Li Xuansheng, courtesy name Xuansheng, and nicknamed Changsheng, hails from Chengji in Longxi. His surname is Li, and he is the sixteenth generation descendant of General Li Guang of the Han Dynasty. His great-grandfather, Li Zhongxiang, was a general in the early Han Dynasty and died in battle in Sichang (now part of Didi). His father, Li Bokao, traveled to mourn and buried Li Zhongxiang in Dongchuan, where they settled, and their family eventually rose to prominence as a major clan in Xizhou. His grandfather, Li Yong, and his great-grandfather, Li Rou, both served as county magistrates during the Jin Dynasty. His great-grandfather, Li Yan, served as a military guard general under Zhang Gui and was granted the title of Marquis of Anshitin. His father, Li Chang, was well-known from a young age but sadly passed away early, leaving Li Xuansheng as his posthumous son.
Li Xuansheng was passionate about studying from a young age, with a calm and perceptive personality, generous and gentle demeanor, dignified presence, and extensive knowledge of history and classics, particularly in writing. As he grew older, he practiced martial arts and studied both Sun Tzu's Art of War and Wu Qi's Art of War. One night, Guo Kun, the Taishi Ling of Lü Guang, woke up and said to his half-brother Song Yao, "You will rise to a high-ranking minister in the future, and Li Xuansheng will carve out his own territory. His family will soon welcome a white-faced foal. The time is ripe!"
After Lu Guang's death, Duan Ye of Jingzhao proclaimed himself the governor of Liangzhou, appointed Meng Min, the governor of Dunhuang, as the governor of Shazhou, and also appointed Li Xuansheng as the magistrate of Xiaogu County. Meng Min died shortly afterwards, and Guo Qian, the military commander of Dunhuang, and Suo Xianta, the magistrate of Shazhou, felt that Li Xuansheng was mild-mannered and resolute in his governance, so they recommended him for the positions of General of Ningshuo and governor of Dunhuang. Li Xuansheng initially declined, but later, Song Yao, who worked under Duan Ye, returned to Dunhuang to visit Li Xuansheng and said to him, "Brother, have you forgotten what Guo Dun told you? The white foal has arrived!" Li Xuansheng then agreed. Not long after, he was appointed as the Champion General and pledged allegiance to Duan Ye. Duan Ye then appointed him as the General of Anxi, the governor of Dunhuang, and also made him the Protector of the Western Hu.
Duan Ye, that guy, called himself the King of Liang, and he was pretty full of himself. His Right General, Suo Si, hatched a plot to get rid of Xuansheng. So, Duan Ye sent Suo Si to be the governor of Dunhuang and set off west with five hundred riders. Before they had gone twenty miles, Suo Si sent someone to call Xuansheng to meet him. Xuansheng felt confused and a bit suspicious and was about to go out to meet him when his subordinates, Zhang Mai and Song Yao, stopped him.
Zhang Mai and Song Yao said, "The Lu clan's power is crumbling, and Duan Ye is weak and incompetent. Now is the perfect time for heroes to emerge! General, you now control resources in one area; why listen to him? Suo Si just relies on his familiarity with the area, thinking that the people will support him, never imagining you would stand up to him. Now is the perfect opportunity to capture him; we could take him down in one go!" Song Yao also added, "With your stature, bowing to Suo Si now would just make people laugh at you. General, you are brave and mighty, with the presence to dominate the world; Duan Ye's resources just can’t compete with yours!"
Xuan Sheng said, "When I was young, I didn't have any great ambitions; I just gradually climbed the ranks to where I am now. I mentioned wanting to go out and greet them earlier because I wasn't sure what those scholars really were after." So, Xuan Sheng sent Song Yao to investigate Suo Si's intentions. After meeting Suo Si, Song Yao spoke a lot of good words to him and then told Xuan Sheng, "Suo Si is overconfident, and his troops are weak, making them easy to handle!"
So, Xuan Sheng sent his two sons, Shi Ye and Shi Rang, as well as Zhang Mai, Song Yao, and Sima Yin Jianxing to confront Suo Si together. As a result, they defeated Suo Si, who fled back to Zhangye. Xuan Sheng had a close friendship with Suo Si before, but unexpectedly was betrayed by him. Feeling very angry, he then reported Suo Si's crimes to Duan Ye. Duan Ye had always had a grudge against Suo Si, and his son also disliked him. This presented a perfect opportunity for Duan Ye to eliminate Suo Si. Afterwards, Duan Ye sent someone to apologize to Xuan Sheng and established the counties of Liangxing in Dunhuang, Wuzhe, and Yihexian in Jinchang, creating the Liangxing Commandery. Xuan Sheng was promoted to the position of Protector-General, Commander of all military affairs west of Liangxing, General of the Western Defense, and concurrently appointed as the Colonel Who Guards the Western Barbarians. During this period, a red mist emerged in Xuan Sheng's backyard, and dragon-like traces were found in the small town.
In the fourth year of Long'an, Tang Yao, the Prefect of Jinchang, issued official documents to six counties, nominating Xuan Sheng as Grand Commander, Grand General, and Duke of Liang, while concurrently holding the positions of Governor of Qinzhou, Governor of Liangzhou, and Protector-General of the Qiang. Upon taking office, Xuan Sheng granted amnesty throughout the territory, changed the era name to the Year of Gengzi, and posthumously honored his ancestor Ye as Duke Jing of Liang, and his father Chang as Duke Jian of Liang. He appointed Tang Yao as General of the East, Guo Qian as Military Advisor, Suo Xian as Left Chief Clerk, Zhang Mai as Right Chief Clerk, Yin Jianxing as Left Marshal, Zhang Tishun as Right Marshal, Zhang Tiao as Left Chief Clerk of the Governor's Office, Linghu Yi as Right Chief Clerk, Zhang Lin as Chief Steward of the Imperial Household, and Song Yao and Zhang Su as Attendants of the Palace Attendants, with Song Yao further appointed as General of Zhechong and Zhang Su as General of Yangwu, Suo Chengming as Right Marshal of the Governor's Office, Linghu Qian as General of the Guards, and Jin Xian as Prefect of Jinxing, Fan Deyu as General of Ningyuan and Prefect of Xijun, Zhang Jing as General of Zhechong and Prefect of Helan, Suo Xun as General of Weiyuan and Prefect of Xiping, Zhao Kai as Protector-General of Daxia, Suo Ci as Prefect of Guangwu, Yin Liang as Prefect of Xi'an, Linghu He as Prefect of Wuwei, and Suo Shu as Prefect of Wuxing, with the aim of pacifying the Eastern Xia region. He also sent Song Yao to lead the army to the east to conquer Liangxing and attack various cities west of Yumen Pass. After capturing all the cities, he stationed troops at Yumen Pass and Yangguan, cultivated farmland, and stored food in preparation for future eastern expeditions.
When Lu Guang declared himself king, he sent emissaries to Yuzhi to acquire six jade seals. Now, these jade seals have finally arrived in Dunhuang and been delivered to the county office. Xuan Sheng built a grand hall by the water outside the south gate, named "Hall of Jinggong," for managing court affairs and reviewing the troops. Inside the hall are portraits of emperors, loyal ministers, filial sons, martyrs, and virtuous women from past dynasties. Xuan Sheng personally penned prefaces and accolades to caution future generations, and at that time, both civil and military officials contributed to the artwork. One day, a white sparrow flew over the Hall of Jinggong, bringing great joy to Xuan Sheng. He also established the Pan Palace, increasing the number of students by five hundred. In the backyard, he constructed the Jiana Hall to showcase the paintings and inscriptions.
In the first year of Yixi, Xuan Sheng changed the era name to Jianchu and sent officials Huang Shi and Liang Xing as envoys to the court, saying:
It is said that the Han Dynasty is nearing its end, the Three Kingdoms are in contention, and ultimately, the Jin Dynasty will rise to power. The founding emperor of the Jin Dynasty established a strong foundation, and the emperors Jingwen and Wudi made the country even more prosperous. However, during the reign of Emperor Hui, the situation became unfavorable, as powerful officials manipulated politics, the court descended into chaos, the emperor was sidelined, and the country fractured. Later, Emperor Zhongzong retreated to Jiangdong, which had become desolate. During the Yuankang era, the nation was in turmoil, and the Duke of Xiping, Wang Gui, was dispatched to serve here. He was a formidable figure, renowned across the nation. After his son Wang Mingsheng took over, he continued to expand their territory, leading troops to the Sannin region and expanding the territory by tens of thousands of miles. His son, Wang Wenhuan, continued the family's good traditions, effectively governing the western region, with neighboring smaller states paying tribute. The Jin Dynasty's reputation spread far and wide, all thanks to this region.
Later, General Wang Tianxi, the Grand Commander, whose family had been composed of meritorious officials for seven generations, also had ambitious aspirations to save the country and continue the family's glory. Unfortunately, he faced misfortune in his middle age, encountering enemy invasions while the court was unable to provide assistance. He fought alone against the enemies from seven states, ultimately dying in battle, which resulted in suffering for the country.
I have heard that history tends to repeat itself, and it is time for my family to rise. Throughout the dynasties, there have always been special circumstances. For example, when Gonggong threw the world into chaos, there was disorder between the Yellow Emperor and the Flame Emperor; during the struggle for supremacy between the Qin Dynasty and Xiang Yu, the transition period between the Zhou Dynasty and the Han Dynasty was also chaotic. These events happened quickly and all ended in failure.
It has been over a hundred years since the invasion of the Central Plains by the barbarians, the chaos caused by the Five Barbarians, and a major shift is on the horizon. People all over the country are anxious, hoping that the Wei Kingdom can stabilize the situation. Therefore, when our army arrived at Dongguan, both Zhao and Wei immediately pledged their support; after the victory in Huainan, the other three factions also expressed their support with enthusiasm.
I hope Your Majesty can embrace the Mandate of Heaven and govern the world like Shaokang and Emperor Guangwu. The people of this land are loyal and virtuous, and the court has favored my family for generations. My great-grandfather Yong served as the Prefect of Dongguan, and my grandfather Rou served as the Prefect of Beidi, both having served the previous dynasty. My great-uncle was General Longxiang, the Prefect of Guangjin, and the Marquis of Changning, Zhuo, while my late grandfather was General of Wuwei, the Prefect of Tianshui, and the Marquis of Anshiting, Yan, all of whom accomplished significant military feats in Liangzhou and received special treatment from the court, with their achievements documented in the court's records. Although my abilities are lacking, I took a cue from Dou Rong and accepted the court's appointment as the Grand Commander, Grand General, Liang Duke, Governor of Qin and Liang Provinces, and Protector of the Qiang. I believe the Jingchu region should send tribute to the court.
Duke Huan of Qi mobilized his forces in Zhaoling, but the vassals refused to comply; Duke Wen of Jin won the Battle of Chengpu, achieved remarkable accomplishments, established his dominance, and brought stability to the realm, and all nine states depended on his achievements. The Spring and Autumn Annals also recognized his actions. His achievements were extraordinary, and his good name has been passed down to this day. Moreover, the court has not fully recovered, the world is in chaos, and the territories once tamed by Great Yu’s flood control have now turned into encampments for the Di people; a third of the revered Five Sacred Mountains have been tainted by the Di; seven out of seven of the renowned cities in the Nine Provinces have been sullied by the Yi. Xin Qiji's prophecy has now come true.
Therefore, I lie awake at night, unable to eat, consumed by restlessness and worry, never at peace. Though Jiangzhou and Liangzhou are distant, they share a close bond. Although my reputation is not yet distinguished, based on the achievements of my ancestors and the grace they have left behind, I cannot refuse, for the sake of the country's major affairs, I am willing to heed the opinions of all and brave any danger without hesitation. My skills may be lacking, yet the weight of responsibility is great, and I am worried about disappointing Your Majesty's trust.
During the Spring and Autumn period, the vassals all respected the Zhou king, and each country used the term "first year" to record the years. Now, Tiantai is too far away, and the court's decrees have not reached here, making it impossible to record the years on time. I intend to begin counting the years from the start of Jianchu, to honor the court's decrees, in hopes of earning Your Majesty's favor and ensuring the safety of this region, may my loyalty ascend to the heavens and my righteousness permeate the land, even if I have to sacrifice myself willingly.
Xuansheng told his subordinates, "Back then, the Hexi Corridor region was in chaos, with various heroes rising up in rebellion. With my meager virtues, I gained the support of many wise men. Every day, I couldn't find peace, always thinking about saving the people! That's why I sent my brother Yao to lead the cavalry to subdue those who refused to be governed. Wherever the army went, there were no rebels left. Now, only Meng Xun still holds onto a city and resists fiercely. East of Zhangye, although the Jin Dynasty's remnants are under the control of the Rongdi, they all hope for our rescue, even more than the people of the Yin and Shang dynasties longed for King Wen of Zhou! With our great ambitions unfulfilled, how can I sleep peacefully? I plan to move the capital to Jiuquan, gradually approaching the enemy's lair. What do you all think?"
Zhang Mai agreed, and Xuansheng joyfully said, "When two people join forces with a shared purpose, their strength can be as unbreakable as metal. Zhang Changshi agrees with me, so why hesitate any longer!" He then appointed Zhang Tishun as General of Ningyuan and Prefect of Jiankang, stationed in Le'an; summoned Song Yao as Right General, serving as the guardian of Dunhuang, and had him and his son serve as Prefect of Dunhuang together, while he relocated to Jiuquan himself. He personally wrote a command to instruct his sons:
I have carved out my own path, without ever seeking personal gain; I have witnessed several dynastic changes, having gone through both good times and bad; what I'm doing today wasn't my original plan. But circumstances forced my hand, and I ultimately took on the responsibility for this land, with heavy burdens and many pressing family matters. While I have a good grasp of human affairs, the will of fate is unpredictable, and now I am about to set off, full of various worries. I'll leave the future in your hands; I'll outline a few daily tasks for you, and handle situations as they come—I can't cover every detail. When it comes to being cautious and understanding changes, you'll need to manage them with your own judgment; my guidance alone won't be enough. Although you are still young, if you can hold yourselves back, study diligently, and improve, learning from the ancients, you can achieve great things. If you cannot do this, even if you live to a ripe old age, what kind of achievements will you have? You need to be vigilant and careful!
Limit your drinking, be careful with your words, and consider the consequences of your emotions, whether happy or angry. Acknowledge the flaws in those you like and recognize the strengths in those you dislike. Be open-minded in your actions and carefully consider before taking action. Don’t take everything people dislike at face value; take the time to understand people and verify the truth. Steer clear of flatterers and be proactive in managing public affairs. Listen carefully to litigation and approach the law with kindness and fairness; never let personal feelings cloud your judgment. Make sure rewards and punishments are fair and just, and do not show favoritism to relatives and friends. Be in tune with the people's feelings and aware of their struggles. Guide those around you without bullying, and encourage the good deeds and efforts of others. Avoid deceit and demonstrate your integrity. Gather opinions from a wide range of people; doing good should come as naturally as going with the flow, and getting rid of evil should be as swift as dropping a hot potato. It's rare to find wealthy people who aren’t arrogant, so keep this in mind and don’t forget it. Show politeness and respect to your colleagues and subordinates, and host them graciously. Pour your heart into everything you do. Don’t overlook the lessons of success and failure in history; after leaving office, make it a point to read more history books. Take a moment to reflect on yourself, and only then can you truly become a better person.
The people of this county have been loyal and honest for generations, with outstanding individuals and a land rich in talent. During times of peace throughout the country, this place was praised by all; especially now, it remains a wonderful place. However, due to intermarriage among relatives in the village for more than five hundred years, there may be some slight deviations in handling matters fairly, which need to be handled flexibly depending on the situation. I have been here for five years, experiencing chaos and unrest, and I deeply regret that I have failed to help the people live and work peacefully. Regarding the need to hide shortcomings and eliminate corruption, those who were once enemies have now become close to me. Though I may not possess the wisdom of the ancients, I have still stayed true to the expectations of my predecessors. I have been fair and just in my actions, with no selfish motives from the beginning. Some matters may not have been handled perfectly; weighing pros and cons, there may be slight shortcomings in the short term, but in the long run, it is still beneficial. I have stayed true to my initial aspirations.
At first, when Xuan Sheng was in the west, his daughter Jing'ai was raised by her maternal grandfather Yin Wen. Later, when Yin Wen moved to the east, Xuan Sheng had Jing'ai raised by her aunt Liang Bao's mother. Later, when Tufa Nuo Tan passed through the northern mountains, the Xianbei people sent Liang Bao to take Jing'ai to Jiuquan to strengthen ties and foster friendship. Xuan Sheng then sent someone to visit and sent some gifts.
Furious, Xuan Sheng personally led twenty thousand cavalry to fight all the way to Jiandong, and the king of the Shanshan front sent gifts to show submission. However, Qumoxun invaded again, reaching Jiandong and capturing over three thousand households before retreating. Xuan Sheng was very angry and led his troops in pursuit, defeating Qumoxun at Mian and rescuing all the kidnapped families.
At the beginning, near the end of the first year of the Jianyuan era under Fu Jian, more than ten thousand households from the Jianghan region were relocated to Guo Huang, and some abandoned fields in the Central Plains were also resettled with over seven thousand households. Guo Nün launched an attack on Wuwei, and thousands of households east of Wuwei and Zhangye fled to Dunhuang and Jinchang. After Xuan Sheng relocated to the east, these people were resettled in Jiuquan. Five thousand southern households were settled in Kuaiji County, five thousand households from the Central Plains were placed in Guangxia County, and the remaining 13,000 households were divided among the three counties of Wuwei, Wuxing, and Zhangye. Xuan Sheng also constructed a city at Nanziting in Dunhuang to deter enemies from the south. Since the previous memorial had not been delivered, he secretly sent the monk Fa Quan to deliver the memorial, which read:
"The mountains are far apart, unable to pay homage to the Emperor, looking up at the sky, longing for the distant favor of the Emperor. I pray Your Majesty ascends the throne as decreed by Heaven, with auspicious signs descending. Since the year of Yi Si (乙巳), I have heeded the people's advice and temporarily led Fangcheng. At that time, I sent my attendant Huang Shi to present a memorial expressing loyalty. The journey was perilous and lengthy, and I am unsure if it was delivered. The journey from the Wuliang region is fraught with danger from thieves, and valuable tribute cannot be presented to Your Majesty in a timely manner. Thus, I am writing another memorial, hoping it reaches you safely."
I led the army to be stationed in Jiuquan this year, organized the troops, and prepared to attack the enemy, with the hope of quelling the rebellion. However, those sly enemies were very arrogant, did not obey the imperial orders, and relied on the dangerous terrain to hold their ground, hindering my progress. I believe that many matters are still in their early stages, and the national treasury is still not fully stocked, so I temporarily stopped the war, focusing on recuperation, farming, and training the troops. Time has flown; three years have passed in the blink of an eye, and I often draw my sword and sigh, filled with indignation. Now, the national treasury is full, and the weapons and equipment are fully prepared. I will recruit troops from the cities, mobilize the Dingling forces, hoping to sweep through the Hexi region, march into the Qin and Wei regions, and await Your Majesty’s orders. I will do my utmost, going through fire and water, to repay the grace of the emperor.
The counties and prefectures I oversee are far from the capital, and the formidable enemies have yet to be defeated, so I have to leave some troops to guard. I will appoint my eldest son Shiye as the general of the vanguard, military advisor, and Protector-General, allowing him to lead the troops into battle. Dunhuang County, with its large population, controls the Western Regions and administers vast territories. It serves as the backbone of the nation. I will appoint my second son Lang as the General of Ning, the Inspector of the Western Tribes, and the Prefect of Dunhuang, letting him command the various ethnic groups in the Western Regions and ensure border security. My other sons will also be deployed to the front lines, while I will coordinate the overall strategy from the rear. Everyone is working diligently and making decisive choices, promptly reporting the war's progress to the court.
After Xuan Sheng was appointed as the governor of Jiuquan, he strongly encouraged everyone to farm. Due to several consecutive years of good harvests, the people lived and worked happily. Everyone suggested putting up a monument in Jiuquan to honor Xuan Sheng, and he agreed. Therefore, he asked the Confucian priest Liu Yanming to write the inscription for the monument, praising Xuan Sheng's kindness. However, in the following years, the Xiongnu kept attacking. Xuan Sheng truly wanted to win them over with his kindness, only wishing to be friendly with them, sign a treaty, and not engage in warfare. Around that time, white animals like white wolves, rabbits, sparrows, pheasants, and doves all flew into his garden to roost. His subordinates said this was a good omen, a blessing from above, and that these auspicious animals had come at the right time. In addition, signs such as divine light, sweet dew, intertwined branches, and bountiful grains appeared. Everyone asked the historian to write these things down, and Xuan Sheng agreed. Soon after, the Xiongnu broke the treaty and attacked. Xuan Sheng sent his oldest son, Shiye, into battle, defeated the Xiongnu, and even captured their leader and his mother, who was a hundred years old.
That day was the Shangsi Festival. Emperor Xuansheng hosted a banquet at Qushui River and asked the ministers to write poems. He also personally wrote a preface. In the preface, he quoted Zhuge Liang's teachings to encourage the princes, stating: "I bear the heavy burden of the nation and have yet to achieve anything significant. Although there are many capable people around me, counting on you, my loyal ministers, the military tasks are urgent. We have to wait anxiously every day. In order to maintain the country's security, we should be closer to the wise and talented. Therefore, you have taken on significant responsibilities at such a young age, without having the chance to learn from your teachers and elders. I often worry that you will not do well, leaving regrets and remorse. You must understand both historical and contemporary affairs; as long as you can learn what is in front of you, why focus on distant matters? Look at Zhuge Liang's teachings, Ying Qiu's memorials, trace their origins, and the teachings of Duke Zhou and Confucius are all included. Serving the country can bring stability, and achieving fame in society is easy to understand. Just pay attention and you will understand; even when explaining to others, the principles are all here. Moreover, the classics and histories are like harvesting grains in the Central Plains; as long as you work hard, you can harvest a lot. Shouldn't you strive to work hard?"
Emperor Xuansheng then reinforced the walls on the east and west sides of the old Dunhuang Pass to guard against invasions from northern enemies and also built walls on the southwest sides to deter enemies from the south.
Emperor Xuansheng, with his outstanding talents, gained the support of many heroes and began his plan to dominate the world during the fall of the Lv dynasty. He quickly gained control over vast territories without shedding blood, believing that the foundation of the Zhang dynasty was within reach, and the Hexi Ten Counties could be brought under his control in just a few years. However, things did not go smoothly as expected, as Tuoba Hong captured Guzang and the power of Qumoxun gradually grew. In response, Emperor Xuansheng reflected deeply and penned the poem "Shu Zhi Fu," in which he wrote:
I was born in a world that exists only in illusion, nurtured and grown up by mysterious vitality, following the mysterious will of fate. Basking in the warmth of the morning sun, I enjoyed the radiance of sunlight. I was carefully nurtured from a young age, gradually growing into an adult. As a child, I longed to live a simple life like Yan Hui, focusing on studying classics and learning etiquette. I didn't envy the glory and wealth of the officials and nobles; instead, I admired the proud Zhuangzi in the lacquered garden; I appreciated the freedom of the fisherman on the Canglang River and praised the simple life of farming; I detested the vulgar, yet admired the noble-minded. I rejected the worldly pursuit of fame and profit, refusing external praise. I once composed poetry amidst the towering mountains, admiring the tall and straight trees that did not wither despite frost and snow, much like my own unyielding character. My thoughts often drifted to distant places, while my heart longed for them, my body remained rooted; I reluctantly bid farewell to the sun-drenched woods, coming alone to this hill. I experienced the ups and downs of life and its uncertainties. Life is full of various temptations and pitfalls, with joys and sorrows ebbing and flowing. In the end, I chose to distance myself from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, living a secluded life, with the door firmly shut, cut off from the world, as if the connection between heaven and earth had been severed, unable to find direction. I lamented the world's changing morals and felt ashamed of my own shortcomings.
Therefore, I put down my books and entered the bureaucracy, beginning my career in the Eastern Palace, working with the ministers of the court, entering the palace, assisting the king, and fulfilling my duties in the Forbidden City. The court was peaceful, the monarch was wise, the officials were diligent, the country was thriving, the king was as wise as Yu Shun and Xia Yu, and the subjects were as loyal as Kui and Yi.
Zhang Wang fell off the cliff, and Queen Liang fell into the ditch; the once harmonious atmosphere vanished entirely, and the high-ranking officials had all fallen from grace. The Lu family fell apart due to internal family conflicts, their family business was destroyed overnight; like a strong wind toppling a great tree, boiling water bubbling in a deep spring; flying dust obscured the sky, a raging fire spreading like wildfire; bustling cities falling silent, a thousand towns stood empty, devoid of life. This is the cycle of history: rise and fall, ever repeating.
Therefore, people all want to dominate the world; every household harbors ambitions of power, secretly following orders without seeking out their origins, pursuing things that should not be pursued. As a result, car accidents continue, countless people are injured and killed, lamenting the bewilderment of their fellow beings, wandering around without support; wanting to monopolize everything, but losing even more, entrusting their precious pearls to illusions and intangibles.
The long, winding road is filled with desolation and disaster. I travel alone to the Western Regions, not a planned encounter, but a fated meeting. I crossed the Weak Water to lay my foundations, scaled Kunlun Mountain, which served as my fortress, riding a galloping steed; the axles snapped on the treacherous peaks. Towering mountains and steep ridges, deep and winding, undulating mountain terrain, overgrown with thorns, wide rivers, swift currents, foxes darting along the roadside, while owls and vultures call in flocks. I choose the path that suits me and go with the flow; we cling to shared beliefs to face challenges, holding each other's intentions close; not intentionally neglecting, but rather fated to advance together, adorning the courtyard with noble virtues, retiring to the countryside for liberation.
Ah, those talented individuals, so versatile and exceptional! Bringing them together involves much more than mere recruitment! Some who were once constrained can now flourish; some, though arriving late, can still take the lead. Selecting all kinds of talents from remote mountain areas and villages; picking out outstanding talents from the vast ocean of humanity. Consider Zhang Liang's brilliant strategies, stirring up great waves and washing away corruption; picture Zhuge Liang in his humble cottage, devising strategies and achieving decisive victories from afar, never wavering. They possess open minds, are generous in spirit, and inspire others, capable of inspiring soldiers to bravely face their foes.
Think about the noble virtues of those heroes and warriors, celebrating the bravery of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, their loyalty and courage in serving Liu Bei once more! Standing on the broken bridge, holding their long spears, how majestic and powerful they were! Precious treasures from the south, outstanding talents from the Zhou Dynasty and the state of Lu, remarkable talents from Jingchu and Wuyue, excelling in both civil and military affairs, strategizing in Wulin, displaying valor in Jiangpu. They destroyed powerful enemy forces, their momentum surged like a tide, flying like the wind, rising like the clouds, inheriting the aspirations of Fan Kuai and Han Xin, their achievements rival those of Duke Zhou and King Wu. Without the talents and strategies of Liu Bang and Sun Quan, who else could have achieved such a prosperous era? Believing in the interconnectedness of heaven and earth, all things hope for favorable winds and rains.
With the end of war, the waters of the three rivers became clear, outstanding achievements bringing peace to the world. Leading a host of dragons, advancing courageously, creating an enduring legacy, admiring the ancient heroes, emulating their noble virtues. They are ready to raise the red flag and lead the way, swiftly advancing with a long caravan, facing the winds of commerce, holding the flag high, drawing on the auspicious signs from above, coordinating with the movements of the five stars, maintaining stability. They are the pillars of the country, wholeheartedly assisting the king, eliminating enemies, cutting down the treacherous. They are sweeping away the dust in Dangyang, saving the country from decline. Sometimes riding in horse-drawn carriages, sometimes on foot, they understand that addressing disasters must happen now, taking heed of the shepherds' counsel, carefully observing changes in the situation, thinking seriously, sacrificing sleep and sustenance, writing down their strategies on simple cloth and silk, dedicating their loyalty to the country.
Xuansheng became seriously ill, and before his death, he told Song Yao: "When I was young, I experienced the hardships of war and many struggles. In the chaotic situation, I was unexpectedly elected to this position. Honestly, my abilities are limited and my wisdom is lacking; I can't match the strength of He You. Now I am exhausted, afraid that I will never be able to rise again. Death is a natural law; I'm not sad, just regretful that I couldn't fulfill my ambitions. As a leader, you must always be vigilant and cautious of dangers. After I’m gone, my son will be like your own; you need to support him well, carry on my wishes, and make sure he doesn’t become arrogant or self-righteous. You’ll be in charge of state affairs, so don’t let any strategic disagreements arise that could jeopardize our success." Thirteen years later, Xuansheng passed away at the age of sixty-seven. The people honored him as King Wuzhao, his tomb was called Jiandu Ling, and his temple name was Taizu.
Earlier, the Hexi region did not grow Catalpa trees, Locust trees, Cypress trees, and Lacquer trees. When Zhang Jun was in power, he transplanted them from the Qinlong region, but they all died, except for one Locust tree that survived in the northwest corner of Jiuquan Palace. Xuansheng also wrote a "Locust Tree Fu" to express his feelings, lamenting the challenges of achieving success in such a remote and backward place. He also had his chief clerk, Liang Zhongyong, and Liu Yanming write pieces. Feeling the frequent wars and the restless social atmosphere, he wrote a "Great Wine Fu" to express his open-mindedness. He was close friends with Xin Jing and Xin Gongjing. Xin Jing and others later returned to the Jin Dynasty and were killed in the Jiangnan region. Xuansheng heard about it and wrote a eulogy for them. Xuansheng's first wife was the daughter of Xin Na from the same county, known for her chastity and virtue, embodying the ideal qualities of a woman. She passed away early, and Xuansheng personally wrote a eulogy for her. He wrote dozens of poems and essays throughout his life. His eldest son, Tan, passed away young, and his second son, Shiye, inherited his title.
The last ruler of Liangzhou, named Xin and styled Shiye. When Xuan Sheng died, the court appointed him as Grand Commander, Grand General, Duke of Liang, Governor of Liangzhou, and Protector of the Qiang, and declared a general amnesty within the territory, changing the reign title to Jiaxing. His mother Lady Yin was honored as Empress Dowager, and Song Yao was appointed as General of Martial Guards, Governor of Guangxia, Military Advisor, and Recorder of Three Offices, while Suo Xian was appointed as General Who Conquers the Caitiffs and Prefect of Zhangye.
Now, Meng Xun was rather arrogant, sending his subordinate, Prefect of Zhangye, to persuade Shiye to surrender. Shiye, however, was no pushover either, sending Martial Guard Wen Yi to deal with them, while leading the main army to prepare for immediate support. Meng Xun led thirty thousand troops to set up an ambush at Liaoquan. Upon receiving the news, Shiye hurried back with his troops, only to be intercepted by Meng Xun. Shiye personally led the charge, winning a decisive victory, pursuing the enemy for over a hundred miles, and capturing and slaying over seven thousand.
The following year, Meng Xun returned to attack Shiye once more. Shiye was preparing to meet him in battle when his Left Chief Clerk Zhang Tishun advised him against it, which led Shiye to back down. Meng Xun then led his troops to ruin the autumn harvest before sneaking away. That year, the court promoted Shiye to Commissioner, Commander of Military Affairs in Seven Prefectures, Grand General of the West, Protector of the Qiang, and Duke of Jiuquan, granting him a very high official position.
As for Shiye, he was rather harsh with punishments and constantly building palaces, which caused trouble. His subordinate, Palace Secretary Zhang Xian, submitted a report advising, "Since the beginning of this year, the weather has been abnormal, constantly windy and rainy, disrupting the balance of yin and yang. Our territory is divided into three parts, which cannot last long. To unify, the key lies in agriculture and warfare. To pacify the distant people, a lenient policy must be adopted. However, you have increased penalties, engaged in extensive construction, exhausting the people and wasting resources, causing immense suffering to the people! These disasters are all your doing!"
The chief steward Fan Cheng also wrote a memorial advising and admonishing, saying: "I have heard that the Son of Heaven should love and protect the people; this is a well-known truth. If politics are not handled well, heaven will bring calamities as warnings. Repent and reform, even if it is very dangerous at the time, in the end it will prosper, as exemplified by Duke Jing of Song; if one does not reform, even in times of peace, eventual ruin will follow, as seen in the example of Duke Guo. In the third month of last year (the year of the Guimao), the Qian De Hall in Dunhuang fell; in August, an earthquake occurred in Xiaogudi; on New Year's Day this year, there was heavy fog; in April, the sun appeared red and dimmed, taking twenty days to return to normal; in November, a fox appeared at the south gate; this spring and summer, there have been several earthquakes; in June, a meteor fell in Jiankang. Although my knowledge is shallow and cannot compare to Master Zhong Shu, I have learned some principles from my teachers. I am now fifty-nine years old, and I will tell you what I have seen and heard with my own eyes and ears. I will not say much about other classical stories."
During the beginning of the Xian'an period, an earthquake occurred in the Xiping area, and a fox ran to the front of the Qianguang Palace. Shortly after, the Qin army suddenly attacked, and the capital could not be defended. Liang Xi was occupying Liangzhou at that time, taking advantage of the chaos in Qin to try to swallow the entire territory of Liangzhou, neglecting the people externally and greedily accumulating wealth internally. In the nineteenth year of Jianyuan, the south gate of Guzang City collapsed, and a meteorite even fell on the Xianyu Hall. The following year, Lu Guang launched a rebellion from the east; his son died in battle, and he himself was killed. Duan Ye seized the opportunity amidst the chaos among the tribes to declare himself emperor. In three years, there were more than fifty earthquakes. Later, the former king mustered troops in Guazhou, but was slain by Meng Xun in Zhangye. These are all recent events, Your Highness; you also know them all.
Moreover, this "Xiaogu" refers to the time when the former king Hong began to rule. The foundation of Qian De Palace, the emperor's sleeping quarters, has collapsed, and the ground has cracked. This is a sign of great disaster! Recently, the sun's light has grown dim, a sign that China is on the brink of destruction by the Hu. As the saying goes, "When a wild animal breaks into the house, the owner must pack up and leave." Now that the fox has arrived at the south gate, it signals another great disaster! Additionally, the fox symbolizes the Hu people. It seems that heaven is saying the Hu people will occupy this city and settle in the south. During the Spring and Autumn Period, stars fell in the Song State, and Duke Xiang of Song was eventually captured by the State of Chu. The earth is profoundly yin, a representation of the Hu people. It should be still but is instead in turmoil, which contradicts the natural order. It seems that heaven is saying the Hu people will disrupt China, and if China does not cultivate virtue, it will repeat the fate of Duke Xiang of Song.
Having been favored by the previous dynasty, I have always regarded you as my own child, which is why I risk offending you by speaking out, even at the cost of my life. I hope Your Highness can embrace benevolence and righteousness, treat neighboring countries well, accumulate strength, observe the enemy situation, stop building palaces, and put an end to hunting and indulging in leisure. Concubines in the harem and women from all ethnic groups should be given land, personally participate in sericulture, take pride in being frugal, reduce extravagant and wasteful spending, and allocate the people's taxes towards national defense. You ought to humbly welcome advice, recruit talents widely, and draw lessons from the governance strategies of the Qin State to strengthen the country and enrich the people. Once we have built up strength over the years and gathered many talented individuals in the court, let Han Xin be the vanguard, use Zhang Liang's ingenious strategies, and swiftly pacify Guzang in one go. Then, advance directly, crossing the Jing and Wei Rivers, compete for the world to the east, and what is there to fear from Meng Sun? Otherwise, I fear that danger will soon come to the royal family.
The gentleman has not heeded my advice.
After Emperor Wu of Song, Liu Yu, ascended the throne for four years, Juqu Shiye, the brother of Juqu Mengxun, the founding hero of the Southern Dynasty of Song and the General Who Conquers the West, prepared to lead his troops to the east for battle. His subordinate Zhang Tishun strongly advised against it, which made him abandon the plan. Later, Shiye heard that Mengxun was attacking the barbarian leader Tufa Rutan in the south, so he declared a state of martial law across the nation and prepared to attack Zhangye. Despite the strong objections from Yin Shi and Song Yao, Shiye refused to listen. After Song Yao's advice failed, he sighed and said, "I see the army heading off to battle, but I can't see them coming back victorious!" Ignoring the advice, Shiye led thirty thousand infantry and cavalry to the east for battle, camped at Dudu Gully. Mengxun rushed from Haowei and fought with Shiye's army in Huaicheng, which ended in a disastrous defeat for Shiye. His subordinates urged him to quickly return to Jiuquan, but Shiye replied, "I've gone against the Empress Dowager's orders and come here to disgrace myself. If I don't kill these barbarians, how can I face my mother when I return?" He reluctantly fought Mengxun again at Liaoquan, suffered another defeat, and was ultimately killed by Mengxun. Shiye's several brothers—Juqu Fan, the Prefect of Jiuquan; Juqu Yu, the Prefect of Xincheng; Juqu Mi, the Right Supervisor of the Feather Forest; Juqu Tiao, the Left General; and Juqu Liang, the Right General—were terrified and fled westward to Dunhuang. Mengxun relentlessly pursued them and captured Jiuquan.
Actually, before the defeat of Shiye, there were some ominous signs: a large snake crawled into the palace from the south gate up to the front of the Gongde Hall; two pheasants flew out of the palace; crows and magpies in the trees along the street battled over nests, and the magpies were killed by the crows. Even more bizarrely, there was an old man named Linghu Chi in Dunhuang, who dreamed of an old man with white hair wearing a hat saying to him, "The south wind blows, blowing down the tall wood; the tung tree does not strike the wheel hub." After saying this, he disappeared. Shiye's nickname was "tung tree," and this prophecy came true as he eventually died in battle.
Turning to his younger brother, Dunhuang Prefect Duan Xun fled Dunhuang with his sons to the northern mountains. Meng Xun then had Duan Yuanxu replace Duan Xun as the Dunhuang Prefect. This Yuanxu was rough and particularly fond of killing, causing the people to lose trust in him. The people of Dunhuang, Song Cheng and Zhang Hong, felt that Duan Xun had done a good job as the prefect before, so they secretly wrote to him, urging his return. Duan Xun returned to Dunhuang with dozens of cavalry, and upon hearing this, Yuanxu quickly fled to Liangxing. Song Cheng and the others then proclaimed Duan Xun as the Champion General and Governor of Liangzhou.
Meng Xun sent his son Meng Dezheng to attack Duan Xun, but Duan Xun kept the city gates closed and did not engage in battle. Meng Xun personally led twenty thousand troops to attack the city, constructing embankments on three sides to flood the city. Duan Xun dispatched a thousand brave warriors to construct wooden bridges and secretly undermine the embankments. Meng Xun quickly led his troops to intercept, and in the end, the city fell. Duan Xun's son Duan Chong'er fled to the south, held an official position in the Song Dynasty, and later returned to the Wei Kingdom, becoming the Hengnong Prefect. Meng Xun had Duan Xun's son Duan Bao and others relocated to Guzang, then they moved to Yiwu a year later, and eventually returned to the Wei Kingdom. Only Duan Xun's wife, Yin Shi, and their daughters died in Yiwu.
The Xuan Sheng Kingdom was established in the fourth year of Emperor An's reign and lasted for twenty-four years until it was overthrown in the first year of Emperor Jingping's reign of the Shao Dynasty in the Hexi region.
Historical texts indicate that those who became emperors did so because of the accumulated virtues of their ancestors, similar to the great emperors at the dawn of chaos in the universe, giving rise to the principles of yin and yang. Therefore, the rise of the Zhongyang Kingdom stemmed from the merits of its ancestors; the Jingbo Kingdom was able to continue its rule because of the pioneering achievements of their ancestors. King Wuzhao of Liang was both remarkable and exceptional, able to utilize the principles of yin and yang changes, master the strategies of war, and adapt to changes with divine-like grace; he governed the realm with the power of the sun and moon, and his achievements followed a rhythm as predictable as the changing seasons. Therefore, he was able to pacify chaos, eliminate tyranny, establish the country, manage domestic affairs, occupy five commanderies as vassals, and cede one-third of the land as a sign of submission. Just like the praises in the Book of Songs for Duke Qin, whose descendants established the achievement of pacifying the world; the praises for Duke Liu, whose descendants founded a dynasty that matched the heavens in longevity. Some families prospered between the Jian and Wei Rivers, while others spread education to the Bin and Qi regions; they all gradually accumulated and ultimately established great legacies. Their success also conforms to this rule, demonstrating that destiny favors those who accumulate merits and blessings over time.
Praise: King Wuzhao was wise, intelligent, loyal, and brave. Although the royal family was weak, his integrity never wavered. The people received his blessings, even the remote areas benefited from his light. The blessings he amassed laid a strong foundation, and his descendants will prosper and thrive, continuing his legacy for generations to come.
