Emperor Mingyuan of Wei, whose personal name was Tuoba Si, was the eldest son of Emperor Taizu of Wei, and his mother was Consort Liu. He was born in the seventh year of the Dengguo era (392 AD) at the Yunzhong Palace. Emperor Taizu had a son in his later years, and upon hearing the news of Tuoba Si's birth, he was overjoyed and ordered a general amnesty across the realm.
Emperor Mingyuan was intelligent and wise, with a broad-minded yet resolute character, and he never engaged in actions that were contrary to propriety. Therefore, Emperor Taizu valued and admired him greatly. In the sixth year of the Tianxing era (403 AD), he was granted the title of King of Qi and was appointed as Chancellor, also receiving the title of Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry.
Initially, Consort Liu, the emperor's mother, was sentenced to death. Emperor Taizu told the emperor (Tuoba Si), "In the past, Emperor Wu of Han wanted to establish his own son as crown prince but killed his mother. This was intended to prevent women from meddling in state affairs and to avoid chaos caused by the maternal family. You will inherit the throne in the future, so I am emulating Emperor Wu of Han for the long-term interests of the state." The emperor, known for his filial piety, was unable to control his grief upon hearing this and cried deeply. Emperor Taizu was very angry about this.
After returning to the palace, the emperor could not suppress his sadness and cried day and night. When Emperor Taizu learned of this, he summoned him again. As the emperor was preparing to enter the palace, those around him advised, "A dutiful son serves his father; minor transgressions can be overlooked, but significant punishments should be avoided for now. Right now, Your Majesty (Emperor Taizu) is angry, and going in may lead to unpredictable consequences, which could end up being detrimental to you. It would be better to avoid him for now and wait until his anger subsides before returning; it is not too late." The emperor, feeling afraid, followed this advice and decided to leave the palace for a while to avoid the storm.
In the sixth year of Tianzi (409 AD), during the winter in October, King Tuoba Shao of Qinghe rebelled, and Emperor Taizu of Wei passed away. The emperor returned to the palace and executed Tuoba Shao. In the same year, on the day of Ren Shen (October), the emperor officially ascended the throne and changed the era name to Yongxing, marking the first year. He posthumously honored his mother with the title of Empress Xuanmu. Some court officials who had been dismissed and were no longer involved in politics were recalled and reinstated by the emperor. He issued an edict appointing Duke Changsun Song of Nanping and Marquis An Tong of Beixin to jointly oversee civil litigation cases and selected capable individuals for positions to reform the court's governance system.
On the day of Ding Hai in the intercalary October of the same year, King Zhu Ti was executed for conspiring to rebel. The emperor issued an edict appointing General Zheng Bing and Marquis Shanyang Xi Jin to inspect various states.
On the day of Wu Xu in December, the emperor granted the title of King of Nanyang to Tuoba Liang, the son of Wei Wang Tuoba Yi, promoted Yuan Lie of Yinping to the rank of king, and changed the title of King Gao Liang Le Zhen to King of Pingyang. On the day of Ji Hai, the emperor began residing in the Western Palace and conducted state affairs in the Astronomical Hall. In the same year, the Rouran tribe attacked the northern borders.
That year, Qifu Qiangu occupied Jincheng and proclaimed himself King of Qin. Gao Yun was destroyed by the Haiyi Feng Ba, who usurped the throne and proclaimed himself "Great Yan Tianwang."
In the second year of Yongxing (410 AD), on the first day of the first month in spring, the emperor issued an edict commanding Duke Changsun Song of Nanping and others to lead troops north against the Rouran. At the same time, the people of Pingyang, including Huang Miao, gathered in the Fen River area and established their own authority, accepting official positions from Yao Xing of Later Qin. The governor of Bingzhou, Yuan Liu, dispatched troops to suppress the rebellion.
On the first day of Gui Wei in February, the emperor issued an edict appointing General Yu Li to lead ten thousand infantry and cavalry to garrison Pingyang.
In the summer, in May, Changsun Song and others, while returning from the desert, were pursued and surrounded by Rouran forces at Niuchuan. On the day of Ren Shen, the emperor personally led troops north against the Rouran. Upon hearing that the emperor was personally leading the campaign, the Rouran retreated and fled. The emperor then returned to the capital and stationed his forces at Canhebei.
On the seventh day of the seventh month in autumn, the emperor built an equestrian shooting platform on the west side of Canhe Slope and conducted military tactical exercises there. On the second day of the eighth month, the emperor returned to the capital following his northern campaign. In September, on the first day of the ninth month, the emperor laid to rest the Wei Emperor Xuanwu in Jinling at Shengle. On the seventh day of the twelfth month in winter, the emperor issued a decree ordering General Zhou Guan to lead troops to Xiheli Stone in Xiehe to pacify the mountain tribes in the region. That year, the Eastern Jin Emperor Sima Dezong sent Liu Yu to attack and destroy Murong Chao, establishing his authority in Guanggu. In the second month of the third year in spring, on the seventh day of the second month, the emperor issued a decree saying: "Only when people have enough food and clothing can they grasp the concepts of honor and disgrace. If the people endure hunger and cold all day, worrying only about surviving each day, how can they have the mind to consider benevolence, righteousness, and morality? The lack of compliance with national education by the people is mostly due to this reason. Without farmers cultivating the land and women weaving, working together both inside and out, how can every household be warm and fed? Therefore, I order the selection of palace maids who are unsuitable for service and those skilled women, releasing them all from the palace to marry men without wives." On the day of the ninth month, the emperor ordered the Marquis of Beixin, An Tong, and others to inspect Bingzhou, Dingzhou, as well as the various Hu and Dingling people living in the mountains, to assess their hardships and investigate any misconduct by local officials. For those who are wronged, have no support, are unemployed, or are so poor that they cannot survive, detailed reports should be submitted. In the same year, over two thousand households from Changli and Liaodong surrendered to Northern Wei. In the third month, on the ninth day, the emperor ordered attendants to carry swords with them. In the fourth month of summer, on the first day of the fourth month, the Shumin of Hedong, Huang Si, Guo Zong, and others led more than seven hundred households to surrender to Northern Wei. In the fifth month, on the second day, the emperor went to Shengle to pay respects to Jinling. On the seventh day, the King of Changli, Murong Bo'er, plotted a rebellion and was executed.
In June, the ruler of Later Qin, Yao Xing, sent envoys to establish relations with Northern Wei. The Western River Hu people, led by Zhang Xian and others, surrendered to Northern Wei.
In the autumn of July, on the day of Wushen, the emperor held a three-day celebration for the imperial guards and soldiers, and awarded them cloth according to their rank. On the day of Xinyu, the tribal leaders who surrendered were awarded brocade clothing, also according to their rank.
In August, on the day of Wuyin, the emperor ordered General Weigu Zhen, the Marquis of Shuzhou, to lead five thousand soldiers to guard the northern border at Tailuo City.
In the winter of December, on the day of Jiaxu, the emperor continued to inspect the border.
In the second month of the fourth year of spring, on the day of Guiwei, the emperor hunted a tiger in the tiger enclosure and rewarded people like the Duke of Nanping, Changsun Song, with cloth.
In the fourth month of summer, on the day of Yiwu, the emperor feasted the courtiers in the West Palace and encouraged them to speak openly.
In the autumn of July, on the day of Jisi, the emperor went on an eastern inspection, appointed four major generals for the campaign, set up twelve minor generals according to the twelve earthly branches, and appointed Xijin Hou Xi Jin and Yuancheng Hou Yuan Qu as left and right prime ministers. On the day of Jimao, the emperor held a large-scale sacrifice at Shihui Mountain. On the day of Wuzi, he went to Jipei to watch a fishing demonstration. On the day of Gengyin, the emperor inspected Ruyuan. He then went on a western inspection to various northern tribes, rewarding them with silk and fine cloth.
In August, on the day of Gengxu, the emperor returned to the palace. On the day of Renzi, he went to the West Palace, feasted the courtiers and generals in the banquet hall, rewarded them with the rewards from the hunt, and ordered a three-day celebration for the people nationwide. On the day of Yimao, the emperor bestowed cloth to officials from princes to palace guards, according to their rank.
In the winter of November, on the day of Yichou, the emperor bestowed cloth to close relatives of the imperial clan, from Prince Nanyang, Tuoba Liang, down to those with more distant ties to the imperial family.
In December, on the day of Dingsi, the emperor went on an inspection of the north, reaching the Great Wall, where he turned back.
In that year, Qifu Gangui was killed by his own nephew Gongfu, and his son Qifu Chipan succeeded him. Juqu Mengxun declared himself King of Hexi.
In the spring of the fifth year, on the day of Jisi in the first month, the emperor held a grand military parade in the capital, ordering all males aged twelve and older in the capital to assemble. On the day of Jimao, the emperor went to the Western Palace. Jieba Da, Qushuai, and more than forty others brought tributes to the emperor, and the emperor bestowed silk and satin upon them. On the day of Yixu, the emperor ordered each state to provide one war horse for every sixty households. On the day of Gengyin, the emperor conducted another military review in the eastern suburbs, deploying generals and soldiers, with Xijin, the Marquis of Shanyang, as the vanguard commander, leading thirty thousand soldiers; and Yangping Wang Tubaxi and twelve other generals each leading ten thousand cavalry. The emperor personally reviewed the troops at Baideng Mountain.
In the second month, on the day of Wushen, the emperor rewarded Yangping Wang Tubaxi and other princes, dukes, marquesses, and soldiers with fine cloth and silk. On the day of Gengxu, the emperor inspected Gaoliu River. On the day of Jiayin, the emperor returned to the palace. On the day of Guichou, he excavated a fish pond in Beiyuan. On the day of Gengwu, the ruler of Later Qin, Yao Xing, sent envoys to make contact. The emperor ordered envoys to search for talented individuals, especially those who were esteemed in their communities, as well as those skilled in both civil and military affairs, capable of solving difficult problems, or those of noble character, extensive knowledge, and the potential to serve as role models. They were to be summoned to the capital and assigned positions according to their abilities to assist in state affairs.
In the fourth month of summer, the people of Hedong, under the leadership of Xue Xiang, surrendered to Northern Wei. On the day of Yisi, the people of Shangdang, Lao Cong and Shi Zhen, banded together as outlaws, killed the governor and county magistrate, and then fled to another place. On the day of Yimao, the emperor personally undertook a western inspection, ordering the vanguard commander Xijin and others to lead the way to confront the Yueqin tribe at Bana Mountain.
In the fifth month of summer, on the day of Yihai, the emperor went to the old palace in the sky. On the day of Bingzi, the emperor declared a nationwide amnesty. Zhang Wai of Xihe and King Tuoba Shao of Jianxing, due to their serious crimes, did not dare to disperse their followers. On the day of Gengxu, he dispatched Marquis Yuan Qu and others to station three thousand soldiers in Bingzhou. On the day of Yimao, he ordered Duke Liu Jie of Kuaiji and Marquis Wei Qin of Yong'an to lead three thousand soldiers to garrison Xihe.
In June, the emperor toured west to Wuyuan, and captured a hundred thousand wild beasts while hunting in Guluo Mountain. Liu Yi of Huoze proclaimed himself as the General of the Eastern Expedition and the King of Sanba, allied with King Tuoba Shao of Jianxing, established officials, and attacked Jianxing County. Yuan Qu and others quelled the rebellion.
In the autumn, in the seventh month, on the day of Jisi, the emperor returned to Boshshan, climbed to view the area where the former Emperor Taizu once visited and inscribed a stone to praise virtue, and constructed a stone altar nearby for sacrifices. He also hosted a grand gathering for his attendants at the foot of the mountain. Xi Jin and others defeated the Yueqin Beini tribe in the west of Bana Mountain, capturing fifty thousand horses and two hundred thousand cattle, and relocated over twenty thousand households to Daning, distributing land according to population. The Hu people of Hexi, Cao Long, Zhang Datou, and others led twenty thousand followers into Puzi, threatening the garrison at Yanzi Fortress held by Zhang Wai. Zhang Wai, worried about his safety, offered cattle and wine, and swore an oath by sacrificing a horse, appointing Cao Long as the Great Chanyu, while also presenting beautiful women and fine horses.
On the day of Bingxu, the emperor inspected the various tribes from the Great Hall to the southwest, bestowing silk and cloth upon the tribal leaders. He then proceeded south to Daluocheng in Dingxiang, and continued east across the Shiling Mountains to hunt in Shanwuchuan.
In August, on the Gui Mao day, the emperor returned to the palace. On the Gui Chou day, Xi Jin and his companions returned to court. On the Jia Yin day, the emperor visited Mount Baideng again, inspected the surrendered subjects, and counted the military supplies. Cao Long surrendered and brought Zhang Wai to the emperor, who was subsequently executed. On the Xin Wei day, the emperor rewarded the returning soldiers with cattle, horses, and servants, and settled the newly surrendered subjects along the Daning River, distributed farming tools, and allocated land based on population. On the Ding Chou day, the emperor visited Chai Shan Palace. On the Gui Wei day, the emperor returned to the palace.
In the tenth month of winter, on the Ding Si day, General Yuan Qu, Marquis of Kuaiji Liu Jie, Marquis of Yong'an Wei Qin, and others marched to suppress the rebellion of the Tu Jing Hu people, but faced defeat; Liu Jie was injured, and Wei Qin was killed in battle.
In November, on the Gui You day, the emperor hosted a banquet for his courtiers in the West Palace. The Later Qin monarch Yao Xing sent envoys to pay tribute and requested permission to send women to Wei, and the emperor granted his request.
In the first spring month of the first year of Shen Rui, on the Xin You day, due to the frequent appearance of auspicious signs, the emperor ordered a general amnesty and changed the era name to "Shen Rui." On the Xin Si day, the emperor went to Fanzhi to perform sacrifices and distributed silk to everyone from nobles to soldiers and craftsmen based on their status.
In the second month, on the Wu Xu day, the emperor returned to the Pingcheng Palace. During this month, Helian Qu Jie invaded Puzi in Hedong, killing and looting local officials and people. Zhang Chang and his comrades from the Three Cities Guard set an ambush and repelled him. On the Geng Xu day, the emperor visited Chai Shan Palace. Cao Cheng of the Western Hu and Liu Chuyuan of Tu Jing joined forces and attacked, killing over three hundred soldiers stationed in Tu Jing by Helian Qu Jie. On the Yi Mao day, the emperor ordered the construction of Feng Palace in northeastern Pingcheng.
In the fifth month of summer, on the Xin You day, the emperor returned to the palace after an outing.
In June, the Champion General of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Liu Yan, the Governor of Taishan's brother, along with Zhao Luan, the Deputy General and Governor of Dongping, Luo Zhuo, the General and Governor of Pingchang, and Zhang Wenxing, the leader of the Doucheng Tuge tribe, led over 7,000 refugee households to surrender to Northern Wei. The Hexi Hu tribe leaders Liu Zhe and Liu Tuigu led over 10,000 households to cross the Yellow River and surrender to Northern Wei. On Wushen day, the Emperor went to Chai Shan Palace. On Dinghai day, the Emperor returned to the palace.
In August of autumn, on Wuzi day, the Emperor ordered Yuan Lousun, the Marquis of Mayi, to visit Yao Xing of Later Qin. On Xinchou day, envoys were sent to Yan'an to appease the Rouran tribes, and at the same time, people were sent to Shimen to recruit Feng Ba. The Emperor ordered the General Who Pacifies the South and the Inspector of Xiangzhou, Yu Guzhen, to maintain contact with Liu Yu, the Grand Commandant of the Eastern Jin.
In November of winter, on Renwu day, the Emperor ordered envoys to inspect the various states and check local officials' properties; any property not brought by themselves was registered as confiscated property. The Emperor also ordered that if local officials do not follow the law, the people are allowed to directly appeal to the palace.
In December, on Bingxu day, the Rouran tribes launched an invasion along the border. On Bingshen day, the Emperor personally led the army to attack the Rouran. Sima Shunzai of Henei proclaimed himself as the "King of Jin," but the troops sent by the governor to arrest him were unsuccessful.
In this year, the Tuyuhun tribe was defeated by Qifu Chisong.
In the second year of Shenrui, in the spring of the first month, on Bingchen day, the Emperor returned from the Northern Expedition and rewarded the soldiers with cloth based on their merits.
In the second month, on Dinghai day, the Emperor hosted a banquet for the ministers in the West Palace and rewarded the newly surrendered tribal leaders with brocade and silk. Liu Lang, the Governor of Langya in the Eastern Jin, led over two thousand households to surrender to Northern Wei. On Gengzi day, the Hu people of Hexi, led by Liu Yun and others, surrendered tens of thousands of households to Northern Wei. On Jiachen day, the Emperor built the Taizu Temple on the west side of Mount Baideng.
In March, the emperor issued an edict saying, "The censors and local officials are mostly lazy and negligent. Despite numerous reminders and penalties, they still do not change. This year, if any officials fail to complete their tax payments, their family assets will be confiscated to cover the shortfall, and they are not allowed to levy further taxes on the common people." The hungry Xiongnu in Hexi gathered in Shangdang, elected Bai Yalisi as their leader, self-proclaimed "General," and rebelled in Shangdang, adopting the era name "Jianping," appointing Sima Shun as their strategist.
In April, the emperor commanded General Gongsun Biao and four other generals to quell the rebellion. More than two thousand refugee households from Henan pledged allegiance to Northern Wei. The rebel army deposed Bai Yalisi and established Liu Hu as their leader, calling him "King of Benevolence." The Eastern Jin's Sima Dezong sent envoys to pay tribute. On the day of Jimao, the emperor embarked on a northern inspection tour.
In May, on the day of Dinghai, the emperor reached Canhe Dong, then proceeded to Daning. On the day of Dingwei, the emperor hunted at Sijia Mountain.
In June, on the day of Wuwu, the emperor went to Quji Pi to watch fishing. On the day of Xinyou, the emperor arrived at Ruyuan and built a viewing platform there.
In autumn, in July, the emperor returned to the palace and halved the land rent in the regions he traversed.
In September, over three thousand households of refugees from Henan submitted to Northern Wei. Due to famine in the capital, the emperor permitted them to travel to Shandong in search of food.
In winter, in October, on the day of Renzi, the ruler of Later Qin, Yao Xing, sent the Palace Attendant Yan Chang, Duke of Dongwu Yao Chang, and Minister Yao Tai to escort his Princess of Xiping to Northern Wei, where the emperor welcomed her with elaborate ceremonies. On the day of Xinyou, the emperor inspected Juyucheng. On the day of Guihai, the emperor returned to the palace. On the day of Bingyin, the emperor issued an edict saying, "As the ancients said, when the people thrive, the ruler can enjoy abundance; there has never been a case of a wealthy populace and a poor state. In recent years, frost and drought disasters have occurred frequently, leading to poor harvests, and many people suffer from hunger and cold, struggling to survive. I hereby decree the distribution of cloth and grain to aid the impoverished populace."
In November, on the Dinghai day, the emperor traveled to Chashan Palace. On the Gengzi day, the emperor returned to the palace.
In the spring of Taichang's first year, on the Jiashen day, the emperor traveled to Chashan Palace. On the Wuzi day, the emperor returned to the palace.
In March, on the Jichou day, Huo Ji, a local from Changshan County, claimed that his name fulfilled the prophecy and held a black stone, asserting it was a divine seal, inciting the masses to rebel and take refuge in the mountains as bandits. Local officials captured him and had him executed.
In April, during the summer, on the Renzi day, the emperor declared a general amnesty and changed the era name to "Taichang." On the Gengshen day, Wang of Hejian, Tuoba Xiu, passed away.
In June, on the Dingsi day, the emperor conducted a northern inspection.
In autumn, in July, on the Jiashen day, the emperor advanced westward from Bailupei, conducted a large sacrificial ceremony in Niuchuan, ascended Fushan, surveyed the southern region of Yin Fanshui, and explored Jiujiuqian. On the Wuxu day, the emperor returned to the palace.
In September, on the Wuwu day, the former Bingzhou governor, Shusun Jian, and others led their forces to a decisive victory over the Shanhu. The rebel leader Liu Hu crossed the Yellow River and fled eastward, where he was ultimately killed by his own men. Sima Shunzhai and several others were also executed. Sima Dezong of Eastern Jin appointed Liu Yu as the Chancellor, and Liu Yu led his army upstream along the Yellow River to attack Yao Hong, sending his subordinate, Wang Zhongde, as the vanguard, directly reaching Liangcheng by land. Wei Jian, the governor of Yanzhou, was timid and risk-averse, abandoning Yanzhou and crossing the Yellow River. Wang Zhongde subsequently attacked Huatai. The emperor ordered General Shusun Jian and others to cross the Yellow River, demonstrate their strength at Huatai, and execute Wei Jian at the city gates.
In the tenth month of winter, on Renxu day, the emperor went to the Chaishan Palace. Ku Nüguan Bin, the leader of the Tuhu tribe, initially surrendered to Northern Wei, but later betrayed them and fled to Feng Ba. General Yan Pu led his cavalry across the Ruyu River to attack Ku Nüguan Bin, defeating the rebels. Ku Nüguan Bin, the governor of Youzhou under Feng Ba, Duke of Yuyang, Ku Nüguan Chang, and Ku Nüguan Ti, the General of the Northern Expedition and Marquis of Guannei, were killed. Ku Nüguan's daughter was captured alive and sent to the capital. The Youzhou rebellion was suppressed.
In the eleventh month, on Jiaxu day, the emperor returned to the Pingcheng Palace and constructed a pavilion in the Beiyuan.
In the twelfth month, Prince Tuoba Liang of Nanyang passed away.
That year, Yao Xing, the ruler of Later Qin, passed away, and his son, Yao Hong, succeeded him.
In the second month of the second spring year, on Bingwu day, the emperor issued an edict: "The people across the Nine Provinces are far from the capital and often have grievances that go unvoiced, while local officials do not report in a timely manner. Now is the time for spring plowing to begin, and some poor people may delay farming due to lack of resources. Orders are to send envoys to inspect various places, understand the customs and hardships of the people, and evaluate the performance of local officials. If there are matters that the people are unable to appeal directly, they are allowed to report through the envoys." On Xinyu day, Fu Hong, the Eastern Jin general stationed in Xingyang, sent envoys, including Wang Liang, to request Northern Wei to send troops against Liu Yu. At the same time, Jin's Prince Qiao, Sima Wensi, sent envoys to request Northern Wei to send troops to attack Liu Yu. The emperor commanded Grand Tutor Changsun Song to lead the troops in intercepting Liu Yu, but they were unable to achieve victory in the battle at Pancheng. The emperor then ordered a halt to the military campaign.
In April, on the Dingwei day, Zhai Shu, the leader of the Dingling tribe in Yushan, sent envoys to establish contact with Liu Yu. Feng Ba sent Wang Te'er and his associates to liaise with Sima Dezong of the Eastern Jin, but the governor of Zhangwu arrested Wang Te'er and others and sent them to the capital. On the Dingsi day, the emperor inspected Gaoliu. On the Renxu day, the emperor returned to the Pingcheng Palace. In May, more than ten thousand households in Runan, led by Hu Hua, voluntarily surrendered to Northern Wei. On the Yimai day, Wang Yi, the governor of Qijun in Eastern Jin, came to surrender. The emperor then set out on a westward tour, arriving in Yuzhong, crossing the Yellow River, and hunting in the desert.
In the seventh month of autumn, the emperor built a white platform twenty zhang high south of the city. Sima Shunzhī entered Changshan, spreading rumors to stir up the people, claiming he was commanded by the Heavenly Emperor and should become a ruler at the age of 25, thus gathering a crowd to revolt at Fenglong Mountain. The bandit Zhao De of Zhao County captured Sima Shunzhī, brought him to the capital, where he was ultimately executed.
In August, Liu Yu destroyed the Later Qin led by Yao Hong. In September, on the Guiyou day, Sima Xiuzhi, the general pacifying the west and the governor of Jingzhou, along with Sima Wensi, the Prince of Qiao, Sima Guofan, Sima Daozi, General Fu Guo Wen Kai, Lu Gui, the magistrate of Jingling, Han Yanzhi, Yin Yue, the assistant military officer Huan Mi, Huan Zui, as well as Huan Wen's grandson Huan Daozi, Diao Yong from Bohai, and Yuan Shi from Chenjun, along with hundreds of others, surrendered to Northern Wei. The Xiongnu generals under Yao Hong, Yao Chengdu and his brother Yao He, also led their troops to surrender.
In the tenth month of winter, on the Jiyou day, the emperor ordered Changsun Song, the Minister of Works, and others to return to the capital and dispatched Shusun Jian to garrison Ye City. On the Guichou day, Wang Tuoba Kui of Yuzhang passed away.
In November, the army under Changsun Song arrived in Leping. The emperor ordered Changsun Song to send E Qing, Zhou Ji, and others to join Shusun Jian in attacking the Dingling leaders Zhai Shu and Luo Zhi, completely eliminating the remaining rebel forces before returning. Simultaneously, he exempted all provinces from taxes.
In the twelfth month, on the Jiyou day, the emperor ordered that any descendants of Yao Hong who were in exile among the people of Hedong and Henei, whoever could bring them to the capital would be rewarded. On the Gengshen day, the emperor went hunting in the Western Mountains. On the Guihai day, the emperor returned to the palace. Xu Ainu, the leader of the Di tribe, along with Qi Yuanzi and others, led thirty thousand troops stationed in Yongzhou, and sent envoys to surrender to Northern Wei. The emperor ordered General Wang Luosheng and the prefect of Henei, Yang Sheng, to assist them. On the Renshen day, the emperor went to Daning Changchuan. Yao Hong's Secretary, Duke Dongwu Yao Chang, as well as Yao Chang's younger brother Zhenyuan General Sengguang, and Right General Yao Dingshi defected to Northern Wei from Luoyang.
In the same year, the King of Xiliang, Li Gao, died, and his son Li Xin succeeded him and sent envoys to pay tribute to Northern Wei.
In the third year of spring, in the first month, on the Dingyou day, the emperor issued a decree from Changchuan, ordering the Protector of the High Chariot, Xue Fan, to lead the High Chariot and the leaders of the Dingling Twelve Tribes to advance northward to the Ruo River.
In March, an envoy from Eastern Jin, Sima Dezong, arrived to pay tribute. On the Gengxu day, the emperor inspected the Western Palace, and due to last year's flooding in Fanyang, he exempted the local residents from taxes.
In the summer, in the fourth month, on the Jisi day, the emperor relocated the Tuohe tribes from Jizhou, Dingzhou, and Youzhou to areas near the capital. In the fifth month, on the Bingwu day, the emperor ordered Sun Sunjian to guard Guang'a. On the Renzi day, the emperor went on an eastern tour, arriving at Ruguan and Gansong. The emperor dispatched General Changsun Daosheng and Yellow Gate Attendant Xi Guan to lead twenty thousand elite riders to raid Fengba, while ordering General Xiaopu to march from the northern part of Youzhou to the west of Liaoxi to create a diversion, and the emperor himself stationed at Tumen Ridge, waiting for updates. After Changsun Daosheng arrived in Longcheng, he relocated over ten thousand households to Northern Wei before returning.
On the Yiyu day in June, the emperor concluded his tour and returned to the capital.
In the autumn, in the seventh month, on the Wuwu day, the emperor returned to Pingcheng Palace.
In the eighth month, heavy rains struck Yanmen and Henei, and the emperor ordered tax exemptions for these two regions.
On the Jia Yin day in September, the emperor issued an edict for the provinces to collect grain from the populace, requiring each household to provide fifty shi, and these grains were to be stored in Dingzhou, Xiangzhou, and Jizhou.
On the Wu Chen day in October during the winter, the emperor built a new palace in the Western Garden.
That year, Sima Dezong of Eastern Jin passed away, and his brother Sima Dewen usurped the throne, declaring himself emperor. At the same time, Helian Qugai also proclaimed himself emperor.
On the Ren Chen day of the first month in the fourth year, the emperor inspected the Yellow River and held a large-scale hunt at Duzhu. On the Gui Mao day, the emperor returned to Pingcheng Palace.
On the Gui Chou day in March, the emperor built a new palace north of Pengtai. General Ning Shuo, the governor of Pingyang, Xiongnu guard Xue Bian, and others—including Sima Chuzhi, Sima Shunming, and Sima Daogong—sent envoys to Northern Wei to request surrender.
On the Geng Chen day in April, the emperor held a sacrifice at the Eastern Temple, with hundreds of representatives from distant vassal states coming to assist with the sacrifice. On the Xin Si day, the emperor toured the south, passing through Yanmen, and exempted the areas along his route from that year's taxes. On the Geng Yin day in May, the emperor watched fishing at the Lushui River. On the Ji Hai day, the emperor returned to Pingcheng Palace, again exempting the areas along his route from a year's taxes.
In June, Sima Dewen's General Jianwei, the governor of Hexi, and the Qiang leader of Fengyi, Dang Daozi, sent envoys to submit to Northern Wei.
On the Xin Wei day in August, the emperor toured the east and sent envoys to perform sacrifices at Mount Heng. On the Jia Shen day, the emperor returned to Pingcheng Palace, exempting the areas along his route from a year's land rent. In September, the emperor built a new palace at Baideng Mountain.
On the Gui Hai day in December during the winter, the emperor toured the west, arriving in Yuzhong and crossing Baidao Mountain, and hunted wild horses at Rugu Mountain. Subsequently, the emperor came to the Yellow River, crossed the river at Junzi Jin, and held a large-scale hunt at Xuelin Mountain.
On the bingxu day in the first month of the fifth year of spring, the emperor traveled east from Xuelin Mountain, arriving at Wudou City to comfort the soldiers. He held a two-day grand banquet and distributed captured game to the accompanying personnel. On the jihai day, the emperor returned to the palace in Pingcheng. On the bingxu day of the third month, Prince Yiwen of Nanyang passed away. In the fourth month of summer, Huang Dahua, leader of the Tuge tribe in Hexi, and Bu Meng'e, leader of the Qiang tribe, sent envoys to surrender to Northern Wei. On the bingyin day, the emperor built a new palace on the south bank of the Lei River. On the yiyou day of the fifth month, the emperor issued a decree that praised Emperor Xuanwu for his remarkable achievements. On the bingyin day of the sixth month, the emperor inspected Yidu Mountain. On the dingyou day of the seventh month, the emperor arrived in Wuyuan during his western tour. On the dingwei day, the emperor arrived at Dashu in Yunzhong, where he hosted a grand banquet for his entourage. On the guihai day of the eighth month, the emperor returned to the Pingcheng Palace. On the jiawu day of the leap month, Wang Tuoba Lie of Yinping passed away. In the eleventh month of winter, the emperor ordered General Yan Pu to build a city in Qiancheng. On the dinghai day of the twelfth month, Di Wenzhi, the leader of the Qiang tribe in Xingcheng, led more than three thousand households to surrender to Northern Wei. That year, Liu Yu deposed and executed Emperor Sima Dewen of Eastern Jin, proclaimed himself emperor, and established the Song Dynasty. Meanwhile, Li Xin was defeated by Juqu Mengxun, and Li Xin's brother Li Xun established himself in Dunhuang. On the xinwei day of the first month of the sixth year of spring, the emperor conducted an inspection of Gongyang. In the second month, he ordered each group of twenty households to provide a war horse and a large ox for military supplies. On the jiazi day of the third month, Wang Tuoba Xi of Yangping passed away. On the yihai day, the emperor decreed that households in the six departments with one hundred sheep must pay a war horse as tribute. At the same time, six thousand people were conscripted from the capital to construct a new hunting ground, beginning at the old hunting ground and encircling Baideng Mountain to the east, with a total circumference of over thirty li. On the yiyou day of the sixth month of summer, the emperor embarked on a northern tour and arrived at Panyang Mountain.
In early autumn, the emperor embarked on a western tour, hunting in Zhashan, and personally killed a tiger before inspecting the Yellow River. On the Gengzi day in August, the emperor conducted a grand sacrificial ceremony at Duzhu. On the Gengxu day in September, the emperor returned to the Palace of Pingcheng. On the Renshen day, Liu Yu sent envoys to pay tribute to the Northern Wei. In the tenth month of winter, on the Jihai day, the emperor conducted an inspection of the Dai region. On the Bingshen day in December, the emperor toured the west for a hunting expedition, reaching Yunchong. That year, Juqu Mengxun destroyed Li Xun. In the spring of the seventh year, on the Jiachen day in the first month, the emperor journeyed west from Yunchong to Wudou City, hosting a lavish three-day banquet for his entourage and bestowing silk and cloth upon tribal leaders according to their ranks. On the Bingshu day in February, the emperor returned to the Palace of Pingcheng and distributed cloth to his entourage while hosting a grand banquet at the Western Palace. On the Yichou day in March, Tuoba Yao, the King of Henan, passed away. In the fourth month of summer, on the Jiaxu day, the emperor conferred the title of King of Taiping upon his son, Tuoba Tao, whose courtesy name was Foli, and promoted him to Grand General, appointing him as Chancellor; he conferred the title of King of Leping on Tuoba Pi, promoting him to Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry; he conferred the title of King of Anding on Tuoba Mi, promoting him to Grand General of the Guard; he conferred the title of King of Le'an on Tuoba Fan, promoting him to Grand General of the Central Army; he conferred the title of King of Yongchang on Tuoba Jian, promoting him to Grand General of the Pacification Army; he conferred the title of King of Jianning on Tuoba Chong, promoting him to Grand General of the Assistance to the State; he conferred the title of King of Xinxing on Tuoba Jun, promoting him to Grand General of the Town Army. Simultaneously, he conferred the title of King of Changle upon Ji Jing, the son of Princess Xianhuai, and appointed him as Grand Marshal and Grand General. Initially, the emperor had been consuming cold food powder for many years, and his health had significantly declined, rendering him unable to manage state affairs. In May, the emperor issued an edict allowing the Crown Prince to assume responsibility for state affairs. In the same month, Tuoba Tao, the King of Taiping, began to serve as regent. That year, Liu Yu passed away, and his son Liu Yifu seized the throne and proclaimed himself emperor.
In September of autumn, the emperor issued a decree appointing Xijin, the Minister of Works (Sikong), as the commander-in-chief, granting him the command of the vanguard of various armies, appointing him as the Grand General of Jin's army, and serving as the acting governor of Yangzhou; appointing Zhou Ji, the Marquis of Jiaozhi, as the General of the Song army and the governor of Jiaozhou; appointing Gongsun Biao, Duke of Angu, as the General of the Wu army and the governor of Guangzhou, leading the army to attack Liu Yifu. On the day of Yisi, the emperor went to the Leinan Palace and continued his tour to Guangning. On the day of Jiyou, the emperor issued a decree for Taiping Wang to lead troops from various countries to hunt in the Dongyuan with the emperor's regalia, along with his spare chariots, horses, and clothing. On the day of Xinhai, the emperor ordered the construction of the outer city of Pingcheng, with a wall that encircled thirty-two li. On the day of Xinyou, the emperor went to Qiaoshan, sending envoys to pay respects at the temples of the Yellow Emperor and Tang Yao. Subsequently, the emperor toured Youzhou to meet with the elderly, inquire about their living conditions, and confer titles. At the same time, envoys were sent to various states and counties to investigate the sentiments and customs of the people.
On the day of Jiaxu in December, the emperor returned to the Pingcheng Palace and exempted half of the land rents for the regions along the route. Xijin's siege of Huatai was unsuccessful, enraging the emperor, who planned to personally lead a southern campaign to bolster the front lines. On the day of Renchen, the emperor went on a southern tour, passing through Tianmen Pass and crossing Hengling, with over fifty thousand vassal leaders and their troops from across the regions accompanying him.
In November, Taiping Wang personally led six armies to guard the border, while An Ding Wang (Tuoba Mi) and Beixin Gong'an remained in Pingcheng. On the day of Bingwu, the emperor ordered a special pardon for death-sentenced prisoners in Sizhou. Liu Yifu sent Wang Jingdu, the Governor of Dongju, to abandon Huatai and make his escape. The emperor appointed Yuan Gou'er, the Marquis of Chenggao, as the governor of Yanzhou, to be stationed at Huatai.
In December, the emperor sent Marquis Shusun Jian of Shouguang and his associates to lead troops to cross the Yellow River from Pingyuan, capturing the various counties of Qingzhou and Yanzhou. Upon hearing that the Northern Wei army had crossed the river, Xu Yan, the Inspector of Yanzhou under Liu Yifu, deserted the city and escaped. Shusun Jian then moved eastward and took control of Qingzhou. Sima Aizhi and Sima Xiuzhi originally gathered their followers in Jidong for a rebellion, but later surrendered to Northern Wei.
On the day of Bingchen in the eighth year of the reign, the emperor toured Ye City, comforting the people and understanding the situation. After Minister of Works Xi Jin pacified Yanzhou and Yuzhou, he continued to besiege Hu Lao, but Mao Dezhu, Liu Yifu's commander, held firm. The leaders of Shu in Hedong, Xue Ding and Xue Fu, led more than five thousand households to pledge allegiance to Northern Wei. Meanwhile, the Rouran launched an invasion on the Northern Wei frontier.
On the day of Wuchen in the second month, the emperor ordered the building of the Great Wall south of Changchuan, starting from Chicheng and ending at Wuyuan, totaling over two thousand li, and guard posts were set up along the line.
On the day of Yisi in the third month, the emperor went hunting in Hanling Mountain, just south of Ye City, then continued to Jicun and reached Fangtou. On the day of Yimao, the emperor crossed the Yellow River via Lingchang Ferry, touring Chenliu and Dongjun. On the day of Yichou, the emperor crossed the river again and headed north to Henan, where he had a pontoon bridge constructed at Yeban Ferry.
On the Dingmao day of the fourth month, the emperor inspected Hulao's situation while touring Chenggao City. At that time, the city was experiencing a water shortage and could only draw water from the Yellow River with buckets. The emperor ordered that boats be linked together to create a waterway and that siege equipment be installed on the boats to cut off the enemy's access to water, while digging tunnels to disrupt the enemy's well water supply. Subsequently, the emperor went to Luoyang to visit the stone classics. Mei An, the leader of the southern tribes, arrived with thousands of followers bearing tributes. On the Jiwuyue day, the emperor returned to He Nei City, ascended the Taihang Mountains and toured Gaodu. Hulao was ultimately breached, and the Northern Wei army captured Liu Yifu's champion general and governor of Sizhou, Duke Guanyang, Mao Dezu, the champion Sima, the governor of Xingyang, Zhai Guang, General of Jianwei, Dou Ba, General of Zhenwu, Yao Yongcuo, General of Zhenwei, Wu Baozhi, the deputy of Sizhou, Jiang Yuanxing, and others. However, a severe epidemic broke out among the Northern Wei troops, with the death rate among soldiers soaring to seventy to eighty percent. On the day of Xinyou, the emperor returned to Jinyang and rewarded the accompanying officials, ensuring that everyone, from princes to ordinary soldiers, was recognized.
On the Bingyin day of the fifth month, the emperor returned to Yanmen. On the Jihai day of the sixth month, the Grand Marshal, Duke of Yidu, Mu Guan, passed away. On the Bingchen day, the emperor embarked on a northern tour, reaching Canhebei and visiting Panyang Mountain.
In the autumn of the seventh month, the emperor toured Sanhui Wuhouquan and issued an edict commanding the crown prince to lead the officials in accompanying him. In August, the emperor visited Mayi to inspect the source of the Liao River. On the Yihai day in September, the emperor returned to the Palace of Pingcheng and issued an edict commanding Sikong Xi Jin to return to the capital, while Marquis E Qing of Changping and Marquis Zhou Ji of Jiaozhi were stationed at Fangtou. Li Yuande, Liu Yifu's governor of Yingchuan, secretly seized Xuchang, and the emperor ordered Zhou Ji to attack Li Yuande, who subsequently fled. After Zhou Ji secured Xuchang, he returned to garrison at Fangtou.
In winter, on the Guimao day of the tenth month, the emperor expanded Guangxi Palace and built an outer city wall with a circumference of twenty li.
On the Jisi day of November, the emperor died in the Western Palace at the age of thirty-two. In his final edict, he awarded the military supplies captured by Minister Xi Jin to the officials, distributing them according to rank from Minister of Works Changsun Song down to common soldiers.
On the Gengzi day of December, the emperor was posthumously given the title Ming Yuan Emperor and was buried in Jinling, shrouded in clouds, with the temple name Taizong.
During his lifetime, the emperor revered Confucianism and enjoyed reading historical texts. He felt that Liu Xiang's works, "New Selections" and "Sayings of the Garden," had several shortcomings in their commentary on the classics, so he personally compiled a work called "New Collection," comprising thirty chapters that collected texts from the classics and historical records, addressing both ancient and contemporary meanings, encompassing both civil governance and military accomplishments.
Historians noted: The founding emperor, Tuoba Gui, was courageous and undefeated, uniting the northern grasslands, but internal conflicts often arose during his later years. After the Ming Yuan Emperor ascended the throne, he harbored a pure sense of filial piety and, in the midst of internal troubles and external threats, took pragmatic measures, ultimately turning danger into safety and solidifying the foundation of the state. He was well-known for his virtue, truly worthy of the sacrifices made at the ancestral temple and the respect of future generations.
