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卷九 陳本紀上第九 武帝 文帝 廢帝

Volume 9 Chen Annals 1: Emperor Wu, Emperor Wen, Deposed Emperor

Chapter 9 of 南史 · History of the Southern Dynasties
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Chen Annals 1, Part Nine
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Chen's founding emperor Wu, personal name Baxian, style Xingguo, childhood name Fasheng, came from Xiaru Village in Changcheng, Wuxing. The clan name was Chen. The family was of humble stock, claiming descent from Shi, Grand Commandant of Taiqiu in the Han. Shi's fourth-generation descendant was Jin Grand Commandant Zhun. Zhun's son was Kuang, Kuang's son Da. During the Yongjia turmoil they moved south, held posts as chancellor's clerk and crown prince's groom, and were eventually posted as magistrate of Changcheng, where they settled for love of the landscape. He once told his intimates: "These hills and streams are splendid; a ruler will one day arise here. Two centuries from now our line will surely seize that fortune." Da's son Kang again served as a chancellor's clerk; after the Xianhe land registers were cut off, the family counted as Changcheng natives. Kang's son Ying became Administrator of Xuyi; Ying's son Gongbi was a Masters of Writing gentleman; Gongbi's son Ding was Colonel of Foot Soldiers; Ding's son Gao was an attendant at the Secretariat; Gao's son Yong was magistrate of Huai'an; Yong's son Meng was administrator of Ancheng; Meng's son Daoju was Minister of Ceremonies; Daoju was the Emperor's father Wenzan. The Emperor was born in guiwei, the second year of Liang Tianjian. As a youth he was daring and ambitious, excelled at strategy, carried himself with heroic force, and scorned the work of making a living. Once grown he read widely in history, devoured military classics, mastered omen-reading, guxu divination, and dunjia tactics, was versed in many martial arts, and proved clear-minded and decisive—qualities that won the age's respect. He stood seven chi five cun tall, bore the sun-angled brow and dragon visage of portent, and his fingertips reached below his knees. While traveling in Yixing and staying with the Xu family, he dreamed the heavens split open several zhang wide; four men in crimson robes bore the sun to him and put it in his mouth. When he woke his abdomen still burned with heat, and he kept the joy to himself. He first served locally as a village officer, later reached Jiankang as clerk of the oil depot, then became instructor to Marquis Xinyu Xiao Ying, whose trust he earned through tireless service. When Ying became administrator of Wuxing he held the Emperor in high regard and told his aides: "This man's horizon stretches far; he will outdo me one day." When Ying took Guangzhou, the Emperor followed as adjutant of the central straight guard; Ying ordered him to raise troops and horses.
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Earlier Marquis Wulin Xiao Zi, as inspector of Jiaozhou, had alienated the region by harsh rule; the local leader Li Ben rallied magnates across several prefectures in revolt, and the court dispatched Gaozhou inspector Sun Tong and Xinzhou inspector Lu Zixiong against him. Sun Tong and his colleagues failed to advance promptly and were all put to death at Guangzhou. Lu Zixiong's nephew Lue joined Sun Tong's kin and their generals Du Tianhe and Du Sengming in rebellion, seized Southern River supervisor Shen Yan, and besieged Guangzhou day and night until the city trembled with fear. The Emperor led picked troops to the relief of Guangzhou and shattered the rebel army. Du Sengming later won distinction in service and submitted. Emperor Wu of Liang was deeply impressed, made him General of the Direct Guard, created him Baron of Xin'an, and even ordered his portrait painted for inspection.
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In the second year, winter, as Hou Jing's invasion closed in, the Emperor prepared to march to the rescue, but Guangzhou inspector Yuan Jingzhong secretly plotted his downfall. Forewarned, he joined Chengzhou administrator Wang Huaiming and others at Nanhai and issued a summons to punish Jingzhong. Jingzhong hanged himself under the gate-tower; the Emperor then installed Xiao Bo as garrison commander of Guangzhou.
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At that time interior secretary Ouyang Yu held Hengzhou; Lan Yu and Lan Jingli stirred Shixing and ten neighboring commanderies into joint attack. Yu appealed to Bo, who sent the Emperor to relieve him; Yu and his allies were all taken. He was then put in charge of Shixing commandery. The Emperor posted Du Sengming and Hu Ying with two thousand men on the mountain pass and won over Shixing's leading families for a righteous uprising; Hou Andu, Zhang Si, and others brought their followers over. Xiao Bo sent Zhong Xiuyue to dissuade him; the Emperor wept and said: "When one's lord is disgraced, his servant must die—who clings to life? My mind is made up." Meanwhile Cai Luyang seized Nankang; Bo sent his confidant Tan Shiyuan as magistrate of Qujiang to join Luyang in blocking the loyalist force.
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In the first month of Dabao 1 the Emperor marched from Shixing, camped at Dayu Ridge, broke Luyang's army, and pressed on to Nankang. Prince Xiangdong Xiao Yi, exercising imperial authority, made him inspector of Jiaozhou and raised his title to Earl of Nanye; he restored the old fortress at Qitou and made it his seat. Liu Huiqian and others saw purple mist perpetually shrouding the city from afar and were awestruck; they therefore bound themselves closely to the Emperor. He was soon re-created Marquis of Changcheng and named inspector of the Southern River. Then Liu Ai of Ningdu and others armed Gaozhou inspector Li Qianshi with ships and weapons for a strike on Nankang; the Emperor sent Du Sengming to hold Baikou.
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西 滿 西
In the second year Du Sengming captured Qianshi, brought him to Nankang, and executed him. By imperial commission he became inspector of Jiangzhou. As the Emperor marched from Nankang, Gan Rock still held its twenty-four shoals of boulders that travelers had long dreaded. When he departed the waters surged several zhang, and for three hundred li every boulder sank from sight. He advanced to Xichang, where a dragon five zhang tall appeared at the riverbank in blazing five-colored light before tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians. He also once sat alone on a camp stool beneath the gate-tower when divine radiance flooded the hall and lit even the side galleries. Zhao Zhili, attending beside him, asked in astonishment; the Emperor only smiled and said nothing. Then, by commission, Wang Sengbian, General Who Conquers the East, was leading the armies against Hou Jing at Pencheng; the Emperor brought Du Sengming and thirty thousand men to rendezvous with him. The western army was starving; the Emperor had stored fifty thousand shi of grain and now shared thirty thousand shi with them. He then halted at Baqiu. When Hou Jing deposed Emperor Jianwen and set up Prince Yuzhang Dong as heir, the Emperor sent acting chief clerk Shen Gun to Jiangling with a memorial urging enthronement. By commission he became inspector of Dongyang and concurrently administrator of Kuaiji.
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便
In the third year the Emperor led his army out from Yuzhang. In the second month he stopped at Sangluo Isle. Sengbian had already marched from Pencheng and met him at Baimao Bay; they went ashore, built an altar, and swore their alliance with sacrificial victims. Advancing to Dalei, soldier Du Ling dreamed the Lord of Lei Pool and the gods Zhou and He, calling themselves punitive grand generals, came in a crimson boat in full armor to chastise Hou Jing, then swiftly returned declaring Jing already slain.
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西 西 使
In the third month the allied armies took Gushu and camped at Cai Isle. Hou Jing climbed Shitou and, seeing the imperial host's might, muttered in displeasure: "A fistful of men—hardly worth a fight." He whispered to his attendants: "Purple mist hangs over that host—not easily resisted." He filled litter boxes with stone, sank them to choke the Huai mouth, and raised a wall with linked towers from Shitou to Qingxi for more than ten li. Sengbian sent Du Yan for counsel; since no general would meet the enemy head-on, the Emperor offered to go forward and throw up palisades. At once he raised a palisade across the mound west of Shitou's bridge. The allied columns linked eight fortified positions in a line thrusting northeast. Fearing severance of the western route, the rebels too threw up five forts in the northeast orchards to choke the highway. The Emperor said: "A master of war is like Mount Chang's serpent—strike the head and the tail responds, strike the tail and the head responds, keeping the enemy too busy to breathe. Our force is many and theirs few; we should split their strength and crush weakness with strength." He dispersed his generals; then he, Wang Lin, Du Kan, and others drove home the attack and Hou Jing's army collapsed. Sengbian memorialized that the Emperor should hold Jingkou.
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穿
In the fifth month Northern Qi general Xin Shu besieged Yan Chaoda at Qin commandery; the Emperor sent Xu Du to reinforce the defense. The Qi army piled earthworks and dug tunnels, pressing the siege relentlessly; the Emperor then led ten thousand men in person to break the encirclement and marched south in good order. By commission he became Grand General Who Conquers the North, Commissioner with Grand Prefect insignia, inspector of Southern Xuzhou, and was advanced to Duke of Changcheng. When Wang Sengbian marched against Lu Na in Xiangzhou, the Emperor was commissioned to replace him as garrison commander of Yangzhou. In Chengsheng 2, with Xiangzhou pacified, he returned to hold Jingkou.
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In the third year, third month, he was promoted to Minister of Works. After Wei captured Jiangling, he and Wang Sengbian memorialized for Prince Jin'an Yi to serve as Grand Preceptor with imperial commission. In the twelfth month Prince Jin'an arrived from Xunyang and took the court hall; the Emperor received twenty ceremonial swords.
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宿 退
Zhenzhou inspector Du Kan held Wuxing while Yixing administrator Wei Zai rebelled. On xinwei he memorialized for a personal eastern campaign, leaving Gaozhou inspector Hou Andu and Shizhou inspector Du Ling to guard the capital offices. On jiaxu the army reached Yixing. Qinzhou inspector Xu Sihui surrendered his city to Qi and summoned Southern Yuzhou inspector Ren Yue to revolt in support of Du Kan; Qi supplied both with troops and grain. Sihui stole up to the palace gates; Hou Andu sallied forth and drove him back to Shitou. On dingchou Wei Zai and Du Kan's cousin Beisou surrendered; the Emperor pardoned them and put Zai's brother Ding in charge of the commandery. With Sihui threatening the capital he turned back in haste and ordered Zhou Wenyu forward against Du Kan.
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西
In the eleventh month, jimao, Qi sent five thousand men to cross and seize Gushu, and Anzhou inspector Zhai Zichong, Chuzhou inspector Liu Shirong, and Huaizhou inspector Liu Damo with ten thousand troops ferried thirty thousand shi of grain and a thousand horses into Shitou at Husi. He sent Hou Andu's fleet to burn Qi ships at Husi by night, Zhou Tiewu to sever their supply line, and himself led iron cavalry from the Western Bright Gate in the assault. Qi was routed; Sihui left Damo to hold the city and raced south to Caishi to meet Qi reinforcements.
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貿貿 ''
Venus had vanished since bingxu in the eleventh month; on yimao in the twelfth it reappeared in the east. On bingchen he divided the host, bridged opposite Ye City, and sent troops against the two palisades south of the river. Liu Damo crossed the Huai and formed line; the Emperor fought fiercely, torched the palisades until smoke blotted the sky, routed Qi, and seized every ship. That same day Sihui and Yue brought Qi troops back to Shitou; Hou Andu's fleet smashed them and they fled in lone boats. On dingsi they took Shitou's south-bank palisade, crossed to the north bank, and walled off the water supply. They also choked every well in the old city's east gate quarter. Qi's garrison ran dry; a cup of water bought a pint of rice, a pint of rice a bolt of silk, and some ground rice to eat. Damo told his men: "A northern children's song lately ran: 'Pound Shitou's britches—green first, then yellow. Hou Jing wore green and fell here; we wear yellow—does the rhyme come true?" On gengshen Damo sent Hou Ziqin and Liu Shirong to sue for peace, and the Emperor agreed. They swore peace outside the walls and let Qi soldiers go north or south freely. On xinyou he drew up ranks at Shitou's south gate and escorted the Qi troops northward. When they arrived, the northerners slaughtered them. On renxu Hezhou chief clerk Wuwan Yuan fled from Nan Province to Liyang; Jiangning magistrate Chen Si and palace attendant Cao Lang held Gushu in defiance. The Emperor sent Hou Andu and Xu Du to crush them and piled their heads into a victory mound. That month Du Kan surrendered his city.
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西 退 調 使 貿
In the second year's first month, guiwei, Du Kan was executed; his brother Xi, cousin Beisou, and chief clerk Shen Xiaodun were all put to death. On wuxu in the third month Qi sent Commissioner Xiao Gui, Kudie Fulian, Yao Nanzong, Dongfang Lao, Pei Yingqi, Eastern Guangzhou inspector Dugu Pie'e, Luozhou inspector Li Xiguang, and with them Ren Yue, Xu Sihui, Wang Sengyin—one hundred thousand men—from Zhakou toward Liang Mountain; tent-guard chief Huang Cong counterattacked, routed them, and burned the vanguard fleet. Qi's army halted and fortified Wuhu. On bingshen in the fifth month Qi reached old Moling. On jihai the Emperor led princes and ministers outside the Grand Marshal Gate beneath the White Tiger Tower, sacrificed to Heaven accusing Qi of breaking faith; he spoke with burning passion, wept openly, and the watching soldiers burned with new zeal. On xinchou Qi bridged the Huai at old Moling and drew troops across behind palisades. On guimao, advancing from Fang Mountain to Ertang, Qi scouts reached the capital and the city quaked with fear. The Emperor secretly gave Shen Tai three thousand elite troops to cross the river and strike Qi field marshal Zhao Yanshen at Guabu, capturing boats and grain. On jiachen in the sixth month Qi stole up to Dragon Tail on Zhong Mountain. On dingwei they reached Mofu Mountain. The Emperor sent Qian Ming's fleet from Jiangcheng to cut Qi's grain convoys and seized them entire. Qi's army starved and slaughtered horses and donkeys for food. On renzi Qi reached the northwest shore of Xuanwu Lake below Mofu Mountain, aiming to take the northern suburban altar. The allied armies shifted east of Fuzhou and camped north of the suburban altar, squarely facing Qi. That night thunderous rain and gale uprooted trees and left a zhang of water on the flats. Qi's men day and night stood in mud, cooking from hanging pots until their toes rotted away. Inside the capital and north of Chaogou the flood fell and roads dried, letting the imperial army rotate fresh units. On jiayin the sky briefly cleared. Food ran out; townsfolk were pressed to feed the army on barley-bran cakes wrapped in lotus leaves, sometimes laced with chaff, and the troops were spent. Then Emperor Wen sent three thousand shi of rice and a thousand ducks; the Emperor cooked them at once and vowed one decisive battle. Officers rationed meat by the slice; every man packed rice stuffed with duck. He ordered the host to eat at the ready and strike; Qi's army collapsed. They took Xu Sihui and his brother Sizong and beheaded them as a public warning. Forty-six Qi commanders were taken, among them Xiao Gui, Dongfang Lao, Wang Jingbao, Li Xiguang, Pei Yingqi, and Wang Sengzhi. Qi soldiers who reached the river tied rafts to cross, drowned midstream, and corpses choked the banks at Jingkou. Only Ren Yue and Wang Sengyin got away. A children's song had run: "A hundred thousand barbarians enter the Five Lakes; south of the city tavernkeepers turn captives into slaves." Since Jin and Song, lands north of the Yangtze and Huai in Wei's grip were called "barbarian country" by southerners; now one captive's bounty barely bought a cup of wine. On dingsi the allied armies sailed to Nan Province and burned the enemy fleet. On jiwei Liu Guiyi, Xu Sichan, and Fu Yezhu were executed in Jiankang market. That day the capital stood down from alert. On gengshen Xiao Gui, Dongfang Lao, Wang Jingbao, Li Xiguang, Pei Yingqi, and others were put to death.
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In the second year's first month, renyin, an edict added ten ceremonial swords, thirty in total. On dingwei an edict posthumously created the Emperor's elder brother Daotan inspector of Southern Yanzhou and Duke of Changcheng, titled posthumously Zhaolie. His younger brother Xiuxian, attendant and Southern Xuzhou inspector, Marquis of Wukang, was titled posthumously Zhongzhuang. On jiayin acting attendant and Master of Ceremonies Lu Yan was sent to invest Duchess Changcheng Lady Zhang as Lady of Yixing. On dingmao an edict posthumously honored the imperial grandfather as attendant and Minister of Ceremonies, titled Xiao. The grandfather's mother Lady Xu was posthumously created Lady of Jiaxing in Wujun, titled Jing. The imperial mother Lady Zhang, Grand Lady of Yixing, was titled posthumously Xuan.
17
On gengwu in the second month Xiao Bo rebelled from Guangzhou, crossed the mountains, camped at Nankang, and sent Ouyang Yu, Fu Tai, and his son Zi ahead to Yuzhang while Southern River inspector Yu Xiaoxiang joined the revolt; the Emperor sent Zhou Wenyu and Hou Andu to crush them.
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殿
On jiawu in the eighth month he was promoted to Grand Preceptor with the yellow axe, permission to wear sword and shoes in court, to enter without hastening, and to be praised without naming. On bingshen front and rear feather parasols and drum-and-pipe escort were added. Then Xiangzhou inspector Wang Lin kept his army and defied orders; Zhou Wenyu and Hou Andu were sent against him.
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姿
On xinchou in the ninth month the Liang emperor made him Chancellor overseeing all affairs, enfeoffed ten commanderies as Duke of Chen with the Nine Bestowments, seal and ribbon, far-wandering cap, and green cord—rank above every prince. The commission proclaimed: Great is the Creative Heaven, sustaining sun and moon in steadfast vision; utmost is the Receptive Earth, bearing mountains and rivers upon her back. Thus Heaven alone is great, and he who mounts to match it shines with reverent brilliance; the king alone founds the realm, and his helper shares in sagehood. So the aides of Kings Wen and Wu hid jade scepters at Pan Stream; the ministers of Yao and Shun cut golden tablets at the Glory River! How much more one who embodied the great swan's unity, stilled ninefold peril, rescued the drowning flood at Jieshi, smothered Kun Hill's blaze, drove like Wei and Peng, trampled Qi and Jin—whose divine merit moved unseen and whose sage way worked unnamed! Now I confer the canonical commission upon you; hear my command with reverence:
20
西
Lately Heaven withheld pity; chaos struck our house; the net let great fish escape; fierce barbarians swelled within; in the vast cosmos the people trembled—not one in ten thousand was spared. Taiqing's obstruction cut deep as Qiao Mountain's grief; Dabao's hardship piled up and Pingyang's disasters followed one upon another. The chief minister took up the mandate, saved the people, gathered armies south of the dark sea and raised banners north of Gui Ridge, rehung the fallen three luminaries, stilled the four seas in flight, opened the mid-restoration, and swept the upper realm to peace. This is your great founding work for the royal house. Yet Heaven had not yet repented; barbarian hordes came again; the southern realm buckled and the western capital fell. The Minister of the Masses wavered and courted enemies; already shut in the Tung Palace, he plotted against the Han pavilion; the throne hung by a surplus tassel and the heartland swayed like a fraying thread. You boldly shook out your sleeves, rescued the dynasty, recovered Ju as Qi had its capital, and secured the royal house against the barbarians. Hence I again mount the precious calendar, again tread the imperial hall, draw on Jianwu's style, and sing King Xuan's odes. This again is your second founding of the royal house.
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漿 使 使
When first you took office, Sun and Lu raised rebellion; the Yue and Mo brought disaster; frontier tribes teetered on extinction. Where your red banner pointed, demon forts gaped open; where your white-feather standard waved, vicious bands scattered. This too is your merit. At Datong's end frontier rule collapsed; Li Ben ran wild and seized our Jiao and Ai. You deployed elegant stratagems at dusk; lightning scoured the wind's path; tower-ships galloped straight across the blue sea. Three Mountains' liao caves, Eight Angles' barbarian corners—lands of water-dwellers and fire-mountains where Ma Yuan never came and Tao Huang never opened—all feared our king's majesty, sought the frontier guard, sent tribute to the celestial treasury, and presented registers to the Grand Herald. This too is your merit. After invaders crossed the river and shamed the palace, the Panyu commander—himself of barbarian stock—found his kindred in speech and shared their evil in heart. You relied on loyal purpose, seized the moment to strike, executed the Pei magistrate to beat the warning drum, pacified Xinye and mounted the saddle. This too is your merit. When the age first turned hard and the regions troubled, you because the state was robbed and the frontier alarmed left nothing undone; you succored allies and executed villains until the southern people breathed again. This too is your merit. Long-marching the ridges yet dreaming of the capital, local magnates along the road became brambled barriers; Lu Yang's chieftain held the great city, gathered fugitives, and plotted obstruction. You dragon-surged and tiger-stepped, roaring through wind and cloud; strong walls fell in the mountains, strong formations vanished in the wilds; you cleared demon vapor at Gan Rock and pestilence at Yu Capital. This too is your merit. The vicious Qian Shi held Dago with armies like Ma Teng's beggar bands and drifting masses like Du Tao's followers. You sat wielding the Three Stratagems and remotely deployed the Six Wonders; righteous courage shared one heart and brave tigers strained their power; thunder ran and lightning struck until valleys stilled and mountains emptied; no commandery feared barking dogs and fox-crying shrines fell silent. This too is your merit. The royal army punished invaders at the sunken waves; troops lacked combined stores and soldiers wore hunger on their faces. You turned your banner at Poyang and piled grain at Baqiu; granaries swelled with the ode's abundance and mulberry folk came with pot and broth. Thus the three armies grew brave and sharp, unbeaten in a hundred fights; fed on this grain they exterminated the vicious rebels. This too is your merit. Pen fortress nursed suspicion and division, delaying the military plan. Your will sought only mutual encouragement; armies conquer through harmony; you bent ritual to alliance until spirits sighed with emotion; thus fleet and land marched one road and near and far shared one heart. This too is your merit. Gushu was strategically vital as Xiao and Han passes; invaders held its gates and great bandits its bolts. One wave of your command and three heroes strove; left worthy, right corner—sand broke and earth collapsed; Eban's narrow pass opened and Yigeng's road cleared. This too is your merit. The righteous host gathered at the imperial capital while rebel villains still camped in the royal city. You turned the earth-axis and resisted the sky-net; in less than one morning none remained to devour. This too is your merit. When internal trouble first stilled, lords marched out through the passes; outer commanderies lit beacons and Xianbei violated the frontier. Your fleet and foot stretched field and river; you exterminated the Di clans and exhausted the great boar. This too is your merit. You overcame calamity and toiled for the throne, yet Sun and Ning's faction again opened the door to Di; between Yi and Luo all became barbarian garrisons; court dark with barbarian dust, night loud with Hu drums. Your three stratagems drawn and eight formations spread, you raised the spirit axe and drew the golden servant; every villain was taken and every wall reclaimed. This too is your merit. Ren Yue rebelled and scattered with unrepentant owl cry; Rong and Jie stayed greedy with wolf hearts unchanged. Left wing and right rear, winnow-spread and wing-stretched, you swept the comet-staff and drove the Xianyun; cast into Qin's pit they boiled; choked Sui's waters they ceased to flow. This too is your merit. One minister held the center and himself broke the ritual tripod; a petty Five Lakes guard vainly shared their evil. You early drove double-quick, clothed for war with staff in hand; jade axe ready to swing, golden gong already warning; demon chieftains trembled and hastily begged death by nail and ash. This too is your merit. The villain Du Kan was fierce and overbearing, tyrannizing the entire region, trusting arms and cruelty, clinging to chaos born of disaster. Though your clan seat lay in Ru and Ying while your family dwelt in the southeast, you burned with public and private wrath for your homeland and slaughtered this great villain as easily as cooking a small fish. This too is your merit. A kinsman of the same surname, stubborn and defiant, relied on clan alliance to threaten the altars of soil and grain. You debated war in the temple hall and decided victory over the feast; Kou, Jia, Fan, and Teng floated down the river's rapids and were cut down in one morning without waiting for the capital army. This too is your merit. Yuzhang's demon bandits relied on mountains and marshes, repaired armor and hoarded stores for years, linking alliances even to Jiao and Guang. When Lü Jia was taken and Wu Pi pierced, you ordered the army home and then marched against their disobedience; linked camps fell and the false party was captured. This too is your merit. From the eight cords and nine wilds, realm carved like melon and bean, men stole thrones and false kings linked prefecture to prefecture. Your martial spirit already flowed freely and civil virtue proclaimed anew; with folded letters and galloping dispatches your influence reached far. This too is your merit. The capital's calamity piled season upon season; the paired towers hung askew and the nine gates gaped empty. You rose for robes at dawn's dimness and ate at sunset like the high pounding-stone, raised the palace quarters, and drew the gaze of near and far. Suburban schools, altars of soil and grain, six tally-tokens and ten-rank seals—again Taishi's elegance was heard and Yongping's surviving rites seen. This too is your merit.
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You had merit in saving the world, further weighted with bright virtue; concentrating spirit and embodying the Way, combining virtue to match Heaven. You took the hundred surnames as your heart and followed myriad affairs to their completion; highest virtue is non-virtue, non-action as action. Summer grows and spring generates, displaying benevolence and concealing use; merit accomplished and transformation harmonized, music played to Universal Cloud, settling the above and governing men, rites joining civil and martial. Heaven hid no treasure and Earth showed auspice; glory already blazed in documents and was about to flourish in records; high merit exceeded the asterisms and accumulated virtue crowned Song and Hua—truly beyond naming.
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使 使使 調
I also heard: former kings ruling the age richly rewarded the worthy, erecting feudal chiefs to command the lords. The Two Souths stood loftily apart; four treadings reached far; vast it faced the sea and fief soil was Qi; Lofty, lofty Mount Tai, making lords of Lu. How much more managing the cosmos—not only severing the turtle's legs; broadly saving the people—not merely carving the Dragon Gate. Yet rewarding merit and repaying virtue went silently unheard; hence I bow at the throne handling affairs, always bearing shame and fear. Now I confer the Chancellorship: Chenliu, southern Danyang, and Xuancheng of Southern Yuzhou; Wuxing, Dongyang, Xin'an, and Xinning of Yangzhou; Yixing of Southern Xuzhou; Poyang and Linchuan of Jiangzhou—ten commanderies—and enfeoff you as Duke of Chen. Bestow this azure earth wrapped in white thatch, thereby fixing your state and establishing your altar of soil and grain. Formerly the Duke of Zhou and Duke of Shao divided Shan; both were guardian teachers; lords of Jin and Zheng all served as ministers. Combining inner and outer, the rites were truly fitting. Now I order Commissioner Bearing the Staff and concurrent Grand Commandant Wang Tong to confer the chancellor's seal and cord and Duke of Chen's seal and ribbon; Commissioner Bearing the Staff and concurrent Minister of Works Wang Chang to confer the duke's earth and thatch, golden tiger tallies one through five left, bamboo tallies one through ten left. The chancellor's rank exceeded the three handles; his task summed the hundred offices; his court rank surpassed the court cohort; rites followed the changed matter. As chancellor he summed all affairs; the title Recording the Masters of Writing was removed; lent seals of staff, attendant cicada, Secretariat director, inside-and-outside grand prefect and grand tutor, and Yi'ing duke's commission remained—as Garrison Defender Grand General and Yangzhou governor, unchanged. Also added the Nine Bestowments; hear the later command: because your rites are the state's pillar and law equals bit-and-rein, the four dimensions rise and eight handles order. Therefore bestowed one great carriage and one war carriage, teams of four black stallions each. Because you despise treasure and honor grain, spread ranks to await farming, granaries rich as Jing mound, and men knowing honor and shame. Therefore bestowed the robe and cap of highest rank, with red shoes besides. Because you harmonize yin and yang and harmonize wind and elegance, the three spirits descend and ten thousand states share harmony. Therefore bestowed suspended music and the six-row dance. Because you proclaim the king's plan and broadly clarify wind and teaching, wherever light reaches, leather and ivory must connect. Therefore bestowed vermilion doors to dwell in. Because you raise the clear and lower the turbid, praise virtue and advance the worthy, fine scholars fill the court and recluses fill empty valleys. Therefore bestowed covered steps to ascend. Because you stand lofty in hall and temple as the age's mold, breaking enemy thrust at the four quarters and governing the eight wilds. Therefore bestowed three hundred tiger-guard warriors. Because you track bright punishment, aiming at punishments set aside, respectful law without pardon, violators must die. Therefore bestowed one axe and one yue. Because your heroic plan and far measure stride Song and the dark sea, wrap one cart of documents and bag the whole cosmos. Therefore bestowed one red bow and one hundred red arrows, ten black bows and one thousand black arrows. Because your heaven-pattern and earth-righteousness penetrate dark and bright, spring dew and autumn frost truly supply sacrificial grain. Therefore bestowed one jar of black millet ale, with libation cup and ladle besides. The Chen state established chancellor and below, all following the old pattern. Go—reverently! Reverently follow my command, assist August Heaven, broadly establish state and house, truly raise the great enterprise, and glorify my high ancestor's fine command.
24
In the tenth month, wuchen, he was again advanced to King. Kuaiji, Linhai, Yongjia, and Jian'an of Yangzhou; Jinling and Xin'an of Southern Xuzhou; Xunyang, Yuzhang, Ancheng, and Luling of Jiangzhou—with the prior ten, twenty commanderies—increased Chen's enfeoffment. Chancellor, Yangzhou governor, and Garrison Defender Grand General remained unchanged. Also ordered the Chen king's twelve-tassel cap, Son of Heaven banners, road clearing on exit and return, golden-root carriage drawn by six horses, five-season secondary carriages, Máo-head and cloud-banner, eight-row music and dance, bell-frames and palace bells. Queen consort, princes, and princesses' titles; Chen court's hundred offices—all followed the old canon.
25
On xinwei the Liang emperor abdicated to Chen; the commission read:
26
便 西
Consult you, Chen King: in upper antiquity at mankind's first birth, before Lilian and Lilu, in the eras of Rongcheng and Dating—dim and fleeting, hence nothing detailed can be known. From lords Fu Xi, Shen Nong, and Xuan Hao to rulers Tao Tang and You Yu—some draped robes and governed the four seas, some ruled through non-action—dwelling was like driving rotten rope, departing like doffing worn shoes; briefly meeting Xu You, then yielding the throne; briefly encountering Shan Juan, then yielding kingship. Thus the dark Huo and jade armillary were not tied to nobility; golden-root carriage and jade chariot marked the ruler. Reaching south to view the river islet and east to sink the carved jade disk—youthful splendor exhausted, aged diligence weary—then raising head to laugh, only the worthy was given, pouring forth in song, selecting ability thus conferred. Surviving wind and remaining blaze stand clear in documents; Han and Wei followed in succession as old reality; Song and Qi transmitted and received, again enlarged this righteousness. Our high ancestor met the era and soothed the mandate, grasped the pivot and governed the realm; the three sovereigns shone again; ancestors equally sage. When the time met yang's nine, the great boar came repeatedly to feed; the western capital lost control and barbarians and Di invaded together. Then reaching Heaven's completion, lightly playing with the turtle tripod; trembling people as if collapsing horn-tips; the subtle imperial pinnacle about to exceed a surplus tassel.
27
貿 祿
Only you are sage and divine, reverently bright in literary thought; two instruments jointly operate, four seasons in order; Heaven bestowed wisdom and courage, men raised heroic excellence; pearl court and sun corner, dragon walk and tiger step. At first shaking sleeves to aid the king; lightning swept Panyu, clouds cleared Poyang; cut the chief villain and settled our capital region. When you congratulated the emperor and enlarged crown and shoes, already acting Yi and Huo, thereby protecting the young ruler. Zhen Marsh and Kuaiji Yin both rebelled; Xian and Jie captives thrice disturbed the capital; barely ordering partial armies, the two regions perished; lightly campaigning Xianyun, the six Rong were exterminated. Lingnan rebelled; Xiang and Ying linked; the bandit commander was taken and the vicious ringleader's head sent. You made the hundred officials timely ordered and four gates truly harmonious; none refused submission, none too distant to reach; above reaching azure heaven, below leaking deep springs; dragons and fish both appeared and songs of praise attached. How much more the long comet crossing heaven already signaled spreading the new; the jade sun's setting truly showed changing surname. Seven hundred years without fixed term; emperor and king not one clan. Formerly Wood Virtue already in decline, transmission passed to our Liang. Heaven's calendar and number truly gathered on the bright and wise. Following the former canon and broadly consulting opinion—princes, dukes, ministers, governors—none dissented; reverently following people and spirits, I confer the imperial throne upon you. The four seas in distress, Heaven's blessing ended—you shall hold the center, follow the former pattern, and answer vast heaven's hope. Sacrifice at the suburban altar to worship the Emperor, timely receive the great rites, forever secure the great enterprise—how is it not grand! Also ordered the imperial commission, dispatching concurrent Grand Preceptor and Left Vice Director Wang Tong and concurrent Grand Commandant and Minister of Works Left Chief Clerk Wang Chang to present the emperor's seal and ribbon; receiving-the-end rites all followed Tang and Yu's old story. That day the Liang emperor withdrew to the separate palace. The Emperor declined repeatedly; ministers firmly pressed; then he consented.
28
In Yongding 1, tenth month, yihai, the Emperor ascended the throne at the southern suburb; burning firewood he announced to Heaven:
29
The Emperor, your subject Baxian, dares use the black stallion to announce clearly to August Heaven and August Earth:
30
The Liang house because collapse and stripping came repeatedly reached the limit of calendar and mandate; reverently as Heaven responded, it commanded Baxian. At the beginning there were the people; then overseers were established; selecting the worthy and able was not constant in surname. The Liang house's final fortune still inherited difficulty; Xian ugliness relied on the frontier and long shifted the divine vessel. Chengsheng was outside, unable to sacrifice to Xia; Heaven had not repented the calamity and again suffered invader bandits. The legitimate heir was deposed; clan branches usurped and deceived; Heaven and Earth overturned and law and net were extinguished. Baxian at first shook sleeves, greatly rescued the drowning torrent, again raised the righteous army and truly conquered many difficulties. Deposing the king and establishing the emperor truly had merit; settling state and altars exhausted his strength—this is modest prosperity, just expecting the great Way. Then clouds showed color and sun and moon displayed auspice; removing old and spreading new already showed the dark image; shifting Yu and serving Xia harmonized songs of praise; nine domains and eight wilds spread sincere petitions; hundred spirits and group sacrifices all wished sincerely; the Liang emperor highly yielded to ten thousand states and conferred the great treasure. Baxian himself considered humble and thin, yielding virtue not to succeed; declining repeatedly he could not obtain permission. All considered the people needed a lord and myriad affairs could not stand vacant; the imperial spirit favored the command—not possible to decline through modesty. Revering Heaven's awesomeness, thereby receiving fine fortune; forever speaking the early will—how could there be no shame in virtue? Reverently selecting the primary day, ascending the altar to receive abdication, announcing to August Heaven, thereby answering the people's heart; forever securing our Chen—may the bright spirits still enjoy.
31
輿殿 宿 使
Earlier mist, fog, rain, and snow darkened day and night; on this day weather cleared and calmed. When rites completed, the carriage returned to the palace, faced the Hall of Supreme Ultimate, proclaimed great amnesty, and changed the era name. He bestowed noble rank of two degrees on the people and two degrees on civil and military officials. Widowers, widows, orphans, and solitaries unable to support themselves received five hu of grain each. Overdue rent and old debts were not collected again. Those who had violated village standards of conduct or been marked for corruption, lewdness, or theft were cleared of prior notation and given a fresh start. Those in long-term hard labor and imprisonment were specially pardoned. Lost office and forfeited rank, imprisonment and confiscated labor—all followed the old canon. Also an edict made Jiangyin commandery support the Liang lord as King of Jiangyin under Liang calendar and reign, chariot flags and dress colors all following prior standard. The Liang empress dowager became Grand Consort of Jiangyin State; the empress became Consort of Jiangyin State. Also an edict that the hundred offices should each hold acting posts according to rank. On bingzi he visited Zhong Mountain and sacrificed at Emperor Jiang's temple. On wuyin he visited Hualin Garden to review lawsuits and personally pardoned prisoners. On jimao he separately dispatched grand ambassadors to proclaim comfort to the four quarters. On gengchen an edict brought out the Buddha tooth from Old Lady Du's residence and gathered the four assemblies for an unbounded great assembly. On xinsi he posthumously honored his father as Emperor Jing, temple title Taizu; Lady Dong as Empress An; former consort Lady Qian as Empress Zhao; heir Ke as Filial and Cherished Crown Prince. He established Lady Zhang as empress. On guiwei he honored Emperor Jing's tomb as Ruiling and Empress Zhao's tomb as Jialing, following Liang's early garden-tomb precedent. He established the office of Editor and Reviser to edit and promulgate laws and commands. On wuzi he moved Emperor Jing's spirit tablet to join the Grand Temple.
32
西
That month Western Campaign commander Zhou Wenyu and Hou Andu were defeated at Yingzhou and lost to Wang Lin. In the eleventh month, bingshen, he enfeoffed his elder brother's son Marquis Changcheng Qian as Prince of Linchuan; Xu inherited as Prince of Shixing; nephew Tanlang inherited as Prince of Nankang. On gengshen fire broke out in the capital.
33
In the twelfth month, gengchen, the empress visited the Grand Temple.
34
That year was Northern Zhou Emperor Min's first year; also in the ninth month Grand Preceptor Yuwen Hu deposed Emperor Min and installed Emperor Ming. It also became Emperor Ming's first year.
35
In the second year's spring, first month, yiwei, General of Chariots and Cavalry Hou Tian with grand prefect insignia was appointed Minister of Works. On xinchou he sacrificed at the southern suburb; and proclaimed a great amnesty. On jiayin he dispatched palace attendant Wei Ding to invest the Spirit of Chuwang of Wuxing as emperor. On wuwu he sacrificed at the Bright Hall.
36
In the second month, renshen, Southern Yuzhou inspector Shen Tai fled to Qi. On xinmao an edict ordered Minister of Works Hou Tian to command all land and water armies against Qi.
37
In the fifth month, yiwei, the capital shook with earthquake. On renyin he established the shrine hall of Liang Prince Shaoling Xie, sacrificing with the highest victim. On xinyou the Emperor visited Great Zhuangyan Monastery and offered his body. On renxu ministers memorialized requesting his return to the palace.
38
殿 殿
In the sixth month, jisi, an edict ordered Minister of Works Hou Tian and Camp Commander Xu Du to punish Wang Lin. When Hou Jing was first pacified the Hall of Supreme Ultimate burned; in Chengsheng they planned rebuilding but lacked one pillar. In autumn's seventh month camphor wood eighteen arm-spans around and four zhang five chi long drifted to the Tao family's rear ford; army supervisor Zou Zidu reported it. An edict ordered Director of the Secretariat Shen Zhong, concurrently Minister of Construction, to build the Hall of Supreme Ultimate.
39
In the eighth month Zhou Wenyu, Hou Andu, and others escaped from Wang Lin, impeached themselves at the Court of Justice, were received that same day, pardoned, and restored to original posts. On dinghai Jiangzhou inspector Zhou Di was added as General Who Pacifies the South with grand prefect insignia.
40
In winter's tenth month, gengwu, he dispatched General Who Guards the South Zhou Wenyu as commander-in-chief from Yuzhang against Yu Xiaoxun. On yihai he visited Zhuangyan Monastery and initiated the Golden Light Sutra lecture. On dingyou Gaozhou inspector Huang Faju was added as General Who Pacifies the South with grand prefect insignia.
41
輿 西
In the twelfth month, jiazi, he visited Great Zhuangyan Monastery for an unhindered great assembly, relinquished the imperial carriage and ritual objects, and returned the same day as ministers welcomed him with full ceremonial escort. On bingxu Northern River inspector Xiong Tanlang was added as General Who Pacifies the West with grand prefect insignia.
42
殿
In the third year's spring, first month, dingyou, General Who Guards the South and Guangzhou inspector Ouyang Yu received his original title plus grand prefect insignia. That night snow fell heavily; at dawn dragon tracks appeared before the Hall of Supreme Ultimate. On jiazi Guangzhou reported immortals seen at the small stone tower of Luofu Mountain temple.
43
西西
In the second month, xinyou, General Who Pacifies the West and Guizhou inspector Chunyu Liang was added as Grand General Who Guards the West with grand prefect insignia.
44
西
In summer's intercalary fourth month, jiawu, an edict followed former ages in establishing Western Bureau academicians and also taking technicians and artisans. At that time drought had long persisted. On bingwu he visited Zhong Mountain and sacrificed at Emperor Jiang's temple. That day rain fell and continued until month's end.
45
殿 使
In the fifth month, bingchen, first day, there was a solar eclipse. The relevant offices memorialized the old rite: the emperor at the front hall wearing vermilion gauze robe and penetration-heaven cap. An edict said: "Former ages inherited this, but the intent differs; at new moon one assists the sun—proper robe and cap should be worn; from now this shall be the standard forever." On bingzi Funan sent envoys with tribute. On yiyou Northern River inspector Xiong Tanlang killed commander Zhou Wenyu and rebelled. Wang Lin sent generals Chang Zhong'ai and Cao Qing to aid Yu Xiaoxun.
46
In the sixth month, wuzi, Commissioner Hou Andu defeated Zhong'ai at Zuoli, capturing Wang Lin's cousin Xi, commander Yang Yang, and more than forty others; Zhong'ai fled. On gengyin a Lushan man beheaded him and sent the head to Jiankang. On jiawu the armies returned in triumph.
47
殿 殿西
On dingyou the Emperor was unwell; he dispatched concurrent Grand Preceptor and Right Vice Director Wang Tong to announce the illness to the Grand Temple and concurrent Grand Preceptor and Secretariat Director Xie Zhe to the Grand Altar and southern and northern suburban altars. On xinchou the Emperor slightly recovered. Former Minister of Works Zhou Wenyu's coffin arrived from Jianchang. On renyin the Emperor in plain robes wept in the court hall with extreme grief. On guimao the Emperor personally reviewed prison lawsuits. That night Mars stood at Celestial Sovereign; the Emperor's illness turned severe. On bingwu the Emperor died in Xuanji Palace at age fifty-seven. The final edict summoned Prince of Linchuan Qian to enter and continue the great enterprise. On jiayin he was encoffined at the western steps of the Hall of Supreme Ultimate. In the eighth month, jiawu, ministers submitted posthumous title Martial Emperor, temple title Gaozu. On bingshen he was buried at Wan'an Tomb.
48
The Emperor was fierce in martial prowess with many heroic stratagems and by nature deeply benevolent and loving. When he occupied the role of chief aide he always honored leniency and simplicity. He valued thrift and plainness; regular meals never exceeded several dishes. Private feasts used earthenware and clam shells; meat and fruit were only made sufficient, never wastefully extravagant. When Hou Jing was first pacified and when establishing Emperor Jing, daughters, sons, jade, and silk were all distributed to officers and soldiers. Those filling the inner quarters wore no repeated colors, no gold or kingfisher ornament; music was not arrayed before them. After ascending the throne he was the more strict in respectful thrift. Therefore he could raise great merit and abundant virtue, shining over the lands east of the river.
49
婿 殿
Emperor Shizu, the Literary Emperor, personal name Qian, style Zihua, was the eldest son of Prince Zhaolie of Shixing. In youth he was deep and keen with judgment and capacity, handsome in appearance, attentive to classics and history. Emperor Wu greatly loved him and often called him the outstanding talent of their house. At the beginning of Liang Taiqing the Emperor dreamed two suns fighting, one large and one small; the large one's light fell to earth pure yellow and dipper-sized; he took one third and kept it in his bosom. In Hou Jing's rebellion he avoided turmoil at Guo Wenju's old residence in Lin'an county. When Emperor Wu raised troops southward, Hou Jing dispatched Wuxing administrator Xin Duzun to seize the Emperor and Prince Xian of Hengyang from the capital. The Emperor secretly hid a small knife in his sleeve, waiting to see Hou Jing and intending to assassinate him. When he arrived he was handed to gentleman Wang Fan for secret detention; hence the affair did not succeed. When Emperor Wu besieged Shitou, Hou Jing several times intended to harm him; just then Jing was defeated and he emerged. He first left office as administrator of Wuxing. When Emperor Wu moved against Wang Sengbian he first summoned the Emperor to consult. Then Sengbian's son-in-law Du Kan held Wuxing with a very strong force; Emperor Wu secretly ordered the Emperor back to Changcheng to raise palisades in preparation. Du Kan sent general Du Tai to strike suddenly; officers looked at one another in alarm; the Emperor spoke and laughed as before and deployed with greater clarity until the host's heart settled. When Emperor Wu dispatched Zhou Wenyu against Du Kan, the Emperor sent generals Liu Cheng and Jiang Yuanju to attack and capture him. He was appointed administrator of Kuaiji. When Emperor Wu received abdication he was established as Prince of Linchuan. He dreamed Emperor Wu of Liang bestowed a precious knife upon him. When Zhou Wenyu and Hou Andu were defeated at Zhunkou, Emperor Wu ordered the Emperor to enter and overall command military and civil affairs. He was soon ordered to lead troops south to Wan. In Yongding 3, sixth month, bingwu, Emperor Wu died; the empress, citing the final edict, summoned the Emperor to continue the imperial succession. On jiayin he arrived from Southern Wan and entered the Directorate of the Masters of Writing. The empress ordered him to succeed to the throne; he declined repeatedly; dukes and ministers firmly pressed; that same day he ascended at the Hall of Supreme Ultimate, proclaimed great amnesty, and ordered commanderies and prefectures to halt urgent travel.
50
殿
In autumn's seventh month, bingchen, he honored the empress as empress dowager. On xinyou he appointed Minister of Works Hou Tian as Grand Commandant, Southern Yuzhou inspector Hou Andu as Minister of Works, and Southern Xuzhou inspector Xu Du as attendant, General Who Pacifies the Center, with grand prefect insignia. On yichou Chongyun Hall burned.
51
On gengxu he established Prince Bozong as Prince of Shixing serving the late Zhaolie queen and transferred Prince Shixing Xu to Prince of Ancheng.
52
On xinyou he established Prince Bozong as crown prince; princes, dukes, and below received silk according to rank.
53
On yihai he established Consort Shen as empress.
54
In winter's tenth month, jiazi, Northern Qi Emperor Wenxuan died.
55
In the eleventh month, yimao, Wang Lin raided Dalei; an edict ordered Grand Commandant Hou Tian, Minister of Works Hou Andu, and Commissioner Xu Du to resist him.
56
That year Northern Zhou Emperor Ming changed the Heavenly King title to Emperor and restored era names as Wucheng 1.
57
使
In Tianjia 1, spring, first month, guichou, he proclaimed great amnesty and changed the era name. An edict bestowed five hu of grain each on widowers, widows, orphans, and solitaries unable to support themselves. Filial piety, fraternal duty, diligent farming, and exceptional conduct earned one added degree of noble rank. On jiayin he separately dispatched envoys to proclaim comfort to the four quarters. On xinyou he sacrificed at the southern suburb. An edict bestowed one degree of noble rank on the people.
58
使
In the second month, bingshen, Grand Commandant Hou Tian defeated Wang Lin at Liang Mountain and Qi at Bowang, capturing Qi general Liu Boqiu. Wang Lin and his lord Xiao Zhuang fled to Qi. On gengzi he separately dispatched envoys bearing imperial commissions to proclaim comfort to the four quarters. On yisi he dispatched Grand Commandant Hou Tian to garrison Pencheng. On gengxu he established Emperor Wu's sixth son Chang as Prince of Hengyang. In the third month, bingchen, Yingzhou inspector Sun Yang appointed by Xiao Zhuang surrendered the province. On dingsi Jiangzhou inspector Zhou Di pacified the southern center and beheaded bandit commander Xiong Tanlang, sending the head to Jiankang. On wuwu Qi abandoned Lushan city and fled; an edict ordered Southern Yuzhou inspector Cheng Lingxi to hold it. On bingzi Prince of Hengyang Chang was drowned in the river. In summer's fourth month, dinghai, he established Prince Bozong as Prince of Hengyang serving the late Xian queen.
59
On xinchou Northern Zhou Emperor Ming died.
60
殿
In the sixth month, xinsi, he changed the posthumous title of the imperial grandfather's consort from Jing'an to Jingwen. On renchen an edict reburied Emperor Yuan of Liang at the old mound in Jiangning with Liang chariot flags and ritual insignia, following Wei's burial of Emperor Xian of Han. On jiawu he posthumously invested the late Princess Consort of Zhaolie of Shixing. On xinchou, national mourning on the Zhou anniversary, the Emperor personally attended at the Hall of Supreme Ultimate and the hundred officials wept with him. He pardoned those below capital punishment in Jiankang.
61
In autumn's seventh month, bingchen, he established Prince Boshan as Prince of Poyang.
62
On renwu Northern Qi Emperor Xiaozhao deposed his lord Yin and installed himself. On wuzi an edict prohibited gold, silver, pearls, jade, clothing, and curios not needed for weapons or state regalia. On dingyou he visited the Hall of Correct Yang to review martial displays.
63
In the ninth month, guichou, a comet appeared. On yimao Northern Zhou general Dugu Sheng led the navy toward Ba and Xiang with He Ruo Dun advancing together by land and water; Grand Commandant Hou Tian from Xunyang resisted.
64
In winter's tenth month, guisi, Hou Tian raided and broke Dugu Sheng at Yangye Isle; Sheng went ashore and walled himself in.
65
On dingyou an edict ordered Minister of Works Hou Andu to join Hou Tian resisting Zhou armies southward.
66
In the twelfth month, jihai, Northern Zhou Balin commander Yuchi Xian surrendered. On gengzi Dugu Sheng secretly fled.
67
In the second year's spring, first month, gengxu, he proclaimed great amnesty. On xinwei Northern Zhou Xiangzhou commander Yin Liang surrendered and Xiangzhou was pacified.
68
In the second month, gengyin, partial amnesty for Xiangzhou commanderies.
69
In the third month, yimao, Grand Commandant and Xiangzhou inspector Hou Tian died.
70
In summer's sixth month, jihai, Qi envoys came seeking good relations.
71
In autumn's seventh month, bingwu, Northern Zhou general He Ruo Dun fled home; Wuling, Tianmen, Nanping, Yiyang, Hedong, and Yidu were all pacified.
72
In the ninth month, jiayin, an edict made the late Hou Tian, Zhou Wenyu, Du Sengming, Hu Ying, and Chen Ni share sacrifice at Emperor Wu's temple hall.
73
西 使
In winter's tenth month, guichou, Western Mountain barbarians of Huozhou led their tribes to submit. On yimao Goguryeo sent envoys with tribute.
74
In the eleventh month, jiachen, Northern Qi Emperor Xiaozhao died.
75
In the twelfth month, jiashen, he established the Shixing State temple in the capital with kingly rites. Because state revenue was insufficient he established the boiled-sea salt tax and monopoly wine tax. Earlier Jianzhou inspector Liu Yi had joined Wang Lin; on bingxu an edict ordered Minister of Works Hou Andu to punish him.
76
That year was Northern Zhou Emperor Wu's Baoding 1.
77
In the third year's spring, first month, gengxu, he established the tent-palace at the southern suburb and with silk announced to Duke Hu as mate to Heaven. On xinhai he sacrificed at the southern suburb; an edict bestowed one degree of noble rank on the people and added one rank for filial piety, fraternal duty, and diligent farming.
78
In the second month Emperor Xuan of Liang died.
79
In the intercalary month, jiyou, he made Baekje king Yu Myeong General Who Pacifies the East and Goguryeo king Go Tang General Who Pacifies the East. Jiangzhou inspector Zhou Di raised troops in response to Liu Yi. On jiazi he recast five-zhu coins.
80
In the third month, bingzi, Prince of Ancheng Xu returned from Zhou. On dingchou he made General Who Pacifies the Right Wu Mingche General Who Pacifies the South and Jiangzhou inspector, commanding southern punishment. On jiashen he proclaimed great amnesty. On gengyin Minister of Works Hou Andu broke Liu Yi at Taozhi Ridge; Yi fled to Jin'an and Dongyang commandery was pacified.
81
In summer's fourth month, guimao, partial amnesty for Dongyang commandery. On yisi Qi envoys came seeking audience.
82
In autumn's seventh month, jichou, the crown prince took Consort Wang; officials received silk by rank and filial farmers who were heirs received two degrees of noble rank.
83
In the ninth month, wuchen, first day, there was a solar eclipse. He made attendant Dao Zhongju Right Vice Director of the Masters of Writing. On dinghai Zhou Di requested surrender.
84
使
In the fourth year's spring, first month, bingzi, Gandhara sent envoys with tribute. On jiashen Zhou Di fled to Min Province and inspector Chen Baoying received him.
85
殿
In summer's fourth month, xinchou, he established an unhindered great assembly and offered his body at the Hall of Supreme Ultimate. On yimao General of Fast Cavalry and Yangzhou inspector Prince of Ancheng Xu received grand prefect insignia.
86
In the sixth month, guisi, Minister of Works Hou Andu was granted death.
87
In autumn's ninth month, renxu, Commissioner Ouyang Yu, Guangzhou inspector, died. On guihai partial amnesty for the capital. On xinwei Zhou Di again raided Linchuan; an edict ordered General Who Protects the Army Zhang Zhaoda to crush him.
88
In winter's twelfth month, bingshen, he proclaimed great amnesty. An edict ordered Zhang Zhaoda to advance to Jian'an against Chen Baoying. In the fifth year's spring, third month, renwu, an edict made the late Zhou Tiewu share sacrifice at Emperor Wu's temple hall.
89
使
In summer's fifth month Zhou and Qi both dispatched envoys seeking audience.
90
In autumn's seventh month, dingchou, partial amnesty for the capital.
91
西
In the ninth month the western city wall was built.
92
In winter's eleventh month, jichou, Zhang Zhaoda captured Chen Baoying and Liu Yi and sent them to Jiankang; Jin'an commandery was pacified. On jiachen he made General Who Protects the Army Zhang Zhaoda General Who Guards the Army with grand prefect insignia.
93
In the twelfth month, jiazi, partial amnesty for Jian'an and Jin'an commanderies. Officers and soldiers who died punishing Chen Baoying received coffins and return to their native districts, their families restored. On guiwei Qi envoys came seeking audience.
94
In the sixth year's spring, first month, jiawu, the crown prince received capping; princes and below received silk by rank; filial heirs received one degree of noble rank; the destitute received five hu of grain each.
95
In summer's fourth month, jiayin, Commissioner and Yangzhou inspector Prince of Ancheng Xu became Minister of Works.
96
In the fifth month Northern Qi Emperor Wucheng transmitted the throne to Crown Prince Wei and styled himself Retired Emperor.
97
In the sixth month, xinyou, a comet appeared north of Upper Terrace. Zhou envoys came seeking audience.
98
西
In autumn's seventh month, guiwei, a great wind from the southwest more than one hundred paces wide struck and destroyed the Spirit Platform observation tower. On jiashen the Hall of Esteeming Worthies collapsed without cause. On bingxu Linchuan administrator Luo Ya beheaded Zhou Di, sent the head to Jiankang, and displayed it at Zhuque Bridge.
99
On jimao he established Prince Bogu as Prince of Xin'an, Bogong as Prince of Jin'an, Boren as Prince of Luling, and Boyi as Prince of Jiangxia.
100
In the ninth month the Great Bridge was newly built.
101
In winter's tenth month, xinhai, Qi envoys came seeking audience.
102
In the twelfth month, yimao, he established Prince Bolin as Prince of Wuling. On guihai partial amnesty for the capital.
103
In Tiankang 1, spring, second month, bingzi, he proclaimed great amnesty and changed the era name.
104
In the third month, jimao, Minister of Works Prince of Ancheng Xu became Director of the Masters of Writing.
105
殿
In summer's fourth month, yimao, imperial grandson Zhize was born; officials received silk by rank and heirs to fathers one degree of noble rank. On guiyou the Emperor died in the Hall of Awakening. The final edict: the crown prince may immediately assume rule; the tomb should be kept frugal and swift; when encoffining completes ministers attend once every three days; public mourning rates follow the old canon. In the sixth month, jiazi, ministers submitted posthumous title Literary Emperor, temple title Shizu. On bingyin he was buried at Yongning Tomb.
106
殿
Emperor Wen rose from common cloth, knew the people's toil, and in state revenue always followed thrift. Keenly discerning true and false, treachery could not hide below. Within one night he pierced the inner quarters to take outside affairs and divide judgments—again and again. Whenever the night watch transmitted the tally in the hall he ordered it thrown on the step stone with a clanging sound, saying: "Though I sleep, I also make them start awake." Such was his self-compulsion.
107
The Deposed Emperor, personal name Bozong, style Fengye, childhood name Yaowang, was Emperor Wen's legitimate eldest son. He was born on gengyin in the fifth month of Liang Chengsheng 3. In Yongding 2, second month, wuchen, he was appointed Heir of Prince of Linchuan. In the third year, when Emperor Wen succeeded, in the eighth month, gengxu, he was established as crown prince. From the Liang house's turmoil the Eastern Palace burned to ash; the crown prince dwelt in Yongfu Palace.
108
殿
In Tiankang 1, fourth month, guiyou, Emperor Wen died; that same day the crown prince ascended at the Hall of Supreme Ultimate and proclaimed great amnesty. An edict ordered civil and military inside and outside to restore their posts and distant regions to halt urgent travel.
109
In the fifth month, jimao, he honored the empress dowager as grand empress dowager and the empress as empress dowager. On gengyin Minister of Works, Yangzhou inspector, and newly appointed Director Prince of Ancheng Xu became chancellor, recorder of the Masters of Writing, and commander-in-chief of all armies. On dingyou General of the Central Army Xu Du with grand prefect insignia became Minister of Works, and General Who Guards the East and Dongyang inspector Prince of Shixing Bozong became General Who Conquers the East with grand prefect insignia. He made Director of the Ministry of Personnel Yuan Shu Left Vice Director of the Masters of Writing. He made Wuxing administrator Shen Qin Right Vice Director. In autumn's seventh month, dingyou, he established Consort Wang as empress.
110
In winter's tenth month, gengshen, he offered sacrifice at the Grand Temple.
111
In the eleventh month, yihai, Zhou envoys came to offer condolences.
112
使
In the twelfth month, jiazi, Goguryeo sent envoys with tribute.
113
That year was Northern Zhou Tianhe 1.
114
In Guangda 1, spring, first month, guiyou, Left Vice Director Yuan Shu died. On yihai he proclaimed great amnesty, changed the era name, and bestowed one degree of noble rank on filial farmers. On xinmao he sacrificed at the southern suburb.
115
In the second month, xinhai, Southern Yuzhou inspector Yu Xiaoxiang plotted rebellion and was executed.
116
In the third month, jiawu, Right Vice Director Shen Qin became attendant and Director of the Masters of Writing.
117
In summer's fifth month, yiwei, Xiangzhou inspector Hua Jiao defied the regency; on bingshen General Who Pacifies the Center Chunyu Liang became General Who Conquers the South and fleet commander against him.
118
In the sixth month, renyin, General of the Central Army and Minister of Works Xu Du became General of Chariots and Cavalry and commander of the capital armies, marching by land to raid Xiangzhou.
119
In autumn's seventh month, wushen, he established Prince Zhize as crown prince; heirs to fathers under heaven received one degree of noble rank; princes and below received silk by rank.
120
使
In the ninth month, bingchen, Baekje sent envoys with tribute. That month Northern Zhou general Tuoba Ding entered Yingzhou with Hua Jiao advancing by land and water; commanders Chunyu Liang and Wu Mingche broke them; Jiao fled in a lone boat to Jiangling; Ding was captured and sent to Jiankang.
121
詿
In winter's tenth month, xinsi, partial amnesty for those in Xiang and Ba provinces misled by Jiao.
122
In the eleventh month, jiazi, General of the Central Guard Wang Chong with grand prefect insignia died.
123
In the twelfth month, gengyin, Commissioner and concurrent attendant Kong Yingzhe became Marquis of Fengsheng Pavilion to serve Confucius's sacrifices.
124
In the second year's spring, first month, jihai, Chancellor Prince of Ancheng Xu was advanced to Grand Preceptor, continuing as chancellor with special honors. Newly appointed General Who Conquers the South Chunyu Liang became General of the Central Army, and General Who Pacifies the South and Xiangzhou inspector Wu Mingche received grand prefect insignia with his original title. On gengzi an edict granted coffins and return to native districts for officers who died punishing Hua Jiao, their families restored. On jiazi Minister of Works Xu Du died.
125
In summer's fifth month, bingchen, Grand Preceptor Prince of Ancheng Xu presented one jade seal.
126
In the sixth month, dinghai, a comet appeared.
127
使
In autumn's seventh month, wushen, Silla sent envoys with tribute. On renxu he established his younger brother Bozhi as Prince of Yongyang and Bozou as Prince of Guiyang.
128
使
In the ninth month Linyi and Langyaxiu both sent envoys with tribute.
129
便 輿
In winter's eleventh month, jiayin, the Cixun empress dowager's order said: "Bozong formerly in the Eastern Palace had no fair reputation; when he reached the throne he unleashed fierce debauchery. The Grand Preceptor personally received the entrustment, righteousness deep as a screen wall, yet the road was not cleared for even a day; still he dispatched Liu Shizhi, Yin Bujiu, and others to speak openly of expulsion and secretly plot chaos—relying on the chief minister's maintenance, only removing those beside the ruler. Also because Yu Xiaoxiang lay close to the capital he was summoned; the altars' spirits extinguished the demon vapor. Then secretly edicting Hua Jiao he raised troops upstream; the state's fortune trembled, almost shifting to villains. Also separately ordering Ouyang He and others to press Hengzhou; south of the ranges turmoil spread, greatly delaying hope. Yet the villainous leaders all perished and day by day one hoped for reform—yet he violated rites and forgot virtue, nature unrepentant. Tent chief Hou Faxi and others under the Grand Preceptor's command constantly roamed the offices; fed with deep profit they plotted rising at the armpit; also tent chief Sun Tai and others secretly linked together in great communication—Heaven tempted their hearts and naturally exposed them. These documents and traces are now shown you—how can one again reverently perform sacrifice and govern the living masses? Now he may specially be demoted to Prince of Linhai and sent back to his princely residence. Grand Preceptor Prince of Ancheng Xu—by nature born with virtue, equal sage and broadly deep; the two empresses fixed their hearts, the three spirits awaited their favor. From the former court's illness he bore overall task for state and house; prestige and kindness mutually proclaimed, punishment and rites jointly established. Moreover the earth displayed the spirit seal and Heaven showed the long comet; spreading the new and removing the old, auspicious omens all displayed. Emperor Wen's mirror for knowing sons very like Emperor Yao; the heart of transmitting to a younger brother long matched Grand Earl. Now he may again declare the former will, honor and establish the worthy ruler; outwardly follow the old canon and welcome the imperial carriage." That same day the emperor moved out to a separate residence. In Taijian 2, fourth month, yimao, he died at age nineteen.
130
The emperor's nature was benevolent and weak, without a ruler's vessel; when he reached the honored position government and punishment all returned to the regent; hence Empress Dowager Xuan, citing Emperor Wen's final will, deposed him.
131
姿 西
The commentary says: Emperor Wu of Chen with fierce resolute bearing met an era of deep sorrow; merit preserved the drowning and the Way crossed the torrent; responding to change without fixed method—truly a hero among men. When the western capital fell and the lands east of the river stood on the brink, Sengbian's task equaled Yi Yin's—yet only Tung Palace resentment was bound; Zhenyang entered borrowing Qin troops—and Mu Ying's tears did not cease. The Emperor seized the gap and rose, then tread the hidden mechanism; the royal enterprise's foundation began here; burning firewood and changing the mandate—surely had cloud to rely upon. Emperor Wen with clan branch received succession, heart preserving caution; moreover honoring Confucian arts and delighting in literary righteousness; respectful thrift in conduct, laboring to aid the masses—ambition broad and far with former sages' wind; facing those below with bright discernment he obtained Yongping-era government. Linhai was weak and soft, the same as Emperor Zhi; though Empress Wen afterward wished not to mirror the Yin Way—could she obtain it?
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