1
資治通鑑第279卷
Zizhi Tongjian, Volume 279.
2
【後唐紀八】起閼逢敦牂二月，盡旃蒙協洽，凡一年有奇。
[Later Tang Annals 8] From the second month of Emao Dunzhang through Zhanmeng Xiehe—a little more than one year in all.
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潞王下清泰元年（ 甲午，公元九三四年）
Under the Prince of Lu, the first year of Qingtai ( Jiawu, AD 934)
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二月，癸酉，蜀主以武泰節度使趙季良為司空兼門下侍郎、同平章事，領節度使如故。
In the second month, on the day Guiyou, the ruler of Shu appointed Zhao Jiliang, military commissioner of Wutai, Grand Master of Works and concurrently Vice Director of the Chancellery and Co-Grand Councillor, while he continued to hold his commissionership.
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吳人多不欲遷都者，都押牙周宗言於徐知誥曰：「主上西遷，公復須東行，不惟勞費甚大，且違眾心。」 丙子，吳主遣宋齊丘如金陵，諭知誥罷遷都。 先是，知誥久有傳禪之志，以吳主無失德，恐眾心不悅，欲待嗣君； 宋齊丘亦以為然。 一旦，知誥臨鏡鑷白髭，歎曰：「國家安而吾老矣，奈何？」 周宗知其意，請如江都，微以傳禪諷吳主，且告齊丘。 齊丘以宗先己，心疾之，遣使馳詣金陵，手書切諫，以為天時人事未可； 知誥愕然。 後數日，齊丘至，請斬宗以謝吳主，乃黜宗為池州副使。 久之，節度副使李建勳、行軍司馬徐玠等屢陳知誥功業，宜早從民望，召宗復為都押牙。 知誥由是疏齊丘。
Many people in Wu opposed moving the capital. Zhou Zong, chief of the capital guard, said to Xu Zhigao, "When the sovereign moves west, you will have to travel east again. That would not only cost a great deal in labor and expense but also run counter to popular sentiment." On the day Bingzi, the ruler of Wu sent Song Qiqiu to Jinling to tell Zhigao to abandon the plan to move the capital. Earlier, Zhigao had long wished to receive the throne by abdication. Because the ruler of Wu had done nothing wrong, he feared the people would not accept it and intended to wait for the heir. Song Qiqiu agreed. One day Zhigao stood before the mirror plucking out white whiskers and sighed, "The realm is at peace and I am growing old. What am I to do?" Zhou Zong understood what he meant, asked to go to Jiangdu, and subtly suggested abdication to the ruler of Wu; he also informed Qiqiu. Qiqiu resented Zong for having acted first. He sent a messenger posthaste to Jinling with a personal letter urgently advising that the times and circumstances were not yet right. Zhigao was taken aback. Several days later Qiqiu arrived and asked that Zong be executed to appease the ruler of Wu. Zong was instead demoted to deputy commissioner of Chizhou. After some time, Deputy Commissioner Li Jianxun, Campaigning Army Marshal Xu Jie, and others repeatedly urged that Zhigao's achievements entitled him to meet the people's hopes at once. Zong was recalled as chief of the capital guard. From this Zhigao grew estranged from Qiqiu.
6
朱弘昭、馮贇不欲石敬瑭久在太原，且欲召孟漢瓊，己卯，徙成德節度使范延光為天雄節度使，代漢瓊； 徙潞王從珂為河東節度使，兼北都留守； 徙石敬瑭為成德節度使。 皆不降制書，但各遣使臣持宣監送赴鎮。
Zhu Hongzhao and Feng Yun did not want Shi Jingtang to remain long at Taiyuan and also wished to recall Meng Hanqiong. On the day Jimao, Fan Yanguang, military commissioner of Chengde, was transferred to Tianxiong to replace Hanqiong. the Prince of Lu, Congke, was transferred to military commissioner of Hedong and concurrently regent of the Northern Capital; and Shi Jingtang was transferred to military commissioner of Chengde. No formal edicts were issued for any of these moves; envoys bearing imperial pronouncements were simply sent to escort each man to his new post.
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吳主詔徐知誥還府捨。 甲申，金陵大火； 乙酉，又火。 知誥疑有變，勒兵自衛。 己丑，復入府捨。
The ruler of Wu ordered Xu Zhigao to return to his official residence. On the day Jiashen a great fire broke out in Jinling; on the day Yiyou there was fire again. Zhigao suspected treachery and mustered troops to guard himself. On the day Jichou he returned to his official residence.
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潞王既與朝廷猜阻，朝廷又命洋王從璋權知鳳翔。 從璋性粗率樂禍，前代安重誨鎮河中，欲殺之； 潞王聞其來，尤惡之，欲拒命則兵弱糧少，不知所為，謀於將佐，皆曰：「主上富於春秋，政事出於朱、馮，大王功名震主，離鎮必無全理，不可受也。」 王問觀察判官滴河馬胤孫曰：「今道過京師，當何向為便？」 對曰：「君命召，不俟駕。 臨喪赴鎮，又何疑焉！ 諸人凶謀，不可從也。」 眾哂之。 王乃移檄鄰道，言「朱弘昭等乘先帝疾亟，殺長立少，專制朝權，別疏骨肉，動搖籓垣，懼傾覆社稷。 今從珂將入朝以清君側之惡，而力不能獨辦，願乞靈鄰籓以濟之。」 潞王以西都留守王思同當東出之道，尤欲與之相結，遣推官郝詡、押牙朱廷乂等相繼詣長安，說以利害，餌以美妓，不從則令就圖之。 思同謂將吏曰：「吾受明宗大恩，今與鳳翔同反，借使事成而榮，猶為一時之叛臣，況事敗而辱，流千古之丑跡乎！」 遂執詡等，以狀聞。 時潞王使者多為鄰道所執，不則依阿操兩端，惟隴州防禦使相裡金傾心附之，遣判官薛文遇往來計事。 金，并州人也。 朝廷議討鳳翔。 康義誠不欲出外，恐失軍權，請以王思同為統帥，以羽林都指揮使侯益為行營馬步軍都虞侯。 益知軍情將變，辭疾不行。 執政怒之，出為商州刺史。 辛卯，以王思同為西面行營馬步軍都部署，前靜難節度使藥彥稠副之，前絳州刺吏萇從簡為馬步都虞候，嚴衛步軍左廂指揮使尹暉、羽林指揮使楊思權等皆為偏裨。 暉，魏州人也。
The Prince of Lu was already at odds with the court through mutual suspicion, and the court now ordered Prince of Yang Congzhang to serve provisionally as administrator of Fengxiang. Congzhang was coarse and rash by nature and took pleasure in others' misfortune. When An Chonghui had earlier governed Hezhong, Congzhang had wished to kill him. When the Prince of Lu heard that Congzhang was coming, he hated the move all the more. If he refused the order his forces were weak and supplies few, and he did not know what to do. He consulted his generals and staff, who all said, "The sovereign is still young, and government is in the hands of Zhu and Feng. Your Highness's fame and achievements overshadow the throne. If you leave your post you will surely not survive. You must not accept." The prince asked Ma Yinsun, observation commissioner of Dihe, "If I now pass through the capital on the way, which course would be best?" He replied, "When the ruler summons, one does not wait for the carriage to be ready. To attend a funeral and proceed to your post—what is there to doubt! The others' wicked schemes must not be followed." The assembly sneered at him. The prince then issued a proclamation to neighboring circuits, saying, "Zhu Hongzhao and others, taking advantage of the late emperor's grave illness, killed the elder to install the younger, monopolized court power, estranged the imperial kin, and shook the frontier defenses, threatening to overturn the realm. Now Congke will enter court to purge the evil at the ruler's side, but he cannot accomplish this alone. I beg neighboring commissions for their aid to bring it to completion." The Prince of Lu especially wished to win over Wang Sitong, regent of the Western Capital, who stood in the path eastward. He sent Administrative Aide Hao Xu, Guard Officer Zhu Tingyi, and others in succession to Chang'an to persuade him with promises and threats, bait him with beautiful courtesans, and have him killed if he would not comply. Sitong said to his generals and officials, "I received great favor from Emperor Mingzong. To rebel now with Fengxiang—even if the affair succeeded and brought glory, I would still be a rebel for a time. How much worse if it failed and brought shame, leaving an ugly mark for all ages!" He thereupon seized Xu and the others and reported the matter to the court. At this time most of the Prince of Lu's envoys were seized by neighboring circuits, or else hedged between two sides. Only Xiangli Jin, defense commissioner of Longzhou, gave him his whole-hearted support and sent Administrative Aide Xue Wenyü back and forth to plan affairs. Jin was a native of Bingzhou. The court deliberated on punishing Fengxiang. Kang Yicheng did not wish to leave the capital, fearing loss of military authority, and asked that Wang Sitong be made commander-in-chief and Imperial Guard Commander Hou Yi made deputy commander of the campaigning horse-and-foot forces. Yi knew the army's temper was about to change and pleaded illness to avoid going. The chief ministers were angry and transferred him out as prefect of Shangzhou. On the day Xinmao, Wang Sitong was made commander-in-chief of the western campaigning horse-and-foot forces, with former Jingnan Military Commissioner Yao Yanchou as his deputy, former Jiangzhou Prefect Chang Congjian as deputy commander, and Left Wing Commander of the Strict Guard Foot Army Yin Hui, Imperial Guard Commander Yang Siquan, and others as subordinate commanders. Hui was a native of Weizhou.
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蜀主以中門使王處回為樞密使。
The ruler of Shu appointed Inner Gate Commissioner Wang Chuhui Palace Secretariat Commissioner.
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丁酉，加王思同同平章事，知鳳翔行府； 以護國節度使安彥威為西面行營都監。 思同雖有忠義之志，而御軍無法； 潞王老於行陣，將士徼幸富貴者心皆向之。 詔遣殿直楚匡祚執亳州團練使李重吉，幽於宋州。 洋王從璋行至關西，聞鳳翔拒命而還。
On the day Dingyou, Wang Sitong was given the additional title Co-Grand Councillor and made administrator of the Fengxiang campaigning headquarters; and Huguo Military Commissioner An Yanwei was made overseer of the western campaigning army. Although Sitong was loyal and righteous in intent, he had no method of commanding troops. The Prince of Lu was experienced in battle, and soldiers who hoped for wealth and rank all turned their hearts toward him. An edict sent Palace Attendant Chu Kuangzuo to seize Li Chongji, training commissioner of Bozhou, and imprison him at Songzhou. Prince of Yang Congzhang, traveling as far as Guanxi, heard that Fengxiang had refused the order and turned back.
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三月，安彥威與山南西道張虔釗、武定孫漢韶、彰義張從賓、靜難康福等五節度使奏合兵討鳳翔。 漢韶，李存進之子也。
In the third month, An Yanwei together with Zhang Qianzhao of Shannan West Circuit, Sun Hanshao of Wuding, Zhang Congbin of Zhangyi, Kang Fu of Jingnan, and four other military commissioners memorialized to combine forces and punish Fengxiang. Hanshao was the son of Li Cunjin.
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乙卯，諸道兵大集於鳳翔城下攻之，克東西關城，城中死者甚眾。 丙辰，復進攻城，期於必取。 鳳翔城塹卑淺，守備俱乏，眾心危急，潞王登城泣謂外軍曰：「吾未冠從先帝百戰，出入生死，金創滿身，以立今日之社稷； 汝曹從我，目睹其事。 今朝廷信任讒臣，猜忌骨肉，我何罪而受誅乎！」 因慟哭。 聞者哀之。 張虔釗性褊急，主攻城西南，以白刃驅士卒登城，士卒怒，大詬，反攻之，虔釗躍馬走免，楊思權因大呼曰：「大相公，吾主也。」 遂帥諸軍解甲投兵，請降於潞王，自西門入，以幅紙進潞王曰：「願王克京城日，以臣為節度使，勿以為防、團。」 潞王即書「思權可邠寧節度使」授之。 王思同猶未之知，趣士卒登城，尹暉大呼曰：「城西軍已入城受賞矣。」 眾爭棄甲投兵而降，其聲震地。 日中，亂兵悉入，外軍亦潰，思同等六節度使皆遁去。 潞王悉斂城中將吏士民之財以犒軍，至於鼎釜皆估直以給之。 丁巳，王思同、藥彥稠等走至長安，西京副留守劉遂雍閉門不內，乃趣潼關。 遂雍，鄩之子也。
On the day Yimao the armies of all circuits massed below Fengxiang and attacked. They took the eastern and western gate cities, and very many died within the city. On the day Bingchen they advanced again to attack the city, determined to take it. Fengxiang's moat was low and shallow, its defenses were lacking, and hearts in the city were desperate. The Prince of Lu ascended the wall weeping and said to the armies outside, "Before I came of age I followed the late emperor through a hundred battles, in and out of life and death, my body covered with wounds, to help establish today's realm. You followed me and witnessed these things with your own eyes. Now the court trusts slanderous ministers and is suspicious of its own kin. What crime have I committed to deserve execution!" He thereupon wailed bitterly. Those who heard were moved to pity. Zhang Qianzhao was narrow and impatient by nature. He chiefly attacked the southwest of the city and drove the soldiers up the wall at sword point. The soldiers grew angry, cursed loudly, and turned on him. Qianzhao leaped on his horse and fled. Yang Siquan thereupon shouted, "The Great Lord is my sovereign." He thereupon led the armies to doff armor and cast down weapons and surrender to the Prince of Lu. Entering by the western gate, he presented a strip of paper to the prince saying, "When Your Highness takes the capital, make me military commissioner—do not appoint me to a defense or training post." The Prince of Lu immediately wrote "Siquan may be military commissioner of Binning" and gave it to him. Wang Sitong still did not know of it and urged the soldiers up the wall. Yin Hui shouted loudly, "The army on the west of the city has already entered the city and received rewards." The masses vied to cast off armor and weapons and surrender. The sound shook the earth. By midday the disorderly troops had all entered the city. The outer armies also collapsed, and Sitong and the other six military commissioners all fled. The Prince of Lu gathered all the wealth of generals, officials, soldiers, and commoners in the city to reward the army, even appraising cauldrons and pots to distribute their value. On the day Dingsi, Sitong, Yao Yanchou, and others fled as far as Chang'an. Liu Suiyong, deputy regent of the Western Capital, closed the gates and would not admit them, and they hastened toward Tong Pass. Suiyong was the son of Ye.
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潞王建大將旗鼓，整眾而東，以孔目官虞城劉延朗為腹心。 潞王始憂王思同等並力據長安拒守，至岐山，聞劉遂雍不內思同，甚喜，遣使慰撫之，遂雍悉出府庫之財於外，軍士前至者即給賞令過； 比潞王到，前軍賞遍，皆不入城。 庚申，潞王至長安，遂雍迎謁，率民財以充賞。
The Prince of Lu raised great general's banners and drums, put his forces in order, and marched east, taking Clerk Liu Yanlang of Yucheng as his intimate confidant. The prince had at first worried that Sitong and the others would combine forces to hold Chang'an and resist. When he reached Qishan and heard that Liu Suiyong would not admit Sitong, he was greatly pleased and sent envoys to comfort and reassure him. Suiyong brought out all the wealth of the treasury outside the walls; soldiers who arrived first were immediately given rewards and told to pass on. By the time the Prince of Lu arrived, the vanguard had been rewarded throughout and none entered the city. On the day Gengshen the Prince of Lu reached Chang'an. Suiyong came out to meet and pay respects, leading the people's wealth to fill out the rewards.
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是日，西面步軍都監王景從等自軍前奔還，中外大駭。 帝不知所為，謂康義誠等曰：「先帝棄萬國，朕外守籓方，當是之時，為嗣者在諸公所取耳，朕實無心與人爭國。 既承大業，年在幼沖，國事皆委諸公。 朕于兄弟間不至榛梗，諸公以社稷大計見告，朕何敢違！ 軍興之初，皆自誇大，以為寇不足平； 今事至於此，何方可以轉禍？ 朕欲自迎潞王，以大位讓之，若不免於罪，亦所甘心。」 朱弘昭、馮贇大懼，不敢對。 義誠欲悉以宿衛兵迎降為己功，乃曰：「西師驚潰，蓋主將失策耳。 今侍衛諸軍尚多，臣請自往扼其衝要，招集離散以圖後效，幸陛下勿為過憂！」 帝遣使召石敬瑭，欲令將兵拒之。 義誠固請自行，帝乃召將士慰諭，空府庫以勞之，許以平鳳翔，人更賞二百緡，府庫不足，當以宮中服玩繼之。 軍士益驕，無所畏忌，負賜物，揚言於路曰：「至鳳翔更請一分。」 遣楚匡祚殺李重吉於宋州； 匡祚榜棰重吉，責其家財。 又殺尼惠明。
That day Wang Jingcong, overseer of the western foot army, and others fled back from the front. Court and country were greatly alarmed. The emperor did not know what to do and said to Kang Yicheng and the others, "When the late emperor died I was guarding a frontier post abroad. At that time the successor was whom you gentlemen chose. I truly had no wish to contend for the realm with anyone. Once I undertook the throne my years were still tender, and state affairs were all entrusted to you gentlemen. Between me and my brothers there was no estrangement. When you gentlemen informed me of the great plan for the realm, how could I disobey! At the beginning of the campaign you all boasted that the rebel could easily be subdued. Now matters have come to this. By what means can disaster be turned? I wish to go myself to welcome the Prince of Lu and yield the throne to him. If I cannot escape guilt, I would accept that willingly." Zhu Hongzhao and Feng Yun were greatly afraid and dared not reply. Yicheng wished to take all the palace guard to welcome the surrender as his own achievement and therefore said, "The western army collapsed in panic—this was merely the chief commander's failure of strategy. The palace guard armies are still numerous. I beg to go myself to hold their vital points, gather the scattered, and plan for later effect. May Your Majesty not be overly troubled!" The emperor sent envoys to summon Shi Jingtang, wishing to have him lead troops to resist. Yicheng firmly asked to go himself. The emperor then summoned generals and soldiers to comfort and instruct them, emptied the treasury to reward them, and promised that on pacifying Fengxiang each man would receive two hundred strings of cash more. When the treasury was insufficient, palace robes and curios would follow. The soldiers grew all the more arrogant and fearless. Bearing their gifts, they proclaimed along the road, "When we reach Fengxiang we shall ask for another share." He sent Chu Kuangzuo to kill Li Chongji at Songzhou. Kuangzuo posted a placard and flogged Chongji, demanding his family's wealth. He also killed the nun Huiming.
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初，馬軍都指揮使朱洪實為秦王從榮所厚，及朱弘昭為樞密使，洪實以宗史事之； 從榮勒兵天津橋，洪實首為孟漢瓊擊從榮，康義誠由是恨之。 辛酉，帝親至左藏，給將士金帛。 義誠、洪實共論用兵利害，洪實欲以禁軍固守洛陽，曰：「如此，彼亦未敢徑前，然後徐圖進取，可以萬全。」 義誠怒曰：「洪實為此言，欲反邪！」 洪實曰：「公自欲反，乃謂誰反！」 其聲漸厲。 帝聞，召而訊之，二人訟於帝前，帝不能辨其是非，遂斬洪實，軍士益憤怒。
Earlier, Horse Army Commander Zhu Hongshi had been favored by Prince of Qin Congrong. When Zhu Hongzhao became Palace Secretariat Commissioner, Hongshi treated him as a kinsman in service. When Congrong mustered troops at Tianjin Bridge, Hongshi was the first to strike Congrong for Meng Hanqiong. Kang Yicheng therefore hated him. On the day Xinyou the emperor went in person to the Left Treasury and distributed gold and silks to the generals and soldiers. Yicheng and Hongshi together discussed military strategy. Hongshi wished to have the forbidden army hold fast at Luoyang and said, "In this way they also will not dare advance directly. Then we may slowly plan advance and seizure. That would be wholly secure." Yicheng angrily said, "Hongshi speaks thus—does he wish to rebel!" Hongshi said, "You yourself wish to rebel—whom else do you call rebel!" Their voices gradually grew fierce. The emperor heard, summoned and questioned them. The two disputed before the emperor, and the emperor could not distinguish right from wrong. Thereupon Hongshi was executed, and the soldiers grew all the more angry.
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壬戌，潞王至昭應，聞前軍獲王思同，王曰：「思同雖失計，然盡心所奉，亦可嘉也。」 癸亥，至靈口，前軍執思同以至，王責讓之，對曰：「思同起行間，先帝擢之，位至節將，常愧無功以報大恩。 非不知附在王立得富貴，助朝廷自取禍殃，但恐死之日無面目見先帝於泉下耳。 敗而釁鼓，固其所也。 請早就死！」 王為之改容，曰：「公且休矣。」 王欲宥之，而楊思權之徒恥見其面。 王之過長安，尹暉盡取思同家資及妓妾，屢言於劉延朗曰：「若留思同，慮失士心。」 屬王醉，不待報，擅殺思同及其妻子。 王醒，怒延朗，嗟惜者累日。
On the day Renxu the Prince of Lu reached Zhaoying. Hearing that the vanguard had captured Wang Sitong, the prince said, "Although Sitong lost his strategy, he gave his whole heart to whom he served. That too may be praised." On the day Guihai he reached Lingkou. The vanguard brought Sitong forward. The prince rebuked him, and he replied, "I rose from the ranks. The late emperor promoted me to the rank of commissioner, and I have always been ashamed of having no achievement with which to repay his great favor. I knew that siding with Your Highness would bring wealth and rank, and that aiding the court would bring disaster on myself. But I feared that on the day of my death I would have no face to meet the late emperor in the underworld. To be defeated and smeared on the war drum is only what I deserve. I beg to die at once!" The prince's expression softened, and he said, "Sir, rest for now." The prince wished to spare him, but Yang Siquan and his followers were ashamed to see his face. When the prince passed Chang'an, Yin Hui seized all of Sitong's family wealth and courtesans and repeatedly said to Liu Yanlang, "If we keep Sitong, I fear we will lose the soldiers' hearts." When the prince was drunk, without awaiting reply he killed Sitong and his wife and children on his own authority. When the prince awoke, he was angry with Yanlang and sighed in regret for many days.
17
癸亥，制以康義誠為鳳翔行營都招討使，以王思同副之。 甲子，潞王至華州，獲藥彥稠，囚之。 乙丑，至閿鄉。 朝廷前後所發諸軍，遇西軍皆迎降，無一人戰者。 丙寅，康義誠引侍衛兵發洛陽，詔以侍衛馬軍指揮使安從進為京城巡檢； 從進已受潞王書，潛布腹心矣。 是日，潞王至靈寶，護國節度使安彥威、匡國節度使安重霸皆降，惟保義節度使康思立謀固守陝城以俟康義誠。 先是，捧聖五百騎戍陝西，為潞王前鋒，至城下，呼城上人曰：「禁軍十萬已奉新帝，爾輩數人奚為！ 徒累一城人塗地耳。」 於是捧聖卒爭出迎，思立不能禁，不得已亦出迎。 丁卯，潞王至陝，僚佐說王曰：「今大王將及京畿，傳聞乘輿已播遷，大王宜少留於此，先移書慰安京城士庶。」 王從之，移書諭洛陽文武士庶，惟朱弘昭、馮贇兩族不赦外，自餘勿有憂疑。 康義誠軍至新安，所部將士自相結，百什為群，棄甲兵，爭先詣陝降，纍纍不絕。 義誠至干壕，麾下才數十人； 遇潞王侯騎十餘人，義誠解所佩弓劍為信，因侯騎請降於潞王。
On the day Guihai an edict made Kang Yicheng Grand Pacification Commissioner of the Fengxiang campaigning headquarters, with Wang Sitong as his deputy. On the day Jiazi the Prince of Lu reached Huazhou, captured Yao Yanchou, and imprisoned him. On the day Yichou he reached Wenxiang. Every army the court had sent out, when it met the western forces, welcomed them and surrendered. Not a single man fought. On the day Bingyin Kang Yicheng led the palace guard out of Luoyang. An edict made Palace Guard Horse Army Commander An Congjin capital inspector. Congjin had already received a letter from the Prince of Lu and secretly planted trusted agents. That day the Prince of Lu reached Lingbao. An Yanwei of Huguo and An Chongba of Kuangguo both surrendered. Only Kang Sili of Baoyi planned to hold Shan city and await Kang Yicheng. Earlier, five hundred Pingsheng cavalry garrisoned Shanxi as the Prince of Lu's vanguard. Reaching below the city, they called to those above, "A hundred thousand forbidden troops have already received the new emperor. What are you few doing! You will only bring the whole city's people to ruin." Thereupon the Pingsheng soldiers vied to go out and welcome them. Sili could not restrain them and, having no choice, also went out to welcome. On the day Dingmao the Prince of Lu reached Shan. His aides said, "Your Highness is about to reach the capital region, and it is rumored the imperial carriage has already fled. You should pause here and first send a letter to comfort the officials and commoners of the capital." The prince followed this advice and sent a proclamation to Luoyang's civil and military officials and commoners. Except for the clans of Zhu Hongzhao and Feng Yun, who would not be pardoned, the rest should have no worry or doubt. When Kang Yicheng's army reached Xin'an, his generals and soldiers bound themselves together in groups of tens and hundreds, cast off armor and weapons, and vied to go to Shan to surrender in an unbroken stream. Yicheng reached Ganhao with only several dozen men under him. He met a dozen or so of the Prince of Lu's outriders. Yicheng unfastened the bow and sword he wore as tokens of trust and through the outriders requested surrender to the Prince of Lu.
18
戊辰，閔帝聞潞王至陝，義誠軍潰，憂駭不知所為，急遣中使召朱弘昭謀所向，弘昭曰：「急召我，欲罪之也。」 赴井死。 安從進聞弘昭死，殺馮贇於第，滅其族，傳弘昭、贇首於潞王。 帝欲奔魏州，召孟漢瓊使詣魏州為先置； 漢瓊不應召，單騎奔陝。 初，帝在籓鎮，愛信牙將慕容遷，及即位，以為控鶴指揮使； 帝將北渡河，密與之謀，使帥部兵守玄武門。 是夕，帝以五十騎出玄武門，謂遷曰：朕且幸魏州，徐圖興復，汝帥有馬控鶴從我。」 遷曰：「生死從大家。」 乃陽為團結； 帝既出，即闔門不行。 己巳，馮道等入朝，及端門，聞朱、馮死，帝已北走。 道及劉昫欲歸，李愚曰：「天子之出，吾輩不預謀。 今太后在宮，吾輩當至中書，遣小黃門取太后進止，然後歸第，人臣之義也。」 道曰：「主上失守社稷，人臣惟君是奉，無君而入宮城，恐非所宜。 潞王已處處張榜，不若歸俟教令。」 乃歸。 至天宮寺，安從進遣人語之曰：「潞王倍道而來，且至矣，相公宜帥百官至谷水奉迎。」 乃止於寺中，召百官。 中書舍人盧導至，馮道曰：「俟舍人久矣，所急者勸進文書，宜速具草。」 導曰：「潞王入朝，百官班迎可也； 設有廢立，當俟太后教令，豈可遽議勸進乎？」 道曰：「事當務實。」 導曰：「安有天子在外，人臣遽以大位勸人者邪！ 若潞王守節北面，以大義見責，將何辭以對！ 公不如帥百官詣宮門，進名問安，取太后進止，則去就善矣。」 道未及對，從進屢遣人趣之曰：「潞王至矣，太后、太妃已遣中使迎勞矣，安得百官無班！」 道等即紛然而去。 既而潞王未至，三相息於上陽門外，盧導過於前，道復召而語之，導對如初。 李愚曰：「舍人之言是也。 吾輩之罪，擢發不足數。
On the day Wuchen Emperor Min heard the Prince of Lu had reached Shan and Yicheng's army had collapsed. Alarmed and at a loss, he urgently sent a palace envoy to summon Zhu Hongzhao to plan their course. Hongzhao said, "An urgent summons means he wishes to punish me." He threw himself into a well and died. An Congjin, hearing of Hongzhao's death, killed Feng Yun at his residence, exterminated his clan, and sent the heads of Hongzhao and Feng to the Prince of Lu. The emperor wished to flee to Weizhou and summoned Meng Hanqiong to go to Weizhou to make preparations in advance. Hanqiong did not answer the summons and rode alone to Shan. Earlier, when the emperor was in his frontier commission, he loved and trusted Guard General Murong Qian. When he took the throne he made him Crane-Control Commander. When the emperor was about to cross the river north, he secretly plotted with Qian and had him lead his troops to guard the Xuanwu Gate. That evening the emperor with fifty horsemen went out the Xuanwu Gate and said to Qian, "I am about to travel to Weizhou and slowly plan restoration. You lead the mounted Crane-Control and follow me." Qian said, "In life or death I follow Your Majesty." He then pretended to muster them. Once the emperor had gone out, he closed the gate and would not go. On the day Jisi Feng Dao and others entered court. Reaching the Duan Gate, they heard Zhu and Feng were dead and the emperor had already fled north. Dao and Liu Xu wished to return home. Li Yu said, "The sovereign's departure—we were not party to the planning. The empress dowager is still in the palace. We should go to the Secretariat, send a junior palace attendant to obtain her decision, and then return to our residences. That is the duty of subjects." Dao said, "The sovereign has lost the realm. Subjects serve only the ruler. To enter the palace city without a ruler—I fear that is not fitting. The Prince of Lu has posted proclamations everywhere. Better to return home and await his instructions." They then returned. Reaching Tiangong Temple, An Congjin sent someone to tell them, "The Prince of Lu is coming by forced marches and will soon arrive. The chief ministers should lead the hundred officials to Gushui to welcome him." They then stopped at the temple and summoned the hundred officials. Secretariat Drafter Lu Dao arrived. Feng Dao said, "I have waited long for you. What is urgent is the document urging accession. You should quickly prepare a draft." Dao said, "When the Prince of Lu enters court, the hundred officials may line up to welcome him. If there is to be deposition and installation, we should await the empress dowager's instruction. How can we hastily discuss urging accession?" Feng Dao said, "Affairs must be handled practically." Lu Dao said, "How can subjects hastily urge the throne on someone while the Son of Heaven is outside! If the Prince of Lu holds to his duty facing north and reproaches us with righteousness, with what words shall we answer! You would do better to lead the hundred officials to the palace gate, present your names to inquire after her health, and obtain the empress dowager's decision. Then going or staying would be well settled." Before Feng Dao could reply, Congjin repeatedly sent men to urge them, saying, "The Prince of Lu has arrived. The empress dowager and imperial consort have already sent palace envoys to welcome him. How can the hundred officials have no formation!" Dao and the others at once scattered and went. After a while the Prince of Lu had not yet arrived. The three chief ministers rested outside the Shangyang Gate. Lu Dao passed before them. Feng Dao again summoned and spoke with him, and Dao answered as before. Li Yu said, "The drafter is right. Our crimes—even counting them hair by hair would not suffice."
19
康義誠至陝等罪，潞王責之曰：「先帝晏駕，立嗣在諸公； 今上亮陰，政事出諸公，何為不能終始，陷吾弟至此乎？」 義誠大懼，叩頭請死。 王素惡其為人，未欲遽誅，且宥之。 馬步都虞侯萇從簡、左龍武統軍王景戡皆為部下所執，降於潞王，東軍盡降。 潞王上箋於太后取進止，遂自陝而東。
When Kang Yicheng reached Shan to answer for his crimes, the Prince of Lu reproached him, saying, "When the late emperor passed away, establishing the heir lay with you gentlemen. The present sovereign is in mourning, and government affairs proceed from you gentlemen. Why could you not see it through from start to finish and have trapped my younger brother to this point?" Yicheng was greatly afraid, kowtowed, and begged for death. The prince had always hated his character and did not wish to execute him hastily. For the time being he pardoned him. Horse-and-foot Deputy Commander Chang Congjian and Left Dragon Martial Commander Wang Jingzhan were both seized by their subordinates and surrendered to the Prince of Lu. The eastern armies all surrendered. The Prince of Lu submitted a memorial to the empress dowager to obtain her decision, then marched east from Shan.
20
夏，四月，庚午朔，未明，閔帝至衛州東數里，遇石敬瑭； 帝大喜，問以社稷大計，敬瑭曰：「聞康義誠西討，何如？ 陛下何為至此？」 帝曰：「義誠亦叛去矣。」 敬瑭俯首長歎數四，曰：「衛州刺史王弘贄，宿將習事，請與圖之。」 乃往見弘贄問之，弘贄曰：「前代天子播遷多矣，然皆有將相、侍衛、府庫、法物，使群下有所瞻仰； 今皆無之，獨以五十騎自隨，雖有忠義之心，將若之何？」 敬瑭還，見帝於衛州驛，以弘贄之言告。 弓箭庫使沙守榮、奔洪進前責敬瑭曰：「公明宗愛婿，富貴相與共之，憂患亦宜相恤。 今天子播越，委計於公，冀圖興復，乃以此四者為辭，是直欲附賊賣天子耳！」 守榮抽佩刀欲刺之，敬瑭親將陳暉救之，守榮與暉斗死，洪進亦自刎。 敬瑭牙內指揮使劉知遠引兵入，盡殺帝左右及從騎，獨置帝而去。 敬瑭遂趣洛陽。 是日，太后令內諸司至干壕迎潞王，王亟遣還洛陽。
In summer, the fourth month, on the first day Gengwu, before dawn Emperor Min reached several li east of Weizhou and met Shi Jingtang. The emperor was greatly pleased and asked him about the great plan for the realm. Jingtang said, "I heard Kang Yicheng was campaigning west. How did it go? Why has Your Majesty come to this?" The emperor said, "Yicheng has also rebelled and gone." Jingtang bowed his head and sighed long several times. "Weizhou Prefect Wang Hongzan is an old general experienced in affairs. Please let me consult with him." He then went to see Hongzan and ask him. Hongzan said, "Former ages' emperors who fled in exile were many, yet all had generals and ministers, guards, treasuries, and ritual objects, so that subordinates had something to look up to. Now all these are lacking, and he follows himself with only fifty horsemen. Even if there is a loyal and righteous heart, what is to be done?" Jingtang returned and saw the emperor at the Weizhou post station and reported Hongzan's words. Bow and Arrow Store Commissioner Sha Shourong and Ben Hongjin stepped forward and reproached Jingtang. "You are Emperor Mingzong's beloved son-in-law. In wealth and rank you shared together, and in trouble you should also comfort each other. Today the Son of Heaven is in exile and entrusts his plan to you, hoping to plot restoration. Yet you take these four points as your excuse. This is plainly wishing to join the rebel and sell the Son of Heaven!" Shourong drew his girdle sword to stab him. Jingtang's personal general Chen Hui rescued him. Shourong and Hui fought to the death, and Hongjin also cut his own throat. Jingtang's Inner Guard Commander Liu Zhiyuan led troops in and killed all those at the emperor's side and his escort horsemen, leaving only the emperor and departing. Jingtang then hastened to Luoyang. That day the empress dowager ordered the inner palace offices to Ganhao to welcome the Prince of Lu. The prince quickly sent them back to Luoyang.
21
初，潞王罷河中，歸私第，王淑妃數遣孟漢瓊存撫之。 漢瓊自謂於王有舊恩，至澠池西，見王大哭，欲有所陳，王曰：「諸事不言可知。」 仍自預從臣之列，王即命斬於路隅。
Earlier, when the Prince of Lu was dismissed from Hezhong and returned to his private residence, Consort Wang Shufei several times sent Meng Hanqiong to comfort and reassure him. Hanqiong considered that he had old favor with the prince. West of Mianchi he saw the prince and wept greatly, wishing to say something. The prince said, "All matters need not be spoken to be known." He still placed himself among the following ministers. The prince at once ordered him beheaded at the roadside.
22
山南西道節度使張虔釗之討鳳翔也，留武定節度使孫漢韶守興元。 虔釗既敗，奔歸興元，與漢韶舉兩鎮之地降於蜀； 蜀主命奉鑾肅衛馬步都指揮使、昭武節度使李肇將兵五千還利州，右匡聖馬步都指揮使、寧江節度使張業將兵一萬屯大漫天以迎之。
When Zhang Qianzhao, military commissioner of Shannan West Circuit, campaigned against Fengxiang, he left Sun Hanshao, military commissioner of Wuding, to guard Xingyuan. When Qianzhao was defeated he fled back to Xingyuan and, with Hanshao, offered the territory of both commissions in surrender to Shu. The ruler of Shu ordered Li Zhao, Imperial Escort and Ceremonial Guard horse-and-foot commander and military commissioner of Zhaowu, to lead five thousand troops back to Lizhou, and Zhang Ye, Right Kuangsheng horse-and-foot commander and military commissioner of Ningjiang, to lead ten thousand troops to garrison Datianmian to receive them.
23
壬申，潞王至蔣橋，百官班迎於路，傳教以未拜梓宮，未可相見。 馮道等皆上箋勸進。 王入謁太后、太妃，詣西宮，伏梓宮慟哭，自陳詣闕之由。 馮道帥百官班見，王答拜。 道等復上箋勸進，王立謂道等曰：「予之此行，事非獲已。 俟皇帝歸闕，園寢禮終，當還守籓服，群公遽言及此，甚無謂也！」
On the day Renshen the Prince of Lu reached Jiangqiao. The hundred officials lined up on the road to welcome him. A message was transmitted that because he had not yet paid respects at the imperial coffin, he could not yet be received in audience. Feng Dao and the others all submitted memorials urging accession. The prince entered to pay respects to the empress dowager and imperial consort, went to the Western Palace, prostrated himself before the coffin and wailed bitterly, and stated the reason for coming to court. Feng Dao led the hundred officials in formation to see him. The prince returned their bows. Dao and the others again submitted memorials urging accession. The prince stood and said to Dao and the others, "This journey of mine was not undertaken willingly. Wait until the emperor returns to court and the rites at the imperial tomb are complete. I shall return to guard my frontier commission. For you gentlemen hastily to speak of this is very meaningless!"
24
癸酉，太后下令廢少帝為鄂王，以潞王知軍國事，權以書詔印施行。 百官詣至德宮門待罪，王命各復其位。 甲戌，太后令潞王宜即皇帝位； 乙亥，即位於柩前。
On the day Guiyou the empress dowager issued an order deposing the young emperor as Prince of E and making the Prince of Lu administrator of state and military affairs, provisionally using the written edict seal to put measures into effect. The hundred officials went to the Gate of the Palace of Supreme Virtue to await punishment. The prince ordered each to resume his post. On the day Jiaxu the empress dowager ordered that the Prince of Lu should immediately take the imperial throne. On the day Yihai he took the throne before the coffin.
25
帝之發鳳翔也，許軍士以入洛人賞錢百緡。 既至，問三司使王玫以府庫之實，對有數百萬在。 既而閱實，金、帛不過三萬兩、匹； 而賞軍之費計應用五十萬緡。 帝怒，玫請率京城民財以足之，數日，僅得數萬緡，帝謂執政曰：「軍不可不賞，人不可不恤，今將奈何？」 執政請據屋為率，無問士庶自居及僦者，預借五月僦直，從之。
When the emperor set out from Fengxiang he promised the soldiers a reward of a hundred strings of cash per man on entering Luoyang. When he arrived he asked Three Departments Commissioner Wang Mei about the treasury's actual condition. Mei answered that several million were on hand. When they then examined the actual amount, gold and silk amounted to no more than thirty thousand taels and bolts. Yet the cost of rewarding the army was calculated to require five hundred thousand strings of cash. The emperor was angry. Mei asked to levy the capital city's people's wealth to make it up. In several days they obtained only several tens of thousands of strings of cash. The emperor said to the chief ministers, "The army cannot go unrewarded, the people cannot go unrelieved. What is to be done now?" The chief ministers asked to levy according to dwellings as the standard, without distinction between scholar and commoner, owner-occupier or renter, advancing five months' rent. This was followed.
26
王弘贄遷閔帝於州廨，帝遣弘贄之子殿直巒往鴆之。 戊寅，巒至衛州謁見，閔帝問來故，不對。 弘贄數進酒，閔帝知其有毒，不飲，巒縊殺之。 閔帝性仁厚，于兄弟敦睦，雖遭秦王忌疾，閔帝坦懷待之，卒免於患。 及嗣位，於潞王亦無嫌，而朱弘昭、孟漢瓊之徒橫生猜間，閔帝不能違，以致禍敗焉。 孔妃尚在宮中，王巒既還，潞王使人謂之曰：「重吉輩何在？」 遂殺妃，並其四子。 閔帝之在衛州也，惟磁州刺史宋令詢遣使問起居，聞其遇害，慟哭半日，自經死。
Wang Hongzan moved Emperor Min to the prefectural offices. The emperor sent Hongzan's son, Palace Attendant Luan, to poison him. On the day Wuyin, Luan arrived at Weizhou and paid his respects. Emperor Min asked why he had come, but Luan did not answer. Hongzan repeatedly offered wine. Emperor Min knew it was poisoned and refused to drink, so Luan strangled him to death. Emperor Min was by nature benevolent and generous and affectionate toward his brothers. Though the Prince of Qin bore him jealous ill will, Emperor Min treated him with open sincerity and in the end escaped harm. When he succeeded to the throne he bore no ill will toward the Prince of Lu either, yet Zhu Hongzhao, Meng Hanqiong, and their like wantonly sowed suspicion between them. Emperor Min could not refuse them, and so met with disaster and ruin. Consort Kong was still in the palace. After Wang Luan returned, the Prince of Lu sent someone to ask her, "Where are Chongji and the others?" He then killed the consort together with her four sons. While Emperor Min was at Weizhou, only Cizhou Prefect Song Lingxun sent envoys to inquire after his health. When he heard that Min had been murdered, he wailed in grief for half a day and hanged himself.
27
己卯，石敬瑭入朝。
On the day Jimao, Shi Jingtang came to court.
28
庚辰，以劉昫判三司。
On the day Gengchen, Liu Xu was appointed to administer the Three Departments.
29
辛巳，蜀在赦，改元明德。
On the day Xinsi, Shu proclaimed another amnesty and changed the era name to Mingde.
30
帝之起鳳翔也，召興州刺史劉遂清，遲疑不至。 聞帝入洛，乃悉集三泉、西縣、金牛、桑林戍兵以歸，自散關以南城鎮悉棄之，皆為蜀人所有。 癸未，入朝，帝欲治其罪，以其能自歸，乃赦之。 遂清。 鄩之侄也。
When the emperor raised his forces at Fengxiang he summoned Xingzhou Prefect Liu Suiqing, but Suiqing hesitated and did not come. When he heard that the emperor had entered Luoyang, he gathered all the garrison troops of Sanquan, Xixian, Jinniu, and Sanglin and withdrew. From San Pass southward every fortified town was abandoned, and all fell into Shu hands. On the day Guiwei he entered court. The emperor wished to punish him for his offense, but because he had returned of his own accord, he was pardoned. Liu Suiqing. He was the nephew of Li E.
31
甲申，蜀將張業將兵入興元、洋州。
On the day Jiashen, Shu general Zhang Ye led troops into Xingyuan and Yangzhou.
32
乙酉，改元，大赦。
On the day Yiyou, the era name was changed and a general amnesty was proclaimed.
33
丁亥，以宣徽南院使郝瓊權判樞密院，前三司使王玫為宣徽北院使，鳳翔節度判官韓昭胤為左諫議大夫、充端明殿學士。
On the day Dinghai, Hao Qiong, commissioner of the southern palace secretariat, was appointed provisional administrator of the Bureau of Military Affairs; former Three Departments Commissioner Wang Mei was made commissioner of the northern palace secretariat; and Han Zhaoyin, administrative aide to the Fengxiang military commission, was made Left Remonstrance Counselor and Academician of the Duanming Hall.
34
戊子，斬河陽節度使、判六軍諸衛兼侍中康義誠，滅其族。
On the day Wuzi, Kang Yicheng, military commissioner of Heyang, administrator of the Six Armies and Various Guards, and concurrently palace attendant, was executed and his clan exterminated.
35
己丑，誅藥彥稠。
On the day Jichou, Yao Yanchou was put to death.
36
庚寅，釋王景戡、萇長簡。
On the day Gengyin, Wang Jingzhan and Chang Changjian were released.
37
有司百方斂民財，僅得六萬，帝怒，下軍巡使獄，晝夜督責，囚系滿獄，貧者至自經、赴井。 而軍士游市肆皆有驕色，市人聚詬之曰：「汝曹為主力戰，立功良苦，反使我輩鞭胸杖背，出財為賞，汝曹猶揚揚自得，獨不愧天地乎！」 是時，竭左藏舊物及諸道貢獻，乃至太后、太妃器服簪珥皆出之，才及二十萬緡，帝患之，李專美夜直，帝讓之曰：「卿名有才，不能為我謀此，留才安所施乎！」 專美謝曰：「臣駑劣，陛下擢任過分，然軍賞不給，非臣之責也。 竊思自長興之季，賞賚亟行，卒以是驕； 繼以山陵及出師，帑藏遂涸。 雖有無窮之財，終不能滿驕卒之心，故陛下拱手於危困之中而得天下。 夫國之存亡，不專繫於厚賞，亦在修法度，立紀綱。 陛下苟不改覆車之轍，臣恐徒困百姓，存亡未可知也。 今財力盡於此矣，宜據所有均給之，何必踐初言乎！」 帝以為然。 壬辰，詔禁軍在鳳翔歸命者，自楊思權、尹暉等各賜二馬、一駝、錢七十緡，下至軍人錢二十緡，其在京者各十緡。 軍士無厭，猶怨望，為謠言曰：「除去菩薩，扶立生鐵。」 以閔帝仁弱，帝剛嚴，有悔心故也。
The officials exhausted every means to levy the people's wealth and obtained only sixty thousand strings of cash. The emperor was angry and had them thrown into the military patrol commissioners' prison, where day and night they were pressed and held to account. The prisons filled with detainees, and the poor came even to hanging themselves or throwing themselves into wells. Meanwhile soldiers strolling through the marketplaces all wore arrogant looks. The townspeople gathered and cursed them, saying, "You fought hard for your lord and toiled bitterly for merit, yet you have made us whipped on chest and back and pay out wealth for your rewards—and you still strut about pleased with yourselves. Are you alone without shame before Heaven and Earth?" At that time they exhausted the old stores of the Left Treasury and tribute from every circuit, even bringing out the empress dowager's and grand consort's vessels, robes, hairpins, and earrings, and still reached only two hundred thousand strings of cash. The emperor was distressed. Li Zhuanmei was on night duty at court, and the emperor reproached him, saying, "Your name means 'possessing talent,' yet you cannot plan this matter for me—where is talent to be applied if you keep it?" Zhuanmei apologized and said, "I am dull and inferior, and Your Majesty has promoted me beyond my deserts; yet that army rewards cannot be paid is not my responsibility. I reflect that from the end of the Changxing era rewards and gifts were repeatedly issued, and the soldiers thereby grew arrogant. This was followed by the imperial tomb works and campaigns abroad, and the treasury was drained dry. Even with inexhaustible wealth one could never satisfy the hearts of arrogant soldiers; that is why Your Majesty, hands folded in peril and distress, obtained the realm. A state's survival or ruin does not depend solely on lavish rewards; it also lies in repairing laws and institutions and establishing order and discipline. If Your Majesty will not turn from the track of the overturned cart, I fear you will only exhaust the common people, and survival or ruin will be impossible to know. Now financial strength is exhausted at this point; you ought to distribute evenly according to what is on hand—why must you keep your first promise!" The emperor thought this right. On the day Renchen, an edict granted to palace guard troops at Fengxiang who had submitted, from Yang Siquan and Yin Hui downward, two horses, one camel, and seventy strings of cash each; common soldiers twenty strings of cash; and those in the capital ten strings each. The soldiers were insatiable and still resentful, and they made up a saying: "Remove the bodhisattva and install raw iron." This was because Emperor Min had been benevolent and weak while the emperor was stern and severe, and they had regrets on that account.
38
丙申，葬聖德和武欽孝皇帝於徽陵，廟號明宗。 帝衰絰護從至陵所，宿焉。
On the day Bingshen, the Sagely, Virtuous, Harmonious, Martial, and Reverent Filial Emperor was buried at Huiling; his temple name was Mingzong. The emperor, in mourning garments, escorted the procession to the tomb site and lodged there overnight.
39
五月，丙午，以韓昭胤為樞密使，以莊宅使劉延朗為樞密副使，權知樞密院記房暠為宣徽北院使。 暠，長安人也。 帝與石敬瑭皆以勇力善鬥，事明宗為左右； 然心競，素不相悅。 帝即位，敬瑭不得已入朝，山陵既畢，不敢言歸。 時敬瑭久病贏瘠，太后及魏國公主屢為之言； 而鳳翔舊將佐多勸帝留之，惟韓昭胤、李專美以為趙延壽在汴，不宜猜忌敬瑭。 帝亦見其骨立，不以為虞，乃曰：「石郎不惟密親，兼自少與吾同艱難； 今我為天子，非石郎尚誰托哉！」 乃復以為河東節度使。
In the fifth month, on the day Bingwu, Han Zhaoyin was made commissioner of military affairs; Estate Commissioner Liu Yanlang was made vice commissioner of military affairs; and Fang Gao, provisional recorder of the Bureau of Military Affairs, was made commissioner of the northern palace secretariat. Gao was a native of Chang'an. The emperor and Shi Jingtang were both skilled in courage and fighting strength and served Emperor Mingzong as his left and right hands. Yet they rivaled each other in their hearts and had never been fond of one another. When the emperor took the throne, Jingtang had no choice but to come to court. After the tomb rites were completed, he did not dare speak of returning home. At the time Jingtang had long been ill and was emaciated; the empress dowager and the Princess of Wei repeatedly spoke on his behalf. Yet many of the old Fengxiang generals and aides urged the emperor to keep him there. Only Han Zhaoyin and Li Zhuanmei held that with Zhao Yanshou at Bian, it was inappropriate to be suspicious of Jingtang. The emperor also saw how emaciated he was and did not regard him as a threat, and said, "Brother Stone is not only a close kinsman by marriage—since youth he has shared hardship with me. Now that I am Son of Heaven, if not Brother Stone, on whom else should I rely!" He then again appointed him military commissioner of Hedong.
40
戊午，以隴州防禦使相裡金為保義節度使。
On the day Wuwu, Xiangli Jin, defense commissioner of Longzhou, was made military commissioner of Baoyi.
41
丁未，階州刺史趙澄降蜀。
On the day Dingwei, Jiezhou Prefect Zhao Cheng surrendered to Shu.
42
戊申，以羽林軍使楊思權為靜難節度使。
On the day Wushen, Yang Siquan, commissioner of the Feathered Forest Army, was made military commissioner of Jingnan.
43
己酉，張虔釗、孫漢韶舉族遷於成都。
On the day Jiyou, Zhang Qianzhao and Sun Hanshao moved their entire clans to Chengdu.
44
庚戌，以司空兼門下侍郎、同平章事馮道同平章事，充匡國節度使。
On the day Gengxu, Feng Dao, grand master of works, concurrently vice director of the chancellery and co-grand councillor, was made co-grand councillor and appointed military commissioner of Kuangguo.
45
以天雄節度使兼侍中范延光為樞密使。
Fan Yanguang, military commissioner of Tianxiong and concurrently palace attendant, was made commissioner of military affairs.
46
帝之起鳳翔也，悉取天平節度使李從曮家財甲兵以供軍。 將行，鳳翔之民遮馬請復以從曮鎮鳳翔，帝許之，至是，徙從曮為鳳翔節度使。
When the emperor raised his forces at Fengxiang, he took all the family wealth and armor and weapons of Li Congyun, military commissioner of Tianping, to supply the army. When he was about to depart, the people of Fengxiang blocked his horse and asked that Congyun again be stationed at Fengxiang; the emperor agreed. At this time Congyun was transferred to be military commissioner of Fengxiang.
47
初，明宗為北面招討使，平盧節度使房知溫為副都部署，帝與別將事之，嘗被酒忿爭，拔刃相擬。 及帝舉兵入洛，知溫密與行軍司李沖謀拒之，沖請先奉表以觀形勢，還，言洛中已安定，知溫懼，壬戌，入朝謝罪，帝優禮之。 知溫貢獻甚厚。
Earlier, when Emperor Mingzong was northern campaign commissioner-in-chief and Fang Zhiwen, military commissioner of Pinglu, was deputy overall commander, the emperor and a separate general served under him. Once, drunk and angry, they quarreled and drew blades against each other. When the emperor raised troops and entered Luoyang, Zhiwen secretly plotted with campaign staff officer Li Chong to resist him. Chong asked first to submit a memorial to observe the situation; when he returned he said Luoyang was already settled. Zhiwen was afraid. On the day Renxu he entered court to apologize for his offense, and the emperor treated him with exceptional courtesy. Zhiwen's tribute gifts were very generous.
48
吳鎮南節度使、守中書令東海康王徐知詢卒。
Xu Zhixun, Prince Kang of Donghai, military commissioner of Zhennan, guardian of the secretariat, died.
49
蜀人取成州。
Shu forces took Chengzhou.
50
六月，甲戌，以皇子左衛上將軍重美為成德節度使、同平章事，兼河南尹，判六軍諸衛事。
In the sixth month, on the day Jiaxu, the emperor's son Chongmei, Left Guard General, was made military commissioner of Chengde and co-grand councillor, concurrently intendant of Henan and administrator of the Six Armies and Various Guards.
51
文州都指揮使成延龜舉州附蜀。
Cheng Yangui, commander-in-chief of Wenzhou, surrendered the prefecture to Shu.
52
吳徐知誥將受禪，忌照武節度使兼中書令臨川王濛，遣人告濛藏匿亡命，擅造兵器； 丙子，降封歷陽公，。 幽於和州，命控鶴軍使王宏將兵二百衛之。
In Wu, Xu Zhigao was about to receive the abdication of the throne and resented Meng, Prince of Linchuan, military commissioner of Zhaowu and concurrently director of the secretariat. He sent men to accuse Meng of harboring fugitives and privately manufacturing weapons. On the day Bingzi, he was demoted and enfeoffed as Duke of Liyang. He was confined at Hezhou, and Wang Hong, commissioner of the Crane-Control Army, was ordered to lead two hundred troops to guard him.
53
劉昫與馮道婚姻。 蚼性苛察，李愚剛褊； 道既出鎮，二人論議多不合，事有應改者，愚謂昫曰：「此賢親家所為，更之不亦便乎！」 昫恨之，由是動成忿爭，至相詬罵，各欲非時求見，事多凝滯。 帝患之，欲更命相，問所親信以朝臣聞望宜為相者，皆以尚書左丞姚顗、太常卿盧文紀、秘書監崔居儉對； 論其才行，互有優劣。 帝不能決，乃置其名於琉璃瓶，夜焚香祝天，且以筋挾之，首得文紀，次得顗。 秋，七月，辛亥，以文紀為中書侍郎、同平章事。 居儉，蕘之子也。
Liu Xu and Feng Dao were connected by marriage. Xu was by nature harsh and scrutinizing; Li Yu was stern and narrow-minded. After Dao had gone out to his commission, the two men's deliberations often did not agree. When there were matters that ought to be changed, Yu said to Xu, "This was done by your worthy in-law—would it not be convenient to change it!" Xu resented this, and from then on they constantly fell into angry disputes, even hurling abuse at each other. Each wished to seek audience at improper times, and affairs were often delayed. The emperor was troubled by this and wished to appoint new chief councillors. He asked those he trusted which court officials of repute were suitable to be chief councillors, and all named Yao Yan, left assistant director of the secretariat; Lu Wenji, grand master of ceremonies; and Cui Jujian, director of the secretariat library. When their conduct and ability were discussed, each had strengths and weaknesses. The emperor could not decide, so he placed their names in a glass jar, burned incense at night and prayed to Heaven, and drew them out with chopsticks. Wenji came out first, then Yan. In autumn, the seventh month, on the day Xinhai, Wenji was made vice director of the secretariat and co-grand councillor. Jujian was the son of Cui Rao.
54
帝欲殺楚匡祚，韓昭胤曰：「陛下為天下父，天下之人皆陛下子，用法宜存至公，匡祚受詔檢校重吉家財，不得不爾。 今族匡祚，無益死者，恐不厭眾心。」 乙卯，長流匡祚於登州。
The emperor wished to kill Chu Kuangzuo. Han Zhaoyin said, "Your Majesty is father to the realm, and all people under Heaven are Your Majesty's children. In applying the law one ought to preserve utmost fairness. Kuangzuo received an edict to inspect and take inventory of Chongji's family property and could not do otherwise. To exterminate Kuangzuo's clan now would not benefit the dead and I fear would not satisfy popular sentiment." On the day Yimao, Kuangzuo was exiled far to Dengzhou.
55
丁巳，立沛國夫人劉氏為皇后。
On the day Dingsi, Lady Liu of Pei was installed as empress.
56
回鶻入貢者多為河西雜虜所掠，詔將軍牛知柔帥禁後衛送，與邠州兵共討之。
Many Uyghur tribute missions were plundered by various tribes of Hexi. An edict ordered General Niu Zhirou to lead the rear guard of the palace guard to escort them and, together with Binzhou troops, jointly campaign against the plunderers.
57
吳徐知誥召右僕謝兼中書侍郎、同平章事宋齊丘還金陵，以為諸道都統判官，加司空，於事皆無所關預，齊丘屢請退居，知誥以南園給之。
In Wu, Xu Zhigao summoned Song Qiqiu, right vice director, concurrently vice director of the secretariat and co-grand councillor, back to Jinling and made him chief staff officer of the overall command of all circuits, with the additional title grand master of works. He had no part in any affairs, and Qiqiu repeatedly asked to retire from office. Zhigao granted him the Southern Garden.
58
護國節度使洋王從璋，歸德節度使涇王從敏，皆罷鎮居洛陽私第，帝待之甚薄； 從敏在宋州預殺重吉，帝尤惡之。 嘗侍宴禁中，酒酣，顧二王曰：「爾等皆何物，輒據雄籓！」 二王大懼，太后叱之曰：「帝醉矣，爾曹速去！」
Congzhang, Prince of Yang, military commissioner of Huguo, and Congmin, Prince of Jing, military commissioner of Guide, were both removed from their commissions and lived in private residences at Luoyang. The emperor treated them very coldly. Congmin had taken part in killing Chongji at Songzhou, and the emperor especially hated him. Once, while attending a banquet in the palace, when the wine had gone to his head he turned to the two princes and said, "What sort of things are you, that you dare occupy mighty frontier commissions!" The two princes were greatly afraid. The empress dowager scolded him, saying, "The emperor is drunk—be off at once!"
59
蜀置永平軍於雅州，以孫漢韶為節度使。 復以張虔釗為山南西道節度使、同平章事； 虔釗固辭不行。
Shu established the Yongping Army at Yazhou and made Sun Hanshao its military commissioner. Zhang Qianzhao was again made military commissioner of Shannan West Circuit and co-grand councillor. Qianzhao firmly declined and would not go.
60
蜀主得風疾逾年，至是增劇。 甲子，立子東川節度使、同平章事、親衛馬步都指揮使仁贊為太子，仍監國。 召司空、同平章事趙季良、武信節度使李仁罕、保寧節度使趙廷隱、樞密使王處回、捧聖控鶴都指揮使張公鐸、奉鑾肅衛指揮副使侯弘實受遣詔輔政。 是夕殂，秘不發喪。 王處回夜啟義興門告趙季良，處回泣不已，季良正色曰：「今強將握兵，專伺時變，宜速立嗣君以絕覬覦，豈可但相泣邪！」 處回收淚謝之。 季良教處回見李什罕，審其詞旨然後告之。 處回至仁罕第，仁罕設備而出，遂不以實告。
The ruler of Shu had suffered from wind ailment for more than a year; at this time it grew worse. On the day Jiazi, his son Renzan, military commissioner of Dongchuan, co-grand councillor, and personal guard horse-and-foot commander-in-chief, was installed as crown prince and continued as regent of the realm. Zhao Jiliang, grand master of works and co-grand councillor; Li Renhan, military commissioner of Wuxin; Zhao Tingyin, military commissioner of Baoning; Wang Chuhui, commissioner of military affairs; Zhang Gongduo, commander-in-chief of the Sacred-Bearer Crane-Control forces; and Hou Hongshi, deputy commander of the ceremonial escort and strict guard, were summoned to receive the deathbed edict and assist in governance. That evening he died, and the death was kept secret without announcing mourning. Wang Chuhui opened the Yixing Gate at night and told Zhao Jiliang. Chuhui wept without cease. Jiliang said with stern countenance, "Now powerful generals hold troops and watch only for the moment to change. You ought quickly to install the heir to cut off covetous eyes—how can you merely weep at each other!" Chuhui wiped away his tears and apologized to him. Jiliang instructed Chuhui to see Li Renhan, observe the tenor of his words, and only then tell him. Chuhui went to Renhan's residence. Renhan came out fully armed and on guard, so he was not told the truth.
61
丙寅，宣遺制，命太子仁贊更名昶，丁卯，即皇帝位。
On the day Bingyin, the deathbed edict was proclaimed, ordering Crown Prince Renzan to change his name to Chang. On the day Dingmao he ascended the imperial throne.
62
初，帝以王玫對左藏見財失實，故以劉昫代判三司。 昫命判官高延賞鉤考窮核，皆積年逋欠之數，奸吏利其征責丐取，故存之。 昫具奏其狀，且請察其可征者急督之，必無可償者悉蠲之，韓昭胤極言其便。 八月，庚午，詔長興以前戶部及諸道逋租三百三十八萬，虛煩簿籍，鹹蠲免勿征。 貧民大悅，而三司吏怨之。
Earlier, because Wang Mei's report on the visible wealth of the Left Treasury had not matched reality, the emperor had Liu Xu replace him in administering the Three Departments. Xu ordered administrative aide Gao Yanxiang to investigate exhaustively. All were figures of arrears accumulated over years; corrupt clerks profited from their collection and extortion and therefore kept them on the books. Xu fully memorialized the situation and also asked that among those that could be collected, collection be urgently pressed, while those that could certainly not be repaid be wholly remitted. Han Zhaoyin strongly argued the convenience of this. In the eighth month, on the day Gengwu, an edict declared that 3,380,000 in tax arrears owed to the Ministry of Revenue and the various circuits before the Changxing era would be remitted in full and no longer collected, on the grounds that they needlessly cluttered the registers. The poor rejoiced, but the clerks of the Three Departments resented the move.
63
辛未，以姚顗為中書侍郎、同平章事。
On the day Xinwei, Yao Yan was appointed Vice Director of the Secretariat and Co-Grand Councillor.
64
右龍武統軍索自通，以河中之隙，心不自安，戊子，退朝過洛，自投於水而卒。 帝聞之大驚，贈太尉。 丙申，以前安國節度使、同平章事趙鳳為太子太保。
Suo Zitong, commander-in-chief of the Right Longwu Army, felt insecure after the breach over Hezhong. On the day Wuzi, after leaving court he passed the Luo River, threw himself into the water, and drowned. The emperor was greatly shocked when he heard of it and posthumously enfeoffed him as Grand Commandant. On the day Bingshen, Zhao Feng, former military commissioner of Anguo and Co-Grand Councillor, was appointed Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent.
65
九月，癸卯，詔鳳翔益兵守東安鎮以備蜀。
In the ninth month, on the day Guimao, an edict ordered Fengxiang to reinforce Dong'an Fort with additional troops as a precaution against Shu.
66
蜀衛聖諸軍都指揮使、武信節度使李仁罕自恃宿將有功，復受顧托，求判六軍，令進奏吏宋從會以意諭樞密院，又至學士院偵草麻。 蜀主不得已，甲寅，加仁罕兼中書令，判六軍事； 以左匡聖都指揮使、保寧節度使趙廷隱兼侍中，為之副。
Li Renhan, overall commander of the Weisheng Armies and military commissioner of Wuxin, counted on his long service and past merit and on having again received the late ruler's trust, and sought command of the Six Armies. He had memorial clerk Song Conghui convey his wishes to the Bureau of Military Affairs and also went to the Academy of Scholarly Worthies to watch for the drafting of the appointment edict. The ruler of Shu had no choice. On the day Jiayin, Renhan was additionally appointed Concurrent Director of the Secretariat and put in charge of the Six Armies. Zhao Tingyin, overall commander of the Left Kuangsheng Army and military commissioner of Baoning, was made Concurrent Palace Attendant to serve as his deputy.
67
己未，雲州奏契丹入寇，北面招討使石敬瑭奏自將兵屯百井以備契丹。 辛酉，敬瑭奏振武節度使楊檀擊契丹於境上，卻之。
On the day Jiwei, Yun Prefecture reported a Khitan incursion. Northern Campaign Commissioner Shi Jingtang memorialized that he would personally lead troops to encamp at Baijing against the Khitans. On the day Xinyou, Jingtang reported that Yang Tan, military commissioner of Zhenwu, had attacked the Khitans on the frontier and driven them back.
68
蜀奉鑾肅衛都指揮使、昭武節度使兼侍中李肇聞蜀主即位，顧望，不時入朝，至漢州，留與親戚燕飲逾旬； 冬，十月，庚午，始至成都，稱足疾，扶杖入朝見，見蜀主不拜。
Li Zhao, overall commander of the Fengluan Suwei Guard and military commissioner of Zhaowu and Concurrent Palace Attendant, hesitated when he heard that the ruler of Shu had taken the throne and did not come to court promptly. At Han Prefecture he lingered for more than ten days, feasting with relatives. In winter, the tenth month, on the day Gengwu, he finally reached Chengdu. Claiming a foot ailment, he entered court leaning on a staff to be received, and when he saw the ruler of Shu he did not bow.
69
戊寅，左僕射、門下侍郎、同平章事李愚罷守本官，吏部尚書兼門下侍郎、同平章事、判三司劉昫罷為右僕射。 三司吏聞昫罷相，皆相駕，無一人從歸第者。
On the day Wuyin, Li Yu, Left Vice Director, Vice Director of the Chancellery, and Co-Grand Councillor, was dismissed and retained his original rank. Liu Xu, Minister of Personnel, Vice Director of the Chancellery, Co-Grand Councillor, and administrator of the Three Departments, was dismissed and made Right Vice Director. When the clerks of the Three Departments heard that Xu had lost the chancellorship, they all deserted him at once; not one followed him home.
70
蜀捧聖控鶴都指揮使張公鐸與醫官使韓繼勳、豐德庫使韓保貞、茶酒庫使安思謙等皆事蜀主於籓邸，素凶李仁罕，共譖之雲仁罕有異志； 蜀主令繼勳等與趙季良，趙廷隱謀，因仁罕入朝，命武士，執而殺之。 癸未，下詔暴其罪，並其子繼宏及宋從會等數人皆伏誅。 是日，李肇釋杖而拜。 蜀渠州都押牙文景琛據城叛，果州刺史李延厚討平之，蜀主左右以李肇倨慢，請誅之； 戊子，以肇為太子少傅致仕，徙邛州。
Zhang Gongduo, overall commander of the Pingsheng Konghe Army, together with Medical Commissioner Han Jixun, Commissioner of the Fengde Storehouse Han Baozhen, Commissioner of the Tea and Wine Storehouse An Siqian, and others had all served the ruler of Shu when he was still heir. They had long hated Li Renhan and jointly slandered him, claiming that Renhan harbored rebellious intent. The ruler of Shu had Jixun and the others plot with Zhao Jiliang and Zhao Tingyin. When Renhan came to court, he ordered armed warriors to seize and kill him. On the day Guiwei, an edict exposed his crimes, and his son Jihong, Song Conghui, and several others were all executed. That same day, Li Zhao set aside his staff and bowed. Wen Jingchen, chief military adjutant of Qu Prefecture in Shu, seized the city and rebelled. Li Yanhou, commissioner of Guo Prefecture, suppressed the revolt. The ruler of Shu's attendants, citing Li Zhao's arrogance and disrespect, asked that he be executed. On the day Wuzi, Zhao was appointed Junior Mentor of the Heir Apparent and retired from office, and was transferred to Qiong Prefecture.
71
吳主加徐知誥大丞相、尚父、嗣齊王、九錫，辭不受。
The ruler of Wu offered Xu Zhigao the titles Grand Chancellor, Venerable Father, Heir to the Prince of Qi, and the Nine Bestowals. He declined them.
72
雄武節度使張延朗將兵圍文州，階州刺史郭知瓊拔尖石寨。 蜀李延厚將果州兵屯興州，遣先登指揮使范延暉將兵救文州，延朗解圍而歸。 興州刺史馮暉自乾渠引戍兵歸鳳翔。
Zhang Yanlang, military commissioner of Xiongwu, led troops to besiege Wen Prefecture. Guo Zhiqiong, commissioner of Jie Prefecture, captured Jianshi Fort. In Shu, Li Yanhou led troops from Guo Prefecture to encamp at Xing Prefecture and sent Vanguard Commander Fan Yanhui to relieve Wen Prefecture. Yanlang lifted the siege and withdrew. Feng Hui, commissioner of Xing Prefecture, led the garrison troops from Ganqu back to Fengxiang.
73
十一月，徐知誥召其子司徒、同平章事景通還金陵，為鎮海、寧國節度副大使、諸道副都統、判中外諸軍事； 以次子牙內馬步都指揮使、海州團練使景遷為左右軍都軍使、左僕射、參政事，留江都輔政。
In the eleventh month, Xu Zhigao summoned his son Jingtong, Minister of Works and Co-Grand Councillor, back to Jinling and appointed him Deputy Military Commissioner of Zhenhai and Ningguo, Deputy Overall Commander of the Various Circuits, and administrator of all internal and external military affairs. His next son, Jingqian, Inner Guard Cavalry and Infantry Commander and training commissioner of Haizhou, was made Commander of the Left and Right Armies, Left Vice Director, and participant in governance, and was left at Jiangdu to assist in government.
74
十二月，己巳，以易州刺史安叔千為振武節度使，齊州防禦使尹暉為彰國節度使。 叔千，沙陀人也。
In the twelfth month, on the day Jisi, An Shuqian, commissioner of Yi Prefecture, was appointed military commissioner of Zhenwu, and Yin Hui, defense commissioner of Qi Prefecture, was appointed military commissioner of Zhangguo. Shuqian was a Shatuo.
75
壬申，石敬瑭奏契丹引去，罷兵歸。
On the day Renshen, Shi Jingtang reported that the Khitans had withdrawn and that he was dismissing the troops and returning.
76
乙亥，征雄武節度使張延朗為中書侍郎、同平章事、判三司。
On the day Yihai, Zhang Yanlang, military commissioner of Xiongwu, was summoned to serve as Vice Director of the Secretariat, Co-Grand Councillor, and administrator of the Three Departments.
77
辛巳，漢皇后馬氏殂。
On the day Xinsi, Empress Ma of Han died.
78
甲申，蜀葬文武聖德英烈明孝皇帝於和陵，廟號高祖。 乙酉，葬鄂王於徽陵城南，封才數尺； 觀者悲之。
On the day Jiashen, Shu buried the Emperor of Civil and Military Sagely Virtue, Heroic Brilliance, and Bright Filial Piety at Heling Mausoleum, with the temple name Gaozu. On the day Yiyou, the Prince of E was buried south of Huiling Mausoleum; the mound rose only a few feet. Onlookers were moved to sorrow.
79
是歲秋、冬旱，民多流亡，同、華、蒲、絳尤甚。
That year drought persisted through autumn and winter, and many people fled their homes. The suffering was especially severe in Tong, Hua, Pu, and Jiang.
80
漢主命判六軍秦王弘度募宿衛兵千人，皆市井無賴子弟，弘度暱之。 同平章事楊洞潛諫曰：「秦王，國之塚嫡，宜親端士。 使之治軍已過矣，況暱群小乎！」 漢主曰：「小兒教以戎事，過煩公憂。」 終不戒弘度。 洞潛出，見衛士掠商人金帛，商人不敢訴，漢曰：「政亂如此，安用宰相！」 因謝病歸第； 久之，不召，遂卒。
The ruler of Han ordered Prince of Qin Hongdu, administrator of the Six Armies, to recruit a thousand palace-guard soldiers from the riffraff of the marketplace. Hongdu grew fond of them. Co-Grand Councillor Yang Dongqian remonstrated, saying, "The Prince of Qin is the direct heir of the realm. He ought to keep company with upright gentlemen. Putting him in charge of troops is already going too far—how much worse to grow close to petty men!" The ruler of Han said, "I am merely teaching the boy military affairs. You need not worry so much." In the end he did not restrain Hongdu. Dongqian went out and saw guards seizing merchants' gold and silk while the merchants dared not complain. He said, "When government is this chaotic, what use is there in a chancellor!" Thereupon he pleaded illness and returned home. After a long time without being summoned, he finally died.
81
潞王下清泰二年（ 乙未，公元九三五年）
Under the Prince of Lu, the second year of Qingtai ( Yiwei, AD 935)
82
春，正月，丙申朔，閩大赦。 改元永和。
In spring, the first month, on the first day Bingshen, Min proclaimed a general amnesty. The era name was changed to Yonghe.
83
二月，丙寅朔，蜀大赦。
In the second month, on the first day Bingyin, Shu proclaimed a general amnesty.
84
甲戌，以樞密使、天雄節度使兼侍中范延光為宣武節度使兼中書令。
On the day Jiaxu, Fan Yanguang, commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs and military commissioner of Tianxiong and Concurrent Palace Attendant, was appointed military commissioner of Xuannwu and Concurrent Director of the Secretariat.
85
丁丑，夏州節度使李彝超上言疾病，以兄行軍司馬彝殷權知軍州事； 彝超尋卒。
On the day Dingchou, Li Yichao, military commissioner of Xia Prefecture, reported illness and had his elder brother Yi Yin, campaigning army vice marshal, provisionally administer military and prefectural affairs. Yichao soon died.
86
戊寅，蜀主尊母李氏為皇太后。 太后，太原人，本莊宗後宮也，以賜蜀高祖。
On the day Wuyin, the ruler of Shu honored his mother, Lady Li, as Empress Dowager. The empress dowager was from Taiyuan and had originally been a consort in Zhuangzong's rear palace before being given to the Gaozu of Shu.
87
己丑，追尊帝母魯國夫人魏氏曰宣憲皇太后。
On the day Jichou, the emperor's mother, Lady Wei of Lu, was posthumously honored as Empress Dowager Xuanxian.
88
閩主立淑妃陳氏為皇后。 初，閩主兩娶劉氏，皆士族，美而無寵。 陳后，本閩太祖侍婢金鳳也，陋而淫，閩主嬖之，以其族人守恩、匡勝為殿使。
The ruler of Min made Pure Consort Chen empress. Earlier, the ruler of Min had twice married women of the Liu clan, both from distinguished families—beautiful, yet never favored. Empress Chen had originally been Jinfeng, a serving maid of the Taizu of Min. Plain and licentious, she nevertheless won the ruler of Min's favor, and he made her kinsmen Shou'en and Kuangsheng palace commissioners.
89
三月，辛丑，以前宣武節度使兼侍中趙延壽為忠武節度使兼樞密使。
In the third month, on the day Xinmao, Zhao Yanshou, former military commissioner of Xuannwu and Concurrent Palace Attendant, was appointed military commissioner of Zhongwu and commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs.
90
以李彝殷為定難節度使。
Li Yiyin was appointed military commissioner of Dingnan.
91
己酉，贈吳越王元瓘母陳氏為晉國太夫人。 元瓘性孝，尊禮母黨，厚加賜與，而未嘗遷官，授以重任。
On the day Jiyou, Lady Chen, mother of Wuyue King Yuangui, was posthumously enfeoffed as Grand Lady of Jin. Yuangui was filial by nature. He honored his mother's kin and rewarded them generously, yet he never promoted them to office or entrusted them with important duties.
92
壬戌，以彰聖都指揮使安審琦領順化節度使。 審琦，金全之子也。
On the day Renxu, An Shenqi, overall commander of the Zhangsheng Army, was appointed military commissioner of Shunhua. Shenqi was the son of An Jinquan.
93
太常丞史在德，性狂狷，上書歷詆內外文武之士，請遍加考試，黜陟能否。 執政及朝士大怒，盧文紀及補闕劉濤、楊昭儉等皆請加罪。 帝謂學士馬胤孫曰：「朕新臨天下，宜開言路； 若朝士以言獲罪，誰敢言者！ 卿為朕作詔書，宣朕意。」 乃下詔，略曰：「昔魏徵請賞皇甫德參，今濤等請黜史在德； 事同言異，何其遠哉！ 在德情在傾輸，安可責也！」 昭儉，嗣復之曾孫也。
Shi Zaide, assistant director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, was wild and obstinate by nature. He submitted a memorial denouncing civil and military officials throughout the court and asked that universal examinations be held to promote or demote them according to merit. Those in power and the court officials were furious. Lu Wenji and remonstrance officials Liu Tao, Yang Zhaojian, and others all asked that he be punished. The emperor said to Academician Ma Yinsun, "I have only just come to rule the realm and ought to keep the path of speech open. If court officials are punished for speaking out, who will dare speak! Draft an edict for me and proclaim my intent." Thereupon an edict was issued, saying in summary, "Formerly Wei Zheng asked that Huangfu Dekan be rewarded; now Tao and the others ask that Shi Zaide be demoted. The matter is the same, yet the words differ—how far apart they are! Zaide spoke from wholehearted devotion—how can he be blamed!" Zhaojian was the great-grandson of Sifu.
94
吳加徐景遷同平章事、知左右軍事； 徐知誥令尚書郎陳覺輔之，謂覺曰：「吾少時與宋子嵩論議，好相詰難，或吾捨子嵩還家，或子嵩拂衣而起。 子嵩攜衣笥望秦淮門欲去者數矣，吾常戒門者止之。 吾今老矣，猶未遍達時事，況景遷年少當國，故屈吾子以誨之耳。」
Wu added to Xu Jingqian the titles Co-Grand Councillor and administrator of the Left and Right Armies. Xu Zhigao had Secretariat Director Chen Jue assist him and said to Jue, "When I was young I debated with Song Zisong and loved to cross-examine each other. Sometimes I would leave Zisong and go home; sometimes Zisong would rise and storm off. Several times Zisong took up his clothes chest and looked toward the Qinhuai Gate as if to leave, and I always ordered the gatekeepers to stop him. I am old now and still have not fully mastered the affairs of the day—how much less can Jingqian, who is young and holds the realm. That is why I have asked you, sir, to guide him."
95
夏，四月，庚午，蜀以御史中丞龍門毋昭裔為中書侍郎、同平章事。 癸未，加樞密使、刑部尚書韓昭胤中書侍郎、同平章事。 辛卯。 以宣徽南院使劉延皓為刑部尚書，充樞密使。 延皓，皇后之弟也。 癸巳，以左領軍衛大將軍劉延朗為本衛上將軍，充宣徽北院使，兼樞密副使。
In summer, the fourth month, on the day Gengwu, Shu appointed Wu Zhaoyi of Longmen, Censor-in-Chief, Vice Director of the Secretariat and Co-Grand Councillor. On the day Guiwei, Han Zhaoyin, commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs and Minister of Justice, was additionally appointed Vice Director of the Secretariat and Co-Grand Councillor. On the day Xinmao. Liu Yanhao, Southern Bureau Commissioner of the Palace Secretariat, was appointed Minister of Justice and commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs. Yanhao was the empress's younger brother. On the day Guisi, Liu Yanlang, general of the Left Leading Army Guard, was made senior general of that guard, appointed Northern Bureau Commissioner of the Palace Secretariat, and made deputy commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs.
96
五月，丙申，契丹寇新州及振武。
In the fifth month, on the day Bingshen, the Khitans raided Xin Prefecture and Zhenwu.
97
庚戌，賜振武節度使楊檀名光遠。
On the day Gengxu, Yang Tan, military commissioner of Zhenwu, was granted the name Guangyuan.
98
六月，吳德勝節度使兼中書令柴再用卒。 先是，史官王振嘗詢其戰功，再用曰：「鷹犬微效，皆社稷之靈，再用何功之有！」 竟不報。
In the sixth month, Chai Zaiyong, military commissioner of Desheng and Concurrent Director of the Secretariat, died. Earlier, historiographer Wang Zhen had once asked about his battle achievements. Zaiyong said, "Hawks and hounds render slight service—all is the blessing of the state. What achievement have I!" In the end he made no report.
99
契丹寇應州。
The Khitans raided Ying Prefecture.
100
河東節度使、北面總管石敬瑭既還鎮，陰為自全之計。 帝好咨訪外事，常命端明殿學士李專美、翰林學士李崧、知制誥呂琦、薛文遇、翰林天文趙延乂等更直於中興殿庭，與語或至夜分。 時敬瑭二子為內使，曹太后則晉國長公主之母也。 敬瑭賂太后左右，令伺帝之密謀，事無鉅細皆知之。 敬瑭多於賓客前自稱贏瘠不堪為帥，冀朝廷不之忌。 時契丹屢寇北邊，禁軍多在幽、并，敬瑭與趙德鈞求益兵運糧，朝夕相繼。 甲申，詔借河東人有蓄積者菽粟。 乙酉，詔鎮州輸絹五萬匹於總管府，糴軍糧，率鎮冀人車千五百乘運糧於代州； 又詔魏博市糴。 時水旱民饑，敬瑭遣使督趣嚴急，山東之民流散，亂始兆矣。 敬瑭將大軍屯忻州，朝廷遣使賜軍士夏衣，傳詔撫諭，軍士呼萬歲者數四。 敬瑭懼，幕僚河內段希堯請誅其唱首者，敬瑭命都押衙劉知遠斬挾馬都將李暉等三十六人以徇。 希堯，懷州人也。 帝聞之，益疑敬瑭。
Shi Jingtang, military commissioner of Hedong and Northern Overall Commander, having returned to his post, secretly made plans to preserve himself. The emperor liked to consult on external affairs and often had Duanming Hall Academician Li Zhuanmei, Hanlin Academician Li Song, drafting edict officials Lu Qi and Xue Wenyü, and Hanlin astronomer Zhao Yanyi and others rotate night duty in the courtyard of the Zhongxing Hall, talking with them sometimes until midnight. At that time Jingtang's two sons served as inner envoys, and Empress Dowager Cao was the mother of the eldest princess of Jin. Jingtang bribed those around the empress dowager and had them spy on the emperor's secret plans, so that he learned of matters great and small. Jingtang often told guests that he was emaciated and unfit to serve as commander, hoping the court would not regard him as a threat. At that time the Khitans repeatedly raided the northern frontier, and the imperial armies were mostly stationed in You and Bing. Jingtang and Zhao Dejun petitioned incessantly for more troops and grain transport. On the day Jiashen, an edict ordered grain to be borrowed from those in Hedong who had stores. On the day Yiyou, an edict ordered Zhen Prefecture to deliver fifty thousand bolts of silk to the overall commander's headquarters to purchase army grain, and to lead fifteen hundred carts from Zhen and Ji to transport grain to Dai Prefecture. An edict also ordered Weibo to purchase grain. At that time flood and drought left the people starving. Shi Jingtang sent agents to press for payments with brutal urgency. The common folk of Shandong fled their homes, and the first stirrings of rebellion began. Shi Jingtang camped a large force at Xinzhou. The court dispatched envoys with summer uniforms and an edict of reassurance for the troops. The soldiers cried "Long live the emperor!" four times over. Frightened by this display, Shi Jingtang's aide Duan Xiyao of Henei urged him to kill the ringleaders. Jingtang ordered Liu Zhiyuan, chief military inspector, to execute Li Hui and thirty-five other mounted adjutants as a public warning. Xiyao was a native of Huai Prefecture. When the emperor learned of this, his suspicions of Shi Jingtang only deepened.
101
壬辰，詔：「竊盜不計贓多少，並縱火強盜，並行極法。」
On the renchen day, an edict was issued: "Petty theft, regardless of the value stolen, and arson and armed robbery alike shall all be punished by the utmost penalty."
102
閩福王繼鵬私於宮人李春燕，繼鵬請之於陳后，後白閩主而賜之。
Jipeng, Prince of Fu in Min, took the palace woman Li Chunyan as his lover. He asked Empress Chen for her; she told the ruler of Min, and he granted her to Jipeng.
103
秋，七月，以樞密使劉延皓為天雄節度使。
In the seventh month of autumn, Privy Council Commissioner Liu Yanhao was appointed military commissioner of Tianxiong.
104
乙巳，以武寧節度使張敬達為北面行營副總管，將兵屯代州，以分石敬瑭之權。
On the yisi day, Zhang Jingda, military commissioner of Wuning, was named deputy overall commander of the northern field headquarters and led troops to camp at Daizhou, dividing Shi Jingtang's authority.
105
帝深以時事為憂，嘗從容讓盧文紀等以無所規贊。 丁巳，文紀等上言：「臣等每五日起居，與兩班旅見，暫獲對揚，侍衛滿前，雖有愚慮，不敢敷陳。 竊見前朝自上元以來，置延英殿，或宰相欲有奏論，天子欲有咨度，皆非時召對，旁無侍衛，故人得盡言。 望復此故事，惟聽機要之臣侍側。」 詔以「舊制五日起居，百僚俱退，宰相獨升，若常事自可敷奏。 或事應嚴密，不以其日，或異日聽於閣門奏榜子，當盡屏侍臣，於便殿相待，何必襲延英之名也！」
The emperor was deeply troubled by affairs of state and once gently reproached Lu Wenji and his colleagues for offering no counsel. On the dingsi day, Wenji and the others memorialized the throne: "We attend the five-day audience and appear with the two ranks in procession. We are granted only a brief exchange, with guards crowding the hall before us. Though we have counsel to offer, we dare not speak freely. We note that since the Shangyuan reign of the previous dynasty, the Yanying Hall was established so that when a chief minister wished to discuss policy, or the emperor wished to consult, they could be summoned at any time without attendants present, and speak freely. We ask that this old practice be restored, with only trusted ministers in attendance." An edict replied: "Under the old system of the five-day audience, all officials withdraw and the chief ministers alone remain. Routine matters may naturally be submitted then. If a matter requires strict confidentiality, it need not wait for that day; on another day you may submit a memorial slip at the Gatehouse. Attendants should be dismissed and you should meet in a private hall. Why must we revive the name Yanying?"
106
吳潤州團練使徐知諤，狎暱小人，游燕廢務，作列肆於牙城西，躬自貿易。 徐知誥聞之怒，召知諤左右詰責； 知諤懼。 或謂知誥曰：「忠武王最愛知諤，而以後事傳於公。 往年知詢失守，論議至今未息。 借使知諤治有能名，訓兵養民，於公何利？」 知誥感悟，待之加厚。
Xu Zhiyu, regimental training commissioner of Runzhou in Wu, consorted with petty men, neglected his duties for pleasure, set up a row of shops west of the yamen gate, and traded there himself. When Xu Zhigao heard of this, he was furious and summoned Zhiyu's attendants for questioning and rebuke. Zhiyu was terrified. Someone said to Zhigao, "Prince Zhongwu loved Zhiyu best, yet he passed the succession to you. When Zhixun lost his command in years past, the talk never fully died down. Even if Zhiyu governed well, trained troops, and cared for the people, what would that gain you?" Zhigao took the point and treated Zhiyu with even greater favor.
107
九月，丙申，吳大赦，改元天祚。
In the ninth month, on the bingshen day, Wu proclaimed a general amnesty and changed the era name to Tianzuo.
108
己酉，已宣徽南院使房暠為刑部尚書，充樞密使； 宣徽北院使劉延朗為南院使，仍兼樞密副使。 於是延朗及樞密直學士薛文遇等居中用事，暠與趙延壽雖為使長，其聽用之言什不三四。 暠隨勢可否，不為事先； 每幽、并遣使入奏，樞密諸人環坐議之，暠多俯首而寐，比覺，引頸振衣，則使者去矣。 啟奏除授，一歸延朗。 諸方鎮、刺史自外入者，必先賂延朗，後議貢獻。 賂厚者先，得內地； 賂薄者晚，得邊陲。 由是諸將帥皆怨憤，帝不能察。
On the jiyou day, Fang Gao, commissioner of the Southern Bureau of the Palace Secretariat, was appointed Minister of Justice and privy council commissioner. Liu Yanlang, commissioner of the Northern Bureau of the Palace Secretariat, became commissioner of the Southern Bureau and also served as deputy privy council commissioner. Thereafter Yanlang and Privy Council Direct Academician Xue Wenyü and others held real power at court. Though Gao and Zhao Yanshou were the senior commissioners, scarcely three or four words in ten that they spoke were heeded. Gao simply went along with whatever was prevailing and never took the initiative. Whenever envoys from You and Bing arrived to report, the privy council officials would sit in a circle to discuss the matter. Gao usually bowed his head and dozed off. By the time he woke, stretched his neck, and shook out his robes, the envoys were already gone. Memorials and appointments alike were entirely Yanlang's to decide. Military commissioners and prefects arriving from the provinces had first to bribe Yanlang before tribute was even discussed. Those who paid generously were served first and received posts in the interior. Those who paid poorly waited longer and were sent to the frontier. Because of this the generals seethed with resentment, but the emperor remained unaware.
109
蜀金州防禦使全師郁寇金州，拔水寨。 城中兵才千人，都監陳知隱托它事將兵三百沿流遁去。 防禦使馬全節罄私財以給軍，出奇死戰，蜀兵乃退。 戊寅，詔斬知隱。
Quan Shiyu, defense commissioner of Jinzhou in Shu, attacked Jinzhou and captured its water fort. The city held only a thousand troops. Supervisory commander Chen Zhiyin, on some pretext, led three hundred men downriver and fled. Defense Commissioner Ma Quanjie spent his private fortune to supply the army, fought a desperate surprise battle, and drove the Shu troops back. On the wuyin day, an edict ordered Chen Zhiyin executed.
110
初，閩主有幸臣曰歸守明，出入臥內。 閩主晚年得風疾，陳后與守明及百工院使李可殷私通，國人皆惡之，莫敢言。 可殷嘗譖皇城使李倣於閩主，后族陳匡勝無禮於福王繼鵬，倣及繼鵬皆恨之。 閩主疾甚，繼鵬有喜色。 倣以閩主為必不起，冬，十月，己卯，使壯士數人持白梃擊李可殷，殺之，中外震驚。 庚辰，閩主疾少間，陳后訴之。 閩主力疾視朝，詰可殷死狀，倣懼而出，俄頃，引部兵鼓噪入宮。 閩主聞變，匿於九龍帳下，亂兵刺之而出。 閩主宛轉未絕，宮人不忍其苦，為絕之。 倣與繼鵬殺陳后、陳守恩、陳匡勝、歸守明及繼鵬弟繼韜； 繼韜素與繼鵬相惡故也。 辛巳，繼鵬稱皇太后令監國，是日，即皇帝位。 更名昶。 謚其父曰齊肅明孝皇帝，廟號惠宗。 既而自稱權知福建節度事，遣使奉表於唐，大赦境內； 立李春燕為賢妃。 初，閩惠宗娶漢主女清遠公主，使宦者閩清林延遇置邸於番禺，專掌國信。 漢主賜以大第，稟賜甚厚，數問以閩事。 延遇不對，退，謂人曰：「去閩語閩，去越語越，處人宮禁，可如是乎！」 漢主聞而賢之，以為內常侍，使鉤校諸司事。 延遇聞惠宗遇弒，求歸，不許，素服向其國三日哭。
Earlier, the ruler of Min had a favored minister named Gui Shouming who came and went freely in the inner chambers. In his later years the ruler of Min was stricken with paralysis. Empress Chen carried on an affair with Shouming and Li Keyin, commissioner of the Bureau of Artisans. The people loathed this, but none dared speak out. Keyin once slandered Li Fang, commissioner of the Imperial City, to the ruler of Min. Empress Chen's kinsman Chen Kuangsheng had insulted Prince Jipeng of Fu. Fang and Jipeng both hated them. When the ruler of Min fell gravely ill, Jipeng could not hide his delight. Fang believed the ruler of Min would not recover. In the tenth month of winter, on the jimao day, he sent several strong men with white clubs to beat Li Keyin to death. The court and the realm were stunned. On the gengchen day the ruler of Min briefly rallied, and Empress Chen lodged her complaint. The ruler of Min, forcing himself despite his illness, held court and demanded an account of Keyin's death. Fang fled in fear. Moments later he led his troops, shouting and clamoring, into the palace. Hearing of the upheaval, the ruler of Min hid beneath the Nine Dragons canopy. The mutinous soldiers stabbed him and dragged him out. The ruler of Min still writhed in agony. The palace women could not bear his suffering and ended his life. Fang and Jipeng killed Empress Chen, Chen Shou'en, Chen Kuangsheng, Gui Shouming, and Jipeng's younger brother Jitao. Jitao and Jipeng had long been enemies; that was why he was killed too. On the xinsi day Jipeng, citing an order of the empress dowager, assumed regency. That same day he took the throne. He changed his name to Chang. He posthumously titled his father Emperor Qisu Mingxiao, with the temple name Huizong. He then styled himself provisional administrator of the Fujian military commission, sent envoys to Tang with a memorial of submission, and proclaimed a general amnesty within his realm. He made Li Chunyan Worthy Consort. Earlier, Huizong of Min had married Princess Qingyuan, daughter of the ruler of Han, and sent the eunuch Lin Yanyu of Minqing to establish a residence at Panyu to manage state correspondence. The ruler of Han granted him a great mansion and lavished stipends and gifts upon him, repeatedly questioning him about affairs in Min. Yanyu did not answer. After withdrawing he said, "Leave Min and speak of Min; leave Yue and speak of Yue—can one behave like this in another ruler's palace?" The ruler of Han heard of this and admired him, appointing him Inner Regular Attendant and assigning him to audit the affairs of the various offices. When Yanyu learned that Huizong had been assassinated, he asked to return home but was refused. He put on mourning garb and wept toward Min for three days.
111
荊南節度使高從誨，性明達，親禮賢士，委任梁震，以兄事之。 震常謂從誨為郎君。 楚王希範好奢靡，游談者共誇其盛，從誨謂僚佐曰：「如馬王可謂大丈夫矣。」 孫光憲對曰：「天子諸侯，禮有等差。 彼乳臭子驕侈僭□，取快一時，不為遠慮，危亡無日，又足慕乎！」 從誨久而悟，曰：「公言是也。」 它日，謂梁震曰：「吾自念平生奉養，固已過矣。」 乃捐去玩好，以經史自娛，省刑薄賦，境內以安。 梁震曰：「先王待我如布衣交，以嗣王屬我。 今嗣王能自立，不墜其業，吾老矣，不復事人矣。」 遂固請退居。 從誨不能留，乃為之築室於士洲。 震披鶴氅，自稱荊台隱士，每詣府，跨黃牛至聽事。 從誨時過其家，四時賜與甚厚。 自是悉以政事屬孫光憲。
Gao Conghui, military commissioner of Jingnan, was clear-sighted by nature. He personally honored worthy scholars, entrusted affairs to Liang Zhen, and treated him as an elder brother. Zhen often addressed Conghui as "young master." King Xi Fan of Chu loved extravagance, and traveling gossips all praised his splendor. Conghui said to his staff, "A lord like King Ma may truly be called a great man." Sun Guangxian replied, "The Son of Heaven and the feudal lords observe different ranks in ritual. That milk-scented boy is arrogant, extravagant, and overreaching his station, seeking pleasure for a moment with no thought for the future. His ruin is not far off. What is there to admire?" After a long while Conghui understood and said, "Your words are right." On another day he said to Liang Zhen, "Looking back on how I have lived all my life, I have already gone too far." Thereupon he cast aside amusements and curiosities, took comfort in the classics and histories, reduced punishments and lightened taxes, and brought peace to his realm. Liang Zhen said, "The former king treated me as a friend among common men and entrusted the heir to my care. Now the heir can stand on his own and has not let the enterprise fall. I am old and will serve no other master." Thereupon he firmly asked to withdraw and retire. Conghui could not keep him and built him a dwelling on Shizhou. Zhen wore a crane-feather cloak, styled himself Hermit of Jing Terrace, and whenever he visited the headquarters rode a yellow ox to the audience hall. Conghui often visited his home and lavished seasonal gifts upon him. From then on he entrusted all governmental affairs to Sun Guangxian.
112
臣光曰：「孫光憲見微而能諫，高從誨聞善而能徙，梁震成功而能退，自古有國家者能如是，夫何亡國敗家喪身之有。」
Your subject Guang observes: "Sun Guangxian saw the first signs and was able to remonstrate; Gao Conghui heard what was good and was able to change; Liang Zhen achieved success and was able to withdraw. Since antiquity, rulers who could act thus—how could they lose their states, ruin their families, or forfeit their lives?"
113
吳加中書令徐知誥尚父、太師、大丞相、大元帥，進封齊王，備殊禮，以升、潤、宣、池、歙、常、江、饒、信、海十州為齊國； 知誥辭尚父、丞相，殊禮不受。
Wu added for Chief Councillor Xu Zhigao the titles Exalted Father, Grand Preceptor, Grand Chief Councillor, and Grand Marshal, advanced his enfeoffment to Prince of Qi, granted him extraordinary honors, and made the ten prefectures of Sheng, Run, Xuan, Chi, She, Chang, Jiang, Rao, Xin, and Hai into the state of Qi. Zhigao declined the titles Exalted Father and Chief Councillor and refused the extraordinary honors.
114
閩皇城使、判六軍諸衛李倣專制朝政，陰養死士，閩主昶與拱宸指揮使林延皓等圖之。 延皓等詐親附倣，倣待之不疑。 十一月，壬子，倣入朝，延皓等伏衛士數百於內殿，執斬之，梟首朝門。 倣部兵千餘持白梃攻應天門，不克，焚啟聖門，奪倣首奔吳越。 詔暴倣弒君及殺繼韜等罪，告諭中外。 以建王繼嚴權判六軍諸衛，以六軍判官永泰葉翹為內宣徽使、參政事。 翹博學質直，閩惠宗擢為福王友，昶以師傅禮待之，多所裨益，宮中謂之「國翁」。 昶既嗣位，驕縱，不與翹議國事。 一旦，昶方視事，翹衣道士服過庭中趨出，昶召還，拜之，曰：「軍國事殷，久不接對，孤之過也。」 翹頓首曰：「老臣輔導無狀，致陛下即位以來無一善可稱，願乞骸骨。」 昶曰：「先帝以孤屬公，政令不善，公當極言，奈何棄孤去！」 厚賜金帛，慰諭令復位。 昶元妃梁國夫人李氏，同平章事敏之女，昶嬖李春燕，待夫人甚薄。 翹諫曰：「夫人先帝之甥，聘之以禮，奈何以新愛而棄之！」 昶不說，由是疏之。 未幾，復上書言事，昶批其紙尾曰：「一葉隨風落御溝。」 遂放歸永泰，以壽終。
Li Fang, commissioner of the Imperial City and administrator of the Six Armies and various guards in Min, monopolized court governance and secretly maintained death-fighters. The ruler of Min, Chang, together with Gongchen Guard commander Lin Yanhao and others, plotted against him. Yanhao and the others feigned loyalty to Fang, and Fang trusted them completely. In the eleventh month, on the renzi day, Fang entered court. Yanhao and the others hid several hundred guards in the inner hall, seized and beheaded him, and displayed his head at the court gate. More than a thousand of Fang's troops, bearing white clubs, attacked the Gate of Responding to Heaven but failed. They burned the Gate of Initiating Sagacity, seized Fang's head, and fled to Wu-Yue. An edict publicly exposed Fang's crimes of regicide and the killing of Jitao and others, and announced them throughout the realm. Prince Jiyan of Jian was appointed provisional administrator of the Six Armies and various guards. Ye Qiao of Yongtai, judge of the Six Armies, was made Inner Commissioner of the Palace Secretariat and participant in governance. Qiao was broadly learned and plain-spoken. Huizong of Min had promoted him to tutor the Prince of Fu. Chang treated him with the rites due a master and tutor, and benefited greatly from his counsel. Within the palace he was called "Grandfather of the State." Once Chang succeeded to the throne, he grew arrogant and unrestrained and no longer consulted Qiao on state affairs. One day, as Chang was conducting business, Qiao, dressed in Taoist robes, passed through the courtyard and hurried out. Chang summoned him back, bowed to him, and said, "Military and state affairs are pressing. It has been long since we met—this is my fault." Qiao prostrated himself and said, "This old minister's guidance has been without merit, so that since Your Majesty's accession not one good deed can be named. I beg to resign my post." Chang said, "The former emperor entrusted me to your care. If my orders are wrong, you should speak plainly—how can you abandon me!" He richly rewarded him with gold and silk, comforted him, and ordered him back to his post. Chang's primary consort was Lady Li, Madame of the State of Liang, daughter of Co-Grand Councillor Min. Chang favored Li Chunyan and treated his consort very coldly. Qiao remonstrated, saying, "The lady is the former emperor's niece. She was betrothed with proper ceremony—how can you cast her aside for a new favorite!" Chang was displeased and from then on kept his distance. Before long Qiao submitted another memorial. Chang wrote on the margin, "One leaf follows the wind and falls into the imperial ditch." Thereupon he was sent home to Yongtai, where he died of old age.
115
帝嘉馬全節之功，召詣闕。 劉延朗求賂，全節無以與之； 延朗欲除全節絳州刺史，群議沸騰。 帝聞之，乙卯，以全節為橫海留後。
The emperor praised Ma Quanjie's achievement and summoned him to court. Liu Yanlang demanded a bribe, but Quanjie had nothing to give him. Yanlang wanted to demote Quanjie to prefect of Jiangzhou, and outrage spread through the court. When the emperor learned of this, on the yimao day he appointed Quanjie acting military commissioner of Henghai.
116
十二月，壬申，以中書侍郎、同平章事充樞密使韓昭胤同平章事，充護國節度使。
In the twelfth month, on the day Renshen, Han Zhaoyin, Vice Director of the Secretariat and Co-Grand Councillor who also served as Palace Secretariat Commissioner, was made Co-Grand Councillor and military commissioner of Huguo.
117
乙酉，以前匡國節度使、同平章事馮道為司空。 時久無正拜三公者，朝議疑其職事； 盧文紀欲令掌祭祀掃除，道聞之曰：「司空掃除，職也，吾何憚焉。」 既而文紀自知不可，乃止。
On the day Yiyou, Feng Dao, former military commissioner of Kuangguo and Co-Grand Councillor, was made Grand Master of Works. For a long time there had been no regular appointment to the Three Excellencies, and court discussion doubted what his duties should be. Lu Wenji wished to have him in charge of sweeping at sacrifices. When Dao heard this he said, "Sweeping is the Grand Master of Works' duty. What is there for me to fear?" Before long Wenji knew it would not do and stopped.
118
閩主賜洞真先生陳守元號天師，信重之，乃至更易將相、刑罰、選舉，皆與之議； 守元受賂請托，言無不從，其門如市。
The ruler of Min gave Master Dongzhen Chen Shouyuan the title Heavenly Master, trusted and honored him, and even in changing generals and ministers, punishments, and selections—all was discussed with him. Shouyuan accepted bribes and requests for favor. None of his words went unheeded, and his gate was like a market.