Book of Han, Volume 44
Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government, Volume 052 [Han Records 44] Begins in the year jiaxu (134 AD) and ends in the year yihai (135 AD), covering a total of twelve years.
Emperor Xiaoshun (Filial and Obedient), the Lower Part of Yangjia Year 3 (Jiaxu, 134 AD)
Summer, fourth month. The Colonel of the Rear Wusun Kingdom led the Rear King Jiatenuo and others in a surprise attack on the Northern Xiongnu at Lüwu Lu Valley, inflicting a major defeat; they captured the Chanyu's mother.
Fifth month, day wuxu. The Emperor issued an edict, due to continuous drought in spring and summer, granting a general amnesty under heaven. The Emperor personally sat exposed in the eastern wing of Deyang Hall to pray for rain. Because Shangshu Zhou Ju possessed profound learning, he was specially summoned for a policy consultation. Zhou Ju replied: "I have heard that when yin and yang are separated, the two vital forces become blocked and obstructed. Your Majesty has abandoned the statutes of Emperors Wen and Guangwu and followed the extravagant desires of the fallen Qin dynasty. Within the palace, resentful women accumulate; outside the palace, there are adult men without wives. Since the drought began, it has continued for many years, and I have not heard of any effective reforms from Your Majesty. You merely expose your honored body to the wind and dust in vain—this truly brings no benefit. Your Majesty pursues only external form without investigating actual substance, like climbing a tree to catch fish or walking backward while wishing to advance. Truly, you should practice sincerity, reform governance, honor virtue, change delusions, release the unattended women from the rear palace, and cancel the excessive food expenses of the Grand Steward's office. The Yi Zhuan says: 'When yang qi is deluded, Heaven does not change in a single day.' I hope Your Majesty will carefully consider and decide!" The Emperor again summoned Zhou Ju to ask face-to-face about the gains and losses of court governance. Zhou Ju replied: "One should cautiously select officials, eliminate corrupt individuals, and distance oneself from treacherous and evil persons." The Emperor asked: "Which officials are corrupt, treacherous, and evil?" Zhou Ju replied: "I, having been promoted from a low-level commandery to oversee state secrets in the court, am insufficient to distinguish among the ministers. However, among the high ministers and nobles, those who repeatedly offer direct remonstrances are loyal and upright; those who flatter and accommodate to preserve themselves are treacherous and evil."
The Grand Astrologer Zhang Heng also submitted a memorial saying: "Two years ago, the capital experienced an earthquake, and the land cracked. Land cracking is an omen of divided authority; earthquakes are omens of the people being disturbed. I privately fear that Your Majesty's sage reflections have grown weary, that decrees cannot be decided by yourself alone, that kindness cannot bear to be severed, and that you share authority with the multitude. Authority cannot be divided, and virtue cannot be shared. I hope Your Majesty will consider how to examine ancient systems and follow old precedents, and not let the eight powers—punishments and ranks—all come from outside the Son of Heaven. Only then can the expectations of the spirits be satisfied, and calamities be eliminated without recurring." Zhang Heng also, because after the Eastern Han restoration Confucian scholars vied to study the Prognostic Charts and Apocryphal Texts, submitted a memorial saying: "The Spring and Autumn Yuanming Bao contains Gongshu Ban and Mo Di, whose deeds are seen in the Warring States period; it also mentions Yizhou, but Yizhou was established in the Han dynasty. Moreover, Liu Xiang and Liu Xin, father and son, were in charge of collating the palace secret texts and the nine schools of thought, yet they did not include Chen Records. From this, it is clear that the Prognostic Charts were formed between the reigns of Emperors Ai and Ping, all fabricated by deceitful persons to cheat the world and seek profit. Their deception and confusion are obvious, yet no one corrects or prohibits them. Moreover, studies such as calendar, hexagram omens, nine palaces, and wind angles have repeatedly shown evidence and efficacy, yet the world refuses to learn them, but instead competes to praise those books that are not divinatory. This is like painters who dislike painting dogs and horses but prefer painting ghosts and monsters—truly because real things are difficult to depict while false things have no limits! These books should be stored away and universally banned. Then vermilion and purple will not be confused, and the classics will have no flaws!"
Autumn, seventh month. The Zhong Qiang Liangfeng and others again invaded Longxi and Hanyang. The Emperor issued an edict appointing the former Colonel Ma Xian as an Intermuncio to pacify and reassure the various Qiang tribes.
Winter, tenth month. The Colonel of the Qiang Protectorate Ma Xu sent troops to attack Liangfeng and defeated them.
Eleventh month, day renyin. Minister of the Masses Liu Qi and Minister of Works Kong Fu were dismissed, following Zhou Ju's advice. On day yisi, the Grand Minister of Agriculture Huang Shang was appointed Minister of the Masses, and the Guanglu Xun, a man of Hedong named Wang Zhuo, was appointed Minister of Works.
The Honored Lady Geng repeatedly pleaded on behalf of the Geng clan, so the Emperor issued an edict enfeoffing Geng Bao's son Geng Ji as the Marquis of Mouping.
Emperor Xiaoshun, Yangjia Year 4 (Yihai, 135 AD)
Spring. The Northern Xiongnu's Huyan King invaded the Rear Wusun Kingdom. The Emperor ordered the Grand Administrator of Dunhuang to dispatch troops to rescue them, but they failed to achieve victory.
Second month, day bingzi. For the first time, eunuchs were permitted to adopt sons and inherit noble ranks. Initially, the Emperor's restoration to the throne relied on the power of the eunuchs, so they received favor and participated in government affairs. The Imperial Censor Zhang Gang submitted a memorial saying: "I examine the two emperors Wen and Ming; their virtue and transformation were especially flourishing. The Central Palace Regular Attendants numbered only two, and the rewards for favored close attendants were only a few jin of gold. They cherished expenses and valued the people, so every household was well-off. However, recently, petty men without merit have all obtained official positions and noble ranks. This is not the way to cherish the people, value the great vessels of the state, or conform to the Way of Heaven." The memorial was submitted, but the Emperor ignored it. Zhang Gang was the son of Zhang Hao.
A drought occurred.
The Intermuncio Ma Xian attacked the Zhong Qiang and inflicted a major defeat on them.
Summer, fourth month, day jiazi. Grand Commandant Shi Yan was dismissed. On day wuyin, the Colonel of the Palace Guards Liang Shang was appointed General-in-Chief, and the former Grand Commandant Chong Can was appointed Grand Commandant. Liang Shang claimed illness for nearly a year and did not attend court. The Emperor sent the Grand Master of Ceremonies Huan Yan to his residence with the imperial edict to appoint him on the spot, and only then did Liang Shang go to court to accept the appointment. In his youth, Liang Shang was versed in the classics and commentaries, was humble, courteous, and cherished worthies. He summoned Jü Lan of Hanyang and Chen Gui of Shangdang as his aides, Li Gu as his Attendant Clerk, and Yang Lun as his Chief Clerk. Li Gu, because Liang Shang was gentle and only sought to preserve himself, unable to make any rectifications or decisions, wrote a letter to Liang Shang saying: "In recent years, calamities and strange events have repeatedly appeared. Confucius said: 'The wise see changes and think about their omens; the foolish see strange things and avoid their names.' The Way of Heaven has no partiality; it is to be revered. If you can truly rectify court regulations, let righteousness prevail and loyalty and trust be established, then you, Illustrious Sir, can follow the noble purity of Bocheng Zigao and preserve an immortal reputation. How can you be compared to those common outer relatives who are sunk in glory and covet positions?" Liang Shang did not adopt his advice.
Autumn, intercalary eighth month, day dinghai shuo. A solar eclipse occurred.
Winter, tenth month. The Wuhuan invaded Yunzhong. The General of the Crossbow of Crossing the Liao Geng Ye pursued them but failed to achieve victory. In the eleventh month, the Wuhuan surrounded Geng Ye at Lancheng; the court sent several thousand troops to rescue him, and only then did the Wuhuan retreat.
Twelfth month, day jiayin. An earthquake occurred in the capital.
Emperor Xiaoshun, Yonghe Year 1 (Bingzi, 136 AD)
Spring, first month, day jisi. The reign title was changed, and a general amnesty was granted under heaven.
Winter, tenth month, day dinghai. A fire broke out in the Chengfu Hall.
Eleventh month, day bingzi. Grand Commandant Chong Can was dismissed.
Twelfth month. The Man barbarians of Xianglin rebelled.
On day yisi, the former Minister of Works Wang Gong was appointed Grand Commandant.
Wang Gong detested the eunuchs' monopoly of power and submitted a memorial vigorously enumerating their crimes. The various Yellow Gate eunuchs instructed their retainers to falsely accuse Wang Gong of crimes. The Emperor ordered Wang Gong to immediately explain himself. Li Gu wrote a letter to Liang Shang saying: "Lord Wang, with his steadfast integrity, has been wronged by slanderers and treacherous men. When the multitude heard of it, none did not sigh and tremble. The three highest officials are honored and revered; they have no way to appeal grievances at the government offices. With the slightest sense of indignation, they would resign and die. Therefore, by established precedent, unless a great crime is involved, they are not severely interrogated. If Lord Wang suddenly encounters other changes, then the court will suffer the name of harming a worthy minister, and the ministers will lose the integrity of rescue! As the common saying goes: 'When good people meet disaster, they go hungry without time to eat.' This is exactly the time!" Liang Shang immediately spoke to the Emperor, and the matter was resolved.
In this year, the Colonel of the Capital Police, Liang Ji, was appointed Intendant of Henan. Liang Ji was by nature fond of wine, unrestrained in his pleasures, and indulgent; during his tenure he committed many violent acts and did not observe the law. A close retainer of his father Liang Shang, Lu Fang, the Prefect of Luoyang, informed Liang Shang of the situation, and Liang Shang therefore reprimanded Liang Ji. Liang Ji sent an assassin to kill Lu Fang on the road, but then, fearing Liang Shang would learn the truth, shifted the suspicion onto Lu Fang’s enemy. He requested that Lu Fang’s younger brother, Lü Yu, be appointed Prefect of Luoyang and ordered him to arrest the murderer. As a result, Lü Yu exterminated the entire clan, relatives, and retainers of Lu Fang, over a hundred people in total.
The Grand Administrator of Wuling submitted a memorial, arguing that since the Man and Yi barbarians were all submissive, they could be treated like Han Chinese and their tribute and taxes increased. All who participated in the discussion thought this feasible. The Chief Clerk of the Masters of Writing, Yu Xu, said: “Since ancient times, sage kings have not treated those of different customs as subjects. Under the precedents of the former emperors, the amount of tribute and taxes has been fixed for a long time. Now suddenly to increase them will surely provoke resentment and rebellion. Calculating what is gained will not compensate for what is spent, and there will inevitably be future regret.” The emperor did not listen. The Man barbarians of Lizhong and Louzhong indeed quarreled because the tribute cloth did not meet the old agreement, then killed the village officials and rebelled en masse.
Yonghe year 2 of Emperor Xiaoshun (Dingchou, 137 CE)
Spring, the Wuling Man, twenty thousand strong, surrounded Chong City, and eight thousand of them invaded Yidao.
Second month, the Commandant of the Guanghan Dependent State defeated the White Horse Qiang.
The emperor sent the Grand Administrator of Wuling, Li Jin, to attack the rebellious Man, and he defeated and pacified them. Li Jin then selected worthy officials, the Man, and the commandery was thereby settled.
Third month, on the Yimao day, the Minister of Works, Wang Zhuo, died. On the Dingchou day, the Supervisor of the Imperial Secretariat, Guo Qian, was appointed Minister of Works.
Summer, fourth month, on the Bingchen day, an earthquake occurred in the capital.
Fifth month, on the Guichou day, the Lady of Shanyang, Song E, was found guilty of colluding with the wicked and making false accusations; her seal and ribbon were confiscated, and she was sent back to her home village. The nine marquises, Huang Long, Yang Tuo, Meng Shu, Li Jian, Zhang Xian, Shi Fan, Wang Dao, Li Yuan, and Li Gang, were found guilty of mutual bribery with Song E, seeking high office and increased fiefs, and were all sent to their respective fiefs, with one quarter of their tax revenues cut off.
The Lin Yi Man, Qu Lian and others, attacked the county offices and killed the county officials. The Inspector of Jiaozhi, Fan Yan, conscripted over ten thousand troops from Jiaozhi and Jiuzhen to rescue them; the soldiers feared the long expedition. Autumn, seventh month, the troops from the two commanderies rebelled and attacked their own government offices. Although the government offices defeated the rebel soldiers, the power of the Man and Yi grew even stronger.
Winter, tenth month, on the Jiashen day, the emperor traveled to Chang’an. Tian Ruo of Fufeng recommended a man from the same commandery, Fa Zhen, as broadly learned in both inner and outer studies, living in seclusion and refusing to serve as an official; he should be summoned and given an official post. The emperor, with an open mind, wished to recruit him, sending four summons in succession, but in the end he would not accept. His friend Guo Zheng praised him, saying: “Fa Zhen’s fame can be heard, but his person is difficult to see. He fled from fame, yet fame followed him; he avoided fame, yet fame pursued him. He can be called a teacher for a hundred generations!” Fa Zhen was the son of Fa Xiong.
On the Dingmao day, an earthquake occurred in the capital.
The Grand Commandant, Wang Gong, because the Regular Palace Attendants Zhang Fang and others monopolized state power, wished to submit a memorial requesting their execution. Someone among his clan relatives admonished him using the experience of Yang Zhen, so Wang Gong desisted.
Twelfth month, on the Yihai day, the emperor returned to the capital from Chang’an.
Yonghe year 3 of Emperor Xiaoshun (Wuyin, 138 CE)
Spring, second month, on the Yihai day, earthquakes occurred in the capital Luoyang and in Jincheng and Longxi commanderies; in two commanderies there were also landslides.
Summer, intercalary fourth month, on the Jiyou day, an earthquake occurred in the capital Luoyang.
Fifth month, the Chief Clerk of Wu Commandery, Yang Zhen, rebelled and attacked the commandery headquarters; the Grand Administrator, Wang Heng, defeated and beheaded him.
The Attendant Censor, Jia Chang, together with the commanderies and kingdoms, attacked Qu Lian and others in force, but could not defeat them; instead, they were besieged by the enemy. After more than a year, the army’s provisions ran out. Emperor Shun assembled the dukes and ministers, the hundred officials, and the subordinate officers of the offices of the General-in-Chief, Grand Commandant, Minister of Works, and Minister over the Masses, to inquire about a plan. Everyone suggested sending a great general and conscripting forty thousand troops from Jing, Yang, Yan, and Yu provinces to reinforce them. Li Gu opposed this, saying: “If there were no troubles in Jing and Yang provinces, conscripting them would be permissible. But now the bandits in these two provinces are entrenched like rocks, the Man and Yi of Wuling and Nan commanderies are not yet pacified, and the people of Changsha and Guiyang commanderies have been repeatedly conscripted. If they are disturbed again, new calamities will surely arise—this is the first reason it cannot be done. Moreover, people from Yan and Yu provinces, suddenly conscripted and traveling ten thousand li with no fixed return date, with edicts pressing urgently, will inevitably rebel and flee—this is the second reason it cannot be done. The southern provinces are damp and hot, with miasmic vapors, causing four or five out of ten to die—this is the third reason it cannot be done. Traveling ten thousand li, the soldiers will be utterly exhausted; by the time they reach Lingnan, they will have no strength left to fight—this is the fourth reason it cannot be done. An army marches at a standard rate of thirty li per day, and the distance to Rinan commandery is over nine thousand li, requiring three hundred days to arrive. At a daily ration of five sheng per person, that requires six hundred thousand hu of rice, not counting the food for generals, officials, and horses and donkeys. For soldiers bearing their own armor and walking there, the expense is already this great—this is the fifth reason it cannot be done. Suppose the army reaches its post; deaths will surely be many. Since it will be insufficient to resist the enemy, another conscription will be necessary—this is like cutting flesh from the belly and limbs to patch the four extremities—this is the sixth reason it cannot be done. Jiuzhen and Rinan commanderies are a thousand li apart; even conscripting local officials and people is unbearable, let alone sending soldiers from four provinces to endure hardship and travel ten thousand li in difficulty! This is the seventh reason it cannot be done. Formerly, the Central Palace General Yin Jiu was sent to punish the rebellious Qiang in Yi province, and there was a proverb in Yi province: ‘The Qiang coming can be endured; Yin Jiu coming will kill me.’ Later, Yin Jiu was recalled, and the troops were handed over to the Inspector Zhang Qiao. Zhang Qiao, relying on the original generals and officials, broke the rebellious Qiang within ten days to a month. This is proof that sending a general is of no benefit, while provincial and commandery officials can bear the responsibility. It would be better to select others who are brave, resourceful, benevolent, and capable of serving as generals, and appoint them as Inspectors and Grand Administrators, having them all stationed at Jiaozhi. Now Rinan commandery has few troops and no provisions; it cannot defend itself, nor can it attack. It would be permissible to move all its officials and people north to settle in Jiaozhi, and after the situation is pacified, order them to return to their original homes. At the same time, recruit the Man and Yi to attack each other, and transport gold, silk, and cloth as their resources. If anyone can sow dissension or capture enemy leaders, promise rewards of marquisates and lands. The former Inspector of Bing province, Zhu Liang of Changsha, is by nature brave and decisive; and Zhang Qiao of Nanyang, who previously had merit in breaking the enemy in Yi province, can both be employed. Formerly, Emperor Taizong (Han Wendi) appointed Wei Shang as Grand Administrator of Yunzhong on the spot, and Emperor Ai immediately appointed Gong She as Grand Administrator of Taishan. Now we should immediately appoint Zhu Liang and the others, letting them assume office on the road.” The four offices all followed Li Gu’s advice, immediately appointing Zhu Liang as Grand Administrator of Jiuzhen and Zhang Qiao as Inspector of Jiaozhi. When Zhang Qiao arrived, he opened his heart and offered guidance and inducement, and the rebel forces all surrendered or dispersed. When Zhu Liang reached Jiuzhen, he rode alone in a single carriage into the bandit camp, laid out plans, and used authority and trust to summon them; tens of thousands surrendered, and all built government offices for Zhu Liang. From then on, the Lingnan region was again pacified.
In autumn, the eighth month, on the jiwei day, Minister of Education Huang Shang was dismissed from office. In the ninth month, on the jiyou day, the Intendant of the Palace Attendants, Liu Shou of Changsha, was appointed Minister of Education. On the bingxu day, an order was issued for the General-in-Chief and the Three Excellencies each to recommend two men who were resolute, martial, resourceful, and capable of serving as generals or commanders, and one each for the Special Advance, the Nine Ministers, and the Commandants of the Capital. Initially, the Prefect of the Masters of Writing, Zuo Xiong, recommended the Inspector of Jizhou, Zhou Ju, as a Master of Writing. Shortly afterward, Zuo Xiong became Colonel-Director of the Retainers and further recommended the former Inspector of Jizhou, Feng Zhi, to serve as a general. Feng Zhi had previously been convicted of bribery and corruption, so Zhou Ju impeached Zuo Xiong for this. Zuo Xiong said, “The edict ordered me to select martial and fierce men, not to select men of pure integrity.” Zhou Ju replied, “The edict ordered you to select martial and fierce men, not to select men guilty of corruption.” Zuo Xiong said, “Recommending you was precisely my own praise.” Zhou Ju responded, “In former times, Zhao Xuanzi (Zhao Dun) appointed Han Jue as Marshal of the Army; Han Jue executed Zha Xuanzi’s servant according to military law. Zhao Xuanzi said to the grandees, ‘You may congratulate me! The Han Jue I selected is competent for his office.’ Now you do not consider me without ability and have mistakenly promoted me to the court; I dare not flatter you and bring shame upon you. I never expected your thinking to differ from Zhao Xuanzi’s.” Zuo Xiong was pleased and apologized, saying, “I was formerly a subordinate of Feng Zhi’s father and was on close terms with Feng Zhi. Now you impeach me for this matter—this is my fault!” The people of the empire therefore respected Zhou Ju even more. At that time, the eunuchs vied with each other to flaunt imperial favor and power; only the Grand Prolonger of Autumn, Liang He, was frugal, pure, modest, and generous. When the edict ordered the recommendation of martial and fierce men, Liang He alone did not recommend anyone. The Emperor asked him the reason, and he replied, “I come from the rustic wilds and grew up in the palace; I have neither the ability to know men nor have I ever associated with scholars. In former times, Wei Yang (Shang Yang) gained an audience through Jing Jian, and those with insight knew he would come to no good end. Now, anyone I recommend would receive not glory but disgrace, so I dare not recommend anyone!” The Emperor therefore appreciated him.
In winter, the tenth month, the Shaodang Qiang Na Li and others led more than three thousand cavalry to invade Jincheng Commandery. Colonel Ma Xian attacked and defeated them.
On the wuxu day of the twelfth month, a solar eclipse occurred.
The General-in-Chief Liang Shang, because the Lesser Yellow Gate Eunuch Cao Jie of Nanyang and others held power within the palace, sent his sons Liang Ji and Liang Buyi to form friendships with them. But the eunuchs, jealous of Liang Shang’s favor, instead plotted to harm him. The Regular Palace Attendants Zhang Kui, Qu Zheng, Yang Ding, and others conspired with the Emperor’s close attendants, jointly falsely accusing Liang Shang, as well as the Regular Palace Attendants Cao Teng and Meng Ben, saying, “They intend to summon the various princes and plot to depose or establish the Emperor. Please arrest Liang Shang and the others for interrogation.” Emperor Shun said, “The General-in-Chief, father and son, are my close relatives; Cao Teng and Meng Ben are my favorites. There is certainly no such matter; you are merely jealous of them together.” Zhang Kui and his associates, knowing their words were not adopted and fearing they would be pressured, withdrew, then forged an edict and arrested Cao Teng and Meng Ben within the palace. When Emperor Shun heard of this, he was greatly angered and ordered the eunuch Li Xie to quickly summon Cao Teng and Meng Ben and release them. He then arrested Zhang Kui and the others and imprisoned them.
The fourth year of the Yonghe era of Emperor Xiaoshun (jimao year, 139 AD).
In spring, the first month, on the gengchen day, Zhang Kui and the others were executed. This case implicated the Grand Administrator of Hongnong, Zhang Feng, and the Chancellor of Anping, Yang Hao, who were both executed as a result. The confessions implicated many high-ranking ministers in office. Liang Shang, fearing that too many innocent people would be wronged, submitted a memorial saying: “The meaning of the Spring and Autumn Annals is that merit is attributed to the leader, and guilt is only pursued against the chief offender. When a major case arises, many innocent people are involved, and condemned prisoners are long detained; even minor faults become great crimes. This is not the way to respond to harmonious qi, to administer justice fairly, or to achieve transformation through instruction. The case should be concluded early to stop the harassment of arrests.” Emperor Shun adopted his advice and only punished those directly guilty. In the second month, the Emperor appointed Liang Shang’s younger son, the Tiger Ben Gentleman of the Palace Guard Liang Buyi, as Colonel of Infantry. Liang Shang submitted a memorial declining, saying: “Liang Buyi is still a child, yet he is wrongly placed in an adult’s position. In former times, Yan Pingzhong (Yan Ying) declined the reward of Beidian to preserve his wealth, and Gongyi Xiu did not accept the gift of fish to stabilize his position. Although I lack talent, I wish to preserve my fortune and emolument in this sage and enlightened era!” The Emperor therefore appointed Liang Buyi as Palace Attendant and Chief Commandant of Chariots and Horses.
On the yihai day of the third month, an earthquake occurred in the capital, Luoyang.
The Shaodang Qiang Na Li and others rebelled again. In summer, the fourth month, on the guimao day, the Colonel-Protector of the Qiang, Ma Xian, attacked and beheaded them, taking more than 1,200 heads.
On the wuwu day, a general amnesty was granted.
On the wuxu day of the fifth month, the late King of Jibei, Liu An’s son, was enfeoffed as the King of Jibei.
In autumn, the eighth month, Taiyuan Commandery suffered a drought.
The fifth year of the Yonghe era of Emperor Xiaoshun (gengchen year, 140 AD).
In spring, the second month, on the wushen day, an earthquake occurred in the capital, Luoyang. The Southern Xiongnu, the Prince of Gouqu Wusi, Che Niu, and others rebelled, invading Xihe Commandery. They summoned the Wise King of the Right and combined forces to besiege Meiji, killing the Chief Commandants of Shuofang and Dai Commanderies. In summer, the fifth month, the General of Crossbow Cavalry, Ma Xu, together with Lieutenant-General Liang Bing and others, mobilized border troops and Qiang and Hu forces, totaling more than 20,000 men, and launched a surprise attack, defeating them. Wusi and his followers again gathered their forces, capturing cities. The Son of Heaven sent an envoy to reproach the Xiongnu Chanyu. The Chanyu had not originally been involved in the plot, so he removed his cap, left his camp, and went to Liang Bing to apologize. Liang Bing, due to illness, was recalled, and the Grand Administrator of Wuyuan, Chen Gui, succeeded him as Lieutenant-General. Chen Gui believed that the Chanyu could not control his subordinates and pressured the Chanyu and his younger brother, the Wise King of the Left, to both commit suicide. Chen Gui then wanted to move the Chanyu’s close relatives to commanderies in the interior, but those who had already surrendered became even more suspicious. Chen Gui was therefore convicted, imprisoned, and dismissed from office.
The General-in-Chief Liang Shang submitted a memorial saying: “The Xiongnu rebels know their crimes are great and their evil is extreme. Birds at the end of their flight and trapped beasts all know to seek life; how much more so the Xiongnu, whose tribes are numerous and cannot be entirely eliminated. Now, the transport of supplies increases daily, the three armies are exhausted and distressed, and emptying the interior to supply the border is not in the interest of China. The General of Crossbow Cavalry, Ma Xu, has long been resourceful and has long been in charge of border affairs; he deeply understands the essentials of military strategy. Every time I receive a letter from Ma Xu, his plans coincide with mine. It is fitting to order Ma Xu to deepen the moats and heighten the walls, to recruit surrender through kindness and trust, to announce rewards, and to set clear deadlines. In this way, those ugly creatures can be subdued, and the state will be at peace.” The Emperor followed his advice and accordingly issued an edict ordering Ma Xu to recruit the rebellious barbarians to surrender. Liang Shang also wrote a letter to Ma Xu and others, saying: “China is at peace and has long been unaccustomed to battle. Elite cavalry engaging in wild field battles, exchanging arrows, and deciding victory or defeat in a moment—this is the strength of the Rong and Di, but the weakness of China. Using strong crossbows to defend cities, fortifying strong camps and holding fast, waiting for the enemy to tire—this is the strength of China, but the weakness of the Rong and Di. One should first strive to use one’s own strengths to observe the enemy’s changes, establish rewards, announce that those who submit will be pardoned, and not covet minor achievements to disrupt the grand plan.” Consequently, the Wise King of the Right’s subordinate Yi Di and others, numbering 13,000, all came to Ma Xu to surrender.
On the jichou day, at the end of the month, a solar eclipse occurred.
Initially, after Na Li and others were pacified, the court appointed Lai Ji as Inspector of Bingzhou and Liu Bing as Inspector of Liangzhou. Lai Ji and his colleagues were naturally cruel and harsh, frequently engaged in encroachments and exactions. Consequently, the Qiang tribes of Qiedong and Funan rebelled, attacked Jincheng Commandery, and together with various mixed Qiang and Hu groups, extensively plundered the Three Regions, killing local officials. Lai Ji and Liu Bing were both convicted and recalled. The court then appointed Ma Xian as General Who Conquers the West, with the Cavalry Commandant Geng Shu as his deputy, leading the Left and Right Feather Forest troops, the soldiers of the Five Colonel Camps, and the armies of various commanderies and states, totaling 100,000 men, to garrison Hanyang Commandery.
In the ninth month, an order was issued for Fufeng and Hanyang commanderies to build 300 fortresses along the Longdao and establish garrisons.
On the xinwei day, the Grand Commandant Wang Gong was dismissed due to old age and illness.
The Qiedong Qiang invaded Wudu Commandery and burned Long Pass.
On the renwu day, the Grand Master of Ceremonies Huan Yan was appointed Grand Commandant.
The Xiongnu Juyan King Wusi and others established Che Niu as Shanyu, linking east with the Wuhuan and gathering west with the Qiang and Hu peoples, tens of thousands in number, breaking through the Jingzhao Huyu Camp, killing the Shang Commandery Colonel and the Army Marshal, then raiding and plundering the four provinces of Bing, Liang, You, and Ji. Consequently, the court moved the seat of Xihe Commandery to Lishi, Shang Commandery to Xiayang, and Shuofang Commandery to Wuyuan. In the twelfth month, they sent the Envoy to the Xiongnu, Zhang Dan, leading troops from You Province and the Wuhuan commandery camps to attack Che Niu and his forces. They fought at Mayi, beheading three thousand and capturing a great many. Che Niu requested surrender, but Wusi still led his troops and allied with the Wuhuan in raiding and plundering.
Initially, the Emperor ordered Ma Xian to campaign against the Western Qiang. The Grand General Liang Shang considered Ma Xian too old and favored the Grand Palace Attendant Song Han over him; the Emperor did not listen. Song Han was the son of Song You. After Ma Xian arrived in the army, he lingered and did not advance. The Grand Administrator of Wudu, Ma Rong, submitted a memorial saying: “Now the various Qiang tribes are plundering each other. We should take advantage of their not yet uniting to rapidly send troops deep into their territory and break up their factions. Yet Ma Xian and the others delay everywhere. The Qiang and Hu can see dust a hundred li away and hear sounds a thousand li off. Now they flee and hide to avoid us. If we attack from the rear, they will surely invade the Three Regions and become a great disaster for the people. I request what Ma Xian has not permitted: five thousand troops from the Guandong armies, only borrowing the designation of one unit. I will exert myself to lead and inspire them, root them firmly, and take the lead; within thirty days, I will surely be able to break them. I have also heard that when Wu Qi was a general, he did not use an umbrella in summer or wear furs in winter. Now Ma Xian, when encamped in the field, sets up tents, has an array of fine delicacies, and is attended by his sons and concubines, acting contrary to the ancients. I fear that Ma Xian and his men focus only on defending one city, claiming to attack in the west while the Qiang come from the east. Moreover, his officers and men will be unfit for service and will surely cause a rebellion like that of Gao Ke.” Huangfu Gui of Anding also saw that Ma Xian did not care for military affairs, knew he would certainly fail, and submitted a statement to this effect. The court did not heed either.
Emperor Xiaoshun’s reign, sixth year of Yonghe (Xinsi year, 141 CE).
Spring, first month, on the Bingzi day, the Campaigning General Ma Xian fought with the Qie Dong Qiang at Shegu Mountain. Ma Xian’s army was defeated; Ma Xian and his two sons were all killed. The Eastern and Western Qiang then united on a large scale. In the intercalary month, the Gong Tang Qiang invaded Longxi Commandery, then reached the Three Regions, burning imperial tombs and killing and plundering officials and commoners.
Second month, on the Dingwei day, a strange star appeared near the Ying Room constellation.
Third month, on the Shangsi day, the Grand General Liang Shang held a great feast for guests, setting up a banquet by the Luo River. When the feast was nearly over, they played the song “Xie Lu.” The Attendant of the Office of Works, Zhou Ju, heard it and sighed, saying: “This is what is meant by mourning music at a time of joy—this is no place for such a thing. Disaster is about to arrive, is it not?”
The Grand Administrator of Wudu, Zhao Chong, pursued the Gong Tang Qiang, beheading over four hundred and compelling more than two thousand to surrender. The Emperor issued an edict ordering Zhao Chong to command the armies of the four Hexi commanderies and act as their coordinator.
The Chief Clerk of Anding Commandery, Huangfu Gui, submitted a memorial saying: “For several years running, I have repeatedly stated what should be done: before the Qiang Rong acted, I predicted they would rebel; when Ma Xian first set out, I knew he would surely fail. These chance correct statements can be verified by examination. I have often thought that Ma Xian and his men have had troops for four years without success. The cost of the distant expeditionary army approaches a hundred billion; this wealth comes from the common people yet flows into the hands of corrupt officials. Therefore, the people of the Jianghu region form bands as bandits; Qing and Xu Provinces suffer famine, and people carry their children and wander in exile. The collapse and rebellion of the Qiang Rong did not arise from a time of peace, but all because border generals failed to manage them properly, oppressing and abusing them in times of calm, seeking petty gains that bring great harm, falsifying head counts for minor victories, and concealing defeats. The soldiers labor in bitterness and resentment, trapped by cunning officials, unable to advance and fight effectively for merit, unable to retreat and find warmth to preserve their lives, dying of hunger in ditches, their bones exposed in the wilderness; one sees only the imperial army set out but hears no songs of return. The tribal chieftains weep blood in grief and fear, causing upheaval. Therefore, stability cannot last; once they rebel, it continues for years—this is why I beat my chest and sigh the more! I hope you will lend me two camps and the garrison troops of two commanderies, five thousand men, to strike unexpectedly, coordinating with Zhao Chong, head and tail in concert. I am familiar with the land, mountains, and rivers; I have experienced the convenience and skill of military situations. Thus, without needing a square inch of official seal or a foot of silk reward, I can, above, eliminate calamity, and below, accept surrenders. If you consider me young and of low rank, unworthy of employment, then all those defeated generals were not lacking in high office or old age. I harbor utmost loyalty and risk death to state this!” The Emperor did not adopt it.
On the Gengzi day, the Minister of Works, Guo Qian, was dismissed. On the Bingwu day, the Grand Coachman, Zhao Jie, was appointed Minister of Works.
Summer, the Envoy to the Xiongnu, Zhang Dan, and the Dulu General, Ma Xu, led Xianbei troops to Gucheng, attacking the Wuhuan at Tongtian Mountain and greatly defeating them.
The Gong Tang Qiang invaded Beidi Commandery. The Grand Administrator of Beidi, Jia Fu, and Zhao Chong attacked them but could not prevail.
Autumn, eighth month, the Marquis of Chengshi, Liang Shang, fell gravely ill and admonished his son Liang Ji and others, saying: “In life I could not assist the court; in death, how can I waste the state treasury! Clothing, bedding, food in the mouth, jade cases, pearls, and shells—what benefit are these to dry bones? The hundred officials trouble and disturb, the roads are ornate and splendid—this only adds dust and filth. You should all decline and not accept them.” On the Bingchen day, Liang Shang died; the Emperor personally attended the mourning. Liang Ji and the others wished to follow their father’s instructions, but the court did not agree, granting him a Dongyuan secret coffin, silver carvings, yellow heartwood, and jade case. At the burial, they granted light chariots and armored soldiers, and the Empress personally escorted the funeral. The Emperor went to Xuanyang Pavilion, looking from afar at the carriage procession. On the Renxu day, the Henan Yin and Marquis of Chengshi, Liang Ji, was appointed Grand General, and Liang Ji’s younger brother, the Attendant Liang Buyi, was appointed Henan Yin.
Your servant Sima Guang says: Emperor Cheng of Han could not select and employ worthy talents, entrusting court affairs to his maternal family—this can be called benighted. Yet he still knew that Wang Li had no ability and set him aside without using him. Emperor Shun of Han drew great power and handed it to his wife’s clan. Liang Ji was foolish and violent, already evident, yet he was allowed to succeed his father’s position, eventually turning to rebellion and overturning the Han dynasty. Compared to Emperor Cheng, his benightedness was even greater!
Initially, when Liang Shang was gravely ill, the Emperor personally visited and asked for his last words. Liang Shang replied: “My Attendant of the Office of Works, Zhou Ju, is pure, upright, and loyal; he can be entrusted with important duties.” Thus Zhou Ju was appointed Remonstrance Grandee.
Ninth month, the various Qiang tribes invaded Wuwei Commandery.
On the Xinhai day, the last day of the month, a solar eclipse occurred.
Winter, tenth month, on the Guichou day, due to the widespread Qiang invasions, Liang Province was shaken and terrified. The seat of Anding Commandery was moved to Fufeng, and that of Beidi Commandery to Fengyi. Eleventh month, on the Gengzi day, the Chamberlain for Law Enforcement, Zhang Qiao, was appointed Acting General of Chariots and Cavalry, leading 15,000 troops to garrison the Three Regions.
Bandits arose in Jing Province, unsettled for years. The court appointed the Grand General’s Attendant of the Office of Works, Li Gu, as Inspector of Jing Province. When Li Gu arrived, he sent officials to console the people within the province, pardoning the bandits’ past crimes and allowing them to start anew. Then the bandit leader Xia Mi and others led their chieftains and followers, over six hundred men, binding themselves and surrendering. Li Gu pardoned them all, sent them back, and had them summon each other, proclaiming the laws. Within half a year, the remaining followers all surrendered, and the province was pacified. Li Gu impeached the Grand Administrator of Nanyang, Gao Ci, and others for corruption and filth. Gao Ci and the others heavily bribed Grand General Liang Ji. Liang Ji sent urgent pleas for them by courier over a thousand li, but Li Gu pursued the investigation even more vigorously. Liang Ji then transferred Li Gu to be Grand Administrator of Taishan. At that time, bandits had gathered in Taishan for years, and the commandery always had a thousand troops pursuing them without being able to subdue them. When Li Gu arrived, he dismissed them all and sent them back to farming, retaining only over a hundred who could fight, using kindness and trust to attract and persuade them. Within less than a year, the bandits all dispersed and ceased.
Emperor Xiaoshun’s reign, first year of Han’an (Renwu year, 142 CE).
In the spring, the first month, on the guisi day, a general amnesty was granted throughout the empire, and the reign title was changed.
In the autumn, the eighth month, the Southern Xiongnu Juqu Wusi, together with Yujian and Taiqi and others, rebelled again and invaded the Bing Province region.
On the dingmao day, the Emperor dispatched the Attendant Secretary Henei native Du Qiao, Zhou Ju, Acting Guanglu Zhou Xu, Feng Xian, Wei Commandery native Luan Ba, Zhang Gang, Guo Zun, and Liu Ban to inspect the provinces and commanderies separately. They were to commend worthy and good men and make manifest those who were loyal and diligent; for those officials who were guilty of corruption, the Regional Inspectors and two-thousand-bushel officials were to immediately report to the court by post relay, while officials below the rank of those with black ribbons were to be arrested and dealt with on the spot. Du Qiao and the others accepted their mission and set out, but Zhang Gang alone buried the wheel of his carriage at the Capital Pavilion in Luoyang, saying, "When wolves and jackals block the road, why bother asking about foxes?" He then submitted an impeachment memorial: "The Grand General Liang Ji and the Henan Yin Liang Buyi, relying on their status as imperial relatives to receive the Emperor's favor, occupy the heavy responsibility of assisting the government, yet they monopolize power and act with reckless greed, indulging in lawlessness without restraint, establishing many sycophantic flatterers to frame the loyal and good. This is truly a crime that the Heavenly Majesty cannot pardon and for which the penalty of execution should be applied. I respectfully list fifteen matters in which they have shown no regard for the sovereign; these are things that all ministers gnash their teeth over in hatred." When the memorial was presented, the capital was shaken with fear. At that time, the Empress was greatly favored, and the entire court was filled with the relatives of the Liang clan. Although the Emperor knew that Zhang Gang's words were upright, he could not adopt them. Du Qiao, on his inspection tour of Yan Province, submitted a memorial reporting that the administration of the Grand Administrator of Mount Tai, Li Gu, was the best in the empire. The Emperor summoned Li Gu and appointed him General of the Palace Construction. The impeachments and accusations made by the eight envoys were mostly directed at the close relatives and confidants of Liang Ji and the eunuchs; these people pleaded with each other for help, and the matters were all suppressed. The Attending Secretary Henan native Zhong Hao, indignant at this, made further investigations. The Commandant of Justice Wu Xiong and the General of the Palace Construction Li Gu also submitted memorials saying, "The crimes that the eight envoys have impeached should be swiftly punished by execution." The Emperor then reissued the eight envoys' memorials and ordered that the accusations be investigated and punished.
Liang Ji hated Zhang Gang and sought an opportunity to harm him. At that time, the Guangling rebel Zhang Ying had been causing trouble in the Yang and Xu provinces for over ten years, and the two-thousand-bushel officials had been unable to subdue him. Liang Ji then appointed Zhang Gang as the Grand Administrator of Guangling. Previous Grand Administrators had mostly requested the dispatch of troops, but Zhang Gang alone requested to go to his post in a single carriage. Upon his arrival, he went directly to the gate of Zhang Ying's camp; Zhang Ying was greatly alarmed and hastily fled back to close and fortify his camp. Zhang Gang dismissed his accompanying officers and soldiers outside the camp gate, retaining only a dozen close followers, and sent a letter to inform Zhang Ying, requesting a meeting. Zhang Ying, seeing that Zhang Gang was extremely sincere, then came out to pay his respects. Zhang Gang invited him to sit in the seat of honor and admonished him, saying, "The successive two-thousand-bushel officials have for the most part been excessively greedy and cruel, which is why you have harbored resentment and gathered together. These two-thousand-bushel officials are indeed guilty, but what you are doing is also not righteous. Now the sovereign is benevolent and sagely, and wishes to transform rebels through civil virtue. Therefore, he has sent a Grand Administrator, wishing to honor you with ranks and salaries, and is unwilling to apply punishment. Now is the time to turn misfortune into fortune. If you hear the Way and do not submit, the Son of Heaven will be greatly angered, the great armies of Jing, Yang, Yan, and Yu provinces will gather like clouds, and you will have your bodies and heads severed in different places, and your sons and grandsons will be cut off. The advantages and disadvantages of these two paths, I ask you to consider them deeply!" Upon hearing this, Zhang Ying wept and said, "We are ignorant people from remote regions, unable to reach the court ourselves. Unable to bear the oppression and injustice, we have gathered again to steal a living, like fish swimming in a cauldron, knowing that we cannot last long, but merely surviving for a moment! Now, hearing your words, Illustrious Prefect, this is truly the moment of our rebirth!" He then took his leave and returned to his camp. The next day, he led his followers, over ten thousand men, along with their wives and children, with their hands bound behind their backs, to surrender. Zhang Gang, riding alone in his carriage, entered Zhang Ying's camp, set up a great feast, drank and made merry, disbanded the followers, and allowed them to go or stay as they pleased. He personally chose residences for them and examined their fields; for those among their sons and younger brothers who wished to become officials, he summoned and employed them. The crowd was sincerely pleased and convinced, and the southern provinces and commanderies became peaceful and settled. When the court discussed merits and rewards, Zhang Gang should have been enfeoffed, but Liang Ji obstructed it. Zhang Gang died after serving in the commandery for one year; Zhang Ying and over five hundred others wore mourning garments and conducted funeral rites for him, escorting his body to Qianwei and carrying earth to build his grave. The Emperor issued an edict appointing Zhang Gang's son, Zhang Xu, as a Gentleman of the Palace and granting him a million cash.
At this time, among the two-thousand-bushel elders and officials, there were those skilled in governance, such as the Lingdu Magistrate Hejian native Ren Jun, the Regional Inspector of Ji Province Jingzhao native Su Zhang, and the Chancellor of Jiaodong Chenliu native Wu You. Since the time of the Lingdu Magistrate Wang Huan, none had been competent in their duties. Ren Jun was able to select civil and military officials, each using their abilities to the fullest, exposing treachery without delay, so that the people did not fear the officials. His prestige and prohibitions were more severe than Wang Huan's, but in literary principles and political instruction, he was not his equal. Su Zhang served as Regional Inspector of Ji Province. He had an old friend who was the Grand Administrator of Qinghe. When Su Zhang was making his inspection tour of the subordinate units, he intended to investigate his friend's treacherous and corrupt activities. Therefore, he set up a banquet for this Grand Administrator, and they talked freely about their lifelong friendship, the atmosphere being very cordial. The Grand Administrator happily said, "Others all have only one heaven, but I alone have two!" Su Zhang said, "Tonight, I, Su Ruwen, drink with my old friend; this is a private favor. Tomorrow, the Regional Inspector of Ji Province investigates cases; this is the public law." He then impeached and punished him, and the entire province stood in awe. Later, because he attacked powerful figures and offended the sovereign's will, he was dismissed from office. At that time, the empire was daily declining, and the people were mostly distressed. Those who discussed affairs praised Su Zhang day and night, but the court ultimately could not reappoint him. Wu You served as the Chancellor of Jiaodong. His governance valued benevolence, generosity, and simplicity, and the people could not bear to deceive him. The Bailiff Sun Xing privately collected money from the people and bought clothes to present to his father. When his father received them, he angrily said, "With such an official, how can you bear to deceive him!" He urged him to return and confess his crime. Sun Xing, ashamed and afraid, went to the government office, holding the clothes, and surrendered himself. Wu You dismissed his attendants and asked him the reason. Sun Xing related his father's words in detail. Wu You said, "You have sullied your name because of your father's sake. This is what is meant by, 'Look at his faults, and you will know that he is a benevolent man.'" He sent him back to apologize to his father and returned the clothes to him.
In winter, the tenth month, on the xinwei day, the Grand Commandant Huan Yan and the Minister of Works Liu Shou were dismissed from office.
Over five thousand households of the Hanqiang tribe surrendered to Zhao Chong; only the Shaodang tribe held out at Shenluan and did not surrender. On the jiaxu day, Zhang Qiao's garrison was disbanded.
In the eleventh month, on the renwu day, the Colonel Director of Retainers Xiapi native Zhao Jun was appointed Grand Commandant, and the Grand Minister of Agriculture Hu Guang was appointed Minister of Works.
Xiaoshun Emperor, Second Year of Han'an (Guiwei Year, 143 CE)
In summer, the fourth month, on the gengxu day, the Colonel Protector of the Qiang, Zhao Chong, together with the Grand Administrator of Hanyang, Zhang Gong, attacked the Shaodang Qiang at Shenluan and defeated them.
In the sixth month, on the bingyin day, the Southern Xiongnu's Shouyi King, Doulou Chu, was established as the Hulanshi Zhujiu Chanyu. At that time, Doulou Chu was in the capital. The Emperor personally approached the front of the hall to bestow the seal and ribbon, led him up into the hall, and richly bestowed carriages, horses, implements, clothing, gold, silver, and silks. An edict was issued commanding the Grand Herald and the Grand Minister of Ceremonies, together with the attendants of the various states, to set up a farewell feast outside the Guangyang city gate, with banquets, rewards, music, wrestling, and various entertainments.
In winter, the intercalary tenth month, Zhao Chong attacked the Shaodang Qiang at Ayang and defeated them.
In the eleventh month, the Colonel of the Xiongnu in the Central Territories, Fufeng native Ma Shi, sent someone to assassinate Juqu Wusi.
Since the ninth month, Liang Province had experienced one hundred and eighty earthquakes, splitting mountains and valleys, destroying city walls and temples, and many people were crushed to death.
The Master of Documents Huang Qiong, because the former method for selecting Filial and Incorrupt candidates that Zuo Xiong had memorialized only specially used Confucian scholars and civil officials, and was still deficient in the meaning of selecting men of talent, therefore memorialized to add the two categories of filial piety and brotherly respect, and ability to conduct government affairs, making it four categories. The Emperor followed this.
Xiaoshun Emperor, First Year of Jiankang (Jiashen Year, 144 CE)
In the spring, the Colonel Protector of the Qiang's Attendant Ma Xuan was enticed by the Qiang and led the Qiang to flee beyond the border. The Acting Colonel Protector of the Qiang, Wei Ju, pursued Ma Xuan and his followers, beheading over eight hundred men. Zhao Chong again pursued the rebelling Qiang to the Zheyin River at Jianwei. After the army had finished crossing the river, over six hundred of the surrendered Hu he was leading rebelled and fled. Zhao Chong led several hundred men in pursuit, encountered an ambush of Qiang soldiers, fought, and died in battle. Although Zhao Chong died in battle, he had killed and captured many before and after, and the Qiang consequently declined. The Emperor issued an edict enfeoffing Zhao Chong's son as the Marquis of Yiyang Village.
In summer, the fourth month, the Colonel of the Xiongnu in the Central Territories, Ma Shi, attacked the Southern Xiongnu's Left Division and defeated them. Consequently, the Hu, Qiang, and Wuhuan all came to Ma Shi to surrender.
On the day Xinsi, Prince Liu Bing was established as crown prince; the reign title was changed, and a general amnesty was granted. The crown prince resided in the Chengkuang Palace, and the emperor sent the Attendant Censor Zhong Hao to supervise the crown prince’s household affairs. The Regular Attendant Gao Fan came out from the palace with a carriage to receive the crown prince. At that time, the Grand Tutor Du Qiao and others were suspicious and hesitant, not yet decided. Zhong Hao then drew his sword, blocked the carriage, and said: “The crown prince is the heir of the state, connected to the lives of the people. Now the Regular Attendant comes without an imperial edict or token—how do we know this is not a treacherous person? Today, I will die before allowing this!” Gao Fan, speechless and unable to answer, rode back to the palace to report. After the edict was confirmed, the crown prince was allowed to leave. Du Qiao withdrew and sighed, ashamed that Zhong Hao had not been confused by events; the emperor also praised his steadiness and commended him for a long time.
Bandits in Yangzhou and Xuzhou rose up in succession, colluding with each other for several years. In autumn, the eighth month, Fan Rong of Jiujiang and Zhou Sheng and others raided cities and towns, garrisoned and occupied Liyang, becoming a great calamity in the regions of the Yangzi and Huai rivers. The court sent the Palace Censor-in-Chief Feng Gun to command the commandery and state troops to attack them.
On the day Gengwu, the emperor passed away in the Yutang Front Hall. The crown prince ascended the throne, aged only two. The empress was honored as Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager oversaw the court and handled affairs.
On the day Dingchou, the Grand Commandant Zhao Jun was appointed Grand Tutor, and the Grand Minister of Agriculture Li Gu was appointed Grand Commandant, participating in the overall management of the affairs of the Secretariat.
On the day Bingwu, the ninth month, the Filial and Obedient Emperor was buried in the Xianling Mausoleum, with the temple name Jingzong.
On that day, the capital, as well as Taiyuan and Yanmen, experienced earthquakes.
On the day Gengxu, an edict was issued to recommend worthy and upright scholars for policy questioning. Huangfu Gui responded, saying: “I consider that the Filial and Obedient Emperor initially diligently applied himself to governance, ordering the various principles of rule, nearly achieving peace under heaven. Later, he encountered treacherous people, and his authority was divided among those close to him. They accepted bribes, sold offices and ranks, and their retainers came and went in confusion. The realm was in disorder; the people followed chaos as if returning home. Government offices and the populace were both exhausted; superiors and inferiors were all empty and impoverished. Your Majesty possesses the virtues of heaven and earth, is wise, intelligent, pure, and flourishing. At the beginning of your regency, you promoted and employed loyal and upright men; the remaining principles and laws have been largely corrected. People far and near unanimously expect to see peace. Yet calamities and anomalies do not cease, and bandits and rebels run rampant—this is probably caused by the power of treacherous ministers. Those Regular Attendants whose conduct is especially improper should be quickly demoted and expelled, the vicious factions purged, their wealth and bribes confiscated, to quell resentment and hatred and to respond to heaven’s warnings. The General-in-Chief Liang Ji and the Henan Yin Liang Buyi should also cultivate humility and restraint, assist themselves with Confucian learning, reduce frivolous and urgent matters, and cut back on useless decorations in their mansions. The ruler is the boat; the people are the water; the ministers are those who ride the boat; the General and his brother are the rowers. If they can be calm, wholehearted, and exert all effort to ferry the people across, that is what is called good fortune. If they become slack and negligent, they will sink into the waves—how can they not be cautious! When virtue and salary do not match, it is like chiseling away the base of a wall to increase its height—how is this the way to measure strength, assess merits, and seek stability and security! All old cunning rogues, drunkards, and jesters should be dismissed to warn the unruly. Let Liang Ji and others deeply ponder the blessings of obtaining worthy men and the calamities of losing talent.” Liang Ji was furious at this, rated Huangfu Gui as inferior, and appointed him as a Gentleman of the Palace. Huangfu Gui feigned illness, was dismissed and returned home. The officials of the commandery and state, following Liang Ji’s intent, nearly caused him to die three times. Thus, he was long cast aside at home for over ten years.
The Inspector of Yangzhou, Yin Yao, and the Grand Administrator of Jiujiang, Deng Xian, attacked Fan Rong and others at Liyang but were defeated and died.
In winter, the tenth month, the Man and Yi tribes of Rinan rebelled again, attacking and burning county towns. The Inspector of Jiaozhi, Xia Fang of Jiujiang, pacified and induced them to surrender.
In the eleventh month, the bandits of Jiujiang, Xu Feng and Ma Mian, attacked and burned cities and towns. Xu Feng proclaimed himself General Without Equal, and Ma Mian proclaimed himself emperor, building a stockade in Mount Dangtu, establishing a reign title, and setting up various officials.
In the twelfth month, the bandits of Jiujiang, Huang Hu and others, attacked Hefei.
That year, various bandits plundered the Xianling Mausoleum.
Emperor Xiaochong
Filial and Obedient Emperor, Part Two: Yongjia First Year (Year Yi You, AD 145)
Spring, the first month, on the day Wuxu, the emperor passed away in the Yutang Front Hall. The Empress Dowager, because the bandits in Yangzhou and Xuzhou were rampant, wanted to wait until all the summoned princes and marquises had arrived before announcing the funeral. The Grand Commandant Li Gu said: “Although the emperor was young, he was still the father of the realm. Now that he has passed away, both men and spirits are moved. How could there be the principle of sons concealing it from each other? In the past, the secret plot of the First Emperor of Qin at Shaqiu and the recent matter of the Marquis of Beixiang both involved not announcing funerals—these were great taboos under heaven and absolutely impermissible!” The Empress Dowager heeded him and then announced the funeral that evening. Prince Liu Su of Qinghe and Liu Zuan, the son of Prince Liu Hong of Bohai the Filial, were both summoned to the capital. Liu Su’s father was Prince Liu Yanping of Qinghe the Reverent; Liu Yanping and Liu Hong were both sons of Prince Liu Chong of Le’an the Yi, grandsons of Prince Liu Kang of Qiancheng the Zhen. The Prince of Qinghe was dignified in manner and had proper conduct; the high officials all inclined toward him. Li Gu said to the General-in-Chief Liang Ji: “Now we should establish an emperor. We should choose one who is older, bright and virtuous, and able to personally handle affairs. I hope the General will carefully and thoroughly consider the great plan, examine the deeds of Zhou Bo and Huo Guang in establishing Emperor Wen and Emperor Xuan of Han, and take the greed for young and weak rulers by the Deng and Yan clans as a warning!” Liang Ji did not heed him and, together with the Empress Dowager, decided the plan within the palace. On the day Bingchen, Liang Ji, holding the imperial tally, used a prince’s green-canopied carriage to welcome Liu Zuan into the Southern Palace. On the day Dingsi, he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Jianping. That same day, he ascended the throne, aged eight. Liu Su was dismissed and returned to his state.
When selecting the burial site, Li Gu said: “Now there are bandits everywhere, military expenses are enormous, and the Xianling Mausoleum was recently built, with tax levies ceaseless. The emperor is still young. We can build the tomb within the precincts of the Xianling Mausoleum, following the regulations of the Kangling Mausoleum.” The Empress Dowager heeded him. On the day Jiwei, the Filial and Chong Emperor was buried in the Huailing Mausoleum.
The Empress Dowager entrusted government affairs to the chancellor and assisting ministers. Most of what Li Gu said was followed by the Empress Dowager; the evil Yellow Gate eunuchs were all dismissed and expelled, and people under heaven hoped for peace. But Liang Ji was extremely jealous of him. Initially, during the reign of Emperor Shun, appointments of officials often did not follow proper order. When Li Gu took charge, he submitted memorials to dismiss over a hundred people. These people, already resentful and wishing to cater to Liang Ji’s intent, together composed anonymous defamatory memorials, slandering Li Gu, saying: “The Grand Commandant Li Gu uses public office for private benefit, relies on righteousness to practice depravity, alienates close imperial relatives, and fosters his own faction. While the great departed emperor’s coffin awaited burial, passersby on the road were covering their faces and weeping; only Li Gu applied rouge and powder to adorn his face, preened and posed, paced back and forth, and strolled leisurely, without any sorrow or grief. Before the imperial mausoleum was completed, he violated and changed old policies; good deeds he attributed to himself, faults he blamed on the ruler. He drove away close attendants, forbidding them from serving at the funeral. His acts of authority and favoritism exceed all others. A son’s offense is no greater than implicating his father; a minister’s evil is no deeper than slandering his ruler. Li Gu’s faults and crimes, according to the facts, deserve the death penalty.” The memorial was submitted, and Liang Ji used it to report to the Empress Dowager, asking her to send it to the relevant department. The Empress Dowager did not heed it.
The Guangling bandit Zhang Ying again gathered several thousand people to rebel, occupying Guangling.
On the day Yiyou, the second month, a general amnesty was granted.
The Western Qiang rebelled for many years, costing over eight billion cash. Most of the generals intercepted and embezzled military provisions, privately enriching themselves, and all used precious treasures to bribe those close to the emperor. Superiors and inferiors were unrestrained, not concerned with military affairs; soldiers who died unnatural deaths had their white bones scattered across the wilderness. The Left Administrator of Zuopingyi, Liang Bing, used kindness and trust to pacify and induce the rebellious Qiang to surrender; Li’nan, Hunu, and over fifty thousand households all surrendered to Liang Bing. Longyou was again pacified.
The Empress Dowager, because the bandits in Xu Province and Yang Province were becoming even more rampant, extensively sought out generals and commanders. The Three Excellencies recommended Teng Fu, the magistrate of Zhuo County and a native of Beihai, for his literary and martial talents; an imperial edict appointed Teng Fu as the Colonel of Jiujiang, and together with Zhonglang General Zhao Xu, they assisted Feng Gun, gathering several tens of thousands of troops from the commanderies and kingdoms to jointly suppress them. They also widely offered rewards and enlistments, with varying amounts of money and fiefs. There was also discussion about sending Grand Commandant Li Gu, but he had not yet departed. In the third month, Teng Fu and his forces advanced to attack the various bandits, defeating them soundly, and beheaded Ma Mian, Fan Rong, Zhou Sheng, and others, totaling 1,500 men. Xu Feng led his remaining troops to burn Dongcheng County. In summer, the fifth month, Xie An of Xiapi answered the recruitment call, led his clan and relatives to set an ambush and attacked Xu Feng, beheading him. Xie An was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Pingxiang. Teng Fu was appointed as Zhonglang General, overseeing the affairs of Yang Province and Xu Province.
On the day Bingchen, an edict said: "Emperor Xiaoshang ascended the throne for over a year, and the rites between ruler and subject had been completed. Emperor Xiao'an succeeded the imperial enterprise, yet in former times, Gongling was placed above Kangling, exceeding precedence and losing proper order. Now this should be corrected!"
In the sixth month, the Xianbei invaded Dai Commandery.
In autumn, bandits from Lujiang attacked Xunyang, and then attacked Xutai. Teng Fu sent Sima Wang Zhang to defeat them.
In the ninth month, on the day Gengxu, Grand Tutor Zhao Jun passed away.
Teng Fu advanced to attack Zhang Ying; in winter, the eleventh month, on the day Bingwu, he defeated Zhang Ying, beheading and capturing over 1,000 men. On the day Dingwei, Zhonglang General Zhao Xu, due to cowardice and fear of the enemy and falsely reporting the number of beheadings, was executed and left exposed in the marketplace.
The bandit Hua Meng of Liyang proclaimed himself the Black Emperor, attacked and killed Yang Cen, the Grand Administrator of Jiujiang. Teng Fu advanced to attack him, defeated him, and beheaded Hua Meng along with 3,800 others, capturing over 700 men. Thus the southeast was entirely pacified, and the troops were reorganized and returned. Teng Fu was appointed as the Left Fengyi.
Liu Junshi, the Grand Administrator of Yongchang, cast a snake out of gold to present to General-in-Chief Liang Ji; Zhong Qiao, the Inspector of Yi Province, exposed and arrested him, and reported it swiftly by relay carriage. Liang Ji thus harbored resentment against Zhong Qiao. It happened that Fu Zhi of Ba Commandery gathered a band of several hundred men, proclaiming himself the Heavenly King. Zhong Qiao and Grand Administrator Ying Cheng led forces to suppress and capture him, but they were unsuccessful, and many officials and commoners were harmed. Liang Ji took this opportunity to frame them, ordering the arrest of Zhong Qiao and Ying Cheng. Li Gu submitted a memorial, saying: "Your subject has heard that the casualties caused during the suppression and capture were not the original intent of Zhong Qiao and Ying Cheng. It was truly because the county officials, fearing the law and dreading punishment, pressed too hard and too harshly, leading to this misfortune. Recently, bandits have arisen in swarms, and nowhere are they completely gone. Zhong Qiao and Ying Cheng, because they were the first to expose great treachery, have now been successively charged with crimes. Your subject fears this will dampen the willingness of prefectures and counties to report and expose crimes, causing them to turn to concealment and cover-ups, and no one will exert their full effort!" The Empress Dowager, upon seeing the memorial, pardoned the crimes of Zhong Qiao and Ying Cheng, merely dismissing them from office. The golden snake was sent to the Office of the Chamberlain of the National Treasury. Liang Ji asked Du Qiao, the Grand Minister of Agriculture, to borrow it for a look, but Du Qiao refused to give it to him. When Liang Ji's young daughter died, he ordered the dukes and ministers to attend the funeral, but Du Qiao alone did not go; Liang Ji thus harbored a grudge against him.