Yao Hong, courtesy name Yuanzi, is the eldest son of Yao Xing. He is respectful and friendly, gentle-natured, but lacks the skills to govern effectively and often falls ill. Therefore, although Yao Xing wanted to appoint him as his successor, he was hesitant. After a long time, he finally appointed him as the crown prince. Whenever Yao Xing went on expeditions or tours, he always left Yao Hong in charge of affairs of state. Yao Hong was knowledgeable and talented, skilled in conversation, and especially fond of reciting poems and writing essays. The Confucian scholars Wang Shang, Duan Zhang, and Fu Yunwen served as his advisors, and Hu Yizhou and Xiahou Zhi often discussed literature with the crown prince. At that time, the Minister of Personnel Wang Min and the Right Minister Guo Bo felt that the criminal laws were too lenient and recommended making them stricter. Yao Hong, however, said: "If the common people are humiliated, it will spark resistance; if the laws are complicated and harsh, people will try to evade them. The monarch's influence over the people is as subtle as the wind rustling the grass. You assist me in the governance of the court, upholding righteousness, but do not focus on benevolence and forgiveness, only wanting to use severe punishment and harsh laws; how can this pacify the people and govern the country?" After hearing this, Wang Min and the others reconsidered their stance. Yao Hong also studied the classics under the scholar Chunyu Qi. When Chunyu Qi fell ill, Yao Hong personally visited him and bowed respectfully at his bedside. From then on, all the nobles and officials bowed in reverence whenever they encountered their teacher.
When Yao Xing was campaigning against Pingliang, the Fengyi people, led by Liu Jue, gathered thousands of people and rebelled at Wannian. Yao Hong sent General Peng Bailang, the General of the Zhenjun Army, to lead the Eastern Palace Forbidden Army to suppress them. As a result, Liu Jue was killed, and his remaining followers were granted clemency. All the generals advised Yao Hong, saying, "Your Highness is both wise and brave, quickly pacifying the rebellion. You should report to the court and announce it widely to reassure the people near and far." However, Yao Hong said, "The Emperor entrusted me with the affairs of the rear, asking me to stop the rebellion. It was my mismanagement that led to the rebellion. I should blame myself and take responsibility; how could I possibly boast and seek rewards?" When his right-hand man Wei Hua heard this, he said to the Governor of Henan, Murong Zhu, "The Prince truly has the virtue of benevolence and generosity, which is a blessing for the country!" Yao Hong's brother, Yao Bi, harbored ambitions to usurp the throne, but Yao Hong still treated him with great favor as before, never showing any dissatisfaction. Yao Shao often helped Yao Bi, and Yao Hong treated him openly, without any resentment. When Yao Hong ascended the throne, he entrusted military power to Yao Shao, who was grateful and loyal, ultimately preserving his loyalty. Yao Hong's wisdom and tolerance were evident in such incidents.
It is said that when Fu Xing died, Fu Hong first kept it secret and did not announce the funeral. The Duke of Nanyang, Yao Yin, and the General of Chariots and Cavalry, Yin Yuan, conspired to rebel, and they were all killed by Fu Hong. Fu Hong also ordered the Duke of Qi, Yao Hui, to kill the Prefect of Anding, Lu Chao. Yao Hui hesitated for a long time before taking action. Fu Hong suspected that Yao Hui had another plot, causing Yao Hui to have divided loyalties and secretly accumulate troops and horses. After the burial of Fu Xing, Fu Hong proclaimed himself emperor in the twelfth year of Yixi, granting a general amnesty and changing the era name to Yonghe, operating from the Zixi Hall for official matters.
After the funeral, Fu Hong personally handled government affairs, elevated all civil and military officials one rank, and encouraged everyone to speak freely. Anyone can boldly express any suggestions that might harm the country or benefit the royal family without hesitation. At first, Fu Xing moved three thousand Qiang households to Anding and then to Xin Zhi. At this point, the Qiang leader Dang Rong led his followers in rebellion and returned to their homeland. Fu Hong dispatched General Yao Zan to quell the rebellion, and Dang Rong surrendered. Fu Hong resettled several hundred affluent Qiang families in Chang'an and returned the rest to Li Run. At that time, Yao Xuan was stationed in Li Run and had no knowledge of Mao Yong's defeat, so he sent his subordinates, including Yao Fosheng, to Chang'an for protection. As the army was about to depart, Yao Xuan's aide Wei Zong, known for his cunning and troublemaking nature, said to him: "The Emperor has just ascended the throne, and his authority has not been fully established yet. The northern minority ethnic groups are powerful and likely have deep-seated ambitions to invade. The court still faces many difficulties that are hard to resolve. Your Highness is currently in the crucial position of Wei City and should think it over carefully. Xing Wang has a strategic location, being a key point of three-way traffic. If you can take control of it and peacefully win over the people, you won’t just defend Wei City but could also achieve great things!" Yao Xuan then led 38,000 households, abandoned Li Run, and moved south to occupy Xing Wang. After Yao Xuan moved south, various Qiang tribes took the opportunity to rebel in Li Run. Yao Shao went to suppress them and defeated them. Yao Xuan went to Yao Shao to plead for forgiveness, but in a fit of rage, Yao Shao killed him. In fact, while Yao Xuan was in Xing Wang, Fu Hong sent Yao Fosheng to persuade him, but Yao Fosheng surprisingly backed Yao Xuan's plan. Yao Shao enumerated Yao Xuan's offenses and had him executed.
Emperor Hong ordered that soldiers who gave their lives for the country would be awarded noble titles, so their families can enjoy a prosperous life forever. He intended to reward sixteen ministers in the palace, with titles ranging from the fifth rank to the highest. At this time, Yao Zan spoke up to advise, "The officials in the Eastern Palace should be loyal and dedicated, but we haven't seen any notable achievements so far. Why reward so many people?" Emperor Hong said, "Bestow titles of nobility in the court to reward those loyal, and also to warn those who are negligent, to demonstrate the court's virtue. The Crown Prince's family is in trouble now, and the officials in the palace are worried, but they alone enjoy these rewards. Is that fair?" Yao Zan remained silent. Yao Shao added, "Your Majesty does not forget to reward the merits of your subjects; rewarding them is right. In ancient times, they were first recognized for their achievements before being granted noble titles. Perhaps it would be better to revisit this matter in the spring of next year." Emperor Hong agreed to this. Tens of thousands of Hu people from Bingzhou, Dingyang, and Ercheng revolted, attacking Pingyang, and proclaiming Yao Chengdu of Yiyang as their leader, electing Xiongnu Cao Hong as the Great Chanyu, burning, killing, and looting everywhere. General Yao Yi left Puban to take on Cao Hong, battled him in Pingyang, and achieved a resounding victory, captured Cao Hong, took him to Chang'an, and relocated fifteen thousand wealthy and influential Hu people to Yongzhou.
General Yang Sheng of Chou Chi captured Qishan, captured General Jian Jiewang Zong, and advanced towards Qinzhou. Emperor Hong sent General Yao Ping to rescue, and Yang Sheng retreated. Yao Song and Yao Ping pursued Yang Sheng to Zhuling Mountain, while Yao Zan led Prefect Yao Qin Du of Longxi, Prefect Wang Huan of Lueyang, and the Forbidden Army to provide support. Upon Yao Zan's arrival at Qingshui, Yao Song had already suffered defeat at the hands of Yang Sheng; Yao Song, Yao Qin Du, and Wang Huan all died in battle. After reaching Qinzhou, Yao Zan retreated back to Chou Chi. Before this, the stone drum in Jixian County, Tianshui, rang of its own accord, the sound traveled hundreds of miles, and even the wild chickens began to call. Qinzhou experienced 32 earthquakes, 8 of which were especially severe, resulting in landslides and the collapse of buildings; everyone believed it was a bad omen. When Yao Song was about to go to war, many officials strongly advised him against it, but Yao Song said, "If something bad is destined to happen, where can we possibly escape?" As a result, he died in battle. Many learned individuals believed that Qinzhou was the hometown of Emperor Hong, and this might be a sign of the imminent destruction of Qinzhou.
Helian Bobo captured Yinmi City, captured Prefect Yao Jundu of Qinzhou, and buried over 5,000 soldiers alive. Yao Jundu stared wide-eyed, loudly condemning Helian Bobo's cruelty, refusing to submit, and in a fit of rage, Helian Bobo executed him.
After capturing Yinmi, Helian Bobo led his troops to attack Yongzhou, and the residents of the Beishan region fled to Wujiang Mountain. General Yao Hui of the Northern Expedition abandoned Anding County and fled with five thousand families to Xinping. Hu Yan, Hua Tao, and others from Anding led the resistance against Yao Hui, while Yao Hui fled back to Chang'an alone. General Mijie Cheng and General Pei Qi of Jianwu fell to Hu Yan, and General Yao Chen of Zhenxi abandoned his post in Zhendong and fled. Thus, Helian Bobo occupied Yongzhou and proceeded to plunder Meicheng.
Yao Shao, General Yin Zhao of Zhenlu, General Yao Qia of Zhenjun, and others led fifty thousand infantry and cavalry to campaign against Helian Bobo. Yao Hui followed with an additional ten thousand elite troops. Upon the army's arrival at Hengshui, Helian Bobo retreated to Anding. Hu Yan firmly shut the city gates to mount a defense, killing several thousand Xianbei and successfully defending Anding. Yao Shao pressed on in pursuit of Helian Bobo, engaged in battle at Ma'an Slope, defeated Helian Bobo, and pursued him all the way to Chaona before turning back.
Yang Sheng dispatched his nephew Yang Juan to assault Changshe. Over a thousand Di people in Pingyang gathered to revolt at Wuzhangyuan. The court dispatched Generals Yao Wan of Zhenyuan and Yao Nan of Huiwu to quell the uprising, but were defeated by Gou Ke. Later, Yao Chen was sent to subdue Gou Ke and successfully captured him. The court then dispatched Fuguo General Lian Manwei and former General Yao Guanger to Chen Cang to confront Yang Juan, who fled to Sanguan. Helian Bobo dispatched his nephew to invade southern Chiyang, but General Yao Yu of Cheqi, former General Peng Bailang, and General She Xuan of Jianyi mounted a defense against him.
Liu Yu is reported to have led a large army against Emperor Yao Hong of Later Qin. Upon the army's arrival in Pengcheng, he dispatched General Tan Daoji and General Wang Zhen'e to advance from the Huai River and Fei River to assault Qiqiu and Xiangcheng, while General Shen Linzi advanced from Bianzhou into the Yellow River to attack Cangyuan. Consequently, Later Qin General Wang Gousheng surrendered to Wang Zhen'e, and Xu Zhou Governor Yao Zhang also capitulated to Tan Daoji. Liu Yu's army entered Yingkou without resistance, and many locations along the route capitulated.
Only the Prefect of Xincai, Dong Zun, held out against surrender. After Tan Daoji broke through Xincai, he tied up Dong Zun and brought him back to the military camp. Dong Zun gazed fiercely and said firmly, "In ancient times, when kings conquered a state, they treated scholars with respect. How can you wage an unjust war and treat the scholars of our state so rudely?" Tan Daoji, furious, executed Dong Zun on the spot.
Upon learning of the Jin army's arrival, Yao Shao hurried back to Chang'an and reported to Yao Hong, "The Jin army has passed through Xuchang. Henan and Anding are too distant from Chang'an for any rescue efforts. We should relocate the people from various states to near the capital, so we can muster an army of 100,000 strong enough to assert our dominance. Even if two enemies were to invade at the same time, we wouldn't suffer significant losses. If we don't do this, and the Jin army invades Henan while Helian Bobo attacks Anding, what then can we do? The situation is urgent; we must make a decision quickly!"
However, his Left Assistant Minister, Liang Xi, countered, "Duke Qi, Yao Huixiong, is renowned for his bravery and valor; even Helian Bobo in the north fears his prowess. The people of Anding harbor a deep-seated hatred for Helian Bobo and should be prepared to fight to the death. Helian Bobo wouldn't dare abandon Anding to assault the capital. If we lose Anding, the enemy's cavalry will press directly toward Meixian and Yongzhou. The military strength in Guanzhong is sufficient to withstand the Jin army. How can we weaken ourselves before the threat materializes?" Yao Hong was swayed by Liang Xi's arguments.
Yi Heng, an official from the Ministry of Personnel, secretly said to Yao Hong: "Duke Qi Yao Hui made significant contributions to Your Majesty during the Battle of Guangping. Since Your Majesty raised an army, he has not received any special rewards for his contributions. Now you have placed him in a perilous position and let him stay away from court affairs. The people are anxious because they feel abandoned, facing the threat of enemies. Nine out of ten families want to move south. If he leads 40,000 elite troops directly to the capital, wouldn’t that spell disaster for the country? He should be summoned back to the court to ease his mind." Yao Hong said: "If Yao Hui is unscrupulous, calling him back will only accelerate disaster." Therefore, Yao Hong did not follow Yi Heng's advice.
When the army arrived at Chenggao, General Yao Guang, who was stationed in Luoyang, quickly sent a messenger to request reinforcements. Yao Hong then sent Captain Yue Yan with three thousand cavalry to provide support, and also sent General Wu Yi Nan with ten thousand infantry to assist in defending Luoyang. He also sent General Yao Yi, Governor of Bingzhou, to Shanjing to offer support to the south.
Zhao Xuan, a general under Yao Guang, advised Yao Guang: "The enemy is now approaching, the common people are terrified, we are outnumbered and can't possibly defeat them. We should concentrate all our forces and hold Jin Yong City at all costs, wait for reinforcements from the capital, and never venture outside the city to engage in battle. If we lose this battle, it will be disastrous. If we can defend Jin Yong City without suffering losses, the Wu army will surely think twice before advancing west past Jin Yong City. By trapping them within the strong city walls, we can wear them down over time." At that time, Yao Guang's chief of staff, Yao Yu, colluded with the rebel leader, Dao Ji, and the registrar Yan Hui, Yang Qian, and others were all in league with Yao Yu. They envied Zhao Xuan's loyalty and conspired against him, urging Yao Guang to go to battle.
Yao Guang believed their malicious gossip and sent Zhao Xuan to lead over a thousand elite troops to guard Baiguwu in the south, and sent Guangwu Shi Wuhui to guard Gongcheng in the east to block the enemy troops. Zhao Xuan cried and said to Yao Guang, "I, Zhao Xuan, have received the grace of three generations of emperors and only wish to sacrifice for the country. But you do not listen to the advice of loyal ministers, being misled by treacherous individuals; you will surely regret it later, but by then it will be too late." Consequently, cities like Yangcheng, Chenggao, Xingyang, and Wulao surrendered, and Dao Ji led them straight in. Shi Wuhui arrived at Shiguan and fled. Zhao Xuan fought against Jin army general Mao Dezu in Baiguwu, but was outnumbered and defeated, suffering more than ten wounds. He stood on the ground shouting loudly, and Zhao Xuan's Sima Qianjian risked his life, embracing Zhao Xuan and weeping. Zhao Xuan said, "I am already seriously injured; you should leave quickly!" Qianjian said, "If you die in battle, I will also die with you; where would I go if I left?" Ultimately, they all perished on the battlefield. Yao Yu scaled the wall to escape to the enemy camp.
Dao Ji reached the outskirts of Luoyang, and Yao Guang became afraid and surrendered. Since Luoyang had already fallen, they stayed there and did not continue forward. At this time, Yan Sheng arrived in Xin'an, and Yao Yinan arrived in Hucheng.
Young and impressionable, Yao Yiyi was easily swayed by those around him. His advisor, Sun Chang, was especially cunning and deceitful, yearning for chaos to reign. He urged Yao Yiyi to launch an attack on Chang'an, kill Yao Shao, depose Yao Hong, and proclaim himself king. Yao Yiyi believed him and marched the troops to Shanjin. He even distributed food to various tribes in Hebei, intending to drain the country's resources, win over the Hu and Qiang people, and create an image of benevolence in the eyes of the people.
Zhang Chang, the Left Attendant, and Left Ya couldn't bear to watch anymore, so they quickly advised him, "Your Highness, you’re the Emperor's brother, and now you are in charge of such an important region as Guanzhong. The safety and prosperity of the country depend on you! During the Han Dynasty, there was once the Rebellion of the Seven Kingdoms, which was ultimately quelled by Prince Liang. Now Wu is launching internal attacks against us; several provinces have been lost, and the barbarians in the west are harassing the border. Qinzhou and Liangzhou have been lost as well. The court is in imminent danger, like a tower of eggs precariously stacked, which could collapse at any moment! This is the time for the feudal lords to rally to the emperor's side! Food is the foundation of the nation, yet you are distributing it now. If the court asks you about this, how will you respond?" Yao Yi was enraged by this and beat Zhang Chang and Left Ya, and then he killed them.
Upon hearing this, Yao Hong quickly summoned Yao Shao and others to plot secretly in the court. Yao Shao said, "Yao Yi is short-sighted and easily influenced by others, causing the current situation. This is all Sun Chang's doing! Let’s send someone to arrest Sun Chang and deploy troops to take control of Shancheng. I will go to Tongguan to lead the army. If Sun Chang obeys the decree and comes, I will let Yao Yi bring the army from Hedong to pacify the rebellion in Wu. If he rebels and refuses to follow the decree, we’ll expose his crimes publicly and then send troops to take him down!" Yao Hong said, "Uncle, what you said is crucial to the nation's future!" So he sent Yao Zan, Champion Sima Guo Fan, and General Jianyi Xuan Tun to secure Shanjin, and dispatched General Wuyi Yao Lu to secure Tongguan.
Alas, that kid Shi Le actually rebelled and proclaimed himself emperor, spreading proclamations everywhere, wanting to transport the food from the Xiongnu Fortress to feed his army. Ningdong's Yao Chengdu immediately stood up to oppose this. Shi Le then acted all humble, trying to butter up Yao Chengdu, even giving him a sword to show his sincerity, and Yao Chengdu also sent a gift in return. Shi Le then sent a fierce general named Wang Guo with several hundred soldiers to attack Yao Chengdu, but Wang Guo was captured by Yao Chengdu and imprisoned. Yao Chengdu wrote to Shi Le: "You're my little nephew; we’re all family here. The country’s in big trouble, you should be supporting the court. How can you engage in conspiracies and harm the country? Can our ancestors rest easy? The food here is the lifeblood of the folks; why should your army eat it? This Wang Guo is simply adding fuel to the fire; he deserves to be put to death. I have already captured him and will execute him when the court orders. I’m gathering a volunteer army to come after you; once the main forces are ready, we'll have a showdown by the Yellow River!" Then Yao Chengdu informed various cities, calling on everyone to be loyal to the court, quickly prepare for battle, and collect military provisions. So not a single soldier from Hedong came to help Shi Le. Shi Le was freaking out. Thousands of families in Linjin turned traitor and joined Shi Le. Yao Shaoji set out from Puji to attack the rebel forces in Linjin, scoring a huge win that scared Shi Le and his crew. Townsfolk Guo Chun and Wang Nu also rallied their troops to besiege Shi Le. Yao Shaoji showed up at Puban, caught Shi Le, and took out Sun Chang and his crew.
Speaking of Emperor Hong, the country was beset by internal strife and external threats, with rebel forces approaching Chang'an. On the first day of the new year, he summoned his ministers to the front hall, in tears. They too were moved to tears. At this time, General Yao Hui from the Northern Expedition led thirty-eight thousand soldiers from Anding Town, burning houses and forming a battle formation. They marched from Beiyongzhou towards Chang'an, declaring himself the Grand Commander and Grand General of Jianyi, issuing proclamations to all provinces and counties, stating his intention to eradicate the wicked around the emperor. General Jiang Ji led troops to support him. Upon Yao Hui's arrival at Xin Zhi, Jiang Ji advised him, "The key court officials are all in the east; Chang'an is empty. You could lead a small, elite force to launch a direct attack on Chang'an, and you will surely succeed!" However, Yao Hui disregarded the advice and instead marched south to assault Meicheng. General Yao Chen fell to Yao Hui, and Yao Hui's army grew stronger, instilling panic in Chang'an. Emperor Hong quickly sent messengers to summon Yao Shao and stationed Yao Yu and General Hu Yidu on the west bank of the Feng River. The Prefect of Fufeng, Yao Jun, the Anyi Guard, Yao Moli, General Yao E, and General Peng Hao were all fearful and surrendered to Yao Hui in quick succession. Yao Hui's uncle, Gou He, was the Standing General at the time, loyal and steadfast. Emperor Hong summoned him and asked, "Everyone is thinking of surrendering or fleeing; how can you be so calm?" Gou He replied, "If heaven allows these rebels to wreak havoc, then the bond between uncle and nephew would only grow closer without the need for constant movement. If their crimes reach a point where heaven must punish them, then it is my duty to be loyal. To betray my monarch for the sake of family ties is a source of shame for me." Emperor Hong admired his loyalty and rewarded him with a golden seal and purple ribbon.
Yao Shao led the light cavalry troops to provide support and sent Yao Qia and Sima Guofan to lead thirty thousand infantry to Chang'an. Yao Hui marched from Qulao, stationed at Duchen, and Yao Shao and Yao Hui confronted each other in Lingtai. Upon hearing that Yao Hui was approaching Chang'an, Yao Zan left Ning Shuo Yin Ya as the Hongnong Prefect to guard Tongguan and led the army back to Chang'an. Emperor Hong thanked Yao Zan and said, "My sons cannot uphold virtue and righteousness, leading to chaos within the palace walls, brothers turning against each other. I am sorry to my ancestors and have no face to meet the ministers. The Yi Emperor's rebellion led to ruin, and now the restoration of power and internal rebellion—how can this be good?" Yao Zan said, "The Yi Emperor dared to rebel because we ministers are weak and unable to stop them." With this, Yao Zan rolled up his sleeves and wept, "If the General and I do not eliminate these traitors, we will never be able to face Your Majesty again!" Emperor Hong then rewarded the soldiers and sent them away. When Yao Hui's army saw all the major forces gathering, they became fearful and considered surrendering. His generals, Qi Huang and others, deserted Yao Hui and surrendered. Yao Hui approached Yao Shao, and Yao Zan attacked from behind, defeating Yao Hui and killing him and his three brothers. Emperor Hong wept in extreme grief and buried Yao Hui with full honors.
Well, Wang Zhen'e has finally arrived in Yiyang. Mao Dezhu attacked Hongnong Prefect Yin Ya but was defeated at Licheng. Mao Dezhu sent cavalry to catch Yin Ya, then killed the officials of the Jin Dynasty who were guarding the city and escaped to Tongguan.
Tan Daoji and Shen Linzi captured Xiangyi Fort, which frightened Xue Bo into quickly fleeing to Hedong. Daoji crossed the river from Shaanxi's northern region, launched an attack on Puban, and also sent General Gou Zhuo to attack the Xiongnu Fort, but was defeated by Hong Ning and Yao Chengdu. Hong Ning sent Yao Lu to rescue Puban, while Hu Yidu took control of Tongguan. Hong Ning was appointed Grand Preceptor, Grand General, Grand Commander, and Commander-in-Chief of all military affairs, and granted the honorary Yellow Battle-axe, changed to Marquis of Lu, while retaining the official positions of Palace Attendant, Minister of Justice, Chief of the Imperial Clan, and Recorder of the Imperial Clan, and he made all major decisions for the court. Hong Ning repeatedly declined the offer, but the Emperor insisted. Therefore, the Emperor sent Hong Ning to lead generals like Yao Luan, with fifty thousand infantry and cavalry, to Tongguan, preparing to face the enemy in battle. Yao Lu and the Inspector of Bingzhou, Yin Zhaoli, coordinated their efforts both inside and outside to launch a coordinated attack against Tan Daoji.
Tan Daoji held the camp steadfastly, refusing to fight. Shen Linzi said to Tan Daoji, "Right now, Pupan City is well fortified with deep moats. It won't be easy to take it anytime soon. If we go in hard, we'll take heavy losses. Staying put will just waste time. It would be better to give up on Pupan and first attack Tongguan. Tongguan is strategically important with tricky terrain. Wang Zhen'e is fighting alone there with limited troops, in a tight spot. If Yao Shao occupies Tongguan, we will have a hard time dealing with him. If we can grab Tongguan, Yao Shao will probably give up without a fight." Tan Daoji followed his advice, gave up on Pupan, and headed south to attack Tongguan. Yao Zan led seven thousand elite soldiers from the north of Wei, occupying Pujin. Liu Yu sent Shen Tianzi and Fu Hongzhi with over ten thousand troops to advance to Shangluo. A lot of towns along the way just gave up and ran to Chang'an. Shen Tianzi and his men advanced to Qingni, where Yao Shao got his troops ready, preparing for a decisive battle with Tan Daoji. Tan Daoji kept holding the camp, refusing to engage in battle. Yao Shao attacked his western camp but failed to capture it. He then approached Tan Daoji with a large army. Tan Daoji, along with Wang Jing and Shen Linzi, counterattacked Yao Shao's army, scaring the troops, making them scatter and run, eventually falling back to Dingcheng. Yao Shao left Yao Luan to guard the strategic pass, cutting off Tan Daoji's food supply.
Liu Yu sent Yao Zhen to march through Ziwu Valley, while Dou Ba marched from Luogu Valley, each army consisting of several thousand soldiers. Liu Yu also sent Yao Wan to intercept Dou Ba and Yao Qiang to intercept Yao Zhen as well. General Yao Luan sent General Yin Ya and Sima Xuyan under Dao Ji (Liu Yi) to fight south of Tongguan, which led to Yin Ya's capture by Xuyan, who then handed him over to Liu Yu. Liu Yu wanted to kill Yin Ya because he had betrayed him before. Yin Ya said, "I never expected to survive before; if I die now, I have no regrets. If you seek to establish righteousness in the world, how can you allow the land of Qin to be without loyal subjects?" Liu Yu admired him and let him go. Liu Yi sent the Yellow Gate Attendant Minister Yao He to station at Yaoliu to guard against Tian Zi (Tian Yu). Yao Shao advised his generals, "Dao Ji and his men came from afar to meet their doom, with few troops. They rely on strongholds to defend, just to delay time and wait for reinforcements. I suggest splitting our troops to directly occupy Shanxiang, cutting off their supply lines. In less than a month, Dao Ji's head will be hanging from my banner. Once they are finished, Liu Yu's plan will naturally fail." His generals agreed with his reasoning. However, a general named Hu Yidu said, "Our forces must be concentrated and not dispersed. If a detachment fails, the army will panic; how can we hope to fight?" Yao Shao listened and abandoned this idea. At this point, Xue Bo initiated a rebellion in Hequ. Yao Shao implemented a strategy of coordinated attacks and mutual support, with Assistant General Hu Yidu positioned in Dongyuan and Military Guard General Yao Luan stationed on the main road, facing off against the Jin army. Shen Linzi led an elite force and quietly attacked Yao Luan's army at night, resulting in a decisive defeat for Yao Luan's army, with over nine thousand casualties.
Yao Zan was stationed by the Yellow River at that time and sent Yao Nan along with his troops to transport supplies to Puban Valley, but was defeated by the imperial army upon reaching Xiangcheng. At that time, Hong sent Yao Chen to guard Yaoliu, while Yao He collected taxes in the eastern region. Upon hearing that the imperial army planned to attack Yao Nan, Yao He rushed to provide assistance, but Yao Nan had already been defeated before he arrived. Yao He had no choice but to confront General Yubi in Hequ, and then took position at Puban. Yao Zan himself was defeated by Lin Zi before fleeing to Dingcheng on horseback.
Fu Shao dispatched Left Chief Clerk Yao Qia and Yao Moli with three thousand cavalry to take position at Jiuyuan, intending to cut off the road for various counties to deliver taxes to the court. Yao Qia advised Fu Shao, "To defeat a strong enemy, you must first deal with the weak ones. Now our forces are thin, and our position is distant from the court. Even if you are brave, you may not be able to do anything." But Fu Shao did not listen to him. As a result, Shen Linzi intercepted Yao Qia with eight thousand troops on the bank of the Yellow River, and Yao Qia was killed in battle, along with all his men. Fu Shao, upon hearing of their defeat, fell ill and entrusted Yao Zan with the responsibility, ordered Yao Nan to defend the western front, and subsequently succumbed to his injuries.
Due to the approaching Jin dynasty army, Fu Hong sent envoys to request assistance from the Wei kingdom. Wei dispatched the Minister of Works, Duke Babba Song of Nanping, the General of Integrity, Duke Yi Zhangjuan of Anping, to secure Henei, and also dispatched Guerrilla General Wang Luosheng to Hedong to support Fu Hong.
At that time, Liu Yu was near Shancheng and sent Shen Linzi with over ten thousand elite troops to forge a path through the mountains to join Shen Tianzi at Qingni, preparing to attack Yaoliu. Murong Hong then sent Yao Yu with eight thousand infantry and cavalry to intercept, while he himself followed with a large army. Consequently, Liu Yu was defeated by Shen Tianzi, and Murong Hong retreated to Bashang. Many states and counties in Guanzhong secretly coordinated with Liu Yu's army.
When Liu Yu arrived at Tongguan, he sent generals Zhu Chaoshi, Xu Yizhi, and Xue Bo to converge in Hebei and attack Puban together. Yao Zan intercepted Liu Yu in the west, while Yao Nan stationed in Xiangcheng. Liu Yu then sent Wang Zhen'e and Wang Jing to cross the Wei River from the west of Qiushe to put pressure on Yao Nan's forces. In the east, Yao Pu and Yao He defeated Xu Yizhi and others at Puban, resulting in Xu Yizhi's death; Zhu Chaoshi abandoned his troops and fled back to Tongguan. Yao Zan sent Sima Xiuzhi and Sima Guofan from Zhiguan to Henan, hoping to lure Wei's forces to strike Liu Yu's rear. Yao Nan was compelled to retreat by Wang Zhen'e and led his army west. At that time, it was pouring rain, and the swollen Wei River blocked Yao Zan's forces from crossing. Wang Zhen'e advanced by land and water, closing in on Yao Nan. Murong Hong returned with troops from Bashang and stationed near Shiqiao, ready to reinforce Yao Nan. Yao Zan retreated to Zhengcheng.
In the north, Yao Qiang led several thousand soldiers from the counties to face off against Wang Zhen'e together with Yao Nan at the Jing River. Wang Zhen'e sent Mao Dezhu to fight Yao Qiang, leading to a decisive victory in which Yao Qiang was killed and Yao Nan retreated back to Chang'an.
Liu Yu launched an attack on Zhengcheng. At that time, Yao Hong dispatched Yao Yu and Minister of War Pang Tong to station troops at the imperial palace. Yao Guang positioned his troops west of the Feng River. Minister Yao Baigua relocated the Fourth Army and civilians to Chang'an. Yao Pi was stationed at Wei Bridge. Hu Yidu was stationed at Shiji. Yao Zan was stationed in Badong. Yao Hong himself was in Xiaoyao Garden. Liu Yu's army attacked from the Wei River and defeated Yao Pi at the Wei Bridge. Yao Hong hurried from Xiaoyao Garden to provide support, but the terrain was cramped, and the riverbank was packed with people. As a result of Yao Pi's defeat, everyone was trampling over each other in their retreat. Yao Chen, vanguard general Yao Lie, Left Guard General Yao Bao'an, Cavalier Attendant Wang Bo, General Jianwu Yao Jin, General Yangwei Yao Hao, Right Minister Sun Xuan, and others all perished on the battlefield. Yao Hong was the only one who rode back to the imperial palace. Liu Yu's army entered the city through Pingshuo Gate. Yao Hong and Yao Yu, along with several hundred cavalry, escaped from the Stone Bridge.
Yao Zan heard that Yao Hong was defeated, so he gathered the generals to tell them the news. Everyone struck the ground with their knives, bared their arms, and cried out. Hu Yidu had secretly conspired with Liu Yu before, and that day he deserted his soldiers and defected to Liu Yu. That night, Yao Zan led his army, wanting to meet Yao Hong at Shiqiao, but Liu Yu's army had already blocked the city gate. Yao Zan's army was unable to enter, and everyone dispersed in panic. Yao Hong had no choice but to surrender to Liu Yu. His son, Fo Nian, who was only eleven years old, said to Yao Hong, "The Jin army will seek revenge and will not treat us well in the end. You should end your own life!" Yao Hong was taken aback and remained silent. Fo Nian ran to the palace wall and committed suicide. Yao Hong took his wife and children to surrender to Liu Yu's military camp. Yao Zan, along with over a hundred imperial family members, also surrendered to Liu Yu. Liu Yu killed them all, and the remaining imperial family members were exiled to Jiangnan. Finally, Yao Hong was escorted to Jiankang, where he was executed in the crowded marketplace. He was thirty years old that year and had been in power for two years. In the hundred-mile radius around Jiankang, all vegetation had withered. Yao Chang usurped the throne and declared himself emperor in the ninth year of the Taiyuan era of Emperor Xiaowu. By the time of Yao Hong, in the thirteenth year of Emperor Andi's Yixi era, the dynasty had been extinguished, lasting a total of thirty-two years. According to historical records: Since the capital was moved to the Yangtze River basin and a new dynasty was established, powerful rebel forces took advantage of the situation to cause chaos. The war raged on endlessly, with conflict spreading across the northern border. The entire country suffered from the pain of war, and the rebellious forces remained strong. Yue Yizhong returned from Jin Fang and sought refuge with the Shi family. He boldly advised the tyrant and expounded on loyalty in the court during times of peril. His strategies focused on loyalty to the court, and his impassioned words deserve commendation. Jingguo was a young and talented man who befriended Sun Ce. He carefully observed Sun Ce's abilities and insights, living up to Sun Ce's expectations. Regrettably, he later strayed from the right path, which is truly regrettable.
Jing Mao inherited the legacy of Zhongxiang, seized the opportunity presented by Fu Jian's downfall, rallied the heroes, and established a formidable hegemony. With the boldness of a warrior, he swiftly subdued Hangu Pass and the Qin territory; repelled Lei E's assault, and brought stability to the northeast. His cunning strategies truly outshone those of other rebels. He raised a flag to signify the new camp, which was seen as an achievement; yet he used thorns to mock the former monarch, which was indeed quite ungracious! Ultimately, being able to pass away peacefully was a stroke of luck.
Zilue successfully defeated the powerful enemy, inherited the legacy of his ancestors, humbly sought out recluses, modestly recruited talents, emphasized brotherly friendship to harmonize the family, clearly rewarded and punished subordinates, and the brave generals remained loyal to their duties while soldiers sacrificed for the country. He captured Fenzhou and Jiangzhou, seized Xuchang and Luoyang, negotiated with the self-proclaimed emperor of Yan, pacified the pseudo-Shu and Longyou regions, and stabilized the Hexi Corridor. Society was united and peaceful, harvests were plentiful, and even King Zhuang of Chu and Duke Mu of Qin could not compare to him! However, later he became arrogant and complacent, and blind to future disasters. He handed over the Liangzhou Governor's Office to the Tufa clan and the Shuofang to the Helian clan; his selfish actions led to disaster as border cities fell one after another. He dismissed loyal counsel, which led to turmoil, while internal palace strife continued, wars never ceased, and the people were in panic. How could he boast of his grand ambitions, favoring those who had merit, while advocating evil doctrines and treating Buddhist monks with special favor? When he should have taken action, he indulged in hedonistic pleasures, dressed luxuriously, feasted and drank excessively, squandered recklessly, talked theory, and corrupted social morals. Even the Han Dynasty's Yin Guang looked down upon the extravagance of Hongdu; much less the declining pseudo-dynasty, how could it withstand prolonged enjoyment? The treasury was empty, even the mountains and forests had to be taxed, the political landscape was in chaos, and his reputation was in tatters. All of this was due to his actions, ultimately leading to the country's demise, which was not merely a divine punishment. Yuanzi, with average abilities, found himself amidst a time of national turmoil, with intense internal contradictions and lax external defenses. The imperial army, relying on the power of justice, quelled the rebellion and smoothly entered Chang'an; the unworthy heir was ultimately captured and taken to Zhi Road. When things develop to the extreme, they will reverse; that's likely the case!
"The poem praises: Yi Zhong is valiant and steadfast, demonstrating remarkable integrity. Xiang Shi is brilliant and virtuous, while Chang Wei is shrewd and exceptional. The rise began with grand ambitions but ultimately led to ruin. The lesson for future generations is to avoid repeating these mistakes." (This praise poem does not need to be translated, quoted directly from the original text.) This praise poem summarizes the entire event, evaluates the characters and actions of key figures, and leaves a warning for future generations not to repeat the same mistakes. In conclusion, Yuan Zi's abilities proved insufficient, and in turbulent times with internal and external threats to the country, the imperial army eventually quelled the rebellion, and Yuan Zi and his heirs were captured. This underscores the significance of competence and the necessity of adapting to the prevailing circumstances during chaotic times. This incident imparts a profound lesson for future generations.
