1
資治通鑑第187卷卷第一百八十七
Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Governance, Volume 187
2
【唐紀三】起屠維單閼正月，盡十月，不滿一年。
[Tang Records 3] Spanning from the first month of the year Tuyu Danqie through the tenth month—a period of less than one year.
3
春，正月，壬寅，王世充悉取隋朝顯官、名士為太尉府官屬，杜淹、戴冑皆預焉。 冑，安陽人也。
In spring, during the first month, on the day Renyin, Wang Shichong enlisted all the Sui dynasty's prominent officials and renowned scholars as staff in his Grand Marshal's Office; Du Yan and Dai Zhou were both included. Dai Zhou was a native of Anyang.
4
隋將軍王隆帥屯衛將軍張鎮周、都水少監蘇世長等以山南兵始至東都。 王世充專總朝政，事無大小，悉關太尉府； 台省監署，莫不闃然。 世充立三牌於府門外，一求文學才識堪濟時務者，一求武勇智略能摧鋒陷敵者，一求身有冤滯擁抑不申者。 於是上書陳事者日有數百，世充悉引見，躬自省覽，殷勤慰諭，人人自喜，以為言聽計從，然終無所施行。 下至士卒廝養，世充皆以甘言悅之，而實無恩施。
The Sui general Wang Long led the Palace Guard general Zhang Zhenzhou, the Director of Waterways Su Shichang, and others, bringing troops from the region south of the mountains to the Eastern Capital for the first time. Wang Shichong had seized control of the government, and matters large and small all had to go through his Grand Marshal's Office. The central ministries and supervisory offices stood utterly idle. Shichong posted three notices outside his headquarters: one calling for scholars of learning and ability who could help govern the age; one for warriors of courage and strategy who could smash the enemy vanguard; and one for anyone who had suffered wrongs and had no channel to seek redress. Soon hundreds of people were submitting petitions each day. Shichong met them all in person, read their submissions himself, and spoke to them with warm encouragement. Everyone went away pleased, believing he would act on their advice—but in the end he implemented nothing at all. Even down to ordinary soldiers and grooms, Shichong flattered everyone with pleasant words, yet never bestowed any real benefit.
5
隋馬軍總管獨孤武都為世充所親任，其從弟司隸大夫機與虞部郎楊恭慎、前勃海郡主簿孫師孝、步兵總管劉孝元、李儉、崔孝仁謀召唐兵，使孝仁說武都曰：「王公徒為兒女之態以悅下愚，而鄙隘貪忍，不顧親舊，豈能成大業哉！ 圖識之文，應歸李氏，人皆知之。 唐起晉陽，奄有關內，兵不留行，英雄景附。 且坦懷待物，舉善責功，不念舊惡，據勝勢以爭天下，誰能敵之！ 吾屬托身非所，坐待夷滅。 今任管公兵近在新安，又吾之故人也，若遣間使召之，使夜造城下，吾曹共為內應，開門納之，事無不集矣。」 武都從之。 事洩，世充皆殺之。 恭慎，達之子也。
The Sui cavalry commander Dugu Wudu enjoyed Shichong's favor. His younger cousin Dugu Ji, a Director of the Imperial Secretariat, joined with Yang Gongjing of the Bureau of Parks, the former Bohai chief clerk Sun Shixiao, the infantry commander Liu Xiaoyuan, Li Jian, and Cui Xiaoren in a plot to bring in Tang forces. Xiaoren urged Wudu: 'Our prince only plays the fond parent to win over the ignorant, yet he is petty, greedy, and cruel and cares nothing for kin or old ties—how could such a man build a lasting realm? The omens and prophecies all point to the house of Li, as everyone knows. The Tang rose at Jinyang, quickly took the Guanzhong region, and its armies swept forward without stopping while heroes gathered to its banner. Moreover the Tang is open-hearted toward others, rewards merit and talent, and does not cling to old grudges. Contending for the empire from such a position of strength, who could stand against it! We have cast our lot with the wrong side and can only sit by while we are wiped out. General Ren Guan's army is now close at Xinan, and he is an old acquaintance of ours. If we send a secret envoy to call him and have his men come to the walls by night, we can act together from within, open the gates, and admit them—the plan cannot fail.' Wudu agreed to the plan. When the plot was discovered, Shichong had them all executed. Gongjing was a son of Yang Da.
6
癸卯，命秦王世民出鎮長春宮。
On the day Guimao, the Prince of Qin, Li Shimin, was ordered to take up command at Changchun Palace.
7
宇文化及攻魏州總管元寶藏，四旬不克。 魏徵往說之，丁未，寶藏舉州來降。
Yuwen Huaji besieged Yuan Baocang, the commander of Wei prefecture, but failed to capture it even after forty days. Wei Zheng went to persuade him, and on the day Dingwei, Baocang surrendered the whole prefecture.
8
戊午，淮安王神通擊宇文化及於魏縣，化及不能抗，東走聊城。 神通拔魏縣，斬獲二千餘人，引兵追化及至聊城，圍之。
On the day Wuwu, Prince Huai'an Li Shentong attacked Yuwen Huaji at Wei county. Huaji could not hold his ground and fled east to Liaocheng. Shentong captured Wei county, killing and capturing more than two thousand of the enemy, then pursued Huaji to Liaocheng and laid siege to the city.
9
甲子，以陳叔達為納言。
On the day Jiazi, Chen Shuda was appointed Director of the Secretariat.
10
丙寅，李密所置伊州刺史張善相來降。
On the day Bingyin, Zhang Shanxiang, the governor of Yi prefecture whom Li Mi had appointed, came over to the Tang.
11
朱粲有眾二十萬，剽掠漢、淮之間，遷徙無常，攻破州縣，食其積粟未盡，復他適，將去，悉焚其餘資； 又不務稼穡，民餒死者如積。 粲無可復掠，軍中乏食，乃教士卒烹婦人、嬰兒□敢之，曰：「肉之美者無過於人，但使他國有人，何憂於餒！」 隋著作佐郎陸從典、通事舍人顏愍楚，謫官在南陽，粲初引為賓客，其後無食，闔家皆為所□敢。 愍楚，之推之子也。 又稅諸城堡細弱以供軍食，諸城堡相帥叛之。 淮安土豪楊士林、田瓚起兵攻粲，諸州皆應之。 粲與戰於淮源，大敗，帥餘眾數千奔菊潭。 士林家世蠻酋，隋末，士林為鷹揚府校尉，殺郡官而據其郡。 既逐朱粲，己巳，帥漢東四郡遣使詣信州總管廬江王瑗請降，詔以為顯州道行台。 士林以瓚為長史。
Zhu Can commanded two hundred thousand men. He plundered the region between the Han and Huai rivers, shifting camp constantly. He overran prefectures and counties, and before the grain he had seized was gone he would move on; when he left, he burned everything that remained. He paid no attention to agriculture, and the dead from starvation lay in heaps. When there was nothing left to loot and his army ran short of food, Can ordered his soldiers to boil women and infants and eat them, saying, 'No meat is finer than human flesh—as long as other lands still have people, why should we fear hunger!' Lu Congdian, an Assistant Editor of Writings under the Sui, and Yan Minchu, a Master of Ceremonies—both demoted officials at Nanyang—had first been received by Can as honored guests; later, when food ran out, their whole families were devoured. Minchu was a son of Yan Zhitui. He also seized the weak from the fortified settlements to feed his troops, and the settlements rose against him one after another. The local strongmen Yang Shilin and Tian Zan of Huai'an raised forces against Can, and prefectures throughout the region joined them. Can met them in battle at Huaiyuan, was routed, and fled with a few thousand survivors to Jutan. The Shilin family had long been chieftains among the southern tribes. At the end of the Sui, Shilin served as a captain in the Hawk-raising Guard, killed the prefectural officials, and took control of the commandery. After driving off Zhu Can, on the day Jisi he led the four commanderies east of the Han and sent envoys to Prince Lujiang Li Yuan, commander of Xin prefecture, to submit. The court appointed him Regional Commander of the Xianzhou Circuit. Shilin appointed Tian Zan as his chief administrator.
12
初，王世充既殺元、盧，慮人情未服，猶媚事皇泰主，禮甚謙敬。 又請為劉太后假子，尊號曰聖感皇太后。 既而漸驕橫，嘗賜食於禁中，還家大吐，疑遇毒，自是不復朝謁。 皇泰主知其終不為臣，而力不能制，唯取內庫彩物大造幡花； 又出諸服玩，令僧散施貧乏以求福。 世充使其黨張績、董浚守章善、顯福二門，宮內雜物，毫釐不得出。 是月，世充使人獻印及劍。 又言河水清，欲以耀眾，為己符瑞雲。
Earlier, after Wang Shichong had killed Yuan and Lu, he feared the court had not yet accepted him and continued to court Emperor Gong of Sui with elaborate deference. He also asked to be adopted as a son by Empress Dowager Liu and honored her with the title Sagely and Responsive Empress Dowager. Before long he grew arrogant. Once, after dining in the palace, he returned home and vomited violently, suspecting poison; from then on he stopped attending court. Emperor Gong knew Shichong would never truly be his subject but lacked the power to restrain him, and could only take silks from the inner treasury to make banners and floral offerings. He also brought out robes and valuables and had monks distribute them to the poor in hopes of gaining merit. Shichong posted his followers Zhang Ji and Dong Jun at the Zhangshan and Xianfu gates so that not even the smallest item could leave the palace. That month Shichong sent envoys to present a seal and a sword. He also proclaimed that the Yellow River had run clear, hoping to impress the people and claim it as an omen of his destined rule.
13
上遣金紫光祿大夫武功靳孝謨安集邊郡，為梁師都所獲。 孝謨罵之極口，師都殺之。 二月，詔追賜爵武昌縣公，謚曰忠。
The emperor sent Jin Xiaomo of Wugong, a Grandee of Splendid Happiness with Golden Seal, to pacify the frontier commanderies, but Liang Shidu captured him. Xiaomo reviled him without restraint, and Shidu had him executed. In the second month an edict posthumously ennobled him as Duke of Wuchang county with the posthumous name Loyal.
14
初定租、庸、調法，每丁租二石，絹二匹，綿三兩； 自茲以外，不得橫有調斂。
The land tax, corvée, and equal-tax system was established for the first time: each adult male owed two piculs of grain, two bolts of silk, and three ounces of cotton. Beyond these fixed obligations, no additional exactions were allowed.
15
丙戌，詔：「諸宗姓居官者在同列之上，未仕者免其徭役； 每州置宗師一人以攝總，別為團伍。」
On the day Bingxu an edict declared: 'Members of the imperial clan who hold office shall take precedence over colleagues of equal rank; those not in office shall be exempt from labor service. Each prefecture shall appoint one clan director to oversee them, and they shall be organized into separate companies.'
16
張俟德至涼，李軌召其群臣廷議曰：「唐天子，吾之從兄，今已正位京邑。 一姓不可自爭天下，吾欲去帝號，受其官爵，可乎？」 曹珍曰：「隋失其鹿，天下共逐之，稱王稱帝者，奚啻一人！ 唐帝關中，涼帝河右，固不相妨。 且已為天子，奈何復自貶黜！ 必欲以小事大，請依蕭察事魏故事。」 軌從之。 戊戌，軌遣其尚書左丞鄧曉入見，奉書稱「皇從弟大涼皇帝臣軌」而不受官爵。 帝怒，拘曉不遣，始議興師討之。
When Zhang Side reached Liang, Li Gui convened his ministers and said: 'The Tang emperor is my cousin, and he has now taken the throne in the capital. One family cannot fight itself for the empire. I wish to renounce my imperial title and accept offices and titles from him—what do you think?' Cao Zhen replied: 'When the Sui lost the realm, everyone rushed to seize it; more than one man has called himself king or emperor! The Tang emperor holds Guanzhong and you hold Hexi—they need not clash. Besides, you are already emperor—how can you demote yourself again! If you insist on acknowledging a superior, follow the precedent of Xiao Cha's submission to the Northern Wei.' Li Gui accepted this counsel. On the day Wuxu, Li Gui sent his Left Vice Director Deng Xiao to court with a letter addressing the emperor as 'your imperial cousin, Emperor of Great Liang, your subject Gui,' and refused to accept any Tang title or office. The emperor was furious, detained Xiao, and began planning a military campaign against Liang.
17
初，隋煬帝自征吐谷渾，吐谷渾可汗伏允以數千騎奔党項，煬帝立其質子順為主，使統餘眾，不果入而還。 會中國喪亂，伏允復還收其故地。 上受禪，順自江都還長安，上遣使與伏允連和，使擊李軌，許以順還之。 伏允喜，起兵擊軌，數遣使入貢請順，上遣之。
Earlier, when Emperor Yang of Sui campaigned personally against the Tuyuhun, the khan Fuyun fled with several thousand horsemen to the Tangut tribes. Yang installed Fuyun's hostage son Shun as ruler and ordered him to command the remnant tribes, but the expedition failed to penetrate their territory and withdrew. When China fell into chaos, Fuyun returned and reconquered his former domains. After the Tang founder took the throne, Shun returned from Jiangdu to Chang'an. The emperor sent envoys to ally with Fuyun and urged him to attack Li Gui, promising to return Shun to him. Fuyun was delighted, marched against Li Gui, and repeatedly sent tribute missions asking for Shun's return; the emperor sent Shun to him.
18
閏月，朱粲遣使請降，詔以粲為楚王，聽自置官屬，以便宜從事。
In the intercalary month Zhu Can sent envoys to submit. The court appointed him King of Chu, authorized him to appoint his own officials, and granted him discretionary authority.
19
宇文化及以珍貨誘海曲諸賊，賊帥王薄帥眾從之，與共守聊城。
Yuwen Huaji used treasure to win over the bandits along the coast. Their leader Wang Bo brought his men to join Huaji, and together they held Liaocheng.
20
竇建德謂其群下曰：「吾為隋民，隋為吾君； 今宇文化及弒逆，乃吾仇也，吾不可以不討！」 乃引兵趣聊城。
Dou Jiande told his followers: 'I am a subject of the Sui, and the Sui is my sovereign. Yuwen Huaji has murdered his sovereign—he is my enemy, and I cannot leave him unpunished!' He then marched his army toward Liaocheng.
21
淮安王神通攻聊城，化及糧盡，請降，神通不許。 安撫副使崔世幹勸神通許之，神通曰：「軍士暴露日久，賊食盡計窮，克在旦暮，吾當攻取以示國威，且散其玉帛以勞戰士； 若受其降，將何以為軍賞乎！」 世幹曰：「今建德方至，若化及未平，內外受敵，吾軍必敗。 夫不攻而下之，為功甚易，奈何貪其玉帛而不受乎！」 神通怒，囚世幹於軍中。 既而宇文士及自濟北饋之，化及軍稍振，遂復拒戰。 神通督兵攻之，貝州刺史趙君德攀堞先登，神通心害其功，收兵不戰。 君德大詬而下，遂不克。 建德軍且至，神通引兵退。
Prince Huai'an Li Shentong besieged Liaocheng. When Huaji's supplies ran out he asked to surrender, but Shentong refused. The Vice Commissioner for Pacification Cui Shigan urged Shentong to accept the surrender. Shentong replied: 'Our men have been in the field too long. The rebels are starving and at their wits' end—victory is at hand. I mean to storm the city to display imperial might and distribute their treasure to reward the troops. If I accept their surrender, what will I have left to reward the army with!' Shigan said: 'Dou Jiande is on his way. If Huaji is not settled before he arrives, we will be caught between two enemies and our army will surely be defeated. Taking the city without a fight would be the easiest victory—why let greed for their treasure keep you from accepting!' Shentong flew into a rage and had Shigan imprisoned in the camp. Soon Yuwen Shiji sent supplies from north of the Ji River, Huaji's forces recovered somewhat, and they resumed fighting. Shentong pressed the assault. Zhao Junde, prefect of Bei, was first over the wall, but Shentong, resentful of another man's glory, pulled his troops back and stopped fighting. Junde cursed him furiously and climbed down, and the assault failed. With Jiande's army approaching, Shentong withdrew his forces.
22
建德與化及連戰，大破之，化及復保聊城。 建德縱兵四面急攻，王薄開門納之。 建德入城，生擒化及，先謁隋蕭皇后，語皆稱臣，素服哭煬帝盡哀； 收傳國璽及鹵簿儀仗，撫存隋之百官，然後執逆黨宇文智及、楊士覽、元武達、許弘仁、孟景，集隋官而斬之，梟首軍門之外。 以檻車載化及並二子承基、承趾至襄國，斬之。 化及且死，更無餘言，但云：「不負夏王！」
Jiande fought Huaji repeatedly and routed him; Huaji fell back to defend Liaocheng again. Jiande pressed the attack from all sides, and Wang Bo opened the gates to let him in. Jiande entered the city and took Huaji alive. He first paid court to Empress Xiao of Sui, addressing her as a subject, dressed in mourning white, and wept for Emperor Yang with full grief. He seized the imperial seal and ceremonial regalia, reassured the Sui officials, then arrested the regicides Yuwen Zhiji, Yang Shilan, Yuan Wuda, Xu Hongren, and Meng Jing. Before the assembled Sui court he had them beheaded and their heads displayed outside the camp gate. He placed Huaji and his sons Chenggi and Chengzhi in caged carts, brought them to Xiangguo, and executed them. Facing death, Huaji said nothing else but: 'I have not failed King Xia!'
23
建德每戰勝克城，所得資財，悉以分將士，身無所取。 又不□敢肉，常食蔬，茹粟飯； 妻曹氏，不衣紈綺，所役婢妾，才十許人。 及破化及，得隋宮人千數，即時散遣之。 以隋黃門侍郎裴矩為左僕射，掌選事，兵部侍郎崔君肅為侍中，少府令何稠為工部尚書，右司郎中柳調為左丞，虞世南為黃門侍郎，歐陽詢為太常卿。 詢，紇之子也。 自餘隨才授職，委以政事。 其不願留，欲詣關中及東都者，亦聽之，仍給資糧，以兵援之出境。 隋驍果尚近萬人，亦各縱遣，任其所之。 又與王世充結好，遣使奉表於隋皇泰主，皇泰主封為夏王。 建德起於群盜，雖建國，未有文物法度，裴矩為之定朝儀，制律令，建德甚悅，每從之咨訪典禮。 甲辰，上考第群臣，以李綱、孫伏伽為第一。 因置酒高會，謂裴寂等曰：「隋氏以主驕臣諂亡天下，朕即位以來，每虛心求諫，然唯李綱差盡忠款，孫伏伽可謂誠直。 餘人猶踵敝風，俯眉而已，豈朕所望哉！ 朕視卿如愛子，卿當視朕如慈父。 有懷必盡，勿自隱也。」 因命捨君臣之敬，極歡而罷。
Whenever Jiande won a battle or captured a city, he divided all the spoils among his officers and men and kept nothing for himself. He ate no meat, living chiefly on vegetables and plain millet. His wife Lady Cao wore no silk or brocade, and she kept only about ten maids and concubines. After defeating Huaji he took charge of several thousand Sui palace women and immediately sent them all away. He appointed Pei Ju, former Sui Director of the Palace Secretariat, as Left Vice Director in charge of appointments; Cui Junsu, Vice Minister of War, as Palace Attendant; He Chou, Director of the Palace Workshops, as Minister of Works; Liu Diao of the Right Department as Left Assistant; Yu Shinan as Director of the Palace Secretariat; and Ouyang Xun as Minister of Ceremonies. Ouyang Xun was a son of Ouyang He. The others he appointed according to their abilities and entrusted with the administration. Those who wished to leave for Guanzhong or the Eastern Capital were allowed to go, and he supplied them with provisions and escorted them to the border with troops. Nearly ten thousand of the Sui elite guard still remained, and he released them all to go wherever they chose. He also made peace with Wang Shichong, sent a memorial to Emperor Gong of Sui, and was enfeoffed as King of Xia. Jiande had risen from banditry, and though he had founded a state he lacked proper institutions. Pei Ju established court ritual and drafted laws for him. Jiande was delighted and constantly sought his counsel on ceremony. On the day Jiachen the emperor ranked his ministers in performance review, placing Li Gang and Sun Fuga at the top. He then held a grand banquet and told Pei Ji and the others: 'The Sui lost the empire because its ruler grew arrogant and its ministers flattered him. Since my accession I have sought advice with an open mind, yet only Li Gang has shown real loyalty, and Sun Fuga may truly be called honest and forthright. The rest still follow the old habit of bowing and scraping—is that what I expect of you! I regard you as my own sons; you should regard me as a father. Speak your minds fully and hold nothing back. He then told them to set aside court formality, and the feast broke up only after everyone had drunk their fill."
24
遣前御史大夫段確使於朱粲。
The emperor sent the former Censor-in-Chief Duan Que as envoy to Zhu Can.
25
初，上為隋殿內少監，宇文士及為尚輦奉御，上與之善。 士及從化及至黎陽，上手詔召之，士及潛遣家僮間道詣長安，又因使者獻金環。 化及至魏縣，兵勢日蹙，士及勸之歸唐，化及不從，內史令封德彝說士及於濟北征督軍糧以觀其變。 化及稱帝，立士及為蜀王。 化及死，士及與德彝自濟北來降。 時士及妹為昭儀，由是授上儀同。 上以封德彝隋室舊臣，而諂巧不忠，深誚責之，罷遣就捨。 德彝以秘策幹上，上悅，尋拜內史舍人，俄遷待郎。
Earlier, when the emperor served as Deputy Director of the Palace Secretariat under the Sui, Yuwen Shiji was Master of the Imperial Carriages, and the two were close friends. Shiji followed Huaji to Liyang. The emperor summoned him by secret edict. Shiji secretly sent a household slave by a back road to Chang'an and also sent a gold ring through an envoy. When Huaji reached Wei county his position grew desperate day by day. Shiji urged him to surrender to the Tang, but Huaji refused. Feng Deyi, Director of the Secretariat, persuaded Shiji to go north of the Ji River to collect army provisions and watch how events unfolded. When Huaji declared himself emperor he made Shiji King of Shu. After Huaji's death, Shiji and Deyi came from north of the Ji River to submit. Shiji's younger sister was then a Senior Concubine, and for this reason he was granted the rank of Upper Companionship. The emperor saw Feng Deyi as a former Sui minister who was flattering and disloyal, rebuked him harshly, and sent him home. Deyi won the emperor over with secret counsel. The emperor was pleased and soon appointed him Attendant of the Secretariat, then quickly promoted him to Attendant-in-Ordinary.
26
甲寅，隋夷陵郡丞安陸許紹帥黔安、武陵、澧陽等諸郡來降。 紹幼與帝同學； 詔以紹為峽州刺史，賜爵安陸公。
On the day Jiayin, Xu Shao of Anlu, acting magistrate of Yiling commandery, led Qian'an, Wuling, Liyang, and other commanderies in submission. Shao had been the emperor's schoolmate in youth. An edict appointed Shao governor of Xia prefecture and enfeoffed him as Duke of Anlu.
27
丙辰，以徐世勣為黎州總管。
On the day Bingchen, Xu Shiji was appointed commander of Li prefecture.
28
丁巳，驃騎將軍張孝鈱以勁卒百人襲王世充汜水城，入其郛，沉米船百五十艘。
On the day Dingsi, General of Flying Cavalry Zhang Xiaoyin led a hundred elite troops in a raid on Wang Shichong's Sishui city, entered the suburbs, and sank one hundred fifty grain transports.
29
己未，世充寇穀州。 世充以秦叔寶為龍驤大將軍，程知節為將軍，待之皆厚。 然二人疾世充多詐，知節謂叔寶曰：「王公器度淺狹而多妄語，好為咒誓，此乃老巫嫗耳，豈撥亂之主乎！」 世充與唐兵戰於九曲，叔寶、知節皆將兵在陳，與其徒數十騎，西馳百許步，下馬拜世充曰：「僕荷公殊禮，深思報效； 公性猜忌，喜信讒言，非僕托身之所，今不能仰事，請從此辭。」 遂躍馬來降，世充不敢逼。 上使事秦王世民，世民素聞其名，厚禮之，以叔寶為馬軍總管，知節為左三統軍。 時世充驍將又有驃騎武安李君羨、征南將軍臨邑田留安，亦惡世充之為人，帥眾來降。 世民引君羨置左右，以留安為右四統軍。
On the day Jiwei, Shichong attacked Gu prefecture. Shichong appointed Qin Shubao Grand General of the Dragon Cavalry and Cheng Zhijie a general, treating both with great favor. Yet both men despised Shichong's treachery. Zhijie said to Shubao: 'Our prince is petty and deceitful, forever swearing oaths like some old village witch—how could such a man pacify the realm!' When Shichong fought the Tang at Jiuqu, Shubao and Zhijie were both in the line. With several dozen followers they rode west about a hundred paces, dismounted, and bowed to Shichong: 'I have received exceptional favor from you and long wished to repay it. But you are suspicious by nature and quick to believe slander. This is no lord I can serve. I can remain no longer and beg leave to depart.' They then spurred their horses toward the Tang lines, and Shichong did not dare stop them. The emperor assigned them to Prince Qin Li Shimin, who had long admired their reputations and received them with great honor. He made Shubao cavalry commander and Zhijie Left Third Corps Commander. Two more of Shichong's fierce generals, Li Junxian of Wu'an and Tian Liu'an of Linyi, also despised Shichong's character and came over with their men. Shimin kept Junxian at his side and made Liu'an Right Fourth Corps Commander.
30
王世充囚李育德之兄厚德於獲嘉，厚德與其守將趙君穎逐殷州刺史段大師，以城來降。 以厚德為殷州刺史。
Wang Shichong had imprisoned Li Yude's elder brother Houde at Huojia. Houde joined the garrison commander Zhao Junying in expelling Yin prefecture's governor Duan Dashi and surrendered the city. Houde was appointed governor of Yin prefecture.
31
竇建德陷邢州，執總管陳君賓。
Dou Jiande captured Xing prefecture and seized its commander Chen Junbin.
32
上遣殿內監竇誕、右衛將軍宇文歆助并州總管齊王元吉守晉陽。 誕，抗之子也，尚帝女襄陽公主。 元吉性驕侈，奴客婢妾數百人，好使之被甲，戲為攻戰，前後死傷甚眾，元吉亦嘗被傷。 其乳母陳善意苦諫，元吉醉，怒，命壯士毆殺之。 性好田獵，載罔罟三十餘車，嘗言：「我寧三日不食，不能一日不獵。」 常與誕遊獵，蹂踐人禾稼。 又縱左右奪民物，當衢射人，觀其避箭。 夜，開府門，宣淫他室。 百姓憤怨，歆屢諫不納，乃表言其狀。 壬戌，元吉坐免官。
The emperor sent Palace Director Dou Dan and Right Guard general Yuwen Xin to help Prince Qi Li Yuanji, commander of Bing prefecture, defend Jinyang. Dan was a son of Dou Kang and had married the emperor's daughter, Princess Xiangyang. Yuanji was arrogant and extravagant. He kept several hundred servants and concubines and liked to arm them for mock battles; many were killed or wounded, and Yuanji himself was once hurt. His wet nurse Chen Shanyi pleaded with him repeatedly. Drunk and enraged, Yuanji ordered his men to beat her to death. He loved hunting and traveled with more than thirty cartloads of nets and snares, saying once, 'I would rather go three days without food than one day without the hunt.' He often hunted with Dan, trampling the farmers' crops. He let his followers rob the people, shot at passersby in the streets, and amused himself watching them dodge. At night he opened his mansion gates and violated women in other households. The people seethed with anger. Xin remonstrated repeatedly without effect and finally memorialized the throne describing Yuanji's conduct. On the day Renxu, Yuanji was dismissed from office.
33
癸亥，陟州刺史李育德攻下王世充河內堡聚三十一所。 乙丑，世充遣其兄子君廓侵陟州，李育德擊走之，斬首千餘級。 李厚德歸省親疾，使李育德守獲嘉，世充並兵攻之，丁卯，城陷，育德及弟三人皆戰死。
On the day Guihai, Li Yude, governor of Zhi prefecture, captured thirty-one of Wang Shichong's fortified posts in Henei. On the day Yichou, Shichong sent his nephew Junguo to raid Zhi prefecture. Li Yude repulsed him and took more than a thousand heads. Li Houde went home to tend his parents' illness and left Yude to hold Huojia. Shichong concentrated his forces against the city. On the day Dingmao it fell, and Yude and his three brothers all died fighting.
34
己巳，李公逸以雍丘來降，拜杞州總管，以其族弟善行為杞州刺史。
On the day Jisi, Li Gongyi surrendered Yongqiu. He was appointed commander of Qi prefecture, and his cousin Shanxing was made its governor.
35
隋吏部侍郎楊恭仁，從宇文化及至河北； 化及敗，魏州總管元寶藏獲之，己巳，送長安。 上與之有舊，拜黃門侍郎，尋以為涼州總管。 恭仁素習邊事，曉羌、胡情偽，民夷悅服，自蔥嶺已東，並入朝貢。
Yang Gongren, former Sui Vice Minister of Personnel, had followed Yuwen Huaji to Hebei. When Huaji was defeated, Yuan Baocang, commander of Wei prefecture, captured him and on the day Jisi sent him to Chang'an. The emperor knew him from old days, appointed him Vice Director of the Palace Secretariat, and soon made him commander of Liang prefecture. Gongren had long experience on the frontier and understood the Qiang and Hu peoples. Chinese and tribesmen alike submitted willingly, and from east of the Onion Mountains all sent tribute to court.
36
突厥始畢可汗將其眾渡河至夏州，梁師都發兵會之，以五百騎授劉武周，欲自句注入寇太原。 會始畢卒，子什缽苾幼，未可立，立其弟俟利弗設為處羅可汗。 處羅以什缽苾為尼步設，使居東偏，直幽州之北。 先是，上遣右武候將軍高靜奉幣使於始畢，至豐州，聞始畢卒，敕納於所在之庫。 突厥聞之，怒，欲入寇； 豐州總管張長遜遣高靜以幣出塞為朝廷致賻，突厥乃還。
The Türk qaghan Shibi led his people across the river to Xia prefecture. Liang Shidu sent troops to join him and gave Liu Wuzhou five hundred horsemen, planning to invade Taiyuan from Gouzhu. Shibi then died. His son Shibole was still a child and could not succeed, so his younger brother Tolifu was installed as Qaghan Chuluo. Chuluo made Shibole the Eastern Qaghan and stationed him in the east, directly north of You prefecture. Earlier the emperor had sent Right Martial Guard general Gao Jing with tribute to Shibi. At Feng prefecture he learned of Shibi's death and was ordered to deposit the gifts in the local treasury. When the Türks heard of this they were furious and prepared to raid. Zhang Changsun, commander of Feng prefecture, sent Gao Jing beyond the border with the tribute as condolence gifts from the court, and the Türks withdrew.
37
三月，庚午，梁師都寇靈州，長史楊則擊走之。
In the third month, on the day Gengwu, Liang Shidu raided Ling prefecture and was repulsed by chief administrator Yang Ze.
38
壬申，王世充寇穀州，刺史史萬寶戰不利。
On the day Renshen, Wang Shichong attacked Gu prefecture, and governor Shi Wanbao was defeated.
39
庚辰，隋北海通守鄭虔符、文登令方惠整及東海、齊郡、東平、任城、平陸、壽張、須昌賊帥王薄等並以其地來降。
On the day Gengchen, Zheng Qianfu, Sui communications commissioner of Beihai, Fang Huizheng, magistrate of Wendeng, and the bandit leader Wang Bo and others from Donghai, Qi, Dongping, Rencheng, Pinglu, Shouzhang, and Xuchang all submitted their territories.
40
王世充之寇新安也。 外示攻取，實召文武之附己者議受禪。 李世英深以為不可，曰：「四方所以奔馳歸附東都者，以公能中興隋室故也。 今九州之地，未清其一，遽正位號，恐遠人皆思叛去矣！」 世充曰：「公言是也！」 長史韋節、楊續等曰：「隋氏數窮，在理昭然。 夫非常之事，固不可與常人議之。」 太史令樂德融曰：「昔歲長星出，乃除舊布新之征； 今歲星在角、亢。 亢，鄭之分野。 若不亟順天道，恐王氣衰息。」 世充從之。 外兵曹參軍戴冑言於世充曰：「君臣猶父子也，休戚同之，明公莫若竭忠徇國，則家國俱安矣。」 世充詭辭稱善而遣之，世充議受九錫，冑復固諫，世充怒，出為鄭州長史，使與兄子行本鎮虎牢。 乃使段達等言於皇泰主，請加世充九錫。 皇泰主曰：「鄭公近平李密，已拜太尉，自是以來，未有殊績，俟天下稍平，議之未晚。」 段達曰：「太尉欲之。」 皇泰主熟視達曰：「任公！」 辛巳，達等以皇泰主之詔，命世充為相國，假黃鉞，總百揆，進爵鄭王，加九錫，鄭國置丞相以下官。
When Wang Shichong attacked Xin'an. Outwardly he was making war, but in fact he summoned loyal officials to discuss taking the throne. Li Shiying strongly opposed the idea, saying: 'The four quarters have rallied to the Eastern Capital because they believe you can restore the Sui. Not one of the nine provinces is yet pacified. If you declare yourself emperor now, I fear the distant regions will turn away!' Shichong said: 'You are right!' Chief administrators Wei Jie, Yang Xu, and others said: 'The Sui mandate is clearly exhausted. An extraordinary matter such as this cannot be debated with ordinary men.' Director of Astronomy Yue Derong said: 'Last year a long comet appeared, a sign of removing the old and establishing the new. This year the Year Star stands in Jiao and Kang. Kang is the astral domain of Zheng. If you do not quickly follow Heaven's mandate, I fear your royal fortune will fade. Shichong accepted this counsel. Dai Zhou of the Outer Bureau of Military Affairs told Shichong: 'Ruler and minister are like father and son and share the same fate. Your Excellency would do better to serve the state with full loyalty—then both your house and the realm will be secure.' Shichong answered politely and dismissed him. When Shichong discussed receiving the Nine Bestowals, Zhou remonstrated again. Shichong was furious and sent him out as chief administrator of Zheng prefecture, posting him with his nephew Xingben to garrison Hulao. He then had Duan Da and others ask Emperor Gong to grant Shichong the Nine Bestowals. Emperor Gong said: 'Prince Zheng has only recently defeated Li Mi and was made Grand Marshal. Since then he has done nothing especially meritorious. Wait until the realm is somewhat settled—it will not be too late.' Duan Da said: 'The Grand Marshal wants them.' Emperor Gong stared hard at Da and said: 'Lord Ren!' On the day Xinsi, by Emperor Gong's edict conveyed through Da and the others, Shichong was made Chancellor of State with the yellow battle-axe, given control of all government affairs, enfeoffed as Prince of Zheng with the Nine Bestowals, and granted a full state apparatus for Zheng."
41
初，宇文化及以隋大理卿鄭善果為民部尚書。 從至聊城，為化及督戰，中流矢。 竇建德克聊城，王琮獲善果，責之曰：「公名臣之家，隋室大臣，奈何為弒君之賊效命，苦戰傷痍至此乎！」 善果大慚，欲自殺，宋正本馳往救止之； 建德復不為禮，乃奔相州，淮安王神通送之長安。 庚午，善果至，上優禮之，拜左庶子、檢校內史待郎。
Earlier, Yuwen Huaji had appointed Zheng Shanguo, Sui Director of the Court of Judicial Review, as Minister of Revenue. He followed Huaji to Liaocheng and directed the fighting there, where he was struck by an arrow. When Dou Jiande captured Liaocheng, Wang Cong seized Shanguo and rebuked him: 'You come from a house of eminent ministers and served the Sui as a great official—how could you fight so desperately for a regicide that you are wounded like this!' Shanguo was deeply ashamed and tried to kill himself, but Song Zhengben rushed to stop him. Jiande treated him coldly, so he fled to Xiang prefecture, and Prince Huai'an Shentong sent him on to Chang'an. On the day Gengwu, Shanguo arrived. The emperor received him with exceptional honor and appointed him Left Assistant to the Heir Apparent and Acting Vice Director of the Secretariat.
42
齊王元吉諷并州父老詣闕留己； 甲申，復以元吉為并州總管。
Prince Qi Yuanji prompted the elders of Bing prefecture to petition the court to keep him in office. On the day Jiashen, Yuanji was reappointed commander of Bing prefecture.
43
戊子，淮南五州皆遣使來降。
On the day Wuzi, all five Huainan prefectures sent envoys to submit.
44
辛卯，劉武周寇并州。
On the day Xinmao, Liu Wuzhou attacked Bing prefecture.
45
壬辰，營州總管鄧暠擊高開道，敗之。
On the day Renchen, Deng Gao, commander of Ying prefecture, attacked Gao Kaidao and defeated him.
46
甲午，王世充遣其將高毘寇義州。
On the day Jiawu, Wang Shichong sent his general Gao Pi to attack Yi prefecture.
47
東都道士桓法嗣獻《孔子閉房記》於王世充，言「相國當代隋為天子」。 世充大悅，以法嗣為諫議大夫。 世充又羅取雜鳥，書帛繫頸，自言符命而縱之。 有得鳥來獻者，亦拜官爵。 於是段達以皇泰主命，加世充殊禮。 世充奉表三讓，百官勸進，設位於都常。 納言蘇威年老，不任朝謁，世充以威隋氏重臣，欲以炫耀士民，每勸進，必冠威名。 及受殊禮之日，扶威置百官之上，然後南面正坐受之。
The Daoist Huan Fasi of the Eastern Capital presented the Record of Confucius in Seclusion to Wang Shichong, declaring that 'the Chancellor of State is destined to replace the Sui as emperor.' Shichong was delighted and made Fasi a Remonstrance Counselor. Shichong also caught birds, tied silk messages proclaiming his heavenly mandate around their necks, and released them. Anyone who caught such a bird and presented it was also rewarded with office and rank. Then, by Emperor Gong's command conveyed through Duan Da, Shichong was granted extraordinary honors. Shichong submitted three formal refusals; the officials urged him to accept; the throne was set up at the usual place in the capital. Su Wei, Director of the Secretariat, was too old for court audiences. Shichong, wishing to impress the people by displaying a great Sui minister, always listed Wei's name first among those urging his accession. On the day he received the extraordinary honors, he had Wei supported to a place above all the officials, then took the throne facing south.
48
夏，四月，劉武周引突厥之眾，軍於黃蛇嶺，兵鋒甚盛。 齊王元吉使車騎將軍張達以步卒百人嘗寇； 達辭以兵少不可往，元吉強遣之，至則俱沒。 達忿恨，庚子，引武周襲榆次，陷之。
In summer, during the fourth month, Liu Wuzhou led Türk forces to Huangshe Ridge, and his army's momentum was formidable. Prince Qi Yuanji sent Chariots and Cavalry general Zhang Da with a hundred infantry to probe the enemy. Da protested that his force was too small, but Yuanji insisted. When they arrived, the entire detachment was wiped out. Burning with resentment, Zhang Da, on the day Gengzi, brought Liu Wuzhou to strike at Yuci and took the city.
49
散騎常侍段確，性嗜酒，奉詔慰勞朱粲於菊潭。 辛丑，乘醉侮粲曰：「聞卿好□敢人，人作何味？」 粲曰：「□敢醉人正如糟藏彘肉。」 確怒，罵曰：「狂賊入朝，為一頭奴耳，復得□敢人乎！」 粲於座收確及從者數十人，悉烹之，以□敢左右。 遂屠菊潭，奔王世充，世充以為龍驤大將軍。
Duan Que, an Irregular Attendant-in-Ordinary, was a heavy drinker. By imperial order he went to Jutan to console and reward Zhu Can. On the day Xinchou, drunk, he mocked Zhu Can: "They say you like to devour human flesh. What do people taste like?" Zhu Can replied, "Eating a drunk man is no different from pork cured in wine lees." Que flew into a rage and cursed him: "You mad rebel dare enter court—you are nothing but a slave's head. Do you think you can devour people again!" At the banquet Zhu Can seized Que and several dozen of his attendants, had them all boiled, and made those beside him eat the flesh. He then put Jutan to the sword, fled to Wang Shichong, and Shichong made him Grand General of the Dragon Cavalry.
50
王世充令長史韋節、楊續等及太常博士衡水孔穎達，造禪代儀，遣段達、雲定興等十餘人入奏皇泰主曰：「天命不常，鄭王功德甚盛，願陛下遵唐、虞之跡。」 皇泰主斂膝據案，怒曰：「天下，高祖之天下，若隋祚未亡，此言不應輒發； 必天命已改，何煩禪讓！ 公等或祖檷舊臣，或台鼎高位，既有斯言，朕復何望！」 顏色凜冽，在廷者皆流汗。 退朝，泣對太后。 世充更使人謂之曰：「今海內未寧，須立長君，俟四方安集，當復子明辟，必如前誓。」 癸卯，世充稱皇泰主命，禪位於鄭。 遣其兄世惲幽皇泰主於含涼殿，雖有三表陳讓及敕書敦勸，皇泰主皆不知也。 遣諸將引兵入清宮城，又遣術人以桃湯葦火祓除禁省。
Wang Shichong ordered his chief secretaries Wei Jie and Yang Xu, together with Erudite of the Grand Imperial Sacrifices Kong Yingda of Hengshui, to draw up the rites of abdication and succession. He sent Duan Da, Yun Dingxing, and more than a dozen others to present a memorial to Emperor Yang Tong: "Heaven's mandate shifts; the Prince of Zheng's merit is overwhelming. We beg Your Majesty to follow the path of Yao and Shun." Emperor Yang Tong drew up his knees against the desk and said in anger, "This realm belongs to the Founding Emperor of Sui. If the house of Sui is not yet ended, such words should never have been spoken. If Heaven's mandate has already turned elsewhere, why bother with a ceremonial transfer of the throne! You are either ministers who served my forebears or men who hold the highest offices in the land. Now that you have spoken thus, what is left for me to hope for!" His face was ice. Everyone present broke into a cold sweat. When court adjourned, he withdrew and wept before the Empress Dowager. Shichong sent another messenger to tell him, "The realm is still unsettled. We need a seasoned ruler for now. When the four quarters are pacified, your son will be restored to the throne—just as we swore before." On the day Guimao, Shichong, claiming to act on Emperor Yang Tong's order, had the throne transferred to the house of Zheng. He sent his elder brother Shi Yun to confine Emperor Yang Tong in Hanliang Hall. Though three memorials of refusal and imperial edicts pressing him to accept were issued, the emperor knew nothing of any of it. He sent his generals to march troops through the palace to clear it, and ritual specialists to purify the inner court with peach broth and reed-flame rites.
51
隋將帥、郡縣及賊帥前後繼有降者，詔以王薄為齊州總管，伏德為濟州總管，鄭虔符為青州總管，綦公順為淮州總管，王孝師為滄州總管。 甲辰，遣大理卿新樂郎楚之安撫山東，秘書監夏侯端安撫淮左。
Sui commanders, prefectural officials, and rebel leaders kept surrendering in succession. An edict appointed Wang Bo regional commander of Qi, Fu De of Ji, Zheng Qianfu of Qing, Qi Gongshun of Huai, and Wang Xiaoshi of Cang. On the day Jiachen, Lang Chuzhi of Xinle, Director of the Court of Judicial Review, was dispatched to pacify Shandong, and Xiahou Duan, Director of the Secretariat, to pacify the lands along the Huai.
52
乙巳，王世充備法駕入宮，即皇帝位。 丙午，大赦，改元開明。
On the day Yisi, Wang Shichong entered the palace with the full imperial retinue and took the throne. On the day Bingwu he declared a general amnesty and proclaimed the era name Kaiming.
53
丁未，隋御衛將軍陳稜以江都來降； 以稜為揚州總管。
On the day Dingwei, the Sui Imperial Guard general Chen Ling surrendered, bringing Jiangdu with him. Chen Ling was appointed regional commander of Yang Prefecture.
54
戊申，王世充立子玄應為太子，玄恕為漢王，余兄弟宗族十九人皆為王。 奉皇泰主為潞國公。 以蘇威為太師，段達為司徒，雲定興為太尉，張僅為司空，楊續為納言，韋節為內史，王隆為左僕射，韋霽為右僕射，齊王世惲為尚書令，楊汪為吏部尚書，杜淹為少吏部，鄭頲為御史大夫。 世惲，世充之兄也。 又以國子助都吳人陸德明為漢王師，令玄恕就其家行束脩禮。 德明恥之，故服巴豆散，臥稱病，玄恕入跪床下，對之遺利，竟不與語。 德明名朗，以字行。
On the day Wushen, Wang Shichong named his son Xuanying crown prince and Xuanxu Prince of Han. Nineteen other brothers and kinsmen were all ennobled as princes. Emperor Yang Tong was given the title Duke of Lu. Su Wei was appointed Grand Preceptor; Duan Da, Minister over the Masses; Yun Dingxing, Grand Marshal; Zhang Jin, Minister of Works; Yang Xu, Director of the Palace Secretariat; Wei Jie, Director of the Imperial Secretariat; Wang Long, Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs; Wei Ji, Right Vice Director; Prince of Qi Shi Yun, Director of the Imperial Secretariat; Yang Wang, Minister of Personnel; Du Yan, Vice Minister of Personnel; and Zheng Ting, Censor-in-Chief. Shi Yun was Wang Shichong's elder brother. He also appointed Lu Deming of Wu, an assistant at the Imperial University, tutor to the Prince of Han, and ordered Xuanxu to visit his home and perform the ceremony of presenting the bundle of dried meat as a pupil's gift. Deming was mortified. He took a dose of croton powder, lay in bed feigning illness, and when Xuanxu came in and knelt beneath the bed, voided his bowels in the prince's presence—yet never spoke a word to him. Deming's given name was Lang; he was known by his style name rather than his personal name.
55
世充於闕下及玄武門等數處皆設榻，坐無常所，親受章表。 或輕騎遊歷衢市，亦不清道，民但避路而已。 世充按轡徐行，語之曰：「昔時天子深居九重，在下事情無由聞徹。 今世充非貪天位，但欲救恤時危，正如一州刺史，親覽庶務，當與士庶共評朝政，尚恐門有禁限，今於門外設坐聽朝，宜各盡情。」 又令西朝堂納冤抑，東朝堂納直諫。 於是獻策上書者日有數百，條疏既煩，省覽難遍，數日後，不復更出。
Shichong set up couches below the palace gate and at several places including the Xuanwu Gate. He had no fixed seat and personally received petitions and memorials. Sometimes he rode lightly through the streets and markets without having the road cleared; the people simply stepped out of his way. Shichong held his reins and moved slowly along, telling the crowd, "In the old days the Son of Heaven dwelt deep within the ninefold palace, and what happened below never reached his ears. I do not covet the throne. I only wish to rescue the realm from crisis, like a provincial governor who personally oversees every affair. I mean to discuss state policy with scholars and commoners alike. I still fear that palace gates shut people out—so I have set a seat outside the gate to hold court. Speak freely." He also ordered the western audience hall to receive petitions about wrongful oppression and the eastern hall to receive frank remonstrance. Within days hundreds of people were submitting plans and memorials each day. The flood of documents was overwhelming, and he could not read them all. After a few days he stopped appearing altogether.
56
竇建德聞王世充自立，乃絕之，始建天子旌旗，出警入蹕，下書稱詔，追謚隋煬帝為閔帝。 齊王暕之死也，有遣腹子政道，建德立以為鄖公，然猶依倚突厥，以壯其兵勢。 隋義成公主遣使迎蕭皇后及南陽公主，建德遣千餘騎送之，又傳宇文化及首以獻義成公主。
When Dou Jiande learned that Wang Shichong had declared himself emperor, he broke with him, raised the imperial banners, traveled with full royal escort, issued documents in the style of imperial edicts, and posthumously honored Emperor Yang of Sui with the temple name Min. When Prince of Qi Yang Jian died, he left a posthumous son, Zhengdao. Jiande installed him as Duke of Yun, yet still leaned on the Turks to bolster his armies. The Sui Princess Yicheng sent envoys to escort Empress Xiao and the Princess of Nanyang home. Jiande dispatched more than a thousand horsemen to see them on their way and also sent Yuwen Huaji's head as a gift to Princess Yicheng.
57
丙辰，劉武周圍并州，齊王元吉拒卻之。 戊午，詔太常卿李仲文將兵救并州。
On the day Bingchen, Liu Wuzhou besieged Bing Prefecture, and Prince Qi Yuanji drove him back. On the day Wuwu an edict ordered Li Zhongwen, Minister of Imperial Sacrifices, to march to the relief of Bing Prefecture.
58
王世充將軍丘懷義居門下內省。 召越王君度、漢王玄恕、將軍郭士衡雜妓妾飲博，侍御史張蘊古彈之。 世充大怒，令散手執君度、玄恕，批其耳數十； 又命引入東上閣，仗之各數十。 懷義、士衡不問。 賞蘊古帛百段，遷太子舍人。 君度，世充之兄子也。
Wang Shichong's general Qiu Huaiyi was quartered in the inner offices of the Gate Department. He summoned Prince of Yue Jun Du, Prince of Han Xuanxu, and General Guo Shiheng to drink and gamble with singing girls and concubines. Attending Censor Zhang Yungu impeached them. Shichong flew into a rage and ordered his guards to seize Jun Du and Xuanxu and slap their ears several dozen times. He then had them brought into the eastern upper pavilion and beaten with staves, each receiving several dozen blows. Huaiyi and Shiheng went unpunished. Zhang Yungu was rewarded with a hundred bolts of silk and promoted to Attendant of the Heir Apparent. Jun Du was the son of Wang Shichong's elder brother.
59
世充每聽朝，殷勤誨諭，言詞重複，千端萬緒，侍衛之人不勝倦弊，百司奏事，疲於聽受。 御史大夫蘇良諫曰：「陛下語太多而無領要，計云爾即可，何煩許辭也！」 世充默然良久，亦不罪良，然性如是，終不能改也。
Whenever Shichong held court he lectured at length, repeating himself endlessly on a thousand matters at once. His guards were worn to exhaustion, and the officials presenting business were numb from listening. Censor-in-Chief Su Liang remonstrated: "Your Majesty speaks too much and never gets to the point. If the plan is settled, that is enough—why waste so many words!" Shichong fell silent for a long while and did not punish Liang—but that was his nature, and he never changed.
60
王世充數攻伊州，總管張善相拒之； 糧盡，援兵不至，癸亥，城陷，善相罵世充極口而死。 帝聞，歎曰：「吾負善相，善相不負吾也！」 賜其子爵襄城郡公。
Wang Shichong attacked Yi Prefecture again and again; regional commander Zhang Shanxiang held him off. When provisions ran out and no relief came, the city fell on the day Guihai. Shanxiang cursed Shichong with his last breath and died. When the Emperor heard the news, he sighed and said, "I failed Shanxiang—but Shanxiang did not fail me." He ennobled Shanxiang's son as Marquis of Xiangcheng Commandery.
61
五月，王世充陷義州，復寇西濟州。 遣右驍衛大將軍劉弘基將兵救之。
In the fifth month, Wang Shichong took Yi Prefecture and again raided western Ji Prefecture. The court sent Liu Hongji, Right General of the Valiant Cavalry, to march to its relief.
62
李軌將安修仁兄興貴，仕長安，表請說軌，諭以禍福。 上曰：「軌阻兵恃險，連結吐谷渾、突厥，吾興兵擊之，尚恐不克，豈口舌所能下乎！」 興貴曰：「臣家在涼州，奕世豪望，為民夷所附； 弟修仁為軌所信任，子弟在機近者以十數。 臣往說之，軌聽臣固善，若其不聽，圖之肘腋，易矣！」 上乃遣之。
An Xinggui, elder brother of Li Gui's general An Xiuren, was serving at Chang'an. He submitted a memorial asking permission to go persuade Li Gui, setting out the consequences of fortune and ruin. The Emperor said, "Li Gui holds the passes and leans on rugged terrain, with the Tuyuhun and the Turks at his side. I am not sure I could defeat him even with an army—how could mere words bring him down!" Xinggui said, "My family has been in Liangzhou for generations, with great prestige among both Chinese and non-Chinese peoples. My brother Xiuren enjoys Li Gui's trust, and more than a dozen of our kinsmen hold posts near the center of power. If I go to persuade him and he listens, all the better. If he refuses, striking from within his own circle will be easy." The Emperor sent him on his way.
63
興貴至武威，軌以為左右衛大將軍。 興貴乘間說軌曰：「涼地不過千里，土薄民貧。 今唐起太原，取函秦，宰制中原。 戰必勝，攻必取，此殆天啟，非人力也。 不若舉河西歸之，則竇融之功復見於今日矣！」 軌曰：「吾據山河之固，彼雖強大，若我何？ 汝自唐來，為唐遊說耳。」 興貴謝曰：「臣聞富貴不歸故鄉，如衣繡夜行。 臣闔門受陛下榮祿，安肯附唐！ 但欲效其愚慮，可否在陛下耳。」 於是退與修仁陰結諸胡起兵擊軌，軌出戰而敗，嬰城自守。 興貴徇曰：「大唐遣我來誅李軌，敢助之者夷三族！」 城中人爭出就興貴。 軌計窮，與妻子登玉女台，置酒為別。 庚辰，興貴執之以聞，河西悉平。 鄧曉在長安，舞蹈稱慶，上曰：「汝為人使臣，聞國亡，不戚而喜，以求媚於朕。 不忠於李軌，肯為朕用乎！」 遂廢之終身。
When Xinggui reached Wuwei, Li Gui appointed him Grand General of the Left and Right Guards. Seizing a private moment, Xinggui said to Li Gui, "The Liang region spans barely a thousand li. The land is poor and the people are few. Tang has risen at Taiyuan, taken the Hangu and Qin regions, and now dominates the Central Plains. They win every battle and take every city they besiege. This is Heaven's mandate, not mere human strength. Better to submit the Hexi region to Tang and win for yourself the glory that Dou Rong won in his day!" Li Gui said, "I hold the natural defenses of mountains and rivers. However strong they are, what can they do to me? You came from Tang. You are nothing but Tang's mouthpiece." Xinggui apologized: "I have heard that wealth and honor mean nothing if you cannot show them in your homeland—as pointless as wearing brocade in the dark. My whole family lives on Your Majesty's bounty. Why would I ever side with Tang! I only wished to offer my honest counsel. Whether you accept it is entirely for Your Majesty to decide." He then withdrew and secretly joined Xiuren in rallying the non-Chinese peoples to rise against Li Gui. Li Gui marched out, was defeated, and sealed himself inside the city. Xinggui proclaimed through the city: "Great Tang sent me to execute Li Gui. Whoever dares help him will see three generations of his family wiped out!" The people of the city rushed out to join Xinggui. With no options left, Li Gui climbed the Jade Maiden Tower with his wife and children and poured a farewell cup of wine. On the day Gengchen, Xinggui seized him and reported the capture. The entire Hexi region was pacified. Deng Xiao was in Chang'an. He danced and proclaimed his congratulations. The Emperor said, "You were another man's envoy. When you heard his state had fallen, you were not grieved but glad—seeking only to flatter me. If you were disloyal to Li Gui, why would I ever trust you!" He dismissed him from office for life.
64
軌至長安，並其子弟皆伏誅。 以安興貴為右武候大將軍、上柱國、涼國公，賜帛萬段，安修仁為左武候大將軍、申國公。
When Li Gui reached Chang'an, he and all his sons and brothers were put to death. An Xinggui was appointed Grand General of the Right Martial Guard, Pillar of the State, and Duke of Liang, with ten thousand bolts of silk as reward. An Xiuren was made Grand General of the Left Martial Guard and Duke of Shen.
65
隋末，離石胡劉龍兒擁兵數萬，自號劉王，以其子季真為太子； 虎賁郎將梁德擊斬龍兒。 至是，季真與弟六兒復舉兵為亂，引劉武周之眾攻陷石州，殺刺史王儉。 季真自稱突利可汗，以六兒為拓定王。 六兒隋使請降，詔以為嵐州總管。
Late in the Sui, the Lishi Hu chieftain Liu Long'er raised an army of tens of thousands, declared himself King Liu, and named his son Jizhen crown prince. Tiger Guard commandant Liang De attacked and killed Long'er. Now Jizhen and his younger brother Liu'er rose again in rebellion, brought Liu Wuzhou's army against Shi Prefecture, took the city, and killed the prefect Wang Jian. Jizhen declared himself Khagan Tuli and made Liu'er Prince of Tuoding. Liu'er sent envoys to the Sui court to surrender. An edict appointed him regional commander of Lan Prefecture.
66
壬午，以秦王世民為左武候大將軍、使持節、涼、甘等九州諸軍事、涼州總管，其太尉、尚書令、雍州牧、陝東道行台並如故。 遣黃門侍郎楊恭仁安撫河西。
On the day Renwu, Prince of Qin Shimin was appointed Grand General of the Left Martial Guard, Bearer of the Staff of Authority, commander of military affairs for the nine prefectures including Liang and Gan, and regional commander of Liang Prefecture. His existing posts as Grand Marshal, Director of the Imperial Secretariat, Governor of Yong Prefecture, and Eastern Shaanxi Circuit Commissioner were left unchanged. Yang Gongren, Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, was dispatched to pacify the Hexi region.
67
丙戌，劉武周陷平遙。
On the day Bingxu, Liu Wuzhou took Pingyao.
68
癸巳，梁州總管、山東道安撫副使陳政為麾下所殺，攜其首奔王世充。 政，茂之子也。
On the day Guisi, Chen Zheng, regional commander of Liang and Vice Commissioner for Pacification of the Shandong Circuit, was murdered by his own troops. They carried off his head and fled to Wang Shichong. Chen Zheng was the son of Chen Mao.
69
王世充以禮部尚書裴仁基、左輔大將軍裴行儼有威名，忌之。 仁基父子知之，亦不自安，乃與尚書左丞宇文儒童、儒童弟尚食直長溫、散騎常侍崔德本謀殺世充及其黨，復尊立皇泰主； 事洩，皆夷三族。 齊王世惲言於世充曰：「儒童等謀反，正為皇泰主尚在故也，不如早除之。」 世充從之，遣兄子唐王仁則及家奴梁百年鴆皇泰主。 皇泰主曰：「更為請太尉，以往者之言，未應至此。」 百年欲為啟陳，世惲不許； 又請與皇太后辭決，亦不許。 乃布度焚香禮佛：「願自今已往，不復生帝王家！」 飲藥，不能絕，以帛縊殺之。 謚曰恭皇帝。 世充以其兄楚王世偉為太保，齊王世惲為太傅，領尚書令。
Wang Shichong was jealous of Minister of Rites Pei Renji and Left Assistant Grand General Pei Xingyan, both men of great reputation. The Peis knew they were marked and grew uneasy. Together with Left Assistant Director Yuwen Rutong, Rutong's younger brother Wen of the Imperial Kitchen, and Irregular Attendant Cui Deben, they plotted to kill Shichong and his followers and restore Emperor Yang Tong. The plot was discovered, and three generations of every family involved were wiped out. Prince of Qi Shi Yun told Shichong, "Rutong and the others rebelled because Emperor Yang Tong is still alive. Better to get rid of him now." Shichong agreed and sent his nephew Prince of Tang Ren Ze and the household slave Liang Bainian to poison Emperor Yang Tong. Emperor Yang Tong said, "Ask the Grand Marshal again for me. Given what he promised before, it should never have come to this." Bainian wanted to relay the message, but Shi Yun refused to allow it. He asked once more to bid farewell to the Empress Dowager, and that too was refused. He spread a mat, lit incense, and prayed before the Buddha: "May I never again be born into a ruler's house, from this day on!" He drank the poison, but it failed to end his life, so they strangled him with a silk cord. He was given the posthumous title Emperor Gong. Shichong made his elder brother, Prince of Chu Wang Wei, Grand Guardian, and Prince of Qi Wang Yun Grand Tutor and Director of the Department of State Affairs.
70
六月，庚子，竇建德陷滄州。
In the sixth month, on the day gengzi, Dou Jiande took Cangzhou.
71
初，易州賊帥宋金剛，有眾萬餘，與魏刀兒連結。 刀兒為竇建德所滅，金剛救之，戰敗，帥眾四千西奔劉武周，武周聞其善用兵，得之，甚喜，號曰宋王，委以軍事，中分家貲以遺之。 金剛亦深自結，出其故妻，納武周之妹，因說武周圖晉陽，南向爭天下。 武周以金剛為西南道大行台，使將兵三萬寇并州。 丁未，武周進逼介州，沙門道澄以佛幡縋之入城，遂陷介州； 詔左武衛大將軍姜寶誼、行軍總管李仲文擊之。 武周將黃子英往來雀鼠谷，數以輕兵挑戰，兵才接，子英陽不勝而走，如是再三，寶宜、仲文悉眾逐之，伏兵發，唐兵大敗，寶誼、仲文皆為所虜。 既而俱逃歸，上復使二人將兵擊武周。
Earlier, Song Jingang, a rebel leader in Yizhou, commanded more than ten thousand men and was allied with Wei Dao'er. When Dao'er was wiped out by Dou Jiande, Jingang marched to his relief but was beaten; he led four thousand men west to Liu Wuzhou. Wuzhou, who had heard of Jingang's skill in war, was delighted to have him, named him King of Song, put him in charge of the army, and gave him half his household goods. Jingang bound himself closely to Wuzhou as well—he dismissed his former wife, took Wuzhou's sister in marriage, and urged Wuzhou to seize Jinyang and march south to fight for the empire. Wuzhou appointed Jingang Grand Marshal of the Southwest Circuit and sent him with thirty thousand troops to invade Bingzhou. On the day dingwei, Wuzhou advanced on Jiezhou; the monk Daocheng was let down into the city on a Buddhist pennant, and Jiezhou fell. The Emperor ordered Left Martial Guard General Jiang Baoyi and campaigning commander Li Zhongwen to strike him. Wuzhou's general Huang Ziying ranged through Queque Valley, again and again drawing them out with light troops; as soon as battle was joined, Ziying would pretend to lose and withdraw. After this happened several times, Baoyi and Zhongwen gave chase with their entire force; the ambush closed in, the Tang army was shattered, and both Baoyi and Zhongwen were taken. Before long both men escaped and returned; the Emperor again sent them out against Wuzhou at the head of an army.
72
己酉，突厥遣使來告始畢可汗之喪，上舉哀於長樂門，廢朝三日，詔百官就館吊其使者。 又遣內史舍人鄭德挺吊處羅可汗，賻帛三萬段。
On the day jiyou, the Turks sent envoys to announce the death of Qaghan Shibi; the Emperor mourned at Chang Le Gate, suspended court for three days, and ordered every official to call at the envoys' quarters to offer condolences. He also sent Palace Secretariat drafting attendant Zheng Deting to mourn Qaghan Chuluo, with thirty thousand bolts of funeral silks.
73
上以劉武周入寇為憂，右僕射裴寂請自行。 癸亥，以寂為晉州道行軍總管，討武周，聽以便宜從事。
The Emperor was anxious over Liu Wuzhou's invasion, and Right Vice Director Pei Ji asked to take the field himself. On the day guihai, Ji was appointed campaigning commander of the Jinzhou circuit to suppress Wuzhou, with full discretion to act as he saw fit.
74
秋，七月，初置十二軍，分關內諸府以隸焉，皆取天星為名，以車騎府統之。 每軍將、副各一人，取威名素重者為之，督以耕戰之務。 由是士馬精強，所向無敵。
In autumn, the seventh month, the Twelve Armies were first established; the Guanzhong prefectures were divided among them, each army taking the name of a star, all under the Chariots and Cavalry Directorate. Each army had one commander and one deputy, drawn from men of long-standing reputation, and charged with both farming and fighting. From this the men and horses grew keen and strong, and they met no equal wherever they marched.
75
海岱賊帥徐圓朗以數州之地請降，拜兗州總管，封魯國公。
Xu Yuanlang, a rebel leader on the Haiai coast, submitted several prefectures and was made Grand Commander of Yanzhou and enfeoffed as Duke of Lu.
76
王世充遣其將羅士信寇穀州，士信帥其眾千餘人來降。 先是，士信從李密擊世充，兵敗，為世充所得，世充厚禮之，與同寢食。 既而得邴元真等，待之如士信，士信恥之。 士信有駿馬，世充兄子趙王道詢欲之，不與，世充奪之以賜道詢； 士信怒，故來降。 上聞其來，甚喜，遣使迎勞，賜帛五千段，稟食其所部，以士信為陝州道行軍總管。 世充左龍驤將軍臨涇席辯與同列楊虔安、李君義皆帥所部來降。
Wang Shichong sent his general Luo Shixin to raid Guzhou, but Shixin led more than a thousand of his men over to the Tang side. Earlier, Shixin had followed Li Mi against Shichong, was beaten, and fell into Shichong's hands; Shichong treated him handsomely and even shared his bed and meals with him. Later, when Shichong took Xing Yuanzhen and others prisoner, he treated them no differently than Shixin, which Shixin found humiliating. Shixin owned a fine horse; Shichong's nephew, Prince of Zhao Wang Daoxun, wanted it, but Shixin would not give it up, so Shichong seized the horse and bestowed it on Daoxun. Shixin was enraged, and that is why he defected. When the Emperor heard he had come, he was delighted, sent envoys to welcome and reward him, granted five thousand bolts of silk, supplied rations for his troops, and made Shixin campaigning commander of the Shanzhou circuit. Shichong's Left Dragon-soaring General Xi Bian of Linjing, together with his fellows Yang Qian'an and Li Junyi, each led his command across in surrender.
77
丙子，王世充遣其將郭士衡寇穀州，刺史任瑰大破之，俘斬且盡。
On the day bingzi, Wang Shichong sent his general Guo Shiheng against Guzhou; Prefect Ren Gui crushed the force and captured or killed nearly every man.
78
甲申，行軍總管劉弘基遣其將種如願襲王世充河陽城，毀其河橋而還。
On the day jiashen, campaigning commander Liu Hongji sent his general Zhong Ruyuan to raid Wang Shichong's Heye City, destroy the river bridge, and withdraw.
79
乙酉，西突厥統葉護可汗、高昌王麴伯雅各遣使入貢。
On the day yiyou, Qaghan Tong Yehu of the Western Turks and King Qu Boke of Gaochang each sent envoys bearing tribute.
80
初，西突厥曷娑那可汗入朝於隋，隋人留之，國人立其叔父，號射匱可汗。 射匱者，達頭可汗之孫也，既立，拓地東至金山，西至海，遂與北突厥為敵，建庭於龜茲北三彌山。 射匱卒，弟統葉護立。 統葉護勇而有謀，北並鐵勒，控弦數十萬，據烏孫故地，又移庭於石國北千泉； 西域諸國皆臣之，葉護各遣吐屯監之，督其徵賦。
Earlier, Qaghan Yasa of the Western Turks had gone to the Sui court; the Sui kept him there, and his people enthroned his uncle as Qaghan Shegui. Shegui was a grandson of Qaghan Datou; once enthroned, he pushed his borders east to Jinshan and west to the sea, made an enemy of the Northern Turks, and set his court north of Kucha at Mount Sanmi. When Shegui died, his younger brother Tong Yehu took the throne. Tong Yehu was bold and shrewd; he absorbed the Tiele in the north, commanded several hundred thousand archers, held the old Wusun lands, and moved his court again to Qianquan, north of Shiguo. Every state of the Western Regions submitted to him; Yehu sent a tudun overseer to each one to supervise levies and taxes.
81
辛卯，宋金剛寇浩州，浹旬而退。
On the day xinmao, Song Jingang raided Haozhou and withdrew after ten days of fighting.
82
八月，丁酉，酅公薨，謚曰隋恭帝； 無後，以族子行基嗣。
In the eighth month, on the day dingyou, the Duke of Xi died; he was given the posthumous title Emperor Gong of Sui. He left no son, so his clansman Xingji was made his heir.
83
竇建德將兵十餘萬趣洺州，淮安王神通帥諸軍退保相州。 己亥，建德兵至洺州城下。 丙午，將軍秦武通軍至洛陽，敗王世充將葛彥璋。
Dou Jiande advanced on Mingzhou with more than a hundred thousand men; Prince Huai'an Li Shentong drew the armies back to hold Xiangzhou. On the day jihai, Jiande's army came up to the walls of Mingzhou. On the day bingwu, General Qin Wutong's army reached Luoyang and defeated Wang Shichong's general Ge Yanzhang.
84
丁未，竇建德陷洺州，總管袁子幹降之。 乙卯，引兵趣相州，淮安王神通聞之。 帥諸軍就李世勣於黎陽。
On the day dingwei, Dou Jiande took Mingzhou; Commander Yuan Zigian surrendered to him. On the day yimao, Jiande marched toward Xiangzhou; Prince Huai'an Shentong heard the news. He led the armies to join Li Shiji at Liyang.
85
梁師都與突厥命數千騎寇延州，行軍總管段德操兵少不敵，閉壁不戰，伺師都稍怠，九月，丙寅，遣副總管梁禮將兵擊之。 師都與禮戰方酣，德操以輕騎多張旗幟，掩擊其後，師都軍潰； 逐北二百餘里，破其魏州，虜男女二千餘口。 德操，孝先之子也。
At the Turks' bidding, Liang Shidu raided Yanzhou with several thousand horsemen. Campaigning commander Duan Decao had too few men to meet them and shut the walls without giving battle, watching until Shidu grew careless; in the ninth month, on the day bingyin, he sent Vice Commander Liang Li out to attack. While Shidu and Li were locked in fierce combat, Decao swept around the rear with light cavalry flying many banners; Shidu's army broke. They pursued the fugitives more than two hundred li, seized his Wei prefecture, and took more than two thousand men and women captive. Decao was the son of Xiaoxian.
86
蕭銑遣其將楊道生寇峽州，剌史許紹擊破之。 銑又遣其將陳普環帥舟師上峽，規取巴、蜀。 紹遣其子智仁及錄事參軍李弘節等追至西陵，大破之，擒普環。 銑遣兵戍安蜀城及荊門城。
Xiao Xian sent his general Yang Daosheng against Xiazhou; Prefect Xu Shao drove him off. Xian also sent his general Chen Puhuan up the gorge with a fleet, intending to take Ba and Shu. Shao sent his son Zhiren and recording secretary Li Hongjie and others in pursuit to Xiling, where they won a crushing victory and captured Puhuan. Xian sent troops to garrison Ancheng and Jingmen.
87
先是，上遣開府李靖詣夔州經略蕭銑。 靖至峽州，阻銑兵，久不得進。 上怒其遲留，陰敕許紹斬之； 紹惜其才，為之奏請，獲免。
Earlier, the Emperor had sent Defender-Lieutenant Li Jing to Kuizhou to deal with Xiao Xian. Jing reached Xiazhou but was blocked by Xian's troops and could not advance for a long time. The Emperor, furious at the delay, secretly ordered Xu Shao to put him to death. Shao prized his ability and pleaded for him in a memorial; Jing was spared.
88
己巳，竇建德陷相州，殺刺史呂鈱。
On the day jisi, Dou Jiande took Xiangzhou and killed Prefect Lu Yin.
89
民部尚書魯公劉文靜，自以才略功勳在裴寂之右，而位居其下，意甚不平。 每廷議，寂有所是，文靜必非之，數侵侮寂，由是有隙。 文靜與弟通直散騎常侍文起飲，酒酣，怨望，拔刀擊柱曰：「會當斬裴寂首！」 家數有妖，文起召巫於星下被發銜刀為厭勝。 文靜有妾無寵，使其兄上變告之。 上以文靜屬吏，遣裴寂、蕭瑀問狀。 文靜曰：「建義之初，忝為司馬，計與長史位望略同。 今寂為僕射，據甲第； 臣官賞不異眾人，東西征討，老母留京師，風雨無所庇，實有觖望之心，因醉怨言，不能自保。」 上謂群臣曰：「觀文靜此言，反明白矣。」 李綱、蕭瑀皆明其不反，秦王世民為之固請曰：「昔在晉陽，文靜先定非常之策，始告寂知； 及克京城，任遇懸隔，令文靜觖望則有之，非敢謀反。」 裴寂言於上曰：「文靜才略實冠時人，性復粗險，今天下未定，留之必貽後患。」 上素親寂，低回久之，卒用寂言。 辛未，文靜及文起坐死，籍沒其家。
Liu Wenjing, Duke of Lu and Minister of Revenue, believed his talent, strategy, and achievements outstripped Pei Ji's, yet he stood below him in rank, and he was deeply aggrieved. At every court debate, whatever Ji approved Wenjing opposed; he insulted Ji again and again, and a breach opened between them. Wenjing drank with his younger brother, Palace Attendant-attending Regular Wen Qi; deep in his cups he gave vent to his bitterness, drew his sword, and struck a pillar, crying, "One day I shall take Pei Ji's head!" Several uncanny signs had appeared in the house; Wen Qi summoned a shaman beneath the stars, hair loose and a knife held in his mouth, to perform rites of exorcism. Wenjing had a concubine who had fallen from favor; he had her brother bring a denunciation against him. The Emperor handed Wenjing over to the judicial officers and sent Pei Ji and Xiao Yu to question him. Wenjing said, "At the founding of our cause I served as Army Marshal, and my standing was roughly on a par with the Chief Clerk's. Now Ji is Vice Director and lives in a great mansion; my rank and rewards are no better than anyone else's. I have campaigned east and west while my aged mother stayed in the capital with no roof over her head in wind and rain — I did harbor resentment; drunk, I spoke bitterly and could not hold my tongue." The Emperor told the assembled ministers, "From Wenjing's own words, his treason is plain." Li Gang and Xiao Yu both declared that he had not rebelled; Prince of Qin Shimin pleaded earnestly for him, saying, "Long ago at Jinyang, Wenjing was the first to settle on the extraordinary plan and only then told Ji. When the capital was taken, his treatment and Ji’s were worlds apart — that may have bred resentment in Wenjing, but he does not dare plot rebellion." Pei Ji said to the Emperor, "Wenjing's talent and strategy truly surpass every man of the age, and his nature is rough and treacherous besides; with the realm not yet settled, sparing him will surely breed trouble later." The Emperor had long been close to Ji; he hesitated a long while, but in the end he took Ji's advice. On the day xinwei, Wenjing and Wen Qi were put to death and their families' property was confiscated.
90
沈法興既克毘陵，謂江、淮之南指摠可定，自稱梁王，都毘陵，改元延康，置百官。 性殘忍，專尚威刑，將士小有過，即斬之，由是其下離怨。
After Shen Faxing took Piling, he believed the lands south of the Yangzi and Huai could be won at a wave of the hand; he declared himself King of Liang, made Piling his capital, adopted the era name Yankang, and set up a full court. He was cruel by nature and trusted only terror; the slightest fault in an officer or soldier meant instant execution, and his men grew estranged and bitter.
91
時杜伏威據歷陽，陳稜據江都，李子通據海陵，俱有窺江表之心。 法興軍數敗； 會子通圍稜於江都，稜送質求救於法興及伏威，法興使其子綸將兵數萬，與伏威共救之。 伏威軍清流，綸軍揚子，相去數十里。 子通納言毛文深獻策，募江南人詐為綸兵，夜襲伏威營，伏威怒，復遣兵襲綸。 由是二人相疑，莫敢先進。 子通得盡銳攻江都，克之，稜奔伏威。 子通入江都，因縱擊綸，大破之，伏威亦引去。 子通即皇帝位，國號吳，改元明政。 丹楊賊帥樂伯通帥眾萬餘降之，子通以為左僕射。 杜伏威請降； 丁丑，以伏威為淮南安撫大使、和州總管。
At that time Du Fuwei held Liyang, Chen Ling held Jiangdu, and Li Zitong held Hailing; each cast a covetous eye on the lower Yangzi. Faxing's armies suffered defeat after defeat. Just then Zitong besieged Ling at Jiangdu; Ling sent hostages to beg Faxing and Fuwei for aid, and Faxing sent his son Lun with tens of thousands of men to join Fuwei in the rescue. Fuwei camped at Qingliu and Lun at Yangzi, several dozen li apart. Zitong's Director of Protocol Mao Wenshen offered a plan: hire men from south of the Yangzi to pose as Lun's soldiers and raid Fuwei's camp by night. Fuwei was furious and sent troops against Lun in return. From this the two men grew suspicious of each other, and neither dared move first. Zitong was thus able to throw his full strength against Jiangdu, took the city, and Ling fled to Fuwei. Zitong entered Jiangdu and then turned on Lun, crushing him; Fuwei withdrew as well. Zitong thereupon took the imperial title; his state was called Wu and the era name Mingzheng. Yue Botong, a rebel leader in Danyang, brought more than ten thousand men over to him; Zitong made him Left Vice Director. Du Fuwei offered to submit. On the day dingchou, Fuwei was appointed Pacification Commissioner of Huainan and Grand Commander of Hezhou.
92
裴寂至介休，宋金剛據城拒之。 寂軍於度索原，營中飲澗水，金剛絕之，士卒渴乏。 寂欲移營就水，金剛縱兵擊之，寂軍遂潰，失亡略盡，寂一日一夜馳至晉州。
Pei Ji reached Jiexiu, but Song Jingang held the city against him. Ji encamped at Dusuo Plain; his men drank from the stream, but Jingang cut off the water and the troops were left thirsty and spent. Ji tried to shift camp toward water; Jingang unleashed his troops on him, and Ji's army broke; losses were nearly total, and Ji rode day and night to Jinzhou.
93
先是，劉武周屢遣兵攻西河，浩州剌史劉贍拒之； 李仲文引兵就之，與共守西河。 及裴寂敗，自晉州以北城鎮俱沒，唯西河獨存。 姜寶誼復為金剛所虜，謀逃歸，金剛殺之。 裴寂上表謝罪，上慰諭之，復使鎮撫河東。
Earlier, Liu Wuzhou had repeatedly sent troops against Xihe; Liu Shan, prefect of Haozhou, held them off. Li Zhongwen marched to join him, and together they held Xihe. When Pei Ji was beaten, every walled town north of Jinzhou fell — only Xihe still stood. Jiang Baoyi was captured by Jingang again; when he tried to escape and return, Jingang put him to death. Pei Ji submitted a memorial accepting blame; the Emperor comforted him and again put him in charge of pacifying Hedong.
94
劉武周進逼并州，齊王元吉紿其司馬劉德威曰：「卿以老弱守城，吾以強兵出戰。」 辛巳，元吉夜出兵，攜其妻妾棄州奔還長安。 元吉始去，武周兵已至城下，晉陽土豪薛深以城納武周。 上聞之，大怒，謂禮部尚書李綱曰：「元吉幼弱，未習時事，故遣竇誕、宇文歆輔之。 晉陽強兵數萬，食支十年，興王之基，一旦棄之。 聞宇文歆首畫此策，我當斬之！」 綱曰：「王年少驕逸，竇誕曾無規諫，又掩覆之，使士民憤怨，今日之敗，誕之罪也。 歆諫，王不悛，尋皆聞奏，乃忠臣也，豈可殺哉！」 明日，上召綱入，升御座曰：「我得公，遂無濫刑。 元吉自為不善，非二人所能禁也。」 並誕赦之。 衛尉少卿劉政會在太原，為武周所虜，政會密遣人奉表論武周形勢。 武周據太原，遣宋金剛攻晉州，拔之，虜右驍衛大將軍劉弘基，弘基逃歸。 金剛進逼絳州，陷龍門。
Liu Wuzhou advanced on Bingzhou; Prince of Qi Yuanji deceived his Army Marshal Liu Dewei, saying, "You hold the city with the old and the weak; I will take the crack troops out to fight." On the day xinsi, Yuanji marched out by night, but with his wives and concubines in tow he abandoned the prefecture and fled back to Chang'an. Yuanji had barely left when Wuzhou's troops were already at the walls; Xue Shen, a powerful man of Jinyang, handed the city over to Wuzhou. When the Emperor heard the news he was furious and said to Minister of Rites Li Gang, "Yuanji is young and has not yet learned how to handle affairs; that is why I sent Dou Yan and Yuwen Xin to guide him. Jinyang held tens of thousands of crack troops and grain enough to last ten years—the foundation of an empire—and in one stroke he abandoned it all. I hear Yuwen Xin was first to counsel this course. I ought to have him executed!" Li Gang replied, "The prince is young, arrogant, and unrestrained. Dou Yan never offered honest counsel; instead he covered up his faults until soldiers and civilians boiled with resentment. Today's defeat is Yan's fault. Xin did remonstrate, but the prince would not mend his ways; Xin soon had all his remonstrances reported upward. He is a loyal minister—how could Your Majesty put him to death!" The next day the Emperor summoned Gang in, ascended the throne, and said, "Once I had you at court, I was spared the abuse of capital punishment. Yuanji brought this ruin on himself; two men could not have held him in check." He pardoned both Dou Yan and Yuwen Xin. Vice Minister of the Imperial Clan Liu Zhenghui was in Taiyuan when Liu Wuzhou took him prisoner; Zhenghui secretly sent an envoy to the capital with a memorial analyzing Wuzhou's military posture. Wuzhou held Taiyuan and sent Song Jingang against Jin Prefecture, which fell; he captured General Liu Hongji of the Right Majestic Cavalry Guards, though Hongji later escaped and returned. Jingang pressed forward toward Jiang Prefecture and took Longmen.
95
西突厥曷娑那可汗與北突厥有怨； 曷娑那在長安，北突厥遣使請殺之，上不許。 群臣皆曰：「保一人而失一國，後必為患！」 秦王世民曰：「人窮來歸我，殺之不義。」 上遲回久之，不得己，丙戌，引曷娑那於內殿宴飲，既而送中書省，縱北突厥使者使殺之。
The Western Turkic khan Yeshana bore a grudge against the Northern Turks; Yeshana had taken refuge in Chang'an. The Northern Turks sent envoys asking that he be put to death, but the Emperor refused. The ministers all said, "To spare one man and lose an entire kingdom—this will surely bring trouble later! The Prince of Qin, Li Shimin, said, "A man at the end of his rope has come to seek our protection; to kill him would be wrong." The Emperor wavered for a long time, but at last, with no alternative, on the day Bingxu he entertained Yeshana at a feast in the inner palace, then handed him over to the Secretariat and let the Northern Turk envoys kill him.
96
禮部尚書李綱領太子詹事，太子建成始甚禮之。 久之，太子漸暱近小人，疾秦王世民功高，頗相猜忌； 綱屢諫不聽，乃乞骸骨。 上罵之曰：「卿為何潘仁長史，乃恥為朕尚書邪！ 且方使卿輔導建成，而固求去，何也？」 綱頓首曰：「潘仁，賊也，每欲妄殺人，臣諫之即止。 為其長史，可以無愧。 陛下創業明主，臣不才，所言如水投石，言於太子亦然，臣何敢久污天台，辱東朝乎！」 上曰：「知公直士，勉留輔吾兒。」 戊子，以綱為太子少保，尚書、詹事如故。 綱復上書諫太子飲酒無節，及信讒慝，疏骨肉。 太子不懌，而所為如故。 綱鬱鬱不得志，是歲，固稱老病辭職，詔解尚書，仍為少保。
Minister of Rites Li Gang also held the post of Grand Tutor to the Heir Apparent; Crown Prince Jiancheng at first treated him with the utmost respect. In time the Crown Prince grew intimate with base companions, resented the Prince of Qin for his rising feats of arms, and became increasingly suspicious of him; Li Gang remonstrated again and again without being heard, and finally asked to resign and retire. The Emperor scolded him: "You were chief clerk to Pan Ren—are you too ashamed to serve me as Minister of Rites! And I have only just appointed you to guide Jiancheng—yet you insist on leaving. Why? Li Gang bowed low and said, "Pan Ren was a rebel who was always bent on killing innocent people at will; when I remonstrated with him, he ceased. As his chief clerk I could serve without shame. Your Majesty is a wise founding sovereign, but I am without talent; my words fall on deaf ears like water poured on stone—and the same is true with the Crown Prince. How dare I linger on to defile the imperial offices and bring disgrace upon the Eastern Palace!" The Emperor said, "I know you are a man of integrity—please stay and guide my son." On the day Wuzi he made Li Gang Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent, while retaining his posts as Minister of Rites and Grand Tutor. Li Gang submitted another memorial warning the Crown Prince against intemperate drinking, trusting malicious slander, and estranging his own flesh and blood. The Crown Prince took offense, but went on as before. Li Gang languished in frustration. That year he pleaded age and illness to resign definitively; an edict relieved him of the ministry but left him as Grand Guardian."
97
淮安王神通使慰撫使張道源鎮趙州。 庚寅，竇建德陷趙州，執總管張志昂及道源。 建德以二人及邢州刺史陳君賓不早下，欲殺之。 國子祭酒凌敬諫曰：「人臣各為其主用，彼堅守不下，乃忠臣也。 今大王殺之，何以勵群下乎！」 建德怒曰：「吾至城下，彼猶不降，力屈就擒，何可捨也！」 敬曰：「今大王使大將高士興拒羅藝於易水，藝才至，士興即降，大王之意以為何如？」 建德乃悟，即命釋之。
Prince of Huai'an Li Shentong posted pacification commissioner Zhang Daoyuan to hold Zhao Prefecture. On the day Gengyin, Dou Jiande captured Zhao Prefecture and took commander Zhang Zhi'ang and Zhang Daoyuan prisoner. Jiande wished to execute the two men along with Xing Prefecture governor Chen Junbin for failing to submit earlier. Chancellor of the National University Ling Jing objected, "Every subject serves his own lord. Those men held their cities and refused to yield—that is the mark of loyal ministers. If you put loyal men to death, how will you inspire your followers!" Jiande stormed, "I came to their walls and they still would not yield; only when their strength was gone did they let themselves be taken—how can I spare them!" Ling Jing said, "Not long ago you sent General Gao Shixing to hold Luo Yi at the Yi River. Yi had barely arrived when Shixing surrendered—what did you make of that?" Jiande saw the point and immediately ordered them set free.
98
乙未，梁師都復寇延州，段德操擊破之，斬首二千餘級，師都以百餘騎遁去。 德操以功拜柱國，賜爵平原郡公。 鄜州刺史鄜城壯公梁禮戰沒。
On the day Yimou, Liang Shidu raided Yan Prefecture again; Duan Decao routed him, taking more than two thousand heads; Shidu fled with barely a hundred horsemen. Decao was promoted to Pillar of the State for his achievement and enfeoffed as Duke of Pingyuan. Yan Prefecture governor Liang Li, Duke of Yancheng, died in battle.
99
冬，十月，己亥，就加涼州總管楊恭仁納言； 賜幽州總管燕公羅藝姓李氏，封燕郡王。
In winter, the tenth month, on the day Jihai, Yang Gongren, commander of Liangzhou, was additionally appointed Master of Writings; Luo Yi, Duke of Yan and commander of Youzhou, was granted the imperial surname Li and created Prince of Yan.
100
辛丑，李藝破竇建德於衡水。
On the day Xinchou, Li Yi defeated Dou Jiande at Hengshui.
101
癸卯，以左武候大將軍龐玉為梁州總管。 時集州獠反，玉討之，獠據險自守，軍不得進，糧且盡。 熟獠與反者皆鄰里親黨，爭言賊不可擊，請玉還。 玉揚言：「秋谷將熟，百姓毋得收刈，一切供軍，非平賊吾不返。」 聞者大懼，曰：「大軍不去，吾曹皆將餒死。」 其中壯士乃入賊營，與所親潛謀，斬其渠帥而降，餘黨皆散，玉追討，悉平之。
On the day Guimao, General Pang Yu of the Left Martial Guards was appointed commander of Liang Prefecture. At that time the tribal peoples of Ji Prefecture rose in revolt; Yu marched against them, but they held the mountain passes and could not be dislodged; his army stalled and rations ran low. The pacified tribesmen were neighbors and kinsmen of the rebels; they all insisted the enemy could not be beaten and begged Yu to turn back. Yu proclaimed publicly, "The autumn grain is ripening—the people are forbidden to harvest any of it; everything goes to the army. I will not return until the rebels are crushed." When they heard this they were terrified and said, "If the army does not leave, we shall all starve." Some of the bolder men infiltrated the rebel camp, plotted secretly with kin inside, killed the rebel chiefs, and came over; the rest fled and scattered; Yu pursued them and pacified the entire region.
102
劉武周將宋金剛進攻澮州，陷之，軍勢甚銳。 裴寂性怯，無將帥之略，唯發使駱驛，趣虞、泰二州收民入城堡，焚其積聚。 民驚擾悉怨，皆思為盜。 夏縣民呂崇茂聚眾自稱魏王，以應武周，寂討之，為所敗。 詔永安王孝基、工部尚書獨孤懷恩、陝州總管於筠、內史侍郎唐儉等將兵討之。
Liu Wuzhou's general Song Jingang advanced on Fen Prefecture, captured it, and his army's momentum grew fierce. Pei Ji was timid by nature and knew nothing of generalship; he only dispatched relay after relay of messengers ordering the prefectures of Yu and Tai to herd the populace into fortified towns and burn their stored grain. The populace was thrown into panic and bitterness; everywhere men turned to brigandage. Lü Chongmao of Xia county raised a band, proclaimed himself King of Wei, and rallied to Wuzhou; Pei Ji marched against him and was defeated. An edict ordered Prince of Yong'an Li Xiaoji, Minister of Works Dugu Huai'en, Shan commander Yu Jun, Vice Director of the Secretariat Tang Jian, and others to take the field against him.
103
時王行本猶據蒲板，未下，亦與武周相應，關中震駭。 上出手敕曰：「賊勢如此，難與爭鋒，宜棄大河以東，謹守關西而已。」 秦王世民上表曰：「太原，王業所基，國之根本； 河東殷實，京邑所資，若舉而棄之，臣竊憤恨。 願假臣精兵三萬，必冀平殄武周，克復汾、晉。」 上於是悉發關中兵以益世民所統，使擊武周，乙卯，幸華陰，至長春宮以送之。
Wang Xingben still held Puban, undefeated, and coordinated with Wuzhou as well; all of Guanzhong trembled with alarm. The Emperor issued a personal edict: "The enemy is too strong to meet head-on; we should abandon everything east of the Yellow River and hold only the western passes." The Prince of Qin, Li Shimin, submitted a memorial: "Taiyuan is the foundation of our royal enterprise, the root of the realm; Hedong is prosperous and supplies the capital; to surrender it fills me with bitter outrage. Grant me thirty thousand picked troops, and I am confident I can destroy Wuzhou and recover Fen and Jin." The Emperor then sent every available soldier in Guanzhong to reinforce Shimin's command and dispatched him against Wuzhou; on the day Yimou he traveled to Huayin and went as far as Changchun Palace to see him off.
104
竇建德引兵趣衛州。 建德每行軍，常為三道，輜重、細弱居中央，步騎夾左右，相去二里許。 建德以千騎前行，過黎陽三十里，李世勣遣騎將丘孝剛將二百騎偵之。 孝剛驍勇，善馬槊，與建德遇，遂擊之，建德敗走； 右方兵救之，擊斬孝剛。 建德怒，還攻黎陽，克之，虜淮安王神通、李世勣父蓋、魏徵及帝妹同安公主。 唯李世勣以數百騎走渡河，數日，以其父故，還詣建德降。 衛州聞黎陽陷，亦降。 建德以李世勣為左驍衛將軍，使守黎陽，常以其父蓋自隨為質。 以魏徵為起居舍人。 滑州刺史王軌奴殺軌，攜其首詣建德降。 建德曰：「奴殺主大逆，吾何為受之！」 立命斬奴，返其首於滑州。 吏民感悅，即日請降。 於是其旁州縣及徐圓朗等皆望風歸附。 己未，建德還洺州，築萬春宮，徙都之。 置淮安王神通於下博，待以客禮。
Dou Jiande marched his army toward Wei Prefecture. On campaign Jiande customarily marched in three columns: baggage, women, and noncombatants in the center, with infantry and cavalry on either flank, each column some two li apart. Jiande rode ahead with a thousand cavalry, passing thirty li beyond Liyang; Li Shiji sent cavalry commander Qiu Xiaogang with two hundred horsemen to reconnoiter. Xiaogang was famed for valor and mastery of the mounted lance; he met Jiande head-on and attacked; Jiande broke and fled; but the right column came up in relief, struck back, and killed Xiaogang. Enraged, Jiande wheeled back on Liyang, took the city, and captured Prince of Huai'an Li Shentong, Li Shiji's father Li Gai, Wei Zheng, and the Emperor's sister, Princess Tong'an. Li Shiji alone escaped across the river with a few hundred horsemen; within days, for his father's sake, he returned and surrendered to Jiande. Hearing that Liyang had fallen, Wei Prefecture surrendered as well. Jiande appointed Li Shiji general of the Left Majestic Cavalry Guards and left him to hold Liyang, keeping Li Gai with his own army as a hostage. He appointed Wei Zheng attendant of the imperial diary. A slave of Hua Prefecture governor Wang Gui murdered his master, took his head, and came to surrender to Jiande. Jiande said, "A slave who murders his master commits the gravest of crimes—why would I accept such a man!" He immediately had the slave executed and sent the head back to Hua Prefecture. The officials and people were deeply moved; that very day they asked to submit. Thereupon neighboring prefectures and counties, and warlords such as Xu Yuanlang, submitted at the mere rumor of his approach. On the day Jiwei, Jiande returned to Ming Prefecture, built the Palace of Ten Thousand Springs, and transferred his capital there. He lodged Prince of Huai'an Li Shentong at Xiabo and treated him as an honored guest.
105
行軍總管羅士信帥勇士夜入洛陽外郭，縱火焚清化裡而還。 壬戌，士信拔青城堡。 王世充自將兵徇地至滑台，臨黎陽； 尉氏城主時德睿、汴州刺史王要漢、亳州刺史丁叔則遣使降之。 以德睿為尉州刺史。 要漢，伯當之兄也。
Campaign general Luo Shixin led picked warriors in a night raid on Luoyang's outer wards, set Qinghua Lane ablaze, and withdrew. On the day Renxu, Shixin captured Qingcheng fort. Wang Shichong personally led an army on a sweep of the region as far as Huatai, pressing up to Liyang; Weishi's chief Shi Derui, Bian Prefecture governor Wang Yaohan, and Bo Prefecture governor Ding Shuzhe each sent envoys to submit. Shichong appointed Derui governor of Wei Prefecture. Yaohan was the elder brother of Bo Dangang.
106
夏侯端至黎陽，李世勣發兵送之，自澶淵濟河，傳檄州縣，東至於海，南至於淮，二十餘州，皆遣使來降。 行至譙州，會汴、亳降於王世充，還路遂絕。 端素得眾心，所從二千人，雖糧盡不忍委去，端坐澤中，殺馬以饗士，因歔欷謂曰：「卿等鄉里皆已從賊，特以共事之情，未能見委。 我奉王命，不可從卿； 卿有妻子，無宜效我。 可斬吾首歸賊，必獲富貴。」 眾皆流涕曰：「公於唐室非有親屬，直以忠義，志不圖存。 某等雖賤，心亦人也，寧肯害公以求利乎！」 端曰：「卿不忍見殺，吾當自刎。」 眾抱持之，乃復同進，潛行五日，餒死及為賊所擊奔潰相失者太半，唯餘五十三人同走，采豆生食之。 端持節未嘗離身，屢遣從者散，自求生，眾又不可。 時河南之地皆入世充，唯杞州刺史李公逸為唐堅守，遣兵迎端，館給之。 世充遣使召端，解衣遺之，仍送除書，以端為淮南郡公、尚書少吏部。 端對使者焚書毀衣，曰：「夏侯端天子大使，豈受王世充官乎！ 汝欲吾往，唯可取吾首耳。」 因解節旄懷之，置刃於竿，自山中西走，無復蹊徑，冒踐荊棘，晝夜兼行，得達宜陽，從者附崖溺水，為虎狼所食，又喪其半； 其存者鬢髮禿落，無復人狀。 端詣闕見上，但謝無功，初不自言艱苦，上復以為秘書監。
Xiahou Duan reached Liyang, where Li Shiji dispatched troops to escort him; he crossed the Yellow River at Chanyuan and issued proclamations to the counties. From the sea in the east to the Huai in the south, more than twenty prefectures sent envoys to surrender. When he reached Qiao Prefecture, Bian and Bo had gone over to Wang Shichong, and his path home was cut off. Duan had always won the loyalty of those under him; though provisions were gone, the two thousand who followed him would not leave him. He sat in the midst of the marsh, slaughtered his horses to feed his men, and with tears said, "Your homelands have all gone over to the rebels. It is only our bond as comrades that keeps you from abandoning me. I hold the Son of Heaven's commission—I cannot follow you; you have wives and children—you ought not to die with me. Cut off my head and surrender to the enemy—you are sure to win wealth and honors." They wept and said, "My lord has no kin tie to the house of Tang—you live only by loyalty and righteousness, with no thought for your own survival. We may be humble men, but we are human still—how could we harm you for gain!" Duan said, "Since you will not kill me, I shall fall on my sword." They seized him and would not let go. Together they pressed on in secret for five days; more than half perished of hunger or were scattered in enemy attacks—only fifty-three remained, gathering wild beans and eating them raw. Duan never let his credentials of office leave his person. Again and again he urged his followers to disperse and save themselves; they would not hear of it. By then all Henan had fallen to Shichong; only Qi Prefecture governor Li Gongyi still held for Tang, sent troops to welcome Duan, and provided him lodging and supplies. Shichong sent envoys to summon him, gifted him with garments from his own wardrobe, and sent a commission appointing Duan Duke of Huainan and Vice Minister of the Board of Civil Appointments. Duan burned the commission and tore up the gifts before the envoys and said, "Xiahou Duan is an ambassador of the Son of Heaven—how could I accept office from Wang Shichong! If you want me to come, you may have only my head." He took down his ceremonial staff, clasped its insignia to his breast, fixed a blade to the pole, and fled west through the mountains along paths that were no path at all, forcing his way through bramble and thorn, traveling without rest by day or night until he reached Yiyang. Followers plunged from cliffs and drowned or were torn apart by wolves and tigers; half his company was lost again. Those who survived had hair fallen out and bodies wasted until they scarcely looked human. Duan presented himself at court. He offered only apologies for his failure and never spoke of what he had endured; the Emperor reappointed him Director of the Secretariat.
107
郎楚之至山東，亦為竇建德所獲，楚之不屈，竟得還。
When Lang Chuzhi reached Shandong he too was taken by Dou Jiande. Chuzhi refused to yield and was eventually allowed to return.
108
王世充遣其從弟世辯以徐、亳之兵攻雍丘。 李公逸遣使求救，上以隔賊境，不能救。 公逸乃留其屬李善行守雍丘，身帥輕騎入朝，至襄城，為世充伊州刺史張殷所獲。 世充謂曰：「卿越鄭臣唐，其說安在？」 公逸曰：「我於天下，唯知有唐，不知有鄭。」 世充怒，斬之。 善行亦沒。 上以公逸子為襄邑公。
Wang Shichong sent his cousin Shibian with troops from Xu and Bo to attack Yongqiu. Li Gongyi sent envoys pleading for help, but the emperor said enemy-held territory lay between them and he could not send relief. Gongyi left his follower Li Shanxing to hold Yongqiu and rode to court with a light escort. At Xiangcheng he was captured by Zhang Yin, Shichong's governor of Yi prefecture. Shichong asked him: 'You abandoned Zheng to serve Tang—how do you justify that?' Gongyi replied: 'In all the realm I acknowledge only Tang—I know nothing of Zheng.' Shichong flew into a rage and had him executed. Shanxing was killed as well. The emperor enfeoffed Gongyi's son as Duke of Xiangyi.
109
甲子，上祠華山。
On the day Jiazi the emperor performed sacrifice at Mount Hua.