Volume 115 Records 15: Fu Pi; Fu Deng

苻丕苻登

This chapter records Fu Pi and Fu Deng.

苻丕，字永叔，堅之長庶子也。少而聰彗好學，博綜經史。堅與言將略，嘉之，命鄧羌教以兵法。文武才幹亞於苻融，為將善收士卒情，出鎮於鄴，東夏安之。堅敗歸長安，丕為慕容垂所逼，自鄴奔枋頭。堅之死也，丕復入鄴城，將收兵趙、魏，西赴長安。會幽州刺史王永、平州刺史苻沖頻為垂將平規等所敗，乃遣昌黎太守宋敞焚燒和龍、薊城宮室，率眾三萬進屯壺關，遣使招丕。丕乃去鄴，率男女六萬餘口進如潞川。驃騎張蠔、并州刺史王騰迎之，入據晉陽，始知堅死問，舉哀于晉陽，三軍縞素。王永留苻沖守壺關，率騎一萬會丕，勸稱尊號，丕從之，乃乙太元十年僭即皇帝位於晉陽南。立堅行廟，太赦境內，改元曰太安。置百官，以張蠔為侍中、司空，封上黨郡公；王永為使持節、侍中、都督中外諸軍事、車騎大將軍、尚書令，進封清河公；王騰為散騎常侍、中軍大將軍、司隸校尉、陽平郡公；苻沖為左光祿大夫、尚書左僕射、西平王；俱石子為衛將軍、濮陽公；楊輔為尚書右僕射、濟陽公；王亮為護軍將軍、彭城公；強益耳、梁暢為侍中，徐義為吏部尚書，並封縣公。自余封授各有差。

Fu Pi, whose courtesy name was Yongshu, was Fu Jian's eldest son born to a secondary consort. Even as a boy he showed quick intelligence and a love of books, with wide learning in classical texts and historical works. When Fu Jian talked strategy with him, he was so impressed that he had Deng Qiang teach the young man the arts of war. In talent for both civil and military affairs he stood just below Fu Rong, and as a commander he knew how to bind his men to him. His posting to Ye brought stability to the east. After Fu Jian's defeat and retreat to Chang'an, Fu Pi could not hold Ye against Murong Chui and withdrew to Fangtou. On Fu Jian's death, Fu Pi went back into Ye, planning to raise forces in Zhao and Wei and then strike west toward Chang'an. Meanwhile Wang Yong of Youzhou and Fu Chong of Pingzhou suffered repeated defeats at the hands of Murong Chui's officers like Ping Gui; they had Song Chang, administrator of Changli, put the palaces of Helong and Ji to the torch, moved thirty thousand troops up to Huguan, and sent messengers calling Fu Pi to join them. Fu Pi accordingly abandoned Ye and marched toward the Lu River with a train of over sixty thousand souls. Zhang Hao, general of Agile Cavalry, and Wang Teng, inspector of Bingzhou, received him; together they took Jinyang, where they first heard that Fu Jian was dead. They held mourning rites there, and every soldier donned mourning white. Wang Yong stationed Fu Chong at Huguan, rode out with ten thousand horse to meet Fu Pi, and pressed him to take the throne; Fu Pi consented. In the tenth year of the Taiyuan era he presumptuously declared himself emperor south of Jinyang. He set up a mobile ancestral shrine for Fu Jian, proclaimed an amnesty throughout his territory, and adopted the reign title Tai'an. Among his appointments, Zhang Hao became palace attendant and minister of works, with the ducal title of Shangdang. Wang Yong received the titles bearer of the imperial tally, palace attendant, commander of all armies at court and in the field, general of chariots and cavalry, and director of the secretariat, and was promoted to duke of Qinghe. Wang Teng was named cavalier attendant-in-ordinary, general of the central army, colonel director of retainers, and duke of Yangping. Fu Chong became grand master of the left, left vice director of the secretariat, and prince of Xiping. Ju Shizi was appointed general of the guards and duke of Puyang. Yang Fu took the posts of right vice director of the secretariat and duke of Jiyang. Wang Liang became general who guards the army and duke of Pengcheng. Qiang Yier and Liang Chang were named palace attendants, Xu Yi director of personnel, and each received a county ducal fief. Other offices and noble ranks were distributed according to merit and station.

是時安西呂光自西域還師，至於宜禾，堅涼州刺史梁熙謀閉境距之。高昌太守楊翰言於熙曰：「「呂光新定西國，兵強氣銳，其鋒不可當也。度其事意，必有異圖。且今關中擾亂，京師存亡未知，自河已西迄於流沙，地方萬里，帶甲十萬，鼎峙之勢實在今日。若光出流沙，其勢難測。高梧穀口，水險之要，宜先守之而奪其水。彼既窮渴，自然投戈。如其以遠不守，伊吾之關亦可距也。若度此二要，雖有子房之策，難為計矣。地有所必爭，真此機也。」熙弗從。美水令犍為張統說熙曰：「主上傾國南討，覆敗而還。慕容垂擅兵河北，泓、沖寇逼京師，丁零雜虜，跋扈關、洛，州郡奸豪，所在風扇，王綱弛絕，人懷利己。今呂光回師，將軍何以抗也？」熙曰：「誠深憂之，未知計之所出。」統曰：「光雄果勇毅，明略絕人，今以蕩西域之威，擁歸師之銳，鋒若猛火之盛于原，弗可敵也。將軍世受殊恩，忠誠夙著，立勳王室，宜在於今。行唐公洛，上之從弟，勇冠一時。為將軍計者，莫若奉為盟主，以攝眾望，推忠義以總率群豪，則光無異心也。資其精銳，東兼毛興，連王統、楊璧，集四州之眾，掃凶逆于諸夏，甯帝室於關中，此桓文之舉也。」熙又不從。殺洛於西海，以子胤為鷹揚將軍，率眾五萬距光於酒泉。敦煌太守姚靜、晉昌太守李純以郡降光。胤及光戰于安彌，為光所敗。武威太守彭濟執熙迎光，光殺之。建威、西郡太守索泮，奮威、督洪池已南諸軍事、酒泉太守宋皓等，並為光所殺。

Meanwhile Lü Guang, general who pacifies the west, was marching home from the Western Regions and had reached Yihe; Liang Xi, inspector of Liangzhou under Fu Jian, meant to shut the frontier and block his entry. Yang Han, administrator of Gaochang, warned Liang Xi: "Lü Guang has just brought the west under his hand; his soldiers are fresh and fierce, and nothing can stand in the path of his thrust. Judging from how things are moving, he must be nursing ambitions beyond a simple homecoming. Moreover Guanzhong is chaos and the fate of the capital uncertain; west of the Yellow River stretches ten thousand li of ground to the desert's edge, garrisoned by a hundred thousand men—if ever there was a moment for contending powers to face one another, it is this. Once Lü Guang breaks out of the western wastes, no one can tell what he will do next. Gaowu Gorge is a defile where water and ground favor the defender; hold it first and deny him water. Thirst and exhaustion will do your work for you—they will throw down their arms of their own accord. Even if he scorns to contest that distant ground, the Yiwu barrier can still block him. Let him through both choke points, and not even Zhang Liang's cunning could save your position. Some ground must be contested at any cost; the opportunity is now." Liang Xi refused to listen. Zhang Tong of Qianwei, magistrate of Meishui, said to Liang Xi: "Our lord emptied the kingdom for a southern campaign and returned in defeat. Murong Chui holds the Hebei plain; Murong Hong and Murong Chong threaten the capital; Dingling and other tribes rampage through Guanzhong and the Luoyang region; local magnates everywhere take the cue to rebel; imperial authority frays and every hand reaches for advantage. Lü Guang is marching home at the head of a seasoned host—how do you mean to stop him?" Liang Xi answered, "The danger weighs on me, yet I see no clear course." Zhang Tong replied, "Lü Guang is a fighter of rare courage and cunning; fresh from conquering the west and leading veterans homeward, he strikes like wildfire across dry grass—you cannot meet him head-on. Your family has enjoyed extraordinary grace, your devotion has never been in doubt, and you have served the throne with distinction—now is the hour to prove it again. The duke of Xingtang, Fu Luo, is the emperor's cousin on the father's side and the foremost warrior of his day. The wise course is to recognize Fu Luo as leader of the alliance and win the people's hope, then gather the heroes under the banner of duty—so Lü Guang finds no opening for disloyalty. Use his elite columns to drive east, link with Mao Xing, Wang Tong, and Yang Bi, combine the armies of four provinces, clear the heartland of traitors, and set the dynasty right in Guanzhong—work worthy of Duke Huan or Duke Wen." Liang Xi still would not take the advice. Instead he executed Fu Luo at Xihai, named his son Yin general who spreads might, and sent fifty thousand soldiers to block Lü Guang at Jiuquan. Yao Jing of Dunhuang and Li Chun of Jinchang yielded their prefectures to Lü Guang. Fu Yin met Lü Guang at Anmi and was routed. Peng Ji, administrator of Wuwei, took Liang Xi prisoner and opened the gates to Lü Guang, who then put Liang Xi to death. Suo Pan, who held Jianwei and the western commandery, Song Hao of Jiuquan—who served as general who rouses might and directed troops south of Hongchi—and others likewise fell to Lü Guang's blade.

堅尚書令、魏昌公苻纂自關中來奔，拜太尉，進封東海王。以中山太守王兗為平東將軍、平州刺史、阜城侯，苻定為征東將軍、冀州牧、高城侯，苻紹為鎮東將軍、督冀州諸軍事、重合侯，苻謨為征西將軍、幽州牧、高邑侯，苻亮為鎮北大將軍、督幽、并二州諸軍事，並進爵郡公。定、紹據信都，謨、亮先據常山，慕容垂之圍鄴城也，並降于垂，聞丕稱尊號，遣使謝罪。王兗固守博陵，與垂相持。左將軍竇沖、秦州刺史王統、河州刺史毛興、益州刺史王廣、南秦州刺史楊璧、衛將軍楊定，並據隴右，遣使招丕，請討姚萇。丕大悅，以定為驃騎大將軍、雍州牧，沖為征西大將軍、梁州牧，統鎮西大將軍，興車騎大將軍，璧征南大將軍，並開府儀同三司，加散騎常侍，廣安西將軍，皆進位州牧。

Fu Zuan, Fu Jian's director of the secretariat and duke of Weichang, arrived as a refugee from Guanzhong; Fu Pi named him grand commandant and raised him to prince of Donghai. Wang Yan of Zhongshan became general who pacifies the east, inspector of Pingzhou, and marquis of Fucheng; Fu Ding general who conquers the east, governor of Jizhou, and marquis of Gaocheng; Fu Shao general who guards the east, with overall command in Jizhou, and marquis of Chonghe; Fu Mo general who conquers the west, governor of Youzhou, and marquis of Gaoyi; Fu Liang general who guards the north, with joint authority over You and Bing—all were promoted to commandery dukes. Fu Ding and Fu Shao held Xindu while Fu Mo and Fu Liang had seized Changshan first; both pairs had gone over to Murong Chui when he invested Ye, yet when Fu Pi declared himself emperor they dispatched messengers begging forgiveness. Wang Yan shut himself in Boling and held the line against Murong Chui. Dou Chong, general of the left; Wang Tong, inspector of Qinzhou; Mao Xing, inspector of Hezhou; Wang Guang, inspector of Yizhou; Yang Bi, inspector of south Qinzhou; and Yang Ding, general of the guards, each held ground in Longyou and wrote to Fu Pi offering to strike Yao Chang. Fu Pi was delighted: Yang Ding became grand general of agile cavalry and governor of Yongzhou; Dou Chong grand general who conquers the west and governor of Liangzhou; Wang Tong grand general who guards the west; Mao Xing grand general of chariots and cavalry; Yang Bi grand general who conquers the south—each with an independent headquarters and honors matching the three dukes, plus the title cavalier attendant-in-ordinary; Wang Guang became general who pacifies the west; all were raised to governorships.

於是王永宣檄州郡曰：「大行皇帝棄背萬國，四海無主。征東大將軍、長樂公，先帝元子，聖武自天，受命荊南，威振衡海，分陝東都，道被夷夏，仁澤光於宇宙，德聽侔于《下武》。永與司空蠔等謹順天人之望，以季秋吉辰奉公紹承大統，銜哀即事，棲穀總戎，枕戈待旦，志雪大恥。慕容垂為封豕於關東，泓、沖繼凶於京邑，致乘輿播越，宗社淪傾。羌賊姚萇，我之牧士，乘釁滔天，親行大逆，有生之巨賊也。永累葉受恩，世荷將相，不與驪山之戎、滎澤之狄共戴皇天，同履厚土。諸牧伯公侯或宛沛宗臣，或四七勳舊，豈忍舍破國之醜豎，縱殺君之逆賊乎！主上飛龍九五，實協天心，靈祥休瑞，史不輟書，投戈效義之士三十餘萬，少康、光武之功可旬朔而成。今以衛將軍俱石子為前軍師，司空張蠔為中軍都督。武將猛士，風烈雷震，志殄元凶，義無他顧。永謹奉乘輿，恭行天罰。君臣終始之義，在三忘軀之誠，戮力同之，以建晉、鄭之美。」

Wang Yong then circulated a manifesto: "The great emperor has departed this life, and the realm has no sovereign. The general who conquers the east and duke of Changle—firstborn of the late sovereign—is heaven-endowed in arms and majesty; invested on the southern Jing, his terror reached the Xiang basin and the coast; charged with the eastern heartland, his influence touched both Yi and Xia; his benevolence fills heaven and earth, and his name belongs beside the kings praised in the Shijing's 'Lower Martial.' Wang Yong, Minister Zhang Hao, and their colleagues bowed to the will of heaven and the people; on a propitious autumn day they raised the duke to the throne. In mourning they took the reins, enduring want while they led the armies, every night with weapons at hand, burning to avenge the national humiliation. Murong Chui is a ravening beast in the lands east of Hangu; Murong Hong and Murong Chong carried on their crimes at the capital until the emperor was forced to flee and the dynasty's foundations cracked. The Qiang renegade Yao Chang, whom we once trusted as a provincial shepherd, seized the chaos to rebel against heaven and with his own hands wrought regicide—there is no greater traitor under the sun. My house has drunk deep of imperial grace and long worn the seals of chancellor and commander; I will not stand under the same sky or walk the same soil as the Rong of Mount Li or the Di of Xingze. Governors and nobles—whether ancient vassals of the blood or veterans of the rise of Qin—can you truly stomach serving the brute who broke the kingdom and the murderer who slew your king? Our lord sits as the true Son of Heaven, in perfect harmony with heaven's intent; good omens crowd the annals; three hundred thousand warriors have already laid down old loyalties to join the rightful cause—the restoration of Shaokang or Guangwu can be finished in a single turning of the month. Ju Shizi, general of the guards, is appointed director of the vanguard; Minister Zhang Hao commands the center. Our champions march like storm and lightning; their sole aim is to destroy the chief enemy, and duty allows no other thought. I, Wang Yong, will escort the throne and carry out the sentence heaven has passed on the traitors. Between sovereign and servant there is a bond that runs from beginning to end; in the three great relationships a loyal man gives his life without hesitation—let us strive together and leave a story worthy of the dukes of Jin and Zheng."

先是，慕容驎攻王兗於博陵，至是糧竭矢盡，郡功曹張猗逾城聚眾應驎。袞臨城數之曰：「卿，秦之人也。吾，卿之君也。起眾應賊，號稱義兵，何名實相違之甚！卿兄往合鄉宗，親逐城主，天地不容，為世大戮。身滅未幾，卿復續之。卿見為吾吏，親尋干戈，競為戎首，為爾君者，不亦難乎！今人何取卿一切之功，寧能忘卿不忠不孝之事！古人有雲，求忠臣必出孝子之門，卿母在城，不能顧之，何忠義之可望！惡不絕世，卿之謂也。不圖中州禮義之邦邦，而卿門風若斯。卿去老母如脫屣，吾復何論哉！」既而城陷，兗及固安侯苻鑒，並為驎所殺。

Before this, Murong Lin had been besieging Wang Yan in Boling; supplies and arrows ran out, and Zhang Yi, the county merit clerk, scaled the walls, raised a band of followers, and opened the city to Lin. Wang Yan appeared on the battlements and cried out, "You were born a subject of Qin. I am the lord you serve. You rouse the people for the rebels yet name it a loyal host—never was deed and title so at odds! Your brother once mustered the clan, chased the lawful governor from the walls, and earned the scorn of heaven and earth—a public enemy while he lived. He has scarcely paid for his crimes in the grave, and you follow in his footsteps. You served under my banner, then seized weapons with your own hands and led the alien host—what lord could forgive such a thing? Men may praise your little coup today, but they will not forget that you are faithless to your prince and heartless toward your kin! The old proverb runs that loyal servants come from filial homes; your mother is trapped in this town while you betray it—where is your duty or your honor? They say wickedness outlives a single life—you prove the saying. I never thought to see, in the heartland where rites and duty are taught, a family sink to such conduct as yours. You abandoned your old mother like a pair of worn-out sandals—I have nothing left to say to you!" The city soon fell; Wang Yan and Fu Jian, marquis of Gu'an, were both slain by Murong Lin.

丕復以王永為司徒、錄尚書事，徐義為尚書令，加右光祿大夫。

Fu Pi reappointed Wang Yong minister of education and chief of the secretariat, and Xu Yi director of the secretariat with the added honor grand master of the right.

初，王廣還自成都也，奔其兄秦州刺史統。及長安不守，廣攻河州牧毛興於枹罕。興遣建節將軍、臨清柏衛平率其宗人千七百夜擊廣軍，大敗之。王統復遣兵助廣，興於是嬰城固守。既而襲王廣，敗之，廣亡奔秦州，為隴西鮮卑匹蘭所執，送詣姚萇。興既敗王廣，謀伐王統，平上邽。袍罕諸氐皆窘於兵革而疲不堪命，乃殺興，推衛平為使持節、安西將軍、河州刺史，遣使請命。

When Wang Guang withdrew from Chengdu, he had thrown in with his brother Wang Tong, inspector of Qinzhou. After Chang'an fell, Wang Guang laid siege to Mao Xing, governor of Hezhou, in Fuhan. Mao Xing dispatched Bai Wei of Linqing, general who establishes the lineage, with seventeen hundred kinsmen in a night attack that shattered Wang Guang's camp. Wang Tong sent reinforcements for his brother; Mao Xing then barred the gates and held out. He then sortied against Wang Guang, broke him, and drove him to Qinzhou, where Longxi Xianbei under Pilan took him prisoner and sent him to Yao Chang. Once Mao Xing had beaten Wang Guang, he turned toward Wang Tong and meant to seize Shanggui. The Di clans of Fuhan, battered by constant fighting, could bear no more; they assassinated Mao Xing, proclaimed Wei Ping inspector of Hezhou with the titles bearer of the imperial tally and general who pacifies the west, and begged the court for confirmation.

刁雲殺慕容忠，乃推慕容永為使持節、大都督中外諸軍事、大將軍、大單于、雍、秦、梁、涼四州牧、錄尚書事、河東王、稱籓於垂。征東苻定、鎮東苻紹、征北苻謨、鎮北苻亮皆降于慕容垂。

Diao Yun slew Murong Zhong and then installed Murong Yong as commander of all armies, grand general, great chanyu, governor of four provinces, chief of the secretariat, and prince of Hedong, while acknowledging Murong Chui as overlord. Fu Ding, Fu Shao, Fu Mo, and Fu Liang—generals of the east and north—each capitulated to Murong Chui.

丕又進王永為左丞相，苻纂為大司馬，張蠔為太尉，王騰為驃騎大將軍、儀同三司，徐義為司空，苻沖為車騎大將軍、尚書令、儀同三司，俱石子為衛大將軍、尚書左僕射，領官皆如故。永又檄州郡曰：「昔夏有窮夷之難，少康起焉；王莽毒殺平帝，世祖重光漢道；百六之運，何代無之！天降喪亂，羌胡猾夏，先帝晏駕賊庭，京師鞠為戎穴，神州蕭條，生靈塗炭。天未亡秦，社稷有奉。主上聖德恢弘，道侔光武，所在宅心，天人歸屬，必當隆中興之功，復配天之美。姚萇殘虐，慕容垂凶暴，所過滅戶夷煙，毀發丘墓，毒遍存亡，痛纏幽顯，雖黃巾之害於九州，赤眉之暴于四海，方之未為甚也。今素秋將及，行師令辰，公侯牧守，壘主鄉豪，或戮力國家，乃心王室，各率所統，以孟冬上旬會大駕于臨晉。」於是天水姜延、馮翊寇明、河東王昭、新平張晏、京兆杜敏、扶風馬郎、建忠高平牧官都尉王敏等咸承檄起兵，各有眾數萬，遣使應丕。皆就拜將軍、郡守，封列侯。冠軍鄧景擁眾五千據彭池，與竇沖為首尾，擊萇平涼太守金熙。安定北部都尉鮮卑沒奕於率鄯善王胡員吒、護羌中郎將梁苟奴等，與萇左將軍姚方成、鎮遠強京戰于孫丘谷，大敗之。

Fu Pi promoted Wang Yong to left chancellor, Fu Zuan to grand marshal, Zhang Hao to grand commandant, Wang Teng to grand general of agile cavalry with three-excellency honors, Xu Yi to minister of works, Fu Chong to grand general of chariots and cavalry and director of the secretariat with three-excellency rank, Ju Shizi to grand general of the guards and left vice director of the secretariat, leaving their remaining titles unchanged. Wang Yong issued another call: "When the Xia faced the rebellion of Youqiong Yi, Shaokang restored the house; Wang Mang murdered Emperor Ping, and Guangwu relit the Han flame; the turn of fate that brings ruin and renewal—no generation escapes it. Heaven afflicts us with mourning and rebellion; northern tribes trample the central plains; our late sovereign died in captivity; the capital is a lair of aliens; the heartland lies desolate and the people are ground to dust. Yet heaven has not annulled the mandate of Qin; the dynasty still has one to hold the sacrifice. Our lord's virtue is boundless as Guangwu's; every land where his banner appears rallies to him; heaven and humanity are on his side—the middle revival is certain, and he will once more stand as heaven's true consort on earth. Yao Chang delights in cruelty, Murong Chui in savagery; their armies erase whole communities, strip the land to ash, and rifle graves so that neither the quick nor the dead know peace; if the Yellow Turbans scourged the realm and the Red Eyebrows looted every quarter, these two still outdo them in wickedness. Autumn's clarity is at hand—the hour to march; nobles, governors, garrison commanders, and local leaders, all who love the dynasty or burn to serve it, bring your commands to Linjin in the opening days of the tenth month to join the imperial army." At once Jiang Yan of Tianshui, Kou Ming of Fengyi, Wang Zhao of Hedong, Zhang Yan of Xinping, Du Min of Jingzhao, Ma Lang of Fufeng, Wang Min of the loyal garrisons at Gaoping, and more took up arms on the strength of the proclamation, fielding armies in the tens of thousands and dispatching messengers to Fu Pi. Each was immediately confirmed as general or prefect and ennobled as a county marquis. Deng Jing, general of the champions, gathered five thousand men on Pengchi, coordinated with Dou Chong in a two-pronged strike, and hit Jin Xi, Yao Chang's governor of Pingliang. Moyuyu, Xianbei commandant of northern Anding, marched with Shanshan's king Hu Yuanzha, Liang Gounu of the Qiang guard, and their allies against Yao Fangcheng and Qiang Jing at Sunqiu Valley and shattered the Qiang army.

枹罕諸氐以衛平年老，不可以成事業，議廢之，而憚其宗強，連日不決。氐有啖青者，謂諸將曰：「大事宜定，東討姚萇，不可沈吟猶豫。一旦事發，反為人害。諸軍但請衛公會儲眾將，青為諸軍決之。」眾以為然。於是大饗諸將，青抽劍而前曰：「今天下大亂，豺狼塞路，吾曹今日可謂休戚是同，非賢明之主莫可濟艱難也。衛公朽耄，不足以成大事，宜反初服，以避賢路，狄道長苻登雖王室疏屬，而志略雄明，請共立之，以赴大駕。諸君若有不同者，便下異議。」乃奮劍攘袂，將斬貳己者，眾皆從之，莫敢仰視。於是推登為帥，遣使於丕請命。丕以登為征西大將軍、開府儀同三司、南安王、持節及州郡督因其所稱而授之。又以徐義為右丞相。

In Fuhan the Di elders agreed that Wei Ping was too aged to lead, but they hesitated to depose him because his clan was powerful, and the council dragged on without resolution. A Di leader named Dan Qing told the commanders, "We need a decision now: strike east at Yao Chang. Hesitation will undo us. If we wait until someone else moves first, we will be the ones cut down. Ask Duke Wei to call a council of every commander—I will settle the question for you." The officers agreed. At the banquet Dan Qing stepped forward with naked blade and said, "The empire is chaos; every road is thick with predators. We live or die together—only a capable sovereign can see us through. Wei Ping is a spent old man—he should step aside for someone fit to rule. Fu Deng of Didao, though only a minor kinsman of the throne, has vision and courage; let us raise him up and march to the emperor's banner. If anyone disagrees, say so at once. He waved his sword and bared his arms, ready to kill waverers on the spot; the chiefs submitted and no one met his eye. They proclaimed Fu Deng their leader and sent messengers to Fu Pi for imperial confirmation. Fu Pi named him grand general who conquers the west with three-excellency headquarters, prince of Nan'an, tally-bearer, and confirmed whatever regional commands Deng had already taken. Xu Yi became right chancellor.

丕留王騰守晉陽，楊輔戍壺關，率眾四萬進據平陽。王統以秦州降姚萇。慕容永以丕至平陽，恐不自固，乃遣使求假道還東，丕弗許。遣王永及苻纂攻之，以俱石子為前鋒都督，與慕容永戰於襄陵。王永大敗，永及石子皆死之。

Fu Pi stationed Wang Teng at Jinyang and Yang Fu at Huguan, then moved on Pingyang with forty thousand troops. Wang Tong yielded Qinzhou to Yao Chang. Murong Yong saw Fu Pi enter Pingyang and feared encirclement; he asked safe passage eastward, but Fu Pi said no. Fu Pi sent Wang Yong and Fu Zuan against him with Ju Shizi in the van; the armies met at Xiangling. Wang Yong's army was routed; Wang Yong and Ju Shizi both fell.

初，苻纂之奔丕也，部下壯士三千餘人，丕猜而忌之。及永之敗，懼為纂所殺，率騎數千南奔東垣。晉揚威將軍馮該自陝要擊，敗之，斬丕首，執其太子甯、長樂王壽，送于京師，朝廷赦而不誅，歸之於苻宏。徐義為慕容永所獲，械埋其足，將殺之。義誦《觀世音經》，至夜中，土開械脫，於重禁之中若有人導之者，遂奔楊佺期，佺期以為洛陽令。苻纂及弟師奴率丕余眾數萬，奔據杏城。苻登稱尊號，偽諡丕為哀平皇帝。丕之臣佐皆沒慕容永，永乃進據上党之長子，僭稱大號，改元曰中興。丕在位二年而敗。

When Fu Zuan first joined Fu Pi he brought three thousand picked fighters, and Fu Pi regarded him with jealousy and mistrust. After Wang Yong's defeat, Fu Pi feared Fu Zuan would kill him and bolted south toward Dongyuan with several thousand horse. Feng Gai, Jin's general who spreads might, intercepted him at Shan, broke his force, beheaded Fu Pi, and took the crown prince Ning and the prince of Changle, Shou, to the Jin court. Jin spared them and handed them over to Fu Hong. Murong Yong seized Xu Yi, clamped him in irons with his legs buried in earth, and prepared his execution. Xu Yi recited the 《Guanshiyin Sutra》; at midnight the soil shifted, his bonds fell away, and though he was locked deep in the prison he seemed led by an unseen hand until he reached Yang Quanqi, who appointed him magistrate of Luoyang. Fu Zuan and his brother Shinu gathered Fu Pi's survivors—tens of thousands strong—and withdrew to Xingcheng. When Fu Deng took the throne he gave the late Fu Pi the posthumous title Emperor Aiping. Fu Pi's officials were swallowed up by Murong Yong, who pushed into Zhangzi in Shangdang, declared himself emperor, and adopted the reign name Zhongxing. Fu Pi reigned only two years before his ruin.

登字文高，堅之族孫也。父敞，健之世為太尉司馬、隴東太守、建節將軍，後為苻生所殺。堅即偽位，追贈右將軍、涼州刺史，以登兄同成嗣。毛興之鎮上邽，以為長史。登少而雄勇，有壯氣，粗險不修細行，故堅弗之奇也。長而折節謹厚，頗覽書傳。拜殿上將軍，稍遷羽林監、揚武將軍、長安令，坐事黜為狄道長。及關中亂，去縣歸毛興。同成言於興，請以登為司馬，常在營部。登度量不群，好為奇略，同成常謂之曰：「汝聞不在其位，不謀其政，無數幹時，將為博識者不許。吾非疾汝，恐或不喜人妄豫耳，自是可止。汝後得政，自可專意。」時人聞同成言，多以為疾登而抑蔽之。登乃屏跡不妄交遊。興有事則召之，戲謂之曰：「小司馬可坐評事。」登出言輒析理中，興內服焉，然敬憚而不能委任。姚萇作亂，遣其弟碩德率眾伐毛興，相持久之。興將死，告同成曰：「與卿累年共擊逆羌，事終不克，何恨之深！可以後事付卿小弟司馬，殄碩德者，必此人也。卿可換攝司馬事。」

Fu Deng, courtesy Wengao, belonged to a collateral branch of Fu Jian's clan. His father Fu Chang had served as marshal to the grand commandant, governor of Longdong, and general who establishes the lineage under Fu Jian, until Fu Sheng put him to death. After Fu Jian took the throne he posthumously honored Fu Chang as general of the right and inspector of Liangzhou and let Fu Deng's elder brother Tongcheng inherit his line. Mao Xing, holding Shanggui, appointed Fu Deng his chief clerk. Young Fu Deng was bold and truculent, careless of small decorum, so Fu Jian never marked him as exceptional. In manhood he curbed his temper, grew steady and trustworthy, and read widely among the classics and histories. He rose from general on palace duty to colonel of the imperial guard, general who spreads might, and magistrate of Chang'an, then lost his post for a fault and became magistrate of Didao. When Guanzhong collapsed he abandoned his district and rejoined Mao Xing. Fu Tongcheng urged Mao Xing to name Fu Deng marshal and keep him always in headquarters. Fu Deng's mind was not ordinary; he loved bold schemes. Tongcheng warned him, "You know the saying—outside an office you do not shape its policy. Meddle too often and the wise will call you presumptuous. I do not scorn you, but others hate unsolicited advice. Hold your tongue from now on. When power is yours, you may speak and act as you please. Listeners assumed Tongcheng was jealous and trying to silence Fu Deng. Fu Deng then kept to himself and avoided casual company. Whenever Mao Xing needed counsel he called him in, teasing, "Let the little marshal hear the case." Fu Deng's judgments were always sound; Mao Xing admired him inwardly yet still distrusted him with real authority. Yao Chang's revolt sent Yao Shuode against Mao Xing; the two sides glared at each other for months. Dying, Mao Xing said to Tongcheng, "We fought the Qiang rebels together for years and never finished them—my regret is bitter! Leave the rest to your younger brother, our marshal—he is the man who will finish Shuode. Take his place as marshal."

登既代衛平，遂專統征伐。是時歲旱眾饑，道殣相望，登每戰殺賊，名為熟食，謂軍人曰：「汝等朝戰，幕便飽肉，何憂於饑！」士眾從之，啖死人肉，輒飽健能鬥。姚萇聞之，急召碩德曰：「汝不來，必為苻登所食盡。」碩德於是下隴奔萇。

After Fu Deng succeeded Wei Ping he alone led the armies. Drought and famine left the roads strewn with dead; Fu Deng called enemy corpses "cooked rations" and told his men, "Fight at dawn and you feast on flesh by dusk—what famine need you fear?" The army obeyed, fed on the fallen, and grew fierce enough to fight on. Yao Chang urgently recalled Shuode, warning, "If you delay, Fu Deng will devour you to the last man." Shuode abandoned the Long uplands and raced to Yao Chang's side.

及丕敗，丕尚書寇遺奉丕子渤海王懿、濟北王昶自杏城奔登。登乃具丕死問，於是為丕發喪行服，三軍縞素。登請立懿為主，眾咸曰：「渤海王雖先帝之子，然年在幼沖，未堪多難。國亂而立長君，《春秋》之義也。三虜跨僭，寇旅殷強，豺狼梟鏡，舉目而是，自厄運之極，莫甚於斯。大王挺劍西州，鳳翔秦、隴，偏師暫接，姚萇奔潰，一戰之功，可謂光格天地。宜龍驤武奮，拯拔舊京，以社稷宗廟為先，不可顧曹臧、吳劄一介微節，以失圖運之機，不建中興之業也。」登於是乙太元十一年僭即皇帝位，大赦境內，改元曰太初。

After Fu Pi's fall, Kou Yi, his director of the secretariat, shepherded the princes Yi of Bohai and Chang of Jibei from Xingcheng to Fu Deng's camp. Fu Deng received certain news of Fu Pi's death, proclaimed mourning, and clothed his host in white. Fu Deng wished to enthrone Prince Yi, but the officers replied, "The prince of Bohai is the late emperor's son, yet he is a child and cannot bear these trials. The 《Spring and Autumn Annals》 teach that in times of turmoil the elder heir must rule. Three rebel powers straddle the realm with armies too strong to count; predators seem to throng every hill. Fate has never sunk lower. You raised the west like a dragon over Qin and Long; one clash sent Yao Chang running—a single day's work that dims heaven and earth. Rouse your armies, recover the ancient capital, and put the dynasty before private sentiment—do not imitate Cao Zang or Wu Zha's small renunciations and lose heaven's chance to restore the throne." In the eleventh year of Taiyuan Fu Deng declared himself emperor, amnestied his realm, and took the reign name Taichu.

立堅神主於軍中，載以輜軿，羽葆青蓋，車建黃旗，武賁之士三百人以衛之，將戰必告，凡欲所為，啟主而後行。繕甲纂兵，將引師而東，乃告堅神主曰：「維曾孫皇帝臣登，乙太皇帝之靈恭踐寶位。昔五將之難，賊羌肆害於聖躬，實登之罪也。今合義旅，眾余五萬，精甲勁兵，足以立功，年谷豐穰，足以資贍。即日星言電邁，直造賊庭，奮不顧命，隕越為期，庶上報皇帝酷冤，下雪臣子大恥。惟帝之靈，降監厥誠。」因覷欷流涕。將士莫不悲慟，皆刻鉾鎧為「死休」字，示以戰死為志。每戰以長槊鉤刃為方圓大陣，知有厚薄，從中分配，故人自為戰，所向無前。

He placed Fu Jian's spirit tablet in a chariot hung with yellow banners, green canopy, and an escort of three hundred guards; before each battle he reported to the late emperor's soul and took no step without that leave. As he readied arms for an eastern march he addressed Fu Jian's tablet: "I, Deng, great-grandson and now emperor, mount the throne in the presence of your spirit. When the five generals fell and the Qiang struck you down, I failed you—that guilt is mine. Today I lead more than fifty thousand loyal troops, hardened mail and sharp weapons enough to win, and barns full enough to feed them. I march this hour like lightning on the rebel court, ready to die if I must, to avenge your murder and cleanse our shame. May your spirit see my heart. He broke down in tears. Every soldier wept with him and carved the words "dead rest" on helm and mail, vowing to fight to the death. In battle he drew up squares and circles of long hooked spears, thickening the center or the wings as needed so each man fought as a citadel—none could break his line.

初，長安之將敗也，堅中壘將軍徐嵩、屯騎校尉胡空各聚眾五千，據險築堡以自固，而受姚萇官爵。及萇之害堅，嵩等以王禮葬堅於二堡之間。至是，各率眾降登。拜嵩鎮軍將軍、雍州刺史，空輔國將軍、京兆尹。登復改葬堅以天子之禮。又僭立其妻毛氏為皇后，弟懿為皇太弟。遣使拜苻纂為使持節、侍中、都督中外諸軍事、太師，領大司馬，進封魯王，纂弟師奴為撫軍大將軍、并州牧、朔方公。纂怒謂使者曰：「渤海王世祖之孫，先帝之子，南安王何由不立而自尊乎？」纂長史王旅諫曰：「南安已立，理無中改。賊虜未平，不可宗室之中自為仇敵，原大王遠蹤光武推聖公之義，梟二虜之後，徐更圖之。」纂乃受命。於是貳縣虜帥彭沛谷、屠各董成、張龍世、新平羌雷惡地等盡應之，有眾十餘萬。纂遣師奴攻上郡羌酋金大黑、金洛生，大黑等逆戰，大敗之，斬首五千八百。

Before Chang'an fell, Xu Song and Hu Kong had each raised five thousand men, walled mountain passes, and taken Yao Chang's commissions. After Yao Chang murdered Fu Jian they buried him with royal honors between their two strongholds. Now both brought their followers over to Fu Deng. Fu Deng named Xu Song general who guards the army and inspector of Yongzhou, Hu Kong general who supports the state and governor of Jingzhao. He reinterred Fu Jian with full imperial ceremony. He named his wife Mao empress and his brother Yi heir apparent. Messengers invested Fu Zuan as grand preceptor, commander of all armies, and prince of Lu, with Shinu as general who pacifies the army and governor of Bingzhou, duke of Shuofang. Fu Zuan raged at the envoy: "The prince of Bohai is Shizu's grandson and the late emperor's son—how dare Nan'an seize the throne himself?" His chief clerk Wang Lü urged, "Nan'an already sits the throne; to unseat him now would be folly. The rebels still hold the field—you must not turn kinsman against kinsman. Follow Guangwu's example with the Geng emperor: destroy the two usurpers first, then debate the succession." Fu Zuan swallowed his pride and accepted. Chiefs from Er county—Peng Peigu, the Tuge Dong Cheng, Zhang Longshi, Xinping Qiang Lei Edi—rallied more than a hundred thousand men to his banner. Fu Zuan sent Shinu against the Qiang lords Jin Dahei and Jin Luosheng of Shang; they gave battle, were routed, and left 5,800 dead.

登以竇沖為車騎大將軍、南秦州牧，楊定為大將軍、益州牧，楊璧為司空、梁州牧。

Fu Deng named Dou Chong grand general of chariots and cavalry and governor of south Qinzhou, Yang Ding grand general and governor of Yizhou, Yang Bi minister of works and governor of Liangzhou.

苻纂敗姚碩德于涇陽，姚萇自陰密距纂，纂退屯敷陸。竇沖攻萇汧、雍二城，克之，斬其將軍姚元平、張略等。又與萇戰於汧東，為萇所敗。登次於瓦亭。萇攻彭沛穀堡，陷之，沛穀奔杏城，萇遷陰密。登征虜、馮翊太守蘭犢率眾二萬自頻陽入于和寧，與苻纂首尾，將圖長安。師奴勸其兄纂稱尊號，纂不從，乃殺纂，自立為秦公。蘭犢絕之，皆為姚萇所敗。

Fu Zuan beat Yao Shuode at Jingyang until Yao Chang marched from Yinmi; Fu Zuan fell back to Fulu. Dou Chong stormed Yao Chang's towns of Qian and Yong, killing generals Yao Yuanping and Zhang Lüe. He fought again east of Qian and lost to Yao Chang. Fu Deng camped at Wating. Yao Chang took Peng Peigu's fortress; Peng fled to Xingcheng while Yao Chang shifted to Yinmi. Lan Du, general who conquers barbarians and governor of Fengyi, brought twenty thousand men from Pinyang to Hening to coordinate with Fu Zuan for a strike on Chang'an. Shinu pressed Fu Zuan to take the throne; when he refused, Shinu murdered him and styled himself duke of Qin. Lan Du broke contact; both wings were crushed by Yao Chang.

登進所胡空堡，戎夏歸之者十有餘萬。姚萇遣其將軍姚方成攻陷徐嵩堡，嵩被殺，悉坑戎士。登率眾下隴入朝那，姚萇據武都相持，累戰互有勝負。登軍中大饑，收葚以供兵士。立其子崇為皇太子，弁為南安王，尚為北海王。姚萇退還安定。登就食新平，留其大軍于胡空堡，率騎萬餘圍萇營，四面大哭，哀聲動人。萇惡之，乃命三軍哭以應登，登乃引退。

Fu Deng pushed into Hu Kong's fortress; over a hundred thousand Chinese and tribesmen rallied to him. Yao Fangcheng stormed Xu Song's stronghold, slew Xu Song, and buried the garrison alive. Fu Deng descended the Long road to Chaona while Yao Chang held Wudu; they skirmished back and forth with shifting fortunes. Famine gripped Fu Deng's camp; he fed his men on wild mulberries. He named his sons Chong crown prince, Bian prince of Nan'an, and Shang prince of Beihai. Yao Chang pulled back to Anding. Fu Deng foraged in Xinping, left his main force at Hu Kong's fort, and ringed Yao Chang's camp with ten thousand horsemen, howling grief on every side until the sound shook the enemy. Yao Chang, unnerved, ordered his own army to wail back; Fu Deng then broke off the siege.

萇以登頻戰輒勝，謂堅有神驗，亦于軍中立堅神主，請曰：「往年新平之禍，非萇之罪。臣兄襄從陝北渡，假路求西，狐死首丘，欲暫見鄉里。陛下與苻眉要路距擊，不遂而沒。襄敕臣行殺，非臣之罪。苻登陛下末族，尚欲復讎，臣為兄報恥，于情理何負！昔陛下假臣龍驤之號，謂臣曰：'朕以龍驤建業，卿其勉之！ '明詔昭然，言猶在耳。陛下雖過世為神，豈假手於苻登而圖臣，忘前征時言邪！今為陛下立神象，可歸休於此，勿計臣過，聽臣至誠。」登進師攻萇，既而升樓謂萇曰：「自古及今，安有殺君而反立神象請福，望有益乎！」大呼曰：「殺君賊姚萇出來，吾與汝決之，何為枉害無辜！」萇憚而不應。萇自立堅神象，戰未有利，軍中每夜驚恐，乃嚴鼓斬象首以送登。

Since Fu Deng always won, Yao Chang decided Fu Jian's ghost was helping him and set up Fu Jian's tablet in his own camp, pleading, "The Xinping massacre was not my doing. My brother Xiang crossed from south of Shan bound for the west, like the fox that turns homeward to die—he only wanted to see his native hills once more. You and Fu Mei tried to cut him off on the vital passes; the attempt failed and he fell. Xiang commanded me to strike—that blood is not on my hands alone. Fu Deng, a distant kinsman of your line, burns to avenge you; I avenge my brother—tell me how that offends heaven or duty! Once you gave me the banner of Dragon General and said, 'I built this realm under that title—now match my zeal!' That clear decree still rings in my ears. Now that you are a god, would you truly work through Fu Deng against me and forget what you swore on campaign? I set up this effigy so you may rest; overlook my sins and hear my earnest heart. Fu Deng pressed his attack, then shouted from a height, "In all history, who ever murdered his king, then raised an idol to beg fortune, and expected it to help?" Come out, regicide Yao Chang—face me! Why slaughter the innocent? Yao Chang quailed and gave no reply. Yao Chang's idol of Fu Jian brought only nightly terror; he had the drums beaten, struck off the statue's head, and sent it to Fu Deng.

登將軍竇洛、竇於等謀反發覺，出奔於萇。登進討彭池不克，攻彌姐營及繁川諸堡，皆克之。萇連戰屢敗，乃遣其中軍姚崇襲大界，登引師要之，大敗崇于安丘，俘斬二萬五千，進攻萇將吳忠、唐匡於平涼，克之，以尚書苻碩原為前禁將軍、滅羌校尉，戍平涼。登進據苟頭原以逼安定。萇率騎三萬夜襲大界營，陷之，殺登妻毛氏及其子弁、尚，擒名將數十人，驅掠男女五萬餘口而去。

Dou Luo and Dou Yu, Fu Deng's officers, conspired to mutiny; exposed, they defected to Yao Chang. He failed at Pengchi but stormed the Miqi camp and every stronghold along Fanchuan. Yao Chang kept losing until he sent Yao Chong to strike Dajie; Fu Deng intercepted him at Anqiu, killed or captured twenty-five thousand, then took Pingliang from Wu Zhong and Tang Kuang and left Fu Shuoyuan to hold it. He seized Goutou Plain and tightened the noose on Anding. Yao Chang struck the Dajie camp by night with thirty thousand horse, slew Fu Deng's empress Mao and princes Bian and Shang, bagged dozens of noted commanders, and carried off fifty thousand captives.

登收合餘兵，退據胡空堡，遣使齎書加竇沖大司馬、驃騎將軍、前鋒大都督、都督隴東諸軍事，楊定左丞相、上大將軍、都督中外諸軍事，楊璧大將軍、都督隴右諸軍事。遣沖率見眾為先驅，自繁川趣長安。登率眾從新平逕據新豐之千戶固。使定率隴上諸軍為其後繼，璧留守仇池。又命其并州刺史楊政、冀州刺史楊楷率所統大會長安。萇遣其將軍王破虜略地秦州，楊定及破虜戰于清水之格奴阪，大敗之。登攻張龍世於鴦泉堡，姚萇救之，登引退。萇密遣其將任瓫、宗度詐為內應，遣使招登，許開門納之。登以為然。雷惡地馳謂登曰：「姚萇多計略，善御人，必為奸變，願深宜詳思。」登乃止。萇聞惡地之詣登也，謂諸將曰：「此羌多奸智，今其詣登，事必無成。」登聞萇懸門以待之，大驚，謂左右曰：「雷征東其殆聖乎！微此公，朕幾為豎子所誤。」萇攻陷新羅堡。萇撫風太守齊益男奔登。登將軍路柴、強武等並以眾降於萇。登攻萇將張業生於隴東，萇救之，不克而退。登將軍魏褐飛攻姚當成於杏城，為萇所殺。

Fu Deng regrouped at Hu Kong's fort and promoted Dou Chong to grand marshal and Yang Ding to left chancellor with full military authority, Yang Bi to grand general over Longyou. Dou Chong led the van toward Chang'an from Fanchuan. Fu Deng cut through Xinping and seized Qianhu fort at Xinfeng. Yang Ding was to follow with the Long uplands levies; Yang Bi stayed to hold Qiuqi. Yang Zheng of Bingzhou and Yang Kai of Jizhou were to march on Chang'an for the general muster. Yao Chang's Wang Polu raided Qinzhou until Yang Ding shattered him at Genu Ford on the Qingshui. Fu Deng besieged Zhang Longshi at Yuanquan until Yao Chang relieved him, forcing Fu Deng to pull back. Yao Chang secretly ordered Ren Chong and Zong Du to feign treason and invite Fu Deng inside the walls. Fu Deng believed the ruse. Lei Edi galloped up to warn him: "Yao Chang is cunning and knows how to bind men—he will betray you; think twice." Fu Deng called off the attempt. Yao Chang told his officers, "That Qiang is sly; now that he has warned Fu Deng, the trap is sprung for nothing. Learning that Yao Chang had lifted the portcullis in ambush, Fu Deng gasped to his staff, "Lei the east-conquering general must be clairvoyant! Without him I would have walked into that boy's snare. Yao Chang then took Xinluo fort. Qi Yinan, governor of Fufeng under Yao Chang, defected to Fu Deng. Lu Chai, Qiang Wu, and other Fu Deng commanders went over to Yao Chang with their troops. Fu Deng struck Zhang Yesheng in Longdong; Yao Chang tried to help but retired without breaking the siege. Wei Hefei besieged Yao Dangcheng at Xingcheng and died at Yao Chang's hand.

馮翊郭質起兵廣鄉以應登，宣檄三輔曰：「義感君子，利動小人。吾等生逢先帝堯、舜之化，累世受恩，非常伯納言之子，即卿校牧守之胤，而可坐視豺狼忍害君父！裸屍薦棘，痛結幽泉，山陵無松隧之兆，靈主無清廟之頌，賊臣莫大之甚，自古所未聞。雖茹荼之苦，銜蓼之辛，何以諭之！姚萇窮凶肆害，毒被人神，於圖讖歷數萬無一分，而敢妄竊重名，厚顏瞬息，日月固所不照，二儀實亦不育。皇天雖欲絕之，亦將假手於忠節。凡百君子，皆夙漸神化，有懷義方，含恥而存，孰若蹈道而沒乎！」眾咸然之。唯鄭縣人苟曜不從，聚眾數千應姚萇。登以質為平東將軍、馮翊太守。質遣部將伐曜，大敗而歸。質乃東引楊楷，以為聲援，又與曜戰于鄭東，為曜所敗，遂歸於萇，萇以為將軍。質眾皆潰散。

Guo Zhi of Fengyi rose at Guangxiang for Fu Deng and told the Guanzhong heartland, "Duty stirs the noble; greed moves the base. We have known nothing but the late emperor's sage rule; our fathers were councilors or governors—shall we sit idle while beasts devour our sovereign? His body was stripped and strewn on brambles; no royal tomb receives him, no temple hymn sounds his virtue—such treason is unheard of in any age. Bitter herbs and gall cannot describe this pain. Yao Chang's cruelty poisons heaven and earth; no omen names him yet he steals the throne—sun and moon should blind him, yin and yang disown him. Heaven may want him dead, but it will use loyal men as its blade. You have known the emperor's grace—better to die with honor than live shamed. The listeners agreed. Only Gou Yao of Zheng rallied thousands for Yao Chang. Fu Deng named Guo Zhi general who pacifies the east and governor of Fengyi. Guo Zhi's lieutenant attacked Gou Yao and limped back beaten. Guo Zhi then called on Yang Kai, fought Gou Yao east of Zheng, lost, and fled to Yao Chang, who gave him a general's rank. Guo Zhi's army melted away.

登自雍攻萇將金溫于范氏堡，克之，遂渡渭水，攻萇京兆太守韋范于段氏堡，不克，進據曲牢。苟曜有眾一萬，據逆方堡，密應登，登去曲牢繁川，次於馬頭願。萇率騎來距，大戰敗之，斬其尚書吳忠，進攻新平。萇率眾救之，登引退，復攻安定，為萇所敗，據路承堡。

From Yong he stormed Jin Wen at Fan's fort, forded the Wei, failed against Wei Fan at Duan's fort, but seized Qulao. Gou Yao held Nifang with ten thousand men in secret league with Fu Deng, who moved from Qulao and Fanchuan to Mayuanyuan. Yao Chang rode out, routed him, killed Wu Zhong, and marched on Xinping. Yao Chang relieved Xinping; Fu Deng struck Anding, lost, and clung to Lucheng fort.

是時萇疾病，見苻堅為崇。登聞之，秣馬萬兵，告堅神主曰：「曾孫登自受任執戈，幾將一紀，未嘗不上天錫祐，皇鑒垂矜，所在必克，賊旅冰摧。今太皇帝之靈降災疢於逆羌，以形類推之，醜虜必將不振。登當因其隕斃，順行天誅，拯復梓宮，謝罪清廟。」於是大赦境內，百僚進位二等。與萇將姚崇爭麥于清水，累為崇所敗。進逼安定，去城九十餘里。萇疾小瘳，率眾距登，登去營逆萇，萇遣其將姚熙隆別攻登營，登懼，退還。萇夜引軍過登營三十餘里以躡登後。旦而候人告曰：「賊諸營已空，不知所向。」登驚曰：「此為何人，去令我不知，來令我不覺，謂其將死，忽然復來，朕與此羌同世，何其厄哉！」遂罷師還雍。

Yao Chang fell sick and was haunted by Fu Jian's ghost. Hearing this, Fu Deng fattened the horses and told Fu Jian's tablet, "For twelve years I have borne your spear; heaven has blessed every blow and ice has cracked Yao Chang's ranks. Your spirit now strikes the Qiang traitor with sickness; the brute must be failing. I will finish him as he fails, reclaim your coffin, and bow before your shrine. He amnestied the realm and raised every official two steps in rank. He sparred with Yao Chong over grain at Qingshui and lost again and again. He closed to within ninety li of Anding. Yao Chang rallied from sickness, Fu Deng marched out to meet him, and Yao Xilong's flank attack on the camp forced Fu Deng back. By night Yao Chang slipped thirty li past Fu Deng's camp to seize his rear. At dawn scouts cried, "The enemy camps are empty—no sign where they went." What man is this?" Fu Deng marveled. "He vanishes and appears at will—I thought him dying, yet he returns. To live in one age with that Qiang—what curse is this! He broke camp and withdrew to Yong.

以竇沖為右丞相。尋而沖叛，自稱秦王，建年號。登攻之於野人堡，沖請救于姚萇，萇遣其太子興攻胡空堡以救之。登引兵還赴胡空堡，沖遂與萇連和。

He named Dou Chong right chancellor. Soon Dou Chong rebelled as king of Qin with his own reign title. Fu Deng besieged him at Yeren; Dou Chong begged Yao Chang, who sent crown prince Yao Xing against Hu Kong fort as diversion. Fu Deng raced back to Hu Kong, and Dou Chong made peace with Yao Chang.

至是萇死，登聞之喜曰：「姚興小兒，吾將折杖以笞之。」於是大赦，盡眾而東，攻屠各姚奴、帛蒲二堡，克之，自甘泉向關中。興追登不及數十里，登從六陌趣廢橋，興將尹緯據橋以待之。登爭水不得，眾渴死者十二三。與緯大戰，為緯所敗，其夜眾潰，登單馬奔雍。

When Yao Chang died, Fu Deng crowed, "That boy Yao Xing—I will thrash him with a switch. He amnestied all ranks, marched east, stormed the Tuge forts of Yao Nu and Bo Pu, and drove from Ganquan toward Guanzhong. Yao Xing chased him to within a few dozen li; Fu Deng raced for the broken bridge at Liumo where Yin Wei waited. Fu Deng could not win the water; two men in three died of thirst. Yin Wei broke him; that night the army dissolved and Fu Deng rode alone to Yong.

初，登之東也，留其弟司徒廣守雍，太子崇守胡空堡。廣、崇聞登敗，出奔，眾散。登至，無所歸，遂奔平涼，收集遺眾入馬毛山。興率眾攻之，登遣子汝陰王宗質於隴西鮮卑乞伏乾歸，結婚請援，乾歸遣騎二萬救登。登引軍出迎，與興戰于山南，為興所敗，登被殺。在位九年，時年五十二。崇奔於湟中，僭稱尊號，改元延初。偽諡登曰高皇帝，廟號太宗。崇為乾歸所逐，崇、定皆死。

He had left his brother Fu Guang at Yong and crown prince Fu Chong at Hu Kong. Hearing of his defeat, Fu Guang and Fu Chong fled and their garrisons scattered. Fu Deng found no refuge at Yong, bolted to Pingliang, scraped together stragglers, and climbed Maomao Mountain. Yao Xing closed in; Fu Deng sent prince Zong of Ruyin as hostage to Qifu Gangui of Longxi Xianbei, sealed the tie with a marriage, and won twenty thousand horsemen. Fu Deng marched out to join them but Yao Xing cut him down south of the range. He had reigned nine years and died at fifty-two. Fu Chong fled to Huangzhong, declared himself emperor, and took the reign name Yanchu. They gave Fu Deng the temple name Taizong and posthumous title Emperor Gao. Qifu Gangui drove out Fu Chong; both Fu Chong and Yang Ding perished.

始，健以穆帝永和七年僭立，至登五世，凡四十有四歲，以孝武帝太元十九年滅。

From Fu Jian the founder's coup in Yonghe 7 (Emperor Mu of Jin) through five generations to Fu Deng, the state lasted forty-four years until it perished in Taiyuan 19 under Emperor Xiaowu.

索泮，字德林，敦煌人也。世為冠族。泮少時遊俠，及長，變節好學，有佐世才器。張天錫輔政，以泮為冠軍、記室參軍。天錫即位，拜司兵，歷位禁中錄事。執法禦掾，州府肅然，郡縣改跡。遷羽林左監，有勤幹之稱。出為中壘將軍、西郡武威太守、典戎校尉。政務寬和，戎夏懷其惠，天錫甚敬之。苻堅見而歎曰：「涼州信多君子！」既而以泮河西德望，拜別駕。呂光既克姑臧，泮固郡不降，光攻而獲之。光曰：「孤既平西域，將赴難京師，梁熙無狀，絕孤歸路，此朝延之罪人，卿何意阻郡固迷，自同元惡！」泮厲色責光曰：「將軍受詔討叛胡，可受詔亂涼州邪？寡君何罪，而將軍害之？泮但苦力寡，不能固守以報君父之讎，豈如逆氐彭濟望風反叛！主滅臣死，禮之常也。」乃就刑於市，神色不變。

Suo Pan, courtesy Delin, came from Dunhuang. His family ranked among the great houses for generations. Young Suo Pan lived by the sword; grown, he turned scholar and showed statesman's gifts. Zhang Tianxi, as regent, named him champion general and headquarters secretary. When Tianxi took the throne, Suo Pan became director of the bureau of soldiers and palace recorder. As supervising clerk he enforced the code until yamen and countryside mended their ways. Promoted to colonel of the left imperial guard, he was known for tireless competence. He left court as general of the central rampart, governor of Xijun and Wuwei, and colonel of the tribes. His rule was mild; tribesmen and Chinese alike loved him, and Zhang Tianxi honored him deeply. Fu Jian met him and exclaimed, "Liangzhou breeds true gentlemen!" He then made Suo Pan provincial aide for his reputation west of the Yellow River. When Lü Guang seized Guzang, Suo Pan held his ground until Lü Guang stormed him out. Lü Guang said, "I conquered the west to save the throne; Liang Xi blocked my road—that traitor to the court—why did you bar your gates like him?" Suo Pan answered coldly, "You were ordered to crush rebel Hu, not to ravage Liangzhou. What crime had our prince that you destroyed him? I failed only from weakness—I could not hold the walls to avenge my prince. Would I resemble Peng Ji the Di, who turned coat at the first rumor? When the sovereign falls, the loyal servant follows him—that is the rite. He walked to the market block without flinching.

弟菱，有俊才，仕張天錫為執法中郎、冗從右監。苻堅世至伏波將軍、典農都尉，與泮俱被害。

His brother Suo Ling, a brilliant man, served Zhang Tianxi as director of law enforcement and right supervisor of the supernumerary guard. Under Fu Jian he rose to general who crosses the waves and chief commandant of agriculture and died with Suo Pan.

徐嵩，字元高，盛之子也。少以清白著稱。苻堅時舉賢良，為郎中，稍遷長安令，貴戚子弟犯法者，嵩一皆考竟，請托路絕。堅甚奇之，謂其叔父成曰：「人為長吏，故當應耳。此年少落落，有端貳之才。」遷守始平郡，甚有威惠。及壘陷，姚方成執而數之，嵩厲色謂方成曰：「汝姚萇罪應萬死，主上止黃眉之斬而宥之，叨據內外，位為列將，無犬馬識養之誠，首為大逆。汝曹羌輩豈可以人理期也！何不速殺我，早見先帝，取姚萇於地下。」方成怒，三斬嵩，漆其首為便器。登哭之哀慟，贈車騎大將軍、儀同三司，諡曰忠武。

Xu Song, courtesy Yuangao, was Xu Sheng's son. Even young he was known for spotless honor. Fu Jian's court drafted him as an outstanding talent; he rose to magistrate of Chang'an and prosecuted every princeling who broke the law until no one could buy mercy. Fu Jian told his uncle Cheng, "Most county chiefs just muddle through. This boy holds himself apart—he has the makings of a pillar of state. He was posted to Shiping, where he ruled with equal awe and mercy. When the fort fell, Yao Fangcheng taunted him; Xu Song answered, "Yao Chang deserved death a thousand times; the emperor spared him after Huangmei, yet he climbed to high command without a dog's loyalty and led the treason himself. You Qiang cannot be reasoned with as men! Kill me now so I may join the late emperor and drag Yao Chang down to hell. Yao Fangcheng butchered him, lacquered his skull, and turned it into a chamber pot. Fu Deng mourned him bitterly and posthumously named him grand general of chariots and cavalry with three-excellency honors, styled Loyal and Martial.

史臣曰：自兩京殄覆，九土分崩，赤縣成蛇豕之墟，紫宸遷蛙黽之穴，干戈日用，戰爭方興，猶逐鹿之並驅，若瞻烏之靡定。苻洪擅蠻陬之桀黠，乘羯虜之危亡，乃附款江東而志圖關右，禍生蠆毒，未逞狼心。健既承家，克隆凶緒，率思歸之眾，投山西之隙，據億丈之岩險，總三秦之果銳，敢窺大寶，遂竊鴻名，校數奸雄，有可言矣。長生慘虐，稟自率由。睹辰象之災，謂法星之夜飲；忍生靈之命，疑猛獸之朝饑。但肆毒于刑殘，曾無心於戒懼。招亂速禍，不亦宜乎！

The chroniclers write: When both capitals fell and the realm shattered, the heartland turned to beasts' dens and the throne to a swamp court—arms never rested, rivals raced like hunters after deer, fate hung like roosting crows. Fu Hong used frontier cunning while the Jie crumbled, bowed to the south while eyeing the northwest—poison already in the sting before the wolf showed his teeth. Fu Jian the heir widened that dark legacy, marched homesick veterans through the mountain gap, seized the sheer heights of the three Qin, dared covet the throne, and stole a king's title—among scheming strongmen he counts for something. Fu Sheng's savagery flowed from indulging every impulse. He read doom in the stars and called it the planet of law drinking by night; He spared the people yet suspected them like hungry beasts at dawn. He reveled in torture and never knew fear. Small wonder he summoned rebellion and ruin.

永固雅量瑰姿，變夷眾夏，葉魚龍之謠詠，挺草付之休征，克翦奸回，纂承偽曆，遵明王之德教，闡先聖之儒風，撫育黎元，憂勤庶政。王猛以宏材緯軍國，苻融以懿戚贊經綸，權薛以諒直進規謨，鄧、張以忠勇恢威略，俊賢效足，杞梓呈才，文武兼施，德刑具舉。乃平燕定蜀，擒代吞涼，跨三分之二，居九州之七，遐荒慕義，幽險宅心，因止馬而獻歌，托棲鸞以成頌，因以功侔曩烈，豈直化洽當年！雖五胡之盛，莫之比也。

Fu Jian, styled Yonggu, had the bearing of a founder: he won over tribes and Chinese alike, fulfilled the prophecy of the Fu surname, purged traitors, took the illicit throne, promoted Confucian teaching, and labored for his people. Wang Meng ran state and army; Fu Rong, kinsman, shared the planning; Quan Yi and Xue Zan spoke plain truth; Deng Qiang and Zhang Ci showed loyal valor—fine timber filled every office, both culture and law were served. They crushed Yan, took Shu, seized Dai, absorbed Liang, held two-thirds of the realm and seven-ninths of the nine domains; distant lands offered allegiance, odes hailed the conqueror—merit to rival the ancients, not merely a passing peace. Even at the height of the Five Hu, none matched their power.

既而足己誇世，愎諫違謀，輕敵怒鄰，窮兵黷武。懟三正之未葉，恥五運之猶乖，傾率土之師，起滔天之寇，負其犬羊之力，肆其吞噬之能。自謂戰必勝，攻必取，便欲鳴鸞禹穴，駐蹕疑山，疏爵以侯楚材，築館以須歸命。曾弗知人道助順，神理害盈，雖矜涿野之強，終致昆陽之敗。遂使凶渠候隙，狡寇伺間，步搖啟其禍先，燒當乘其亂極，宗社遷於他族，身首罄於賊臣，貽戒將來，取笑天下，豈不哀哉！豈不謬哉！

Then he grew smug, spurned advice, provoked neighbors, and exhausted his armies. Fuming that heaven's cycle had not crowned him, he mobilized every soldier, raised a host that blotted the sky, and trusted barbarian might to devour all. He believed every blow would land, dreamed of halting at Yu's grotto and Mount Yi, ennobling Jin gentry and waiting for surrender in guest halls. He did not see that heaven favors the just and punishes pride—boasting like the tyrant of Zhuolu, he reenacted Kunyang's rout. So the jackals waited their chance: Murong Buyao struck first, Shaodang Qiang seized the chaos; the dynasty passed to aliens, Fu Jian's corpse fell to traitors—a lesson and a mockery for the world. What folly!

苻丕承亂僭竊，尋及傾敗，斯可謂天之所廢，人不能支。苻登集離散之兵，厲死休之志，雖眾寡不敵，難以立功，而義烈慷慨，有足稱矣。

Fu Pi seized the throne amid ruin and quickly fell—heaven had withdrawn its mandate; no man could prop him up. Fu Deng rallied broken armies and the vow to fight to the death; outnumbered, he won little ground, yet his fervor deserves remembrance.

贊曰：洪惟壯勇，威棱氐種。健藉世資，遂雄關、隴。長生昏虐，敗不旋踵。永固禎祥，肇自龍驤。垂旒負扆，竊帝圖王。患生縱敵，難起矜強。丕、登僭假，淪胥以亡。

The ode sings: Fu Hong, bold and fierce, awed the Di. Fu Jian rode his father's power to master the pass and Long. Fu Sheng's blind cruelty brought ruin overnight. Fu Jian's fortune rose when he took the title Dragon General. He donned the crown, faced the court—yet his throne was theft. Mercy to enemies bred calamity; pride in arms invited doom. Fu Pi and Fu Deng clung to a stolen title and perished together.

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