Xie Hui, with the courtesy name Xuanming, was from Yangxia in Chen County. His grandfather Xie Lang served as the Governor of Dongyang; his father Xie Zhong was the Chief Historian to the King of Kuaiji, Sima Daozi; his brother Xie Xuan served as the Chief Historian of the Army of the First Emperor but unfortunately died young. Xie Hui initially served as a military staff officer in the Jianwei Prefecture under Meng Chang. After Meng Chang's death, Emperor Gaozu asked Liu Muzhi, "Who among Meng Chang's officers is reliable enough to serve in my court?" Liu Muzhi recommended Xie Hui, and Emperor Gaozu immediately appointed him as a military officer in the court.
Once, when Emperor Gaozu was interrogating a prisoner and the officer in charge of the prison was sick, Xie Hui was sent to take his place. Xie Hui quickly reviewed the case files while in the carriage, handled the cases promptly, and urged for a verdict. Amid the complicated affairs of the court and a mountain of cases, Xie Hui handled them with ease and never made a mistake. Emperor Gaozu admired him greatly and promoted him to Chief of the Criminal Department that same day; later, he was appointed as an official in Yuzhou. In the eighth year of Yihe, the court needed to address the household registration of the migrant population, and Xie Hui was appointed to divide the household registrations between Yangzhou and Yuzhou. He handled the task fairly and was praised by everyone. Later, he returned to the court as Chief Clerk to the Grand Commandant and accompanied Emperor Gaozu in the campaign against Sima Xiuzhi. During the Battle of Xukui, when the battle was lost and Sima Xiuzhi was killed, Emperor Gaozu was extremely angry and wanted to personally put on armor and go ashore. Despite his generals' advice, he remained furious. Xie Hui quickly held onto Emperor Gaozu, who angrily threatened him. Xie Hui replied, "The world can do without Xie Hui, but not without you. What does it matter if I die for you?" At that moment, the enemy had retreated, and Emperor Gaozu relented.
Xie Hui is handsome, elegant, articulate, and has a charming smile. He has refined features, with lustrous black hair that appears as if it were brushed with ink. He is knowledgeable and writes well, and Gaozu holds him in high regard, considering him superior to all other officials. When Gaozu was campaigning in Guanzhong and Luoyang, he entrusted Xie Hui with important matters both inside and outside the court. When Liu Muzhi sent a report, Xie Hui often expressed different opinions, which infuriated Liu Muzhi, who retorted, "Do you think you still have a chance to return?" Gaozu wanted to promote Xie Hui to serve as the Lang of the Palace and even specifically asked Liu Muzhi, but Liu Muzhi firmly disagreed. Xie Hui remained unpromoted until the death of Liu Muzhi. When news of Liu Muzhi's death arrived, Gaozu was devastated, and Xie Hui, renowned for his integrity, was deeply saddened. He voluntarily entered the palace to investigate the cause of Liu Muzhi's death. After addressing the matter that day, Gaozu promoted Xie Hui to serve as the Lang.
When the Song Dynasty was first established, he served as the Right Guard General and was soon promoted to Chamberlain. Emperor Gaozu ascended the throne and entered the palace in a royal carriage after his enthronement at Shitoucheng. At that time, he commanded the imperial guards responsible for security, later rising to the position of Zhongling General while retaining the position of Chamberlain. Due to his contributions during Gaozu's ascension, he was conferred the title of Duke of Wuchang County, with lands supporting two thousand households. Two years later, he made an error in the title conferred upon Wang Hua, wrongly assigning the seal of the North Sea Prefect to another individual, which led to his dismissal from the position of Chamberlain. Shortly after, he was appointed as the General of the Leading Army and Cavalier Attendant, following the precedent set by Yang Hu, the Central Army General of the Jin Dynasty; he served duty at the palace, commanding the palace guards.
In March, Emperor Gaozu became unwell, and the court assigned him twenty sword-bearing guards to serve him along with Xu Xianzhi, Fu Liang, and Tan Daoji, to take care of the emperor's illness. After the young emperor ascended to the throne, he was further appointed as the Minister of the Central Secretariat, assisting the young emperor in handling state affairs together with Xu Xianzhi and Fu Liang. After the young emperor was deposed, the Minister of Works Xu Xianzhi issued an edict appointing him as the Commander of Military Affairs for the Seven Provinces of Jing, Xiang, Yong, Yi, Ning, Nan, and Bei, the General Who Pacifies the Military, the Commander-in-Chief of the Southern Barbarians, and the Inspector of Jingzhou, with the intention of sending him to Jingzhou as external support, probably fearing that Emperor Taizu would use someone else after his arrival, so the appointment was hastily issued. Elite soldiers and seasoned generals were assigned to him, and his weapons and military supplies were also well-equipped.
After Emperor Taizu ascended to the throne, he was further appointed as the Commander-in-Chief, while his other positions remained unchanged. He worried he wouldn't be able to leave the capital, which made him quite anxious. As he left Xin Ting and looked back at the Stone City, he exclaimed happily, "Finally, I can break free!" Shortly after, he was promoted to Guard General, appointed as a Cavalier Attendant, and enfeoffed as the Duke of Jianping Commandery with a fief of four thousand households, but he firmly declined the title. The court also provided him with a band of musicians.
At first, Xie Hui was quite proud and full of himself while serving as an official in Jingzhou. Before going to the town for his assignment, he visited his uncle, the Household Counsellor Xie Dan, to say goodbye. Xie Dan asked about his age, and Xie Hui replied, "Thirty-five." Xie Dan chuckled and said, "Back then, the Assistant in the Northern Bureau became a Commander at the age of twenty-seven. You are even older than him, so that makes you old." Xie Hui suddenly felt a little embarrassed.
After arriving in Jiangling, Xie Hui built a good rapport with the attendant Wang Hua, in hopes of avoiding misfortune. His two daughters were to marry Prince Liu Yikang of Pengcheng and Marquis Liu Yibin of Xinye. In the second year of the Yuanjia era, Xie Hui sent his wife, Cao, and eldest son, Xie Shixiu, to return his daughters to the capital. Before this, during the Jingping period, northern invaders had invaded and caused serious damage to the Henan region. At this time, the court sought to execute Xie Xian and others while also targeting Xie Hui. The court declared its intention to launch a northern campaign and to appoint Xie Hui as the King of Jingling, requesting him to prepare ships and supplies. Fu Liang wrote to Xie Hui, saying: "The campaign against the Hebei region is not over yet, and there are many people in the court and among the populace who are very worried and anxious." The letter also stated: "Many ministers in the court advised the emperor not to march north, and the emperor should send Wanyouzong to various places to understand the situation." At that time, the court's actions were very unusual, and Xie Hui's plans had already been leaked to some extent.
In the third year of Yuanjia, Xie Hui's brother, the Yellow Door Attendant Xie Kuai, hurriedly sent a letter to him, but Xie Hui still found it impossible. He then called the consulting army officer He Chengtian to show him Fu Liang's letter, saying: "I estimate that Wanyouzong will arrive in a day or two, and Master Fu is worried that I have ulterior motives, so he wrote to warn me first." He Chengtian said: "The news outside all says the court is going to march west; how could Wanyouzong possibly still come?" Xie Hui still thought it was a bluff, so he instructed He Chengtian to draft a response to the court ahead of time, stating that the campaign against the northern barbarians should wait until next year. The Governor of Jiangxia, Cheng Daohui, received a letter from a visitor from Xunyang, which said: "The court is going to make a big move, and the situation has already been decided." Cheng Daohui then sent his middle army officer, Le Jiong, to deliver the letter to Xie Hui. Xie Hui asked He Chengtian again: "Wanyouzong has not arrived yet; if there is still no news in a day or two, will he not come?" He Chengtian replied: "The court never intended to send him, just as Cheng Daohui said, the situation has already been decided; what more is there to question?"
The old fellow wanted to burn the military roster of the Southern Barbarians and was ready to face them head-on. Many civil officials advised him to send troops immediately, so he immediately raised the flag to declare martial law and then said to Sima Yudeng, "The situation is urgent; I want you to take three thousand men to guard the city to prevent Liu Cui from attacking." Yudeng said, "My parents are old and living in the capital, and I honestly can't take on this command; I have no experience in leading troops in battle."
The old fellow asked other officials, "Is three thousand soldiers enough to hold the city?" Sima Zhouchao of the Southern Barbarians replied, "Not only is it enough to hold the city, but he can also make a name for himself if the enemy invades!" Yudeng then said, "Zhouchao can definitely handle it, so I request to resign from the positions of Sima and Governor of Nanjun, and give these two positions to him." So Zhouchao was appointed as Sima, General Jianwei, and Governor of Nanyiyang on the spot, and Yudeng was promoted to Chief Historian, while he kept the position of Governor of Nanjun.
Taizu killed Xianzhi and his men, as well as the old fellow's son, the new Secretary Lang Shixiu, and Shiping, the son of Shixiu, and his nephew Shuozuo. Le Jun sent word to the old fellow, "Xu and Fu, as well as others, have been killed." The old fellow first put in a good word for Xianzhi and Liang Ai, and then sent out his own sons to fight. Afterwards, he personally came out of the archery range and changed into military uniform. He had followed the founder of the dynasty in battle many times before and was very familiar with military strategy. As long as he called the shots, everything would go smoothly. Within two or three days, soldiers from all around flocked to join him, gathering thirty thousand elite troops. So he submitted a memorial saying:
As for me, I have been fortunate to receive special attention from the Emperor, engaging in political matters externally and military affairs internally, experiencing various dangers, assisting him in establishing his imperial legacy, and thus receiving generous rewards. Before the late Emperor passed away, in declining health, he entrusted matters to us. I, along with the Minister of Works Xian Zhi, the Grand Master of Ceremonies Zuo Guanglu, and the General Who Conquers the North Dao Ji, knelt before the imperial bed, received the late Emperor's edict, heeded his final instructions, and took on the responsibility of handling posthumous affairs. While my skills may be limited, I have always been grateful and worked diligently at every task, remaining loyal throughout.
Later, the Prince of Yingyang made a grave mistake, ruining his own future and causing anxiety among the court and people, fearing unrest. In this situation, we, together with others, loyally supported the new Emperor's rise to the throne, ushering in a new era. Your Majesty swiftly conveyed your edict without doubting us, even granting us elevated titles. This demonstrates our sincerity, recognized by heaven and understood by the people. If we truly sought to usurp power and ignore the laws of the land, we would have supported the young ruler instead of betraying the court and wasting seven decades looking up to the Emperor's banner.
The Prince of Luling was plagued by suspicion and longstanding grievances in Yingyang, meeting a tragic end. Now, with the blessing of heaven, it is an opportune time for the prosperity of the nation. If we do not support the new Emperor, how can the nation thrive? Doing good for others is a noble gesture, as noted in the "Spring and Autumn Annals"; supporting the Emperor is also our duty as subjects. Geng Yan did not betray his father and sovereign due to the words of a thief, so how could I ever betray the Song Dynasty? Moreover, with brotherly strife and impending disaster, all eyes are watching, and it would be impossible to deceive anyone!
I have served in an official position on the frontier, consistently and diligently handling political affairs, big and small, and always reporting to the court beforehand. I have reorganized the minority ethnic groups at the border, ensuring peace and stability, and I have left my younger brother and nephew in the capital to serve Your Majesty. Your Majesty, you have inherited the will of the late emperor and have formed a marital alliance with our family. My children have received your favor at a young age; my daughter has received a promotion, and my son has been elevated in rank. My entire family came to see me off. I have demonstrated my utmost loyalty to Your Majesty. I envy those senior ministers who have assisted the court for three generations and who, even in their old age, despite their repeated requests to retire, the emperor has not granted permission. I have diligently assisted the court day and night, wholeheartedly devoted and loyal to my duties, striving to do everything well. These loyal ministers of the Great Song Dynasty are the pillars of our nation, yet they have been framed by villains, angered the emperor, and faced severe punishments, which led to the execution of my family members. Although I do not know if my actions were correct, logically, I cannot expect to survive alone. The late emperor entrusted the country to the senior ministers to assist you, but they have all been harmed by treacherous villains. Those loyal ministers are inevitably facing the fate of death. Your Majesty, you are in your prime, just beginning to navigate political affairs, and you might not yet fully grasp the true sentiments of the people. Wang Hong and his brothers are reckless, lacking the wisdom to know when to advance or retreat; Wang Hua is suspicious and cruel, manipulating power in a devious way, eliminating the chief ministers in order to achieve his own goals. People from all walks of life, whether they are aware or not, are all deeply saddened and outraged by this!
Your Majesty, you have inherited the will of the late Emperor and formed a close relationship with my family, bestowing your favor upon my children. I have devoted myself to assisting the court with all my heart, but I never expected that loyal officials have been framed by treacherous ministers, resulting in misfortune for my family. This is all the doing of those treacherous ministers who abuse their power, framing the loyal and sowing discord, which has ultimately led to turmoil in the country and suffering for the people. Those trusted ministers entrusted to you by the late Emperor have all been tragically murdered; is this not worth your reflection? The Wang brothers, Wang Hong and Wang Hua, are frivolous and ruthless; they eliminate dissent and act with impunity, further distressing the people. While I am uncertain whether my actions have been right, the situation has reached this point, and I find myself powerless to change it.
I have been serving the late emperor for nearly twenty years, always serving the court loyally, with no ulterior motives whatsoever. I've only just taken office and already faced such a major incident. If the late emperor misjudged people, then it must be that Your Majesty has failed to see my true loyalty. When I returned from my mission at the end of last year, I received letters from court officials and military commanders saying that the contradictions had escalated and today's events were inevitable. I did not expect the treacherous villains plotting behind the scenes, making the situation uncontrollable, and loyal ministers and righteous men have suffered. As a foolish minister, I too have been implicated, with Dao Yan and Xiao Xin nearby. In the past, when Bai Gong rebelled, various Liang families were involved. The wicked were in power at court, and Zhao Yang led the troops to suppress. I have stood by them through thick and thin, in a crucial position. How could I stand by and fail to fulfill the late emperor's last wishes? I immediately led the soldiers to organize the ships and weapons, waiting for them to come to us so we can strike. If heaven blesses the Great Song and the righteous army prevails, restoring peace to the realm, I will set sail eastward to take down these three villains, clear my name, and apologize to the court. Even if it means my execution, I will do it willingly. I humbly urge Your Majesty to consider the trust placed in me by Emperor Yong Chu and the loyalty of Emperor Yuan Jia; surely, you can see my own loyalty. As I write this, I find myself choked up and unable to continue.
At that time, the Emperor had already declared martial law, and troops from all directions were entering. The documents issued to Jingzhou by the Ministry of Personnel stated: Fortune and misfortune do not follow a fixed path, and there are inherent laws governing success and failure. Although the will of heaven is subtle and hard to discern, human affairs can draw lessons from history. Righteousness has always been rewarded, and evil deeds lead to disaster. Therefore, wise strategists assess the situation and turn failures into successes; loyal subjects uphold their integrity in times of crisis. Xu Xianzhi, Fu Liang, and Xie Hui cruelly murdered the crown prince, incurring heavenly wrath, violating moral codes, and breaking the law. Their crimes have become notorious, and the imperial edict has been made known to all. In seeking revenge for the royal family and voicing the righteous anger of the people, the laws of the land are clear, and both mortals and deities are moved by this. These three families committed the same crime, and two of them have already been captured, with Xie Hui's relatives also imprisoned. Anything that defies the will of heaven, regardless of how entrenched it may be, can be swiftly eradicated. By upholding justice and punishing traitors in accordance with heavenly will, even the mightiest will ultimately fall. However, escaping punishment is difficult for them, like cornered beasts fighting for survival. Therefore, we are mobilizing the army to prepare for any eventuality. The troops in the capital are gathering from all over the country, well-trained soldiers, disciplined and formidable, gathering strength.
General Dao Yan led 20,000 elite Imperial Guards, with banners blotting out the sun, armor shining brightly, and set out in a grand manner. General Tan Daoji commanded 30,000 elite soldiers and formidable generals, with warships covering the river surface, battle reports pouring in, sails raised, oars moving in unison, advancing towards the target with great momentum. General Duan Hong led 2,000 iron cavalry, charging like the wind from Jingling, straight towards Yan Ying. In addition, General Liu Cui was ordered to lead the army from Heyin to attack the rebels' stronghold; General Zhang Shao led the Xiangchuan army to occupy strategic locations. The crucial routes between Bashu, Jingmen, and Qinzhou were all blocked, leaving the rebels with no escape, surrounded on all sides.
The Emperor personally led the army; the six armies took flight like eagles, the guards cleared the way, and the army flags were neatly arranged. Even if the rebels had the momentum of Ying Bu and the strength of Peng Chong, there would be no escape and no one could withstand such a powerful army. Moreover, the people of the Western Region were all beneficiaries of the Emperor's grace, and the soldiers of Dongwu also remembered their homeland; they would never participate in the rebellion. Once our army advances, they will surely be defeated; even if they defend the cities, they will scatter like birds and beasts—this is already an inevitable result. The Emperor felt deep sorrow over the rebellion, believing that the primary instigator was Hui, and the people were innocent.
Therefore, the Emperor sent envoys to convey his imperial decree, ordering Hui to surrender immediately and escorting him back to the capital by boat. If Hui has already begun the rebellion and obstructed the imperial army, then he should immediately repent and surrender. The Emperor is generous; Fu Liang committed three crimes before and was forgiven, and Hui and his associates, nephews, etc., were not implicated. Moreover, those civil and military officials serving in the prefectures and counties hold important positions and enjoy the favor of the country; even while serving locally, they should remain loyal to the court.
To resolve the calamity, we must act quickly; otherwise, the consequences will be unimaginable. Now that the imperial army is already at the gates, like a bolt of lightning, it’s too late for regrets.
The Governor of Yizhou, Xiao Mo, and the Prefect of Baxi, Liu Daochan, were summoned back by the court. Upon their arrival in Jiangling, they were immediately imprisoned, and their properties were confiscated to serve as military funds. Yin Daoluan, the Minister of the Interior of Jingling, was appointed as a military advisor before even taking office. His brother, Yin Dun, was appointed as the Champion General and Interior Minister of Jingling, remaining in his former role; Yin Daoluan's nephew, Yin Sheyou, was appointed as the General of Jianwei and Prefect of Nanping. If Liu Cui defeats Liu Cuiruo, he will immediately be appointed as the General of the Dragon Cavalry and Inspector of Yongzhou.
Xiao Jinghui led a force of 20,000 soldiers, departing from Jiangling. The ships stretched from Jiangjin all the way to Pozhong, banners connected, covering the sky. Xiao Jinghui sighed, "I wish I could use this army to support the throne!" He wanted to appoint Zhang Shao as the General of State Support, but Zhang Shao declined the position. Xiao Jinghui sent a dispatch to the capital that read as follows:
Recently, the royal family has been in turmoil, with a series of troubles. Prince Yingyang made a big mistake and ruined the ancestral legacy. Prince Luling has always had strained relationships with others, often being suspected, and he even acted inappropriately during the mourning period. People from near and far know he has long harbored grievances, repeatedly defying orders and causing trouble for himself. Later, when the new emperor ascended the throne and the world was not yet completely stable, some issues still required attention. Take Grand General Wang Hong and attendant Wang Tan, for example; both of them have received the emperor's favor and wield great power. Wang Hong was greatly favored by the emperor during the Yongchu era. When Emperor Yuanjia abdicated, he felt unworthy of such favor, even accusing the previous emperor of insufficient trust, and after stepping down, he consistently attempted to sow discord. Wang Tan was once tasked with visiting the emperor to observe his daily routine, but he failed to highlight the emperor's virtues and instead spoke many slanderous words against the emperor. I won’t elaborate on his comments. After the rebellion was quelled, Wang Hua was promoted and gained the emperor's trust. The previous emperor often summoned him to assess his usefulness. However, Wang Hua is known for his cruelty and brutality, frequently harming others. Not long ago, he allowed people into the city while feigning illness to avoid work, and this became common knowledge in the city.
He also wrote to the emperor, requesting the emperor to send a reply to his uncle, Emperor Xian, and to announce this to the ministers Xu and Fu. When Zhou Jiu returned from his diplomatic mission, he asked Zhou Jiu to convey his intentions to the emperor, stating his desire to handle political affairs personally, requesting to resign from his official post and return to the capital, and also asking Wang Tan to relay his message. There is also Daoist Huiguan, who claimed that someone had reported Wang Hua and Dao Yan's plot to rebel, and this matter is not groundless. The eastern generals have been on high alert for several days, preparing for war. Wang Hua is often falsely accused by Qiu Dang, which has left him on edge. Given all these circumstances, where is his loyalty? When his father died, he behaved differently, choosing not to mention it publicly while secretly drinking and indulging himself. With such behavior, who in the city wouldn't regard him with suspicion? He also often complains that several prime ministers have been changed, which is truly infuriating! He is single-minded in his pursuit of power, showing complete disregard for the laws of the land. Those loyal to the royal family have been killed, those serving the country have been exterminated, and those of high status—who wouldn't feel sorrow and anger? Thus, he defied the imperial decree and dispatched Dao Yan and Xiao Xinzhi on a small boat to assault the emperor. That day, Jianli Left Lieutenant issued a notice stating that the army had arrived at the Yangtze River. As The Book of Songs states: 'How can there be no clothes when we share the same gown?' The Analects says: 'The gentleman is open and honest, while the small man is long-faced and sorrowful.' Wang Hua's actions stand in stark contrast to the teachings of these sages. Alas, although I am not good at martial arts, I have received the emperor's grace and taken on this important position. The country is currently in crisis, and I feel both sadness and anxiety. I fear that if the villains rise to power, the principles of the gentleman will deteriorate, and the people will face calamities, especially the common folk, who are gripped by profound fear. Thus, I swiftly gathered loyal and righteous individuals, organized the ships and weapons, linked the ships end to end, forming an unbroken line, and the chariots covered the fields, with each soldier brave, battle-hardened, and fiercely loyal.
Now, I am sending Sima of the Southern Barbarians and General Yudeng of Ningyuan to lead General Jianwu, Prefect Antai of Jianping, General Zhaohongzong of Xuanwei, Military General Xuanwei Wang Shaozhi, and others, leading an elite force of ten thousand troops as the vanguard to march and conquer. Guo Zhuo, the Southern Barbarian military officer and General Zhenwei, will lead General Xuanwei Chen Zhen, commanding two thousand elite soldiers; the Military General Jianwei, Dou Yingqi, Prefect of Xinxing, will lead three thousand soldiers, working together and advancing along different routes. Guo Zhuo, the Southern Barbarian military officer and General Zhenwei, will lead two thousand cavalry, operating by land and water. In total, thirty thousand troops will move swiftly, like lightning.
Champion General and Intendant of Jingling, Xie Dun, and Military General Jianwei, Prefect of Nanping Xie Sheyou, will remain in Jiangling with ten thousand brave soldiers. I have also issued separate orders for Dou Yingqi, military officer and Prefect of Changning, to lead five thousand infantry and cavalry directly to Yiyang; Sima Jianwei, Military General, and Acting Prefect of Nanyi Yang Zhou Chaozhi, leading the army, and General Zhenwu Hu Chongzhi, commanding ten thousand elite soldiers, will advance from Gaoyang to the north; at the same time, I have also ordered Zhu Danzhi, military officer and Prefect of Ningyuan, to lead five thousand infantry and cavalry from west of Yanmen Pass to jointly confront Liu Cui and finally meet in Xiangyang. The elite troops must act swiftly to achieve a quick victory!
All you talented individuals bear the heavy responsibility of the country; your loyalty and integrity are commendable! Now is the time for patriots to forget themselves and serve the country, for righteous individuals to make their mark. I urge you to seize this opportunity, act swiftly, and don’t wait for my orders!
It was getting dark, and Yan Zhi had already arrived at Pengcheng Island when Yan Zhi reached the river mouth. Yu Dengzhi occupied Baling, but he was timid and fearful, not daring to advance. Just then, following several days of heavy rain, the army officer Liu Hezhi said, "We are all in the rain, Tan Daoji's army is approaching, and our eastern army is strong. We should quickly engage in battle!" Dengzhi still hesitated and allowed a young general named Chen You to make a large bag, filled with thousands of bundles of thatch, which he hung on the mast of the ship, claiming it could be used to set fire to the enemy's ships. However, fire would only work in clear weather, so the battle was postponed. As a result, the army stagnated for fifteen days.
They then launched an attack on Xiao Xin's army on Pengcheng Island. Junior officer Kong Yanshu led three thousand soldiers into a fierce charge. Xiao Xin shielded himself after positioning his troops and ordered the army to retreat to the ship, which led to a significant defeat. Kong Yanshu then attacked the barricade at the mouth of the island, broke through it, forcing Yan Zhi to retreat to Yinqi.
When it was dark, he submitted a new report:
(Here should be the continuation of the previous report)
I've heard that throughout history, evil people and their deeds have always plagued the nation. This has always been the case. Zhao Gao abused his power, and the Qin Dynasty fell; Dong Zhuo caused chaos, and the Han Dynasty followed suit. Even with wise emperors ruling and peace prevailing across the land, it may not fully prevent these evils from occurring.
The treacherous ministers Wang Hong and his brother Wang Hua secretly seized power, spreading chaos. They colluded, envying and excluding loyal ministers and generals, while scheming to seize power they have no right to. Therefore, Minister Xian Zhi and Grand Preceptor Chen Liang were cruelly murdered, which has implicated my family. As for General Chen Daoji in the north, his fate remains uncertain; he too may not escape misfortune. They even sent Xiao Xin, Dao Yanzhi, and others to carry out a surprise attack by small boat. Their treachery has reached alarming heights! Xian Zhi and Liang, one being an esteemed veteran minister with close ties to the royal family, the other holding a key position among civil and military officials, are both highly respected; Daoji is a general responsible for defending the capital, all talents highly valued by the late emperor and pillars of the country.
In the past, due to good fortune, I received favor from the late emperor, participated in court affairs, and experienced war. Like Xian Zhi and Liang, we were all highly regarded by the late emperor. From helping establish the royal family to aiding in the completion of its great mission, from the beginning of entrepreneurship to the time of abdication, though my contributions were modest, they were duly noted, and I also received oaths and rewards from the late emperor, hoping that we could pass down the generations like the Song Dynasty. However, with the passing of the emperor and the unfavorable divination, the four of us were summoned, receiving the imperial command on the deathbed before the royal bed, entrusting us with the nation's affairs. We accepted the imperial decree, determined to do our best, loyal and devoted, swearing to serve until death. However, Wang Hong and his followers have abandoned righteousness and severed their ties with virtue, and the country is in imminent danger. I am worried about entrusting the country to such people; how can the nation thrive?
Therefore, I am studying the examples set by the Yin and Han Dynasties to emulate the wise emperors.
Your Majesty, you ascended the throne smoothly without heeding Zhang Wu's doubts, directly taking the throne without waiting for Song Chang's advice. This shows the strong trust between you and your ministers, truly a union of heaven and man. You are the revered ruler, with blessings spreading throughout the land. Those like me and Liang assist you in governing the country internally, while Dao Ji and I assist externally. Who under the heavens can say this is inappropriate? Therefore, I am grateful for your favor in appointing me to guard this place and allowing my younger brother and nephew to stay in the capital to serve you.
It has been three years since I took office, and although I am far away, my heart always thinks of the court. Regardless of the size of the matter, I always report to you first. I do not dare to decide on the affairs of the eight provinces without your approval. I always think of you, and this loyalty is clear to heaven. Your Majesty, do you still remember the previous talk of marriage alliances to strengthen the relationship between our families? I was deeply moved by this. Later, I was summoned back to the capital, and last year I sent my daughter and son back as well. My whole family came to pay their respects to you. My loyalty is clear to heaven; I do not know what else could displease you.
But those treacherous villains, without cause, stirred up trouble. Liang was killed in the court, and I was sent to the border to fight. I ponder carefully: what crime have I committed? The sky is so high, where can I appeal? Hong and the others, since they have received your favor and can serve by your side, think they are powerful. They act like cunning foxes and timid mice, unreasonable and solely focused on scheming. They are taking advantage of your youth and inexperience in handling state affairs, trying to exploit your favor to gain control over the country's power. They form cliques in secret, wanting to monopolize power. If they do not get rid of us, they cannot hold onto power, so they collude with these treacherous individuals to instigate chaos.
They also said that I, along with Hong and others, framed them, claiming that the issues with Yingyang and Luling were my doing. Your Majesty, do you really believe their sweet words? Have you forgotten their true nature? You've been deceived by them three times—can't you see through their lies?
I have carefully reflected on myself, transforming from incompetence to integrity; I have never done anything for personal gain. The matter concerning Prince Luling has nothing to do with me. It was Prince Luling himself who escalated internal conflicts and violated the laws of the court. Since this matter has been concluded, I was not involved at all. However, speaking of Prince Luling, his character is frivolous and reckless, and he lacks filial piety and respect. Before Emperor Wu passed away, there was indeed an edict. Although this issue seemed to have originated from Yingyang, it was not a significant threat to the nation. As for Xianzhi and Liang, we are united in purpose, all loyal to the Emperor. We wholeheartedly want to contribute to the royal family and be loyal to the country. If we intended to seize power without regard for the country's interests, when we deposed Prince Yingyang, Your Majesty was still far away, and Emperor Wu's sons were still very young. We enthroned you—who would dare to oppose it? I came from over three thousand miles away, waited in an empty inn for three months, welcomed your carriage, obeyed your orders; my sincerity can be witnessed by heaven and earth.
Reflecting on my journey of three thousand miles, waiting in an empty inn for three months, welcoming your carriage to obey the late Emperor's wishes, my loyal heart shines bright. This loyalty can be witnessed by the sun and the moon! Everything I do is for the country, for Your Majesty.
As for us old ministers, who have served the late emperor for seventeen years and held important positions, people always said we were respectful and cautious; we never expected to find ourselves in such a predicament today. Even great sages like Zhou Gong were not immune to rumors and slander; and loyal figures like Boyi also faced unjust accusations. Could a loving father truly be heartless towards his own son? Would a wise ruler intentionally harm loyal subjects? Malicious forces are at play, powerful enough to shake mountains; how can mere mortals like us ever hope to gain your trust? As the Book of Songs states: "Slander is relentless, leading to great chaos in the state; a virtuous gentleman will not easily fall for slander." Your Majesty should diligently study the classics, discern right from wrong, and thoroughly investigate the signs of this turmoil.
I am privately concerned that the court may repeat the mistakes of Huangfu Mi, or even face chaos similar to that of Yan Le. I am anxious day and night, unable to eat or sleep, feeling as though I have lost my anchor. Nowadays, the rites of the Zhou dynasty are in decline; although Duke Huan and Duke Wen dominate one side, treacherous officials surround the monarch, and Zhao Yang was eventually killed. Moreover, the current crisis is dire; the situation is extremely critical, court officials are being killed, and local officials are being overthrown. My abilities pale in comparison to those of Marquis Wen of Jiang, and it is not my duty to stabilize the country. I am merely following orders. The country is in deep crisis, and the pain of my family and the nation is unforgettable. I have taken steps to reorganize the army, stationed in Baling, and Xiao Xin and others are terrified and have fled. Although my abilities are lowly, in times of national crisis, disregarding my own safety, I only hope to rely on the protection of the gods, with courage and righteousness, to lead the army directly into battle against the enemy, kill the mastermind, eradicate the evil, avenge the two ministers, and alleviate the suffering of my family. Afterwards, I am willing to surrender myself, willing to be punished; even if it means death, I am willing. I humbly beseech Your Majesty to identify the root of this chaos, recognize the true intentions of the loyal minister, shine with the brilliance of the sun and moon, and exhibit your formidable power like frost and lightning. Kill the four murderers in the court and execute the three inspectors publicly to clear the names of the two platforms, proving the innocence of the two tribes, to comfort the ancestors and the people of the world. Once Your Majesty sends a letter, I will immediately lead the army to withdraw and return to my original position. When the situation stabilizes, I will report to Your Majesty in detail.
Initially, Xie Hui, Xu Xianzhi, and Fu Liang discussed how to protect themselves. Xie Hui controlled the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, and Tan Daoji guarded Guangling, both commanding powerful armies to counterbalance the court; Xu Xianzhi and Fu Liang held power in the court to maintain the status quo. When Song Taizu planned to eliminate them, Wang Hua and the others said, "Tan Daoji cannot be trusted!" Song Taizu replied, "Tan Daoji was forced to participate and was not the mastermind. He had nothing to do with those killings. I will summon him for questioning; I’m sure the outcome will be different." So he ordered Tan Daoji to enter the capital, granting him significant military authority and sending him to the west to conquer. Xie Hui heard that Xu Xianzhi and others had died and felt that Tan Daoji could not protect himself either. When he heard that Tan Daoji was leading a large army to come, Xie Hui was filled with dread. After Tan Daoji arrived, he joined forces with Liu Yikang's army, positioning the warships along the shore. Seeing the few ships, Xie Hui initially underestimated the enemy and did not immediately engage in battle. By nightfall, the sails were raised, the warships were connected end to end, and the western forces were cut off and had lost their fighting spirit. The court's army set up an ambush at the end of the island; the warships crossed the river, causing Xie Hui's army to scatter in disarray. Taking advantage of the night, Xie Hui escaped to Baling, found a small boat, and made his way back to Jiangling. Earlier, the Yanzhou governor Liu Cui sent his brother, Tan Daoji, the governor of Jingling, and the chief general of the court army, Shen Changzhi, to attack Jiangling. Upon reaching Shaqiao, Zhou Chao led over ten thousand troops against them and achieved a decisive victory. Not long after, news of Xie Hui's defeat spread.
Xie Hui returned to Jiangling, having no other choice but to apologize to Zhou Chao. That night, Zhou Chao deserted the army and set off alone by boat to surrender to Liu Yikang. The army had almost all dispersed, so Xie Hui took his younger brother Xie Dun, nephew Xie Shiji, and seven others to escape north on horseback. Xie Dun was fat and strong, unable to ride a horse, which slowed their escape as Xie Hui always waited for him. When they reached Yan Head in Anlu, they were captured by the guard commander, Guang Shun, who had previously served under Xie Hui. Xie Hui was imprisoned and escorted to the capital, where he wrote a poem on the way called "A Lament on Humanity," with the following verses:
Alas, the world is truly a difficult place! There are too many dangers in the world, and too few peaceful days. Our ancestors came from a prestigious family, with a noble lineage and a long-standing tradition of integrity. Since childhood, we have studied virtue at home, studying diligently in a humble home. We thought that by accumulating virtue and doing good deeds, we would be blessed by heaven and enjoy lasting benefits. But I, this unworthy son, have been reckless and brought calamity upon myself.
In the era of great national change, I was fortunate enough to catch the emperor's eye. I participated in the planning of national affairs, assisting the emperor in drafting ambitious initiatives. I once led troops in the Imperial Guards and also gave advice in the emperor's palace. I was granted land, inheriting my ancestors' achievements and honors. I earned the emperor's trust in the West Hall and heard the emperor's final wishes in the imperial chamber. Although I am weak and inept, devoid of integrity, I have always cherished these kindnesses. I am grateful for the kindness bestowed upon me by the late emperor, hoping to repay the later emperor. I fear I may fail to fulfill the entrusted task, afraid of disappointing the emperor's expectations, feeling ashamed of my existence. I want to continue my ancestors' legacy, ensuring that my family's legacy shines even brighter.
But I had just taken up a high office not long ago, and already violated the rules of propriety, becoming obsessed with pleasure. If this continues, the world will fall apart, and the country will perish! Moreover, we who serve the nation should work diligently and not slack off. We should unite the hearts of millions of people in order to lead the country from darkness to light. Only then can the emperor be respected, the people live in peace, and the blessings of the country continue. Although the country has experienced difficulties, it is in the process of rebuilding; although my family has declined, it is gradually prospering. I have received the emperor's support, and I do not know what the future holds, but I only hope for peace and stability in the world. Because of my achievements, the court has promoted my title, and I have been ordered to go to the Western Regions. I listen to the noisy sounds of the pipes, draped in colorful flags, majestic and imposing. I patrol the four corners, guard the borders, advance both culture and military prowess, and command great authority. I strive to strengthen those vulnerable areas, often too busy to eat. I don't dare to be as arrogant as Shen Fu, only wishing to be a shield for the Song Dynasty. I have only been in this position for a little over three years, not even two years. I actually have many concerns in my heart... (Original text missing here), I feel a deep pain. Both of my assisting ministers have been dismissed, with no mercy. I feel extremely sad for those innocents who have been implicated; my heart feels heavy.
Once upon a time in the Han Dynasty, there was a good official, and his subjects were all loyal and kind. However, those loyal people did not receive appreciation, and those who were wronged had no one to seek justice for them. Everyone was holding back their strength, ready to fight with weapons in hand. The boats were densely packed, the chariots were rumbling; looking at this formation, with so many people and a well-disciplined army, what kind of battle was this going to be? They only wanted to avenge the dead souls, restore order to the rivers, and ensure the people could live in peace. So they swiftly attacked the enemy's stronghold, defeating them and sending them into a rout. They then attacked the enemy by the Baishui River, leaving only a lone chariot. Morale was rising, but unfortunately, the good fortune did not last long. For over ten days, there were continuous storms; the weather was too terrible. I had hoped to win the battle, but we ended up losing, with the enemy hot on our heels, and we fled in panic. We suffered a great loss due to our rigid tactics. Success and failure are determined by fate; we cannot blame the heavens or others! It's a pity that the arrows and stones were not used up, yet the army was defeated, and the formation was completely disrupted. It was all fate, and there’s no point in complaining. What hurts me the most is that so many young soldiers died needlessly on the battlefield. They didn't have a chance to showcase their talents before the war ended, and now they can never return. I vowed to fight alongside them to the end, but I faltered and let them down. Poor my brothers and nephews; they were innocently dragged into this war; it's all my doing! I had wanted to live a peaceful life, thinking about how to survive, but I ended up trapped in a small border town. What did I do to deserve all this suffering?
I have heard the lessons from ancient times: the greater the achievements, the greater the risks. Although Huo Qubing made great military contributions, he nearly faced the annihilation of his family in the end. Zhou Yafu was highly accomplished, but ultimately ended up imprisoned and died of starvation. Even those of high virtue are not immune to being killed. Thinking about this, I feel fear in my heart and dare not offend others, and I have forgotten the favors of the past. I have made contributions but offended the emperor; what should I do from now on? If there is no wisdom like a mirror that can see everything, who can escape disaster and attain happiness? Throughout history, there are countless examples of this; am I the only one who laments the tragedy of the Ji family? I originally wanted to live a peaceful life, honor my ancestors, and make them proud, but now everything is over. I have not fulfilled filial piety, and all my brothers are gone. I lived an ordinary life, never imagining it would end this way. Only through ancestor worship and tidying the courtyard can I momentarily escape the pain. But now, it's all over. All of this is my doing, the calamity brought upon me as a solitary individual. My sins weigh heavier than Mount Tai; even if I were to die a thousand deaths, I could never atone for them.
Alas, in my life, I feel like an abandoned corner bow, lying there alone. Although my relatives and friends seem harmonious on the surface, everyone has their own agendas. Despite having lofty ambitions in the past, reality has always been disappointing, and my beautiful dreams have faded over time. In order to seek fame and fortune, I gave up farming, but I never realized how treacherous the world could be, filled with deceit and scheming. I always thought that success and fame would come easily, but in the end, I realized I was completely wrong. Now that I am dead and my reputation tarnished, with my coffin already sealed, looking back, I feel so ashamed! I have disappointed everyone's expectations, betrayed the hopes of the wise, shamelessly lived until now, and achieved nothing, and that's truly disgraceful! All I can do is bow and thank you for your wise advice. Life is short, and in the end, we all return to dust. My life is like a cut-down tree, having fulfilled its purpose and lived as long as the earth itself. As the world changes, what I’ve pursued isn't reality, so how can I tell right from wrong? I can only adopt the open-minded views of Master Zhuangzi, taking following the will of heaven as my guide.
After Zhou Chao surrendered, Dao Yanzhi was appointed to the council. Liu Cui sent his officer, Shen Chang, to inform Dao Yanzhi of the failure of the Battle of Shaqiao, blaming it on Zhou Chao. Dao Yanzhi subsequently arrested Zhou Chao. Before Zhou Chao could be executed, Dao Yanzhi, his brothers Dao Hui and Dao Dun, his nephew Dao Shiji, Dao Sheyou, and their associates, Kong Yanxiu, Zhou Chao, He Yin, Dou Yingqi, Jiang Qian, Yan Qiansi, and others were all executed together. Dao Shiji was the son of Dao Xuan and was very talented. Before his death, he composed a quatrain: "Great are the scales that traverse the sea; magnificent are the wings that touch the sky. Once the feng shui is lost, it turns to food for ants." Dao Hui subsequently penned a line: "Achievements rival those of the ancients; retreating without wisdom leads to downfall." Dao Hui died at the age of only thirty-seven. Yu Dengzhi, Yin Daoluan, and He Chengtian were all pardoned.
Initially, Shang Xuanshi from Hedong served as Dao Hui's officer. When Dao Hui rebelled, Shang Xuanshi secretly aimed to back the Westerner Yu Tianfu and Dao Yanzhi's brother as leaders, but Yu Tianfu and the others did not dare to agree. Realizing he couldn't achieve much alone, Shang Xuanshi aligned himself with Dao Hui. Once the situation settled, Shang Xuanshi regretted abandoning his convictions and ultimately drowned himself. Emperor Taizu admired him and appointed his son, Shang Huaifu, as the Right Army Officer Supervisor under King Yiji of Hengyang. When Dao Hui fled, everyone around him deserted him, except for Yanling Gai, who remained loyal. Emperor Taizu also held Yanling Gai in high regard and later appointed him as the Garrison Officer Supervisor for Changsha's King Yixin.
In the historical records, it is said that Xie Hui was dismissed from his position as a court official because he made a mistake on the imperial seal. This incident reflects the governance skills of Emperor Gaozu and the responsibilities of high-ranking officials. You see, the consequences of harming one's descendants are very serious. Even demotions are often due to relatively minor mistakes. Minor faults are not of great concern to everyone; serious crimes are taken very seriously. Therefore, incidents of execution are rare, and the emperor uses lenient and compassionate methods in the court. Even if senior officials make small mistakes, the law is applied without consideration of their rank. This instills a sense of fear in lower-ranking officials towards their superiors and respect towards higher-ranking officials, all because of this principle.
Since the reign of Emperor Taizu, these principles have gradually been undermined, the loopholes in the law have widened, and the authority of the law has diminished due to favoritism, hindering the country's morals and good customs. This is all due to this reason. By the time of the Ming Dynasty, this corruption intensified. Unless one exposed the emperor's secret affairs or offended the emperor's taboos, demotion as a punishment would rarely be applied to powerful relatives. If someone offended the emperor's will, even if the crime did not warrant legal punishment, only dismissal, their doorstep would be filled with people coming to pay their respects. Therefore, legal provisions lack consistent standards, and those in power often apply them leniently, making it increasingly difficult to enforce the country's laws, and the loopholes in the law continue to grow. Therefore, wise individuals should be cautious in small matters and handle major issues with care, all because of this principle.
