Emperor Mu, whose personal name was Dan and courtesy name was Pengzi, was the son of Emperor Kang. In the second year of the Jianyuan era, on Bing Shen day in September, he was appointed as the Crown Prince. On Wu Xu day, Emperor Kang passed away. On Ji Hai day, the Crown Prince ascended the throne and became Emperor at just two years old. The court granted a general amnesty across the realm and honored the Empress as Dowager Empress. On Ren Yin day, the Dowager Empress convened the court and began to rule as regent. In winter, on Yi Chou day in October, Emperor Kang was laid to rest in the Chongping Mausoleum. On Geng Chen day in November, General Yu Bing of the Chariots and Cavalry passed away.
In the first month of the first year of Yonghe, on the first day of the Jiaxu month, the Empress Dowager set up white gauze curtains in the Taiji Hall, holding the young emperor to attend the court. Then the era was officially changed. On the day of Jiashen, General and Prince Wuling, Xi, was promoted to the Grand General of the Army, the Governor of the Three Departments, and at the same time appointed the military general Gu Zhong as the Right Deputy of the Shangshu. On the day of Renxu in the summer of April, the court issued an edict to let Prince Kuaiji Yu handle the six affairs of the Shangshu. On the day of Wuyin in May, a large-scale rain prayer ceremony took place. The Shangshu Ling, Jinziguanglu Dafu, and Jian'an Earl Zhuge Hui died. On the day of Guihai in June, an earthquake occurred. In the autumn of July, the Inspector of Jiangzhou, Yu Yi, who oversaw the military affairs of the seven states in Jingzhou, passed away. Yu Yi's subordinates, Gan Zan, Dai Yi, and others assassinated the Champion General Cao Ju, raised troops in rebellion, and Anxi Sima Zhu Tao pacified the rebellion. In August, Lu Yong, the Governor of Yuzhou, rebelled and defected to Shi Jilong. On the day of Gengchen, the court appointed Huan Wen, the Fuguo General and Governor of Xuzhou, as the General of Anxi, holding the festival, overseeing the military affairs of the six states in Liangning, concurrently serving as the Protector of the Southern Barbarians and the Governor of Jingzhou. Lu Yong, a general under Shi Jilong, stationed in Shou Chun. On the day of Bingshen in September, the Empress Dowager issued a decree saying, "Now the common people are suffering greatly; let's all brainstorm ways to ease their burdens. Those routine taxes that are not major national affairs should be temporarily suspended." In December of winter, Li Shi's general Cuan Wei surrendered. The Governor of Liangzhou, Zhang Jun, attacked Yanqi, and Yanqi surrendered. In what year of the Gregorian calendar, on the first day of the first month, it was the day of Bingyin, and the court ordered a general amnesty for the entire country. A few days later, on the day of Jimao, He Chong—who held numerous important positions—passed away. His official titles included General Holding the Festival, Attendant, Commander of the Yangzhou Army, the Governor of Yangzhou, the General of the Cavalry, the Recorder of the Shangshu Affairs, and the Duke of Duxiang, making it difficult to remember them all at once.
In early February, on the day of Gui Chou, the court appointed Cai Mo as the Minister of Works (司徒) and assigned him several other responsibilities, including overseeing the Six Ministries and serving as General, with a significant rank. He and King Yu of Kuaiji assisted the Emperor in handling state affairs. In early March, on the day of Bing Zi, Yin Hao was promoted from Left Chief of the Minister of Works to General of the Martial Establishment and Governor of Yangzhou. On the first day of April, which was Ji You day, a solar eclipse occurred.
In early May, on the day of Bing Xu, Governor of Liangzhou, Zhang Jun, passed away, and his son Zhang Chonghua succeeded him. In June, General Shi Jilong sent General Wang Zhuo to attack Wujie, capturing Zhang Chonghua's bodyguard Hu Xuan. Shi Jilong also sent Ma Qiu and Sun Fudu to attack Jincheng, where Prefect Zhang Chonghua surrendered. Zhang Chonghua dispatched Xie Ai to confront Ma Qiu, defeating him. In July, the court appointed Chu Pou as General of the North, also granting him the title of Duke, a very high official position. In October, an earthquake occurred.
On a certain day in November, the day of Xin Wei, Huan Wen led an expedition with Zhou Fu, Qiao Wang Wuji, Yuan Qiao, and others to attack the State of Shu. The campaign moved so swiftly that they had already set out before the memorials were even approved. In December, a bizarre celestial phenomenon appeared: a cloud shaped like an arrow extended from the southeast to the northwest, covering the sky.
In the spring of the year 343 AD, in March, on the day of Yi Mao, Huan Wen attacked Chengdu and captured it! On the day of Ding Hai, Li Shi surrendered, finally pacifying Yizhou. At the same time, Fan Wen of Linyi led troops to capture Ruanan commandery, killing the Prefect Xiahou Lan, even sacrilegiously using his corpse as an offering to the heavens! In April, another earthquake struck, marking a truly tumultuous period!
The people of Shu, Deng Ding and Wei Wen, actually rose in rebellion, but Huan Wen led troops to defeat them, and then sent the governor of Yizhou, Zhou Fu, to guard Pengmo. However, on the Ding Si day, Deng Ding and Wei Wen returned and seized Chengdu! General Yang Qian unexpectedly deserted Fucheng and fled to Deyang to hide. On the Wushen day in May, the court promoted Murong Huang to the position of General of Anbei. Shi Jilong sent his generals Shi Ning, Ma Qiu, and others to attack Liangzhou, reaching Quliu. Zhang Chonghua quickly dispatched General Niu Xuan to resist them, before retreating to Fanggan. On the Xinyou day in June, the court ordered a general amnesty throughout the country.
In July, Fan Wen once again captured Rinan County; this time, he killed the supervisor Liu Xiong. Wei Wen even made Fan Ben the emperor, resulting in utter chaos! On the Wuwu day in August, Zhang Chonghua sent the great general Xie Ai to attack Ma Qiu, resulting in a decisive victory and a severe lesson for them! In September, another earthquake struck! On the Yichou day in October, the court appointed Zhang Chonghua as the governor of Liangzhou, along with several official titles such as Grand Commander of the Longyou and Guanzhong Armies, Protector of the Qiang, and Grand General; at the same time, Yang Chu, the King of Di in Wudu, was appointed as the General of Conquering the South, Governor of Yongzhou, Protector of the Qiang, and Duke of Chouchi, both were granted ceremonial axes. In December, General Xiao Jingwen of the Zhenwei Guard killed General Yang Qian, captured Fucheng and then took Baxi, securing the route to Hanzhong.
In April of the year 344 AD, Fan Wen once again brought calamity to Jiude County, resulting in numerous deaths. In May, a devastating flood struck. In August, the court elevated Huan Wen to the position of Grand General Who Conquers the West and granted him the title of Duke of Linhe County; Xie Shang was named General Who Maintains the West. On Bing Shen day in September, Murong Huang passed away, and his son Murong Jun succeeded him. An earthquake struck on Ji Wei day in October! Shi Jilong sent his general Fu Jian to attack Jingling. In December, a Yuzhang native named Huang Tao proclaimed himself the Filial God Emperor, gathered a force of several thousand, and attacked Linyuan County, but was quickly subdued by Prefect Yu Tiao.
On the first day of spring in the year 330 AD, a Xin Si day, the court granted a nationwide amnesty. A few days later, an earthquake struck on Geng Yin day. This young Shi Jilong had the audacity to declare himself emperor in Ye City!
In February, Chu Pou, the Grand General Who Conquers the North, sent his general Wang Gan to the north to fight, capturing a subordinate of Shi Jilong named Zhi Zhong. By the fourth month of summer, the Inspector of Yizhou, Zhou Fu, and General Longxiang, Zhu Tao, defeated Fan Ben together, and Yizhou was pacified. The court appointed Zhou Fu Duke of Jiancheng, promoted Murong Jun to the title of Grand General, and also conferred upon him the titles of Grand Chanyu and King of Yan. What a glorious sight it was! Huan Wen, the Grand General Who Conquers the West, sent Teng Jun to confront Fan Wen, but was ultimately defeated by Fan Wen. Shi Jilong's days were numbered, and he eventually died! His son succeeded him and continued as emperor.
In May, Shi Zun overthrew Shi Shi and became the emperor himself. In June, Huan Wen stationed his troops in Anlu and sent soldiers to attack Hebei. Wang Jia, the governor of Yangzhou under Shi Zun, surrendered to Huan Wen along with the city of Shouyang. By autumn in July, Chu Pou's army advanced to Pengcheng, sending Wang Gan, Li Mai, and Li Nong under Shi Zun to fight a battle, resulting in Shi Zun's army's defeat, with Wang Gan captured by Li Nong and Li Mai killed in action. In August, Chu Pou was forced to retreat to Guangling, while Chen Kui, the General of the Western Central Army, set Shouchun City ablaze before fleeing. The Governor of Liangzhou, Sima Xun, attacked the Great Wall garrison of Shi Zun, while Duke Yang Chu of Chouchi also attacked the West City, emerging victorious in both battles. In winter in October, Shi Yu, a general under Shi Zun, attacked Wancheng, captured the city, and took prisoner the Nanyang Prefect, Guo Qi. Sima Xun's army advanced to Xuanguo, which forced Sima Xun to retreat to Liangzhou. On the Bingchen day in November, Shi Jian assassinated Shi Zun and took the throne. On the Jiyu day in December, Chu Pou died, marking the end of this veteran general's life. The court appointed Xun Xian to succeed Chu Pou.
In January of the year 352 AD, the emperor convened court sessions, his mood darkened by Chu Pou's death. In the leap month, Ran Min killed Shi Jian and proclaimed himself the Heavenly King, changing his regime's name to Wei. Shi Jian's brother, Shi Zhi, also proclaimed himself emperor in Xiangguo. On the Dingchou day in the lunar calendar, a comet was seen in the sky. On the Jichou day in the lunar calendar, the emperor appointed Yin Hao as the General of the Central Army, entrusting him with military command over the five provinces of Yangzhou, Yuzhou, Xuzhou, Yanzhou, and Qingzhou, and granting him the power of command.
The leader of the Di tribe, Fu Hong, sent messengers to surrender. The emperor granted him the title of King of the Di and Duke of Guangchuan County. Fu Hong's son, Fu Jian, was also given an official position as a military commander with the title of Right General and granted the title of Duke of Xiangguo County, responsible for military affairs in Hebei. In March, Ma Qiu, a former general of Shi Jilong, poisoned Fu Hong in Fangtou. In May, there was a flood. Yuan Zhen, the Prefect of Lujiang, launched an attack on and captured Hefei. In June, Shi Zhi sent Shi Kun to attack Wang Tai, a general of Ran Min, in Handan, but he was defeated. In August, the Assistant General, Prince Qiao, Wu Ji, passed away. Fu Jian led his troops into Guanzhong. In November, Ran Min besieged Xiangguo. In December, the emperor dismissed the Minister of State, Cai Mo, from his position and demoted him to a commoner. That year, a major plague also broke out.
In January 357 AD, there was a solar eclipse. A few days later, the Xianbei, led by Duan Gan, surrendered in Qingzhou. Fu Jian, that character, proclaimed himself emperor and established the state of Qin. One day in February, Fu Jian appointed Duan Gan as General Who Pacifies the North and Duke of Qi. At the same time, Shi Zhi defeated Ran Min in Xiangguo. In April, the Governor of Liangzhou, Sima Xun, led thirty thousand infantry and cavalry from Hanzhong into Guanzhong and fought against Fu Jian at Wuzhengyuan, resulting in a defeat for our army. The court then appointed Gu He, the Grand Secretary, to a higher position as the Left Minister and granted him the title of Chief of the Three Excellencies. During this time, Liu Xian killed Shi Zhi. In May, Liu Qi, the Inspector of Yanzhou under Shi Zhi, surrendered from Juancheng.
In July, Gu He, the Grand Secretary, the Left Minister, and the Supervisor of the Palace Attendants, passed away. That day, the Yangtze River overflowed in Shitoucheng, resulting in the deaths of several hundred people. In August, the Governor of Yuzhou under Ran Min, Zhang Yu, surrendered with Xuchang and was appointed as the General Who Pacifies the West. In September, the tombs of Junyang and Taiyang fell in. The emperor donned mourning attire in the Taiji Hall for three days and sent Zhao Ba to repair the tombs.
In October, there was thunder, rain, and lightning. In November, the generals Yao Yizhong from Shi Zhi and Wei Tuo from Ran Min sent envoys to surrender. Fu Jian appointed Yao Yizhong as the General of the Chariots and Cavalry, Grand Chanyu, and Duke of Gaoling County; Yao Yizhong's son Yao Xiang was appointed as the General of the North, Inspector of Bingzhou, and Duke of Pingxiang County; Wei Tuo was appointed as the General of the North and Inspector of Jizhou. In December, on an unspecified day, Huan Wen led a large army to march north and halted at Wuchang. At this time, Zhou Cheng, Gao Chang, Le Li, and Li Li, who had previously served under Shi Jilong, all surrendered with their troops.
On the eighth day of the first month of the year 352 AD, there was a solar eclipse. Liu Xian proclaimed himself emperor in Xiangguo, but was defeated and killed by Ran Min. Fu Jian declared himself emperor in Chang'an. By February, Junpingling and Chongyangling both collapsed. On the day of Wuchen, the emperor performed sacrifices for three consecutive days and sent the Palace Guard Wang Hui to Luoyang to protect five imperial tombs. As a result, General Zhang Yu of Zhanxi rebelled in Xuchang, and his accomplice Shangguan En occupied Luoyang. Le Hong attacked the Protector Dai Shi in Cangyuan. In March, the emperor sent the General of the North Central Army Xun Xian to guard Huaiyin. Fu Jian launched an invasion of Shunyang but was defeated by the Prefect Xue Zhen.
In April, Ran Min was overthrown by Murong Jun. Murong Jun proclaimed himself emperor in Zhongshan and established the state of Yan. General Xie Shang of the West, along with Yao Xiang, engaged Zhang Yu at Jie Bridge in Xuchang, and the imperial court's forces were defeated. Fu Jian sent his brother Fu Xiong to attack Zhang Yu and captured him. In July, a heavy rain fell, prompting a rain prayer ceremony. Former general Wang Zhuo, under Shi Jilong's command, sent envoys to surrender, and the emperor appointed him as General of the West and Inspector of Qinzhou Province. On Dingyou Day, the emperor appointed Prince Xi of Wuling as Grand Chancellor, Prince Yu of Kuaiji as Minister of War, and Huan Wen as Grand Commandant. In August, General Zhou Fu of the West defeated and killed Xiao Jingwen in Fucheng. Ran Min's son Ran Zhi surrendered in Ye City, and Supervisor Dai Shi acquired Ran Min's imperial seal and presented it to the emperor. The seal bore the inscription "Received the mandate of heaven; may the emperor have a long reign," and all officials came to congratulate. In September, Ran Zhi was captured by his general, Ma Yuan, and subsequently surrendered to Murong Ke. General Yin Hao of the Central Army led his troops northward, reaching Sikou and sending the Governor of Henan, Dai Shi, to guard Shimen, while the Governor of Xingyang, Liu, was stationed in Cangyuan. In October, Inspector Wang Zhuo of Qinzhou was compelled by Fu Jian to flee to Liangzhou.
In a certain year AD, on the first day of the first month, on a Yi Mao day, the court declared a nationwide amnesty. Zhang Chonghua sent Wang Zhuo to battle Fu Xiong, a subordinate of Fu Jian, but Wang Zhuo was defeated and his forces suffered heavy losses. On the same day, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor made offerings together at the Jianping Tomb. In March, a drought struck. Ruan Fu, the governor of Jiaozhou, launched an attack on Fan Fo of Linyi in Rinnan, and he swiftly took out over fifty enemy camps. In the fourth month, the court appointed Xie Shang as the Minister of Writing, a high-ranking official. In May, a major epidemic broke out. Zhang Chonghua sent Wang Zhuo to launch a surprise attack on Qinzhou, successfully capturing it. Yang Chu, known as the Lord of Chouchi, was also defeated by Fu Xiong. On July 7th, an earthquake struck, deafening and thunderous. In the eighth month, the court sent Wang Qin, the Prince of Hejian, to restore the five imperial tombs. In the tenth month, Yin Hao led his troops to Shansang, with Yao Xiang leading the charge. However, Yao Xiang turned against Yin Hao and fought back, leaving his baggage behind and fleeing to Qiaocheng. On that same day, Zhang Chonghua passed away, and his son Zhang Yaoling succeeded him. However, shortly after, Zhang Zuo killed Zhang Yaoling and seized the position of Governor of Liangzhou. In November, Yin Hao dispatched Liu Qi and Wang Bin to confront Yao Xiang, but they were defeated once more, and Yao Xiang swiftly took control of Shaobi. In December, the court promoted Xie Shang to Commander, overseeing Yuzhou, Yangzhou, and Jiangxi, while also appointing him as the governor of Yuzhou, based in Liyang.
On the first day of the first month in the second year, which was a Ji You day, the emperor held court. He was unhappy because the Wuling tombs had not been repaired yet. That kid Zhang Zuo from Liangzhou actually declared himself emperor! General Zhou Cheng, one of Ran Min's subordinates, rebelled and marched from Wanling to Luoyang. On the eighth day of the first month, Dai Shi, the prefect of Henan, fled to Weizhu. On the fourteenth day of the first month, there was another earthquake, deafening and as loud as the last one, like thunder. On the sixth day of the second month, Huan Wen led his troops to attack Guanzhong. Yin Hao was demoted to commoner status, and Wang Shu took over as the governor of Yangzhou. On the ninth day of the fourth month, Huan Wen fought and won a battle against Fu Chang in Lantian. In May, Guo Chang and others from Jiangxi captured Liu Shi for rebellion, sending the capital into a panic. The court quickly appointed Zhou Min as the general of the central army, stationed near the imperial palace. Xie Shang hurried back from Liyang to safeguard the capital. In June, Fu Xiong clashed with Huan Wen at Bailuyuan, and once again, our side was defeated. On the eighth day of the ninth month, Huan Wen ran out of food and had to withdraw his troops.
In the early days of 362 AD, the attendant Sima Tong and the King of Runan, Sima Tong, died. General Yang Chu of the Pingqiang was killed by his own subordinate, Liang Shi. Yang Chu's son inherited his father's position and was appointed by the court as the General of the North and the Governor of Qinzhou. Duke Duan Kang defeated Murong Jun's army at Langshan.
On the third day of April, it actually frosted! What a bizarre occurrence! A few days later, another earthquake struck. Yao Xiang launched an attack on Waihuang but was defeated by the Champion General Gao Ji. In May, there was yet another earthquake. What on earth is happening to the land? In June, Fu Jian died, and his son Fu Sheng seized the throne and became emperor.
In July, Song Hun and Zhang Guan murdered Zhang Zuo, then they supported Zhang Yuanling's younger brother Zhang Xuanliang as Grand General and Governor of Liangzhou, and sent envoys to surrender to us. The court appointed Zhou Min, the Minister of Personnel, as the Left Supervisor, and military general Wang Biaozhi was appointed as the Right Supervisor. In October, the court promoted Xie Shang, the Inspector of Yuzhou, to oversee the military affairs of the three provinces of Ji, You, and Yun, and appointed him as the General of the Western Defense, stationed in Matou.
In December, Murong Ke led troops to attack Guanggu. By the end of the month, Feng Yang from Shangdang self-appointed as the Prefect, betrayed Fu Sheng, and then sent people to surrender to us.
In the early days of January 356 AD, the emperor held court, feeling downcast due to the mourning of the empress dowager. At this time, Duan Gan, the General Who Guards the North, fought a battle with Murong Ke in Guanggu, and was defeated, retreating to Anping.
One day in February, the emperor took time to read the "Classic of Filial Piety." In March, Yao Xiang attacked Xuchang, so the court quickly appointed Huan Wen as the Grand Commander for Conquest to confront him. In the autumn of a certain day in August, Huan Wen encountered Yao Xiang at Yishui, once more defeated Yao Xiang, who fled to Pingyang, with the remaining households being moved to the Jianghan region. Huan Wen also captured Zhou Cheng and returned in triumph. Afterwards, the court sent Mao Muzhi, Chen Wu, Dai Shi, and others to respectively guard Luoyang. On the first day of October in winter, there was a solar eclipse. Murong Ke went to attack Duan Gan again, and the court also sent Xun Xian to lead troops to Langye to support Duan Gan.
In November, the emperor sent Che Guan, Yuan Zhen, and others to Luoyang to repair the imperial tomb. One day in December, due to the need to offer sacrifices at the imperial tomb, the emperor made offerings at the ancestral temple, with the emperor and the ministers all wearing mourning clothes, keeping vigil in the Taiji Hall for three days. In that year, Yang Guo from the Qiuci Kingdom was killed by his cousin Yang Jun, who then assumed control of the family.
In the first month of the year 362 AD, on the first day of the lunar month of Renxu, the emperor officially reached adulthood. He wore adult ceremonial robes, went to the ancestral temple to honor his ancestors, and began to take charge of state affairs. The court declared a general amnesty across the empire, changed the era title, and promoted all civil and military officials by one rank. The empress dowager lived in Chongde Palace. On the fourteenth day of the first month, a meteor shower occurred in the Huaili region. During this month, General Duan Kan, Duke of Qi, was defeated and sadly killed by Murong Ke. The kingdom of Funan sent a shipment of sandalwood and trained elephants. The emperor proclaimed, "The late emperor believed that these exotic beasts from distant lands might cause trouble for the people, so he prohibited tribute. Since these items have not yet arrived, let them return."
In the third month, the emperor explained the Book of Filial Piety. On the twenty-second day of the third month, the emperor personally led a sacrificial ceremony in the main hall. On the twenty-seventh day of the fifth month, General Xie Shang of the West died. Fu Sheng sent Fu Mei and Fu Jian to fight against Yao Xiang in the Sanyuan region, which resulted in Yao Xiang's death. In the sixth month, Fu Jian killed Fu Sheng and proclaimed himself emperor. The court appointed Xie Yi as the Chief Commissioner, Commander, General of Western Pacification, and Governor of Yuzhou. In the seventh month, Fu Jian's general Zhang Ping secured the surrender of Bingzhou, so Fu Jian appointed him as the Governor of Bingzhou. On the twenty-second day of the eighth month, the emperor named Lady He empress, issued a general amnesty, and provided five measures of grain to those who showed filial piety towards their parents, siblings, and the elderly, waived all overdue taxes and debts owed, and held grand celebrations for three days straight. In the tenth month, the empress went to the ancestral temple to pay her respects. In the eleventh month, there was a thunderstorm. In the twelfth month, Wang Biaozhi was appointed Minister of Rites.
In the spring of the second year of the reign, in the first month, the Minister of Works and King of Kuaiji, Yu, kowtowed to the emperor to resign, wanting to return power to the emperor, but the emperor refused. In March, Murong Jun launched an attack and seized several counties in Jizhou, so the emperor ordered General Xie Yi of the Western Peace and General Xun Xian of the Northern Army to lead troops north to suppress them. Also in March, a man named Wang Rao presented a poisonous bird to the emperor, wanting to kill him! The emperor was furious, gave Wang Rao a severe beating, whipping him two hundred times, and then ordered the imperial censor to burn the poisonous bird in the public square. In May, a major flood occurred, and a comet appeared in the sky near the "Celestial Boat" star. In June, Zhang Ping, the Inspector of Bingzhou, was compelled by Fu Jian to flee to Pingyang with three thousand troops, but was caught up and defeated by Fu Jian. Murong Ke took the opportunity to occupy Shangdang, and Champion General Feng Yang led his troops to defect and join Murong Jun, who subsequently gained control of the Hebei region. In August, General Xie Yi of the Western Peace died. On the Yichou day in October, Prince of Chenliu, Cao Mai, died. On the Gengzi day in November, there was a thunderstorm. On the Xinyou day, an earthquake struck! In December, General Xun Xian of the Northern Army and Murong Jun fought a battle at Shanchi, and unfortunately, our army was defeated.
In the spring of the third year of the reign (AD 364), on the Jia Chen day of the third month, the emperor ordered that due to the continuous warfare in recent years and the inability to keep up with food transportation, it was decreed that every thirteen households from the nobles and officials must send one person to help transport food for a year. In the autumn of July, General Gao Chang of Pingbei was forced to flee from Bai Ma to Yingyang by Murong Jun. In the winter of October, Murong Jun attacked Dong'a again, so the emperor dispatched General Xie Wan of the Western Legion to Xia Cai and General Xi Tan of the Northern Legion to Gaoping to confront him, but they were ultimately defeated. On Wu Zi day in November, the emperor promoted Wang Shu, the Governor of Yangzhou, to the rank of Wei General. In December, he also promoted the General of the Central Army, Prince Pi of Langye, to the rank of General of the Flying Cavalry, and Prince Yi of Donghai to the rank of General of the Chariot Cavalry. He also appointed Wang Feng, the son of Prince Xi of Wuling, as the Prince of Liang. Wen Fangzhi, the Governor of Jiaozhou, led troops to subdue Cheli and Danliao in Linyi, conquering them all.
In the spring of the first month of AD 364, the king of Chouchi, Yang Jun, died, and his son inherited the throne. In the same year, Bing Xu (366), Murong Jun also died, and his son Murong Wei inherited the throne of the pseudo-Yan Kingdom. In February, a phoenix was sighted in Fengcheng, accompanied by nine chicks. In the autumn of July, due to the heavy military burden and high expenditures, the court ordered a reduction in the use of food and streamlined expenses. On the first day of August, there was a solar eclipse, which ended shortly afterwards. In October of winter, a solar eclipse occurred in the southwestern sky. In November, the court appointed Huan Wen as the Duke of Nanjun, Huan Wen's brother Huan Chong was appointed as the Duke of Fengcheng County, and Huan Wen's son Huan Ji was appointed as the Duke of Linhe County. Interestingly, the phoenix reappeared in Fengcheng, along with many other birds.
In the first month of the year 365 AD, the court announced a nationwide amnesty and distributed five hu of rice to the widowed, the orphaned, and those unable to care for themselves. The General of the Northern Central Army, Xie Tan, who also served as the Inspector of Xu, Yan, Qing, Ji, and You provinces, died. In the second month, the court appointed General Fan Wang as the Commander overseeing military affairs in Xu, Yan, Qing, Ji, and You provinces, as well as the General of Peace in the North and Inspector of Xu and Yan provinces. The General Who Pacifies the South, Inspector of Guangzhou, and Marquis of Yangxia, Teng Han, also died. In April, a major flood struck. The Grand Commandant Huan Wen was stationed in Wancheng and dispatched his brother Huan Huo to assault Xuchang. At this time, a phoenix reappeared on the north bank of the Mian River. On the fifth day of the fifth month, the emperor died in Xianyang Palace at the age of nineteen. He was buried in Yongping Mausoleum and posthumously given the temple name Xiaozong.
The emperor's name was Sima Pi, whose courtesy name was Qianling. He was the eldest legitimate son of Emperor Cheng. In the eighth year of Xiankang, he was appointed as the Prince of Langye. In the first year of Yonghe, he was appointed as a Cavalier Attendant; in the twelfth year, he was promoted to General of the Central Forces; in the third year of Shengping, he was further promoted to General of the Cavalry. On the day of Dingsi in the fifth year of Shengping, Emperor Mu died. The Empress Dowager issued an order saying, "The emperor suddenly died of a sudden illness, and the successor has yet to be decided. Prince Langye, Sima Pi, is the legitimate heir to the throne. He has noble character and strong connections to the royal family. During the Xiankang years, he should have been named Crown Prince, but because he was too young to handle state affairs, Emperor Cheng did not appoint him. Now, considering his achievements, reputation, and family ties, no one can compare to him, so let him inherit the throne!" Therefore, the officials got ready to welcome the emperor's procession and went to the Prince of Langye's mansion to welcome him. On the day of Gengshen in May, Sima Pi ascended the throne and issued a general amnesty. On the day of Renxu in May, he issued a decree saying, "I have inherited the throne by the will of heaven. However, thinking of the ancestral temple of the late emperor without anyone to worship, and the empress dowager left without support, my heart aches. The royal family holds a noble status, and the rituals should be solemn. Inheriting the throne is an obligation. Sima Yi, the Prince of Donghai, is a close relative of the royal family and should inherit the title of Prince of Langye, so let him be named Prince of Langye!"
On July 5th, Emperor Mu was buried in Yongping Mausoleum. At the same time, Murong Ke captured Yewang, and the defending general, Lv Hu, retreated to Xingyang. On the night of the 6th day of the 8th month, the sky suddenly split open with a gap several feet wide, emitting a thunder-like sound. On the 9th day of the 9th month, Sima Pi named Wang Shi empress. Empress He Shi, the wife of Emperor Mu, resided in Yong'an Palace. Lv Hu defected to General Murong Wei. In the 10th month, Fan Wang, the General of Peace in the North, committed an offense and was demoted to a commoner. On the 11th day of the 11th month, Sima Pi issued a decree saying, "Emperor Xianzong instructed before his death that state affairs are difficult, and we must inherit the will of the late emperor, establish noble virtues, and consolidate the state. However, state affairs are still difficult; Emperors Kang and Mu both died young, and there is no heir to the imperial family. My moral character is shallow, but I have inherited the throne, and I feel profound sorrow. According to the ancestral rules, the inheritance of the throne should be taken over by the offspring of Emperor Cheng; this has been an unchanging truth throughout history. Therefore, I should inherit the throne of Emperor Cheng to continue the orthodox lineage of the imperial family." In the 12th month, Sima Pi promoted Zhang Xuanliang, the Governor of Liangzhou, to Grand Commander of the Western Army, Protector of the Qiang, and Duke of Xiping.
In the first month of the first year of Longhe, on the first day of the month, a general amnesty was announced, and the reign title was changed. On the 13th day of the first month, land taxes were reduced, with only two sheng of grain collected for each mu. In this month, Murong Wei sent Lv Hu and Fu Mobo to attack Xiaolei, aiming to advance towards Luoyang.
On the eighth day of the second month, Yu Xi was appointed as the General of the North Zhonglang, also serving as the Governors of Xu and Yan provinces, stationed in Xiapi; Yuan Zhen was appointed as the General of the West, in charge of military affairs in Yuzhou, Sizhou, Bingzhou, and Jizhou, concurrently serving as the Inspector of Yuzhou, stationed in Runan. Both were granted command authority. On the twentieth day of the first month, the emperor posthumously honored his birth mother, Lady Zhou, as the Empress Dowager. On the first day of March, a solar eclipse occurred. In the fourth month, a severe drought occurred. The emperor ordered the release of minor offenders and aid for the impoverished. On the thirteenth day of the fourth month, a severe earthquake struck Liangzhou, causing significant landslides and devastation. Lu Hu renewed his attack on Luoyang. On the eighteenth day of the fourth month, Dai Shi, the Prefect of Henan, fled to Wancheng. On the fourth day of the fifth month, Yu Xi and Deng Xia led a naval contingent to aid Luoyang.
In July, Lu Hu's forces withdrew to Xiaopingjing. Prince Langye Yi was promoted to the Grand Commandant and General of Chariots and Cavalry, with the title of Palace Attendant. Deng Xia stationed his troops in Xincheng, while Yu Xi's subordinate He Qian and Murong Wei's commander Liu Ze clashed at Tanqiu, defeating Liu Ze. In August, Yuan Zhen's army arrived in Runan, transporting fifty thousand hu of grain as relief for Luoyang. In October, five hu of grain were distributed to each impoverished person for relief. Prince of Zhangwu, Zhen, passed away. On the first day of the twelfth month, another solar eclipse occurred. The emperor proclaimed, "The army is currently engaged in battles abroad, so we cannot temporarily reduce taxes and labor obligations. However, with abnormal celestial phenomena and severe drought, is it possible that inadequate governance has led to a shortage of talents like in ancient times at Banzhu and Weibin? We should thoroughly seek out talented individuals, abolish strict and cumbersome regulations, meticulously review legal texts, and simplify wherever possible." Yu Xi withdrew his troops from Xiapi to Shanyang, while Yuan Zhen also withdrew from Runan to Shouyang.
In the spring of the year 366 AD, on the Ji Hai day of the second month, the court declared a general amnesty and changed the era name. On the Ren Yin day of the third month, the Empress Dowager died at Langye Manor. The next day, on the Gui Mao day, the emperor hurriedly made his way to the funeral, and at the same time issued an edict appointing Yu, the Prince of Kuaiji, as the Minister over the Masses to handle all internal and external affairs of the court.
In April, Murong Wei led troops to attack Yingyang, and Liu Yuan, the Prefect of Yingyang, escaped to Luyang. On the day of Jiaxu in the same month, an earthquake occurred in Yangzhou, causing flooding in lakes and rivers. In May, the court appointed Huan Wen as the Grand General of the West, as well as the Palace Attendant, Grand Marshal, Commander-in-Chief of all military forces, and Supervisor of the Secretariat, granting him the authority of the Yellow Axe. At the same time, Yuan Zhen was appointed as the Commander of Military Affairs for the provinces of Si, Ji, and Bing, while Yu Xi was appointed as the Commander of Military Affairs for Qingzhou. On the day of Guimao, Murong Wei seized Micheng, and Liu Yuan, the Prefect of Yingyang, fled to Jiangling.
In July, Zhang Tianxi killed Zhang Xuanliang, the Governor of Liangzhou, and proclaimed himself Grand General, Protector of the Qiang, Governor of Liangzhou, and Duke of Xiping. On the day of Dingyou, the Empress Dowager was laid to rest. In August, a comet appeared between the constellations Jiaosu and Kangsu, then entered Tianshi. On the day of Renxu in September, Grand Marshal Huan Wen led a large army northward, commencing his campaign. On the day of Guihai, a royal prince was welcomed into the world, and the court ordered a general amnesty throughout the country.
On the day of Jiashen in October, Yuan Pi was established as the Prince of Chenliu. In November, Yao Xiang's former general Zhang Jun killed Zhao Pi, the Protector of Jiangzhou, set fire to Wuchang, looted the treasury, and rebelled. Huan Chong, the Governor of Jiangzhou, led troops to quell the rebellion and ultimately killed him. That year, Murong Wei's general Murong Chen besieged Yuan Pi, the Prefect of Chenliu, in Changping. The Prefect of Runan, Zhu Bin, seized the opportunity to launch an attack on Xuchang and successfully occupied it.
In the second month of the year 366 AD (2nd year of the Ningkang era of the Eastern Jin Dynasty), an earthquake occurred in Jiangling, causing considerable tremors. At the same time, Murong Ping of Former Yan attacked Xuchang, and Li Fu, the Governor of Yingchuan, died in battle. Murong Ping then proceeded to attack Runan, causing Governor Zhu Bin to flee to Shouyang. He then continued to besiege Chen County, where Governor Zhu Fu held out until the end. The Eastern Jin general Huan Wen sent Liu He, the magistrate of Jiangxia, to repel Murong Ping's attack. Following this, Emperor Mu of Jin made some adjustments to the military, dissolving some general positions and streamlining the organization. On the day of Guimao in the second month of the same year, Emperor Mu personally went to the fields to plow, signifying the importance of agriculture. On the first day of the third month, Gengxu day, Emperor Mu conducted a large-scale census of the population and reinforced the legal code, known as the "Gengxu system." A few days later, on the day of Xinwei, Emperor Mu suddenly fell ill. Emperor Mu usually favored the teachings of Huang-Lao, believed in immortality, and often practiced fasting, consuming elixirs of immortality, resulting in his poisoning. He fell into a coma and was unable to handle state affairs, so Empress Chongde took over the government to handle political affairs once more. In April, Murong Wei of Former Yan sent Li Hong to attack Xuchang again, resulting in a major defeat for the Jin army at Xuanhu. Zhu Bin, the Governor of Runan, fled to Huainan, while Zhu Fu, the Governor of Chen County, retreated to Pengcheng. Huan Wen quickly sent Yuan Zhen, the General of the Western Central Army, and Liu He, the magistrate of Jiangxia, to open up the Yangyi Road for easier transportation of supplies. He himself led the naval forces to arrive in Hefei, while Murong Chen continued to station in Xuchang. In May, in order to escape the chaos of war, the people of Chen County were moved inland. In the same month, Emperor Mu of Jin appointed Wang Shu as the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and Guard General, and Huan Wen as the Governor of Yangzhou and Director of the Imperial Secretariat. Afterwards, the court sent envoys to persuade Huan Wen to serve in the court as a minister, but Huan Wen refused.
In July, the court once again summoned Huan Wen to the capital. In August, Huan Wen arrived at Zheqi, where he built a city and resided, giving the impression of defying orders. At the same time, Former Qin's Fu Jian sent troops to invade Henan, while Former Yan's Murong Wei attacked Luoyang. In September, General Chen You left his chief clerk Shen Jin to guard Luoyang, while he led his troops to escape to Xincheng.
In January of the year 367 AD (the third year of the Ningkang reign of Eastern Jin), Empress Wang passed away. In February, Emperor Mu of Jin appointed Huan Huo as the chief military officer of Jingzhou, Yangzhou, Yongzhou, and other regions, and as the governor of Jingzhou; he appointed Huan Chong as the chief military officer of Jiangzhou, Jingzhou, Yuzhou, and other regions, and as the governor of Jiangzhou. Both were also given the title of Colonel of Southern Man and the power of acting on behalf of the emperor, indicating Emperor Mu's trust in the Huan brothers. On the same day of Bingshen in that month, Emperor Mu of Jin passed away in the Xitang Hall, at the age of only 25, and was buried in Anping Mausoleum.
The deposed emperor, whose name was Sima Yi, courtesy name Yanling, was the younger brother of Emperor Ai, Sima Yan. In the eighth year of Xiankang, he was appointed as the King of Donghai. In the eighth year of Yonghe, he was appointed as the Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, and shortly after, he was promoted to General of the Guard. In the fourth year of Shengping, he was subsequently promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry. Five years later, he was renamed as the King of Langye. In the early period of the Longhe era, he was promoted to Palace Attendant, General of Agile Cavalry, and granted the privilege of being equal to the Three Excellencies, with his official rank continuously rising.
On the Bingshen day in the second month of the third year of Xingning, Emperor Ai passed away without leaving a son. The next day, on the Dingyou day, the Empress Dowager issued a decree saying, "The Emperor was unable to recover from his illness, and misfortunes have come in quick succession. The imperial family has no heir, and my heart is filled with grief. The King of Langye, Sima Yi, is known for his noble character and has close ties with the imperial family. He should succeed to the throne to honor our ancestors and uphold the imperial lineage. Hurry to hold the enthronement ceremony to stabilize the people's hearts." Therefore, all officials went to the residence of the King of Langye to welcome him. On that day, Sima Yi ascended the throne and proclaimed a general amnesty.
On the Ren Shen day in March, Emperor Ai was buried in Anping Mausoleum. On the Gui You day, Cavalry Commandant and Prince of Hejian, Sima Qin, passed away. On the Bing Zi day, Murong Wei of Former Yan launched an attack on Luoyang; Murong Ke was besieged, General Zhu Yao, who was in charge of Tranquilizing the Frontier, escaped to Xiangyang, and Shen Jin, Chief Clerk of the Army and General of Rising Martial Might, died in battle. On the Wuzi day of June, Zhou Fu, who held the title of Commissioner Bearing Credentials, Commander of military affairs in Yining and Ningzhou, General Who Guards the West, Governor of Yizhou, and Duke of Jiancheng, passed away. In July, the Xiongnu kings, Zuo Xian Wang Wei Chen and You Xian Wang Cao Gu, led twenty thousand troops to invade the city of Xi Cheng, controlled by Fu Jian of Former Qin. On the Ji You day, King Sima Yu of Kuaiji was renamed King of Langye. On the Ren Zi day, Sima Yi appointed Yu Shi as Empress, and at the same time, he appointed the son of King of Langye Sima Yu, Sima Changming, as King of Kuaiji. In October, Sima Xun, the Governor of Liangzhou, rebelled and declared himself King of Chengdu. In November, Sima Xun led troops to attack Jiange, then attacked Fucheng, and Guanqiu Wei, the Commandant of the Western Yi, abandoned the city and fled. On the Yi Mao day, Sima Xun besieged Chengdu, where Zhou Chu, the Governor of Yizhou, was stationed, and Huan Wen sent Zhu Xu, the Prefect of Jiangxia, to provide assistance. On the Wuxu day in December, Wang Biao, the Interior Minister of Kuaiji, was appointed Supervisor of the Masters of Writing.
In the spring of the year 366 AD, on the sixth day of the second month, Zhang Tianxi was appointed Grand General, responsible for military affairs in the Longyou and Guanzhong regions, and granted the title of Marquis of Xiping. On the eighteenth day of the same month, Huan Mi was appointed Chief Inspector, responsible for overseeing military operations in Liangzhou and Yizhou. On the ninth day of the third month, King Miao of Xincai died. Huan Huo, the Inspector of Jingzhou, dispatched Huan Pi to attack Nanzheng, and Biqin from Weixing also gathered troops in support of Huan Pi. In April, a drought occurred. On the fifth day of the fifth month, Empress Yu passed away. Zhu Xu launched an attack on Sima Xun in Chengdu; Sima Xun's army was defeated, captured, and executed. On the eighth day of the seventh month, Empress Xiaoling was laid to rest in Jingping Mausoleum. On the fifth day of the ninth month, a general amnesty was declared in Liangzhou and Yizhou. On the eighth day of the tenth month, Fu Jian's generals Wang Meng and Yang An attacked Nanxiang. Jingzhou Inspector Huan Huo went to rescue, but upon the army's arrival in Xinye, Wang Meng and Yang An retreated. Wang Yu, Prince of Kuaiji, was appointed Prime Minister. In December, Zhao Hong, Zhao Yi, and others from Nanyang rebelled and seized Wancheng, while Prefect Huan Dan fled to Xinye for refuge. Murong Li, a general under Murong Wei, captured Lu County and Gaoping.
In January of the year 367 AD, Yu Xi, General of the Northern Central Army, committed an offense and fled to the sea. In April, Murong Chen, a general under Murong Wei, invaded Jingling, but Prefect Luo Chong defeated him. Fu Jian's general Wang Meng attacked Liangzhou; Zhang Tianxi resisted, and Wang Meng's army was defeated. In May, General Huan Huo confronted Zhao Yi, forcing him to retreat, and captured Murong Wei's general Zhao Pan, sending him to the capital. In September, Chi Yin, Interior Minister of Kuaiji, was appointed Commander of Military Affairs in four provinces of Xuzhou, Yanzhou, Qingzhou, and Youzhou, as well as General Who Pacifies the North and Inspector of Xuzhou. On the second day of the tenth month, Prince Xuan of Pengcheng died.
On the first day of the third month of the year 368 AD, a solar eclipse took place. On the seventh day of the third month, the court proclaimed a general amnesty. On the tenth day of the fourth month, hail fell and strong winds uprooted many trees. On the first day of the eighth month, Wang Shu, Grand Commandant, Guard General, and Marquis of Lantian, passed away.
In the summer of the year 358 (fourth year), on the fourth day of the fourth month, Grand Marshal Huan Wen led a massive army against Murong Wei. In the autumn, on the seventh day of the seventh month, Murong Wei sent the general Murong Chui to resist Huan Wen, but was ultimately defeated. On the ninth day of the ninth month, Huan Wen's generals Deng Xia and Zhu Xu encountered Murong Wei's general Fu Mobo at Linzhu, securing another significant victory. On Wuzi day, Huan Wen arrived at Fangtou. On Bingshen day, due to a shortage of food and supplies, Huan Wen had to burn the ships and fall back. On Xinchou day, Murong Chui pursued Huan Wen's rear army and defeated Huan Wen's forces again in Xiangyi. In the winter of the tenth month, a bright star appeared in the sky, falling toward the west and emitting a thunder-like sound. On Jisi day, Huan Wen reassembled the scattered troops and stationed them in Shanyang. The Governor of Yuzhou, Yuan Zhen, led a rebellion in Shouyang. On Xinchou day in the eleventh month, Huan Wen hastily moved from Shanyang to Tuzhong, met King Yu of Kuaiji, and discussed their next steps. In the twelfth month, Huan Wen settled in Guangling, where he began constructing fortifications.
In the spring of the year 359 AD (fifth year), on the first day of the first lunar month, Yuan Zhen's sons, Yuan Shuang and Yuan Ai, killed the Interior Minister of Liang, Zhu Xian, and the Interior Minister of Runan, Zhu Bin. On the day of Guichou in the second month, Yuan Zhen died, and Zhu Fu, the governor of Chenjun, supported Yuan Zhen's son, Yuan Jin, as his successor and sought help from Murong Wei. In the summer, on the day of Xinwei in the fourth month, Huan Wen's general Zhu Yao defeated Yuan Jin at Wuqiu. In autumn, on the new moon day of Guichou in the seventh month, a solar eclipse took place. On the Guichou day in the eighth month, Huan Wen attacked Yuan Jin at Shouyang and defeated him again. In the ninth month, Fu Jian's general Wang Meng attacked Murong Wei and captured the Shangdang area. The rebels Li Hong from Guanghan and Li Jingen from Yizhou gathered over ten thousand followers for their uprising. Li Hong proclaimed himself the Saint King, and Zhou Xiao, the Prefect of Zitong, quelled their rebellion. In winter, in the tenth month, Wang Meng defeated Murong Ping, one of Murong Wei's generals, in Luchuan. In the eleventh month, Wang Meng captured Ye City and took Murong Wei prisoner, fully taking control of his territory.
In January of the year 366 AD, Fu Jian dispatched General Wang Jian to assist Yuan Jin, but General Huan Yi led his forces and decisively defeated them. On January 28th, Huan Wen captured Shouyang, and Yuan Jin was beheaded. On March 8th, the Governor of Yizhou and Duke of Jiancheng, Zhou Chu, died. On April 5th, a general amnesty was proclaimed nationwide, and food was distributed to impoverished families, with each receiving five hu. Fu Jian dispatched General Fu Ya to assault Chouchi, and King Yang Zuan of Chouchi capitulated. In June, Jiankang and other areas such as Danyang, Jinling, Wu County, Wuxing, and Linhai experienced severe flooding. In August, the former Inspector of Ningzhou, Zhou Zhongsun, was appointed Acting General overseeing military affairs in Yiliang and Yizhou, as well as the Inspector of Yizhou. On October 7th, King Jun of Gaomi died. On November 13th, Huan Wen established his troops in Baishi after arriving from Guangling. On November 16th, he entered the palace to confront the Emperor and initiated plans to depose him. He falsely accused the Emperor of suffering from a serious illness since his youth and alleged that the Emperor's favorites, Xiang Long, Ji Hao, and Zhu Lingbao, often served in the Emperor's bedchamber, while the two beauties, Tian Shi and Meng Shi, bore him three sons. Huan Wen also claimed that the Emperor wanted to grant titles to these three sons in order to mislead the court officials. Seizing the opportunity, Huan Wen urged the Empress Dowager to follow the example of Huo Guang from the Han Dynasty in deposing the Emperor.
On November 18th, Huan Wen summoned all the officials to the court hall and read out the decree of Empress Dowager Chongde: "The royal family is in a precarious position; both emperors Mu and Ai reigned for a short time, and there is no appropriate successor to the throne. Prince Yi of Langye is the emperor's own brother, and that is why he was designated as the heir. However, he has not ruled with virtue, instead leading the nation to its current plight. The court is shrouded in darkness and chaos, with behavior that goes against etiquette and laws. It is unclear whose sons these three are. Moral decay has set in, and scandals have spread throughout the world. He cannot protect the state, perform ancestral sacrifices, is incompetent, and has numerous illegitimate offspring, yet still wants to grant them official titles. He betrays his ancestors and undermines the royal family's foundation; such actions are utterly intolerable! Therefore, Prince Yi is deposed and made the Prince of Donghai, to return to his own estate, with privileges akin to those of the Prince of Changyi from the Han Dynasty. I can only pity his wife for the immense suffering she must endure. Thinking of both the living and the dead, my heart aches as if it were being sliced by a knife. But for the greater good of the nation, I have no choice but to do this. Writing this, my sorrow overwhelms me; it is truly beyond words."
Then, all the officials gathered in the front hall of the Taiji Palace, and that day, Huan Wen dispatched Cavalry Attendant Liu Xiang to retrieve the emperor's jade and imperial seals. The emperor, wearing a white headband and plain clothes, walked out of the West Hall and left the palace in a bullock cart through the Gate of Divine Beasts. The ministers bid him farewell, all of them weeping uncontrollably. The Imperial Censor and Palace Supervisor escorted him to the Prince of Donghai's residence, accompanied by one hundred soldiers.
At first, Huan Wen was secretly contemplating rebellion, hoping to win battles in the north to boost his reputation. However, he suffered a defeat at Fangtou, causing his reputation to plummet, so he secretly plotted to depose the emperor and seize power. Yet, he feared the emperor's adherence to righteousness and was concerned about potential opposition. Due to the palace's information blackout, he was easily framed, so he spread rumors that the emperor was a eunuch and then moved to depose him. In fact, the emperor had long been concerned about this issue during his reign, and even sought the advice of the fortune teller Hu Qian. After consulting the oracle, Hu Qian stated, "The Jin Dynasty's rule is as solid as a rock; Your Majesty will exhibit signs of leaving the palace." The result really came true. In January of the second year of Xian'an, the emperor was demoted to the Duke of Haixi. In April, he was moved to Wuxian to live, and the court also dispatched Di Yi, the internal historian of Wu Guo, to safeguard him, along with Yu Shi Gu Yun to monitor him. In November, a rebel named Lu Song sent his disciple, the palace supervisor Xu Longchen, to the emperor's house, claiming that the empress dowager had secretly ordered to restore him to the throne. Initially, the emperor considered agreeing, but ultimately he heeded his nanny's advice and declined. Xu Longchen insisted, "The grand scheme is on the verge of success; why heed the words of an old woman?" The emperor said, "I have made a mistake and been forgiven; how dare I act recklessly! Besides, if the empress dowager has an edict, why should she only send you alone? You must be here to rebel!" So he ordered Xu Longchen to be tied up, and Xu Longchen, afraid, fled. The emperor understood that fate could not be defied; terrified of misfortune, he grew numb and indifferent, ceasing to think about anything, and indulged in food, drink, and pleasure. Obsessed with women, and although he had sons, he could not provide for them, only wanting to save his life. People at the time felt great sympathy for him and even wrote songs in his honor. The court noticed that the emperor was complacent with the status quo and ceased to worry about him. In October of the eleventh year of Taiyuan, the emperor passed away in Wuxian at the age of forty-five.
The historian said: Emperor Xiaozong was adopted and raised from a young age, influenced by his mother's teachings. During his reign of more than ten years, there was peace both domestically and internationally. He used the military talents of Wu Anjun to defend the borders and the moral character of Wen Wang to govern the Jianghan region, echoing Confucius's sentiment, "I have no regrets." Emperor Ai was kind and benevolent, capable of being a good emperor, but his virtues were tainted by his sacrificial activities. He refused Xu Longchen's invitation in the East China Sea and submitted to the arrangements of fate, as the saying goes, "gentleness overcomes strength," ultimately meeting a good end.
It is said that this article begins with praise: "He was able to adapt to the changes of the times, with filial piety at its core, following the teachings of the sages, and being very respectful."
It goes on to say that his army, with flags flying over Yulei Mountain in the west and military banners fluttering in Jinyong City in the north, all the Bo people from the former Shang Dynasty submitted to him. This indicates that his rule was highly successful, earning him the loyalty of all.
Then the article continues: "Empress Ai was kind and benevolent, with spirits gathered around her. The western sea was troubled, and disasters occurred frequently." This means that Empress Ai was kind and benevolent, and the heavens blessed her, bringing peace and prosperity to her realm. However, the western sea region was plagued by frequent disasters.
Finally, the article concludes with a comparison: "Their situation is different from ours; we are not like Changyi at all." This means that their circumstances are different from ours, and we are not like Changyi. Overall, this article praises a ruler who achieved military success and political integrity, while also contrasting him with other regions, highlighting his excellence.
