Wei Annals, Volume 1

Starting from the year of Kuntun, as mentioned in the previous chapter, to the year of Xuanmoshetige, there were three years in total.

Emperor Wen of the Wei Dynasty (Part 1)

Emperor Wen of the Wei Dynasty, Huangchu First Year (Gengzi, 220 AD)

1 In spring, the first month, Wei King Cao Cao arrived at Luoyang; on the day of Gengzi, he passed away. The King could recognize talent and was skilled at observation, hard to deceive by falsehoods. He could identify and promote extraordinary talents, not limited by humble origins, and employed them according to their abilities, all of whom could fulfill their roles. When facing the enemy, his demeanor was calm, as if he did not wish to fight; but when it came to deciding the moment of battle and seizing the advantage to pursue victory, his spirit was abundant. For those with merit deserving reward, he did not begrudge spending a thousand pieces of gold; for those without merit who hoped for reward, he gave not a single fraction. He enforced the law strictly and urgently; those who violated it were surely executed, sometimes shedding tears before the criminal, but ultimately never granting pardon. He was frugal by nature and disliked extravagance. Thus, he was able to eliminate all the powerful rivals and nearly pacify the realm.

At that time, the heir apparent Cao Pi was at Ye, and the army was in turmoil. The hundred officials wanted to keep the death secret, but the Grand Master of Remonstrance Jia Kui believed the matter could not be kept secret, so he announced the death. Some said that the city commanders should all be appointed from the people of Qiao and Pei counties. The Administrator of Wei Commandery, Xu Xuan of Guangling, sternly said, "Now that the realm is unified, everyone harbors a heart of loyalty. Why must we exclusively appoint people from Qiao and Pei counties, thus obstructing the loyalty of those who have long served as palace guards?" So the idea was abandoned. The Qingzhou troops beat drums and called to each other to leave on their own. The thought they should be stopped, and those who did not obey should be attacked. Jia Kui said, "This cannot be done." So he wrote a long official document for them, ordering all places along the route to supply them with food. The Marquis of Yancheng, Cao Zhang, came from Chang'an to mourn and asked Jia Kui where the late King's seal and ribbon were. Jia Kui said sternly, "The state already has an heir; the late King's seal and ribbon are not something the lord marquis should ask about." The news of the death reached Ye, and the heir apparent Cao Pi wept without ceasing. The Palace Attendant of the Heir Apparent, Sima Fu, admonished him, saying, "When the king dies, the realm relies on Your Highness as its ruler. You should act for the ancestral temple above and for the myriad states below. How can you imitate the filial piety of commoners!" The heir apparent wept for a long time before stopping and said, "You are right." At that time, the various officials had just heard of the Wei King's death and gathered together weeping, no longer maintaining order. Sima Fu sternly said in the court, "Now that the king has died, the realm is shaken. We should early establish the successor to calm and pacify the myriad states—why only weep!" So he ordered the officials to stop weeping, arranged for guards, and handled the funeral arrangements. Sima Fu was Sima Yi's younger brother. The officials thought that the heir apparent's accession should await the imperial decree. The Master of Writing, Chen Jiao, said, "The Wei King died away from home, and the realm is fearful. The heir apparent should set aside grief and ascend the throne to maintain the expectations of those near and far. Moreover, there are beloved sons nearby; if any change occurs between them, the state will be in danger." He immediately prepared the official ceremonies, and within a single day, everything was completed. The next morning, using the Queen's command, they issued a decree making the heir apparent the Wei King, and granted a general amnesty. Emperor Xian of Han immediately sent the Imperial Censor, Hua Xin, bearing the imperial edict to confer upon the heir apparent the seal and ribbon of the Chancellor, the seal and ribbon of the Wei King, and the concurrent appointment as Governor of Jizhou. Thus, they honored the Queen as the Queen Dowager.

2 The reign title was changed to Yankang.

3 In the second month, on the day of Dingwei, which was the first day of the month, a solar eclipse occurred.

4 On the day of Renxu, Jia Xu, the Grand Master of Palace Leisure, was appointed Grand Commandant; Hua Xin, the Imperial Censor, was appointed Chancellor; and Wang Lang, the Grand Judge, was appointed Imperial Censor.

5 On the day of Dingmao, the King of Wu was buried at Gaoling.

6 The Wei King Cao Pi's younger brother, the Marquis of Yancheng Cao Zhang, and others all returned to their fiefs. The warden of the Marquis of Linzi Cao Zhi's fief, Guan Jun, catering to the Wei King's intention, submitted a memorial saying, "The Marquis of Linzi Cao Zhi, drunk and arrogant in behavior, coerced and seized the imperial envoy." The Wei King demoted Cao Zhi to the Marquis of Anxiang and executed the Right Inspector of Justice, Ding Yi of Pei County, and his younger brother, the Yellow Gate Attendant Ding Yi, along with all the male members of their households; these people were all Cao Zhi's party.

Yu Huan commented: The proverb says, "The poor need not learn frugality; the lowly need not learn humility." This is not because people's natures differ, but because circumstances compel them to be so. If the Grand Progenitor Cao Cao had been able to prevent and stop Cao Zhi and the others early on, then how could the intentions of these worthy men have given rise to improper ambitions! Cao Zhang harbored resentment, but it did not lead to any consequences; as for Cao Zhi, could he have stirred up trouble? Yet Yang Xiu was harmed for attaching himself to Cao Zhi, and Ding Yi was exterminated for catering to Cao Zhi's intentions. How lamentable!

7 They began to establish four positions each of Cavalier Attendants and Cavalier Gentlemen. It was decreed that eunuchs could not hold positions higher than the directors of the various bureaus. A golden policy was made and stored in a stone chamber. At that time, when selecting Palace Attendants and Cavalier Attendants, the old associates of the Wei King hinted to the responsible officials that they should directly appoint them, without selecting others. Sima Fu said, "Now that the new ruler has just ascended the throne, he should promote the talented and worthy from within the seas. How can we think of taking this opportunity to recommend and promote each other! If positions lose their suitable candidates, those who obtain the positions will not be worth respecting." So they selected other people instead.

8 The Master of Writing, Chen Qun, believed that the court's selection of officials could not fully gather all talents, so he established the law of the Nine Ranks for Officials; each province and commandery set up Rectifiers to assess and select talents, selecting wise and knowledgeable people from within the province or commandery to serve as Rectifiers, distinguishing among people and determining their high and low grades.

9 In summer, the fifth month, on the day of Wuyin, Emperor Xian of Han posthumously honored the Wei King's grandfather, the Grand Commandant Cao Song, as the Grand King, and his wife, Lady Ding, as the Grand Queen.

10 The Wei King appointed the Administrator of Anding, Zou Qi, as the Inspector of Liangzhou. Qu Yan of Xiping colluded with nearby commanderies to rebel and resist Zou Qi. Zhang Jin of Zhangye seized the Administrator Du Tong, and Huang Hua of Jiuquan refused to accept Administrator Xin Ji, both proclaiming themselves Administrators to respond to Qu Yan. The three Hu tribes of Wuwei also rebelled. The Administrator of Wuwei, Wuqiu Xing, urgently appealed to the Administrator of Jincheng and the Colonel-Protector of the Qiang, Su Ze of Fufeng. Su Ze was about to go to his aid, but the people in the commandery all thought the rebels' power was strong and that they should await the arrival of the main army. At that time, Generals Hao Zhao and Wei Ping had previously been stationed at Jincheng and had received an edict not to cross the river westward. Su Ze then met with the important officials of the commandery, along with Hao Zhao and others, and said, "Now, although the rebels are powerful, they have just assembled, and some are coerced into following, so they are not necessarily of one mind. If we take advantage of the opportunity to attack them while they are divided, the good and the evil will separate; once separated, they will submit to us, and our strength will increase while theirs weakens. We will gain both the actual benefit of increased troops and doubled morale; leading them to advance and attack, defeating the enemy is inevitable. If we wait for the main army, it will drag on for a long time; the good people will have no place to submit and will inevitably join with the evil; once good and evil are united, the situation will be hard to separate quickly. Although there is an edict, it is permissible to act on one's own authority by violating it to adapt to circumstances." Hao Zhao and others agreed with him, so they raised troops to rescue Wuwei, subdued those three Hu tribes, and together with Wuqiu Xing, attacked Zhang Jin at Zhangye. When Qu Yan heard of this, he led three thousand infantry and cavalry to greet Su Ze, verbally claiming to assist the government forces, but in reality intending to start a revolt. Su Ze lured him in and executed him, displaying his head as a warning; his followers all scattered and fled. Su Ze then joined with the various armies to surround Zhangye, breached the city, and executed Zhang Jin. Huang Hua, terrified, requested to surrender, and Hexi was pacified.

Previously, when Ma Ai, the Governor of Dunhuang, died in office, the local officials recommended Zhang Gong, the Merit Officer, to act as acting Chief Clerk; Zhang Gong sent his son Zhang Jiu to the court to request the appointment of a new governor. Just then, Huang Hua and Zhang Jin rebelled and sought to ally with Dunhuang’s forces. They seized Zhang Jiu and threatened him with swords. Zhang Jiu refused to yield and secretly sent a letter to Zhang Gong, saying: "Father, you command Dunhuang with loyalty and righteousness clear for all to see. How can you change your resolve because I am in distress? The great army is about to arrive; only by swiftly deploying troops to contain the enemy is appropriate. I hope that for the sake of your private love for your son, you will not leave me with regrets in the underworld." Zhang Gong immediately led troops to attack Jiuquan, and also dispatched two hundred iron-clad cavalry along with his subordinate officers, following the northern border of Jiuquan eastward to welcome the newly appointed Governor Yin Feng. Huang Hua wanted to rescue Zhang Jin, but he feared Zhang Gong’s army to the west, worrying that they would strike his rear, so he could not go to the rescue and surrendered. Zhang Jiu ultimately came to no harm, and Yin Feng was able to assume office in the commandery. The imperial court issued an edict granting Zhang Gong the title of Marquis of Guannei.

On the Gengwu day of the sixth month, Wei King Cao Pi led his army on a southern inspection tour.

In the autumn, seventh month, Sun Quan sent an envoy to present tribute.

The Shu Han general Meng Da was stationed at Shangyong and was on bad terms with Deputy Army Commander Liu Feng; Liu Feng encroached upon and bullied Meng Da, so Meng Da led over four thousand households of his subordinates to surrender. Meng Da had an impressive appearance and bearing, and the Wei King greatly valued and favored him, allowing him to ride in the same carriage, appointing him as a Cavalier Attendant, General Who Establishes Military Might, and enfeoffing him as the Marquis of Pingyang Pavilion. The three commanderies of Fangling, Shangyong, and Xicheng were merged into the new commandery of Xincheng, and Meng Da was made concurrent Governor of Xincheng, entrusting him with responsibilities in the southwest. The Chief Clerk of the March, Liu Ye, said: "Meng Da has a heart that seeks gains by improper means, and he relies on his talent and delights in stratagems; he will certainly not remember kindness and cherish righteousness. Xincheng Commandery borders Sun Wu and Shu Han; if a change occurs, it will become a calamity for the state." The Wei King did not listen. He sent General Who Conquers the South Xiahou Shang, Right General Xu Huang, along with Meng Da to attack Liu Feng. The Governor of Shangyong, Shen Dan, betrayed Liu Feng and surrendered, and Liu Feng was defeated, fleeing back to Chengdu.

Previously, Liu Feng was originally the son of the Kou family of Luohou. When the King of Hanzhong, Liu Bei, first arrived in Jingzhou, because he had no heir, he adopted Liu Feng as his son. Zhuge Liang was concerned that Liu Feng was fierce and brave, and that after Liu Bei’s death, he would be difficult to control and manage, so he advised the King of Hanzhong to take this opportunity to eliminate him; thus, Liu Feng was ordered to commit suicide.

The Di King of Wudu, Yang Pu, led his tribal followers to submit to the interior.

On the Jiawu day, the Wei King stopped at Qiao County and held a great feast for the six armies and the elders of Qiao County east of the city, setting up music, dance, and various entertainments. The officials and commoners came forward to toast his longevity until dusk, when it ended.

Sun Sheng said: The three-year mourning period is the same for everyone from the Son of Heaven down to the common people. Thus, even in the declining years of the Three Dynasties and the chaotic era of the Seven Warring States, no one abolished the mourning garments of coarse linen within ten or twenty days, or removed the hempen robes and staffs after returning from the wailing sacrifices. When Emperor Wen of Han changed the ancient system, the moral bonds of human relationships were suddenly discarded. This indeed already weakened the morality of his time and corrupted the customs of a hundred generations. Wei King Cao Pi, having followed the Han system, abolished the major mourning rites, indulged in feasting and pleasure while in the deepest grief, destroyed the foundation of royal teaching at the beginning of his succession to the heritage, and when he accepted the abdication, he openly accepted the two women. Thus, one can know that the Wei King’s lifespan would not be long, and the fate of the Wei state would also be brief.

The Wei King appointed the Sacrificial Officer of the Chancellor’s Office, Jia Kui, as Inspector of Yuzhou. At that time, the realm had just been pacified, and most inspectors could not govern the commandery governors. Jia Kui said: "The office of the inspector was originally established to monitor officials from the rank of two thousand bushels and below with the six imperial edicts. Therefore, their assessment reports all say they are strict, capable, and like a soaring hawk, with supervisory talent, and do not speak of being tranquil, generous, benevolent, and loving, with a harmonious and gentle character. Now, local officials neglect the laws, and bandits openly roam. The inspectors know of it but do not impeach them. How can the realm achieve justice!" He impeached and dismissed all officials of the two thousand bushel rank and below who were sycophantic, lax, and disobedient to the law. Externally, he rectified military preparations; internally, he governed civil affairs, repaired ponds and fields, and opened transport canals. The officials and commoners all praised him. The Wei King said: "Jia Kui is a true inspector." He issued a proclamation to the realm, saying that Yuzhou should be taken as a model; he granted Jia Kui the title of Marquis of Guannei.

The Left Palace Attendant Li Fu and the Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Xu Zhi submitted a memorial saying: "Wei should replace Han; this is shown in the prophetic charts and apocryphal texts, and such matters are extremely numerous." The assembled officials then submitted memorials urging the Wei King to comply with the will of Heaven and the hopes of the people. The Wei King did not consent.

In winter, tenth month, on the Yimao day, Emperor Xian of Han performed a sacrifice and prayer in the Temple of the High Ancestor, then sent the Acting Imperial Secretary Zhang Yin with credentials, holding the imperial seal, ribbon, and an edict of abdication, to abdicate the throne to Wei. The Wei King thrice submitted written refusals, then built an altar at Fanyang. On the Xinwei day, he ascended the altar, received the imperial seal and ribbon, and ascended the imperial throne. He performed the burning sacrifice to Heaven, Earth, mountains, and rivers, changed the reign title, and issued a general amnesty.

On the Guiyou day of the eleventh month, he honored Emperor Xian of Han as the Duke of Shanyang, allowing him to continue using the Han calendar and the rites and music of a Son of Heaven; he enfeoffed the Duke of Shanyang’s four sons as marquises. He posthumously honored the Grand King as the Grand Emperor; King Wu as the Martial Emperor, with the temple name of Grand Progenitor; and honored the King’s mother as the Empress Dowager. He demoted the various Han princes to the rank of Marquis of Chongde, and the marquises to the rank of Marquis of Guanzhong. The ranks and promotions of the various officials were graded differently. He changed the Chancellor to Minister of Instruction, and the Imperial Secretary to Minister of Works. The Duke of Shanyang presented two of his daughters to the Wei Emperor as consorts.

The Wei Emperor wanted to change the calendar, but the Cavalier Attendant Xin Pi said: "The Wei clan follows the succession of Shun and Yu, conforming to Heaven and according with the people’s hearts; as for Tang of Shang and King Wu of Zhou, they pacified the realm through warfare and conquest, and only then changed the calendar. Confucius said: ‘Practice the calendar of Xia,’ and the Zuo Commentary says: ‘Xia’s calendar is in accord with the correct Way of Heaven.’ Why must we necessarily oppose them?" The Wei Emperor considered this correct and followed his advice. At that time, the assembled officials all celebrated the virtue of the Wei dynasty, mostly disparaging the previous dynasty; only the Cavalier Attendant Wei Zhen clarified the principles of abdication and succession, and praised and extolled the virtues of Han. The Wei Emperor repeatedly looked at Wei Zhen and said: "The treasures of the realm should be shared with the Duke of Shanyang." The Wei Emperor wanted to posthumously enfeoff the father and mother of the Empress Dowager. The Master of Documents Chen Qun submitted a memorial saying: "Your Majesty, with sage and great virtue, responds to Heaven’s mandate and receives the imperial throne, inaugurating a new heritage and reforming the system. This should forever serve as a model for later generations. Examining the records of the classics, there is no system for enfeoffing women with lands and granting them noble titles. In the rites and statutes, women follow their husband’s rank. The Qin dynasty violated the ancient norms, and Han followed it; this is not a good system of the former kings." The Wei Emperor said: "This discussion is correct; it should not be implemented." He thus established this as a system and stored it in the government offices.

In the twelfth month, construction began on the Luoyang Palace. On the Wuwu day, the Wei Emperor went to Luoyang.

The Wei Emperor said to the Cavalier Attendant Su Ze: "Previously, when we broke through Jiuquan and Zhangye, the Western Regions sent envoys to Dunhuang, presenting large pearls one inch in diameter. Can we send envoys again to purchase them?" Su Ze replied: "If Your Majesty’s transformative influence extends throughout the Central Plain and your virtue flows to the desert frontier, then they will come unsummoned. If you seek them and obtain them, they are not worthy of being treasured." The Wei Emperor fell silent.

The Wei Emperor summoned the General of the Eastern Palace, Jiang Ji, to serve as a Cavalier Attendant. At that time, an edict was given to the General Who Conquers the South, Xiahou Shang, saying: "You are a trusted and vital general; I specially entrust this to you. You may dispense favors and exercise authority, you may kill people and keep people alive." Xiahou Shang showed the edict to Jiang Ji. After Jiang Ji arrived, the Wei Emperor asked him what he had heard and seen. Jiang Ji replied: "I have seen no other good things; I have only seen words that will ruin the state." The Wei Emperor angrily changed color and asked him the reason. Jiang Ji explained in detail, then said: "‘Dispensing favors and exercising authority’—the Book of Documents clearly warns against this. The Son of Heaven has no frivolous words; the ancients were very cautious about this. I hope Your Majesty will examine it!" The Wei Emperor immediately sent someone to retrieve the previous edict.

The Wei emperor wanted to relocate one hundred thousand households of the soldiers' families from Jizhou to populate Henan. At the time, there was a drought and a locust plague, and the people were starving. The various departments all considered this action impossible, but the emperor's resolve was extremely firm. Attendant-in-Ordinary Xin Pi, together with the high ministers of the court, sought an audience. The emperor, knowing they intended to remonstrate, put on a stern expression and waited for them. The assembled officials dared not speak. Xin Pi said, "Your Majesty wishes to relocate the soldiers' families—how did this plan come about?" The emperor replied, "Do you think I am wrong to relocate them?" Xin Pi said, "I indeed think it is wrong." The emperor said, "I will not discuss this with you." Xin Pi said, "Your Majesty does not consider me incompetent and has placed me by your side, among the ranks of advisors—how can you not discuss it with me! What I have said is not a private matter, but a consideration for the state—how can you be angry with me over this!" The emperor did not answer, rose, and went into the inner chamber. Xin Pi followed and tugged at his robe. The emperor then forcefully shook off his garment and did not look back. After a long time, he came out and said, "Zuo Zhi, why must you press me so urgently!" Xin Pi said, "If we relocate now, we will lose the people's hearts, and moreover, there is no grain to feed them. Therefore, I dare not refrain from vehemently remonstrating." The emperor then relocated only half. The emperor once went out to hunt pheasants. Turning to his ministers, he said, "How delightful it is to hunt pheasants!" Xin Pi replied, "It is delightful for Your Majesty, but it is hard labor for your subjects." The emperor fell silent, and afterward, he rarely went out hunting.

Second year of Emperor Wen's reign (Xinchou year, 221 AD)

Spring, first month. Appointed Langzhong Kong Xian as Zongsheng Hou to preside over the sacrifices to Confucius.

Third month. Enfeoffed Liaodong Grand Administrator Gongsun Gong as General of Chariots and Cavalry.

Began to restore the use of the five-zhu coin.

In Shu, rumors spread that Emperor Xian of Han had been killed. The Prince of Hanzhong therefore issued mourning, donned mourning garments, and posthumously conferred the title of Emperor Xiaomin. The assembled ministers vied with one another to speak of auspicious omens and portents, urging the Prince of Hanzhong to proclaim himself emperor. Former Department Commander Fei Shi submitted a memorial, saying: "Your Highness, because the Cao family, father and son, coerced the sovereign and usurped the imperial throne, you therefore fled ten thousand li away, gathered troops, and prepared to punish the rebels. Now the great enemy has not yet been conquered, yet you would first establish yourself as emperor—I fear the people's hearts will be confused. In former times, the Gaozu made a pact with the men of Chu: whoever first broke into Qin would be king. When he took Xianyang and captured Ziying, he still harbored a yielding and deferential heart. How much more so now, when Your Highness has not yet even stepped outside your gate, that you would want to establish yourself as emperor! Your foolish subject indeed does not think Your Highness should do this." The Prince of Hanzhong was displeased and demoted Fei Shi to a position as an officer in Yongchang. Summer, fourth month, Bingwu day. The Prince of Hanzhong ascended the imperial throne south of Mount Wudan, granted a general amnesty, and changed the era name to Zhangwu. He appointed Zhuge Liang as Chancellor and Xu Jing as Minister over the Masses.

Your servant Sima Guang says: Heaven gives birth to the multitude of people. Their circumstances being such that they cannot govern themselves, they must jointly support a single sovereign to govern them. If he can prohibit violence and eliminate harm to preserve their lives, reward good and punish evil so that they are not thrown into chaos, then he can be called a sovereign. Therefore, before the Three Dynasties of Xia, Shang, and Zhou, the feudal lords within the seas, numbering tens of thousands of states, those who possessed people and altars of soil and grain were all called sovereigns. He who united the ten thousand states and ruled over them, established laws, issued commands, and whom none in the world dared to defy—this was called a king. After the king's virtue declined, a strong state that could lead the feudal lords to honor the Son of Heaven was called a hegemon. Thus, from ancient times, when the Way was absent in the world, the feudal lords contended by force, and some dynasties lacked a king for generations—this was originally common. After the Qin burned the books and buried the scholars alive, the Han arose, and scholars began to deduce the mutual generation and conquest of the Five Powers, considering the Qin to be an intercalary position, between the Wood and Fire Powers—a hegemon but not a king—and thus the theory of legitimate and intercalary succession arose. When the Han fell, the Three Kingdoms stood as a tripod. When the Jin lost control, the Five Hu arose like a chaotic cloud. Under the Song and Wei, the north and south were divided and governed separately, each having its own state histories, mutually denigrating one another—the south called the north the "Caitiff of the Su rope," the north called the south the "Island Barbarians." When the Zhu clan replaced the Tang, the four quarters split apart; Zhu Xie entered Bianliang, comparable to Wang Mang's Xin dynasty; the calendar and year-count were both discarded and not calculated. All this arose from biased, partial views and is not the impartial, just general discourse. Your servant, dull-witted, is truly incapable of distinguishing the legitimate and intercalary successions of previous dynasties. I privately think that if the Nine Provinces cannot be united into one whole, then all states have the title of Son of Heaven but lack the reality of a Son of Heaven. Although there are differences in benevolence and cruelty, size and strength between Hua-Xia and the barbarians, sometimes differing, yet in general they are no different from the ancient feudal states. How can we uniquely exalt and reward one state, calling it the legitimate succession, and consider all the rest as usurping and counterfeit! If one takes the legitimate succession as that which is transmitted and received from above, then from whom did the Chen clan receive it? From whom did the Tuoba clan receive it? If one takes the legitimate succession as that which occupies the Central Plains of Hua-Xia, then the lands obtained by Liu Yuan, Shi Le, Murong Huang, Fu Jian, Yao Chang, and Helian Bobo were all the ancient capitals of the Five Emperors and Three Kings. If one takes the legitimate succession as that which possesses virtue, then even a small state must have had wise sovereigns. In the final years of the Three Dynasties of Xia, Shang, and Zhou, were there no depraved sovereigns? Therefore, the theory of legitimate and intercalary succession, from ancient times to the present, has never been able to penetrate its principles and establish it so firmly that no one can change their view. What your servant now narrates is merely to set forth the rise and fall of states, to record the joys and sorrows of the people, and to allow those who read to choose for themselves the good and evil, the gain and loss, as exhortation and warning. It is not like the Spring and Autumn Annals, which established rules of praise and blame to bring order back from chaos to righteousness. The matter of legitimate and intercalary succession is not something I dare to presume to know. I merely set forth according to the facts of their achievements. Zhou, Qin, Han, Jin, Sui, and Tang all at one time united the Nine Provinces and transmitted the succession to their descendants. Though their descendants were weak and scattered, they still inherited the foundations of their ancestors, with the hope of restoration. Those who contended with them from the four quarters were all their former subjects. Therefore, I treat them entirely with the system of the Son of Heaven. As for the rest, whose territories were equal and whose virtue was matched, who could not achieve unity, whose titles were not different, and who were originally not in a relationship of ruler and subject, I treat them all with the system of feudal states, on an equal footing, with no deprecation or exaltation, hoping not to deviate from the facts and to approach the utmost fairness. Nevertheless, when the world is divided, it cannot be without years, seasons, months, and days to record the order of events. According to the fact that Han transmitted the succession to Wei and Jin received it; Jin transmitted the succession to Song and down to Chen, and Sui took it; Tang transmitted the succession to Liang and down to Zhou, and the Great Song inherited it—therefore, I have no choice but to adopt the era names of Wei, Jin, Song, Qi, Liang, Chen, Later Liang, Later Tang, Later Jin, Later Han, and Later Zhou to record the affairs of the various states. This is not to honor one and disparage another, with a distinction of legitimate and intercalary succession. The Han of Emperor Zhaolie, although said to be a descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan, yet his clan relationship was distant, and his line of generations and titles could not be recorded. It is also like Song Gaozu claiming to be a descendant of Prince Yuan of Chu, or the Liezu of Southern Tang claiming to be a descendant of Prince Ke of Wu—right and wrong are difficult to distinguish. Therefore, I dare not draw an analogy with Emperor Guangwu or Emperor Yuan of Jin, enabling him to succeed to the legacy left by Han.

Sun Quan moved his capital from Gong'an to E and changed the name of E to Wuchang.

Fifth month. Xin Si day. The Han sovereign established Lady Wu as empress. The empress was the younger sister of Lieutenant-General Wu Yi and formerly the wife of Liu Zhang's elder brother Liu Mao. He established his son Liu Shan as heir-apparent. He took the daughter of General of Chariots and Cavalry Zhang Fei as the heir-apparent's consort.

7 When Taizu entered Yecheng, Emperor Wen served as Chief Commandant of the Five Offices. He saw Yuan Xi's wife, a woman of Zhongshan named Lady Zhen, who was beautiful of countenance, and conceived a love for her. Taizu had her wedded to him. She gave birth to a son, Cao Rui. When Emperor Wen ascended the imperial throne, Guo Guifei of Anping gained favor. Lady Zhen, left behind in Yecheng, could not see the emperor. She was disheartened and uttered resentful words. Guo Guifei slandered her to the emperor. The emperor was greatly angered. On the Dingmao day of the sixth month, the emperor sent an envoy to command Lady Zhen to commit suicide.

8 Because the ancestral temple was in Yecheng, Emperor Wen sacrificed to Taizu at the Jianshi Hall in Luoyang, using the rites of a family sacrifice.

On the day guisi at the end of the month, a solar eclipse occurred. The relevant officials submitted a memorial requesting the dismissal of the Grand Commandant. Emperor Wen issued an edict, saying: “The occurrence of calamities and anomalies is meant to reprimand the Son of Heaven, yet the blame is shifted to the high ministers—how does this accord with the original intent of Yu of Xia and Tang of Shang, who took the blame upon themselves! I order the hundred officials to reverently fulfill their respective duties. Henceforth, if there are any calamities or anomalies in heaven and earth, do not again impeach the Three Dukes.”

The Han ruler Liu Bei established his son Liu Yong as the Prince of Lu and Liu Li as the Prince of Liang.

The Han ruler felt humiliated by Guan Yu’s death and prepared to attack Sun Quan. General of the Wings Army Zhao Yun said: “The national enemy is Cao Cao, not Sun Quan. If we first destroy Wei, then Sun Quan will naturally submit. Now, although Cao Cao is dead, his son Cao Pi has usurped the imperial throne. We should conform to the people’s hearts and early plan to seize Guanzhong, occupy the upper reaches of the Yellow and Wei Rivers to campaign against the treacherous rebels. The loyal and righteous men east of the Pass will surely carry dry provisions and spur their horses to welcome the royal army. It is not right to set aside Wei and first engage Wu in battle. Once the armies clash, it cannot be quickly concluded—this is not the best strategy.” Among the ministers, many remonstrated, but the Han ruler did not heed them. The recluse Qin Mi of Guanghan presented arguments that the timing of heaven would certainly be unfavorable, and was imprisoned. He was later pardoned and released.

Initially, the Chariot and Cavalry General Zhang Fei was second only to Guan Yu in valor and might; Guan Yu treated his soldiers well but was arrogant toward scholar-officials, while Zhang Fei respected and honored gentlemen but did not care for his troops. The Han ruler often cautioned Zhang Fei, saying: “Your use of punishment and executions is already excessive, and you daily flog your strong warriors yet keep them by your side—this is a way to invite disaster.” Zhang Fei still did not correct himself. When the Han ruler was about to campaign against Sun Quan, Zhang Fei was to lead ten thousand men from Langzhong to rendezvous at Jiangzhou. As he was about to set out, his subordinate generals Zhang Da and Fan Qiang killed Zhang Fei, took his head, and went downstream to defect to Sun Quan. When the Han ruler heard that the commander of Zhang Fei’s camp had submitted a memorial, he said: “Alas, Zhang Fei is dead!”

Chen Shou’s commentary says: Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were both acclaimed as having the strength to stand against ten thousand enemies, and were tiger-like generals of their age. Guan Yu requited Cao Cao’s kindness, and Zhang Fei released Yan Yan in righteousness—both had the demeanor of national stalwarts. Yet Guan Yu was headstrong and arrogant, and Zhang Fei was cruel without showing favor; they brought about their own defeat due to their shortcomings, which is a principle of constancy.

In autumn, the seventh month, the Han ruler personally led the various armies to attack Sun Quan. Sun Quan sent an envoy to sue for peace with Han. The Grand Administrator of Nan Commandery, Zhuge Jin, wrote a letter to the Han ruler, saying: “Your Majesty, how does the affection for Guan Yu compare with that for the late Emperor? How does the size of Jingzhou compare with the realm? Should the same hatred be addressed, which comes first and which later? If you understand these principles, the matter will be as easy as turning over your hand.” The Han ruler did not heed him. At that time, some said that Zhuge Jin had sent a separate trusted person to communicate secretly with the Han ruler. Sun Quan said: “Ziyu and I have a vow that remains unbroken through life and death. Ziyu will not betray me, just as I will not betray him.” Yet slanderous words spread outside, and Lu Xun submitted a memorial stating that Zhuge Jin surely had no such involvement, and that some gesture should be made to dispel his doubts. Sun Quan replied: “Ziyu has worked with me for many years, our kindness as close as bone and flesh, and we deeply understand each other. His character is such that he does not do what is contrary to righteousness, nor does he say what is contrary to righteousness. When Liu Bei formerly sent Kongming to Wu, I once said to Ziyu: ‘You and Kongming are brothers, and moreover, a younger brother following his elder brother is proper in principle. Why not keep Kongming? If Kongming stays to follow you, I will write to Liu Bei to explain—it is merely a matter of following one’s wishes.’ Ziyu replied to me, saying: ‘My younger brother Zhuge Liang has already entrusted himself to another. Since the status is fixed, according to righteousness he cannot have two minds. My younger brother not staying is like my not going to join him.’ His words were enough to move the spirits—how could such a thing happen now! Previously, I received a false document and immediately sealed it to show Ziyu, and wrote to him personally. Ziyu and I can be said to have a spiritual friendship, not something outsiders can sow discord in. I know your sincerity, so I have sealed your memorial to show Ziyu, letting him know your intent.”

The Han ruler sent Generals Wu Ban and Feng Xi to defeat Sun Quan’s generals Li Yi and Liu A and others at Wu County, advanced to Zigui, with forces numbering over forty thousand. The barbarians of Wuling all sent envoys to request the dispatch of troops. Sun Quan appointed General of the West Town Lu Xun as Grand Commander-in-Chief, with authority to act on his behalf (jiajie), to command Generals Zhu Ran, Pan Zhang, Song Qian, Han Dang, Xu Sheng, Xianyu Dan, Sun Huan, and others, with fifty thousand men to resist.

The emperor’s younger brothers—Marquis of Yancheng Cao Zhang, Marquis of Wan Cao Ju, Marquis of Luyang Cao Yu, Marquis of Qiao Cao Lin, Marquis of Zan Cao Gun, Marquis of Xiangyi Cao Jun, Marquis of Hongnong Cao Gan, Marquis of Shouchun Cao Biao, Marquis of Licheng Cao Hui, and Marquis of Pingyu Cao Mao—were all advanced to the rank of duke; the Marquis of Anxiang Cao Zhi was transferred to be Marquis of Juancheng.

The Lingyun Terrace was constructed.

Initially, Emperor Wen issued an edict for the assembled ministers to guess whether Liu Bei would raise troops to avenge Guan Yu against Sun Quan. The consensus said: “Shu is a small state; its only famous general was Guan Yu. Guan Yu is dead, its army is broken, and within the state there is anxiety and fear—there is no reason to send out troops again.” Only Attendant Censor Liu Ye said: “Although Shu is narrow and weak, Liu Bei’s plan is to use martial prowess to strengthen himself, and he will inevitably deploy troops to display an excess of strength. Moreover, Guan Yu and Liu Bei, in righteousness, are lord and subject, and in kindness, are like father and son. If Guan Yu dies and he cannot raise troops to take revenge, then in the matter of beginning and end, there will be a deficiency.”

In the eighth month, Sun Quan sent an envoy to Wei to acknowledge submission, presenting a memorial with humble words, and returning Yu Jin and others. The court officials all came to congratulate, only Liu Ye said: “Sun Quan’s surrender without cause must be due to an internal emergency. Sun Quan previously attacked and killed Guan Yu, so Liu Bei will certainly raise a great army to punish him. With a powerful enemy outside, the hearts of the people are uneasy, and he also fears that Wei might take advantage of his weaknesses. Therefore, he offers land and requests surrender—first, to withdraw Wei’s army, and second, to borrow Wei’s aid to bolster his own momentum and deceive the enemy. The realm is divided into three; Wei possesses eight-tenths of it. Wu and Shu each hold one province, relying on mountain and river barriers, and in times of crisis they rescue each other—this is the benefit of small states. Now they are attacking each other; this is Heaven’s intent to destroy them. We should raise a great army, cross the Yangtze directly, and assault Wu. With Shu attacking from outside and us from inside, Wu’s destruction will not take more than a fortnight. If Wu is destroyed, Shu will be isolated. If we cede half of Wu to Shu, Shu originally could not last long, to say nothing of Shu obtaining only the outer part of Wu while we obtain the inner part!” Emperor Wen said: “If someone comes to submit and surrender, yet we attack him, it will cause those throughout the realm who wish to submit to become suspicious. It would be better to temporarily accept Wu’s surrender and instead attack Shu from the rear.” Liu Ye replied: “Shu is distant and Wu is near. Moreover, if they hear that Wei is attacking them, they will turn back their army, which cannot be prevented. Now Liu Bei is already angry and has raised troops to attack Wu. If he hears that we are attacking Wu, knowing that Wu will certainly be destroyed, he will joyfully advance to contend with us for the spoils of Wu’s territory, and certainly will not change his mind or suppress his anger to rescue Wu.” Emperor Wen did not heed him, and thus accepted Wu’s surrender.

Yu Jin’s hair and beard were white as snow, and his countenance was haggard. When he saw Emperor Wen, he wept and kowtowed. Emperor Wen comforted him with the stories of Xun Linfu and Meng Mingshi, appointed him General of Pacifying the Distant, and ordered him to go north to Yecheng to pay respects at the Gao Mausoleum. The emperor had previously painted scenes in the mausoleum chamber of Guan Yu’s victory, Pang De’s anger, and Yu Jin’s surrender and submission. When Yu Jin saw them, he was ashamed and enraged, fell ill, and died.

Your servant Sima Guang says: Yu Jin led a force of tens of thousands, but when defeated, he could not die for his principles; he lived to surrender to the enemy, and later returned. Emperor Wen could have deposed him, or could have killed him, but to paint pictures in the mausoleum chamber to humiliate him—this is not the conduct of a ruler!

On the day ding-si, the Grand Master of Ceremonies Xing Zhen was sent with a patent to confer upon Sun Quan the title of King of Wu, and to grant him the Nine Bestowals. Liu Ye said: “This cannot be done. The late Emperor campaigned throughout the empire, annexing eight-tenths of its territory, and his might shook the seas within the four borders. Your Majesty, having received the abdication and ascended the imperial throne, has virtue equal to Heaven and Earth, and your fame spreads to all directions. Although Sun Quan has great talents and bold strategies, he was merely a General of Agile Cavalry and Marquis of Nanchang under the former Han dynasty—his office was lowly and his rank mean. The gentry and common people fear Wei and cannot be forced to accomplish what they scheme. Having no choice but to accept his surrender, you may promote his general’s title and enfeoff him as a marquis with a hundred thousand households, but you cannot immediately enfeoff him as a king. The position of a king is only one step from that of the Son of Heaven; his rites, emoluments, chariots and robes would then be mixed with those of the emperor. He is merely a marquis, and the gentry and people south of the Great River have no ruler-subject relationship with him. If we believe in his feigned submission and enfeoff him, elevating his title and confirming his ruler-subject relationship, it is like adding wings to a tiger. Once Sun Quan accepts the kingly rank, after repelling the Shu forces, he will outwardly observe all propriety in serving Wei, letting his entire state hear of it, but inwardly he will act without ritual to anger Your Majesty. If Your Majesty becomes furious and raises troops to punish him, he will then slowly tell his people: ‘I bent my body to serve Wei, sparing no precious goods or valuable treasures, offering tribute at every turn, daring not to neglect the duty of a subject. Yet Wei attacks me without cause—it must intend to ruin my state and enslave my people.’ The people of Wu will have no reason to disbelieve him. Believing him, they will be moved to anger; united above and below, their fighting strength will increase tenfold.” Emperor Wen again did not listen. The various generals, because Wu had submitted, all relaxed their vigilance. Only the General Who Conquers the South, Xiahou Shang, further repaired both offensive and defensive equipment. Cao Wei of Shanyang, who had long been known for his talent, upon hearing that Wu had declared itself a vassal, corresponded as a commoner with the King of Wu seeking bribes, intending to make connections with people in the capital. When Emperor Wen heard of this, he had Cao Wei executed.

Wu also built a city at Wuchang.

Initially, Emperor Wen wanted to appoint Yang Biao as Grand Commandant. Yang Biao declined, saying: “I once served as one of the Three Dukes of Han. Meeting with a time of decline and chaos, I could not establish even a single merit. If I were again to become a subject of Wei, it would not bring glory to the state’s selection of officials.” Emperor Wen then desisted. In winter, on the day ji-hai of the tenth month, the high ministers, when they assembled at court at dawn, were all brought before Yang Biao, treating him with the rites due a guest. They granted him the Staff of Prolonged Years and a leaning table, allowing him to attend court in a plain cloth robe and a skin cap. He was appointed Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, with a salary of two thousand bushels. When at court, his seat was below the Three Dukes. An order was also issued to set up a barrier before his gate and station attendants, to show preferential honor. Yang Biao died at the age of eighty-four.

Because grain prices were high, the five-shu coin was abolished.

The Lushui Hu of Liangzhou, led by Zhi Duo and others, rebelled, and the Hexi region fell into great disorder. Emperor Wen recalled Zou Qi and appointed the Grand Administrator of Jingzhao, Zhang Ji, as Inspector of Liangzhou, sending the Protector of the Army, Xiahou Ru, and General Fei Yao to follow up. The Hu, with over seven thousand cavalry, blocked Zhang Ji at the Zhanyin Pass. Zhang Ji announced that he would advance through Zhanyin, but secretly marched from Qieci County toward Wuwei. The Hu thought he was a spirit and withdrew to Xianmei County. After Zhang Ji occupied Wuwei, Fei Yao arrived, but Xiahou Ru and the others had not yet come. Zhang Ji comforted and rewarded the officers and troops, intending to advance and attack the Hu. The various generals said: “The soldiers are exhausted, and the enemy’s morale is high—it is difficult to contend with them.” Zhang Ji said: “Now the army has no ready grain; we must rely on the enemy’s supplies to replenish ourselves. If the enemy sees our forces assembled and withdraws to defend the deep mountains, and we pursue them, the roads will be perilous and our grain cut off; if we withdraw, they will come out to plunder and intercept us. Thus the campaign will never end. This is what is meant by ‘letting the enemy go for one day brings disaster for several generations.’” So he advanced to Xianmei. In the eleventh month, several thousand Hu cavalry, taking advantage of a strong wind, tried to set the camp on fire, and the officers and troops were all terrified. That night Zhang Ji ambushed three thousand elite troops and ordered the Assistant Colonel, Cheng Gongying, to lead a thousand or more cavalry to challenge the enemy, commanding them to feign retreat. The Hu indeed vied to pursue them. Zhang Ji then unleashed the ambush to cut off their rear, attacking from front and back, greatly defeating the Hu, cutting off and capturing tens of thousands. The Hexi region was entirely pacified.

Later, Qu Guang of Xiping rebelled and killed the Grand Administrator. The various generals wanted to attack him. Zhang Ji said: “Only Qu Guang and his followers have rebelled; the people of the commandery are not necessarily all with them. If we immediately press them with a large army, the officials, people, Qiang, and Hu will certainly think the court does not distinguish right from wrong, and will instead unite them, which is like adding wings to a tiger. Qu Guang and the others wish to use the Qiang and Hu as support. Now first let the Qiang and Hu plunder and attack, offering heavy rewards and recruiting, and give them all the captured goods. Outwardly, we will break their momentum; inwardly, we will estrange their allies. Thus we will surely pacify them without battle.” So he issued proclamations to the various Qiang tribes, pardoning those implicated by Qu Guang and the others, and promising rewards to those who could kill the rebel leaders and send their heads. Thereupon Qu Guang’s partisans killed Qu Guang and sent his head, and the rest remained peaceful as before.

Xing Zhen arrived in Wu. The Wu people thought that the King of Wu should call himself Supreme General and Lord of the Nine Provinces, and not accept Wei’s enfeoffment. The King of Wu said: “Lord of the Nine Provinces—in ancient times it was unheard of. In the past, the Duke of Pei also accepted Xiang Yu’s enfeoffment as King of Han; this is merely going along with the circumstances—what harm is there!” So he accepted the title. The King of Wu went out of the city to the post station to wait for Xing Zhen. When Xing Zhen entered the gate, he did not descend from his carriage. Zhang Zhao said to Xing Zhen: “Propriety does not neglect reverence; law does not neglect enforcement. Yet you dare to be arrogantly self-important—is it because the south of the Great River is weak and lacks even an inch of steel?” Xing Zhen immediately hurriedly descended from his carriage. The Commandant of the Palace Guard, Xu Sheng of Langya, was deeply indignant. Turning to his colleagues, he said: “We cannot risk our lives to swallow up Xuchang and Luoyang for the state, or occupy Ba and Shu, but instead make our lord form an alliance with Xing Zhen—is this not a disgrace!” As he spoke, tears streamed down his face. When Xing Zhen heard this, he said to his attendants: “With generals and ministers like these in Jiangdong, they will not long be content to dwell beneath others.”

The King of Wu sent the Grand Master of the Palace, Zhao Zi of Nanyang, to present thanks at court. Emperor Wen asked him: “What kind of ruler is the King of Wu?” Zhao Zi replied: “A ruler of intelligence, benevolence, wisdom, and great talent and strategy.” Emperor Wen asked for details. He replied: “Selecting Lu Su from among commoners—this is his intelligence. Promoting Lü Meng from the ranks—this is his wisdom. Capturing Yu Jin without harming him—this is his benevolence. Taking Jingzhou without bloodying a blade—this is his wisdom. Occupying three provinces and gazing fiercely upon the world—this is his great talent. Bending his body to serve Your Majesty—this is his strategy.” Emperor Wen said: “Does the King of Wu have much learning?” Zhao Zi said: “The King of Wu has ten thousand warships, a million armored soldiers, employs the worthy and capable, and sets his mind on planning and strategy. Though he has leisure time, he also extensively reads the classics and histories, peruses historical records, and culls extraordinary tales—unlike scholars who merely pick phrases and sentences.” Emperor Wen said: “Can Wu be attacked?” Zhao Zi replied: “Great states have armies for punitive campaigns; small states have defenses that are secure.” Emperor Wen said: “Does Wu fear Wei?” He replied: “With a million armored soldiers, and the Yangzi and Han Rivers as moats, what is there to fear?” Emperor Wen said: “How many men like you are there in Wu?” He replied: “Those of outstanding intelligence number eighty or ninety; those like me, you could measure by the cartload and count by the peck—they are too many to number.”

Emperor Wen sent an envoy to Wu to demand sparrow-head incense, large cowries, bright pearls, ivory, rhinoceros horn, hawksbill turtle, peacocks, kingfishers, fighting ducks, and long-crowing fowl. The Wu officials said: “Jingzhou and Yangzhou present tribute according to fixed ritual regulations. These precious curiosities that Wei demands are not in accord with ritual; we should not give them.” The King of Wu said: “We are now engaged in warfare in the northwest, and the people south of the Great River rely on their lord for their livelihood. What they demand—to us they are but tiles and pebbles; why should I grudge them? Moreover, they are still in mourning, yet they demand such things—can one discuss ritual with them!” So he prepared everything and gave it to them.

22 The King of Wu appointed his son Sun Deng as heir apparent, carefully selecting his tutors and companions. He designated Zhuge Ke, son of the Southern Commandery Administrator Zhuge Jin; Zhang Xiu, son of Suiyuan General Zhang Zhao; Gu Tan, son of the Grand Judge Gu Yong of Wu Commandery; and Chen Biao, son of Pian General Chen Wu of Lujiang Commandery, all as Zhongshuzi (palace attendants). They entered the palace to teach the Book of Poetry and the Book of Documents, and when going out, they followed in horsemanship and archery. They were called the "Four Friends." Sun Deng treated his subordinates largely with the etiquette of commoners.

23 In the twelfth month, the Emperor Wen traveled eastward on an inspection tour.

24 The Emperor Wen wished to enfeoff Sun Deng, the son of the King of Wu, as a marquis with a fief of ten thousand households. The King of Wu, citing Sun Deng's youth, submitted a memorial declining the honor and refused to accept it. He also sent West Bureau Chief Shen Heng of Wu Commandery to the court to express gratitude and present local products. The Emperor Wen asked him, "Does Wu resent Wei's eastward campaign?" Shen Heng replied, "It does not resent it." The Emperor Wen said, "Why?" Shen Heng answered, "Because we trust in the old alliance, and both sides are on good terms; therefore, we do not resent it. If Wei violates the covenant, we naturally have our defenses." The Emperor Wen then asked, "I hear the heir apparent is coming—is that true?" Shen Heng said, "When I was at the court of Eastern Wu, I did not sit at court assemblies nor attend banquets. I have never heard such discussions." The Emperor Wen considered his response excellent.

The King of Wu was drinking at the Fishing Terrace in Wuchang. He became heavily intoxicated and ordered water to be sprinkled on his assembled officials, saying, "Today we drink to our hearts' content—only when we are all drunk and fallen in the terrace shall we stop!" Zhang Zhao, with a stern face, said nothing, walked out of the gate, and sat in his carriage. The King of Wu sent for Zhang Zhao to return and said to him, "We are only enjoying ourselves together—why are you angry?" Zhang Zhao replied, "In the past, King Zhou of Shang built a pond of wine and a forest of meat, drinking all night long. At that time, he too considered it pleasure and did not think it evil." The King of Wu fell silent, felt ashamed, and then stopped the drinking party.

The King of Wu was drinking with his officials and personally rose to offer a toast. Yu Fan lay prone on the ground, pretending to be too drunk to hold his cup. After the King of Wu left, Yu Fan sat up again. The King of Wu, greatly enraged, drew his sword to kill him. All those attending in his presence were panic-stricken. Only the Grand Minister of Agriculture Liu Qi rose, embraced the King of Wu, and remonstrated, saying, "The King, after drinking three cups, personally kills a worthy scholar. Even if Yu Fan is guilty, who in the world would know? Moreover, because the King can tolerate talent and nurture the masses, people from all over flock to him. Now, to cast this aside in an instant—how can that be done!" The King of Wu said, "Cao Mengde (Cao Cao) killed Kong Wenju (Kong Rong). What concern have I for Yu Fan?" Liu Qi said, "Mengde lightly killed a scholar, and the whole world condemned him. The King personally promotes virtue and righteousness, aiming to rival Yao and Shun in prosperity. How can you compare yourself to him?" Thus, Yu Fan was spared from death. The King of Wu then warned his attendants, "From now on, if I, after drinking, say someone should be killed, do not carry it out." Liu Qi was the son of Liu Yao.

25 Initially, after Grand Progenitor Cao Cao defeated Tadun, the Wuhuan gradually declined. The Xianbei chieftains Budugen, Kebineng, Suli, Mijia, and Jueji sent tribute through Yan Rou, requesting trade. The Grand Progenitor memorialized the throne to enfeoff them as kings. Kebineng was originally from a small Xianbei tribe. Because of his bravery, strength, incorruptibility, and fairness, he was trusted by his people, and thus he was able to overawe other tribes and became the most powerful. From the east of Yunzhong and Wuyuan all the way to the Liao River, all was Xianbei territory. Kebineng, Suli, and Mijia divided the land and ruled it, each with their own borders. Kebineng's tribe was close to the frontier, and many people from the Central Plains fled to join him. Suli and the others were beyond the passes of Liaoxi, Youbeiping, and Yuyang, far away, so they did not become a border threat. The Emperor Wen appointed Pinglu Colonel Qian Zhao as Protector of the Xianbei and Nanyang Prefect Tian Yu as Protector of the Wuhuan, ordering them to pacify and stabilize the borders.

Third year of Emperor Wen (Ren Yin year, AD 222)

1 Spring, first month, on the bingyin day of the first month, a solar eclipse occurred.

2 On the gengwu day, the Emperor Wen traveled to Xuchang.

3 An imperial edict said: "Today's accountants and filial and incorrupt candidates are the tribute scholars of ancient times. If we limit selection by age, then Lü Shang and Zhou Jin would not have been distinguished in former times. Order the commanderies and kingdoms to select talent without restraint regarding age or youth. Confucian scholars must be versed in the classics, and officials must be familiar with legal statutes. After they assume office, they are to be tested. The relevant officials are to investigate those who do not select according to actual circumstances."

4 Second month, the kings of Shanshan, Qiuci, and Yutian each sent envoys to present tribute. From then on, the Western Regions reestablished communication with the Central Plains, and the Office of the Wuji Colonel was established.

5 The Han ruler Liu Bei, from Zigui, prepared to advance to attack Wu. The Chief Officer of Governance Huang Quan remonstrated, saying, "The men of Wu are skilled in war, and their navy moves downstream—advancing is easy, but retreating is difficult. I request to lead the vanguard to resist the enemy, while Your Majesty should remain in the rear to hold command." The Han ruler did not heed this. He appointed Huang Quan as General Who Pacifies the North and ordered him to command the various armies north of the Yangzi River. He himself led the generals, crossing the mountains along the south bank of the river, and encamped at Xiaoting in Yidao. The Wu generals all wanted to attack. Lu Xun said, "Liu Bei leads his entire army eastward, and their spirit is fierce. Moreover, they occupy the heights and hold the strategic passes, making it difficult to attack immediately. Even if we succeed in an assault, it would be hard to achieve a complete victory. If we suffer a defeat, it would harm our overall situation—this is no small matter. Now we should only encourage the officers and men, broadly employ stratagems, and observe their changes. If this were a plain and open field, we might still fear the trouble of pursuit and flight. Now they march along the mountains, and their forces cannot be deployed. They will naturally tire among the trees and rocks. We can slowly seek their weaknesses." The generals did not understand and believed that Lu Xun feared Liu Bei, each harboring resentment.

The Han army, from Hengshan, opened a road to Wuling and sent Palace Attendant Ma Liang of Xiangyang to reward the various Man and Yi tribes of the Five Streams with gold, silver, and brocade, granting them offices and titles.

6 Third month, on the yichou day, the imperial son, the Duke of Qi, Cao Rui, was established as the Prince of Pingyuan, and the imperial younger brother, the Duke of Yancheng, Cao Zhang, and others were all promoted to prince. On the jiaxu day, the imperial son Cao Lin was established as the Prince of Hedong.

7 On the jiawu day, the Emperor traveled to Xiangyi.

8 Summer, fourth month, on the wushen day, the Marquis of Juancheng, Cao Zhi, was established as the Prince of Juancheng. At this time, the various princes all had only the empty name of a fief without actual power. Each kingdom had about a hundred veteran soldiers as guards. They were cut off from the capital by a thousand li and were not permitted to have audiences with the Emperor or to exchange visits. The court established defense assistants and surveillance officials to monitor them. Although the princes bore the titles of prince or marquis, their status was equivalent to commoners, and they wished to be ordinary people but could not achieve it. The laws were both strict and harsh, and the faults and crimes of the princes were daily reported. Only the Prince of Beihai, Cao Gun, was cautious and studious, never having any faults. The Literary Officer and defense assistant consulted together, saying, "We are ordered to monitor the prince's actions. If there are faults, we should report them; if there are good deeds, we should also report them." Thus, they jointly submitted a memorial praising and recounting Cao Gun's virtues. When Cao Gun heard this, he was greatly alarmed and reproached the Literary Officer, saying, "Cultivating oneself and maintaining integrity—this is merely the conduct of an ordinary person. Yet you gentlemen have reported this to the court. This only adds to my burden and trouble. Moreover, if there are good deeds, why worry that they will not be known? To be in a hurry to do this together is not beneficial to me."

9 On the guihai day, the Emperor returned to Xuchang.

10 Fifth month, the eight commanderies south of the Yangzi River were established as Jing Province, and the commanderies north of the Yangzi River were established as Ying Province.

The Shu-Han army set up a chain of camps from Wu Gorge and Jianping all the way to the border of Yiling, establishing several dozen military garrisons. They appointed Feng Xi as Grand Commander and Zhang Nan as Forward Commander. From the first month they confronted the Wu forces, and by the sixth month they had still not decided victory or defeat. The Shu-Han ruler, Liu Bei, sent Wu Ban with several thousand men to build a camp on flat ground. The Wu commanders all wanted to attack him, but Lu Xun said, "There must be trickery in this; let us observe for a while." When Liu Bei saw that his plan could not succeed, he led eight thousand ambush troops out from the valleys. Lu Xun said, "The reason I did not follow your advice to attack Wu Ban was that I suspected he surely had a clever stratagem." Lu Xun submitted a memorial to Wu king Sun Quan, saying: "Yiling is a strategically vital point, the gateway to the state. Although it is easy to seize, it is also easy to lose. If lost, it is not merely a loss of one commandery's land; Jingzhou itself becomes worthy of concern. Now, in contending for this place, we must succeed. Liu Bei defies Heaven's principles, does not rest secure in his lair, and dares to come personally to his death. Though I lack talent, relying on Your Majesty's divine prestige, attacking the rebellious with the righteous, defeating them is imminent, and there is nothing to worry about. I initially feared they would advance by both water and land. Now they have instead abandoned their ships and taken to the land route, building camps everywhere. Observing their dispositions, they surely have no other changes in store. I hope Your Majesty can rest easy on your high pillow and need not be concerned."

In the intercalary sixth month, Lu Xun was about to attack the Shu-Han army. All the generals said, "Attacking Liu Bei should have been done in the early stages. Now they have been allowed to penetrate five or six hundred li deep and have held out for seven or eight months. Those vital points have all been firmly defended. Attacking them will surely bring no benefit." Lu Xun said, "Liu Bei is a cunning enemy. He has experienced many things. When his army first gathered, his thoughts were careful and focused, and he could not be challenged. Now they have stalled for a long time and have gained no advantage over us. The soldiers are exhausted, their morale is depressed, and they can think of no more strategies. To strike this enemy simultaneously is precisely today." So he first attacked one camp but did not prevail. All the generals said, "It is a waste of soldiers for nothing!" Lu Xun said, "I already know the method to defeat them." He then ordered each man to take a bundle of thatch, use fire to attack, and took the camp. Once the battle momentum was established, he led the entire army to attack all at once, beheading Zhang Nan, Feng Xi, and the Hu king Shamoke, among others, and breaking over forty of their camps. The Shu-Han generals Du Lu and Liu Ning, with no way out, requested to surrender.

Liu Bei climbed Mount Ma'an and deployed his troops to surround and protect himself. Lu Xun urged all the various units to press in from all sides. The Shu army collapsed like a tile disintegrating; the dead and wounded numbered in the tens of thousands. Liu Bei fled by night. The postal station attendants carried burning armor and weapons on their shoulders to cover the rear, and only then did he manage to escape into Baidi City. His ships, equipment, and the supplies of both his navy and infantry were almost entirely lost in an instant; corpses filled the river and floated downstream. Liu Bei was deeply ashamed and indignant, saying, "That I should be defeated and humiliated by Lu Xun—is this not Heaven's will!" General Fu Rong of Yiyang served as the rear guard. All his men were killed in battle, but Fu Rong's spirit only grew more fierce. The Wu forces urged him to surrender, but Fu Rong cursed, saying, "Wu dogs, how could there be a Han general who surrenders!" And so he died in battle. The Attendant Sacrificer Cheng Ji retreated upstream along the river. His subordinates said, "The pursuers are about to arrive; you should untie the double boats and travel light." Cheng Ji said, "In the army, I have never been accustomed to fleeing from the enemy." He also died in battle.

Earlier, Sun Huan, the Wu Eastern Central Lang General, had separately attacked the Shu-Han vanguard forces at Yidao. He was surrounded by the Shu army and sent for help to Lu Xun. Lu Xun said, "Not yet." All the generals said, "Sun Andong is a member of the ducal clan. He is surrounded and in extreme danger. Why not rescue him?" Lu Xun said, "Andong has deeply won the hearts of his officers and men. His city is strong, and his provisions are ample; there is nothing to worry about. When my plan unfolds, even if I did not want to rescue Andong, he will be relieved on his own." When the grand strategy was implemented, the Shu army indeed fled in rout. Sun Huan later saw Lu Xun and said, "Previously I truly resented that you did not come to my rescue. Only today do I realize that your dispositions had their own method!"

Initially, when Lu Xun served as Grand Commander, many of the generals were either old subordinates from Sun Ce's time or were members of the ducal family or noble relatives. Each was arrogant and self-reliant, unwilling to obey orders. Lu Xun pressed his sword and said, "Liu Bei is renowned throughout the world, and even Cao Cao feared him. Now he is at our border—this is a powerful enemy. You all have received the state's favor. You should be harmonious and work together to destroy this enemy and repay the state's grace. Yet you do not follow orders—why is this? Though I am a scholar, I have received the mandate from our lord. The reason the state has made you all humble yourselves and follow my command is that I have some small merit—the ability to endure humiliation and bear burdens. Each of you has your own responsibilities; can you still make excuses! Military law has its fixed rules; they cannot be violated!" After they defeated Liu Bei, most of the strategies came from Lu Xun, and only then did the generals submit in their hearts. When Wu king Sun Quan heard of this, he said, "Why did you not report those generals who disobeyed orders at the time?" Lu Xun replied, "I have received deep grace. These generals are either trusted confidants, or capable claws and teeth, or meritorious officials—all are men with whom the state should accomplish great affairs together. I privately admire the righteousness of Lin Xiangru and Kou Xun in yielding to each other to achieve the state's great purposes." Sun Quan laughed heartily and praised him. He appointed Lu Xun as General Who Assists the State, concurrently serving as Governor of Jingzhou, and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Jiangling.

Initially, Zhuge Liang and the Imperial Secretary Fa Zheng had differing preferences, but they could respect each other for the public good. Zhuge Liang often admired Fa Zheng's wisdom and strategy. When Liu Bei's campaign against Wu failed, Fa Zheng had already died. Zhuge Liang sighed and said, "If Xiaozhi had still been alive, he could certainly have stopped our lord from going east. Even if he had gone east, he would certainly not have failed to such an extent." Liu Bei was at Baidi City. Xu Sheng, Pan Zhang, Song Qian, and others each competed to submit memorials saying, "Liu Bei can certainly be captured; we request to attack again." Wu king Sun Quan consulted Lu Xun on this. Lu Xun, together with Zhu Ran and Luo Tong, submitted a memorial saying: "Cao Pi is massing his troops on a grand scale. Outwardly he pretends to help us punish Liu Bei, but inwardly he harbors treacherous intentions. We respectfully request that you carefully decide and immediately withdraw the army."

Initially, when Wei emperor Cao Pi heard that the Shu army had erected palisades and linked camps for over seven hundred li, he said to his ministers, "Liu Bei does not understand the art of war. How could a seven-hundred-li linked camp be used to resist an enemy! 'To station troops in dense vegetation and complex, treacherous terrain is to be captured by the enemy'—this is a great taboo in military affairs. Sun Quan's report of victory will soon arrive." Seven days later, the document reporting the Wu army's defeat of the Shu forces arrived.

12 In the autumn, seventh month, Jizhou suffered a severe locust plague, leading to famine.

13 After Liu Bei was defeated and fled, Huang Quan was on the north bank of the Yangtze River. His road was cut off, and he could not return. In the eighth month, he led his troops and came to surrender. The relevant Shu-Han authorities requested to arrest Huang Quan's wife and children. Liu Bei said, "I have failed Huang Quan; Huang Quan has not failed me." He treated them the same as before. Wei emperor Cao Pi said to Huang Quan, "You turned your back on rebellion and submitted to the court—do you intend to emulate Chen Ping and Han Xin?" Huang Quan replied, "Your subject was excessively favored by Liu Bei. Surrendering to Wu was unacceptable, and returning to Shu was impossible. Therefore, I submitted to the Mandate of Heaven. Moreover, a defeated general is lucky to escape death; how dare I look up to the ancients!" Cao Pi thought his response was excellent, appointed him General Who Pacifies the South, enfeoffed him as Marquis of Yuyang, granted him the additional office of Attendant, and allowed him to ride in the same carriage. Among those who surrendered from Shu, some said that Shu-Han had executed Huang Quan's wife and children. Cao Pi issued an edict for Huang Quan to hold a funeral. Huang Quan said, "Your subject, together with Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, were open-hearted and treated each other with sincerity. They understand my true intentions. I privately suspect the news is false; please wait a while." Later, when accurate news arrived, it was indeed as he had said. Ma Liang also died in battle at Wuxi.

On the day jiawu of the ninth month, an edict was issued: "Women interfering in government affairs is the root of disaster and chaos. From now on, the assembled ministers shall not present matters to the Empress Dowager, and families of the consort clan shall not hold the office of regent, nor shall they receive enfiefments without merit. Let this edict be transmitted to later generations; if anyone violates it, let the whole world join in punishing him." Whenever Empress Dowager Bian received her maternal relatives, she did not give them a pleasant countenance, often saying: "One should live frugally and not expect rewards or think of one's own comfort. Outsiders may blame me for treating them too harshly, but this is because I have my own constant standards. I served Emperor Wu for forty or fifty years, living a frugal life for a long time, and cannot change to luxury myself. If anyone violates the laws, I can still add one degree to their punishment; do not expect any grace or leniency in money or grain."

15. When Emperor Wen of Wei, Cao Pi, was about to establish Consort Guo as Empress, Zhonglang Jian Qian submitted a memorial, saying: "The virtue of empresses and consorts is the root from which the rise and fall, order and chaos of the state are produced. Therefore, sage and wise rulers carefully choose the principal consort, always selecting a daughter from a family of former generations of noble lineage, choosing one who is virtuous and worthy, to command the six palaces and reverently offer sacrifices in the ancestral temple. The Book of Changes says: 'When the way of the family is correct, the world is settled.' From the inner to the outer, this is the fine system of the former kings. The Spring and Autumn Annals records the words of Zongren Xixia, saying: 'There is no ritual for making a concubine the wife.' When Duke Huan of Qi swore an oath at Kuiqiu, he also said: 'Do not make a concubine a wife.' Now the favored consorts in the rear palace often rank just below the emperor; if, because of favor, one is made empress, causing a lowly person to suddenly become noble, I fear that in later generations this will allow the low to overstep the high, causing disorder in rank, opening a trend contrary to ritual, and chaos will begin from above." Cao Pi did not listen. On the day gengzi, he established Consort Guo as Empress.

16. Initially, the King of Wu, Sun Quan, sent Yu Jin's Defender of the Army, Hao Zhou, and Army Marshal Dongli Gun to have an audience with Emperor Wen of Wei, stating his sincerity, with words very respectful and earnest. Emperor Wen asked Hao Zhou and the others: "Can Sun Quan be trusted?" Hao Zhou believed that Sun Quan would certainly submit, but Dongli Gun thought that he might not necessarily submit. Emperor Wen was pleased with Hao Zhou's words, considering that he had a basis for understanding the situation, so he established Sun Quan as King of Wu and again sent Hao Zhou as an envoy to Wu. Hao Zhou said to the King of Wu: "His Majesty does not believe that the Great King will send his son to court to serve him. I, Hao Zhou, will guarantee it with the lives of my entire family of a hundred people." The King of Wu was moved to tears, which wet his lapels, and he pointed to heaven and swore an oath. After Hao Zhou returned, the King of Wu's sending his son to court to serve did not materialize; he only spoke many empty words. Emperor Wen wanted to send Attendant-in-ordinary Xin Pi and Master of Writing Huan Jie to go and swear an oath of alliance with the King of Wu, and demand that he send a son as hostage, but the King of Wu refused. Emperor Wen was greatly angered and wanted to punish him. Liu Ye said: "He has just achieved his ambitions, and the upper and lower ranks are united in heart. Moreover, he relies on the barrier of the rivers and lakes; I fear he cannot be subdued hastily." Emperor Wen did not listen.

In the ninth month, he ordered General-in-Chief of the Eastern Expedition Cao Xiu, Former General Zhang Liao, and General Who Pacifies the East Zang Ba to send out troops from Dongkou; General-in-Chief Cao Ren to send out troops from Ruxu; General-in-Chief of the Upper Army Cao Zhen, General-in-Chief of the Southern Expedition Xiahou Shang, Left General Zhang He, and Right General Xu Huang to surround Nan Commandery. Wu's General Who Establishes Majesty Lü Fan commanded five armies, using naval forces to resist Cao Xiu and the others; Left General Zhuge Jin, General Who Pacifies the North Pan Zhang, and General Yang Can to rescue Nan Commandery; Lieutenant-General Zhu Huan, as the Inspector of Ruxu, to resist Cao Ren.

17. Winter, tenth month, on the day jiazi, Emperor Wen of Wei designated the site for his Shouling mausoleum east of Mount Shouyang, and issued an edict regarding funeral regulations, strictly following the principle of frugality and simple burial, not storing gold, silver, or jade articles, but using only earthenware and pottery vessels. He ordered this edict to be stored in the ancestral temple, with a copy deposited in the offices of the Masters of Writing, the Imperial Secretariat, and the Three Dukes.

18. The King of Wu, because the Man and Yue barbarians in the Yang and Yue regions had for the most part not yet been pacified and submitted, therefore submitted a memorial with humble words, requesting permission to correct his errors: "If my crimes are difficult to eliminate and certainly will not be forgiven, I ought to return the lands and people I occupy, and go to live in Jiaozhi to spend the rest of my old age." He also wrote a letter to Hao Zhou, saying: "I wish to seek a marriage alliance for my son Sun Deng with the imperial clan." He also said: "Because Sun Deng is still young and tender, I wish to send Sun Changxu and Zhang Zibu to accompany Sun Deng on his journey." Emperor Wen replied, saying: "Between Us and you, the great duty of ruler and subject has already been established; how could We delight in mobilizing troops and traveling far to the Yangzi and Han rivers! If Sun Deng arrives in the morning, We will recall the army in the evening." Thereupon the King of Wu changed the reign title to Huangwu and defended the river line.

Emperor Wen marched south from Xuchang and restored Yingzhou to Jingzhou. Eleventh month, on the day xinchou, Emperor Wen arrived at Wancheng. Cao Xiu, at Dongkou, submitted a memorial himself, saying: "I wish to lead elite troops, stepping like tigers into Jiangnan, relying on the enemy for supplies; the matter will surely achieve victory. If I prove incompetent, there is no need to worry about me." Emperor Wen was concerned that Cao Xiu might rashly cross the river, and sent a post-horse messenger to stop him. Attendant-in-ordinary Dong Zhao was in attendance and said: "I privately see Your Majesty's face bearing a worried expression. Could it be merely because Cao Xiu wants to cross the river? Now crossing the river is something that everyone considers difficult. Even if Cao Xiu has this aspiration, his situation prevents him from acting alone; he must rely on the various generals. Zang Ba and the others are already wealthy and noble; they have no other extravagant hopes. They only wish to enjoy their remaining years peacefully and preserve their salaries and ranks. How would they be willing to risk danger and throw themselves into a death ground, hoping for good fortune! If Zang Ba and the others do not advance, Cao Xiu's will will naturally be frustrated. I fear that even if Your Majesty issues an edict ordering them to cross the river, they will certainly hesitate and may not necessarily obey the order." Soon afterward, it happened that a violent wind broke the mooring ropes of the ships of Wu's Lü Fan and others, which drifted straight toward the camp of Cao Xiu and his men. The Wei army beheaded and captured several thousand Wu troops, and the Wu army was routed. When Emperor Wen heard this, he ordered the various armies to cross the river quickly. Before the army could advance, Wu's rescue ships arrived, gathered the troops, and withdrew south of the river. Cao Xiu sent Zang Ba in pursuit, but the battle was unfavorable, and General Yin Lu died in battle.

19. On the day gengshen, which was the last day of the month, a solar eclipse occurred.

20. The King of Wu sent Grand Master of the Palace of the Grand Court Zheng Quan as an envoy to the Han state (Shu Han). The Han state's Grand Master of the Palace of the Grand Court Zong Wei paid a return visit. Wu and Han resumed diplomatic relations.

21. The Han ruler (Liu Bei), upon hearing that the Wei army had mobilized in force, wrote a letter to Lu Xun, saying: "The Cao bandits have now reached the Yangzi and Han rivers. I am about to advance eastward again. General, do you think I can succeed?" Lu Xun replied: "I only fear that your army has just been defeated, its wounds not yet healed, and it has only just begun to seek friendly relations with Wu. You ought to temporarily rest and recuperate; you have no surplus strength to raise an army again. If you do not measure your own strength and wish again to lead remnants of a defeated army from afar to come to your death, then there will be no escape for them."

22. The Han state's Hanjia Commandery Grand Administrator Huang Yuan rebelled.

23. Wu general Sun Sheng led ten thousand troops to garrison Jiangling Zhongzhou, as an external reinforcement for Nan Commandery.