Annals of Jin, Volume 14
[Annals of Jin, Volume 14] From the year Renwu (the Black and Male Ox year) to the year Guiwei (the Bright and Harmonious year), a total of two years.
Emperor Yuan of the Middle Ancestor (Part II)
Emperor Yuan of the Middle Ancestor, Yongchang First Year (Renwu Year, 322 AD)
Spring, first month, Guo Pu again submitted a memorial, requesting an amnesty on the occasion of the imperial grandson’s birth. The emperor followed his advice. On the Yimao day, a general amnesty was proclaimed, and the reign title was changed.
Wang Dun appointed Guo Pu as Recorder and Military Advisor. Guo Pu was skilled in divination and knew that Wang Dun would inevitably rebel, and that he himself would be caught up in this calamity; he was deeply worried. Chen Shu, a man from Yingchuan who served as an aide to the Grand General, died. Guo Pu wept bitterly and said, "Sizu (Chen Shu's style name), how do you know this is not a blessing!"
Wang Dun had already become estranged from the court, so he gathered and employed reputable scholars from the court, placing them in his own headquarters. He appointed Yang Man and Xie Kun, a man from Chen State, as Chief Clerks. Yang Man was the grandson of Yang Hu’s elder brother. Yang Man and Xie Kun spent their days completely drunk, so Wang Dun did not entrust them with important affairs. Wang Dun was about to rebel and said to Xie Kun, "Liu Wei is treacherous and will harm the state. I wish to eliminate the evil men around the sovereign. What do you think?" Xie Kun said, "Liu Wei is indeed the source of calamity, but he is like a fox by the city wall and a rat by the altar." Wang Dun angrily said, "You are a mediocre talent; how can you understand great principles!" He then sent Xie Kun out as the Grand Administrator of Yuzhang, but kept him behind and did not let him assume the post.
On the Wuchen day, Wang Dun raised troops in Wuchang and submitted a memorial listing Liu Wei's crimes, claiming: "Liu Wei is a crafty and slanderous villain who wields power arbitrarily, initiates labor projects without authorization, harasses the scholar-officials and common people, imposes heavy taxes and corvée, and the people are full of resentment. I occupy the position of a chief minister; I cannot sit idly by and watch success or failure, so I am advancing troops to punish him. If Liu Wei’s head is hung up in the morning, the various armies will withdraw by evening. In the past, Tai Jia (a Shang dynasty ruler) overturned the laws and regulations, but fortunately he heeded Yi Yin’s loyal words, and the Way of Shang was revived. I hope Your Majesty will ponder this deeply; then the realm will be at peace, and the state will be eternally secure." Shen Chong also raised troops in Wu to respond to Wang Dun, and Wang Dun appointed Shen Chong as Grand Commander and Supervisor of Military Affairs East of the Wu. When Wang Dun reached Wuhu, he submitted another memorial listing Diao Xie’s crimes. The emperor was enraged. On the Yihai day, he issued an edict saying: "Wang Dun, relying on favor, dares to be recklessly rebellious, comparing me to Tai Jia and wishing to imprison me. If this can be tolerated, what cannot be tolerated! Now I personally lead the six armies to execute the great rebel. Whoever kills Wang Dun will be enfeoffed as a marquis of five thousand households." Wang Dun’s elder brother, the Guanglu Xun, Wang Han, took a small light boat and fled back to Wang Dun.
The Palace Secretary of the Crown Prince, Wen Jiao, said to the Vice Director, Zhou Yi, "The Grand General’s current action seems to have a target; it should not cause indiscriminate killing, should it?" Zhou Yi said, "No. If the sovereign is not Yao or Shun, how can he be without faults? How can a subject raise troops to coerce him! With such an action, how can it be called anything but rebellion! Wang Dun (styled Chuzhong) is arrogant and disrespectful, with no regard for his sovereign. How can his ambitions have any limit!"
When Wang Dun first raised troops, he sent an envoy to inform the Inspector of Liangzhou, Gan Zhuo, and invited him to go east together. Gan Zhuo agreed. But when Wang Dun boarded the warship, Gan Zhuo did not come; instead, he sent his aide Sun Shuang to Wuchang to dissuade Wang Dun. Wang Dun said in surprise, "What did Gan Hou say to me before, and now why has he changed his mind? He is only afraid that I will harm the court! I am only going to eliminate the treacherous and wicked now. If the matter succeeds, I will let Gan Hou become one of the Three Dukes." Sun Shuang returned and reported, and Gan Zhuo remained hesitant. Someone advised Gan Zhuo: "Temporarily pretend to agree to Wang Dun, and then attack him after he reaches the capital." Gan Zhuo said, "In the past, when Chen Min rebelled, I first went along with him and then plotted against him. Critics said I feared coercion and wanted to change my allegiance; I have always felt ashamed in my heart. If I do this again now, how can I justify myself!" Gan Zhuo sent someone to inform the Grand Administrator of Shunyang, Wei Gai, of Wang Dun’s intentions. Wei Gai said, "The reason I raised troops to resist the Hu bandits was precisely to be loyal to the royal house. Now that Wang Gong is raising troops to attack the Son of Heaven, this is not something I should participate in." He then cut off relations with Wang Dun.
Wang Dun sent his aide Huan Pi to persuade the Prince of Qiao, Sima Cheng, asking Sima Cheng to serve as Army Commander. Sima Cheng sighed and said, "I am probably going to die! The region is desolate, the people are few, my strength is isolated, and rescue is cut off. How can I succeed! But to die for loyalty and righteousness, what more can I seek!" Sima Cheng issued a proclamation appointing Yu Ti, a man from Changsha, as Chief Clerk. At that moment, Yu Ti was observing mourning for his mother. Sima Cheng went to offer condolences and said, "I wish to punish Wang Dun, but I have few soldiers and scarce provisions. Moreover, I have just arrived, and my grace and trust have not yet penetrated the people’s hearts. You brothers are heroes within Xiangzhou. The royal house is in danger; in matters of war, the ancients did not decline. With what will you instruct me?" Yu Ti said, "Your Highness does not consider us brothers base and has personally condescended to visit us. How dare we not exert our strength to the death! But this province is desolate and impoverished, making it difficult to advance and attack. We should temporarily gather the troops and hold our positions, sending proclamations to all directions. Wang Dun’s forces will surely be divided. After they are divided, we can then plot against him; perhaps we can succeed." Sima Cheng then imprisoned Huan Pi, appointed Yu Ti as Chief Clerk, and appointed Yu Ti’s younger brother Yu Wang as Army Commander, overseeing all the armies. Together with the Grand Administrator of Lingling, Yin Feng, the Grand Administrator of Jianchang and Changsha native Wang Xun, the Grand Administrator of Hengyang and Huailing native Liu Yi, and the Magistrate of Chongling and Changsha native Yi Xiong, they raised troops to punish Wang Dun. Yi Xiong sent proclamations far and wide, listing Wang Dun’s crimes. Consequently, everyone within the province responded to Sima Cheng. Only the Grand Administrator of Xiangdong, Zheng Dan, refused to comply. Sima Cheng sent Yu Wang to attack and behead him, displaying his corpse within the borders. Zheng Dan was Wang Dun’s brother-in-law.
Sima Cheng sent his secretary Deng Qian to Xiangyang to persuade Gan Zhuo, saying: "Although Liu Xi (styled Dalian) is arrogant and has lost the people's support, he has not endangered the realm. The Grand General (Wang Dun) has raised troops to attack the court due to a personal grudge. This is precisely the time for loyal ministers and righteous men to fulfill their duty. You, having received the court's appointment as a regional governor and being commanded to punish the guilty, can achieve the same merit as Lords Huan of Qi and Wen of Jin." Gan Zhuo replied: "The achievements of Lords Huan and Wen are beyond my ability, but I am determined to die for the state. We should consider this matter carefully together." Staff Officer Li Liang advised Gan Zhuo: "In the past, when Wei Xiao was overbearing, Dou Rong preserved Hexi and served Emperor Guangwu, ultimately enjoying blessings. Now, you, General, have great renown throughout the realm. Simply remain still and observe success or failure. If the Grand General succeeds, he will entrust the command of one region to you; if he fails, the court will surely replace him with you. Why worry about not attaining wealth and honor, only to abandon this temple-bound strategy of victory and decide survival or death in a single battle?" Deng Qian said to Li Liang: "Emperor Guangwu was at the beginning of his founding enterprise, so Wei Xiao and Dou Rong could afford to wait and see. Now, you, General, are not comparable to Dou Rong with respect to the present dynasty; Xiangyang is not as strategically secure as Hexi in relation to the Grand General's headquarters. If the Grand General conquers Liu Xi, returns to Wuchang, strengthens the garrison at Shicheng, and cuts off the supply routes of Jing and Xiang provinces, where will you, General, turn? When the situation is in another's hands, to say that you can achieve a temple-bound victory—this has never been heard of. Moreover, as a subject, to sit idly and not rescue the state in times of trouble—can this be justified in righteousness?" Gan Zhuo still hesitated. Deng Qian said: "Now, if you neither raise a righteous army nor accept the Grand General's proclamation, disaster is certain to come, as both the foolish and the wise can see. Furthermore, what those arguing consider difficult is that the other side is strong and we are weak. Now, the Grand General's forces amount to no more than ten thousand men, and those left behind are fewer than five thousand. Your current troops are already twice that. Relying on your prestige and leading the elite of your command, holding the tally and beating the war drums, advancing with righteousness to punish the rebellious, how could Wang Han withstand you! The army moving upstream will inevitably be preoccupied with itself. Attacking Wuchang would be like smashing withered grass and splitting rotten wood—what is there to worry about? Once Wuchang is pacified, seize its military supplies, pacify and pacify the two provinces, win over the troops with kindness and righteousness, so that those who return feel as if they are coming home—this is how Lü Meng conquered Guan Yu. Now, abandoning a strategy that ensures victory and sitting still waiting for danger cannot be called wise."
Wang Dun, worried about Gan Zhuo causing trouble in the rear, sent another staff officer, the Danyang man Le Daorong, to invite him and insisted that he come east together. Although Le Daorong served Wang Dun, he detested his rebelliousness, so he advised Gan Zhuo: "The Emperor personally handles state affairs and appointed the Prince of Qiao as Inspector of Xiang Province himself; this was not solely entrusted to Liu Xi. The Wang family has held power for a long time, and once their power was divided, they considered it a loss of office, turned their backs on kindness, acted rebelliously, and raised troops to attack the court. The state has treated you very generously. Now, to join with them in their filth—would this not violate righteousness! Alive, one would be a rebellious minister; dead, a foolish ghost, forever a disgrace to one's clan and village—is this not regrettable! For your consideration, it would be better to pretend to agree to his orders, then swiftly attack Wuchang. When the Grand General's troops hear of this, they will surely collapse without a fight, and great merit can be achieved." Gan Zhuo had not originally wanted to submit to Wang Dun. Hearing Le Daorong's words, he made up his mind, saying: "This is exactly my intention." He then, together with Badong Supervisor of the Army Liu Chun, Nanping Grand Administrator Xia Houcheng, and Yidu Grand Administrator Tan Gai, publicly issued proclamations listing Wang Dun's rebellious crimes and led his troops to attack. He sent Staff Officer Sima Zan and Sun Shuang to present a memorial to the court, and Luo Ying to Guangzhou to summon Tao Kan to advance together. Dai Yuan, stationed in Jiangxi, first received Gan Zhuo's letter and reported it to the court. Everyone in the court shouted long live. When Tao Kan received Gan Zhuo's letter, he immediately sent Staff Officer Gao Bao to lead troops north. In Wuchang city, it was rumored that Gan Zhuo's army had arrived, and people fled in all directions.
Wang Dun sent his maternal cousin, the Southern Man Colonel Wei Yi, and General Li Heng to lead twenty thousand armored troops to attack Changsha. The city walls of Changsha were incomplete, and supplies were scarce; the people's hearts were shaken with fear. Someone advised the Prince of Qiao, Sima Cheng, to flee south to Tao Kan or retreat to Lingling or Guiyang. Sima Cheng said: "When I raised the army, I vowed to die for righteousness. How could I, greedy for life and afraid of death, seek temporary escape and become a defeated and fleeing general? If the matter does not succeed, it will only let the people know my intentions." He then fortified the city and held it firm. Soon after, Yu Wang died in battle. Gan Zhuo wanted to keep Deng Qian as a staff officer, but Deng Qian refused. Gan Zhuo then sent Staff Officer Yu Chong to go with Deng Qian to Changsha, giving a letter to the Prince of Qiao, Sima Cheng, urging him to hold fast, saying that he himself would lead troops to Hekou to cut off Wang Dun's return route, and then the siege of Changsha would naturally be lifted. Sima Cheng replied: "The restoration of Jiangdong was just begun; who would have thought that such evil rebellion would arise from favored ministers! I, as a member of the imperial clan, received this appointment, determined to die in service. But I have been in office for only a short time, and everything is in confusion. If you, sir, can roll up your armor and hasten here, it is still in time. If you hesitate, you will only find me in the dried-fish shop." Gan Zhuo could not follow this advice.
On the day Jiawu in the second month, the Emperor enfeoffed his son, Sima Yu, as the Prince of Langya.
The King of Later Zhao, Shi Le, established his son Shi Hong as heir apparent. He sent the Duke of Zhongshan, Shi Hu, to lead forty thousand elite troops to attack Xu Kan. Xu Kan held his position and would not fight; Shi Hu built a long siege and blockaded him.
The King of Zhao, Liu Yao, personally led an army to attack Yang Nandi. Yang Nandi met him in battle but could not win, so he retreated to Qiuci. The various Di and Qiang tribes of Qiuci, as well as the former Jin Prince Sima Bao's general Yang Tao and Longxi Grand Administrator Liang Xun, all surrendered to Liu Yao. Liu Yao moved ten thousand households from Longxi to Chang'an, then attacked Qiuci. Just then, a plague broke out in the army, and Liu Yao also fell ill. He was about to withdraw his troops, but worried that Yang Nandi might pursue him from behind, so he sent the Central Guangzhong General Wang Guang to persuade Yang Nandi, explaining the advantages and disadvantages. Yang Nandi then sent an envoy to declare submission. Liu Yao appointed Yang Nandi as Acting Holder of the Yellow Axe, overseeing the military affairs of Yi, Ning, Nanqin, Liang, and Ba provinces, as well as Longshang and the Western Regions, as Grand General-in-Chief, Inspector of Yi, Ning, and Nanqin provinces, and the Prince of Wudu.
The Inspector of Qin Province, Chen An, requested an audience with Liu Yao. Liu Yao declined on the grounds of illness. Chen An was furious, believing that Liu Yao was already dead, so he plundered widely and then returned. Liu Yao's illness was severe, and he had to return in a carriage. He sent his general Huyan Shi to escort the baggage train in the rear. Chen An ambushed him midway, captured Huyan Shi, and said to him: "Liu Yao is already dead; whom will you serve now? I should join with you to accomplish a great enterprise." Huyan Shi rebuked him, saying: "You received another's favor and emolument but then betrayed him. Do you think your wisdom and ability can match the lord's? I see that you will soon have your head cut off and hung in the market of Shanggui. What great enterprise do you speak of! Quickly kill me!" Chen An was enraged and killed him, appointing Huyan Shi's senior clerk Lu Ping as a staff officer. Chen An sent his younger brother Chen Ji to lead thirty thousand cavalry to pursue Liu Yao. The Defender General Huyan Yu met them in battle and killed Chen Ji. Chen An then returned to Shanggui and sent a general to attack Qianshan, capturing it. The Di and Qiang people of Longshang all submitted to Chen An. Chen An had a following of over a hundred thousand men and proclaimed himself Grand Commander, Acting Holder of the Yellow Axe, Grand General, Inspector of Yong, Liang, Qin, and Liang provinces, and King of Liang. He appointed Zhao Mu as Chancellor. Lu Ping wept bitterly before Chen An, saying: "I cannot bear to see Chen An's death!" Chen An was enraged and ordered him killed. Lu Ping said: "Death is my proper lot. Hang my head in the market of Shanggui, so that I may watch the Zhao people behead Chen An!" So he was killed. When Liu Yao heard of this, he wept and said: "A worthy man is the hope of the people. Chen An, in his quest for talent, kills many worthy men. I know he cannot succeed."
The Xiu Tu King, Shi Wu, led Sangcheng to surrender to Zhao. Zhao appointed Shi Wu as Inspector of Qin Province and enfeoffed him as the Prince of Jiuquan.
Emperor Yuan of Jin summoned Dai Yuan and Liu Wei to enter the capital and guard Jiankang. When Liu Wei arrived, the hundred officials greeted him on the road. Liu Wei lifted his headcloth, spoke and laughed loudly, his expression at ease. After he entered the palace for an audience, he together with Diao Xie urged the emperor to exterminate the entire Wang clan; the emperor did not agree, and only then did Liu Wei begin to show fear on his face.
Minister-director Wang Dao led his cousin, the Central Guard General Wang Sui, the Left Guard General Wang Yi, the Palace Attendants Wang Kan and Wang Bin, and more than twenty members of the clan's younger generation to the palace gates every morning to await punishment. Zhou Yi was about to enter the palace when Wang Dao called out to him and said, "Boren, I entrust the lives of my entire family of over a hundred people to you!" Zhou Yi went straight into the palace without turning back. After seeing the emperor, Zhou Yi strongly stated Wang Dao's loyalty, earnestly pleading for him; the emperor accepted his advice. Zhou Yi loved drinking, and only came out after he was drunk. Wang Dao was still at the gate and called out to him again. Zhou Yi did not speak with him, but looked around and said, "This year, kill those traitors, get a seal as big as a peck, and hang it behind your elbow." After coming out, he also submitted a memorial stating that Wang Dao was innocent, his words extremely earnest. Wang Dao knew nothing of these matters and harbored deep resentment against him.
The emperor ordered that Wang Dao's court robes be returned and summoned him for an audience. Wang Dao knocked his head on the ground and said, "Rebellious ministers—what dynasty has not had them? I never expected they would appear in my own clan!" The emperor, barefoot, took his hand and said, "Maohong, I am about to entrust you with the heavy responsibility of the realm—what words are these of yours!"
In the third month, Wang Dao was appointed Forward Chief Commander, and Dai Yuan was enfeoffed as General of the Chariots and Cavalry. An edict was issued: "Wang Dao upholds righteousness and destroys his own kin; the tally of authority I held when I was the Pacifying East General may be given to him." Zhou Yi was appointed as Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs, and Wang Sui as Right Vice Director. The emperor sent Wang Yi to persuade Wang Dun to halt his advance; Wang Dun did not comply but instead detained him, and Wang Yi subsequently turned to serve Wang Dun. The Campaigning General Zhou Li, always haughty, harsh, and greedy for personal gain, was appointed by the emperor as Right General and Commander of the Military Affairs of Stone City. When Wang Dun was about to arrive, the emperor sent Liu Wei to garrison Jincheng and Zhou Li to garrison Stone City. The emperor personally donned armor and inspected the troops in the outskirts. Gan Zhuo was appointed as Grand General of the Southern Pacification, Palace Attendant, and Commander of the Military Affairs of Jing and Liang Provinces, while Tao Kan concurrently served as Inspector of Jiang Province; they were ordered to lead their respective forces to apply pressure behind Wang Dun.
Wang Dun arrived at Stone City and wanted to attack Liu Wei. Du Hong said to Wang Dun, "Liu Wei's men include many who are willing to die; they are not easy to overcome. It is better to attack Stone City. Zhou Li treats people without kindness, and the soldiers are not willing to fight for him. If you attack him, he will certainly be defeated. Once Zhou Li is defeated, Liu Wei will naturally flee." Wang Dun followed his advice, appointed Du Hong as the vanguard, and attacked Stone City. Zhou Li indeed opened the city gates and let Du Hong enter. Wang Dun occupied Stone City and sighed, saying, "I can no longer perform acts of great virtue!" Xie Kun said, "Why say that! From now on, just forget the past day by day."
The emperor ordered Diao Xie, Liu Wei, and Dai Yuan to lead their forces to attack Stone City. Wang Dao, Zhou Yi, Guo Yi, and Yu Tan, among others, went out to battle in three separate groups. The armies of Diao Xie and the others were all heavily defeated. When the heir-apparent, Sima Shao, heard of this, he wanted to personally lead the officers and soldiers to fight to the death. As he mounted the chariot and was about to set out, the Palace Cadet Wen Jiao grabbed the reins and admonished him, saying, "Your Highness is the heir of the state—how can you treat yourself lightly and disregard the realm?" He drew his sword and cut the horse's crupper, and only then did the heir-apparent stop. Wang Dun, with his troops, did not enter the palace for an audience but allowed the soldiers to plunder. Everyone in the palace and government offices fled, except for the Pacifying East General Liu Chao, who led troops on guard duty, and two Palace Attendants who remained in attendance on the emperor. The emperor took off his armor, put on his court robes, looked around, and said, "If you wanted my position, you should have said so earlier! Why bring such harm to the people?" He also sent an envoy to Wang Dun, saying, "If you, sir, do not forget this dynasty and cease hostilities here, then the realm can still be peacefully governed together. If not, I will return to the Langye state and yield the path to the worthy."
After Diao Xie and Liu Wei were defeated, they both fled into the palace and paid homage to the emperor at the eastern steps of the Taiji Hall. The emperor held the hands of Diao Xie and Liu Wei, wept and sobbed, and urged them to flee from the disaster. Diao Xie said, "Your servant should uphold integrity and die for it; I dare not have two minds." The emperor said, "Now the situation is urgent—how can you not flee!" He then ordered horses and men be given to Diao Xie and Liu Wei, allowing them to make their own arrangements. Diao Xie was old and could not ride a horse, and since he had never shown kindness, when he recruited followers, everyone abandoned him. Arriving at Jiangcheng, he was killed by someone, and his head was sent to Wang Dun. Liu Wei fled to the Later Zhao and eventually died in office as Grand Tutor of the Heir-Apparent.
The emperor ordered the dukes and ministers and the hundred officials to go to Stone City to see Wang Dun. Wang Dun said to Dai Yuan, "In the battle the day before yesterday, did you still have strength to spare?" Dai Yuan said, "How would I dare have strength to spare? It was only that my strength was insufficient!" Wang Dun said, "What do the people of the realm think of my current actions?" Dai Yuan said, "Those who see the surface consider it rebellion; those who understand the heart consider it loyalty." Wang Dun laughed and said, "You can be called eloquent." He also said to Zhou Yi, "Boren, you have failed me!" Zhou Yi said, "You, sir, raised troops to offend the court. I personally led the six armies and failed in my duty, causing the imperial army to be defeated. Thus I have failed you."
On the day Xinyi, a general amnesty was granted to the realm. Wang Dun was appointed as Counselor-in-Chief, Commander of All Military Affairs within and beyond the Capital, Master of Documents, and Governor of Jiang Province, and enfeoffed as Duke of Wuchang Commandery; Wang Dun declined all of these.
Initially, after the fall of the Western Jin capital, all quarters urged the emperor to ascend the throne. Wang Dun wanted to monopolize state power and, fearing the emperor was too old and difficult to control, wanted to discuss the selection of another candidate for the throne. Wang Dao did not agree. After Wang Dun conquered Jiankang, he said to Wang Dao, "If you had not listened to me, our entire clan would have been nearly wiped out."
Wang Dun believed that the heir-apparent had courage and strategic ability and was held in high regard by both court and populace. He wanted to falsely accuse the heir-apparent of unfilial conduct and depose him. He therefore convened a great assembly of the hundred officials and asked Wen Jiao, "On what virtue does the crown prince rely to be praised?" His voice and expression were severe. Wen Jiao said, "His plans and thoughts are profound—probably beyond what a shallow person can fathom. Viewed through the rites, he can be called filial." Everyone thought this was true, and Wang Dun's plot was thus thwarted.
The Emperor Yuan summoned Zhou Yi in a spacious hall and said to him, “In the recent great events, both palaces are safe, and everyone is unharmed. The Grand General surely meets everyone’s expectations, does he not?” Zhou Yi replied, “The two palaces are naturally as your sagely edict states, but your servant and the others do not yet know what will happen.” The Protector’s Chief Scribe Hao Gai and others urged Zhou Yi to avoid Wang Dun. Zhou Yi said, “I am unworthily placed among the high ministers. When the court has been defeated and ruined, how can I still flee to the wilds to seek life, and go out to rely on the Hu and Yue barbarians!” Wang Dun’s Lü Yi, who had once served as a Gentleman of the Masters of Writing, was by nature treacherous and fawning. Dai Yuan had detested him when he served as Master of Writing. Lü Yi advised Wang Dun, saying, “Zhou Yi and Dai Yuan both have very high reputations, enough to confuse the masses. Looking at their recent words, they show no shame. If you, Duke, do not eliminate them, I fear there will surely be cause for renewed uprising.” Wang Dun had always feared the talents of these two men, found the words deeply agreeable, and asked Wang Dao calmly, “Zhou Yi and Dai Yuan are the leading families of the south and north. They should be promoted to the Three Excellencies without doubt, should they not?” Wang Dao did not reply. He then said, “If they are not appointed to the Three Excellencies, should they only be made Masters of Writing or Vice-Directors?” Wang Dao again did not reply. Wang Dun said, “If not, then it is fitting to kill them!” Wang Dao still did not reply. On the day Bingzi, Wang Dun sent his general, Deng Yue of Chen Commandery, to arrest Zhou Yi and Dai Yuan. Before this, Wang Dun had said to Xie Kun, “I should appoint Zhou Boren as Master of Writing and Dai Ruosi as Vice-Director.” On this day, he again asked Xie Kun, “How are people’s hearts lately?” Xie Kun said, “Your Illustrious Lordship’s actions, though intended to greatly preserve the altars of state, the words of the multitude truly cannot yet understand your lofty righteousness. If you can truly promote Zhou and Dai, then the masses’ feelings will be settled!” Wang Dun was greatly angered and said, “You are too crude! These two men are unworthy; I have already arrested them!” Xie Kun was stunned, as if he had lost something. The Wang Jiao said, “ ‘Talented men abound, and King Wen was thereby at peace.’ Why must you kill these famous scholars!” Wang Dun was greatly enraged and wanted to kill Wang Jiao; no one among the crowd dared to speak. Xie Kun said, “Your Illustrious Lordship undertook a great enterprise and killed no one. Wang Jiao, for offering good words and correcting faults, has offended your intent. To kill him for this—is it not excessive!” Wang Dun then released him and demoted him to Chief Scribe of the Leader of the Army. Wang Jiao was a grand-nephew of Wang Hun.
When Zhou Yi was arrested, he passed by the Grand Temple and shouted loudly, “The traitorous minister Wang Dun overturns the altars of state and unjustly kills loyal ministers. If the spirits have awareness, they should quickly kill him!” The arresting officers stabbed his mouth with halberds, and blood flowed to his heels, but Zhou Yi’s expression and demeanor remained calm and composed. Those who watched all wept for him. Together with Dai Yuan, he was executed outside the south gate of Stone City.
The Emperor sent Attendant Wang Bin to comfort Wang Dun. Wang Bin had always been on good terms with Zhou Yi; he first went to mourn and weep for Zhou Yi, and only then went to see Wang Dun. Wang Dun was surprised by his mournful expression and asked the reason. Wang Bin said, “I just went to weep for Boren; I could not help myself.” Wang Dun said angrily, “Boren brought death upon himself. Moreover, how did he treat you ordinarily? Why must you grieve and weep for him?” Wang Bin said, “Boren was a loyal and generous elder, and also a close friend of my elder brother. In court, though he did not speak out directly and remonstrate boldly, he also did not form cliques for private gain. After the great pardon, he was subjected to extreme punishment—this is what makes one sorrowful and regretful.” He then excitedly denounced Wang Dun, saying, “Elder brother raised troops to defy the court, killed loyal and good men, and plotted rebellion. Disaster is about to fall upon our household!” His words were vehement, and his voice was choked with tears. Wang Dun was greatly angered and said harshly, “You are so wildly perverse—do you think I cannot kill you!” At the time, Wang Dao was present and was frightened for him. He urged Wang Bin to rise and apologize. Wang Bin said, “My feet hurt and I cannot bow! Besides, what is there to apologize for!” Wang Dun said, “Is foot pain worse than neck pain?” Wang Bin showed no fear and ultimately refused to bow.
Later, when Wang Dao was sorting through old archives in the Secretariat, he saw the memorial in which Zhou Yi had pleaded for his rescue. Holding the memorial, he wept and said, “Though I did not kill Boren, Boren died because of me. In the Nine Springs below, I am indebted to this good friend!”
Shen Chong captured Wu Commandery and killed its Grand Administrator Zhang Mao.
Initially, when Wang Dun heard that Gan Zhuo had raised troops, he was very afraid. Gan Zhuo’s elder brother’s son Gan Ang was a of Wang Dun. Wang Dun sent Gan Ang back to Gan Zhuo and said, “This is naturally your fulfillment of a minister’s duty; I do not blame you. Our family’s affairs are urgent, and I had no choice but to act this way. I hope you will now return your army to Xiangyang, and we should renew our friendship.” Although Gan Zhuo admired loyalty and righteousness, he was by nature suspicious, indecisive, and lacking in resolution. He camped his army at Zhukou, wanting to wait for all the various forces to act together, and he delayed and lingered for several tens of days without advancing. After Wang Dun captured Jiankang, he sent a court messenger with a Zouyu banner to order Gan Zhuo’s army to halt. When Gan Zhuo heard that Zhou Yi and Dai Yuan had been killed, he wept and said to Gan Ang, “What I worried about is precisely this situation. As long as the Emperor is safe and the Heir Apparent is unharmed, and I am upstream of Wang Dun, he would not dare to suddenly endanger the state. If I constantly hold Wuchang, Wang Dun’s situation will be pressing, and he will surely seize the Son of Heaven to cut off the hopes of all under Heaven. It is better to return to Xiangyang and consider plans for later.” He then ordered a retreat. Colonel Qin Kang and Yue Daorong urged Gan Zhuo, saying, “Now, if you divide your troops to cut off Pengze, preventing Wang Dun’s forces from aiding each other upstream and downstream, his troops will naturally scatter, and you can capture him in one battle. You, General, roused a righteous army but then gave up halfway. I privately think this is not what you should do. Moreover, the soldiers under your command each seek their own gain and want to return west; I fear that may not be possible either.” Gan Zhuo did not listen. Yue Daorong wept and remonstrated day and night, but Gan Zhuo did not listen; Yue Daorong died of grief and worry. Gan Zhuo’s nature had originally been generous and gentle, but he suddenly became obstinate and self-willed. He went straight back to Xiangyang, his spirit restless, his actions abnormal. Those with insight knew he was about to die.
Wang Dun appointed the Prince of Xiyang, Sima Yang, as Grand Steward; added to Wang Dao the post of Master of Writing; appointed Wang Yi as Inspector of Jingzhou; and changed the officials and the commanders of various military towns, demoting and transferring them by the hundreds. Sometimes orders were changed in the morning and evening, following his whim. Wang Dun was about to return to Wuchang when Xie Kun said to Wang Dun, “Since you came to the capital, you have pleaded illness and not had an audience with the Son of Heaven. Therefore, though you have established merit, people’s hearts are still estranged. Now, if you have an audience with the Son of Heaven, so that the barrier between ruler and minister is removed, then everyone’s hearts will be pleased and submissive.” Wang Dun said, “Can you guarantee that no incident will occur?” Xie Kun replied, “I recently entered the palace for an audience. The Emperor sat waiting for you with an empty seat, longing to see you. The court was solemn and reverent; there is surely no cause for worry. If you enter court, I request to accompany and serve you.” Wang Dun flew into a rage and said, “Even if I kill a few hundred more of you, what harm would it do to the current situation!” In the end, he left without having an audience. Summer, fourth month, Wang Dun returned to Wuchang.
Initially, when the Inner Administrator of Yidu, Zhou Ji of Tianmen, heard that the Prince of Qiao, Sima Cheng, had raised troops, he sent his elder brother’s son Zhou Gai secretly to Changsha to express his sincerity to Sima Cheng. Wei Yi and others attacked Xiangzhou very urgently. Sima Cheng sent Zhou Gai and the Attendant Zhou Qi of Shaoling to seek help through a side road; both were captured by patrols. Wei Yi then ordered Zhou Qi to call out to those inside the city, saying that the Grand General had already captured Jiankang and that Gan Zhuo had returned to Xiangyang, so outside aid was cut off. Zhou Qi pretended to agree, but when he reached the city wall, he shouted loudly, “Reinforcements will arrive soon! Strive to hold out!” Wei Yi killed him. Wei Yi tortured Zhou Gai to death, but Zhou Gai never revealed the truth, and thus Zhou Ji was spared.
Wei Yi and the others pressed the siege day by day. Wang Dun also sent letters obtained from court officials and had Wei Yi shoot them into the city for Sima Cheng to see. Those in the city knew that the court had already fallen, and none were not grieved and disappointed. The two sides held out for nearly a hundred days. Liu Yi died in battle, and soldiers were killed and wounded in great numbers, lying on top of each other. On the day Guisi, Wei Yi captured Changsha, and Sima Cheng and the others were all taken prisoner. When Wei Yi was about to kill Yu Ti, Ti’s younger brothers and sons wailed loudly around him. Yu Ti said, “Every man must die. Now my entire household becomes loyal and righteous ghosts—what regret is there!”
Wei Yi transported Sima Cheng and Yi Xiong to Wuchang in a prison cart. Their subordinate officials had all scattered, except for Secretary-in-Chief Huan Xiong, Clerk of the Western Section Han Jie, and Attendant Wu Yan, who changed into servants’ clothing and followed Sima Cheng, never leaving his side. Wei Yi saw that Huan Xiong’s appearance and bearing were unlike those of an ordinary man, and, fearing him, had him killed. Han Jie and Wu Yan became even more resolute in their determination. Wang Yi, the Inspector of Jingzhou, acting on Wang Dun’s orders, killed Sima Cheng on the road. Han Jie and Wu Yan escorted Sima Cheng’s coffin to the capital and only left after burying him. Yi Xiong arrived in Wuchang with high spirits and no trace of fear. Wang Dun sent someone to show Yi Xiong the proclamation and denounce him. Yi Xiong said, “This indeed exists; it is only a pity that my position was lowly and my strength weak, so I could not save the state from its crisis. To die today is my long-cherished wish!” Wang Dun, fearing his forthright words, released him and let him return to his residence. Everyone congratulated him, but Yi Xiong laughed and said, “How could I possibly live!” Soon after, Wang Dun sent someone to secretly kill him.
Wei Yi urgently sought to capture Deng Qian with a reward, and his fellow villagers all feared for him. Deng Qian laughed and said, “This is merely because he wants to employ me. He has newly taken command of the province and has killed many loyal and good men, so he seeks me out to calm people’s expectations.” He then went to see Wei Yi. Wei Yi was delighted and said, “You are the ancient Xie Yang reborn.” He appointed him as a Separate Chariot.
An imperial edict appointed Tao Kan as Acting Inspector of Xiangzhou. Wang Dun submitted a memorial requesting that Tao Kan return to Guangzhou and be granted the additional title of Sanqi Changshi.
On the jiawu day, the Former Zhao Empress Yang passed away, and her posthumous name was Xianwen.
Gan Zhuo’s family members all advised him to guard against Wang Dun, but Gan Zhuo did not listen. He dismissed all his soldiers to work in the fields and became angry when he heard remonstrances. Zhou Lü, the Grand Administrator of Xiangyang, secretly followed Wang Dun’s orders, falsely claiming that there were many fish in the lake, and urged Gan Zhuo to send all his attendants out to fish. In the fifth month, on the yihai day, Zhou Lü led troops to attack Gan Zhuo in his bedchamber, killed him, and sent his head to Wang Dun, also killing several of his sons. Wang Dun appointed Attendant-in-Chief Zhou Fu to supervise the military affairs north of the Mian River, replacing Gan Zhuo in guarding Mianzhong. Zhou Fu was Zhou Fang’s son.
After Wang Dun achieved his ambitions, he became even more brutal and arrogant. Tributes from all directions were mostly sent to his residence, and generals, ministers, provincial governors, and commandery administrators all came from his faction. He made Shen Chong and Qian Feng his chief strategists, and listened only to these two men; those they slandered never escaped death. He made Zhuge Yao, Deng Yue, Zhou Fu, Li Heng, and Xie Yong his claws and teeth. Shen Chong and the others were all fierce and arrogant men, who eagerly built grand mansions, encroached on others’ fields and houses, and robbed and plundered in the markets. Those with insight knew they would soon be ruined.
In autumn, the seventh month, the Later Zhao Duke of Zhongshan, Shi Hu, captured Taishan, seized Xu Kan, and sent him to Xiangguo. The Later Zhao king, Shi Le, put him in a sack, threw him to his death from a hundred-foot tower, ordered the wives and children of Wang Fudu and others to cut him open and eat him, and buried three thousand surrendered soldiers alive.
Xi Jian, the Inspector of Yanzhou, had been at Zou Mountain for three years, commanding a multitude of several tens of thousands. With continuous warfare and famine among the people, they dug up field mice and hibernating swallows for food. Pressured by Later Zhao, he withdrew to defend Hefei. Shangshu Right Puye Ji Zhan, believing that Xi Jian had a lofty reputation and pure moral character, suitable for a position in the central government’s Secretariat, submitted a memorial requesting his summons. He was then summoned to the court and appointed Shangshu. Many of the fortified settlements in Xu and Yan regions surrendered to Later Zhao, who appointed local officials to pacify them.
Wang Dun took concurrent command of the Ning and Yi provinces.
In winter, the tenth month, on the jichou day, Wang Yi, the Inspector of Jingzhou and Marquis Wuling Kang, died. Wang Dun appointed Wang Sui, the Inner Scribe of Xiapi, to supervise the military affairs of Qing, Xu, You, and Ping provinces, stationed at Huaiyin; Wei General Wang Han to supervise the military affairs south of the Mian River and concurrently serve as Inspector of Jingzhou; and Wang Liang, the Grand Administrator of Wuchang from Danyang, as Inspector of Jiaozhou. He sent Wang Liang to arrest and kill Xiu Zhan, the Inspector of Jiaozhou, and Liang Shuo, the Grand Administrator of Xinchang. Wang Liang deceived Xiu Zhan and killed him. Liang Shuo raised troops and besieged Wang Liang at Longbian.
After Zu Ti died, Later Zhao repeatedly invaded the area south of the Yellow River, capturing Xiangcheng and Chengfu, and besieging Qiaocheng. Zu Yue, the Inspector of Yuzhou, could not withstand them and withdrew to defend Shouchun. Later Zhao then seized Chenliu, and the regions between Liang and Zheng again fell into turmoil.
In the eleventh month, Xun Zu, the Duke of Linying Yuan, was appointed Grand Commandant. On the xinyou day, Xun Zu died.
The office of Minister of Education was abolished and merged into the Chancellor’s office. Wang Dun took the staff of the Minister of Education as his own resident office.
The emperor, distressed and resentful, fell ill from overwork. In the intercalary month, on the jichou day, he died. Sikong Wang Dao received the testamentary edict to assist in government affairs. The emperor was more than reverent and frugal, but lacked insight and decisiveness; thus the great enterprise could not be restored, and internal turmoil arose. On the gengyin day, the crown prince ascended the throne and proclaimed a general amnesty. He honored his birth mother, Lady Xun, as the Lord of Jian’an.
In the twelfth month, the Zhao ruler Liu Yao buried his parents at Liyi and proclaimed a general amnesty. The base of the tomb mound measured two li in circumference, with a height of one hundred chi. A total of sixty thousand laborers were used, and construction took a hundred days to complete. Those who worked toiled at night by candlelight, and the people suffered greatly. You Ziyuan remonstrated, but Liu Yao did not listen.
The Later Zhao Marquis of Puyang Jing, Zhang Bin, died. The Later Zhao king, Shi Le, wept bitterly and said, “Does Heaven not wish me to achieve great deeds? Why has it taken away my Right Marquis so early!” Cheng Xia replaced him as Right Chief Clerk. Cheng Xia was the maternal uncle of the heir apparent, Shi Hong. Whenever Shi Le discussed matters with Cheng Xia and found disagreement, he would sigh and say, “The Right Marquis has left me, and I am forced to work with such a man—is this not too cruel!” He then wept all day.
Zhang Mao sent General Han Pu to lead troops to seize the lands of Longxi and Nan’an, establishing Qin Province.
Murong Hui sent his heir apparent, Murong Huang, to attack Duan Mobei. They entered Lingzhi, plundered over a thousand households of local residents, and returned.
Emperor Suzong Ming, Part One
Emperor Zhongzong Yuan, Part Two, Taiping First Year (Guiwei, 323 AD)
In spring, the first month, Li Xiang and Ren Hui of Cheng Han invaded Taideng. General Sima Jiu died in battle. Li Zhao, the Grand Administrator of Yuesui, and Wang Zai, the Grand Administrator of Hanjia, both surrendered their commanderies to Cheng Han.
In the second month, on the gengxu day, Emperor Yuan was buried at the Jianping Mausoleum.
In the third month, on the wuyin day (the first day of the month), the reign title was changed.
The three counties of Rao’an, Dongguang, and Anling suffered a fire, burning over seven thousand households and killing fifteen thousand people.
Later Zhao invaded Pengcheng and Xiapi. Bian Dun, the Inspector of Xuzhou, together with the General of Northern Expedition Wang Sui, withdrew troops to defend Xuyi. Bian Dun was Bian Hu’s cousin.
Wang Dun plotted to usurp the throne and hinted that the court should summon him. The emperor personally issued an edict to summon him. In summer, the fourth month, Wang Dun was granted the yellow battle-axe and the ornamented sword, permission to report for duty without stating his name, to enter court without hurrying, and to ascend the hall wearing his sword and shoes. Wang Dun moved his troops to garrison at Gushu and stationed his army at Hu. He appointed Sikong Wang Dao as Minister of Education, and Wang Dun took the concurrent post of Shepherd of Yangzhou. Wang Dun intended to rebel, but Wang Bin earnestly remonstrated with him. Wang Dun’s expression changed, and he signaled his attendants to arrest him. Wang Bin, with a stern countenance, said, “In the past you killed your elder brother, and now you want to kill your younger brother as well!” Wang Dun then desisted and appointed Wang Bin as Grand Administrator of Yuzhang.
The Later Zhao king, Shi Le, sent an envoy to establish friendly relations with Murong Hui. Murong Hui captured the envoy and sent him to Jiankang.
Li Xiang and others of Cheng Han attacked Ningzhou. Wang Xun, the Inspector and Duke of Baozhongzhuang, sent General Yao Yue and others to resist. They fought at Tanglang, and the Cheng Han army was severely defeated. Yao Yue pursued them to the Lu River. The Cheng Han soldiers scrambled to cross, and over a thousand drowned. Yao Yue, considering the road too far, did not dare to cross and returned. Wang Xun, furious that Yao Yue had not pursued them thoroughly, beat him with a whip. In his extreme rage, his cap split and he died. Wang Xun had been in the province for fourteen years, and his authority extended over the foreign tribes. The people of the province installed his son, Wang Jian, to act as administrator of the provincial government. An edict appointed Wang Jian as Inspector of Ningzhou.
Tao Kan, the Inspector of Guangzhou, sent troops to rescue Jiaozhou. Before they arrived, Liang Shuo captured Longbian and seized the tally of the Inspector Wang Liang. Wang Liang refused to give it up, and Liang Shuo cut off his right arm. Wang Liang said, “I do not fear death; what is a broken arm to me!” He died after more than ten days.
In the sixth month, on the renzi day, Lady Yu was established as empress. The empress’s elder brother, Zhongling Jiang Yu Liang, was appointed Zhongshu Jian.
Liang Shuo occupied Jiaozhou, acting with cruelty and losing popular support. Tao Kan sent the adjutant Gao Bao to attack Liang Shuo and killed him. An imperial edict appointed Tao Kan as the inspector of Jiaozhou concurrently, promoted his title to General Who Conquers the South, with the privileges of opening a government office with the same ceremonial status as the Three Excellencies. Shortly afterward, the Director of the Ministry of Personnel, Ruan Fang, requested to serve as the inspector of Jiaozhou and was granted permission. When Ruan Fang reached Ningpu, he encountered Gao Bao, hosted a feast for him, and ambushed and killed him. Gao Bao's soldiers attacked Ruan Fang, who fled and escaped death, eventually arriving at the provincial seat. Soon after, he died of illness. Ruan Fang was a nephew of Ruan Xian's clan.
Chen An besieged the Zhao state's General Who Conquers the West, Liu Gong, at Nan'an. The Xiongnu King Shi Wu of Xiutu led troops from Sangcheng straight to Shanggui to provide reinforcements, joining forces with Liu Gong to attack Chen An, inflicting a major defeat on him. Chen An gathered his remaining eight thousand cavalry and fled back to defend Longcheng. In autumn, the seventh month, the Zhao ruler Liu Yao personally led troops to besiege Longcheng and sent separate forces to surround Shanggui. Chen An repeatedly engaged in battle but was always defeated. The General of the Right Army, Liu Gan, attacked Pingxiang and captured it; all counties in Longshang surrendered. Chen An left his generals Yang Bozhi and Jiang Chong'er to defend Longcheng while he himself led elite cavalry to break through the encirclement and flee to Shanzhong. Liu Yao sent General Ping Xian and others in pursuit. Chen An wielded a seven-foot long sword in his left hand and an eighteen-foot serpent spear in his right; in close combat, he used both weapons simultaneously, often killing five or six men, and at a distance, he galloped left and right, shooting arrows as he fled. Ping Xian, also fierce and agile as if flying, engaged Chen An in combat; after three rounds, he seized Chen An's serpent spear. As it happened to be late in the day with heavy rain, Chen An abandoned his horse and hid in the mountains with his attendants. Zhao soldiers searched but did not know his whereabouts. The next day, Chen An sent his subordinate Shi Rong to scout the Zhao army. The Zhao auxiliary might General Huyan Qingren captured him and tortured him to reveal Chen An's location; Shi Rong refused to speak, so Huyan Qingren killed him. After the rain stopped, Huyan Qingren tracked the traces and captured Chen An in a mountain stream bend, killing him. Chen An was skilled at soothing his officers and men, sharing hardships with them; after his death, the people of Longshang mourned him and composed the "Song of the Brave Man" for him. Yang Bozhi killed Jiang Chong'er and surrendered Longcheng; the lieutenant Song Ting killed Zhao Mu and surrendered Shanggui. Liu Yao relocated more than two thousand households of the great families from Qinzhou, such as the Yang and Jiang clans, to Chang'an. The Di and Qiang tribes all sent hostages and requested to submit. He appointed the Qiang chieftain of Chiting, Yao Yizhong, as General Who Pacifies the West and enfeoffed him as the Duke of Pingxiang.
The emperor, fearing Wang Dun's coercion, wished to rely on Xi Jian as an external ally. He appointed Xi Jian as the inspector of Yanzhou, commanding all military affairs south of the Yangtze River within Yangzhou, with his headquarters at Hefei. Wang Dun was wary of him and submitted a memorial requesting that Xi Jian be appointed as the Master of Documents. In the eighth month, an edict summoned Xi Jian back to the court. When he passed through Gushu, Wang Dun discussed the figures of the Western Jin court with him, saying: "Le Yanfu was merely a man of limited talent. When examining his actual worth, how could he surpass Man Wuqiu?" Xi Jian replied: "Yanfu's moral essence was plain and serene; when the Crown Prince Minhuai was deposed, he could act gently yet uprightly. Wuqiu was a man who lost his integrity; how can he be compared to him?" Wang Dun said: "At that time, the crisis was pressing upon us." Xi Jian said: "A great man should face life and death with resolve." Wang Dun disliked his words, would not see him again, and detained him for a long time without letting him go. Wang Dun's partisans all urged him to kill Xi Jian, but Wang Dun did not follow their advice. When Xi Jian returned to court, he then conspired with the emperor to punish Wang Dun.
The Duke of Zhongshan of Later Zhao, Shi Hu, led forty thousand infantry and cavalry to attack the General Who Pacifies the East, Cao Yi. Most commanderies and counties in Qingzhou surrendered to him, and he then besieged Guanggu. Cao Yi came out of the city and surrendered; he was sent to Xiangguo and executed, and thirty thousand of his followers were buried alive. Shi Hu wanted to kill all of Cao Yi's followers, but the inspector of Qingzhou, Liu Zheng, said: "Now you are leaving me here to govern the people; without people, what is there to govern? I will go back!" Shi Hu then left seven hundred men and women with Liu Zheng and ordered him to guard Guanggu.
The Zhao ruler Liu Yao marched westward from Longshang to attack Liangzhou. He sent his general Liu Xian to attack Han Pu at Jicheng, and Huyan Yan to attack the Ningqiang Protector Yin Jian at Sangbi. Liu Yao himself led two hundred and eighty thousand troops and camped along the Yellow River, with their camps stretching for over a hundred li. The sound of drums and gongs shook the earth, and the Yellow River seemed to boil. All the garrisons of Zhang Mao along the river fled in panic at the sight of the approaching army. Liu Yao declared that he would cross the river from a hundred routes simultaneously and march straight to Guzang, throwing Liangzhou into great turmoil. The adjutant Ma Ji advised Zhang Mao to personally lead the army out to meet the enemy. The Chief Clerk Fan Yi became angry and demanded that Ma Ji be executed. Ma Ji said: "Fan Gong is a pedantic scholar, only familiar with trivial skills of impeachment and accusation, and does not consider the great plans for the state and family. My lord and your father have for many years wished to punish Liu Yao for the court. Now that Liu Yao has come in person, the hearts of people far and near are watching my lord's actions. You should establish proof of trustworthiness, courage, and martial virtue to meet the expectations of Qin and Long. Although our strength may not match his, our position demands that we must give battle." Zhang Mao said: "Good!" He then led his troops out and camped at Shitou. Zhang Mao said to the adjutant Chen Zhen: "Liu Yao leads the forces of Sanqin, riding on a victorious momentum as if sweeping all before him. What should be done?" Chen Zhen said: "Although Liu Yao's army is numerous, his elite soldiers are few. Most are motley crowds of Di and Qiang, whose trust and favor have not yet been harmonized. Moreover, he has troubles to the east of the mountains. How can he abandon the ailments in his own heart and prolong this campaign to contend with us for the Hexi region? If his army does not withdraw within twenty days, I request to lead several thousand exhausted troops to capture him for my lord." Zhang Mao was overjoyed and sent Chen Zhen to lead troops to rescue Han Pu. The Zhao generals all vied to cross the river, but the Zhao ruler Liu Yao said: "Although our army's momentum is great, two-thirds of them have submitted out of fear of our power. The central army is exhausted and difficult to use effectively. For now, we will only hold our positions and intimidate them with our prestige. If Zhang Mao's surrender letter does not arrive within ten days, I will have let you down." Shortly afterward, Zhang Mao sent an envoy to declare himself a vassal, presenting horses, cattle, sheep, and precious treasures beyond measure. Liu Yao appointed Zhang Mao as Palace Attendant, Commander of All Military Affairs in Liangzhou, Southern and Northern Qin, Liang, Yi, Ba, Han, Longyou, and the Western Regions' miscellaneous barbarians and Xiongnu, Grand Preceptor, and Inspector of Liangzhou, enfeoffed him as the Prince of Liang, and granted him the Nine Bestowments.
Yang Nandi, hearing of Chen An's death, became very frightened. Together with his younger brother Yang Jiantou, he fled south to Hanzhong. The Zhao General Who Pacifies the West, Liu Hou, pursued them, capturing a great deal of booty and returning. The Zhao ruler Liu Yao appointed the Grand Herald Tian Song as the General Who Pacifies the South and Inspector of Yizhou, stationing him at Chouchou. Yang Nandi sent hostages to Cheng Han and requested to submit. The Cheng Han General Who Pacifies the North, Li Zhi, accepted bribes from Yang Nandi and did not send him to Chengdu. After the Zhao army withdrew, Yang Nandi immediately sent troops back to Wudu and then occupied strategic points and refused to submit again. Li Zhi regretted his mistake and urgently requested to attack him. Li Xiong sent Li Zhi's elder brother, the Palace Attendant and Central Leader of the Army, Li Han, together with Li Zhi, to set out from Baishui, and the General Who Conquers the East, Li Shou, along with Li Han's younger brother Li Wu, to set out from Yinping, to attack Yang Nandi. The court officials remonstrated, but Li Xiong did not listen. Yang Nandi sent troops to resist. Li Shou and Li Wu could not advance, while Li Han and Li Zhi pressed deep into enemy territory and reached Xiabian. Yang Nandi sent troops to cut off their retreat and surrounded them from all sides. Li Han and Li Zhi, deep in enemy territory without reinforcements, were both killed by Yang Nandi, along with several thousand of their men. Li Han was the eldest son of Li Dang, with talent and reputation. Li Xiong intended to make him his heir. Upon hearing of his death, he could not eat for several days.
Initially, the Former Zhao ruler Liu Yao’s eldest son was Liu Jian, and the second son was Liu Yin. When Liu Yin was ten years old, he stood seven feet five inches tall. Han ruler Liu Cong considered him extraordinary and said to Liu Yao: “This child’s spirit and bearing are not something Liu Yizhen (Liu Jian) can match; he should be established as your heir.” Liu Yao replied: “For a vassal state’s heir, it is enough to maintain the sacrifices; I dare not disrupt the order of seniority.” Liu Cong said: “Your merits and virtue deserve to bear the responsibility of exclusive command for generations—no other subject can compare. I shall enfeoff Yizhen with another state.” Thereupon, he enfeoffed Liu Jian as the Prince of Linhai and established Liu Yin as the heir apparent. When Liu Yin grew up, he was strong and skilled in archery, swift and fierce as the wind. During the disorder caused by Jin Zhun, he fell into obscurity among the Blackni Wuyu tribe. After Chen An’s defeat, Liu Yin himself revealed his identity to Wuyu, who was greatly startled, treated him with courtesy, and sent him back. Liu Yao, alternating between grief and joy, said to his ministers: “Although Yiguang (Liu Xi) has been established as the crown prince, he is young, weak, and cautious—I fear he cannot bear the many calamities of the present. Yisun (Liu Yin) was the original heir apparent, with talent and capacity surpassing others, and he has endured hardships and difficulties. I wish to emulate King Wen of Zhou and Emperor Guangwu of Han to stabilize the state and secure Yiguang’s position—what do you think?” Grand Tutor Huyan Yan and others all said: “Your Majesty’s far-reaching plans for the state are not only what we rely upon, but truly the fortune of the ancestral temple and the realm.” Left Guanglu Bu Tai and Crown Prince Grand Protector Han Guang remonstrated, saying: “If Your Majesty believes the deposition is correct, you should not have consulted the ministers; if you are in doubt, you would naturally welcome differing opinions. We privately consider that deposing the crown prince is not right. In ancient times, King Wen of Zhou determined the heir before establishing the crown prince—that was permissible; Emperor Guangwu of Han deposed his son because of the mother’s loss of favor—how could that be taken as a model for our sacred dynasty! If he had originally established the Prince of Donghai (Liu Qiang) as crown prince, he might not have been inferior to Emperor Ming (Liu Zhuang). Liu Yin’s civil and military talents and strategies are indeed unmatched in the world. But the crown prince is filial, fraternal, and benevolent—sufficient to be a worthy ruler in a time of peace and prosperity. Moreover, the Eastern Palace is the anchor of the people and the spirits—how can it be easily shaken! If Your Majesty truly intends to do this, we can only debate to the death and dare not accept the edict.” Liu Yao fell silent. Liu Yin then spoke: “A father should love his sons equally. Now, if you depose Liu Xi and establish me, how dare I feel secure! If Your Majesty considers me capable of being driven to serve, can I not assist Liu Xi in succeeding to the sacred enterprise? If you must replace Liu Xi with me, I request to die here and dare not obey the command.” Thereupon, he wept and shed tears. Liu Yao, also because Liu Xi was born of Empress Yang, could not bear to depose him, so he posthumously honored his former consort Lady Bu as Empress Yuan Dao. Bu Tai was Liu Yin’s maternal uncle; Liu Yao appreciated his fairness and loyalty, appointing him as Senior Guanglu, with Ceremonial Equipage Equal to the Three Dukes, and concurrently Crown Prince Grand Tutor. He enfeoffed Liu Yin as the Prince of Yong’an and appointed him as Attendant, Guardian General, Supervisor of All Military Affairs of the Two Palace Guards, with Ceremonial Equipage Equal to the Three Dukes, and Recorder of the Secretariat, ordering Liu Xi to treat Liu Yin with the etiquette of a family member.
Zhang Mao extensively built Guzang City and constructed the Lingjun Terrace. The Deputy Magistrate Wu Shao remonstrated, saying: “The reason you, Illustrious Lord, build city walls and erect high terraces is probably to guard against past calamities. I believe that if virtue does not penetrate the people’s hearts, even living in a layered tower brings no benefit; rather, it suffices to create doubts among the loyal ministers and people, lose the expectations of the scholars and commoners, display an appearance of timidity, and open up schemes for neighboring enemies—how will this assist the Son of Heaven or dominate the feudal lords? I hope you will immediately stop this project to save labor and expense.” Zhang Mao said: “My deceased elder brother (Zhang Shi) was killed by someone in an instant—were there no loyal ministers and righteous men who wished to fulfill their duty? It was just that the calamity came from beyond expectation; even with wisdom and courage, there was no place to apply them. Kings and dukes set up defenses, and brave men strengthen their guard—this has been the principle since ancient times. Now that the state is not yet settled, one cannot use the principles of a peaceful era to blame those in difficult times.” In the end, he continued the construction.
Wang Dun’s nephew Wang Yunzhi, still in his youth, was loved by Wang Dun for his intelligence and alertness, and he often had him accompany him. Wang Dun once drank wine at night; Wang Yunzhi, pleading drunkenness, lay down first. Wang Dun and Qian Feng plotted rebellion, and Wang Yunzhi overheard all their words. He then vomited profusely at the place where he lay, soiling his clothes and face. After Qian Feng left, Wang Dun indeed lit a lamp to inspect, saw Wang Yunzhi lying in the vomit, and no longer suspected him. It happened that his father Wang Shu was appointed as Grand Judge; Wang Yunzhi requested to return home to visit his father and told Wang Shu everything about the conspiracy of Wang Dun and Qian Feng. Wang Shu, together with Wang Dao, reported to the emperor and secretly made preparations against it. Wang Dun wanted to strengthen his own clan and encroach upon and weaken the imperial house. In winter, the eleventh month, he transferred Wang Han to be General of the East, Commander of the Military Affairs of the Yangzhou Area South of the River; Wang Shu to be Inspector of Jingzhou, Supervisor of the Military Affairs of Jingzhou South of the Han River; and Wang Bin to be Inspector of Jiangzhou.
The Later Zhao ruler Shi Le appointed Colonel Fan Tan as Governor of Zhangwu. Shi Le saw that Fan Tan’s clothes and hat were ragged and asked him the reason. Fan Tan straightforwardly replied: “Not long ago, I was plundered by Jie bandits, and my belongings were all taken.” Shi Le laughed and said: “The Jie bandits are so lawless! Now I should compensate you.” Fan Tan was very frightened, kowtowed, and wept, apologizing. Shi Le granted him a carriage, horses, clothes, and three million strings of cash for expenses, then sent him to his post.
This year, the Simao people of Yuexi attacked the Cheng Han general Ren Hui. The Cheng Han ruler Li Xiong sent General of the South Fei He to punish them.
The Grand Administrator of Kuaiji, Zhou Li, had a family with five marquises within one clan; the clan was powerful, and among the Wu region’s gentry, none could match it. Wang Dun was wary of him. Wang Dun was ill, and Qian Feng urged Wang Dun to eliminate the Zhou family early. Wang Dun agreed. Zhou Song, due to his elder brother Zhou Yi’s death, often harbored resentment. Wang Dun had no sons and adopted Wang Han’s son Wang Ying as his heir. Zhou Song once said in public that Wang Ying was unfit to command troops, and Wang Dun detested him. Zhou Song and Zhou Li’s elder brother’s son Zhou Ting were both Attending Gentlemen under Wang Dun. It happened that the Daoist Li Tuo used sorcery to delude the masses, and many scholars and commoners believed in and served him.