The son of the founding emperor, named Chen Jian, courtesy name Zihua, was the eldest son of the King of Shaoling. He was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, knowledgeable, handsome, and elegant. He enjoyed studying the classics, conducted himself with grace and dignity, and always adhered to etiquette even in urgent situations. His father, the founding emperor, particularly favored him, often praising him as "the talented one of our Chen family!" During the Taiqing period of the Liang Dynasty, Chen Jian had a dream where two suns were fighting, one big and one small. After the light of the larger sun disappeared and fell to the ground, which was bright yellow and roughly the size of a bushel, Chen Jian took one-third of the light and hid it away.
During the rebellion of Hou Jing, many villagers ran to the mountains and lakes to become bandits, while only Chen Jian and his family stayed at home, not participating in any illegal activities. As the war chaos escalated, Chen Jian fled with his family to Lin'an. When the founding emperor mustered his army, Hou Jing sent men to capture Chen Jian and the King of Hengyang. Chen Jian secretly hid a small knife and planned to assassinate Hou Jing, but the plan came to nothing. The founding emperor's army surrounded the city of Shitoucheng, and despite several attempts by Hou Jing to harm Chen Jian, he failed each time. After Hou Jing's defeat, Chen Jian was able to escape and join the founding emperor's camp. He was appointed as the Governor of Wuxing. At that time, several bandit leaders in Xuancheng, Ji Ji, Hao Zhong, and others, each raised over a thousand men and horses, wreaking havoc across the Wuxing region. Chen Jian led his troops to defeat them all.
In the second year of the Chengsheng era, Chen Qian was appointed as the General of Xinwu and was appointed to oversee Nanxuzhou. Three years later, Emperor Gaozu marched north to Guangling and appointed him as the vanguard, winning every battle. When Emperor Gaozu wanted to take action against Wang Sengbian, he consulted Chen Qian for strategies. At that time, Wang Sengbian's son-in-law Du Gan held Wuxing with a formidable army. Emperor Gaozu secretly ordered Chen Qian to return to Wuxing to build fortifications to defend against Du Gan. Chen Qian commanded only a few hundred poorly equipped soldiers, while Du Gan sent his general Du Tai with five thousand elite soldiers to launch a surprise attack. The soldiers were terrified, but Chen Qian remained calm, commanded confidently, reassuring everyone. Upon seeing the small number of defenders in the fort, Du Tai launched continuous attacks. Chen Qian inspired his soldiers and led the charge himself, and after several months of stalemate, Du Tai eventually retreated. Later, Emperor Gaozu sent Zhou Wenyu to lead an attack against Du Gan, and Chen Qian accompanied Zhou Wenyu to Wuxing. At that time, Du Gan's army remained strong, holding key strategic positions with combined land and naval forces. Chen Qian ordered generals Liu Cheng and Jiang Yuanju to lead the attack on Du Gan, resulting in a decisive defeat for Du Gan's army, forcing them to surrender.
Governor of Dong Yangzhou Zhang Biao raised troops to besiege Linhai Prefect Wang Huaizhen. Wang Huaizhen sent someone to Chen Qian for help. Chen Qian and Zhou Wenyu quickly arrived in Kuaiji to restrain Zhang Biao. Later, Zhang Biao's general Shen Tai opened the city gates to welcome Chen Qian. Chen Qian incorporated all of Zhang Biao's troops and family members. After Zhang Biao escaped, he was killed by villagers from Ruoye Village, who sent his head as proof. For his achievements in this battle, Chen Qian was appointed as the Governor of Kuaiji, with military authority over ten counties, as well as the General of Valor. The rugged mountainous region inhabited by the Yue people was hard to manage, but Chen Qian dispatched troops and successfully pacified the area, significantly boosting his reputation and goodwill. After the abdication of Emperor Gaozu, Chen Qian was appointed as the Prince of Linchuan County, with a fief of two thousand households, and was also appointed as a royal attendant and the General Who Maintains the East. Later, Zhou Wenyu and Hou Andu were defeated at Dunkou, and Emperor Gaozu ordered Chen Qian to come to the capital to assist in the war effort. He was responsible for the army's supplies and equipment. Shortly after, he was ordered to lead troops in the construction of Nanwan City.
In the third year of Yongding, in the sixth month, the Emperor died. Before his death, he left a decree summoning the Crown Prince to return to the capital and ascend the throne. The next day, the Crown Prince hurried from Nanwan to the capital and stayed in the Ministry of Personnel. The Empress Dowager wept and said, "Heaven has not protected us; disaster has befallen us! The Emperor suddenly died, causing great sorrow throughout the country, as if losing a parent. Now that the children are still young, we do not know when we can return to our normal lives. We must quickly establish a new Emperor to stabilize the country. Prince Qian of Linchuan had a close relationship with the late Emperor and is his nephew. He has made significant contributions in quelling rebellions and securing the nation. Now is the time for him to inherit the throne. Both officials and the people are looking forward to his ascension, so that the ancestors can be properly worshipped and the people can live in peace and prosperity. As a widow, I am overwhelmed with mixed feelings and struggle to find the words." Despite the Crown Prince's repeated refusals, the ministers insisted, and that day, the Crown Prince officially ascended the throne in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
The new emperor issued a decree: "Heaven has sent down disasters upon the nation, causing immense losses. The late emperor's passing has brought profound grief to the entire nation. Now the imperial throne has now fallen to me; the situation is urgent, and I must urgently attend to state affairs and take on this responsibility. I have taken on this heavy responsibility to govern the realm. A general amnesty is hereby declared for all criminals, regardless of their crimes. All tax debts and wrongdoings, both of officials and civilians, are hereby forgiven. Civil and military officials will be rewarded according to their merits. Filial sons and diligent farmers will each receive an elevation in their family’s noble titles. I hope everyone will revere and respect Heaven, dedicate themselves to the country, and swiftly quell any rebellions, without delay. My heart is heavy with sorrow, and words fail to express it." He also ordered all provinces to suspend their congratulatory visits for the time being.
In July, the Empress was honored as Empress Dowager. Subsequently, Ouyang Pin was promoted to General of the Southern Conquest, Zhou Di was promoted to General Who Guards the South, Huang Fabian was promoted to General Who Pacifies the South, and Chunyu Liang was promoted to Grand General Who Conquers the South. Hou Tian was appointed as Grand Commandant, Hou Andu as Minister of Works, Wang Chong as Special Advanced Left Palace Attendant, Xu Du as General Who Pacifies the Center and Guards the Military, Xu Shipu as Special Advanced Peaceful Right General, and Du Leng as General Who Leads the Army. During this period, the Chongyun Hall was also struck by a fire.
In August, Liu Yi was promoted to General Who Pacifies the South, and Lu Xida was promoted to General Who Pacifies the Left. The Emperor bestowed the title of King of Shixing upon his son Boma, in honor of the late King Zhaolie. The heir apparent King Xu of Shixing was renamed King of Ancheng.
In September, the Emperor designated his son Bozong as Crown Prince and granted various amounts of silk fabrics to nobles and officials. Shen Shi was then established as Empress.
In November, Wang Lin instigated a rebellion in the Huainan region, and the Emperor commanded Hou Tian, Hou Andu, and Xu Du to lead troops to quell the rebellion.
In the first month of the year 556, the emperor issued a decree saying: "My abilities are limited, and as I inherit this great cause, I am deeply concerned, and my methods of governance are still lacking. I admire the merits of my ancestors; their blessings extend widely to both the living and the departed. I remain humble and cautious, never daring to become complacent. While a grand vision has been laid out and the country continues to grow, the ancestral temples feel desolate and abandoned, and the spirits of our ancestors seem to be drifting further away. I often reflect on the past with deep emotion. Now, the Four Symbols have begun a new cycle, the Three Elements have been sacrificed, and people from all corners have pledged their loyalty to the court, with tributes continuously being sent. I wish to share my ancestors' blessings with countless citizens. Therefore, I hereby proclaim a general amnesty across the realm, changing the fourth year of Yongding to the first year of Tianjia. Those who are lonely, impoverished, and unable to support themselves will each receive five dou of grain. Those who honor their parents, cherish their siblings, work diligently in agriculture, and possess noble character shall be promoted one rank."
On the twelfth day of the first month, the emperor sent envoys to various regions to extend greetings. On the nineteenth day of the first month, the emperor personally went to the southern suburbs to perform rituals to heaven and earth, and decreed: "I respectfully offer sacrifices to the heavens, sincerely present offerings, the grand sacrificial ceremony has ended, and I have expressed my utmost sincerity and respect. Moreover, after days of gloomy weather, we finally welcomed clear skies, with clear skies stretching for miles and a pleasant landscape. This auspicious sign has filled everyone with joy and excitement, making the people happy. I hope all the common people can enjoy this blessing. Therefore, I decree that the people be granted the title of nobility of the first rank." On the twenty-seventh day of the first month, the emperor went to the northern suburbs to perform rituals. On that day, a solar halo was observed. On the eighth day of the second month, the Star of the Old Man appeared. On the twelfth day of the second month, after the rebellion led by Ji Ji, the governor of Gaozhou, who returned to Xuancheng, occupying the county city in support of Wang Lin, the Jingzhou magistrate, He Dangqian, quelled the rebellion. On the fourteenth day of the second month, the Grand Commandant Hou Tan decisively defeated Wang Lin at Liangshan, and then went on to defeat the Qi army at Bowang, capturing the Qi general Liu Boqiu alive, seizing a large number of military resources, ships, and warships, and capturing or killing tens of thousands of enemies. Wang Lin and his lord, Xiao Zhuang, fled to the Qi state.
On the seventeenth day of the second month, the emperor decreed: "The cycle of the five elements and the blessings of the three spirits have led emperors throughout history to change dynasties; the Yin, Shang, and Zhou dynasties serve as prime examples. I inherited the throne, and the country prospers; this is the mandate of heaven, not by chance. Therefore, the significance of sacred artifacts must align with the mandate of heaven. Those who usurp power and seize the throne, regardless of the era, are equally guilty. Wang Lin is short-sighted, utterly foolish, and acting against all reason, leading to his own downfall. Many loyal and righteous individuals have also been caught up in this. Even though the Jing and Wei Rivers converge, mixing orchids with abalones, upon careful analysis, some are also coerced. Now, the net of heaven is wide and inescapable. Just as General Fubo persuaded the southern barbarians, eventually becoming a vassal of the Han dynasty; General Yanshou surrendered to the Wei kingdom, eventually serving the Wei kingdom. Human actions and choices are not set in stone, therefore, they should be treated leniently to reflect the emperor's benevolence. Those noble families involved in rebellion are all pardoned; soldiers are also pardoned and appointed according to their abilities to fulfill their roles." The emperor issued another decree to posthumously honor the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. On the eighteenth day of the second month, the emperor decreed: "Recently, the rebels have ravaged, the army has fought bravely, transporting military supplies and conscripting laborers; the war has lasted long, and the people have worked hard and contributed significantly. Now that the rebellion is quelled, the people should be compensated; I hereby order that they be exempted from corvée labor. The court will take care of the wives and children of those who sadly lost their lives in service." On the twentieth day of the second month, the emperor sent envoys with decrees to various places to offer condolences. On the twenty-fifth day of the second month, the emperor appointed Grand Commandant Hou Zhen to defend Piancheng. On the fourth day of the third month, the sixth son of the founding emperor was appointed as General of the Flying Cavalry, Governor of Xiangzhou, and granted the title of Prince of Hengyang.
On the fifteenth day of the third month, the emperor decreed: "Since the wars have ravaged the land for over a decade, causing a large number of deaths among the people, the population in the Central Plains has become sparse. Recently, unrest continues and the taxes are burdensome, and since the military campaigns began, a significant amount of money has been expended daily, depleting the national treasury. The military funds previously allocated were intended for war preparation, but now that the rebellions have been quelled and peace has been restored, the wars have ended. The people should take time to rest and recuperate. In order to alleviate the burden on the people, this year's military provisions will be reduced by one-third. Let the Grand Secretariat issue an edict across the country to convey my compassion. Local officials should actively encourage agricultural production, so that the people can have enough to eat and wear." The appointed Governor of Yingzhou, Sun Yang, surrendered the entire province. On the seventeenth day of the third month, the Governor of Jiangzhou, Zhou Di, quelled the unrest in the South, killed the rebel leader Xiong Tanlang, and sent his head to the capital. Previously, the Qi army was stationed in Lushan City. On the eighteenth day of the third month, the Qi army deserted the city and retreated. The emperor ordered the Governor of Nanyuzhou, Cheng Lingxi, to guard Lushan. On the twenty-first day of the third month, the counties of Tianmen, Yiyang, and Nanping in Jingzhou, along with Wuling County in Yingzhou, were merged to form Wuzhou. The Governor of Wuzhou also oversaw Yuanshou and concurrently served as the Prefect of Wuling, with his seat in Wuling County. The six counties under the jurisdiction of the Prefect of Wuzhou were transferred to Yuanshou. Additionally, Tuning County was established, with the Governor concurrently serving as the Prefect, with his seat in the Prefectural City, abolishing the original Prefect. General Xun Lang of Annan was appointed as General of Anbei and Governor of Hezhou. The acting Governor of Yingzhou, Sun Yang, was appointed as the General of Annan and Governor of Xiangzhou. On the twenty-third day of the third month, Prince Chang of Hengyang passed away. On the twenty-fourth day of the third month, the emperor decreed: "The civil and military officials of Xiao Zhuang who submitted to the court should be rewarded based on their merits." On the fourteenth day of the fourth month, Prince Boxin was appointed as the Prince of Hengyang and the Queen Mother was honored. On the twenty-sixth day of the fourth month, General Xun Lang of Annan was appointed as General of Anbei and Governor of Hezhou. On the twelfth day of the fifth month, Rucheng County in Guiyang was renamed Luyang County. Shixing and Anyuan counties in Hengzhou were separated to establish Dong Hengzhou. On the fourteenth day of the sixth month, the posthumous title of Empress Jing'an was revised to Empress Jingwen. On the fifteenth day of the sixth month, the emperor decreed: "Emperor Xiaoyuan of Liang suffered from wars, and his coffin was displaced. When I was in the north, I had great respect for Emperor Xiaoyuan of Liang. I have sent envoys to escort his coffin and choose the nearest route. There are old tombs of the Liang Dynasty in Jiangning, where he should be buried. The funeral ceremonies should follow the customs of the Liang Dynasty, with reference to the burial customs of the Han Emperor Xian of the Wei Dynasty." On the seventeenth day of the sixth month, the late Princess of Shixing was posthumously honored as a Filial Princess. On the twentieth day of the sixth month, the General of the Palace and Secretary of the Three Excellencies, Xu Du, was appointed as the Palace Attendant and General of the Central Army. On the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, mourning was observed for Emperor Yuan of Liang. The emperor wept and performed sacrifices in the main hall of the Taiji Palace, with officials joining him in mourning. Criminals in the capital who were sentenced to death or lesser penalties were pardoned. This month, Emperor Yuan of Liang was buried in Jiangning.
On the first day of the seventh month, the emperor decreed: "My abilities are limited, yet I have undertaken such a great responsibility, with many worries weighing on my mind. State affairs remain unsettled, and grievances are widespread. I long for talented individuals to assist me, often pondering this issue in my dreams. As long as there is a good suggestion, I will actively promote and employ them. Yet, many talented individuals remain undiscovered. Is it due to my governance mistakes that talents are being overlooked? Or is it because the times have changed and talents are not as prevalent as before? I am often filled with anxiety, unable to eat or sleep peacefully. On the seventh day of the first month of the year 557, the court proclaimed a general amnesty. Du Leng was then appointed as the Palace Attendant and Commander of the Army. On the ninth day, Prince Boma of Shixing was appointed General of Xuanhui and Governor of Yangzhou. On the thirteenth day of the first month, Governor Pei Jinghui defected to Northern Qi. On the sixteenth day of the first month, Yin Liang, the lord of Xiangzhou in the Zhou dynasty, surrendered, and Xiangzhou was pacified. On the sixth day of the second month, Hou Tian was appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry, as well as Governor of Xiangzhou. On the tenth day, the court ordered the pardon of criminals in the counties of Quzhou and Xiangzhou. On the sixth day of the third month, Grand Commandant, General of Chariots and Cavalry, and Governor of Xiangzhou Hou Tian passed away. On the eighth day of the third month, Xu Du was appointed General Who Guards the South and Governor of Xiangzhou. In April, the court separated the counties of Nanping, Yidu, Luo, and Hedong from Jingzhou, establishing South Jingzhou, with its capital in Hedong County. Wu Mingche was appointed as the Governor of South Jingzhou. On the tenth day of April, Lu Xida was appointed General Who Maintains the South and Governor of Wuzhou. On the eleventh day of April, the Old Man Star was observed."
On the tenth day of July, the Zhou Dynasty general He Ruodun led his troops to retreat, suffering heavy losses, with around seventeen or eighteen soldiers dead. The counties of Wuling, Tianmen, Nanping, Yiyang, Hedong, and Yidu were all pacified. On the second day of September, the Emperor issued a decree saying, "The foundation of the Ji Zhou Dynasty is on the verge of flourishing, just as King Wen of Zhou established his legacy by the Wei River; the prosperity of the Han Dynasty is also like Laozi preaching at Hangu Pass. Now that auspicious signs are descending from the heavens, as solid as mountains, with wind and clouds responding, even dreams are praying. All of this is just as boats and oars, salt and plums support each other, with generations building a country, without exception. Those whose merits are inscribed on the stone steles of the Grand Preceptor, enshrined in the ancestral temple, and have a lasting reputation, are all those who were encouraged by the emperors of the past dynasties to govern the country diligently, with blessings from heaven; only then can they receive such honors. Even those talented virtuous ministers who assist the emperors and establish achievements, like Grand Marshal General Hou Tian, Minister of Works Wen Yu, General Who Pacifies the North, and Supervisor of the Palace and Equal to the Three Excellencies Seng Ming, Chief Military Officer Ying, Leading General Ni, etc., some laid the foundations, while others quelled rebellions, some charged into battle, some strategized from behind the scenes, and some cut through thorns and brambles; they all exerted themselves and made contributions to the stability of the country. I consider myself of average talent, having inherited the family legacy, always remembering their merits, with the desire to promote their teachings, learn from their experiences, and carry on their legacy, so I have them all share the ancestral temple dedicated to the Taizu, ensuring that their merits are celebrated for all time." On the fourteenth day of September, Wang Chong was appointed as the Intendant of Danyang; Shen Junli was appointed Minister of the Left and concurrently served as Colonel of Infantry.
On the second day of October, the Western Mountain barbarian tribe of Huozhou surrendered to the court. On the second day of November, the Kingdom of Gaoli sent envoys to offer tribute. On the ninth day of November, the court merged Wuchang and Guochuan counties into Jingling County and resettled the refugees. On the sixteenth day of December, Sun Yang was appointed Central Guard. On the nineteenth day of December, the Shixing National Temple was established in the capital, where royal ceremonies were conducted. Crown Prince’s Tutor Yu Li and Deputy Imperial Censor Kong Huan proposed imposing taxes on sea salt and alcohol because of the depleted state treasury, and the emperor ordered the implementation. Prior to this, Liu Yi, the Governor of Jinzhou, responded to the rebellion led by Wang Lin and his associates. On the twenty-seventh day of December, the court ordered Minister of Works Hou An to lead troops to suppress the rebellion.
In the year XXX (specific year to be supplemented according to historical records), on the first few days of January, the emperor set up a sacrificial tent in the southern suburbs, formally informing Hu Gong of his intention to perform the heavenly sacrifice together. The next day, the emperor personally went to the southern suburbs to perform the sacrifice. The emperor issued a decree stating, "I bear the heavy responsibility of governing the nation, working diligently day and night to ensure its stability. However, the results have not been satisfactory, and there are still many societal issues I remain mindful of, not daring to let up. Now is the perfect time of spring's return, and I want to hold a grand sacrificial ceremony to pray for blessings from above. To show my care for the people, I have decided to elevate everyone by one rank, and those who are filial to their parents, loving toward their siblings, and diligent in farming will receive an additional rank!" The next day, the emperor personally went to the northern suburbs to perform sacrifices.
On a certain day in the second month of the lunar calendar, the Emperor appointed King Yu Ming of Baekje as the Grand General of the East, and King Gao Tang of Goguryeo as General of Ningdong. Jiangzhou Governor Zhou Di rebelled, in an attempt to support Liu Yi, and attacked Piancheng and Yuzhang commanderies, but was unsuccessful. Several days later, the Emperor appointed Wu Mingche, the Governor of South Jingzhou, as the General of Anyou. He then ordered the re-casting of wuzhu coins. On a certain day in the third month, Prince Xu of Ancheng (安成王顼) returned from the Zhou Dynasty, and the Emperor appointed him as the Palace Attendant, Supervisor of the Imperial Secretariat, and General of the Central Guards, providing him with assistants and staff. Several days later, Wu Mingche was promoted to General of Annan and Jiangzhou Governor, commanding the army to march south to suppress the rebels. The Emperor then declared a general amnesty. Soon after, the Minister of Works, Hou An, defeated Liu Yi, who fled, restoring peace to Dongyang commandery.
On a certain day in the fourth month, the Emperor granted a special pardon to Dongyang commandery. Several days later, envoys from the Qi Kingdom came to pay their respects. On a certain day in the sixth month, the Emperor appointed Prince Xu of Ancheng as General of Cavalry and Governor of Yangzhou. At the same time, the Emperor established Dongyang Prefecture, overseeing eight commanderies including Kuaiji, Dongyang, Linhai, Yongjia, Xin'an, Xinning, Jin'an, and Jian'an. He also appointed Prince Boma of Shixing as General of the East and Governor of Dongyang Prefecture; General Who Conquers the North, Minister of Works, and Governor of Southern Xuzhou, Hou An, as the Palace Attendant and Grand General Who Conquers the North. On a certain day in the seventh month, the Crown Prince married Lady Wang as his consort. The court rewarded civil and military officials with silk, and those who were filial to their parents, loving to their siblings, diligent in farming, and those who observed filial piety towards their fathers were granted an additional two ranks of nobility.
On the first day of the ninth month, a solar eclipse took place. The Emperor appointed Zhong Ju, the Palace Attendant and Minister of the Capital, as the Supervisor of the Right of the Imperial Secretariat and Intendant of Danyang. Later, Zhou Di requested to surrender, and the Emperor ordered Prince Xu of Ancheng to lead the army to accept Zhou Di's surrender. In that year, the Liang Prince established by the Zhou Dynasty, Xiao Cha, passed away, and his son Xiao Kui succeeded him.
In the spring of a certain year in the first month of spring, the Kingdom of Gandhara sent gifts. On a certain day in the first month of that year, Zhou Di abandoned the city and escaped, and the Governor of Minzhou, Chen Baoying, sheltered him, thereby stabilizing Linchuan County. Afterwards, the court appointed Zhang Zhaoda as the Guard General, Hua Jiao as the General of the South, Huang Fabian as the Grand General of the North, as well as the Governor of South Xuzhou, Zhou Fu as the Governor of South Yuzhou, and Sun Yang as the General of the Right. Gaozhou was no longer under the jurisdiction of Jiangzhou.
On a certain day in the second month, Ouyang Wei was promoted to Grand General of the South. A few days later, Hou Andu was appointed as the Grand General of the South and the Governor of Jiangzhou. A few days later, Hua Jiao was appointed as the Governor of South Xiangzhou. On a certain day in the third month, Xu Du was appointed as the Palace Attendant and Grand General of the Central Army. On another day of the same month, the court ordered posthumous honors for those who sacrificed in the war against Zhou Di. On a certain day in the fourth month, a grand banquet was held in front of the Taiji Palace. Afterwards, Prince Ancheng was appointed as the Supervisor of the Imperial Household. On a certain day in the fifth month, Xu Shipu passed away. On a certain day in the sixth month, the Star of Tai Bai appeared during the day, which was considered an ill omen! Hou Andu was executed for unknown reasons. On a certain day in the seventh month, Huang Fabian was appointed as the Grand General of the South and the Governor of Jiangzhou. On a certain day in the ninth month, Ouyang Wei passed away. Afterwards, the court declared a nationwide general amnesty. A few days later, Zhou Di attacked Linchuan again, and the court commanded Zhang Zhaoda to lead the troops against him.
On a certain day in the eleventh month, Zhang Zhaoda decisively defeated Zhou Di, capturing his accomplices while Zhou Di managed to escape. On a certain day in the twelfth month, the court issued a general amnesty for the whole country. Then, the court ordered Zhang Zhaoda to march to Jian'an to suppress Chen Baoying, and at the same time, ordered Yu Xiaoheng to lead the armies of Kuaiji, Dongyang, Linhai, Yongjia, and other places from the eastern regions to support Zhang Zhaoda. Finally, Wu Mingche was appointed as the Frontline General.
On the seventh day of the first month in the fifth year of the reign (Gengchen day), Yuan Shu was appointed as the Yin of Danyang, as the Minister of Personnel and concurrently serving as the General of the Right Army. On the eighth day (Xinsi day), the Emperor personally went to the northern suburbs to offer sacrifices. On the twelfth day of the first month (Yiyu day), a large fire broke out in Pengcheng, Jiangzhou, killing more than two hundred people, what a tragic event! On the fourth day of the third month (Dingchou day), Chunyu Liang was appointed as the Grand General of the Central Comfort Army; his official positions are quite significant, including the General Who Conquers the South, the Supervisor of the Imperial Household with Equal Rank, and the Governor of Guizhou, all of which are prestigious titles. On the ninth day of the third month (Rengwu day), the Emperor issued an edict, posthumously honoring the deceased General of the Guard, Zhou Tiehu, allowing him to be honored in the ancestral temple.
On the seventh day of the fourth month (Gengzi day), envoys from the Zhou Dynasty came to pay tribute. On the seventh day of the fifth month (Gengwu day), the Southern Danyang County was dissolved. In this month, envoys from both the Zhou and Qi Dynasties came to pay tribute; it appears our country is currently quite prestigious! On the sixth day of the sixth month (Dingwei day) in the evening, two white lights rose from the southeastern direction of the North Star, reaching straight to the ground; it's unclear whether this is an auspicious sign or a bad omen. On the sixth day of the seventh month (Dingchou day), the Emperor issued a decree saying: "I lack knowledge and depth of learning, burdened with great responsibilities. The celestial phenomena are frequently changing; I dare not become complacent, but I struggle to govern the country effectively and bring peace to the people. Wars continue, the people's lives are difficult, good customs have yet to emerge, bad practices still exist, leading to many people violating the law, with officials facing a heavy workload of paperwork, and the number of people detained in prisons increasing. While all are detained for breaking the law, there may be some among them who are wrongfully imprisoned. I feel deeply inadequate and ashamed of my position on the throne; my health is poor, and the guards are relatively weak. Now that there is a slight improvement, I wish to extend my grace and grant a special general amnesty in the capital."
In September, work began on the West City Wall. On November 12th (Dinghai Day), Cheng Lingxi was appointed as the Central Protector, holding the title of Left General of the Guard. On November 14th (Jichou Day), Zhang Zhaoda defeated Chen Baoying at Jian'an, captured Chen Baoying and Liu Yi, escorted them to the capital, and brought peace to Jin'an County. On November 19th (Jiachen Day), Zhang Zhaoda was promoted to Front General while also serving as Governor of the Palace with equal authority to the Three Ministers, a notable promotion! On the first day of December (Jiazi Day), a general amnesty was declared for Jian'an and Jin'an counties. For those soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country in the war against Chen Baoying, the court arranged for coffins for them, sent their bodies back to their hometowns, and looked after their families; for the wounded soldiers, the court also provided medical treatment. On December 26th (Guiwei Day), envoys from the State of Qi came to pay their respects.
On January 15, 556 AD, the Crown Prince celebrated his coming-of-age ceremony! The court rewarded the royal officials with silk fabrics in varying amounts, and those who were filial to their parents, diligent in farming, and serving their fathers could also receive a rank promotion. For the elderly widows and those who could not support themselves, each eligible person would receive five bushels of grain. On the same Gengxu Day of that year, Du Leng was promoted to Yizuo General while also serving as Governor of Danyang, Yuan Shu, the Governor of Danyang, was promoted to Minister of Personnel, and Shen Qin, the Minister of Guards, was promoted to Central Army Commander.
In the second month of the lunar calendar, the Emperor issued an order allowing those who had fled to Jian'an, Jin'an, and Yi'an prefectures due to war to return to their hometowns. Those who had been taken as slaves were restored to their status as free citizens. On the first day of the fourth month, Luo Xu, the Prince of Ancheng, was appointed as the Minister of Public Works, holding numerous official titles such as Attendant, Director of the Palace Library, General of the Central Army, General of Chariots and Cavalry, Supervisor of the Palace, and Governor of Yangzhou. On the day of the eighth month, a comet appeared in the sky. On the tenth day of the seventh month, a strong wind blew in from the southwest, over a hundred paces wide, damaging the lookout tower at Lingtai. The next day, Yixian Hall collapsed under mysterious circumstances. On the eighteenth day of the seventh month, Luo Wenyu, the Prefect of Linchuan, killed Zhou Di and sent his head to the capital, where it was displayed at Zhuque Bridge. On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the bright star, Venus, was seen during the day. On the fourth day of the eighth month, the Emperor issued an edict, which stated roughly:
"Since the establishment of the Liang Dynasty, disasters have been constant, wars have been frequent, and after more than ten years of fighting, those evildoers have harmed the people, committing unspeakable atrocities. The Jiangzuo region has long been the imperial capital, having experienced four generations of emperors for over two hundred years. How come those loyal ministers and devoted sons who served the country and earned the people's love have all disappeared? Their tombs have been destroyed, their lands encroached upon, and even the treasures left by their ancestors have vanished. The jade cups passed down by the people and the bamboo slips recorded in history have become scarce artifacts, not to mention the thousand-year-old ancient trees. Since the establishment of the Liang Dynasty, we have diligently strived to uphold our ancestors' legacy. Although our attire, headwear, and ceremonial systems have been inherited from the previous dynasty, we often reminisce about the Heluo region, so we have consistently honored Qiaoshan and safeguarded the Lishan tombs. However, many of the tombs of kings, nobles, officials, scholars, and common people have not been properly buried, and many continue to gather firewood and graze livestock near the tombs. Some relatives have even been reduced to slavery, never to return, and their descendants have been severed from their lineage. Emperor Gaozu of Han missed Han Xin, and Emperor Taizu of Song mourned for Zhang Liang. They all mourned for their ancestors' graves, and I share this sorrow! Therefore, I shall command the restoration of the tombs of loyal ministers and martyrs across the ages, forbid the cutting down of trees in burial grounds, and to ensure peace for both the living and the departed!"
On the 8th day of the 8th month, the emperor conferred the title of Prince of Xin'an for Prince Xiaobogu, Prince Jing'an for Xiaobogong, Prince Luling for Xiaoboren, and Prince Jiangxia for Xiaoboyi. On the 10th day of the 9th month, the Yuzhang Commandery was abolished. In the same month, a new Grand Canal project was constructed. On the 8th day of the 10th month, envoys from the Qi Kingdom came to offer tribute. On the 14th day of the 12th month, the emperor conferred the title of Prince of Wuling for Prince Xiaobili. On the 16th day of the 12th month, Zhang Zhaoda was promoted to General of the Southern Garrison and Governor of Jiangzhou, Huang Fabian was promoted to Grand General of the Central Guard, Cheng Lingxi was promoted to General of Xuan Yi and Governor of Yizhou, Shen Ke was promoted to Central Protector, Wu Mingche was promoted to Central Leader, and Prince Xiaoboshan of Poyang was promoted to General of the North and Governor of South Xuzhou. On the 21st day of the 12th month, the emperor issued an edict:
"I am acutely aware of my own limitations and the many shortcomings in governing the country, as well as the lack of smooth channels for listening to opinions, leading to delays in addressing many issues, grievances, and wrongful accusations. Thinking of those imprisoned prisoners, I feel deeply unsettled that my kindness has not reached them in time, and I feel deeply guilty. As the end of the year approaches and the New Year is coming, I want all the prisoners in the capital to feel the warmth of the New Year season, so I hereby grant amnesty to all prisoners in the capital!"
In the first month of the first year of Tiankang, the emperor issued an edict, stating: "My virtues are shallow; I have inherited the great achievements of my ancestors, toiling day and night, with the sole desire to develop and strengthen the country. However, there are many unclear government affairs, the people's lives are still not prosperous, and coupled with years of natural disasters and prolonged heatwaves, the people are suffering, all of which are my responsibility! I am constantly troubled by this matter, feeling extremely uneasy." Therefore, he decided to grant amnesty to all throughout the realm and changed the seventh year of Tianjia to the first year of Tiankang.
In March, the emperor appointed Prince Xu of Ancheng as the Minister of Officials, with high official positions such as General of Chariots and Cavalry, Chief of the Imperial Household, Governor of Yangzhou, and also held the position of Minister of Works! In April, the imperial grandson, Zize, was born, and rewards were given throughout the court, with the father being promoted by one rank. Unfortunately, the good times were short-lived. On the day of Guichou in that same month, Emperor Shizu fell seriously ill and passed away that same day at Jue Palace. Before his death, he left a testament: "I am seriously ill and about to die, unable to change my fate. Life and death are predetermined, what more is there to say! However, the prosperity of the country is hard-won. In recent years, there have been constant wars and the people have suffered too much, which has always weighed on my mind. Although peace has been restored in various regions now, the work of educating the people has not been sufficiently accomplished, and I fell ill. This is truly my regret! The affairs of the state carry great responsibility. Crown Prince, you must take the throne without delay, and the royal ministers must support him diligently. Unity is needed internally and externally, and my wishes must not be violated! My funeral must be simple and quick." In June, the courtiers posthumously honored Emperor Shizu as "Emperor Wen" and his temple name as "Shizu," and buried him in the Yongning Mausoleum. Emperor Shizu came from humble origins, deeply understanding the suffering of the people. In terms of national finances, he always budgeted carefully and saved wherever possible. Whenever taxes were imposed on the people, unless absolutely necessary, he always looked distressed, as if he himself was bearing the burden. He could discern the truth from the reports submitted by the ministers, resolutely eliminating corruption, and everyone knew they had to work diligently. Even at night, he personally inquired about palace matters. Whenever the night watchman announced the time and delivered the watchman's sign to the palace, he would instruct the person to throw the sign onto the steps to make a sound, and say, "Even if I'm asleep, I want this sound to wake me!" There were countless more examples like this.
Yao Cha, the Minister of Personnel of the Chen Dynasty, said: Everyone says that after inheriting the throne, the emperor can maintain the ancestral foundation and continue the imperial lineage. The outcomes of this are quite clear. In general, being able to inherit the achievements of one's ancestors without letting them decline is considered wise and virtuous. If one ruins the foundation left by their ancestors, they are unworthy heirs. As for those who can carry forward the achievements of their predecessors and take on the great tasks created by their ancestors, such people are indeed few.
Emperor Shizu (referring to Emperor Chen Wu, Chen Baxian) had remarkable achievements when he first raised his troops, pacifying rebellions and stabilizing bandits, making him a great founding hero. When the country faced disasters, after he inherited the throne, he worked diligently, handling the decaying state with great care. He also promoted Confucianism, loved literature and learning, and studied diligently, as if he were in hot pursuit of knowledge. He was cautious in using people as if he were using himself, leading a simple life and working tirelessly for the people. Throughout history, monarchs who excelled in both civil and military affairs, after their conquests, were able to leave behind tangible achievements that rival those of Emperor Shizu. His intelligence and wisdom, as well as his ability to judge and identify talent, are well-documented in the historical records of the Yongping era.
