Emperor Gaozu of Qi, his name was Gao Huan, courtesy name Helun, was from Poxian, Bohai. Speaking of his ancestors, they were quite impressive! His sixth generation ancestor was Gao Yin, who begot Gao Qing, and Gao Qing begot Gao Tai, who in turn begot Gao Hu. Both his grandfather Gao Tai and his father Gao Hu served as officials under the Murong clan for three generations. Later, after the defeat of Murong Bao, the country fell into chaos, and Gao Hu led everyone to seek refuge in the Wei Kingdom, where he was appointed Right General. Gao Hu had four sons, and his third son Gao Mi also served as an official in the Wei Kingdom, eventually rising to the rank of Imperial Historian, but unfortunately, he was later demoted to Huai Shuo Town due to a criminal offense. Gao Mi had a son named Gao Shu, who was straightforward and not particularly fond of household chores.
Their family lived south of Baidao and often witnessed strange phenomena such as red light and purple energy, which the neighbors found ominous, advising them to move. However, Gao Shu replied, "Who knows if it’s a blessing or a curse?" He remained calm and continued to live there. Interestingly, Gao Huan's mother, Han, passed away during childbirth, so he was raised by his half-sister's husband, a prison warden named Jing.
For several generations, Gao Huan's ancestors lived in the north, so he grew up embracing northern customs akin to those of the Xianbei people. As he matured, he became steady, dignified, generous, uninterested in wealth, valued talent, and earned the admiration of many heroes. With bright eyes, a prominent forehead, high cheekbones, and teeth as white as jade, he was truly a handsome figure. His family struggled financially until he married Empress Wuming, acquired his own horses, and was appointed the town leader. Duan Changchang, the town general in Liaoxi, admired Gao Huan's looks and remarked, "You will surely achieve great things in the future, not remain unknown." He even entrusted his descendants to Gao Huan. After Gao Huan achieved success, he posthumously honored Duan Chang with the title of Minister of Works and promoted his son, Ning Yuzhi.
Gao Huan was promoted from a team leader to an envoy. Once, he rode through Jianxing on a relay station's horse, and suddenly dark clouds suddenly filled the daytime sky, with lightning and thunder that lasted half a day before stopping, as if some divine force was answering him. Every time he traveled, he never got dusty. He once dreamed of walking on stars and woke up feeling elated. He served as an envoy for six years, and every time he went to Luoyang, he would visit his friend Maxiang. Maxiang once hosted a meat feast for Gao Huan, but Gao Huan, being straightforward, preferred to sit while eating. Maxiang felt slighted by Gao Huan, so he gave Gao Huan forty lashes. After returning from Luoyang, Gao Huan squandered his family's wealth to make friends. When his friends and family asked why he did this, he replied, "When I was in Luoyang, the Feathered Forest Army soldiers set fire to General Zhang Yi’s house in unison, but the court turned a blind eye. If that's how the court runs the country, what else can we expect? How can anyone expect to keep their wealth?" From that moment on, he was determined to bring peace to the world.
He became good friends with Sima Ziru from Huai Shuo, Liu Gui from Xiurong, and Jia Xianzhi from Zhongshan. He also befriended Sun Teng from Huai Shuo's household and Hou Jing from the foreign military. Liu Gui once got a white eagle and went hunting in the plains with Gao Huan, Wei Jing, Cai Jun, Ziru, and Jia Xianzhi. They saw a red rabbit, and every time they tried to catch it, it managed to escape, leading them all the way back to Huize. In Huize, there was a thatched cottage, and the rabbit was about to run into it when a dog ran out from the house and killed the rabbit and the white eagle. Gao Huan was furious and shot the dog with a crossbow. At that moment, two people came out of the cottage and grabbed Gao Huan's clothes. A blind woman with a cane scolded her sons, "What are you doing provoking nobles!" She then served wine and prepared lamb to treat the guests. She claimed to be a fortune-teller and held everyone's hands, saying they would all rise to prominence in the future, with Gao Huan at the forefront. She also said, "Ziru will rise steadily, but Xianzhi won't meet a good fate." After dinner, they walked back a few miles to find the cottage, only to discover that no one lived there—it turned out to be a monster. After this incident, everyone held Gao Huan in even higher regard.
In the year 524 AD, a man named Du Luo Zhou rebelled in Shanggu, and Gao Huan went there with a few like-minded companions. However, Gao Huan sensed that Du Luo Zhou was untrustworthy, so he secretly plotted with Wei Jing, Duan Rong, and Cai Jun to figure out how to deal with him. When their plan failed, they fled, only to be pursued by Du Luo Zhou's cavalry. Gao Huan's sons Gao Cheng and Gao Yang were still young at the time, and Gao Huan's wife, Empress Wu Ming, fled on the back of a cow with them. Gao Cheng fell off the cow several times, and Gao Huan readied his bow to shoot the cow in a desperate bid to shake off their pursuers. Eventually, Gao Huan called out for help from Duan Rong, who quickly jumped off his horse and pulled Gao Cheng up. They ultimately managed to escape to Ge Rong and then sought refuge with Erzhu Rong in Xiu Rong.
Once, there was a man named Liu Gui who worked under Erzhu Rong. He praised Gao Huan for being especially handsome, but when Gao Huan really arrived, he appeared worn out and famished, which made Erzhu Rong not think much of him. Liu Gui quickly changed Gao Huan into some fresh clothes and took him to meet Erzhu Rong. Gao Huan followed Erzhu Rong to the stable, where a fierce-looking horse was kept. Erzhu Rong asked Gao Huan to repair its hooves. Gao Huan jumped right in without any protective gear, and surprisingly, the horse neither kicked nor bit him. After he finished, the horse stood up on its own. Gao Huan said, "You should handle bad people just like you did with this horse." Erzhu Rong motioned for Gao Huan to sit by the bed, dismissed the attendants, and asked him about current affairs. Gao Huan said, "I heard that you have twelve stables, and each stable's horses have different colors. What’s your plan?" Erzhu Rong said, "Just tell me your thoughts directly." Gao Huan said, "The emperor is young and indecisive, the empress dowager is getting involved in all sorts of relationships, the corrupt officials are running the show, and the court is a complete mess. Given your power, this is your chance to seize it, go after Zheng Yan and Xu Ge, help the emperor get rid of the corrupt officials around him, establish your power, and succeed with ease! This is Helu Hun's legacy (referring to Helian Yue)!"
Er Zhu Rong was thrilled to hear this and talked with Gao Huan from noon until midnight before letting him leave. Since then, Gao Huan often participated in Er Zhu Rong's military planning. Later, Er Zhu Rong took Gao Huan to Bingzhou, and when they arrived in Yangzhou, they stayed at a house belonging to a man named Pang Cangying in Tuanjiao Village. Every time Gao Huan returned from outside, the host could hear his footsteps from a distance, shaking the ground beneath them. Pang Cangying's mother saw red smoke rising from Tuanjiao Village several times, shooting straight up into the sky. Once, when Pang Cangying tried to enter the house at night, a figure in green came out with a knife and yelled at him, "Why are you disturbing the king!" After speaking, he disappeared. Pang Cangying's family began to feel strange, and when they secretly looked, they only saw a red snake coiled on the bed, which only scared them more. So they butchered a cow to treat Gao Huan generously. Pang Cangying's mother asked to adopt Gao Huan as her son. When Er Zhu Rong's power grew, he gave Gao Huan Pang Cangying's house as a mansion, known as Nanzhai. Although the mansion had a wide courtyard and magnificent houses, Gao Huan still whitewashed the small house where he originally lived in Tuanjiao Village, keeping it until it was turned into a palace when Gao Yang ascended to the throne. Later, Er Zhu Rong considered Gao Huan his trusted confidant and appointed him as a commander. At that time, Emperor Wei Ming harbored resentment towards Zheng Yan and Xu Ge and wanted to force Empress Dowager Ling, but was reluctant to act impulsively, so he secretly sent Er Zhu Rong to lead troops into the capital. Er Zhu Rong had Gao Huan lead the vanguard. Upon reaching Shangdang, Emperor Wei Ming secretly ordered the troops to halt. When Emperor Wei Ming suddenly died, Er Zhu Rong led his troops into Luoyang, planning to usurp the throne. Gao Huan cautioned against it, fearing that Er Zhu Rong would not listen, so he suggested making a bronze statue to predict their fate. Since the bronze statue wasn’t completed, Er Zhu Rong abandoned his plan.
After Emperor Xiaozhuang ascended to the throne, Gao Huan was rewarded for his contributions during the power struggle and was given the title of Count of Tongdi. Later, Erzhu Rong attacked Ge Rong, and Gao Huan was sent to persuade the seven self-proclaimed kings to surrender. Gao Huan then defeated Yang Kan alongside Yu Hui at Mount Tai, followed by defeating Xing Gao with Yuan Tianmu in Jinan. Gao Huan was promoted along the way, eventually becoming the chief of the Third Garrison, often found in Erzhu Rong's tent. Erzhu Rong once asked those around him, "If I'm not around one day, who can take command of the army?" Everyone said it was Erzhu Zhao. Erzhu Rong said, "Erzhu Zhao can only lead three thousand cavalry at best. The only one who can replace me in leading the army is He Liuhun." Then Erzhu Rong warned Erzhu Zhao, "You are no match for him; he will eventually take care of you." Therefore, Erzhu Rong appointed Gao Huan as the Governor of Jinzhou.
At that time, Erzhu Rong was systematically plundering the people's wealth. Liu Gui bribed key figures under Erzhu Rong, getting a clear sense of his intentions. Suddenly, the bells in the state treasury rang out of nowhere, which struck Gao Huan as strange. Not long after, Emperor Xiaozhuang executed Erzhu Rong.
Erzhu Zhao was leading troops from Jinyang to Luoyang and sent for Gao Huan. Gao Huan sent his chief clerk, Sun Teng, to decline the invitation, saying there could be uprisings in Jiangzhou, Shuzhou, Fenzhou, and Huzhou, and he could not leave. Erzhu Zhao was very angry. When Sun Teng returned with the report, Gao Huan said, "Erzhu Zhao's rebellion is a serious crime, and I can't stick with him for long." From then on, Gao Huan began planning how to deal with Erzhu Zhao.
Erzhu Zhao arrived in Luoyang, captured Emperor Xiaozhuang, and headed north. When Gao Huan heard about this, he was taken aback. He then sent Sun Teng to pretend to congratulate Erzhu Zhao while secretly probing into the whereabouts of Emperor Xiaozhuang, hoping to rally support for a rebellion, but was unsuccessful. Gao Huan wrote a letter to Erzhu Zhao advising him not to capture the emperor, as it would make everyone dislike him. Erzhu Zhao did not listen, killed Xiaozhuang, and together with Erzhu Shilong and others, enthroned Prince Changguang Yuan Ye as emperor, renaming the era Jianming, and appointed Gao Huan as the Duke of Pingyang County.
Later, Fei Yedouling Bufan led troops to attack Xiurong and approached Jinyang. Erzhu Zhao sent someone to ask for Gao Huan's help. Gao Huan was ready to set off when He Ba Yan'er suggested he deliberately delay to wear Erzhu Zhao down. Gao Huan stalled deliberately, claiming there was no bridge to cross the river. Bufan's army was very powerful, and Erzhu Zhao was defeated and fled. Initially, after Xiaozhuang had killed Erzhu Rong, he knew Erzhu Rong's allies would certainly retaliate, so he secretly ordered Bufan to launch an attack on Erzhu Zhao's rear. Bufan defeated Erzhu Zhao and his forces, growing stronger in the process. Erzhu Zhao once again sought help from Gao Huan. Gao Huan wanted to eliminate Erzhu Zhao but was also concerned that Bufan would become harder to handle in the future, so he allied with Erzhu Zhao to eliminate Bufan. After Bufan's death, Erzhu Zhao was deeply grateful to Gao Huan, and they became sworn brothers.
At that time, Erzhu Shilong, Erzhu Dulü, and Erzhu Yanbo jointly controlled the court. Tian Guang occupied the Guanzhong area, Erzhu Zhao occupied Bingzhou, and Erzhu Zhongyuan occupied Dongju. Each commanded their own troops and acted with arrogance, bringing suffering to the common people.
Ge Rong led over 200,000 rabble to cause chaos in the area of Qihu Ling. The common people were struggling to survive, with twenty-six rebellions resulting in the deaths of half the population, and still there were those who secretly stirred up trouble. Gao Huan was very worried, so he sought advice from Shenwu, his given name. Shenwu said, "We cannot eliminate all the remnants of the rebellious forces in the Six Garrisons. We should select some loyal followers of Wang Su to secretly lead these people. If someone commits a crime, only punish their leaders, which will reduce the number of those punished." Gao Huan said, "Okay, who would be suitable for the task?" He Ba Yun, who was present, stepped forward to volunteer. Shenwu punched him in the mouth, knocking out a tooth, saying, "Back in Pingcheng, you lot followed my orders like hounds. Now that the world is at peace and power rests with the Gao King, you dare to deceive and betray. I should kill you!" Gao Huan appointed him, impressed by Shenwu's sincerity.
Shenwu was worried that Gao Huan would regret it after sobering up, so he immediately went out and publicly announced that he had been appointed to command the regional forces, asking everyone to wait for orders on the east bank of the Fen River. He camped in Yangquchuan and deployed his troops. At this time, a man in a crimson robe came to the military camp, claiming to be a soldier from Gengyang Post, wanting to serve Shenwu. After investigating, Shenwu found out that this man was known for his prowess in combat and often participated in killings in the areas of Bingzhou and Sizhou, so he appointed him as a trusted confidant. The soldiers already disliked Gao Huan and preferred Shenwu, so they all came to join him one after another. After a period of time, Shenwu sent Liu Gui to request Gao Huan, saying that Bingzhou and Sizhou had been suffering from drought for several years, and the common people were digging up yellow rats to eat, all looking emaciated. This would only degrade the land of our nation, so he requested permission for them to satisfy their hunger first, and then address the situation. Gao Huan agreed to his suggestion. His chief of staff Murong Shaozong advised, "This won't work. There are disturbances everywhere now, people's hearts are unstable, and moreover, General Gao (referring to Gao Huan) is talented and strategic, and he controls heavy troops. This could result in serious trouble." Gao Huan said, "We have already sworn, what’s there to be worried about?" Murong Shaozong said, "Even brothers can struggle to trust one another, let alone swearing." At this point, those around Gao Huan had already taken Shenwu's bribes, so they falsely accused Murong Shaozong and Shenwu of holding a grudge. Gao Huan promptly imprisoned Murong Shaozong and pushed Shenwu to get moving.
Shenwu set off from Jinyang heading towards Fukou. On the way, he encountered the wife of Erzhu Rong, the Princess of Xiangjun, who came from Luoyang with three hundred horses. Shenwu seized all the horses. When Gao Huan heard about this, he released Murong Shaozong and inquired about the situation. Murong Shaozong said, "It is still under control." So Gao Huan personally pursued Shenwu. When they reached Xiangyuan, they encountered a sudden rise in the Zhanghe River, and the bridge was washed away. Shenwu met Gao Huan across the river and said, "I borrowed the princess's horses not for any other purpose, but to guard against thieves from Shandong. Your Highness came personally to pursue me. Even if I die crossing this river, I am willing, to prevent the soldiers from rebelling." Gao Huan said he had no such intention, so they crossed the river with minimal gear, sat in a tent together, apologized to each other, and then handed the knife to Shenwu, asking him to end his life. Shenwu cried and said, "Since Tianzhu (referring to Gao Huan's father) passed away, what does Helihun (referring to Gao Huan) have left to rely on? I hope everyone can live long and serve my cause. It is only because of the meddling of outsiders that has brought about this situation. How can anyone bear to say such things again!" Gao Huan threw the knife down, then killed a white horse as an oath, and became brothers with Shenwu, staying overnight and drinking. Wei Jing secretly arranged for strongmen to capture Gao Huan, but Shenwu bit his own arm to stop him, saying, "If we kill him now, his allies will definitely flee and regroup. Our soldiers are tired, our horses are weak, and we cannot fight them. If other heroes appear, the danger will be even greater. It is better to let him go. Although Gao Huan is shrewd and capable, he is cruel and cunning, lacking in strategy, and not a threat."
The next day, Gao Huan returned to the camp and summoned Shen Wu once more. Shen Wu was about to mount his horse and depart, but Sun Teng grabbed his clothes to stop him. Gao Huan shouted across the river and then returned to Jinyang. Gao Huan's trusted follower Nian Xian led the surrendered households to establish a separate camp. Shen Wu pretended to be friendly with him, inspected his dagger, then snatched the dagger and killed his attendants, who then scattered. The soldiers were delighted and more eager to follow Shen Wu. In the past, during the reign of Emperor Taizu of Wei, court scholars reported that there was an imperial aura in Shangdang on Wangwang Mountain. Emperor Taiwu then went on a southern expedition to suppress it, piling up stones to build three earthen mounds and cutting down Phoenix Mountain on the north side to destroy its geomantic advantage. Later, the Shangdang people living in Jinyang became known as Shangdang Fang, and Shen Wu lived there. This time, during his expedition, it took him sixty days to navigate around Wangwang Mountain. As he was about to reach Fukou, he tightened the discipline of the army even further, forbidding any minor infractions. As they passed through the wheat fields, Shen Wu always dismounted and led his horse. People from near and far heard of this and praised Gao Yitong for his strict military discipline, becoming even more loyal to him. They continued to advance and stationed in Yecheng, requesting food from the Governor of Xiangzhou, Liu Chan, who refused. Shen Wu then appropriated the grain and rice rented by the Chariot Camp for his own use.
In February of the year 528 AD, Gao Huan departed from Xindu, and Gao Gan and Feng Longzhi opened the city gates to greet him, so Gao Huan took control of Jizhou. In the same month, Erzhu Duolü deposed Yuan Ye and proclaimed Emperor Jiemin, hoping to exert control over Gao Huan in this way.
In March, Erzhu Duolü presented Emperor Jiemin with a memorial, appointing Gao Huan as the King of Bohai and summoning him to the capital for an audience. Gao Huan refused. On the tenth day of the fourth month, Erzhu Duolü further appointed Gao Huan as the Grand Commissioner of the Eastern Territories and the Chief of the First Town. Pang Cangying fled to Gao Huan from Taiyuan, and Gao Huan appointed him as a Lang within the Commissioner’s office, soon promoting him to the Governor of Anzhou.
Gao Huan recruited soldiers and gathered horses in Shandong, organized the army for battle, and strictly prohibited soldiers from looting. The people rallied around him. Then, he forged a letter, claiming that Erzhu Zhao intended to assign soldiers from the Six Towns to serve in their ranks, in order to incite the soldiers' resentment. He also forged official documents from Bingzhou, calling for troops to attack Buluoji. He gathered ten thousand men, prepared to send them off. Sun Teng and Wei Jing requested a five-day delay, making the request twice. Gao Huan personally accompanied them to the outskirts, crying as he bid them farewell. The scene was extremely tragic, with cries shaking the heavens and earth.
Gao Huan said to them, "We are all soldiers leaving our hometown, brothers in arms; never did we expect the court to conscript us like this. Going west means death, staying behind means death, being assigned to the Hu people means death, what are we supposed to do?" The soldiers said, "We can only rebel!" Gao Huan said, "Rebellion is necessary, but we need to elect a leader." Everyone unanimously supported Gao Huan. Gao Huan said, "Your hometowns are hard to govern; consider the fate of Ge Rong. Although he had a million troops, without discipline, they ultimately perished. Now that you have chosen me as your leader, things must be different: no oppressing the Han people, no disobeying military orders, I will make decisions of life and death; otherwise, we will fail and be ridiculed by all." Everyone bowed in agreement, pledging to follow Gao Huan's orders, no matter the cost. Gao Huan said, "If it really doesn't work, then that's how it will be."
The next day, Gao Huan slaughtered cattle to feast the soldiers, explaining their plan to attack the Erzhu clan. Feng Long excitedly said, "This is a rare opportunity; may heaven grant us victory!" Gao Huan said, "Fighting against the traitors is a great event in accordance with the will of heaven; saving the country is a great cause. Although my skills in combat are lacking, I am willing to die to accomplish it; how dare I refuse!"
In June, Gao Huan raised troops in Xindu, but had not yet completely broken with Erzhu Shi. Later, Li Yuanzhong and Gao Gan captured Yinzhou, beheaded Erzhu Yusheng, and brought his head to Gao Huan. Gao Huan pounded his chest and exclaimed, "Today I can finally rebel!" He then appointed Li Yuanzhong as the governor of Yinzhou. At this time, Gao Huan's military power was already very strong, so he submitted a memorial to accuse Erzhu Shi of his crimes. However, Shilong and his faction secretly suppressed the memorial and did not let it reach the emperor.
In August, Erzhu Zhao captured Yinzhou, and Li Yuanzhong fled to Gao Huan. Sun Teng felt that the court had become estranged from Gao Huan, and if an emperor was not established quickly, everyone would lack a backbone. In October, Gao Huan enthroned the son of Prince Zhanwu, Yuanrong, the Prefect of Bohai, Yuan Lang, as emperor, with the reign title of Zhongxing, who would later be known as the deposed emperor. At that time, the armies of Gao Huan's generals, Hou Jing and Han Gui, were in Yangping, where they met with Erzhu Zhao. Gao Huan employed Dou Tai's strategy and spread misinformation, causing Hou Jing and Han Gui to retreat without engaging in battle. Gao Huan then defeated Erzhu Zhao in Guang'a.
In November, Gao Huan attacked Ye City, and the Inspector of Xiangzhou, Liu Dan, held the city against all odds. Gao Huan constructed earthen mounds, dug tunnels, and erected large wooden pillars, then set them ablaze, burning down the city walls. At that time, Ma Xiang was the county magistrate of Tangyin, and Gao Huan called out to him, "Ma Du!" Ma Xiang, terrified, fled. In the first month of the first year of Yongxi, Gao Huan captured Ye City and occupied it. The deposed emperor appointed Gao Huan as Grand Chancellor, Grand General, and Grand Tutor. At this time, Qingzhou also rose in support of Gao Huan, and the Grand Commander Cui Lingzhen and Grand Commander Geng Xiang both dispatched envoys to surrender. Liu Gui, who was in charge of Fenzhou affairs, also abandoned the city and capitulated.
In the leap month, Erzhu Tianguang came from Chang'an, Erzhu Zhao from Bingzhou, Hou Jing from Luoyang, and Han Gui from Dongjun, came together to attack Ye City. There were a total of two hundred thousand troops, setting up camp along the Huan River. Gao Huan appointed Changsun Chengye as the Grand Commandant in charge of the army. Gao Huan ordered Feng Longzhi to guard Ye City, while he took his troops to Zimo. At that time, Gao Huan had less than two thousand cavalry and less than thirty thousand infantry, facing a significant disparity in forces. So Gao Huan set up a circular formation at Hanling, blocking their escape route with cattle and donkeys, ensuring that every soldier was determined to fight to the death, and faced the enemy from all sides. Erzhu Zhao accused Gao Huan of betraying him, to which Gao Huan replied, "We worked together initially to assist the royal family, but where is the emperor now?" Erzhu Zhao said, "Prince Yong'an wrongly killed Tianzhu; I am avenging him!" Gao Huan said, "I heard Tianzhu's plan with my own ears before, and you were standing at the door at that time; how can you claim you weren’t involved in the rebellion? Moreover, you killed ministers; how does that count as avenging? Today, we're done for good!" So the two sides went to war, and Gao Huan achieved a resounding victory. Erzhu Zhao pounded his chest and stomped his feet in front of Murong Shaozong, saying, "I didn't listen to you; that's why I ended up like this!" Then he made a quick escape. Murong Shaozong turned around, sounded the retreat signal, reorganized the army, and retreated west. Gao Jishi took only seven cavalrymen to pursue Erzhu Zhao and caught up with him at Wild Horse Ridge. Gao Ang, not seeing Gao Jishi in the distance, cried out, "My brother is dead!" After spending the night, Gao Jishi returned, his sleeves stained with blood. Husi Chun was the first to seize the river bridge.
Initially, in the first month of the Putai year, the planets Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn gathered in the Zisu constellation, shining very brightly. The court astrologer foretold the rise of a king. At this time, Gao Huan raised an army in Xindu and finally defeated Erzhu Zhao and others. In the fourth month, Husi Chun captured Erzhu Tianguang and Hou Jing, bringing them to Luoyang. Changsun Chengye sent the commanders Jia Xianzhi and Zhang Huan to Luoyang, where they captured Erzhu Shilong and Erzhu Yanbo and killed them. Erzhu Zhao fled to Bingzhou, and Hou Jing fled to Liangzhou, both eventually dying. At this time, the chaos subsided, and the court erupted in celebration.
One month before the war broke out, Zhang Sha of Zhangwu was suddenly taken out of the city by several cavalrymen in the middle of the night, brought before a general, and ordered to lead the way to Ye City to eliminate the remnants. Zhang Shao turned back and saw that the number of troops was overwhelming, moving quickly and silently. When they were close to Ye City, the cavalrymen disappeared. On the day of the battle, the Erzhu army was overwhelmed by the sight of troops surrounding them, believing that this was divine intervention helping Gao Huan.
Later, Gao Huan arrived in Luoyang, deposed Emperors Jie Min and Xiaoming, and enthroned Emperor Xiaowu. After Emperor Xiaowu ascended the throne, he appointed Gao Huan as Grand Chancellor, Grand General of the Heavenly Pillar, and Grand Preceptor, allowing him to inherit the title of Provincial Governor of Dingzhou, and increasing his previous fiefdom by 150,000 households. Gao Huan declined the position of Grand General of the Heavenly Pillar and reduced his fiefdom by 50,000 households. On the day of Renchen, Gao Huan returned to Ye City, and Emperor Xiaowu of Wei bid him farewell at Ganpu Mountain, the two parted reluctantly, still holding hands.
On the Renyin day in July, Gao Huan led his army north to attack Erzhu Zhao. Counselor Feng Long advised Gao Huan, "The officials Hushi Chun, Heba Sheng, and Jia Xianzhi all have had dealings with Erzhu Zhao in the past and are now in the capital, being highly favored. They will surely cause trouble in the future." Gao Huan thought his words made sense, so he summoned Hushi Chun and Du Lu back to the capital and had them executed. Then Gao Huan marched from Fukou. After Erzhu Zhao looted Jin Yang, he retreated to Xiurong. Bingzhou was quickly brought under control. Gao Huan thought Jin Yang was strategically important, so he established the Grand Chancellor's residence there and made it his base. After arriving in Xiurong, Erzhu Zhao divided his troops to guard strategic locations, frequently launching raids to harass and pillage. Gao Huan conducted several major campaigns, but each time he halted, causing Erzhu Zhao to relax his guard. Gao Huan anticipated that Erzhu Zhao would host a banquet for the New Year, so he sent Dou Tai to lead elite cavalry to march day and night, covering three hundred miles in one day and night, with Gao Huan following closely behind with the main army. In the first month of the next year, Dou Tai's army suddenly appeared near Erzhu Zhao's camp. Erzhu Zhao's army, caught off guard by Dou Tai's army, fled in a panic. In the end, they were defeated by Gao Huan's forces at Chihong Ridge. Erzhu Zhao took his own life by hanging, and Gao Huan personally went to give him a lavish burial. Murong Shaozong, along with Erzhu Rong's wife, children, and remaining followers, surrendered at Wutu City. Recalling their past ties, Gao Huan extended generous treatment to them.
When Gao Huan marched to Luoyang, the generals Qiao Ning and Zhang Ziqi, who served under Erzhu Zhongyuan, surrendered to him. Gao Huan believed they had previously aided the tyrant and were inconsistent, so he executed them. Husi Chun felt uneasy about this, so he, along with Wang Yuanbaoju, General Yuan Pi of Wuwei, Wei Guang, and Wang Sizheng, reported Gao Huan to Emperor Xiaowu. The courtier Yuan Shibei also reported that Gao Huan's attitude in accepting the emperor's orders was highly disrespectful. Therefore, Emperor Xiaowu started to harbor doubts about Gao Huan.
Earlier, during the reign of Emperor Xiaoming, the Tuoba and Heba clans in the Luoyang region were in conflict. At that time, a popular saying went: "Bronze will defeat Iron, and the Yuan family will face ruin." Some meddlesome individuals interpreted "Bronze" and "Iron" to refer to the Tuoba and Heba clans, suggesting that this foretold the decline of both clans. At that time, Sikong Gao Gan discreetly informed Gao Huan that Emperor Xiaowu of Wei harbored suspicions about him. Gao Huan reported this to the emperor. Consequently, Emperor Xiaowu of Wei executed Gao Gan, and subsequently issued a covert order to Pan Shaoye, the Governor of Dongxuzhou, directing Pang Cangying, the Prefect of Changle, to assassinate Gao Shen, Gao Gan's brother. Upon learning of his brother's death, Gao Shen stabbed a pillar with a spear and ordered his men to capture Pan Shaoye on the road, discovering the emperor's secret order in his clothing before fleeing to Gao Huan. Gao Huan cradled Gao Shen's head and wept, exclaiming, "The emperor has unjustly executed the Sikong!" He promptly dispatched envoys bearing white flags to console Gao Gan's family. At that time, Gao Shen, the brother of Gao Gan, was serving as an official in Guangzhou. He was strict but turned a blind eye to the corruption of his subordinates. Upon hearing about the incident, Gao Shen sought to flee to the Liang Dynasty. His subordinates reassured him, "Your family has served the nation for generations with great distinction. The emperor will not hold your brother accountable." Thus, Gao Shen donned tattered clothes, traveled in a humble ox cart, and made his way back to his hometown in Bohai. Along the way, he encountered a court envoy and sought refuge with Gao Huan. Thus, Emperor Xiaowu of Wei and Gao Huan’s relationship deteriorated completely.
Azhiluo and other tribes were originally vassals of the Wei Kingdom before the internal strife of the Wei Dynasty. They subsequently all rebelled. Gao Huan sent envoys to persuade them to surrender, and they all complied. Previously, the court abolished the Xing Tai after pacifying the banditry. Now, with the surrender of these minority ethnic groups, Gao Huan has been reappointed as the Grand Xing Tai, granting him full authority to manage related affairs. Gao Huan often bestowed upon them food and clothing; some believed it was wasteful and unproductive, but Gao Huan disregarded their concerns and continued to appease them as he had before. The tribal leaders, including Tuchen, were extremely grateful and obeyed Gao Huan's command, aiding him in the attack on Cao Ni, capturing Wanqiu Shiluo, and achieving significant victories. The chief tribes of Fei and Gedouling Yili, located in Hexi, resided in Hechi, consolidating their forces by taking advantage of the treacherous terrain. Gao Huan sent the Chief Historian Hou Jing to recruit them many times, but they consistently refused to yield.
