instructions, then proceeded eastward from Shan Prefecture.
In summer, the fourth month, on the gengwu day, the first day of the month, before dawn, the Prince of Min reached a place a few li east of Wei Prefecture and encountered Shi Jingtang. The emperor was very pleased and asked him about the great plans for the state. Shi Jingtang said, “I heard that Kang Yicheng marched westward. What happened? Why has Your Majesty come here?” The emperor said, “Kang Yicheng has also rebelled.” Shi Jingtang lowered his head and sighed deeply several times, then said, “The Prefect of Wei Prefecture, Wang Hongzhi, is an experienced veteran general familiar with affairs. Please allow me to consult with him.” So he went to see Wang Hongzhi and asked him. Wang Hongzhi said, “In former dynasties, there have been many cases of the Son of Heaven fleeing, but they all had generals, councilors, guards, treasuries, and ritual objects, so that subjects had something to look up to. Now there is nothing; you only have fifty cavalrymen following you. Even if there is loyalty and righteousness, what can be done?” Shi Jingtang returned and met the emperor at the Wei Prefecture relay station, telling him Wang Hongzhi’s words. The Arsenal Director Sha Shourong and Ben Hongjin stepped forward and rebuked Shi Jingtang, saying, “You are the late Emperor Mingzong’s beloved son-in-law. You shared in his riches and honor, and should also share in his worries and hardships. Now the Son of Heaven is in exile, entrusting the great plan to you, hoping to plan a restoration. Instead, you use these four conditions to refuse. This is essentially to cling to rebels and betray the Son of Heaven!” Sha Shourong drew his sword and tried to stab Shi Jingtang. Shi Jingtang’s personal general Chen Hui rescued him. Sha Shourong fought with Chen Hui and died; Ben Hongjin also cut his own throat. Shi Jingtang’s Personal Guard Commander Liu Zhiyuan led his troops in, killed all the emperor’s attendants and accompanying cavalry, and left only the emperor himself, letting him go. Shi Jingtang then went directly to Luoyang. That day, the Empress Dowager ordered the various palace offices to go to Gan Hao to welcome the Prince of Lu, but the Prince of Lu quickly sent them back to Luoyang.
Initially, when the Prince of Lu was dismissed from the post of Hezhong Military Governor and returned to his private residence, Consort Wang repeatedly sent Meng Hanqiong to comfort and reassure him. Meng Hanqiong believed he had old kindness toward the Prince of Lu. When he reached the west of Mianchi, he saw the Prince of Lu, wailed loudly, and wanted to speak. The Prince of Lu said, “All matters are understood without speaking.” Then Meng Hanqiong placed himself among the attendant vassals, but the Prince of Lu immediately ordered him killed by the roadside.
When the Military Governor of Shannan West Circuit, Zhang Qianchou, attacked Fengxiang, he left the Military Governor of Wuding Circuit, Sun Hanchao, to guard Xingyuan. After Zhang Qianchou’s defeat, he fled back to Xingyuan and, together with Sun Hanchao, surrendered the two circuits to the Shu state. The Shu ruler ordered the Commander-in-Chief of the Feng Luan Su Wei Horse and Foot Guards and Military Governor of Zhaowu Circuit, Li Zhao, to lead five thousand troops back to Li Prefecture, and the Commander-in-Chief of the You Kuang Sheng Horse and Foot Guards and Military Governor of Ningjiang Circuit, Zhang Ye, to lead ten thousand troops to garrison at Da Man Tian to welcome them.
On the day ren-shen, the Prince of Lu reached Jiang Bridge. The hundred officials lined the road to welcome him. The Prince of Lu issued an edict saying that because he had not yet paid homage to the late emperor’s spirit tablet, he could not meet them. Feng Dao and others all submitted memorials urging him to ascend the throne. The Prince of Lu entered the palace to pay respects to the Empress Dowager and the Grand Consort, went to the Western Palace, prostrated himself by the late emperor’s spirit tablet, wept, and explained the reason for his coming to the palace. Feng Dao led the hundred officials in forming ranks to pay homage, and the Prince of Lu returned the salute. Feng Dao and others again submitted memorials urging him to ascend. The Prince of Lu stood and said to Feng Dao and the others, “My coming here was unavoidable. When the emperor returns to court and the mourning at the imperial mausoleum is concluded, I should return to govern my fief. You gentlemen suddenly speak of this matter—it is utterly meaningless!”
On the day gui-you, the Empress Dowager decreed that the young emperor be deposed and made the Prince of E, and ordered the Prince of Lu to oversee military and state affairs, temporarily using the seal of imperial documents and edicts to govern. The hundred officials went to the Zhide Palace gate to await punishment, but the Prince of Lu ordered each to resume their positions. On the day jia-xu, the Empress Dowager decreed that the Prince of Lu should ascend the imperial throne. On the day yi-hai, he ascended the throne before the spirit tablet.
When the emperor set out from Fengxiang, he promised the soldiers that upon entering Luoyang, each would be given one hundred strings of cash as reward. After arriving, he asked the Commissioner of the Three Bureaus, Wang Mei, about the actual state of the treasury. Wang Mei replied that there were several million. Subsequently, upon verification, the gold and silk amounted to no more than thirty thousand taels and bolts; but the cost of rewarding the army was estimated at five hundred thousand strings. The emperor was very angry. Wang Mei requested to levy the property of the capital’s residents to make up the shortfall. Within a few days, only several tens of thousands of strings were obtained. The emperor said to the officials in charge, “The army cannot go unrewarded, and the people cannot be left unconsidered. What should be done now?” The officials in charge requested that, based on housing, regardless of whether residents owned or rented their homes, five months’ rent be borrowed in advance. The emperor agreed.
Wang Hongzhi moved Emperor Min to the prefectural office. The emperor sent Wang Hongzhi’s son, Palace Attendant Wang Luan, to poison him. On the day of Wuyin, Wang Luan arrived at Weizhou to pay respects. Emperor Min asked the reason for his coming, but Wang Luan did not answer. Wang Hongzhi repeatedly offered wine, but Emperor Min knew the wine was poisoned and refused to drink, so Wang Luan strangled him. Emperor Min’s nature was benevolent and generous; he was harmonious with his brothers. Although he incurred the jealousy of the Prince of Qin, Emperor Min treated him with equanimity and ultimately avoided disaster. When he ascended the throne, he bore no ill will toward the Prince of Lu, but Zhu Hongzhao, Meng Hanqiong, and their ilk stirred up suspicion and slander. Emperor Min could not resist them, which led to his downfall. Consort Kong was still in the palace. After Wang Luan returned, the Prince of Lu sent someone to ask her, “Where are Li Zhongji and the others?” Then he killed Consort Kong and her four sons. While Emperor Min was at Weizhou, only the Cishi of Cizhou, Song Lingxun, sent envoys to inquire about his well-being. When he heard of the murder, he wept bitterly for half a day and then hanged himself.
On the day of Jimao, Shi Jingtang entered the court.
On the day of Gengchen, Liu Xu was appointed to administer the Three Offices.
On the day of Xinsi, the Kingdom of Shu issued a general amnesty and changed the reign title to Mingde.
When the emperor raised troops from Fengxiang, he summoned the Xingyuan Cishi Liu Suiqing, who hesitated and did not come. Hearing that the emperor had entered Luoyang, he gathered all the garrison troops from Sanquan, Xixian, Jinniu, and Sanglin and brought them back, abandoning all towns south of Sanguan, which were then occupied by Shu. On the day of Guiwei, he entered court. The emperor wanted to punish him, but because he had come back on his own, he pardoned him. Liu Suiqing was the nephew of Liu Xun.
On the day of Jiashen, the Shu general Zhang Ye led troops into Xingyuan and Yangzhou.
On the day of Yiyou, the reign title was changed, and a general amnesty was issued under Heaven.
On the day of Dinghai, the Deputy Commissioner of the Southern Secretariat of the Palace Attendants, Hao Qiong, was appointed acting administrator of the Privy Council; the former Commissioner of the Three Offices, Wang Mei, became the Northern Commissioner of the Palace Attendants; and the Fengxiang Circuit Judge Han Zhaoyin was appointed Left Remonstrance Grand Master and concurrently held the post of Academician of the Duanming Hall.
On the day of Wuzi, the Heyang Jiedushi and Acting Commander of the Six Armies and All Guards, concurrently Serving as Attendant, Kang Yicheng, was executed, and his clan was exterminated.
On the day of Jichou, Yao Yanchou was executed.
On the day of Gengyin, Wang Jingkan and Chang Congjian were released.
The relevant authorities exhausted all means to squeeze wealth from the people, obtaining only sixty thousand strings of cash. The emperor was furious and threw them into the prison of the Military Patrol Commissioner. Day and night, they were urged and punished, filling the prisons with inmates. The poor even hanged themselves or jumped into wells. Meanwhile, the soldiers swaggered through the markets with arrogant expressions. The townspeople gathered and cursed them, saying, “You fought hard for the emperor and rendered meritorious service, yet you make us suffer floggings and beatings to provide reward money. And you still strut around proudly—are you not ashamed before Heaven and Earth?” At that time, everything from the old contents of the Left Storehouse and the tributes from the circuits was exhausted, even the utensils, clothing, hairpins, and earrings of the Empress Dowager and the Grand Consort were taken, but only two hundred thousand strings were raised. The emperor was deeply troubled. When Li Zhuanmei was on night duty, the emperor rebuked him, saying, “You claim to have talent, yet you cannot devise a plan for me. What use is your talent!” Li Zhuanmei apologized, saying, “I am dull and inferior, and Your Majesty has promoted me beyond my merits. But the insufficiency of military rewards is not my responsibility. I have privately considered that since the end of the Changxing era, rewards have been frequent, making the soldiers arrogant. Then came the imperial burial and military campaigns, depleting the treasury. Even with inexhaustible wealth, it could not satisfy the hearts of these arrogant soldiers. Thus, Your Majesty obtained the empire by folding your hands in times of peril. The survival of the state does not depend solely on generous rewards, but also on clarifying laws and establishing regulations. If Your Majesty does not change course from past mistakes, I fear that merely harassing the people will leave the state’s survival unknown. Now that resources are exhausted, you should distribute equally based on what is available. Why must you fulfill your initial promises?” The emperor considered this correct. On the day of Renchen, he issued an edict: The imperial guards who had submitted at Fengxiang—from Yang Siquan, Yin Hui, and others—each received two horses, one camel, and seventy strings of cash; down to the common soldiers, each received twenty strings. Those in the capital each received ten strings. The soldiers were insatiable and still harbored resentment, spreading rumors: “They got rid of the Bodhisattva and set up the Raw Iron.” This was because Emperor Min was benevolent and weak, while the current emperor was stern and harsh, causing them to regret their choice.
On the day of Bingshen, the Shengde Hewu Qinxiao Emperor was buried at Huiling, with the temple name Mingzong. The emperor, in mourning garments, escorted the spirit carriage to the tomb and spent the night there.
In the fifth month, on the day of Bingwu, Han Zhaoyin was appointed Commissioner of the Privy Council, and Zhuangzhai Commissioner Liu Yanlang was appointed Vice Commissioner of the Privy Council. Fang Hao, who had been acting administrator of the Privy Council, became the Northern Commissioner of the Palace Attendants. Fang Hao was from Chang’an. The emperor and Shi Jingtang both relied on their bravery and skill in combat, serving by Mingzong’s side. But they were inwardly competitive and had never been on good terms. After the emperor ascended the throne, Shi Jingtang reluctantly entered court. After the imperial burial, he dared not ask to return. At that time, Shi Jingtang had been ill for a long time and was emaciated. The Empress Dowager and Princess Wei repeatedly pleaded for him. Many of the old generals and aides from Fengxiang urged the emperor to detain him, but only Han Zhaoyin and Li Zhuanmei argued that Zhao Yanshou was in Bianzhou, so there was no reason to suspect Shi Jingtang. The emperor also saw how gaunt he was and did not consider him a threat, so he said, “Shi Lang is not only a close relative, but also shared hardships with me since childhood. Now that I am emperor, whom can I rely on if not Shi Lang!” He then reappointed him as the Hedong Jiedushi.
On the day of Wuwu, Xiangli Jin, the Fangzhou Defense Commissioner, was appointed as the Baoyi Jiedushi.
On the day of Dingwei, the Jiezhou Cishi Zhao Cheng surrendered to Shu.
On the day of Wushen, Yang Siquan, the Commander of the Feather Forest Army, was appointed as the Jingnan Jiedushi.
On the day of Jiyou, Zhang Qianchao and Sun Hanxi moved their entire clans to Chengdu.
On the day of Gengxu, Feng Dao, the Minister of Works and concurrently Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs and Tongping Zhangshi, was appointed as Tongping Zhangshi and concurrently Kuangguo Jiedushi.
Fan Yanguang, the Tianxiong Jiedushi and concurrently Attendant, was appointed Commissioner of the Privy Council.
When the emperor raised troops from Fengxiang, he took all the household wealth and weapons of the Tianping Jiedushi Li Congyan to supply the army. As he was about to depart, the people of Fengxiang stopped his horse and begged him to let Li Congyan remain as their governor. The emperor agreed. At this time, he transferred Li Congyan to be the Fengxiang Jiedushi.
Initially, when Mingzong was the Northern Expedition Commander-in-Chief, the Pinglu Jiedushi Fang Zhiwen was the Deputy Commander-in-Chief. The emperor and other generals served under him. Once, in a drunken rage, they quarreled, drew swords, and confronted each other. When the emperor raised troops and entered Luoyang, Fang Zhiwen secretly plotted with the Army Adjutant Li Chong to resist him. Li Chong requested to first submit a memorial to gauge the situation. After returning, he said that Luoyang was already pacified. Fang Zhiwen was frightened. On the day of Renxu, he entered court to apologize. The emperor treated him with courtesy. Fang Zhiwen’s tribute was extremely generous.
Xu Zhixun, the Zhennan Jiedushi and concurrently Acting Zhongshu Ling, Prince of Donghai and Kang of Wu, passed away.
The Shu forces captured Chengzhou.
In the sixth month, on the day of Jiaxu, the emperor’s son, Left Guard General Li Zhongmei, was appointed as the Chengde Jiedushi, Tongping Zhangshi, concurrently Henan Yin, and Commander of the Six Armies and All Guards.
The Wenzhou Commander-in-Chief Cheng Yangui led the entire prefecture in surrendering to Shu.
Xu Zhigao of Wu was about to receive the abdication. He was suspicious of Yang Meng, the Zhaowu Jiedushi and concurrently Zhongshu Ling, Prince of Linchuan. He had someone report that Yang Meng was harboring fugitives and manufacturing weapons without authorization. On the day of Bingzi, he demoted him to Duke of Liyang, imprisoned him in Hezhou, and ordered Wang Hong, the Commander of the Control Crane Army, to guard him with two hundred soldiers.
Liu Xu was related by marriage to Feng Dao. Liu Xu’s character was harsh and meticulous; Li Yu was stubborn and narrow-minded. After Feng Dao left the court to take up a post, the two often disagreed. When matters needed revision, Li Yu would say to Liu Xu, “This was done by your worthy in-law. Isn’t it convenient to change it?” Liu Xu resented this, and from then on, they argued over every issue, even exchanging insults. Each wanted to avoid appearing at court on time, causing many matters to stall. The emperor was troubled and wanted to select new chancellors. He asked his close associates who among the court officials had the reputation to be chancellor. They all answered: Left Director of the Department of State Affairs Yao Yi, Grand Master of the Imperial Clan Lu Wenji, and Secretary Supervisor Cui Jujian. In terms of talent and conduct, they each had strengths and weaknesses. The emperor could not decide, so he placed their names in a glass bottle. At night, he burned incense and prayed to Heaven, then used chopsticks to pick one. The first was Lu Wenji, the next was Yao Yi. In autumn, on the seventh month, the day of Xinhai, Lu Wenji was appointed as Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs and Tongping Zhangshi. Cui Jujian was the son of Cui Rao.
The emperor wanted to kill Chu Zuo. Han Zhaoyin said, “Your Majesty is the father of all under Heaven, and all under Heaven are Your Majesty’s sons. The law should be applied with utmost impartiality. Chu Zuo acted under orders to inspect Li Zhongji’s household wealth; he had no choice. Now, exterminating Chu Zuo’s clan would not benefit the dead and might not satisfy the people.” On the day of Yimao, Chu Zuo was exiled permanently to Dengzhou.
On the day of Dingsi, Lady of Peiguo, Liu, was established as Empress.
Most of the Uighur tribute envoys were plundered by the various Hu tribes west of the Yellow River. An edict was issued ordering General Niu Zhirou to lead the Imperial Guard to escort them, joining forces with the Binzhou troops to attack the tribes.
In Wu, Xu Zhigao summoned Right Vice Director and concurrently Vice Director of the Secretariat and Grand Councilor Song Qiqiu back to Jinling, appointing him as Chief Judge of the Circuits' General Command and granting him the title of Minister of Works, but he was not allowed to participate in any affairs of state. Song Qiqiu repeatedly requested to retire to a private residence, and Xu Zhigao gave him the Southern Garden.
The Defender of the Army Circuit and Prince of Yang, Li Congzhang, and the Regulator of Virtue Circuit and Prince of Jing, Li Congmin, were both dismissed from their garrisons and lived in private residences in Luoyang. The Emperor treated them harshly; Li Congmin had once participated in the murder of Li Chongji in Songzhou, and the Emperor particularly detested him. Once, while attending a palace banquet, when the wine was flowing freely, the Emperor looked at the two princes and said, "What are you creatures, that you dare to occupy great marches?" The two princes were terrified. The Empress Dowager scolded them, saying, "The Emperor is drunk; you should leave quickly!"
Shu established the Yongping Army in Yazhou and appointed Sun Hanfeng as its military governor. It also appointed Zhang Qianqiu as Military Governor of Shannan West Circuit and Grand Councilor; Zhang Qianqiu steadfastly declined and did not assume office.
The Lord of Shu had been afflicted with a wind ailment for over a year, and by this time it had worsened. On the jiazi day, he installed his son, Military Governor of Dongchuan Circuit and Grand Councilor, Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Guard and Cavalry, Wang Renzan, as Heir Apparent and entrusted him with the regency. He summoned Minister of Works and Grand Councilor Zhao Jiliang, Military Governor of Wuxin Circuit Li Renhan, Military Governor of Baoning Circuit Zhao Tingyin, Privy Councilor Wang Huichu, Commander of the Pengsheng and Konghe Armies Zhang Gongduo, and Deputy Commander of the Fengluan and Suwei Guard Hou Hongshi to receive the testamentary edict and assist in governance. That night, he died, and the news was not announced. Wang Huichu opened the Yixing Gate at night and went to inform Zhao Jiliang. Wang Huichu wept incessantly, but Zhao Jiliang said sternly, "Now that powerful generals hold military power, waiting for the opportune moment to act, we should immediately establish the new ruler to cut off any improper ambitions. How can we merely weep at each other?" Wang Huichu wiped his tears and apologized. Zhao Jiliang instructed Wang Huichu to go see Li Renhan, observe his words and intentions, and then inform him. When Wang Huichu arrived at Li Renhan's residence, Li Renhan set up defenses before coming out, so Wang Huichu did not tell him the truth.
On the bingyin day, the testamentary decree was announced, ordering the Heir Apparent Wang Renzan to change his name to Wang Chang. On the dingmao day, he ascended the throne.
Initially, because Wang Mei had submitted a false report on the existing assets in the Left Treasury, the Emperor replaced him with Liu Xu to oversee the Three Departments. Liu Xu ordered the judge Gao Yanshang to investigate thoroughly, and they discovered that these were all arrears from previous years, which corrupt officials had used to extort and collect. Therefore, the records were retained. Liu Xu submitted a detailed memorial on the situation, requesting that those amounts that could be collected be urgently pursued, and those that could never be repaid be completely remitted. Han Zhaoyin strongly argued that this was beneficial. In the eighth month, on the gengwu day, an edict was issued: The overdue taxes from the households and various circuits before the Changxing reign period, amounting to three million three hundred eighty thousand, which only burdened the registers in vain, were all remitted and no longer collected. The poor commoners were greatly delighted, but the officials of the Three Departments were resentful.
On the xinwei day, Yao Yi was appointed Vice Director of the Secretariat and Grand Councilor.
The Right Commander of the Dragon-Tiger Armies, Suo Zitong, was uneasy due to old grievances from Hezhong. On the wuzi day, after leaving the court, he crossed the Luo River and drowned himself. When the Emperor heard this, he was greatly shocked and posthumously appointed him Grand Commandant. On the bingshen day, the former Military Governor of Anguo Circuit and Grand Councilor, Zhao Feng, was appointed Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent.
In the ninth month, on the guimao day, an edict was issued ordering Fengxiang to increase troops to guard Dong'an Town as a precaution against Shu.
In Shu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Weisheng Armies and Military Governor of Wuxin Circuit, Li Renhan, relying on his status as a veteran general with merit and having received the late emperor's entrustment, requested to administer the Six Armies. He had his clerk, Song Conghui, convey this intention to the Privy Council, and also went to the Hanlin Academy to inquire about the drafting of the patent. The Lord of Shu had no choice. On the jiayin day, he added the title of Acting Secretariat Director and Administrator of the Six Armies to Li Renhan; he appointed the Commander of the Left Kuangsheng Armies and Military Governor of Baoning Circuit, Zhao Tingyin, as Acting Attendant-in-Ordinary to serve as his deputy.
On the jiwei day, Yunzhou reported that the Khitan had invaded. The Northern Expedition Commissioner, Shi Jingtang, submitted a memorial stating that he was personally leading troops to garrison at Baijing to guard against the Khitan. On the xinyou day, Shi Jingtang reported that the Military Governor of Zhenwu Circuit, Yang Tan, had attacked the Khitan on the border and repelled them.
In Shu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Fengluan and Suwei Guard and Military Governor of Zhaowu Circuit and Acting Attendant-in-Ordinary, Li Zhao, heard that the Lord of Shu had ascended the throne. He delayed and did not enter court promptly. When he reached Hanzhou, he stayed there feasting with relatives for over ten days. In the winter, in the tenth month, on the gengwu day, he finally arrived in Chengdu. Claiming to have a foot ailment, he entered court leaning on a staff and did not kneel when he saw the Lord of Shu.
On the wuyin day, the Left Vice Director and Vice Director of the Secretariat and Grand Councilor, Li Yu, was dismissed and retained in his original post. The Minister of Personnel and concurrently Vice Director of the Secretariat and Grand Councilor and Administrator of the Three Departments, Liu Xu, was dismissed and appointed Right Vice Director. When the officials of the Three Departments heard that Liu Xu had been dismissed as Grand Councilor, they all congratulated each other, and not one person followed him back to his residence.
In Shu, the Commander of the Pengsheng and Konghe Armies, Zhang Gongduo, along with the Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau, Han Jixun, the Director of the Fengde Treasury, Han Baozhen, and the Director of the Tea and Wine Treasury, An Siqian, had all served the Lord of Shu when he was a prince. They had long resented Li Renhan and together falsely accused him of harboring rebellious intentions. The Lord of Shu ordered Han Jixun and the others to plot with Zhao Jiliang and Zhao Tingyin. Taking advantage of Li Renhan's entry to court, they ordered armed soldiers to seize and kill him. On the guiwei day, an edict was issued announcing his crimes. Along with his son Li Jihong, Song Conghui, and several others, they were all executed. That day, Li Zhao discarded his staff and knelt to pay homage. In Shu, the Commander of the Quzhou Garrison, Wen Jingchen, rebelled and held the city. The Prefect of Guozhou, Li Yanhou, led a punitive expedition and pacified it. The Lord of Shu's attendants, because Li Zhao was arrogant and disrespectful, requested his execution. On the wuzi day, Li Zhao was ordered to retire as Grand Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent and was relocated to Qiongzhou.
The Lord of Wu added the titles of Grand Chancellor, Imperial Father, Heir to the Prince of Qi, and the Nine Bestowals to Xu Zhigao, but Xu Zhigao declined and did not accept.
The Military Governor of Xiongwu Circuit, Zhang Yanlang, led troops to besiege Wenzhou. The Prefect of Jiezhou, Guo Zhizhong, captured Jianshi Stockade. In Shu, Li Yanhou led troops from Guozhou to garrison at Xingzhou and sent the Commander of the Xianfeng Guard, Fan Yanhui, with troops to relieve Wenzhou. Zhang Yanlang lifted the siege and withdrew. The Prefect of Xingzhou, Feng Hui, led the garrison troops from Ganqu back to Fengxiang.
In the eleventh month, Xu Zhigao summoned his son, the Minister of Education and Grand Councilor, Xu Jingtong, back to Jinling and appointed him Deputy Commissioner of the Zhenhai and Ningguo Circuits, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Circuits, and Administrator of Military Affairs for the Interior and Exterior. He appointed his second son, the Commander of the Yanei Horse and Foot Soldiers and the Prefect of Haizhou, Xu Jingqian, as Commander-in-Chief of the Left and Right Armies, Left Vice Director, and Participant in Government Affairs, to remain in Jiangdu to assist in governance.
In the twelfth month, on the jisi day, the Prefect of Yizhou, An Shuqian, was appointed Military Governor of Zhenwu Circuit, and the Prefect of Qizhou, Yin Hui, was appointed Military Governor of Zhangguo Circuit. An Shuqian was a Shatuo.
On the renshen day, Shi Jingtang reported that the Khitan had withdrawn, and he disbanded his troops and returned.
On the yihai day, the Military Governor of Xiongwu Circuit, Zhang Yanlang, was summoned and appointed Vice Director of the Secretariat, Grand Councilor, and Administrator of the Three Departments.
On the xinsi day, the Southern Han Empress Ma passed away.
On the jiashen day, Shu buried the Martial and Civil Sage...
In spring, the first month, on the bingshen day (the first day), Min declared a general amnesty and changed the era name to Yonghe.
In the second month, on the bingyin day (the first day), Shu declared a general amnesty.
On the jiaxu day (the ninth day), the court appointed the Privy Councilor, Military Governor of Tianxiong Circuit and Acting Attendant-in-Ordinary, Fan Yanguang, as Military Governor of Xuanwu Circuit and Acting Secretariat Director.
On the dingchou day (the twelfth day), the Military Governor of Xiazhou Circuit, Li Yichao, submitted a memorial claiming illness and requested that his elder brother, the Marching Adjutant, Li Yiyin, temporarily administer the circuit's affairs; Li Yichao died shortly thereafter.
On the wuyin day (the thirteenth day), the Lord of Shu honored his mother, Lady Li, as Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager was a native of Taiyuan, originally a palace lady of the Later Tang Emperor Zhuangzong, and was given in marriage to the late Shu Emperor Gaozu.
On the jichou day (the twenty-fourth day), the Emperor's mother, Lady Wei, the Lady of Lu, was posthumously honored as Empress Xuanxian.
The Lord of Min established his consort, Lady Chen, as Empress. Initially, the Lord of Min had twice married daughters of the Liu clan, both from scholar-official families and beautiful, but he did not favor them. Empress Chen was originally the palace maid Jin Feng, a concubine of the Min Emperor Taizu. She was ugly in appearance but licentious in behavior. The Lord of Min favored her and appointed members of her clan, Chen Shou'en and Chen Kuangsheng, as Palace Commissioners.
In the third month, on the xinmao day (the sixth day), the former Military Governor of Xuanwu Circuit and Acting Attendant-in-Ordinary, Zhao Yanshou, was appointed Military Governor of Zhongwu Circuit and Privy Councilor.
Li Yiyin was appointed Military Governor of Dingnan Circuit.
On the jiyou day (the fourteenth day), the mother of the King of Wuyue, Qian Yuanguan, Lady Chen, was posthumously honored as Grand Lady of Jin. Qian Yuanguan was filial by nature, treated his mother's clan with respect and courtesy, and gave them generous gifts, but he never promoted them or entrusted them with important tasks.
On the renxu day (the twenty-seventh day), the Commander of the Zhangsheng Armies, An Shenqi, was concurrently appointed as Acting Military Governor of Shunhua Circuit. An Shenqi was the son of An Jinquan.
Tai Chang Cheng Shi Zaide was by nature wild and extreme. He submitted a memorial attacking all civil and military officials at court and in the provinces, requesting that they all be examined and promoted or demoted based on ability. The chief ministers and court scholars were furious; Lu Wenji, together with Buque Liu Tao and Yang Zhaojian, all demanded that he be punished. The Emperor said to Academician Ma Yinsun, "I have newly taken charge of the realm; I should broaden the avenues for remonstrance. If court officials are punished for speaking out, who would dare to speak? Write an edict for me to proclaim my intent." So an edict was issued, roughly saying: "In the past, Wei Zheng requested rewards for Huangfu Decan; now Liu Tao and the others request the demotion of Shi Zaide. The matter is the same but the words are opposite—how great the disparity! Shi Zaide's original intent was to offer sincere counsel; how can he be blamed?" Yang Zhaojian was the great-grandson of Yang Sifu.
Wu granted Xu Jingqian the titles of Tong Pingzhangshi and Commander of the Left and Right Armies. Xu Zhigao ordered the Shangshu Lang Chen Jue to assist him, saying to Chen Jue, "In my youth, when I debated with Song Zisong, we liked to challenge each other. Sometimes I would leave him and go home; sometimes he would storm off. Song Zisong, clutching his document case and gazing toward the Qinhuai Gate, several times wanted to leave, and I often ordered the gatekeepers to stop him. Now I am old and still cannot fully grasp current affairs—how much less can Xu Jingqian, who is young and in charge of state affairs? Therefore, I entrust you to instruct him."
Summer, fourth month, on Gengwu (the sixth day), Shu appointed the Imperial Censor-in-Chief, Longmen native Wu Zhaoyi, as Zhongshu Shilang and Tong Pingzhangshi.
On Guiwei (the nineteenth day), the Shumi Shi and Minister of Punishments Han Zhaoyin was promoted to Zhongshu Shilang and Tong Pingzhangshi.
On Xinmao (the twenty-seventh day), the Xuanhui Nan Yuan Shi Liu Yanhao was appointed Minister of Punishments and acting Shumi Shi. Liu Yanhao was the younger brother of the Empress.
On Guisi (the twenty-ninth day), the Commander of the Left Lingwei General Army, Liu Yanlang, was appointed General-in-Chief of the same Guard, acting Xuanhui Bei Yuan Shi, and concurrently Vice Shumi Shi.
Fifth month, on Bingshen (the second day), the Khitan invaded Xin Prefecture and Zhenwu.
On Gengxu (the sixteenth day), the Zhenwu Jiedushi Yang Tan was ordered to change his name to Guangyuan.
Sixth month, Wu's Desheng Jiedushi and concurrent Zhongshu Ling Chai Zaiyong died. Earlier, the official historian Wang Zhen had asked about his military achievements. Chai Zaiyong said, "My meager efforts as a hawk or hound were all due to the majesty of the state; what merit do I have?" In the end, he did not report them.
The Khitan invaded Ying Prefecture.
The Hedong Jiedushi and Commissioner-in-Chief of the Northern Front, Shi Jingtang, after returning to his post, secretly planned strategies to preserve himself. The Emperor enjoyed inquiring about external affairs and often ordered the Duanyuan Dian Academician Li Zhuanmei, the Hanlin Academician Li Song, the Zhizhigao Lü Qi and Xue Wenyu, and the Hanlin Astronomer Zhao Yanyi to rotate duty in the courtyard of the Zhongxing Hall, speaking with them sometimes until midnight. At that time, Shi Jingtang's two sons served as inner attendants, and Empress Dowager Cao was the mother of the Princess of Jinchang. Shi Jingtang bribed the Empress Dowager's attendants to spy on the Emperor's secret plans, knowing everything great and small. Shi Jingtang often claimed before guests that he was too weak to serve as commander-in-chief, hoping the court would not suspect him. At that time, the Khitan repeatedly invaded the northern border, and the imperial guards were mostly stationed in Youzhou and Bingzhou. Shi Jingtang and Zhao Dejun requested additional troops and grain, sending dispatches day and night. On Jiajia (the twenty-first day), an edict was issued to borrow grain from wealthy households in Hedong. On Yiyou (the twenty-second day), an edict ordered Zhenzhou to deliver fifty thousand bolts of silk to the Commissioner-in-Chief's headquarters to purchase military grain, and to commandeer one thousand five hundred carts from the people of Zhenji to transport grain to Daizhou. Another edict ordered Weibo to purchase grain. At that time, there were floods and droughts, and the people were starving. Shi Jingtang sent envoys to urge and press hard; the people east of the Taihang Mountains scattered, and chaos began to sprout. Shi Jingtang led a large army stationed at Xinzhou. The court sent envoys to bestow summer clothing on the troops and to issue an edict of comfort. The soldiers shouted "Long live" several times. Shi Jingtang was frightened. His staff officer, Henei native Duan Xiyao, asked to have the leaders of the shouting executed. Shi Jingtang ordered the Duyajia Liu Zhiyuan to behead the Xiemadou General Li Hui and thirty-six others as a warning. Duan Xiyao was a native of Huaizhou. When the Emperor heard of this, he became even more suspicious of Shi Jingtang.
On Renchen (the twenty-ninth day), an edict was issued: "Thieves, regardless of the amount stolen, along with arsonists and robbers, shall all be executed."
The Prince of Min, Wang Jipeng, had an illicit affair with the palace woman Li Chunyan. Wang Jipeng requested her from Empress Chen, who reported it to the Min ruler and then gave Li Chunyan to him.
Autumn, seventh month, the Shumi Shi Liu Yanhao was appointed Tianxiong Jiedushi.
On Yisi (the thirteenth day), the Wuning Jiedushi Zhang Jingda was appointed Vice Commissioner-in-Chief of the Northern Front Army and ordered to lead troops to station at Daizhou, in order to divide Shi Jingtang's power.
The Emperor was deeply troubled by current affairs and once reproached Lu Wenji and others for not offering remonstrance or assistance. On Dingji (the twenty-fifth day), Lu Wenji and others submitted a memorial saying: "We ministers, once every five days, attend the imperial audience and see Your Majesty together with the two ranks of officials. We briefly obtain a chance to report and respond, but with guards filling the court, even if we have foolish opinions, we dare not state them. We have seen that in previous dynasties, since the Shangyuan era of Emperor Suzong of Tang, the Yanying Hall was established. Sometimes, when the chancellor wished to submit a memorial or the Son of Heaven wished to consult, they would be summoned at irregular times to report and respond, with no guards by the side, so that people could speak freely. We hope to restore this old practice, allowing only key ministers to attend by the side." An edict was issued: "According to the old system, once every five days, after all officials have withdrawn, the chancellor alone ascends the hall. If it is routine business, it can naturally be reported. If the matter should be kept secret, on a day not designated, or on another day, permission is granted to submit a memorial at the Ge Gate. I will then dismiss all attendants and receive you in a side hall—why must the name of the Yanying Hall be used?"
Wu's Runzhou Tuanlianshi Xu Zhizhi associated with petty men, indulged in pleasure and neglected government affairs. He built shops west of the Yacheng and personally engaged in trade. When Xu Zhigao heard of this, he was furious and summoned Xu Zhizhi's attendants to interrogate and rebuke them. Xu Zhizhi was afraid. Someone said to Xu Zhigao, "The Loyal Martial King loved Xu Zhizhi the most, yet entrusted the later affairs to you. In previous years, Xu Zhixun lost his position, and the discussion has not ceased. If Xu Zhizhi were to gain a reputation for good governance, train troops, and nourish the people, what benefit would that be to you?" Xu Zhigao realized the truth and treated Xu Zhizhi even more generously.
Ninth month, on Bingshen (the fifth day), Wu declared a general amnesty and changed the reign title to Tianzuo.
On Jiyou (the eighteenth day), the Xuanhui Nan Yuan Shi Fang Hao was appointed Minister of Punishments and acting Shumi Shi; the Xuanhui Bei Yuan Shi Liu Yanlang was appointed Nan Yuan Shi, still concurrently Vice Shumi Shi. From then on, Liu Yanlang and the Shumi Zhi Xueshi Xue Wenyu and others held power in the inner court. Although Fang Hao and Zhao Yanshou served as heads of the office, their opinions were adopted less than three or four times out of ten. Fang Hao went along with circumstances, neither affirming nor denying, and did not strive to take the lead. Whenever envoys from Youzhou or Bingzhou entered court to report affairs, and the Shumi Yuan officials gathered in a circle to discuss, Fang Hao often lowered his head and dozed off. When he woke up, he stretched his neck and adjusted his clothes, but the envoys had already left. Memorials and appointments all fell to Liu Yanlang. Various military commissioners and prefects who entered the court from outside would first bribe Liu Yanlang, and then discuss the tribute. Those who bribed heavily got first consideration and were assigned to interior posts; those who bribed lightly got later consideration and were assigned to border posts. Therefore, all the generals were resentful and angry, but the Emperor was unaware.
The Jinzhou Defense Commissioner of Shu, Quan Shiyu, invaded Jinzhou and captured the water fort. The city's garrison had only a thousand men. The Dujian Chen Zhiyin, under a false pretext, led three hundred troops and fled along the river. The Defense Commissioner Ma Quanjie spent all his private funds to supply the army, led out troops in a desperate battle, and the Shu army retreated. On Wuyin (the seventeenth day), an edict was issued to execute Chen Zhiyin.
Initially, the ruler of Min had a favored minister named Gui Shouming, who had free access to the inner chambers. In his later years, the ruler of Min suffered from a wind ailment. Empress Chen engaged in illicit relations with Gui Shouming and Li Ke’yin, the director of the Hundred Crafts Bureau. The people of the state detested them but dared not speak out. Li Ke’yin had once slandered Li Fang, the director of the Imperial City, before the ruler of Min. The empress’s clan member Chen Kuangsheng treated Wang Jipeng, the Prince of Fu, discourteously, so both Li Fang and Wang Jipeng harbored resentment. When the ruler of Min’s illness became critical, Wang Jipeng’s face showed joy. Li Fang believed the ruler would surely not recover. In winter, on the day of jimao (the 18th day of the 10th month), he sent several strong men armed with white clubs to attack Li Ke’yin, killing him, causing shock both inside and outside the court. On the day of gengchen (the 19th), the ruler of Min’s condition improved slightly. Empress Chen reported the matter. The ruler of Min, despite his illness, held court and interrogated the circumstances of Li Ke’yin’s death. Li Fang, in fear, withdrew, and soon led his troops in a clamor into the palace. Hearing of the disturbance, the ruler of Min hid under the Nine-Dragon Tent. The mutineers wounded him and then left. The ruler lingered, not yet dead, but the palace attendants, unable to bear his suffering, ended his life for him. Li Fang, along with Wang Jipeng, killed Empress Chen, Chen Shou’en, Chen Kuangsheng, Gui Shouming, and Wang Jipeng’s younger brother Wang Jitao, because Wang Jitao had long been at odds with Wang Jipeng. On the day of xinsi (the 20th), Wang Jipeng claimed to have received the Empress Dowager’s order to oversee the state and ascended the throne as emperor that same day. He changed his name to Wang Chang. He posthumously honored his father as Emperor Qi Su Ming Xiao, with the temple name Huizong. Soon, he styled himself as acting military commissioner of Fujian, sent envoys with memorials to the Later Tang court, and declared a general amnesty within his territory. He established Li Chunyan as Virtuous Consort. Initially, the Min Huizong had married the Qingyuan Princess, daughter of the Southern Han ruler, and dispatched the eunuch Lin Yanyu, a native of Minqing, to set up an official residence in Panyu, specifically to manage state correspondence. The Southern Han ruler bestowed upon him a large mansion and lavish gifts, frequently inquiring about Min’s affairs. Lin Yanyu did not answer. After withdrawing, he said to others, “If I leave Min and speak of Min’s affairs, or leave Yue and speak of Yue’s affairs, while residing in another’s palace, is that permissible?” When the Southern Han ruler heard this, he considered him virtuous and appointed him as Inner Regular Attendant, charging him with auditing the affairs of various departments. Upon hearing of Min Huizong’s assassination, Lin Yanyu requested to return but was not permitted. He donned mourning clothes and wept facing the direction of Min for three days.
Gao Conghui, the military commissioner of Jingnan, was of an intelligent and understanding nature, drawing close to and treating worthy men with courtesy. He entrusted Liang Zhen and treated him with the respect due an elder brother. Liang Zhen often addressed Gao Conghui as “Young Master.” The Chu ruler Ma Xifan delighted in extravagance and wasteful spending. Wandering scholars all boasted of his splendor. Gao Conghui said to his aides, “A man like King Ma can be considered a true hero.” Sun Guangxian replied, “The Son of Heaven and the feudal lords have graded distinctions in rites. That brat, still wet behind the ears, is arrogant and overstepping, seeking momentary pleasure without long-term planning. Danger and ruin are before his eyes; what is there to envy!” Gao Conghui, after a long pause, came to his senses and said, “Your words are correct.” Another day, he said to Liang Zhen, “I reflect that in my own life, my sustenance has already been excessive.” Thereupon, he abandoned his playthings and amusements, took delight in the classics and histories, reduced punishments, and lightened taxes, bringing peace to his territory. Liang Zhen said, “The late king treated me as a friend in plain clothes and entrusted the heir to me. Now the heir has been able to establish himself and not let the foundation fall. I am old and will no longer serve others.” Thus, he firmly requested retirement. Gao Conghui could not retain him and built a house for him on Shizhou. Liang Zhen, wearing a crane-feather cloak, styled himself the Recluse of Jingtai. Whenever he visited the government office, he rode a yellow ox straight to the hall. Gao Conghui often went to his home, and his seasonal gifts were very generous. From then on, all government affairs were entrusted to Sun Guangxian.
Your servant Sima Guang says: “Sun Guangxian saw the subtle and could remonstrate; Gao Conghui heard what was good and could correct himself; Liang Zhen achieved success and could withdraw. Since ancient times, those who possessed states and could do this—how could there be cases of losing the state, ruining the family, or destroying oneself?”
The Wu state added to Zhongshu Ling Xu Zhigao the titles of Shangfu, Taishi, Grand Councilor, and Grand Marshal, advancing him to the rank of Prince of Qi, with special honors. The ten prefectures of Sheng, Run, Xuan, Chi, She, Chang, Jiang, Rao, Xin, and Hai were designated as the state of Qi. Xu Zhigao declined the titles of Shangfu and Grand Councilor and did not accept the special honors.
Li Fang, the director of the Imperial City and acting commander of the Six Armies and All Guards in Min, monopolized court politics and secretly nurtured death-defying warriors. The Min ruler Wang Chang, along with Lin Yanhao, the commander of the Gongchen Guard, plotted to eliminate him. Lin Yanhao and others pretended to be close to and dependent on Li Fang, who trusted them without suspicion. In the 11th month, on the day of renzi (the 21st), Li Fang entered court. Lin Yanhao and others ambushed several hundred guards in the inner hall, seized and beheaded him, and displayed his head at the court gate. Over a thousand of Li Fang’s troops, wielding white clubs, attacked the Yingtian Gate but could not breach it. They set fire to the Qisheng Gate, seized Li Fang’s head, and fled to Wuyue. An edict was issued publicizing Li Fang’s crimes of regicide and the killing of Wang Jitao and others, informing the court and the public. Prince Jian Wang Jiyan was appointed as acting commander of the Six Armies and All Guards. Ye Qiao, a native of Yongtai and judge of the Six Armies, was appointed as Inner Proclamation Commissioner and participant in determining government affairs. Ye Qiao was learned and upright. Min Huizong had promoted him to be the tutor of Prince of Fu Wang Chang, who treated him with the respect due a teacher. He was of great benefit, and within the palace he was called “the Nation’s Elder.” After Wang Chang ascended the throne, he became arrogant and did not consult Ye Qiao on state affairs. One day, while Wang Chang was handling government business, Ye Qiao, dressed in a Daoist robe, passed through the courtyard and walked out quickly. Wang Chang summoned him back, bowed to him, and said, “Military and state affairs are pressing; it has been long since I received your responses. This is my fault.” Ye Qiao kowtowed and said, “This old minister was inadequate in guiding you, causing that since Your Majesty ascended the throne, there has been no good deed worthy of mention. I beg to retire to my hometown.” Wang Chang said, “The late emperor entrusted the orphan to you. If government decrees are not good, you should remonstrate earnestly. How can you abandon the orphan and leave!” He bestowed generous gifts of gold and silk, comforted and instructed him, and restored him to his position. Wang Chang’s primary consort, Lady Liang of the state of Liang, was the daughter of Li Min, a co-participant in determining government affairs. Wang Chang doted on Li Chunyan and treated the Lady harshly. Ye Qiao remonstrated, saying, “The Lady is the late emperor’s niece, married according to rites. How can you abandon her because of a new love!” Wang Chang was displeased and from then on distanced himself from Ye Qiao. Soon after, Ye Qiao again submitted a memorial on state affairs. Wang Chang wrote an endorsement at the end of the document: “A single leaf follows the wind and falls into the imperial ditch.” Thereupon, he sent him back to Yongtai, where he later died of old age.
The emperor commended Ma Quanjie for his merit and summoned him to court. Liu Yanlang demanded bribes, but Ma Quanjie had nothing to give him. Liu Yanlang intended to appoint Ma Quanjie as prefect of Jiangzhou, but public opinion seethed. When the emperor heard of this, on the day of yimao (the 24th), he appointed Ma Quanjie as the military commissioner of Henghai.
In the 12th month, on the day of renshen (the 12th), Han Zhaoyin, the Zhongshu Shilang, co-participant in determining government affairs, and concurrent commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs, was appointed as co-participant in determining government affairs and concurrently as military commissioner of Huguo.
On the day of yiyou (the 25th), Feng Dao, the former military commissioner of Kuangguo and co-participant in determining government affairs, was appointed as Sikong. At that time, no formal appointment of the Three Dukes had been made for a long time. Court discussions doubted what his duties should be. Lu Wenji wanted him to oversee sacrifices and sweeping. When Feng Dao heard of this, he said, “The Sikong sweeping—that is his duty. What am I afraid of?” Soon, Lu Wenji recognized that this was impractical and so dropped the matter.
The Min ruler bestowed on Chen Shouyuan, styled Master of the Grotto of Truth, the title of Heavenly Master, trusting and respecting him to the extent that changes in generals and chancellors, punishments, and selections were all discussed with him. Chen Shouyuan accepted bribes and requests, and none of his words were not followed. His gate was as crowded as a marketplace.
(Translation of the part from the Later Tang Annals, Section Eight, continuing from the previous text, corresponding paragraph by paragraph)
The Khitan ruler sent an envoy to his tent, consoling him, saying, “I heard you were in trouble, so I came specially to rescue you.” He also said to his generals and aides, “If I killed you all, I would not be a true man.” Thereupon, he gave his own horse to Chonggui and bestowed his wives and daughters upon his attending officials.
The Khitan ruler said to Chonggui, “Your grandfather and father had old ties with my late emperor. That you have come to this is not my betrayal of you, but your own doing.” Chonggui merely prostrated himself and awaited punishment.
The Khitan ruler ordered Chonggui’s entire clan to move north. When they reached Youzhou, they were given provisions. Chonggui’s mother, Lady An, had once been captured by the Khitan, and then she was able to see him.
The Khitan ruler created Chonggui the Marquis of Betraying Righteousness and placed him in Huanglong Prefecture. After Chonggui departed, the Khitan ruler sent troops to escort him, and at every prefecture and county they passed, provisions were amply supplied.
While Chonggui was in Huanglong Prefecture, the Khitan ruler often sent letters inquiring about him, but Chonggui dared not reply. Whenever the Khitan ruler sent an envoy, he was always treated with great courtesy.
That year, the Khitan ruler changed the era name to Huitong and designated the state as Great Liao. The ranks of dukes, ministers, and all officials were modeled after China, with some Chinese employed.
The Khitan ruler appointed Zhao Yanshou as commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs and soon also as commissioner of government affairs. Whenever the Khitan ruler planned matters with Yanshou, he always consulted him before acting.
Initially, when the Khitan ruler entered Bian, he collected all Chinese books, ritual vessels, and standard implements to take back. At this point, he established official posts, built a capital, set up ancestral temples, and fixed the ranks of all officials.
The Khitan ruler said to his attending ministers, “I have heard that Han Gaozu and Guangwu both rose from commoners. Though I am from the northern frontier, I also wish to become the ruler of China.”
The attending ministers replied, “Your Majesty’s sage virtue is sufficient to do so. But the people of China are likely not easy to subdue.”
The Khitan ruler said, "I have taken it by force of arms; why worry that they will not submit?" The attendant ministers dared not speak again.
The Khitan ruler, following the surrender of Jin ruler Chonggui, sent an envoy to inform the Tang ruler, saying, "The Jin house has already fallen; the Central Plains have no master. I ask that the Tang ruler take the throne for himself."
When the Tang ruler heard this, he summoned his ministers to discuss it. Some said, "Although the Khitan are strong, their ambition lies in plundering; they lack the talent for long-term governance. It is fitting to firmly guard our borders, nurture the people, and await the right moment."
The Tang ruler agreed with this, and so declined the Khitan envoy, not accepting their proposal.