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卷四十九 志第二十九: 食貨下

Volume 49 Treatises 29: Finance and Economics 2

Chapter 53 of 舊唐書 · Old Book of Tang
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1
退 宿
Li Mi, whose courtesy name was Xuansui, came originally from Xiangping in Liaodong. A great-grandson of Bi, who had served as Wei’s Minister of Education, his family received the surname Tuhe from the Later Zhou. His grandfather Yao had been Grand Tutor and Duke of Wei under the Zhou; his father Kuan was a Sui Superior Pillar of State and Duke of Pushan, and both men were famous figures of their age. The clan was later reclassified as residents of Chang'an in the metropolitan region of Jingzhao. Through his father's yin privilege Mi became a Left Attendant in the inner guard. Once while he was stationed beneath the imperial arms, Emperor Yang noticed him and, when he had withdrawn, asked the Duke of Xu, Yuwen Shu, "Who was that small dark-complexioned boy on the left just now?" The Duke of Xu answered, "That was Mi, son of the late Duke of Pushan, Li Kuan." The emperor said, "The way that child looks about is out of the ordinary. Do not keep him on night watch in the palace." On another occasion Shu told him, "With gifts like yours you ought to win office through scholarship, not clerking in the Three Guards—that clutter of petty posts is no nursery for true talent." Delighted, Mi thereupon claimed illness and devoted himself wholly to study, so that contemporaries seldom saw him at all. Once, intending to call on Bao Kai, he rode a yellow ox covered with a rush mat, hung a volume of the Book of Han from its horn, held the reins in one hand, and turned the pages with the other as he rode. Yang Su, Duke of Yue and Director of State Affairs, saw him on the road, followed close behind gripping his saddle, and when he had caught up asked, "What sort of student is this, so lost in his books?" Mi recognized the Duke of Yue, dismounted, made a double bow, and stated his name. When asked what he was reading, he replied, the Biography of Xiang Yu. The Duke of Yue was struck by him; after talking with him he was greatly pleased and told his son Xuangan and the rest, "Judging Li Mi's grasp and vision, none of you can equal him." Xuangan thereupon pledged himself to Mi with wholehearted trust and friendship.
2
使 退 西 便 使 退 西
In the ninth year of Daye, while Emperor Yang campaigned against Goguryeo, he sent Xuangan to oversee transport at Liyang. With the empire in turmoil, Xuangan prepared to raise arms and secretly sent men through the passes to bring Mi as his chief strategist. When Mi arrived he told Xuangan, "The Son of Heaven is on campaign in distant Liaodong, a thousand li from Youzhou; the sea blocks the south, barbarian troubles press the north, and the single road between is desperately hazardous. If you march in suddenly, drive deep into Ji, and seize their throat directly, with Goguryeo in front and no way back, within a fortnight their supplies will run out. Raise your standard and they will submit without a battle—that is the best plan. The Guanzhong heartland is a four-sided fortress and the empire's granary; Wei Wensheng alone is no cause for concern. If you bypass the cities without assault, push west into Chang'an while they are unready, then even when the emperor returns he will have lost his strategic belt. Seize the passes and press down on them and victory is assured—that is the middling plan. If you take the easy road first toward the Eastern Capital and camp beneath its strong walls, the outcome is anyone's guess—that is the worst plan." Xuangan said, "Your worst plan is actually the best strategy. The households of the entire bureaucracy are in the Eastern Capital; unless we seize it, how can we move men's hearts? And if we leave a city untaken on our march, how will we show our power?" Mi's counsel was set aside. After Xuangan reached the Eastern Capital he won repeated victories and convinced himself the empire would rally to him and triumph was only days away. When he captured the Secretariat Gentleman Wei Fusi he made him another intimate adviser, and military affairs no longer rested solely with Mi. Fusi was no confederate—he had been taken in battle—and whenever he offered counsel he kept one foot on each side. Later Xuangan ordered him to draft a proclamation, but Fusi refused outright. Reading his intentions, Mi told Xuangan, "Fusi is no ally; he is really waiting to see which way fortune turns. You have just launched a great enterprise with a traitor at your elbow; he is bound to ruin you. Execute him to satisfy the army, and only then will affairs settle." Xuangan said, "Surely it need not go that far!" Knowing his advice would be ignored, Mi withdrew and told his intimates, "The Duke of Chu delights in reversal and will not plan for victory—what then? We are prisoners already!" When Xuangan later prepared to march west, Fusi escaped and returned to the Eastern Capital.
3
使 使紿 西 西 退 西
Li Zixiong, Sui General-in-Chief of the Left Martial Guard, was arrested for an offense and sent under guard toward the emperor's camp; on the road he killed his escort, fled to Xuangan, and urged him to proclaim himself emperor at once. Xuangan asked Mi, who said, "Chen Sheng once wanted to proclaim himself king; Zhang Er remonstrated and was pushed aside; Cao Cao was about to seek the Nine Bestowals; Xun Yu opposed it and was estranged. If I speak plainly now, I may yet follow in their footsteps; yet to flatter and agree with you is not my intent either. Why? Since you raised arms you have won battles, yet not a single commandery or county has joined you. The Eastern Capital's defenses remain strong, and relief armies from across the empire keep arriving. You should lead the troops yourself and secure Guanzhong quickly, yet you rush to elevate yourself—what a cramped vision you show the world!" Xuangan laughed and dropped the matter. When Sui generals Yuwen Shu, Lai Huer, and others were marching up with their armies, Xuangan asked, "What is our next move?" Mi said, "Yuan Hongsi commands strong forces in Longyou. Announce falsely that he has rebelled and send envoys to summon you; march into the passes on that pretext and you can deceive the troops." He then marched the army west. At Shaan County he wanted to besiege Hongnong Palace. Mi urged, "You have deceived the army into marching west; speed is everything, and pursuers are close—how can you delay? If you fail to seize the passes ahead with no refuge behind, the army will scatter—how will you save yourself?" Xuangan refused, laid siege for three days without success, and only then marched on west. At Xunxiang the pursuers overtook him and Xuangan was defeated. Mi slipped into the passes by back roads and was captured.
4
使 使 使 穿 便殿
Emperor Yang was at Gaoyang, and Mi and his companions were escorted toward him. He told his followers, "Our lives are like dew at dawn; if we reach Gaoyang we will be carved on the block. We are still on the road and can still act—why march straight into the cauldron without planning escape?" They all agreed. Those who had gold Mi had display it to the escorts, saying, "When we die, use this to bury us properly; the rest is yours in gratitude." Greedy for the gold, the escorts agreed. Outside the passes the guard grew lax; Mi bought wine and food, and they feasted noisily every night until dawn while the escorts took no notice. At Handan, Mi and six others broke through a wall and escaped. They came to the Pingyuan bandit leader Hao Xiaode, who received him without much respect. Mi left again for Huaiyang, hid his identity under the name Liu Zhiyuan, and gathered students to teach. After several months of frustration he wrote a pentasyllabic poem: "Golden wind shakes the season's first turn; jade dew withers the late woods. Tonight a man at the end of the road—grief wounds his every inch of heart. Level wilds where reeds and rushes merge; deserted villages where pigweed runs deep. Gazing and listening stir deep feeling; pacing alone, he soaks his collar. Why do the lapels grow wet? Because ancient longings weigh on him. Qin tyranny is not yet ended—what hope is there for Han restoration? Fan Kuai was a market brawler; Xiao He a petty clerk with brush and knife. Yet when the moment turned they won posthumous fame for a thousand ages. I tell the world's bold spirits: to live empty-handed is shame indeed." When he finished the poem, tears ran down his face in streams. Someone who thought him odd reported him to Prefect Zhao Tuo; the county sent men to arrest him, and Mi fled once more. About then Zhai Rang, a bandit leader of Dong Commandery, had gathered more than ten thousand followers, and Mi went to join him. Some who knew he was Xuangan's fugitive general secretly urged Rang to kill him, and Rang had Mi imprisoned outside the camp. Through Wang Bodang, Mi laid out a plan for Rang: "The ruler is benighted above and the people resentful below; elite troops are spent in Liaodong, ties with the Turks are broken, and he tours Yang and Yue while abandoning the capital—this is the same moment when Liu Bang and Xiang Yu rose. With your talent and daring, your fierce soldiers and horses, you could sweep both capitals, punish cruelty, and end tyranny, and the Sui would not be hard to overthrow." Rang was deeply impressed and released him at once. Mi was sent to win over smaller bands, and wherever he went they submitted. Mi urged Rang again: "Your force is large but there is no grain supply; if this drags on, men and horses will be exhausted, and when a major enemy arrives you will have no days left to live. Better march straight on Xingyang, rest the troops, and stock grain; when your men are bold and your horses strong, then fight for mastery." Rang agreed. They then stormed Jindi Pass and seized fortified places throughout Xingyang commandery. Yang Qing, Prince of Zheng in Xingyang, and Transit Governor Zhang Xutuo marched against Rang, who had been beaten by Xutuo before; hearing he was coming, Rang was terrified and prepared to flee. Mi said, "Xutuo is brave but not clever; his troops have won too quickly and are arrogant and cruel—we can take him in a single battle. You need only form the line and wait—I will defeat him for you." Rang had no choice but to deploy for battle while Mi hid more than a thousand men in the woods. Rang's fight went badly and he fell back; Mi's ambush struck from behind, Xutuo's force collapsed, and together they routed the enemy and killed Xutuo in the battle. Rang then put Mi in independent command of his own force. Mi's formations were disciplined and stern; his orders were obeyed as if the men carried winter frost on their backs even in midsummer. He lived plainly himself and gave all captured gold and jewels to his men, so they served him willingly. Soon he urged Rang again: "The benighted emperor wanders in distress through Wu and Yue; armies rise everywhere and famine grips the land. With your heroic gifts you command fierce troops—you should clear the realm and destroy the wicked, not grub for food in the weeds like a petty bandit forever! The Eastern Capital's people are divided in heart, and the officials left behind cannot agree on policy. Lead the host yourself straight against the Xingluo granary, open the grain to feed the destitute—who near or far would not rally to you? A million followers can be gathered in a day; strike first and seize the advantage—this chance must not be missed!" Rang said, "I came up from the fields and never dreamed of this; if we do as you propose, you go first and I will bring up the rear with the rest of the army. Once we hold the granary we can decide the rest." That spring Mi and Rang led a thousand picked troops out north of Yangcheng, crossed Fang Mountain, struck the Xingluo granary from Luokou, and captured it. They opened the granaries for free taking; the old and weak came on one another's backs without end along the roads, and the following swelled to hundreds of thousands. Yang Tong, the Sui Prince of Yue, sent Tiger Guard General Liu Changgong with twenty-five thousand foot and horse to attack Mi; Mi routed them in a single battle, and Changgong barely escaped alive. Rang then made Mi their leader, with the title Duke of Wei. In the second month he set up an altar south of Gong, took the throne, proclaimed year one, and his documents went out under the title Campaign Marshal, Duke of Wei. He appointed Fang Yanzao as Left Chief Clerk, Bing Yuanzhen as Right Chief Clerk, Yang Defang as Left Major, and Zheng Detao as Right Major. He made Zhai Rang Minister of Education and enfeoffed him as Duke of Dong Commandery. Shan Xiongxin became Left Martial Guard General-in-Chief, Xu Shiji Right Martial Guard General-in-Chief, and Zu Junyan Recorder; the rest received ranks and titles according to merit. He then fortified Luokou on a circuit of forty li and made it his seat.
5
The Changbai bandit Meng Rang brought his force to Mi; Magistrate Chai Xiaohe of Gong and Investigating Censor Zheng Yi surrendered the county. Sui Tiger Guard General Pei Renji came over with his son Xingyan and surrendered Wulao; Mi made him Superior Pillar of State and Duke of Hedong. He sent Renji and Meng Rang with over thirty thousand men to seize the Huiluo granary, then entered the Eastern Capital, plundered the populace, and burned Tianjin Bridge. Capital troops struck at their moment of exposure; Renji's force was shattered and the leaders barely escaped. Mi again led thirty thousand men against the Eastern Capital; General Duan Da, Tiger Guard Generals Gao Pi and Liu Changlin, and others marched out seventy thousand to meet him. At the old capital site the Sui force was routed. Mi again took the Huiluo granary, threw up extensive fortifications to press the Eastern Capital, and issued a proclamation to the commanderies and counties:
6
" From the opening of primordial order and the first arising of mankind, emperors and kings were established to shepherd the people. The heirs of Fuxi, Shennong, the Yellow Emperor, and Zhuanxu, and the rulers Yao, Shun, Yu, and Tang—all revered Heaven, cherished the people, labored diligently, and walked in utmost caution, as if driving a frayed rope over an abyss or treading spring ice. If a single thing went awry they felt ashamed as if plunging into a pit; if one man was guilty they left the carriage and wept for him. Their humility showed in self-reproach; their care lay in confessing their own faults. Across the realm, from the western wastes to the eastern seas, all drummed their bellies in contentment, dug wells and plowed fields, and were brought to peace and long life under benevolent rule. The people loved them as parents and revered them as gods, and so their reigns lasted many years and their fortunes extended through generations. No tyrant who abused the people has ever kept the Mandate of Heaven to the end.
7
便
The Sui clan, at the end of the Zhou, received the imperial robe in advance, fawned their way toward the throne, and broke open the storehouses to seize the regalia of empire. When he took the throne his heart was wolf and tiger; he first dimmed the light of his father and elder brother, then violated the place of the crown prince. While the late emperor lay gravely ill in the palace, he played the dutiful son at the bedside and then poisoned his father. His crime outdid the Ju servant's murder and Shang Chen's parricide—Heaven and Earth could not contain him; men and spirits groaned in fury! Like Zhou Xu's cruelty and Yan Bo's daily feuds, he nursed malice at Jian'ge and stirred rebellion at Jinyang; the people were drained dry and cruel punishments ran unchecked. When the nine clans live in harmony, as under the Tang emperor, reverent brilliance shines forth; when root and branch endure for a hundred generations, as under King Wen, their glory is made manifest. Yet he shattered the bedrock of the realm and destroyed its shielding princes—when the lips are gone the teeth freeze; and this was not limited to the states of Yu and Guo alone. To expect such a house to endure—how could it? This is the first of his crimes.
8
Beasts gather mates without distinction; human relations draw a line between inner and outer kin. Yet he forced the Princess of Lanling to his bed until her death—what virtue of the Qi maiden could be praised when Qi Xiang's incest stands revealed? He took even the late emperor's consorts and attendants, each admitted with a silver ring; and the sons and daughters of the imperial princes were all locked in golden chambers. The hen crowed at dawn and the cock flew wild; in his undergarments he played the part of Duke Chen, in a felt tent he shared the bed of Modu. Rank and reward flowed through women's chambers; ministers openly debauched themselves—and all discipline was gone. This is the second of his crimes.
9
A ruler settles the people's affairs, ten thousand matters a day—rising before dawn for court, working past sunset without a meal. Yu the Great did not prize a foot-square jade disk; Emperor Guangwu of Han did not hide behind screens—thus they labored in care and thought deeply on hidden wrongs. Yet he drowned in wine, turned day into night, shouted through the dawn, craved music and performers, lived in cellar rooms, and slept on heaps of lees. At court he was rarely seen; ministers seldom glimpsed his face—judgments ceased, and memorials piled up unread. He drank the thousand-day wine of Zhongshan until senseless; and lingered over the Three Elegances cups of Xiangyang—what comparison is there? He summoned good families to fill the palace, ran a secret market in nine wards, drove four donkeys himself, played the merchant, and was waylaid at inns like a common traveler. King Zhou's offenses would seem small; Emperor Ling's crimes would seem light—court and country were appalled; near and far lost all hope. This is the third of his crimes.
10
使
Rafters above and walls below are prescribed in the Book of Changes; thatched roofs and plain rafters are praised in the histories. The sages meant only shelter from wind and rain—why demand vermilion pillars and jade doors, or brocade splendor! The towering Jade Chamber brought the fall of King Zhou; Epang Palace's rise brought down the Second Emperor. Yet he ignored ancient models and former warnings, raised pools and towers everywhere, and built palaces with golden studs, jade doors, green lattice, and cinnabar steps that blocked out sun and season alike. He exhausted men's strength and drained the empire's wealth—work even ghosts could scarcely finish, and labor men could not bear. This is the fourth of his crimes.
11
滿 西
Levies from the public fields did not exceed ten mu; and labor service was limited to three days. Thus corvée was light, taxes were low, the seasons were not disturbed, wealth stayed with the people, and the treasury was not stuffed. Yet his taxes multiplied beyond reckoning; fierce exactions burned again and again, and the treasury was a leaking cup that could never be filled. Collectors gathered grain head by head and swept up ten years' rent in advance; looms stood empty in every household, and a thousand in gold was lost each day. Parents could not keep their children; husbands and wives abandoned one another in their own beds. Ten thousand households left the cities empty; for a thousand li hearth-fires went out. The mansions of Western Shu princes became as poor as Yuan Xian's hovel; the house of Mi Zhu in the eastern sea soon joined Deng Tong among the dead. This is the fifth of his crimes.
12
西 滿
The sage kings of old divined before tours of inspection—once in five years under Yao and Shun, once in twelve under the Zhou. They meant to ask after the people's hardships and hear local songs—yet he piled up fodder everywhere and prepared lavish provisions. Year after year he toured; place after place he climbed—his followers were exhausted and every halt was misery. Wind and freezing rain—he could only liken himself to the vanguard; cart tracks and hoofprints circled the entire realm. The ambition of the First Emperor of Qin was not yet sated; the wanderlust of King Mu of Zhou could not be exhausted. He feasted the Queen Mother of the West and sang among the clouds; he sailed the eastern sea to watch the sunrise. Households groaned under the levy of fodder; the people's hope of relief was cut off. When the realm holds the Way, defense lies beyond the frontier; barbarians do not disturb China—security rests on virtue, not on walls. The Long Wall was a Warring States project—the fashion of crafty states, not a method sanctioned by antiquity. Yet he followed Qin's example, raised the rammed-earth works again, and extended them ten thousand li—corpses covered the fields, blood ran like rivers, resentment filled the hills, and wailing shook Heaven and Earth. This is the sixth of his crimes.
13
穿
East of the Liao lies Korea—the Yu Gong treats it as outer domain; the Zhou king left it unsubdued, holding it only by loose reins to spread civilization—if one loves the people, one does not seek new territory. A strong crossbow's last bolt cannot pierce a Lu gauze; the tail of a gale cannot stir a goose feather— stony fields gained are useless; chicken ribs eaten are profitless. Yet trusting in numbers and force, he fed armies and abused war, thinking only of conquest and never of lasting strategy. War is like fire; unchecked it burns the wielder—so millions marched east and not a single wheel returned. Fuchai lost his kingdom at the alliance of Huangchi; Fu Jian destroyed himself at the campaign of Shouchun. He reached for the cicada in front and did not see the slingshot behind. Veterans looked back in mourning queues; righteous men ground their teeth and heroes clenched their fists. This is the seventh of his crimes.
14
便
Straight counsel opens the ruler's mind; a loyal minister serves not himself—wood must follow the line, metal must be honed. Emperor Yao set up a drum, eager to hear counsel for improvement; Yu of Xia hung a sounding stone, often listening to admonition. Yet he was deaf to remonstrance, defied divination, harmed the worthy and envied talent—upright men were slaughtered. Left Vice Director Gao Jiong, Duke of Qi, and Superior Pillar He Ruobi, Duke of Song—one a chief minister, one a hero of Xiliu—offered bitter counsel and received the gilded awl in reward. Long Feng was innocent yet was executed by Jie of Xia; What crime had the princes committed? They were slaughtered like victims of King Zhou. Gentlemen fell silent and worthies sealed their lips. He swore by the bright sun yet dared deceive Heaven itself—never seeing that the state would fall and death draw near. This is the eighth of his crimes.
15
使
Setting offices and dividing duties depends on fair selection; examining cases and judging punishments—never with justice sold for coin. Yet the god of money ruled debate and the stink of copper became lord; Liang Ji took a golden snake, Meng Tuo offered grape wine for office. Constant norms collapsed, government was bought, gentlemen languished in the wilds, and petty men held office. Heaped firewood sat above—just as Ji An warned; purse money could not compare—grieving as in Zhao Yi's lament. This is the ninth of his crimes.
16
西 宿輿
Confucius said that without trust nothing stands, and those who risk their lives are rewarded at the shrine—how then break one's word in righteousness? Since the benighted ruler succeeded, every year he toured—north and south on progress, east and west on campaign. At Haowan he escorted the train, at the Eastern Capital he held the line, at Wen Township he fought in the field, at Yanmen he lifted a siege— and beyond these the campaigns are beyond counting. Once merit is won, rank and reward must follow. Yet his heart was treacherous and his words fickle—rewards were promised in crisis but withheld in victory, unlike Shang Yang's gold, like Xiang Yu grinding his seals. Beneath fragrant bait the fish must hang; yet sparing rich reward while demanding men's lives—rolling a ball uphill is easier than this. Which of the brave heroes did not nurse hatred? A common man keeps an old promise unbroken—yet seated on the imperial carriage he is faithless twice and thrice over. This is the tenth of his crimes.
17
With any one of these, what state could survive? How much more when the four bonds are broken and the three spirits afflicted—high and low, men and women alike know Yin must fall and Xia is ended. Exhaust the bamboo of South Mountain and his crimes would still not be written out; drain the eastern sea and his flowing evil would still not run dry. Thus Qiongqi brought disaster upon the realm and Yayu ravaged the central plain. The Three Rivers unleashed a penned boar's greed; the four seas suffered a serpent's venom—the people were slaughtered until scarcely one in ten remained. The people trembled, all fearing the fall of the state of Qi; infants wailed, grieving only the fall of Liyang. The dynastic fortune is about to turn, and there is a fixed term—six hundred years for Yin, thirty generations for Zhou. Prophecies say the Sui will fall in thirty-six years—the sign of exhausted virtue is clear and the dynasty's end is foreseen. Heaven is impartial and assists only virtue. Comets fill the sky—Shen Xu called this the clearing away of the old; the Year Star entered the Well—Gan Gong read it as the rise of righteous rule. The Vermilion Bird Gate burned, the sun was eclipsed on the first yang day, foxes cried and ghosts wailed, streams dried up and mountains collapsed. All are omens of temples in ruins and thorns lodging in the royal courtyard. Xia had fewer disasters than this; Yin had fewer omens of blame. When the Ox Leader entered the Han River, the season of great disorder was known; when Wang Liang drove his horses, the gathering of war chariots was confirmed.
18
便 西 祿 漿
Now as the people's will turns and Heaven's timing is at hand—the great oath at Meng Ford, the mandate at Jing Bo—three thousand states and eight hundred lords speak as one without counsel and come without summons. The host thunders like storm and lightning; tigers roar and valley winds rise, dragons prance and auspicious clouds ascend. Our Duke of Wei is wise and martial, sage-like and far-reaching, embodying the seven virtues and encompassing the nine achievements. Grandson of the Zhou Grand Tutor and Duke of Wei, son of the Superior Pillar of State and Duke of Pushan. His house transmits great virtue, as King Wu received Jili's foundation; the land opened to founding merit, and the founding emperor succeeded the primal emperor's enterprise. Born at Baishui, the sun-horn mark of emperors was revealed; born at Danling, the script of the great mandate was displayed. His surname matched the charts, his name the songs—the six directions turned their hearts and the three spirits changed their omens. King Wen was confined at Youli when the red sparrow came; the High Ancestor hid at Dang Mountain and cinnabar clouds rose of themselves. He took up arms against the unrighteous and the Red Fu prophecy came from Chang'an; his edge was irresistible and the yellow star appeared over Liang and Song. At the hour when the dragon takes flight, when Heaven and man transform—tested through hardships, he grew braver against greater foes. Superior Pillar Zhai Rang, Duke of Dong—his merit in founding the enterprise, his counsel in statecraft—like Yi Yin to Cheng Tang, like Xiao He to the High Emperor. Superior Pillar Meng Rang of Qi, Pillar Meng Chang of Licheng, Pillar Pei Xingyan of Jiang, Great General Bing Yuanzhen and others—all schemed across a thousand li and led the armies in courage; with sword they could sever dragon and turtle, with bow bring down ape and goose. Han Xin, Peng Yue, Zhou Bo, and Guan Ying laid the Duke of Pei's foundation; Kou Xun, Jia Fu, Wu Han, and Feng Yi upheld the King of Xiao's enterprise. Again there were men who seized chariot hubs in battle, champions of leaping and stone-throwing, horses swift as wind, Wu halberds flashing in the sun. The Duke of Wei meets the season's fortune and bows before the hundred millions. He donned armor himself, crossed mountains and rivers, weathered wind and rain without complaint, and raised the army of the Western Earl to punish the crimes of Nan Chao. A million men formed into hosts; at a breath the Yellow and Wei rivers would cease, at a shout Song and Hua would tremble. With such force to assault cities, what city would not fall; with such force to strike formations, what formation would not shatter! It is like pouring the sea to douse a dying flame, or lifting Kunlun to crush a tiny egg. Beating drums they advance on a hundred routes—the twenty-first of this month they will reach the Eastern Capital. Yet the benighted court's officials, the garrison commander Duan Da and others—evil ripe as Kunwu, treacherous as Feilian—long blind to Heaven's will, dare resist the righteous army and lead a hundred thousand rabble north of Huiluo granary to raise the axe against us. Bears and tigers vied in the charge; seizing their will to turn their spears and riding our irresistible momentum, the enemy melted like ice before they could turn—fewer dead than at Changping, less armor heaped than at Xiong'er. Duan Da and the rest aided tyranny like Jie's minions, clung to the walls, and vainly deployed ladders and rams with their ninefold defenses; drums and horns were about to sound—they relied in vain on their hundred towers. Swallows nest on curtains, fish swim in pools—the day of their destruction is not far off. Yet Xingluo and Hulao, the state's granaries, we have held for a long time already. Having taken Huiluo, we also seized Liyang—the empire's granaries are no longer the Sui's. Uprisings on every side—food and troops in abundance, without peer and without rival. Pei Renji, Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, a heroic commander entrusted with independent campaign—near and far relied on him for safety—yet read the moment and shifted allegiance from Yin to Xia. Yuan Qian was captured at Lanshui, Zhang Xutuo taken at Xingyang, Dou Qing killed at Huainan, Guo Xun beheaded in Hebei—the signs of Sui's fall are plain to see. Fang Yanzao, Duke of Qinghe, recently took command in the southeast—wherever his army went, it struck like wind and lightning. Anlu and Runan were pacified as opportunity allowed; Huai'an and Jiyang soon submitted. Xu Yuanlang has pacified Lu, Meng Haigong has taken Jiyang—heroes across the land rally in response. Feng Min seized Pingyuan, Hao Xiaode held Liyang's granary, Li Shixiong glared from Changping, and Wang Deren soared from Shangdang. Li Jing of Hua and Personnel Bureau Director Fang Shanji marched from Linyu; Liu Xingzu rose at Baishuo; Cui Baiju in Yingchuan; Fang Xianbo from Qiao—each with tens of thousands, all bound for Muye. East of the passes and west of the sea, oxen and wine were offered before the army and pots of broth lined the roads. You are all heirs of noble houses and fine talent—in the hour when the divine mandate shifts and fiefs are granted, the moment for bold transformation has come. Read the signs and act: gather your kin and build merit together. Like Geng Yan rallying to Guangwu or Xiao He serving the High Emperor—not only golden seals and purple cords, flowered canopies and vermilion wheels, but wealth to dignify the present and loyalty to pass through generations—how grand!
19
祿 使
If any Sui officials are like dogs that bark at Yao, still grateful to Wang Mang, still clinging to Kuai Kui's salary— Shen Pei died for the Yuans—better to be Zhang He going over to Cao; Fan Zeng was trapped with Xiang Yu—not as wise as Chen Ping joining Han. The Duke of Wei offers his sincere heart and will grant fine rank; choose your tree and settle without doubt. If you hesitate like a tiger in doubt, you make an enemy within the boat—remember how the men of Susha bound their lord and Peng Chong's servant killed his master; high office and rich reward await at once. If you are blind to success and cling to error, when Kun Mountain burns jade and stone perish together—you will bite your navels in regret when it is too late! The Yellow River girdles the land—witness these words sworn at dawn; the bright sun fills the sky—know my earnest intent. Let this be proclaimed throughout the realm so all may hear."
20
This proclamation was written by Zu Junyan.
21
西 西 西 西
Soon Detao and Defang both died; Mi appointed Zheng Ting as Left Major and Zheng Qianxiang as Right Major. Chai Xiaohe urged Mi, "The Qin lands are walled by mountains and rivers; Western Chu turned its back on them and perished, while Han Gaozu made them his capital and rose to supremacy. In my view, let Renji hold Huiluo, Zhai Rang hold Luokou, and you personally lead picked troops west against Chang'an—the people will greet you in the suburbs, and you will conquer without fighting. Once the capital is taken, your foundation will be firm and your army strong; then march through Xiaohan, sweep the Eastern Capital, and send proclamations across the land—the realm will be settled. But heroes are rising everywhere, and I fear another may act first—lose the moment and regret will come too late!" Mi said, "Your plan is one I have considered for a long time—it is truly the best strategy. But the benighted emperor still lives and his troops are many; my men are all from Shandong—seeing Luoyang still untaken, who would follow me west? The generals came from bandit bands; left behind, each would vie for supremacy. If we did that, we would likely be ruined!" Mi's troops fought fiercely, battling Sui forces again and again in the imperial park. Mi was struck by a stray arrow and confined to camp; the Eastern Capital sent troops to strike at his weakness—his army collapsed, abandoned Huiluo granary, and retreated to Luokou. Emperor Yang sent Wang Shichong with fifty thousand elite troops; Mi fought him without success. Xiaohe drowned in the Luo River, and Mi wept bitterly. Shichong camped west of the Luo and faced Mi for over a hundred days in more than sixty battles. Yuan Baocang of Wuyang, bandit leaders Li Wenbai, Zhang Sheng, Zhao Junde, and Hao Xiaode all joined Mi and together seized the Liyang granary. Zhou Faming of Yong'an brought the Yang and Huang regions to Mi; Xu Yuanlang, Xu Shiren, and Prefect Zhao Tuo of Huaiyang all submitted.
22
滿 退 使 使
Wang Ruxin, an officer of Zhai Rang, urged Rang to become Grand Minister of Works and take control of all affairs, seizing power from Mi. Rang's elder brother Kuan told him again, "An emperor makes himself—how can you share the throne with another! If you cannot do it, I will." Hearing this, Mi secretly plotted against Rang. When Shichong advanced in battle order, Rang went out to meet him and suffered a setback; Mi rushed up with Shan Xiongxin and elite troops, and Shichong was driven off. The next day Rang came straight to Mi's camp for a feast; Mi prepared a meal and had Rang's attendants eat separately. Mi seated Rang and showed him a fine bow; as Rang drew it to the full, Mi's men struck from behind and killed him, along with his brother Kuan and Wang Ruxin. Xu Shiji was wounded in the confusion by grave cuts; Mi stopped the attack and spared him. Shan Xiongxin and others begged for mercy on their knees, and Mi released and reassured them. He then went to Rang's camps and addressed the troops—none dared move. He put Xu Shiji, Shan Xiongxin, and Wang Bodang in command of Rang's former followers. Soon Shichong raided the granary city, and Mi defeated him again. Shichong moved camp north of the Luo, built a pontoon bridge, and attacked with his full force; Mi met him with a thousand cavalry, failed, and withdrew. Shichong pressed close under the walls; Mi sent several hundred picked men against him—Shichong's army collapsed, rushed the pontoon bridge, and tens of thousands drowned. Tiger Guard Generals Yang Wei, Wang Bian, Huo Ju, Liu Changgong, Liang De, and Dong Zhi all died in battle; Shichong barely escaped. That night a heavy snowstorm fell, and nearly all his soldiers froze to death. Mi pressed the victory to take Yanshi, repaired Jinyong city as his seat, and commanded more than three hundred thousand men. Garrison commander Wei Jin fought Mi again at Shangchun Gate, was routed, and captured in battle. Director of Palace Construction Yuwen Kai defected from the Eastern Capital and surrendered to Mi. From the eastern sea to Dai in the east and the Yang and Huai in the south, commanderies and counties sent envoys to submit to Mi. Dou Jiande, Zhu Can, Yang Shilin, Meng Haigong, Xu Yuanlang, Lu Zushang, Zhou Faming, and others sent memorials urging him to take the throne; his officials all pressed him to assume the imperial title. Mi said, "The Eastern Capital is not yet pacified—we cannot discuss this yet."
23
便 使
When the righteous banner was raised, Mi, confident in his strength, wished to be alliance leader himself; he wrote calling the High Ancestor "elder brother" and proposed a joint campaign to destroy the Sui—meeting at Meng Ford, destroying the tyrant at Muye, and seizing the puppet emperor at Xianyang. The High Ancestor read the letter and laughed, "Li Mi is insolent and unrestrained—not someone to summon with a brief note. I am still settling the capital and have no time for an eastern campaign; if we block each other now, we simply create another Qin. Mi now happens to be holding off the Eastern Capital's troops and guarding the Chenggao choke point—for Han Xin and Peng Yue, none serves better than Mi. We should use humble praise to swell his ambition so he does not beware of us. When I enter the passes, hold Pujin, camp at Yongfeng, block Xiaohan, and face the Yi and Luo—my great enterprise will succeed." He had Recorder Wen Daya draft a reply to Mi:
24
滿 輿
" Recently Kun Mountain burned and the seas churned; the realm became ruins and the people were charred. Common soldiers with hoes and staves contended for empire; rebels rose like foxes crying and hornets swarming. The stately capitals were besieged by strong crossbows; the broad Zhou plain—stiff corpses filled the roads. The emperor toured south on his pleasure boat and forgot to return; the Xiongnu pressed from the north, about to overrun the Yi River. The court saw no danger; officials bit their tongues—the great thief stole the state and none dared accuse him. Suddenly it came to this—he brought ruin on himself; a foundation of seven hundred years ended in the second generation. Since Zhou and Qi, since records began—states have fallen, but never with cruelty like this. Heaven born the people and there must be a shepherd—who but you should rule today? I am past fifty and do not aspire to rule; I gladly support my great younger brother, clinging to the dragon's scales. I only hope you soon answer Heaven's signs and bring peace to the millions. As chief of the alliance, receive me among your kin; enfeoffed again in Tang—that honor is enough! Slaying the tyrant at Muye—what I cannot bear to speak of; seizing Ziying at Xianyang—I dare not accept such orders. Fen and Jin still need settling; the meeting at Meng Ford cannot yet be scheduled—today the emperor tours south, and I fear a repeat of the Yongjia disaster. Looking on the central plain overgrown with weeds, I sigh with real pain in my heart. If I learn your movements, forgive delayed reports; not meeting face to face increases my cares. Fame and profit draw blades on every side—take great care and strive on with your great enterprise."
25
使 西使
Mi was greatly pleased by the letter and told his followers, "The Duke of Tang promotes me—the realm is as good as settled!" He therefore paid no heed to the Tang army and focused solely on Shichong. Soon Yuwen Huaji marched north from Jiangdu toward Liyang with more than a hundred thousand men; Mi personally led twenty thousand foot and horse to resist him. Yang Tong, the Sui Prince of Yue, assumed the imperial title and invested Mi as Grand Commandant, Director of State Affairs, Southeast Campaign Marshal, and Duke of Wei, ordering him to pacify Huaji first and then enter court as regent. Mi was about to fight Huaji and feared attack from both sides; he therefore replied with humble thanks. Huaji reached Liyang and met Mi; Mi knew his army was short of food and that haste favored the enemy, so he refused battle and blocked Huaji's retreat. Mi sent Xu Shiji to guard the granary city; Huaji attacked but could not take it. Knowing Huaji's grain was nearly gone, Mi feigned peace to wear down his army. Huaji did not see through it, was delighted, and let his men eat freely, hoping Mi would supply them. When he learned the trick, Huaji was enraged and fought Mi below Tong Mountain in Weizhou; Mi was wounded by a stray arrow and halted at Ji County. Huaji's strength and grain were spent; many deserted him; he plundered Ji County and fled north toward Wei County. His generals Chen Zhilue, Zhang Tongren, and others brought their troops over to Mi in succession. Huaji had left supplies in Dong Commandery under his Minister of Justice Wang Gui; Gui now surrendered the whole commandery to Mi. Mi marched west and sent envoys to the Eastern Capital court, capturing Yu Hongda, who had killed Emperor Yang, and presenting him to Yang Tong. Tong summoned Mi to court; at Wen County he heard Shichong had rebelled and turned back to Jinyong.
26
Mi's troops lacked clothing and Shichong's lacked food; they proposed trade. Mi hesitated, but Bing Yuanzhen, eager for private gain, urged him repeatedly, and Mi agreed. When the Eastern Capital had no grain, hundreds of soldiers defected to Mi daily; once they were fed at Mi's camp, defections slowed—Mi regretted the trade and tried to stop it. Though Mi held the granaries he had no treasury; his troops fought repeatedly without reward, while he lavished gifts on new recruits—resentment spread. In the ninth month Shichong came with five thousand men for a decisive battle; Mi left Wang Bodang at Jinyong and led elite troops to Yanshi, blocking Mount Mang to the north. When Shichong arrived Mi was defeated; Pei Renji and Zu Junyan were captured; Mi fled toward Luokou with more than ten thousand men. Shichong besieged Yanshi; under defender Zheng Ting the garrison mutinied and surrendered the city. Mi was about to enter Luokou granary city; Bing Yuanzhen had secretly invited Shichong in. Mi knew but kept silent, planning to strike when half of Shichong's army was across the Luo. When Shichong arrived Mi's scouts failed to warn him in time; before he could fight, Shichong's army had already crossed. Knowing he could not hold, Mi fled with his cavalry straight to Wulao; Yuanzhen surrendered the city to Shichong.
27
使 使 使 祿
Mi was about to go to Liyang when someone said, "When you killed Zhai Rang, Xu Shiji nearly died—how can you be safe going to him now?" Wang Bodang had abandoned Jinyong and held Heyang; Mi came from Wulao with light cavalry and told him, "We are defeated—I have long burdened you all! I will now take my own life to answer to the army." Bodang embraced him and wailed until he could breathe no more; all wept and none could bear to look. Mi said again, "If you will not abandon me, let us return together to Guanzhong. Though I have achieved nothing, you will surely keep wealth and honor." His aide Liu Shuang replied, "When Penzi submitted to Han he was made Director of Imperial Granaries. You and the Duke of Tang are kin and have old ties; though you did not join the uprising, you blocked the Eastern Capital and cut the Sui line of retreat, letting the Tang take the capital without a fight—that is your merit too." All agreed." Mi also told Wang Bodang, "General, your family is a heavy burden—you need not travel with me!" Bodang said, "When Han Gaozu destroyed Xiang Yu, Xiao He brought his brothers and sons to follow—I regret that not all my brothers came; that is my shame. How could I abandon you because you fail today? Even if I die in the wilds, I am content." All were deeply moved; twenty thousand still followed him into the passes. The High Ancestor sent envoys to welcome him along the road; Mi was overjoyed and told his followers, "I once commanded a million men and in a morning came to this—it is fate. Now defeated I return and am treated with special favor—I must serve my new lord with all loyalty! Moreover hundreds of cities in Shandong will send envoys when they learn I am here, and all will return to the Tang. Compared with Dou Rong, his merit was considerable—was he not worthy of a commissioner's regard?" In the capital, ceremonial courtesies grew thin, and those in power came seeking bribes—he grew deeply resentful. He was soon appointed Grand Master for Splendid Happiness and enfeoffed as Duke of Xing.
28
使 使 退 紿
Soon hearing that his former generals would not follow Shichong, the High Ancestor sent Mi with his original troops to Liyang to rally his old officers and operate against Shichong. Wang Bodang was then General of the Left Martial Guard and was appointed his deputy. When Mi reached Taolin, the High Ancestor summoned him again; terrified, Mi plotted rebellion. Bodang urged him strongly to stop, but Mi refused and told him, "A man of honor does not change his heart whether he lives or dies. I have received your grace and expect to repay you with my life. If you will not listen, I can only go with you, for life or death—though I fear it will come to nothing." He selected several thousand fierce men, dressed them as women with veiled hats and knives hidden under their skirts, posed them as wives and concubines, and led them into the Taolin county quarters. In a moment they changed clothes and burst out, seized the county seat, drove off livestock, headed for South Mountain, took the defiles east, and sent word to Zhang Shanxiang to bring troops to meet them. Right Assistant Guard General Shi Wanbao was garrisoning Xiongzhou; he sent Vice-General Sheng Yanshi with several thousand foot and horse in pursuit, and caught Mi seventy li south of Luhun County. Yanshi ambushed him in the valley; when Mi's force was half across, he struck, routed them, and beheaded Mi, aged thirty-seven. Wang Bodang died with him; their heads were sent to the capital. Li Ji was then Director-General of Liyang; because he had once served Mi, the High Ancestor sent word of Mi's rebellion. Ji petitioned to bury him properly, and the emperor approved. The High Ancestor returned his body; Ji held the funeral in mourning with full rites between lord and minister. The ceremony was conducted with full honors; the entire army wore mourning white, and he was buried five li south of Liyang Mountain. Old friends wept for him; many vomited blood from grief. When Bing Yuanzhen surrendered to Shichong, he was made Grand Commissioner Vice Director and posted to Huazhou. Mi's former general Du Caigan hated Yuanzhen for betraying Mi; he lured him to a meeting, ambushed and killed him, and offered his head at Mi's tomb. Shan Xiongxin was from Caozhou. He was on friendly terms with Zhai Rang. In youth he was fierce and strong, especially skilled with the spear on horseback; Mi's army called him the Flying General. After Mi's defeat at Yanshi, he surrendered to Wang Shichong and was made Great General. When Taizong besieged the Eastern Capital, Xiongxin came out to fight; spear in hand he nearly reached Taizong when Xu Shiji shouted to stop him, saying, "This is the Prince of Qin." Xiongxin withdrew in fear, and Taizong was spared. When the Eastern Capital fell, he was executed at Luoyang. The historiographer writes: When Sui rule collapsed, Emperor Yang indulged in dissipation, shook the central plain, and campaigned far to Liaodong. Within there were no worthy ministers to correct the state; without, no good officials to govern the people—the two capitals stood empty and the people were exhausted. Li Mi, because the people could not endure it, was first to raise rebellion—clever in stratagem, brave in battle, holding the Gong and Luo corridor, proclaiming a million men—Dou Jiande and others rallied to him, and the Duke of Tang flattered him with feigned support—was it not magnificent! After defeat at Yanshi he still had tens of thousands; had he cast off suspicion, hurried to Liyang, made Xu Shiji his general and Wei Zheng his strategist, the outcome might still have been uncertain. When Heaven's mandate had found its lord and the great cause was lost, he still surpassed Chen She. He began as the first to raise arms and ended willing to be a surrendered captive—his calculations were perilous indeed! He could not submit as a loyal minister and serve with full devotion—he became a rebel, a madman in the end; ignoring Bodang's counsel, he met disaster at Taolin. Some compare him to Xiang Yu—in culture and bearing he had the advantage; in raw courage and decisive force he fell short. Yang Su knew Mi's talent and should have made him the prince's right hand; instead he left him to a foolish son, and Mi became a rebel chief—the ruin of the clan was only to be expected!
29
In praise: When the dark sun rises, torch fires never cease. Mad was Li Mi—rebellion at the start, treason at the end.
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