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卷五 魏本紀第五: 敬宗孝莊帝 節閔帝 廢帝 孝武帝 西魏文帝 西魏廢帝 西魏恭帝 東魏孝靜帝

Volume 5 Wei Annals 5: Emperor Jingzong Xiaozhuang, Emperor Jiemin, Deposed Emperor, Emperor Xiaowu, Emperor Wen of Western Wei, Deposed Emperor of Western Wei, Emperor Gong of Western Wei, Emperor Xiaojing of Eastern Wei

Chapter 5 of 北史 · History of the Northern Dynasties
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1
Emperor Jingzong Xiaozhuang.
2
殿 祿
On xinchou day the Emperor entered the palace and took the throne in the Hall of Supreme Ultimate. He proclaimed a general amnesty and changed the era name from Wutai to Jianyi, year one. On renyin day Erzhu Rong memorialized asking that the late Prince Without Superior be given the posthumous title of emperor. As for the others slain at Heyin, princes and prefects were posthumously honored as Three Excellencies, third-rank men as ministers, fifth-rank men as regional inspectors, and everyone from seventh rank down to commoners received appointments in commanderies and garrisons. Descendants of the dead were allowed to establish heirs and were granted titles of nobility. The court approved it by edict. On guimao day the former Grand Commandant, Prince of Jiangyang Ji, was appointed Grand Preceptor and Governor of Sizhou. Prince of Beihai Hao, regional inspector, was made Grand Tutor with an opening office while retaining his inspectorship. Li Yanshi, Court Gentleman of the Luminous Office and Marquis of Qingquan, was enfeoffed as Prince of Yangping, made Grand Guardian, and then promoted to Grand Tutor; and Bingzhou Regional Inspector Yuan Tianmu was made Grand Commandant and enfeoffed as Prince of Shangdang.
3
椿
Yang Chun, Commissioner Equal to the Third Rank, was appointed Minister over the Masses. Mu Shao, Commissioner Equal to the Third Rank and Duke of Dunqiu, was made Minister of Works and Director of the Department of State Affairs, and advanced to princely rank.
4
殿 西 使祿 西 殿 簿 椿
Changsun Chengye, Regional Inspector of Yongzhou, was made Commissioner with Opening Office Equal to the Third Rank and promoted to Prince of Fengyi. Yuan Chen, Director in the Palace Secretariat, was appointed Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs and enfeoffed as Prince of Wei. Yuan Tian, Attendant Gentleman at the Yellow Gate, received the title Prince of Donghai. On jiachen day Prince of Fucheng Tan was made Prince of Xianyang. Remonstrating and Consulting Grandee Yuan Guiping was enfeoffed as Prince of Donglai. Direct Attendant General Yuan Su was enfeoffed as Prince of Lu. Secretariat Gentleman Yuan Ye was enfeoffed as Prince of Changguang. Yuan Shaojing, Duke of Fengyi, was restored to his former title as Prince of Longxi. Feng Tong of Fufeng, Lu Zizhang of Dongjun, and Changsun Yue of Beiping all had their ancestral princely ranks restored. Prince of Beiping Chao was restored to his former title as Prince of Anding. On dingwei day an edict ended martial law at court and in the realm. On gengxu day Yiluo, second son of Grand General Erzhu Rong, was enfeoffed as Prince of Liang. By edict the Rouran king Anagui was granted the privilege of bowing without having his name called and of addressing the throne without calling himself a subject. That month Prince of Runan Yue, Prince of Beihai Hao, and Prince of Huaiyang Yu fled to Liang one after another. On dingsi, the first day of the fifth month, Right Vice Director Yuan Luo was made Grand Ambassador of the Eastern Circuit, with Court Gentleman Yuan Xin as his deputy. He was to tour the circuits, dismiss and promote officials, and act first and report afterward. On xinyou day Grand General Erzhu Rong returned to Jinyang, and the Emperor gave him a farewell feast on the northern slope of Mount Mang. On guimao in the sixth month Guang, heir of the King of Gaochang, was made General Who Pacifies the West and Regional Inspector of Guazhou, inheriting the rank of Count of Tailin and the title King of Gaochang. Because the realm was still unsettled, the Emperor avoided the main hall, blamed himself, and took only frugal meals. He also issued recruitment regulations to gather loyal and courageous men. Men who spoke frankly and offered remonstrance were gathered in the Hualin Garden to debate affairs of state face to face. Xing Guo, a clerk of the Pingbei Office in Youzhou from Hejian, led more than ten thousand displaced households from north of the Yellow River in revolt at Beihai, declared himself King of Han, and adopted the era name Tiantong. In the seventh month, on yichou day, Grand General Erzhu Rong was promoted to Pillar of State, Grand General, and Recorder of the Department of State Affairs. On renzi day Liu Ju of Guangzhou raised a crowd in revolt at Puyang and styled himself Grand General of August Martiality. That month Wan Qichou of Gaochang Garrison usurped imperial rank. Prince of Huaiyang Yu returned to court from the lands south of the Yangtze. In the eighth month Yang Kan, Regional Administrator of Taishan, seized the commandery and rebelled. On jiachen day an edict ordered Grand Commander Zongzheng Zhensun to campaign against Liu Ju. He pacified them. On jisi in the ninth month Yuan Xin, Regional Inspector of Qi, was enfeoffed as Prince of Pei. On renshen day Pillar of State and Grand General Erzhu Rong led seven thousand horsemen against Ge Rong at Fukou, defeated him, and took him alive. The five provinces of Ji, Ding, Cang, Ying, and Yin were pacified. On yihai day, because Ge Rong had been pacified, a general amnesty was proclaimed and the era name was changed to Yongan. On xinsi day Erzhu Rong was made Grand Chancellor, and his sons Wenshu, Duke of Pingchang, and Wenchang, Duke of Changle, were both raised to princely rank. Yang Chun, Minister over the Masses, was made Grand Guardian, and Prince of Chengyang Hui was made Minister over the Masses. In the tenth month, on dinghai day, Erzhu Rong sent Ge Rong to the capital in a caged cart. The Emperor came to the Gate of Opening the Gate to All Directions; Rong kowtowed in confession of guilt, and Ge Rong was beheaded in the market. On wuxu day Prince of Jiangyang Ji died. On guichou day Marquis of Jiaodong Li Kanxi was restored to his ancestral title as Prince of Nan. That month Grand Commander Fei Mu inflicted a great defeat on the Liang army. He captured their general Cao Yizong and sent him to the capital in a caged cart. Liang installed Prince of Beihai Hao as ruler of Wei under the era name Xiaoji, and he entered and seized Cheng City in southern Yanzhou. On wuwu day Shao, heir of the Prince Without Superior, was made Prince of Pengcheng; Zikuan, son of Prince of Chenliu, was made Prince of Chenliu; Zikuan's younger brother Gang was made Prince of Fuyang; and Gang's younger brother Zhi was made Prince of Linyu. On guihai day Yu Hui of the Mobile Secretariat and others inflicted a great defeat on Yang Kan at Xiaqiu. Kan fled to Liang. On wuyin day former Front Army Yuan Ning was enfeoffed as Prince of Dong'an. That year Han Lou, a remnant of Ge Rong's forces, again seized Youzhou and rebelled.
5
In spring of the second year, second month, on jiawu day the late Emperor, the Emperor's father, was posthumously honored as Emperor Wenmu with temple name Suzu. The late Empress, the Emperor's mother, was posthumously honored as Empress Wenmu. In the fourth month of summer, on guiwei day, the spirit tablets of Emperor Wenmu and Empress Wenmu were moved to the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and capital sentences and below within the metropolitan circuit were commuted one degree. On xinchou day Prince of Shangdang Tianmu inflicted a great defeat on Xing Guo at Jinan. Guo surrendered and was sent to the capital, where he was beheaded in the market. On renzi, the first day of the fifth month, Yuan Hao captured Liang. On yichou day martial law was imposed at court and in the realm. On guiyou day Yuan Hao took Xingyang. On the night of jiaxu day the Emperor made a northern tour. On yihai day he arrived at Henei. On bingzi day Yuan Hao entered Luoyang. On dingchou day Yuan Zhi, Count of Chengyang, was advanced to Prince of Pingyuan; and Yuan Zhi, Count of Anchang, was advanced to Prince of Huashan. On wuyin day Prince of Taiyuan Erzhu Rong joined the imperial carriage at Changzi and turned the army about that same day. Prince of Shangdang Tianmu crossed north and joined the imperial carriage at Henei. In the seventh month of autumn, on wuchen day Area Commanders Erzhu Zhao and Heba Sheng crossed from Xiashi by night. They defeated the armies of Hao's son Guanshou and Prince of Anfeng Yanming. Yuan Hao was defeated and fled. On gengwu day the Emperor entered and took up residence in the Hualin Garden, ascended the Gate of Great Summer, and proclaimed a general amnesty. On renshen day Pillar of State and Grand General Prince of Taiyuan Erzhu Rong was made Pillar of Heaven, Grand General.
6
使
On guiyou day Jiang Feng, a soldier of Linying County, beheaded Yuan Hao and sent his head to the capital. On jiaxu day Grand General and Prince of Shangdang Tianmu was made Grand Preceptor, and Minister over the Masses and Prince of Chengyang Hui was made Grand Marshal and Grand Commandant. On jimao day Yuan Xu, Regional Inspector of Southern Qing, was made Prince of Xiangcheng; and Yuan Xian, Regional Inspector of Southern Yan, was made Prince of Ruyang. In the intercalary month, on xinsi day, the Emperor first took up residence within the palace. On xinmao day Yang Jin, Acting Director of the Ministry of Personnel, was made Minister of Works. On jiwei in the eighth month Grand Tutor Li Yanshi was made Minister over the Masses. On dingmao day Yuan Taizong, Regional Inspector of Guazhou, was enfeoffed as Prince of Dongyang. In the ninth month Grand Commander Hou Shen defeated Han Lou at Ji and beheaded him. Youzhou was pacified. In the tenth month of winter, on jiyou, the first day of the month, there was an eclipse of the sun. On dingchou day former Minister of Works and Prince of Danyang Xiao Zan was made Minister over the Masses. On jimao in the eleventh month Qiudexing of Rongzhou sent envoys requesting surrender. On bingwu day Grand Marshal and Grand Commandant Prince of Chengyang Hui was made Grand Guardian; Minister over the Masses and Prince of Danyang Xiao Zan was made Grand Commandant; and Regional Inspector of Yongzhou Changsun Chengye was made Minister over the Masses.
7
殿 西 退
In the fourth month of summer of the third year, on dingmao day Erzhu Tianguang, Regional Inspector of Yongzhou, campaigned against Wan Qichou and Xiao Baoyin at Anding. He defeated and captured them and sent them as prisoners to the capital. On jiaxu day, because Guanzhong had been pacified, a general amnesty was proclaimed. Wan Qichou was beheaded in the market, and Baoyin was granted death by suicide. In the sixth month, on wuwu day, the Yanda state presented a lion. That month Qingyun, King of the White Horse and Longsi Hu, usurped an imperial title at Yongluo City. In the seventh month of autumn, on bingzi day Erzhu Tianguang pacified Yongluo City and captured Qingyun. In the ninth month, on xinmao day Pillar of Heaven Grand General Erzhu Rong and Prince of Shangdang Tianmu came to court from Jinyang. On wuxu day the Emperor killed Rong and Tianmu in the Hall of Illuminated Glory, together with Rong's son Puti. He then ascended the Gate of Opening the Gate to All Directions and proclaimed a general amnesty. Martial Guard General Xi Yi and former Regional Inspector of Yan Hou Shen were dispatched to lead troops and garrison Beizhong. That night Left Vice Director Erzhu Shilong and Rong's wife, the Princess of Xiangjun, led Rong's troops out through the Xiyang Gate and encamped at Heyin. On jihai day they attacked Heqiao, captured Yi and the others, and slaughtered them. They seized Beizhong City and pressed south toward the capital. In the tenth month of winter, on guimao, the first day of the month, Court Grandee Bao Ju was enfeoffed as Prince of Nanyang; Xiu, Duke of Ruyang, as Prince of Pingyang; Yan, Earl of Xinyang, as Prince of Changle; and Chang, Duke of Langye, as Prince of Taiyuan. On jiachen day Prince of Wei Yuan Chen was transferred and enfeoffed as Prince of Zhao; Chen's nephew Xuan, Prince of Zhao, was made Prince of Pingchang. On wushen day a prince was born, and a general amnesty was proclaimed. On yimao day Palace Attendant Li Miao burned Heqiao with fire ships, and Erzhu Shilong retreated. On renshen day Shilong halted at Gaodu in Jianxing; Erzhu Zhao came from Jinyang to join him, and together they installed Prince of Changguang Ye as ruler. A general amnesty was proclaimed in their territory, with the era name Jianming.
8
Erzhu Zhongyuan, Regional Inspector of Xuzhou, rebelled and led troops toward the capital. On yihai in the eleventh month Minister over the Masses Changsun Chengye was made Grand Commandant, and Prince of Huaiyang Yu was made Minister over the Masses. On bingzi day Erzhu Tianguang, Regional Inspector of Yongzhou and Duke of Guangzong, was advanced to princely rank. On jiachen in the twelfth month Erzhu Zhao and Erzhu Dulü crossed from Fuping Ford and led horsemen wading the ford to strike the capital. The affair came suddenly, and the palace guard could not hold. The Emperor walked out through the Gate of Cloud Dragon.
9
Zhao compelled the Emperor to go to Yongning Monastery and killed the princes. In the disorder troops killed Minister over the Masses and Prince of Huaiyang Yu and Left Vice Director and Prince of Fanyang Hui. On wushen day Erzhu Dulü garrisoned the capital from his post. On jiayin day Erzhu Zhao moved the Emperor to Jinyang. On jiazi day the Emperor was assassinated in the Three-Tier Buddhist Monastery within the city, aged twenty-four. Prince of Chenliu Kuan was also killed. In the second year of Zhongxing the Deposed Emperor posthumously honored him as Emperor Wuhuai. When Emperor Xiaowu acceded, because of taboo on the temple name, the posthumous title was changed to Emperor Xiaozhuang, with temple name Jingzong. He was buried at Jingling.
10
Emperor Jiemin.
11
Emperor Jiemin, taboo name Gong, style name Xiuye, was a son of Prince of Guangling Hui. His mother was Lady Wang. In youth the Emperor had resolve and measure; he was known for filial service to his grandmother and principal mother. In the Zhengshi era he inherited the enfeoffment. He held the post of Attendant Gentleman at the Yellow Gate. Because Yuan Cha monopolized power, the Emperor feigned muteness and illness and ceased speech for nearly twelve years. He dwelt at Longhua Buddhist Monastery and had no social dealings. At the end of Yongan someone reported to Emperor Zhuang, saying the Emperor did not speak and harbored unusual designs. Rumors among the people also said that imperial aura was often seen about him. Fearing disaster, he fled and hid at Shangluo. Soon he was pursued and captured, sent to the capital, and detained many days before being released for lack of evidence. When Emperor Zhuang died, Erzhu Shilong and others, because Yuan Ye was remote in kinship and not what men looked to, considered the Emperor's surpassing capacity and planned to depose and install. Fearing he truly did not speak, they had those close to him convey their intent and also applied coercion. The Emperor said: "Heaven—what does it say? Shilong and the others were greatly pleased. When Yuan Ye reached the southern slope of Mount Mang, Shilong and others received the Emperor outside the eastern gate and performed the ceremony of yielding the throne. Grand Commandant Erzhu Dulü presented the imperial carriage and advanced the seal and cord.
12
He donned the imperial robes and cap; officials attended in guard; he entered through the Jianchun and Cloud Dragon gates.
13
西
In the third month, on guiyou day Prince of Changguang Ye was enfeoffed as Prince of Donghai. Prince of Lu Yuan Su, Regional Inspector of Qing, was made Grand Preceptor. Prince of Pei Xin was made Grand Tutor and Governor of Sizhou, and his title was changed to Prince of Huaiyang. Erzhu Zhongyuan, Regional Inspector of Xuzhou and Prince of Pengcheng, and Erzhu Tianguang, Regional Inspector of Yongzhou and Prince of Longxi, were both made Grand Generals. Pillar of State Grand General. Erzhu Zhao, Regional Inspector of Bing and Prince of Yingchuan, was made Pillar of Heaven Grand General. Gao Huan, Regional Inspector of Jin and Duke of Pingyang, was enfeoffed as Prince of Bohai. Prince of Qinghe Xuan was made Grand Tutor as Special Advance. Erzhu Shilong, Director of the Department of State Affairs and Prince of Leping, was made Grand Guardian. Prince of Zhao Yuan Chen was made Minister of Works. On bingshen day Hou Shen, Regional Inspector of Ding, defeated Liu Lingzhu at Anguo City. He beheaded him and sent his head to the capital.
14
西宿 使
In the fourth month of summer, on renzi day the Emperor offered sacrifice at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. On guihai day Prince of Longxi Erzhu Tianguang defeated Su Qinmingda. He captured him and sent him to the capital, where he was beheaded. On bingyin day Erzhu Yanbo, Palace Attendant, was made Minister over the Masses. An edict ordered the authorities not again to call Liang false. Regulations on fine craftsmanship were abolished, and neighboring states were not forbidden to come and go. On bingzi in the fifth month Erzhu Zhongyuan had his Area Commander Wei Sengxu and others campaign against Cui Zuchi at Dongyang and behead him. On jihai, the first day of the sixth month, there was an eclipse of the sun.
15
椿 西
On gengshen day Prince of Bohai Gao Huan raised troops at Xindu in the name of executing the Erzhu clan. In the seventh month of autumn, on renshen day Erzhu Shilong and others killed former Grand Guardian Yang Chun and former Minister of Works Yang Jin. On bingxu day Minister over the Masses Erzhu Yanbo resigned his post because of drought. In the ninth month Prince of Pengcheng Erzhu Zhongyuan was made Grand Preceptor. On gengchen day Prince of Longxi Erzhu Tianguang was made Grand Marshal. On guisi day the late Emperor, the Emperor's father, was posthumously honored as Former Emperor, and Lady Wang, the Emperor's mother, as Former Grand Consort. The Emperor's younger brother Yongye was enfeoffed as Prince of Gaomi, and the prince's son Zishu as Prince of Bohai. In the tenth month of winter, on renyin day Gao Huan installed Yuan Lang, Regional Administrator of Bohai, as emperor at Xindu.
16
In the intercalary second month of spring in the second year Gao Huan defeated Erzhu Tianguang and others at Hanling. In the fourth month of summer, on xinsi day Gao Huan and the Deposed Emperor came to Mount Mang.
17
使 西
He sent Wei Langen to comfort and instruct Luoyang and observe the Emperor's character. Langen resented the Emperor's refined virtue; on his return he slandered him, and in the end, following Cui Ling's counsel, the Emperor was deposed at Chongxun Buddhist Monastery. Prince of Pingyang Xiu was then installed, and he is known as Emperor Xiaowu. Having lost the throne, the Emperor then composed a poem: "The vermilion gate has long been a source of trouble; the purple apex is no object of fond play. Overthrow and enthronement may be awaited at once; thrice in a year the ruler is changed. When the times run thus, there is only cultivating the true and contemplating. On bingshen in the fifth month the Emperor was assassinated; he died in the outer quarters of the Gate Department, aged thirty-five. Emperor Xiaowu ordered all offices to attend the funeral and buried him with princely rites. Nine tassels, imperial carriage, yellow canopy, left great banner, and a guard of one hundred twenty swordbearers were added. Later Western Wei posthumously honored him as Emperor Jiemin.
18
The Deposed Emperor Lang.
19
The Deposed Emperor, taboo name Lang, style name Zhongzhe, was the third son of Prince of Zhangwu Rong. His mother was Lady Cheng. In youth the Emperor was said to be bright and perceptive. In the first month of the second year of Jianming, on wuzi day he was made Regional Administrator of Bohai. In the tenth month of the first year of Putai Prince of Bohai Gao Huan received the Emperor to hold the imperial title and issue orders.
20
西 使
In the tenth month of winter of the first year of Zhongxing, on renyin day the Emperor took the throne west of Xindu. A general amnesty was proclaimed, and the first year of Putai was changed to Zhongxing. Prince of Bohai Gao Huan was made Chancellor and Area Commander of all military affairs within and without. Gao Gan, Grand Ambassador of Hebei, was appointed Minister of Works. On xinhai day Gao Huan inflicted a great defeat on Erzhu Zhao at Guang'a. In the eleventh month Liang General Yuan Shu entered and seized Qiao City.
21
西
In the second month of spring in the second year, on jiazi day Prince of Bohai Gao Huan was made Grand Chancellor, Pillar of State Grand General, and Grand Preceptor. When Huan defeated the Erzhu clan at Hanling, on xinsi in the fourth month the Emperor yielded the throne at a separate residence in Heyang. In the fifth month Emperor Xiaowu enfeoffed him as Prince of Anding. In the eleventh month he died in the outer quarters of the Gate Department. He was aged twenty. In the second year of Yongxi he was buried at Yema Hill southwest of Ye.
22
Emperor Xiaowu.
23
Emperor Xiaowu, taboo name Xiu, style name Xiaozi, was the third son of Prince of Guangping Wumu Huai. His mother was Lady Li. The Emperor was deep and steady in nature, learned and widely read, fond of martial affairs, and had scale patterns over his entire body. At eighteen he was enfeoffed as Duke of Ruyang. In a dream someone addressed him by taboo and said: "You will attain great honor and receive twenty-five years. In the third year of Yongan he was enfeoffed as Prince of Pingyang. In the Putai era he was Palace Attendant and Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs.
24
宿 西
In the second year of Zhongxing, after Gao Huan had defeated the Erzhu clan, the Deposed Emperor, considering himself remote in kinship, requested to yield the great throne. Huan then deliberated with the hundred officials. Because Emperor Xiaowen could not be without posterity, at the time Prince of Runan Yue was summoned from Liang. When he arrived, they were about to install him, but stopped after a night's consideration. The other princes had all fled and hidden; the Emperor was in a farmstead. Earlier the Mount Song Daoist Pan Miwang had seen imperial aura west of Luoyang city; on watching, it proved to be the Emperor. Thereupon he built a residence and spoke of it in secret.
25
使椿 椿
After fifty days Gao Huan sent Husu Chun to seek the Emperor. Chun met the Emperor through his intimate Wang Sizheng. The Emperor changed color and said: "Are you not selling me?"
26
椿 使椿 椿 便
Chun reported this to Huan. Huan sent four hundred horsemen to receive the Emperor into a felt tent, expressed sincerity, and wept until his lapels were wet. He yielded because of meager virtue. Huan bowed twice; the Emperor also bowed. Huan went out, prepared robes and regalia, and presented bath and toilet. Through the night strict guard was kept. At dawn civil and military officials held whips to attend court. Husu Chun was sent to present the memorial urging accession. Chun entered the tent door, bowed with full bend and extended neck, yet did not dare advance. The Emperor ordered Sizheng to take the memorial and said: "Look—it cannot but call me Emperor now."
27
西
Thereupon, using the Deposed Emperor's edict and investiture document as Prince of Anding, he received the yielded throne. He took the throne outside the eastern gate. Following the old regulations of the capital in Dai, seven men were covered with black felt, Huan occupying one place. When the Emperor on the felt had finished bowing west to Heaven, he entered through the Dongyang and Cloud Dragon gates.
28
殿 殿 調 殿 西 使
In the fourth month of summer of the first year of Yongxi, on wuzi day the Emperor took seat in the Hall before the Supreme Ultimate; officials paid homage in congratulation. When the rites were complete, he ascended the Gate of Opening the Gate to All Directions and proclaimed a general amnesty. The second year of Zhongxing was changed to the first year of Taichang. On renchen day Gao Huan returned to Ye. On bingshen in the fifth month Emperor Jiemin died. Grand Tutor and Prince of Huaiyang Xin was made Grand Preceptor, and his title was changed to Prince of Guangling. Minister over the Masses and Prince of Zhao Yuan Chen was made Grand Guardian. Grand Commandant and Prince of Nanyang Bao Ju was made Grand Commandant. Grand Guardian Changsun Chengye was made Grand Tutor. On xinchou day former Minister of Works Gao Gan was restored to his post. On jiyou day Prince of Qinghe Xuan, Commissioner Equal to the Third Rank, was made Minister over the Masses. On yimao day martial law was lifted within and without. On guihai, the first day of the sixth month, the Emperor heard lawsuits in the Hualin Garden. On dingmao day Prince of Nanyang Bao Ju, because of an offense, was reduced to General of Agile Cavalry with an opening office and returned to his residence as prince. On jimao day he came to the Hall of Illuminated Yang to hear lawsuits. On bingxu day an edict said: "Recently vicious power was born and ran wild; laws and regulations were changed from the norm; then light levies on barbarian peoples were set up, hoping to win the hearts of all under Heaven. This was followed by heavy exactions, and in the end a tenfold levy was collected—covering the eyes to catch sparrows: what could surpass this! This year's land tax and corvée shall for now be collected at half rate once; next year the old rate shall be restored. In the seventh month of autumn, on gengzi day Prince of Nanyang Bao Ju was made Grand Commandant. On yimao day the Emperor came to the Hall of Illuminated Yang and personally judged wrongful imprisonments. That month Fan Zihong, Grand Ambassador of the Southeastern Circuit, inflicted a great defeat on the Liang army at Qiao City and captured their general Yuan Shu. On dingmao in the eighth month Western Gentlemen-General Yuan Ning was enfeoffed as Prince of Gaoping. On guimao day Duke of Yancheng Heba Yun was advanced to princely rank. On guichou day Prince of Pei Xin was transferred and enfeoffed as Prince of Guangling; Zishu, son of Jiemin and Prince of Bohai, was made Prince of Pei. On xinyou, the first day of the tenth month of winter, there was an eclipse of the sun. On dingyou in the eleventh month sacrifice was offered at the Circular Mound. On jiachen day Prince of Anding Lang and Prince of Donghai Ye were killed. On jiyou day Prince of Runan Yue was made Palace Attendant and Grand Marshal with an opening office. Empress Dowager Hu was buried. On dinghai in the twelfth month Grand Marshal and Prince of Runan Yue was killed. A general amnesty was proclaimed, and the era name was changed to Yongxing. Because it was the same as an era name of Emperor Mingyuan, it was soon changed to Yongxi. That year Rouran, Yanda, Goguryeo, Khitan, Kumo Xi, Gaochang, and other states all sent envoys to pay tribute.
29
椿使 椿 西 使 椿宿西 西 漿 殿 西
In the second month of spring in the third year, on renxu day a general amnesty was proclaimed. On renwu day Left Guard General Yuan Binzhi was enfeoffed as Prince of Yingchuan. On guichou, the first day of the fourth month of summer, there was an eclipse of the sun. On xinwei day Prince of Gaoping Ning, because of an offense, was reduced in noble rank to duke. On bingxu in the fifth month merit-office subordinates were established, six hundred men per squad; cavalry officers, two hundred men per squad; and inner-palace troops, several thousand men. The Emperor inwardly plotted against Gao Huan; he therefore made Husu Chun Commandant of the Guard and had him together with Wang Sizheng and others command them as his inner strength. Military plans and court government were all decided by Chun. Area commanders and regional inspectors of Henan, Guanxi, and other circuits were separately appointed. On xinmao day an edict proclaimed martial alert, publicly announcing a campaign against Liang while actually plotting a northern expedition. That summer Khitan, Goguryeo, and Tuyuhun all sent envoys to pay tribute. In the seventh month of autumn, on jichou day the Emperor personally commanded more than one hundred thousand of the Six Armies and halted at Heqiao. Gao Huan led his army east across the river. On bingwu day the Emperor led Prince of Nanyang Bao Ju, Prince of Qinghe Xuan, Prince of Guangyang Zhan, and Husu Chun with five thousand horsemen to lodge at the Yang Prince's separate residence west of the Chan. The chief monk Huizhen of the Buddhist order carried the seal and held the thousand-ox knife in attendance. There were one hundred oxen; all were killed to feed the troops. The masses knew the Emperor was about to depart; that night more than half fled. The Princes of Qinghe and Guangyang also fled back. Duke of Lueyang Yuwen Tai sent Area Commanders Luo Chao and Li Xianhe, each leading several hundred horsemen, to come to his aid. Luo Chao arrived first. On jiaxu day Xianhe joined the Emperor in the center of the passes. On jiyou day Gao Huan entered Luoyang and sent Lou Zhao and Regional Administrator of Henan Yuan Zisi to lead the attendants in pursuit of the Emperor and request his return. Gao Ang led crack horsemen and caught up with the Emperor west of Shan. The Emperor whipped his horse in a long gallop to Hucheng; he was very hungry and thirsty, and a man of Wangsi village presented the Emperor with wheat meal and pot liquor. The Emperor found it sweet and remitted one village's taxes for ten years. That year in the second month Mars entered the Southern Dipper, the host of stars flowed north, and rats in droves floated on the river toward Ye. Emperor Wu of Liang went barefoot down from the hall to perform rites against the stellar omen. When he heard the Emperor had gone west, he said in shame: "Do the barbarians also respond to Heaven? The Emperor reached Chousang; Mao Hongbin, Area Commander of Tong Pass, came to welcome him and presented food. In the eighth month Yuwen Tai sent Area Commanders Zhao Gui and Liang Yu with two thousand armored horsemen to come to his aid, and they received the Emperor.
30
西
Crossing the river the Emperor said to Yu: "This water flows east while I go west; if I can again worship at the Luoyang temples, it will be your achievement. The Emperor and those about him all wept. Yuwen Tai received the Emperor at Dongyang; the Emperor comforted him, and officers and soldiers all shouted ten thousand years. He then entered Chang'an. The Yongzhou public offices were made the palace, and a general amnesty was proclaimed. On jiayin day Gao Huan installed Minister over the Masses and Prince of Qinghe Xuan as Grand Marshal, holding the imperial seal and directing all affairs, residing in the Department of State Affairs. Huan pursued the imperial carriage to Tong Pass. In the ninth month, on jiyou day Huan returned east to Luoyang. The Emperor personally directed the masses in attacking Tong Pass, beheaded Mobile Secretariat Commander Hua Changyu, and also took Hua Province.
31
That winter in the tenth month Gao Huan installed Shan Jian, son of Prince of Qinghe Xuan, as ruler, moved the capital to Ye, and this is known as Eastern Wei. From this Wei began to be divided in two.
32
使 仿使 使
While the Emperor was at Luoyang, three younger cousins by the female line remained unmarried: first, Princess of Pingyuan Mingyue, born of the same mother as Prince of Nanyang; second, Princess of Ande, daughter of Prince of Qinghe Yi; third, Jili, who was also enfeoffed as princess. At an inner banquet the Emperor ordered the women to compose poems. Some quoted Bao Zhao's yuefu: "Vermilion gates, ninefold gates and ninefold inner quarters—I wish to follow the bright moon into my lord's bosom. The Emperor had already taken Mingyue west through the passes. Jili hanged herself. Yuwen Tai had princes of the Yuan clan take Mingyue and kill her. The Emperor was displeased; at times he would bend his bow, at times push aside his desk; from this lord and ministers were no longer at ease. In the intercalary twelfth month, on guisi day Pan Mi memorialized: "Today one must beware of sudden troops. That night the Emperor feasted with the Azhiluo at the Leisure Garden; he turned to his attendants and said: "This place resembles the Hualin Garden and briefly adds to one's grief." He ordered his Persian bay horse brought and had Prince of Nanyang leap it. About to mount, it stumbled and died; the Emperor took this as ill omen. At dusk he returned to the palace; at the rear gate the horse started and would not advance; he whipped it in. He said to Pan Mi: "Today fortunately nothing else happened? Mi said: "Past midnight will be greatly auspicious." Shortly after, the Emperor drank wine and met poison and died, aged twenty-five. His posthumous title is Xiaowu. He was laid in state at Caotang Buddhist Monastery. Only after more than ten years was he buried at Yunling. In the time of Emperor Xuanwu and Emperor Xiaoming there was a rhyme: "Fox yet not fox, badger yet not badger—the scorched-pear dog gnaws through the cord. Those who understood said the cord meant the original cord of hair, and the scorched-pear dog pointed to Yuwen Tai, commonly called the black otter.
33
Emperor Wen, taboo name Bao Ju, was a grandson of Emperor Xiaowen and son of Prince of Jingzhao Yu. His mother was Lady Yang. At the beginning of Zhengshi the Emperor sat under his father Yu's crime; he and his brothers were all confined in the Temple of the Imperial Clan. When Emperor Xuanwu died, they were cleared. In the Zhengguang era he was appointed Direct Attendant General. At the time Empress Dowager Hu had many favorites; the Emperor with Emperor Ming plotted to execute her. The affair leaked and he was dismissed from office. In Wutai he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Shao. In the third year of Yongan he was advanced to Prince of Nanyang. When Emperor Xiaowu acceded he was appointed Grand Commandant and added as Palace Attendant. In the second year of Yongxi he was advanced to Grand Guardian, opening office, and Director of the Department of State Affairs. In the third year, when Emperor Xiaowu and Gao Huan came into conflict, the Emperor was made Area Commander of the Center Army on all four sides. When he followed into Guan, he was appointed Grand Preceptor and Recorder of the Department of State Affairs. When Emperor Xiaowu died, Chancellor Duke of Lueyang Yuwen Tai led the lords and ministers in presenting a memorial urging accession; after three refusals he consented.
34
西 椿
In the first month of spring of the first year of Datong, on wushen day the Emperor took the throne west of the city, proclaimed a general amnesty, and changed the era name. The late Emperor, the Emperor's father, was posthumously honored as Emperor Wenjing; Lady Yang, the Emperor's mother, as Empress. On jiyou day Chancellor Duke of Lueyang Yuwen Tai was advanced to Area Commander of all armies within and without, Recorder of the Department of State Affairs, and Grand Mobile Secretariat, and his enfeoffment was changed to Duke of Anding. Director of the Department of State Affairs Husu Chun was made Grand Guardian; Prince of Guangping Zan was made Minister over the Masses. On yimao day Consort Yi was established as Empress and the prince Qin as crown prince. On jiazi day Prince of Guangling Xin was made Grand Tutor; Wan Qishoulegan, Commissioner Equal to the Third Rank, was made Minister of Works. Eastern Wei General Hou Jing attacked and took Jing Province. In the second month former Southern Qing Regional Inspector Daye Ba beheaded Yan Regional Inspector Fan Zihong and surrendered the province to Eastern Wei.
35
In the fifth month of summer, criminals were pardoned to lower degrees. Duke of Anding Yuwen Tai was advanced to Pillar of State. In the seventh month of autumn Nianxian, Commissioner with Opening Office Equal to the Third Rank, was made Grand Commandant; Wan Qishoulegan, Minister of Works, was made Minister over the Masses; and Yuelegu, Commissioner with Opening Office Equal to the Third Rank, was made Minister of Works. Yuan Luo, Regional Inspector of Liang, surrendered the province to Liang.
36
In the ninth month the authorities were ordered to decoct imperial fragrant ointment, requiring ten thousand strings of cash. The Emperor, because armies were abroad, halted it. In the tenth month of winter Grand Preceptor and Prince of Shangdang Changsun Chengye died. In the twelfth month Grand Commandant Nianxian was made Grand Tutor; Liang Jingrui, Regional Inspector of He, was made Grand Commandant.
37
椿 使
In the second month of spring in the third year a divine seal was obtained at Huaili and a general amnesty was proclaimed. In the fourth month of summer Grand Tutor Husu Chun died. In the fifth month Prince of Guangling Xin was made Grand Preceptor; Heba Sheng was made Grand Preceptor. In the sixth month Prince of Fufeng Fu, Minister of Works, was made Grand Guardian; Grand Commandant Liang Jingrui was made Grand Tutor; Prince of Guangping Zan, Minister over the Masses, was made Grand Commandant; Wang Meng, Commissioner with Opening Office Equal to the Third Rank, was made Minister of Works. In the tenth month of winter Duke of Anding Yuwen Tai inflicted a great defeat on the Eastern Wei army at Shayuan and was appointed Pillar of State Grand General. In the twelfth month Minister over the Masses Li Shuren sent envoys from Liangzhou to Eastern Wei; Jianchang Regional Administrator Helan Zhi attacked and beheaded him.
38
西
In the first month of spring of the fourth year, on xinyou day Heaven was worshiped in the Hall of Clear Radiance; through the Emperor's reign this became regular. In the second month Eastern Wei attacked and took the four provinces of Nanfen, Ying, Yu, and Guang. Empress Yi was deposed. In the third month a Rouran woman of the Yujiulü clan was established as Empress and a general amnesty was proclaimed. Wang Meng, Minister of Works, was made Minister over the Masses. In the seventh month of autumn Eastern Wei Generals Hou Jing and others besieged Luoyang; the Emperor with Duke of Anding Yuwen Tai campaigned east. In the ninth month the imperial carriage returned from the eastern campaign. Pacifying-Army General Liang Ding was made Regional Inspector of Southern Tao and pacified the western barbarians.
39
In the second month of spring of the fifth year those within the capital were pardoned. In the fifth month of summer Li Bi, Commissioner with Opening Office Equal to the Third Rank, was made Minister of Works. Courtesans, musicians, and miscellaneous corvée persons were all released to regular household registers. In the seventh month of autumn an edict ordered that from now on, on the first and fifteenth of the month, the Emperor would personally review prisoners held in the capital. Prince of Fufeng Fu, Minister of Works, was made Grand Commandant. In the tenth month of winter a drum was hung outside the Yangwu Gate and paper and brush set out to seek what was right and wrong.
40
西
In the first month of spring of the sixth year, on gengxu day the Emperor held court with the ministers. From the western removal until now, rites and music were first complete. Grand Commandant and Prince of Fufeng Fu died. In the second month five-zhu coins were cast. Criminals were pardoned to lower degrees. In the eleventh month of winter Grand Preceptor Nianxian died.
41
In the second month of spring of the seventh year Zhang Zhongjing, Regional Inspector of You and Prince of Shunyang, was granted death for a crime. In the third month Liu Ping, Regional Inspector of Xia, plotted rebellion; Area Commander Yu Jin campaigned against and captured him. In the ninth month of autumn an edict promulgated the six articles of the law of government. In the eleventh month of winter remnant Qiang followers of Liang Ding encamped at Chishui City; Dugu Xin, Regional Inspector of Qin, attacked and pacified them. The Department of State Affairs memorialized promulgating the twelve-article regulations. In the twelfth month the Emperor visited the Cloud-Reliant Observatory. He summoned the princes and observed the rites of family. By hand he drafted ten articles of clan admonition and bestowed them.
42
殿
In the third month of spring of the eighth year the Six Armies were first established. In the fourth month of summer Shazhuna, elder brother of the King of Shanshan, led his masses to submit inward. In the eighth month of autumn Grand Commandant Wang Meng was made Grand Guardian. In the tenth month of winter an edict ordered the crown prince to garrison Hedong. In the twelfth month the Emperor traveled to Hua Province and built the Hall of Long Life north of Shayuan.
43
In the first month of spring of the ninth year criminals were pardoned to lower degrees. Marriage was forbidden within and without the court among brothers and sisters born of the same mother. In the intercalary month the imperial carriage returned from Hua Province. In the second month Gao Zhongmi, Northern Yu Regional Inspector of Eastern Wei, held Wulao and submitted inward; Zhongmi was made Palace Attendant and Minister over the Masses and enfeoffed as Duke of Bohai. In the seventh month of autumn a general amnesty was proclaimed. Grand Guardian Wang Meng was made Grand Tutor; Grand Commandant and Prince of Guangping Zan was made Minister of Works. In the twelfth month of winter Li Bi, Minister of Works, was made Grand Commandant.
44
In the first month of spring of the tenth year, on jiazi day an edict ordered dukes and ministers downward to submit three sealed memorials each month, speaking fully of gains and losses. Regional inspectors, two-thousand-bushel officials, and those bearing bronze seals and ink above them, if they had loyal words or fine plans, were not to withhold them. In the fifth month of summer Grand Preceptor Heba Sheng died. In the seventh month of autumn weights and measures were revised.
45
In the fifth month of summer Grand Tutor Wang Meng died. An edict ordered that in all capital cases the Three Excellencies must review again before punishment was applied. In winter construction of the Circular Mound south of the city was begun. The imperial son Jian was enfeoffed.
46
滿 退
In the second month of spring of the twelfth year Yuwen Zhonghe, Regional Inspector of Liang, rebelled; Dugu Xin, Regional Inspector of Qin, campaigned and pacified him. In the third month five-zhu coins were cast. In the fifth month of summer an edict said girls not yet thirteen years of age might not be given in marriage. In the ninth month of autumn Gao Huan, Prince of Bohai of Eastern Wei, attacked Yubi; Wei Xiaokuan, Regional Inspector of Jin, fought hard to defend. In the twelfth month of winter Huan burned the camps and withdrew.
47
In the first month of spring of the fourteenth year the seven provinces of Ying, Yu, Guang, Bei, Luo, Eastern Jing, and Xiang were pardoned. Zhao Gui, Commissioner with Opening Office Equal to the Third Rank, was made Minister of Works. An imperial grandson was born and a general amnesty was proclaimed. In the fifth month of summer Duke of Anding Yuwen Tai was made Grand Preceptor; Prince of Guangling Xin was made Grand Tutor; Grand Commandant Li Bi was made Grand Herald; former Grand Commandant Zhao Gui was made Grand Minister of Justice; Yu Jin, Minister of Works, was made Grand Minister of Works.
48
In the fifth month, jisi, of the fifteenth year Hou Jing killed Emperor Wu of Liang. Earlier an edict had ordered those of alien descent who had changed surnames in the Taihe era to restore the old. In the sixth month Gao Cheng, Prince of Bohai of Eastern Wei, attacked and took Yingchuan. In the eighth month of autumn bandits killed Gao Cheng, Prince of Bohai of Eastern Wei. In the twelfth month of winter Xiao Cha, Liang Regional Inspector of Yong and Prince of Yueyang, was enfeoffed as King of Liang.
49
In the fourth month of summer of the sixteenth year the imperial sons Ru and Gong were enfeoffed as Prince of Yan and Prince of Wu. In the fifth month the Deposed Emperor of Eastern Wei yielded the throne to Qi. In the seventh month of autumn Duke of Anding Yuwen Tai campaigned east to Hengnong. The Qi army did not come out, and he returned. In the ninth month a general amnesty was proclaimed.
50
殿
In the third month of spring of the seventeenth year, on gengxu day the Emperor died in the Hall of Qian'an, aged forty-five. In the fourth month of summer, on gengchen day he was buried at Yongling; his posthumous title is Emperor Wen.
51
使便 祿
The Emperor was strong and resolute by nature. When he was first Grand Commandant, Palace Attendant Gao Longzhi, relying on the faction of Prince of Bohai Gao Huan, was arrogant toward dukes and ministers. At a public gathering the Emperor urged wine and Longzhi would not drink; enraged, the Emperor beat him. He cursed: "Garrison soldier—how dare you! Because of Huan, Emperor Xiaowu dismissed the Emperor from Grand Commandant. He returned to his residence; imperial guards were ordered; after more than a month he was restored. When Huan was about to rebury his father, the court posthumously honored him as Grand Preceptor; all officials attending the mourning bowed. The Emperor alone would not bend and said: "How can a living Three Excellency bow to a posthumous Grand Preceptor! When he ascended the great throne, power returned to the Zhou house. Once he ascended the Leisure Observatory and gazed at the lofty peaks of Cui'e; he said to those about him: "Gazing at this makes one wish to cast off one's shoes. If I reach fifty, I shall entrust the realm to the heir and seek the mountains for elixirs—I could not bear ten thousand affairs in a single day. Yet the great destiny was not ended, and in the end he preserved Heaven's mandate.
52
The Deposed Emperor Qin.
53
The Deposed Emperor, taboo name Qin, was the eldest son of Emperor Wen. His mother was Empress Yi. In the first year of Datong, first month, yimao day he was established as crown prince.
54
In the third month of the seventeenth year he took the imperial throne. That month Xiao Lun, Prince of Shaoling of Liang, invaded Anlu; Grand General Yang Zhong campaigned and captured him.
55
In the eleventh month of winter of the first year Xiao Yi, Prince of Xiangdong of Liang, campaigned against Hou Jing and captured him. He sent his Retainer Wei Yan to report and then succeeded to the throne at Jiangling.
56
In the eighth month of autumn of the second year Grand General Yuchi Jiong took Chengdu and Jiannan was pacified. In the eleventh month of winter Duke of Anding Yuwen Tai killed Director of the Department of State Affairs Yuan Lie.
57
In the first month of spring of the third year Duke of Anding Yuwen Tai deposed the Emperor and installed Prince of Qi Kuo. Since Yuan Lie's execution the Emperor had had resentful words. Prince of Huai'an Yu, Prince of Guangping Zan, and others all wept and remonstrated; the Emperor would not listen, and therefore met disgrace.
58
Emperor Gong, taboo name Kuo, was the fourth son of Emperor Wen. In the fourteenth year of Datong he was enfeoffed as Prince of Qi. In the first month of the third year of the Deposed Emperor he took the imperial throne and changed the era name.
59
In the fourth month of summer of the first year Yizhan Daguan of Rouran raided Guangwu. In the fifth month Pillar of State Li Bi pursued and beheaded several thousand; he recovered baggage trains and returned. In the eleventh month of winter the Wei army destroyed Liang and killed Emperor Yuan of Liang. Liang Grand Commandant Wang Sengbian installed Yuan Di's son Fangzhi as king, held the imperial seal, and resided at Jianye.
60
In the seventh month of autumn of the second year Liang Grand Commandant Wang Sengbian received Marquis of Zhenyang Xiao Ming from Qi and installed him as ruler. Liang King Fangzhi was made crown prince.
61
In the ninth month Chen Baxian, Liang Minister of Works, killed Sengbian, deposed Xiao Ming, and again received Fangzhi as emperor. That year Wang Lin, Liang Regional Inspector of Guang, raided the border; Grand General Dou Lu Ning led troops to campaign against him.
62
Emperor Xiaojing.
63
Emperor Xiaojing of Eastern Wei, taboo name Shan Jian, was the heir of Prince of Qinghe Wenxuan Xuan. His mother was Consort Hu. In the eighth month of the third year of Yongxi he was appointed Commissioner with Opening Office Equal to the Third Rank. After Emperor Xiaowu entered Guan Prince of Bohai Gao Huan deliberated with the hundred officials and installed the Emperor to continue after Emperor Ming, aged eleven at the time.
64
西 使 西
In the tenth month of winter of the first year of Tianping, on bingyin day the Emperor took the throne northeast of the city. A general amnesty was proclaimed and the era name was changed. On gengwu day Grand Preceptor and Prince of Zhao Yuan Chen was made Grand Marshal; Grand Commandant and Prince of Xianyang Tan was made Grand Commandant; Gao Sheng, Commissioner with Opening Office Equal to the Third Rank, was made Minister over the Masses; and Gao Ang, Commissioner with Opening Office Equal to the Third Rank, was made Minister of Works. On renshen day sacrifice was offered at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. On bingzi day the imperial carriage moved north to Ye. An edict ordered Prince of Bohai Gao Huan to remain behind and hold the rear sections. Sizhou was changed to Luozhou. Yuan Bi, Director of the Department of State Affairs, was made Commissioner Equal to the Third Rank and Regional Inspector of Luo, garrisoning Luoyang. In the eleventh month Fan Zihong, Regional Inspector of Yan, and Daye Ba, former Southern Qing Regional Inspector, seized Xiaqiu in revolt. On gengyin day the imperial carriage reached Ye and resided in the offices of the Xiangzhou governor in the northern city. The Xiangzhou regional inspector was changed to Governor of Sizhou; the Wei commandery administrator was changed to Wei Yin. The old population of Ye was moved one hundred li west to house the newly moved people. From Ye, Linzhang County was established. The commanderies of Wei, Linyu, Guangping, Yangqiu, Ji, Liyang, Eastern Puyang, Qinghe, Guangzong, and others were made the imperial domain. On dingmao in the twelfth month Prince of Yancheng Heba Yun died. On gengwu day an edict imposed martial alert within and without; all offices were to follow old regulations and wear dignified dress, and might not conduct business in service jackets. On bingzi day Palace Attendant Feng Longzhi and four others were advanced as grand ambassadors to tour and instruct the realm. On dingchou day the metropolitan circuit was pardoned. In the intercalary month Liang installed Yuan Qinghe as King of Wei; he entered and seized Pingliao Township. Emperor Xiaowu died at Chang'an. The four Gentlemen-Generals of the Center were first established: Eastern Center at Qiaoshi Bridge, Western Center at Pu Spring, Southern Center at Jibei, Northern Center at Ming River.
65
西 使 殿 祿 西
In the first month of spring of the second year, on yihai day Acting Right Vice Director and Southeastern Circuit Mobile Secretariat Yuan Yan campaigned against Yuan Qinghe, defeated him, and drove him off. On renyang day Grand Commandant and Prince of Xianyang Tan was made Grand Tutor; Governor of Sizhou and Prince of Xihe Qi was made Grand Commandant. On jichou day former Southern Qing Regional Inspector Daye Ba beheaded Fan Zihong and surrendered; Yan Province was pacified. On wuxu day Chen Qingzhi, Liang Regional Inspector of Si, raided Yu Province; Regional Inspector Yao Xiong drove him off. On xinyou day Gao Sheng was made Grand Commandant; Gao Ang was made Minister over the Masses; Prince of Jiyin Huiye was made Minister of Works. Prince of Bohai Gao Huan campaigned and pacified the mountain Hu Liu Lusheng. On xinwei day because of drought an edict ordered the capital and all commanderies and counties to gather and bury exposed bones. That spring Goguryeo and Khitan both sent envoys to pay tribute. In the fourth month of summer former Qing Regional Inspector Hou Liang rebelled and raided Qing and Qi. On guiwei day Regional Inspector of Ji Cai Jun campaigned and pacified him. On renchen day prisoners held in the capital were pardoned to lower degrees. In the fifth month of summer there was great drought. At city gates, palace gates, and offices of provinces, directorates, agencies, wards, and gates, people were poured water without distinction of duke or prince, without limit of days, until rain came. In the sixth month Yuan Qinghe raided southern Dun; Regional Inspector of Yu Yao Xiong inflicted a great defeat on him. On jiaxu in the seventh month of autumn Chuo, grandson of Prince of Runan Yue, was enfeoffed as Prince of Langye. On xinmao in the eighth month Prince of Jiyin Huiye, Minister of Works, was dismissed for an offense. On jiawu day masses numbering seventy-six thousand were mobilized to build the new palace. On dingsi day Gao Xu, Commissioner with Opening Office Equal to the Third Rank and Prince of Xiangcheng, was made Minister of Works. On dingwei in the eleventh month of winter Liu Zhongli of Liang raided Jing Province; Regional Inspector Wang Yuan defeated him. On guichou day sacrifice was offered at the Circular Mound. On jiayin day the Gate of Opening the Gate to All Directions caught fire. A dragon appeared in a well in a household in Bing Province. On renyang in the twelfth month the imperial carriage hunted east of Ye. On jiawu day civil and military officials were each given salary according to measure. That year was the first year of Datong of Emperor Wen of Western Wei.
66
殿 西 涿 使 使 使
On guimao, the first day of the first month of spring of the third year, the Emperor feasted the ministers in the front hall. On wushen day an edict ordered all officials to recommend scholars. Those whose recommendations did not match talent were twice dismissed. On dingwei day Hao Shu, Liang Regional Inspector of Guang, submitted the province inward. On dingyou day heir of Prince of Bohai Cheng was added as Director of the Department of State Affairs, Grand Mobile Secretariat, and Grand Area Commander. On jiayin day Prince of Huashan Zhi, Commissioner with Opening Office Equal to the Third Rank, was made Grand Marshal. On dingmao day Lu Gongzhuan, Regional Administrator of Yangxia, seized the commandery and rebelled south; Grand Commander Yuan Zheng defeated him. On dingyou in the fourth month of summer Prince of Changle Yan died. On guimao in the fifth month widowers, orphans, the solitary, destitute, and poor were given clothing, each according to measure. On bingchen day Prince of Xihe Qi, Recorder of the Department of State Affairs, was made Governor of Sizhou. On wuchen day Grand Commandant Gao Sheng died. On xinsi day Prince of Zhao Yuan Chen died. On gengzi in the seventh month of autumn a general amnesty was proclaimed. Tian Dubian, Liang Regional Inspector of Xia, and Liu Luanqing, Defense Commander of Yingchuan, both submitted their provinces inward. In the eighth month frost fell in Bing, Si, Zhuo, and Jian—four provinces—and there was great famine. On renyin day Hou Jing, Regional Inspector of Ding and Acting Right Vice Director and Southern Circuit Mobile Secretariat, was put in command of all armies campaigning south. On bingchen day Lu Jili of Pingyang gathered a crowd in revolt. On xinyou day Censor-in-Chief Dou Tai campaigned and pacified him. On wushen in the eleventh month of winter an edict dispatched envoys to inspect displaced and hungry people north of the Yellow River. Hou Jing took Liang Chu Province and captured Regional Inspector Huan He. In the twelfth month Wei Jing, Regional Inspector of Bing, was made Grand Guardian. On xinwei day envoys were sent to confer honorary offices on the aged, each according to rank for those one hundred years and below. On renshen day Grand Marshal and Prince of Qinghe Xuan died. On guisi day Grand Tutor and Prince of Xianyang Tan was made Grand Preceptor. That year Goguryeo and Wuji both sent envoys to pay tribute.
67
西 西 西 祿 西 西 西 使
In the first month of spring of the fourth year Prince of Ruyang Xian was made Recorder of the Department of State Affairs. On xinwei in the fourth month of summer the spirit tablets of the seven emperors were moved into the new temple. A general amnesty was proclaimed; officials within and without were universally advanced one rank. Earlier Zhang Jian and others of Xingyang had gathered a crowd in revolt on Mount Daqi and communicated with Western Wei. On renchen day Martial Guard General Gao Yuancheng campaigned and defeated them. On jisi day the Emperor visited the Hualin Garden to judge lawsuits. On xinwei day an edict ordered the Department of State Affairs to gather exposed bones and bury them and to review prisoners. On renyang day the Gate of Opening the Gate to All Directions caught fire. On jiachen in the seventh month of autumn Acting Palace Attendant Li Kai was sent as envoy to Liang. In the eighth month Western Wei took Shan Province; Regional Inspector Li Huibo died in the fighting. In the ninth month Palace Attendant Yuan Zisi and his nephew Zihua plotted to enter west and were both granted death. In the intercalary month, on yichou day Guard General and Court Gentleman of the Luminous Office Jiang Tianle plotted rebellion and was executed. Selling wine in the capital was forbidden. In the tenth month of winter Prince of Xianyang Tan was made Recorder of the Department of State Affairs. On renchen day Prince of Bohai Gao Huan campaigned west and was defeated at Shayuan. On jiyou day Western Wei Mobile Secretariat Gong Yanshou and Area Commander Yang Baiju raided Luo Province; Grand Commander Han Xian inflicted a great defeat on them. Western Wei again sent its Grand Mobile Secretariat Yuan Jihai and Grand Area Commander Dugu Xin to press Luo Province; Regional Inspector and Prince of Guangyang Zhan abandoned the city and returned to court; Jihai and Xin then seized Jinyong. On bingzi day Wan Qipu, General of Agile Cavalry and Commissioner Equal to the Third Rank, was made Grand Commandant. On jiayin in the twelfth month people of Liang came on a mission. Xing Monai of Hejian and Lu Zhongli of Fanyang each gathered crowds in revolt. That year Goguryeo and Rouran both sent envoys to pay tribute.
68
使 西
On xinyou, the first day of the first month of spring of the first year of Yuanxiang, there was an eclipse of the sun. A great elephant came of itself to a marsh in Dang Commandery; Southern Yanzhou captured it and sent it to Ye. On dingmao day a general amnesty was proclaimed and the era name was changed. On bingchen day Acting Palace Attendant Zheng Boyou was sent as envoy to Liang. On gengyin in the fourth month of summer the metropolitan circuit was specially pardoned and the wine prohibition was lifted. On renchen in the sixth month the Emperor visited the Hualin Assembly Hall and heard lawsuits. That summer east of the mountains there was great flood; frogs croaked in the trees. On yihai in the seventh month of autumn Goguryeo sent envoys to pay tribute. On xinmao in the eighth month Western Wei was greatly defeated at Heyin. In the ninth month Grand Commander Heba Ren attacked Xing Monai, Lu Zhongli, and others, defeated them, and pacified them. In the tenth month of winter people of Liang came on a mission. On gengyin in the twelfth month Lu Cao was sent as envoy to Liang.
69
西 使
In the first month of spring of the second year, on renshen day Grand Guardian Wei Jing was made Grand Tutor; Kudi Gan, General of Agile Cavalry and Commissioner with Opening Office Equal to the Third Rank, was made Grand Guardian. On dingchou day the new palace was completed and a general amnesty was proclaimed. Officials within and without were universally advanced one rank; chief builders received an additional preferential rank. On yimao day people of Liang came on a mission. On jiyou day Western Wei Mobile Secretariat Gong Yanhe and Shan Regional Inspector Gong Yuanqing led households to submit inward; they were placed on horse pastures in Hebei and given relief grain, each according to measure. On renzi day Acting Palace Attendant Li Xiang was sent as envoy to Liang. On dingchou, the first day of the intercalary month, there was an eclipse of the sun. On jichou day imperial elder brother Jingzhi was enfeoffed as Prince of Yiyang; imperial younger brother Wei as Prince of Qinghe. Qian as Prince of Yingchuan. On renzi day Grand Marshal and Prince of Huashan Zhi died. On dingwei in the tenth month of winter people of Liang came on a mission. On yimao in the twelfth month Acting Palace Attendant Cui Changqian was sent as envoy to Liang. That year Goguryeo, Rouran, and Wuji all sent envoys to pay tribute.
70
西 使
In the second month of spring of the third year, on jiachen day the Azhiluo led the Tuba Nahun tribe in great numbers to submit. In the third month, on yiyou day Gongsun Guibin of Liang Province gathered a crowd in revolt, styled himself Heavenly King; the Yangxia Garrison general campaigned and captured him. On wushen in the fourth month of summer Fufoluoyue, vice-lord of the Azhiluo state, and the Yuezhi prince Qu Bin came to submit; Qu Bin was enfeoffed as King of Gaoche. On yichou in the sixth month people of Liang came on a mission. On jimao in the seventh month of autumn Prince of Yiyang Jingzhi died. On jiazi in the eighth month Acting Palace Attendant Li Qian was sent as envoy to Liang. Earlier an edict had ordered the officials to assemble at the Linqiu Pavilion; to deliberate and fix the new regulations; in the tenth month of winter, on jiayin day they were promulgated throughout the realm. On jisi day fifty thousand laborers were mobilized to build the Zhangbin dam; work ceased after thirty-five days. On guihai day the imperial carriage hunted in the western hills. On wuyin in the eleventh month he returned to the palace. On bingxu day Prince of Pengcheng Shao, Commissioner with Opening Office Equal to the Third Rank, was made Grand Commandant; Hu Sengjing, Director of Revenue, was made Minister of Works. That year Rouran, Goguryeo, and the Wuji state all sent envoys to pay tribute.
71
西 西 西 西 使
On renxu, the first day of the first month of spring of the first year of Wuding, a general amnesty was proclaimed and the era name was changed. On jisi day the imperial carriage hunted in the western hills of Handan. On guiyou day he returned to the palace. In the second month, on renshen day Gao Zhongmi, Northern Yu Regional Inspector, held Wulao and rebelled west. On bingwu in the third month the Emperor personally heard lawsuits. On wushen day Prince of Bohai Gao Huan inflicted a great defeat on the Western Wei army at Mount Mang and pursued to Hengnong before returning. Yu and Luo—two provinces—were pacified. In the fourth month of summer younger brother Xi of Prince of Pengcheng Shao was enfeoffed as Prince of Wu'an. On renchen day because Wulao had been recovered capital prisoners and below throughout the realm were pardoned to lower degrees. On yiwei day Director of the Ministry of Personnel Hou Jing was made Minister of Works. On yihai in the sixth month people of Liang came on a mission. On wuyin day former Acting Palace Attendant Yuan Changchun was enfeoffed as Prince of Nan. On yichou day Hulu Jin, Regional Inspector of Fen, was made Grand Marshal. On renyang day Acting Palace Attendant Li Hun was sent as envoy to Liang. On jiawu in the eleventh month of winter the imperial carriage hunted in the western hills. On yisi day he returned to the palace. That year Tuyuhun, Goguryeo, and Rouran all sent envoys to pay tribute.
72
使 西 使
In the second month of spring of the second year, on dingmao day Liu Wuhei of Xuzhou gathered a crowd in revolt; Mobile Secretariat Murong Shaozong was sent to campaign and pacify him. In the third month people of Liang came on a mission. Because of drought capital prisoners and below were pardoned to lower degrees. On bingwu day Sun Teng, Commissioner with Opening Office Equal to the Third Rank, was made Grand Guardian. On renzi day heir of Prince of Bohai Gao Cheng was made Grand General and Director of the Secretariat. Yuan Bi was made Recorder of the Department of State Affairs. Left Vice Director Sima Ziru was made Director of the Department of State Affairs. Duke of Taiyuan Gao Yang was made Left Vice Director. On jiawu day Palace Attendant Wei Jijing was sent as envoy to Liang. On dingyou day Grand Commandant and Prince of Guangyang Zhan died. On guiyou day Director of the Department of State Affairs Sima Ziru was dismissed for an offense. On jiashen day Prince of Jiyin Huiye, Commissioner with Opening Office Equal to the Third Rank, was made Grand Commandant. Grand Preceptor and Prince of Xianyang Tan was dismissed for an offense and returned to his residence as prince. On dingsi day Grand Guardian Sun Teng and Grand Marshal Gao Longzhi were each made commissioners for registering households; in all more than six hundred thousand fugitive households were obtained. In the eleventh month the land sank in Xihe and fire issued forth. On jiashen day Gao Longzhi, Minister over the Masses, was made Director of the Department of State Affairs; former Grand Marshal Lou Zhao was made Minister over the Masses. On gengzi day sacrifice was offered at the Circular Mound. On xinchou day people of Liang came on a mission. That year Tuyuhun, Didougan, Xianbei, Goguryeo, Rouran, and Wuji all sent envoys to pay tribute.
73
使
In the first month of spring of the third year, on bingshen day Acting Palace Attendant Li Jiang was sent as envoy to Liang. On gengshen in the second month the Tuyuhun state presented its younger cousin by the female line to fill the rear palace; she was received as Ronghua Consort. On jiachen in the fifth month of summer a general amnesty was proclaimed. On gengzi in the seventh month of autumn people of Liang came on a mission. In the tenth month of winter Secretariat Gentleman Wei Jin was sent as envoy to Liang. In the twelfth month Hou Jing, Minister of Works, was made Minister over the Masses; Han Gui, Director of the Secretariat, was made Minister of Works. On wuzi day Grand Guardian Sun Teng was made Recorder of the Department of State Affairs. That year Goguryeo, Tuyuhun, and Rouran all sent envoys to pay tribute.
74
使
On renyin in the fifth month of summer of the fourth year people of Liang came on a mission. On gengzi in the sixth month Hou Jing, Minister over the Masses, was made Grand Ambassador of Henan and was to campaign as circumstances required. On renyin in the seventh month of autumn Acting Palace Attendant Yuan Kuo was sent as envoy to Liang. In the eighth month the Han and Wei stone classics of Luoyang were moved to Ye. That year Xianbei, Wuji, Didougan, Goguryeo, and Rouran all sent envoys to pay tribute.
75
西 西 西
On jihai, the first day of the first month of spring of the fifth year, there was an eclipse of the sun. On bingwu day Prince of Bohai Gao Huan died. On xinhai day Minister over the Masses Hou Jing surrendered to Western Wei to seek rescue. Western Wei sent its generals Li Bi and Wang Sizheng to go to his aid. Sizheng and others entered and seized Yingchuan; Jing then fled to Yu Province. On yichou day people of Liang came on a mission. In the second month Hou Jing again turned against Western Wei and returned to Liang. On renshen in the fourth month of summer Grand General Gao Cheng came to court. On jiawu day Acting Palace Attendant Li Wei was sent as envoy to Liang. On dingyou, the first day of the fifth month, a general amnesty was proclaimed. On wuxu day Right Vice Director and Prince of Xiangcheng Xu was made Grand Marshal.
76
使
On jiachen day Duke of Taiyuan Gao Yang was made Director of the Department of State Affairs and Director of the Secretariat. Wei Jing, Regional Inspector of Qing, was made Grand Marshal. Kudi Gan, Commissioner with Opening Office Equal to the Third Rank, was made Grand Preceptor. Sun Teng, Recorder of the Department of State Affairs, was made Grand Tutor. Heba Ren, Regional Inspector of Fen, was made Grand Guardian. Han Gui, Minister of Works, was made Minister over the Masses. Kezhuhun Daoyuan, Commandant of the Guard, was made Minister of Works. Gao Longzhi, Minister over the Masses, was made Recorder of the Department of State Affairs; Murong Shaozong, Regional Inspector of Xuzhou, was made Left Vice Director; Prince of Gaoyang Bin was made Right Vice Director. On wuwu day Grand Marshal Wei Jing died. On yiyou in the sixth month the Emperor observed mourning for Prince of Bohai at the Eastern Hall, wearing coarse hemp. On xinchou in the ninth month of autumn Marquis of Zhenyang Xiao Ming of Liang raided Xuzhou, dammed the Si River at Han Mountain, flooded Pengcheng, and responded to Hou Jing. On yiyou in the eleventh month Left Vice Director Murong Shaozong was made Southeastern Circuit Mobile Secretariat; together with Grand Commander Gao Yue and Pan Xiangle he inflicted a great defeat and captured Ming and his two sons Yudao. On yihai day when Xiao Ming arrived the Emperor came to the Gate of Opening the Gate to All Directions, reproached him, and pardoned him. Yue and others turned their army to campaign against Hou Jing. That year Goguryeo and Wuji both sent envoys to pay tribute.
77
使 使
On jihai in the first month of spring of the sixth year Gao Yue and others at Woyang inflicted a great defeat on Hou Jing. More than fifty thousand were captured and beheaded; the rest drowned in the Wo River until the water did not flow. Jing fled to Huainan. On jimao in the second month. Liang sent envoys seeking peace. Peace was granted. On guisi in the third month Grand Marshal and Prince of Xiangcheng Xu was made Grand Marshal; Gao Yue, Commissioner with Opening Office Equal to the Third Rank, was made Grand Commandant. On xinhai day because of drought in spring and winter criminals were pardoned to varying degrees. On jiazi in the fourth month of summer Zhang Yonghe, clerical officer of the Ministry of Personnel, and Cui Kuo of Qing Province and others falsely forged official posts; the affair was discovered and investigated; leaders numbered more than sixty thousand. On jiaxu day Grand Commandant Gao Yue, Minister over the Masses Han Gui, Grand Commander Liu Feng, and others campaigned against Wang Sizheng at Yingchuan and led the Wei River to flood the city. On yiyou in the ninth month people of Liang came on a mission. On wushen in the tenth month of winter Hou Jing crossed the Yangtze, installed Liang Prince of Linhe Zhengde as ruler, and attacked Jianye. That year Goguryeo, Xianbei, Rouran, and Tuyuhun all sent envoys to pay tribute.
78
西
On jiyou in the twelfth month of the second year Prince of Zhongshan died, aged twenty-eight. In the second month of the third year he was posthumously honored as Emperor Xiaojing. He was buried north of the Zhang west of Ye. Later when the tomb was opened the mound collapsed and sixty men died.
79
使 使 使
The Emperor was fond of literature and had a beautiful bearing. His strength could lift a stone lion over a wall; in archery he never missed. At auspicious feasts he often ordered the ministers to compose poems. Composed and dignified in manner, he had the manner of Emperor Xiaowen. Gao Cheng of Bohai succeeded to affairs and was very jealous of him. Cui Jishu, staff officer of the Grand General Center Army, was made Attendant of the Secretariat and Attendant at the Yellow Gate and ordered to monitor movements; great and small were all to be known to Jishu. Cheng wrote to Jishu: "How is the fool again? Is the fool's condition a little better? Once when hunting east of Ye the Emperor galloped in pursuit like flight. Supervisory Guard Commander Wunaluo Shougong called after him from behind: "Son of Heaven, do not run your horse—the Grand General will be angry! Once when Cheng attended the Emperor drinking he raised his cup greatly and said: "Your servant Cheng urges Your Majesty." The Emperor said displeased: "From antiquity there has been no state that did not perish—what use have I for this life!" Cheng said angrily: "I, I—dog-foot I!" Cheng had Jishu beat the Emperor three blows with fists, snatched up his robe, and went out. The next day Cheng had Jishu comfort the Emperor, and the Emperor also apologized. Silk was bestowed; Jishu did not dare accept and reported to Cheng. Cheng had one length taken. The Emperor bound one hundred bolts and gave them to him, saying: "Also only one length."
80
Unable to bear worry and insult, the Emperor chanted a poem of Xie Lingyun: "When Han perished Zifang rose up; when Qin had an emperor Lu Lian was shamed. Originally men of river and sea, their resolve and righteousness moved gentlemen. Regular Attendant and Lecturer Xun Ji knew the Emperor's intent; he with Prince of Huashan Daqi and Yuan Jin secretly plotted within the palace. Feigning a mountain they dug a tunnel north toward the northern city. At the Gate of a Thousand Autumns the gatekeepers perceived underground sound and movement and reported to Cheng. Cheng led troops into camp and said: "Your Majesty—what intent is this rebellion? My father and I, our merit preserves the altars of soil and grain—what have we failed Your Majesty in? When he was about to kill the consorts and concubines, the Emperor said with stern countenance: "You yourself wish to rebel—what has it to do with me? I do not spare even my own person—how much less consorts and concubines! Cheng descended from the couch, kowtowed, and wept greatly in confession of guilt. Thereupon they drank heavily and only went out deep in the night. After three days the Emperor was confined in the Hall of Containing Splendor. Daqi, Jin, and others were all boiled in the market. Daqi, Jin, and the others were all executed by boiling in the market.
81
殿 便
When he was about to yield the throne to Emperor Wenxuan, Prince of Xiangcheng Chang, Minister over the Masses Pan Xiangle, Palace Attendant Zhang Liang, Attendant at the Yellow Gate Zhao Yanshen, and others requested audience to report affairs. Xu said: "The Five Phases pass in succession; there is beginning and end. The Prince of Qi is sage in virtue and bright; the myriad people look up to him. We, your servants, risk death to report and beg Your Majesty to yield as Yao yielded to Shun. The Emperor immediately composed his countenance and answered: "This matter has long been deferred; I shall respectfully yield and withdraw. He also said: "If so, an edict must be drafted." Attendant Gentleman Cui Jie and Pei Rangzhi memorialized: "The edict is already complete." It was at once given to Yang Yin to present to the Emperor—ten articles in all. When the writing was finished he said: "Where will you place me? How again shall I depart?" Yang Yin answered: "In the northern city there is a separate residence; the imperial equipage will again be prepared; you will go as usual with guards and escort. The Emperor then descended from the imperial seat and walked to the eastern corridor. He chanted orally from Fan Ye's Account of the Latter Han: "The Offered Emperor was born out of season; his person was cast amid national hardship; ending our four hundred years, forever to be guest of Yu." The authorities memorialized requesting departure. The Emperor said: "The ancients cherished a lost hairpin or worn shoes; may I take leave of the six palaces—is it possible? Gao Longzhi said: "Today the realm is still Your Majesty's realm—how much more the rear palace!" Thereupon he took leave of the ladies, consorts, and those below; none did not sob and cover their faces. Consort Li of Zhao recited a poem of Prince Si of Chen: "My lord, cherish your jade body and together enjoy the years of yellow hair." From the Empress downward all wept. Direct Attendant Zhao De had one old calf cart waiting at the upper gate of the eastern tower. The Emperor mounted the cart; De leaped up onto the cart and held the Emperor. The Emperor elbowed him and said: "I fear Heaven and follow the people, yielding the throne to the Chancellor—what slave dares press a man!" Zhao De still would not descend. When they went out through the Cloud Dragon Gate dukes, princes, and the hundred officials in caps and robes bowed in farewell. The Emperor said: "Today is no less than Duke of Changdao or Emperor Xian of Han." The masses were all grief-stricken; Gao Longzhi wept profusely. He then entered the northern city and went down to Sima Ziru's southern residence. The masses were all grief-stricken; Gao Longzhi wept profusely. He then entered the northern city and went down to Sima Ziru's southern residence. When Emperor Wenxuan traveled he always had the Emperor follow. The Emperor's consort was enfeoffed as Princess of Taiyuan; she often tasted food for the Emperor to guard and watch over him. In the end he met poison and died.
82
祿
Commentary says: Emperor Zhuang's fate met successive loss; he welcomed and gathered loyal armies. Though the times were desperately perilous, in the end he held the four seas. Crafty rebels were cut down; powerful men monopolized commands; the divine will decided alone—yet thorns were not yet removed; and Heaven had not forgotten disorder; disaster did not turn its heel. From this onward the house of Wei crumbled. At first they restrained the strong barbarians; in the end power returned to the hegemonic ministers. Those who presided over sacrifice were no different from seated guests; those who met deposition and insult were worse than in a game of chess. Though Jiemin was bright and Xiaowu was long in years, they only hastened this rushing about. Emperor Wen with his strong, firm substance in the end kept to the female and treasured himself. Xiaojing and Gong, when Heaven's mandate ended, ascended high and followed Tang and Yu—each obtained his season.
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