Emperor Xuanwu of the era of Shizong, named Yuan Ke, was the second son of Emperor Xiaowen, known for his prudent reign. His mother was Lady Gao, who reportedly dreamed that she was being chased by the sun and took refuge under her bed. The sun transformed into a dragon, circling around her several times. Upon waking, she was startled and frightened, and later became pregnant. In the seventh year of the Taihe era, in the extra fourth month, he was born in the Pingcheng Palace. In the first month of the twenty-first year, on the jiawu day, he was named crown prince.
In the fourth month of the twenty-third year, on the dingsi day, he ascended the throne in Luyang, where he granted amnesty throughout the realm. This emperor was known for his cautious and low-key demeanor, delegating political affairs to his ministers. In the fifth month, on the bingzi day, the Goryeo Kingdom sent envoys to pay tribute to the emperor. In the sixth month, on the yimao day, the emperor sent ministers to various regions to assess the people's suffering and evaluate the performance of local officials, promoting worthy officials while demoting or punishing the unworthy. The emperor rewarded those with talent and virtue. On the wuchen day, the emperor posthumously honored his grandmother with the title of Empress Wenzhao. In the eighth month, on the wushen day, in accordance with the late emperor's edict, the concubines of the founding emperor's three wives returned home. On the guichou day, all palace officials received a promotion. On the guihai day, Shen Lingnan, the governor of Southern Xuzhou, rebelled.
In the tenth month, on the xinyi day, King Deng Zhiguo came to pay his respects to the emperor. On the bingxu day, the emperor visited Changling to honor his ancestors. On the dingyou day, the emperor visited the Grand Ancestral Temple to perform ancestral rites. In the eleventh month, an elderly commoner named Wang Huiding from Youzhou rallied a group to rebel, claiming to be the "Mingfa Emperor." The governor Li Su captured and killed him. That year, many places suffered from floods, resulting in widespread famine among the people, so the emperor ordered the granaries to be opened to provide relief to the disaster victims. The Goryeo Kingdom once again sent envoys to pay tribute.
In the first month of the Jingming era, on the day of Renyin, the emperor went to Changling to pay respects to his ancestors. On the day of Yisi, a great amnesty was declared throughout the land, and the era name was altered. On Dingwei, Pei Shuye, the governor of Yuzhou under Xiao Baojuan, led the surrender of Shouchun, while Prince Xie of Pengcheng led an army of 100,000 to support him. On Wuxu day in February, Prince Xie of Pengcheng was reappointed as Situ. Hu Song and Li Jushi, subordinates of Xiao Baojuan, commanded over 10,000 troops stationed at Wancheng, while Chen Bozhi's navy advanced upstream on the Huai River, preparing to attack Shouchun.
On Bingshen day in April, Prince Xiao Xie of Pengcheng and General Wang Su inflicted a crushing defeat on the enemy, beheading tens of thousands. Alas, on the same day, Xiao Dan, the emperor's brother, passed away. On the first day of May, because of a severe drought in the northern territories, the court sent Yang Bo, also a palace attendant, to inspect and provide relief to the disaster victims. On Bingszi day in June, Situ Prince Xiao Xie of Pengcheng was elevated to Grand General; General Wang Su was also promoted and granted the title of Minister of State.
On Guiwei day in June, Tian Yuqiu, the leader of the Dayang Miao, brought his people to submit to the court. In July, Xiao Baojuan sent Chen Bozhi to attack Huainan. On Gengzi day, the Tuyuhun Kingdom sent envoys to pay their respects. On Yiyou day in August, Prince Xiao Xie of Pengcheng defeated Chen Bozhi at Feikou. On Yiwai day, the Goryeo Kingdom also sent envoys to pay their respects. On Yichou day in September, Governor Tian Yizong of Dongyuzhou overcame Xiao Baojuan's generals, Wu Ziyang and Deng Yuanqi, at Changfeng. Alas, just as things were settling down, the common folk of Qizhou, under the leadership of Liu Shiming, revolted once more.
On the first day of October in the Dingmao year, the emperor went to Changling to pay respects to his ancestors. On Gengyin, the armies from Qizhou and Yanzhou launched an attack on Liu Shiming, successfully subduing him. On Dinghai, King Xiao Xie of Pengcheng was appointed Minister of Works and also oversaw the Ministry of Rites. On Jiawu, the court commanded the deployment of forty thousand troops to Shouchun. On the fifth day of November, Huan Dao, the Governor of Jingzhou, launched an attack against Xiao Baojuan's forces at Zeshushu, breaking through Zeshushu, leading to the surrender of over two thousand households. On Dingsi, King Xiao Yi of Yangping died. In that year, seventeen provinces faced famine, and the court sent many envoys to open granaries and provide relief to the disaster victims. That winter, the islander Xiao Yan mustered troops to march east and confront his lord Xiao Baojuan.
On the first day of the second month of a certain year, known as Bing Shen, the emperor went to Changling to pay respects to his ancestors at their graves. A few days later, on Gengxu, the emperor finally took the reins of government! Following the late emperor's decree, King Xiao Xie of Pengcheng, formerly Minister of Works, returned home to enjoy his retirement. King Xi of Xianyang was promoted to Grand Guardian, and King Xiang of Beihai was also promoted to General and took on responsibilities in the Ministry of Rites. On Dingsi, the emperor met with officials in the Hall of Supreme Harmony and announced the news of his assumption of power. On Xinyou, the kingdom of Goryeo sent envoys to offer tribute. On Renxu, King Xi of Xianyang was appointed as Grand Commandant, and King Yu of Guangling became Minister of Works. The emperor also issued a decree stating that he had carried the imperial burden since childhood, always worried and anxious, and many matters had not been personally attended to, resulting in a decline in social ethics. Now that he was beginning to take over the reins of government, he aimed to revitalize the administration and promote virtue across the nation, thus dispatching special envoys to investigate and establish clear rewards and punishments.
On the 9th day of the second month, the officials responsible for the palace guard were all promoted. On the 10th day of the first month, the emperor ordered a general amnesty. On the 1st day of the third month, the emperor issued another edict, stating that, due to ongoing wars in recent years and the resulting suffering of the people, measures must be taken to relieve the burden on the people. All taxes and labor duties that added to the people's burdens were to be waived. On the 10th day of the sixth month, the emperor issued another edict criticizing the neglect of the people's suffering by provincial governors, inefficient work leading to a backlog of issues, and widespread complaints from the people. Therefore, strict rules and regulations were to be established to urge local officials to work diligently and avoid procrastination or neglect of their duties. On the 10th day of the ninth month, the emperor issued a decree to streamline institutions, enhance work efficiency, and reduce redundant staff and waste in both provincial governments and capital departments. The provinces of Qingzhou, Qizhou, Xuzhou, and Yanzhou suffered from famine, resulting in the deaths of many people. This month, Xiao Yan appointed his younger brother, Prince Baorong of Nankang, as the Crown Prince, changed the reign title to Zhongxing, and then went to Jianye.
On the 29th day of the fifth month, Prince Guangling, Yu, passed away. On the 10th day of the ninth month, Prince Xianyang, Xi, unexpectedly staged a rebellion and was executed. On the 10th day of the sixth month, the emperor began evaluating the provincial governors and determining their rewards or punishments accordingly.
On an early July day, the Rouran people invaded the border again. Two days later, the provincial governor of Dongyu, Tian Yizong, defeated Huang Tiangi, the general of Xiao Baojuan, at Chiting. A few days later, the court issued a general amnesty. Subsequently, Wang Su, the General of Chariots and Cavalry and Tri-Simultaneous Governor, passed away. In early September, the court mobilized fifty thousand people from the capital region to construct the capital city, planning to build three hundred twenty-three districts, but work was suspended after forty days. Later, Yu was appointed as Empress. A few days later, the military households in Shou Chun were all reclassified as residents of Yangzhou.
In early October, the Tuyuhun Kingdom sent envoys to pay tribute. A few days later, Xiao Baojuan, the garrison commander of Lingling, surrendered with his subordinates. One day in November, the court appointed Mu Liang, the General of Chariots and Cavalry, as the Minister of Works. The next day, Xiang, the Grand General and Prince of Beihai, was appointed as Grand Tutor and concurrently Minister of Works. A few days later, the court decided to rebuild the Circular Altar north of the Yi River. A few days after that, sacrificial ceremonies continued there. In December, Goryeo also sent envoys to pay tribute. In that month, Zhang Qi, a close aide to Xiao Baojuan, killed Xiao Baojuan and then surrendered to Xiao Yan, who then captured Jianye.
One day in February of the following spring, the emperor decreed, "Since last winter, there has been a continuous drought, and the common people are unable to farm. I feel deeply remorseful. I order all provinces to bury the bodies of those who died in the wilderness." In March, the Luyang tribes revolted. Xiao Baojuan's brother, Prince Jian'an, also surrendered.
In April, the court ordered General Li Chong to suppress the rebellion of the tribes in Luyang. In that month, Xiao Yan deposed Xiao Baorong, Xiao Baojuan's son, and proclaimed himself emperor, establishing the Liang Dynasty. On a certain day in the intercalary month, Minister of Works Mu Liang passed away. In May, the commander of the garrison at Xiaoxian in Yangzhou, General Dang Fazong, attacked Xiao Yan's Daixian garrison, defeated Xiao Yan, and captured General Zhu Pusa, escorting him to the capital.
On the day of Guixu in July, the country of Yutian sent envoys to pay tribute. The emperor ordered that civil officials who participated in the expedition, achieved merit, and held high positions be promoted by two ranks; those in lesser roles be promoted by one rank.
In the eighth month, on Gui-Mao day, Xiao Baorong, then the General of the South and Governor of Jiangzhou, sent envoys to request surrender. On Yi-Mao day, Pi, who had previously served as Grand Tutor and Duke of Pingyang, was appointed as one of the Three Elders. In the ninth month, on Ding-Si day, the emperor's entourage traveled to Ye City. On Ding-Mao day, the emperor ordered envoys to pay respects at the grave of Yin Bigan once more. On Wu-Yin day, a military parade took place south of Ye City. On Geng-Chen day, Yang Shaoxian, the heir of Wu Xingguo, also sent envoys to pay tribute.
It is said that in the tenth month of the Geng-Zi year, the emperor personally shot arrows, and the arrows flew impressively far, reaching a distance of one li and fifty steps! The ministers inscribed a stele at the place where the shooting took place to commemorate this event. It was not until Jia-Chen day that the emperor returned to the palace.
On Ji-Mao day in November, the emperor issued a decree that stated: "The military camps in the capital have been neglected for over a decade. The late emperor established a new dynasty in the old capital after enduring hardships and clearing obstacles, resulting in the magnificent palaces we see today, marked by outstanding achievements and grand scale. Now that the temples and altars have been built, and the palaces have been constructed very splendidly, we should hold a ceremony to relocate the capital in mid-next month to honor the late emperor. We must adhere to the sacrificial rituals of King Xuan of Zhou and emulate the grand ceremonies of Emperor Gaozu of Han, ensuring that everything is handled according to the records in the classics, to fulfill the expectations of our subjects."
In December of the year of Wuzi, the Emperor issued another decree: "The common people depend on agriculture, while the nation relies on silk and textiles. Grain and silk are the cornerstones of the nation's existence. When the capital was first established, both agriculture and sericulture were neglected. Now, according to the wishes of the late Emperor, these matters should be properly taken care of. The construction of the imperial palace has been completed, and the capital will soon be moved. The spring suburban sacrificial ceremonies are also approaching. Therefore, a thousand mu of land should be set aside to construct the palace altar. We will personally cultivate the land to encourage the people nationwide." On Renyin day, the Emperor hosted a banquet for his courtiers at Taiji Hall and rewarded them with cloth to celebrate the completion of the new palace. On the day of Jiachen, General Zhang Xiao, who had been defeated by Xiao Yan in Yangzhou, and killed two thousand enemy troops. That year, many countries, including Shule, Jibin, Polonaru, Wuchang, Ayutthaya, Lopa, Bulun, Tu Balo, Fupo Nvti, Silo, Dashe, Fukui Xi Na Tai, Lopan, Wujia, Xiwangjin, Zhu Jupan, He Pantuo, Bojin, Yanwei, Zhuli Luo, Nantianzhu, and Chishanas, sent envoys to pay tribute. However, a severe famine struck Hezhou, resulting in the deaths of over two thousand people. In the first month of the fourth year of his reign, the Emperor personally led the ministers to cultivate the thousand mu of land. Yang Hui, the leader of the Di tribe in Liangzhou, rebelled. The Emperor ordered Yang Chun and General Yang Zhi, who were overseeing affairs in Liangzhou, to suppress him. In the third month, the Empress conducted a silkworm ceremony in the northern suburbs. On the day of Gengchen, the Yangzhou army once again defeated Xiao Yan's forces, killing several thousand, including his general Wu Daoshuang, in Yinshan.
In the year AD, on the first day of April, it was a Guiwei day. The emperor issued an edict appointing Xiao Baojin as the General of the East and the Governor of Eastern Yangzhou, granting him the Duke of Danyang and Prince of Qi titles, instantly elevating his official rank and noble status. A few days later, on the day of Gengyin, the Nantan Kingdom sent the Buddha's tooth as a tribute. On the day of Wuxu, the emperor declared: "Cruel officials run rampant, causing untold suffering; this has been a major issue throughout history. Filial women endure unjust punishments, resulting in drought and devastation in the Eastern Sea area. It hasn't rained in ten days; could this be a result of wrongful convictions? I command the Minister of Personnel to thoroughly investigate the prisoners in the capital; we must get to the bottom of this!" On the day of Jihai, due to the drought, the emperor cut back on meals and canceled the palace decorations to show frugality. On the day of Xinchou, heaven finally granted mercy, and a timely rain fell, alleviating the drought. On the day of Jiaxu in May, Yang Chun and Yang Zhi scored a decisive victory against the rebellious Di tribe, killing thousands of enemy troops. On the first day of June, a Renwu day, the emperor bestowed the title of Prince of Runan upon his brother Yue. On the day of Bingxu, the emperor mobilized twenty thousand troops and one thousand warhorses from the six states of Jizhou, Dingzhou, Yingzhou, Xiangzhou, and Bingzhou to reinforce Shouchun.
In the blink of an eye, autumn arrived. On the 2nd day of the 7th lunar month, one of the three elders of the court, Duke Pi of Pingyang, passed away. On the 5th day of the 7th lunar month, the emperor ordered all the income from the salt pool to be handed over to the national treasury. On the 6th day of the 7th lunar month, the emperor appointed Prince Pengcheng Xie as the Grand Preceptor. On the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, the emperor appointed the Minister of Officialdom Yuan Ying as the Acting General of the South, to attack Yiyang occupied by Xiao Yan. At the same time, the Wujiguo presented finely crafted arrows as tribute. On the 9th day of the 8th lunar month, the emperor retreated to the palace in Henan City for a few days. In winter, on the 29th day of the 11th lunar month, the Yangzhou army achieved a decisive victory over Xiao Yan's forces, killing Pan Dianlian, the Inspector of Xuzhou, and capturing Sima Mingsu alive. On the 15th day of the 12th lunar month, the emperor appointed the Crown Prince of Wuxingguo, Yang Shaoxian, as the King of Wuxingguo. On the 28th day of the 12th lunar month, the emperor ordered the Minister of the Left Shu Yuen to comfort the people of Daizhou and Beizhen, and to provide timely assistance. On the 2nd day of the 1st lunar month, General Li Chong of Zhen Nan defeated Xiao Yan's general Wu Ziyang in Baisha, killing over a thousand people. On the 7th day of the 1st lunar month, the emperor ordered General Li Chong of Zhen Nan to quell the rebellious tribes in Dongjing. On the 24th day of the 2nd lunar month, the emperor issued an edict stating, "Most rules and regulations set by previous dynasties are reasonable. However, with the passage of time and changes in personnel, some things have become outdated. Some rules and regulations have been arbitrarily added or reduced, leading to laxity; some have adhered to old ways, contrary to the current situation; some divisions of power are confused, with overlapping responsibilities and mutual blame. Let the various departments list the difficult problems they encounter and report them to the imperial court as soon as possible." On the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, Xiao Yan's Liangzhou Inspector, Marquis Zhai Yuan of Pingyang County, and Xu Zhou Inspector, Marquis Chen Huya of Yongchang County, surrendered to the imperial court.
In the year 504 AD (the first year of the Zhengshi era), in the first month, on the day of Gengxu (specific date), Chen Bozhi, the governor of Jiangzhou, overcame Xiao Yan's general Zhao Zuyue at Dongguan. On the day of Bingchen (specific date), Yang Dayan, the governor of East Jingzhou, scored a decisive victory against the chief Fan Jianan and others. On the day of Bingshen (specific date), the court proclaimed a general amnesty and changed the era name.
In the second month, on the day of Wuzi (specific date), Xiao Yan's general Jiang Qingzhen launched a surprise assault on the outskirts of Shouchun but was driven back by the local forces. On the day of Dingyou (specific date), Liu Sizu, the commander in Yangzhou, scored a significant victory against Xiao Yan's forces at Shaoyang, capturing ten generals, among them Zhang Huishao, the champion general of Xiao Yan's forces and the founding marquis of Shaoyang, and Zhao Jingyue, the cavalry general and founding noble of Qiyang, and killed thousands of troops. In the third month, on the day of Renshen (specific date), General Yuan Ying defeated Xiao Yan's general Wang Sengbing at Fancheng.
In April, on the Xinmao day (specific date), an envoy from the Goryeo Kingdom came to pay their respects. On the first day of May, on the Dingwei day (specific date), the Grand Tutor and the Prince of Beihai were stripped of their titles and reduced to commoners for their crimes. In June, due to drought, the court cut back on music performances and meals. On the Guisi day (specific date), the Emperor issued a decree saying: "I have not lived up to my responsibilities; I've made many mistakes in governance and punishment. The continuous drought has lasted for more than ten days, and the outskirts of the capital have withered. I take full responsibility for this, and it weighs on me day and night. Relevant departments should: treat unfairly imprisoned individuals fairly; punish negligent officials appropriately; provide relief to the poor; reduce heavy taxes; honor virtuous individuals; and dismiss greedy and cruel officials promptly; help those who cannot unite due to various reasons." On the Jiawu day (specific date), the Emperor personally visited the ancestral temple to make offerings in response to the drought. On the Wuxu day (specific date), the Emperor ordered the construction of temples for Zhou Dan, Boyi, and Shuqi on Shouyang Mountain. On the Gengzi day (specific date), the Emperor, due to the drought, summoned lower-ranking officials to reflect on their actions and accept responsibility. At the same time, he pardoned the prisoners detained in the capital, commuted the sentences of non-capital offenders by one level, and pardoned those sentenced to flogging. In the autumn of a certain year, on the Guichou day in July, General Chai Qingzong, the chief defender of Jiaocheng, surrendered the city to us. On the same day, General Li Chong delivered a crushing defeat to the barbarian leader, Fan Suan.
On the 8th of August, General Yuan Ying defeated Ma Xianpin, a general of Xiao Yan, in Yiyang. The court ordered that officials in Luoyang could report directly to the emperor about any major events they encountered. On the 2nd of September, General Yuan Ying attacked Yiyang, seized the city, and took prisoner over ten generals, including Xiao Yan's champion general, Cai Ling'en. On the 16th of September, General Yuan Ying achieved another victory over Xiao Yan's army and eliminated the enemy forces at the three passes. On the 4th of October, the court bestowed the title of King of Zhongshan upon Yuan Ying. On the 5th of October, Song Wan of the Western Qiang led four thousand households to submit to the court. On the 9th of September, the court ordered all towns and military camps north and south of the Huai River to swiftly sow autumn wheat and plant rice and millet in the spring, making full use of both water and land resources to ensure no land goes to waste and soldiers remain active. The court also ordered a halt to corvée labor in every state, prohibiting arbitrary conscription of the populace. On the 1st of November, the court appointed Xiao Yan's champion general and the governor of Sizhou, Cai Ling'en, and others captured by King Zhongshan Yuan Ying based on their abilities. On the 2nd of November, the governors of Huozhou and Yizhou, both under Xiao Yan, Tian Daolong and Zhang Zongzhi, sent envoys to pledge their allegiance to the court. The Rouran tribe launched an invasion at the border, and the court commanded Left Supervisor Yuan Huai to lead troops to confront them.
On a winter day in the tenth month of the Yiwei year, the court ordered all officials to stop wearing white clothes and switched to a conscription system for recruiting soldiers. On the eleventh day of the month of Wuwu, the emperor decreed, "Wise ancient kings valued the construction of schools when founding a nation, passing down rule, pacifying the people, and establishing education, all in order to ensure that morality flows throughout the world and education reaches all corners. Since our royal family moved to Luoyang, although national affairs have been busy, there has been no time to build schools, which makes me feel quite ashamed. Now, I decree that relevant departments follow the old practices from the Han and Wei dynasties and build national schools." On the Bingzi day of the twelfth month, the court allocated the Duke of Yuanmu's lands to the people moving to the Dai region. On the day of Jimao, the court ordered the ministers to discuss the establishment of laws and regulations. On the day of Jihai, the emperor visited Yique for an inspection. On the first day of the leap month of Guimao, Xiahou Dao, who was working in Liangzhou, took control of Hanzhong and surrendered, and the court appointed Minister Xing Luan as the General of the West, leading troops to Hanzhong. On the day of Yichou, the General of Chariots and Cavalry, King Yong of Gaoyang, was appointed as the Minister of Works, and the Prefect, King Jia of Guangyang, was promoted to the title of the Three Excellencies. In the spring of a certain year, on the day of Bingzi in the first month, which corresponds to a specific day in the lunar calendar, we enthroned Liang Mibo, the Crown Prince of Dangchang, as the King of Dangchang. The envoy from Dengzhiguo also came to pay tribute, showing our country's high prestige. In the second month, the Di people in Liangzhou revolted, cutting off the transport route from Hanzhong to Chang’an. Fortunately, our governor Xing Luan achieved multiple victories against the Di rebels, securing this vital transport route.
On April 4th, King Luan of Chengyang passed away. On the same day, the Emperor issued an edict stating, "Employing capable individuals and implementing good governance have been universal principles since ancient times; promoting education and assisting in governance requires many talented people. However, the officials responsible for selecting candidates prioritize family background, and the Ministry of Personnel still does not prioritize truly talented individuals. As a result, very few capable and virtuous individuals are promoted, leaving many official positions unfilled. If we don’t take talent selection seriously, how will we evaluate officials' performance in the future? Ministers, I urge you to study the talent selection methods of previous dynasties to see how we can select wise individuals, ensuring that those with talent and knowledge are given opportunities, and those with qualifications and prestige can also obtain their rightful positions."
On April 10th, following the rebellion of the Qiu Chi Di tribe, the Emperor appointed Yang Chun, the Grand Minister of Ceremonies, as the Acting General for Pacifying the West, leading troops to suppress them. Xing Luan also dispatched General Wang Zu to launch an attack from the west, repeatedly defeating Xiao Yan's forces and ultimately stormed Jian Ge, capturing Xiao Yan's general, Fan Shi Nan, alive and escorting him to the capital.
On May 6th, the bandit leader Hu of the Di tribe (the character here is missing and cannot be translated) surrendered along with his followers. On the sixth day of the sixth month, the Emperor issued an edict stating, "Some meritorious officials from the previous dynasty have been demoted and punished, which has led to their descendants facing unsuccessful careers; others have held positions but later made no progress and were neglected. How can we expect to motivate everyone like this? While I acknowledge their merits, there is a distinction in closeness. Therefore, for both the royal family and commoners, those whose ancestors had merits but are not currently in office, or those who have held positions but have outstanding talent and are worthy of promotion, will be granted official positions based on their abilities."
The next day, Xiao Yan's champion generals, including Li Tian and others, set up camp on the eastern side of Shiping County, north of the Fu River. Wang Zu led the army to counterattack, achieving a complete victory, killing Xiao Yan's champion general Zhang Tang, assistant general Ma Shi, general Li Dang, Jiang Jianzu, assistant general Feng Wenhao, and general He Yingzhi, among others. A few days later, the emperor issued a decree appointing Shangshu Li Chong, Grand Treasurer Yu Zhong, Cavalier Attendant You Zhao, and Remonstrant Official Deng Xian as special envoys. Li Chong and Yu Zhong also served as attendants, while Deng Xian also served as a Yellow Gate Attendant. They were jointly responsible for investigating the misconduct of officials in the outer provinces and the capital region. Those found guilty of serious crimes could be executed immediately; important officials in the provinces and towns had to be reported to the court. Next, Xiao Yan's champion general Wang Jingyin, alongside assistant general Lu Fangda and others, attacked Zhuting. Wang Zu defeated the enemy forces again, killing their assistant general Wang Mingda and general Zhang Fangchi. Later, Governor of Yangzhou Xue Zhendu defeated Xiao Yan's general Wang Chaozong, capturing and executing over three thousand people. Xiao Yan's general Lu Fangda was stationed in Xincheng, and Wang Zu dispatched General Lu Zuqian and his forces to defeat him, killing Xiao Yan's champion general Yang Boren and general Ren Anding.
In the autumn of a certain year, on the seventh day of the seventh month, the emperor issued a decree saying: "It has been seven years since I ascended the throne, but my benevolence has not yet been fully demonstrated, and my vision has not been able to reach far; the grievances and sufferings of the common people persist everywhere; local judicial work has not yet reached the grassroots, the wise and foolish have not been differentiated, and the lines between right and wrong are blurred. This is not an effective way to change the people's customs or inspire them towards virtue or vice. Now, I have dispatched special envoys to conduct inspections of various places, and wherever crimes correspond to rumors, immediate punishment will be imposed to demonstrate the authority of the court and to show my determination to rectify the governance of officials. Taking this opportunity, I will investigate local customs and circumstances, understand the merits and faults of officials, reward virtuous individuals, punish the wicked, and alleviate the suffering of the people in order to realize my aspirations."
On the fifteenth of the same month, Wang Zu decisively defeated Xiao Yan's army, killing Xiao Yan's Dragon Cavalry General Yu Zenghui, General Ning Shuo Ku Baoshou, General Fu Guo Lu Tianhui, and General Jian Wu Wang Wenbiao. Wang Zu approached Foucheng. On the nineteenth, Xiao Yan's governor of Baxi, Yu Yu, Champion General, and Commander Li Tian, among others, came to resist but were ultimately defeated by Wang Zu, leading to the capture and execution of more than a thousand individuals. On the ninth day of August, the emperor issued a decree ordering King Ying of Zhongshan to lead the army south to attack Xiangyang and Mianyang. On the seventeenth, Wang Zu dispatched commanders Ji Hongya and Lu Zuqian to break through Xiao Yan's army, killing Xiao Yan's governor of Qinzhou and Liangzhou, Lu Fangda, among fifteen others. On the nineteenth, Wang Zu again sent commanders Lu Zuqian and others to defeat Xiao Yan's army, killing Xiao Yan's commander, Champion General, Prince Wang Jingyin of Zitong County, and twenty-four other generals including Liu Da. On the twenty-first, the army of Yangzhou defeated Xiao Yan's general Jiang Qingzhen at Yangshi. During this month, Xiao Yan's governor of Miandong, Tian Qingxi, led the seven counties and thirty-one districts under his jurisdiction, totaling nearly twenty thousand households, to pledge allegiance to the court.
On the sixth day of September, the governor of Yangzhou, Yuan Song, defeated the governor of Xiangzhou, Yang Gongze, and his associates, capturing thousands of people. On the first day of November, Yang Shao, the uncle of the king of Wuxing, launched a rebellion, and the emperor issued an edict for the Minister of Works, Yang Chun, to lead a campaign against him. Wang Zu besieged the city of Foucheng, and many counties in Yizhou surrendered, with more than fifty thousand households voluntarily registering. Afterwards, Wang Zu withdrew his troops. On the seventeenth day of December, the emperor issued another edict for the General of the Cavalry, Yuan Huaishen, to suppress the rebellion of the Di tribe in Wuxing.
On the first day of the first month, known as Dingmao, the emperor had a son and was overjoyed and ordered a nationwide amnesty! On the day of Ren Shen in the same month, Xing Luan, the governor of Liangzhou and Qinzhou, defeated several Di tribe rebel forces in quick succession and captured Wuxing City. Meanwhile, Xiao Yan sent Huan He, the governor of Jizhou, to attack Nanjingzhou, but was repelled by the forces of Nanjingzhou. In Qinzhou, a commoner named Wang Zhi led over two thousand people in rebellion, claiming the title of "Lord Wang," and later elected the county clerk Lu Gou'er as their leader, even adopting the era name "Jianming." On the day of Ji Mao, Yang Ji and his brothers surrendered to the court along with their followers.
On the 25th day of the 2nd month, the emperor issued an edict, in essence stating: "In ancient times, there were wise ministers like the wise minister Yu Shun, who was adept at advising, and during the Zhou Dynasty, there were many loyal ministers who spoke frankly and offered advice. I have inherited my ancestors' legacy, always thinking about governing the country well, and every day I am busy dealing with state affairs. Therefore, I sincerely hope to hear honest advice and receive straightforward suggestions, but so far there have been no good ideas, and no one has the courage to speak frankly. How can this be deemed as assisting the monarch and saving the nation? Therefore, I decree that from nobles and ministers to common people, anyone with good strategies, loyal suggestions, beneficial to the country and the people, able to correct current problems and eliminate bad customs, can boldly speak up without any reservations!" On the 27th day, the emperor ordered the Right Guard General Yuan Li and others to suppress the rebel Lu Gou'er. On the 2nd day of the 3rd month, General Chen Bozhi of Pingnan defeated the Xuzhou Inspector Chang Yi of Xiao Yan in Liangcheng. This month, Xiao Yan's general, Xiao Bing, led an army of fifty thousand to attack Huaiyang. On the 24th day of the 3rd month, due to the escalating warfare, the emperor ordered the halt of all other construction projects. On the 25th day, the emperor ordered the Jingzhou Inspector Zhao Yi and Pingnan General Xi Kangsheng to provide support to Huaiyang. Prince Le Liang was executed for murder, and his title was stripped. On the 26th day, the emperor named his son Chang. On the 27th day, surprisingly, Pingnan General and Duke of Qujiang County, Chen Bozhi, fled south from Liangcheng! On the first few days of the 4th month, the emperor ordered the ban on salt ponds to be lifted. He then sent envoys to the north to visit leaders and communities of minority groups. Furthermore, he appointed Prince Ying of Zhongshan as the General for Southern Conquest, responsible for military operations in Yangzhou and Xuzhou, and assigned him generals for border defense.
Wang Maoxian, the Governor of Jiangzhou, led troops to attack Jingzhou, establishing a camp in Henan City. The Emperor then sent General Yang Dayan to fight against him. Yang Dayan won a great victory, killing Wang Maoxian's Deputy General Wang Hua and capturing over two thousand people. He then attacked Henan City, where Wang Maoxian fled. He was pursued all the way to the Han River, where he recaptured five cities. General Yu Wenfu also raided Xiao Yan's territory and captured over a thousand prisoners.
On the first day of May, the Emperor ordered relief grain to be distributed to the families that had recently surrendered in Yiyang. The next day, the Emperor issued another order: "Bury the bodies; this is an ancient custom; issue decrees in accordance with the seasons; this is the practice of the court. It hasn't rained yet, and the crops have withered. Some elderly people are hungry and sick, with no one to care for them, leading to starvation and exposure. The county magistrate of Luoyang must follow the law to collect and bury them." After this, Xiao Yan's general Zhang Huishao launched another attack, capturing Suyu. Then Xiao Yan's general Xiao Rong occupied Liangcheng. Wei Rui subsequently captured Hefei. The Emperor quickly ordered Minister Yuan Yao to lead troops south to suppress them. As Qinzhou and Longzhou had not yet been pacified, the Emperor also ordered General Yu Jin to lead various troops. Xiao Yan's army then successively captured two cities, Yangshi and Huoqiu.
On the Bingyin day of the lunar July, Yan, referring to Xiao Yan, the Emperor Wu of Liang, and Huan together attacked Gushan, successfully capturing the fortified city. On the day of Gengchen, General Yuan Li dealt a crushing blow to the Qin army, capturing over thirty officials, including Lu Gou'er, and successfully pacifying Qinzhou and Jingzhou.
On the day of Wuzi, Prince Yingshan Ying scored a significant victory over Wang Boao, the governor of Xuzhou under Yan in the Yinling area, killing twenty-five of his generals and capturing over five thousand troops. On the day of Jichou, the court ordered the mobilization of one hundred thousand troops from six states: Dingzhou, Jizhou, Yingzhou, Xiangzhou, Jiangzhou, and Sizhou to support the southern army.
On the day of Renyin in August, General Xing Luan of Andong defeated Huan, one of Xiao Yan's generals, at Gushan, executing over ten thousand enemies. General Yuan Heng captured Gucheng, beheading Huan Fangqing, the champion general under Xiao Yan, and General Bizuxiu captured Mengshan, beheading Longxiang General Jiao Daoyi under Xiao Yan and others. In addition to those who died in battle in the Yishui area, this resulted in a total of over four thousand enemy casualties. As a result, Yanzhou was also brought under control. On the day of Jiyu, the court ordered General Pingnan and Prince Anle Quan to lead the reinforcements to Huainan. On the day of Renxu, the court granted a general amnesty to the five states of Jingzhou, Qinzhou, Qizhou, Liangzhou, and Hezhou.
On the ninth day of September, Xing Luan soundly defeated Xiao Yan's army in Suyu, killing their general, Lan Huaigong, along with over forty other commanders. Zhang Huishao abandoned Suyu and fled, while Xiao Cong also abandoned Huaiyang and fled south. We pursued them relentlessly, killing tens of thousands of enemy soldiers. As a result, Xuzhou was also brought under control.
A few days later, on November 14th, King Yuan Ying of Zhongshan achieved another significant victory over Xiao Yan's army in Huainan. Xiao Yan's general of the central forces, King Xiao Hong of Linchuan, as well as Right Minister Liu Tan and Chang Yi, the Governor of Xuzhou, all abandoned Liangcheng and fled east along the Huai River. We pursued them to Matou, where Xiao Yan's champion general and garrison commander Zhu Siyuan was so terrified that he fled under cover of darkness. We captured over forty of Xiao Yan's generals and killed over fifty thousand enemy troops. Yuan Ying then attacked Zhongli. Additionally, an envoy from the Goryeo Kingdom arrived to pay tribute. Xiao Yan sent thirty thousand soldiers to attack Yiyang City, but on the night of Dingyou, they secretly fled. The Governor of Yingzhou, Lou Yue, caught up with them and defeated them. On Wushen day, an envoy from the Rouran Kingdom also came to pay tribute. On Jiyin day, General Zhao Xia defeated Xiao Yan's army at Langcheng Sangping.
On November 11th, the Emperor explained the "Classic of Filial Piety" to King Yuan Yu of Jingzhao, King Yuan Yi of Qinghe, King Yuan Huai of Guangping, and King Yuan Yue of Runan in the Shiqian Palace. On the day of Gengyin, the Emperor issued a decree saying, "Last year, there was a rebellion in the Longyou region, and the common people were not at peace. However, there were some who were able to adhere to their duties and did not participate in the rebellion. Just like how strong grass can only be seen in a strong wind, their actions deserve commendation. The officials should carefully consider how to reward them to show our sincerity." This month, the rebellion of the Liao tribes was defeated again in Liangzhou.
In the spring of the fourth year, on February 18th, envoys from the Tuyuhun and Dangchang countries came to pay tribute. On February 21st, the Wujiguo presented tribute in the form of arrows. On March 17th, the Dieluoluo Kingdom also sent envoys to pay tribute.
On April 10, 550, there was a major flood in Zhongli, and King Yuan Ying of Zhongshan returned in defeat. On April 20th, envoys from the Tuyuhun, Jiumoluo, Abamobaqiemo, and Xiwangjin countries all came to pay tribute; this was indeed a series of joyous events!
On the first day of June, the Ji Chou day, the emperor issued an edict; the edict reads: "The virtue of the founding emperor is like the two poles, illuminating the sun and moon, spreading culture to reach distant lands, promoting scholarly pursuits to honor the talented; relocating the capital to the central region, illuminating the heavenly city, balancing where frost and dew are distributed equally, a diviner interprets omens at the Luo River. Both military and civil projects are underway, leaving little time for Confucian teachings. I carry on the great tradition, ruling with the precious calendar, reflecting on the sacred principles, upholding the aspirations of the past. Today the land is peaceful, with no disturbances in the corners of the realm; officials can now be ordered to resume previous practices, reestablish the National University, revive the Imperial College, and set up primary schools at the four gates." This is a wonderful development; with the country at peace, education can finally be prioritized! On the fifteenth day of June, officials from seven counties, including Xiao Yan and Yu Wenzisheng, pledged allegiance to the court. On the sixteenth day of June, envoys from countries like Selendra, Shemi, and Bilozhi also came to pay tribute to the court, truly a sight of national peace and prosperity! On the twenty-first day of August, the Khitan country also sent envoys to pay tribute; diplomatic relations are improving! On the twenty-second day of August, following the defeat at Zhongli, Prince Yuan Ying of Zhongshan and Prince Xiao Baoyi of Qi were both stripped of their titles and reduced to commoners, truly reflecting the saying, "to the victor belong the spoils"! Following that, on the twenty-third day of August, envoys from countries like Khumo Xi, Dangchang, and Tuyuhun came to pay tribute. On the twenty-fourth day of August, Dunhuang faced a famine; the court swiftly opened the granaries to provide relief to the people.
On the Jiwei day in September, the emperor issued another decree; the decree stated: "I uphold the mandate of heaven, observe the passage of years, relocate the main palace to its utmost, and the year will yield surplus. The royal family has shown virtue and diligence for a long time; the officials are talented and capable, yet their contributions have not been recognized. It is not merely about rewarding those with merit; they should be recognized in a timely manner. I hereby appoint Sima, Prince Gaoyang Yong, as Grand Commandant, and Shangshu Ling, Prince Guangyang Jia, as Sima, promoting all officials by one rank." The meaning is to promote all officials by one level to reward everyone. On the Gengshen day in September, Cao Ming, the Prefect of Xia Prefecture, rebelled and was killed. On the Jiazi day in September, the court ordered the repair of the ancient road in Xiegu. Afterwards, the countries of Shule, Chele Ajue, Nantianzhu, and Poluo also sent envoys to pay tribute, truly a grand occasion where countries from all directions came to pay tribute to the great nation! On the Bingxu day in September, there was a famine in Sizhou, and the court opened the granaries for disaster relief efforts. On the Jiawu day of the intercalary month, the court ordered a ban on vehicles entering and exiting the Great Sima Gate. In a certain year in October, envoys from Goryeo, Banshe, Xiwanjing, Keluojia, Bisha, Shule, Yutian, and many other countries came to pay tribute; the occasion was truly vibrant! However, on another day of that month, Empress Yu passed away, which was indeed a sorrowful event. A few days later, envoys from Shule came to pay tribute again. However, shortly after these prosperous days, the Prefect of Huaiyang, Anle, led the people of the southern city to rebel! It was like a leaky roof during a relentless downpour! Following that, countries such as Yeda, Persia, Kepando, Kewenti, and others also sent envoys to pay tribute, providing a semblance of comfort amidst the chaos. Eventually, Empress Yu was laid to rest in Yongtailing.
On a certain day in November, the emperor issued an order prohibiting the raising of mares in the Henan region. Spanning seven thousand miles from east to west, the emperor set up twenty-two military governorships to strengthen border control. Before long, countries like Ayutthaya, Helopan, and Tabatula also sent envoys to pay tribute. On a certain day in December, the emperor again ordered that the families of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the battle at Zhongli be exempted from three years of land rent, which can be seen as a form of compensation. Afterwards, countries such as Tena Zhang, Tisha, and Ashilemo also sent tribute. Later, Mogu, the leader of the Rouran and Gaoju tribes, pledged allegiance to the court. Finally, countries such as Bolun, Polifu, and Qianda also sent envoys to pay tribute. There were indeed quite a few countries paying tribute that year!
On a certain day in the first month of the first year of Yongping, Wang Shennian, the governor of Yingchuan, actually defected to Xiao Yan; this was really troubling news. On a certain day in February, the countries of Wujie and Nantianzhu sent envoys to pay tribute. On a certain day in March, the crown prince Chang unfortunately passed away; what a blow that was! In the same month, countries such as Suluo, Atuo, Bilu, Aiyido, Bonaga, Jiashida, and Yutian also sent envoys to pay tribute. Due to last year's drought, the court also sent out relief efforts to help the people affected by the drought.
In April, envoys from the Afu Zhiluo Kingdom came to pay tribute. One day in May, envoys from Goryeo also came to pay tribute. In the same month, due to a drought, the emperor reduced the palace meals and canceled the palace entertainment activities. One day in June, the emperor issued an edict saying: "Be cautious in handling lawsuits and severely punish serious crimes; this is the advice of emperors throughout the ages. Since I ascended to the throne, I have kept this warning in mind, but I cannot help but be somewhat negligent in handling state affairs. To better manage litigation cases, I have decided to build a dedicated place for handling cases according to the old maps of Luoyang, taking advantage of the off-season, and striving to complete it by winter. At that time, I will personally participate in case hearings with the princes and ministers." Finally, the Gaoche Kingdom also sent envoys to pay tribute, which is a welcome piece of news.
On the eighth day of the seventh month in a certain year, envoys from the Gaoche, Khitan, Hanpan, and Kijbin countries all came to pay tribute, creating quite a lively scene! On the fifteenth, the emperor appointed Lady Gao as empress. On the sixteenth, the emperor issued a holy decree, which stated: "When handling cases, one must be practical and conduct thorough investigations, and there must be clear regulations regarding the use of various torture instruments." However, I have noticed that the prison officials in Tingtai, Sizhou, Henan, Luoyang, and Heyin are not lenient enough when examining cases, often resorting to torture; this is absolutely unacceptable! It contradicts our principles of valuing law and cherishing human life. I am deeply troubled by the abuse of power and the wrongful accusations against innocent people. Therefore, I command the Minister to conduct a thorough investigation into the misuse of torture instruments and report back to me once it is clarified.
On the ninth day of the eighth month, Jizhou Governor and King of Jingzhao, Yuan Yu, rebelled! On the eleventh, the Emperor quickly appointed Grand Secretary Li Ping as the General Who Guards the North to quell the unrest in Jizhou. On the thirteenth, the Emperor granted a general amnesty and changed the era name. On the sixteenth, the Tuyuhun Kingdom and Kumoxi Kingdom also came to pay tribute. On the first day of the ninth month, Li Ping achieved a decisive victory over Yuan Yu's army at Caoqiao. On the sixth, the Emperor restored the title of Prince of Zhongshan to its previous rank. On the eleventh, the Rouran Kingdom also sent envoys to pay tribute. Prince Anle, Quan, also decisively defeated Yuan Yu's army north of Xindu. On the seventeenth, the Emperor killed the Palace Attendant, Grand Preceptor, and Xie, the Prince of Pengcheng. On the twentieth, the Emperor pardoned the common people of Jizhou who were affected by Wang Yu's rebellion. Those who could capture Wang Yu's followers also received generous rewards from the Emperor. On the twenty-second, Li Ping captured Xindu, Wang Yu fled, and Li Ping also executed Wei Chao, the Governor of Jizhou appointed by Wang Yu, Right Guard General Muya, Minister of the Interior Liu Zizhi, and Minister of Personnel Cui Fu, among others. Shusun Tou surrendered alongside Wang Yu. The ministers all urged the Emperor to execute Wang Yu, but the Emperor did not agree, ordering Wang Yu to be escorted to the capital. The Jizhou rebellion was finally suppressed. On the twenty-ninth, Peng Zhen, the Sima of Yingzhou, and Rong Zu, the Supervisor of the Zhongzheng, conspired with others to rebel and secretly brought in the troops of Xiao Yan to Yiyang. The Governor of Yingzhou, Lou Yue, drove them away. The Emperor ordered General Hu Jizhi, Qu Zu, and others to march south to Yiyang. The commanders of the three passes, Hou Deng, Yang Fengsheng, and others, also rebelled, but Lou Yue held the city resolutely. The Emperor sent Prince Ying of Zhongshan to lead thirty thousand infantry and cavalry in support.
On the Ding Si day in October, the emperor issued an edict to restore Wang Xiang, the Prince of Beihai, and arranged for a royal burial for him. In addition, a man named Bai ZaoSheng from Pengcheng in Yuzhou killed the governor Sima Yue and led another rebellion with the people from the southern part of the city. Xiao Yan promptly dispatched four generals, including Qi Gouren, to aid Bai ZaoSheng. The emperor also appointed Xing Luan as the official responsible for Yuzhou and ordered General Cui Xian to lead cavalry to quell the rebellion led by Bai ZaoSheng.
On the day of Bing Zi, Xing Luan achieved a significant victory at Baokou, defeating the armies of Bai ZaoSheng and Qi Gouren. On the day of Ding Chou, Jing Jun, the son of Cheng Anle who was previously stationed in Suyu, killed the station commander Yan Zhongxian and led another rebellion with the people from the southern part of the city. In November, the emperor ordered General Yang Chun to command an army of forty thousand to attack Suyu.
By the day of Ji Wei in December, Xing Luan conquered Xuanhu, killed Bai ZaoSheng, captured Qi Gouren and his men, and captured over three thousand of Xiao Yan's soldiers. The emperor distributed the captives and spoils of war among the royal ministers. On the day of Gui Hai, Prince Yingshan defeated Xiao Yan's forces at Chucheng and captured Xiao Yan's General Zhang Yi. The Inspector of Yingzhou, Lou Yue, also defeated Xiao Yan's General Ma Xianpin in Jinshan. On the day of Ren Shen, seventeen thousand households from the barbarian tribes in Handong surrendered to the court. On the day of Bing Zi, envoys from Goryeo arrived to pay tribute.
In that year, King Jia of Gaochang also sent his nephew, Qu Xiaoliang, whom he had privately appointed as the Left Guard General, to bring tribute and request permission to relocate to the Central Plains, hoping the court would send troops to receive them.
In the spring of the year 502 AD, Xiao Yan sent Wang Shen Nian to attack Nan Yanzhou. The court ordered General of the Guard Chang Sun Zhi to temporarily serve as the General for Pacifying the South, leading five armies including Bing Qiu to confront him. On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, the states of Hu Mi, Bu Jiu Mo, Niu Mi, Ban Shi, Xi Wan Jin, Xin Dou Na, and Yue Ba Niu all sent envoys to pay tribute. On the twenty-seventh day of the first month, the states of E Da and Bo Zhi also sent envoys to pay tribute, presenting a white elephant as well. On the thirtieth day of the first month, the state of Gao Chang also sent envoys to pay tribute.
On the thirty-first day of the first month, Prince Yuan Ying of Zhongshan led troops to attack Xiao Yan's border fortress at Chang Bo Shu. On the second day of the second month, Xiao Yan's army was defeated, with thousands of casualties. On the third day of the second month, Chang Sun Zhi's army captured Wuyang Pass, capturing the Cloud Cavalry General of Xiao Yan, Marquis of Songzi County Ma Guang, Champion General, Marquis of Qianling County Peng Wengsheng, Valiant Cavalry General, Marquis of Dangyang County Xu Yuanji, along with twenty-six other generals, capturing over seven thousand people. They then attacked Huangxian Pass and Xiguan Pass. Xiao Yan's generals Ma Xianpin abandoned Xiguan and fled, while Li Yuanlv also abandoned Huangxian and fled. During this month, a monk named Liu Huiwang in Jingzhou led a rebellion. The court ordered the Governor of Huazhou, Xi Kangsheng, to suppress the rebellion.
On the twenty-second day of the second month, the Emperor decreed: "Recently, military actions have been frequent, and many weapons have been damaged. There are not many weapons left in the warehouse. We must remain vigilant in times of peace, as the ancients have warned us. The equipment of the five types of weapons needs to be regularly stocked, and large-scale production of weapons and equipment cannot be achieved by just a few people working together. We can now plan to produce various weapons and equipment for forty thousand people." On the tenth day of the third month, the states of *Mo Shi Luo*, *A Yao She Su Tu Du*, and *Di Fu Luo* also sent envoys to pay tribute.
On the Jiyou day in April, the emperor issued a decree stating that Wuchuan Town was experiencing a famine and that the granary should be opened to aid the victims. Then, on the Jiazi day, the emperor issued another imperial edict, saying: "A wise ruler governs the realm based on the actual circumstances, adapting as needed; sometimes taking positive measures, sometimes taking expedient measures; there are no absolute truths. Previously, the court had just relocated the capital, and the foundations were still being laid; the people in the Heluo region had not yet settled after relocation, and the new residences had not been completely built; the barbarians gathered in the southwest of Yique; bandits occupied the area around Mianyang, forming a continuous threat; the uninformed Ba people had not fully submitted, so the benevolent policies were temporarily set aside, and the enforcement of harsh laws was relaxed. Now, the capital is stable, unlike before; Yangzhou, Yingzhou, Jingzhou, and Yizhou all belong to us completely; the border barbarians have also surrendered; the conditions for the people in the Shangluo region have significantly improved. Only the area south of Fanzhou and Xiangzhou, because the benevolent policies and laws have not been fully enforced, the people have been misled, which is not the fault of the people. However, some scoundrels took the opportunity to rob and harm the good people, resulting in the destruction of families and immense suffering! Therefore, those criminals who robbed the populace should be pardoned to demonstrate the court's mercy, and the court should forgo pursuing the responsibility of those who harmed the populace. At the same time, the border towns are ordered that from this point forward, no foreign bandits are permitted to invade, and if they commit offenses, they will be punished just like domestic criminals. If the town governors are aware of this and fail to take corrective actions, they too will face legal consequences."
In May, the Goryeo Kingdom sent envoys to pay tribute. On the Xin Chou day, due to drought, the emperor reduced the number of meals, canceled court entertainment, and prohibited killing. On the Jia Chen day, the emperor went to the Hualin Pavilion to personally review prisoners, and those sentenced to death had their sentences commuted. In June, the Gaochang Kingdom sent envoys to pay tribute. On the Xin Hai day, the emperor issued an edict stating: "The world should be unified, and transportation and communication should also be unified. The railway gauges in different regions are inconsistent; now a nationwide order should be issued to unify all regions."
In July, on the Gui Wei day, the Khitan Kingdom sent envoys to pay tribute. In August, on the Ding Wei day, the Dengzhi Kingdom sent envoys to pay tribute. On the Wu Shen day, the heir apparent of the Dengzhi Kingdom, Xiang Lan Ti, was appointed king. The Gaochang, Wujiyi, and Kumokxi kingdoms also sent envoys to pay tribute. In September, on the Xin Si day, the late Prince Hao of Beihai was posthumously titled King of Beihai. On the Ren Wu day, the emperor issued an edict to name the palace gate.
On a certain day in October of a certain year, the emperor appointed Sikong and Wang Ji of Guangyang as Situ. A few days later, the emperor confiscated a seven-treasure bed sent from Yingzhou. On a certain day in November, the emperor ordered a ban on killing pregnant animals, declaring it a permanent regulation. A few days later, the emperor lectured monks and ministers on the "Vimalakirti Sutra" in the Shiqian Hall. In December, the emperor issued an edict to define the ranks of nobles into five grades, specifying that the titles would depend on their lineage: for those sharing the same surname, dukes were below the sixth rank, marquises above the sixth rank, earls below the sixth rank, viscounts above the seventh rank, and barons below the seventh rank; for those of different ethnicities, dukes were above the seventh rank, marquises below the seventh rank, earls above the eighth rank, viscounts below the eighth rank, and barons above the eighth rank; for those of pure lineage, dukes were below the eighth rank, marquises above the ninth rank, earls below the ninth rank, viscounts above the ninth rank, and barons below the ninth rank. In summary, titles will henceforth be conferred based on this standard. During this time, countries like Diefu Luo, Fu Putuo, Chao Tuo Zha, and Bo Luo also sent envoys to pay tribute.
In the second year, during early February of spring, both Gaochang and Dengzhi sent envoys to pay tribute. After a few days, a monk named Liu Guangxiu in Qinzhou actually attempted to rebel and was captured and executed by local officials and soldiers. Shortly after, the Qiang people in Longxi, Qinzhou, killed the town general Zhao Jun and began another rebellion, but were quickly suppressed by the local military. In early March, the prince was born, and the emperor granted amnesty throughout the realm. Goguryeo, Tuyuhun, Dangchang, and other countries also sent envoys to pay tribute.
In the summer of April, an epidemic broke out in Qinchang County and Xiangling County, both under Pingyang County. From January to April, 2,730 people died. In early May, the emperor ordered the opening of granaries to aid those affected by the drought in Jizhou and Dingzhou. In early June, the emperor ordered the nationwide collection of lost books. A few days later, the prince was named Xu. On an unspecified day in the leap month, envoys from Tuyuhun, Goguryeo, and Khitan all came to pay tribute.
In the autumn, on a certain day in July, envoys from Tuyuhun came to pay tribute again. On a certain day in August, the state of Wujiguo also sent envoys to pay tribute. In early September, envoys from countries like Wuchang and Jiaxiushani also came to pay tribute. A few days later, the leader of the Gaoche tribe, Keluehan, brought over 1,700 followers to submit to the court.
On the Xinyou day in October, King Ying of Zhongshan passed away.
On the day of Bing Shen, the emperor issued a decree saying, "I have been emperor for ten years, and I had hoped for peace and prosperity for the people, but seeing the widowed, orphaned, poor, and sick among the common people, it pains me deeply. If we ignore them, how can we be considered the people's guardians? I command the Ministry of Rites to construct a new hospital in a spacious place, so that those who are sick in the capital and surrounding areas can stay there. Strictly order the Imperial Medical Office to assign doctors to provide treatment, assess their abilities, and reward or punish them. Although the length of human life is predetermined, different diseases can be treated with acupuncture and medication. I hope the insights of the renowned ancient physician Qin Yueren can be validated today. Moreover, there are numerous medical texts widely circulated, and it is challenging to cover all treatment methods. I further instruct the relevant departments to assemble all doctors, carefully study medical books, select essential parts, compile them into more than thirty volumes, and distribute them to all parts of the country. Each county must transcribe them and send them to the townships, so that everyone knows the methods of treating diseases."
On the day of Wu Xu, many countries such as Gaoche, Kucha, Nandi, Najie, and Kumoxi sent envoys to offer tribute. In the twelfth month of Ji Mao, Goryeo and Bishazhang also sent envoys to offer tribute. On the day of Xin Si, Prince Jiangyang was dismissed for committing a crime. On the day of Jia Shen, the emperor ordered the establishment of a temple for the ancestors in Qingzhou. The court historian Wang Chang was executed for conspiring to rebel.
In the fourth year of the reign, in the first month of Ding Si, Liu Longju in Fenzhou rallied the populace to revolt. The emperor ordered the Censor Xue He to lead troops to suppress the rebellion. On the day of Jia Zi, Ayuetuo and Busuoluo also sent envoys to offer tribute. In the second month of Ren Wu, there was a severe famine in Qingzhou, Qizhou, Xuzhou, and Yanzhou, and the emperor dispatched aid to assist the people. In the third month of Gui Mao, countries such as Pobifanmi, Wuchang, Bidi, and Qianda also sent envoys to offer tribute. On the day of Ren Xu, Wang Jia, the Minister of Works, passed away.
In April, Wang Wanshou, a commoner from Langya, killed Liu Xi, Xiao Yan's State Protector general, as well as the governors of Langya and Dongguan. He then surrendered to the court along with Qushan. Lu Chang, the Inspector of Xuzhou, sent Fu Wenji, the commander of Langya, to take control of Qushan. A few days later, General Xue achieved a great victory over the Hu Mountains. Seeing this, Xiao Yan grew worried and sent his General Zhang Ji and Ma Xianjun to attack Qushan, while the court hurriedly ordered Lu Chang to lead troops to provide support. In May, the court relocated the copper dragon from Daijing to Tianyuan Pool and issued a decree banning the study of astronomy. In June, several countries, such as Qianda, Apollo, Dashe, Yuejia, Mi, and Buliosha, sent envoys to pay their respects. In July, Tuyuhun and Khitan also sent envoys to pay their respects. In August, Apollo, Dashe, Yuejia, Mi, and Buliosha sent envoys again to pay their respects, and the Wujiguo sent a type of arrow called 'chu shi' (a type of arrow). In September, Commander Gou Ren, stationed at Jiushan, also surrendered along with his troops. At this time, the nations of Yeda, Zhu Ju Panbuluo, Mogada, Yipo Puluo, Jusaluo, Shemi, and Luoyeluo also sent envoys to pay their respects.
In October, the states of Pobi Fanmi, Wuchang, Bidi, and Qianta sent envoys to pay tribute again. In November, the state of Dangchang also sent envoys to pay tribute. In order to relieve the pressure on the Qushan front line, the court ordered Li Chong and Xi Kangsheng to lead troops to Shouchun. Not long after, the states of Nandi and Fuluo also sent envoys to pay tribute, but bad news also came: Qucheng was lost, Lu Chang was defeated, and returned in disgrace. In December, the emperor proclaimed: "Promoting good people and demoting bad people is a general rule for governing the country; conducting assessments every three years is a wise practice. From the second year of Zhengshi to the present, no assessments have been conducted, and it is difficult to distinguish between merits and demerits; how can there be no promotions or demotions? Therefore, from the second year of Jingming to the fourth year of Yongping, a comprehensive assessment will be conducted, and then the results will be reported." Finally, the states of Daluo Han and Polaijia also sent envoys to pay tribute.
In the first month of the first year of Yanchang (512 AD), due to consecutive years of drought, the common people were suffering from starvation and poverty, so the court sent people to open the granaries to assist the disaster victims. After a few days, the state of Shule sent envoys to pay tribute. A few days later, the court appointed Gao Zhao, Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, as the Minister of Works; Prince Yi of Qinghe, the Chief Minister of the Imperial Household, as the Minister of Works; and the Governor of Sizhou, Prince Huaijin of Guangping, was appointed as the Grand General of the Valiant Cavalry, and was honored with the title of Yitong Sansi.
On the first day of March, the state of Kebando also sent envoys to pay tribute. After a few days, several prefectures and counties experienced flooding, and the court ordered the opening of the granaries to provide disaster relief. Because grain prices in the capital skyrocketed, the court provided 800,000 stones of grain to assist the impoverished. A few days later, King Anle Quan died.
In April, the emperor ordered that all reserved food supplies be halted due to drought. The next day, the emperor ordered again: "It has been more than two years since the capital has been moved to Song County. There have been no lectures in the palace in quite some time, and the four academies have been abandoned. Scholars are idly collecting their salaries, and the children of officials are lamenting just like ordinary students. I feel uneasy and ashamed. I command the relevant departments to complete the National Academy by winter, and the Imperial Academy and the four academies to be completed in the following spring."
In the following days, due to the drought, the emperor ordered the officials and various departments to address legal cases diligently, and ordered the people of Hebei to flee to Yanzhou and Hengzhou to escape the famine. Later, he ordered the famine victims to take refuge in the six towns. The emperor personally cut back on the food supply and canceled all palace entertainment activities because of the drought. Later, an earthquake occurred in Sizhou, causing many casualties and collapsed houses. The emperor was deeply saddened and ordered the dispatch of imperial physicians and surgeons, providing necessary medicines to treat the injured. Shortly after, he ordered a general amnesty and declared a new era. He also ordered the establishment of a court for complaints and litigation carriages to help the people seek justice.
In May, both the Kingdom of Shule and the Kingdom of Goryeo sent envoys to pay tribute. The emperor ordered that all families with surplus grain, after setting aside enough for their own year's supply, must lend the excess grain to the hungry. There had been no rain since February, and it did not rain at all until the end of the month. In June, a heavy rain finally fell, alleviating the drought. After that, the emperor issued another order to lift the ban on mare mating in the Henan region. The emperor further decreed: "Last year there was a flood, this year there is a drought, and the people are starving with nowhere to turn for survival. Even during the silkworm-rearing season, they are too weak to raise silkworms to weave silk. Taxes are due in the autumn, and all states and counties will push for task completion. The Minister must oversee each state closely, carefully inspecting according to the people's property situation, to lighten their burden." The emperor ordered the release of 500,000 shi of grain to relieve the hunger in the capital and various states and counties.
In July, both the Tuyuhun and Khitan sent envoys to pay tribute. In August, Tuyuhun sent envoys again to pay tribute, and the Wujie Kingdom also offered tribute in the form of arrows.
In early October, the emperor declared the prince Xu as the crown prince. In the same month, the nations of Yeda, Yutian, Gaochang, and Kumoxi sent envoys to pay tribute, expressing their submission.
On a certain day in November, the emperor issued an edict stating: "I am blessed by heaven to govern this realm. The crown prince is intelligent and wise, and will certainly be able to take on heavy responsibilities in the future. Now that the crown prince has grown up and his virtues are gradually perfected, this grace should be extended to the people of the realm. Therefore, all those who are good fathers will be promoted one rank; those filial sons, dutiful grandsons, virtuous men, and chaste women will have commendation plaques displayed at their doors, along with grain and cloth provided."
On a certain day in December, the emperor issued another order stating that those officials who were pardoned after being impeached by the censors, as well as those who passed the examinations, could take the place of the impeached officials.
In the second year, on the few days after the start of the first month, the emperor personally presided over the court sessions to handle wrongful cases. The Kingdom of Goguryeo also sent envoys to pay tribute. On the first day of the second month, the emperor ordered relief for the poor in the capital. A few days later, due to a severe famine in the Liu Town region, the emperor ordered the granaries to be opened to aid the disaster victims. A few days later, Wang Gao Yang was promoted to Grand Guardian. A few days later, Xu Xuanming and others under Xiao Yan killed General Bei and Zhang Ji, the governors of Qing and Ji provinces, and then offered the Qing and Ji provinces to Xiao Yan. The emperor then dispatched Fan Lu, the former governor of South Yanzhou, to lead troops in support. On a certain day in the intercalary second month, the emperor allocated land in the Yuanmu area to commoners who had migrated from elsewhere but lacked land. A few days later, the emperor also reformed the system of slavery, based on the system established in the Jingming era. On an unspecified day in March, the Kingdom of Gaochang sent envoys to pay tribute once more. That spring, the common people suffered from hunger, resulting in tens of thousands dying of starvation.
In April 670, on the day of Gengzi, the emperor allocated 150,000 bolts of silk to relieve the starving people in Henan County. In May, a severe flood struck Shouchun, and the emperor sent General Xi Kangsheng of Pingdong to lead thousands of infantry and cavalry for the rescue. The Kingdom of Goguryeo sent envoys to pay tribute. On the seventh day of June, on the day of Yiyou, Qingzhou also experienced a famine, and the emperor ordered the messenger to open the granaries to aid the disaster victims. On the fifteenth of June, on the day of Jiawu, the emperor pardoned criminals in Yangzhou. On the eighteenth of June, on the day of Xinhai, the emperor personally presided over the court sessions to address wrongful cases. That summer, thirteen provinces and counties nationwide faced flooding disasters.
On the eighth day of the eighth month, in the Xinmao year, the emperor issued a decree saying: "In recent years, there have been continuous floods and droughts, causing hardship for the people, and many have committed crimes. I am very concerned about those who commit crimes due to poverty. Those who commit murder, engage in human trafficking, or lead robberies, or although not the main offenders but kill wealthy individuals or repeatedly commit robbery, will be executed according to the law; the rest of the criminals will not face the death penalty. Criminals sentenced to exile or imprisonment will have their punishments reduced." On the ninth day of the eighth month, in the Gengxu year, envoys from Jieda, Yutian, Panduo, Khitan, Khumo Xie, and other countries came to pay tribute. On the sixth day of the ninth month, in the Bingchen year, because of the nobles' extravagance and waste, the emperor ordered the strict enforcement of a hierarchical system to curb their excesses. This month, envoys from Wuji, Tuyuhun, and Dengzhi countries also came to pay tribute.
In the tenth month, the emperor issued a decree to exempt the Two Rivers region from taxes for a year due to the earthquakes in Hengzhou and Sizhou, which caused heavy casualties among the people. On the fourteenth day of the twelfth month, in the Bingxu year, the emperor waived taxes for Luoyang and Heyin counties. On the sixteenth day of the twelfth month, in the Yisi year, the emperor issued another decree to provide food relief to those affected by the earthquakes in Hengzhou and Sizhou, especially to orphans and widows who lost all the able-bodied members of their families, helping them through difficult times. Goryeo also sent envoys to pay tribute.
In the second year, on the seventh day of the second month in the spring, in the Yimao year, the emperor issued a decree saying: "Fucheng County in Xiurong Prefecture and Yuanping County in Yanmen Prefecture of Sizhou have been experiencing continuous landslides and earthquakes since last April. I am very worried about this and will tread carefully, as if walking on thin ice. We need to ease the suffering of the disaster victims, pardon their crimes, and address this natural disaster." In the third month, General Li Shizhe defeated the barbarians at Sangguan, killing Xiaoyan's General Wen Sizhi and Wentiangsheng.
In April, the people of Qingzhou were starving. On April 14th, the emperor ordered the granaries to be opened to relieve those affected by the famine. On the 16th, the emperor personally attended court to address the grievances and wrongful convictions of the common people. In June, Huan Shuxing, the governor of South Jingzhou, defeated Xiao Yan's army at Jiushan and killed three of Xiao Yan's generals: General Cai Lingsun of the Tiger Division, General Xi Shixing of the Champion Division, and General Lan Cisun of the Righteous Division.
On July 21st, the Wujig Kingdom sent envoys to pay tribute. On August 6th, the emperor assessed the officials in court, promoting those who deserved promotion and demoting those who deserved to be demoted. In September, the countries of Tuyuhun, Khitan, and Wujig all sent envoys to pay tribute, creating a truly lively spectacle.
On October 27th, the emperor ordered General Ma Yishu to subdue the Rouran. The Kumoxi Kingdom also sent envoys to pay tribute. On November 27th, the countries of South India and Zuoyue also sent envoys to pay tribute. On the 28th, the emperor appointed Situ Gao Zhao as the Grand General and the Commander-in-Chief of Sichuan, leading an army of 100,000 to conquer Sichuan. The governor of Yizhou, Fu Shuyan, mobilized troops from northern Bazhou, General Yang Zhi of Pingnan mobilized troops from Foucheng, General Xi Kangsheng of Anxi mobilized troops from Mianzhu, and General Zhen Chen of Fijun mobilized troops from Jiange. This formation aimed to completely encircle Sichuan! On the 30th, Yuan Yao was appointed as the General of the Southern Expedition and the Commander of the Eastern Route to deal with Liang and Chu.
On December 2nd, a monk named Liu Sengshao in Youzhou raised a rebellion and proclaimed himself the "King of the Pure Dwelling Nation," but was soon captured by local officials and soldiers, who beheaded him. On December 9th, the Goryeo Kingdom also sent envoys to pay tribute. On December 27th, the emperor ordered the construction of the Hall of Brightness.
On the first day of the first month in the second year, the emperor fell ill. On the fourth day of the first month, he passed away in the Shiqiandian Hall at the age of thirty-three. On the first day of the second month, he was posthumously named Xuanwu Emperor and given the temple name Shizong. On the fifteenth day of the second month, he was buried in Jingling.
The emperor had been dignified since childhood, showing no emotions on his face and living a very frugal life. Initially, the founding emperor wanted to see the ambitions of his sons, so he displayed many treasures for them to choose from. The Prince of Jingzhao and Prince Yu all rushed to select the precious treasures, while the emperor only chose a bone ruyi. The founding emperor was very surprised. Later, a commoner named Xun committed an error, and the founding emperor said to the Prince of Pengcheng, "I have long sensed that this child has extraordinary ambitions, and now it is confirmed!" So he appointed him as the heir.
He enjoyed reading the classics, especially Buddhist doctrines, and could discuss Buddhist scriptures all night long without tiring. He had a dignified presence and handsome features, remaining calm and composed at court, serious and regal, like a deity, fully possessing the qualities of an emperor.
Historians noted that Emperor Shizong inherited his predecessor's achievements, and the people admired his moral influence. He adopted a policy of governing through inaction, leading to the submission of border regions to the court. Furthermore, he was generous towards others, calm and decisive in his dealings, which transformed the atmosphere of the Taiping era. How does he measure up against the Han Dynasty emperors, like Emperor Yuan, Emperor Cheng, Emperor An, and Emperor Shun? "The emperor displayed magnanimity from a young age, with no emotions showing on his face. He was elegant, frugal, and simple." "Emperor Shizong inherited the holy virtues, and the people admired his moral influence. He governed through inaction, leading to the submission of border areas. He was both generous and composed, which changed the atmosphere of the Taiping era. How does he compare to the emperors of the Han Dynasty?"
