Book of Han, Volume 50

[] From the year of Chongguang Zuoe to the year of Qiangyu Shanyan, seven years in total.

Emperor Xiaoling the Middle

Guanghe Fourth Year (Xinyou, 181 AD)

1. Spring, first month. For the first time, the office of Supervisor of the Luji Stable was established, responsible for receiving horses allocated from various commanderies and kingdoms. Powerful families monopolized and manipulated the trade, with a single horse costing as much as two million cash.

2. Summer, fourth month. On the day Gengwu (Ziyi), a general amnesty was granted under heaven.

3. The Wuhu barbarians of Jiaozhi had been in rebellion for a long time, and neither the provincial governor nor the commandery administrators could suppress them. Men like Liang Long from Jiaozhi also rebelled, sacking commanderies and counties. The emperor issued an edict appointing Zhu Jun, the magistrate of Lanling County and a native of Guiji, as the Inspector of Jiaozhi. He attacked and beheaded Liang Long, with several tens of thousands surrendering; within a month, everything was pacified. For his merit, he was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Duting and summoned to the court to serve as a Palace Counselor.

4. Sixth month, day Gengchen. Hail fell, as large as chicken eggs.

5. Autumn, ninth month, day Gengyin, the first day of the month. A solar eclipse occurred.

6. Grand Commandant Liu Kuan was dismissed; Weiwei Xu Yu became Grand Commandant.

7. Intercalary month, day Xinyou. A fire broke out in the Yongxiang Office of the Eastern Courtyard of the Northern Palace.

8. Minister over the Masses Yang Ci was dismissed. Winter, tenth month. Grand Master of Ceremonies Chen Dan became Minister over the Masses.

9. The Xianbei invaded the two provinces of Youzhou and Bingzhou. Tanshihuai died, and his son Helian succeeded him. Helian’s talent and strength were both inferior to his father’s, and he was greedy and fond of women. Later, he led troops to attack Beidi, where he was shot and killed by the people of Beidi. His son Qianman was still young, so his elder brother’s son Kuitou succeeded him. Later, when Qianman grew up, he contended with Kuitou for the state, and their followers scattered. After Kuitou died, his younger brother Budugen succeeded him.

10. This year, the emperor built shops in the rear palace and had palace women sell goods; they stole from and fought with each other. The emperor donned merchant’s clothing and feasted and drank with them. He also played with dogs in the Xiyuan Garden, placing on them the cap of an Academician and tying on seal ribbons. He also drove a cart drawn by four donkeys, holding the reins himself and galloping about. The people in the capital competed to imitate him, so the price of donkeys became equal to that of horses.

The emperor was fond of private hoarding and collected rare and precious goods from all under heaven. Whenever commanderies and kingdoms submitted tribute, it was first sent to the Zhong Department, called the “guidance fee.” The Regular Palace Attendant Lü Qiang submitted a memorial remonstrating: “The wealth of all under heaven, none is not born from yin and yang, and all belongs to Your Majesty—where is the distinction between public and private? Yet now the Shangfang Department collects treasures from the commanderies, the Imperial Storehouse accumulates silks from all regions, the Xiyuan Garden appropriates the treasury of the Minister of Agriculture, and the Zhongjiu Stable gathers the horses of the Grand Coachman. Moreover, the goods sent to the government offices always have a ‘guidance fee’; levies are heavy, the people are distressed, expenditures are great while contributions are small, and corrupt officials take advantage to profit, while the people suffer harm. Additionally, flattering ministers delight in presenting private goods, currying favor, indulging and tolerating, thus gaining advancement. According to established statutes, matters of selection are entrusted to the Three Offices; the Secretariat only receives memorials and reports them to the emperor. Candidates are examined for appointment, and success is demanded of them. If their achievements cannot be verified, then the matter is handed over to the Secretariat for impeachment and referral to the Commandant of Justice to verify truth and falsehood, and to execute punishment. In this way, whenever the Three Offices make selections, they consult with their subordinates, inquire into their conduct, and assess their abilities. Yet still there are vacancies, neglected officials, and neglected governance. Now only the Secretariat is employed, or there are direct appointments by edict. Thus, the Three Offices are spared the responsibility of selection, and the Secretariat no longer receives punishment. Rewards and penalties have no; would they be willing to labor in vain?” The memorial was presented, but the emperor paid no heed.

11. Empress He was by nature jealous and cruel. When Consort Wang of the Rear Palace gave birth to the imperial prince Liu Xie, Empress He poisoned Consort Wang with poisoned wine. The emperor was greatly angered and wished to depose the empress; but the eunuchs repeatedly pleaded for her, and the matter was dropped.

12. The Grand Prolonger of Autumn, Cao Jie, the Marquis of Huarong, died; the Regular Palace Attendant Zhao Zhong acted as Grand Prolonger of Autumn.

Guanghe Fifth Year (Renxu, 182 AD)

1. Spring, first month, day Xinwei. A general amnesty was granted under heaven.

2. The emperor issued an edict ordering the high ministers to impeach, based on popular rumor, those provincial inspectors and two-thousand-bushel officials who harmed the people. Grand Commandant Xu Yu and Minister of Works Zhang Ji catered to the eunuchs’ wishes and accepted bribes. For the sons and guests of the eunuchs, even if they were corrupt and vile, they dared not investigate; instead, they falsely impeached twenty-six incorrupt and pure officials with a reputation for benevolence and from remote small commanderies. Officials and people came to the capital to state their grievances and appeal. Minister over the Masses Chen Dan memorialized: “Those impeached by the high ministers are for the most part their own private favorites. This is what is meant by ‘releasing evil birds and imprisoning the phoenix.’” The emperor therefore reprimanded Xu Yu and Zhang Ji. From then on, those officials who had been summoned to the capital due to impeachment were all appointed as Palace Counselors.

3. Second month. A great plague occurred.

4. Third month. Minister over the Masses Chen Dan was dismissed.

5. Summer, fourth month. A drought occurred.

6. Grand Master of Ceremonies Yuan Wei was appointed Minister over the Masses.

7. Fifth month, day Gengshen. A fire broke out in the Yongle Palace Office.

8. Autumn, seventh month. A comet appeared in the Taiwei Palace.

9. The Bandun barbarians rebelled in Ba Commandery. For years, punitive campaigns failed to subdue them. The emperor wished to dispatch a large force and asked Cheng Bao, the Scribe of Yi Province, about it. Cheng Bao replied: “The seven clans of the Bandun have rendered military service since the Qin dynasty and were exempted from taxes and corvée. These people are brave and skilled in battle. In the early Yongchu era, the Qiang entered Hanchuan, destroying commanderies and counties. They relied on the Bandun for rescue, and the Qiang were nearly all killed or wounded. The Qiang called them divine soldiers and sent word to their own kind not to invade southward again. In the second year of Jianhe, the Qiang again invaded in great force, and indeed relied on the Bandun to repeatedly rout them. The former General of Chariots and Cavalry, Feng Gun, in his southern campaign against Wuling, also relied on the Bandun to achieve success. Recently, when Yizhou Commandery rebelled, Grand Administrator Li Yong also relied on the Bandun to punish and pacify them. Their loyalty is thus; they originally had no evil intent. It is merely that the local officials levied extremely heavy taxes and corvée at the township and village levels, flogging and driving them like slaves. Some have sold their wives and children, even committed suicide. Although they have appealed their grievances to the province and commandery, the provincial and commandery officials do not redress them. The court is distant, and they cannot make their case themselves. Swallowing resentment, they cry out to heaven, with no place to appeal. Therefore, the villages and tribes have gathered in rebellion; there is no chief who has assumed a false title or plotted rebellion. Now, if only wise and capable provincial and commandery officials are selected, they will naturally be pacified and gathered; there is no need to trouble the army with campaigns.” The emperor heeded his words, selected Grand Administrator Cao Qian, and sent an emissary to proclaim an edict pardoning them. They immediately surrendered entirely.

10. Eighth month. A tower four hundred chi high was built on Ating Road.

11. Winter, tenth month. Grand Commandant Xu Yu was dismissed; Grand Master of Ceremonies Yang Ci was appointed Grand Commandant.

12. The emperor conducted a grand hunt in Shanglin Park, passed through Hangu Pass, and then hunted in Guangcheng Park. Twelfth month, he returned to the palace and visited the Imperial Academy.

13. Huan Dian served as a Palace Attendant Censor, and the eunuchs feared him. Huan Dian often rode a piebald horse. In the capital, a saying circulated: “Hesitate and stop, avoid the Censor on the piebald horse!” Huan Dian was a grandson of Huan Yan.

Guanghe Sixth Year (Guihai, 183 AD)

1. Spring, third month, day Xinwei. A general amnesty was granted under heaven.

2. Summer. A great drought occurred.

3. The empress’s mother was granted a noble title, enfeoffed as the Lady Wuyang.

4. Autumn. The Yellow River in Jincheng Commandery overflowed its banks for more than twenty li.

5. A cliff collapsed in Wuyuan Commandery.

6. Initially, Zhang Jiao of Julu Commandery believed in the Yellow Emperor and Laozi, teaching his disciples with magical arts, calling it the “Way of Great Peace.” He recited incantations and used talismanic water to cure illnesses, making patients kneel and confess their faults. Sometimes they recovered, and the people were amazed and believed in him. Zhang Jiao sent his disciples traveling in all directions, deceiving and enticing people. Within ten years, his followers numbered several hundred thousand, and from the eight provinces of Qing, Xu, You, Ji, Jing, Yang, Yan, and Yu, none did not respond. Some even sold their property, fled their homes, and migrated to join him, blocking the roads. Those who died of illness before reaching him numbered in the tens of thousands. The commanderies and counties did not understand their intentions and instead said that Zhang Jiao used good teachings to transform the people, and that he was beloved and followed by the masses.

Grand Commandant Yang Ci, then serving as Minister over the Masses, submitted a memorial saying: “Zhang Jiao deceives and deludes the common people; even when granted amnesty, he does not reform, and his influence gradually spreads further. If we now order the commanderies and kingdoms to pursue and suppress him, I fear it will cause greater alarm and hasten the disaster. It would be better to strictly order the Regional Inspectors and two-thousand-bushel officials to distinguish the refugees, escort each back to their home commandery, thereby weakening and isolating their partisans, and then execute their leaders; this can be accomplished without effort and bring peace.” Just then Yang Ci left office, and the matter was shelved in the palace. The (Clerk to the Minister over the Masses) Liu Tao again submitted a memorial reiterating Yang Ci’s earlier proposal, saying: “The plots of Zhang Jiao and his followers grow more severe; rumors circulate everywhere that Zhang Jiao and his men have infiltrated the capital, spying on court affairs. They have the cries of birds and the hearts of beasts, secretly echoing one another. The commanderies and kingdoms avoid the subject, unwilling to hear of it, only passing word among themselves, refusing to report it in official documents. An imperial edict should be issued publicly, offering a heavy reward for the capture of Zhang Jiao and his followers, with fiefs as reward; anyone who dares to evade this shall be considered guilty alongside Zhang Jiao.” The emperor paid little heed, and instead issued a decree ordering Liu Tao to compile the regulations of the Spring and Autumn Annals.

Zhang Jiao then established thirty-six “squares,” each square’s title equivalent to a general. The large squares had over ten thousand men, the small squares six or seven thousand, each setting up its own leaders. They spread a rumor saying: “The Azure Heaven is already dead; the Yellow Heaven shall stand; the year is Jiazi; under heaven, great good fortune.” They wrote with white clay on the gates of various government offices in the capital and on the gates of commandery and kingdom offices, all inscribing the characters “Jiazi.” The great-square leader Ma Yuanyi and others first gathered tens of thousands of men from Jingzhou and Yangzhou, agreeing to meet at Ye city to rise in revolt. Ma Yuanyi traveled back and forth to the capital many times, using the Regular Attendants Feng Xu and Xu Feng as internal allies, agreeing to rise simultaneously inside and outside on the fifth day of the third month.

Zhongping first year (Jiazi, 184 AD)

1. Spring, Zhang Jiao’s disciple, a man of Jinan named Tang Zhou, submitted a report exposing the plot. Thereupon Ma Yuanyi was arrested and executed by dismemberment at Luoyang. An edict was issued ordering the Three Dukes and the Colonel Director of Retainers to investigate the imperial palace, the guards on duty, and the common people for anyone who believed in Zhang Jiao’s teachings; over a thousand were executed. The commandery of Ji was ordered to pursue and capture Zhang Jiao and his followers. Zhang Jiao and his men, knowing the plot had been exposed, sent messengers by fast horse during the night to order all the squares to rise simultaneously, all wearing yellow scarves as their insignia, so the people of the time called them the “Yellow Scarves bandits.” In the second month, Zhang Jiao proclaimed himself General of the Azure Heaven; Zhang Jiao’s younger brother Zhang Bao called himself General of the Earth; Zhang Bao’s younger brother Zhang Liang called himself General of the People. Wherever they went, they burned government offices, plundered towns and villages; the commanderies and kingdoms lost their bases, and the senior officials mostly fled. Within a month, all under heaven responded, and the capital was shaken. The people of Anping and Ganling seized their respective kings and responded to the bandits.

Third month, day Wushen, Henan Yin He Jin was appointed Grand General and enfeoffed as Marquis of Shen, commanding the Left and Right Feathered Forest Army and the Five Barracks troops, stationed at Du Village, repairing weapons, to guard the capital. Eight Pass Commandants were established at Hangu, Taigu, Guangcheng, Yique, Huanyuan, Xuanmen, Mengjin, and Xiaopingjin.

The emperor summoned the court ministers to a meeting to discuss the matter. The Grand Administrator of Beidi, Huangfu Song, believed that the proscription of the partisans should be lifted, and that money from the Central Treasury and horses from the Western Park stables should be given to reward the army. Huangfu Song was the nephew of Huangfu Gui. The emperor asked the Regular Attendant Lü Qiang for advice; Lü Qiang replied: “The disaster of the proscription of partisans has been building for a long time; the people’s hearts are full of resentment and anger. If they are not pardoned, once they readily join with Zhang Jiao in plotting, the rebellion will become even greater, and then it will be too late to regret. Now I request that we first execute the corrupt officials close to Your Majesty, grant a general amnesty to the partisans, and examine and select whether the Regional Inspectors and two-thousand-bushel officials are capable; then the bandits will not be impossible to pacify.” The emperor, frightened, followed his advice. On day Renzi, a general amnesty was granted to the partisans throughout the empire, allowing those who had been exiled to return; only Zhang Jiao was not included in the amnesty. Elite troops were conscripted from across the empire, and the General of the Northern Center, Lu Zhi, was sent to suppress Zhang Jiao, while the General of the Left Center, Huangfu Song, and the General of the Right Center, Zhu Jun, were sent to suppress the Yellow Scarves in Yingchuan.

At that time, the Regular Attendants Zhao Zhong, Zhang Rang, Xia Yun, Guo Sheng, Duan Gui, Song Dian, and others were all enfeoffed as marquises, honored and favored. The emperor often said: “Zhang Changshi is my father; Zhao Changshi is my mother.” Consequently, the eunuchs had no fears and competed in building mansions, their scale imitating the imperial palace. The emperor once wished to ascend the lookout platform at Yong’an Palace; the eunuchs, fearing he would see their residences, had the Palace Attendant Shang Dan advise: “The Son of Heaven should not ascend to high places; ascending to high places will cause the people to scatter.” From then on, the emperor dared not ascend any towers or pavilions. When the affairs of Feng Xu and Xu Feng came to light, the emperor questioned the various Regular Attendants, saying: “You always said the partisans were plotting rebellion and had them all restrained, some even executed. Now the partisans are instead serving the state, while you have colluded with Zhang Jiao—should you not be killed?” They all kowtowed and said: “This was done by Wang Fu and Hou Lan!” Then the various Regular Attendants successively requested to retire, each summoning back their clan members and sons placed in commandery and kingdom offices.

Zhao Zhong, Xia Yun, and others then together slandered Lü Qiang, saying he discussed court affairs with the partisans and repeatedly read the Biography of Huo Guang. The places where Lü Qiang’s brothers served were all corrupt. The emperor sent a Central Yellow Gate attendant with weapons to summon Lü Qiang. Lü Qiang, hearing the emperor had summoned him, said angrily: “When I die, chaos will arise! A great man who wishes to be loyal to the state—how can he face a prison clerk!” Then he committed suicide. Zhao Zhong and Xia Yun further slandered him, saying: “When Lü Qiang was summoned, not yet knowing what he was being questioned about, he committed suicide outside the palace, proving he had indeed engaged in evil acts.” Thereupon Lü Qiang’s clan was arrested and his property confiscated.

The Attendant of the Yellow Gate, Xiang Xu of Henei, presented beneficial proposals to the emperor and sarcastically criticized those close to the emperor. Zhang Rang slandered Xiang Xu, saying he was of one mind with Zhang Jiao and wished to act as an internal ally; he was then arrested and sent to the Yellow Gate Northern Prison and executed. The Gentleman of the Palace, Zhang Jun of Zhongshan, submitted a memorial saying: “I privately believe that the reason Zhang Jiao was able to raise an army in rebellion, and the reason the common people willingly attached themselves to him, lies in the fact that the Ten Regular Attendants extensively allow their fathers, elder brothers, sons, younger brothers, in-laws, and guests to control commanderies and kingdoms, monopolizing profits, encroaching on the people; the people’s grievances have no place to appeal, and so they plot rebellion and gather into bandits. The Ten Regular Attendants should be executed, their heads hung at the Southern Suburb to apologize to the people, and then envoys should be sent to announce this to the empire; then without using troops, the great rebels will disperse on their own.” The emperor showed Zhang Jun’s memorial to the various Regular Attendants; they all removed their caps, bared their feet, and kowtowed, requesting to be sent to the Luoyang Prison, and offered their family wealth to support military expenses. The emperor issued an edict, ordering them to put on their caps and shoes and resume handling affairs as before. The emperor was angry at Zhang Jun and said: “This is truly a madman! Could it be that among the Ten Regular Attendants there is not a single good man!” The imperial censor, following the emperor’s intent, falsely accused Zhang Jun of studying the Yellow Turban Way; he was arrested, tortured, and died in prison.

Day Gengzi, the Yellow Scarves from Nanyang, led by Zhang Mancheng, attacked and killed Grand Administrator Chu Gong.

The emperor questioned Grand Commandant Yang Ci about the Yellow Scarves affair; Yang Ci’s response was incisive and outspoken, greatly displeasing the emperor. Summer, fourth month, Yang Ci was dismissed due to the rebel matter. The Grand Coachman Hongnong person Deng Sheng was appointed Grand Commandant. Shortly afterward, the emperor reviewed old archives and saw the memorials submitted by Yang Ci and Liu Tao concerning Zhang Jiao; thereupon he enfeoffed Yang Ci as Marquis of Linjin and Liu Tao as Marquis of Zhonglingxiang.

Minister of Works Zhang Ji was dismissed; the Grand Minister of Agriculture Zhang Wen was appointed Minister of Works.

Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun combined their forces, totaling over forty thousand men, and together suppressed the Yellow Scarves in Yingchuan. Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun each commanded one army. Zhu Jun engaged the rebel general Bo Cai in battle and was defeated; Huangfu Song advanced and held Changshe.

The Yellow Scarves in Runan defeated Grand Administrator Zhao Qian at Shaoling. The Yellow Scarves in Guangyang killed Inspector Guo Xun of Youzhou and Grand Administrator Liu Wei.

Bo Cai besieged Huangfu Song at Changshe. Huangfu Song had few troops, and the army was in panic. The rebels camped in the grass, and just then a strong wind arose. Huangfu Song ordered the soldiers to bundle torches and climb the city walls, sending elite troops secretly out of the encirclement to set fires and shout loudly. Those on the city walls raised torches in response, and Huangfu Song, from within the city, beat drums, shouted, and charged out, attacking the rebel camp. The rebels, panic-stricken and confused, fled in all directions. Just then, the Cavalry Commandant Cao Cao, a man from Pei, arrived with troops. In the fifth month, Huangfu Song, Cao Cao, and Zhu Jun combined their forces, fought the rebels again, and defeated them decisively, killing tens of thousands. The court enfeoffed Huangfu Song as the Marquis of Duxiang.

Cao Cao’s father, Cao Song, was the adopted son of the Regular Attendant Cao Teng. His origins were uncertain; some said he was a son of the Xiahou clan. In his youth, Cao Cao was alert, resourceful, and cunning, but he indulged in gallantry and unrestrained behavior, not caring for conduct or learning. People at the time did not consider him extraordinary, only Colonel Qiao Xuan and He Yong of Nanyang thought him exceptional. Qiao Xuan said to Cao Cao, “The world is about to fall into chaos; without a renowned and outstanding talent, it cannot be saved. The one who can stabilize the realm may be you!” When He Yong saw Cao Cao, he sighed and said, “The Han dynasty will perish; the one to stabilize the realm must be this man.” Qiao Xuan said to Cao Cao, “You have no reputation yet; you should go and befriend Xu Zijiang.” Xu Zijiang was Xu Shao, the nephew of Xu Xun. He delighted in evaluating people and had many recommendations. Together with his cousin Xu Jing, they enjoyed great fame and would jointly assess and comment on people from their hometown, changing their appraisals each month. Thus, in Runan, there was the custom of the “Monthly Commentaries.” Xu Shao once served as a Merit Evaluator in the commandery; when those in the prefecture heard of it, none failed to reform their conduct and refine their behavior. Cao Cao went to visit Xu Shao and asked him, “What kind of person am I?” Xu Shao despised his character and did not answer. Cao Cao then pressured him, and Xu Shao said, “You, sir, are a capable minister in times of order and a cunning hero in times of chaos.” Cao Cao left, greatly pleased.

When Zhu Jun attacked the Yellow Turbans, his Protector of the Army, Fu Xie of Beidi, submitted a memorial saying: “I have heard that the troubles of the world do not come from without but arise from within. Thus, Shun of Yu first eliminated the Four Malefactors and then employed the Sixteen Ministers, showing that if the wicked are not removed, the good cannot advance. Now Zhang Jiao has risen in the lands of Zhao and Wei, and the Yellow Turbans are in revolt across six provinces—these are examples of calamities starting within and spreading to the four seas. I have received a military commission to execute punishment on behalf of the court. Just as I reached Yingchuan, I was victorious in every battle. Although the Yellow Turbans are strong, they are not enough to be the court’s concern. What I fear is that if the source is not controlled when governing water, the downstream branches will become broader. Your Majesty is benevolent and tolerant, with many things you cannot bear to do, so eunuchs wield power, and loyal ministers are not employed. If Zhang Jiao is destroyed and the Yellow Turbans submit, my worries will only deepen. Why? Because the wicked and the upright cannot coexist at court, just as ice and charcoal cannot be placed in the same vessel. They know that if the achievements of the upright become prominent, signs of their own peril will appear, and they will all use clever words to conceal and jointly promote falsehoods. A filial son may be doubted due to repeated rumors; a tiger in the market may become fact because three men spread the word. If the truth is not carefully examined, loyal ministers will again suffer execution like that at Du’you! Your Majesty should contemplate Shun’s punishment of the Four Malefactors and swiftly execute those who spread slanderous words. Then the good will think of advancing, and the wicked and villainous will naturally cease.” Zhao Zhong saw this memorial and hated him. Fu Xie attacked the Yellow Turbans and earned many merits that should have been rewarded, but Zhao Zhong slandered him. The emperor remembered Fu Xie’s words and did not punish him, but in the end, he did not grant him any reward.

Zhang Mancheng encamped below the walls of Wancheng for over a hundred days. In the sixth month, the Administrator of Nanyang, Qin Jie, attacked and killed Zhang Mancheng.

The Jiaozhi region abounded in precious goods. Several previous Inspectors had mostly lacked integrity; after extorting enough wealth, they would request a transfer. Thus, officials and people resented and rebelled, capturing the Inspector and the Administrator of Hepu, Lai Da, and proclaiming themselves General Who Pillars Heaven. The Three Bureaus selected the Magistrate of Jing County, Jia Cong of Dongjun, to serve as the Inspector of Jiaozhi. Upon arrival, Jia Cong inquired about the reasons for their rebellion, and they all said, “Taxes and levies are too heavy; the people are all impoverished. The capital is far away, with no place to appeal grievances. The people cannot survive, so they have gathered to become bandits.” Jia Cong immediately issued proclamations, instructing them to settle down and pursue their livelihoods, recruiting the displaced, exempting them from corvée labor, executing the chief ringleaders who caused the greatest harm, and selecting capable and upright officials to serve as acting magistrates in each county. Within a year, the situation was stabilized, and the people became peaceful. The lanes and streets all composed songs praising him: “Father Jia came too late; he made us rebel first; now we see peace and clarity; officials dare not eat!”

Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun, taking advantage of their victory, advanced to attack the Yellow Turbans in Runan and Chen. They pursued Bo Cai at Yangdi and attacked Peng Tuo at Xihua, defeating them all. The remaining rebels either surrendered or scattered, and all three commanderies were pacified. Huangfu Song then reported the battle situation, attributing the merit to Zhu Jun. Thus, Zhu Jun was promoted to Marquis of Xixiang and appointed General Who Suppresses Rebels. The emperor issued an edict ordering Huangfu Song to attack Dongjun and Zhu Jun to attack Nanyang.

The Northern General of the Palace, Lu Zhi, fought continuously and defeated Zhang Jiao, killing and capturing over ten thousand men. Zhang Jiao and his followers withdrew to Guangzong. Lu Zhi built walls, dug moats, and constructed scaling ladders, on the verge of capturing Guangzong. The emperor sent a Minor Yellow Gate Attendant, Zuo Feng, to inspect the army. Someone advised Lu Zhi to bribe Zuo Feng, but Lu Zhi refused. When Zuo Feng returned to the palace, he said to the emperor, “The rebels at Guangzong are easy to defeat, but Lu Zhonglang is fortifying his camp and resting his troops, waiting for Heaven to punish them.” The emperor was furious, had Lu Zhi brought back to the capital in a prison cart, and sentenced him to death reduced by one degree. He sent the Eastern General of the Palace, Dong Zhuo of Longxi, to replace him.

Zhang Xiu of Ba commandery used sorcery to treat people’s illnesses. His methods were roughly the same as Zhang Jiao’s, requiring the sick household to produce five pecks of rice, and he was called the “Master of Five Pecks of Rice.” In autumn, the seventh month, Zhang Xiu gathered followers and rebelled, raiding commanderies and counties. People at the time called them the “Rice Bandits.”

In the eighth month, Huangfu Song fought the Yellow Turbans at Cangting, capturing their leader Bu Yi. Dong Zhuo attacked Zhang Jiao without merit and was punished. On the day Jisi, the emperor issued an edict ordering Huangfu Song to attack Zhang Jiao.

In the ninth month, the King of Anping, Liu Xu, was executed for great treason, and his kingdom was abolished.

Initially, Liu Xu was captured by the Yellow Turbans. The people of his state ransomed him back, and the court discussed restoring his kingdom. The Court Gentleman for Consultation, Li Xie, said, “Liu Xu failed in his duty to guard his fief, bringing disgrace and insult to the court. His kingdom should not be restored.” The court did not listen. Li Xie was punished for slandering the imperial clan and was sent to hard labor at the Left School. Within a year, Liu Xu was executed for his crimes, and the court then appointed Li Xie again as a Court Gentleman for Consultation. The people of the capital composed a saying: “The father would not establish an emperor; the son would not establish a king.”

In winter, the tenth month, Huangfu Song fought with Zhang Jiao’s younger brother, Zhang Liang, at Guangzong. Zhang Liang’s troops were elite and fierce, and Huangfu Song could not prevail. The next day, Huangfu Song closed his camp and rested his soldiers to observe the enemy’s changes. Knowing that the enemy’s will was gradually slackening, he secretly deployed his troops at night. At cockcrow, they charged into the enemy camp, fighting until the hour of shen (around 3–5 p.m.), and decisively defeated the enemy, killing Zhang Liang, taking thirty thousand heads, and drowning about fifty thousand in the river. Zhang Jiao had died of illness earlier; his coffin was opened, his corpse was mutilated, and his head was sent to the capital. In the eleventh month, Huangfu Song again attacked Zhang Jiao’s younger brother, Zhang Bao, at Guangzong, killing him and capturing or killing over one hundred thousand. The court immediately appointed Huangfu Song as Left Chariot and Cavalry General, concurrently Governor of Jizhou, and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Huaili. Huangfu Song was able to care for his soldiers. Every time the army halted and encamped, he would wait until the tents and curtains were set up before resting; only after the soldiers had eaten would he eat. Thus, wherever he went, he achieved merit.

The Xianling Qiang of Beidi Commandery, along with numerous bandits from Fuhan and Heguan, rebelled. They jointly established the Yicong Hu from Huangzhong, Beigong Boyu and Li Wenhou, as generals, and killed the Colonel-Protector of the Qiang, Ling Zheng. The men of Jincheng, Bian Zhang and Han Sui, had long been renowned in the Western Provinces. The bandits lured and seized them, making them solely responsible for military and governmental affairs. They killed the Grand Administrator of Jincheng, Chen Yi, and attacked and burned commanderies and counties.

Initially, the Grand Administrator of Wuwei, relying on the powerful and influential, was wantonly greedy and cruel. The Appraiser of Liang Province, Su Zhenghe, a man of Wudu, investigated and determined his crimes. The Inspector, Liang Hu, became fearful and wanted to kill Su Zhenghe to exonerate himself. He consulted the Chief Clerk of Hanyang, Gai Xun, a man of Dunhuang. Gai Xun had long been on bad terms with Su Zhenghe. Someone urged Gai Xun to take this opportunity for revenge. Gai Xun said: “To plan affairs yet kill a worthy is not loyal; to take advantage of another’s predicament is not benevolent.” He then advised Liang Hu, saying: “One ties up a falcon to make it fierce. If it is fierce and then you boil it, what use is that!” Liang Hu thus desisted. Su Zhenghe came to Gai Xun to offer thanks, but Gai Xun did not see him, saying: “I was planning for Inspector Liang, not for Su Zhenghe.” He continued to resent him as before.

Later, Inspector Zuo Chang stole several tens of thousands of shi of military grain. Gai Xun remonstrated with him. Zuo Chang became angry and sent Gai Xun, along with the Appraisers Xin Zeng and Kong Chang, to separately garrison Ayang to resist the bandits, intending to use military matters to punish him. But Gai Xun repeatedly achieved battle merits. When Beigong Boyu attacked Jincheng, Gai Xun urged Zuo Chang to go to its relief, but Zuo Chang did not listen. After Chen Yi died, Bian Zhang and his forces advanced to Ji County and besieged Zuo Chang. Zuo Chang summoned Gai Xun and the others to rescue him. Xin Zeng and the others hesitated and were unwilling to go. Gai Xun said angrily: “In former times, when Zhuang Jia was late, Rangju drew his sword and killed him. Are the Appraisers of today more important than the ancient Army Supervisors?” Xin Zeng and the others, frightened, complied. When Gai Xun reached Ji County, he rebuked Bian Zhang and his followers for the crime of rebellion. Bian Zhang and the others all said: “If Inspector Zuo had earlier followed your words and sent troops to attack us, we might have been able to correct ourselves. But now our guilt is already deep, and we cannot surrender.” Thereupon they lifted the siege and departed.

The rebellious Qiang besieged the Colonel, Xia Yu, at the Livestock Enclosure. Gai Xun combined the troops of the province and commandery to rescue Xia Yu. At Huopan, they were defeated by the Qiang. Gai Xun’s remaining followers were fewer than a hundred men. He had suffered three wounds, but sat firm and unmoving. Pointing to a tree, he said: “Place my corpse here!” The Juzhong Qiang tribesman, Dianwu, blocked the others with his weapon, saying: “Chief Clerk Gai is a worthy. If you kill him, you will be defying Heaven’s will.” Gai Xun, looking up, cursed him, saying: “You doomed rebel slaves, what are you? Come quickly and kill me!” The crowd looked at each other in great terror. Dianwu dismounted and offered his horse to Gai Xun. Gai Xun refused to mount, whereupon he was captured by the Qiang. The Qiang admired his courage and righteousness, dared not harm him, and sent him back to Hanyang. Later, Inspector Yang Yong submitted a memorial recommending Gai Xun to concurrently serve as Grand Administrator of Hanyang.

The remnants of Zhang Mancheng’s faction again established Zhao Hong as their leader. Their numbers swelled again, reaching over one hundred thousand, and they occupied Wancheng. Zhu Jun, together with the Inspector of Jing Province, Xu Qiu, and others, combined their forces to besiege Wancheng. From the sixth month to the eighth month, they were unable to capture it. The relevant officials submitted a memorial requesting the recall of Zhu Jun to the capital. The Minister of Works, Zhang Wen, submitted a memorial, saying: “In former times, Qin employed Bai Qi, and Yan employed Yue Yi. Both required many years before they could defeat the enemy. Zhu Jun, in pacifying Yingchuan, has already achieved results. Now he leads his army southward; his strategy is already set. To change generals in the midst of battle is something military experts regard as taboo. He should be given time and be required to succeed.” The Emperor therefore cancelled the recall. Zhu Jun attacked Zhao Hong and beheaded him. The rebel leader, Han Zhong, again occupied Wancheng to resist Zhu Jun. Zhu Jun beat the drums and attacked the southwest corner of Wancheng. The rebel army all rushed there. Zhu Jun personally led picked troops to make a surprise attack on the northeast wall, scaling it and entering the city. Han Zhong then retreated and held the inner citadel. Terrified, he requested to surrender. All the generals wanted to accept. Zhu Jun said: “In military matters, there are situations where the circumstances are the same but the conditions differ. In former times, during the Qin and Xiang Yu periods, the people had no fixed ruler, so rewarding those who submitted encouraged later arrivals. Now, within the seas, all is unified. Only the Yellow Turbans have rebelled. To accept surrender would not encourage people towards goodness; to punish them is sufficient to warn against evil. If we accept them now, it will further open the way for rebellious hearts. When it benefits the bandits, they attack; when it does not, they request surrender. To indulge the enemy and encourage banditry is not a good plan.” Thereupon he pressed the attack fiercely. Fighting continuously, he could not overcome them. Zhu Jun climbed a mound to observe, then turned to his Major, Zhang Chao, and said: “I understand now. The bandits now have a strong outer perimeter and are hard-pressed in their inner camp. Their request to surrender is not accepted; they wish to come out but cannot. Therefore they are fighting to the death. Ten thousand men of one mind are still irresistible; how much more so with a hundred thousand! It is better to lift the siege, combine our forces and enter the city. When Han Zhong sees the siege lifted, he will inevitably come out on his own. Once he comes out, their spirit will scatter. This is an easy method to defeat them.” Shortly thereafter, he lifted the siege. Han Zhong indeed came out to fight. Zhu Jun took the opportunity to attack, greatly defeating the enemy, beheading over ten thousand men. The Grand Administrator of Nanyang, Qin Jie, killed Han Zhong. The remaining masses again established Sun Xia as their leader and returned to hold Wancheng. Zhu Jun pressed the attack. His Major, Sun Jian, led his troops to be the first to scale the wall. On the Guisi day, they captured Wancheng. Sun Xia fled. Zhu Jun pursued him to the Jing Mountains in Xi’e, again defeating him, beheading over ten thousand men. Thereupon the Yellow Turbans were broken and scattered. The remainder were killed by the provinces and commanderies, each commandery numbering several thousand men.

On the Jisi day of the twelfth month, a general amnesty was granted to the empire, and the reign title was changed.

The Inspector of Yu Province, Wang Yun, a man of Taiyuan, defeated the Yellow Turbans. He seized letters from the retainers of Zhang Rang, revealing their collusive correspondence with the Yellow Turbans, and presented them to the Emperor. The Emperor rebuked Zhang Rang. Zhang Rang kowtowed and admitted his fault, but ultimately could not punish him. Zhang Rang therefore used another matter to frame Wang Yun, who was then arrested and imprisoned. It happened that a general amnesty was granted, and he was restored as Inspector. Ten days later, he was arrested again on another charge. Yang Ci, not wishing him to suffer further punishment and humiliation, sent a retainer to advise him, saying: “Because of the matter with Zhang Rang, you have been summoned twice within a month. The danger is incalculable. We hope you will consider deeply and plan carefully!” Among his subordinates, those who were given to high ideals, together weeping, offered him poison. Wang Yun said sternly: “As a subject of the Emperor, I have offended my sovereign. I ought to receive the death penalty to apologize to the empire. How could I seek death by drinking poison!” Throwing down the cup, he stood up and went out to the prisoner’s cart. When he reached the Commandant of Justice, the Grand General, He Jin, together with Yang Ci and Yuan Wei, submitted a memorial pleading for him, and he was spared the death penalty.

Zhongping reign, second year (Yi Chou, AD 185)

1. Spring, first month. A great plague occurred.

2. Spring, second month. On the Jiyou day, a fire broke out at the Yuntai Terrace in the Southern Palace. On the Gengxu day, a fire broke out at the Lecheng Gate.

The Regular Palace Attendants, Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong, advised the Emperor to levy a land tax throughout the empire, at ten cash per mu, to be used for building palaces and casting bronze statues. The Grand Administrator of Le’an, Lu Kang, submitted a memorial remonstrating, saying: “In former times, when Duke Xuan of Lu levied taxes per mu, a plague of locusts naturally occurred. When Duke Ai of Lu increased taxes, Confucius criticized him. How could there be a practice of gathering and plundering the people’s property to build useless bronze statues, abandoning the warnings of the sages, and taking on the ways of a lost ruler?” The Emperor’s favored attendants slandered Lu Kang for citing the examples of fallen states to compare to the wise Emperor, committing the crime of great disrespect. He was placed in a prisoner’s cart and sent to the Commandant of Justice. The Attendant Censor, Liu Dai, submitted a memorial pleading for him, and he was pardoned and allowed to return to his home. Lu Kang was the grandson of Lu Xu.

An edict was also issued to requisition timber and ornamental stone from the provinces and commanderies, to be sent to the capital in batches. The Yellow Gate Regular Attendants always had people berate and scold those that did not meet the specifications, then forcibly discounted the prices and purchased them cheaply, obtaining them for only one-tenth of their original value. They then resold these materials, but the eunuchs would not accept them promptly, so the timber rotted and piled up, and the palace buildings could not be completed for years. The inspectors and grand administrators further added their own exactions, and the people lamented. They also ordered the grooms of the Western Garden to split up and urge on the work, intimidating and alarming the provinces and commanderies, and accepting large bribes. The promotions and appointments of inspectors, two-thousand-stone officials, as well as those recommended as flourishing talent or filial and incorrupt, all had to have their prices set at the Western Garden before they could leave. Those who maintained incorruptibility and requested not to take up their posts were all forcibly dispatched. At the time, the Grand Administrator of Julu, a man of Henei named Sima Zhi, had just been appointed. Because of his reputation for incorruptibility, his required payment was reduced by three million cash. Upon receiving the edict, Sima Zhi said sorrowfully, "As a father and mother of the people, to oppress them instead to meet the demands of the times—I cannot bear to do this." He claimed illness, but was not permitted to withdraw. When he reached Meng Ford, he submitted a memorial vehemently recounting the faults of the age, then immediately took poison and died. After his memorial was presented, the Emperor temporarily halted the funds for constructing the palace.

Zhu Jun was appointed General of the Right Chariot and Cavalry.

Since the revolt of Zhang Jiao, bandits had arisen everywhere. Among them were Zhang Niujiao of Boling, Chu Feiyan of Changshan, as well as Huanglong, Zuo Xiao, Yu Digen, Zhang Baiji, Liu Shi, Zuo Zizhangba, Pinghan Daji, Sili Yuancheng, Leigong, Fuyun, Baiqiao, Yang Feng, Yu Du, Wulu, Li Damu, Bai Rao, Sui Gu, Ku Hu, and others—countless in number. The larger groups had twenty to thirty thousand men, the smaller ones six to seven thousand. Zhang Niujiao and Chu Feiyan joined forces to attack Yingtao, where Zhang Niujiao was struck by a stray arrow and was about to die. He commanded his followers to honor Chu Feiyan as their leader, who then changed his surname to Zhang. Chu Feiyan's name was Zhang Yan. He was swift and courageous, able to run and leap with great speed, so his troops called him "Feiyan" (Flying Swallow). Most of the bandits in the mountain valleys attached themselves to him, and his following gradually grew to nearly a million, calling themselves the "Black Mountain Bandits." All the commanderies north of the Yellow River suffered from their depredations, and the court was unable to suppress them. Zhang Yan then sent an envoy to the capital to submit a memorial requesting surrender. The court thereupon appointed him as General of the Pacification of Difficulties, putting him in charge of affairs in the mountain valleys north of the Yellow River, and allowing him to annually recommend filial and incorrupt candidates and accountants.

Sikong Yuan Wei was dismissed. In the third month, Tingwei Cui Lie was appointed Sikong. Cui Lie was a cousin of Cui Shi.

At this time, the positions of the Three Dukes were often obtained by offering money to the Western Garden through the Medium Regular Attendants and wet nurses. Even though Duan Jiong and Zhang Wen had achievements and reputation, they also engaged in bribery and gift-giving to attain the rank of Duke. Cui Lie offered five million cash through the foster mother, and thus became Sikong. On the day of his appointment, the Emperor personally attended the court, and all the hundred officials gathered. The Emperor turned to his close attendants and said, "I regret not being a little stingier—then I could have gotten a million!" Lady Cheng responded from beside him, "Lord Cui is a famous scholar of Jizhou. How could he be willing to buy an office? It was through me that he obtained this post—how can you not know this is good!" From then on, Cui Lie's reputation suddenly declined.

Beigong Boyu and others invaded the Three Regions. The Emperor issued an edict ordering General of the Left Chariot and Cavalry Huangfu Song to garrison Chang'an and campaign against them.

At that time, the military disturbances in Liangzhou did not cease, and the corvée and taxes levied throughout the empire had no respite. Cui Lie believed that Liangzhou should be abandoned. The Emperor summoned the dukes and hundred officials to discuss it. The Court Remonstrant Fu Xie spoke sternly, saying, "If the Sikong were executed, the empire would be at peace!" The Director of the Secretariat submitted a memorial accusing Fu Xie of insulting a great minister at court. The Emperor thereupon questioned Fu Xie, who replied, "When Fan Kuai, angered by Modu's perversity, wished to go to war, he did not lose the integrity of a subject, yet Ji Bu still said that Fan Kuai deserved execution. Now Liangzhou is the strategic key to the empire and the shield of the state. When Gaozu first arose, he sent Li Shang to separately pacify Longyou; the Shizong expanded the territory and established four commanderies, and those who discussed it considered this cutting off the right arm of the Xiongnu. Now, with improper governance, one province has rebelled. Cui Lie, as a chancellor, does not consider strategies to pacify the rebellion for the state, but instead wants to cut off and abandon ten thousand li of territory—I am privately perplexed! If the foreign peoples were to occupy this land, with their strong soldiers and firm armor, and rebel from this base, this would be the greatest worry of the empire and the deepest disaster for the state. If Cui Lie does not know this, it is extreme stupidity; if he knows it yet speaks thus, it is disloyalty." The Emperor considered him correct and followed his advice.

Summer, fourth month, on the day Gengxu, there was a great hailstorm.

Fifth month, Grand Commandant Deng Sheng was dismissed; Taipu Zhang Yan of Henan was appointed Grand Commandant.

Sixth month, for their merits in suppressing the revolt of Zhang Jiao, twelve people including the Medium Regular Attendant Zhang Rang were enfeoffed as marquises.

Autumn, seventh month, there was a snout-moth plague in the Three Regions.

When Huangfu Song was campaigning against Zhang Jiao, he passed through Ye City and saw that the residence of the Medium Regular Attendant Zhao Zhong exceeded the prescribed regulations. He submitted a memorial to confiscate it. Furthermore, the Medium Regular Attendant Zhang Rang privately demanded fifty thousand cash from him, but Huangfu Song did not give it. These two men therefore submitted a memorial stating that Huangfu Song had campaigned for years without success and had wasted many resources. Thereupon, Huangfu Song was summoned back to the capital, his seal and ribbon of General of the Left Chariot and Cavalry were confiscated, and his fief was reduced by six thousand households. Eighth month, Sikong Zhang Wen was appointed General of Chariot and Cavalry, with Zhijinwu Yuan Pang as his deputy, to campaign against Beigong Boyu; Zhonglangjiang Dong Zhuo was appointed General Who Breaks the Caitiffs, and together with General Who Quells the Caitiffs Zhou Shen, they were placed under Zhang Wen's command.

Ninth month, Tejin Yang Ci was appointed Sikong. Winter, tenth month, on the day Gengyin, Linjing Wenlie Marquis Yang Ci died. Guanglu Dafu Xu Xiang was appointed Sikong. Xu Xiang was the son of Xu Xun.

The Palace Remonstrant Liu Tao submitted a memorial saying: "The empire previously suffered the revolt of Zhang Jiao, and later encountered the banditry of Bian Zhang. Now the rebel forces of the Western Qiang have already attacked Hedong, and I fear they will gradually grow stronger, charging like boars toward the capital. The common people only have a hundred ways to flee and retreat, hoping to die, and not a single thought of advancing to fight for survival. The western bandits are drawing near, and the General of Chariot and Cavalry is isolated and in danger. If he should suffer defeat, the situation cannot be salvaged. I know that speaking too much will bring weariness, yet I cannot restrain myself, because if the state is at peace, I share in its blessings; if the state is in peril, I will be among the first to suffer calamity. I respectfully again present eight urgent matters of the present day." The general purport was that the great disorder of the empire was all due to the eunuchs. The eunuchs together slandered Liu Tao, saying: "When the Zhang Jiao incident occurred, the edict displayed authority and virtue, and from then on, everyone reformed themselves. Now the four quarters are at peace, but Liu Tao resents the sage governance and speaks only of portents. The provinces and commanderies have not reported anything—where did Liu Tao get his information? We suspect Liu Tao is colluding with the rebels." Thereupon, Liu Tao was arrested and imprisoned in the Yellow Gate Northern Prison, where his torture and interrogation grew increasingly urgent. Liu Tao said to the envoy, "I regret that I could not stand alongside Yi Yin and Lü Shang, but rather find myself in the company of the three benevolent men, Weizi, Jizi, and Bigan. Now above, loyal and upright ministers are killed; below, the people are distressed and emaciated. This state of affairs will not last long—what use is regret!" He then stopped his breath and died. The former Sikong Chen Dan was loyal and upright, and the eunuchs resented him. He too was slandered and died in prison.

Zhang Wen led a force of over one hundred thousand infantry and cavalry from the various commanderies, encamping at Meiyang. Bian Zhang and Han Sui also advanced to Meiyang. Zhang Wen engaged them in battle but always suffered setbacks. Eleventh month, Dong Zhuo joined forces with the Right Governor of Youfufeng, Bao Hong, and others, attacked Bian Zhang and Han Sui, and defeated them decisively. Bian Zhang and Han Sui fled to Yuzhong.

Zhang Wen sent Zhou Shen to lead 30,000 men in pursuit. Can’s military advisor Sun Jian urged Zhou Shen, saying: “The rebels have no grain in their city; they must transport it from outside. I wish to lead 10,000 men to cut off their supply route. General, you follow with the main army. The rebels will surely be hard-pressed and dare not give battle; they will flee into Qiang territory. We can then join forces to attack them, and Liang Province will be pacified!” Zhou Shen did not listen but led his army to besiege Yuzhong. Instead, Bian Zhang and Han Sui separately stationed troops at Kuiyuan Gorge and cut off Zhou Shen’s supply route. Zhou Shen, in fear, abandoned his military supplies and withdrew. Zhang Wen then sent Dong Zhuo to lead 30,000 men to attack the Xianling Qiang. The Qiang and Hu surrounded Dong Zhuo north of Wangyuan. With food cut off, Dong Zhuo feigned the building of a dam to catch fish in the river he needed to cross, but secretly withdrew his army from below the dam. When the rebels pursued, the released water was already too deep to cross, so he turned back and stationed his troops at Fufeng.

Zhang Wen summoned Dong Zhuo by imperial edict, but Dong Zhuo only came after a long delay. Zhang Wen reprimanded him, and Dong Zhuo answered insolently. Sun Jian stepped forward and whispered to Zhang Wen: “Dong Zhuo shows no fear of guilt but speaks arrogantly. He should be executed by military law for not arriving on time when summoned.” Zhang Wen said: “Dong Zhuo has long had a reputation for valor between the Yellow River and Long Mountain. If I kill him today, we will have no one to rely on for the western campaign.” Sun Jian replied: “Your Excellency personally leads the imperial army, whose might shakes the realm. Why rely on Dong Zhuo! From his words, he shows no respect for Your Excellency. His contempt for a superior and lack of propriety is his first crime. Bian Zhang and Han Sui have been unruly for years and should be attacked promptly, yet Dong Zhuo says it cannot be done, dampening morale and causing doubt—this is his second crime. Dong Zhuo, entrusted with a mission, achieved nothing, delayed when summoned, and acts arrogantly and self-importantly—this is his third crime. Ancient generals, wielding axes to command armies, never failed to achieve merit through executions. Now, Your Excellency, by sparing Dong Zhuo and not executing him immediately, undermines the authority of the law precisely in this matter.” Zhang Wen could not bring himself to act and said: “You had better leave for now, or Dong Zhuo will become suspicious.” Sun Jian then withdrew.

That year, the Emperor built the Hall of Ten Thousand Gold at the Western Garden, filling it with gold, silver, money, and silk from the Office of Agriculture. He also deposited tens of millions of cash with each of the Lesser Yellow Gate Attendants and Regular Attendants, and purchased fields and houses in Hejian, building towers and pavilions.

Third Year of Zhongping (Bingyin, 186 AD)

Spring, second month: Soldiers from Jiangxia, led by Zhao Ci, rebelled and killed the Grand Administrator of Nanyang, Qin Hao.

On the Gengxu day, a general amnesty was granted to the empire.

Grand Commandant Zhang Yan was dismissed. An envoy bearing a credential was sent to Chang’an to appoint Zhang Wen as Grand Commandant. This was the first time a Grand Commandant was appointed while serving outside the capital.

The Regular Attendant Zhao Zhong was appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry. The Emperor ordered Zhao Zhong to evaluate the merits of those who had campaigned against the Yellow Turbans. Colonel of the Capital Police Zhen Ju said to Zhao Zhong: “Fu Xie earlier served in the eastern army and achieved merit but was not enfeoffed. The empire is disappointed. Now that you bear heavy responsibility, you ought to promote worthy men and redress grievances to meet expectations.” Zhao Zhong heeded his words and sent his younger brother, Colonel of the City Gates Zhao Yan, to express goodwill to Fu Xie. Zhao Yan said to Fu Xie: “If you show a little gratitude to my elder brother the Regular Attendant, a marquisate of ten thousand households is not hard to obtain!” Fu Xie, with a stern face, refused, saying: “To have merit unrewarded is fate. Would Fu Xie seek private rewards?” Zhao Zhong resented him even more, but feared his reputation and dared not harm him, so he sent him out to be Grand Administrator of Hanyang.

The Emperor sent the Director of the Palace Gate, Song Dian, to repair the Jade Hall of the Southern Palace, and sent the Director of the Palace Women’s Quarters, Bi Lan, to cast four bronze men, and also cast four bronze bells, each capable of holding two thousand hu. He also cast a Heavenly Deer and a Toad to spout water east of the Pingmen Bridge, channeling water into the palace. He also made waterwheels and “thirsty crows” set west of the bridge to sprinkle the roads north and south of the suburbs, thinking this would save the people the expense of sweeping and watering the roads.

Fifth month, on the Renxu day, which was the last day of the month, a solar eclipse occurred.

Sixth month: The Inspector of Jing Province, Wang Min, attacked and killed Zhao Ci. General of Chariots and Cavalry Zhao Zhong was dismissed.

Winter, tenth month: The Wuling Man rebelled. The provincial troops attacked and defeated them.

The former Grand Commandant Zhang Yan was slandered by eunuchs, imprisoned, and died.

Twelfth month: The Xianbei invaded You Province and Bing Province.

Zhang Wen was recalled to the capital.

Fourth Year of Zhongping (Dingmao, 187 AD)

Spring, first month, on the Jimao day: A general amnesty was granted to the empire.

Second month: Bandits from Xingyang killed the magistrate of Zhongmu. Third month: The Intendant of Henan, He Miao, attacked and defeated the Xingyang bandits. He Miao was appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry.

Han Sui killed Bian Zhang, as well as Beigong Boyu and Li Wenhou, and led an army of over 100,000 men, advancing to besiege Longxi. Grand Administrator Li Xiangru rebelled and joined Han Sui.

The Inspector of Liang Province, Geng Bi, led troops from six commanderies to attack Han Sui. Geng Bi trusted his secretary Cheng Qiu, who engaged in corrupt practices for profit, causing resentment among the officers and people. The Grand Administrator of Hanyang, Fu Xie, said to Geng Bi: “Your Excellency has governed for a short time, and the people are not yet educated. When the rebels hear that a great army is coming, they will surely unite as one. The border troops are fierce, and their edge is hard to withstand. Our newly assembled forces are not yet harmonious; if internal discord arises, even regret will be too late. It is better to rest the troops, cultivate virtue, clarify rewards and punishments. If the rebels are given respite, they will think us cowardly. The various evil factions will contend for power, and their disunity can be foreseen. Then, leading the already educated people to attack the already divided rebels, success can be achieved without effort.” Geng Bi did not listen. Summer, fourth month: When Geng Bi’s army reached Didao, the Deputy of the Province turned against him, first killing Cheng Qiu, then Geng Bi. The rebels then advanced to besiege Hanyang. The city had few troops and its grain was exhausted, yet Fu Xie held firm.

At that time, several thousand Hu cavalry from the northern lands followed the rebels in attacking the commandery city, but these Hu all remembered Fu Xie’s kindness. So they knelt outside the city, begging to escort Fu Xie back to his hometown. Fu Xie’s son Fu Gan, then thirteen years old, said to Fu Xie: “The state is in chaos, which is why father cannot remain at court. Now our forces are insufficient to hold out. You should accept the Qiang and Hu’s request, return home, and slowly wait for a virtuous ruler to emerge before serving again.” Before he finished speaking, Fu Xie sighed deeply and said: “You know I must die here! The sage understands the highest integrity; the next best hold fast to it. The tyrant Zhou of Yin was cruel and without the Way, yet Boyi starved to death rather than eat Zhou’s grain. Now I again encounter a chaotic age, but I cannot nourish my vast spirit. Since I have received a salary, how can I think of avoiding calamity! Where could I go? I must die here! You have talent and wisdom; strive, strive! The Registrar Yang Hui is my Cheng Ying.”

A man from Didao, Wang Guo, sent the former Grand Administrator of Jiuquan, Huang Yan, to persuade Fu Xie, saying: “The empire no longer belongs to Han. Would you, sir, be willing to be our leader?” Fu Xie grasped his sword and rebuked Huang Yan, saying: “You, a minister who has received a tally of command, instead speak for the rebels!” Then he ordered his attendants to advance and died in battle. The Major of Geng Bi, Ma Teng of Fufeng, also raised troops in rebellion, joining Han Sui. Together they made Wang Guo their leader and raided the Three Commanderies.

The Grand Commandant Zhang Wen was dismissed because the rebels had not yet been pacified. Minister over the Masses Cui Lie was appointed Grand Commandant. Fifth month: Minister of Works Xu Xiang was appointed Minister over the Masses; the Superintendent of the Imperial Household, Ding Gong of Pei, was appointed Minister of Works.

Earlier, Zhang Wen had raised 3,000 Wuhuan cavalry from You Province to attack Liang Province. The former Chancellor of Zhongshan, Zhang Chun of Yuyang, asked to command them, but Zhang Wen refused, instead appointing the Magistrate of Zhuo, Gongsun Zan of Liaoxi, to command them. When the army reached Jizhong, the Wuhuan, because pay and provisions were in arrears, mostly deserted and returned home. Zhang Chun, resenting that he had not been given command, allied with the former Grand Administrator of Taishan, Zhang Ju of the same commandery, and the Wuhuan chieftain Qiuliju and others, plundering Jizhong. They killed the Colonel Protecting the Wuhuan, Gongqi Chou, the Grand Administrator of Youbeiping, Liu Zheng, and the Grand Administrator of Liaodong, Yang Zhong, and others, gathering a force of over 100,000 men, stationed at Feiru. Zhang Ju proclaimed himself Son of Heaven, and Zhang Chun called himself General Who Fills the Heavens and King of Anding. They issued proclamations to the provinces and commanderies, claiming that Zhang Ju should replace the Han, demanding that the Emperor abdicate, and ordering the high ministers to welcome him.

Winter, tenth month: The rebel Qu Xing from Changsha styled himself General, with a force of over 10,000 men. The Emperor issued an edict appointing the Consultant Sun Jian as Grand Administrator of Changsha. He attacked and pacified the rebels, and Sun Jian was enfeoffed as Marquis of Wucheng.

Eleventh month: Grand Commandant Cui Lie was dismissed. The Grand Minister of Agriculture, Cao Song, was appointed Grand Commandant.

Twelfth month: The Tu Ge Hu rebelled.

That year, the title of Marquis of Guannei was put up for sale, priced at five million cash.

The former Grand Herald Chen Shi passed away, and over thirty thousand people from across the realm came to offer condolences. In his village, Chen Shi acted with an impartial mind and dealt with others fairly. Whenever disputes arose, he always adjudicated right and wrong for them, clearly explaining the crooked and the straight. Afterwards, no one bore any resentment. Some even sighed and said, "We would rather suffer punishment than have Lord Chen point out our faults!" Whenever Yang Ci and Chen Dan were appointed as high ministers, all the officials came to congratulate them, but they always lamented that Chen Shi had not attained a high position and felt ashamed that they had taken their high posts before him.

Collation Notes