Let’s talk about the Wei Kingdom, which was actually a branch of the Xiongnu, whose surname was Tuoba. In the sixth year of the Yongjia period of the Jin Dynasty, the Governor of Bingzhou, Liu Kun, suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Xiongnu leader Liu Cong. At that time, Suo Tou Yilu sent his son Lisun to lead a force to Taiyuan to rescue Liu Kun. Yilu himself settled in Daijun and was referred to as a Xianbei. They had unkempt hair, with their clothing fastened on the left, so they were called "Suo Tou." Yilu's grandson Shi Leqian, styled Yulvzhan, later returned to the Yin Mountains, where he became the Chanyu, leading various Xiongnu tribes.
In the first year of Taiyuan, Fu Jian sent the impostor pretending to be the Inspector of Bingzhou, Fu Luo, to attack Shi Leqian, captured his Longting stronghold, seized Shi Leqian, brought him back to Chang'an, built a house for him and taught him to read and write. Fu Jian divided Shi Leqian's subordinates among four counties, including Yunzhong, where they resided, and the leaders of each tribe were required to pay tribute to Shi Leqian at the end of each year. Shi Leqian also sustained himself through taxes collected from various tribes. After Fu Jian's defeat, Shi Leqian's son Tuoba Gui, styled Shegui, followed his father-in-law, Murong Chui, to take control of Zhongshan, and then regained control of his tribe, gradually increasing his power.
In the first year of Long'an, Tuoba Gui defeated Murong Bao in Zhongshan, occupied Bingzhou, declared himself King of Wei, and took the reign title Tianci. Later, Shi Leqian was posthumously titled Emperor Wenping, and after Tuoba Gui's death, he was posthumously titled Emperor Daowu. His son Tuoba Si succeeded to the throne, took the reign title Taichang, and was posthumously titled Emperor Mingyuan. Tuoba Si's son Tuoba Tao, styled Foli, succeeded him and took the reign title Taiping Zhenjun.
During the Yuanjia era of the Song Dynasty, the Crown Prince Tuoba Huang of the Wei Kingdom had a strained relationship with the ministers Cui and Kou. The Cui and Kou families badmouthed Tuoba Huang to Tuoba Tao. There was a sage named Xuangao who was skilled in magic. Tuoba Huang asked him to perform a blessing ritual that lasted for seven days and nights. Consequently, Tuoba Tao had a dream in which his grandfather was very angry and pointed at Tuoba Huang, saying, "Why do you believe slander and want to harm the Crown Prince!" Tuoba Tao woke up in a panic and immediately issued an order, saying, "The king's great cause is of utmost importance, and inheriting the throne is the established rule of past emperors. From now on, everything, no matter how big or small, must be approved by the Crown Prince first, and then reported to me." Later, Tuoba Huang conspired to assassinate Tuoba Tao, but was ultimately killed instead. Following Tuoba Tao's death, he was posthumously honored as Emperor Taiwu. His grandson, Tuoba Jun, whose courtesy name was Wuleizhiqin, succeeded to the throne during the era known as Ping'an. Tuoba Huang was honored posthumously as Emperor Jingmu, and after Tuoba Jun's death, he was posthumously honored as Emperor Wencheng. His son, Tuoba Hong, whose courtesy name was Wanmin, succeeded to the throne during the era known as Tian'an. In the ninth year of the Jinghe reign, the Crown Prince Tuoba Hong was born, and he later changed the era name to Huangxing.
When Shiyu Gui first built the capital in Pingcheng, he lived a nomadic lifestyle, moving with the water and grass, without city walls and moats. People built simple mud houses near the treetops. Later, Helian Bobo broke through Liangzhou and Huanglong, relocating the local people to Pingcheng, where they started constructing the city. He allocated land on the western side of Pingcheng for the construction of the palace city, with tall towers at each corner and parapets along the walls. The city gates were roofless, and there were no moats surrounding the city walls. Outside the south gate of the palace city were two earthen walls leading to temples. The palace city had four gates, each painted a different color to signify its direction. Five temples were built, one constructed by each successive emperor, all with tiled roofs. To the west of the palace city, a grand sacrificial altar was built. Helian Bobo's three palaces were constructed using materials such as mica and covered with heavy roofs. The palace kitchen was referred to as "A Zhen Chu" and was located on the west side of the palace city, where Empress Ke Sunheng would go to beg for food.
At the beginning, Yao Xing appointed Helian Bobo from beyond the frontier as the General of the North, allowing him to command five Hu tribes and station them in the capital city. After Yao Hong was defeated, Helian Bobo entered Chang'an. Later, Helian Bobo captured the city of Chang, Bobo's son, and also married Bobo's daughter, making her the empress. During the Yi Xi era, Duke of Qiu Chi, Yang Sheng, submitted a memorial saying, "The Suolu Bobo is the legitimate descendant of the Xiongnu," but the Sun clan was originally a concubine of Bobo. There were over forty armories on the west side of the palace, and over ten earthen houses for storing silk and fabric on the north side of the palace. The palace of the pretender prince was located in the east of the city, with four gates, tiled roofs, and high towers at each corner. The concubines lived in earthen houses. There were over a thousand maids in the palace, who wove silk fabrics, sold alcohol, raised pigs, sheep, cattle, horses, and grew vegetables, all in order to make money. The Imperial Granary had over eighty underground storage rooms, each capable of holding four thousand hu of grain. There were also several tiled houses used for storing grains, and they established the Shangfang Office, responsible for making iron and wooden tools. The robes and garments worn in the palace were all made by the maids. The pretender prince also had other warehouses.
The outer wall of the imperial city, along the south side, has been divided into neighborhoods, with alleys opened between them. The larger neighborhoods can house four to five hundred families, while the smaller ones can accommodate sixty or seventy families. Whenever a search is conducted in the southern neighborhoods, it is to prevent treachery. Seven miles southwest of the city is Baideng Mountain, where an ancestral temple was constructed. To the west of the city is the Temple of Heaven for sacrifices, featuring forty-nine wooden figures, each over a zhang tall, wearing white headscarves, white skirts, and cloaks made of horsehair, all standing on the Altar of Heaven. Every year on the fourth day of the fourth month, cattle and horses are ritually sacrificed with great fanfare, accompanied by a band playing music. Three miles west of the city, the Five Classics and the national history are carved into stone tablets, including sixty foundation stones from the era of the Stone House in Ye City, each over a zhang long, used as the base for the stone carvings.
Speaking of the country under the rule of the Xianbei people, the titles for officials in the inner court are quite specific! Those serving on the left and right of the inner palace are called "Zhizhen," those on the left and right of the outer palace are called "Wuaizhen," the clerks in Cao's office are called "Bidezhen," those in charge of clothing are called "Pudazhen," the military leaders are called "Huluzhen," the translators are called "Qiwanzhen," the gatekeepers are called "Kebuzhen," those of low status in the palace post stations are called "Fuzhuzhen," those in the post stations of various states are called "Xianzhen," murderers are called "Qihai zhen," those who handle affairs on behalf of their superiors are called "Zhekuizhen," and those who cook for officials and nobles are called "Fuzhen." Regarding officials and nobles of the third rank or above, they are all called "Yangzhen."
Fo Li Wang established the positions of Three Dukes, Grand Chancellor, Minister of Personnel, Pu She, and Shi Zhong to handle state affairs together with the Crown Prince. The Minister of Personnel oversees the military and the storage facilities, the Minister of Music oversees musical affairs and the orchestra, the Minister of Transportation manages the livestock, including cattle, horses, donkeys, and mules, the Southern Minister is responsible for the southern provinces and counties, and the Northern Minister oversees the northern provinces and counties. There are also several special positions, where the position of Qi Qin Di He is equivalent to that of a minister, Mo Di holds a position equivalent to that of a governor, and Yu Ruo holds a rank equivalent to 2,000 shi. The officials' positions are comparable to those of princes. Each department has its own warehouses and designated officials, and they are required to be fluent in both Han and Xianbei languages to facilitate information transmission. The Lan Tai has appointed a Chief Censor and an Imperial Censor, who are responsible for overseeing city affairs. Nine Dou officials have also been appointed to oversee the household registrations of the common people within three li of the palace city, which are not under military jurisdiction.
Their carriages and horses were quite magnificent! There were different sizes of carriages, all five stories tall, with four wheels at the bottom, pulled by anywhere from two to three hundred people, and secured with ropes to prevent tipping over. Dragon flags were inserted on the carriages, with black as the main color. When the concubines traveled, they used brightly colored umbrella covers, without any flags or streamers. When the Empress Dowager traveled, women in armor rode alongside the carriages as guards. The emperor and concubines usually rode in silver-carved sheep carriages, with no curtains blocking their view, sitting slantingly with their feet hanging down, even in the palace. The main hall of the palace was adorned with tassels, decorated with golden incense burners, and dragon-and-phoenix-patterned lacquer screens and brocade curtains, with thick carpets on the floor. In front were golden incense burners, glass bowls, and golden bowls, filled with various tableware. The long platter for guests was a foot long, while the emperor's round plate was a yard in diameter! This was a four-wheeled carriage, and on major holidays, it took sixty to seventy people to carry it into the hall. On the last day of the year, to celebrate the New Year, sacrifices were made to roosters at the city gates, using reed ropes and peach branches, a ritual reminiscent of the Han Dynasty.
It is said that starting from the Buddha Emperor, emperors of all dynasties liked to build elaborate structures. On the west side of the main hall, a platform made of earth was constructed, called the White Tower, where the emperor often went to enjoy the scenery after his abdication. An observatory was also located south of the White Tower. A shrine was also located on the west side of the main hall, with a roof of glazed tiles, especially magnificent. Roofs were also added to the palace gates, making them appear several stories tall. The walls were decorated with mud sculptures of mighty figures, quite majestic. The northern tribes favored water, so they painted patterns of black dragons coiling around the walls, believed to ward off evil.
In the fifth year of the Taishi era, the Emperor abdicated the throne to his son, Zihong, and took the title of retired Emperor. Zihong ascended to the throne and renamed the era Yanxing. In the sixth year of Yanxing, the Emperor died and was posthumously honored as Emperor Xianwen, and the reign title was changed to Chengming, marking the fourth year of Yuanhui. His grandmother, Lady Feng, hailing from Huanglong, played a significant role in state affairs. It is said that Emperor Foli’s mother was Han Chinese and was killed by Mu Mo, so Emperor Foli appointed his wet nurse as Empress Dowager. Since then, when the crown prince took the throne, he frequently had his birth mother killed. Some say that Lady Feng was from Jiangdu and was captured during Emperor Foli's southern campaign in the twenty-seventh year of Yuanjia, and later became his concubine, managing to survive. The next year, in the Year of Dingsi, the reign title was changed to Taihe.
During the later years of Emperor Song Ming, he began to reconcile with the northern ethnic minorities. During the Yuanhui and Shengming years, northern envoys would come to pay tribute every year. In the first year of Jianyuan, also known as the third year of the Wei Taihe era, Zihong heard that Liu Yu had usurped the throne and declared himself emperor. That winter, he sent Prince Danyang Liu Chang as the Grand Preceptor to lead troops to attack Sizhou and Yuzhou. The following year, Liu Yu ordered a northern expedition. Zihong sent generals Yudoujuan and Jiachangming to attack Shouyang and Zhongli, but they were defeated by the governor of Yuzhou, Yuan Chongzu, Right General Zhou Panlong, and the governor of Xuzhou, Cui Wenzhong. Zihong then sent the acting Minister of the Southern Bureau Tobo to lead a hundred thousand troops to attack Sizhou, and also divided troops to attack Yanzhou and Qingzhou, besieging Qushan City. The defender of Qushan City, Xuan Yuandu, fought valiantly to defend the city. The governor of Qingzhou and Jizhou, Lu Shaozhi, sent his son Lu Huan to support. When the city ran out of food, Lu Shaozhi stationed at Shitouting in the south of the province, sending food and firewood to the city across the sea. The northern army blocked the sea route, attacked along the coast, and coincided with the high tide, resulting in the drowning of many enemy soldiers. Xuan Yuandu took advantage of this to counterattack and secure a significant victory. The court then sent generals Cui Lingjian, Yang Fachi, and Fang Lingmin to lead more than ten thousand troops from the Huai River into the sea. At night, the ships displayed two torches, and when the northern army saw this, they mistook it for the Southern Dynasty army and fled in panic. Initially, Xuan Yuandu himself mentioned his ambition to become a marquis on his arm. During the Song Dynasty, he shared this with Emperor Shizu. At that time, Emperor Shizu was still in the Eastern Palace, and he wrote to him, saying, "Work hard and realize the omen on your arm!" When the enemy retreated, the emperor wanted to honor him, but Xuan Yuandu attributed all the credit to Shaozhi, who declined. Therefore, neither of them received any recognition. The emperor then promoted Shaozhi to the rank of Huangmen Lang. Oh, Yuzhou renamed Shitouting to Pinglutin.
Shao Zhi, courtesy name Zixu, was from Fanyang and claimed to be the great-grandson of Lu Chen. During the Daming period of the Song Dynasty, he participated in the campaign against Guangling and made significant contributions. Shao Zhi volunteered for the campaign, and the emperor admired him, appointing him as a state official with many important tasks. He later attained the title of Guanglu Daifu. In the eighth year of Yongming, he passed away.
Three years later, the generals Li Anmin and Sun Wenxian led the army to a victorious battle against the enemy in Huaiyang. At first, the enemy launched raids along the Huai River, instilling fear in the northern populace who recalled the era of Emperor Taiwu of the Northern Wei, but they were powerless to stop them. The court then deployed two armies at Liangshan, three in the south: one at Cilao Mountain, two at Leizhou, two at Sanshan, one at Baishazhou, five at Caizhou, three at Changlu, two at Gupu, and one at Xupu, with rewards and punishments based on their military achievements to instill discipline and deter the enemy.
The pretender Feng Sha, claiming to be King Changli, planned to attack Sizhou, and a local recluse named Huan Tiansheng assured him that the supposed allies would support him. However, when Feng Sha arrived, the supposed allies remained silent. Frustrated, Feng Sha hunted by the Huai River and left. When the battle of Shouchun failed and Xushan could not be captured, the enemy leader came from Dingzhou, prepared to attack the south but hesitated. He then consulted with the false Prince of Liangjun, saying that their troops were demoralized and needed victories to return. However, they were defeated in Huaiyang, resulting in a complete rout of their forces. The militias in Qingzhou and Xuzhou had previously raided the enemy's transport vehicles, resulting in clashes and killings, with many successfully escaping back to the south.
It is said that not long after the establishment of the Southern Qi Dynasty, in order to demonstrate their strength and improve relations with Northern Wei, they sent Rear Army Officer Che Senglang as an envoy to Northern Wei. The people of Northern Wei asked Senglang, "The Southern Qi Dynasty has just been founded, how can they dare to proclaim an emperor?" Senglang replied, "Yu Shun and Xia Yu directly inherited the throne, while Wei and Jin assisted the monarch and then passed on the throne to their descendants. Did Yu Shun and Xia Yu rush to become emperors? Were the virtuous ministers of Wei and Jin content with their own accomplishments? The situations are different; how can they be measured by the same standard? Since the situation requires this, then we must make some compromises and adapt to the circumstances."
The people of Northern Wei asked again, "What achievements does the Emperor of the Southern Qi Dynasty have?" Senglang said, "Our emperor is kind-hearted, compassionate, and knowledgeable. In his youth, he was appreciated by Emperor Wen of the Song Dynasty and entered the court as a guard. During the Taishi period, rebellions were rampant throughout the country. He quickly put down the rebellions of Liu Zifang and Zhang Yan in the east, the rebellion of Xue Suoer in the north, and also managed military and state affairs, assisting the emperor. The princes of Guiyang and Jianping of the Song Dynasty rebelled, and he quickly put down their rebellion. The King of Cangwu was even more notorious than Xia Jie and Shang Zhou. The emperor followed the example of Duke Zhou and Huo Guang by deposing him and installing a new ruler. Yuan Can, Liu Bing, and Shen Youzhi colluded and held military power, and the emperor also subdued them. He worked tirelessly to support the court for forty years, experiencing various hardships and obstacles for fifteen to sixteen years. These accomplishments are beyond reproach."
People of Northern Wei asked again, "There is no longer any territory of the Qi state in the south, why still confer the title of Qi state?" Monk Lang replied, "Yingqiu (now Changle, Shandong) is near the sea and was once a significant territory. The Song dynasty had previously granted this area to Lv Shang as a fief. Now in the region of Huaihai, there are originally Qingzhou and Qizhou, so there is still land available for use." People of Northern Wei asked again, "Why was the King of Cangwu killed?" Monk Lang said, "The King of Cangwu was inherently tyrannical and brutal; there has never been a case as egregious in history. King Wu killed King Zhou and even hung his body on a yellow pole for display; everyone knows this. What's wrong with killing the King of Cangwu?"
During the Shengming period, the envoys of Northern Wei, Yin Lingdan and Gou Zhaoxian, were in Northern Wei and heard that the founding emperor of Qi had ascended the throne as emperor. Yin Lingdan said to the diplomats of Northern Wei, "The Song and Wei dynasties have always been friendly and shared weal and woe. Now that the Song dynasty has perished, why isn't Wei offering assistance? What's the point of being allies?" Later, Northern Wei attacked Yuzhou, and Yin Lingdan requested to serve as the Commander of Liu Chang, but his request was denied. Later, Che Senglang arrived in Northern Wei, and Northern Wei arranged for him to be under Yin Lingdan. Senglang rose to speak and said, "Yin Lingdan used to be an envoy of the Song dynasty, but now he is now a subject of the Qi state. I hope the Wei lord can treat him with respect." As a result, Yin Lingdan and Senglang quarreled, and Yin Lingdan even said to the people of Northern Wei, "An envoy who fails to show loyalty to his own country is truly disgraceful!" In order to bribe the officials of Northern Wei, Liu Chang covertly ordered Jie Fengjun to assassinate Senglang. Northern Wei swiftly apprehended Jie Fengjun and executed him, then arranged for Senglang to have an elaborate burial and allowed Yin Lingdan and others to accompany the coffin back home, also giving Senglang many rewards.
Later, Emperor Wu of Qi ascended the throne, and Gou Zhaoxian reported this matter to the court. Yin Lingdan was imprisoned and eventually died. Emperor Wu of Qi posthumously honored Senglang with the title of Cavalry Attendant.
In the first winter of the Yongming era, the emperor sent the valiant general Liu Zuan and the former general Zhang Mo as envoys to Northern Wei. In the second winter, Northern Wei sent envoy Li Daogu to return the visit. The emperor was at Xuanwu Lake, conducting military exercises with naval and infantry forces, and even took a special dragon boat to meet him. Since then, envoys from both countries have frequently visited each other, and the border has been peaceful.
In the third year, the court began to implement a new grassroots management system, stipulating that every five families constitute a neighborhood, five neighborhoods make a district, and five districts form a group, with each unit having an official in charge of management. In the fourth year, the process of household registration began, and the states and counties were reorganized. A total of thirty-eight states were established, including twenty-five states in the Henan region: Yongzhou, Liangzhou, Qinzhou, Shazhou, Jingzhou, Huazhou, Qizhou, Hezhou, Xihuazhou, Ningzhou, Shanzhou, Luozhou, Jingzhou, Yizhou, Beiyuzhou, Dongjingzhou, Nanyuzhou, Xiyanzhou, Dongyanzhou, Nanxuzhou, Dongxuzhou, Qingzhou, Qizhou, and Jizhou; and thirteen states in the Hebei region: Xiangzhou, Huaizhou, Fenzhou, Dongyongzhou, Sizhou, Dingzhou, Yingzhou, Shuozhou, Bingzhou, Jizhou, Youzhou, Pingzhou, and Sizhou. These states encompass the ten states from the Wei and Jin periods (Si, Yu, Qing, Yan, Ji, Bing, You, Qin, Yong, Liang), as well as the Huaibei region that was lost during the Song dynasty.
In the second year, a man named Huan Tiansheng rebelled on the border, and Northern Wei sent more than ten thousand cavalry and infantry to help him, fighting up to Biyang. They were ultimately defeated by our General Daisheng Jing and his troops. There was also a man named Hu Qiusheng who rebelled in Xuanhu, but he was also defeated by Northern Wei and fled. At the same time, the so-called generals of Northern Wei (Duke Dongdong) and Duke Pingnan attacked Wuyin, but were repelled by Wuyin's defending general, General Fuguo Yin Gongmin. In the sixth year, Northern Wei sent troops to support Huan Tiansheng and fought against our General Fuguo Cao Hu, which resulted in a significant defeat at Gecheng. By the seventh year, we dispatched envoys Xing Chan and Hou Lingshao to mend relations with Northern Wei. Prior to this, Liu Zuan had made two diplomatic trips to Northern Wei, and Empress Dowager Feng admired him and they became friends. Empress Dowager Feng was quite strategic and authored eighteen "Imperial Edicts," with the so-called Left Supervisor Li Sichong providing annotations. That year, Empress Dowager Feng passed away. In the eighth year, the emperor captured over two thousand individuals in the battle at Gecheng. It is said that after Tuoba Tao (Foli) ascended to power, he became somewhat erratic, blending the cultures of the Hu and Han peoples. Nevertheless, he was quite cultured, articulate, a skilled writer, and possessed considerable foresight. Once, he went to Hebei and visited the tomb of Bi Gan, where he penned a eulogy for Bi Gan, stating, "If it weren't for King Wu's overthrow of King Zhou, who would come to repair your tomb? Oh, you were such an upright person, why didn't you join me?" He also built Yuanqiu and Fangze in the year of Jisi and married three wives and nine concubines, leading a carefree and indulgent life. There's a dry river south of Pingcheng that flows from Dingxiang to the sea, fifty miles away from the city, locally known as Suogandu. The weather in that area is cold, with strong winds and sandstorms, even snowing in June, which is quite harsh. As a result, he contemplated relocating the capital to Luoyang.
After nine years, he sent Li Daogu and Jiang Shaoyou as envoys to the Southern Dynasties. Jiang Shaoyou was very clever and secretly observed the style of the Southern Dynasties' palaces and gathered information. Cui Yuanzu from Qinghe said to Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei, "Shaoyou is my nephew; he is a skilled designer. When the Song Dynasty was defeated by us, he even served as a master craftsman! Now letting him be a deputy envoy, he must want to secretly draw the palace blueprints. How can we allow someone from the remote frontier to spy on our royal palace? I think we should keep him here and wait for him to return to report back." Emperor Taiwu thought Cui Yuanzu made sense, but he didn't want to ruin relations with the Southern Dynasties, so he did not agree. Jiang Shaoyou hailed from Anle, and later, all the palace designs of Northern Wei were his ideas.
Initially, Tuoba Tao attacked Chang'an and killed nearly all the monks there. Later, during the Yuanjia period of the Southern Dynasties, they attacked Northern Wei and captured many monks, even caging them in iron cages. Later, Tuoba Tao fell seriously ill, likely out of guilt, so he started to believe in Buddhism and built many pagodas and temples. After Tuoba Hong's father, Hong Chan, ascended the throne, he donned yellow Daoist robes, wore plain clothes, observed fasting, chanted Buddhist sutras, and lived in a rock-cut temple for cultivation. In the third year of Taihe during Tuoba Hong's reign, a monk named Fashow conspired with Wang Aruguai and others to rebel. After the plot was exposed, Fashow was arrested and put in an iron cage, but he inexplicably freed himself. The conspirators then drilled a hole through his neck bone and chanted a spell: "If you are truly divine, let this stick not go through!" The stick still pierced through, and Fashow died three days later. Later, the pretender King Xianyang wanted to kill all the monks, but Empress Dowager Feng disagreed. Tuoba Hong was particularly devoted to Buddhism and had some understanding of Buddhist principles. He also built a pagoda in the palace.
It is said that Hong (referring to a high official) experienced the changes in Luoyang. This year, the emperor issued a decree to the Minister Shangshu Shishen, saying, "The functioning of the heavens and the earth, the growth of all things, all rely on the laws of the four seasons; the operation of the sun and moon also relies on the light of the five planets. Think about our Holy Empress Dowager; her wisdom is extraordinary, and her achievements are unparalleled. We must learn from her example and constantly improve ourselves. Unfortunately, she met with disaster due to certain transgressions and passed away, which is truly a tragedy! I plan to follow the late emperor's wishes and build the Mingtang. The design you created integrates all things of heaven and earth, surpasses ancient architecture, is perfect in reasoning, and has sufficient meaning. It can serve as a model for generations to come. You are truly a talent born for this time! The ministers have seen the design, and all think it is good and want to start construction quickly. Although I am inexperienced, I also want to hold a grand ceremony. Stop the construction of the palace city this year and focus on building the Mingtang with all your efforts, fulfilling the late emperor's wishes and realizing my own desires."
The emperor issued another decree, ordering the officials to discuss the establishment of laws together. He also ordered the cancellation of the exorcism ceremony before the twelfth month, holding it only once a year. He further decreed, "In the winter morning court greetings, there were no written rules before. Wearing casual clothes for court greetings is not a respectful gesture. If one wears winter court attire, it will only cause unnecessary trouble. Starting now, cancel the minor court greetings and only hold court greetings on the first day of the new year."
The emperor issued another decree, saying, "Noble titles are not to be usurped by ordinary people. The title of Count is an established rank among the five ranks. The descendants will retain their original noble titles, while other kings will be demoted to Marquis, Marquis to Count, Count to Viscount, and Viscount to Baron. The ranks for sons and males will remain the same. Although the names have changed, the ranks are the same as before. A Duke is the first rank, a Marquis is the second rank, a Count is the third rank, a Viscount is the fourth rank, and a Baron is the fifth rank."
Ten years ago, the court sent the Minister of Rites, Xiao Chen, and Fan Yun to Northern Wei as envoys. Xiao Daocheng held a grand ceremony in the western suburbs, the site of ancient sacrifices to the Temple of Heaven. He and the officials of the false court rode horses in military attire, circling around the Temple of Heaven. Xiao Daocheng circled once, while the officials circled seven times, referred to as "treading the altar." The next day, they wore military uniforms again and ascended the Temple of Heaven to perform sacrifices. Xiao Daocheng circled three times, while the officials still circled seven times, referred to as "circling the heavens." They also used ropes to weave a framework, covered with blue cloth, creating a circular canopy with a flat top that could seat around a hundred people, sometimes called a "hundred-son tent." They rested and ate underneath it. Afterwards, they went to worship temples and the Ministry of Works, all shown to the court envoys. Every time an envoy arrived, Xiao Daocheng personally received them and explained matters to them. He particularly valued capable officials from the south, often telling his subordinates, "There are many good officials in the south." Li Yuankai, an attendant of the false court, replied, "Although there are many good officials in the south, they change masters every year; although there are no good officials in the north, they can have one master for a hundred years." Xiao Daocheng was embarrassed by this remark, so he demoted Li Yuankai to the position of Chief of Yongzhou, but later recalled him after a while.
When Emperor Shizu first began to govern Baixia City, he said, "I want to use this city as a forward base for the army." Later, he built three thousand carts in the Stone City, intending to attack Pengcheng by land, making his ambitions clear. Eight years before this, the Northern Wei envoys Yan Youming and Liu Sixiu returned to their country and reported back. Li Sichong, the southern official of the rival dynasty, said, "The peace between the two countries is to protect the people. I've heard that the Southern Dynasty is building many ships and carts, planning to attack the Huai River and Sishui. We sincerely made peace; how can this be?" Yan Youming replied, "Our emperor has established a trustworthy image in the world and has never betrayed his subjects. Since we have already made peace, how can we play both sides? The notion of going to war is simply not credible. Moreover, even if the court were truly angry and sent troops to guard the border, they would not easily attack the Huai River." Li Sichong said, "Our country is strong and can easily occupy the area east of the Huai River. What's there to be afraid of? Being able to conquer the East Sea and Mount Tai hinges on keeping promises. Since we have already made peace, how can we not keep our word? In the past, Hua Yuan and Zifan, even during the war, could honestly inform each other of the situation. This spirit is worth emulating!" Yan Youming said, "You are not yet in a situation as desperate as Zifan, so let's not talk about such requests for reconciliation!"
Later, Hou Jing also wanted to invade Xuzhou and Yuzhou in the south, storing a large amount of fodder between the Huai River and the Si River. Eleven years later, Hou Jing sent messengers bearing battle reports and memorials, claiming he would march south to attack the court. Emperor Gao Yang mobilized the populace of Yangzhou and Xuzhou, vigorously recruiting soldiers. At the same time, the northern people (referring to those from the northwest) led by Yuchi Jing led a rebellion with several thousand followers at the Western Mountain north of Chang'an City. Yuchi Jing sent messengers to inform the Governor of Liangzhou, Yin Zhibo. Wang Du from Qinzhou also responded to Yuchi Jing's rebellion, capturing the pretender Liu Zao. The people of Qinzhou, Yongzhou, and seven other provinces joined the uprising one after another, with the rebel forces swelling to one hundred thousand, each holding onto their own cities and hoping for reinforcements from the court. Hou Jing sent his brother, the pretender Prince of Henan, Hou Gan, and the Secretary Lu Yangwu to attack the rebel forces in Qinzhou and Yongzhou, leading to a significant defeat for Hou Gan. Yuchi Jing met them in battle, fighting all the way to Zhuogu in the north of Xianyang, surrounding the pretender Minister of War, Prince Changluo Miao Laoseng. After a fierce battle, Yuchi Jing secured a decisive victory, and Miao Laoseng fled back to Chang'an. Yin Zhibo, the Governor of Liangzhou, also dispatched troops led by generals including Zhuxi Deren and Zhang Honglin to support Yuchi Jing and others, marching towards Chang'an. Wherever they went, the enemy forces were routed.
At this moment, Gao Yang had just died. Hou Jing heard that the situation in Guanzhong was critical, so he used Gao Yang's death as an excuse to withdraw his troops. In August of the seventeenth year of Taihe, the emperor sent an envoy, the Grand General of Annam, Xu Qing, to command the military affairs of the three regions of Qi, Nan, and Jing, as well as the General of Southern Zhong, the Governor of Xuzhou, the Chief of Staff of the Marquis of Guangling, and the Prefect of Huaiyang, Lu Shusheng, to deliver an edict to the Prefects of Qizhou and Yanzhou: "By order of the emperor, convey the edict: The imperial army is brimming with momentum, marching south, determined to clear the murky waters of the Yangtze River, aspiring to expand the vast territory. The original plan was to cross the Yellow River by the end of next month and advance to the Heluo region. After the return of the previous envoy Xing Luan and others, a detailed understanding of the enemy's situation was obtained, revealing their formidable strength. The 'Spring and Autumn Annals' states that when hearing of the enemy sovereign's death, one should cease hostilities. Therefore, orders have been given to the relevant departments to halt the advance of the army, allow the warhorses to rest, and store away weapons. We should follow the customs and regulations of the Zhou Dynasty, consolidate the Central Plains region, ensure the lasting prosperity of the imperial family, and pass down the flourishing era for generations. Upon the emperor's passing, the world mourns, yet with the court's new policies, peace prevails, and there is reason to celebrate. This notice is issued for your compliance." At the same time, people were sent to offer condolences for the national mourning. Later, Hou Jing sent the false generals Yang Dayan and Zhang Congming, along with others, to lead tens of thousands of troops against Yu Chijiong, resulting in the deaths of Yu Chijiong and other generals.
In the year 451 AD, the court sent the Minister of War, Liu Xiao, and the Cavalry Commander, Shen Hong, on a mission to the north. Shen Hong's courtesy name was Xuanlan. That summer, the Northern Wei General Lu Zhiqing surrendered to the Southern Song Dynasty and was appointed as the Military Governor of Luozhou, and held titles such as Colonel Who Pacifies the North, General Who Conquers the Enemy, and Governor of Luozhou. In that same year, Shen Hong moved to Luoyang and changed his surname to Yuan. There was a woman named Tuoba among the Xiongnu who married Li Ling. According to the customs of the Huns, they took the mother's surname as their own, which led these Xiongnu to claim descent from Li Ling. They were extremely sensitive about this being mentioned, and anyone who dared to say they were descendants of Li Ling would be killed. Only at this point did Shen Hong feel bold enough to change his surname.
Shen Hong learned that Emperor Gaozong of the Song Dynasty had come to power illegitimately, and he had just moved to Luoyang, so he sought to demonstrate his military strength. That winter, he personally led a large army to launch attacks on the provinces of Yuzhou, Xuzhou, Sizhou, and Liangzhou. He also sent the self-proclaimed Governor of Jingzhou, Xue Zhendu, and the Minister Xie Qia Po from Nanyang to attack Shayu, build fortifications, and dig trenches, but were defeated by the Governors of Nanyang, Fang Boyu, and Xinye, Liu Siji.
In the spring of 452 AD, Song Gaozong sent General Wang Guangzhi from Sizhou, General Shen Wenji from Yuzhou, and General Cui Huijing from Xuzhou to lead troops. Shen Hong personally led a large army to Shouyang. In his army, there was a black felt tent that could accommodate twenty people sitting. The guards around the carriage were dressed in Sanlang-style garments, with most of the spears decorated with white streamers, and groups of cavalry continuously connected in the front and back. The infantry carried black shields and spears, followed by troops carrying black toad banners. Ox carts, donkeys, and camels transported military supplies and courtesans, with a total force exceeding 30,000. They did not attack the city but directly ascended Bagong Mountain, after reciting a poem, before leaving. They then surrounded Zhongli City, where Governor Xiao Huixiu of Xuzhou and Assistant General Shen Xizu defended the city and launched a counterattack. Shen Hong's forces were defeated, with many casualties in the Huai River. Shen Hong then divided his troops to occupy Shaoyang Prefecture, erected barriers to obstruct the waterways, and built two cities. General Xiao Tanzhi sent troops led by Pei Shuye to attack these two cities and successfully captured both cities. Xiao Huixiu rallied additional forces and employed fire to destroy the enemy's siege engines. Exhausted and demoralized, the enemy ultimately failed to capture the cities.
After Wang Huan was killed, Zisu fled to the northern tribes. The court appointed Wang Hong as the General of the Southern Guard and the Inspector of Nanyuzhou. Wang Hong sent Zisu and Liu Chang to lead a purported army of two hundred thousand to besiege Yiyang City. The Inspector of Sizhou, Xiao Dan, resisted and defended the city, while the besieging forces built three layers of walls and moats, burned all the houses in the city, and launched a full-scale assault. The townspeople took up shields and defended the city walls. Wang Guangzhi led a relief force, and the enemy dispatched over thirty thousand troops to intercept Prince Xiao Jichang, leading to his defeat. Yiyang City called for help; Wang Guangzhi sent the army, taking a shortcut led by the King of Liang, who also served as the Minister of the Yellow Gate, to occupy Xianshou Mountain, surprising the enemy. Upon seeing the reinforcements arrive, Xiao Dan dispatched Chief Historian Wang Boyu and Military Master Cui Gongzu to launch an attack on the enemy camp, capitalizing on the wind to ignite a fire, while the reinforcements led by the King of Liang flanked from the outside. Liu Chang and Zisu were forced to abandon the siege and retreat, ultimately being defeated during the pursuit.
General Huan He of the Fu Guo set out from Xiyingping. The pretender to the title of Duke of Lu, Tan Chengshu, and the pretender to the title of Governor of the East China Sea, Jiang Dao Seng, laid an ambush along the road. Huan He engaged them in battle and achieved a decisive victory. Several hundred households in Qingzhou and Xuzhou surrendered to the imperial court. Wang Hongfan, the governor of Qingzhou and Jizhou, sent Army Commander Cui Yan to assault the enemy-held Jicheng and captured it. Wang Hong also sent the pretender to the title of Shangshu, Lu Yangwu, and the Huaizhou governor, Wei Lingzhi, to attack Zheyang City. The governor of Beixiang City, Cheng Gongqi, defended the city. The enemy besieged the city for over a hundred days, employing hook ladders and various siege equipment to launch relentless attacks day and night, resulting in thousands of casualties among Cheng Gongqi's forces. The imperial court dispatched Army Commanders Yuan Lisheng and Cai Daogui to provide reinforcements, compelling Lu Yangwu and his forces to withdraw. In the summer, the enemy launched an assault on the two garrisons at Licheng in Sizhou. The garrison commanders Wei Sengmin and Zhu Sengqi mounted a defense and successfully repelled the enemy.
Prince Wei Yuan led an army of over 100,000 troops from Xigu and attacked Nanzheng. The defender of Nanzheng, Xiao Yi, sent Jiang Shan'an and Zhao Chaozong with over 10,000 soldiers to defend at Jiaonu, Baima, and Jushui, which led to a significant defeat. Yuan Ying surrounded Nanzheng, employing earthworks and siege engines for relentless attacks day and night. Xiao Yi defended with over 2,000 soldiers, simultaneously fighting and dismantling the enemy's siege equipment. Yuan Ying attacked Nanzheng from spring to summer, failing to capture it for over 60 days and incurring severe casualties. The army exhausted its food supplies, resorting to grinding grains into flour and selling wild vegetables at exorbitant prices.
Previously, Xiao Yi had sent Han Song and others to enlist the help of the Liao people, but the troops were ambushed by Yuan Ying on their way back to support Nanzheng at Huangniu River. Xiao Yi then sent the Di people Yang Yuanshuo back to Chouchi to persuade the Di people to rise up and cut off Yuan Ying's supply line. The Di people answered the call and swiftly took six of Yuan Ying's strongholds, including Licheng, Lan, Luogu, Chouchi, Pingluo, and Sule. The fake Shangshu and the governor of Beiliangzhou, Xin Heimo, were also killed in battle. Yuan Ying sent Yang Lingzhen to guard Nigong Mountain but faced a major defeat at the hands of Yang Jilang, the brother of Yang Ji, and the returning Di people Yang Fu and the leader of the rebel army Xu Yaofu at Huanggen. Meanwhile, wealthy locals Fan Ning and Liang Jiqun in Nanzheng hosted a feast to lure Yuan Ying, planning to ambush him, but their scheme was uncovered, leading Yuan Ying to capture and kill Liang Jiqun, while Fan Ning escaped. Yuan Ying retreated to Zhuoshui upon learning that the Di army was gaining strength, and then retreated to Xiegu with Yang Lingzhen. Caught in a heavy rain, they were soaked and had to cook rice by chopping bamboo and holding torches while on horseback. When they reached Xiabian, Yang Lingzhen's brother Poluo Abzhen rebelled and attacked Yuan Ying, causing Yuan Ying's army to disperse, and he was shot in the cheek by an arrow. The phony general Lingjiang, Yue Yangsheng, fought valiantly to protect Yuan Ying with his iron cavalry, allowing him to escape danger. Eventually, the regions of Liangzhou and Hanzhong were brought under control. The Wudu Prefect Du Lingyuan, the Fendou General Wang Faji, the Ningshuo General Wang Fatai, and the Zhouchizhong Huang Fu Dan all died in the battle against the enemy. Later, the court posthumously promoted Lingyuan and Faji to Yulin Supervisors, and Fatai to Jishe General.
It is said that at the time, Jia Yi, who impersonated the Governor of Luozhou, attacked Jiaokou, but was defeated by the Governor of Shangluo, Li Jing. Three years later, the enemy attacked Li City in Sizhou, but was blocked by the defending commander Wei Sengmin and also failed. In autumn, the enemy sent troops to attack Liankou. Zheng Yanzhi, the Governor of Donghai, abandoned the West City and made a run for it, while the East City continued to resist. The court then sent Xu Xuanqing, the Champion General and Governor of Yanzhou, to rescue. When the enemy saw the situation was unfavorable, they withdrew. Zheng Yanzhi took the initiative to admit his wrongdoing for fleeing.
Furthermore, initially, the pretender Empress Feng had two daughters with her brother Feng Sha, the King of Changli. The elder daughter, Feng, was beautiful but not in good health, so she became a nun. The younger daughter later became the Empress and gave birth to the false Crown Prince Xun. After the elder daughter Feng recovered from her illness, the younger daughter brought her into the palace and appointed her as a concubine. When the capital was relocated, Crown Prince Xun was discontented and wanted to return to his hometown of Sanggan. The Empress made clothes and hats for him, but Xun tore the clothes, shaved his head, and donned left-lapel garments, looking like he wanted to rebel. At this time, the elder daughter Feng, who had regained favor, spoke ill of Crown Prince Xun to the Empress every day. One time, when the Empress ventured out of Ye City to ride and shoot arrows, Crown Prince Xun seized the opportunity to attempt an escape back to the north, secretly selecting three thousand good horses from the palace to hide at Heyin Zhu. When the Empress learned of this, she immediately arrested Crown Prince Xun and quickly informed the elder daughter Feng. The elder daughter Feng imprisoned Crown Prince Xun in Wuni City, which was located two miles north of Heqiao. Not long after, Crown Prince Xun was executed and buried in accordance with common customs. The elder daughter Feng was subsequently made Empress, and a new pretender Crown Prince Ke was installed. This year marked the 20th year of the Wei Dynasty.
The false General of the Northern Wei, Governor of Hengzhou, Duke of Julu, Fulu Guhelun, was stationed at Sangqian to guard the border. The Empress's uncle, Prince Anshou of Pingyang, was positioned at Huaizha, northwest of Sangqian. Fulu Guhelun, who disapproved of the Empress's reliance on Han officials, conspired with the false Governor of Dingzhou, Duke Fengyi, and Duke Tuo Ba of Anle to install Anshou as emperor and then carve up Hebei. They plotted for a long time but failed to succeed. Anshou, fearing for his life, informed the Empress about the conspiracy. Enraged, the Empress had Fulu Guhelun and his followers executed, but permitted Anshou to keep his position.
First of all, Xue Zhendu and Qi Qi, these two pretender officials, were both defeated by Fang Boyu, which made Helian Bobo very angry. He swore to take down this little place called Nanyang to seek revenge. After four years, he personally led his troops to Yongzhou. Helian Bobo arrived in Nanyang first, but Fang Boyu remained holed up in the city and refused to come out. Helian Bobo, leading tens of thousands of cavalry under yellow umbrellas, was just a mile from the city. He sent a man named Gongsun Yun to tell Fang Boyu: "I am now going to unify the country, unlike those before me. In the past, people would leave in winter and return in spring, not staying for long; but I swear, if I don't take down Nanyang, I won't return to the north, even if it takes three to five years. The city you are defending is the first step in my unification of the country and must be taken first. Optimistically, it will take a year, at most a hundred days, at least a month, to take it down. If you do not surrender, I will cut off your head and hang it at the camp gate for all to see! The whole city listens to you; if you surrender, everyone can be spared. But you have committed three major crimes, and I’ll lay them out for you now. You previously served the former emperor, working by his side, but didn't remain loyal to him. Instead, you came to join me, and that's your first crime. Two years ago, you defeated Xue Zhendu, and that's your second crime. The descendants of the former emperor were all killed, yet you didn't seek revenge; instead, you came to join me, going against the natural way of things, which is your third crime. I won't let you off the hook. Think carefully; don’t let the whole city pay the price for your actions!"
Fang Boyu sent his deputy Le Zhirou to respond, saying, "Since you want to attack us and are confident of winning, we, the small fry, can resist a powerful force like yours, which would be a noble death. I have received favor from the former emperor and served him loyally like a dog. How could I forget his kindness? However, the former emperor was incompetent and unreasonable, acting against reason. You are a wise ruler, inheriting the national cause, which has nothing to do with the rise and fall of the state. Therefore, surrendering to you would leave me with a clear conscience. Even if I don't surrender, my conscience remains clear. Two years ago, Xue Zhendu colluded with the border tribes in rebellion, and we defeated him. Since we have received the country's favor, we naturally must strive to maintain national stability. As for the charges you mentioned, all I can say is, I have a clear conscience." Helian Bobo stopped his troops in front of the city's southern temple and crossed the moat bridge from the southeast corner. Fang Boyu first sent out several warriors dressed in spotted clothes and wearing tiger-head hats, who suddenly rushed out from their ambush, startling Helian Bobo's army and resulting in several casualties. Helian Bobo called on the skilled archer Yuan Lingdu to take them out, and Yuan Lingdu shot down one with an arrow. Then Helian Bobo continued his attack. At that time, Helian Bobo launched a massive invasion to the south, with thirty-six armies led by the so-called King Yuan Ji of Xianyang, Pengcheng King Yuan Xie, Palace Attendant Wang Yuansong, Baozhang King Yuan Li, Guangling Marquis Yuan Xie, Grand General Liu Chang, Wang Su, Yang Dayan, Xi Kangsheng, Changsun Zhi, and others, attacking continuously with a total of a million troops. The royal armies beat red drums, the noble armies beat green drums, the baron armies beat black drums, and various instruments played, with the deafening sound of drums and horns echoing across the land.
Hong kept this young man, disguising himself as King Xianyang, surrounded Nanyang with his troops and even launched an attack on Xinye. The Prefect of Xinye, Liu Siji, tenaciously defended the city. Hong first dispatched General Hu Song to assist Prefect Cheng Gongqi of Beixiangcheng in defending Zheyang City, and then sent Bao Ju to help Prefect Huang Yao of Xirunan and Beiyiyang defend Wuyin City. What do you call this? Mobilizing troops and generals! Hong relentlessly assaulted Xinye City, with fighting never ceasing. He even sent someone to shout, "Fang Boyu has surrendered, why are you still holding on in Xinye? Do you want to get yourselves killed?" Siji replied, "The soldiers in the city are strong, and the supplies are plentiful; we have no time to waste on you little pests!" Cao Hu, the Inspector of Yongzhou, also brought his troops to Junkou but didn't dare to push forward.
In the first year of Yongtai, Xinye City fell and Liu Siji was captured. His captors asked him, "Do you want to surrender now?" Siji angrily replied, "I would rather be a ghost in the south than a subject in the north!" He died shortly after. Later, the court posthumously honored him as Champion General and Governor of Liangzhou, to honor him. This incident terrified the people in the northern Mian region. The defenders of Huyang Fortress, Cai Daofu, the lord of Zheyang, Cheng Gongqi, General Hu Song, the lord of Wuyin, Huang Yao, General Baoju, and the Prefect of Congyang, Xi Qian, all abandoned their cities and fled. The enemy's pursuers caught Huang Yao, and the ruthless Wang Su had Huang Yao's flesh cut into pieces and eaten! Afterwards, the court similarly posthumously honored Huang Yao as Champion General and Governor of Yanzhou. A few days later, Fang Boyu also surrendered. Fang Boyu was from Qinghe. After surrendering, the enemy wanted to appoint him as Dragon Cavalry General, but he declined the offer. Emperor Gaozong understood his intentions and provided his son Xizhe with five thousand coins and twenty hu of rice each month to support them. Later, Fang Boyu requested from the enemy to be appointed as the Prefect of a county in the south, becoming the Prefect of Fengyi. His son was still young, so he taught his son how to ride, always thinking of returning to the south. As the Yongyuan era drew to a close, his son Xizhe actually surrendered to the enemy. Upon hearing this, Fang Boyu was enraged and shouted, "Although I am weak and unable to sacrifice for the country, I still hope you stay in the court to repay the country's kindness! I secretly considered rebelling, how could you be so foolish!" With that, he died from his rage.
As for the Northern Wei, they occupied five counties north of the Mian Shui. At that time, Erzhu Rong personally led two hundred thousand cavalry troops, defeated Prince Tai and his general Cui Huijing, all the way to Dengcheng, then to Fancheng, made a circuit around the Mian Shui, and returned to Luoyang. Upon returning to Luoyang, he heard that General Chen Xianda was deploying military forces in those five counties and had surrounded the army in a large circle. Erzhu Rong immediately led his troops south, defeated Chen Xianda, who died in battle. Erzhu Rong returned to Luoyang with Chen Xianda's funeral, and before reaching Luoyang, he pretended to issue an edict, summoning the pretender Crown Prince Yuan Ke to Luoyang. After Yuan Ke arrived, Erzhu Rong dressed him in imitation mourning attire and began the funeral. After arriving in Luoyang, Erzhu Rong officially announced to all the states and counties that everyone should mourn for him, dress in mourning clothes, and posthumously confer upon him the title of Emperor Xiaowen.
That year, Wang Su was appointed as the official rank administrator by Northern Wei, responsible for the ranks of officials in accordance with the Central Plains system. There were a total of nine ranks, each divided into upper and lower levels. When Wang Su first joined Northern Wei, he voluntarily told Erzhu Rong about his family being killed, which brought Erzhu Rong to tears. Erzhu Rong then married his sixth sister, the pretender Princess of Pengcheng, to Wang Su, granted him the title of Duke of Pingyuan, constructed a house for him, even decorating the walls with fragrant spices. From then on, Wang Su gained Erzhu Rong's trust. After Yuan Ke succeeded to the throne, he changed the era name to Jingming in the second year of Yongyuan.
The Governor of Yuzhou, Pei Shuye, surrendered to Northern Wei with Shouchun. Before this, the pretender Governor of Dongxu, Shen Ling, also surrendered with his own army. Shen Ling, originally from Wuxing, had defected to Northern Wei out of disappointment, but ended up thriving there. After the death of Erzhu Rong, he returned south, and the court appointed him multiple times as the Governor of Xuzhou and Yuezhou. At that time, Wang Su was the pretender General of the Southern Expedition and the Governor of Yuzhou in Northern Wei. Just after losing such an important city, the people fled, and rumors circulated that Wang Su intended to return to the court. The Emperor issued a decree appointing Wang Su as Commissioner, Attendant, Governor of Yuxu, Right General, and Governor of Yuzhou, granting him the title of Duke of Xifeng with a fief of 2,000 households.
After Northern Wei occupied Huainan, in the summer of that year, they sent the pretender Champion General and Governor of Southern Yuzhou, Xi Fayou, to attack the Prefects of Beixincai and Anfeng, Hu Jinglue, in Jian'an City. This battle lasted over a hundred days and resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of soldiers. The court failed to send any reinforcements, and the city eventually fell, with Hu Jinglue being captured by Northern Wei. In winter, Northern Wei sent General Huan Daofu to attack the Prefect of Suijun, Cui Shizhao, and he was also defeated.
It is said that King Fu Xi of Xianyang felt that Fu Ke was young, so he gathered with Di tribe leaders Yang Shi, Yang Lingyou, Qifu Maju, and several Xianbei generals such as Zhi Hu, Li Boshang, and about ten others to meet at Hongchi Pond. As a result, Fu Ke took the opportunity while Fu Xi was hunting in Beimang to take out Fu Xi. Fu Xi hesitated for a moment and thought about waiting for another day. Qifu Maju advised him, "Your Highness, if you’re not going to Beimang, just march back to Luoyang and shut the city gates. The Emperor will probably head to the north bank of the Sanggan River, and also cut off all the bridges over the Yellow River. Then you will become the Emperor of Henan, ruling the realm from across the river. This is a rare opportunity!" But Fu Xi still didn't listen to him.
Yang Lingyou felt that Fu Xi might turn against him, so he hurried to tell Fu Ke. Fu Xi realized that the matter had been exposed and wanted to quickly cross the Yellow River to escape, but it was dark and raining, which made him lose his way. By the time he reached Xiaoyi Relay Station, Fu Ke had already seized control of Luoyang. Fu Ke sent his brother, the Prince of Guangping, with several hundred cavalry to enter the palace first, check that everything was in order before coming back. Then Fu Ke sent his Third Guard to hunt down Fu Xi, and finally caught him and executed him right there. According to Xianbei customs, rebels can’t be buried, so they left Fu Xi’s body in Beimang. Meanwhile, Wang Su also passed away from illness.
The historical records show that after the split between the Qi State and the northern nomadic tribes, the state established in the Jiangnan region has lasted for three generations. The land of Huaxia was fragmented; the old capital was shattered, and seizing opportunities and preventing conflict, the Eastern Jin Dynasty rose. Leveraging the influence of their uncle, Emperor Jin Yuan (Sima Rui), Yu Liang and Yu Yi believed they could seize military control, but Yu Liang was defeated and killed in battle at Zhucheng, and Yu Yi withdrew his troops after arriving in Xiangyang. Chu Pou led the elite troops of Xuzhou and Yanzhou, but they were completely defeated in the region of Zoulu. Yin Hao led the army of Yangzhou and Yuzhou, also suffering a significant defeat at Shansang. Huan Wen demonstrated exceptional talent and strategic acumen from a young age, and with the momentum of pacifying the Shu region, he marched to Xianyang Pass, engaging in battles with enemy forces in Luoyang and Ye City.
However, the Xianbei tribe relied on the formidable natural defenses of the sea, while the Qiang tribe and the northern nomadic tribes occupied the Qin and Dai regions, establishing rival states, with a precarious situation and equal strength. Emperor Wu of Song seized the opportunity to defeat them one by one, eventually eliminating them. When the Northern Wei unified the north, the Henan region was lost, and the military strength and territory were no longer what they once were. Although Emperor Wen of Song had the assistance of wise ministers, he could not accurately assess the enemy situation, resulting in repeated defeats and heavy losses in battle. During the Taishi period, due to the betrayal of border generals, the Huaibei region fell, forcing the court to seek peace through marriage alliances. Just as Emperor Taizu of Song had established his dynasty and had not yet had the opportunity to launch campaigns, war erupted with an invasion from the north, encroaching on the border regions. The Huai River and Yuzhou regions achieved victories, while the forces in Qingzhou and Haizhou faced defeats, and the Song army easily secured multiple victories by allowing the enemy to exhaust themselves.
Since the fall of the four states, the people have been yearning for their homeland. The new dynasty has just been established, and the people are praising the court's grace, taking up arms and courageously fighting the enemy, strengthening fortifications, and hoping for the arrival of the southern army. The emperor is familiar with border warfare, reorganizing military discipline and formulating strategies, as if victory is within reach for the frontline soldiers, and soon they will be able to pacify Linhuai and Pengcheng. However, the generals are slow to advance, reinforcements are slow to arrive, and the militia responded en masse, with every household participating in the war. Due to lost opportunities, the court's northern expedition plan was put on hold, the war was stopped, and recuperation began, awaiting future development. During the Yongming period, the court strengthened border defenses according to the established strategy, the border passes were secure, and the border people lived and worked in peace, no longer having any greedy ambitions. The people engaged in agricultural production, with no unemployment, all thanks to the proper policies of the court.
The thickets indicate the dangers of war; once the enemy invades, the resulting trauma is difficult to recover from. Is this not clear evidence? In the early years of Jianwu, the northern nomadic tribes invaded the south, and the key towns of Yuzhou and Xuzhou defended their cities, stored troops, and dared not engage the enemy head-on. The nomadic cavalry trampled the land of the Huai River and fertile fields, often found themselves fighting on their own territory. The enemy attacked cities, plundered wealth, and since the dynasty was founded, such a dire situation has never occurred. In addition, with the migration of northern nomadic tribes to the Central Plains, they imitated the ceremonial practices of the former capital. In the northern areas of Yongzhou and Sizhou, near Xuchang and Luoyang, there were hundreds of miles of flat roads, with postal stations and roads connecting in all directions. The Han Dynasty's main thoroughfare, Chidao, leads directly to Zhangling, with carriages and horses coming and going, departing in the morning and returning in the evening.
Northern nomadic tribes, despite their relatively weak strength, implemented a strategy of vast land, possessed a powerful army, and personally led their forces south to invade. The war dragged on for years, with fighting never ceasing. The court's strategy was weak and submissive; no one could resist, so the fortifications in Nanyang were breached, the walls of Xinye fell, and the fields cultivated by the people became the enemy's pastures. Although the court dispatched soldiers and generals, all set out from Huainan, the danger north of the Mian River had not been eliminated, and they were already defeated in Guoyang. Tax collection was almost exhausted, the people were displaced, and every household was filled with complaints, as life became unbearable. The opportunity for recovery was truly a matter of fate; the signs of success or failure depended on human affairs. Was it not because the generals blamed each other, coveted glory, failed to rescue one another at critical moments, and issued unclear commands? These were the long-standing weaknesses of the Chinese army.
It is said that the old heavens allowed the fierce Hu people to occupy the imperial throne and attempt to dominate the world! He feigned to appease the people of the Central Plains, calling himself a lonely man, but in reality, the common people were unable to make a living. Everywhere there were sudden illnesses and fires; towns were burned, killed, and looted.
"It is said: Heaven supports the fierce Hu, stealing the imperial image. Immediately pacifying the Xia, establishing the title of lonely. The people are in urgent illness, and the cities are burned and plundered." This praise poem means that the Hu people usurped the throne, ambitious, pretending to appease the people on the surface, but actually harming them through burning, killing, and looting—truly a horrific tragedy!
