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卷五 本紀第五 元帝

Volume 5: Emperor Yuan

Chapter 5 of 梁書 · Book of Liang
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1
Book of Liang, Volume 5, Annals 5
2
使西 西 西 西 使 使西
Taizong Emperor Xiaoyuan, personal name Yi, courtesy name Shicheng, childhood name Qifu, was Gaozu's seventh son. On dingsi in the eighth month of Tianjian 7 he was born. In year 13 he was made Prince of Xiangdong with a fief of two thousand households. He was first Remote Pacification General and Kuaiji administrator, then Attendant, Proclaiming Might General, and Danyang intendant. In Putong 7 he went out as Bearer of the Staff, commander of Jing, Xiang, Ying, Yi, Ning, and South Liang, Colonel of the Western Center, and Jingzhou inspector. In Zhongdatong 4 he was promoted to General Who Pacifies the West. In Datong 1 he was promoted to General Who Pacifies the West. In Datong 3 he was promoted to General Who Secures the West. In year 5 he entered court as General of the Right Guard and protector-general with Shitou garrison duties. In year 6 he went out as Bearer of the Staff, Jiangzhou commander, General Who Secures the South, and Jiangzhou inspector. In Taiqing 1 he was transferred Bearer of the Staff, commander of Jing, Yong, Xiang, Si, Ying, Ning, Liang, and the two Qin, General Who Secures the West, and Jingzhou inspector. In the third month of year 3 Hou Jing stormed and took the capital. In the fourth month crown prince gentleman Xiao Shao reached Jiangling with a secret edict appointing Taizong Attendant, provisional Bearer of the Yellow Axe, grand commander of all armies, acting as Minister of Education, other posts unchanged. That month Taizong raised troops in Xiangzhou; Xiangzhou inspector Prince Yu of Hedong refused to dispatch them. On bingwu in the sixth month he sent the heir Fangdeng against Yu; defeated in battle, Fangdeng was killed. In the seventh month he again sent Pacifying Troops General Bao Quan to replace him against Yu. On yimao in the ninth month Yueyang prince Cha, Yongzhou inspector, rebelled and attacked Jiangling; Taizong shut the city and defended. On yichou Cha's general Du Shan, his brothers, and Yang Hun each led their forces to surrender. On bingyin Cha fled. Bao Quan failed to take Xiangzhou and again sent Left Guard General Wang Senbian to replace the commander.
3
On jiaxu in the second month Hengyang intendant Zhou Hongzhi reported a phoenix within the commandery.
4
On xinwei in the fifth month of summer Wang Senbian took Xiangzhou, executed Prince Yu of Hedong, and pacified the province.
5
In the sixth month Princes Dakuen of Jiangxia, Dacheng of Shanyang, and Dafeng of Yidu fled by the Xin'an route.
6
西
On xinyou in the ninth month former Ying inspector Prince Ke of Nanping became Central Guard General, Director of the Masters of Writing with Three Lords honors; heir Fangzhu became Ying inspector; Left Guard Wang Senbian became leader of palace gentlemen. Dakuen was re-enfeoffed Prince of Linchuan, Dacheng Prince of Guiyang, Dafeng Prince of Runan. That month Ren Yue raided Xiyang and Wuchang; Left Guard Xu Wensheng, Right Guard Yin Zichun, heir's right guard colonel Xiao Huizheng, Guizhou inspector Xi Wennian, and others went down to Wuchang against him. Prince Ke of Nanping, central guard general and director with Three Lords honors, became Jingzhou inspector at Wuling.
7
On jiazi in the eleventh month Prince Ke, Attendant Dakuen, Prince Dacheng, palace attendant Marquis Yuanzheng of Jiang'an, Attendant Left Guard Zhang Chuan, Minister of Education left chief clerk Dan, and a thousand men from offices, provinces, and kingdoms submitted a memorial:
8
殿 使 西
We note that since lofty Song Mountain sends mountains and rivers forth in cloud; a great state has its bulwark and Shen and Fu as its pillars. Is it not that when royal order reaches its height, rank is the treasure; when sage teaching marks the regions, names and regalia are kept with care? Thus the grand marshal aids the emperor as Chonghua showed the yellow jade sign; the minister of works surveyed the land as Yu received the black jade gift. We venture: illustrious Duke and Royal Highness, born for the age, arose bearing the sage. Loyalty is supreme virtue, filial piety heaven's norm; the charge is deep as Dan and Shi; the five ranks are taught and seven directors aligned; will rests in state, merit crosses danger. When aliens invaded he slept on spear and wept blood; until foes were swept he cast sleeves aside for the king—foes begged treaty on bent knee and bandits bore jade in shame. Kin and marches rebelled alike; trouble matched Wu and Chu; righteous punishment needed no bloodshed. The Xiang stilled without building Du Tao's ramparts; Mount Xian stood apart without storming Liu Biao's city. Jiujiang was troubled; branches split; war-boats were ordered and Qian and Huo were settled. Pursuing upstream, roads blocked spies; when Hu troops crossed and iron horses massed like mist, his plan alone worked—heads hung, wings folded, tribute restored. Liang and Han allied and deployed sharp weapons; Ba and Han descended with brave formations. South to the Five Ridges, north force to the plains; eastern Yi were not aggrieved, western Rong were ordered. One may say a thousand li of upper stream and a million halberds—the world's height, what the four seas advance.
9
輿
Now sea clouds rise and Kun flames blaze; Wei Wen grieved willing elevation, Han Xuan sighed completed rites—below Yang Terrace only caps hurried; by Dream Waters wagons still lined the road. Double ears on wheat came from Nanping; sweet dew on mud branches descended at Dangyang. Wild silkworms spun—why praise Ou silk; idle fields bore rice—no different from grain from rain. All things prospered—bright culture's radiance—how could titles fail in the canon and testing fail in chariot and robe!
10
使
In antiquity Jin and Zheng entered Zhou yet served as chief ministers; Xiao and Cao aided Han yet held chancellorship. This splendid rite should be raised to answer the multitude's hopes. Ke and others searched armor commands, consulted trustworthy records, bowed twice, and advance you to chancellor of state overseeing the hundred offices, with one bamboo tally as constant ritual. Bearing golden axe to cut rebels, riding jade chariot to settle state. Splendors ranged beside sun and moon, brightness joined heaven and earth. Supporting peril and ordering rule—how could it not be glorious!
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Ke and others lack the great form and prostrate this memorial for hearing.
12
西
Taizong ordered reply: "Count falls on yang nine, time is hundred six; foes not yet cut—sleepless with grief. Zhou named celestial offices, Qin chancellor of state—east to sea, west to river, south to Zhuque, north to dark passes. Leading petty ministers, broadening great virtue— what use follow Qufu, trace Huan and Wen, erect one rectification, solemn in five bows? Though righteousness follows time, affairs are not empty; tradition says all yielded, the Image shows modesty—gazing on former canon, again ashamed."
13
On renchen in the twelfth month Dingshan inspector Xiao Bo became General Who Secures the South and Guangzhou inspector. Protector-General Yin Yue, Bazhou inspector Wang Xun, Dingshan inspector Du Duo'an led troops to Wuchang to aid Xu Wensheng.
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使
In Dabao 2 Taizong still called it Taiqing 5. On jihai in the second month Wei sent friendly envoys.
15
西
In the third month Hou Jing mustered all troops west to join Ren Yue.
16
On bingwu in the fourth month Hou Jing sent generals Song Zixian and Ren Yue to raid Yingzhou and seized inspector Fangzhu. On wushen Xu Wensheng and Yin Zichun fled back; Wang Xun, Yin Yue, and Du Duo'an all surrendered to the rebels. On gengxu Wang Senbian led troops stationed at Baling. On jiazi Hou Jing advanced against Baling.
17
On guiwei in the fifth month Taizong sent Mobile Headquarters Hu Senyou and Xinzhou inspector Lu Fahuo downstream to aid Baling. Ren Yue was defeated and Hou Jing fled. Wang Senbian became General Who Conquers the East with Three Lords honors and director of Masters of Writing; Hu Senyou leader of palace gentlemen; Lu Fahuo protector-general. He still ordered Senbian to pursue Hou Jing; everywhere they were victorious.
18
On jiachen in the eighth month Senbian camped below Xunyang. On xinhai General Who Secures the South and Xiangzhou inspector Xiao Fangju became Central Guard General. Minister of Works and General Who Conquers the South Prince Ke of Nanping was promoted to Grand General Who Conquers the South. Jingzhou inspector, other posts unchanged.
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On jihai in the ninth month General Who Conquers the East Wang Senbian with Three Lords honors became Jiangzhou inspector, other posts unchanged. Panpan presented a tame elephant.
20
On xinchou, new moon of the tenth winter month, purple cloud like a chariot canopy hung over Jiangling. That month Taizong died. Attendant, General Who Conquers the East, Jiangzhou inspector, director, Marquis of Changning Wang Senbian and others submitted a memorial:
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使
The armies pressed the campaign, halted at Nine Waters—that day a Lincheng county messenger reported Hou Jing had murdered the emperor, harmed the crown prince, and kin in the rebel court suffered cruel death. The six armies wept; the three luminaries changed. Alas for our imperial pole—the four seas' hearts broke. Our great Liang received Yao's succession and traced Shang's opening. Grand Ancestor the Literary Emperor followed Qi, became sage, and opened the six provinces. Gaozu the Martial Emperor was bright, divine, and martial and in one sweep embraced the realm. Relying on sun and moon he harmonized four seasons; treading utmost honor he regulated the six harmonies. Establishing correctness and dwelling in constancy, great fortune was secured. Four reigns linked in succession, three sages one foundation. That vicious chief held the heavenly capital. The vermilion gate knew Baideng's shame; the elephant tower Yaocheng's doubt. Cloud canopy and Chenghua—in one morning all suffered cruel death. Golden pillars and jade stems: none escaped the same injustice. O distant azure Heaven—how boundless your cruelty!
22
I have heard that when a ruler dies, another must rule—the splendid canon of the Spring and Autumn Annals; to choose the virtuous and the elder is the universal teaching of the former kings. Shaokang gathered the people and steadied his charge, and by sacrificing to Xia he matched Heaven; King Ping held to righteousness and moved east, and so the Ancestral Zhou divined its span of years. Han Guangwu, because he could seize the lawless, saw the Jing calendar flourish again; Zhongzong, because he did not defy the assembly's counsel, could be enthroned in Jiangdong. Measured against antiquity today, there is no second counsel. I humbly consider that Your Majesty's filial piety reaches into the unseen, your heroism and martial clarity are keen—you meet the calamity of seven-nines and answer the term of a thousand years; you open light within deep sorrow and stand where a hundred kings meet. You take awe and fix hegemony through peril and hardship, raise altars and order armies, ever following the ancient Way. Affairs of house and state have come to this pass. Heaven's mandate to Great Liang surely must have a lord. When Xuanyuan received his surname, only two survived; among Gaozu's five princes, your generation truly holds the eldest rank. You ride as Qu Wan did to array the feudal lords, bow as Zi Wu did and receive the great carriage. Your merit equals the Nine Domains, your Way succors the living people. Unless we serve the sacred and bright, who will succeed the martial below?
23
西 殿
I have heard that sun and moon stand in bright constancy—the great sun cannot long withhold its light; Heaven and earth stand in constant regard—the Way of Qian cannot long remain in caution. The yellow canopy and left banner-pole are honored for the hundred millions; the phoenix carriage and dragon insignia are held noble for suburban sacrifice. The sacred vessel rests in utmost weight; stand firm as on a whetstone, cautious lest ease bring slip. Can the black-haired people lack a lord for even a brief span? Can the altars of state lack a master for even one day? I humbly wish Your Majesty to sweep the earth and ascend Mount Zhong, burn offerings to Heaven and renew all things. Affairs press in grim peril, the age rings with turmoil—there is no need to trouble the Director of the Imperial Clan to present the edict or the Erudites to choose the hour; face south and take the honored seat at once, with no virtue to yield westward. When the four quarters know there is one to whom they may turn, only then can the eight hundred begin to join in one purpose. The remnant rebels lurk hidden, regalia is buried at the altars—the sign of Qian has already tipped, the measure of Kun already overturned. Strike down Wang Mang's funeral train, burn Dong Zhuo till the market glows, clear all within the passes and seas—for the imperial tombs, break the snowed palace ring and save what bells and tripods may remain—yet that millet, swaying, swaying—what can be said? Your Majesty continues the bright succession and opens the mandate, taking your palace in old Chu. The order of ancestral temple left and soil-altar right may be provisionally arranged; the forms of the five rites and six harmonies may be gathered season by season as they come due. Golden fungus with nine stalks, jade-thatched grass with triple ridges. Key defenses discharge their duties, frontier posts face one another. Sit in the hall of state to receive the four barbarians, ascend the Spirit Terrace to observe cloud-signs, offer the feng on Mount Tai by way of Liangfu, stand on the eastern shore and worship at Mount Riguang. Then with the great ministers of the Three Offices, reconvene to plan capital and countryside. With the Luo's left-bank Chan and right-bank Jian as bounds one may dwell, raise the hall and unfurl the dragon banner—only a king may abide in Hao; why need one toil endlessly at Jianye?
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We your subjects cannot contain our earnest plea—respectfully we bow and present this memorial for your hearing.
25
The Shizu observed mourning taboo, presided over the great lying-in for three days, and all officials wore white hemp. He then replied, "I, lacking virtue, suffer Heaven's calamity; I sleep upon my spear and taste gall, beat my breast and weep blood. The cruelty of wind and tree—nothing can overtake what is gone; the grief of frost and dew—all hundred sorrows gather at once. Just hearing of Bo Sheng's calamity deepens the grief I share with Zhongmou. If the great boar is already destroyed and the long snake soon slain, I would then follow Yanling's withdrawn track, emulate Zizang's lofty yield—how could I rely on Qiu Ting's altar, or trouble myself with Fanyang's stone? Hou Jing is Xiang Yu; Xiao Dong is Yin Xin of Shang. Before Chiquan's reward, Liu Bang was still called King of Han; Before the white banners were raised, Fa of Zhou was still called crown prince. The seat of the soaring dragon—who says one may leap to it? Those who would attach to the phoenix have already heard my intent. Lords, ministers, and officers—take counsel with my resolve, and do not neglect it!" Minister of Works Prince Ke of Nanping led more than fifty of the imperial clan, General of the Guards Hu Sengyou led more than two hundred officials, and Zhang Yi, acting governor of Jiangzhou, led more than three hundred clerks and people—all submitting memorials urging accession. The Shizu firmly declined.
26
On yihai in the eleventh month, Wang Senbian again submitted a memorial, saying,
27
The Purple Forbidden Hall stands vacant, the Red Land has no lord—a hundred spirits quiver, ten thousand realms turn toward the throne. Though drunk and sober lean on one another toward Jing Bo, singing and chanting, all bound for Tang's suburbs—we still fear Your Majesty will bow your head in tears and let yielding virtue go unheeded. The relay-chariot is already on the road—we must heed Song Chang's counsel; the imperial equipage is already arrayed—yet still we block Geng Chun's urging. Mountain lords and pasture chiefs crane their necks; the people of Heaven draw breath in hope.
28
使
I have heard that when stars wheel and the sun draws near, thunder is struck and lightning lashed—that is called Heaven; when peaks stand and rivers flow, mist is breathed and clouds steamed—that is called Earth. To embrace Heaven and Earth's blended completion, pierce yin and yang's unfathomable depth, and thereby trim and finish the ten thousand things—is this not the sage? Thus it is said, "Heaven and Earth's greatest virtue is life; the sage's greatest treasure is the throne. Beneath the yellow canopy in the temple hall one does not dwell by one's own wish; the clear mirror and goblet at the four crossroads—in teaching, one responds to things as they come. I humbly consider Your Majesty traces antiquity in literary thought, heroic and uniquely penetrating. Compared with Duke of Zhou, you are King Wen's son; matched with Emperor Yao, you are Emperor Zhi's younger brother. A thousand years' dawn and dusk—can they lie elsewhere than here? Court and gate are drowned in ruin, bells and tripods overturned—who but Your Majesty should receive the bright succession? Can we allow the Red Eyebrows to set up Penzi again, or Wei Xiao to enthrone his choice in the High Temple? Your Majesty would yet leisurely yield on high, clutching modest light. Display their crooked conduct and forged writs, mock the true calendar—the time to act is clear; the decision can be seen. When doubt is gone, why divine? No need to wait on yarrow or tortoise.
29
Lately the high ministers lost the reins, calamity coiled about heaven's pole—Hou Jing overran all, treacherous ministers rose in turn; leading armies to strike Ying, nowhere was it otherwise; urging clear punishment of Jin, all stood on tiptoe likewise. At night the garrison-clappers sounded, beacon fires lit one another. Men of the central court looked upon one another, grief in their mouths; righteous followers from Liangzhou gazed east and shed tears to their death—the trembling common people, whither could they turn! Your Majesty's heroic designs span the heavens, your deep clarity cuts within; you weep blood with a sword across your lap, taste gall beside your pillow—plans of Nong Mountain and the crumbled mound, counsels from the golden casket and jade tripod—all settled behind the curtain, victory decided a thousand li away. You beat the spirit-croc's drum and raise the king's azure banner, drive the armies of six provinces and marshal the nine lords' campaign—though the four quarters still worried, one battle made you hegemon. You cut down their leviathans; great punishments were already proclaimed; ears cropped, necks bound in cangue—not one was not a traitor; the histories never stopped writing, the archives had no empty month. Since the waves of Dongting grew calm and Pengli was settled, civil brilliance and martial depth fragrant as pepper and orchid, enemy states lowered their walls in peace like kin, nine domains took counsel together, a hundred roads advanced as one—national shame and family grudge were reckoned to be whitened soon, the altars would not fall: all hung upon sacred brilliance. What hour is this, yet you voice Di Qi's withdrawal; peril so grim, yet you set forth the Earl of Tai's words? The state has its proper ministers—who dares accept an edict of delay?
30
耀 便
All under Heaven is Great Gaozu's Heaven; Your Majesty is the ten thousand realms' heart's joy—the realms cannot lack a lord, Gaozu cannot lack sacrifice. That very night the five stars gathered; the eight winds blew through; clouds and mist welled thick, sun and moon shone with glory; the hundred offices moved as omens dictated, military affairs stood ready without rallying call. Flying war-boats and great ships filled the waters and floated upon the streams; iron horses and silver saddles crossed mountains and spanned valleys. heroes came one on another's heels, the loyal and brave looked to one another—some drowned their clans to repay grace, some burned wife and children to answer their lord. None failed to turn shield and bear awe, lift axe and strike the mass—wind-flying, lightning-flashing, wills bent on extinguishing the vicious and ugly. All that awaits is Your Majesty proclaiming to the earth below, reverently serving the Lord on High, broadly issuing a bright edict, taking the army forth in righteousness's name—five elements home by evening, six armies advancing at dawn—then fully wield the Minister of Crime's awe, pursue Chiyu's war to its end, seize Shi Le of Zhao and demand the seal, cut down Yao Qin and take the bells, repair and sweep the imperial tombs, welcome home the ancestral temple. How can Your Majesty fail to look up and preserve the state's plan, bow down and follow the people's plea? After Emperor Xuan of Han succeeded, he at once sent the army to Lake Pulei; when Guangwu had finished ascending the pole, only then came victory at Chang'an. Spoken thus, precedent is not lacking.
31
We your subjects have either received dynastic favor through generations or borne heavy kindness in person; we share fortune and disaster, from state to family—forfeit life if need be, we dare not hold back our hearts. Unable to bear our utmost earnestness, we respectfully present this memorial again for your hearing.
32
The Shizu replied, "Your memorial is received; you have set it out point by point once more. I have heard that Heaven bore the teeming people and set a lord over them, to echo Heaven's favor and shepherd the black-haired masses. Before Sheti and Heluo, beyond Lulu and Lilian, no written records survive and none can be named. From Banspring's martial fame to Danling's civil grace there have been people and altars—some claimed by song, some chosen by Heaven alone. I have suffered many family troubles; great shame is unavenged—national foes remain uncut, clan kin still refuse allegiance; I lie awake and sit for dawn—how could I answer the sacred calendar, how inherit the dragon chart? Only when war is ended, the guilty seized, and rites to Xia match Heaven may the coming deliberation be raised." At that time great rebels still lived; he did not wish to ascend yet, but urging memorials came from every quarter; he then ordered, "Dazhuang rides Qian, Mingyi folds its wings—the heavens turn again and again, the jade pitch-pipes shift repeatedly; the Four Peaks repeatedly urged succession, and the nine ministers in succession presented their tables. Qiao and Pei are not recovered, the imperial tombs lie far away—in waking and sleeping guilt weighs on me; what heart, what face could embrace this returning fortune? From now all memorials and submissions are cut off; if anyone presents a petition, copy this order and enforce it." That day rebel Minister of Works and Grand Commissioner of the Southeast Circuit Liu Shenmao, with Yitong Liu Guiyi and Liu Yiyou who came over in loyalty, submitted a memorial requesting surrender.
33
宿 使
In Dabao 3 the Shizu still reckoned by Ta Qing 6. On jiaxu in the first month the Shizu ordered, "Army and state face many troubles and war banners are not yet still; though turmoil burns, the common people should be at peace. Now is the Star-Bird season, showing the year's auspice in the eastern order; spring marks the Azure Dragon, and the harvest song is taken from the southern fields; all the more when the three classes of farming are at work and young peaches still spread over the water; the four classes have their ordinances, and fallen apricot blossoms still fly. Transforming custom and shifting the wind—these are ever urgent; urging farming yet also fighting—this must be assured all the more. How could one merely hang like a swallow in a cold valley and warm oneself on piled grain—how could one let seedlings fall, sit eating stored grain, plant no summer crop, and wait empty for the cicada's song? All should deeply plow and sow fine seed, settle in peace and resume their trades, waste no labor, and share the land's benefits. Let this be proclaimed to the provinces and commanderies, and all obey it." Zhiwu General and Nanping interior administrator Wang Bao was made Minister of the Masters of Writing for Personnel.
34
In the second month Wang Senbian's armies set out from Xunyang. The Shizu sent a rapid proclamation to the four quarters, saying:
35
羿 使
When stripping reaches its limit calamity is born and dragon-battle follows; an army firm at last is auspicious, and then the boar is mastered. Is it not that when yang is invaded and the balance shaken, the source of disorder arises? And that settling the niche of hardship is accomplished by loyalty and righteousness? Thus Yi and Jiao were destroyed in earlier ages, Wang Mang and Dong Zhuo executed in later times. Hence the achievements of Duke Huan and Duke Wen revived in the Zhou age; and the merit of Wen and Tao flourished all the more in the Jin line. Mark how for fifty years and more since Liang arose it unified the realm, virtue and grace long extended, nourishing the living with benevolence and punishing the unsubmissive with righteousness. From the Yi on the left to the Chan on the right, all looked up to its transforming power; muddy Jing and clear Wei—none failed to turn toward its wind. Raise the kingfisher banner, and six dragons toss their heads; strike the spirit drums, and a hundred spirits stand alert. Worthies like Feng and Mu, Fang and Shao; generals like Wei and Huo, Xin and Zhao; guards in feather cloaks and yellow caps, tiger garrison and brocade-courier men—at a shout wind and cloud rose; at a drumbeat Song and Hua were uprooted. From Tongbai north to Gushu south, before Jieshi and beyond the shifting sands, necks stretched and heels lifted, arms crossed and knees bent. The Hu did not dare pasture horses; Qin men did not dare bend bows. Harmony reached ten thousand states; the hundred clans were ordered—ten Yao and nine Shun, how could words suffice?
36
西
The rebel minister Hou Jing, a turncoat Xiongnu, the last snarl of a whistling arrow. Xuanguo was an empty city, never a national treasure; Shouchun a capital district—its reward did not last a month. He opened Hailing's granaries, dispensed Changping rice, drew on the nine treasuries' funds, bestowed the three offices' coin—greedy for bribes beyond all reckoning. He dared to raise rebellion and block our royal domain. The rebel minister Zhengde nourished troops and bore cruelty with ease. Lately he nursed grievance in the Yangtze marshes and fled far to the Xiongnu chieftain. His written pleas piled up, yet Peng Sheng's ghost was not stilled; his exactions knew no limit, and Jing Qing's reproach had already arrived. Giving a tiger wings, he summoned them from afar. He slaughtered our living people and scattered our kin. Therefore I led the strike-force and buckled on armor myself; when frost-bright spears lit the sun, morning light lost its gleam; when dragon cavalry blanketed the plain, the fields lost their color—my faith flowed with the river, my wrath rode with the cold wind. The foul enemy feared force and surrendered to low officials, begging life between Huai and Fei, clinging to existence in Xu and Yan. The imperial grace was announced, the silken edicts spread abroad. Therefore I withdrew the army in victory and let oxen and horses rest. The bandit still did not repent. Again arrows flew at the Royal House; troops pressed the Elephant Gate. The Zongzhang observatory was no longer the hall for hearing suits; the Ganquan palace forever lost its place of summer refuge. Sitting he summoned the judiciary; lying down he directed the chief ministers—counterfeiting Heaven's mandate, forging talisman writings. He doubled levies and stripped at will; the living fled, the dead lay exposed in the roads; men dared only look with their eyes, officials kept their mouths shut. Punishment lost its measure; ranks and rewards followed his whim; old and weak were swept like waves, gentlemen and women charred like coals. Menials won rewards reaching five generations; gentry were punished to the third degree. Grain soared in price; people devoured one another. The trembling black-headed people—wept on the roads as if led to the gallows; the numbed common folk—each household mourned like at Mount Huan. Looking south from Yanshi, no more Palace Storehouse or Cold Dew; gazing north from Heyang, perhaps only felt tents of the steppe. Bamboo of the southern mountains cannot suffice to record his crimes; rabbits of the western hills cannot supply ink enough for his guilt.
37
When Outer Supervisor Chen Ying arrived, I learned with bowed head that the late emperor had ascended afar and the palace carriage had halted at dusk. Receiving the tabooed tidings I cried out in shock; my five viscera tore apart—grief rooted in the provinces, poison in the bone—nowhere to set my body. Jing's blockade and famine were extreme; the people looked back like wolves; he then overran our Poyang, towered over our Ying capital, seized our Jiangxia to the limit, and stormed our Baqiu. Therefore the righteous vied to lead and the loyal gave all their strength. The slain chieftains were beyond counting; sand was like the Red Bank, water like the Crimson River. Ren Yue bowed with muddy head at Annan; Hua Ren came bound at Hankou; Zi Xian begged life at Yan and Ying; Xi Rong was routed at Chaisang. Hou Jing fled in panic—ten rats fighting for one hole; Guo Mo was pacified, Jinxi came over in righteousness; when plots were spent and strength broken, he turned and killed the late sovereign. Bi, Yuan, Yu, and Xun—all suffered calamity; Fan, Jiang, Xing, and Mao—all bowed to the axe. If this can be borne, what cannot be endured!
38
軿 退
The headquarters holds the upper stream, truly the covenant of Fen and Shan—sleeves thrown back, halberds shouldered, resolve set on giving the last breath. Long ago Zhou relied on Jin and Zheng; Han had Xu and Mou. They were but distant branches, yet could do as much; how much more we who share the glory of sun and moon—no one in the realm is base—both minister and son, with state and clan together! All agree that since the banner of righteousness is raised, unity is needed; we jointly uphold the headquarters as true arbiter. I, unworthy, am wrongly set as commander-in-chief; viewing the state's hardship from afar, I have no leisure to rest. The center holds authority, the rear supplies strength; we march with Heaven's punishment, lift spears through peril, and risk our lives in the doing. A thousand heavenly horses, a million long halberds—we drive warriors like Ben and Huo, draw on wisdom and courage; great Chu crosses Mount Jing, shallow plains ford Poyang; war-boats spread over the waters to pin the south, supply carts pour in to strike the north. Hua and Yi, the hundred Pu—carry grain and follow like shadows. Thunder shakes and wind storms; we aim straight for Jianye. Draw the sword and shout—the river rolls backward; fling out the spear—the bright sun steps aside. We race chariots in long advance; a hundred roads enter together; mountains are leveled, valleys filled—the plain is covered. Men who yoke chariots and drag oxen, men who leap and shatter stone—on horseback they chase sun and wind; with bows they drop crying apes and falling geese. They could hold Kunlun and crush an egg, tip Bohai and flood a lamp. Like four horses bearing a swan's down, like a running ox brushing Lu silk. With such a host to fight—who could withstand it! Even if bees and scorpions still had venom, beasts cornered would still fight— say the mountain is high, and ramparts ring the four suburbs; say the earth is vast, and none of three thousand leagues would stay away. Like that angry frog, like that harvest mouse—what need of ten thousand jun, what labor of a hundred yin? Add that the sun stands on the Yellow Way, troops rise in the Scarlet Palace; the three gates are open, five generals all deploy; we raise the banners of order and sweep the vapors of ill omen—thus we move in close concert at the moment of battle, beyond what rebels understand; punish in righteousness—what guilt would not submit?
39
使 西 使
Now I send Bearer of Credentials, Grand Commander, General Who Conquers the East, Commissioner with rites equal to the Three Excellencies, Jiangzhou inspector, Director of the Masters of Writing, Marquis of Changning Wang Senbian leading one hundred thousand men to sweep Jinling directly. Drums deafen heaven; gongs shake the earth. Crimson banners rise at dusk like dawn-clouds over Redwall; At night the war boats stirred like the ocean rushing in flood. Counting their accomplices, they scarcely make a single brigade. The gentleman is in the wilds; petty men band together. The shackles will come off his ears—not a question of tomorrow or the day after. We will crush the Long Di's throat and tie the neck of Zhizhi. Now the minister of crime has made the penalty clear; the block awaits—only Hou Jing is to be executed. What guilt have the black-headed people? None will be questioned. Some of you have borne loyalty for generations, carried favor and rank, stood among the great clans, and had your deeds recorded in the royal house—yet you bowed to that knave and could not serve. Are you not ashamed before the dead below and Heaven above! Lose loyalty and righteousness and you cannot stand on your own. Trust the southern wind, look west again, turn change into merit and misfortune into blessing. Whoever captures Hou Jing and delivers his head shall receive a fief of ten thousand households as founding duke and fifty thousand bolts of silk and cloth. Whoever can rally righteous forces to join the imperial armies, hold cities and refuse the rebels—the highest reward is that of a regional lord, the lowest a split tally; all may receive fiefs and the purple sash. Long ago You Yu entered Qin and was honored like a chief minister; Jin Midi surrendered to Han and still wore the golden sable. If there is talent, why fear there is no office? If you persist in delusion and resist the royal armies, when the great host arrives punishment will know no pardon. When Mengzhu burned, mugwort and artemisia were consumed together; when the Xuanfang River broke, jade and stone sank together. The statute of faithful reward is bright as the noonday sun; the rule of demotion and promotion matches the clarity of Baishui. Let this proclamation go far and near so all may know.
40
In the third month Wang Sengbian and others destroyed Hou Jing and forwarded his head to Jiangling. On wuzi day the victory over the rebels was reported to the Bright Hall and the Grand Soil altar. On jichou Wang Sengbian and others again submitted a memorial, saying,
41
西 使
The armies assembled at Jiankang on this day, wuzi. The rebel Jing, bird crouched and beast cornered, was struck again and again; treachery and deceit exhausted, he dug deep trenches to hold out. We divided the martial hosts; a hundred roads converged; swift horse and short blade, rhinoceros shield and iron pavis, ranks in thousands, spears in millions—we held the tyrant within seven paces and ringed Xiang in three folds; with a thunderous rout the villains were destroyed. Young and old in the capital all shouted ten thousand years. Chang'an's food and drink—here the price is high. The nine districts opened like clouds; the six realms grew clear—how much more the common people; who would not leap for joy! We consider that Your Majesty chews grief and swallows sorrow, bears rage and endures cruelty. Since dust rose at the crimson court and purple gates, since ramparts and Haozhi were overrun and Ji horses clouded the land, you have wept blood while arming troops and tasted gall while swearing the masses. Wu and Chu were one house, yet they rose with the seven states; Guan and Cai spread slander, and the three overseers rebelled as well. The righteous hosts of Western Liang were blocked by strong Qin and could not pass; the survivors of Bing province crossed Flying Fox and vanished. Wolves and jackals blocked the road—and not by one man alone; the whale and leviathan were not beheaded, and in a flash five years had passed. Heroic power has stirred; grievance and shame are both snowed under—yet to follow frost and dew, what words can tell it! We have therefore followed the old precedent, reverently repaired the altars of soil and grain, and sent envoys with credentials to announce at each tomb and mound. The late empress has ascended; the dragon carriage is not yet buried; the Eastern Palace light is hidden; the cedar palace cannot be found—all are being prepared along the route, the rites complete even in bitter famine. All within the seas mourn together; the six armies bare their shoulders and weep—Your Majesty's filial heart and brotherly love should rightly move you to anguish.
42
使 姿 輿
Of late the hundred offices and mountain governors have looked up, praying for Your Majesty's clear gaze. The merit of granting the jade tally has already returned to the holder of the Way; the rite of receiving the royal tablet rightly belongs to the sage and bright— yet Your gracious edict remains humble and restrained, remote and still. The flying dragon may ascend, yet the Qian line still stands in the fourth place; the Gate of Heaven clamors, yet the great portal has not opened. Ballads race forth again—therefore we stretch our necks in hope. Thus the men of Yue held fast, smoking the cinnabar cave to seek a lord; the people of Zhou rejoiced in urging him on, explaining at Mount Qi that they would serve him as lord. If the King of Han did not take the throne, he could not exalt his meritorious ministers; if Guangwu had halted the Prince of Xiao, how could the ancestral temple have endured? The Yellow Emperor wandered at Xiangcheng yet still sought the way to govern the people; Emperor Yao entered Guye yet still kept feast and sacrifice in their proper place. Such chance arrival—surely not what the sage desired; what emperors and kings must do, they do only when they cannot refuse. We have read the imperial letter and traced the decree's intent—you still dwell beyond affairs and have not yet turned your compassionate heart to us. Your Majesty's sun-horn and dragon-brow appeared on the day you went forth in equal measure; the omen of crimson cloud and plain vapor took root from your first response to things. Read broadly and your greatness has no name; speak deeply and your brilliance shines like the manifest hall. Loyalty is the foremost virtue; filial piety truly stirs Heaven. Add heroic might and abundant strategy, bold design and martial calculation—at a gesture Dan Ford needs no battle; at a glance Banquan moves of itself. The earth's cord snapped and was knotted again; the heaven's pillar leaned and was planted upright once more. The river ford at Meng Gate was opened and the hundred streams ran again; the dome of heaven was mended with five stones and the myriad things were born again. Even if Your Majesty brushed the plain robe and wandered at Guangcheng, climbed Mount Yan and went east—how could your ministers plead, where would the masses turn for grace? Moreover, suburban sacrifice paired with Heaven, the altar vessels stand empty; the pure palace and clear temple lack pipe and bamboo—gazing up for the imperial carriage, not one morning or one evening; looking for the law chariot, thirsty and hungry together. How can you long delay the multitude's counsel and leave the constant statutes empty! The old suburban rites have returned; Hangu and Luoyang are already pacified. Gaonu and Liyang—palaces and lodges though ruined; the muddy Yellow River and clear Wei still breathe their auspicious air. The outer gate stands high; sweet springs open on four sides; the earth rod measures the shadow; the immortal receives dew. This is the red county of the nine provinces, the hinge of the six realms. Erudites bear the books and charts back by degrees; the Grand Master of Ceremonies has already set the rites in order. How can you fail to raise the clear carriage and go to the famed capital, fit the jade chariot and enter the proper palace! In old times when the Eastern Zhou moved east, Haojing was never regained; after one turmoil at Chang'an, Xie and Luo were forever made the seat. The Xia sovereign received the ten thousand states when the feudal lords came to court; King Wen with six provinces set the realm aright. His trace was rooted in a hundred li; his sword staff measured three feet. With the remnant lands of Chu he resisted the nine barbarians; with a single brigade he cut down three rebellions. The realm was broadly settled; the imperial carriage returned east. He unyoked five oxen at Jizhou and fed six horses at Qiao commandery. Search far back through antiquity—can such a thing be found? To answer and spread Heaven's mandate—what virtue remains to yield! Reason stands here; we dare press our memorial again.
43
西
The Chancellor replied, "I have reviewed your memorial and set out the points again. Lords and ministers, the hundred million common people—all hold that Heaven favors the mandate and fortune's turn belongs here, gathering the precious throne upon this one man alone. Wen Shu's post as golden guard matched the old wish; Mengde's western campaign post likewise fits the earlier word. Now the long whale of Huai and sea has indeed lost his head; the short fox of Xiangyang has not yet fully turned his face. The jade candle of great peace—only then may we speak of it." On xinmao, Fierce Campaign General Zhu Maichen secretly killed Heir Prince Dong of Yuzhang and his younger brothers Qiao and Jiao—by Shizu's design.
44
使 使
On gengwu in the fifth month, Minister of Works Prince Ke of Nanping, the imperial clan princes, and Grand Commander Wang Sengbian again offered the exalted title; Shizu still firmly refused. On gengchen, Heir Prince Ke of Nanping, Bearer of the Staff for Pacifying the South, Xiangzhou inspector, and Minister of Works, was made General Who Pacifies the East and Yangzhou inspector; the rest unchanged. On jiashen, Director of the Masters of Writing, General Who Conquers the East, Bearer with honors equal to the Three Excellencies, and Jiangzhou inspector Wang Sengbian was made Minister Over the Masses and General Who Guards the Realm. On yiyou, the rebel Left Vice Director Wang Wei, Master of Writing Lü Jilue, Junior Minister Zhou Shizhen, and Attendant Yan Dan were executed in the Jiangling market. That day Shizu issued an order, "The gentleman pardons offenses—this is set forth in the Zhou canon; the sage loosens the net—we hear it in Tang's charge. Since the Xianyun burned fiercely and the long serpent fed and fed, the red land tottered and the black-headed people were smeared with charcoal—I could not sleep all night, my will fixed on washing away disgrace. The chief villain long overdue for punishment was Hou Jing alone; Wang Wei was his right hand; Zhou Shizhen betrayed received grace—now all are boiled in the cauldron and displayed at the market. Yet turmoil from recent raids has gone on for years; old nobles were driven to survive in hiding, bold men and meritorious heroes dimmed their light to escape; evil companions surely are not all of one kind. Now I open royal grace and cut back the penal statutes—from before dawn on the twentieth day of the fifth month of Taiqing 6, all are made new." That month Wei sent Grand Mentor Pan Le, Xin Shu, and others against Qin commandery; Wang Sengbian sent Du Kan with troops to resist. Chen Baxian was made Grand General Who Conquers the North, Bearer with honors equal to the Three Excellencies, and South Xuzhou inspector. That month Wei sent envoys to congratulate the defeat of Hou Jing.
45
使
In the eighth month Xiao Ji led Ba and Shu forces chained in ships eastward; Protector-General Lu Fahe was sent to garrison Ba Gorge to resist. Acting Direct and Regular Palace Cavalry Attendant and envoy to Wei Xu Ling submitted at Ye a memorial that said,
46
I have heard that when Tang of the fief had a sage, he still inherited Emperor Ku's house; when one dwelling in Dai alone was worthy, he at last succeeded to the Exalted Emperor's throne. Non-action was praised in changing the sandals; utmost governance showed in letting the robes hang—yet to quell disorder and restore the right was unheard in antiquity. Consider the Metal line renewed, its source in Dongguan; the Blaze fortune still flourishing, its branch at Nandun. How could one conceal a glorious surname at Yellow Emperor's time, or say he was no man of talent at Zhuanxu? All alike rose through many hardships and together succeeded the Divine Ancestor. I humbly consider that Your Majesty emerged from Thunder equal to Yu and Hua, your bright yielding the same as the Duke of Zhou and Duke of Shao. You hold the chart and battle-axe—you are about to mount Heaven; jade clasps and pearl measures already proclaim the chief consort. The spirits ordained this—not only the Grand Chamber's auspice; the charts and portraits point here—more than the marvel at Yao's gate alone. The great filial sage's heart and the balanced gentleman's virtue instruct the living and bequeath their wind to scholars. Day after day you study the myriad affairs of state; cultured and martial alike, embracing every art. You match the Three Great Ones and honor the Four Gates, tested through every hardship, every achievement bright—beyond full praise.
47
西 西 西
Since Without Illusion rose in violence, the imperial fortune waned daily; the fief boar and winding serpent brought calamity through the central land. Where the numinous heart dwelt, the Martial Below arose; gazing at the purple pole he long lamented, looking toward the cinnabar mound he died in grief. House wrong was soon answered; Heaven bestowed the yellow-bird banner; national harm had to be punished; the spirits gave the dark-fox tally. Duke of Teng embraced the tree—his heroic spirit grew stern; Zhang Xiu met arms in battle—his fighting spirit grew bolder still. Loyalty outshone sun and moon; filial duty and righteousness moved frost and ice. Like thunder and lightning, like bear and tiger—the vanguard gave their lives and the chief villain fell. His guts already hung in the western prefecture; at the eastern market his navel burned. Three mounds for Chiyou—was that harsh punishment? A thousand cuts for Wang Mang—was that clear penalty? Green Qiang and red Di alike were cast to wolves; barbarian dress and alien speech all became execution mounds. The royal domain teems again—peaceful harvest returns; the ancestral temples murmur deep, ready to receive abundant blessing. From misty chaos, the lords of Lilian and Lulu; hexagrams rose from the dragon chart, writing from bird tracks. Cloud Master and Fire Emperor knew the wind of battle; Yao's oath and Tang's campaign both took up arms. When the star lodged in the Eastern Well, Xiao and Tong were broken; when thunder shook Nanyang, Xun and Yi were first pacified. Never was there one who shored up fallen spirits, rescued the four seas in flight, majestic and bright, inheriting Heaven's punishment—such splendor as today. Then auspicious clouds like canopies at dawn lit Yao's village; sweet dew like pearls at morning graced the scenic hall. Spirit fungus sensed virtue and all emerged from the bronze pool; the caltrop-leaf plant marked the hours—no need for silver clepsydra rods. East to Xuantu, west beyond White Wolf, where high willows bring wind and Fusang holds the full sun—all registered as tributaries, sent pledges to the Grand Herald Office; distant realms came as guests, near and far in one blessing. His civil splendor and martial reverence, root and calyx entwined; Heaven level, earth complete—his achievement the same. Long ago historians should have been sought at his side, celestial officers consulted, Fanchang weighed, Gaoyi laid out. An imperial prince opens hegemony—no need for Yangwu's marquis; the cleared road needs no worry—why trouble the lodge at Chang'an? He should raise the imperial entourage banner to feast the Emperor, look up to the phoenix screen to receive Heaven—the succession is on his person; who could share in yielding! On the twentieth of last month Acting Regular Cavalry Attendant Liu Hui and others reached Ye; I humbly received the sacred will of modest restraint, governing yet not ruling—or it was said Jingyang was not yet recovered, Tong Pass had no mud, and you would soon turn your carriage to Jinling and receive Heaven's favor. I foolishly think the Grand Hall and Shaohao had no fixed dwelling; the Han Ancestor and Yin Founder likewise had no permanent seat. Even mounting Feng on Mount Tai, they still set up the Bright Hall; even touring Zhangling, they at times exercised the Metropolitan Intendant office. Why look west to the tiger's hold before building the royal palace; or south to Ox Head before naming the celestial gate? Moreover I have heard: once the black gui was granted, blue jade went unlaid—this was a missed season for oaken faggots, not failure to offer bundled thatch. The Yunhe zither long lay idle at Sweet Springs; the Guzhu pipes had not sounded at the square marsh altar. Should one not fear!
48
殿
I humbly pray Your Majesty will follow the people's hearts and rescue the mandate of ten thousand states. How can you linger in obstinate yielding and seek the farmer of Stone Door; loftily decline to rule and only summon the guest of Mount Ji! One will not know supreme virtue is without virtue—one will only see the sage is without humaneness. All the land cranes upward—what hope remains for the black-headed people! Of old Su Qin and Zhang Yi defied hometown and custom, yet still rallied three regions for Zhao and asked six states to honor Qin. How much more we, plainly bearing the imperial radiance, personally receiving the court's command—jade tablet and scepter expressly sent, ties opened at Heyang; sable cap and ear-insignia in dignity, alliances traced at Zhang River—we were doubled in our lodgings or lowered with the times, yet gazing toward home, our joy and grief were truly one. Yet my slight life was ill-fated; fate crossed the times. I disgracefully rank as a lone courier, banished as far as the Three Perils. Granted leisure in the inner hall, I lacked even Geng Yan's grace; sealed memorials at the border fortress, I privately echoed Liu Kun's weeping. Unable to bear this trifling utmost, I respectfully submit this memorial.
49
On jiaxu in the ninth month, Minister Over the Masses, General Who Conquers the East, and Yangzhou inspector Prince Ke of Nanping died.
50
殿
In winter, the tenth month, on yiwei, former Liangzhou inspector Xiao Xun came from Wei to Jiangling; Xun was made General Who Pacifies the North and Bearer with honors equal to the Three Excellencies. On wushen, Xiangzhou inspector Wang Lin was seized in the palace; Lin's deputy Yin Yan was cast into prison and died. On xinyou, Fanglue was made Xiangzhou inspector. On gengxu, Lin's chief clerk Lu Na and his generals Pan Wulei and others rose in arms, raided and seized Xiangzhou. That month commanders, princes, and officials again urged Shizu to take the imperial throne; he still modestly refused. After three submissions he at last assented.
51
宿 殿
On bingzi in the eleventh month of winter, Chengsheng 1, Shizu took the throne at Jiangling. An edict said, "To set up a ruler is to shepherd the people. Emperor Yao's heart did not prize the yellow canopy; he truly could not refuse, and so came to rule. Our imperial grandfather the Literary Emperor accumulated virtue in Qi and Liang; his transforming influence ran through the Jiang and Han; his Way shone in the fields and all looked to him. Our imperial father Gaozu the Martial Emperor matched sun and moon, his merit reaching the realms; he followed Heaven and the people with sagely judgment. Taizong Jianwen matched Qi and Song, was patterned on Wen and Jing. The Jie invader leaned on arms; the age's hardship was extreme. We greatly rescued the drifting flood and recovered the ancestral altars. All dukes, officials, and the hundred bureaus hold that the imperial spirit favors the mandate and fortune has arrived—Heaven's mandate cannot long be delayed, the throne cannot long stand empty. Looking to former records and statute models, in awe of Heaven's might we count the lofty calendar and gather the sacred vessel on this lone person. Of old Yu, Xia, Shang, and Zhou had no fine era names; Han, Wei, Jin, and Song followed along a long while. Though we speak of quelling disorder, it is not founding anew; we seek to link above to the ancestral shrine and below to bless the hundred millions. Taiqing 6 may be changed to Chengsheng 1. Arrears of rent and old debts may all be remitted broadly; filial sons and righteous grandsons may all receive noble rank; long-term convicts in chains may specially be pardoned; forbidden-service penalties and seized labor may all be wholly cleared." That day Shizu did not ascend the main hall; only the dukes and officials stood in attendance. On dingchou, General Who Pacifies the North Xiao Xun, Opening Office Equal in Three Departments, was made Grand General of Fast Cavalry and Xiangzhou inspector, retaining his other posts. On jimao, Crown Prince Fang Ju was installed as crown prince and took the name Yuanliang. The princes Fang Zhi and Fang Lue were made Prince of Jin'an and Prince of Shian commanderies. His birth mother Honored Consort Ruan was posthumously titled Empress Wenxuan. That month Lu Na sent Pan Wulei and other generals to break Hengzhou inspector Ding Daogui at Lukou; Daogui fled to Lingling.
52
退
On renzi in the twelfth month Lu Na detached troops against Baling; Xiangzhou inspector Xiao Xun routed them. That month Yingzhou inspector Li Hongya marched from Lingling through Kongling Ford to attack Na from below; Na sent Wu Zang and others to strike him down, and Hongya fell back on Kongling.
53
西
On yichou in the first month of spring, year 2, an edict ordered Wang Sengbian to take the armies against Lu Na. On wuyin, Minister of Civil Appointments Wang Bao became Right Vice Director of the Masters of Writing, and Liu Yan became Minister of Civil Appointments. Western Wei sent Grand General Yuchi Jiong against Yi Province.
54
使 西
On gengwu in the third month an edict said, "Food is the people's heaven and farming the root of rule; for a thousand years the hundred kings have handed this down—none failed to grant the seasons and plow the imperial fields themselves. Grain was treasure, and the Zhou Odes sing its hymns; when grain and wheat failed, the Lu chronicle entered it in the registers. Qin graded men by farming strength; Han opened the profit of frontier colonies. In recent years the times turned hard, calamities followed one another, and war never ceased—I had no leisure for this. Orders to open more land were not heard in the commanderies; the Agricultural Master's office had grown shabby in the official ranks. Now the great evil is destroyed and the realm is one; let the common people be sheltered broadly and the adrift multitude saved. One hamlet idle grieves the heart from dawn to dusk; one man's trade abandoned—and even the salt marshes have nothing left. Let the state be rich and punishments clear, households full and the people at ease. All who labor in the fields shall be exempted in their districts. Proclaim this abroad at once, as my will. On xinwei Li Hongya surrendered Kongling to the rebels; they seized him and carried him off. Earlier Ding Daogui had fled to Lingling and sought Hongya, who ordered the remnant troops collected. The two surrendered together. Once Hongya had surrendered, the rebels killed Daogui. On bingzi rebel generals Wu Zang and others took Chelun with their troops. On gengyin two dragons appeared on Xiang Province's western river.
55
On bingshen in the fourth month of summer Sengbian's army camped at Chelun.
56
西 西
On jiazi in the fifth month the armies attacked the rebels and broke them completely. On yichou Sengbian's army arrived at Changsha. On jiaxu Yuchi Jiong advanced on Baxi; Tongzhou inspector Yang Qianyun surrendered the city to him. On jichou Xiao Ji's army came to Xiling.
57
On yimao in the sixth month Xiang Province was pacified. That month Yuchi Jiong besieged Yi Province.
58
On xinwei in the seventh month of autumn the Ba men Fu Sheng and Xu Zichu slew the rebel commandant Gongsun Chao and offered up the city. Ji's forces collapsed; whoever met the army died. On yiwei Wang Sengbian led the army back to Jiangling, and an edict sent the hosts to their posts.
59
On wuxu in the eighth month Yuchi Jiong captured Yi Province. On gengzi an edict said, "From the first settlement at Bo the former kings' capital was not cast aside; receiving Zhou's mandate, the old realm's praise was not changed. Lately the war banners have ceased and the frontier passes are unalarmed. Leaving Lu one sighs, stirred even at midnight; passing Pei one weeps, kept awake through the night. Yet the Xiao and Xiang still rose, Yong and Shu still bore arms; commanders were named, laws issued, and a day fixed for victory. Now the eight directions are at peace and the four suburbs have no walls; we should follow the rite of the green canopy and speak of returning to the white-water homeland. Jiang and Xiang will send grain by linked convoys; Ba Gorge fleets and a million armored men will first reach Jianye to show the capital, then the six armies will march, nine banners rise, to bow at the tombs and restore the altars. Let the responsible offices follow the old statutes in detail and proclaim this in season."
60
On gengwu in the ninth month Minister Over the Masses Wang Sengbian returned to his post. On bingzi Protector-General Lu Fahe was made Yingzhou inspector. On yiyou Prince Fang Zhi of Jin'an was made Jiangzhou inspector. That month Wei sent Guo Yuanjian to ready ships at Hefei, and Grand Generals Xing Guoyuan, Buluohan Sa, and Dongfang Lao with armies to join him.
61
On xinyou in the eleventh month of winter Sengbian camped at Gushu and stayed to garrison it. He sent South Yu inspector Hou Tian to hold the Dongguan fort and called Wuxing administrator Pei Zhiheng with troops to follow. On wuxu Right Vice Director Wang Bao became Left Vice Director, and Xiangdong administrator Zhang Gun became Right Vice Director.
62
宿西
In the twelfth month Dongfang Guang of Suyu, a local leader, held the city and came over; Wei's Jiangxi districts all rose in response.
63
On jiawu in the first month of spring, year 3, South Yu inspector Hou Tian was promoted to General Who Pacifies the North and Opening Office Equal in Three Departments. Chen Baxian led his army against Guangling. Qinzhou inspector Yan Chaoda besieged Jingzhou from Qin commandery; Hou Tian and Zhang Biao marched out through Shiliang in support. On xinchou Chen Baxian sent Jinling administrator Du Sengming with troops to aid Dongfang Guang.
64
宿
On jiachen in the third month Minister Over the Masses Wang Sengbian was made Grand Marshal and General of Chariots and Cavalry. On dingwei Wei sent General Wang Qiu with seven hundred men against Suyu; Du Sengming met them and broke them completely. On wushen Protector-General and Yingzhou inspector Lu Fahe was made Minister Over the Masses.
65
On guiyou in the fourth month of summer General Who Pacifies the North Chen Baxian, Opening Office Equal in Three Departments, was made Minister of Works.
66
殿
On renwu in the sixth month Wei again sent General Buluohan Sa with an army to relieve Jingzhou. On guiwei black qi like a dragon appeared inside the palace hall.
67
On jiachen in the seventh month of autumn Director of the Ministry of Justice Zong Lin was made Minister of Civil Appointments.
68
殿
On xinmao in the ninth month Shizu lectured on the Laozi at Dragon Light Hall; Left Vice Director Wang Bao held the text. On yisi Wei sent Pillar of State Wan Niuyu Jin with a great army against us.
69
輿
On bingyin in the tenth month of winter the Wei army reached Xiangyang; Xiao Cha joined it with his forces. On dingmao teaching stopped; court and camp were armed, and the emperor went out to the capital stockade. That day a great wind tore up trees; on bingzi Wang Sengbian and other armies were summoned.
70
退 西
On bingchen in the twelfth month Xu Shipu and Ren Yue pulled back from Baling. On xinwei Western Wei killed Shizu, and he died at forty-seven. Crown Prince Yuanliang and Prince Fang Lue of Shian were both slain. Then tens of thousands of men and women of the people were taken, divided into slaves and maidservants, and driven to Chang'an; the small and weak were all put to death. In the fourth month of the next year he was posthumously titled Emperor Xiaoyuan, temple name Shizu.
71
西
Shizu was clever, handsome, and quick, with a heaven-sent brilliance. At five the Gaozu asked, "What book are you reading?" He answered, "I can recite the Record of Rites." The Gaozu said, "Recite some for me." He recited the first section at once, and all around were astonished. Born with an eye ailment, the Gaozu treated it himself, yet one eye was left blind—and his affection only deepened. Grown, he loved study, mastered many books, wrote at a stroke and spoke in reasoned discourse—none in his time matched his quick wit. The Gaozu once asked, "Sun Ce on the Jiangdong—how old was he?" He answered, "Seventeen." The Gaozu said, "That is just your age." He Ge was staff adviser; the emperor ordered He Ge to lecture on the Three Rites. Shizu cared little for music and women; he had a high name, and with Pei Ziye, Liu Xian, Xiao Ziyun, Zhang Zuan, and the day's finest men he kept friendships in plain dress; his writings circulated widely. At Xunyang he dreamed a man said, "The realm will fall into chaos—you, King, must steady it." A black mole grew on his back; a shaman woman said, "This is a mark of supreme nobility—it must not be told." Earlier He Ge went west in deep displeasure; stopping to bid farewell to Censor-in-Chief Jiang Ge, he confided his mind. Jiang Ge said, "I once dreamed the emperor saw all his sons; at the Prince of Xiangdong he removed his cap and gave it to him. This man will surely take the throne—you should go!" He Ge took his advice. When the Taiqing disaster struck, he alone could restore the land—so near and far acclaimed him, and he received the throne. He wrote Records of Filial Virtue in thirty juan, Records of Loyal Ministers in thirty juan, and Records of the Danyang Intendant in ten juan. He also wrote Commentary on the Han History in 115 juan, Exegesis of the Changes in 10 juan, Essentials of the Inner Canon in 100 juan, Linked Mountains in 30 juan, Cavern Forest in 3 juan, Jade Sheath in 10 juan, Supplement to the Missing Master in 10 juan, Exegesis of the Laozi in 4 juan, Records of Complete Virtue, Records of Old Friends, Records of Jingnan, Records of Jiang Province, Tribute Duties Illustrated, Register of Identical Names Ancient and Modern in 1 juan, Classic of Divination in 12 juan, Praise of Forms in 3 juan, and collected works in 50 juan.
72
[1]
The historiographer says: In the disaster of the Liang season a great robber held his fortress; Shizu then stood as chief regional commander with the whole strength of Chu—he should have led the feudal lords himself, spear at bedside, on the foremost road. He trumpeted outside aid that was not real; his campaign was not true rescue of the throne; on the march he did not even go a hundred stops. Only later did he destroy the great villain and settle the realm; turning south to rule, he opened a restoration—a credit to Shizu's ability and strategy and to the mandate he inherited. Yet he was suspicious by nature, alike toward kin near and far, inept with subordinates, reckless on thin ice—so the merit of watching dawn at the Phoenix Tower showed fire without inner light. For all Shizu's brilliance and care for government, his refusal to heed bad counsel, and the move of the court to Jinling with strong foes beside him—what could he achieve? So Heaven had not yet turned from calamity, and ruin engulfed his reign—alas! [1] Editorial footnote marker.
73
The full text was collated against the Zhonghua Shuju edition of the Book of Liang (May 1973).
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