Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty had twenty-three sons: Empress Mu gave birth to Crown Prince Wen of Hui and Prince Liang of Jingling, styled Wenxuan; Consort Zhang gave birth to Prince Qing of Luling and Marquis Xiang of Yufu; Lady Zhou gave birth to Prince Jing of Anlu and Prince Zhen of Jian'an; Lady Ruan gave birth to Prince Mao of Jin'an and Prince Jun of Hengyang; Lady Wang gave birth to Prince Long of Suijun; Lady Cai gave birth to Prince Ming of Xiyang; Lady Le Ronghua gave birth to Prince Han of Nanhai; Lady Fu Chonghua gave birth to Prince Lun of Baling; Lady Xie Zhaoyi gave birth to Prince Zhen of Shaoling; Lady Jiang gave birth to Prince Yue of Linhe; Lady Yu Zhaorong gave birth to Prince Wen of Xiyang; Lady Xun Zhaohua gave birth to Prince Lin of Nankang; Lady Yan Jieyu gave birth to Prince Min of Yongyang; Concubine Xie gave birth to Prince Jian of Xiangdong; Lady He Chonghua gave birth to Prince Xia of Nanjun; the sixth, twelfth, fifteenth, and twenty-second princes died young. Prince Min inherited the title of Yuanwang of Hengyang during the Jianwu period.
Prince Liang of Jingling, styled Wenxuan, was the second son of Emperor Wen of the Song Dynasty. At first, during Shen Youzhi's rebellion, he followed Emperor Wen of the Song Dynasty in Pencheng and was appointed General of Ning Shuo. Later, he served as the Left Army Attendant of Prince Shaoling of the Song Dynasty, was promoted to Chief Clerk, then to the Military Attendant of Annan, a subordinate known as Wang You, who was a friend of Prince Shaoling, but he did not resign from his previous position. He was later promoted to Chief Historian of Annan Province. In the third year of Shengming of Emperor Xiaowu of the Song Dynasty, he was appointed as the Commissioner, Commander of the Military across the five counties of Kuaiji, Dongyang, Linhai, Yongjia, and Xin'an, the General of State Assistance, and the Prefect of Kuaiji.
During the Yuanjia period of Emperor Wen of the Song Dynasty, matters were entrusted to the counties; later, Emperor Xiaowu was very efficient and demanded quick results, so central officials were sent down to supervise because the counties were slow, and from then on, public affairs became increasingly burdensome. After Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty ascended the throne, Prince Liang said to him:
The person sent by the front desk to chase after debts, I've often heard that they keep in touch on the road, waiting for the right moment. After I took office, they didn't distance themselves from me either. These people are neither careful nor diligent; some are greedy and ruthless, going to great lengths just for this job. When they leave the capital in the morning, their demeanor is different; when they spend the night in the countryside, they put on a show of authority and act however they want. As long as they have the vermilion war drums and some weapons ready, they look around, shout orders, and act like they own the place. They raid clans, hitting minor offenses with heavy penalties, threaten checkpoints and ferry crossings, and intimidate postal workers at relay stations. They block river channels, causing merchants and travelers to be forced to stop, making them wait until their own boats pass before they can proceed. The winds in Zhejiang are strong, and both officials and civilians are afraid to cross the river. They rush to board the boat first, driving everyone to set off together. Scolding the common people is their daily routine; insulting and oppressing local officials is endless. As soon as they arrive, they take out the severe documents from the Xing Tai, only saying that it is the Xing Tai's order, without specifying the target of the enforcement. They first rebuke powerful temples, then arrest officials, occupy pavilions and halls, and loot at will. Then they use red-headed documents to urge several times a day; levy taxes in the village and urge ten times in a while. They gather people from all over, blurring the lines between right and wrong. The common people, regardless of age or gender, are all thrown into prison by them. Sometimes, they claim that a foot of cloth is owed, insisting it is a bolt; a hundred coins of tax, they demand a thousand. Sometimes they falsely claim to be messengers of the Imperial Armory, escorting people to Dongye, causing the people to panic and not know what to do. So they are tattered, worn out, and desperate to make a living. Tonight, they eat, drink, and have fun, promising to help you report for amnesty; tomorrow, if the gift you send is too light, they'll act like they don't even know you. If the tribute is even a bit short, they'll whip you without hesitation; rumors and slander follow their anger. Once they've piled up enough money, they sell their stuff elsewhere or entrust them to officials and locals to sell. Then they request help from the county, assist the locals in applying for extensions, report to the Xing Tai, and claim to have fulfilled their duties. I heard that the recent county magistrates and prefects have been greatly affected, unlike in previous years.
I believe that all these inspection assessments should stop dispatching personnel for these tasks. The counties in Jingji Province should issue orders based on imperial edicts, and the distant counties should clearly set separate regulations. Everyone adheres to different directives and hastily completes their tasks. Even with numerous envoys dispatched from the capital, they will ultimately rely on local officials to handle them. This will only foster mutual suspicion, resulting in further delays and negligence. Those officials who wear official uniforms enjoy the benefits of this prosperous era; many of them make mistakes due to hidden delays, and a few are guilty of deception. If all the blame falls solely on the local officials’ dereliction of duty, it will be challenging to address the situation, let alone recover the debts, which would only highlight one's incompetence. It would be better to slightly extend the deadline, set separate deadlines, address emergencies based on the actual circumstances, and handle violations according to the law. The penalties do not need to be overly severe; as long as they can be enforced, they will have a deterrent effect. Moreover, managing the cargo of two ships involves countless tasks; handling a small number of chores in three districts involves tens of thousands of things. Each task must be finished by morning; roughly calculating the distance, each task necessitates dispatching a team of people, with no fewer than twenty assigned to each task. The cost of the ships also needs to be paid. Costs rise exponentially along the Yangtze River. A rough annual calculation shows significant savings can be achieved by cutting down on the number of ships and tasks. This can also help reduce fraud and theft, temporarily stabilizing both local and distant areas. He was appointed Duke of Wenxi County, overseeing 1,500 households.
Ziliang was a person of integrity and kindness, who had a passion for ancient culture. In the county, there was a commoner named Zhu Bainian, who had high moral character. After his death, the court rewarded his wife with one hundred dou of rice, exempted a commoner from taxes, and provided firewood and medical expenses. The county government collected an old bed used by Yu Fan, and when Ziliang returned to his hometown after leaving office, he brought it back with him. Later, he built an ancient study in his mansion in the west, collecting many artifacts and clothing from ancient people. The grand sacrifice at the Xia Yu Temple was attended by Ziliang, who said, "King Yu cried while managing water disasters, demonstrating his compassion. He ate simple meals, lived a simple life, and dressed plainly, which expressed his sincerity." Thus, he proposed that each year only fans and mats be offered. "Yu wept with compassion, ate simple meals, and dressed plainly, which was enough to show his sincerity."
In the second year of Jianyuan, Lady Mu passed away and Ziliang resigned from his official position. Later, he served as the General of Conquering Barbarians and the Intendant of Danyang. He also established a private grain depot to help the poor people in the subordinate counties. The following year, he submitted a memorial stating, "Although the Chief Magistrate resides in the capital, the area he oversees is extensive, spanning thousands of miles with numerous mountains, rivers, and old ponds. The people are impoverished, the land is desolate and has been left fallow for a long time. I recently dispatched officials to conduct an investigation and found that there are many acres of land that can be cultivated in Danyang, Liyang, Yongshi, and other four counties, as well as some villages. In total, there are 8,554 acres of both uncultivated and cultivated land; repairing the ponds would require over 118,000 people and could be accomplished in a single spring." The emperor accepted his proposal. However, due to a transfer, this matter was put on hold.
That year, officials from the Eastern Palace and lower ranks began to respect Ziliang.
After Emperor Shizu ascended the throne, he appointed his son Liang as the King of Jingling Duchy, overseeing two thousand households. He was appointed as the Imperial Envoy, commander of military affairs in the Southern Xu and Yan provinces, General Who Pacifies the North, and governor of Southern Yan province. In the first year of Yongming, he was reassigned as the Imperial Attendant, commander of military affairs in Southern Yan, Yan, Xu, Qing, and Ji provinces, General Who Conquers the North, and governor of Southern Yan province, while retaining his other official positions. The court also provided him with a splendidly decorated carriage. In the second year, he returned to the court as the General of the Guard, concurrently serving as the Minister of Works, with the authority to appoint military leaders and aides, while still holding the position of Imperial Attendant. He was sent to guard the Western province. Three years later, the court provided him with a ceremonial escort. Four years later, his official position was promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry.
Liang exhibited noble character from a young age; he was courteous, valued talent, treated people sincerely, was well-liked, and talented individuals from all over the world came to visit him. He was skilled at hosting banquets; in the summer, when guests arrived, he would serve watermelons, beverages, and various fruits, and kept records of these events as examples for future generations. He diligently read and annotated the writings of scholars and memorials from court ministers.
At that time, the emperor had just taken power and was facing both drought and flood disasters. Liang secretly submitted a memorial in which he stated:
I feel that water disasters have become a serious issue, turning once-fertile farmland into muddy wastelands; there was originally a good harvest, but after planting, a drought occurred. The common people sighed and exchanged glances of despair. The country relies on the people, and the people rely on food. Without food, there are no people, and without people, how can the country be governed? Thinking about these matters keeps me up at night. During the reign of Emperor Xuan of Han, there was a severe drought nationwide, and the emperor issued a decree to exempt the people from taxes. Now I hear that there are still many unpaid taxes in various places, and local officials are rigorously enforcing tax collection, even collecting taxes at night. With new taxes uncollectible, where will the money and food come from? If this continues, the people will be driven to become bandits! I believe that all outstanding taxes should be exempted, taxes should be slightly reduced, and the people's plight should be eased slightly.
After the Song Dynasty, social order deteriorated, and morals declined; many individuals were impersonating officials, and powerful families were prevalent. Now, when confiscating the common people's property, it often totals in the tens of thousands, and this trend is becoming more and more serious. If there is suddenly a harsh crackdown, society will be in chaos. Those wrongdoers show no remorse for their actions. Using severity to intimidate them will only make them resentful of subsequent punishments. The consequences could be dire. The Da Qi Dynasty has only ruled for a short time, and its benefits have not yet reached the world. If there is a famine in one place, generous relief should be offered. I believe that the root of the problem must be addressed, and they should not be forced to do heavy labor. Moreover, even if the inspections by central departments are thorough, local officials are cunning, and it is difficult not to be deceived by them. Once they act out of self-interest, the truth will be distorted. Officials have limited insight, while the wicked are numerous; they can easily distort right and wrong, and this phenomenon is everywhere. Therefore, decisions should be made after a careful investigation; it's not too late to act.
The imperial edicts of the wise ruler have repeatedly expressed concern for prisoners in jail, and mercy has been granted repeatedly. But now the legal system has become stringent, often referred to as harsh scrutiny, and those who have committed crimes are now crammed into prisons. The hot and humid summer, coupled with the cold of the iron bars, has led to rising resentment among prisoners, enough to affect even the heavens. The people are voicing their grievances, which bodes ill for the country!
Recently, there have been extensive construction projects underway; although the forced labor hasn't impacted the people yet, the costs have already been substantial. This ongoing drought might also be connected to it. From ancient times to today, the changes in our territory have been profound. The Huai and Yangtze River basins now encompass only a few states’ territories. Compared to the Wei Kingdom during the Han Dynasty, it's barely the size of a county. The disparity is even more pronounced today compared to ancient times. How can we not care for the people, relax the laws, help them in their time of need, and safeguard their lives?
The situation in Xiangxi is very complicated; the barbarian tribes are quite formidable, and it is said that the southern army has not been able to completely defeat them. The common people have suffered for many years, as if they were being eaten away by a festering wound, and the situation along the border is extremely dire. The Jiaozhou area is remote and desolate, having long been considered a wild and untamed region, and it is customary to control them from a distance. Since Emperor Qingde ascended the throne, he has largely ignored it, which is hardly surprising. Now, sending troops on a distant expedition, the journey is long, and the strength of our forces and the enemy's is vastly unequal. We can afford to wait for them to tire; although there is a chance of victory, it cannot be guaranteed to be a complete victory. Moreover, troops need to be mobilized along the way to ensure sufficient strength; the hastily assembled local militias are no match for the well-trained armies. Guangzhou has suffered poor harvests for many years, and the grain in Yuezhou is already scarce. If forced requisitions continue, it will undoubtedly provoke public outcry. I believe we should not grant Uncle Xian's request; rather than risking an expedition, it's wiser to plan for the future. Even if we delay for a while, there will surely be an opportunity to subdue them, which can also reduce the hardships of war. Liu Kai has already demonstrated his strength by sending troops to support Xiangzhong, and those small forces of the barbarians will naturally submit. The emperor issued a decree to reduce and exempt taxes and to collect money in proportion. Ziliang also presented a memorial stating:
I attended the imperial court six times within a month, and the grand palace was packed with people, allowing me only a hurried glimpse of the emperor's face. Even if I had something to say, I didn’t dare to express it. Recently, natural disasters and man-made troubles have been relentless, leading to widespread fear among the common people. Although food prices are stable, many still cannot eat their fill; although silk and cloth are cheap, many still lack adequate clothing. Every time I think about these issues, I can hardly eat or sleep. The Sanwu region is remote and lacks resources, and all expenses must be covered by the locals. Taxes should be reduced or exempted to help them become prosperous. However, local officials are exploiting the people one after another, finding new ways to raise taxes, forcing the common people to cut down trees and demolish houses to pay heavy taxes, plundering their wealth for immediate benefits. The collection of taxes in Dongjun County has no fixed deadline, passed down from generation to generation, always collected at the highest standard. Whenever the state sends people to collect taxes, they demand immediate payment and force the people into labor, driving them further into poverty. Some even harm themselves to avoid missing the deadline, while others cut off their own limbs to evade conscription. Population decline has nearly become the norm. Local officials do not think first about making the people prosperous; they only think about increasing national revenue. Can the country become prosperous when the populace is struggling? Speaking of the minting of coins, it's been ages, and many coins are so worn they're barely recognizable. In the Jiangdong region, it's hard to find a single decent coin among ten. The government only accepts coins in good condition, so one must buy one thousand mother coins and seven hundred child coins. Even then, there's no escape, and getting beaten and punished is just a part of life. It is difficult to find suitable coins, and they cannot be used interchangeably, so one has to repeatedly buy and sell, which won't help anyone get ahead and will only deepen the people’s poverty. Moreover, the exchange ratio of coins and cloth should be fixed for a long time. It is said that some people suggest that officials should collect according to market prices, which not only goes against tradition but also gives corrupt officials a chance to exploit the situation.
The counties near the eight states are all near the capital city. They often requisition loans and allocate materials, which has truly burdened other regions. The common people are already poor, with annual poor harvests, and they are left to subsist on wild vegetables and coarse grains. Many have fled their homes in search of food. As agriculture is being developed, prompt relief is essential; if taxes remain unpaid, they should be permitted to appeal. Yanzhou and Yuzhou, though historically military camps, have seen the people forced to leave their hometowns many times. Living close to enemy territory, they feel constantly insecure. They lead a precarious existence by the Huai River, near Luoyang. Despite receiving imperial favor, they struggle to meet even their basic needs, yet the taxes are as heavy as those in wealthy areas. How is this fair? Taxes should be reduced or exempted for the poor people!
Moreover, market management has historically been a challenging task. This role is now determined not by talent, but by who has money and who pays more. Previous officials inflated prices to curry favor with the powerful; the latter are forced to spend heavily to evade taxes, and this endless cycle continues. When will this cycle end? These officials also dominate key transportation routes, colluding with each other to oppress the people. Property confiscation is routine, regardless of the offense's severity. Most officials in charge of inspecting food and textiles lack integrity. Why are they allowed such brazen behavior without oversight?
Trials must be fair and just; everyone is equal before the law. Even royal relatives who commit crimes must be held accountable under the law; those in power should face even stricter penalties. If only the lower-status individuals are punished while aristocratic families receive leniency, then that undermines the original intent of the laws set forth by the ancient kings.
The various departments of the Ministry of Personnel should be as orderly as the stars in the sky. I heard that for important government orders, the opinions of the Censorate should be consulted first. After the Censorate makes a decision, it is then passed on to the officials for implementation, and carefully drafted documents are then issued for enforcement. I believe the selection of officials should be approached with particular caution.
The Song Dynasty has already perished, and conflict persists; many individuals assume false identities, join the army, and receive military pay, so many people who are not qualified to be officials have amassed significant wealth. The local officials of Guangnan East Road, Guangnan West Road, as well as the county magistrates of Liangzhou and Yizhou, should take the actual circumstances into account when transferring and appointing officials. Furthermore, most of these people are negligent, do not follow the laws, and should be strictly supervised. By discovering and impeaching offenders, this could lead to a reduction of over half within one or two years.
After five years, he was appointed as the Minister of Public Works and was assigned twenty guards as well. His responsibilities at court remained unchanged. He moved to the mansion on the other side of Jilong Mountain, gathered a group of scholars to transcribe the "Five Classics" and writings from various philosophical schools, and compiled a thousand-volume work titled "Essentials of the Four Books" according to the format of the "Imperial Anthology." He also invited many famous monks to expound upon Buddhist teachings and created new sutras. The scale of the audience at that time, whether they were Taoists or ordinary people, was unparalleled in the Jiangnan region.
The emperor enjoys hunting pheasants. Ziliang advised, "Your Majesty, you travel frequently and often inspect various places. The passage of your carriage disturbs the wildlife while you hunt in the wild. Your status is extremely noble, while a small bird is insignificant. You're risking a lot for something so trivial. These days, outside the city, regulations are quite strict, not only prohibiting grazing, but even normal farming is affected. Moreover, it is the busy farming season now, and people are busy in the fields. If Your Majesty goes hunting at this time, the common people will definitely talk and think you don't care about their lives. In the past, when you went on a journey, you would be fully guarded, with generals and officials in armor, guarding on both sides. But now you are hunting in the wild at will, with only a few guards, going out in the morning and coming back at night without a clear escort, which makes me really worried."
Your Majesty has just signed a peace treaty with the northern enemies. They have only recently surrendered. Back in the Han Dynasty's heyday, even surrendered enemies were treated with great respect, and that should still be the case now. But I heard that the envoys have been complaining frequently, expressing dissatisfaction when they were in the Eastern Palace before. The envoys sent by the Song Dynasty could only stand below the steps, while Liu Zuan was able to enter the court as an envoy. Now that the envoys are returning to their country, they should be given generous treatment.
I think the architecture of the Zhongtang is very majestic and spectacular, with high eaves and strict steps, isolating the heat and cold all year round. If another building is built, it may cause some suspicion. In border areas, rumors spread easily; destroying a person is just as easy as flipping a coin. It would be best to stick with the original system, keeping the palace open for people to see.
Recently, the market management department has been excessively harsh in their assessment of taxes and rents for vendors, nitpicking and constantly enforcing penalties, leading to many individuals facing harsh penalties for trivial errors. I think the relevant authorities should be instructed to create more lenient regulations.
I am young and inexperienced, like trying to see the sky through a bamboo tube, only able to see a limited perspective, but I know what is right and what is wrong. Surely, those capable people in the court must understand what's right and wrong? I’ve never heard of anyone who would risk speaking up to relieve the emperor's concerns; they may seem compliant outwardly, but deep down, they fear the emperor's power. If I do not speak up, how will the emperor know?
Six years ago, General Zuo Wei and Palace General Handan Chao advised the emperor against hunting pheasants. The emperor heeded his advice then. However, not long after, Handan Chao was still executed. At the end of the Yongming period, the emperor went hunting pheasants again. Ziliang once more cautioned:
I heard people talking outside, saying that Your Majesty is going to personally go hunting wild pheasants. After hearing this, the ministers were deeply shocked and fearful, feeling anxious. They feared it might be a rumor and might not be true. The ministers speculate that Your Majesty, with your compassionate heart, illuminates the realm, which is why you generously donate gold, silver, and treasures to temples, spreading kindness and compassion far and wide, allowing the creatures of rivers, lakes, and marshes to thrive. This is not only to celebrate the country's prosperity and the people's joy but also for the peace and well-being of the realm. The lives of humans and animals are equally precious. Just as we cherish our own lives, we should also cherish the lives of animals. The "Book of Rites" says: "Hearing the cries of animals makes one unable to eat their flesh; seeing animals alive makes one unable to let them die." Moreover, Your Majesty, as one of great nobility, should not hunt and kill innocent creatures as commoners do, as this could tarnish your virtue and diminish your blessings. Buddhism teaches that Bodhisattvas refrain from killing, leading to longevity; giving joy to others prevents disasters; not harming sentient beings prevents suffering. I understand the connection between these merits and their karmic consequences, so I diligently follow the Buddhist teachings day and night, sincerely hoping that Your Majesty can also have a healthy and long life. Whenever I dream at night and see Your Majesty doing something wrong, I become anxious and restless. Your Majesty is usually generous and virtuous, but I still believe you could do even more. How could this happen at such a time? This could jeopardize your blessings, and it may be too late for regret. I humbly express my concerns out of urgency. If this matter has already been decided and cannot be changed, I hope Your Majesty can understand my loyalty and carefully reconsider. Moreover, this is merely for recreation, not a question of right or wrong, but indiscriminate killing should be approached with utmost caution.
Your Majesty, I have heard that children ought to be filial to their parents and subjects loyal to their ruler, and that Heaven will respond accordingly, bringing auspiciousness. I have recently been graced with your permission to take monastic vows. Although I have not fully understood the essence of Buddhism, your Majesty has not yet visited the temple to receive teachings. Why, then, are we to engage in such acts this month? I dare not conceal anything from you.
Although Your Majesty may not fully heed my counsel, I am profoundly grateful for your kindness.
Crown Prince Wenhui also shares your interest in Buddhism, and the bond between you is deep. The Crown Prince is devout in his faith, often holding Buddhist ceremonies in the palace gardens and inviting ministers and monks to participate. Despite criticism for undermining the dignity of a prime minister's position, his dedication to goodness has earned him great renown.
Wang Jian was recommended to be the National Sacrificial Official, but he declined. Eight years later, the court rewarded him with a high-ranking carriage. In the ninth year, a great flood struck the capital, with Wuxing suffering severe damage. Wang Jian opened his granaries to aid the victims, offering shelter, clothing, and medicine to the impoverished and ailing. Ten years later, he was appointed as the Minister of State. He later served as the Commander-in-Chief of military affairs in Yangzhou, the Governor of Yangzhou, and the Supervisor of the Imperial Secretariat.
After the passing of Crown Prince Wenhui, Emperor Taizong personally inspected the Eastern Palace and was angered by the excessive attire and ceremonies of the late Crown Prince. Due to his close relationship with the Crown Prince, Wang Jian was reproached for failing to report this matter in a timely manner.
Emperor Shizong fell seriously ill and issued an edict permitting Wang Jian to enter the Yanchang Hall in full armor to attend to the emperor with soup and medicine. Wang Jian suggested inviting monks to chant scriptures in front of the hall door, which led Shizong to dream of the Utpala flower (a legendary rare flower symbolizing auspiciousness). According to the Buddhist scriptures, Wang Jian ordered the royal household to forge a Utpala flower in bronze and place it at the four corners of the emperor's bed. He guarded the hall day and night, with the Crown Prince visiting to pay his respects every other day. As Shizong's condition worsened, tension grew both inside and outside the palace, as officials donned mourning attire. Many speculated that Wang Jian might be named emperor. However, Shizong soon recovered and asked for the Crown Prince, summoning the ceremonial guards from the East Palace. Shizong left a posthumous edict appointing Wang Jian to assist the new ruler, with Gaozong, Shizong's son, appointed as the Minister of the Left. Wang Jian, who was known for his kindness and preferred to stay out of court politics, endorsed Gaozong. The edict stated: "All matters, big and small, are to be handled by Gaozong." This fulfilled Wang Jian's wish.
Taisun grew up alongside Wang Jian's wife, Yuan Shi, from a young age, who loved him dearly, but he always harbored a fear of Wang Jian due to a previous incident where he nearly lost his claim to the throne. When the coffin of Emperor Shizu departed from the Taiji Hall, Wang Jian was residing in the Zhongshu Province. The Emperor dispatched the Tiger Guard general, Pan Chang, to lead two hundred soldiers to secure the western steps of the Taiji Hall against Wang Jian. Once the mourning period concluded, all the princes exited the palace. Wang Jian requested to wait until the Emperor's coffin was sent to the tomb before leaving, but his request was denied. He was promoted to Grand Tutor, and the number of his guards increased to thirty, while his other official positions remained unchanged, resigning from the position of attendant. In the first year of Longchang, the court gave him special treatment: allowing him to wear a sword and shoes in the court, not having to walk quickly when meeting the Emperor, and was exempted from the formalities of salutation. He was also appointed as the governor of southern Xuzhou. In the same year, he became gravely ill and remarked to those around him, "There must be an omen outside the door." Upon investigation, thousands of fish in the Huai River were found floating on the surface, swimming toward the city gate. Shortly thereafter, Wang Jian passed away at the age of thirty-five.
The emperor had always been worried that Ziliang had ulterior motives. When he died, the emperor was actually quite pleased. The emperor ordered that Ziliang be provided with the Dongyuan Wenming ceremonial objects and that he be buried in court robes. The funeral was held in the Eastern Palace, with the Grand Herald overseeing the proceedings with a ceremonial staff, and the Ministry of Rites sending offerings every morning and evening. The emperor also issued a decree, stating: "To commend Ziliang for his outstanding virtues, in accordance with the laws of the former kings, to honor the ancestors and express my respect. Therefore, I appoint him as the Commander-in-Chief of Military Affairs in Yangzhou, the chief of the Imperial Secretariat, the Grand Tutor, the Minister of Education, the Governor of Yangzhou, the Prince of Jingling, and the newly appointed Governor of Southern Xuzhou. He is intelligent, wise, upright, and far-sighted, beloved by the people. He has always been filial and kind, embodying excellent virtues. Participating in assisting the court, together achieving great accomplishments, shining in the court, promoting all five religions, presenting memorials to the court, all officials respectfully obeying. The emperor entrusted him with significant responsibilities, which he fulfilled diligently. He was like Duke Huan of Qi and Ernan of Lu, following the example of ancient sages. It is precisely because of this that he was blessed by heaven, and the country could prosper and be stable. Unfortunately, he passed away suddenly, and I am deeply grieved, feeling as though my heart is being torn apart. Now, we will bury him according to auspicious directions, as a lesson for future generations. We should hold a grand funeral to honor his virtues. Posthumously confer upon him the title of Yellow Battle-axe, the Palace Attendant, the Commander-in-Chief of all military affairs at home and abroad, the Grand Chancellor, the Chief General, and the Governor of Yangzhou, award him the green silk sash, and conduct the ceremony of the Nine Robes and Bestowal of Titles. The titles of Commander, Chief of the Imperial Secretariat, and Prince shall remain the same. Provide him with the Nine Lü Luan carriages, the Yellow House Left Flag, the Wenzhou chariot, front and rear feathered banners and musicians, two bands of mourning songs, a hundred soldiers with tiger armor and swords, and conduct the funeral in accordance with the standards set for Prince Fu of Anping during the Jin dynasty."
Wang Yi of Yuzhang was buried in Jinniu Mountain, Prince Wenhui was buried in Jiashi. When Ziliang was attending the funeral, he looked at Mount Zhuxing and sighed, "My uncle lies to the north, my elder brother is ahead. If they know in the afterlife, please let me be buried here!" After his death, he was buried there.
He wrote numerous official documents, totaling several dozen volumes, although they were not splendid in style; most of them were writings that advised others. During the Jianwu era, former official Fan Yun submitted a memorial requesting a monument be erected for Ziliang, but this ultimately did not succeed. His descendants continued to honor his memory.
Zhaozhou, whose courtesy name was Jingyin, shared a temperament similar to his father's. In the eighth year of Yongming, he was promoted from the position of Prince of Jingling and became the General of Ning Shuo and Governor of Kuaiji. Later, while in Yulin, he was first appointed as the Right Guard General; before he had the chance to assume office, he was promoted to Palace Attendant and concurrently appointed as General of the Brave Cavalry. In the third year of Jianwu, he became Palace Attendant again, concurrently serving as General of the Valiant Cavalry. He was later promoted to the position of Regular Cavalry Attendant and finally reached the title of Grand Minister. Due to uprisings by minority tribes along the border, in the first year of Yongyuan, he was reappointed as King of Baling.
Wang Jingze's rebellion was the talk of the town. At that time, Marquis of Nankang, Xiao Zike, was in Wu County. Emperor Gaozong was worried that others might also rebel, so he summoned all the royal and noble families to the palace. Prince Jinan, Xiao Baoyi, and Duke Jiangling, Xiao Baolan, were residing at the Ministry of Personnel, while the grandsons of Emperors Gaozu and Wu were housed in the Western Province. The emperor also specifically instructed that each person could only bring one or two attendants into the palace. Anyone exceeding this number would be punished according to military law. If someone was accompanied by a baby, the wet nurse could also enter. That night, the imperial pharmacy was brewing medicine, and the department in charge of palace waterworks prepared dozens of coffins, planning to execute all these royal and noble families by the third watch. When Xiao Zike caught wind of something being wrong, he hurried back to Jiankang and arrived at Jianyang Gate by the second watch, quickly seeking an audience with the emperor. Time was running out, yet the emperor was still asleep. Shen Huifu, a scholar from the Ministry of Personnel, and the eunuch Shan Jingjun, who was close to the emperor, discussed ways to buy some time. After a while, the emperor woke up, and Shan Jingjun quickly reported that Xiao Zike had arrived. The emperor asked in surprise, "Hasn't it started yet?" Shan Jingjun explained the situation to the emperor. The next day, the emperor sent all the royal and noble families back home. Since the Jianwu period, the descendants of Emperors Gaozu and Wu have lived in fear, facing daily uncertainty, and this time it reached an extreme. When Chen Xianda rebelled, the princes and marquises all hurried back to the palace. The two brothers, Xiao Zhaozhou and Xiao Zhaolian, learned from past lessons and, afraid of trouble, quickly fled to Jiangxi, disguising themselves as Taoist priests. Later, when Cui Huijing rebelled, the two brothers joined him. However, Cui Huijing failed, and the two brothers quickly sought refuge with Hu Song, the commander of the Tai army, thus regaining their noble status and returning to their estate. Yet they still felt uneasy and were constantly thinking of how to secure their own futures.
Xiao Ziliang's son, Xiao Ziliang, used to work at the Fangge and knew a person named Sang Yan, who was the deputy to Meichong'er at that time. Xiao Ziliang colluded with the former prefect of Brazil, Xiao Yin, to plan to enthrone Xiao Zhaozhou as emperor. Xiao Zhaozhou promised to appoint Xiao Yin as the Left Minister of the Secretariat and the General of the Guard if the plan succeeded. Because Xiao Yin had soldiers under his command, Xiao Zhaozhou entrusted him with many affairs. At that time, Hu Song stationed troops in Xinting, so Xiao Yin sent someone to tell Hu Song, "When the emperor leaves the palace at night, we will immediately lead the troops to enthrone Xiao Zhaozhou in the palace, then close the city gates and issue orders. The emperor will definitely return to the military camp to find you. Just keep the camp gates closed and ignore him; isn't the position of the Three Excellencies easily within reach?" Hu Song agreed.
As a result, Emperor Donghun had not left the palace for a long time after building the Fangleyuan Gardens. Sang Yan and his associates discussed recruiting more than a hundred strong men to sneak into the palace from Wanchunmen and capture the emperor. However, Xiao Zhaozhou deemed this plan unfeasible. Sang Yan and his accomplice Wang Shansha felt that things were dragging on without progress, so they reported to the Imperial Sword, Xu Sengzhong. Xiao Yin sent someone to kill Wang Shansha on the way, and officials discovered evidence of his activities in Wang Shansha's pocket. Xiao Zhaozhou's brothers and their conspirators were arrested and executed.
Xiao Zhaoying later rose to the rank of General of Ning Shuo and Prefect of Pengcheng. After Emperor Liang Wudi established the capital at Jiankang, Xiao Zhaozhou was posthumously honored as a Cavalier Attendant and General of the Comfort Army. Xiao Zhaoying was appointed as a Yellow Gate Official. After Emperor Liang Wudi ascended the throne, he further bestowed the title of Marquis Jianli upon Xiao Zhaozhou's son.
Prince Xiao Ziqing of Luling, styled Yunchang, was the third son of Xiao Yan, Emperor Wu of Liang. In the first year of Jiayuan, he was appointed as the Marquis of Linru County, with a fief that included 1,500 households, alongside his four brothers. After Emperor Wu of Liang ascended the throne, Xiao Ziqing was appointed as the Governor, Commander of military affairs in Yiyang of Yingzhou and Sizhou, Champion General, and Inspector of Yingzhou. In the first year of Yongming, he was reassigned as the Governor of the Seven Provinces of Jing, Xiang, Yi, Ning, Liang, North Qin, and South Qin, with his duties as Governor unchanged. Later, Prince of Shixing, Xiao Jian, was appointed as the Inspector of Yizhou, and Xiao Ziqing was relieved of his governorship.
This young Ziqing, when serving as an official in the local area, took liberties with his clothing and accessories, many of which violated regulations. The Emperor directly ordered, "I have issued several orders before, and you have made mistakes not once or twice! I have told you princes before not to make those strange clothes and accessories; how could you possibly forget my orders? Using tortoiseshell for riding equipment, what is the meaning of this? Since it's already done, there's no need to take it apart, just send it over quickly. Silver riding equipment, I can accept this begrudgingly, but why did you make the stirrups out of silver too? Quickly take them apart! Also, you actually used gold leaf to wrap the arrow shaft; what is the meaning of this? Dismantle it too! In the future, without my permission, who dares to act on their own and mess around with these clothes and accessories? If I find out, you will face serious consequences!" The Emperor added, "When you were in the capital, you didn't study seriously, but you're getting older. I have been hoping that you would succeed; don’t let my words go in one ear and out the other; I don’t want to be disappointed!"
After five years, Ziqing was promoted and became the Privy Councilor and General Who Pacifies the Waves, but had not officially taken office yet, continuing to serve as the Central Military Guard. He also retained the position of Privy Councilor. In the sixth year, he was promoted to the Supervisor of the Imperial Secretariat and General of the Right Guard, and shortly thereafter was promoted to General of the Central Army, still retaining the position of Privy Councilor. Ten years later, his official position was elevated again, becoming the General of Chariots and Cavalry. Not long after, he was appointed as the Commissioner Bearing Credentials, Commander of Military Affairs in the Three Provinces of Southern Yu, General of the Cavalry, and Governor of Southern Yu Province, still retaining the position of Privy Councilor. On his way to assume his post in the provinces, Ziqing joked with the soldiers, playfully treating them like sailors. When the emperor found out, he was furious and had Ziqing's superior executed, sending Prince Yidu Wang Kang to replace him. Ziqing never saw the emperor again before his death.
After Emperor Yulin ascended to the throne, he appointed Ziqing as the Privy Councilor and General of the Cavalry. In the first year of Longchang, Ziqing was promoted to General of the Guards and awarded the title of Household Counselor with troops and assistants. After Prince Poyang Wang Qiang was killed, Ziqing took over as the Minister of State, also with troops and assistants. Not long after, Ziqing was also killed, at the age of twenty-seven.
Yufuhou Zixiang, styled Yunyin, was the fourth son of Emperor Shizu. Since Prince Yuchang Yi had no sons, he adopted Zixiang and later had a son of his own, requesting to keep Zixiang as his heir. After Emperor Shizu ascended to the throne, Zixiang was appointed as the General Who Supports the State and the Prefect of Nanpengcheng and Linhuai in two counties, but he showed no respect to other princes. Zixiang had great strength, able to draw a bow with a force equivalent to four 'hu,' often riding horses in the garden, weaving through the trees, without any injuries. Since he was adopted, his chariots and horses were different from other princes, arriving at the palace in a fit of rage and often banging his fists against the carriage walls. When Emperor Shizu learned of this, he ordered him to use the same chariots and horses as the princes.
In the year 485 AD, he was promoted to the position of General of the Right Guard. He then took on the role of commissioner, overseeing military affairs in Xiyang County of Yuzhou and Yingzhou, and Runan County of Sizhou, Champion General, and Governor of Yuzhou. The following year, he was elevated to the position of Right General, and he oversaw the four counties of Liyang, Huainan, Yingchuan, and Ruyang in Southern Yuzhou. Later, he returned to the court and held the titles of Cavalier Attendant and General of the Right Guard. In the year 488 AD, a report was submitted to the authorities stating: "Zixiang inherited the family legacy, and Grand Marshal Wang Senqian had no sons prior, so he raised him with care. Your Majesty fosters familial love, and Wang Senqian also deeply values the affection shown by his adopted son. Therefore, Zixiang continued the Wang family's lineage, and the succession of descendants remained intact. This is truly a heartwarming display of harmony, but it contradicts the tradition of appointing the eldest son. We believe Zixiang should return to his birth family." Consequently, he was granted the title of Prince of Badong County, promoted to Central Protector General, while retaining his position as Cavalier Attendant. Shortly after, he was appointed Governor of Jiangzhou, with his position as Cavalier Attendant remaining unchanged.
In the year 489 AD, he was promoted to the positions of Imperial Commissioner, Commander of the military forces in the seven provinces of Jingzhou, Xiangzhou, Yongzhou, Liangzhou, Ningzhou, and both Northern and Southern Qinzhou, General Who Guards the Army, and Governor of Jingzhou. Since childhood, Xiang, his son, was passionate about military affairs. During his time in Xiyu, he selected sixty strong soldiers as his personal guards, each one of them exceptionally brave. After arriving in Jingzhou, he frequently slaughtered oxen and hosted lavish feasts at his home, celebrating with his guards. He also had the servants secretly craft luxurious brocade robes and deep red garments to trade weapons with the barbarians. Chief Clerk Liu Yin and his associates filed a covert report, leading the emperor to demand a thorough investigation. Liu Yin and the others, fearing exposure, tried to cover it up. When he learned that imperial envoys had arrived, Xiang called together Liu Yin, Sima Xigongmu, military advisors Jiang Yu, Yin Tancan, Zhou Yan, military secretary Wu Xiuzhi, Wang Xianzong, and Wei Jingyuan to question them at the Qin Terrace. Liu Yin and the others were left speechless. Wu Xiuzhi said, "Since the imperial edict has been issued, we should respond honestly." Wei Jingyuan said, "We should first investigate and verify." Furious, Xiang dragged Liu Yin and the others to the back hall and executed them. Since Jiang Yu's name was absent from the report, Xiang intended to spare him, but the executioners had already carried out their orders, and Jiang Yu was also killed. When the emperor heard about this, he was furious and sent Guard Commander Hu Xiezhi, Guerrilla General Yin Lue, and Chief Librarian Ru Faliang with several hundred soldiers to capture the rebels. The emperor also ordered, "If Xiang surrenders honestly, his life will be spared." Upon arriving in Jiangjin, they built a camp on Yanweizhou and delivered a message of reassurance from the emperor to Xiang. Xiang said, "I never rebelled; it was the Chief Clerk and the others who framed me. I’m certain I’m going to be executed now." He then slaughtered cattle and sheep, prepared a feast, and rewarded the officials and soldiers. However, Hu Xiezhi and his men were filled with suspicion and fear, so they arrested Xiang's officials.
In a fit of anger, Zixiang ordered the dozens of men he had raised to collect weapons and equipment in Fuzhou, commanded two thousand men to cross the river at the western side of Lingxi, and prepared to engage in battle the next day with the government forces on the south bank. Zixiang himself led over a hundred men, equipped with several powerful crossbows, and spent the night on the river embankment. The next day, Zixiang's men fought with the government forces, and Zixiang fired arrows from the crossbow while on the river embankment. Wang Chongtian and others fought to protect the camp, and the government forces were soundly defeated; Yin Lue died in battle, and the government forces had no choice but to retreat. The emperor sent Danyang Yin Xiaoshunzhi to lead troops to reinforce, and Zixiang's men, terrified, scattered. Zixiang ultimately surrendered dressed in white and was condemned to death. He was just twenty-two at the time. Before his death, he submitted a memorial to the emperor stating: "Liu Yin and others came to search for weapons and equipment, the situation is exactly as I reported earlier. My sins are as high as mountains and as deep as the ocean, and I deserve to face the consequences. The emperor ordered Hu Xie and Ru Faliang to come and comfort me, but they completely ignored the imperial decree and directly built a defensive city on the south bank of Jiangjin. I have sent messengers to deliver letters to Ru Faliang repeatedly, asking to meet in white clothes, but he has always refused. My men were in a state of panic, which led to the battle; this is my responsibility. On the 25th of this month, I intended to surrender, hoping to return to the capital, stay at home for a month, and then take my own life, so that the State of Qi would not be known for killing its own, and I could avoid the shame of being unfilial. But my wish has gone unfulfilled; now that I am about to die, my heart feels heavy and anxious, and I find myself at a loss for words."
It is said that the court has requested the complete revocation of Zixiang's title and estate, to hand him over to the Court of Judicial Review for legal punishment, and to grant him the dishonorable title of "Xiao Shi." Those who were implicated alongside him will be tried separately. Meanwhile, the Emperor posthumously honors Liu Yin with the title of Palace Attendant, Xi Gongmu as Assistant General of the State and Governor of Yizhou, Jiang Yu and Yin Tancan as Yellow Gate attendants, and Zhou Yan as the Valiant Cavalry General. Liu Yin, whose style name was Jingrui, hailed from Gaoping; he was a man of literary talent but somewhat naïve about worldly affairs. Xi Gongmu came from the Yan clan of Anding, a prestigious family from the Guanzhong region.
The emperor actually felt very sorry for Zi Xiang's death. Later, when he went to visit Hualin Garden, he saw monkeys chasing each other and playing, chattering away. The emperor watched for a long time, unable to hold back his sobs and tears. Prince Yu of Yuzhang then submitted a memorial, stating, "I have heard that if a general commits a crime, he must be put to death. This is recorded in the 'Spring and Autumn Annals'; from the Dian people to the princes, it is recorded in the texts, rituals, and laws. Even the sages will still have a heart of compassion, let alone the pain of human ties? Although Zi Xiang's behavior violated the law, logically speaking, we should allow for some leniency. This commoner, Zi Xiang, who was somewhat naive, made a mistake in a moment of confusion, acted impulsively, and committed a serious crime. His behavior was not filial, nor loyal to the emperor, and he ultimately died in the wilderness, his guilt still lingering. But he had already laid down his weapons, surrendered, confessed, and accepted his punishment. If we examine his heart at its core, he has also turned back from his mistakes. His bones have nowhere to rest, his restless spirit cannot find peace. Reflecting on these past events is truly heartbreaking. Previously, Min Rong was seriously injured, and the emperor mourned for him; Si Jing was killed, and the emperor also lamented for him. Both of these men committed crimes during prosperous times, but were forgiven, and this has been praised by emperors throughout history, with no criticism found in the annals. I humbly beseech the emperor for mercy, allowing the Shi family to bury Zi Xiang's body, letting him rest in peace, even if it's just a simple ceremony to express our sorrow. This would not only be a kindness to the deceased, but also a reflection of benevolence in the realm. As a member of the imperial family, I have always had a close bond with Zi Xiang. Zi Xiang received your grace during his lifetime and was nurtured and raised by you to adulthood. Though he left no descendants, his character was as pure as jade. I have always held him in high regard and have great compassion for him. I risk offending the emperor, and I humbly request the emperor's permission." The emperor ultimately refused. Prior to this, Zi Xiang had already been demoted to the Marquis of Yufu.
Wang Jing of Anlu, whose style name was Yunduan, was the fifth son of Song Taizu. He was initially granted the title of Duke of Yingcheng. In the second year of Yongming, he was appointed as the Commissioner, overseeing the five provinces of Nanyuan, Yanyu, Qing, and Ji, as well as the General of the Northern Army and the Governor of Nanyuan Province, as his official rank continued to rise. In the fourth year of Yongming, he was promoted to Right Army General. By the fifth year of Yongming, he was reassigned as the Commander overseeing military operations in the six provinces of Jing, Xiang, Liang, Yong, Nan, and Bei Qin, General Who Pacifies the West, and Governor of Jingzhou, while retaining his previous titles. Shortly after, he was promoted to General of Western Peace. In the seventh year of Yongming, he was recalled to court to serve as Palace Attendant and Guard General. In the tenth year of Yongming, he was once again promoted to Cavalier in Regular Attendance, General Who Calms the Forces, and Intendant of Danyang. In the eleventh year of Yongming, he was promoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry, and was even granted a ceremonial guard. In Longchang's first year, he was appointed as Commissioner, overseeing the five provinces of Nanyuan, Yanyu, Qing, and Ji, and General Who Conquers the North. In the first year of Yanxing, he was further appointed as Palace Attendant. Unfortunately, Emperor Gaozong sought to diminish the power of the feudal lords and sent the Guard General Wang Xuanmiao to quell the rebellion in Jiujian. Wang Guangzhi seized this opportunity to assassinate Wang Jing, who was just twenty-three at the time.
Prince Jin'an, whose name is Wang Mao, styled Yunchang, was the seventh son of the founder of the Song Dynasty. Initially titled Duke of Jiangling, in the third year of the Yongming era, he was appointed as Commissioner, Commander of Southern Yu, General of Southern Zhonglang, and Governor of Southern Yu Province. At that time, Yu Fuhou Zixiang was serving as the Governor of Yuzhou, so Wang Mao relinquished his duties as Commissioner. In the fourth year of the Yongming era, he was promoted to General Who Pacifies the Barbarians. Due to the recently established Southern Yu Province and the shortage of manpower and resources, he was also made Prefect of Xuancheng. In the fifth year of the Yongming era, he was appointed as Supervisor of Military Affairs in Southern Yan, Yanzhou, Yuzhou, Qingzhou, and Jizhou, General of the Rear, and Governor of Southern Yan Province, while keeping his role as Commissioner. In the sixth year of the Yongming era, he was reassigned as Supervisor of Xiangzhou, General Who Pacifies the South, and Governor of Xiangzhou. In the seventh year of the Yongming era, he was additionally appointed as Commissioner and Commander. In the eighth year of the Yongming era, he was promoted to General Who Defends the South. He also wrote a 30-volume book titled "Examples from the Spring and Autumn Annals" and presented it to the imperial court. The Emperor was impressed by his talent and ordered the manuscript to be kept in the secret archives. In the ninth year of the Yongming era, he began to personally manage the affairs of the Prefecture. In the tenth year of the Yongming era, he returned to the court as a Court Attendant, concurrently holding the position of General of the Right Guard. In the eleventh year of the Yongming era, he was further promoted to Household Cavalry Commandant and Director of the Palace Library. Before he took office, he was appointed as Commissioner, Commander of Southern and Northern Qin, Yong, and Liangzhou, Jingling of Yizhou, Suijun of Sizhou, General Who Conquers the North, and Governor of Yongzhou, with a ceremonial guard. At that time, Prince Yuzhang was still in mourning, but given the need for a respected figure to defend the border, the court allowed him to take up the position. After Emperor Yulin ascended to the throne, he immediately named himself Grand General. His son, Xiao Zimao, seeing the young Emperor just enthroned, was figuring out how to protect himself and quickly had weapons and equipment made. At that time, Chen Xianda was the General Who Pacifies the Barbarians, stationed in Xiangyang, and sought to recruit Xiao Zimao as his commander. Chen Xianda secretly wrote to the Emperor, and Emperor Gaozong summoned Chen Xianda back to the capital.
In the Longchang era's first year, Xiao Zimao was promoted to Governor of Jiangzhou. He left some of the Western Chu army to guard Xiangyang, taking only his trusted aide Bai Zhi and a few soldiers with him. Chen Xianda came to bid farewell to him, and Xiao Zimao said, "The court has commanded me to return alone. I am the son of the Heavenly King; how can I act so recklessly? I want to take two or three thousand men with me. What do you think?" Chen Xianda replied, "Your Highness, if you don't return with troops, it will be a serious violation of the imperial edict. This is no small matter. Besides, the locals here are hard to manage." After a moment of silence, Xiao Zimao still hadn't come up with a solution, so he returned to Xunyang.
In the first year of Yanxing, Xiao Zimao was appointed as a court attendant. Hearing that the two princes of Poyang and Sui counties had been killed, he wanted to lead troops to rescue them. His mother, Ruanshi, was in the capital, so she wrote a letter secretly planning to bring Xiao Zimao back to the capital. Ruanshi told her brother Ruan Yaozhi about this plan, and Ruan Yaozhi quickly informed Emperor Gaozong. Emperor Gaozong then ordered tight security measures, sent General Wang Guang to the north to conduct military operations, and instructed the military commander Pei Shuye and Ruan Yaozhi to sneak attack Xunyang, publicly claiming that Pei Shuye was the magistrate of Yingzhou. Upon learning of this, Xiao Zimao sent 300 soldiers to guard Pencheng. Pei Shuye went upstream and attacked Pencheng again at night. Le Ben, the military officer of Pencheng, opened the city gate to welcome them. Xiao Zimao led the state army and had already prepared boats at Jitingzhu. When he heard that Pei Shuye had taken Pencheng, he defended the city. Most of Xiao Zimao's subordinates were from Yongzhou and were eager to fight bravely. Pei Shuye was afraid and sent Ruan Yaozhi to persuade Xiao Zimao: "Returning to the capital now will definitely not be dangerous. The court will surely grant you titles and wealth, and will not let you lose your riches." Xiao Zimao chose not to attack Pei Shuye, and the morale of his troops began to wane. The military officer Yu Linzhi, who was Ruan Yaozhi's brother, urged Xiao Zimao to offer a substantial bribe to Pei Shuye, so Xiao Zimao sent Linzhi. Linzhi persuaded Pei Shuye to capture Xiao Zimao. Pei Shuye sent military commander Xu Xuanqing to lead four hundred soldiers into the city alongside Linzhi. Xiao Zimao's subordinates all scattered and fled in panic. Linzhi stormed into Xiao Zimao's residence with two hundred soldiers, and Xiao Zimao shouted, "How can you bear to do such a thing!" Linzhi covered his face with his sleeve in shame and ordered the execution of Xiao Zimao. At that time, he was just twenty-three.
Initially, Zimao was stationed in Yongzhou, and Emperor Shizu issued orders to him regarding border defense, saying, "I have recently received reports from various regions, all conveying similar information. The enemy certainly won't recklessly throw themselves into death, but we must remain vigilant. This autumn, the crossing of those barbarians fleeing across the border is a sign of their impending doom. I am currently scheming in secret, and clear goals are needed to make major decisions. I now order all officials stationed in various places, as well as the able-bodied people, to immediately respond and transport supplies in case of war. I’ve already sent people to hurry them along, and I believe someone will arrive soon. Discuss with everyone and send a suitable number of people to key locations like Nanyang and Wuyin for reconnaissance. Food is essential; don’t worry about the number of soldiers; regularly check the relay stations and horses, and be diligent. Also, inform all prefectures that they need to do the same within their territories. If the regulations are not followed, accountability will be enforced." The Emperor continued, "I have ordered Jingzhou and Yingzhou to each raise an army of five thousand men, initially to confront the enemy. If the enemy dares to fight fiercely, mobilize the army immediately to confront them. I have ordered Zizhen, Yu Jizong, and Yingu Min to go to garrison; Yingu Min can be the city lord, and three thousand men are enough for him. You must consider the hierarchy of officials carefully; don’t let others seek positions or promote them out of turn. Writing articles and composing poetry are all good things, but handling political affairs is fundamental; you must always remember this. The weapons you requested are those I personally use; how can you expect to use them? The rank must comply with regulations; I'll find another way to get them to you." Earlier, Zimao asked the Emperor for his favorite books, and the Emperor said, "I know you read diligently, and I’m very pleased." Then the Emperor gifted Zimao with Du Yu's annotated "Zuo Zhuan" and "Ancient and Modern Good Words."
Next, let's talk about Prince Zilong, whose courtesy name was Yunxing, the eighth son of the founding emperor of the dynasty. He was very talented and was initially titled as the Duke of Zhijiang. In the third year of the Yongming era, he served as the General of State Protection, Governor of Nanlangye Commandery and Pengcheng Commandery. The following year, he was promoted to Governor of Jiangzhou, but before he assumed office, the rebellion of Tang Yuzhi was suppressed, and he was further promoted to Governor, Inspector of Kuaiji, Dongyang, Xin'an, Linhai, and Yongjia Commanderies, General of the Eastern Household, and Prefect of Kuaiji. Later, he was promoted to Minister of Personnel.
Zilong married the daughter of the Minister of Personnel, Wang Jian, and the emperor, impressed by Zilong's talents, said to Wang Jian, "My family is also from Dong'e." Wang Jian replied, "To have such outstanding talents emerge, Dong'e is truly a great help to the royal family!" Before he officially took office, Zilong received another promotion, first serving as the Central Protector-General, and later as Palace Attendant and General of the Left. Eight years later, he succeeded the Marquis of Yufu, Zixiang, as Commissioner, Commander of the Six Provinces of Jing, Yong, Liang, Ning, South and North Qin, General Who Guards the West, and Inspector of Jingzhou, with an accompanying honor guard. In the same year, Prince Jian of Shixing was relieved of his post as Inspector of Yizhou and promoted to Governor of Yizhou. Nine years later, Zilong began to oversee the affairs of the Prefecture. Eleven years later, Prince Ma of Jin'an was appointed as Inspector of Yongzhou, and Zilong stepped down from his role as Commander. When Yulin was established, Zilong was promoted to General of the Western Expedition. In the first year of the Longchang era, he served as Palace Attendant and General Who Pacifies the Army, with the power to appoint his own advisors. In the first year of the Yanxing era, he was promoted to Grand General of the Central Army, while retaining his position as Palace Attendant.
At the age of twenty-one, Zilong was already tall and strong, often taking aloe pills to lose weight. During the regency of Emperor Gaozong, in an attempt to eliminate other imperial princes, Zilong, because of his remarkable talents and looks, was particularly feared, and thus he and Prince Qiang of Poyang were murdered on the same night. His writings have endured through the ages.
Jian'an Wang Qizhen, courtesy name Yunxian, was the ninth son of Emperor Shizu. In the fourth year of Yongming, he was appointed as General of Assistance to the Nation and Governor of Nanlangye and Pengcheng. Later, he was promoted to Grand Commander, Commander of Military Affairs in Southern Yu and Yu provinces, Champion General, Governor of Southern Yu, and concurrently Prefect of Xuancheng. He was later promoted to General of the Southern Central Army. In the sixth year of Yongming, due to busy prefectural affairs, he submitted a request to resign from his position as prefect. In the seventh year of Yongming, he was promoted to Right General and transferred to Intendant of Danyang, while maintaining his military rank. He was later promoted to Left Guard General. In the same year, he was further promoted to Central Protector General, and then appointed as Grand Commander, Commander of Military Affairs in Yingsi provinces, Pacifying the West General, and Governor of Yingsi. During the establishment of Yulin, he was promoted to General of the Western Frontier. In the first year of Longchang, he served as Regular Cavalry Attendant and General of the Guard. In the first year of Yanxing, he was promoted to Garrison General, with the authority to appoint his own staff, while retaining his position as Regular Cavalry Attendant. In the same year, he was assassinated at the young age of nineteen.
Prince of Xiyang, named Wang Ziming, courtesy name Yunguang, was the tenth son of Emperor Shizu of the Song dynasty. In the first year of Yongming, he was titled as Prince of Wuchang. Three years later, he lost the national seal, which resulted in his title being changed to Prince of Xiyang. In the sixth year, he was appointed as Grand Commander, Commander of Military Affairs in Southern Yan, Yanxu, Qing, and Ji provinces, Champion General, and Governor of Southern Yan, as his official rank steadily increased. Eight years later, he was promoted to General of the Conquest. In the tenth year, he rose to the position of Left General, concurrently serving as Commander of Military Affairs in Kuaiji, Dongyang, Linhai, Yongjia, and Xin'an five counties, and Prefect of Kuaiji, while maintaining his military rank. Wang Ziming was exceptionally handsome, with a clear and bright temperament. Whether male or female, anyone who saw him could not help but admire him.
After Emperor Yulin ascended to the throne, Prince Ming was promoted to General of Pacifying the East. In the first year of the Longchang era, he was further promoted to Right General and Minister of the Interior. In the first year of the Yanxing era, he was promoted to Attendant of the Palace and concurrently served as General of Agile Cavalry, while still holding the title of Right General. In the first year of the Jianwu era, he was transferred to the position of General Who Suppresses Rebellions, with the authority to command troops and appoint subordinates. The following year, due to the false accusation of conspiring with his student Hanzizhen and the late Xiao Chan, Prince Ming was tragically murdered at the age of seventeen.
Prince of Nanhai, named Prince Han, styled Yunhua, was the eleventh son of Emperor Shizu of the Song dynasty. In the sixth year of the Yongming era, he was appointed as a Commissioner, General of the Northern Central Army, and Prefect of Nanlangye and Pengcheng. Initially, the court allocated the Baixia region to Langye County and moved the county seat of Langye to Jincheng, where Prince Han was stationed there from that point onward. Ten years later, he was appointed as a Commissioner, Commander of Military Affairs in Southern Yanzhong, Yanzhou, Xuzhou, Qingzhou, and Jizhou, General Who Subdues the Enemy, and Governor of Nanyanzhou. After Emperor Yulin ascended to the throne, he was promoted to General of the Rear. In the first year of the Longchang era, he was appointed as Cavalier in Regular Attendance and Right Guard General. In the first year of the Jianwu era, he was transferred to the position of General Who Protects the Army. The following year, he was also murdered, at the age of seventeen.
Prince Baling, whose name was Xiao Lun and style name Yunzong, was the thirteenth son of Emperor Xiaodaicheng. In the seventh year of Yongming, he was appointed as the Commissioner, Commander of Military Affairs of the Southern Yuzhou and Nanyu Prefecture, General of the South, and Governor of Nanyu Prefecture, holding a prestigious position. Ten years later, he was promoted to General of the North, Prefect of Nanlangye and Pengcheng, with an even larger jurisdiction. Later, when Xiaoze ascended the throne as emperor, he thought that the fertile and prosperous land of Nanpengcheng needed to be reclaimed from Xiao Lun. He also reclaimed the fief of the Palace Attendant Qimu Zhen and compensated Xiao Lun with the fief of Nanlanling. In the first year of Longchang, Xiao Lun was promoted to Cavalier In Regular Attendance and Left General. In the first year of Yanxing, the emperor sent the Palace Attendant Ru Faliang to kill Xiao Lun. Xiao Lun came out dressed in formal attire to accept the imperial decree and said, "When a bird is about to die, its chirps are particularly mournful; when a person is about to die, their words carry profound weight. The fall of the Liu Song dynasty was fated, and what is happening today is also fated. You were a loyal minister of the late emperor, and now you are executing this order, presumably against your will." Ru Faliang did not dare to reply and withdrew. Xiao Lun met his end at just sixteen years old.
Prince Shaoling, whose name was Xiao Zhen and style name Yunsong, was the fourteenth son of Xiaodaicheng. In the tenth year of Yongming, he was appointed as General of the East, Prefect of Wu County. After Xiaoze ascended the throne, Xiao Zhen was promoted to General of the Conquering Forces, and later to Rear General. In the second year of Jianwu, he was assassinated when he was just fifteen.
Xiaoyue, King of Linhe, styled Yunqiao, was the sixteenth son of Xiao Daocheng. He was granted the title of king in the seventh year of Yongming. Emperor Gao Zong killed many of Xiao Daocheng's sons; only Xiaoyue and a few of his brothers survived, and they were known as the "Seven Kings." They had to visit the emperor in the palace on the first and fifteenth of every month. After the emperor returned to the palace, he would always sigh and say, "The sons of Situ (Xiao Ze's father) and me did not live long, while the grandsons of Gaozu (Xiao Daocheng) and Wudi (Xiao Ze) are growing up every day." In the first year of Yongtai, the emperor fell seriously ill, temporarily lost consciousness but then revived. Afterwards, he ordered the execution of Xiaoyue and the others.
During the Yanxing and Jianwu periods, Xiao Ze executed several kings three times. Before each execution, Xiao Ze would first burn incense and weep; everyone knew that someone was going to be killed that night. Xiaoyue died when he was only fourteen years old.
Xiao Wen, styled Yunru, was the seventeenth son of Xiao Daocheng. In the seventh year of Yongming, he was titled as King of Shu County. During the Jianwu period, he was renamed King of Xiyang. In the first year of Yongtai, he was killed at the age of fourteen.
Xiao Jun, styled Yunsong, was the eighteenth son of Xiao Daocheng. In the seventh year of Yongming, he was titled as King of Guanghan County. During the Jianwu period, his title was changed. In the first year of Yongtai, he was killed at the age of fourteen.
Lin, styled Yunzhang, was the nineteenth son of Song Shizu. His mother was Lady Xun, who was highly favored, which meant Lin was also well-loved. In the seventh year of Yongming, he was titled as King of Xuancheng. The following year, the emperor granted Lin the title of Nankang Duke, previously held by Chu Zhen. In the first year of Yongtai, he was killed at the age of fourteen.
It's really a pity to die so young. Just think about it: royal children, pampered from a young age and living in luxury, have never faced any hardships.
The King of Xiangdong, named Jian, courtesy name Yunli, was the twenty-first son of Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty. His mother was from the Xie family and was not favored; Emperor Taizu eventually sent her to become a nun. It was only after Emperor Gaozong ascended to the throne that she was allowed to return home. Jian was also killed in the first year of Yongtai, at just thirteen years old.
It's truly heartbreaking that these two brothers, so young, are already gone. The fate of these royal children is truly unpredictable.
The Prince of Nanjun, named Xia, courtesy name Yunguang, was the twenty-third son of Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty. As the Emperor grew older, Xia was the youngest son and therefore especially favored. It is said that Emperor Taizu once dreamed of a golden-winged bird flying into the palace, eating many small dragons, and then flying into the sky. In the first year of Yongtai, Xia was also killed, at the age of only seven.
This is just too tragic! Three brothers, so young and all dead; the royal life may seem glamorous, but it conceals a hidden danger.
Historians say: the ease or hardship of the common people is shaped by their experiences, which, over time, becomes a habit; those who are wise understand this truth. The Emperor's sons and brothers grew up in a noble and wealthy environment from a young age, having no idea of the hardships of life, living in extreme wealth and glory. They grew up in the deep palace from a young age, learning rituals of bowing, receiving education in the Confucian classics, mingling daily with officials and nobles, rarely having true friends, and having little understanding of human relationships and the struggles of life. Even if some children are intelligent and have their own thoughts, their experiences are limited, and what they know is still very little.
In the morning, they come and go from the palace and attend to government affairs in the evening. Even if they become local officials, opportunities to connect with the people are rare. According to age order, they should be kept away from the royal family to prevent them from becoming arrogant and hedonistic. This has been a tradition throughout past dynasties, a fair approach to prevent future troubles. Therefore, they should be provided with experienced officials to assist them, as is the emperor's duty. Let the old ministers assist them, allowing them to assume command, ensuring someone reports on their daily activities, and allowing them to enjoy their salaries in peace. They should exercise restraint when necessary and be lenient when appropriate. They should not speak carelessly, and their actions should be supervised. If they make any mistakes, they must take responsibility. Although their status is high, their actions are restricted, and their authority cannot be fully exercised. Once they encounter an emergency, various difficulties may arise. It is unlikely they would relinquish their power to address the crisis. Lu Wenshu once said, "The Qin Dynasty had ten mistakes; as long as one still exists, it will lead to the country's destruction." The lingering issues from the Song Dynasty have only worsened in the Qi Dynasty. Now, let's take a moment to praise King Wushiqi! He is accomplished in both civil and military matters, especially valuing talent and having a passion for studying ancient texts. Future generations continue to remember his merits and contributions. It is said: "Praise be to King Wushiqi, a virtuous and esteemed leader, fond of talents and ancient knowledge, kind, honest, and gentle, leaving behind unforgetful blessings." This is high praise for him! As you can see, he governs Luling County with great order, and the Anlu region is also well managed under his governance. Prince Jin'an quickly recognized his capabilities and quickly followed his governance methods. The county also adopted his governance strategies, studying diligently and implementing them rigorously.
Jianzhou, Hezhou, Xiangzhou, Haizhou, as well as the two tombs and the two Yangs, all flourished under his rule. He had been favored by the emperor since childhood, and the counties of Nanjun and Nankang thrived under his governance. "Luling's transgressions, Anlu's enclosures. Jin'an awakened early, with counties marked by carved seals. Jianhe Xianghai, two tombs and two suns, young and favored by many, Nanjun Nankang." This summary captures all his achievements beautifully. In short, Prince Wu Seventeen is an exceptional figure!
