Prince Jingling, whose style name was Xiuwen, was the sixth son of Emperor Wen of the Han dynasty. In the year 443 AD, at the age of 11, he was appointed as the Prince of Guangling, with a fief consisting of two thousand households. The following year, he took on the military affairs of Southern Yanzhou, the position of General of the Northern Army, and the governorship of Southern Yanzhou, stationed in Guangling. Shortly thereafter, his title was changed to Governor of Southern Xuzhou. In 449 AD, he was appointed as the Commander of military affairs in the four states of Yong, Liang, North and South Qin, and Jingzhou, as well as the General of the Rear, and the Governor of Yongzhou, with each position increasingly prestigious.
Due to the deteriorating conditions in the Guangling region, he was reappointed as the Prince of Sui. The Emperor planned a large-scale northern expedition, wanting to strengthen the military strength in the areas surrounding Guanzhong and the Yellow River. As a result, he dissolved the military command in Jiangzhou, transferring all civil and military officials to Yongzhou, and redirected the taxes and various resources collected from Xiangzhou to Xiangyang. When the northern expedition commenced, orders were issued for all armies to advance together, but they were ultimately defeated; only under his command, the officer Liu Yuanjing captured three cities in Hongnong, Guanzhong, and Shanzhou, and captured many enemy leaders, taking their heads. Guanzhong and Luoyang were thrown into turmoil, with detailed accounts documented in "The Biography of Liu Yuanjing." However, the armies from other regions faced defeat and retreated, so Liu Yuanjing had to withdraw as well. The Emperor summoned Prince Jingling back to the capital, promoting him to the Commander of military affairs in the two provinces of Guang and Jia, the General of Peace in the South, and the Governor of Guangzhou, assigning him to Shixing for defense, but he had not yet set out; later, he was reassigned as the Commander of military affairs in five counties: Kuaiji, Dongyang, Xin'an, Linhai, and Yongjia, as well as the General of Peace in the East and the Prefect of Kuaiji, and he was also provided with a ceremonial guard.
After the usurper took power, he appointed a Sili Xiaowei in several counties to the west of Yangzhou and Zhejiang. In the east of Zhejiang, five counties were established under Kuaiji Prefecture, and a man named Dan was appointed as the Governor. Later, Emperor Shizu personally launched a campaign and sent Shen Qingzhi's nephew, Seng Rong, to discreetly reach out to Dan. He also sent General Ning Shuo, Gu Bin, to enter from the east of Lu County and ordered Dan to obey Gu Bin's command. Dan dispatched his aide Liu Jizhi to accompany Gu Bin, while he stationed himself in Xiling, preparing for further support.
The usurper dispatched Generals Hua Qin and Yu Dao eastward for an attack, and they encountered Gu Bin's brother at Benuitang in Qu'a. The place had a particularly narrow road with dense reeds on both sides. Many of Gu Bin's soldiers were wearing grass shoes and hid in the reeds, shooting from both sides, defeating Hua Qin's forces. After the situation was settled, the court conferred upon Dan the title of General-in-Chief, Commander of the armies of Jing, Xiang, Yong, Yi, Ning, Liang, North and South Qin, General of the Guards, and Governor of Jingzhou.
Dan felt that his position was similar to the previous one, and he was dissatisfied with it, so he requested to be transferred back to his original position. The court subsequently promoted him to General of the Cavalry, with twenty additional sword-bearing guards, while maintaining the same benefits. Later, Prince Yixuan of Nanqiao refused to obey the court's summons, so the court appointed Dan as Palace Attendant, Grand General of the Cavalry, and Governor of Yangzhou, with unchanged benefits. He was also granted the title of Prince Jingling, with a fief of five thousand households. Gu Bin, for his contributions at Benuitang, was granted the title of Marquis of Yangxin County, with a fief of one thousand households; and Liu Jizhi was granted the title of Marquis of Lingyang County, with a fief of five hundred families.
Next year, Liu Yixuan rebelled, holding the military power of four provinces including Jingzhou, Jiangzhou, Yanzhou, and Yuzhou, creating a powerful force that shook the entire nation. The emperor had just ascended the throne not long ago, and the court and the populace were filled with fear. The emperor wanted to use the royal carriages and ceremonial guards to welcome Liu Yixuan, but Tan Daoji strongly opposed it and insisted on his own opinion. Later, the emperor resolved to address the situation. Due to his great merit, the emperor granted Tan Daoji permission to bring fifty soldiers and freely enter and exit the six gates of the imperial palace. The emperor pacified the rebellion; it was all thanks to Tan Daoji! When they initially defeated the main culprit, he and the emperor raised troops together, won a splendid victory, and now achieved great merit.
The emperor was inherently suspicious and increasingly wary of Tan Daoji. However, Tan Daoji lavishly constructed his own mansion, noted for its unparalleled luxury, exquisite craftsmanship, and beautiful gardens at that time. He also recruited many talented generals and soldiers, all housed in his mansion, equipped with the finest weapons and gear, which made the emperor even more unhappy. In the second year of Xiaojian, the emperor sent him to a distant place for a position as governor, commander of military affairs in Nanxuzhou, Yanzhou, Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, and Governor of Nanxuzhou, while retaining his position as Attendant. The emperor believed Jingkou was too close to the capital and still harbored suspicions about him.
In the autumn of the first year of Daming, the emperor sent him even further away for a position as commander of military affairs in Nanyanzhou, Nanxuzhou, Yanzhou, Qingzhou, Jizhou, and Youzhou, with other official positions unchanged. Sensing the emperor's suspicions, Tan Daoji began making secret preparations. After arriving in Guangling, he cited the threat of northern nomadic tribes raiding the borders to accelerate the construction of city walls, stockpile provisions, and train his troops. The rift between the emperor and Tan Daoji grew larger, with the entire court privately speculating about Tan Daoji's potential rebellion.
Chen Wenshao, a native of Jiankang, wrote: My family has had good fortune. My paternal aunt entered the palace during the Yuanjia period and became one of the six concubines. Sadly, she died young. The previous dynasty posthumously honored her as a beauty and allowed her two daughters to visit the palace regularly. My father, Rao, was appointed as a historian by Sikong Dan, often sent into the mountains to draw maps and survey roads. The work was very hard, and he didn’t dare to complain, which completely cut off contact with his family. My paternal aunt's two daughters returned home last year at great risk to plead their case, and the emperor, in his boundless mercy, ordered my father's dismissal. Upon seeing the imperial edict, Sikong Dan exploded in anger and summoned my father to interrogate him: "Are you looking to get yourself killed? How dare you report this to the palace!" My father replied, "Sir, you did not allow our family to send letters; we were completely cut off. If my sister went to complain, I would not have known." Sikong Dan then asked, "How did you enter the palace?" My father recounted the entire story. Afterward, Sikong Dan said to his steward Zhuang Qing and the artist Wang Qiang, "This year he’s out of luck; his sister has brought him trouble. The emperor says we small people dare to use palace people to oppress him." Consequently, my father fled back home, and Sikong Dan sent Wang Qiang and several others to chase him, breaking into our home to arrest my father and take him back to Guangling. At an inn in Jingkou, my father was thrown into a well and left to drown, with officials claiming he committed suicide out of fear of punishment. Our entire family is overwhelmed with grief and a sense of injustice, risking our lives to appeal in writing.
Wu County native Liu Cheng also filed a petition with the court, accusing Sikong Dan of treason. He said: Xidao Long had served under Sikong Dan before and witnessed his treacherous behavior. He also saw Sikong Dan in Shitoucheng making royal carriages and practicing the ceremonial guard. Xidao Long was privately very afraid and accidentally let this slip to his companions. Sikong Dan then sent a high official to arrest him. Xidao Long fled, and Sikong Dan angrily whipped the official and had Xidao Long executed.
Chen Tan from Yuzhang also submitted a petition to plead his grievances. He said: "My younger brother, Yongzhi, had previously caught the favor of Sikong Dan. He followed him everywhere. When the emperor went on a southern tour, my younger brother was responsible for delivering documents to Sikong Dan, and he experienced many dangers. The emperor also knew about this. After the emperor ascended the throne, blessings were bestowed upon the world, and those villains were dismissed. My younger brother was granted the position of a Tai official because of his small contribution. My younger brother often saw Sikong Dan and his subordinates Zhuang Qing and Fu Yuansi plotting, speaking vulgarly, and saying, 'This world will soon belong to us; don't worry, we'll all be rich and noble.' Sikong Dan also often secretly inquired about the emperor's age and name, and even visited the sorcerer Zheng Shilian to cast curses on the emperor. My younger brother heard these words and saw these things with his own eyes. He was worried that if this got out, he would be implicated, so he secretly told the Right Deputy of Jiankang, Huang Xuanda, about these matters, and also reported it in writing, hoping to avoid disaster. Fu Yuansi's younger brother knew that my younger brother was in contact with Huang Xuanda and feared that the matter would be leaked, so he told Sikong Dan about it. Sikong Dan was furious, ordered his men to force my brother to drink, got him drunk, and then claimed my brother had cursed while drunk, leading to his death. Our family is really wronged; this whole situation is just heartbreaking."
In April of that year, the emperor instructed the relevant departments to report: "I've heard that the highest heavens are supreme, shining with light and righteousness; this is the foundation for a country’s long-term stability. The heavens are high and far-reaching, and the mysterious changes are hard to grasp; this is why the heavens can quietly protect the people. Therefore, only by managing the people's customs well can we protect the people of the world. Blessings spread across the land, ensuring no humble person is overlooked; punishments also cover all directions, not sparing any powerful. This is an unshakeable principle, a timeless lesson from ancient times to today. I've heard that the gods are held in the highest regard, and the grand ceremonies are what ensure their favor."
During the later years of the Yuanjia era, the Mandate of Heaven was lost, law and order collapsed, both people and deities felt grief and anger, and everything lost its vitality. The King of Jingling, Sikong Dan, was supposed to be a loyal and righteous official, but found himself in a critical position in a frontier garrison. He could neither step forward to fight bravely nor sacrifice himself for his country; nor could he isolate himself and refuse the enemy's offers of surrender. As a result, he ended up accepting titles from the enemy, taking pleasure in wealth and luxury, falling in with traitors and villains, and indulging in pleasure. He dragged his wife, the daughter of Sikong Chen, into his downfall, which led to her family's extermination. He himself fled hastily on a small boat, fleeing thousands of miles through desolate and heart-wrenching landscapes. This man was truly heartless and exceptionally cruel; there was no one worse than him.
Now, let's talk about Fu Sengyou from Shanyin, who had always been loyal to the court, sharing in both its honors and disgrace. Even with his home heavily guarded, he could not resist the court's summons; even though he was in a remote and perilous location, he could not protect his own life. However, he later aided the tyrant and led troops to kill, only to be swiftly killed in prison. His wife and children were left homeless, and his family was shattered; those who saw wept, and those who heard sighed.
When the imperial army arrived at the city, with the war banners flying towards the east, the army was invincible and unstoppable. Fu Sengyou hesitated, secretly weighing his options. The emperor sent him numerous letters advising and persuading him, but it was only after persistent urging that he finally abandoned his plans for rebellion and expressed his submission. He sent out a small number of troops as a token surrender, then remained comfortably within his domain, disregarding public opinion and focusing solely on hunting and leisure, resulting in the eventual defeat of his forces. He even dared to request forgiveness, exploiting the might of the imperial army as a pretext, but what credit did he deserve?
After the rebellion was quelled and peace was restored, the people returned to their lives, but Fu Sengyou feigned sorrow, prolonging his return to court for over ten days. The remnants of the rebellion, such as Chen Shuer and others, had amassed countless treasures, which Fu Sengyou seized but failed to remit to the court, claiming they were rewards for his troops when he actually kept them for himself. He also secretly intercepted the tributes meant for the imperial court, keeping the precious food for his own indulgence. On the emperor's memorial day, he feasted on exquisite delicacies, and as the court began to reform its administration, he accepted bribes, demonstrating a complete lack of loyalty, filial piety, respect for the emperor, and concern for the people.
He actually recruited sorcerers, secretly studied divination and prophecy, believing he could seize the Mandate of Heaven and attain wealth and status. His words and deeds were utterly ridiculous and numerous. He also hinted to the court in secret, seeking titles, insulting the royal family, slandering the courtiers, acting unjustly and disloyally, completely devoid of conscience. He carried the heavy responsibility of governing the country but harbored evil intentions, always trying to please the emperor and seek favor; he also constructed lewd shrines, openly cursed, and even secretly built sacrificial sites on stones; he imitated the emperor's processions, and all of these behaviors were extremely absurd, causing an uproar among both the court and the public.
Just after the recent rebellion was suppressed, many precious treasures were lost, but a royal sword of unmatched sharpness was fetching high prices nationwide. This was a treasure that had been passed down for generations in the emperor's treasury! He secretly bought many treasures and hid them in his private residence. While the rebellion led by Yixuan was just being quelled, his henchmen were still fleeing, but he turned a blind eye and secretly recruited them to hide those skilled craftsmen in his home. He even made Yixuan's former general, Qiu Xing, his confidant. When the truth came to light, he still refused to admit it, falsely claiming in official documents that those craftsmen were old servants from before.
He also engaged in large-scale construction, building mansions in imitation of the imperial palace, collecting stones and wood everywhere, acting arbitrarily, forcing nobles and commoners to work like laborers, depleting manpower and resources, and seizing a large amount of land. Princess Xuan Chang of Kuaiji received favor from the founding emperor and the second emperor; her position was honorable. My father, Zhan Zhi, died for the country and was posthumously granted a military position. However, in order to expand his own mansion, he encroached on the land of the princess's mansion, forcing the princess's orphans and widows to move, forcing the princess's ancestral tablet to be moved secretly to a remote alley in the middle of the night, bringing immense grief to the princess's relatives, with passersby unable to hold back their tears.
He still obstructed two ancient transportation arteries to build his own mansion, causing congested roads, traffic jams, growing grievances, and widespread resentment among the people who hated him.
Prime Minister Chen Dao of Linchuan, Liewu, had a distinguished reputation, outstanding achievements, and enjoyed special honors granted by the late emperor personally. My younger brother Yiqing was sent on a mission to Western Xia, and the imperial tomb was temporarily moved. The late emperor even rode out in his imperial carriage to see him off, a favor unprecedented and far exceeding that of ordinary officials. However, because the temple was built in front of his own house, he repeatedly requested it to be demolished and rebuilt, refusing even after the imperial decree was issued; his resentment reached new heights.
This person, with skin as thick as they come and a heart as cruel as a jackal's, was sent to govern Jiangdu, and he only thinks about expanding his military power. The emperor has shown him considerable leniency, granting his requests and allowing him to remain in the Eastern Palace and hold important positions. He is insatiable, unmatched by anyone else! Although the emperor has repeatedly forgiven and tolerated him, he has only grown worse and more treacherous.
The emperor sent him back to govern the region, which made him even more resentful. If you dare to advise him, dare to criticize him, he will immediately try to have you killed! He flatters all day long, is reckless, and is just like those treacherous officials. He even forged imperial edicts, posted notices to recruit troops, and then feigned illness and asked for leave when things were exposed, shifting the blame onto his subordinates. Later, the official in charge of recording, Xu Lingshou, was arrested and put on trial for this, and he was about to be imprisoned. Han Jingong and the Central Guard secretly went to intercede, hoping to lessen his sentence. There were also the words Wang Sengda wrote before his execution, when Gao Sha was set to execute him, all communicated through secret messengers, colluding with each other. These scandals spread everywhere, and who wouldn't feel anger and despair upon hearing them? Later, Liu Cheng from Wu County, Chen Tanzhi from Yuzhang, and Chen Wenshao from Jiankang were all arrested, accusing this individual of his crimes, indicating that his treacherous schemes had been ongoing for many years.
In the early years of the Zhou Dynasty, the Duke of Zhou also faced slander and rumors; when the State of Lu was at its height, Jizi also executed Kuiquan. In modern times, King Li of Huainan and Emperor Yikang both failed because of similar incidents; the Fan and Xie families also suffered calamities because of such incidents, all because familial loyalty overshadowed justice, emotions triumphed over laws. Moreover, this individual defies both heavenly principles and the laws of the court, causing trouble when it should have been avoided, plotting against the peaceful era. Heaven will not shield him, nor will the earth bear him! As subjects, we must always remember to respect the rules and traditions; the state must also impose strict penalties for violations of the law.
We believe that this person should be handed over to the relevant authorities for their judgment, his title and land should be revoked, he should be imprisoned for legal proceedings, and those involved should also be investigated separately. We implore Your Majesty to emulate the ancient kings of the Zhou Dynasty, learn from the lessons of history, set aside personal feelings, and listen to everyone's opinions in order to strengthen the foundation of the royal family and establish immortal achievements! If Your Majesty continues to tolerate and not seriously consider, the foundation built over seven hundred years could be lost in an instant, and the people will be plunged into deep trouble. Therefore, we are worried day and night about this situation; even if we are beheaded, we must speak out!
Initially, the Emperor disagreed, but the officials kept pressing him, so in the end, he had no choice but to demote his title to that of Marquis and send him into exile to his fiefdom. The Emperor planned to deal with the rebellion, so he appointed Yuan Lang, the Prefect of Yixing, as the Inspector of Yanzhou, assigned him elite soldiers from the Imperial Guard, and also sent Dai Mingbao to accompany Yuan Lang to suppress the rebellion under the pretext of action.
When Yuan Lang arrived in Guangling, Dan had not yet realized the danger. Dai Mingbao secretly contacted Dan's secretary Jiang Cheng that night, asking him to open the door to cooperate with the outside the following morning. Jiang Cheng told this to the prefectural official Xu Zongzhi, who hurried to inform Dan. Dan was taken aback and quickly got up, called all his trusted followers and the hundreds of people he usually kept, caught Jiang Cheng, and then quickly organized the army for self-defense.
The next day, just before daybreak, Dai Mingbao and Yuan Lang finally arrived with hundreds of elite soldiers. By the time it was light, the city gate still hadn't opened, and Liu Dan had already deployed his troops on the city wall. He immediately killed Jiang Cheng on the spot at the city gate, burned the military registers, pardoned the detained soldiers and prisoners, and then opened the city gate. He sent trusted men with capable soldiers to attack Dai Mingbao and his men, and they were defeated. Yuan Lang was killed on the spot, Dai Mingbao fled, and eventually managed to escape back to the Hailing border.
The emperor then sent the Grand General Shen Qingzhi to lead the army to subdue Liu Dan. Liu Dan set fire to the villages outside the city, driving the ordinary people into the city, and sent his men everywhere to win over nearby forces. At that time, the family of Liang Kuang, the Interior Minister of Shanyang, was in Guangling. Liu Dan captured his wife and children and sent his men to force Liang Kuang to surrender, but Liang Kuang killed the messenger outright and refused to surrender. This infuriated Liu Dan, who then looted Liang Kuang's house.
Liu Dan wrote a letter and threw it outside the city. In the letter, he said: "In the past, those rebels rose up, and Your Majesty personally led the troops to suppress the rebellion. At that time, I turned from darkness to light, which is a very normal action. Later, the Prime Minister rebelled, and Zang Hong, Lu Su, and others also joined the uprising, causing widespread panic, and everyone was terrified. Your Majesty wanted all the officials to flock to you like stars drawn to the moon, but I always insisted on not participating in their rebellion. When the rebellion was quelled and the nation was saved, who deserves the credit? Your Majesty has shown me great favor, continuously promoting me from General of the Cavalry to Governor of Yangzhou, and I was promoted several levels in just a few months. You even granted me control over Xuzhou and Yanzhou, and personally sent the Crown Prince to escort me to my new position. I was truly grateful then; how could I ever forget your kindness? I had hoped to serve you faithfully and loyally forever. But to my shock, Your Majesty listened to slander and ordered those nameless soldiers to kill me without any investigation. If even sparrows and mice fear death, how could I not? I defied the imperial decree and now personally lead the troops to guard Xuzhou and Yanzhou. What good deeds did I ever do to earn such favor from the royal family? Now that I've supposedly erred, why have I become a target like the barbarians and the Yue? Even if I die in battle, I fear nothing; I will strive to quell the rebellion and hope for swift success. The Right Army General, the Xuanlan General, and the generals in Wuchang have not committed any mistakes, yet they all suffered cruel persecution. What have I done to deserve such treatment? How can you keep hiding the palace's dirty secrets? As I write this, my heart is heavy with sorrow, and I’m at a loss for words."
The Emperor was very angry with Liu Dan, and those around him were eager to kill Liu Dan and his associates immediately, resulting in the deaths of thousands. Some had already lost family members before they managed to escape the city and surrender.
The emperor set out from Xuanwu Hall, with tight security both inside and out. When Qing attacked Guangling, Han Daoyuan surrendered his troops. Zong Que, the Governor of Yuzhou, and Liu Daolong, the Governor of Xuzhou, also led their armies to assist in the battle.
In Guangling City, Liu Guangzong, a staff officer in the Middle Army, He Kangzhi, Liu Yuanmai, and Chief Suo Zhilang were planning to open the North Gate and surrender. But before they could act, Shi Beizi, the commander under He Kangzhi, fled with his men. Worried about being discovered, they secretly opened the city gate that night and fled together. Xiao Dan captured Liu Guangzong and executed him. Liu Guangzong was Liu Yuanjing's younger brother. Xiao Dan also killed He Kangzhi's mother, who was still in the city.
Seeing so many troops surrounding Guangling, Xiao Dan wanted to abandon the north gate and flee, leaving the military officer Zhongbing Shen Lingci to guard the city. He claimed he was going out of the city to fight but was secretly fleeing towards Hailing. Xiao Dan sent Zhou Fengsheng to quickly inform Xiao Qingzhi. Xiao Qingzhi immediately sent General Longxiang Wu Nian to chase Xiao Dan. After running more than ten miles, Xiao Dan's soldiers were unwilling to continue and asked him to return to the city. Xiao Dan asked them, "If I go back to the city, will you do your best for me?" Everyone said, "Willing to do our best!" At this time, Yang Chengbo beside Xiao Dan grabbed his horse and said, "At the moment of life and death, let's return to the city to defend. What good is this (referring to fleeing) for our safety? Hurry back and you can still enter the city, otherwise it's over!" General Dai Baozhi, sent by Xiao Qingzhi, rode up to Xiao Dan alone and nearly caught him. Frightened, Xiao Dan quickly turned back. Wu Nian was still far from Xiao Dan and had not caught up, so Xiao Dan was able to return to the city. Once back in the city, Xiao Dan asked, "Is that white-bearded old man on the wall Shen Gong?" His subordinates said, "It's Shen Zhongbing (Shen Lingci)." Xiao Dan then entered the city. He then promoted Shen Lingci to clerk of the Biaoqi Mansion and Wang Yu to Chief Historian of the Central Army, the Crown Prince, Xiao Jingcui, to General of the Central Army, Fan Yi to Chief Historian of the Central Army, and other civil and military officials were also promoted.
First, Right Guard General Yu Huzhi, Left Guard General Cui Daogu, Colonel Pang Fanqiu of the Cavalry, and Prince's Cavalry General Yin Xiaozu defeated the Suolu and made their way back to Guangling. The emperor sent envoys to congratulate them. Liu Jizhi, the governor of Sizhou, was an old subordinate of the emperor. He was brave and strong, and distinguished himself in the Battle of Liangshan. The emperor also granted him an additional five hundred households. However, after taking office, he became corrupt and oppressed the people. His advisor, Zhai Hongye, repeatedly urged him, but Liu Jizhi resented him and poisoned him to death. In his youth, Liu Jizhi used to physically bully Zong Que, who held a grudge over this. When Zong Que became the governor of Yuzhou and the commander of Sizhou, Liu Jizhi was worried that Zong Que would retaliate against him, so he feigned resignation and attempted to return to court in secret. During Hou Jing's rebellion, Liu Jizhi arrived in Xuyi. The prefect of Xuyi, Zheng Yuan, suspected Liu Jizhi of colluding with Hou Jing, so he executed Liu Jizhi and sent his head to Hou Jing's lieutenant, Daolong. At that time, Hou Jing had also been secretly reaching out to Liu Jizhi. After Liu Jizhi's head was sent, Shen Qingzhi presented it to Hou Jing. Liu Jizhi was missing a tooth, just like Yu Huzhi. Hou Jing announced to everyone, "This is Yu Huzhi's head, not Liu Jizhi's."
When Emperor Taizong had just ascended the throne, Zheng Yuan served as the Deputy General of the Middle Army of the Valiant Cavalry under Prince Xiaoxiuyou of Shanyang. The Governor of Yuzhou, Yin Yan, joined forces in rebellion with Prince Xiaoxun of Jin'an. Xiaoxiuyou sent Zheng Yuan and his subordinates to persuade Yin Yan, but Yin Yan refused to surrender. The Zheng family was a prominent clan in Shouyang. Zheng Yuan permitted Yin Yan to maintain command of his troops. Xiaoxun blamed Yin Yan for being too slow to raise troops, and when Yin Yan tried to explain, he executed Xing Longfu and sent his head to Xiaoxun. Zheng Yuan fervently defended him, but it was in vain. After Shouyang City surrendered, Zheng Yuan and others were released, but Xing Longfu's brother, Seng Min, was outside the city at the time, believing that Zheng Yuan had framed Xing Longfu, so he killed Zheng Yuan. Later, Zheng Yuan was arrested by Liu Men, but was subsequently released. Seng Min died in battle against the enemy in Huai Xi. All four of these individuals soon faced retribution for their indiscriminate killings, and people say this is the cycle of divine justice.
Sun Anqi surrendered with his troops. Initially, Sun Dan refused to surrender and closed the city. The Records Officer He Bi tried hard to persuade him, but Sun Dan became furious and drew his sword towards He Bi, who then stopped persuading him. Some advised He Bi to surrender as well, but He Bi said, "It is absolutely unacceptable for the general to rebel against the court, but I cannot betray the general's kindness. I can only show my determination with death!" He then poisoned himself and took his own life. He Bi, styled Zhongfu, was from Shanyin in Kuaiji and was very talented in literature. The court posthumously honored him with the title of General of Chariots and Cavalry, and also as the Prefect of Shanyang and Hailing, while retaining his position as Chief Historian.
Wang Yuzhi, the leader, recruited hundreds of people to attack General Cheng Tianzuo's camp from the east gate and even cut Cheng Tianzuo's crossbow string. As a result, Cheng Tianzuo defeated Wang Yuzhi, forcing him to flee back to the city. Sun Dan once again requested the court's favor and was appointed as the governor of South Xuzhou. General Ma Yuanzi attempted to surrender by climbing over the wall but was caught and killed. Sun Dan then set up an altar in the city to prepare for a blood oath. At this time, his appointed deputy general Meng Yuxiu said, "Your Majesty should personally swear in blood." The courtiers all shouted long live.
Initially, Sun Dan had the eunuch Lu Tanji and some of his trusted people hide the crown prince Sun Jingsui among the people, telling them, "If things succeed, your lives will be spared; if things fail, bury the crown prince with honor." He also gave them gold and silver treasures, escorted them out, and let them escape separately. Only Lu Tanji did not leave, fleeing with Sun Jingsui. More than ten days later, he was captured by Shen Qingzhi and then beheaded.
General Yan Jichong, whom Sun Dan appointed, also wrote a letter of surrender. The court sent Shen Qingzhi to establish three beacon towers in Sangli. Sun Dan then sent over a thousand people to attack General Gou Sida's camp from the north gate, but was defeated by General Zongyue. Sun Dan then launched a surprise attack on Liu Daolong's camp through the east gate but was defeated by Yin Xiaozu and his cavalry officer Shen Youzhi. Sun Dan once again requested the court's favor, with Wang Yuzhi being appointed as the Right Chief Historian, Fan Yi as the Left Sima and Left General, and Meng Yuxiu as the Right Sima and Right General. Fan Yi's mother and wife were in the city, and some advised Fan Yi to surrender. Fan Yi said, "I am an official; can I still live a life of dishonor?" Fan Yi, whose courtesy name was Mingxiu, was a native of Jiyang Kaicheng and had long enjoyed a good reputation.
On the evening of May 19th, a meteor fell from the sky, large and bright, as thick as a broomstick, with a tail over ten zhang long, flying from the northwest direction and landing in the city. Everyone claimed it was a celestial dog. The fortune teller remarked, "Where the celestial dog falls, there must be someone dead and bleeding underneath."
The next day, Xiao Dan sent two hundred men from the east gate to attack Liu Daochan's camp, and also sent two hundred decoy soldiers from the north gate to confuse the enemy. Shen Youzhi fought the enemy at the east gate and won a decisive victory. The west gate fell to Gou Sida. Xiao Dan then sent several hundred men from the east gate to attack the camp of Sima Liu Meng of Ningshuo, only to be defeated by Shen Youzhi. Previously, Guangling City never opened its south gate, believing that opening it would bring misfortune to the people, but only Xiao Dan opened the south gate.
Shao Lingzong of Pengcheng was in the city at the time and secretly assembled a group of assassins, planning to ambush Xiao Dan. He first tried to establish a good relationship with Xiao Qingzhi, so he told Xiao Dan that he wanted to be a spy, and Xiao Dan agreed. After leaving the city, Lingzong did what he had to do and was about to return to the city when his plan was exposed. Xiao Dan had him whipped two hundred times; he denied it, and was ultimately torn apart by five horses.
The emperor issued two imperial edicts, one appointing a marquis for Jingling County with a fief of one thousand households to recruit people to capture Xiao Dan, and the other appointing a noble of Jianxing County with a fief of three hundred households to recruit vanguards for the attack on the city. If the outer city was captured, one beacon would be lit; if the inner city was captured, two beacons would be lit; and if Xiao Dan was captured, three beacons would be lit. The emperor also sent Tan Jin, the captain of the stationed cavalry, and Zheng Jingxuan, the former commander of the tiger army, to assist Xiao Qingzhi and the Imperial Guards.
Xiao Dan then sent three hundred men from the south gate to attack Liu Meng's camp at Tushan, only to be defeated by Liu Meng.
That kid Qing Zhi, fixing roads and filling in ditches, planned to attack the city, but got caught in the summer rainy season and couldn’t capture it. The emperor kept sending him edicts, one after another, urging him to act. Once the rain stopped, the emperor was even angrier and even had the court astrologer pick a good day, planning to personally lead his troops across the river to take the city.
King Yigong of Jiangxia, also known as the Grand Preceptor, hurriedly submitted a memorial to advise the emperor: "I am of mediocre talent and lack ability, and I have few troops under my command. I have already disobeyed your orders, and the common people are also disheartened. The city is running out of food, and the weapons and supplies are inadequate. We can only rely on the three to four hundred men in the exempted military granary, just scraping by. There are still many grudges between these people. I thought we could take them down in just ten days, but it has dragged on for over seventy days. Your Majesty, you personally lead the troops, with a strong army and a large number of soldiers like mountains. There are elite soldiers, at least tens of thousands of them, intimidating all directions, but so far no results have been achieved. Although I am timid and anxious, I am also impatient! Your Majesty, in the past, when you pacified the rebellion, it was like cutting down wild boars, eliminating a big snake, bloodlessly and quickly achieving victory, and even surrendering more than seven hundred people. But now, dealing with such a minor player, it has taken so long, causing you to be angry, and even intending to take action personally. This is all due to our incompetence as your subjects, making all the officials feel ashamed and embarrassed. It is midsummer now, the soldiers are in armor, and daily military expenses exceed a thousand gold coins. If Your Majesty were to personally take action, the consequences could be dire! I've looked at the historical records. King Wen of Jin campaigned against Huainan, and it took two hundred days to pacify the rebellion. Now our food is running out, and the number of rebels is growing, and they are starting to recognize their mistakes and see some favorable opportunities. Moreover, Your Majesty has issued several orders already, so we should be able to take them down soon. Besides, Guangling is very close to here, and the news can be easily transmitted; although it is separated by the Yangtze River, communication is not difficult. It's just that there are too many people who can't see the situation clearly, deceiving Your Majesty's eyes. If our army suddenly moves, the capital would likely panic, and people across the country would probably be unable to rest assured. I've thought it might be best to set aside these minor players for now, to first protect everyone's lives and stabilize the hearts of the people, which is the most important. Moreover, the Yangtze River is broad and treacherous, with unpredictable winds and waves. Even you shouldn't take risks, let alone crossing this unpredictable river by boat? When Emperor Wen of Wei crossed the river, he left behind the infamous 'Yizhou'. Although the timing, location, and people are all in our favor now, and you will definitely achieve victory when you go to battle, it is better to be cautious and careful! I dare to speak frankly, risking to express my thoughts to you. I feel uneasy and can't express all my worries."
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On the second day of July, Qing launched an attack with his army, took the outer city and, seizing the momentum, captured the small city. When Xiao Baodan heard that the army had broken in, he escaped to the backyard with Shen Lingci. The team leader Shen Yinzhi, the righteous guest Zhou Man, and Hu Sizu rushed over quickly. Xiao Baodan brandished his jade blade and fled in all directions with a few followers. Shen Yinzhi and the others chased Xiao Baodan to the bridge, where he raised his knife in self-defense. Shen Yinzhi wounded Xiao Baodan in the face, causing him to fall into the water where he was killed, and his head was sent to the capital. At that time, Xiao Baodan was only twenty-seven years old, was buried in Guangling, and his surname was changed to Liu. All his accomplices were killed, and the bodies of the men in the city were piled up like a gruesome spectacle, with thousands dead. The women were taken as spoils of war and distributed among the soldiers. Xiao Baodan's mother Yin and his wife Xu both committed suicide. Later, Yin was posthumously honored with the title of Shufei of Changning Garden. In recognition of Xiao Baodan's loyalty, Jialiang was promoted to Houjiangjun. Zhou Man was granted the title of Marquis of Shanyang County, with a fief of 450 households; Shen Yinzhi was granted the title of Zi of Laiyang, with a fief of 350 households; Hu Sizu was granted the title of male of Gaoping County, with a fief of 200 households. Yang Xuan from Linchuan was also executed for his previous allegiance to Xiao Baodan.
When Xiao Baodan was Governor of Nanxuzhou, one night in the capital city, a strong wind blew, causing the roof tiles to fly off and the city gates to collapse. Xiao Baodan felt unlucky. Later, when he was transferred to Guangling to serve as the commander, a storm suddenly arose the moment he entered the city, with dust flying everywhere, making it feel like night had fallen. One night, while he was sitting quietly, a red light suddenly appeared in the room, scaring everyone present. His guards even dreamed someone told them, "The tassels on the officials' hats will turn into long spears." Upon waking, they found their hair had vanished. There were dozens of such cases, which deeply frightened Xiao Baodan.
In the second year of the Ming Dynasty, Xiao Baodan ordered the construction of Guangling City. During an inspection, someone sitting in a sedan chair called out, "The enemy army is about to arrive, why make the people suffer!" Xiao Baodan had him arrested and asked what was happening. The man replied, "My surname is Yi, my name is Sun, and I live in Hailing. Last year, the heavens, Taoism, and Buddhism contemplated wiping out all the people here. It was only through the persuasion of Taoism and Buddhism that they backed down. A great calamity is looming; why not hurry to establish the Six Precaution Gates?" Xiao Baodan thought his words were ridiculous and had him killed. Another man, a musician, suddenly lost his mind, claiming he had seen ghosts. He cried and shouted, "The foreign army is surrounding the city, and white canvas is draped over the city walls!" Xiao Baodan imprisoned him for over twenty days before releasing him. On the day the city fell, clouds and mist covered the sky, darkness fell, and a white rainbow appeared at the north gate, stretching into the heart of the city.
It is said that eight years ago, when the waste emperor ascended the throne, Wang Chang of Yiyang was appointed as the General of the Northern Campaign and the Governor of Xuzhou. Passing through Guangling, he submitted a memorial. The memorial stated: "I have heard that the area of Huainan is often shrouded in thick fog, and people are nostalgic for the relics of their ancestors; the talented individuals of the Chu state met their demise, and people still express their love for their graves. Although these two individuals committed crimes, they also made contributions to the court. Although the law has already passed judgment on them, from a humane perspective, there should be some leniency. I have seen the former rebel Liu Dan, who rebelled and ultimately brought about his own downfall. It is clear in the law that he deserved to be killed. However, he was still a relative of the royal family, once held a high position, and now that his crimes have been confirmed, he did not even have a decent funeral after death. In life, he was of royal blood, yet in death, he was hastily buried like an ordinary criminal, and his grave was not properly maintained. Now that a long time has passed, the past grievances should gradually fade. When I think about these things, my heart feels very uneasy. Your Majesty, since you ascended the throne, you have diligently governed, wholeheartedly serving the people, and your benevolence has spread throughout the world. However, you have not yet shown mercy to Liu Dan's family. Back in the day, Luan Bu wept bitterly in the market, daring to offend the heavenly might; Tian Shu was sentenced, yet still harbored loyalty and righteousness. Not to mention the royal family, does Your Majesty not have any compassion at all? I hope Your Majesty can follow past precedents, order a more respectful burial for Liu Dan's family, and repair their graves slightly. This way, even though they have passed away, they can feel your grace. Even in the underworld, they will appreciate your kindness. As I write this, I cannot help but shed tears and cannot continue." After reading the memorial, the emperor said, "The General of the Northern Campaign's memorial is written very well, and We are deeply moved." He then ordered that Liu Dan and his wife and daughters be buried with commoner rites and sent people to guard their graves. In the fourth year of Taishi during the reign of Emperor Taizong, they were reburied and held a smaller sacrificial ceremony.
Wang Yi of Lujiang, styled Xiu Xiu, was the eighth son of Emperor Wen. In the 22nd year of the Yuanjia era, at the age of ten, he was appointed as the Prince of Donghai, with a fief comprising two thousand households. In the 26th year, he was appointed as Palace Attendant and General of the Rear, tasked with defending Shitou City. He was later promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry, Prefect of Nánpéngchéng and Xià Pī, while continuing to oversee the defense of Shitou City. Afterwards, he was appointed as Prefect of Kuaiji, while retaining his military rank. In the 29th year, he was appointed as Commissioner of Military Affairs, Commander overseeing military affairs in the two provinces of Guangjiao and Jingzhou, Prefect of Shixing and Lin'an in both counties, General Who Pacifies the South, and Governor of Guangzhou.
It is said that the mastermind behind the emperor's assassination declared himself the General of Annan, but was not dispatched to assume the position. Later, when Emperor Shizu ascended the throne, he was appointed as the Governor of Kuaiji and was further promoted to General Who Pacifies the South. The following year, he was summoned back to court to serve as Secretary Supervisor and was additionally granted the title of Cavalier Attendant. Shortly thereafter, he was dispatched again as General Who Pacifies the South and Governor of Jiangzhou, while concurrently holding the title of Valiant Cavalry General, and was even given a musical band. His position as Cavalier Attendant remained unchanged. Afterwards, he was sent out to serve as the Governor of Nanyuzhou, with his positions of Cavalier Attendant and General remaining unchanged. Later, he was awarded the honorary title of Grand Minister and also served as the Sacrificial Official of the National University, while his role as Cavalier Attendant also remained the same. In the fifth year of Daming, the emperor decreed: "In the past, the states of Han and Wei were vassal states of different surnames, and the Duke of Mingxian of the Zhou Dynasty was also a vassal of a different surname; these are all examples from past dynasties. Since my ascension to the throne, I have been diligent in governing the country, and should emulate past dynasties by honoring kin, clarifying the system, and ensuring lasting glory. Therefore, I have decided to increase the fiefdoms of all of you brothers, each by one thousand households." In the seventh year of Daming, he was promoted to Minister of Public Works, while his positions as Cavalier Attendant and Sacrificial Official remained unchanged. Later, when the former Emperor Fei took the throne, he was further elevated to the position of Director of the Palace Library. After Emperor Taizong ascended the throne, he was promoted to Grand Commandant and was granted the titles of Palace Attendant and Director of the Palace Library, along with a retinue of twenty sword-bearing guards. At the same time, his title was elevated to Prince of Lujiang.
The sons of Emperor Taizu, the Prince of Lujiang, were the least capable. His brothers all thought he was dim-witted and coarse. The Prince of Nanping, Shuo, died early, and his son Jingyuan was getting married. The Prince of Lujiang attended the wedding and even asked Emperor Shizu for a band. Emperor Shizu said, "There is no music played at weddings, and besides, Jingyuan is an orphan with a widowed mother, which makes it even more inappropriate." Later, Emperor Taizong and Prince Xiuren jointly issued a decree, saying, "You are not as capable as those Western feudal lords. You are the leader among the princes." Since the Prince of Lujiang resided in the Western region at that time, everyone called him the Western Prince. In the fifth year of the Taishi era, a Hedong man, Liu Xinwei, plotted a rebellion, wanting to crown the Prince of Lujiang. The Prince of Lujiang also secretly conspired with him. Liu Xinwei tried to win over the soldiers Du Youwen, Song Zuzhen, and the former magistrate of the county, Wang Longbo. The Prince of Lujiang sent his subordinate Xu Huer to give a gold seal to Du Youwen and two bronze bowls to Song Zuzhen and Wang Longbo. Du Youwen reported everything to the court. The Emperor issued a decree: During the heyday of the Zhou Dynasty, there were rumors of a rebellion by a second uncle; during the peak of the Han Dynasty, seven minority tribes also rebelled. These are all true events in history. Since ancient times, the rise and fall of dynasties has been a common occurrence. Even if a sage becomes emperor, the world cannot avoid experiencing some disasters. Prince Lujiang, although you are a relative of the imperial family and have received the emperor's favor early on, you have lacked virtue since childhood and have not built a good reputation in adulthood. You are aloof towards your relatives but are closely associated with common folk and are distant and cold towards upright individuals.
Ever since I quelled the rebellion and received the mandate from heaven, I have always advocated for brotherhood and mutual love. That's why I specifically elevated your title and placed you in a high position. But you always seem dissatisfied, as evident from your actions. If you truly possessed virtue and a good reputation, you would be the rightful heir to the throne. When I quelled the rebellion, I never even thought of coveting the throne; it naturally fell to me. Furthermore, although I hold a high position, I do not presume to be arrogant. I consult with you on all matters concerning the royal family. I never expected your insatiable ambition and resentment, leading you to secretly plot treason.
Recently, chaos has erupted everywhere, and the flames of war have spread to the capital. The ministers in the court are all worried and angry. Yet you remain untouched, ignoring the dire situation, pursuing pleasure by day and indulging in revelry by night. You watch the situation unfold, indifferent to the enemy's movements. The ministers and their brothers, including Situ Xiuren, have been wholeheartedly serving the country, facing dangers and hardships. They each guard their own territories, enduring difficulties and dangers. Even those less capable carry out their duties diligently, yet you have never bothered to write a letter or express any concern. Instead, you abandon your brothers to please the enemy. You think you have no merit, so you refrain from participating in military planning, only waiting to seize power after the rebellion is quelled.
When imperial power prevails, the rebellion is quelled, and peace returns to the land, you grow even more despondent, hiding away and frequently practicing divination, embracing superstitions and praying to various gods. You even create my portrait and write my name; in some places, you place swords, and in others, you use cauldrons for offerings.
When the old man was in Jiangzhou, he took a liking to a Han girl, who was said to be able to tell fortunes and cast spells. The old man treated her very well, kneeling before her every morning and evening, dressing neatly, and treating her like a deity. He even asked the girl to curse Emperor Xiaowu and Emperor Chongxian, hoping to weaken the royal family to pave the way for his own rise to power. The diviner claimed that the spirits had manifested and assured him that his wishes would be granted. When the truth eventually came to light, the old man shifted the blame onto the girl and narrowly escaped punishment. Recently, he has become very close to a Taoist named Zhang Bao, trusting him completely. After the truth was revealed, Zhang Bao was arrested. The old man showed no sign of remorse and persisted in his scheming ways, sending two subordinates to handle affairs behind the scenes, openly practicing his dark practices and not caring about the authorities. He also colluded with a eunuch named Chen Daoming, secretly passing messages, giving money and gifts, and cultivating connections. He also had a historian in the mansion named Xu Huer try to win over border generals, planning to unite the military, harm the prime minister, and even plot against the court. This old man was inherently cruel and utterly inept, lacking in abilities, and had no political achievements during his time as an official in Jiangzhou. He was called to serve in Kuaiji but was demoted due to his blunders. He lacked knowledge, was rigid and unreasonable, spoke without regard for the situation, was not good to his family, and was scorned by both the court and the scholarly elite. He had no qualifications to assist the emperor as a prime minister, couldn't even manage the responsibilities of a local official, and this had been the case for quite some time.
During the Ming Dynasty, up until the Yongguang period, he (referring to the Duke, as mentioned previously) stayed in the palace all along and didn't really take part in court politics. Looking back, I realize I had some grievances against him back then. He was tall and imposing since childhood, cold and ruthless, serving the emperor, participating in ancestral sacrifices, with no sign of sadness, no tears, and no feelings for his siblings. He was completely indifferent during Emperor Xiaowu's banquets. Princess Yiyang was falsely accused by him because of her lowly status, which only fueled suspicion against her. I was in a tough spot back then and felt overwhelmed; thanks to Empress Chongxian's intervention, I managed to avoid disaster.
Emperor Jinghe, that incompetent ruler who committed heinous acts, killed the prime minister right from the start, driven by ambition. He summoned my brothers and me to Jianzhang Palace, forced us to drink until we were plastered, and then, using the alcohol as an excuse, he went off on me and my brother Xiuren, claiming I was too close with the Grand Preceptor, meeting him privately, and taking bribes. I felt like my insides were about to explode, and I barely made it through his tirade. Another time, at the residence of Princess Xunyang, my brothers were all gathered, and he suddenly blew up at the banquet, loudly accusing me of being different from him in every way, and if I could just please him, he'd still get angry. He'd been wanting to get rid of me for a while, but thankfully, with some divine luck, I ended up on the throne, foiling his plot and stopping him in his tracks.
Since the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, the national treasury has been drained, the people are impoverished, and additionally, Emperor Jinghe's excessive extravagance has left the treasury utterly bare. As soon as I ascended to the throne, I have been striving for the well-being of the people, but faced numerous obstacles. Every day, I had to spend a significant amount of money, and courtiers and commoners were compelled to donate all their wealth. He (referring to the individual) also received a lot of salary and had a rich family property. When I just ascended to the throne, he requested the release of the funds left by the former Grand Preceptor, amounting to several million, which were neither used for national development nor for improving the people's livelihoods, but for rewarding flatterers and his cronies. Reflecting on his actions, I realize there have been countless similar incidents. Villains conspire with one another to plot wrongdoing, and his evil deeds have spread among the people.
If he really is as those people say, with a high position, noble character, and great achievements, then he should not be so restless. Although he is talented, he has been deceived by evil. Because of his high status, no one dares to manage him, so he dares to do evil and dig his own grave. My lack of resentment towards him has led to all this, and I have experienced so much hardship, feeling very sad.
Everyone has their own thoughts when doing things, right? As for me, I have always been generous and kind. Over the years, I have managed to tolerate animosity and forgive transgressions, which has been reflected in how I handle things in normal times. However, I cannot overlook or allow this to continue! Once bad things start, they can easily escalate, so they must be quickly eradicated. Just as weeds must be swiftly uprooted, flames must be immediately extinguished, and those cunning and treacherous individuals must be promptly removed. I have ordered their execution to uphold justice. While you are of royal blood, it would be reasonable to extend some leniency, but in accordance with standard punishment, I still feel somewhat reluctant, so I have slightly mitigated the punishment to honor the deceased. Now, I am merging the three counties of Huainan, Xuancheng, and Liyang to establish the Southern Yuzhou, reassigning you to the position of General of Chariots and Cavalry, with the title of Household Director and Governor of Southern Yuzhou, reducing your fief by a thousand households, while your role as Palace Attendant and noble title will remain intact.
You were assigned to Xuan Cheng by the Emperor, and Yang Yunchang, a trusted confidant, was also sent to lead the troops to protect you. Your comrades Liu Xinwei, Xu Huer, Chen Daoming, Ning Jingzhi, Luqiu Miaozhi, Fan Pingzu, and Meng Jingzu were all executed. In June of the second year, the Emperor ordered the relevant departments to submit a report: "Yi (referring to the character mentioned earlier) harbors resentment and voiced complaints, requesting to be relieved of duties, stripped of title and land, and imprisoned in Wanling County, to be punished severely according to the law." The Emperor did not agree. So he sent the Grand Chamberlain to interrogate Yi and forced him to commit suicide; he was only thirty-five at the time and was buried in Xuan Cheng.
His son Chongming, originally the Assistant General, Prefect of Nan Pengcheng and Dongguan Counties, was later demoted to Xin'an She County. He was only allowed to return to the capital after the Emperor's abdication. By the second year of Shundi's reign, he had passed away at the age of twenty-eight, leaving no sons.
Prince Hun of Wuchang, whose courtesy name was Xiuyuan, was the tenth son of Emperor Wen. In the twenty-fourth year of Yuanjia, he was appointed as the Prince of Ruyin at the age of nine, with a fief consisting of two thousand households. Later, he became the Rear General and was also given the title of Cavalier Attendant. When the invaders from the south attacked and breached Ruyin County, he was subsequently renamed Prince of Wuchang. He was fierce and ruthless from a young age; once in Shitoucheng, he harbored resentment towards those around him and attacked them with his sword. After the usurpation of the throne by the main culprit, he was appointed Minister of the Central Secretariat. On the night of the Emperor's burial, he shockingly ran naked to the Cavalier's office to amuse himself and even shot arrows at Zhou Lang, hitting his pillow with one, and he found joy in this. After the Emperor's death, he was appointed as the General of Conquering the Barbarians, Prefect of Nan Pengcheng and Donghai Counties, stationed in Jingkou.
In the year 452 AD, he was appointed as the Commissioner of Jing, Liang, North and South Qin, Jingzhou, Jingling, Sui, and Ningman, and the Inspector of Yongzhou, while retaining his position as General. After taking office in Yongzhou, this kid wrote a manifesto with his subordinates, claiming to be the King of Chu, renaming the year to the first year of Yongguang, and creating a slew of official titles, pretending to be an emperor, purely as a joke. His Chief of Staff, Wang Yizhi, obtained his handwriting and quickly reported it to Emperor Song Shizu. The Emperor ordered the relevant department to demote him to a commoner, cancel his household registration, and exile him to Shi'an County. The Emperor also sent an envoy, Dai Mingbao, to question him: "We are of the same blood and have a relationship of ruler and subject. I sent you to the west, hoping you would be solid as a rock. How did you suddenly turn against me and try to harm me? The evidence of your manifesto and actions is undeniable. This is a serious act of treason. How could you do such a thing? Heaven always favors those who follow the natural order, and those who go against it cannot succeed. Even if your conspiracy were to succeed, who in the world would tolerate you? The lessons of history are right in front of you. Have you forgotten? In recent years, the country has faced many disasters, not caused by external enemies; we should work together to defend the country. Yet you choose to engage in these chaotic activities at this time; it is truly heart-wrenching! Although the country has laws, I cannot bear to use harsh punishment on you. Take care of yourself and aim to live a long life like a sturdy pine or a mighty oak!" The Emperor forced him to commit suicide and buried him in Xiangyang. He was just seventeen when he died. In the fourth year of the Ming Dynasty, he was finally allowed to be reburied next to his mother, Lady Jiang's tomb. Later, when Emperor Taizong of Song ascended to the throne, he was posthumously granted the title of Marquis of Wuchang County.
Wang Yizhi, courtesy name Jibi, was a native of Linyi in Langye and a grandson of Wang Huizhi, the Yellow Gate Attendant during the Jin Dynasty. He held official positions as the Deputy Imperial Censor, Governor of Kuaiji, and Governor of Guangzhou. He was posthumously granted the title Sui Zi.
Prince Hailing Liu Xiumao was the fourteenth son of Emperor Wen. In the second year of the Xiaojian reign, at the age of eleven, he was appointed as Prince of Hailing, with a fief that included two thousand households. In the second year of Daming, he was appointed as a Commissioner and Commander of military affairs in Jingling County of Yongzhou, Liangzhou, Northern and Southern Qinzhou, Yingzhou, and Sui County, with the titles of General of the North, Colonel of Pacification, and Inspector of Yongzhou. He was later promoted to General of the Left, and his fief was increased by one thousand households. At that time, Sima Yude was in charge of military affairs, and Liu Xiumao, impulsive by nature and wanting to have the final say, was often stopped by Yude and the chief commander, which made him quite angry. His confidant Zhang Bochao often made mistakes and was frequently reprimanded by the chief commander. Afraid of punishment, Zhang Bochao told Liu Xiumao, "The chief commander is secretly writing a memorial to expose our faults and report to the court. If this keeps up, we're definitely going to be in trouble." Liu Xiumao asked, "What should we do?" Zhang Bochao said, "We have no choice but to eliminate the chief commander and the main officer and then take up arms to defend ourselves. Even if things fail, we can flee to the north and become a king, since the capital is thousands of miles away!" Liu Xiumao followed his advice.
That night, Liu Xiumao led a group of people including Zhang Bochao, Huang Lingqi, Cai Jieshi, Teng Muzhi, Wang Baolong, Lai Chengdao, Peng Shuer, Wei Gongzi, Chen Boer, Zhang Sunu, Yang Xing, Liu Bao, Yu Shuang, and others, leading the guards to kill the signatory Yang Qing in the city, rushed out of Jincheng, and then killed Sima Yushe and signatory Dai Shuang. He then gathered troops, raised military flags, issued proclamations, and proclaimed himself General of Chariots and Cavalry, Governor of the Household, and added the Yellow Axe. The attendant scholar Xun Xian advised him, but was killed as well. Zhang Bochao seized full control of military and political power, but ultimately met a tragic end. Liu Xiumao's subordinate Cao Wanqi stepped forward, wounded Liu Xiumao, who fled with injuries but was ultimately killed. After leaving the city, Liu Xiumao intended to set up camp, but military adviser Shen Changzhi and his men closed the city gates, refusing to let him in. Liu Xiumao hurried back, but found himself unable to enter the city. The Prefect Xue Jikao of Yicheng fought fiercely to assist Liu Xiumao in attacking the city, inflicting many casualties on the defenders. Shen Changzhi could not hold on, and the city gates were finally breached, with Shen Changzhi and dozens of others being killed.
On that day, it is said that the military officer Yin Xuanqing rebelled, attacked Xiumao City, and captured the officials and soldiers guarding the city. Just as they were about to execute them at the city gate tower, Yin Xuanqing was just seventeen! His mother and wife were furious, and those who rebelled with him were also killed. Xiumao City was thrown into chaos without a leader. At this time, Liu Gongzhi, the younger brother of the Right Deputy of the Ministry of Personnel, Liu Xiu, was serving as a military officer in Xiumao City, and everyone chose him to take charge.
Later, the court sent troops to support Liu Gongzhi, asking him to write a proclamation saying that he rose up for justice, and then he rode a fast horse back to the capital. The emperor thought highly of him, so he appointed him as the Consultant General of the North Central Langzhong for Prince Ren of Yongjia, the Governor of Henan, and also appointed him as the Marquis of Guanjun County, granting him four hundred households as his fief. However, not long after, his true intentions were revealed, and Liu Gongzhi was killed and held in the Shangfang Office. The emperor appointed Yin Xuanqing as the Colonel of Shesheng. Some people suggested to remove Xiumao County from the official records and change the local residents' surnames to "Liu," but the emperor did not agree. Finally, Yin Xuanqing was buried in Xiangyang.
Yu Shen Zhi, also known as Yanjing, was from Xinye. Because of his adept management of affairs, he gained the court's recognition at an early age. In the twenty-ninth year of Yuanjia, he was promoted from the Assistant State Secretary to the Minister of the Interior for Changsha. Prince Yixuan of Nanchun was in charge of Jingzhou and Xiangzhou, and the emperor also appointed Yu Shen Zhi as General Ning Shuo, overseeing seven counties in Xiangzhou. The following year, Yixuan rebelled, and Yu Shen Zhi resisted in Baling. He was later transferred to be the Sima of Xiumao. On the day he was killed, his descendants also died. After his death, the court posthumously honored him with the title of General of Guanjun, the Inspector of Yongzhou, and posthumously appointed Xun Xian as the External Cavalry Attendant, and Cao Wanqi as the Prefect of Shiping.
Prince Xiufan of Guiyang was the eighteenth son of Emperor Wen. In the third year of Xiaojian, he was appointed as Prince Shunyang at the age of nine, with a fief of two thousand households. In the first year of Daming, he was granted the title of Prince of Guiyang. He was appointed as the General of Guanjun, the Prefect of Nanpengcheng, and Xiaoping. Three years later, he was sent to Jiangzhou as the Inspector, and shortly after was appointed as the General of Pacifying the Barbarians, with a fief of one thousand households. Later, he returned to the court as the Secretary of Supervision, while also serving as the General of the Front Army. Seven years later, he was promoted to Left Guard General, while also serving as the Commandant of Chongxian Weiwei. In the first year of Emperor Yongguang, he was promoted to Middle Guard General, concurrently serving as the Commandant of Chongxian Weiwei.
Old Li, let me tell you about his past. He followed Emperor Taizong to suppress the rebellion and made great contributions. The Emperor promoted him to several official positions, appointed him as the General of the Northern Forces, Governor of Southern Xu, Southern Yan, and Yan provinces, General Who Guards the North, and Prefect of Southern Xu Province. He was also assigned a ceremonial escort. At that time, Xue Andu's son rebelled in Pengcheng and sent troops to fight in the south. General Xiu Fan led troops to Guangling. The Emperor promoted him again, appointed him as the General-in-Chief for the Northern Campaign, and appointed him as Governor of Southern Yan Province. Later, he was promoted to Grand General of the Northern Expedition and appointed as an Imperial Aide. After returning to Jingkou, he resigned as the Prefect of Yan Province. The Emperor rewarded him with a food estate of two thousand households, in addition to his existing five hundred households.
In the fifth year of Taishi, the Emperor transferred him to the central government, appointing him as the Chief of the Imperial Secretariat, General of the Central Army, and Prefect of Yangzhou, while keeping his title as Imperial Aide. The following year, he was sent to the south again, appointed as the General-in-Chief for the Jiang, Ying, Si, Guang, and Jiao provinces, and the western regions of Yuzhou, Xinchai, Jinxi, and Xiangzhou, as well as Grand General of the Southern Expedition and Governor of Jiangzhou. Shortly after, the Emperor intended to promote him to the position of Supervisor of the Three Dukes, but before the official appointment, he changed his role to the General-in-Chief for Southern Xu, Xu, Southern Yan, Yan, Qing, and Ji provinces, Grand General of the Valiant Cavalry, and Governor of Southern Xu Province, while keeping his titles of General-in-Chief, Imperial Aide, and Supervisor of the Three Dukes. However, before he could assume the new role, the Emperor transferred him back to Jiangzhou from the position of Grand General of the Valiant Cavalry, and appointed him as the Supervisor of the troops in Yuezhou, providing him with a three-horse carriage. Emperor Taizong left a posthumous edict promoting him to Minister of State, changing his title to Court Attendant, and adding thirty more attendants to his service.
Xiu Fan is a person who usually speaks stutteringly and is not particularly bright, and his brothers look down on him. Emperor Taizong often pointed at those around him and remarked to Wang Jingwen, "Xiu Fan doesn't have such great abilities; it's only because he's my brother that he enjoys such wealth and status. There's a reason those monks chant about wanting to be reborn into royalty!" When Emperor Taizong was in his later years, Prince Xiu You of Jin got into trouble due to his brutality, Prince Xiu Ren of Jian'an was overbearing and unpopular; Prince Xiu Ruo of Baling, though skilled in socializing, was also murdered. Only Xiu Fan, being cautious and lacking skills or connections, managed to survive; yet he constantly fears that disaster will befall him. After Emperor Taizong's death, the emperor was still young, and the political situation was challenging. Some noble families wielded significant power, and trusted ministers controlled the court. Xiu Fan believed he was a royal relative with a significant position and should have been appointed as prime minister, but things didn't turn out as he hoped, and his resentment deepened. So, he started recruiting warriors and preparing weapons, warmly welcoming travelers passing through Xunyang, asking about their well-being, personally greeting them and offering generous support. For a while, more and more people began to follow him, as if returning home. The court became aware of Xiu Fan's disloyalty and began to guard against him in secret; though they hadn't openly clashed yet, conflict was unavoidable. After Xiu Fan's mother, Lady Xun, passed away, he buried her in Lushan, signifying his resolve not to return to the court, and resigned from his post as an attendant.
At that time, Xiakou was an important military stronghold, located upstream from Xunyang. The court intended to send a loyal official with a strong military force to guard Xiakou. In the first year of Yuanhui, the court appointed the fifth prince, Wang Xie, Prince of Jinxi, as the governor of Yingzhou, and Wang Huan as the chief official, responsible for managing the affairs of the prefecture and was provided with sufficient military force to go to Xiakou to guard it. The court was worried that Xiufan would intercept, so they sent people from the Crown Prince's Mansion to bypass Xunyang and go directly to Xiakou. Xiufan was very angry about this and decided to rebel against the court, secretly consulting with the official Xu Gouyu (from Xincai). He ordered the strengthening of the city walls, the construction of tall towers and city walls, and even dismantled many wooden boards, preparing to build siege equipment. That year, Xiufan was promoted to Grand Marshal. In May of the following year, Xiufan finally rebelled. He forcibly requisitioned boats from the people, ordered soldiers to transport, assemble, and prepare the wooden boards with all their might, and everything was prepared in just two or three days. He led an army of 20,000, as well as hundreds of war horses, setting out from Xunyang day and night.
Xiufan wrote to Yuan Can, Chu Yuan, and Liu Bing, saying: "In governing the country and employing talents, there should be distinctions between those who are close and those who are distant; they must cooperate with each other, in order to be as straightforward as tying a knot. If you abandon your principles, you will swiftly head towards ruin." The Han Dynasty inherited the chaos of the late Warring States period, learned the lessons of the decline of the Zhou Dynasty, established a stable rule, but ultimately led to the chaos of the Seven Kingdoms. The Wei Dynasty overturned the rule of the Han Dynasty, repeated the mistakes, causing the princes to cut off communication with the court, ultimately leading to the decline of the country and the political power falling into the hands of foreign tribes. Now, the royal family is declining like never before, and the once-prosperous era of Taining is now a distant memory, enough to illustrate the problem. As a member of the royal family, it is related to the rise and fall of the country. Even if I wish to remain silent, how can I?
Speaking of Emperor Wu, he was an outstanding emperor whose accomplishments were unparalleled, bringing peace to all corners of the realm. Emperor Wen, known for his exceptional wisdom, inherited the legacy, subduing western rebellions and stabilizing the central plains, while recruiting talents and enforcing rewards and punishments. Emperor Xiaowu, with his sharp intellect and decisive leadership, quelled rebellions and revived the national enterprise. Unfortunately, his chosen heir proved inadequate, resulting in a chaotic legacy.
At that time, the family of the Jian'an Prince was frequently beset by troubles, prompting many to suggest an elder should ascend to the throne to stabilize the situation. Emperor Ming was kind and beloved by the people, ascending the throne in accordance with the will of heaven and the people. However, the Grand Commandant, though advanced in years, occupied a lowly position and nursed resentment, engaging in wrongdoing with Liu Xinwei and others. The General of Chariots and Cavalry, having offended the emperor, behaved inappropriately and was sent to the frontier, brooding over his grievances. The late emperor was strict in upholding the law, but he was not a tyrant, and the conflict between the two princes stemmed from their own actions.
However, the King of Baling was a humble and loyal servant of the state, having made significant contributions and held great respect for the emperor and his elder brother. Like Tang Shu, he met a tragic fate, despite his unwavering loyalty, leaving his relatives and friends in mourning, while passersby lamented. King Baling, innocent and beloved by the people, fell prey to the machinations of treacherous officials. The late emperor had always shown great care for his relatives and friends, meeting them personally after resolving past issues, upholding proper etiquette between ruler and subjects, fostering harmony among brothers. He continuously promoted and rewarded them, demonstrating sincere concern. So why did the brothers suddenly turn against each other, leading to such a catastrophe? The reasons behind this are certainly worth reflecting on!
The late emperor had been ill for several years, physically weak and eating very little. Although he still had a good spirit, he inevitably neglected some matters due to his illness. The responsibility to address these shortcomings fell to us, his close ministers. At that time, only Yunchang and Daolong had the privilege to enter the emperor's chamber; no one else was allowed. Exploiting the emperor's illness, they conspired against him, knowing that his condition was incurable. They feared that after the emperor's death, the Crown Prince would assist the new emperor and threaten their monopoly on power. Therefore, they falsely claimed to be acting on the emperor's orders, manipulated the views of other courtiers, and used all sorts of tricks and schemes to promote wicked individuals while excluding loyal and virtuous officials, openly defying heavenly principles while secretly slandering the virtuous. Consequently, the signs in the heavens became ominous, and the voice of justice disappeared. Wei Ke's choice of fate was praised in the "Spring and Autumn Annals"; Duke Mu of Qin was criticized in the "Book of Songs" for burying loyal ministers. The actions of ministers, whether successful or failed, will be recorded in history. Even their failure to advise in a timely manner would render them guilty. They formed factions, colluded with each other, harmed one another, used wealth to buy ranks, and allowed talented individuals to be looked down upon due to their poverty. The late emperor's old officials, even if they had no faults, were dismissed. They recommended their own relatives and friends, placing them throughout the court. Those who flattered the emperor and ingratiated themselves thrived, while the upright and honest were neglected at home. Matters concerning their own interests, even unnecessary actions, would be suppressed if their opinions weren't solicited. Everyone knew of their actions, but the rulers turned a blind eye and took no action, ultimately resulting in the late emperor being branded a fratricide and leaving a scandal for posterity. From an ancient moral standpoint, how can they be considered loyal ministers?
The late emperor has passed away, and it feels as though the heavens and earth have collapsed. I should be weeping bitterly, overwhelmed by the natural sorrow I feel. Yet my brothers have been cruelly wronged, ensnared by the schemes of wicked villains. As orphans and widows, we now face the schemes of the wicked. Thus, standing before the tomb, I am overwhelmed with grief, my heart breaking even more at the thought of the emperor's procession. Though I may be of mediocre talent, I have been favored, and my position carries great responsibility. At the emperor's deathbed, I felt overlooked and unvalued. If we allow these wicked villains to control us, then all loyal and righteous men will be doomed! For the sake of the nation's fundamental interests, if we fall under the control of these despicable individuals, the Liu family's rule will be usurped by villains. Never before has such cruelty been witnessed in history! Have we encountered such wicked individuals throughout history?! Ministers, you are the pillars of the nation, loving both the country and its people. How can you stand by and allow the mischief of wicked villains to watch our country perish before your eyes?
Although the Song Dynasty has not yet perished and still endures today, it relies entirely on loyal ministers like yourselves in the court to stop the conspiracies of corrupt officials. Outside, there is me, this solitary minister, barely supporting the overall situation. But people are not made of stone; how can they persist forever? If any mistakes occur, the foundation will crumble. The emperor is still young now and should adhere strictly to the law. However, the frontline generals fighting the enemies receive no comfort or greetings from the court. Every time I make the journey, they barely acknowledge me. We are of the same clan, yet we are driven apart like this. Those treacherous individuals are filled with suspicion and deceit, restricting me in everything, colluding with each other, like haggling in a marketplace. As this solitary minister, I am aware of their situation and fear they will exploit this to tighten their grip on the provinces and bolster defenses. Recently, I sent two envoys to the southwest to spread the message across the land, reassuring them and sending them additional letters. If I have committed an offense, I should be held accountable; if not, they ought to be reinstated. The law clearly stipulates that killing innocent people is a crime. The envoys of the Three Dukes, innocent yet killed. Though my abilities are modest, I am also the emperor's uncle. Do those of lowly status dare to defy this?
I serve the current emperor as diligently as I served the previous dynasty, day and night, faithfully reporting to the court. What wrongdoing have I committed to find myself in this predicament? Since I have already accepted all this, do I have to go through it again? If, as you claim, my efforts to recruit talent are excessive, then these individuals are more concerned about their own guilt than the welfare of the nation.
In the past, the sons of the feudal lords were all well-connected, and that was quite normal. Especially since I’m an orphan now holding a high position, responsible for defending the capital region, which is completely different from before, and everyone should understand that. Now that the barbarians are invading, the Jianghuai region is under threat, the emperor is young, the royal family's power is waning, corrupt officials and villains hold sway, upright individuals are being oppressed, and the border residents suffer from the turmoil of war, and conscription has left the common people weary. Historically, the state of Qi fell into chaos due to a failure to timely replace its rulers. Just think of the resentment that the soldiers stationed along the Huai River have built up over the years! We should first think about strengthening border defenses, instead of trying to curry favor with the monarch's relatives first, using this method to win people's hearts; isn’t that just inviting trouble? Furthermore, the construction of defensive fortifications has drawn criticism. Historically, the disasters that befell the Jin and Song dynasties stemmed from the accumulation of excessive wealth. Since I arrived here, in just a few years, repairing city walls and organizing towns are normal governance measures, so what’s there to doubt? If I am indeed upright and honest, then farmers shouldn’t be forced into military service. I’m stationed in Gushu to defend against enemy incursions, so why am I being singled out?
King Cheng was once so wise, yet he was misled by rumors. If Jin Teng had not intervened, Duke Zhou would not have been able to save himself! Yue Yi left the State of Zhao to join the State of Yan; he couldn’t bring himself to harm the State of Yan. Besides, my bond with the monarch is like that of father and son, filled with deep affection! I can’t sleep at night, weeping bitterly, driven only by the desire for revenge! The ambitions of those lawless individuals know no bounds. If they succeed, can any of you stay safe? Everyone should understand the principle of mutual reliance. Those parasites must be uprooted, and the wicked must be eradicated—just like uprooting trees and chopping firewood—why waste so much effort? I urge you to arrest the two ringleaders immediately and apologize to the wronged, so that the late emperor can preserve his reputation for benevolence and righteousness, and history won’t bear any stains.
This place is strategically located, with Jiujiang literally at our feet. Riding horses and crossing barriers, we can go wherever we want. Everyone is high-spirited, unafraid of death, charging out one after another. The armor gleams in the sunlight, and the weapons stand tall like a dense forest. With such elite troops, what is beyond our reach? However, even a powerful crossbow will not be fired for a mere mouse. I want to eliminate internal conflicts and quell external threats. Isn't it better to have a place for our achievements? At that time, I will surrender to the court, request the Emperor's forgiveness, and everyone will work together to handle government affairs and honor our parents. Who else can bear the responsibility of ministers like Yi Yin and Huo Guang besides me? I can accomplish what Zhou Gong and Shao Yong did. I navigate both sides skillfully and honor the ancients. Think about it, those upright people in the past, like Ping Zhong and Bo Ran, were killed early; Zhang Wen hesitated and could only beat his chest in regret. Timing is crucial; success or failure can hinge on a single moment; learn from the past; I hope everyone will heed this as a warning. I recently shared these thoughts with Shen You, but he found it hard to understand, and all the princes were implicated! Now I know where the trouble lies, so I must rally, build our strength, and train the troops, waiting for the opportunity to act together. On the day Zhang Xingshi set out, he was controlled by bad people and directly killed, yet the court dismissed him. My son recently wrote to me, telling me about the crimes of the traitors. I am deeply saddened and regret my past indecision, and the envoys I recently sent out are all working hard to win. Wang Huan holds military power in Yingzhou, but he kills innocents indiscriminately, drawing grief and outrage from both the court and the public. Even my father's hatred pales in comparison to this, let alone anyone else's. My son's actions have further stirred my anger; it is only natural, and his response was as quick as an echo. Perhaps you have not yet understood my meaning, so let me explain it to you first. I can only wait in solitude for the court's inquiry. My son is seriously ill, weakening day by day; he is nearing the end of his days. I hope he can carry out my final wishes and remain true to his principles even in death. As I write this, I find myself choked with emotion and unable to continue.
Du Daoxin, the main commander of Daleishu, rushed to report; the situation was urgent. Du Daoxin arrived that night, and by then, Xiu Fan had already reached Xinlin, causing a stir in the court. General Qiwang of Pingnan set off from Xinting, leading General Liu Man, the former governor of Yanzhou, and Shen Huaiming, who was stationed in Shitou City. General Zhang Yong was stationed in Baixia, while General Yuan Can, Zhongjun Chu Yuan, and Left Attendant of the Ministry of Personnel Liu Bing and others were stationed in the palace. The events unfolded too suddenly, leaving no time for proper arrangements, so they opened the two military warehouses in the north and south, allowing the soldiers to take weapons as they pleased.
Xiu Fan, that guy, was wandering along the new forest trail and around Xinting, accompanied by dozens of bodyguards from the south of the city to Lincangwei. Then, Tunqi Xiaowei Huang Hui seized the opportunity, pretended to surrender, and claimed that Qiwang had a message for Xiu Fan. Xiu Fan was thrilled and even handed over his two sons, Dexuan and Desi, to Huang Hui as hostages! Without a word, Huang Hui killed Xiu Fan's two sons right there. Then, Huang Hui and Yueqi Xiaowei Zhang Jing charged in, beheaded Xiu Fan, and took his head with them as they ran, and the rest of Xiu Fan's men scattered and fled.
Earlier, Xiu Fan sent a few companions including Du Er, Ding Wenhao, and Du Moli from Xinlin to the Zhuque Gate. Although Xiu Fan was dead, they were unaware of it. Wang Daolong led the Yulin Army to guard the Zhuque Gate. When the enemy forces arrived, he quickly called Liu Meng for help. Liu Meng rushed from Shitoucheng and fought with the enemy soldiers in Hangnan, which resulted in his defeat and death. Seizing the opportunity, Du Moli and his companions attacked the Zhuque Gate, and Wang Daolong was also killed by the disorderly troops. They shouted, "The General has arrived!" After Xiu Fan's death, Qi Wang sent the team leader Chen Lingbao to report to the court with Xiu Fan's head. On the way, they encountered enemy soldiers, so they had no choice but to throw the head into the water and flee. Although they claimed to have quelled the rebellion, there was no evidence to support this claim, leaving everyone even more confused. Zhang Yong's troops scattered at Baixia, Shen Huaiming fled from Shitoucheng, and the military signatory Maotian actually opened the East Palace doors to let the enemy soldiers in. Du Moli ran all the way to Du Mamao's house, and the imperial secretary Sun Qianling actually opened the palace gate and surrendered. The palace was in complete disarray, with no one willing to resist. At that time, the rewards from the national treasury had all been exhausted, and the Empress Dowager and the concubines took out the palace's gold and silver items for their use. The Yulin monitor Chen Xianda led his troops to fight Du Mamao and defeated them. By the time they reached Xuanyang Yudao, the enemy forces had all fled. Du Moli, Ding Wenhao, and their companions Jiang Boyu, Liu Zhongqian, and Ren Tianzhu were all killed. Xu Gongyu fled back to Xinchai and was captured and killed by the villagers. Prince Jinxi Xie sent troops from Xiakou to restore order in Xunyang, and Desi's brothers Qingniu and Zhicang were also killed. The court ordered Jiankang and Moling counties to gather the bodies from the battlefield and bury the bodies of the enemy soldiers together.
The history books say: as the saying goes, "one must be cautious when dealing with a rat," this is absolutely true. Ruan Dianfu and Wang Daolong were simply carrying out the emperor's orders; they were doing their job for the emperor. Those who understood the situation were all eager to take up arms against them. General Xiu Fan marched his troops to the capital of Wei, with arrows even hitting the emperor's palace. The loyal officials and righteous men charged forward without hesitation. Had they merely sided with the treacherous officials, they might have saved their lives. Instead, they chose to fight against the treacherous officials in the name of justice! It is truly a tragedy! This illustrates the perilous situation faced by loyal and righteous individuals in those turbulent times. They were loyal to the country, but it could bring them harm. These four words, "one must be cautious when dealing with a rat," vividly capture the circumstances of the time, as well as the helplessness and heroism of those loyal officials and righteous men.
