Tufa Wugu is a member of the Xianbei ethnic group from Hexi. His ancestors were of the same lineage as the Northern Wei. His eighth-generation ancestor, Pigou, moved with his clan from the northern border to Hexi, with their territory stretching from the wheat fields and Qiandun in the east to Shiluo in the west, Jiaohe in the south, and bordering the vast desert to the north. After Pigou's death, his son Shoutian succeeded him. Interestingly, while Shoutian was still in his mother's womb, his mother Huyeshi unexpectedly gave birth to him right there in her blanket while sleeping. The Xianbei refer to a blanket as "Tufa," which is why they adopted it as their surname. After Shoutian died, his grandson Shuji succeeded him. He was a robust and cunning young man. During the Taishi era of the Jin Dynasty, he killed the Qinzhou Inspector Hu Lie at Wan Hudui and defeated the Liangzhou Inspector Su Yu at Jinshan, suddenly occupying the entire Liangzhou. Emperor Wu of Jin was so worried about this that he hardly had time to eat. Later, he was defeated by Malong, and his subordinates killed him before surrendering. Following Wuwan's death, his grandson Tuijin succeeded him. After Tuijin died, his son Sifujian took over, as the clan's power gradually grew stronger. Wugu is Sifujian's son.
After Wugudang ascended to the throne, he focused on developing agriculture and silkworm farming, and maintained good relations with his neighbors. Lu Guang sent him titles such as False Festival, Champion General, Grand Marshal of Hexi Xianbei, and Marquis of Guangwu County. Wugudang asked his generals, "Lu Guang is so far away from us; should we accept the titles he has sent?" The others replied, "We have plenty of troops; why should we take orders from him?" Just as Wugudang was about to refuse, his general Shi Zhenruo intervened, saying, "Our position isn't stable yet; we need to be cautious. Lu Guang is skilled at governing, and there is no war in the territory. If we confront him directly, whether big or small, we won't stand a chance. It'll be too late to regret it once we act. It's wiser to accept his titles for now, flatter him, and settle the score later." Wugudang accepted Lu Guang's appointment. Wugudang defeated the Yifu and Zhejue tribes decisively and then sent his general Shi Yigan to build a fortress in Lianchuan to assert control over those tribes. Wugudang climbed Lianchuan Mountain and cried silently, without saying a word. Shi Yigan approached and said, "I’ve heard that when a lord is sad, his subjects feel ashamed; when a lord is ashamed, his subjects may perish. Your Majesty, is your unhappiness because of Lu Guang? Lu Guang is old, and his army has been defeated one after another. Now we are strong, occupying the strategic Dachuan; we can easily take on a hundred, what's Lu Guang to us!"
Wu Gu said, "I know Lü Guang is getting old. However, my ancestors used benevolence to influence distant people. All ethnic groups fear our authority. Luling, Qihan, and other places have all submitted obediently; even those thousands of miles away listen to us. But after I inherited my ancestors' legacy, all the tribes have rebelled. Those nearby have defied my orders; how can we expect those far away to obey? That's why I cry!" His general Fu Hun said, "Your Majesty, why not inspire the army and swear to punish their crimes?" Wu Gu took his advice and went on to defeat the rebellious tribes. Lü Guang appointed Wu Gu as the Duke of Guangwu. Later, Wu Gu defeated the Yiyun Xianbei.
Lü Guang sent envoys again, appointing Wu Gu as the Grand General of the South, Governor of Yizhou, and King of the Left. Wu Gu said to the envoys, "Lü Guang originally occupied these provinces and territories by force, but he did not use benevolence to pacify the people from afar, nor did he govern the people well. His sons were hedonistic, and his three nephews were tyrannical. Every province was on the brink of collapse, and the common people were barely able to fill their stomachs. How can I go against the will of the people and accept such unjust titles? The rise and fall of emperors is not a fixed principle! If tyranny is practiced, destruction will follow; if benevolence is practiced, prosperity will ensue. I intend to align with the will of heaven and the people and become the rightful ruler of this world!" After he spoke, he dismissed the procession and musicians sent by Lü Guang, declined Lü Guang's appointment, and sent the envoys away.
In the year 311 AD, he proclaimed himself as the Grand Commander, Grand General, Great Chanyu, and King of Xiping, then declared a general amnesty throughout his realm and changed his era name to "Taichu." He led his troops to Guangwu, capturing Jincheng. The Jin Dynasty sent General Dou Gou to fight him, but faced a crushing defeat at Jieting. The three counties of Ledu, Huanghe, and Jiaohe surrendered to him, and tens of thousands of Qiang and Hu households in Lingnan rallied to his cause. Yang Gui and Wang Qiji brought thousands of households to join him. Wugu also gave himself the title of King of Wuwei.
Three years later, he moved to Ledu and appointed his younger brother Li Lugu as Grand General of the Valiant Cavalry and Duke of Xiping, tasking him with pacifying the local tribes; and appointed Nu Tan as Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry and Duke of Guangwu, to guard Xiping. He also treated Yang Gui as an honored guest. Just look at his team; they were all exceptionally talented! Jin Sheng and Shi Lianzhen are elite figures among the ethnic minorities; Yin Xun and Guo Xing are respected figures in the Western region; Yang Tong, Yang Zhen, Wei Yin, Qu Chengming, Guo Huang, Guo Fen, Shi Gao, and Lu Song are outstanding figures in both civil and military domains; Liang Chang, Han Pi, Zhang Chang, and Guo Shao are talented and prestigious individuals in the Central Plains; Jin Shu, Xue Qiao, Zhao Zhen, Wang Zhong, Zhao Chao, and Su Ba are noble and prestigious families in the Qin and Yong regions. He arranged all these people in important positions, allowing them to fully utilize their talents. In short, he was remarkably skilled at talent management!
Wugu calmly addressed his subordinates, "The region around Longyou consists of only a few counties! Due to the wars, it has fragmented into more than ten small states. Gan Gui accepted the court's appointment and declared himself king in Henan, while Duan Ye led troops in Zhangye, oppressing the Di people and secretly occupying Guzang. I carry on the ambitions of my father and brothers, and I intend to pacify the Western Xia. We must defeat them one by one; which should we attack first?"
Yang Tong stood up and said, "Qian Gui originally belonged to us; he will inevitably submit in due time. Duan Ye is merely a scholar with little talent for governance; he was compelled by the powerful minister and had no choice in the matter. Fighting a thousand miles away presents significant logistical challenges, and his relationship with us is not bad. We can pledge to share the burdens of disaster, wait until he is weakened before we strike; a direct attack now would be unwise. Lu Guang is getting old; his sons Lu Zuan and Lu Hong have some talent in both civil and military affairs, but the two brothers harbor mutual suspicions. If we strike aggressively, they will likely crumble swiftly. It is best to send cavalry to station in Haowei, control Lianchuan, and then take advantage of the situation, disturbing them in multiple ways. If they save the east, we attack the west; if they save the west, we attack the east, wearing them down to the point where the common people cannot even farm. It's time to divide and conquer! In less than two years, we can take down Guzang. Once Guzang is taken, those two guys don't need us to take action; they will naturally surrender." Wu Gu felt that what Yang Tong said made sense and was already planning to annex them.
When Lu Zuan attacked Duan Ye, he sent Li Lugu to his rescue. Fearing defeat, Lu Zuan burned the grain supplies in Dichi and Zhangye before withdrawing his troops. Lu Zuan appointed Li Lugu as the Governor of Liangzhou, where he was stationed in Xiping, and promoted Nuo Tan to participate in state affairs in the court.
That year, Wu Gu drank too much, fell from his horse, and injured his ribs. He chuckled and remarked, "I nearly gave Lu Guang and his son a reason to celebrate." Shortly thereafter, his injuries worsened, and he turned to his subordinates, saying, "The war is not over yet; we should quickly appoint a successor." After uttering those words, he passed away. He reigned for three years and, following his death, was posthumously honored as the Martial King, with the temple name Liezu. His brother, Li Lugu, ascended to the throne.
Li Luogu declared himself emperor in the third year of Long'an, granting amnesty to all prisoners convicted of crimes less severe than capital offenses, and then moved to Xiping to live. He sent his secretary, Qu Liangming, to consult with Duan Ye. Duan Ye said, "Your esteemed predecessor laid the foundation for the nation and achieved greater merits than his forebears. He should be honored as the founding emperor of the country. Since he has a son, why not appoint him as the heir?" Qu Liangming replied, "His son, Qiangnu, was designated as the heir by the previous emperor." Duan Ye said, "Historically, King Cheng was young and was assisted by the Duke of Zhou and the Duke of Shao. Emperor Zhao of Han ascended the throne at the age of eight and was assisted by Jin Midi and Huo Guang. Even if the heir is young, with two wise uncles to support him, wouldn't that be beneficial?" Qu Liangming said, "Emperor Xuan of Song was able to transfer the throne to another, as noted in the 'Spring and Autumn Annals'; Sun Ce handed over affairs to Sun Quan, ultimately achieving the foundation of the Wu state. Moreover, the principle of 'elder brother succeeds' was established by King Tang of the Shang Dynasty, as well as a saying of the saints, which has been practiced for thousands of years. Why must it be the son who inherits, and not the younger brother of the elder brother?" Duan Ye said, "Well said! This indeed reflects the duty of an envoy."
Li Luogu heard that Lu Guang had died, so he sent his generals Jin Shu and Su Qiao to station five thousand cavalry at Changsong Mokou.
After more than a year, he granted amnesty again within the territory and changed the era name to Jianhe. Those upright and benevolent officials holding the rank of two thousand stones were all bestowed the title of Marquis within the Passes.
Lü Zuan launched an attack against him, and Li Lugu sent Nu Tan to resist. Lü Zuan's elite army quickly advanced to Sandui (placename), causing fear among his three armies. Nu Tan dismounted and sat on a wooden bed, boosting the morale of the army. He fought against Lü Zuan, defeated him, and killed over two thousand enemies. Lü Zuan then attacked Duan Ye, and Nu Tan led ten thousand cavalry to launch a surprise attack on Guzang. Lü Zuan's brother Lü Wei guarded the north and south cities and refused to come out. Nu Tan set up a feast at the Zhu Ming Gate, rewarding the soldiers with wine and food, then demonstrated his military prowess at Qingyang Gate, capturing over eight thousand households before returning triumphantly.
Qifu Gangui was defeated by Yao Xing and fled to Jin Xing with a few hundred cavalry, being treated like a noble. Gangui also sent his son Qian and others as hostages to Xiping. General Zhenbei Ju Yan told Li Lugu, "Gangui was originally a subordinate small country; he self-proclaimed king, and now that things aren't going well, he has come to surrender, not sincerely. If he goes to Dongqin, it would definitely attract their army to invade us, which wouldn't be good for us. He should be moved to Yifeng to block his escape route." Li Lugu said, "I'm trying to win people's hearts with sincerity. If Gangui surrenders and I move him away, people will say I am not trustworthy." Shortly after, Gangui did indeed escape and defected to Yao Xing. Li Lugu told Ju Yan, "I didn't listen to you; Gangui betrayed, you were right about this!" Ju Yan pursued Gangui to the Yellow River but came back empty-handed.
Li Lu Gu ruled as king for two years; there appeared a dragon in Changning and a qilin in Suiqiang. Therefore, the ministers advised him to proclaim himself king, and in the fifth year of Long'an, he proclaimed himself King of Hexi. His general, Tuo Wulun, advised him, "Our ancestors originally rose from Youzhou and Shuozhou, with disheveled hair and crude clothing, without the ceremonial attire of crowns. They were nomadic and lacked the system of cities, yet they were able to occupy half of the world and dominate the four directions. Now proclaiming oneself king and emperor indeed conforms to the will of heaven. However, living in luxury is not a long-term plan; stockpiling food and wealth will only encourage the ambitions of our enemies. Moreover, engaging in war immediately after proclaiming oneself king will likely lead to failure, as evidenced by the cases of Chen Sheng and Xiang Yu! We should resettle the people of the Jin Dynasty in various cities, encourage them to develop agriculture to supply the needs of the country, while we train the army to conquer those who do not obey. If there are changes on both sides, employ strategies to hold them off; if the enemy is stronger than us, move to avoid their attacks. Wouldn't that be better?" Li Lu Gu listened to his advice.
Then Li Lu Gu led his troops to attack Lulong, defeated Lulong, and captured Lulong's Right Minister Yang Huan. Nü Tan said to Yang Huan, "You remained in a perilous state, failing to seek out a wise lord, and as you grew older, you became a captive. How can you be considered a wise man?" Yang Huan said, "I have received great kindness from the Lü family, held important positions, and even if the floodwaters rise, I want to do my best to rescue those who are about to drown. I am ashamed to betray my loyalty and seek refuge with a wise ruler." Nü Tan said, "You are truly a loyal subject!" and appointed him as Left Sima.
Li Lu Gu said to his subordinates, "I don’t have much talent in governing the country, but I inherited the throne and have become quite proud and complacent. I’ve been emperor for three years now. Although I work diligently day and night, thinking about promoting education, the enforcement of the law has not been satisfactory, and there are still many issues in society. I’ve sent troops into battle many times, but I haven’t managed to expand our territory. I want to elevate talented individuals, but there’s still a backlog of talent waiting. Is it because I haven’t used people wisely, or is it my own lack of insight? Please share your thoughts honestly; I’ll listen carefully." Shi Gao, an official from the Ministry of Worship, replied, "In ancient times, emperors focused on preserving the army as the top priority in battles, followed by conquering enemy states, rescuing people from peril, and always prioritizing the well-being of the people. Now, you don’t prioritize the people’s stability, only focused on relocating people. People are uprooted from their peaceful homes, which leads to rebellions. Therefore, although you may conquer cities and territories, the land has not expanded much. In selecting talent now, you must first consider martial skills while viewing scholarly pursuits as insignificant. This isn’t the way to attract talent or build a lasting legacy. Confucius said, 'Without learning proper conduct, one cannot stand.' We should establish schools and select respected scholars to educate the youth." Li Lu Gu agreed with him and appointed Tian Xuan Chong and Zhao Dan as professors responsible for educating the youth.
At that time, Li Luogu, even though he had usurped the throne and declared himself emperor, still acknowledged Yao Xing's authority. Yang Huan's elder brother had once served Yao Chang but died young. Yao Xing heard that Yang Huan was virtuous and talented, so he summoned him. Li Luogu held a farewell banquet for Yang Huan in the east of the city, saying to him, "I had hoped to accomplish great things alongside you, but things did not go as planned. The sorrow of our parting feels even greater than that of ancient times. Just as the Kunpeng cannot soar without the vast sea, and the phoenix cannot spread its wings without the tall wutong tree, your talent in assisting a ruler is as precious as a night pearl and should be displayed in the court, renowned throughout the world. The small Hexi region cannot hold your talents. I hope you will continue to strive for greatness in the future." Yang Huan cried and said, "I previously served the Lü family poorly. Your Majesty forgave me when you captured me and regarded me as a talented individual. I have always wished to serve Your Majesty and make a name for myself, but now that the opportunity has finally come, I must leave. How can I forget this feeling of parting with deep affection?" Li Luogu also wept at this.
Nu Tan reportedly attacked and quickly captured Meng Yi, the Prefect of Changsong in Lulong. Nu Tan seized Meng Yi and questioned him, saying, "You must act at the right moment to earn rewards; clinging to a faulty strategy will only lead to punishment. I am about to lead my troops to Yumen Pass to pacify the Qin and Long regions, yet you cling to a struggling city, causing delays in the court's orders. Surely, you know the country has laws and regulations?"
Meng Yi replied, "You openly condemn the Hexi region, your reputation spreads far and wide, using benevolence to soothe the distant populace, using force to punish those who do not follow the rules. How could someone insignificant like me, Meng Yi, dare to defy fate! To be defeated in battle and killed is my destiny. However, I am deeply loyal to the Lü family and to you. I am deeply grateful for the Lü family's grace, entrusted with the important task of guarding the border. If you arrive, I will surrender, but I fear this may place you in a difficult position. It is all up to you to decide."
Nutan was greatly pleased to hear this, untied his ropes, and treated him with the courtesy due to a guest. He then relocated over two thousand households from Xianmei and Lijian back. Nutan admired Meng Yi's loyalty and integrity, appointing him as the Left Sima. Meng Yi requested, "The Lü family is on the brink of extinction, and the court is clearly planning to annex the Hexi region. As a subject of the Lü family, I have failed to safeguard their legacy while accepting your favor. I am not at ease in my heart. I thank you for your kindness; please allow me to commit suicide in Guzang City, so that my name may be remembered for generations." Nutan was moved by his loyalty and granted him his wish.
Lü Long was attacked by Juqu Mengxun and sent messengers requesting support. Li Luguo gathered his men to discuss. The Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Personnel, Po Yanlun, said, "Currently, Guzang City is suffering from severe famine; the situation is dire, food is prohibitively expensive, there is no grass in the fields, and supplies are nonexistent. Mengxun has come a long way to attack; his food and grass supply is also difficult, so why not let these two enemies weaken each other, and then we can take advantage of the situation to attack? Even if Mengxun captures Guzang City, he will struggle to maintain control, and there is no necessity to send reinforcements."
Nutan remarked, "You only see one side, not the other. Although Guzang City is now empty and in decline, it has an advantageous geographical position and is the center of the Western Regions. We must act quickly to save it." Li Lugu said, "General Chariot (referring to Nutan) is right; I also think so." So, Nutan was sent to lead ten thousand cavalry to rescue. When they arrived at Changsong, Meng Xun had already retreated, and Nutan brought back over five hundred households from Liangze and Duanzhong.
Li Lugu fell ill and lay in bed, feeling quite unwell. He ordered, "There are many dangers inside and outside now, and many national affairs. Let my son Chariot succeed me and fulfill the wishes of the former king." He passed away three years into his reign and was buried in the southeast of Xiping. He was posthumously named King Kang. His brother Nutan inherited the throne.
Nutan displayed intelligence and talent from an early age. His father admired him and said to his other sons, "Nutan is intelligent and capable, a standard you can't match." Therefore, the other brothers never thought of passing the throne to their own sons, but all wanted to pass it to Nutan. Once Li Lugu ascended to the throne, he largely neglected governance, leaving all national affairs to Nutan. In the inaugural year of Yuanxing, Nutan proclaimed himself as the King of Liang, moved the capital to Ledu, and changed the era name to Hongchang.
Initially, during Qifu Gangui's time in Jin Xing, he once sent his son Chipan as a hostage to ensure safety. Later, Chipan managed to escape but was recaptured by pursuers. Li Luguo ordered his execution. Nu Tan said, "When a subject escapes and returns to seek refuge with his father, this principle has been recognized throughout history. Therefore, Cao Cao, the Emperor Wu of Wei, praised Guan Yu's seeking refuge, and King Zhaoxiang of Qin forgave King Qingxiang's departure. Although Chipan did flee, his filial piety deserves commendation, demonstrating our generosity." So Chipan was pardoned. At this point, Chipan fled once more to Yun Street, and Nu Tan also sent his wife and children to be with him.
Yao Xing sent envoys to appoint Nu Tan as the General of Chariots and Cavalry and the Duke of Guangwu. Nu Tan undertook extensive construction projects in Le Du, including the building of city walls. General Qi Nan led his troops to greet Lu Long in Guzang, while Nu Tan commanded the garrison forces in Changsong and Weian to evade them.
The Governor of Liangzhou, Wang Shang, sent his chief clerk, Zong Chang, to negotiate a marriage alliance with Helian Bobo. Zong Chang's father, Zong Xie, had previously served as the Prefect of Huanghe under Lü Guang and later became a Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat. He had previously met Helian Bobo in Guangwu, where he took Helian Bobo's hand and said, "You are truly a remarkable and gifted individual. You will surely pacify the world in the future. Sadly, I am too old and may not live to witness it. I place my sons, Zong Chang and his brother, in your care."
Now, Helian Bobo said to Zong Chang, "I have average abilities, yet your father valued me. I have always kept your father in my thoughts. Just like in the Book of Songs, it says: 'How could I ever forget this friendship?' I never thought I would see you today." Zong Chang replied, "Your kindness is akin to that of Emperor Cao Cao of Wei; thinking of my father so much, even Zhu Hui's care for Zhang Kan and Uncle Xiang's nurturing of Ru Qi's son pale in comparison to your kindness!" As they enjoyed their drinks, they started reminiscing about the past. Helian Bobo said, "You are a talent like Lu Su, but it's a shame we can't achieve great things together!"
Seeing that Yao Xing was powerful, Helian Bobo secretly planned to attack Guzang. He revoked Yao Xing's era name, dismissed officials such as the Shangshu Cheng Lang, and sent the military officer Guan Shang to report the situation to Yao Xing. Yao Xing said to Guan Shang, "Helian Bobo surrendered and offered gifts; he is the country's barrier. Why did he raise troops without permission and build such a large city? Is this how a loyal subject behaves?" Guan Shang replied, "Princes build cities for defense; this is the system of the former kings, to appease the people, protect the army, and guard against unforeseen events. General Helian Bobo is stationed in a remote area, near formidable foes, with the Qiang tribes not completely subdued to the south, and the Mengsun rebelling to the west. He is defending the borders of the realm; you have misjudged him." Yao Xing laughed heartily after hearing this and said, "You are right!"
Nutan sent his general Wenzhi to attack the Southern Qiang and Western Xiongnu, achieving resounding victories. He then submitted a memorial to Yao Xing, requesting to obtain Liangzhou, but his request was denied. However, Yao Xing promoted Nutan to Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary and expanded his fief by two thousand households.
Afterwards, Lü Tan led the army to attack Juqu Mengxun and reached Di Chi. Mengxun fiercely defended the city, even set fire to the crops in the fields. Lü Tan withdrew his troops after arriving at Chiquan and then presented 3,000 horses and 30,000 sheep to Yao Xing. Yao Xing was overjoyed and immediately appointed Lü Tan as the Governor of Hexi, Commander of all military affairs, Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, Commander of the Xiongnu Guards, and Governor of Liangzhou. He also retained his previous titles of Cavalier Attendant and Duke, and was assigned to guard Guzang.
Lü Tan led 30,000 infantry and cavalry to attack Wujian, where Wang Shang, the Governor of Liangzhou, sent Xin Chao, Meng Yi, and Peng Min to meet him. Wang Shang himself came out from Qingyang Gate, while General Wenzhi entered from Liangfeng Gate. Zong Chang served as the escort to send Wang Shang back to Chang'an. At that moment, Lü Tan seized Zong Chang and said, "I have acquired over 3,000 households in Liangzhou, and you are the only one I truly care about. How could you leave me?" Zong Chang replied, "I am sending away my former master now to serve Your Highness faithfully!" Lü Tan then asked, "I have just arrived in Guizhou and want to implement a strategy of pacifying distant lands and stabilizing neighboring areas. What’s your opinion?"
Zong Chang analyzed and said, "Although Liangzhou is somewhat in decline now, its terrain is strategically significant, and the key is in how the leaders govern. Duan Yi and Meng Yi are longstanding veterans in the Wuwei region; Xin Chao and Peng Min are elites in Qinzhou and Longzhou; Pei Min and Ma Fu are noble families from the Central Plains; Zhang Chang is an old aristocrat in Liangzhou; Zhang Mu, Bian Xian, Wen Qi, Yang Ban, Liang Song, and Zhao Chang are all fierce warriors. As long as you can use your talents, govern the people with prestige, develop agriculture, strengthen the military, and promote cultural education, then you can dominate the world; what does Hexi matter?" Nuo Tan was delighted to hear this and rewarded Zong Chang with twenty horses. Then, he hosted a banquet for civil and military officials in the Qian Guang Palace and also rewarded them with golden horses, with varying amounts for each.
Yao Xing sent Xi Cao to discuss terms with the General of Chariots and Cavalry (referring to Yao Chang). Yao Xing asked Xi Cao, "The General of Chariots and Cavalry is now firmly in control of Liangzhou, returning in glory. Is this really his merit?" Xi Cao replied, "The General of Chariots and Cavalry has accumulated a lot of merit in the Hexi region, but his reputation was not very prominent before. He fought alone, surrendered from a distance; Your Majesty appoints based on merit; this is the usual practice, how can we even discuss his merit?" Yao Xing said, "If I didn't give him Liangzhou, where would he have gotten Liangzhou?"
Shi Gao explained, "The Hexi region is in turmoil, and the Lv family group is also in disarray, all because the two brothers of the Chariots and Cavalry General have exerted their full efforts. Your Majesty, although you have great power, Liangzhou remains outside your grasp. In the past, the Zhou and Shao states dispatched large armies to conquer Liangzhou, but they were defeated at Guzang; the Qi state also led a large army to attack, but was thwarted at Zhangye. The Chariots and Cavalry General single-handedly defended the besieged city and had to resist external enemies. Had Your Majesty not refrained from military action for over a decade, exhausting the nation's resources, Liangzhou would not have been so easily captured. Now you use a feigned title to placate him while secretly reaping significant rewards; this is a shrewd strategy, aligned with the will of heaven, and even a promotion to an official position is in line with the times."
Yao Xing was very happy and immediately appointed Shi Gao as the commander of the cavalry.
Nu Tan invited the officials to a banquet in the Xuan De Hall and sighed, "The ancients said, 'Those who do things do not take credit, those who take credit do not do real things,' which is really true!" Meng Yi continued, "King Wen of Zhou built cities and gardens, repaired ancestral temples, leaving a foundation for future generations, but as soon as the Qin army arrived at the Yellow River, it collapsed. Liang Xi once wielded great power, controlling the territory of Western Xia, but was defeated in Jiuquan and died in Pengji. The Lv family group was once powerful, but their country fell apart and they were forced to offer precious jade to Qinzhou and Yongzhou for peace. Kuan Rao once said, 'Wealth and glory are ever-changing, and ownership can change in the blink of an eye.' This Xuan De Hall has been standing for almost a hundred years, with twelve owners; only through sincerity and timely responses can lasting peace be achieved, and only benevolence and righteousness can maintain eternal peace. I hope Your Majesty will heed this as a cautionary tale."
Nu Tan said, "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have heard such straightforward advice!" Though Nu Tan was subject to Yao Xing's authority, his attire and demeanor were regal. He appointed Zong Chang as the chief steward of the Grand Treasury, overseeing the administrative affairs as well.
It is said that Nu Tan, pretending to go have fun by the river, ended up relocating over 30,000 Qiang households from Xiping and Huanghe to the four regions of Wuxing, Fanhe, Wuwei, and Changsong. He also brought in more than 50,000 soldiers from the Rong and Xia tribes, held a massive military parade in Fangting, and then led the troops to attack Juqu Mengxun, heading straight into western Shaanxi. As a result, Mengxun rallied his troops to resist, and the two armies fought at Junshi, with Nu Tan losing. Nu Tan quickly led 20,000 cavalry and brought 40,000 stones of grain to support the western county, but Mengxun launched an attack on the western county and took control of it.
Later, Nu Tan fought against Helian Bobo in Yangwu and lost again, with more than ten of his generals killed. Nu Tan fled to the southern mountains with a few cavalry, narrowly avoiding being captured by pursuers. Fearing assaults from both directions, Nu Tan relocated all the people within a 300-li radius to Guzang, creating widespread panic and resentment throughout the country. At this time, a man named Tuge Chengqier, seeing the suffering of the people, led his more than 300 followers to rebel in the north city, hoping to install Liang Gui as their leader. However, Liang Gui refused to show his face and ignored them.
Overnight, the gathered rebel army swelled to several thousand. At this point, the palace guard Zhang Meng stood up and declared to everyone, "The Emperor's defeat in Yangwu was due to underestimating the enemy and advancing recklessly! A wise ruler acknowledges their mistakes and corrects them. Why do you follow this villain to do such unjust things? We still have the army in the palace, and the situation is so dangerous now. It will be too late for regrets!" Hearing this, the crowd dispersed. Chengqier fled to Yanran, but the palace cavalry, led by Bai Lu, caught up with him and killed him.
Afterwards, the military adviser Liang Pou, assistant marshal Bian Xian, and seven others conspired to rebel, but Nu Tan had them all executed.
Yao Xing heard that Nu Tan defeated the chaotic forces of Bo Bo in Yangwu, and there were rebellions in the border areas and Liangzhou, so he sent Minister Wei Zong to explore the situation in Liangzhou. Nu Tan discussed the strategy of the six states forming alliances and the tactics of warfare among nations, covering topics from destiny's rise and fall to the successes and failures of human endeavors, with various unpredictable twists. Wei Zong listened attentively and praised him repeatedly, saying that Nu Tan's eloquence was truly remarkable!
After Wei Zong left, he sighed, "Those capable of governing and ensuring national security don't necessarily have to come from a prestigious family; those who can quell rebellions and save the people from disaster don't necessarily have to be well-educated. Besides the Five Classics and the grand ceremonies, there are many other talented individuals out there! Nu Tan is a military genius—truly an extraordinary individual; people like You Yu and Ri Di simply can't compare to him!"
After returning to Chang'an, Wei Zong told Yao Xing, "Although Liangzhou has experienced war and chaos, the people's morale hasn't completely broken down. Nu Tan is shrewd and relies on geographical advantages, making him a tough opponent!" Yao Xing said, "If he can take down the disorganized forces of Bo Bo, surely I can defeat him with the full might of our army?"
Wei Zong replied, "The situation can change in an instant, and the development of events may be completely different. Those who underestimate the enemy are easily defeated, and those who are good at defense are difficult to break. In the Battle of Yangwu, Nu Tan was defeated by Bo Bo because he underestimated the enemy. Now that we are pressing with a large army, he will definitely strengthen his defense and seek self-defense. I doubt anyone in the court can rival Nu Tan's strategies. Even if we launch a strong offensive, victory isn't guaranteed." Ignoring Wei Zong's advice, Yao Xing sent General Yao Bi and Lian Cheng to lead thirty thousand infantry and cavalry to attack Liangzhou, and also dispatched Yao Xian for support. He wrote a letter to Nu Tan, saying, "I've sent the Left Chancellor Qi Nan to pursue Bo Bo, fearing that he will escape to the west, so I've ordered Yao Bi and his men to intercept him in Hexi." Nu Tan took it at face value and failed to make any preparations.
Yao Bi's army arrived at Mokou, where Prefect Su Ba of Changsong defended the city. Yao Bi urged Su Ba to surrender, but Su Ba replied, "You have violated the alliance and attacked us, your submissive vassals. Heaven won't bless you! I'd rather be a ghost in Liangzhou than give up!" The city was breached, and Su Ba was killed. Yao Bi arrived at Guzang and stationed at Xiyuan. Locals Wang Zhong, Song Zhong, Wang E, and others secretly conspired, preparing to capture Yao Bi's messengers. Nulan wanted to eliminate these traitors, but the front army general Yili Yanhou said, "We have strong enemies outside and internal spies. The situation is critical and perilous. We should kill them all to stabilize the situation." Nulan agreed and killed more than 5,000 people, giving the women as rewards to the soldiers. He ordered each county to drive cattle and sheep to the wilderness, and if they resisted, the soldiers could plunder. Nulan sent ten generals, including General Jubu Yan and General Jinggui, to lead the cavalry to attack separately, defeating Yao Bi's forces, killing over 7,000. Yao Bi held his position, and Nulan couldn't capture him, so he diverted the upstream water to try to wear them down in a prolonged battle. Just then, a heavy rain caused the dam to break, allowing Yao Bi's forces to escape. Upon hearing of Yao Bi's defeat, Yao Xian hastened to support him with a strong force. He sent five archers, including Meng Qin, to challenge at the Liangfeng Gate, but before they could shoot, they were rushed and killed by General Song Yi and others. Yao Xian then blamed the defeat on Nulan, sent an apology to Nulan, and withdrew his troops. Nulan was aware that he had usurped the throne of the King of Liang, so he announced a general amnesty, renamed the era Jiaping, and created several new official positions.
He appointed his wife, Lady Zhejue, as the Empress, and his son, Wutai, as both the Crown Prince and the Left Minister, in charge of handling government affairs. The Chief Historian Zhao Chao became the Left Minister, while the Chief Historian Guo Xing became the Right Minister. General Juyan was appointed as the Grand Commandant, and General Jinggui was appointed as the Colonel of the Retainers. Other official appointments were also arranged accordingly.
General Kumu and the Cavalry Commander Hu Kang were sent to attack Juqu Mengxun, and they returned after seizing over a thousand households in the Linsong region. Mengxun, furious, led five thousand cavalry to Xianmei Fangting, defeating the Chega Xianbei forces, and then retreated. Later, Juyan went to attack Mengxun again, but returned defeated.
Nurtan intended to personally lead the troops to attack Mengxun, but Zhao Chao and the Court Astrologer Jingbao hurriedly advised him, saying, "The Taibai star has not yet appeared, and the annual star is in the west. We should stay put and avoid trouble, as it is not suitable to go to war. Recently, astronomical phenomena have been chaotic, with storms and rain not following their usual patterns. Only by focusing on self-cultivation can we ensure safety and stability." Nurtan said, "Mengxun has been outrageous in recent years, coming to our territory, plundering the border, and destroying crops. I've been building up my strength, waiting for the right moment to take my revenge. Now that the army is fully assembled, are you trying to lower our morale?" Jingbao said, "Your Majesty, please don’t think badly of me. Let me observe the signs in the sky. If I see something wrong and do not speak up, then I am not a qualified subject. The signs in the sky are pretty clear, and going to war will definitely not be beneficial."
Nu Tan said, "I will lead fifty thousand light cavalry troops to attack him. If Monsun uses both infantry and cavalry together, their speed will differ from ours. If they attempt to reinforce the right flank, we will strike their left flank; if they charge forward, we will attack their rear. In short, we won't confront them directly, so what is there to be afraid of?" Jing Bao said, "The signs from the heavens are never wrong; there will surely be changes." Nu Tan became angry, locked up Jing Bao, and said, "If you succeed, I'll execute you as an example; if you fail, I'll make you a marquis."
Consequently, Monsun intercepted them with his troops, and the two sides fought at Qiongquan. Nu Tan suffered a crushing defeat and fled on horseback, all by himself. Jing Bao was captured by Monsun, who said to him, "You understand astronomy, hold a high position in their country, yet you go against the will of heaven. Where has your cleverness gone?" Jing Bao replied, "I'm not foolish; it's just that no one listened to my advice." Monsun said, "In the past, Emperor Gaozu of Han was trapped in Pingcheng but escaped because he followed Lou Jing's strategy; Yuan Shao was defeated at Guandu, and Tian Feng was killed. Your strategy is similar to these two, and your lord's character is hard to fathom. You might receive rewards like Lou Jing, but I'm letting you go now, fearing you could end up like Tian Feng." Jing Bao said, "While my lord may not be as powerful as Emperor Gaozu, he is certainly not like Yuan Shao. I never expected to be made a marquis, so why should I worry about bad luck?" Monsun then released him.
Upon returning to Guzang, Nu Tan apologized to Jing Bao, saying, "You're like the divination tools I rely on, but I didn't heed your advice. It was my mistake." He then appointed Jing Bao as the Marquis of Anting.
Meng Xun led his army to attack Guzang. The common people were terrified due to the earlier massacre in Dongyuan, and they all fled in panic. Tribes from Diejue, Maitian, and Chegai all surrendered to Meng Xun. Nuo Tan sent people to negotiate peace, and Meng Xun agreed, then sent his son along with Colonel Jingu as hostages. However, Jingu escaped immediately upon arriving at Hukeng, while his son was caught by pursuers. Meng Xun relocated more than eight thousand households back. The Right Guard of Zhe Jueqi Town rebelled and took control of Shiluoshan.
Nuo Tan feared being annihilated by Meng Xun and was also worried that Qizhen would attack Lingnan, so he moved to Ledu, leaving the Grand Minister Cheng Gongxu to guard Guzang. As soon as Nuo Tan left the city, Jiao Chen and Wang Hou immediately closed the gates and rebelled, gathering over three thousand households and taking control of the southern city. Chen appointed Jiao Lang as the Grand Marshal and Longxiang as the Grand General, and he appointed himself as the Governor of Liangzhou, then surrendered to Meng Xun. General Jingu went to attack Qizhen in Shiluoshan, but was ultimately defeated and killed.
Buoyed by the momentum from capturing Guzang, Meng Xun launched another attack. Nuo Tan dispatched Anbei Duan Gou and Left General Yun Lian to exploit Meng Xun's distraction, successfully relocating over three thousand households to Xiping. Meng Xun surrounded Ledu, but after thirty days of unsuccessful fighting, he sent a message to Nuo Tan: "If you send your precious son as a hostage, I will withdraw my troops." Nuo Tan replied, "Whether you withdraw depends on the strength of your forces. Your words are untrustworthy; you've violated our agreement. What hostage could I possibly offer you?" Meng Xun was very angry and began constructing fortifications, preparing for a protracted battle. After strong urging from his ministers, Nuo Tan finally sent his son Anzhou as a hostage. Meng Xun then withdrew his troops.
The Tuyuhun leader Shu Luogan led his army to fight, and Nuo Tan sent his son Wutai to resist, but he was ultimately defeated by Shu Luogan.
Nu Tan wanted to attack Meng Xun again, but his military adviser Meng Kai cautioned him, "Meng Xun has just occupied Guzang and is gaining momentum. We should stabilize our position, wait for the right opportunity to make our move, and not act rashly!" Nu Tan did not listen. As a result, the five armies launched a coordinated attack, reaching Fanhe and Tiaodou, plundering more than five thousand households.
At this time, Nu Tan's general Qu You once again advised, "Your Majesty, we have come so far, bringing our families and belongings with us; the roads are filled with goods. We should quickly retreat and cross the dangerous mountain roads as soon as possible. Meng Xun is a formidable general, and his soldiers are all experienced in battle. If we rush in with lightly armed troops and disrupt Meng Xun's plans, the enemy attacks from the outside, our rear will be chaotic, and that could be very dangerous!" But the Chief Guard Yi Liyan said, "Our army is strong and morale is high. They are infantry, we are cavalry, not on the same level. If we retreat now, we will lose all our belongings and appear weak, which is not a good solution!" Unable to convince them, Qu You went outside to share with his brothers, "It seems like it's fate! Our brothers are in for a tough time this time." Not long after, a thick fog and heavy rain set in, Meng Xun's army arrived, and Nu Tan retreated in disgrace.
Meng Xun pursued his victory and surrounded the city of Ledu. Nu Tan could only defend the city, sending his son Rang Gan as a hostage. Meng Xun then withdrew. After a long time, Meng Xun dispatched Anxi Gebo Yao to lead his troops west. Meng Xun attacked Xiping, plundered the people and livestock, before heading back.
Meng Kai, the Han Chuan guard, submitted a memorial accusing Wen Zhi, the Prefect of Zhen Nan and Huanghe, of being addicted to drink and debauchery, neglecting state affairs. Nutan said to Yiliyan, "Our territory is almost lost, and the only one we can rely on is Wen Zhi. What should we do?" Yiliyan replied, "We should call him in and give him a stern warning and help him turn over a new leaf." Nutan called Wen Zhi, and after seeing him, Nutan reproached him, saying, "My two brothers died young; I have failed to uphold their legacy, and my governance has been poor. I feel like I'm living dead. I hope you can defend the country like Zixian and revive the Wu kingdom like Wenzhong! But I heard that you only care about drinking and neglecting state affairs. I am already old; if you continue like this, our ancestors' legacy will have no one to continue!" Wen Zhi quickly apologized.
In Handan, Wei Zhang and others conspired to murder Meng Kai, and Qifu Chipan from the southern Qi country also participated. Guo Yue stopped them, saying, "Meng Yin is kind and treats the people well. What crime has he committed to deserve death?! I would rather die standing up than betray my lord and live in disgrace!" So Guo Yue secretly told Meng Kai about this, set a trap, and lured Wei Zhang and the others into a drinking party, and ended up killing over forty of them. Meng Kai was worried that Qifu Chipan's army would soon arrive, so he quickly sent someone to inform Wen Zhi, who then dispatched General Pizhen to provide support. When Qifu Chipan's army arrived at the city, they heard that General Pizhen had come, so they retreated.
Mongson launched another attack on Ledu, but after twenty days of fighting, he couldn't capture it and was forced to retreat. General Wen Zhi of Zhen Nan ceded the Huanghe region to Mongson and also relocated over five thousand households to Guzang. Mongson attacked again, and Nutan sent Grand Commandant Juyan as a hostage, which finally prompted Mongson to retreat.
Nutan intended to launch a western expedition against the Yifu tribe. Meng Kai advised, "We haven't had a harvest for several consecutive years, and everyone is starving. In the south, we face a threat from Qifu Chipan, while in the north, we are harassed by Meng Xun. The people are anxious and cannot settle down. While a distant expedition might lead to victory, it will undoubtedly create more problems down the line. It would be wiser to first form an alliance with Qifu Chipan to tackle the food issue together, pacify the tribes, increase military resources, accumulate strength, organize the army, and wait for the right time to act. The Book of Changes says, 'The rise and fall of a country depends on agricultural production.' I hope Your Majesty will think this over carefully." Nutan replied, "You don’t need to undermine everyone’s morale with what I've decided." Then Nutan said to Crown Prince Wutai, "We have not had a harvest for several years, and there are difficulties both internally and externally. We need to launch a western expedition to address this issue. Meng Xun has just left and will not return in the short term. Our main concern now is Qifu Chipan. They're not well-known, have a small force, and should be easy to handle. I can take care of them in a month at most. You guard Le Du well and don't lose it." Nutan then led 7,000 cavalry to attack the Yifu tribe, securing a major victory and capturing more than 400,000 cattle, sheep, and horses.
It is said that Chipan led his troops to launch a surprise attack. Wei Su, the military officer in charge, hurried to Wutai (equivalent to the military command center) and said, "Our outer city is too big to defend! We should gather the common people in the inner city, while I and other soldiers of the Jin Dynasty resist the enemy in the outer city. Even if we lose, we still have the inner city as our last line of defense." But Wutai replied, "Those bandits are pretty weak and will probably run off soon. What’s there to worry about?"
Actually, Wutai was afraid that there might be some people in the Jin dynasty who would rebel, so he imprisoned all the powerful and intelligent people in the city. Meng Kai cried and said, "Chipan is utterly despicable; even heaven and earth can't stand for this! If we go into battle, it's for our country; even if we die, our names will live on. Even if we retreat, we have to think about our families—how could we possibly rebel?! The situation is urgent now; everyone wants to contribute to the country. Why do you still doubt us?" Wutai replied, "I know you are loyal, but I am afraid that others will desert in the face of the enemy, so I kept you here so I could trust you to guard the city."
As a result, in under ten days, the outer city fell.
Anxi Fanni ran all the way from Xiping to inform Nutan of the critical situation. Nutan said to everyone, "Now the city of Ledu has been captured by Chipan; all the men in the city have been killed, and the women have been given to the soldiers. Even if we want to go back, there is nowhere to go! Who can help me gather some funds to ransom our wives and children from the Qihan? I would be grateful! If we don't act, we'll only return to Chipan as slaves. How can you bear the thought of your wives and children being taken by others?!" After speaking, he led the troops westward, and many people followed him back. Nutan sent General Duangou of Zhenbei to pursue the others, but he did not return. Now, most of the soldiers have scattered, leaving only Gebo from the Central Army, Luogong from the Rear Army, Anxi Fanni, and the scattered cavalry attendant Yin Lilu by Nutan's side.
Nu Tan sighed and said, "Meng Xun and Chi Pan have both surrendered to me in the past, and now I have to go back to seek refuge with them. This feels so humiliating! The world is vast, yet I can't find a place to call home; it's truly agonizing! Meng Xun is of similar age to me, and Chi Pan has a marital relationship with me. They both regard me with caution, so my situation is undoubtedly perilous. Rather than facing death together, it's wiser to separate; perhaps we can still survive. Fan Ni, the nephew of the clan leader, represents the hope of our family. We still have nearly twenty thousand families in the north! Meng Xun is currently recruiting talents everywhere for the survival of the family; you must go to the west! He Bo, Luo Gong, you go with Fan Ni. I'm too old to go anywhere now; I would rather go see my wife and children before I die!" So, Nu Tan sought refuge with Chi Pan, only Yin Li Lu followed him.
Nu Tan said to Yin Li Lu, "It's only natural for people to seek good fortune and avoid misfortune. All my relatives and friends have left; why do you still stay by my side?" Yin Li Lu replied, "My old mother is still at home; my mind is in turmoil right now. But loyalty and filial piety, I find it hard to balance. While I can't follow in Shen Baoxu's footsteps and go west to plead with the King of Chu, or go east to persuade the King of Qin like Mao Sui, I am willing to serve His Majesty even in chains; this is my solemn duty. I can only hope His Majesty has a grand vision and weighs the pros and cons carefully." Nu Tan sighed after hearing this, "Understanding people is hard, and being a good person is just as challenging. My ministers and relatives have all abandoned me; the only one who never left me is you. The pine and cypress show their resilience in the cold, and you are the one who stays steadfast!" Nu Tan arrived in Xi Ping, and Chi Pan sent his men to greet him outside the city and welcomed him with the highest honors.
At the beginning, Yedu fell, and many cities surrendered to Chipan. Only the general Wei Xianzheng of Nutan defended the city of Haowei, refusing to surrender. Chipan called out to him, "Yedu has fallen, your wife and children are in my hands, you are defending a city alone, what are you trying to achieve?" Xianzheng said, "I have been greatly favored by the King of Liang; I am a barrier for the country. Even though I know Yedu has fallen and my wife and children have been captured, surrendering first may bring rewards, and being killed later doesn't matter. But I do not know if the Emperor is alive or dead, so I dare not surrender. My wife and children are less significant matters; how can they shake my determination! In the past, Luo Xian waited for the court's orders, and Emperor Jin admired him; Wen Pin surrendered later, and Emperor Wu of Wei did not blame him. For the sake of immediate glory and wealth, forgetting the heavy responsibility on my shoulders, I truly feel ashamed; how could you, my King, associate with such a person!" Chipan sent Wutai to persuade Xianzheng to surrender, but Xianzheng said, "As the heir to the throne, if you cannot be loyal and responsible, and instead get captured, abandon your father, betray your sovereign, and destroy the foundation of the ages, how could I ever compare to you!" Eventually, news came that Nutan had arrived in the south, and Xianzheng surrendered. Chipan appointed Nutan as the Grand General of Cavalry and Duke of Zounan. Over a year later, Nutan was poisoned by Chipan. His advisors urged Nutan to take the antidote, but Nutan said, "Is it worth treating my illness?" and then died. At the time of his death, he was fifty-one, reigned for thirteen years, and was posthumously named King Jing. Wutai was later killed by Chipan as well. Nutan's sons Baozhou, Poqiang, Juyan's son Fulong, Lugu's grandson Fuzhou, and Wugu's grandson Chengbo all escaped to Juqu Mengxun. Eventually, they surrendered to the Wei Kingdom, and Wei appointed Baozhou as King of Zhangye, Fulong as Duke of Jiuquan, Poqiang as Duke of Xiping, Fuzhou as Duke of Yongping, and Chengbo as Duke of Changsong.
In the first year of the Long'an era of Emperor An of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Wuguo proclaimed himself emperor. By Nu Tan's time, it was the third generation, lasting a total of nineteen years, until it was destroyed in the tenth year of the Yixi era of Emperor An of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. According to historical records, the Bald family had been powerful tribal leaders for several generations who controlled the border regions. They were formidable and would only launch attacks under the full moon when their enemies were off guard. Their disregard for etiquette limited their influence. Wuguo heeded Fu Hun's strategy to organize the army against those who resisted; Lu Gu followed Shi Gao's advice to establish schools and enroll students. This enabled them to expand the Hexi Corridor's territory and stand against powerful nations. Territory must be claimed by people, and that’s exactly what they did! Nu Tan built upon the foundation laid by his brothers, easily defeating the Lü family and seizing Guzang with their strength. But later, he grew greedy and arrogant, which ultimately led to his downfall. He resorted to military aggression to fulfill his own ambitions, resulting in the country's downfall and his own demise, which could be seen as a form of fortune. In the past, Song Shanggong's love for war brought disaster to Huaduo; Chu Lingwang's love for war ended in death at Qianxi. People from different eras share the same fate, and Nu Tan serves as a prime example! Praise: The Bald brothers dominated numerous barbarian tribes, expanded the territory of Hexi, and quelled the chaos in the Western Regions. Nu Tan was outstanding, a heroic figure at the time. However, his militaristic pursuits led to the nation's downfall and tarnished his reputation.
