Seven years ago, on the first day of the lunar New Year, I set out from the capital and was appointed as the Grand General and Governor of Yangzhou. I was assigned twenty sword-bearing guards while retaining my original official position, which I declined. I reported to the court about all the soldiers who had died in battles across the north and south and requested posthumous rewards for them. Before their bodies had been returned, I sent a general to meet them and escort them back to their hometowns. In February, Lu Xun fled to Panyu and was defeated by Sun Jigao, with the remaining soldiers fled south. Liu Fan and Meng Huaiyu killed Xu Daofu in Shixing.
Since the rise of the Jin Dynasty, the governance of the country has been lax, with the powerful vying for power and wealth, bullying the weak, and causing the common people to become displaced and unable to protect their own properties. Huan Xuan once attempted to implement reforms but ultimately failed. After I became the Minister of State, I established strict rules, bringing the powerful to heel, and people near and far knew to abide by the law. At this time, Yu Liang of Kuaiji had actually harbored over a thousand fugitives. I ordered Yu Liang to be executed and removed Sima Xiuzhi from his position as the Intendant of Kuaiji.
The Emperor once again offered me an important position, which I declined. Later, the Emperor appointed me as the Grand Commandant and Director of the Palace Library, which I eventually accepted. I received the symbolic authority of the yellow ceremonial axe and left Jizhou. Du Huidu, the Inspector of Jiaozhou, killed Lu Xun and sent his head to the capital. Before this, many of the scholars recommended by various states and counties were deemed unqualified. I reported to the Emperor and reinstated the old system, restoring the original examination system.
General Dao Gui, the Conqueror of the West, and Inspector of Jingzhou, was in poor health and wanted to retire. After a few months, in April, the court appointed him as the Inspector of Yuzhou, and then General of the Household and Inspector of Yuzhou, Liu Yi, succeeded him. Liu Yi and Xie An both supported the Eastern Jin, restoring the glory of the Jin Dynasty, and both believed their contributions in the capital and Guangling were equally important. Although they outwardly obeyed Xie An, they were dissatisfied internally.
Liu Yi is very ambitious and arrogant, and many prestigious ministers in the court support him. He has a very good relationship with the Minister of Works, Xie Hun, and the Intendant of Danyang, Xi Sengshi, so close they could be said to share the same pair of pants. When he took office in Jiangling, he appropriated part of Yuzhou's territory for himself and appointed Xi Sengshi as the Colonel of the Southern Barbarians. Xie An had long suspected that Liu Yi would never accept being subordinate to anyone and would eventually rebel, so he secretly began planning to deal with him. When Liu Yi arrived in Jiangling, he feigned illness and submitted a memorial requesting that his younger brother, Liu Fan, the Inspector of Yanzhou, come as his deputy. Xie An feigned agreement. In September, Liu Fan entered the capital, and Xie An immediately ordered the arrest of Liu Fan and Xie Hun, imprisoning them and executing them. Then Xie An submitted a memorial accusing Liu Yi and secured the Yellow Battle-axe (an ancient symbol of imperial power granted to generals by the emperor), leading an army to the west. At the same time, he appointed Sima Xiuzhi as General Who Pacifies the West and Inspector of Jingzhou; Dao Lian stationed at Dantu; Zhuge Changmin as acting Grand Commandant, promoted to Grand Commandant; and Liu Muzhi as General Who Establishes Might, equipping them with full military forces. On the lunar calendar day of Renwu, Xie An set out from the capital, sending Colonel Wang Zhen'e and General Long Xiang to attack Jiangling. In October, Wang Zhen'e captured Jiangling, and Liu Yi and his associates were all killed. In the eleventh month of the Jimao year, Xie An arrived in Jiangling and issued the following edict:
"To reform the state for the benefit of the people, simplicity and forgiveness must be upheld, and the old ways must be abandoned for new principles, even if it proves troublesome to implement. The Jiang and Jing regions are devastated, with numerous flaws in the justice system; recent events have not been adequately addressed, and the people continue to suffer. The people are exhausted, the years are passing, finances are depleted, and concerns are growing. Despite the devastation, old practices persist, and harsh demands continue without following the proper path of governance. Those in positions of power may not be virtuous, failing to live frugally and seeking only to enrich themselves, resulting in entrenched corruption and a reluctance to change."
After Xie An arrived in Jiangling, he issued an order stating: to eliminate corrupt practices and save the people, one must be generous and compassionate, abandon cumbersome articles, and revise major legal provisions. Although this process is more complicated, the rationale is clear. The areas of Jiangzhou and Jingzhou have been devastated, with many loopholes in criminal law and administrative management; recent events have not been handled thoughtfully. As a result, the people's poverty and suffering have worsened year by year, suffering financial losses, enduring hardships, and living in fear of misfortune. Even after the destruction, taxes have not been reduced, and officials cruelly extort and disobey laws. Some local officials are corrupt, who are unable to practice frugality and are solely focused on amassing wealth, with habits formed that gradually lead them to forget the need for change.
Recently, due to the war, I have visited several places and felt increasingly that the people are living a hard life. I feel compelled to help address their urgent needs and alleviate their burdens. All taxes and corvée should be based on actual household registration. All military-related lands, ponds, and checkpoints in the prefectures and counties that do not serve military purposes should be abolished. Officials in prefectures and counties must be appointed according to the regulations of the Ministry of Personnel based on actual household registration. The allocation of timber from the Gui Mao year and fur from the Geng Zi year can be reduced or even stopped, and the actual required quantity should be estimated separately. The allocation of funds in Baling should still be carried out according to the original military transport method. Those sentenced within five years and the families of those implicated in crimes should all be granted release.
The ten counties of Jingzhou are transferred to Xiangzhou, and I have been promoted to governor. At the same time, Zhu Lingshi, the Prefect of Xiyang, has been appointed as the Governor of Yizhou, commanding troops to launch an assault on Shu. I have been elevated to the positions of Grand Tutor and Governor of Yangzhou, and a ceremonial escort of feathered banners and drums has been added, accompanied by twenty guards bearing swords.
In the second month of the ninth year of the reign, I returned from Jiangling. At first, Zhuge Changmin was greedy, lecherous, and arrogant, and the common people were fed up with him. Since he was also serving the court, I decided to be more lenient with him. After Liu Yi was killed, Zhuge Changmin told his confidants, "We killed Peng Yue in the past, and this year we killed Han Xin; disaster is coming!" He began plotting a rebellion. I had set a date to return to the capital, but he deliberately delayed it. Court officials from the highest officials to the lowest waited for him at Xinting for many days, and Zhuge Changmin would occasionally show up. Later, I sneaked back to the Eastern Palace by boat. When Zhuge Changmin arrived at the palace gate, I invited him in, sent away the idle people, and then addressed all the past grievances I had with him; Zhuge Changmin was very happy. Then I secretly ordered my men, including Ding Wu, to come out from behind the curtain and arrest him on the spot. Zhuge Changmin fell from the bed, was beaten on the ground, and died beside the bed. His body was sent to the Court of Justice, and his brother Zhuge Limin was also executed. Ding Wu was strong and brave, and people at the time said, "Don't be too arrogant, beware of Ding Wu!" Previously, the powerful had taken over the mountains, rivers, lakes, and marshes, and the common people were taxed for cutting wood, fishing, and hunting. I issued an order to put an end to this practice. At that time, the people's homes were still quite spread out, and I noted in a memorial:
I heard that in ancient times, the wise kings ruled the country, and the world was orderly; boundaries were defined, and everyone lived in peace. In the past, during prosperous times, the people did not move their industries, so the well-field system could continue to prosper in the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties. The Qin Dynasty abolished this system, and the Han Dynasty did not change it; they pursued wealth and power, annexed land, which led to problems. However, the people did not migrate en masse; they continued to live in the places where their ancestors had lived. During the Western Han period, the Tian and Jing families were relocated en masse to Guanzhong, where they considered it their hometown and no longer associated with the Qi and Chu states. Since the chaos of Yongjia, the people fled and scattered, many escaping to the areas south of the Huai River and Yangtze River. Although the court always wanted to restore the Central Plains and the people wanted to return to their homeland, the plans for national recovery were overwhelming. Therefore, the efforts to appease the people and stabilize social order have not been effective. It wasn't until Grand Marshal Huan Wen saw that the people did not have a fixed industry that he felt it was a great harm to the governance of the country. In the Gengxu year, he conducted a large-scale land survey, enabling people to secure fixed plots of land. At that time, the country was prosperous, and the treasury was full, all thanks to this policy. Since then, a long time has passed, but the land survey system has gradually loosened. People are living in close quarters, and there are many refugees, leading to a scattered organization in the villages. As a result, the policy cannot be fully enforced, and the suffering of the people persists.
I have taken on a great responsibility and feel the weight of it. Without reform and adjustment, without re-planning the land, the country cannot be governed well. People are always accustomed to the status quo, making it difficult for them to accept new ideas. The saying "the land of our ancestors, where we were born and will be buried" reflects the deep emotional attachment people have to their homeland. Many generations have lived here, with family graves clustered together. Their deep love for their homeland is natural. Therefore, I propose following the method of land clearance in the year of Gengxu, allowing the people to have fixed property and gradually settle down. Then, educate them with benevolence, deter them with force, cross the Yangtze River, cross the Yellow River, pacify the nine provinces, restore the old territory, and their longing for their homeland will be satisfied. Although it may be difficult at first, it will eventually be easy to govern.
I humbly ask Your Majesty to show compassion for the people's suffering, to have compassion for their displacement, and to always remember the meaning of the poem "Wild Geese," with an eye towards revitalizing the nation. Since you have entrusted me with the affairs of the country, I aim to restore stability to the realm. If my suggestions are feasible, please approve my implementation.
Well, at that time the territory was divided according to the borders. Only those living in Jinling in Xuzhou, Yanzhou, and Qingzhou were not included in the restructuring. Most of the officials from other regions were dismissed. Then, he was appointed as General of the West and Governor of Yuzhou. He refused the titles of Grand Tutor and Governor, along with the ceremonial guards, even returning the emperor's yellow battle-axe.
In July, Zhu Lingshi pacified the Shu territory, killed the pretender Shu King Qiao Zong, and sent his head to the capital. In September, the emperor further appointed his second son, Yi Zhen, as the Duke of Guiyang to reward him for pacifying the Qi territory and Lu Xun's rebellion. The emperor then ordered him to be the Grand Tutor and Governor of Yangzhou, and assigned him a retinue of twenty attendants. After more than a hundred military officers and officials advised him, he accepted the retinue and musicians, but refused the rest. Over the course of ten years, he focused on helping the common people recuperate, reducing corvée labor, and built the Eastern Mansion, which became his residence.
This General of the West and Governor of Jingzhou, Sima Xiuzhi, was a relative of the imperial family and held great influence in the Jianghan region. However, there were suspicions about his intentions. His nephew, Prince Qiao Wensi, was in the capital and had gathered a group of rebels. As a result, he arrested Prince Qiao Wensi and sent him back to Sima Xiuzhi to deal with the situation. Sima Xiuzhi requested the revocation of Prince Qiao Wensi's title and thanked the duke in a letter. In January of the eleventh year, the duke arrested Sima Xiuzhi's son Wen Bao and nephew Wen Zu, and executed them in prison. He then led a large army on a campaign to the west, and the emperor appointed him as Governor of Jingzhou. On the day designated as Xinsi, he departed from the capital, leaving General Dao Lian responsible for the affairs of the mansion. Sima Xiuzhi presented his case in a memorial, stating:
I heard that the ebb and flow of power in the world is never constant. Just like the cycles of yin and yang, after decline, a period of peace and prosperity will naturally come. In the past, those treacherous usurpers wreaked havoc on the court. After over a decade, the royal family finally regained its prosperity. The Grand Marshal, whose name is Weiwu Mingduan (original name retained here), was the first to raise the banner of rebellion, eliminate those villains, and restore power to the royal family. He, a commoner, was able to restore the state, pacifying Lu Xun in the south and Guanggu in the north. No one has matched this achievement in a thousand years! Therefore, people all over the world praise him, and the court ministers all admire him.
However, after he rose to power, he became increasingly tyrannical. He grew arrogant and complacent, thinking he had given enough rewards and that his status was unmatched. He started to abuse his power, leading to extreme cruelty in governance. His tyrannical tendencies became increasingly apparent, and he completely disregarded the etiquette of a subject. The Emperor's daily needs were frequently unmet; palace expenses were only met one out of ten times. Even when the Empress fell ill, there was a shortage of medicine, and she had to write a letter home for help. The court ministers witnessed all this and felt deeply troubled, yet they dared not speak up.
The fifth son of the former Governor of Yangzhou, Yuan Xian, Fa Xing, fled to safety because of the rebellion of Huan Xuan. He only returned when the royal family regained power. The descendants of the Grand Tutor, who had once fallen into obscurity, have now risen again. Who wouldn't be happy to see this? However, the Grand Commandant harbored malicious intentions and, without regard for the consequences, envied Fa Xing because he was intelligent and capable and was sure to be highly regarded by the people in the future, like a beautiful blooming orchid. Consumed by jealousy, he spread rumors and ultimately had Fa Xing killed. The Grand Marshal De Wen, as well as the Princess Consort, were very anxious, pleading everywhere, but the Grand Commandant simply ignored them and had them killed; this injustice is truly chilling. Believing himself to be above others due to his high status and favor, he forced De Wen's daughter to marry his illegitimate son; this marriage was entirely coerced.
Therefore, General Wei Liu Yi, General Liu Fan, Former General Zhuge Changmin, Prefect Xie Hun, and Colonel Xi Sengshi—these individuals, some with remarkable achievements and others from illustrious families—are all pillars of the court, yet they were unjustly murdered. The Grand Commandant's cruel and paranoid nature is truly exceptional in history!
I come from a humble background, and my family's fortunes have declined. I have only been able to survive until now thanks to the grace of the emperor. This kindness is hard to come by in any era. Therefore, I have always worked wholeheartedly for the government, never disobeying imperial orders. Later, I was appointed as the Governor of Jingzhou. I have repeatedly submitted requests to resign from my position because I feel unqualified for such a significant role, but the emperor has never approved it. In the past, I moved to the west with my elderly mother and some family members, while my children and grandchildren stayed behind in the capital. My nephew, Prince Qiao Wensi, although young, is relatively sensible and hasn't made any serious errors. However, he enjoys making friends and lacks vigilance, which resulted in him being set up by some scoundrels, causing a negative impact. Sima Yu therefore massacred Wen Si's friends and sent Wen Si far away. At that time, I complied with Sima Yu's orders and requested to revoke Wen Si's title and send him back to his ancestral home, with his son Wen Bao escorting his daughter back to the east. I believed that this demonstrated my loyalty and obedience, but I never anticipated that Sima Yu had ulterior motives and would launch an attack on me, intensifying the charges against Wen Si and framing him with false evidence. The rumors spread by those scoundrels were rampant, and I, being naive and ignorant, actually believed that things would not escalate to that extent.
Soon, my Prefect, Zhang Maodu, returned in a panic from the east, and Tan Fan, the Prefect of Nanping, defected three days ago and is currently being interrogated. The eastern army has already reported the situation. Sima Yu's actions weren't motivated by personal grievances against me, but because he views me as a pillar of the royal family, occupying a crucial position. With only me left, he aims to eliminate me to carry out his usurpation plans. General Zong Zhi and Jing Xuan, the Inspector of Qingzhou, are both seen as threats by Sima Yu, and he intends to take them out one by one before seizing power, which he finds quite easy.
The militias in Jingzhou and Yongzhou have automatically gathered without any call, responding to my call like a dense forest. This is indeed the blessing of my ancestors and the divine protection I receive. I have appointed Wensi as the General of Zhenwu and the Governor of Nanjun, and Zong's son Lu Gui has been promoted to the General of Fuguo. Now I am personally leading a large army with Zong, stationed in Jiangjin, fully prepared and ready for battle. Sima Yu's army is only focused on my brothers and nephews. I will do everything I can to suppress the rebellion and keep the court updated on the situation. Sima Yu's arrogance stems from my own weakness and incompetence. I feel ashamed before the court and my ancestors, unable to face them.
Han Yanzhi, who used to be a capable official in the office of Xiu Zhi, received a secret letter from the general before he arrived in Jiangling. The letter said, "My conduct and behavior are well known near and far. Last year, I sent Kang Zhi back to Master Sima; that was absolutely fair! But he didn't feel ashamed at all, didn't explain in writing, and had a tough attitude, which is simply intolerable! I was ordered to march west just to deal with him and his son. The local people have suffered greatly at their hands, and I don't care about them. Several years ago, Xi Sengshi, Xie Shao, and Ren Ji have been colluding for years, advising Liu Yi, leading to the current situation. You are all victims of circumstance and bear no guilt. There's a reason behind my military campaign this time. The army is close by, and this is a good opportunity for you to return to our side. If the army really comes and the swords clash, I won’t be able to tell the good from the bad, so I'm giving you a heads-up, as well as anyone else who might be thinking the same."
Yan's reply said: "You personally led the army on an expedition to the western border, and the people in the entire region were stunned and terrified. Why? Because no one had any idea why you launched this military campaign! It is only now upon receiving your letter that we understand it was because of the past actions of Prince Qiao, which is truly a pity! Master Sima is loyal to the nation and shows kindness and compassion to others, which is rare even among ancient people. Your contributions to restoring the country have benefited everyone. You've always upheld moral integrity, treated people sincerely, and thought carefully about everything. Prince Qiao was accused of minor offenses in the past and even voluntarily petitioned to resign from his position; how could he just stay silent after making such a big mistake? It's just that Kang's earlier words weren't clear enough, so he sent Hu Dao to explain your thoughts. Before Hu Dao returned, you petitioned to remove him, which shows you didn’t even bother to hear him out! You say you are open and sincere, is this how you should be? Is military action really necessary for something so intolerable? Since Yiqi has held power, how many local officials would dare to go straight to the emperor without checking with you first? Why was Prince Qiao rebuked by the prime minister and then requested to resign? What was the reason for asking to resign? This really is a case of 'adding crime to crime; is there no excuse for this?'"
Liu Yu, oh Liu Yu, everyone in the country knows your heart. Do you still think you can deceive the pillars of other nations? This is something that the heavens won't tolerate, and it won't work anywhere! You told me, "there is a reason for everything," but now you are attacking the rulers of other nations, enticing them with benefits; this is the true meaning of "there is a reason for everything!" Liu Fan died in the palace; Zhuge Liang died at the hands of his own people. You use flowery words to deceive local officials, then launch surprise attacks with small forces, leaving those loyal people at the banquet left without support, while the border princes lose their confidence. You consider this a successful strategy; it is truly shameful! The generals in your mansion and the virtuous officials in the court have longed for peace for ages. Though I am of lowly status, I have heard wise men speak of principles. Shouldn't someone as virtuous as you, who has pacified the West, have loyal subjects to support you? I cannot willingly throw myself into the jaws of danger; compared to figures like Xi Jian and Ren Kai, my actions are far more prudent. Even if chaos reigns in the future and society is thrown into turmoil, I will meet Zang Hong in the afterlife; I won’t elaborate further.
After reading the letter, the Grand Duke sighed and showed it to his subordinates, saying, "One should handle affairs like this." In March, the army arrived in Jiangling. Initially, Lu Zong, the Governor of Yongzhou, was concerned about not being favored by the Grand Duke, so he colluded with Liu Xiuzhi and, at this point, he led his son Lu Gui, the Prefect of Jingling, to join him in Jiangling. The Prefect of Jiangxia, Liu Qianzhi, went to summon them, but the army was defeated, and he was subsequently killed. The Grand Duke ordered the Minister of Internal Affairs of Pengcheng, Xu Kuizhi, and the Army Officer Wang Yunzhi to go to Jiangxia, but they were routed by Lu Gui, leading to the complete annihilation of their forces. At that moment, the Grand Duke's forces were stationed at Matou, and that very day, he led his troops across the river and personally urged the soldiers to land, with everyone eager to be the first and displaying remarkable bravery. Liu Xiuzhi's forces were defeated, prompting him and Lu Gui to flee to Xiangyang. Following the capture of Jiangling, the Grand Duke was appointed Colonel of the Southern Barbarians.
I am going to visit him, just as I hit four inauspicious days for travel and sacrifices. My assistants Zheng Xianzhi, Chu Shudu, Wang Hong, and Fu Liang all advised me to reschedule, but I did not listen. I wrote a memorial saying: "This state has long been plagued, with various accidents occurring one after another, the people are worn out, fields are left uncultivated, and every household is struggling. In addition, the old rules and regulations are a mess and confusing, with heavy labor; even kids and the elderly are being drafted. Empty households are also conscripted, and some families have to sell their land in order to respond to the conscription. I often worry about the people's suffering; I can't sleep at night. We really need to scrap these harsh government orders and implement policies that are convenient and beneficial to the people. I hope to eliminate the long-standing problems, make everything new, and bring about stability and unity, with results expected in just a month. The officials and soldiers in the western districts of Jingzhou and Yongzhou, as well as those in the Manfu, who are under twelve, over sixty, need to care for orphans, or are single and struggling, should all be sent back home. Those who really can’t make ends meet should get long-term support. Officials who have worked hard in the prefectures should be promoted based on their merits; this year, all taxes and rents will be waived."
In April, I led the army on another expedition. Upon reaching Xiangyang, Xiu fled and sought refuge with the Qiang people. The emperor reiterated the previous orders, appointing me as Grand Tutor and Governor of Yangzhou. I was allowed to wear a sword when entering the palace. I could see the emperor without needing to bow or announce my name. He also granted me a feathered canopy, a trumpet, and appointed four officials. He appointed my third son Yilong as Duke of Beipingcheng County and General Daolian as Governor of Jingzhou. On the day of Jiazi in August, I returned from Jiangling and handed over the imperial seal, firmly resigning from the positions of Grand Tutor, Governor, and other related titles, while accepting others. The court believed my status and achievements were significant enough that I did not require a guard and granted me special privileges, allowing me and my son to hold these positions as well.
In the twelfth year of the reign, the emperor ordered me to continue selecting talents as before and bestowed the title of General Who Pacifies the North upon me, along with the position of Governor of Yanzhou, and assigned me to oversee the twenty-two provinces of Southern Qin. Feeling that there were too few civil and military officials under the title of General Who Pacifies the North, I decided to abolish the office and merge it with the Central Prefecture, while appointing my son as Governor of Yuzhou. In March, the emperor appointed me as the Supreme Commander of both the Central and Outer Regions.
Initially, although the court was fairly just at first, Fu Jian still wanted to recover Guanzhong and Luoyang. However, when Lu Xun rebelled, his plans were thwarted. After restoring order in Jingzhou and Yongzhou, he began to plan for external expansion. At this time, the Qiang tribe leader, Yao Xing, passed away, and his son Yao Hong succeeded him. The brothers started killing each other again, resulting in chaos in Guanzhong. Fu Jian then declared martial law and prepared for a northern campaign. He was promoted to General of the Western Campaign while also serving as the Inspector of Sizhou and Yuzhou. At the same time, he appointed his son as the Inspector of Xuzhou and Yanzhou. He ordered, "I raise the banner of justice high, starting from my home province, reclaiming the imperial territory, and establishing my achievements. Without the full support of the people of all provinces, we could not have defeated foreign enemies and rooted out internal traitors. Your loyalty is as steadfast as the harshest winter, and your righteousness as unyielding as rock. Now I am about to set out on a western expedition, heading to Guanzhong and the Hexi region. My son has also been granted favor and entrusted with important tasks; the depth of this favor is truly significant! Recently, military and state affairs have been hectic, and punishments have been ongoing. I am overwhelmed with mixed feelings! Those who committed crimes more than five years ago can be pardoned. Officials, both civil and military, who have worked diligently and earned high merits but have not yet been promoted will be promoted according to their merits and positions."
Fu Jian accepted the positions of both the governor of both the central and foreign territories and the governor of Sizhou, and rejected the ceremonial respect offered by the Grand Marshal, Prince Langye, and the court approved this. Fu Jian wanted to use his reputation to pacify distant lands and support Prince Langye's northern campaign. In May, the Qiang tribe's self-styled Chamberlain, Yin Chong, surrendered with his brothers. Fu Jian was further appointed as the governor of North Yongzhou, granted feathered banners and trumpets, increased the ceremonial escort to forty people, and was relieved of his role as the supervisor of the imperial library. On the day of Dingsi in August, Fu Jian led a large army out of the capital. He appointed his eldest son as the general of the central army and assigned the duties of the Grand Commandant to the Minister Over the Masses. The Minister of the Right, Liu Muzhi, was appointed as the Minister of the Left, with the additional responsibilities of overseeing the military and the central army, who resided in the eastern palace and managed both internal and external affairs. In September, Fu Jian's army reached Pengcheng, and he was further appointed as the governor of Xuzhou.
Prior to this, Fu Jian had sent the Champion General, Tan Daoji, and the Dragon Cavalry General, Wang Zhen'e, to lead infantry to Xuchang and Luoyang, with Qiang tribal forces stationed along the way surrendering. The self-styled governor of Yanzhou, Wei Hu, who had previously occupied Cangyuan, also surrendered with his followers. Fu Jian then dispatched the governor of North Yanzhou, Wang Zhongde, to lead the navy into the Yellow River. Wang Zhongde defeated the Suolu in Liangcheng, Dongju County, and then captured Huatai. In October, the army arrived in Luoyang, besieging Jinyong City. Yao Hong's brother, the self-styled General of Pingnan, Yao Guang, requested to surrender and was sent to the capital. Fu Jian ordered the restoration of the five Jin dynasty mausoleums and sent troops to guard them. The emperor issued a decree that stated:
It is said that Mount Song and Mount Tai are the peaks of heaven and earth; with their presence, the majesty of the heavenly path shines even brighter; the vassal states serve as a shield to protect the center, allowing the emperor to govern the world smoothly. So, the Xia and Yin dynasties relied on the princes of Kunwu and Pengcheng, while the Zhou dynasty relied on the assistance of the states of Qi and Jin. From historical examples, it can be seen that throughout the ages, these have served as models for governance and rescue in times of crisis, all relying on these principles.
The Grand Commandant is truly a gifted individual blessed by the heavens, with exceptional talent and wisdom that shines in all directions, his virtues illuminating the universe. Since his youth, he has diligently served the country, achieving great feats in times of chaos caused by demonic forces. He can be said to be the pillars of the nation, with all the people relying on him! Later, when Huan Xuan rebelled and caused great turmoil, the Grand Commandant upheld justice with unmatched bravery, striking fear into his enemies like thunder, assisting the emperor in restoring the royal family. He always remained mindful of his contributions and benevolence, thus quelling rebellions in the north, pacifying the Baiyue tribes in the south, and bringing Jingzhou and Yongzhou under control. Even the distant lands of Yongguo and Minshan complied with the court's commands, successfully suppressing rebellions and stopping the scourge of bandits. When he assisted the emperor in governing the country, order was maintained both inside and outside the court, ushering in an unprecedented era of peace and prosperity, inheriting and developing the great achievements of his ancestors. He reformed social customs through rituals, educated the people with royal principles, his influence spread far and wide, benefiting all corners. Even the chiefs living in deep mountains and islands, as well as those with disheveled hair and tattoos, forgot their remote and rugged homelands, traveling far to pay homage to the court, all because of the Grand Commandant's immense contributions, which are too numerous to recount in detail.
In the past, during the Yongjia period, the court was rife with corruption, and the realm was fragmented. The former imperial capital had fallen to barbarian invaders, and people longed for the tombs of the old capital, with all the people of the world missing them. The Grand Marshal was deeply troubled, so he picked up his weapons, personally led the soldiers to suppress the rebels, commanded a fierce campaign against the enemy, and personally directed the vassals. Wherever his banner flew, all corners trembled; where his vanguard passed, enemy fortresses were everywhere. The old capital was restored to stability, the five tombs resumed their sacrificial rites, hundreds of cities pledged allegiance, and thousands of families rallied to his side. According to historical records, no one in recorded history has achieved such remarkable merit as he!
In the past, the Duke of Zhou and Lü Shang served wise rulers, relying on the strength of controlling one-third of the world, wielding military power and guiding the realm, expanding territory in one fell swoop and annexing many states. Even in the times of Duke Huan and Duke Wen, though they lived relatively frugally, they also enjoyed the emperor's favor and honor. Moreover, your achievements far surpass those of ancient heroes! I frequently study ancient teachings, aspiring to uphold our ancestors' legacy. You are upright, modest, and cautious, but your rejection of grand ceremonies has left the court in eager anticipation for many years. Moreover, now that the world is unified and the culture is the same, you have suggested being bestowed, and all under heaven eagerly await your title. Thus, your humble refusal contradicts the customs of the state. Heaven has also favored you, which I greatly respect. To fulfill everyone's expectations, I have decided to hold a grand enthronement ceremony.
Therefore, I hereby appoint you as Prime Minister, overseeing all officials, while concurrently serving as the Governor of Yangzhou, bestowing upon you the title of Duke of Song, along with ten counties, in accordance with the Nine Bestowments ritual, bestowing upon you the seal and the distant travel hat, placing your status above that of the princes, and additionally granting you the Prime Minister's green silk sash.
The decree states:
My qualifications are mediocre, relying on the foundation laid by our ancestors. Yi and Yis took advantage of the situation to cause chaos, overthrowing the royal family. We (the Jin state) were driven to the southern border and migrated to Jiujiang. The ancestral sacrifices were interrupted, and there was nowhere for people and gods to worship. The wicked ran rampant, and our fate was left to the mercy of the Yangtze River. As a consequence, the foundation of our ancestors was completely destroyed, and the empire of seven hundred years collapsed in an instant, as if falling into the sea, not knowing how to survive the crisis. Fortunately, heaven did not destroy the Jin state and raised you, my wise minister, who revitalized the declining country, rebuilt the nation, continued the extinguished lineage, and turned darkness into light. I cannot thank you enough for your accomplishments and virtues. Now I want to grant you a decree; please listen carefully to my reading:
It is said that Huan Xuan usurped the throne, causing great chaos in the world, making the entire country full of chaos, and officials were too scared to speak. The whole country was in turmoil. This general, radiant and extraordinary, like the sun, fought bravely, eliminated a large number of rebellious forces, recaptured the capital, and allowed the emperor to regain power. This is his greatest achievement, all in service of the emperor!
Then, he led the army to fight in the north and south, breaking through the enemy's fortresses all the way, capturing victory in Nanying, killing the leader of the rebels, and completely quelling the rebellion, restoring the order of the world. This is also his merit. He rose from a local official to the central assistant to the emperor, developed the economy, increased the population, enhanced the lives of the common people, and expanded the territory. He implemented benevolent governance, enforced strict laws, and ensured stability within the four borders. This is also his merit.
The Xianbei rebelled, invaded the territory of Qi, and also attacked Jizhou and Qingzhou, burning, killing, and looting everywhere, exploiting their remote location and the lack of law enforcement. The general led the army deep into enemy territory, unstoppable in their advance, breaking through the enemy's cities, defeating their armies, killing their leaders, expanding the territory, and striking fear into the northern border. This is his merit.
Lu Xun seized the opportunity in the Wuling Mountains, attacking Jiangzhou and Yuzhou, almost reaching the capital. The court and the populace were in a state of panic; some suggested moving the capital, while others proposed surrender. The general stepped forward at this critical moment, remained composed and devised a battle plan, defeated Lu Xun, and saved the capital on the brink of destruction. This is also his merit!
He pursued victory, advancing triumphantly, even sending troops across the sea in pursuit, quickly defeating the enemy. In the Battle of Panyu, countless enemies were captured, and in the Battle of Zuoli, the enemy was defeated. Lu Xun was killed, his head was sent thousands of miles away, and peace was restored to Hainan, with tributes coming from distant regions. This is also his merit!
Liu Yi rebelled in Xixia, ambitious, burning, killing, and looting everywhere, amassing a large following and threatening the court. The general swiftly dispatched troops, swiftly quelling the rebellion, killing Liu Yi, and restoring peace in Jingzhou and Hengzhou. This is also his merit!
Qiao Zong occupied a region, impeding the court's authority, and the Sanba region had fallen. The general sent troops to suppress, quickly breaking Qiao Zong's power, and restoring peace in Liangzhou and Minzhou. This is also his merit!
Ma Xiu and Lu Zong instigated a rebellion from within. The general swiftly dispatched troops, defeating them in Jiangjin, the rebels fleeing, and peace was restored in Jingzhou and Yongzhou. This is also his merit!
After the chaos of the Yongjia Rebellion, barbarians from the north invaded, resulting in turmoil throughout the Central Plains. The country was divided, ancestral homelands were ravaged, and the people were displaced. A general decided to reclaim the lost territories, leading a large army northward. With unstoppable momentum, he conquered many cities, and rebel forces surrendered. The land that had been devastated for a century finally regained peace. This was also a testament to his achievements!
This minister has made great contributions to the country, with exemplary character. From the beginning of his career, he proposed forward-thinking strategies and demonstrated unparalleled courage in battle, pacifying the eastern region and improving the lives of the common people. He governed like spring rain, quietly nourishing all, improving people's livelihoods, pacifying rebellions, and strengthening the country's rule. His fair policies lightened the burden on the people, enhancing social harmony. As a result, border countries paid tribute, and the world was at peace. Even the renowned sages of antiquity pale in comparison to him!
I have heard that ancient emperors would grant land, titles, and treasures to meritorious ministers as rewards, to better support the imperial court and consolidate the country. Look at places like Qufu and Yingqiu, known throughout the world for producing wise ministers. Even King Xiang and Duke Wen of Jin relied on wise ministers to achieve dominance. This minister's achievements surpass theirs, yet he has not received the corresponding rewards, which troubles my heart.
Therefore, today I will promote him to Prime Minister, granting him the ten counties of Pengcheng, Pei, Lanling, Xiapi, Huaiyang, Shanyang, Guangling in Xuzhou, as well as Gaoping, Luxian, and Taishan in Yanzhou, making him the Duke of Song. I will give him land, the symbolic white grass headpiece, enabling him to settle down and establish ancestral shrines, contributing to the state. Just like the founding ministers of Jin and Zheng became officials, Duke Zhou and Duke Shao assisted the emperor and later managed the affairs of the country, this minister will also oversee both domestic and foreign affairs.
Now, we command Zhan, the bearer of the staff of authority, concurrently Grand Marshal, Supervisor of the Left, and fifth-rank noble of Jinning County, to bestow upon him the seal and ribbon of the Chancellor and the seal and sash of Duke of Song; and we further command Tai, the bearer of the staff of authority, concurrently Minister of Works, Cavalier Attendant, Supervisor of the Left, and Marquis of Yangsui Township, to bestow upon him the thatched lands and the gold tiger tally of Duke of Song (first to fifth class), as well as the bamboo tally (first to tenth class). The position of Chancellor holds great power, highest in ritual, and daily titles should correspond to his status. Therefore, henceforth the Chancellor shall oversee all officials, and the title of "Recorder of the Left" shall be abolished. In addition, the seals and tokens of the Palace Attendant, known as Diaochan, Grand Commander of the Palace Guards, Grand Tutor, and Grand Marshal bestowed upon him previously are also presented. He shall continue to serve as Governor of Yangzhou and hold the titles of General Who Conquers the West, Inspector of Yuzhou, Beixu, and Yongzhou, without change.
Old Ji has strict discipline, follows proper etiquette, and is a role model for all nations, unwavering and steadfast, never changing his original intentions. Therefore, he is awarded a large ceremonial carriage and a war carriage, each pulled by two teams of black horses.
He suppresses extravagance, values agricultural production, vigorously develops agriculture, resulting in bountiful harvests and a full national treasury. Hence, he is awarded ceremonial robes and red shoes.
He rejects evil, accepts righteousness, changes customs, educates the people, governing the nation as if conducting a harmonious symphony. Therefore, he is awarded musical instruments from Xuan County and the dance of the Six Rituals.
He promotes the beautiful royal culture, upholds excellent traditions, and countries from all directions emulate him, with people from afar gathering. Therefore, he is awarded a crimson gate. He is able to appoint virtuous talents, gather hidden talents, with talents from remote areas coming to the court, leading to a court filled with talented individuals. Therefore, he is awarded a platform for court attendance.
He holds a prominent position in the court, leading his subordinates with justice, curbing enemies, and rooting out treachery. Therefore, he is awarded three hundred Tiger Guards.
He is perceptive, strictly punishes crimes, handles cases with fairness and meticulousness, follows the law, and never bends the law for personal gain. Therefore, he was rewarded with an axe and a halberd.
He is brave and mighty, is exceptionally talented and strategic, leads the world, and is invincible. Therefore, he was rewarded with a red bow, one hundred red arrows, ten Lu bows, and one thousand Lu arrows.
He is respectful and filial, devout in sacrifices, loyal and serious, becoming a role model for all. Therefore, he was rewarded with a ceremonial wine vessel and a jade tablet. Officials under the Prime Minister in the Song Kingdom adhered to the traditional practices.
Ah, we hope he will faithfully follow orders, bring glory to his ancestors, care for the people, extend his generosity, and fulfill the wishes of his ancestors.
The Song Kingdom also sent the Palace Attendant, Minister of the Yellow Gate, Deputy Minister of the Left, and officials to welcome him along with the ambassador. The envoy from the Huabei Kingdom sent messengers to seek his help in subduing the Qiang tribe, resulting in his appointment as General of the Western Pacification and Duke of Henan.
In the thirteenth year of the lunar calendar, the emperor led troops to battle, leaving a portion of the troops under the command of Lord Yilong of Pengcheng. The army reached Liucheng, passing by Zhang Liang Temple. The emperor said, "Those who have done great deeds, their achievements will never be forgotten; they should be recorded in history books. Thinking of Zhang Liang's accomplishments fills me with even deeper emotion. Zhang Liang was a man of noble character who assisted Liu Bang in founding the Han Dynasty, making contributions that rival those of Yi Yin and Jiang Shang. His virtues are akin to benevolence. He met Huang Shigong at Yiqiao and became sworn brothers with Liu Bang on Shangluo Mountain; his fame and seclusion are unpredictable and elusive. As I passed through old Pei and stopped at Liucheng, I saw the dilapidated Zhang Liang Temple. I felt a deep sense of sorrow at the sight, and thinking of Zhang Liang made me sigh. Anyone who has visited Daliang will pause at Yimen; anyone who has been to Jiuyuan will find it hard to leave Suihui. The Zhang Liang Temple should be rebuilt, the walls repainted, and regular offerings made, to honor historical figures and commemorate his enduring legacy." The emperor also posthumously appointed Zhang Gong's ancestors as Taichang, and his father as Left Guanglu Daifu, but Zhang Gong humbly declined the honors.
In February, General Tan Daoji and his companions arrived at Tongguan. In March, the army crossed the Yellow River. An enemy force of one hundred thousand troops, both infantry and cavalry, camped by the Yellow River. The Emperor commanded all military forces to cross the Yellow River and defeat the enemy. The Emperor arrived in Luoyang. In July, the army reached Shancheng. General Wang Zhen'e felled trees to construct ships, which then floated from the Yellow River to the Wei River. In August, the Prefect of Fufeng, Shen Tianzi, defeated Yao Hong in Lantian. Wang Zhen'e captured Chang'an, taking Yao Hong prisoner. In September, the Emperor arrived in Chang'an. Chang'an was left unscathed, and the national treasury was overflowing with riches. The Emperor first gathered ancient ritual vessels, celestial instruments, and other artifacts to present to the court; other treasures were distributed to the soldiers. Yao Hong was escorted to Jiankang, where he was executed in the crowded marketplace. The Emperor also paid homage to the tomb of Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang of Han and held a grand meeting of civil and military officials in Weiyang Palace.
In October, the Emperor issued a decree:
I have learned that the ancient kings governed the world by honoring virtue with great treasures and rewarding achievements with noble titles. They established merits, bestowed mysterious jade, summoned kings from the four seas, and feasted with the spirits of Ji and Dun. The wings of the saints spread their merits, assisting in the grand designs of virtue, exhausting the origins of rewards, and bestowing rare favor. How could they alone manage the world with such profound insight and exceptional skill!
Because of my own shortcomings, the nation has faced continuous disasters, like dark clouds gathering with thunderous storms, barbarians seizing the mandate of heaven, and I lost the capital, exiled to the wilderness, enduring countless hardships. Duke Song, heaven has granted you wisdom and sagacity, born at the right time, your noble character deeply favored by heaven. Your righteousness has rescued me in my time of need, enabling me to restore the nation. You have managed the country in an orderly manner, spreading your fame far and wide.
You have not only pacified the country both inside and out, quelled rebellions, eradicated powerful enemies, defeated treachery, showed kindness, and concealed your talents. All six departments thrived under your governance. Everything you have done has nourished the people like timely rain. Your governance is on par with that of the legendary Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, and there is no one in history who can compare to you. It has been over ten years since the Yongjia defeat, with the Five Capitals falling successively, yet the rightful dynasty endures. Only the Sanqin region remains isolated from the court. The Qiang and Hu tribes invaded and ruled brutally for three generations. They relied on the strategic location of Guanzhong, the strength of Hangu Pass, and their military strategies, and have not been conquered for a long time.
You were divinely appointed to govern the nation, showcasing your authority and divine right. You grasp the intentions of the lords and can invoke heavenly punishment. Therefore, as soon as you issued a warning, Xuzhou and Zhengzhou quickly stabilized; before your army even mobilized, Luoyang returned to peace. You have brought nations back to the old capital to pay their respects, and the elders of the Eastern Capital have once more witnessed the court's majesty. This enables me to sit securely on the throne and preserve the nation's stability. Therefore, after thoroughly reviewing historical records and gathering opinions, I have bestowed this honor upon you to recognize your achievements in reclaiming our territory.
The previous system of rewards was overly simplistic; previous titles also failed to fully honor your contributions. These are far from enough to commend your great achievements, meet the expectations of the people, and consolidate the capital in governing the realm. In fact, you have always upheld the virtue of humility, making you hard to approach, as you see honor as a burden. Therefore, I have lowered the standards for rewards, and there will be other rewards in the future. From then until now, your achievements have grown, your reputation has spread throughout the Nine Bends of the Yellow River, Wei and Zhao have submitted, and you have returned from the passes of Mount Xiaoshan and Hangu; the lingering ice and snow have finally melted. You have advanced all the way to reach Bashui and Chanshui, raised banners at Longmen, and captured the rebel Yao Hong. The century-long chaos has finally been quelled; the ancestral grudges have been avenged today. You have followed in the footsteps of Great Yu, pacified the world, and even overseas no one dares to defy. Your accomplishments will be celebrated for generations; what praise could possibly do them justice, not even gold, stone, or fine poetry? Your achievements are enough to comfort the gods and should be inscribed on Mount Song and Mount Tai to commemorate your great achievements.
I have heard that the Zhou Dynasty had a vast territory, with the phoenix singing on Mount Qi; the Zhou Dynasty's good governance spread far and wide, and auspicious signs appeared. Since you began large-scale military operations until the final victory, various auspicious signs have appeared continuously, too many to count, not just because precious pheasants flew from afar or good harvests grew nearby! I often pray to the heavens and observe the people's sentiments, and when I advance, I think of your accomplishments; when I retreat, I think of the country's laws. How can I allow you to keep holding back your good ideas? Therefore, we should hold a grand ceremony to fulfill the expectations of heaven, earth, and the spirits. I hereby grant Duke Song the title of King, assigning the ten counties of Hailing, Dong'an, Beilangye, Beidongguan, Beidonghai, Beiqiao, Beiliang in Xuzhou, and Runan, Beiyongchuan, Beinandun in Yuzhou to the Song Kingdom. Your original titles as Prime Minister, Governor of Yangzhou, General of the West, and Governor of the four provinces of Xuyong will remain unchanged.
In November, former general Liu Muzhi passed away, and appointed Xu Xianzhi to take over his duties, continuing to handle the affairs. Major decisions that Liu Muzhi used to make now needed Xu Xianzhi's input first. You initially planned to rest in Chang'an before heading to the states of Zhao and Wei to assess the situation, but following Liu Muzhi's death, you returned. On the 21st day of the twelfth month, you departed from Chang'an and appointed the Duke of Guiyang, Yi Zhen, as the General of Anxi and Inspector of Yongzhou, with trusted generals to support him. In the leap month, you entered the Yellow River from Luoyang and returned only after opening the Bian Canal. On the 24th day of the first month in 440 AD, (Huan) Gong arrived in Pengcheng and rested. During this time, he appointed Liu Zunkao as the Inspector of Bingzhou and also as the Prefect of Hedong, assigning him to defend Pupan. He resigned from his role as Inspector of Sizhou and assumed the positions of Inspector of Xuzhou and Jizhou, and firmly declined any noble titles.
In June, he accepted the nine graces from Song Gong (Liu Yilong). The imperial edict stated: "Although I have mediocre abilities, I shoulder such a heavy responsibility, diligently assisting the court and always worrying about my own inadequacy. The court's grace is abundant, crediting me with achievements, allowing me to follow the examples set by the Qi and Jin dynasties and establish national laws. Although I have devoted myself wholeheartedly, adhered to my duties, and have been doing so for ten years, the imperial decree has remained unchanged; all officials, both internal and external, have diligently fulfilled their duties. Based on my achievements over the years, following the wisdom of the ancient kings, although my experience is shallow, I must also strive to accomplish great virtues like the sages. I have been pondering day and night, unsure how to repay the court's kindness. In order to celebrate the beginning of this prosperous era, I intend to bestow great kindness, granting amnesty to all criminals below the death penalty within the country by dawn on the twenty-third day of this month. Those who are widowed, orphaned, or unable to support themselves will each be given five hu (a traditional unit of measure) of grain. All penalties in the prefectures and counties will also be fully pardoned. Other matters will be handled according to established regulations." The edict also ordered the esteemed Lady of Yuzhang Gong to be appointed as the Song Gong Tai Fei, the heir has been appointed as the General of the Central Army, assisting the Prime Minister's Office. The Grand Commandant Military Advisor Kong Jigong was appointed as the Song State Secretary, the Governor of Qingzhou Tan Zhi was appointed as the General of the Leading Army, and the Prime Minister's Office Steward Wang Hong was appointed as the Secretary of the Board of Works. Other officials were appointed following court regulations. An additional edict was issued, permitting the appointment of officials in the ten counties outside the Song State's fiefdom.
Before, Anxi Middle Army Shen Tianzi killed Anxi Sima Wang Zhen'e, and other generals killed Anxi Changshi Wang Xiu, which led to chaos in the Guanzhong region. In October, Huan Gong sent Right General Zhu Lingshi to replace Anxi General Guiyang Gong Yizhen as Governor of Yongzhou. After Yizhen returned to Guanzhong, he was pursued by the Fofu troops and suffered a significant defeat. He escaped alone, while the other generals and Zhu Lingshi all died in battle. The Leading Army General Tan Zhi died, so Central Army Sima Tan Daoji was appointed as General of the Leading Army. In December, the Emperor died, and Prince Langye ascended to the throne and proclaimed himself emperor.
In January of the year 405 AD, the Emperor ordered envoys to invite King Song to the court to assist in governance. He also issued a decree to elevate King Song's title to King and assigned ten counties to the Song Kingdom, including Hailing, Donghai, Beiqiao, and Beiliang in Xuzhou, Xincai in Yuzhou, Beichenliu in Yanzhou, and Chenjun, Runan, Yingchuan, and Xingyang in Sizhou. In July, King Song accepted the decree and granted a general amnesty to all criminals serving sentences of less than five years. He also moved the capital to Shouyang. At the same time, Liu Huaishen was appointed as Governor of North Xuzhou, stationed in Pengcheng. In September, King Song gave up control of Yangzhou. In December, the Emperor ordered a grand ceremony for King Song: twelve jeweled crowns, imperial banners, a procession featuring golden carriages pulled by six horses, with five accompanying carriages, a procession adorned with mao headgear and yunhan, eight yis of music and dance, and the use of musical instruments such as bells, jue, gong, and xian. At the same time, King Song's Empress was elevated to Empress Dowager, the Queen was elevated to Queen Consort, the Crown Prince to Crown Prince, and the titles of other princes and grandsons were granted according to traditional regulations.
In April of the year 406 AD, the court once again summoned King Song to assist in governance. In June, King Song arrived in the capital. Emperor Jin'an abdicated in favor of King Song and issued a decree:
The heavens create chaos and order, appointing the trees as guardians, in order to regulate the three realms and carry out transformations. Thus, the way of the great path is to select the wise and capable, with the rise and fall being unpredictable. Dynastic changes are not limited to a single lineage, as seen in the succession of a hundred kings. The Jin dynasty's path has been prolonged, with many past events. Now, with the rise of the Yuan dynasty, calamities have accumulated, leading to the transfer of power to the Three Luminaries. The crown and robes can be easily usurped, peace has been shattered, and the ancestral sacrifices are neglected. Thus, the fortunes of the Xuanyuan clan have plummeted, with the territory having been severed. Prime Minister King Song possesses divine virtues, demonstrating martial prowess and restoring the waning fortunes. He will reestablish the ancient Xia dynasty, ensuring that rise and fall continue. If we look to the heavens, the Seven Ministers, and broaden our dominion, we will capture and cleanse the false rulers, restore the five capitals, and restore prosperity to the land of exquisite textiles and the vast wilderness. All shall turn towards the dawn and immerse themselves in the enigmatic waters. The four divine beings will manifest auspicious omens, the rivers and mountains will unveil their designs, and good fortune will be abundant, signifying a time of revolution. The descendants of Hua shall realize their aspirations for happiness. The emblem of virtue lies shrouded in mystery, awaiting the convergence of the wise and virtuous. How can we not endeavor for the restoration of peace and prosperity, expressing our gratitude for the blessings of the Xianxi period!
(This edict states: Heaven created all things and established monarchs to govern the world in order to harmonize Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, bestowing grace upon the people. Therefore, the Dao operates by selecting talented individuals; the rise and fall of dynasties has no fixed term, and abdication is not limited to one family, as many dynasties in history have done; this tradition is longstanding. The fortune of the Jin Dynasty declined, and many accidents occurred in succession. By the time of the Yuanxing period, disasters accumulated, even to the point where the sun, moon, and stars were in disorder, rulers and subjects were reversed, the emperor fled, ancestral sacrifices were interrupted, and the state of the Jin Dynasty was on the verge of collapse. But Your Majesty, the Song Emperor, bestowed with saintly virtue by Heaven, brave and mighty, with literary and martial achievements, you saved the precarious situation and reestablished the country, much like the cyclical nature of rise and fall, akin to rescuing a sinking ship. Relying on the grace of the Heavenly Emperor, assisting the court, suppressing rebellions, and restoring territories, you captured the pretenders three times, recaptured five capital cities, from the vibrant south to the desolate north, all submitted to your rule, bathed in your grace. Therefore, auspicious signs frequently appear, the mountains and rivers present beautiful scenes, various omens come one after another, and celestial phenomena indicate the timing of dynastic change; the people all hope for your ascension. The symbol of abdication is evident in the interplay between heaven and earth; Heaven has chosen you to govern the world. This is not merely about restoring peace and prosperity; abdication and retirement involve much more complexity!)
In the past, the virtue of the Wei Dynasty declined. Although the Wei ancestors Emperor tried hard, the overall situation had already been lost. The three emperors exhausted all efforts to save it, but it was still not possible. So, the mandate of heaven indeed follows its own rules. Although I am not capable enough and do not fully understand the great principles, over these years, I have closely observed the rise and fall of dynasties. Reflecting on the achievements of my family's four generations of emperors, while also considering the expectations of the common people, I have decided to abdicate, move to a different palace to live, and pass the throne to the Song Dynasty, following the practices of the Tang, Xia, Han, and Wei dynasties.
The edict has been written, and I will send someone to deliver it to the emperor. The emperor immediately picked up his pen and said to those around him, "Since the time when Huan Xuan overthrew the throne, the mandate of heaven has shifted. Later, Liu Yu supported it again, and it has been twenty years now. I've been thinking about this for a long time." On the day of Jiazi, the emperor issued an edict, saying:
"King Song, since ancient times, many things have been lost to time. From the beginning of written records until the time of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, every emperor ruled the world as a wise and virtuous monarch, stopping wars and establishing great achievements. Therefore, the emperor is an important tool for governing the world; the king's morality is the fairest and most just standard in the world. Those wise and virtuous monarchs in the past deeply understood this truth, so Yao and Shun abdicated, not passing the throne to their sons; Da Yu accepted the abdication but did not completely abdicate. Their purpose was to regulate all things in the world, standardize social customs, become eternal role models, and let their merits be passed down through generations; there's nothing more important than this.
Since then, successive emperors have paid more attention to this point. The Han Dynasty inherited the aspirations of Yao and Shun, and the Wei Dynasty also followed the humility of Yu. They all did this to harmonize the relationship between humans and gods and care for the common people.
My ancestors were once wise and enlightened, at the peak of power. However, the rise and fall of dynasties follow a natural pattern, like the waxing and waning of the moon; it is a natural law. The roots of the Shang Dynasty's downfall didn't happen overnight; there were early signs before, especially not now? When the heavens decide to end a dynasty, there's always a reason behind it."
But you, Your Majesty, possess the grace of a sage, embodying the virtues of heaven and earth, your brilliance shines like the sun and moon, your governance aligning with the laws of the four seasons. Some time ago, the state faced destruction, and you saved it; the Central Plains were desolate, and you restored vitality. Those stubborn rebels have violated the law, indulged in evil, and occupied vast territories. You nurture the people with rain and use thunder to strike fear into the rebels. Nine military campaigns have been implemented, and the methods of eight reforms have been effective. You do not do this to bestow kindness on the people, but to spread righteousness throughout the realm and your virtues to the farthest corners of the earth.
Now, auspicious signs appear in the sky, the four divine spirits have manifested their signs, prophecies have become clear, and people's expectations have changed; officials sing and celebrate in the palace, commoners cheer and praise in the fields, millions of people are jubilant, all hoping for a new beginning. If the people did not sincerely support you, how could I alone possess all this? Therefore, I respectfully look up to the heavens and earth, follow everyone's wishes, and pass the imperial throne to you. My great undertaking has reached its conclusion, and the mandate of heaven must also come to a close. Ah! Govern well, follow the teachings of your ancestors, fulfill the good wishes of the people, promote this prosperous era, and never cease. I hope you will always receive the blessings of heaven to respond to the expectations of the three spirits of heaven and earth.
There is another imperial decree that states: It is said that when God created us, the common people, he established monarchs for them. The emperor should govern with the people's welfare at heart, with fairness and justice. The rise and fall of a nation hinge on the actions of its rulers, and the emperor's fate depends on his character. Therefore, every nation has its period of decline and its own lifespan; dynasties rise and fall with no certainty, only a wise ruler can grasp the laws within.
In ancient times, during the era of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, they established the system of rituals and music, consulted the Four Yu (ancient official positions), practiced abdication, and the contributions made by the former kings have been passed down to this day. Later on, Liu Bang accepted the abdication, following the example of Emperor Yao; when the Wei Dynasty fell, they also followed this rule. Our ancestor emperor, in accordance with the will of heaven, followed the will of the people, seized the favorable opportunity, and preserved the country and the people. However, there is no eternal peace in the world. The nomadic tribes invaded the Central Plains, Luoyang was lost, the court was compelled to relocate south, and encountered various misfortunes, one disaster after another, until the Yuanxing period, when the imperial ancestral temple was nearly destroyed.
Fortunately, our emperor was wise, martial, noble, and righteous, restored the country, and rebuilt the country and the people. The emperor was wise and observant, destined by heaven, born at the right time, and preserved the imperial family. He quelled rebellions within the country, expanded the territory externally, executed the traitors in Hanyang, pacified the rebellions in the Yishui and Zhushui areas, pacified the rebellions in the Xichuan Minshan area, eliminated the rebellions in Nanyue, twice suppressed rebellions in Jiangzhou and Xiangzhou, and stabilized Fancheng, Mianyang, and other areas.
The emperor wanted to bring peace to the world and educate the people, so he sent troops on an expedition, and the Luoyang and Yique areas regained peace; the army struck fear in Xiaoshan and Tongguan, and Huashan and Yuexian also returned to their former tranquility. The leaders of the rebellions all came to pay tribute, and Xianyang also restored order. The scale of these achievements is immense that even ancient inscriptions and poetry cannot capture their full extent, and no emperor can compare to him.
After that, the emperor stopped the war, began to develop culture, implemented benevolent governance, governed the people through eight distinct systems, and managed the country with nine functions. He learned the governing principles of the Three Sage Kings (Yao, Shun, Yu) and implemented four benevolent policies (benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom). Therefore, his benevolence moved the people of the world, and people from afar also felt his grace. Wherever he went, people praised his benevolence, coming to see him with songs and dances.
I have always held your achievements in high regard, carefully observing the laws of fate and the workings of fate, all ultimately falling on you. Look, the alignment of the five stars repeatedly indicates a change of dynasty; the movements of the sun, moon, and stars also herald the auspicious signs of a new dynasty. Various auspicious signs are clearly manifested. In addition, you are handsome and charming, with a special appearance bestowed by the heavens, the best choice for a monarch, shining brightly like the sun and moon. The "Book of Documents" says: "Only heaven is great, only Yao is virtuous." The "Book of Songs" also says: "Heaven has given this mandate, to King Wen." Those who were once unknown can eventually ascend to the highest throne; those with great achievements can eventually inherit great power. In the past, with the decline of moral integrity, the throne was passed to our Jin Dynasty; now with the changes of the times, the world should change hands; this time, it is the Jin Dynasty handing over power to the Song Dynasty. I have weighed the successes and failures of the previous four generations of emperors and also understood the laws of dynastic changes. I have consulted with all the ministers, from high-ranking officials to ordinary officials; everyone agrees this is a positive development, and no one has opposed my proposal. Now, I am sending envoys with the imperial seal and ribbon of the emperor, along with the Grand Preceptor, the Minister of Ceremonies, the Grand Herald, and the Grand Commandant, to hold an abdication ceremony in accordance with the ancient practices of the Tang, Yu, Han, and Wei dynasties. You must honor the expectations of both heaven and the people, govern the world well, cherish the blessing bestowed by the heavens, and repay the grace of the heavens.
You declined the offer in your memorial, saying you were unwilling to accept it. The Emperor of the Jin Dynasty had already abdicated to the residence of the Prince of Langya, but your memorial never made it. As a result, Prince Qian Si of Chenliu and 270 others, along with the courtiers of the Song Dynasty, all submitted memorials urging you to accept the throne, yet you still refused. Grand Historian Luo Da pointed out dozens of auspicious signs in the heavens, and the courtiers urged you again, and only then did you finally agree.
