Emperor An, whose name was Sima Dezong, was the son of Emperor Xiaowu. In the twelfth year of Taiyuan, on the Xinsi day of August, he was made Crown Prince. In the twenty-first year, on the Gengshen day of September, Emperor Xiaowu died. The next day, on the Xinyou day, the Crown Prince ascended the throne and became Emperor, and granted a general amnesty. On the Guihai day, Emperor An appointed Sima Daozi, the Minister of Works and Prince of Kuaiji, as Grand Tutor to help govern. On the Jiaxin day of October, Emperor Xiaowu was laid to rest in Longping Mausoleum, and it snowed heavily that day.
On the first day of the first month in the first year of Long'an, Emperor An held a coronation ceremony, officially came of age, and also changed the era name as well, while promoting the ranks of civil and military officials. The Grand Tutor and Prince of Kuaiji, Sima Daozi, returned authority to the emperor. Emperor An then appointed Wang Xun, the Left Chief Clerk of the Imperial Secretariat, as the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, and appointed Wang Guobao, the General Who Establishes Might, as the Left Chief Clerk of the Imperial Secretariat. In the second month, Tu Fa Wugu, under Lu Guang, proclaimed himself Grand Commander and Great Chanyu, establishing the state of Nanliang. Emperor An dispatched troops to defeat Dou Gou, a major general serving Lu Guang, in Jinchang. On the Jiayin day, Emperor An bestowed the title of Grand Empress Dowager upon Empress Dowager Li. On the Wuyou day, Emperor An appointed Wang Shi as Empress. In the third month, Lu Zuan, the son of Lu Guang, was defeated by Qifu Gangui. Duan Ye, under Lu Guang, declared himself Governor of Liangzhou. Murong Bao defeated the Wei army in Ji. On the Jiaxu day in April, Wang Gong, Inspector of Yanzhou, and Yu Kai, Inspector of Yuzhou, rebelled, claiming to be avenging Wang Guobao and Wang Xu, the Left Chief Clerk of the Imperial Secretariat and the General Who Establishes Might. On the Jiashen day, Emperor An killed Wang Guobao and Wang Xu to appease Wang Gong, who subsequently ended his rebellion. On the Wuzi day, a nationwide amnesty was declared. In May, Wang Xin, the former Chief Clerk of the Minister Over the Masses, rebelled in Wu Commandery, and Wang Gong suppressed this rebellion. Murong Xiang, a subordinate of Murong Bao, proclaimed himself emperor in Zhongshan, while Murong Bao escaped to Huanglong. In August, Lu Guang was ambushed by his Chief Clerk Yang Gui and Cavalry Commandant Guo N. Lu Zuan went to confront them but was repelled. In September, Murong Lin, a subordinate of Murong Bao, killed Murong Xiang in Zhongshan and then proclaimed himself emperor. In October, Murong Lin was ultimately defeated by the Wei army.
In the spring of the year 400 AD, in March, there were two dragon boat incidents—what bad luck that was! By the summer in May, Lan Han killed Murong Bao and proclaimed himself Grand General and King of Changli—a bold move! In the autumn of July, Murong Sheng, son of Murong Bao, killed Lan Han and declared himself King of Changle, even calling himself the Emperor—what a chaotic time we’re in! This really ticked off officials like Wang Gong, Yu Kai, Yin Zhongkan, Huan Xuan, and Yang Quanqi, who banded together to rebel! In August, Wang Yu, the Inspector of Jiangzhou, hightailed it to Linchuan. The fighting was brutal; in Guancheng, General Deng Qifang and Murong Fa's general Murong Fa fought a battle, and our army got wiped out! Even worse, on the day of Bing Xu in August, Murong Sheng actually took the throne at Huanglong! That punk Huan Xuan even crushed our army at Baishi! In September, the court rushed to appoint the Grand Tutor and Prince of Kuaiji, Daozi, as the commander, which meant he had to get to work right away! Then they sent the General of Conquering the Barbarians, Prince of Kuaiji's son Yuan Xian, former general Wang Xun, and right general Xie Yan to attack Huan Xuan and his followers. In September, on the day of Ji Hai, Yu Kai got beat at Niuzhu. On the day of Bing Wu, Prince of Kuaiji Daozi set up camp in the central hall, Yuan Xian kept watch over Shitou City, Wang Xun guarded the northern suburbs, Xie Yan watched over Xuanyang Gate, Liu Laozhi led troops in Xinting, and his son Liu Jingxuan defeated Wang Gong, who fled to Qu'a Changtang Lake, where the lake prefect nabbed him and hauled him off to the capital to get his head chopped off.
Afterwards, the court sent the Grand Minister Yin Mao to persuade Yin Zhongkan and Huan Xuan, but these two fled to Xunyang. In the winter of October, there were reports of sightings of Zou Yu in Xinye, though it was uncertain whether it was true or not. On Bingzi Day, the court issued a general amnesty. On Renwu Day, Yin Zhongkan and others formed an alliance in Xunyang, electing Huan Xuan as the leader. In November, the court appointed Prince Dewen of Langye as General of the Guards and Governor of the Palace. Wang Ya became the Supervisor of the Left of the Imperial Secretariat. In the twelfth month of Jichou, King Gei of Wei ascended the throne and proclaimed the era of Tianxing. The people of Jingzhao, led by Wei Hua, rebelled and surrendered to Yao Xing. On Jiyou Day, the former Prefect of Xin'an, Du Jiong, rebelled in Jingkou and was killed by the Crown Prince of Kuaiji, Yuan Xian. Tufa Wugu proclaimed himself the King of Wuwei.
On the eighth day of the first month of the year 394 AD, the Emperor conferred the title of King of Huailing upon the imperial family member Yun. Not long after, on the seventh day of the second month, Prince Zhen of Hejian passed away. Fan Huda of Lin Yi in Vietnam captured Rinan and Jiuzhen commanderies, then moved on to attack Jiaozhi commandery, where the Prefect of Jiaozhi, Du Yuan, defeated them. Duan Ye audaciously declared himself the King of Liang! Yang Sheng of Chouchi sent envoys to pay homage and brought numerous valuable gifts.
On the twenty-second day of the third month, the Emperor posthumously conferred the title of Virtuous Empress Dowager upon his mother, Chen. On the twentieth day of the fourth month, the Emperor promoted Wang Xun to the position of Prefect of the Imperial Secretariat and General of the Guards, and appointed the Crown Prince of Kuaiji, Yuan Xian, as the Inspector of Yangzhou. On the fifth day of the sixth month, Prince Dewen of Langye became the Minister of Works. Murong De captured Qingzhou, killed the Dragon Cavalry General Bilu Hun, and then proclaimed himself Emperor in Guanggu, demonstrating remarkable audacity! In the autumn of August, Tufa Wugu passed away, and his brother Lilugu succeeded him as king, continuing his brother's rebellious activities.
In October, during the winter, Yao Xing captured Luoyang and also arrested the Governor of Henan, Xin Gongjing. On the first day of November, the villainous bandit Sun En captured Kuaiji, where Neishi Wang Ningzhi was killed. Neishi Huan Qian of Wu, Linhai Governor Wang Chong of Xincai, and Yixing Governor Wei Yin all abandoned their posts and fled, while Xie Miao, the Governor of Wuxing, and Sima Yi, the Governor of Yongjia, were both killed by Sun En. The court quickly dispatched General Wei Xian and Assistant General Liu Laozhi to confront and drive away Sun En.
In December, Huan Xuan attacked Jiangling, where the Governor of Jingzhou, Yin Zhongkan, and the Nanman Colonel Yang Quanqi were both killed by him. Lu Guang named his son Lu Shao as the Heavenly King, but he died on the very same day, and Lu Zuan killed Lu Shao, proclaiming himself as the Heavenly King. That year, Jingzhou experienced a massive flood, with water levels rising to three zhang, inundating the flatlands!
On the day of Yihai in the spring of 397 AD, the court declared a nationwide amnesty. In the second month of Jichou, a star suddenly appeared near the Kui Lou asterism, then moved all the way to the Zi Wei asterism. In the third month, a comet was sighted near the Tai Wei asterism. By the summer of the fourth month, an earthquake occurred. Sun En's group attacked Jia Kou. On the day of Bingyin in May, the Cavalier Attendant, Wei General, and Duke of Dongting, Wang Xun, passed away. On the day of Jimao in May, Neishi Xie Yan of Kuaiji was defeated by Sun En and died in battle. Sun En then went on to attack Linhai. On the first day of the sixth month, there was a solar eclipse, along with a severe drought. Assistant General Liu Yu, in charge of assisting the country, defeated Sun En in Nanshan. Sun En's subordinate Lu Xun captured Guangling, resulting in the deaths of more than three thousand individuals. The court appointed Prince Shi Hecheng of Langye as the Left Minister of the Imperial Secretariat.
In the autumn of the seventh month, Empress Dowager Li Shi passed away. In the seventh month of Ding Mao, the court issued another decree for a general amnesty throughout the country. During this month, Yao Xing launched an attack on Qifu Gangui, who ultimately surrendered. In the eighth month of Ding Hai, the Right Minister Wang Ya passed away. In the eighth month of Ren Yin, Empress Wen was interred at Xiuping Mausoleum. In the ninth month of Gui Chou, another earthquake occurred. In the winter of November, General Ning Shuo Gao Yazhi and Sun En fought in Yuyao, and the court's forces were defeated. The court appointed Yuan Xian, the governor of Yangzhou, as the General-in-Chief and the Supervisor of the Left, and also appointed the former general Liu Laozhi as the General of the North. Additionally, Yuan Xian's son, Yuan Yanzhang, was granted the title of Prince of Donghai. In the twelfth month of Wu Yin, a star unexpectedly appeared near the Tian Shi constellation. That year, several counties in the Hebei region proclaimed their support for Li Xuansheng as the Governor of Qin and Liang, adopting the reign title of Geng Zi.
In the spring of 385 AD, on the day of Bing Zi in the second month, Sun En attacked Jia Kou again. At this point, Lv Chao murdered Lv Zuan, and then his brother Lv Long usurped the throne, declared himself emperor, and proclaimed himself king.
On the day of Jia Yin in March, many stars were racing westward and passed through the ancient constellation Taiwei. In May, Sun En attacked the Wu state at Hudu. The Wu state's Interior Minister, Yuan Shansong, was killed in battle. At the same time, Juqu Mengxun killed Duan Ye and proclaimed himself Grand General and Governor of Beiliang. On the day of Jia Xu in June, Sun En arrived at Dantu. The next day, all officials were on high alert, taking refuge in government buildings. General Gao Su and General Zhang Chong were stationed at Shitou City, General Liu Xi set up defenses at the Huai River's mouth, General Sima Huizhi stationed his troops on the southern bank, General Huan Qian, General Sima Yunzhi, and General Mao Sui defended at Baishi, and General Wang Gu and General Kong Anguo were stationed at Zhonghuang Hall. The Governor of Yuzhou, Prince Qiao Shangzhi, was summoned to defend the capital. General Gao Yazhi went to Yuzhou to confront Sun En but was captured.
In July, Duan Ji killed Murong Sheng, and Murong Xixi wiped out the entire Duan clan, then declared himself emperor. In September, Lv Long defected to Yao Xing. In October, Yao Xing led troops to attack the Wei state but returned in defeat. This year saw a famine, prompting the court to ban brewing alcohol.
On January 1st, 401 AD, the court declared a general amnesty and changed the era name. Yuan Xian was appointed as the Grand General of the Cavalry and Commander-in-Chief of the Expedition, to lead troops against Huan Xuan. Liu Laozhi served as the vanguard for Yuan Xian, while Prince Qiao Shangzhi commanded the rear forces.
On the 13th day of the second month, the emperor wore armor and held a farewell ceremony for Yuan Xian at the West Pond. On the 14th day, Prince Qi Rouzhi, who held the dual role of attendant-in-chief, took the Zouyu flag to announce the news of the campaign against Huan Xuan in Jingzhou and Jiangzhou. On the 16th day, tragic news came: Huan Xuan defeated the imperial army in Gushu, and Princes Shangzhi and Rouzhi both died in battle. Afterwards, Wu Yinzhi was appointed as the Commander of military affairs in Jiaoguang, Guangzhou, and the Governor of Guangzhou.
On the 8th day of the third month, Liu Laozhi unexpectedly betrayed and surrendered to Huan Xuan! On the 12th day, the imperial army suffered a disastrous defeat at Xinting, and General Yuan Xian, Prince Yanzhang of Donghai, General Maotai, and General Maosui all died in battle. On the 13th day, Huan Xuan declared himself as the attendant-in-chief, prime minister, and director of the Secretariat, and appointed Huan Qian as the Supervisor of the Secretariat, deposing Prince Daozi of Kuaiji to Ancheng. In an even more alarming move, Huan Xuan also gave himself the titles of Grand Commandant and Governor of Yangzhou, further consolidating his power, and appointed Prince Dewen of Langye as Grand Preceptor. Worth mentioning is that Xing Jing, the Prefect of Linhai, defeated and killed Sun En. This month, Tufa Lilugu died, and his brother Nuo Tan succeeded him.
On the 8th day of the seventh month, Prince Chong of Xincai was murdered by his own slave. On the 7th day of the eighth month, there was a fire in the lower offices of the Secretariat. In October, Liu Gui, the Inspector of Jizhou, defected to Murong De. On the 27th day of the twelfth month, Prince Daozi of Kuaiji was killed by Huan Xuan. The court declared a general amnesty, pardoning those who committed serious crimes in the Guangling and Pengcheng regions.
In the spring of the year 402 AD, on a specific date in the second month, General Jianwei Liu Yu defeated Xu Daofu in Dongyang. On a specific date in the second month, Huan Xuan proclaimed himself as the Grand General, with great arrogance! On a specific date in the fourth month, the Inspector of Jizhou, Sun Wuzhong, was killed by Huan Xuan.
In the summer, on the new moon day in April (specific date), there was also a solar eclipse that day, which was pretty scary. In autumn, in August, Huan Xuan once again promoted himself, claiming the titles of Prime Minister and King of Chu; he was really ambitious. In September, the governor of Nanyang, Yu Ze, led a rebellion, but Huan Xuan crushed it. In winter, on the day of Renwu in November (specific date), Huan Xuan moved the emperor to Yong'an Palace and put him under house arrest. On the day of Guiwei (specific date), he moved the ancestral tablets of the imperial shrine to the state of Langya, which was a huge disrespect!
On the day of Renchen in December (specific date), Huan Xuan finally succeeded in usurping the throne and demoted the emperor to the title of Prince of Pinggu. On the day of Xinhai (specific date), the emperor secretly escaped to Xunyang, managing to dodge disaster for now.
In the spring of 404 AD, in February, the emperor was in Xunyang. On the night of Gengyin, the Yangtze River rose up and flooded Shicheng, wiping out a lot of homes and taking many lives. The next day, on Yimao, General Liu Yu of Jianwu allied with Liu Yi of Pei and He Wuji of Donghai to raise troops against Huan Xuan. On the day of Bingchen, Liu Yu beheaded Huan Xuan's appointed governor of Xuzhou, Huan Xiu, at Jingkou, and killed Huan Hong, the governor of Qingzhou, in Guangling. On the day of Dingsi, the rebel army crossed the Yangtze River.
On the day of Wuwu in March, Liu Yu kil
On the Xinwei day, Huan Xuan forced the emperor to flee west. On the Bingxu day, the emperor secretly issued a decree, stating that he was being forced by Huan Xuan, the court was in disarray, and ordered King Zun of Wuling to manage state affairs as per tradition, granting him the title of Shizhong, while all other official positions stayed the same. At the same time, he ordered a general amnesty, forgiving all those guilty of rebellion and treason, with the exception of Huan Xuan and his family members.
On the Jichou day in April, the Grand General and King Zun of Wuling took charge of the court and managed state affairs. On the Gengyin day, the emperor arrived in Jiangling. On the Gengxu day, General He Wuji and General Liu Daogui engaged in battle with Huan Xuan's generals Yu Zhi and He Dan at Penkou, winning a decisive victory. Huan Xuan once again compelled the emperor to flee east. On the Guiyou day in May, General Liu Yi fought against Huan Xuan at Zhengrongzhou and defeated him once more. On the Jimao day, the emperor fled to Jiangling again. On the Xinsi day, Wang Kangchan, the deputy magistrate of Jingzhou, and Wang Tengzhi, the governor of Nanjun, escorted the emperor to reside in Nanjun. On the Renwu day, the supervisor Feng Qian defeated Huan Xuan at Mopan Island. The emperor regained control of the government in Jiangling.
On the Jiashen day, the emperor issued a decree stating: "Acts of treachery and evil have seized power since ancient times. I cannot stop this trend, which has led to displacement. Fortunately, General Liu Yu is both valiant and loyal, and Champion General Liu Yi and others are devoted and united in their plans. The righteous army has gained significant momentum, and the people have responded, restoring stability to the state and bringing joy to the people. Therefore, I grant a general amnesty to all who were coerced into submitting to the rebels; they will not be held accountable." On the Wuyin day, the emperor welcomed the ancestral tablet back to the Imperial Ancestral Temple. On the Jichou day in the intercalary month, Huan Xuan's former general, General Huan Zhen, captured Jiangling, and Liu Yi and He Wuji retreated to Xunyang, with the emperor falling into enemy hands once again. In June, the Inspector of Yizhou, Mao Qu, launched a campaign against the false Inspector of Liangzhou, Huan Xi, and had him executed.
On the Wushen day in July, Empress He of Yong'an passed away. On the Guiyou day in August, Empress Zhang, consort of Emperor Mu, was buried beside him in Yongping Mausoleum. In September, former Court Attendant Diao Cheng and Secretary Wang Mai plotted a rebellion and were executed. In October, Lu Xun attacked Guangzhou and defeated the provincial governor, Wu Yinzhi, capturing the magistrate of Shixing, Ruan Tian, before returning. Murong De died, and his nephew Murong Chao took over his false title.
In January 404, the emperor was in Jiangling. Lu Zongzhi, governor of Nanyang, rebelled and seized Xiangyang. A few days later, Liu Yi's army was stationed at Matou. Huan Zhen ensured the emperor stayed in Jiangjin. Subsequently, Lu Zongzhi defeated Huan Zhen's general Wen Kai and continued advancing to Jin Nan, but was eventually defeated by Huan Zhen. Liu Daogui defeated Huan Qian, who fled. The emperor and the Wang of Langya boarded Liu Daogui's ship, preparing to head back to the capital.
The emperor issued an edict saying: "I lack virtue and hastily inherited the throne, failing to govern the country well and unable to stop the chaos caused by wicked people. The traitor Huan Xuan seized the opportunity, deceived the people, and seized the throne. I was forced to flee and found myself in a remote region. The empire established by my predecessor is on the verge of collapse. Thanks to the loyal and courageous General Liu Yu, whose wisdom and strategic acumen are unmatched, he rallied the righteous, moving everyone with his tears and solemn oath. With a wave of his hand, he commanded his troops, and the traitors were swiftly defeated; all evildoers were executed. However, Huan Zhen rose once more, wreaking havoc in Jingzhou and Yingzhou. Fortunately, with the blessings of the heavens, the righteous army scored successive victories, the rebels were defeated, and I was able to reclaim the throne. This is all due to the blessings of the ancestral spirits and the dedication of the loyal soldiers. This merit is not mine alone; I will share this era of peace and prosperity with all our people. Therefore, I hereby declare a general amnesty and a change of era, excluding only Huan Xuan, Huan Zhen, and their associates from the pardon. All officials are promoted by two ranks, and each widow, widower, orphan, and poor person will receive five bushels of grain, and a grand feast will be held nationwide for five days."
In February, the officials left behind prepared carriages to welcome the emperor back to Jiangling. The Prefect of Hongnong, Dai Ning, the Chief Clerk of Jianwei, Xu Huizi, and others conspired to rebel, but they were killed. Colonel Qiao Zong killed General Mao Qu, the Inspector of Yizhou, and then rebelled in Shu. In March, Huan Zhen launched another attack on Jiangling, and the Inspector of Jingzhou, Sima Xiuzhi, fled to Xiangyang. General Liu Huaisu of Jianwei attacked and killed Huan Zhen. The emperor returned to Jiangling. The officials gathered in court to plead guilty, but the emperor replied, "This is not your fault; you may return to your duties!" The emperor conducted a three-day funeral for Empress Zhang in the West Hall. Liu Yu, He Wuji, and others submitted their resignations, but the emperor refused. Later, the emperor appointed the Prince of Langye as Grand Marshal, the Prince of Wuling as Grand Preceptor, and Liu Yu as Palace Attendant, General of Chariots and Cavalry, and Commander-in-Chief of all military affairs. The emperor issued a decree stating, "Since the country has faced this turmoil, talent has withered, yet the country's expenses remain unchanged. Some expenses should be reduced." In April, Liu Yu returned to guard Jingkou. In May, the use of silk fans and chupu games was banned. General Xiu, the Prince of Zhaowu, and Inspector Sima Gui of Yizhou conspired to rebel and were executed. Huan Xuan's former subordinates—Huan Liang, Fu Hong, and Diao Yu—attacked Xiangzhou but were repelled by the defending forces. In August, Prince Xiu of Linchuan was named King of Kuaiji. In November, Qifu Gangui attacked Chouchi, but Yang Sheng, the Duke of Chouchi, defeated him. That year, King Xuan Sheng of Liang sent envoys to pay tribute and offer allegiance.
In the spring of the year 402 AD, in the first month of the lunar calendar, Sima Rongqi, the Governor of Yizhou, defeated Qiao Zong's son Qiao Ziming in Baidi City. In the summer of May, Emperor Jin An appointed Prince Falian of Gaomi as the King of Gaoyang. In late summer, in July, the Governor of Liangzhou, Yang Zi, was found guilty of a crime and executed. In the winter of October, the court conferred the title of Duke of Yuzhang County upon General Charioteer Liu Yu, General of the Army Liu Yi to Duke of Nanping County, General He Wuji to Duke of Ancheng County, and others also received rewards. On the Yi Hai day, Emperor Jin An appointed Kong Anguo as the Left Chancellor of the Imperial Secretariat. In December, the Prefect of Lingling, Ruan Ye, was assassinated.
In the spring of the year 403 AD, on the Jiyou day in February, General Charioteer Liu Yu came to the capital to meet the Emperor. Subsequently, Yin Zhongwen, the Prefect of Dongyang, Yin Shuwen, the Colonel of Nanman, Yin Daoshu, the Prefect of Jinling, and Luo Qiu, the Prefect of Yongjia, were all executed. On the day of Jichou, the court declared a nationwide amnesty and lifted the alcohol ban. In the summer of May, a devastating flood struck. In June, Yao Xing's subordinate, Helian Bobo, proclaimed himself emperor in Shuofang, adopting the title 'Xia.' In late summer, in July, on the day of Wuxu, a solar eclipse occurred. Prince Zun of Runan was executed for a crime. In August, the court sent General Liu Jingxuan to oversee military campaigns in Shu. In the winter of November, Helian Bobo defeated Tuoba Nuliantan, who fled to the Nanshan Mountains. In this year, Gao Yun and Feng Ba killed Murong Xi, and Gao Yun seized the throne and proclaimed himself emperor.
In the first month of the year 404 AD, Emperor Jin An appointed Prince Langye Dewen as the Minister of State, and General Liu Yu as the Governor of Yangzhou and concurrently in charge of the Ministry of Personnel. On the Gengshen day, the attendant, Grand Guardian, and Prince of Wuling, Zu Zun, passed away. In the fourth month of summer, the Chief Minister of the Left, Kong Anguo, passed away. On the Jiawu day, Emperor Jin An promoted the Minister of Personnel, Meng Chang, to Chief Clerk of the Left. On the Guichou day in the winter of the eleventh month, there was a thunderstorm. Liangzhou Governor Yang Siping was found guilty of a crime and executed. On the Xinmao day, a fierce wind blew down trees. In this month, Tuoba Nuotan usurped the throne and declared himself King of Liang. In the twelfth month, Prince of Chenliu, Cao Lingdan, passed away.
In the spring of 420 AD, on the Xinmao day in the first month, the court announced a general amnesty across the realm. On the Gengxu day, the court appointed General Liu Yi as Guard General and also appointed him as General of the Household, while promoting General He Wuji to General Who Pacifies the South. On the Wuxu day, an earthquake occurred in the Xunyang region.
In the second month, Murong Chao sent General Murong Xingzong to attack Suyu, leading to the capture of Liu Qianzai, the Prefect of Suyu, and Zhao Yuan, the Prefect of Nanyang. On the Jihai day in the third month, a heavy snowfall blanketed the area with several feet of snow. General Liu Yu launched an attack against Murong Chao.
By the Bingyin day in the sixth month of summer, even the ancestral temple shook with an earthquake! This was significant! Liu Yu achieved a decisive victory over Murong Chao's forces in the Linqu region. In the seventh month of autumn, Yao Xing's subordinate Qifu Gangui proclaimed himself as the King of Western Qin in Yuanchuan; this was an outright act of rebellion! On the Wuchen day in the ninth month, Li Ban killed Gao Yun, and Gao Yun's subordinate Feng Ba immediately led his troops to confront Li Ban and killed him. Feng Ba usurped the throne and continued to rule under the title of Yan. In the tenth month of winter, Wei's Prince of Qinghe, Shao, murdered his emperor, Gui.
In the spring of the year 402, on the Dinghai day in the second month, Liu Yu launched an attack against Murong Chao and emerged victorious, pacifying all of Qi. Also in this month, Lu Xun, the Governor of Guangzhou, rebelled and besieged Jiangzhou.
In March, Tu Fa Nuo Tan and Ju Qu Meng Xun engaged in battle at Qiongquan, and Tu Fa Nuo Tan lost. On the Ren Shen day, General Zhen Nan and Governor of Jiangzhou He Wuji fought against Lu Xun in Yuzhang, and the imperial army was defeated, and He Wuji was killed in action. In April of summer, Governors of Qingzhou Zhuge Changmin, Yanzhou Liu Fan, and Bingzhou Liu Daolian all entered the capital to guard the court. On the Bing Zi day in May, a strong wind blew down all the trees. On the Wu Zi day, General Wei Liu Yi fought against Lu Xun at Sangluo Island, and the imperial army lost again. Minister of Works Meng Chang was so scared that he committed suicide. On the Ji Wei day, the court declared a nationwide amnesty. On the Yi Chou day, Lu Xun arrived at Huaikou, and security measures were heightened both inside and outside the court. Grand Marshal and Prince De Wen of Langye was responsible for supervising military affairs in the palace, based at Zhonghuang Hall; Grand Commandant Liu Yu was stationed at Shitou City; Prince of Liang Zhenzhi was stationed at Nanye Gate; Champion General Liu Jingxuan was deployed at Beijiao; Assistant General Meng Huaiyu was stationed at Nan'an; Martial General Wang Zhongde was stationed at Yuecheng; General of Guangwu Liu Huaimo was stationed at Jianyang Gate; and at Huaikou, three camps were established at Zha Pu, Yao Yuan, and Ting Wei to resist Lu Xun. On the Bing Yin day, the Chiwei, the decorative ridge on the roof, was hit by lightning.
In the autumn of the seventh month of the Gengshen year, Lu Xun fled. On the Jiazi day, the court sent General Wang Zhongde, Governor Liu Zhong of Guangchuan, and others such as Minister Kuai En of Hejian to lead troops to pursue him. In that month, Lu Xun attacked Jingzhou again, but was defeated by Liu Daogui, the Jingzhou Inspector, and Lu Zongzhi, the Yongzhou Inspector. Lu Xun was also defeated by Xu Daofu at Huarong before fleeing to Xunyang. In August, Yao Xing sent General Huan Qian to attack Jiangling, but Liu Daogui managed to defeat him. In winter, in November, the bandit Qiao Zong from Shu seized Badong, and the defending generals Wen Zuo and Shi Yanzu fell in battle. On the Renchen day in December, Liu Yu defeated Lu Xun in Yuzhang.
In the spring of 407 AD, on the Renwu day in February, General Liu Fan was killed in Shixing, and his head was sent to the capital. By summer in April, Lu Xun fled to Jiaozhou, where Inspector Du Huidu killed him. In the autumn, on the Dingmao day in July, Liu Daogui, the Inspector of Jingzhou, was appointed as the Grand General of the West Expedition, with the rank of Minister of the Three Departments, achieving a lofty official rank! In winter, in October, Juqu Mengxun attacked Liangzhou, where Wang Xuan of Liangzhou fought him but ultimately lost.
In the spring of the year 408, on the day of Bingzi in the second month, Kong Jing, the governor of Wuxing, was appointed as the Right Minister of Personnel. On the day of Jiayin in the third month, the ground in Shanyin sank four feet, making a sound like thunder, which frightened everyone! In the summer, in the fifth month, members of the Qifu clan killed Qifu Qiangui, and Qiangui's son Qifu Chipan killed members of the Qifu clan and usurped the throne, declaring himself emperor. In June, General Lu Zongzhi was promoted to General of the Northern Frontier. In the autumn, on the day of Jiawu in July, King Wuling, Jidu, passed away. On the day of Gengzi, General Liu Daogui, the General of the Western Expedition, also died. In August, Empress Wang died. On the day of Xinhai, King Gao Mi, Chunzhi, also died; a lot of notable figures died this month! On the day of Guiyou in September, Empress Xi was laid to rest at Xiupingling. On the day of Jimao, Grand Marshal Liu Yu executed Right General and Governor of Yanzhou Liu Fan, along with Left Minister of Personnel Xie Hun. On the day of Gengchen, Liu Yu forged an imperial edict saying: “Liu Yi harbored treasonous intentions and plotted a rebellion, and Liu Fan and Xie Hun assisted him in his treason, which is a grave crime. Thanks to my wisdom and military prowess, I quelled the rebellion and killed these villains, allowing the state to achieve peace. To demonstrate my mercy, I have decided to grant a general amnesty, with the exception of Liu Yi. All civil and military officials will be promoted one rank. Those loyal and filial, as well as talented individuals who have remained in obscurity, will also be rewarded with important positions.” On the day of Jichou, Liu Yu led troops to attack Liu Yi. Liu Yu's advisor, Wang Zhen'e, captured Jiangling City, and Liu Yi committed suicide. In the winter, in November, Juqu Mengxun proclaimed himself King of Hexi. In December, Governor of Xiling Zhu Lingshi was appointed as General Jianwei and Governor of Yizhou, leading an army to campaign against the Shu Kingdom. Jingzhou was subdivided into ten counties, establishing Xiangzhou. That year, Luling and Nankang experienced four earthquakes.
In the year 408 AD (Ninth Year), on the third day of the third month, Liu Yu killed former generals Zhuge Changmin and his brother Zhuge Limin, as well as their cousin General Zhuge Xiuzhi. Three days later, Liu Yu was promoted and appointed as General of the Western Territories and Governor of Yuzhou Province. At the same time, Fan Hudai from Linyi revolted in Jiuzhen and was executed by Du Huidu, the Governor of Jiaozhou. On the ninth day of the fourth month, the court ordered that forty acres of arable land previously used by Empress Lin Yi and Empress Hushu be granted to the poor, and lifted the restrictions on lakes. Lu Zongzhi, the General of the North, was granted the title of Duke of Nanyang. In July, Zhu Lingshi captured Chengdu, killed Qiao Zong, effectively pacifying Yizhou. In September, Liu Yu's second son, Liu Yizhen, was granted the title of Duke of Guiyang. At the end of the year in December, Prince Qiu of Anping passed away. That year, Goguryeo, Wa, and the Copperhead Masters from the Southwest all sent tributes.
In the year 409 AD (Tenth Year), on the fifth day of the third month, an earthquake struck. In June, Qifu Chipan led his troops to defeat Tufa Nuo Tan, effectively destroying his kingdom. In July, a strong wind blew in northern Huai, toppling many houses. On the first day of the ninth month, a solar eclipse occurred. Linyi also sent envoys to offer tributes. That year, the East Palace was built.
In 410 AD (the eleventh year), in the first month, the Governor of Jingzhou, Sima Xiuzhi, and the Governor of Yongzhou, Lu Zongzhi, rebelled against Liu Yu. Liu Yu personally led troops to suppress them. On the seventeenth day of the first month, a general amnesty was declared throughout the country. On the twenty-second day of the first month, Xie Yu was appointed as the Left Deputy of the Imperial Secretariat. On the sixteenth day of the second month, the Emperor of Later Qin, Yao Xing, died, and his son Yao Hong succeeded him. On the eighth day of the third month, Prince Huailing, Liu Yun, died. On the ninth day of the third month, Liu Yu and Sima Xiuzhi fought a battle at Jiangjin, where Sima Xiuzhi was defeated and subsequently fled to Xiangyang City. On the second day of the fourth month, Liu Jingxuan, the Governors of Qingzhou and Jizhou, was killed by his aide, Sima Dao. On the seventh day of the fifth month, two comets were sighted. On the fifteenth day of the fifth month, Sima Xiuzhi and Lu Zongzhi fled to Later Qin under Yao Hong. In recognition of his achievements in pacifying Shu, Liu Yu's son Liu Yilong was appointed as the Duke of Pengcheng, and Zhu Lingshi was appointed as the Duke of Fengcheng. On the twenty-first day of the fifth month, Huoshan Mountain collapsed, revealing six bronze bells. On the sixth day of the seventh month, the capital experienced a major flood, and the ancestral temple was flooded. On the eleventh day of the seventh month, there was a solar eclipse. On the sixteenth day of the eighth month, Xie Yu, the Left Deputy of the Imperial Secretariat, died, and Liu Muzhi succeeded him. On the eighteenth day of the ninth month, a general amnesty was declared once again throughout the country.
In 412 AD, in the first month, Yao Hong sent General Lu Gui to attack Xiangyang, but he was repelled by the Governor of Yongzhou, Zhao Lun. By February, Liu Yu was further appointed as the Grand Commander of the Central and Outlying Regions, increasing his power. In June, Helian Bobo attacked Qinzhou under Yao Hong's control and occupied it. On the same day, the newly appointed Prefect of the Imperial Clan, Duke of Duxiangting, Liu Liu, died. In August, Liu Yu and Prince of Langye, De Wen, led troops to suppress Yao Hong. On Bingwu Day, the court ordered a general amnesty. On Bingyin Day in October, Yao Hong's General Yao Guang surrendered with Luoyang. On Jichou Day, the court sent Huai, the Minister of Works and Prince of Gaomi, to pay respects at five tombs.
In the first month of 413 AD, a solar eclipse occurred. In the second month, Li Xuansheng, known as King Wuzhao of Liangzhou, died, and his son Li Shiye succeeded him, becoming the Governor of Liangzhou, also known as Liang Gong. In the third month, General Wang Zhen'e achieved a decisive victory over General Yao Shao at Tongguan. In the summer, Liu Yu defeated General E Qing of the Kingdom of Wei at Hequ, and also killed E Qing's subordinate General Abaogan. In the same month, Li Shiye, now known as Liang Gong, defeated Juqu Mengxun at Xianzhijian. In May, Liu Yu captured Tongguan. On Dinghai day, King Xiuzhi of Kuaiji died. On Guihai day in the sixth month, the Linyi Kingdom presented a trained elephant and a white parrot as tribute. In July, Liu Yu captured Chang'an, seized Yao Hong, and brought back all of Yao Hong's treasures to the capital. The pirate Xu Daoqi from Nanhai seized control of Guangzhou but was quickly subdued by Liu Qianzhi, the Prefect of Shixing. On Xinwei day in November, the Left Supervisor and former General Liu Muzhi died.
On Xinsi day in the first month of 414 AD, the court issued a general amnesty. The Inspector of Qingzhou, Shen Tianzi, killed General Wang Zhen'e in Chang'an. In June, Liu Yu was appointed as the Grand Minister and was also titled as the Duke of Song, further elevating his status. In October, Li Shiye, Liang Gong, was appointed as the General of the West and titled as the Duke of Jiuquan. In November, Helian Bobo defeated Liu Yu's army north of Qingni. The Inspector of Yongzhou, Zhu Lingshi, set fire to the palace in Chang'an and fled to Tongguan. He was later defeated, and Zhu Lingshi was killed in battle. On Wuyin day in the twelfth month, the Emperor died at thirty-seven and was buried in Xiuping Tomb.
The emperor wasn't kind to me. From childhood to adulthood, I was unable to express my feelings. None of my actions were truly my own. That’s why, when Huan Xuan usurped the throne, I managed to save my life. At that time, the prophecy stated, "After Changming, there will be two emperors." Liu Yu planned to seize power and become emperor, so he secretly sent Wang Shaozhi to strangle the emperor, then crowned Emperor Gong, thus fulfilling the prophecy of "two emperors."
Liu Yu was ruthless enough to kill the emperor outright in order to fulfill the prophecy. Just think about it: an emperor who has been mute since childhood is essentially a puppet, controlled by others. When Huan Xuan usurped the throne, he had no way to resist and could only accept his fate. Being in this emperor's position must have been incredibly stifling! Prophecies can sometimes be surprisingly accurate, but behind this accuracy lies a bloody political upheaval. Poor emperor, born in the wrong era!
Emperor Gong, whose personal name was Dewen and courtesy name was also Dewen, was the younger brother of Emperor An. He was initially titled Prince of Langye, and later rose through the ranks to become General of the Central Army, Cavalier Attendant-in-ordinary, General of the Guards, and was appointed Minister of Works and also held the title of Attendant. In the early years of Yuanxing, he was promoted to Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry.
After Huan Xuan took power, Emperor Gong was promoted to Grand Preceptor and wore embroidered ceremonial robes with a green silk sash. After Huan Xuan usurped the throne, Emperor Gong was demoted to Duke of Shi Yang County and lived in Xunyang with Emperor An. After Huan Xuan's downfall, they both fled to Jiangling. After Huan Xuan's death, Huan Zhen suddenly rushed in, riding a horse and brandishing weapons, charging down the steps, glaring at Emperor An and saying, "What has my Huan family done to deserve this slaughter?" Emperor An got out of bed and said to Huan Zhen, "That’s not what we intended, brother!" Huan Zhen then dismounted and bowed.
After Huan Zhen was quelled, Emperor Gong restored the title of King of Langya and took up the position of Prefect of Xuzhou. Soon, he was appointed as Grand Marshal, concurrently serving as Minister of State, and was granted special privileges. In the fifth year of Yixi, the court added one person each to the positions of Chief Clerk, General, and Junior Official on his behalf, and granted him the ceremonial escort of feathered banners and drums.
In the twelfth year of Yixi, the court issued a decree stating: "The Grand Marshal possesses noble virtue, is close to talented individuals, and the Grand General has distinguished achievements. All of this conforms to the norms of propriety, harmonizing yin and yang, with a wealth of talent aspiring to assist the court. However, they have been overly modest, shutting their doors to visitors. While this is in line with the virtue of humility, it contradicts the need to timely employ talented individuals and assist in national governance. In the past, summoning talents with splendid carriages led to an abundance of talented individuals. When Prince Dongping opened his office, many excellent talents came to him, which was truly an unprecedented sight, and I greatly admire this. I command the two offices to continue summoning talents according to past practices, ensuring the selection of outstanding individuals to inherit the achievements of former sages." Thus, Emperor Gong began to summon his subordinates.
At that time, Grand General Liu Yu commanded the national army, and the court issued a decree stating: "The Grand Marshal holds a revered position and bears significant responsibilities. Be close to talented individuals and do not have divided loyalties. Although the affairs of the office require your attention, you do not need to personally attend court." When Liu Yu was on his northern expedition, Emperor Gong submitted a request to lead the troops under his command to the front lines and to offer sacrifices at the ancestral tombs. The court approved his request, and he set out with Liu Yu.
Later, relevant departments believed that one could not offer sacrifices to the tombs while on expedition. Emperor Gong again submitted a letter saying: "I have been entrusted with a heavy responsibility and will endure wind, frost, rain, and snow. I cannot personally offer sacrifices to my ancestors, which fills me with great guilt. I earnestly request your grace to allow me to complete the sacrifices, so that I can alleviate my inner regret." The court approved his request. After the fall of Yao Hong, Emperor Gong returned to the capital.
On Wuyin day in the twelfth month of the fourteenth year of Yixi, Emperor An passed away. Liu Yu forged Emperor An's will, stating: "Our Jin Dynasty, blessed by heaven, rules the world and enjoys a prosperous national fortune. Due to my insufficient virtue, the state has encountered many difficulties. Fortunately, with the assistance of my ministers, I have managed to navigate the crisis. With their help, we have ultimately quelled the rebellion, restored the imperial throne, and unified the nation. Just as I was preparing to rely on talented individuals to create new great achievements, I unfortunately fell ill, and my condition has worsened; I fear I may not recover. It is right for me to rely on the protection of my ancestors and to appoint the worthy. You, Grand Marshal Wang of Langya, inherit the will of the late emperor, possess exemplary character, and are the heir to the state, well-regarded by the people. You should take the throne, honor our ancestors, govern the realm, and bring stability to the world, so as not to disappoint the expectations of our founder." On that day, Emperor Gong ascended the throne and granted a general amnesty.
On the first day of the first month in the year 412, the era name was officially changed to Yuanxi. Since the emperor had not yet been buried, no court meeting was held. On this day, Lady Chu was officially named empress. On the fifteenth day of the first month, the court ordered Liu Yu to return to the capital. On the nineteenth day, a comet appeared to the west of the Taiwei star. On the twenty-first day of the first month, Emperor An was buried at Xiupingling. The emperor began holding court but was in a foul mood. He then promoted Liu Daolian to the position of Sikong. By autumn in August, Liu Yu was transferred to Shouyang for defense. Liu Huaishen was appointed Front General and Inspector of North Xuzhou, stationed at Pengcheng. In September, Liu Yu left Yangzhou. On October 27th, Liu Yu appointed his son, Duke Liu Yizhen of Guiyang, as the Inspector of Yangzhou. On the first day of November, a solar eclipse occurred. On the twenty-second day of December, Liu Yu received special recognition. On the twenty-fourth day of December, the historian reported sightings of four black dragons in the east.
In the summer of 413 AD, on June 23rd, Liu Yu arrived in the capital city. Fu Liang, following Liu Yu's secret order, persuaded the emperor to abdicate and drafted the abdication decree for the emperor to sign. The emperor happily said to those around him, "The Jin Dynasty should have ended long ago; what regrets are there now?" So, he wrote the abdication decree on red paper. On June 25th, the emperor formally abdicated, retiring to the prince's residence in Langye. Liu Yu appointed him as the King of Lingling, allowing him to reside in Moling, still using the Jin Dynasty's era name, flags, and attire, maintaining the facade of Jin Dynasty etiquette, but in reality not giving him the corresponding treatment. Since then, the emperor had always been worried about danger; Empress Chu Shi always accompanied him, and his diet and daily life were arranged by the empress, so Song Dynasty officials never found an opportunity to act. On September 23rd, 419 AD, Liu Yu sent the empress's brother Chu Shudu to invite the empress, and taking advantage of this opportunity, soldiers of the Song army scaled the walls into the inner chamber and killed the emperor. He was just thirty-six at the time. After his death, he was posthumously titled Emperor Gong and was buried in Chongping Tomb.
The emperor was somewhat irritable and impatient as a young man. While still in the vassal state, he once had people shoot arrows at horses for fun. Later, someone said, "Horses are a symbol of the royal family, yet you let people shoot them; it's very unlucky!" The emperor then realized his mistake and felt deep regret. After that, he developed a strong belief in Buddhism, minted millions of coins, created a six-foot-tall statue of a golden Buddha, and personally went to Woguan Temple to welcome it, walking more than ten miles.
Emperor An was not intelligent to begin with. The emperor often served at Emperor An's side, carefully observing his well-being and taking care of his diet and daily life, showing great respect and caution, earning him praise from people at the time. Initially, during the Dingchou year, Emperor Yuan was titled Prince of Jin and constructed ancestral temples, consulting Guo Pu for divination. Guo Pu said, "The country can enjoy prosperity for two hundred years." From the Dingchou year to the year of abdication, the Gengshen year, totaling one hundred forty years. However, the Dingchou year marked the beginning of the Western Jin, while the Gengshen year marked the start of the Song Dynasty, which actually lasted only 102 years. Guo Pu likely felt that one hundred twenty years was too short, so he euphemistically stated it would be two hundred years.
The historian said that when Emperor An ascended the throne, the date chosen was unfavorable. Sima Daozi and Sima Yuanxian held power in the court; the emperor was inept, and the ministers created chaos. There had never been a time when things could still barely hold on like this. Despite the emperor holding military power and his desire to restore the old dynasty, he couldn't find a good way to do so and rapidly fell into decline. Thus, Huan Xuan took the opportunity to create chaos, and his power surged like a storm, leading to the complete disintegration of the court's army, which scattered in all directions like lost dogs. Therefore, Song Gaozu was not a legitimate emperor, and Sun En was not a formidable bandit. Faced with such a change in eras, the plight of Emperor Gong is truly pitiable. How could the people of Yue have imagined they would face such a disaster? How could the people of Kuaiji have thought they would become subjects of another? Leaving the palace and returning home, they burned their official robes without regret. The cycles of the five movements and the fortunes of the three dynasties have all come to an end, like the scene of late autumn, where all things wither; this is the way of nature. Seeing this scene, people feel sad.
It is said that Emperor An inherited the decline of his predecessor; great bandits emerged, while Emperor Gong merely lingered, and others became the true leaders. This is akin to King Nan of Zhou, who later installed King Huai, serving merely as a facade, ultimately leading to their downfall.
