Emperor Xiaohui, whose personal name was Sima Zhong, courtesy name Zhengduo, was the second son of Emperor Wu, Sima Yan. In 267 AD, at just nine years old, he was appointed Crown Prince. In April of 290 AD, Emperor Wu passed away. That same day, the Crown Prince ascended the throne and declared a general amnesty, changing the era name to Yongxi. He posthumously honored his mother, Lady Yang, with the title of Empress Dowager, and appointed Lady Jia as Empress. In May, Emperor Wu Sima Yan was laid to rest in the Junyang Mausoleum. To express their mourning, the court elevated the ranks of officials nationwide, promoted those involved in the funeral by one rank, and exempted them from taxes for a year. Officials of higher rank, specifically those above 2,000 shi, were granted the title of Marquis of Guanzhong. Yang Jun was appointed Grand Tutor to assist with court governance.
In August, Sima Zhong appointed Sima Yu, the Prince of Guangling, as Crown Prince, and appointed He Shao as Grand Preceptor to the Crown Prince, Wang Rong as Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, and Yang Ji as Grand Guardian to the Crown Prince. To bolster defenses, he dispatched generals like Shi Chong, Hu Yi, Zhao Jun, and Zhao Huan to lead troops stationed in various locations to increase vigilance. In October, Sima Zhong appointed Shi Jian as Grand Commandant and Sima Tai, the Prince of Longxi, as Minister of Works.
On the first day of the first month of the first year of Yongping, which was a Yiyou day, the emperor held court without any grand ceremonies or music. The emperor issued a decree, saying: "Since I was young, my fate has been tumultuous, and I have always been worried. Thanks to the blessings of my ancestors and the assistance of loyal ministers, I have been able to ascend to this position. I feel inadequate and lack the knowledge of how to govern the country. I live in constant caution and vigilance every day. During the previous chaos, my trusted ministers put the country's affairs first and adhered to the late emperor's rules. I also wish to uphold the late emperor's system, which is why I have retained the 'Yongxi' reign title. However, as time goes by and the new year has come, it is time to change the reign title according to the rules of propriety. Therefore, the second year of Yongxi will be changed to the first year of Yongping." The emperor also ordered that members of the imperial family and all officials are forbidden from worshipping at tombs. On Bingwu day, the crown prince held his coming-of-age ceremony; on Dingwei day, he paid respects to his ancestors at the ancestral temple.
On the first day of the second month, the emperor bestowed varying amounts of cloth upon officials of lower ranks. On the day of Guiyou, General Zhen Nan, Prince Chu Wei, and General Zhen Dong, Prince Huai Nan, came to pay their respects. On the day of Wuyin, the position of Secretary of State was reinstated. On the eighth day of the third month, the emperor executed Grand Tutor Yang Jun, his brother General Wei, and others, all of whom were executed along with their families. On the day of Renchen, there was a general amnesty and a change of era. Empress Jia falsely claimed to issue an imperial decree, deposing the Empress Dowager to commoner status, moving her to Jinyong City, notifying the ancestral shrines of heaven and earth, and also killing the Empress Dowager's mother Pang. On the day of Renyin, the emperor summoned Grand Marshal Wang Liang of Ru'nan to serve as Grand Chancellor, assisting in political affairs in conjunction with Crown Prince Guardian Wei Guan. At the same time, Prince Qin Jian was appointed Grand Marshal, Prince Dongping Mao as Grand Marshal of the Army, Prince Chu Wei as General of the Guards and Commander of the Northern Army, Prince Xiawang Huang as Minister of the Left, Duke of Dong'an as Minister of the Right, and promoted to Prince of Dong'an. A total of 1,811 military and civilian officials received promotions during this period. On the day of Gengxu, the emperor dismissed Prince Dong'an Yao and Prince Dongping Mao from their positions, with Yao exiled to Daifang.
On the tenth day of the fourth month, the Emperor appointed General Liang Wang Rong as Grand General of the West, overseeing military affairs in the Guanxi area; Ruan Tan, the Tutor of the Crown Prince, as General of the East, overseeing military matters in Qingzhou and Xuzhou. On Ji Si day, the Emperor appointed Wang Rong, the Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, as the Right Deputy of the Imperial Secretariat. On the eighth day of the fifth month, Prince Gui of Piling passed away. On Ren Wu day, the Emperor abolished the household silk and cloth taxes and bestowed three rolls of cloth to those who were filial to their parents, elderly, widowed, orphaned, or hardworking farmers. In June, Empress Dowager Jia issued a false imperial edict, instructing Prince Wei of Chu to kill the Grand Preceptor Ru'nan Wang Liang and the Grand Guardian Wei Guan. On Yi Chou day, because of Prince Wei of Chu's unauthorized actions, the Emperor ordered his execution. Amnesty was granted in the Luoyang region. The Emperor appointed Prince Shi of Guangling as Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, and King Tai of Longxi as acting Minister of the Secretariat. In July, ten counties in Yangzhou and Jingzhou were separated to establish Jiangzhou. On the seventh day of the eighth month, Zhao Lun was appointed as General of the East, overseeing military affairs in Xuzhou and Yanzhou; Prince Yong of Hejian as General of the North Central, stationed in Ye City; and Grand Preceptor He Shao as Commander of the military affairs in Yuzhou, stationed in Xuchang. Prince Yi of Changsha was promoted and titled as King of Changshan. On Ji Si day, Yang Gong Yang was enfeoffed as King of Xiyang. On Xin Wei day, the son of King Longxi was established as King of Donghai. On the fifth day of the ninth month, Grand General Prince Jian of Qin passed away. On Xin Chou day, Prince Rong of Liang, Grand General of the West, was called to serve as General of the Guard, acting as Chief Secretary; Zhao Lun was appointed as Grand General of the West, overseeing military affairs in Yongzhou and Liangzhou. In December, an earthquake occurred in the capital. In this year, seventeen Eastern tribes and twenty-four Southern tribes all submitted to the court.
In the spring of how many years BCE (the original text did not specify the exact year), on the Jiyou day of the second month, Empress Jia assassinated the Empress Dowager in Jinyong City. In autumn, on the Renzi day of the eighth month, the court ordered a general amnesty. On the Yichou day of the ninth month, Prince Dan of Zhongshan passed away. In winter, during the eleventh month, a large-scale epidemic broke out. That year, there was hail in Pei state, causing severe damage to crops.
In the second year, during the summer, hail fell in Xingyang in the fourth month. In the sixth month, hail accumulated to a depth of three feet! In winter, during the tenth month, Prince Hong of Taiyuan passed away.
In the third year, in the spring, on the first day of the first lunar month, Shu Jian, the Attendant, Grand Commandant, and Duke of Anchang, passed away. In the summer, in the fifth month, a landslide struck Shu County, and flooding occurred in Shou Chun, Huainan, with mountains collapsing and the homes of both officials and common people destroyed. The Xiongnu rebel Hao San attacked Shangdang County, killing local officials. In the sixth month, a significant earthquake struck Shou Chun, killing more than twenty households. Shangyong County also experienced a landslide that crushed over twenty people. In autumn, during the eighth month, Hao San surrendered with his army but was killed by the Fengyi Commandant. Juyong Pass in Shanggu County and Shangyong County both experienced ground subsidence, with underground water gushing forth, leading to numerous fatalities. That year also witnessed a severe famine. On the Bingchen day of the ninth month, the court pardoned the people of various states affected by natural disasters. On the Jiawu day, an unusual flash appeared in the sky, shooting directly up from the northeast. That year, a total of eight earthquakes struck the capital and various regions!
In April of the fourth summer year, a comet appeared in the western sky, traversing from Cassiopeia to the vicinity of the Xuan Yuan star. In June, there was an earthquake in Jincheng. Hail fell in the East China Sea, accumulating up to five inches deep. In July, during the autumn, a violent storm struck Xiaoping, resulting in the destruction of houses. In September, strong winds swept through Yanmen, Xinxing, Taiyuan, Shangdang, and other areas, causing serious damage to crops. In the winter of October, the armory caught fire, destroying the treasures accumulated over generations. On the Bingxu day in December, the court ordered the building of a new armory and made a large-scale adjustment to the weapons. Danyang also experienced hail. In the capital Yining, strange occurrences of stones rising from the ground took place. That year, six provinces—Jingzhou, Yangzhou, Yanzhou, Yuzhou, Qingzhou, and Xuzhou—suffered significant floods, and the court ordered the dispatch of imperial officials to inspect the disaster and allocate funds to aid the victims.
In the spring of the year 282 AD, the court declared a general amnesty. Wang Huang, the Minister of Works and King of Xiaoping, passed away. Zhang Hua was appointed as the new Minister of Works, Tai, the Grand Commandant and King of Longxi, became the Prefect of the Masters of Writing, and Rong, the General of the Guard and King of Liang, was appointed Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. An earthquake also occurred on Dingchou day. In March, frost fell in the East China Sea region, causing damage to mulberry trees and wheat. In Luyu County, Pengcheng, a bizarre phenomenon occurred when blood flowed across the ground for over a hundred paces. In April, a strong wind blew. In May, both Jingzhou and Yangzhou faced significant floods.
Haosan of the Xiongnu's younger brother, Du Yuan, led Fengyi, Marlangqiang of Beidi, and Lushuihu to rebel together, attacking Beidi Commandery, where Zhang Sun, the Prefect of Beidi, was killed in battle. Ouyang Jian, the Prefect of Fengyi, fought against Du Yuan and was defeated. The court urgently recalled the Grand General of the Western Expedition, Prince Zhao Lun, appointing him as the General of Chariots and Cavalry. At the same time, Wang Yong, the Prince of Liang, was appointed as the Grand General of the Western Expedition, responsible for the military forces in Yongzhou and Liangzhou, guarding the Guanzhong region. In August, during the autumn, Jie Xi, the Inspector of Yongzhou, was also defeated by Du Yuan. The Di and Qiang tribes of Qinzhou and Yongzhou rebelled, electing the Di chieftain Qi Wannian as emperor, and besieging Jingyang. On Yibuwu day in October, the court granted amnesty to the regions of Yongzhou and Liangzhou. On Bingziri day in November, the court sent the General of the Western Peace, Xiahou Jun, and the General of Establishing Might, Zhou Chu, to suppress Qi Wannian, while Wang Yong stationed at Haozhi. The Guanzhong region was plagued by famine, and a large-scale epidemic broke out.
On Guichou day in January of the year 283 AD, Zhou Chu and Qi Wannian fought at Liumo, resulting in the defeat of the court's army and the death of Zhou Chu. In May, Lu State was hit by hail. In July, another epidemic broke out in Yongzhou and Liangzhou. That year suffered from drought and frost, causing the crops to die. The Guanzhong region still faced severe famine, with a hu of rice costing ten thousand coins. The court even allowed relatives to trade with each other. On Dingchou day, Wang Hun, the Minister Over the Masses and Duke of Jingling, passed away. In September, Wang Rong, the Minister of the Right of the Secretariat, was appointed as the Minister Over the Masses, and He Shao, the Tutor of the Crown Prince, was appointed as the Minister of the Left in the Secretariat.
On Bingchen day in January of the year 284 AD, another earthquake occurred. The court ordered the opening of granaries to provide relief to the famine-stricken people of Yongzhou. On Renxu day in March, the court issued a general amnesty. In May, the sacrificial stone used for suburban rites cracked in half. In September, five provinces including Jingzhou, Yuzhou, Yangzhou, Xuzhou, and Jizhou suffered from major flooding. However, Yongzhou experienced favorable weather and a bountiful harvest.
In the spring of the year 300 AD, General Meng Guan led his troops to fight against the Di tribe and achieved a great victory in Zhongting, capturing a man named Qi Wannian. The court appointed General Sima Róng as the Grand General of the West to handle the affairs of the Secretariat. Sima Yong was appointed as the General of the West to guard the Guanzhong region, while Sima Ying was appointed as the Grand General of the North to guard Ye City. In April, a man named Zhang Chengji incited rumors and caused trouble in Ye City, leading to arresting and executing thousands of people. On Wuxu day in June, the Grand Commandant Sima Tai of Longxi died. In August, the court appointed Pei Yuan as the Minister of the Secretariat. In November, on New Year's Day, there was a solar eclipse. A strong wind swept through the capital in December, causing damage to many buildings and trees. On the day of Renxu in December, the Emperor removed Crown Prince Sima Yu from his position, reducing his status to that of a commoner and imprisoning his three sons in Jinyong City. The Crown Prince's mother, Lady Xie, was also executed. In the first year of Yongkang, in the year 300 AD, on New Year's Day, there was a solar eclipse. A few days later, on the day of Jimao, the sun experienced another eclipse. On the day of Bingzi, the Emperor's grandson Hulin passed away. In the second month, on the day of Dingyou, a strong wind blew, causing sandstorms and toppling trees. In March, there was a blood rain in Yushi, and a comet appeared in the south, signifying unrest. On the day of Guiwei, Empress Jia falsely issued an imperial edict and led to the death of commoner Sima Yu in Xuchang.
In the fourth month of the year of Xinyou, another solar eclipse occurred. These series of disasters caused widespread panic. On the day Guisi, the Prince of Liang, Sima Rong, and the Prince of Zhao, Sima Lun, falsely claimed to issue an imperial edict, deposing Empress Jia and stripping her of her status, reducing her to a commoner. The Minister of Works, Zhang Hua, and the Supervisor of the Masters of Writing, Pei Wei, were both killed, and the Attendant, Jia Mi, along with dozens of his followers, were all executed. On the day Jiawu, Sima Lun once again falsely claimed to issue an imperial edict, declared a general amnesty, and appointed himself as the Prime Minister, taking command of the national army, similar to his previous role assisting the Wei Dynasty under Emperor Xuanwen. He also posthumously conferred the title of Crown Prince on Sima Yu. On the day Dingyou, Sima Lun appointed the Prince of Liang, Sima Rong, as the Grand Preceptor, He Shao as the Minister Over the Masses, Liu Shi as the Minister of Works, and the Prince of Huainan, Sima Yun, as the General of Chariots and Cavalry. On the day Jihai, Sima Lun again falsely claimed to issue an imperial edict and had Empress Jia executed in Jinyong City.
In the fifth month, on the day Jisi, Sima Lun appointed his grandson, Sima Zang, as the Crown Prince; at that time, Sima Zang was still the Prince of Xiangyang. On the day Renyin in the sixth month, the late Crown Prince Minhuai was buried at Xianping Mausoleum. The General of Nurturing the Army, the Prince of Qinghe, Sima Xia, passed away. On the day Guimao, the tomb marker in Chongyang Mausoleum was damaged by an earthquake. By the eighth month, the Prince of Huainan, Sima Yun, raised troops to attack the Prince of Zhao, Sima Lun, but was unsuccessful. Sima Yun and his two sons, the Prince of Qin, Sima Yu, and the Prince of Han, Sima Di, were all killed. There was also a general amnesty in Luoyang City. The General Who Pacifies the East, the Prince of Pengcheng, Sima Zhi, also died. The Prince of Wu, Sima Yan, was reappointed as the Marquis of Bintu County. The Prince of Qi, Sima Rong, was appointed as the General Who Pacifies the East, stationed in Xuchang; Chen Zhun became the Grand Commandant, also overseeing the affairs of the Secretariat. In the ninth month, the title of Minister Over the Masses was replaced by Prime Minister, and the Prince of Liang, Sima Rong, became the Prime Minister.
In October, a yellow fog enveloped everything. On the 11th day of November, a strong wind blew, sending sand and stones swirling, and it blew for six full days before stopping. On the day of Jiazi, Lady Yang was appointed queen, and the court ordered a general amnesty throughout the country and held a grand three-day banquet. In December, a comet appeared in the east. The Governor of Yizhou, Zhao Xin, along with Li Xiang, a refugee who had taken refuge in Lueyang, killed the Chengdu Interior Minister, Geng Sheng, Li Mi, the Governor of Jianwei, Huo Gu, the Governor of Wenshan, and Chen Zong, the Commander of the Western Yi, before launching a rebellion in Chengdu.
On the 2nd day of the 1st month of the year 289 AD, Prince Zhao Lun seized the throne. The next day, the emperor was relocated to Jinyong City, honored as the Grand Emperor, and Jinyong City was renamed Yongchang Palace. Crown Prince Zang was stripped of his title and demoted to Prince of Puyang. During that time, the five stars in the sky were erratic, which was quite ominous. On the 27th day of the 1st month, Prince Zhao Lun murdered Prince Zang of Puyang. At the same time, Li Te, who had taken refuge in Lueyang, killed Zhao Xin and sent his severed head to the capital.
In March, General Pingdong and Prince Qi Jiong led a campaign against Prince Zhao Lun, issuing proclamations to various provinces and counties before establishing their base in Yangdi. The General of the Northern Expedition, King Chengdu Ying, General of the Western Expedition, King Hejian Yong, King Changshan Yi, Governor of Yuzhou Li Yi, Governor of Yanzhou Wang Yan, and General of the South, Duke Xinye Xun, all responded and mobilized armies, totaling hundreds of thousands. Prince Zhao Lun sent his generals Lu He and Zhang Hong from Yique, and Sun Fu from Eban, to confront Prince Qi Jiong; Sun Hui, Shi Yi, and Xu Chao from Huangqiao, to confront King Ying of Chengdu. As a result, Ying's generals Zhao Xiang and Shi Chao clashed with Sun Hui and his forces at the Ji River and were decisively defeated, abandoning their troops and fleeing. On the first day of the intercalary month, a solar eclipse even occurred. In April, Saturn was visible even during the day! Qi Jiong's generals He Xu and Lu Bu defeated Zhang Hong at Yangdi, killing Sun Fu and several others.
On April 27th, General Wang Yu of the Left Guard and Prince Huailing Wang Cui led troops into the imperial palace, captured the followers of Zhao Wang Lun, including Sun Xiu, Sun Hui, Xu Chao, Shi Yi, Luo Xiu, and others, and they were all executed. Then Zhao Wang Lun was sent back home, and the Emperor was restored to the throne that very day. The ministers all bowed and apologized, but the Emperor replied, "This is not your fault!" On April 29th, the Emperor issued a decree saying, "My virtue is lacking; though I have inherited the throne, I have failed to accomplish great things to stabilize the realm; I have failed to discern even the smallest details necessary to punish the wicked, so that traitor Sun Xiu was so arrogant, plotting against the royal family, and actually supported Zhao Wang Lun in seizing the throne. Generals Qi Wang Jiong, Chengdu Wang Ying, and Hejian Wang Yu, with their noble character and loyal counsel, took the lead in formulating strategies to rescue the country from danger. Shangshu Wang Cui also participated in this significant plan, General Wang Yu of the Left Guard and other ministers worked together to plan and lead troops to kill Sun Xiu and his two sons. Former Zhao Wang Lun was deceived by Sun Xiu; he and his sons had already gone to Jingyong City to welcome me back to the palace and resume control of the court. This achievement is not mine alone; the ancestral temple and the state will benefit from it!" So he ordered a general amnesty, changed the era name, distributed five bushels of grain to each household of widows and orphans, and hosted a nationwide banquet lasting five days. Zhao Wang Lun, Prince Wei of Yiyang, Marquis Zhi of Jiumen, and all of Zhao Wang Lun's followers were executed.
In May, Prince Xiangyang was established as the Crown Prince. On the fifth day of June, a general amnesty was declared, and the ranks of official positions were elevated. Wang Yan was reinstated as the King of Wu. On the seventh day of June, Prince Rui of Donglai and General Wang Yu conspired to overthrow Prince Jiong of Qi. The conspiracy was uncovered; Prince Rui was demoted, Wang Yu was executed, and their families were implicated as well. On the eleventh day of June, Prince Jiong of Qi was appointed as the Grand Marshal, overseeing military affairs both inside and outside the capital; Prince Ying of Chengdu was appointed as the Grand General, in charge of the imperial secretariat; Prince Yong of Hejian was appointed as the Grand Commandant. The position of Prime Minister was abolished, and the position of Minister of Works was reinstated. On the sixteenth day of June, Prince Yong was appointed as the Grand Preceptor, concurrently holding the position of Minister of Works. Ge Yu, a meritorious subject of Prince Jiong, was granted the title of Duke of Muping; Lu Ji was granted the title of Duke of Xiaohuang; Wei Yi was granted the title of Duke of Pingyin; Liu Zhen was granted the title of Duke of Anxiang; Han Tai was granted the title of Duke of Fengqiu. On the fifth day of July, Wang Yan was appointed as the King of Han, and Prince Yi of Changshan was reinstated as the King of Changsha. In August, a general amnesty was declared. On the fifth day of August, those who had been exiled to the border regions were pardoned. Governor Luo Shang of Yizhou led a successful campaign against the Qiang people. On the sixth day of August, Prince Xiang of Nanping was promoted to the King of Yidu. Prince Wei of Xiapi passed away. Prince Mao of Dongping was appointed as the General of Pingdong, overseeing military affairs in Xuzhou. In September, the title of Prince Yao of Dong'an was restored. On the twenty-second day of September, Fan, the son of Prince Wei of Chu, was appointed as the Prince of Xiangyang. In October, a fugitive named Li Te incited a rebellion in the Shu region. In December, He Shao, the Minister of Works, passed away. Additionally, Prince Jiong's sons Bing was appointed as the King of Le'an, Ying was appointed as the King of Jiyang, and Chao was appointed as the King of Huainan. That year, twelve provinces faced drought, and six regions were plagued by locusts. Truly, it rained misfortunes!
In the first month of the first year of the Taian era, General Andong and Prince Qiao both passed away. In March, the court granted amnesty to the four states of Sizhou, Jizhou, Yanzhou, and Yuzhou. Oh, the Crown Prince also died; what a chaotic time! In April, a comet could be seen during the day; this is an ominous sign! In May, the Attendant, Grand Chancellor, Minister Over the Masses, and Prince Liang Rong all passed away. Then, Liu Shi, the Right Chief Clerk, was appointed Grand Tutor. Prince Yong of Hejian sent General Ya Bo to Shu to fight Li Te, but he was defeated by Li Te. Li Te seized the opportunity to take control of Zitong and Baxi, and also killed the Administrator of Guanghan, Zhang Wei, and declared himself Grand General, growing increasingly arrogant! On the Guimao day of this month, the son of Prince Qinghe was named Crown Prince, and distributed cloth to the elderly, celebrating for five days. Prince Qi was appointed Grand Preceptor, and Prince Yue of Donghai became Minister of Works. In July, the four states of Yanzhou, Yuzhou, Xuzhou, and Jizhou were flooded again; the disasters just kept coming! In October, there was also an earthquake! On the Dingmao day in December, Prince Yong of Hejian submitted a memorial alleging that Prince Qi was plotting to usurp the throne, with rebellious intentions, and conspiring with Prince Ying of Chengdu, Prince Xin of Xinye, and Prince Xiao of Fanyang in Luoyang, requesting that Qi be deposed and sent home. Prince Yi of Changsha stationed the Emperor's chariot at the Nanzhiche Gate and launched a direct attack on Qi, killing him and imprisoning his sons in Jinyong City, and also deposed Qi's brother, Prince Shi of Beihai. After that, a general amnesty was declared, and the era was changed. Finally, Prince Yi of Changsha was appointed Grand Commandant, in charge of the national military, and the son of Prince Rui of Donglai was made Prince of Qi. On the first day of the first month of the year 291 AD, the court granted amnesty to all criminals who had served less than five years. In March, Li Te captured Yizhou. Song Dai, the Governor of Jingzhou, led troops against Li Te, ultimately killing him and sending his head to the capital.
In April, Li Xiong, the son of Li Te, reoccupied Yizhou. In May, the tribal leader in Yiyang, Zhang Chang, rebelled, appointing Qiushen, a local from Shandu, as the main general. Zhang Chang also had Qiushen change his surname to Liu, proclaiming himself as the Emperor of the Han Dynasty, using the reign title Shenfeng. They attacked and seized several commanderies and counties. The Administrator of Nanyang, Liu Bin, the General of Pingnan, Yang Yi, and the General of Zhennan and King of Xinye, Wang Xin, were all killed by Zhang Chang.
In June, the court sent Liu Hong, the Inspector of Jingzhou, and others to Fangcheng to suppress Zhang Chang, but the imperial army was defeated. In July, the Chancellor, Bian Cui, the Palace Attendant, Feng Sun, and the Intendant of Henan, Li Han, conspired with the King of Changsha, Sima Yi. Suspecting them, Sima Yi had them killed. Zhang Chang seized several commanderies in Jiangnan, and the Administrators of Wuling, Jia Long, Lingling, Kong Hong, Yuzhang, Yan Ji, and Wuchang, Liu Gen, all died at the hands of Zhang Chang. Zhang Chang's subordinate, Shi Bing, attacked Yangzhou, and the Inspector of Yangzhou, Chen Hui, engaged in battle with Shi Bing, leading to a major defeat in which Shi Bing occupied all the commanderies and counties of Yangzhou. Linhuai's Feng Yun also rose against Zhang Chang, attacking Xuzhou from Fuling.
In August, the Prince of Hejian, Sima Yong, and the Prince of Chengdu, Sima Ying, rose against the King of Changsha, Sima Yi. The Emperor designated Sima Yi as the Grand Commander to lead the troops against them. On that day, Liu Hong engaged in battle with Zhang Chang at Qingshui and killed him. Sima Yong sent his generals Zhang Fang, while Sima Ying sent his generals Lu Ji, Qian Xiu, and Shi Chao to attack the capital. The Emperor fled with his army to Shisanli Bridge, dispatching General Huangfu Shang to intercept Zhang Fang in Yiyang. Later, the Emperor returned to Xuanwu Field, and then stayed in the Stone Tower. On that day, the heavens displayed ominous signs, with the sky splitting open and thunder roaring even without clouds.
In September, the emperor reached Heqiao, and Huangfu Shang was defeated by Zhang Fang. The emperor's army arrived at Mangshan, then at Yanshi, and then stayed at Doutian. During this time, the Right Chancellor of the Ministry of Personnel, Xingjin Marquis Yang Xuan, passed away. The emperor returned to the eastern part of the city, then went to Goushi to confront Qianxiu, and drove Qianxiu away. The court issued a nationwide amnesty. Zhang Fang attacked the capital city, burned Qingming Gate and Kaiyang Gate, and killed tens of thousands. Shi Chao approached the emperor's carriage in Goushi. In October, the emperor returned to the imperial palace. Shi Chao burned Goushi, leaving nothing unburned. The court's forces defeated Qianxiu and Sima Xiao, the King of Fanyang, outside Dongyang Gate, defeated Lu Ji at Jianchun Gate, and Shi Chao fled. The court executed Lu Ji's general Jia Chong and sixteen others, displaying their heads on Cangtu Street. Zhang Fang withdrew to Thirteen Li Bridge. In November, stars fell during the day, making sounds like thunder. The court's army attacked Zhang Fang's camp but were unsuccessful. Zhang Fang released the water from Qianjinyan, causing the watermills to run dry. The court ordered the slaves of noble families to mill rice for the army, officials below the first rank were not allowed to fight, and males over thirteen had to serve. Slaves were also conscripted into the army, known as the Four Departments of Sima. The country and the people were impoverished, with a stone of rice priced at ten thousand coins. When the court's orders were issued, the entire city was mobilized. In the evening, a red mist appeared in the sky, accompanied by faint sounds. That day also saw an earthquake. Donghai King Sima Yue captured Changsha King Sima Yi and imprisoned him in Jinyong City, where Zhang Fang ultimately had him executed. The court once again issued a nationwide amnesty. Scholars Zhou Ji from Yangzhou, former Nanping Inspector Wang Ju, and former Wuxing Inspector Gu Mi took up arms against Shi Bing, who retreated from Linhuai to Shouyang. General Liu Zhun sent Guangling Duzhi Chen Min to fight Shi Bing. Li Xiong attacked Yizhou Inspector Luo Shang from Picheng, forcing Luo Shang to abandon Yizhou and flee, with Li Xiong occupying Chengdu. The court appointed Duan Wuchen of the Xianbei as Duke of Liaoxi.
In the first month of Yongxing's first year, Yue Guang passed away. Wang Ying of Chengdu reported to the emperor while in Ye City, and the emperor ordered a general amnesty and changed the era name to Yong'an. The emperor, under pressure from Wang Yu of Hejian, secretly ordered the governors of Yongzhou, Liu Shen, and Qinzhou, Huangfu Zhong, to attack Wang Yu of Hejian. Liu Shen led his troops to attack Chang'an but was defeated by Wang Yu. Zhang Fang looted a lot of items in Luoyang, then returned to Chang'an. The army was starving and resorted to cannibalism. Later, Wang Ying of Chengdu was appointed as Prime Minister. Ying sent the attendant Zhonglang Sheng Kui with fifty thousand soldiers to garrison at twelve city gates. He eliminated all the guards he deemed undesirable and then had three armies take turns guarding. In the second month, the emperor deposed Empress Yang and confined her to Jinyong City, and demoted the crown prince to the title of King of Qinghe. In the third month, Chen Min attacked Shi Bing, killed him, and pacified Yangzhou and Xuzhou. Wang Yu of Hejian petitioned for Chengdu Wang Ying to be appointed as the Crown Prince. The emperor issued a decree stating, "I have been emperor for fifteen years and have made many mistakes; the world is in chaos, with villains emerging one after another, even the imperial palace has been occupied, and the ancestral temple has been desecrated. Chengdu Wang Ying is kind and gentle, pacified the rebellion, and now I will appoint him as the Crown Prince, leading the national army, while the position of Prime Minister remains unchanged." A general amnesty was then declared, three pieces of cloth were distributed to each elderly person, and a five-day feast was held to celebrate. On the same day, items were stolen from the ancestral temple. The Grand Commandant was promoted to Grand Chancellor, and Grand Preceptor Liu Shi was promoted to Grand Commandant. In June, three additional city gates were constructed.
In July, Right Guard General Chen Zhen summoned all officials to the palace on the orders of the emperor, and then led troops to attack Prince Ying of Chengdu. An amnesty was declared, restoring Empress Yang and the Crown Prince's titles. Minister of Works Wang Rong, Prince Chi of Donghai, Prince Jian of Gaomi, Duke Mo of Pingchang, King Yan of Wu, Prince Chi of Yuzhang, Prince Fan of Xiangyang, and Chancellor Xun Fan escorted the emperor north to Anyang, leading an army of more than a hundred thousand. Ying sent his general Shi Chao to confront them. In the battle at Dangyin, they suffered a defeat, with arrows even striking the emperor's horse. The officials scattered, and Ji Shao, an attendant, was killed in battle. The emperor's cheek was injured; he was hit by three arrows and lost six jade seals. The emperor fled to Shi Chao's forces, starving and desperate. Shi Chao gave him water and autumn peaches. Shi Chao sent his brother Xi to escort the emperor to Ye City, where Ying and his ministers awaited him. The emperor got off the carriage and cried, staying the night in Ying's camp. A Nine Gifts ceremony was held at Ying's mansion, and Prince Chenliu even sent clothes and accessories for the emperor. The next day, the emperor officially proceeded to Ye City, accompanied only by Prince Chi of Yuzhang, Minister Wang Rong, and Chancellor Xun Fan. An amnesty was declared, and the era name was changed to Jianwu.
In August, Ying assassinated the King of Dong'an, Yao. Zhang Fang returned to Luoyang and again deposed Empress Yang and Crown Prince Tan. Xiongnu King Liu Yuanhai rebelled in Lishi, proclaiming himself the Grand Chanyu. General Wang Jun of the Northern Army sent Wuhuan cavalry to attack Prince Chengdu Ying, inflicting a crushing defeat on Ying's army. Ying and the Emperor fled back to Luoyang in a carriage, losing everything and bringing very little with them. The chamberlain, Huangmen, had three thousand coins hidden on his person, which the Emperor borrowed for their journey. They bought food along the way, while the palace maids dined at roadside inns. One of the maids offered the Emperor some leftover rice, garlic, salt, and sauce, and he accepted it. The Emperor and the chamberlains wrapped themselves in cloth blankets. Upon reaching Huajia, they bought coarse rice served in clay pots, and the Emperor consumed two pots. An old man brought a steamed chicken, which the Emperor gratefully accepted. In Wen County, preparing to pay respects to their ancestors, the Emperor lost his own shoes and had to wear his attendants' shoes instead. He then offered sacrifices and wept, prompting everyone else to cry along with him. By the Yellow River, Zhang Fang arrived with three thousand cavalrymen in green carriages to welcome the Emperor. Zhang Fang wanted to meet the Emperor, but the Emperor personally intervened to stop him. A general amnesty was proclaimed, and rewards were distributed to those who followed him.
In November, Zhang Fang summoned the emperor to pay respects to his ancestors, then kidnapped the emperor to Chang'an. Zhang Fang rode in a carriage into the palace, while the emperor fled to hide in the bamboo grove of the rear garden. Zhang Fang forced the emperor into the carriage, with only twelve yellow gatekeepers and a few trumpeters in tow, and only Lu Zhi, the Director of the Palace Library, attending to the emperor. Zhang Fang took the emperor to his camp, and the emperor ordered Zhang Fang to prepare carriages and horses to transport palace maids and treasures, while the soldiers plundered the harem and squabbled over the treasury's riches. All treasures amassed since the Wei and Jin dynasties were pillaged. When they reached Xin'an, the weather turned bitterly cold, and the emperor fell off his horse, injuring his foot. Shangshu Gao Guang offered his own clothes to the emperor, who was deeply grateful. Prince Yong of Hejian led thirty thousand infantry to greet the emperor at Bazi. Prince Yong wanted to pay his respects to the emperor, but the emperor halted him. The Western Imperial Court was repurposed as a palace. Only the Director of Retainers Xun Fan, the Chief of the Imperial Guards Liu Tun, the Minister of Ceremonies Zheng Qiu, the Intendant of Henan Zhou Fu, and some officials remained in Luoyang to handle government affairs, referred to as the Eastern and Western Courts. A general amnesty was proclaimed, and the era name was changed to Yong'an. The title of Empress Yang Shi was reinstated. Li Xiong proclaimed himself emperor, styling himself the King of Chengdu, while Liu Yuanhai also declared himself emperor, adopting the title of King of Han.
In December, the emperor issued a decree saying, "Heavenly will has brought disaster to the Jin Dynasty, with no suitable heir. Although Wang Ying of Chengdu is the heir, his governance has been poor, leading to widespread disappointment among the people. He cannot inherit the throne, so let him return to his residence. Prince Chi of Yuzhang is the son of the late emperor, very talented, and widely supported by the people. He is now appointed as the Crown Prince to revitalize the Jin Dynasty. Sikong Yue is appointed as the Grand Tutor, assisting me along with Prime Minister Ye. Minister Wang Rong participates in court affairs, with Wang Yan appointed as the Left Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. Wang Jun and Wang Teng will each guard their respective towns. Prince Jian of Gaomi is appointed as the General of the Southern Garrison, commanding the local garrison stationed in Luoyang; Mo is appointed as the General Who Pacifies the North, stationed in Ye City; Liu Hong guards Jingzhou; Zhou Fu and Miao Yin return to their respective posts, and all officials resume their original positions. Prince Jiong returns to his residence, Prince Yi of Changsha is sentenced to death, and his son Shao is appointed as the Prince of Le Ping County, inheriting his title. In recent years, ongoing wars have severely harmed both the populace and the treasury. The imperial court's expenditures have been reduced by two-thirds, and land taxes have been reduced by one-third. Harsh policies are abolished, the people are cared for, and production is encouraged. After the country is stabilized, we will return to Luoyang." A general amnesty is proclaimed, and the era name is changed. Prince Yong of Hejian is appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of all military affairs.
In the year XXX (specific year based on the original text), on the first day of the first month, the emperor is in Chang'an. By April, the emperor orders the appointment of Sima Shao of Le Ping as Prince of Qi. Later, Zhang Fang deposes Empress Yang, the wife of the late emperor. In June, Wang Rong, the Palace Attendant and Minister of Works, as well as the Marquis of Anfeng, passes away. Han Zhi, the Prefect of Longxi, attacks the Inspector of Qinzhou, Zhang Fu, and kills him. Li Xiong rebels, declaring himself emperor and founding the state of Shu.
In July, several departments in the Ministry of Officials caught fire, and the area around Chongli Gate was engulfed in flames. The Prince of Donghai, Sima Yue, led his troops in the Xu Zhou region, in preparation to welcome the emperor back to Chang'an. The followers of Prince Sima Ying of Chengdu, including Gong Shifan, gathered troops and besieged several counties, killing Li Zhi, the Prefect of Yangping, and Zhang Yan, the Prefect of Ji, before advancing on Ye City. General Zhao Xiang, dispatched by the Pingchang army, defeated them. In August, the court ordered a general amnesty. Sima Xiao, the General of the Valiant Cavalry and Prince of Fanyang, drove off Li Yi, the Inspector of Jizhou. The Inspector of Yangzhou, Cao Wu, killed Zhu Jian, the Prefect of Danyang. Li Xiong sent General Li Xiang to launch an attack on Han'an. Liu Hong, the General of Chariots and Cavalry, defeated Sima Shi, the General of the Southern Expeditions and Prince of Pengcheng, and pursued him to Wancheng.
On the first day of September, Gong Shifan executed Wang Jing, the Prefect of Pingyuan, and Feng Xiong, the Prefect of Qinghe. Afterwards, the Governor of Yuzhou, Liu Qiao, defeated Sima Xiao, the Prince of Fanyang, in Xuchang. Then, the Emperor appointed Sima Ying, the Prince of Chengdu, as the Grand General of the Garrison to command the army in the Hebei region, stationed in Yecheng. The Prince of Hejian, Sima Yong, sent General Lv Lang to station in Luoyang. In October, the Emperor issued a decree, stating: "I have received a report from Liu Qiao, the Governor of Yuzhou, that the Prefect of Yingchuan, Liu Yu, threatened Sima Xiao, the General of Cavalry, disobeyed the imperial orders, spread rumors, occupied territories, and gathered troops, and even appointed Gou Xi as the Governor of Yanzhou, thereby intercepting my orders. Liu Hong, the General of the South Garrison and Governor of Jingzhou, and Sima Shi, the General of Pacification of the South, you shall lead your troops directly to Xuchang to fight alongside Liu Qiao. I am appointing General Zhang Fang as the Grand Commander, leading one hundred thousand elite soldiers, with Lu Lang, the General of Jianwu, Qian Pu, the General of Guangwu, and Diao Mo, the General of Jianwei, as the vanguard, all heading to Xuchang together to punish Liu Yu and his brothers." Afterwards, the Emperor sent Shi Chao, the General of the Front Cavalry, and Wang Chan, the General of the Northern Central Army, to attack Liu Yu and others.
During this period, a crimson mist appeared in the north, spanning east and west, veiling the sky. "A star blazed in the northern sky"; General Song Zhou of the Pingchang Company was stationed at Heqiao. In November, General Zhou Quan forged an edict, claiming himself as General of the West, and reinstated Empress Yang. Luoyang magistrate He Qiao attacked Zhou Quan and promptly executed him, deposing the empress once again. In December, Lv Lang and others marched east and stationed at Xingyang, while Prince Sima Ying of Chengdu was stationed in Luoyang. Meanwhile, Zhang Fang, Liu Hong, and others remained idle, unable to resist. Prince Sima Xiao of Fanyang crossed Guandu, captured Xingyang, killed Shi Chao, attacked Xuchang, and defeated Liu Qiao in Xiaoxian. Liu Qiao fled to Nanyang. Right General Chen Min rebelled, claiming himself as Duke of Chu, and falsely claimed to have an imperial decree, saying he was ordered to welcome the emperor. He drove away the Governor of Yangzhou, Liu Ji, and the Prefect of Danyang, Wang Kuang. He also sent his brother Chen Hui south to attack Jiangzhou, and the Governor of Jiangzhou, Ying Mai, fled to Yiyang.
On the first day of the first month of the first year of Guangxi, a solar eclipse occurred that morning. The emperor was in Chang'an at the time. Prince Yong of Hejian was alarmed upon hearing the news of Liu Qiao's defeat. He quickly executed Zhang Fang and then sought peace with Prince Yue of Donghai, but Yue did not agree. Song Zhou and others defeated the commander Lou Piao of Yingzhou, approaching Luoyang and forcing Prince Sima Ying, the Inspector of Yingzhou, to flee to Chang'an. A few days later, Prince Yue of Donghai sent Qi Hong, Song Zhou, Sima Zuan, and others to welcome the emperor.
In March, County Magistrate Liu Baigen of Donglai County rebelled, declaring himself "Jin Xian Gong," and attacked Linzi, prompting King Sima Jian of Gaomi to flee to Liaocheng. Wang Jun sent troops to suppress Liu Baigen, ultimately resulting in his death. In early April, King Yue of Donghai was stationed in Wen County. Yong dispatched Peng Sui, the Prefect of Hongnong, and Diao Mo, the Prefect of Beidi, to intercept Qi Hong and his forces. In May, unfortunately, the situation was dire; the national treasury in Fanyang caught fire, burning so fiercely that it could have been used to cook meals! Qi Hong and Diao Mo clashed in battle, resulting in a devastating defeat for Diao Mo. Yong and Ying fled to the Nanshan Mountains and eventually made their way to Wancheng. The Xianbei soldiers under Qi Hong rampaged through Chang'an, killing over 20,000 people. On that day, the sunlight spread, appearing red like blood, and a similar phenomenon occurred a few days later. Eventually, they escorted the emperor back to Luoyang; the emperor rode in a bullock cart, and the makeshift palace was so humble that only grass could be laid down, and all the ministers were utterly exhausted.
On the day of Wushen, General of Chariots and Cavalry, Prince of Fanyang, Sima Xiao, killed Xing Qiao, the Colonel of the Capital. On the day of Jiyou, someone stole four golden vessels and four written documents from the ancestral temple. On the first day of the sixth month, the emperor and his entourage finally returned to Chang'an, back to the former palace. The emperor was overcome with grief, then went to the ancestral temple to perform rituals and welcomed back Empress Yang. On the day of Xinwei, a general pardon was declared, and the era name was changed. On the first day of the seventh month, a solar eclipse occurred. Jia Bao, an official of the ancestral temple, stole the sacred vestments and sword from the ancestral temple and was eventually executed. In the eighth month, the Grand Tutor, Prince of Donghai, Yue, was appointed as the Prefect of the Masters of Writing, and General of Chariots and Cavalry, Prince of Fanyang, Sima Xiao, was appointed as the Minister of Construction. In the ninth month, the Administrator of Dunqiu, Feng Song, captured Prince of Chengdu, Sima Ying, and escorted him to Ye city. At the same time, the General of Dongyi, Ma Teng, was promoted to Prince of Dongyan, and the General of Pingchang, Ma Mo, was appointed as Prince of Nanyang. In the tenth month, Minister of Construction, Prince of Fanyang, Sima Xiao, passed away. Liu Yu, the Chief Historian of Sima Xiao, killed Prince of Chengdu, Sima Ying. In the eleventh month, the emperor passed away in the Xianyang Palace at the age of forty-eight and was buried in the Taiyang Tomb.
When Emperor Wu was the Crown Prince, everyone in the court knew that he was incompetent in handling state affairs, and Emperor Wu himself also doubted this. Once, he summoned all the officials of the Eastern Palace and gave the Crown Prince the official documents of the Ministry of Personnel to make decisions, but the Crown Prince couldn't answer. Princess Jia sent people to help answer and often quoted ancient anecdotes. Zhang Hong, the censor, said, "The Crown Prince lacks knowledge and skills, Your Majesty, you should let him handle state affairs directly now, instead of always relying on ancient texts." Princess Jia agreed with Zhang Hong's opinion. Zhang Hong drafted a memorial and had the Crown Prince copy it. Emperor Wu was very pleased after reading it, and the Crown Prince was temporarily secured in his position.
When he became emperor, all the government orders came from his subordinates, the country's discipline deteriorated, bribery ran rampant, those in power oppressed the common people, loyal ministers were sidelined, and rogues rose to power. They mutually recommended and promoted one another, and everyone said it was an era of mutual exchange. Prince Gaoping Shen wrote "On the Times," Lu Bao of Nanyang wrote "On the God of Money," and Du Song of Lujiang wrote "The Chronicles of Renzichun." These were all articles criticizing current politics. Once, Emperor Wu heard a frog croaking in the Hualin Garden and asked those around him, "Is that an official frog or a commoner frog?" Someone replied, "If it croaks within the official's territory, it's an official frog; if it's on private land, it's a commoner frog." As chaos engulfed the realm and the people starved, Emperor Wu asked, "Why not eat meat porridge?" He was utterly deceived. Later, he died from consuming poisoned cakes, and some said it was Sima Yue who poisoned him.
Historians remarked that an unworthy son had ascended to the throne, and power did not come from the emperor himself but was controlled by lowly individuals. The events of Bao Si and Gong Shuduan occurred together, and Queen Xiang and the Quanrong rebelled at the same time. In the past, Dan Zhu was unworthy, and King Nan avoided responsibility. These malevolent actions, impacting the nation's fate like a crumbling mound of earth, will eventually lead to disaster. As the sweltering summer faded, the sound of frogs croaking was heard less, yet this absurd situation ultimately resulted in the emperor's demise. Are truly talented and capable individuals a relic of the past, while those who aid tyranny now dominate the court? Those called loyalists are being eliminated, while those called villains are thriving. The Changle Palace harbors ill omens, and the Chenghua Hall has problems, leading to the suffering of the people and the downfall of the country. The reasons behind the downfalls of those who perished with their nations in ancient times were mostly due to either defying common sense or being incompetent. Had the wise ruler lost his vitality, leaving Emperor Wu oblivious to his own son?
It is said: Emperor Hui holds a position of great power, overseeing court matters. However, he is incompetent and ignorant, with a foolish mindset. Looking down from the high platform at his sons, what injustices linger in the long night? The city of Jin Yong has been destroyed, the crown has been lost, Dangyin City has been breached, and the imperial family has been killed, ultimately resulting in their downfall, with calamities following in quick succession.
