The Rui Rui are a minority ethnic group from beyond the Great Wall; they wear their hair in braids and their clothing overlaps left over right. During the Jin Dynasty, when Shi Le, a prominent figure, entered the territory within the Great Wall, the Rui Rui people migrated in search of grass and water, occupying the lands previously occupied by the Xiongnu and even conquering the Western Regions. Their homeland experiences early cold weather, and they live in round felt tents. They carve wood for record-keeping but are illiterate. They have many horses, fat cattle and sheep, a large population, and have long been at odds with the Wei Kingdom.
During the Song Dynasty, the Rui Rui had a prime minister named Xi Liyin, who was knowledgeable in astronomy, astrology, and fortune-telling, and was fluent in both Hu and Chinese. He often said that a person with the surname Qi would rise to power in the south. In the second year of Shengming, the regent dispatched General Wang Honggui of the cavalry to establish contact with the Rui Rui and agreed to attack the Wei Kingdom together. In August of the first year of Jianyuan, the Rui Rui king led three hundred thousand cavalry southward, coming within seven hundred li of Pingcheng, and the Wei Kingdom's army did not dare to engage in battle. After hunting at the foot of Yanran Mountain, the Rui Rui king returned. The emperor had just taken the throne and was too busy to dispatch troops. In the following years, the Rui Rui king repeatedly sent envoys to offer gifts such as sable fur, and wrote letters to the emperor expressing a desire to join forces against the Wei Kingdom, addressing the emperor as "Your Majesty" while referring to himself as "I." They also presented trousers and pleated skirts made of lion skin, with fur that resembled tiger skin but was white and very short. At that time, a Hu merchant from the Shu region saw them and claimed that it was not lion skin at all, but rather the skin of an animal known as Fuba.
Prime Minister Xing Jiqi Luo reported back, stating:
Speaking of the world, everything is the result of the interplay of yin and yang, cycling through changes. This law has been the same since ancient times. In the past, the Jin Dynasty was on the brink of collapse, but thanks to King Huan of Chu seizing power, Emperor Wu of Song came to the rescue and restored peace to the realm. However, by the ninth generation of the Song Dynasty, there was no heir. Now disasters are descending from the heavens, and the Song Dynasty is in turmoil. Although I am in a remote place, I have some knowledge of astronomy and geography. Based on historical records and celestial phenomena, there have been significant changes in the stars in recent years. The Fang and Xin constellations have shown unusual signs, while Xu and Wei have also changed. All these signs indicate that the Song Dynasty is going to perish and the Qi Dynasty is going to rise. It is now a period of decline in water and the rise of the Wood element. Next year will be the Year of the Earth Rat. According to the records of Liu Muzhi, there is an uninhabitable area on Mount Yanling. The prophecy of Jing Fang states: "On the 16th day of the Metal Rabbit, the grass will wither and respond to the king." Looking at these historical records and celestial omens, they all point to the Xiao clan replacing the Song Dynasty and establishing the Qi Dynasty.
Furthermore, I have heard that envoys from the Qi Kingdom have visited here, inspecting the virtues of the Xiao clan, further proving that the Xiao clan is heaven's chosen. The Xiao clan is able to inherit the throne, consolidate political power, support inept rulers, overcome difficulties, establish merits in the capital, and intimidate overseas. His accomplishments rival those of King Tang and King Wu. Thus he ascended to the throne and ultimately met a favorable end. Moreover, there is no eternal dynasty in the imperial family; only those with virtue can prosper. The time has come; only those with talent can succeed. Your Majesty, now is a good time to take on the great cause, following the alignment of heaven, earth, and humanity. The time has come; you should have claimed the throne long ago. The people in distant lands are eagerly awaiting your leadership! If you do not raise an army now, you would be defying the will of heaven and the people's wishes, and disappointing the expectations of the people.
The Xiao clan inherited the throne, originating from the dual forces of yin and yang, expanded their territory, pacified the people, and maintained vast lands for hundreds of years, all of which was predestined by heaven. Although Wu and Han are far from the Central Plains, their relationship is as close as lips and teeth, preparing to conquer the Central Plains and carrying out divine retribution. It is now time to organize the troops and wait for the right moment, brandishing their frost-like spears in Bingzhou and Daizhou, beating war drums in Qinzhou and Zhaozhou, defeating the enemy and rooting out the treacherous. Then, the emperor will relocate the capital and restore the Central Plains, ensuring lasting friendly relations, emulating the prosperous scenes of the Qi and Lu countries. Let the world be at peace, the people live in peace and contentment, the barren land flourish once more; wouldn't that be wonderful?
In the year 483 AD, Wang Honggui returned to the capital after a journey of over 30,000 li! Wang Honggui was from Linzi, Qi County, deeply trusted by Emperor Taizu. He served as the governor of Qingzhou and Jizhou during the Jianwu period, but returned in disgrace after losing a battle against northern ethnic minorities due to illegal land occupation.
Rui Rui Wang (referring to the Khan of the Rouran) requested doctors and some items from the court, and Emperor Wendi replied: "I understand you need doctors, weavers, compasses, and sundials, but these are not items I am particularly inclined to provide. The methods of treating illnesses in the south are different from those in the north; most weavers are women, and the journey is long and not suitable for such long-distance travel. While there may be compasses and sundials, the craftsmen who could make them are long gone; giving them to you would be futile."
King Rui Rui has been living in his old territory among the Xiongnu for ten years. However, the Dingling people came from the south and reclaimed King Rui Rui's original territory. King Rui Rui was forced to migrate south. The Emperor of the Wei Kingdom, Tuoba Hong, felt that King Rui Rui was too close to him, so he sent the so-called King Pingyuan, Hunchun, who drove the deer, along with General Yang Yan, to lead hundreds of thousands of cavalry against King Rui Rui. It happened to be a heavy snowstorm, and many soldiers and horses perished from freezing and starvation. Prior to this, Liu Quan, the Governor of Yizhou, sent Jiang Jingxuan to convey the court's authority to the Dingling. Passing through Shanshan and Yutian, it turned out that Shanshan had already been attacked by the Dingling, causing the people to scatter. The people of Yutian were particularly devoted to Buddhism. The Dingling even claimed to be the sovereign, warmly hosting Jiang Jingxuan before sending him back. King Rui Rui had always traveled the route through Henan to Yizhou.
Henan was the territory of the Xiongnu people. During the Jianwu period of the Han Dynasty, many Xiongnu captives escaped to the area around Liangzhou and mingled with the local population, totaling several thousand. At that time, these Xiongnu captives were called "zilu." Tuyuhun, the half-brother of Murong Hui, the Xianbei ruler, became the king of the Di people. His territory stretched thousands of miles across the northwest of Yizhou. The southern boundary was Longhe City, located over a thousand miles from Chengdu. Tuyuhun's forces were stationed at four locations—Qingshuichuan, Chishui, Jiaoriver, and Tuquzhengchuan—all commanded by his sons and soldiers. The palace of King Tuyuhun was located in Mujia Chuan. They mainly relied on grazing for a living, migrating with water and grass, with no cities to speak of. Eventually, they began to construct some palaces and houses, but the common folk continued to live in felt tents. The region was cold and windy year-round, with sand swirling everywhere across the flat terrain, leaving no trace behind. In fertile areas, sparrows and mice coexisted, and yellow and purple flowers bloomed; in barren areas, miasma hung thick, causing suffocation upon inhalation, and causing animals to become exhausted and unable to walk from exhaustion. The Tuyuhun clan was enfeoffed from the early Song Dynasty to the late Song Dynasty, with Tuyuhun Shiyin holding several military titles in Henan, including Commissioner-in-Chief, Imperial Secretariat, and Commander of the Western Qin, He, and Sha, Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, Supervisor of the Qiang, and Inspector of Western Qin and He.
In the first year of the Jianyuan era, Emperor Taizu appointed Shi Yin as the Grand General of the Valiant Cavalry. During the Song Dynasty, General Wang Shiwu was sent on a diplomatic mission to Henan. In that year, Wang Shiwu accompanied Shi Yin to the capital to present tribute. The Emperor replied: "The Emperor respectfully inquires about you, the Imperial Commissioner, Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary of the Scattered Cavalry, Commander of Military Affairs in the Three Provinces of Xi, Qin, and Sha, Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, Supervisor of the Palace, Chief Commandant of the Qiang Guards, Governor of the Two Provinces of Xi, Qin, and He, newly appointed Grand General of the Valiant Cavalry, and King of Henan: I received your memorial and was deeply moved. You have made significant contributions to the nation, and I hold you in high regard. After Wang Shiwu arrived, I received your memorial of the 21st day of the fifth month of the fifth year of Yuanhui. The midsummer weather is hot and humid, and I hope you are well. Your outstanding achievements in defending the borders are well recognized. I hereby decree to elevate your title in recognition of your loyalty. Wang Shiwu will bring the decree to formally confer your new official position. I have also instructed Wang Shiwu and others to go to Rui Rui. Please arrange their journey to ensure they arrive safely. I have received the horses and other items you presented. I will send you a separate list of your specific rewards, including silk fabrics in colors like brocade, crimson, green, yellow, and blue, with ten pieces of each."
Yiduhou has been fascinated by astronomy since he was a child, always dreaming of having an astronomy book to read. However, he kept asking the court for one, but they never obliged. Later, three years after Yiduhou's death, the court appointed Tuyuhun Yiduhou, the Prince of Henan, as the Commissioner and Commander of Military Affairs in the three provinces of West Qin—He and Sha—General Who Pacifies the West, Chief Warden of the Qiang, Inspector of the Two Provinces of West Qin, and Prince of Henan. These were no small titles. In the third year of Yongming, the Emperor decreed, "Yiduhou served in the western frontier, pacifying the border residents, and achieved remarkable results. I’m really pleased! He is promoted to Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry!" He then sent Qiu Guanxian, an attendant, to Henan Province, along with Rui Rui as an envoy. Qiu Guanxian didn't return until the sixth year of Yongming, bringing back a jade piece measuring three feet two inches long and one foot one inch thick.
After the death of Duke Yidu, eight years later, his son Xiuliumao succeeded him, serving as the commander-in-chief, inspector of military affairs for the three provinces of Xi, Qin, and Sha, general of the Western Frontier, commander of the Qiang Guards, and governor of the provinces of Xi and Qin. The court also sent General Zhenwu Qiu Guanxian to appoint him and offer condolences. When Qiu Guanxian arrived in Henan, Xiuliumao insisted that Qiu Guanxian pay his respects first, but Qiu Guanxian refused to kneel. Xiuliumao felt that he had lost face for their country, so he pushed Qiu Guanxian off a cliff, resulting in his fatal fall into a deep valley. This Qiu Guanxian, styled Daoxuan, was a native of Wuxing and the sixth great-grandson of Minister of Personnel Jie of the Jin Dynasty. When the emperor initially sent Qiu Guanxian, he specifically sought the advice of Minister Wang Jian, who replied, "This person is absolutely competent." That's why the emperor sent him a second time. After Qiu Guanxian's death, the emperor reassured his son Qiu Xiong, saying, "Your father was sent on a mission to Henan, loyal to his duties, and did not disgrace his mission until death. I admire him greatly. Although he died on the border and his body cannot be retrieved, this will not hinder your future career; in fact, it may even help you." He then rewarded Qiu Xiong with 100,000 coins and 30 pieces of cloth.
The Yang clan of the Di tribe, like the Fu Di tribe, are both from Lueyang. During the Han Dynasty, they lived in Qiuchi, also known as Baiqing. During the Jian'an period, there was a Di king of Baiqing. In the Jin Dynasty, a Yang Mao Yuyao emerged, and they gradually became more powerful. For more details, you can refer to previous historical records. Qiuchi is surrounded by steep cliffs on all sides, naturally forming walls and watchtowers, several zhang in height. There are twenty-two paths to climb up, with a main gate on the east and west, a winding mountain road seven li long, and hills, springs, and streams on the mountain. The Di people built palaces, orchards, and warehouses on the flat land at the mountaintop, regardless of wealth; their houses were made of wooden boards and earthen walls. The area they inhabited was known as Luogu.
In the year 442 AD, General Pei Fangming of Long Xiang went to fight against the Di tribe and captured Chouchi. Later, they were defeated by the Wei army and lost their territory. The king of the Di tribe, Yang Nandang's cousin Yang Wende, gathered troops in Qalu and was given a title by the Emperor of the Song Dynasty. After Wende's death, his brothers Yang Sengsi and Yang Wenqing inherited his position. Nandang's younger brother Yang Guangxiang had previously defected to the enemy. During the Yuanhui era, the enemy attacked and killed Wenqing, and appointed Guangxiang as the Lord of Yinping and the ruler of Qalu. Wenqing's brother Yang Wenhong became the Governor of Baishui, stationed in Wuxing. The court also appointed him as the Deputy General of the State, the Inspector of Beiqin Prefecture, the Prince of Wudu, and the Duke of Chouchi.
After the founding emperor ascended the throne, he wanted to pacify people of different ethnicities. In the first year of Jianyuan, the emperor decreed: "In the past, those remote small countries who came to pay tribute, their good reputation is recorded in history books. Different ethnic groups who submit to the court, their names are also passed down in history. The traitor Yang Guangxiang, the Lord of Qalu and the Duke of Yinping County, had grievances with his relatives and caused turmoil. During the Song Dynasty, he surrendered to the enemy with his territory. When Qalu was lost, Huayang was once alarmed. We sent envoys to go first, to spread the emperor's prestige. Guangxiang and his people recalled the loyalty of their ancestors, admired the benevolence of our new dynasty, and humbly requested to submit, restoring a thousand miles of land. The various ethnic groups such as the Di and Qiang tribes all submitted together. We should promptly accept and properly pacify them. Guangxiang, who has found his way back, should be considered for promotion. His subordinates and commanders should also be rewarded based on their contributions." He was then appointed as the Supervisor of Military Affairs in Shazhou, the Pacification Colonel of the Qiang, and the Inspector of Shazhou. He was soon promoted to the General of Pacifying the Barbarians.
The Governor of Liangzhou, Fan Bainian, was killed. His general, Li Wunu, fearing betrayal, sought refuge with Wen Hong. Wunu led over a thousand fugitives to attack Liangzhou, but was defeated by Governor Wang Xuanmiao and fled back to the Di region. The Governor of Jingzhou, Prince Yuzhang, sent troops to deal with Li Wunu and ordered that anyone who could kill Wunu and bring his head would be rewarded with his own county, as well as Wunu's lands, houses, and properties. Prince Yuzhang also wrote a letter to Yang Guangxiang saying: "The rise and fall of the world, the principles of success and failure have always been the same. Whether smart or foolish, everyone can see it clearly. Fan Bainian, the Governor of Liangzhou, has been indecisive and should have been dealt with a long time ago. Now that Fan Bainian has been captured and Li Wunu defeated multiple times, the remaining soldiers will soon collapse on their own. I am sending General Wang Daobao, Colonel Ren Shizhi, and Governor Wang Anhui of Dangqu to lead three thousand elite soldiers, to advance as swift as the wind and as fierce as lightning. I have also ordered General Ming Huizhao, Governor Lu Xiulie, Governor Liu Hongcheng, and Governor Fu Yan of Yizhou to select their best soldiers and hurry to provide support. The troops from Yongzhou are gathering in Weixing, and with the support of the expatriates and veteran troops from Shandong, they will converge in Nanzheng. Some will travel by boat down the river, others will ride horses swiftly, attacking from all sides, with a momentum like a knife through bamboo."
Yang Wenhong harbors rebels, turning into a hotbed of rebellion, not only defying the court's authority but also oppressing the royal family. You, Jun Yishi Zhizhong, loyal and devoted, who understands righteousness, I believe you will definitely rise up immediately, join the army, and eliminate Li Wunu together with a coordinated pincer attack from within and outside, make a name for yourself, and demonstrate your loyalty. Look at Shen Youzhi, who built up his strength over ten years, had tens of thousands of troops, but the city collapsed as soon as he marched out, and the army fell apart before the battle even started. The court spent little, and the people hardly suffered at all. Let alone someone like Li Wunu, a minor player, who is as easy to deal with as cutting bamboo; it won't take much time to eliminate them.
While my abilities may be limited, I carry the heavy burden of pacifying the borders and quelling the rebellion. The armory in this mansion is piled high, the battle flags are numerous, the soldiers are brave and battle-hardened, already poised to strike; there's no need to call up more troops to handle the rebellion! Just like pulling weeds without breaking a sweat, or swatting mosquitoes and flies without needing a lot of help. The Emperor is wise and martial, with blessings spread far and wide; this time, only the ringleaders will face punishment; others won’t be questioned. Details on rewards and punishments will be outlined separately.
Bao Bu set out from Weixing, leading his troops upstream along the Dian River, where they eventually met at Jinshou. In light of Wen Hong's rebellion, the court appointed Guang Xiang as the Commissioner and Governor of Western Qin. Guang Xiang's son, originally the General of the Northern Garrison, has now been promoted to General of Conquering Barbarians and Prefect of Wudu. At the same time, the court also appointed Yang Houqi, Wen Hong's cousin, as Commissioner, General of Ning Shuo, Supervisor of Pingqiang, Governor of North Qin, and King of Wudu, to guard Wuxing.
Three years later, Wen Hong surrendered, and the court appointed him General of the West and Inspector of Beiqinzhou. Before this, Guang Xiang had passed away, and half of his Di tribe followers went with Wen Hong, while the other half sought refuge with Cui Huijing, the Inspector of Liangzhou. Wen Hong dispatched his kinsman Yang Houqi to take control of Baishui. Baishui is located upstream of Jinshou, bordering Fuling to the west, near the road to Yizhou to the east, and adjacent to Yinpinqiaolu to the north, making it a key strategic location. Yang Gong, the Prefect of Jinshou, submitted a memorial to the court, proposing suitable military strategies. The court replied, "Wen Hong's crimes are unforgivable, but the current situation calls for appeasement, so consider offering him some leniency. If you manage to capture Baishui, we will reward you handsomely!"
After the Emperor Shizu ascended to the throne, he promoted Yang Houqi's official position to General Champion. In the first year of Yongming, he appointed General Yang Jiong as the Governor of Shazhou and the Prince of Yinping, with his military position unchanged. In the second year of Yongming, court officials praised Yang Houqi for his dedication and loyalty in managing border affairs. Therefore, the court once again promoted him to General of the Expeditionary Forces. In the fourth year of Yongming, Yang Houqi passed away, and the court issued a decree saying: "Yang Houqi suddenly passed away, and we are deeply saddened. The peace of the border requires careful arrangements, and a successor must be chosen with caution. Yang Jishi is calm, capable, and loyal, and will surely stabilize the border and educate the people. We hereby appoint him as General of the Expeditionary Forces, Governor of Northern Qinzhou, Commander of Pingqiang, and Prince of Wudu." Yang Houqi's brother, Yang Houming, was appointed as Dragon Cavalry General and Prefect of Baishui; Yang Jilang's brother, Yang Jilang, was appointed as General of Ning Shuo. In the fifth year of Yongming, someone reported that Yang Jishi governed the border with great skill and was loved by the people, so his mother should also be rewarded accordingly. Therefore, the court appointed Yang Jishi's mother, Lady Jiang, as Grand Matriarch and bestowed her with a silver seal. In the ninth year of Yongming, court officials again reported that Yang Jiong had been diligent and loyal in his duties on the western border, and his contributions should be acknowledged with a promotion. Therefore, the court promoted him to General of the Vanguard.
Ten years ago, Ji Shi led a motley crew of Di and Shu people to stir up trouble here in Hanchuan. Yin Zhibo, the Governor of Liangzhou, sent General Ning Shuo, along with Huan Lunu, Liang Jiqun, Song Wei, and Wang Shilong, leading over a thousand troops to resist, but they were defeated and forced to retreat to Baima City. The enemy, numbering over ten thousand, set fire to the city, but Lunu held the line and fought back. Yin Zhibo then sent Yin Zhongchang with several thousand cavalry and infantry to provide assistance. When they arrived at Qianxi Bridge, just a few miles east of Baima City, Ji Shi and his men launched a desperate assault, but the officials and soldiers mounted a united counterattack, resulting in the scattering of eighteen camps and the deaths, injuries, and captures of several thousand. Ji Shi fled into enemy territory.
In the first year of Longchang, the court appointed Yang Jiong as the Commissioner and Commander of Sha Prefecture, General of Pacification in the West, and Inspector of Sha Prefecture, giving him a significant official position. Ji Shi fled to Wuxing and surrendered the city to the enemy. This led to the Di people, under Fu Yousun's leadership, rising in rebellion and attacking Wuxing.
In the second year of Jianwu, the Di tribe launched an attack on Hanzhong again. The governor of Liangzhou, Xiao Yi, sent a disciple of the former Di tribe king Yang Houqi, named Yuan Xiu, to recruit volunteers. Many Di people responded to him and cut off the enemy's supply lines. The enemy also sent a pretender governor of Nanliangzhou, Chouchi Gong Yang Lingzhen, to resist on Nigong Mountain. Later, Yuan Xiu fell ill and died, and Fu Yousun took over his army. Emperor Gaozu issued a decree stating, "Chouchi Gong Yang Yuan Xiu, a descendant of the Di tribe king, was loyal and brave, maintaining a sincere heart in the face of fierce enemies, upholding the authority of the court, winning over defectors, and people within thousands of miles responded to him and submitted to the court. His contributions are remarkable and merit recognition. Unfortunately, he has passed away, and I am deeply saddened. The court should reward those who sacrifice for the country, as is the ancient tradition. He should be posthumously promoted to a higher honor to inspire generations to come. Posthumously confer Yang Yuan Xiu the title of Chouchi Gong and send the decree back to his hometown."
It is said that Yang Fuzhi led his brothers to camp at the Jushui Pass, north of Baima City, preparing to make a significant impact. At first, he sent his brother Yang Jilang to lead the troops to Huanggen to meet the army of the states, resulting in a crushing defeat. Yang Fuzhi himself fled to Xiabian, while Yang Fuzhi defended his position at Wuxing. The enemy forces later retreated. Yang Fuzhi left his brother Yang Changzhi to guard Wuxing, while he himself occupied Chouchi. The court issued a decree stating, "Di King Yang Fuzhi, loyal and righteous for generations, led his subordinates to achieve merit on the border, defeating treacherous foes. He not only abided by the laws of the court but also pacified the border wilderness; loyal and sincere, I highly commend him! He is specially appointed as the General of the North Qin and Yongzhou, the General Supporting the State, the Pacification General of the Qiang, the Governor of North Qinzhou, and conferred the title of Chouchi Gong!"
Yang Jiong, the governor of Shazhou, was appointed as General of Anxi. Three years later, Yang Jiong passed away, and his son Yang Chongzu succeeded him, being appointed as General with Special Authority, Supervisor of Shazhou Military Affairs, General Who Subdues the Enemy, Colonel for Qiang Pacification, Governor of Shazhou, and Prince of Yinping.
Four years later, Yang Lingzhen, who disguised himself as the governor of Nanliangzhou, surrendered to the court with his two brothers Poluo and Abuzhen, leading an army of over thirty thousand. They also sent their mother and sons Shuangjian and Api as hostages to Nanzheng. Governor of Liangzhou Yin Guangzong sent the Middle Army Colonel Wang Sikao to rescue them, but was captured, and Poluo and Abuzhen died in battle. Yang Lingzhen attacked Yang Jishi in Wuxing, killing Yang Jishi's two brothers Yang Jitong and Yang Jizhong. Left with no options, Yang Jishi surrendered. The court appointed Yang Lingzhen as Commissioner with Special Authority, Supervisor of Longyou Military Affairs, General Who Subdues the Enemy, Governor of North Liangzhou, Duke of Qiuchi, and King of Wudu. In the second year of Yongyuan, the court reappointed Yang Jishi as Commissioner, Supervisor of Qin and Yong Provinces Military Affairs, Supporter General, Colonel for Qiang Pacification, and Governor of North Qinzhou. Later, Yang Lingzhen was killed by enemy forces.
Since the enemy captured Qiuchi, the area has frequently changed hands between the court and enemy forces. Later, the Song Dynasty established Qiuchi as a county, using the title of the Di ethnic group to name it.
The people of Dangchang are all Qiang people. They each have their own leaders and communities, living between the Qianshui River and Longshan Mountains. After the fall of the Southern Song Dynasty, Dangchang King Liang Miji was appointed to various official roles, including Commissioner, Supervisor of Helian Provinces, General of the Western Pacification, Colonel for Qiang Pacification, Governor of Helian Provinces, and Duke of Longxi. In the first year of Jianyuan, Emperor Taizu promoted him to General of the Western Pacification. Another Qiang leader, General Who Subdues the Enemy and Governor of Xiliangzhou, Qiang King Xiang Shupeng, was also promoted to Commissioner and General of the Western Pacification. Later, these two revolted but eventually surrendered again.
In the first year of Yongming, the court reinstated Liang Miji and Xiang Shupeng to their former official positions and specifically commended them for their contributions to stabilizing the western border. The original decree reads: "Former envoys with full powers, commander of military affairs in the He and Liang provinces, General of the West, Eastern Qiang Colonel, Governor of the He and Liang provinces, Duke of Longxi, King of Dangchang, Liang Miji, former envoys with full powers, Pacifier of the North, Governor of the West Liang Province, Qiang King Xiang Shupeng, who diligently guarded the west and pacified the border, can restore their previous titles." At the same time, the court also promoted the Qiang King Liu Luoyang to the position of Assistant General of the State. Sadly, Liang Miji later passed away.
Three years later, the court issued another decree stating: "King Dangchang Liang Miji faithfully surrendered to the court, made contributions to stabilizing the western border, and should be promoted to a higher official title in recognition of his contributions as a protector of the frontier. Therefore, he is appointed as an envoy with full powers, commander of military affairs in the He and Liang provinces, General of the West, Eastern Qiang Colonel, Governor of the He and Liang provinces, Duke of Longxi, King of Dangchang." The original decree reads: "The conduct of King Dangchang Liang Miji, loyal and submissive, with outstanding merits in the west, should be given a title and command, to strengthen the frontier defense. Can be an envoy with full powers, commander of military affairs in the He and Liang provinces, General of the West, Eastern Qiang Colonel, Governor of the He and Liang provinces, Duke of Longxi, King of Dangchang." Unfortunately, Liang Miji passed away not long after.
Six years later, the court once again appointed Liang Micheng as the Commissioner of Military Affairs, Supervisor of Military Affairs of He and Liang Provinces, General of Anxi, Colonel of Dongqiang, Governor of He and Liang Provinces, and King of Dangchang. Liang Micheng later requested the court to provide him with some military texts and assorted literature. The court replied, "We know that you need nine kinds of military texts, but these are not our specialty. There are many kinds of military texts, and gathering them is quite challenging. The technical texts in the palace are not suitable for long-distance transport. The books in the secret pavilion are typically not available for lending. However, we are granting you a copy of the 'Collection of Commentaries on the Five Classics' and 'The Analects' as a special reward." The people of Dangchang place great importance on tiger skins, using them for burial, and tiger skins are also a commodity in the area. Historical records indicate that the Di and Hu tribes were quite powerful, seizing opportunities to rise continuously. The Qin and Zhao states were destroyed successively due to their mutual conflicts, and other minority ethnic groups were also restless, occupying the western border and extending all the way to the northern border. The Di people resided in remote, desolate areas like Youzhou, separated from the Central Plains by countless mountains and rivers. The Di people and the Yang tribe were close to the Central Plains and minority ethnic areas, with their populations living in close proximity. They frequently encroached upon the Hanshui and Yangtze River basins, gradually approaching the Langshan and Hushan mountains. They have consistently kept a close watch on the border, probing the majesty and strength of the court. The Liangzhou region often experiences unrest, which has become a significant concern for the court.
Later, some remaining descendants of the Qiang ethnic group seized the opportunity presented by the country's prosperity, occupied the area west of Longshan and east of the Yellow River, built a road to the south, established their own country, calling themselves a tributary state, and accepted the court's appointment. When the Jin Dynasty declined and the court fell, they wanted to eliminate the remaining minority ethnic groups to take revenge for past conflicts. The court supplied them with weapons and enlisted them in the army. Later dynasties followed this practice, seeking to expand their reputation and consolidate their influence, pacify the border areas, and appease distant regions. They first established their reputation and then sought practical benefits. This fostered trade and established a tradition of convenient border commerce. Goods such as feathers and leather did not pose a threat to our country. As for the nine tribes, this is likely the case.
Praise: Rui Rui and the minority ethnic groups of Henan are all descendants of the Hu people. They declared themselves kings and emperors, seized power and ruled autonomously. The remnants of the Di and Qiang ethnic groups are scattered in the Hetao and Longshan areas. They alternately submitted to the court and rebelled, displaying fickleness, ultimately being integrated into the court.
