Emperor Xiaojing, whose name was Shan Jian, was the son of Li Dan, the King of Qinghe. His mother was Consort Hu. In the third year of Yongxi, he was appointed as the Deputy Minister of the Cavalry. In August, he was promoted to General of Cavalry and concurrently held the position of Minister of the Three Offices, rising several ranks at once.
After Emperor Suzong of Tang fled to Guanzhong, Wang Xian, the King of Qi, wanted to welcome him back but was unsuccessful. Thus, the officials in the court discussed and decided to support the eleven-year-old Li Shan Jian as emperor to succeed Emperor Suzong.
On a certain day in October 534, the emperor established the capital in the northeast of Ye City, proclaimed a general amnesty, and renamed the era Tianping. A few days later, he appointed Prince Chen of Zhao as Grand Marshal, Prince Tan of Xianyang as Grand Commandant, Gao Sheng as Minister of Works, and Gao Ang as Minister of the Interior. Afterwards, the emperor performed a sacrifice at the ancestral temple and issued a decree that stated: "Relocating the capital has been a common practice since ancient times; the Yin and Shang dynasties relocated their capitals eight times, and the Zhou dynasty three times. The rise and fall of dynasties is a natural part of history. This relocation is also unavoidable. Emperor Gaozu, the Filial and Cultured Emperor, relocated the capital based on celestial phenomena and public sentiment. Now, the national situation is dire, with constant wars and the people have been displaced. Therefore, we have decided to move the capital to Ye City to ensure the nation's prosperity." Subsequently, the emperor officially relocated the capital to Ye City, leaving some troops to garrison the old capital. Sizhou was renamed Luozhou, with Yuan Bi appointed as the Governor of Luozhou to oversee Luoyang. The relocated citizens were granted a three-year tax exemption, and resettlement assistance was provided for five years.
Not long after, Fan Zihu, the Governor of Yanzhou, and Dayeba, the Governor of Nanqingzhou, rebelled in Xiaqiu. After the Emperor arrived at Ye City, he stayed in the official residence in Xiangzhou. The Governor of Xiangzhou was renamed as the Sizhou Governor, and the Prefect of Weijun was renamed as the Weiyin Intendant. To accommodate the newly relocated residents, the original inhabitants of Ye City were moved to a place 100 miles away from the city. A new county, Linzhang County, was established in Ye City, and several surrounding counties were designated as imperial territory known as the Jingji region. Shortly after, Prince Heba of Yanjun died. The Emperor ordered the lifting of martial law, the restoration of normalcy, and officials were allowed to wear ordinary clothes to work without carrying weapons. Five envoys were sent to inspect the entire country. Subsequently, criminals in the Jingji region were pardoned.
In the intercalary month of the same year, Xiao Yan enfeoffed Yuan Qinghe as the King of Wei and ordered him to occupy Pingshe Township with his troops. After Yuwen Heita killed the Emperor, he proclaimed Prince Baoju of Nanyang as the Emperor. The court also established four Commandery Offices in Jiangshi Bridge, Puquan, Jibei, Luoshui, and other places to strengthen military defense.
In the spring of a certain year, in the first month of the lunar calendar, the Inspector of Baoju, Zhu Hundao Yuan, surrendered to King Qi Xianwu, who warmly received him and offered him provisions. On the same day (Jisi day), the court issued an edict appointing King Qi Xianwu as Chancellor, granting him the Yellow Axe (symbolizing the highest authority), allowing him to wear court attire when entering the court, and exempting him from kneeling when entering the hall, while other ceremonies remained unchanged. However, King Qi Xianwu firmly declined the offer. A few days later (Yihai day), King Qi Xianwu also took on the additional titles of Right Chief Secretary and Governor of the Southeastern Circuit to campaign against Yuan Qinghe, ultimately defeating him and forcing his retreat.
On the day of Renwu in the second month, the court appointed Taiwei and Prince Tan of Xianyang as the Grand Preceptor, and appointed the Governor of Sizhou, Prince Cong of Xihe, as Taiwei. On the day of Jichou, the former governor of South Qingzhou, Daye, killed Fan Zihu before surrendering to the court, thus pacifying Yanzhou. On the day of Wuxu, Chen Qingzhi, the governor of Sizhou under Xiao Yan, invaded Yuzhou, but was defeated by Governor Yao Xiong. On the day of Xinyou in the third month, the court appointed Gao Cheng as Taiwei, Gao Ang as Situ, and Prince Huiye of Jiyin as Sikong. Qi Xianwu Wang pacified the rebellion of the Mountain Hu Liu Lisheng and executed him. Liu Lisheng's son, Prince Nanhai, usurped the throne but was captured by Qi Xianwu Wang, along with his brother, the queen, concubines, and over 400 others, as well as more than 20,000 fugitives. On the day of Xinwei, due to drought, the court ordered the capital and all provinces to collect and bury the remains of those who had died in the wilderness. That spring, Goryeo and Khitan sent envoys to pay their respects to the court.
In the fourth month, the former governor of Qingzhou, Hou Yuan, rebelled, attacking both Qingzhou and Qizhou. On the day of Guiwei, Cai Jun, the governor of Jizhou, quelled Hou Yuan's rebellion. On the day of Renchen, Hou Yuan was escorted to the capital for his trial. In May, a severe drought occurred, prompting the court to order watering at the city gates, palace gates, and the entrances of various provinces, prefectures, temples, offices, and districts until it rained, regardless of rank. In June, Yuan Qinghe invaded South Yuzhou again but was once more defeated by Governor Yao Xiong.
In the autumn of an unspecified year (the specific year is not mentioned in the text), on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, the emperor conferred the title of Langya King on Sun Chuo, the grandson of King Yuel of Runan. On the eighth day of the eighth month, the Minister of Works, Yin Wang Huiye, was dismissed for committing an offense. Eleven days later, on the nineteenth day of the eighth month, the emperor issued an order for the construction of a new palace, conscripting 76,000 people. By September of that year, King Xianwu of Qi felt that many officials tasked with governing the people were ignoring the laws, so he suggested that the emperor appoint some honest and upright officials, sending one person from each province to investigate the hardships of the common people. On the fourteenth of September, the emperor appointed Wang Xu, the King of Xiangcheng, as the Minister of Works.
On November 14th, during the winter, Liu Zhongli, a subordinate of Xiao Yan, attacked Jingzhou but was defeated by Wang Yuan, the governor of Jingzhou. On the twentieth of November, the emperor performed a ritual sacrifice to Heaven and Earth at the Round Mound. On the twenty-second, the Changhe Gate caught fire, and at the same time, a dragon was reported to have appeared in a well in Bingzhou! On the twenty-fifth, the emperor issued a decree promoting Wang Wenxiang of Qi to the ranks of Regular Attendant, General of Cavalry, Left Minister of Rites, Minister of State, and Duke of Taiyuan, and granted him a fief consisting of three thousand households. On the seventeenth of December, the emperor led a hunting party east of Ye City. On the nineteenth, civil and military officials received their salaries based on their positions and duties.
On the first day of the first month of spring in the second year, the emperor entertained his ministers in front of the palace. On the sixth day of the first month, the emperor ordered all officials to recommend talents, and if the recommended candidates were deemed unqualified, the recommending officials would be dismissed twice. King Qi Xianwu launched an attack on the Western Xia and successfully captured it. The emperor wanted to bestow upon King Qi Xianwu the ceremonial title of Nine Bestowments, but the courtier Yuan Zisi advised him against it, and King Qi Xianwu himself firmly declined, so the issue was ultimately dropped. On the fourteenth day of the second month, the Governor of Guangzhou, Hao Shu, led the officials in the state to submit to the court. On the sixteenth day of the second month, the emperor issued a decree promoting King Qi Wenxiang to the positions of Imperial Commissioner, Minister of Works, Grand Secretary, and Grand Commander, and placed various leaders of the Xianbei and Qiang tribes under his jurisdiction. On the eighth day of the third month, the emperor appointed Wang Zhe as the Grand Marshal. On the eleventh day of the third month, Prefect Lu Gongzuan of Yangxia rebelled in the southern part of the county, and the Grand Commander Yuan Zheng pacified him. On the fourteenth day of the fourth month in summer, Changle King Dan passed away. On the eighth day of the fifth month, the emperor distributed clothing to widows, orphans, and the poor, with quantities varying based on their circumstances. On the eleventh day of the fifth month, Liu Cong was appointed as the Governor of Sui Prefecture. On the thirteenth day of the fifth month, the Grand Commandant, Gao Sheng, passed away. On the eighth day of the sixth month, Zhao Jun King Shen passed away. In the autumn of a certain year, on the Gengzi day of July, the court announced a general amnesty. Tian Dubi, the Governor of Xiazhou, and Liu Luanqing, the Commander of Yingchuan Fortress, both surrendered along with their respective states and counties to Xiao Yan.
In August, frost appeared in the four regions of Bingzhou, Sizhou, Fenzhou, and Jianzhou, which led to a severe famine. On the Renyin day of September, the court appointed the governor of Dingzhou, Hou Jing, to also serve as the Right Chancellor and Inspector of the Southern Circuit, allowing him to lead troops south to suppress the rebels. On the Bingchen day of September, a Yangping native, Lu Jili, rebelled. On the Xinyou day of September, Vice Censor Dou Tai suppressed the rebellion. In winter, on the Wushen day of November, the emperor ordered the Ministry of Officials to send someone to Hebei to inspect those displaced by the famine, and if they found anyone who had died of starvation, they should quickly bury them. The edict also stated: do not allow the skeletal remains to decay in the wilderness, causing disturbances at night and creating a bad influence.
Not long after, Hou Jing captured Chuzhou of Xiaoyan and captured the governor of Chuzhou, Huan He. In December, the court appointed the governor of Bingzhou, Wei Jing, as Grand Guardian. On the Xinyou day of December, the court dispatched personnel to provide some subsidies to elderly people, including those under one hundred. On the Renshen day of December, the Grand General and Prince of Qinghe, Dan, died. On the Dingchou day of December, King Xianwu of Qi marched westward from Jinyang and camped at Pujin; the Minister of Works and Grand Commander Gao Aocao advanced towards Luoyang; and the General of Chariots and Cavalry Dou Tai entered Guanzhong from Tongguan. On the Guiwei day of December, the court appointed the Grand Tutor and Prince of Xianyang, Tan, as Grand Master. On the Yiyou day of December, the Kingdom of Wujiguo sent envoys to pay tribute. This year, the Kingdom of Goryeo also sent envoys to pay tribute.
In the spring of the following year, in the first month, the court prohibited youths under fifteen from engaging in fights. Dou Tai suffered defeat and, feeling ashamed, took his own life. On the Dingsi day of the first month, Gao Aocao attacked Luoyang, captured it, and arrested General of Cavalry Bao Ju and Luozhou's governor Quan Qi. The court appointed Prince Xian of Ruyang to serve as Minister of Personnel.
In the summer of the Xinwei year, the court relocated the tablets honoring the seven emperors to a newly constructed temple and declared a general amnesty, promoting all officials one rank. Prior to this, Zhang Jian and others from Xingyang gathered at Dazha Mountain to rebel and conspired with Baoju. On Renchen day in April, General Gao Yuansheng led troops to suppress their rebellion.
A few days into June, I went to Hualin Garden to handle some legal matters. After a few days, the emperor ordered the Minister of Personnel to deal with the concealment of evidence regarding buried corpses and to thoroughly investigate those criminals. Unfortunately, that day saw the Changhe Gate catch fire. It is said that previously, due to a goodwill request from the Yizhou governor, Fu He, so...
In early July of autumn, the emperor sent three officials—Li Xie, Lu Yuanming, and Li Ye—on a diplomatic mission to Xiao Yan. By August, Baoju and Yuwen Heitang led troops to attack Shan Prefecture, which led to the fall of Shan Prefecture, and Governor Li Huibo was killed by Heitang. In September, the Chamberlain Yuan Zisi and his student Hua conspired to flee west but were caught and executed by the emperor. One day during the intercalary month, General Wei Jiang Tianle plotted rebellion and was executed on the spot. To prevent unrest, the capital imposed a ban on alcohol.
In October, the emperor appointed King Tan of Xianyang as the Minister of Personnel Affairs. A few days later, King Xianwu of Qi launched a western expedition and reached Shayuan, but unfortunately failed to capture it and returned in disgrace. Surprisingly, Baoju sent troops to attack Luozhou, only to be defeated by Han Yan. However, Baoju was undeterred and sent his son and Dugong Ruyuan to attack Luozhou, forcing the Luozhou governor, Wang Zhan of Guangyang, to abandon the city and flee, allowing them to occupy Jinyong City. Even worse, He Ruowei, the Prefect of Yingzhou, along with Governor Tian Xun, rebelled and allied with Baoju's subordinate, Liang Hui, to defend the city. Baoju subsequently sent Zhao Jizong and Wei Xiaokuan to seize Yuzhou.
One day in November, the emperor appointed Wanqi Pu as the Grand Marshal. On a certain day in December, Xiao Yan sent envoys to offer tribute. During this time, there were quite a few troublemakers; Xing Mo Na from Hejian and Lu Zhong Li from Fanyang each gathered their own forces to revolt. However, that year, Goryeo and the Rouran also sent envoys to pay tribute, which was a bit of good news.
In January 534, an elephant suddenly wandered into a pond in Dang County, and the people of Nanyan Prefecture sent it to Ye City. A few days later, the emperor declared a nationwide amnesty and changed the era name. General Heba Ren attacked the army of Baoju in Nanfeng Prefecture. Before long, he won the battle and captured their governor, Wei Zican. Ren Xiang gathered the governor of Yuzhou, Yao Xiong, along with prominent figures like Hou Jing, Gao Ao Cao, and Wanqi Shouluo Gan in Beiyu to jointly attack Yingzhou. When Liang Hui and the others realized things were going south, they abandoned the city and fled, resulting in Yingzhou's capture.
In February, Yao Xiong attacked Yangzhou and also emerged victorious, capturing Han Xian, the governor of Yizhou, and Qiu Yue, the chief historian of Yangzhou, and then sent them to the capital. After that, the emperor sent Zheng Boyou to Xiao Yan as an envoy. In March, King Xianwu of Qi strongly requested to resign from the position of Grand Chancellor, and the emperor agreed.
In April, the emperor ordered amnesty for those near the capital. A few days later, King Xianwu of Qi returned to Jinyang and also asked to lift the wine ban. In June, the emperor went to Hualin Dutang to oversee cases. That summer, Shandong experienced a great flood, and even the frogs were croaking up in the trees!
In July, Goryeo sent envoys to offer tribute. Hou Jing and Gao Aocao besieged Dugu Ruyuan's forces in Jinyong City, and Bao Ju and Yuwen Heita came to his aid. General He Di led the army to charge first, followed by King Qi Xianwu leading the main army. In August, the two armies clashed at Heyin, resulting in a decisive victory for us! More than twenty of their generals, including Kou Luosheng, were killed, and several tens of thousands were captured. Sadly, Generals Gao Aocao, Li Meng, and Song Xian lost their lives in battle. Bao Ju left his grandson Yan to guard Jinyong City. The next day after the battle, Qi Xianwu crossed the Yellow River, and seeing the tide had turned against him, Yan fled as well. In September, General He Baren defeated Xing Monai, Lu Zhongli, and others. In October, King Xiao Yan sent envoys to offer tribute. In November, Lu Cao was sent as an envoy to King Xiao Yan. Qi Xianwu came to see the Emperor. In December, Qi Xianwu returned to Jinyang. In the first year of Xinghe, on the Xinyou day of the first month of spring, Sun Teng was appointed as the Minister of Agriculture, in charge of the people's farming affairs. On the first day of the third month, Jia Yin, the second son of Wang Shao, the Prince of Changshan, was appointed as the Prince of Chen County. In May of the summer, King Wenxiang of Qi came to pay respects to the Emperor. On the day of Jiaxu, Gao Shi was enthroned as Empress. The next day, on the day of Yihai, a general amnesty was declared, and the people were overjoyed! In this month, Goryeo also sent envoys to offer tribute. On the Yixu day in June, Sima Ziru was appointed as the Grand Commissioner for Appointments and Promotions in Shandong, later promoted to the Grand Council of the Northeast, mainly responsible for selecting elite soldiers. On the day of Gengyin, Xi Siye was appointed as the Grand Commissioner of Henan, also responsible for selecting brave warriors. On the day of Dingyou, King Xiao Yan also sent envoys to offer tribute. On the day of Wushen, the Grand Preceptor, Prince Xian of Ruyang, passed away.
In the autumn on the Dingchou day in the seventh month, the emperor issued an edict appointing King Xian of Qi as the Prime Minister, while also overseeing the Ministry of Personnel, and tasked him with overseeing the Grand Council's matters. However, King Xian of Qi declined the appointment as Prime Minister. On the Renchen day of the eighth month, the emperor dispatched Wang Yuanjing, the concurrent Cavalry Commandant, and Wei Shou, the concurrent Cavalry Commandant of the Directing Office, as envoys to Xiao Yan. On the Jiazi day of the ninth month, one hundred thousand people were mobilized to construct Yecheng near the capital, and it was completed in forty days. On the Xinwei day, a general amnesty was granted to criminals sentenced to death or lesser punishments, with their sentences reduced. In the winter, on the Guihai day of the eleventh month, the new palace was finished, and the emperor joyfully declared another nationwide amnesty, changing the era name. Elders over eighty received silk hats and walking sticks as rewards, those over seventy were given cloth and silk, and those who were bedridden from illness also received food and cloth. Laborers who helped build the city wall were given an extra year's rations.
In the spring of the following year, on the Ren Shen day of the first month, Wei Jing was named Grand Tutor, and She Di Yu was appointed as the Grand Guardian. On the Dingchou day, the emperor moved into the new palace and granted another nationwide amnesty, with all officials receiving a promotion, and the key generals involved in building the new palace received extra promotions. On the Jimao day of the third month, Xiao Yan sent envoys to pay tribute again. In the summer, on the Jiyou day of the fifth month, the officials of the Western Wei’s Grand Council, Gong Yanhe and Shan Zhou’s Governor Gong Yuanqing, led their subordinates to surrender to us in Hebei. The court provided food and other assistance to these newly surrendered individuals based on their needs. On the Renzi day, the emperor sent Li Xiang, the concurrent Cavalry Commandant, as an envoy to Xiao Yan. On the Jichou day of the intercalary month, the emperor conferred the title of King of Yiyang upon his brother Jing Zhi, King of Qinghe to his brother Wei, and King of Yingchuan to his brother Qian. On the Renzi day of the sixth month, Grand Marshal Wang Zhe of Huashan died.
On the Dingwei day of the eleventh month, Xiao Yan sent envoys to pay tribute. On the Yimao day of the twelfth month, we sent Cavalry Commandant Cui Changqian to Xiao Yan once more. This year, the countries of Rurur, Goryeo, and Wujie all sent envoys to offer tribute.
In the second year of spring, on the first day of the second month, Azhi Luo, the leader of the Tubo tribe, surrendered with his subordinates. In the third month, the people of Liangzhou rebelled under the leadership of Gongsun Guibin, who even declared himself king! They were eventually captured by the army of Yangxia Town. In the fourth month of summer, the son of King Rongfuluo of Azhi Luo also came to surrender, and the emperor appointed him as King Gaoche. In June, Xiao Yan sent envoys to pay tribute. In July, King Wenxiang of Qi went to Jinyang. On a certain day that month, King Jingzhi of Yiyang died. In August, we sent the Cavalier Attendant Li Qian to Xiao Yan. In October, King Wenxiang of Qi returned from Jinyang to meet the emperor. Before that, the emperor had King Wenxiang and the ministers meet at Linzige to discuss new policies, and then promulgated them nationwide after finalizing them. Afterwards, fifty thousand people were mobilized to build Zhangbin Weir, which took thirty-five days to complete. Then the emperor went hunting in the Western Mountains and returned to the palace in November. During this period, King Pengcheng was appointed Grand Commandant, and Hu Sengjing became Minister of Works. That year, the countries of Rouran, Goguryeo, and Wujie also came to pay tribute. In the first month of the fourth year, Xiao Yan sent people to pay tribute again. In April, we sent the Cavalier Attendant Li Hui to Xiao Yan. Later on, King Zhan of Guangyang was appointed Grand Commandant, Gao Longzhi was appointed Minister of Works, and King Pengcheng was responsible for handling the affairs of the Imperial Secretariat. Wei Jing was demoted to General of Chariots and Cavalry due to an offense. Kudi Yu was appointed Grand Tutor, Lou Zhao was appointed Grand Marshal, and Zuyi was appointed Deputy Director of the Imperial Secretariat.
On the 8th day of the 5th month, King Xian of Qi came to pay his respects to the emperor, requesting that officials be allowed to take turns handling government affairs each month, publicly commend the outstanding, criticize the shortcomings, widely listen to opinions, eliminate corruption, personally handle legal cases, reward hardworking officials and punish those who are lazy; if local officials made mistakes, their superiors would also be held accountable; offerings to the palace must comply with regulations; all the watchdogs in the harem should be removed. In June, King Xian of Qi returned to Jinyang. On the 3rd day of the 1st month, the emperor restored the title of former Chamberlain Wang Zhong of Yelang. On the 4th day, he restored the titles of Wang Jinghao, King of Chenliu; Wang Shaozong, King of Changshan; and Wang Yongye, King of Gaomi. On the 7th day of the 8th month, he appointed Hou Jing as Minister of Personnel and concurrently as Minister of the Interior, to be prepared at any time to lead troops in offense and defense. On the 1st day of the 10th month in winter, Xiao Yan sent envoys to offer tribute. King Xian of Qi laid siege to Baoju and Yubi (referring to place names or personal names, not to be translated). On the 15th day of November, the army returned to the capital city. The General of Cavalry, the Minister of the Interior, the Governor of Qingzhou, and King Cong of Xihe passed away. On the 9th day of December, the emperor sent Yang Fei, a special envoy, to Xiao Yan. That year, the states of Rouran, Goguryeo, and Tuyuhun all sent envoys to offer tribute.
On the first day of the first month of the first year of Wuding, a general amnesty was declared and the era name was changed. On the sixth day of the first month, the emperor's procession inspected the western hills around Handan; on the tenth day of the first month, he returned to the palace. On the seventh day of the second month, Gao Zhongmi, the Governor of Beiyu Province, rebelled west of Hulao. In the third month, Baoju sent his son Tuhe and Wuwenheituo to lead troops to support Gao Zhongmi. On the seventh day of the third month, they surrounded the southern city of Heqiao. On the thirteenth day of the third month, the emperor personally presided over a trial of legal cases. On the fifteenth day of the third month, Qi Xianwu Wang led an expedition to attack Wuwenheituo, fought with him at Mangshan, won a decisive victory, captured Lin Tao, the Prince of Lintao, who was Baoju's nephew, Shu Jun Wang Rongzong, Jiangxia Wang Sheng, Julu Wang Chan, Qiao Jun Wang Liang, General of the Cavalry, Yitong San Si, Prince Zhan Shi Zhao Shan, as well as more than four hundred other generals and officials, captured and executed over sixty thousand enemies, and seized countless weapons, armor, cattle, and horses. The uprisings in Yuzhou and Luozhou were quelled. Qi Xianwu Wang pursued the enemy to Hengnong before returning. In the fourth month, the emperor conferred the title of Prince of Pengcheng upon his brother Shao and appointed him as Prince Wuan. In early May, following the recapture of Hulao, the emperor declared a general amnesty, releasing all criminals below the death penalty. A few days later, the Minister of Personnel, Hou Jing, was appointed Minister of Works. One day in June, Xiao Yan sent a delegation to pay tribute. A few days later, the emperor appointed the former Gentleman of the Household Cavalry, Yuanchang Chun, as Prince of Nanjun. On a winter day in November, the Governor of Fenzhou, Hulü Jin, was appointed Grand Marshal. A few days later, the emperor sent the Cavalier Attendant, Li Hun, as an envoy to Xiao Yan. In this month, Qi Xianwu Wang called up fifty thousand laborers to construct city walls on the northern mountain of Sizhou, extending from Maling Fort in the west to Tushan in the east, completing the work in forty days. On a winter day in November, the emperor went hunting in the western mountains. The next day, he returned to the palace. During that year, Tuyuhun, Goguryeo, and Rouran all sent envoys to pay tribute.
In the second year, during the first month, Didou sent envoys to pay tribute. On a day in the second month, a man named Liu Wuhei in Xuzhou led a rebellion, and the emperor dispatched Murong Shaozong to suppress the rebellion, which was swiftly quelled. In the third month, Xiao Yan sent more envoys to pay tribute. Due to a drought disaster, the emperor granted amnesty to all offenders sentenced to less than death. One day, Sun Teng was appointed Grand Preceptor. A few days later, King Qiweng Xiang was appointed Grand General, also serving as the Palace Attendant, with all military and political matters, as well as rewards and punishments, to be reported to him. Yuan Bi became the Chancellor, and Sima Ziru became the Prefect of the Masters of Writing, while the emperor himself became the Right Deputy. In the fourth month, the country of Shiwei sent envoys to pay tribute. On a day in the fifth month, the emperor sent the Cavalier Attendant, Yu Jijing, to Xiao Yan as an envoy. A few days later, the Grand Commandant, King Guangyang Zhan, passed away. On a day in August in the autumn, the Prefect of the Masters of Writing, Sima Ziru, was dismissed for misconduct. On a day in September, Prince Huiye of Jiying was appointed Grand Commandant. The Grand Preceptor, King Xianyang Tan, was also dismissed for misconduct and sent back home. In November of a certain year (specific year not mentioned in the text), on Dingsi, Sun Teng and Gao Longzhi were appointed Grand Commissioners of Households and captured over sixty thousand runaway families. Capturing these runaway families was quite a challenge! In November, the land in Xihe sank and erupted in flames, striking fear into the people! Later, Gao Longzhi was promoted to Prefect of the Masters of Writing, and Lou Zhao took over as Minister of Works. King Qiweng Xiang went to Jinyang. On Gengzi, the emperor conducted a Heaven worship ceremony at Yuanqiu. On Xinchou, Xiao Yan sent envoys to pay tribute, demonstrating that the emperor of the Southern Dynasties was quite astute! On Renyin, King Qiweng Xiang followed King Xianwu in defeating the Shanhu, achieving a decisive victory and capturing over ten thousand families, which were then distributed to various provinces. That year, countries like Tuyuhun, Goguryeo, Rouran, and Wujie all sent envoys to pay tribute, truly bringing peace and prosperity to the realm!
In the spring of the third year, on the first day of the first month, the court sent Li Jiang as an envoy to Xiao Yan. On Dingwei, Qi Xianwu requested to set up Jinyang Palace in Bingzhou and resettle the people who had been captured and exiled. On Gengshen in the second month, the Tuyuhun country sent the princess's sister as a concubine, which marked a marriage alliance! On Jiachen in May, the emperor granted a general amnesty, and there was a celebration across the land! On Gengzi in July, Xiao Yan sent tribute again, showing great diligence in gift-giving! In October, the court sent Wei Jin to Xiao Yan as an envoy. On Yiwei, Qi Xianwu requested the release of the prisoners of war from Mangshan and to pair them with widows to rebuild their families. In December, Hou Jing was appointed as the Minister of Works, and Han Gui became the Minister of Works. On Wuzi, Sun Teng was appointed as the Registrar of the Imperial Secretariat. That year, Goguryeo, Tuyuhun, and Rouran also sent tribute.
On Renyin in May of the fourth year, Xiao Yan sent tribute again, showing great diligence in gift-giving! On Gengzi in June, Hou Jing was appointed as the Grand Commandant of Henan, in charge of military defense. On Renyin in July, the court sent Yuan Kuo to Xiao Yan as an envoy. In August, the "Stone Classics" from the Han and Wei dynasties were relocated from Luoyang to Ye City. Qi Xianwu led troops from Ye City to march west, and King Wenxiang gathered in Jinzhou. In September, they surrounded Yubi City, attempting to draw the enemy out for battle, but Baoju and Heita didn’t dare to show themselves. In November, Qi Xianwu fell ill and had to return to the capital. King Wenxiang returned to Jinyang. That year, countries like Shiwei, Wujie, Didouyu, Goguryeo, and Rouran all sent tribute; it seems these neighboring countries are keeping to themselves.
In the first month of 550 AD, King Xianwu of Qi passed away in Jinyang, but this was kept under wraps and not made public. A few days later, on the Xin Hai day, the Minister of Works, Hou Jing, rebelled, and the Inspector of Yingzhou, Sima Shiyun, unexpectedly joined the revolt, handing over the city to Hou Jing. Hou Jing occupied Yingzhou City and tricked and captured the Inspector of Yuzhou, Gao Yuancheng, the Inspector of Xiangzhou, Li Mi, and the Inspector of Guangzhou, Bao Xian. The court then dispatched Minister of Works Han Gui, General of Cavalry He Baisheng, General Zhu Hundaoyuan, and Left Guard General Liu Feng to fight against Hou Jing. However, Hou Jing was cunning and quickly sent a messenger to the emperor asking for help, saying that the court should send troops to assist him. The emperor sent Li Jinghe and Wang Sizheng with troops for support. When Wang Sizheng and his troops reached Yingchuan, Hou Jing slipped off to Yuzhou. After the first month passed, on the second day of the second month, Xiao Yan sent people to pay tribute. Then, in February, Hou Jing went back on his word, turned his back on the emperor, and directly defected to Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan even appointed him as General of Henan, letting him take charge and call the shots.
In early April, King Wenxiang of Qi came to court to see the emperor. On April 15th, the emperor sent Li Wei to Xiao Yan. On May 1st, the emperor declared a general amnesty, and celebrations erupted across the land. On May 8th, King Xu of Xucheng was appointed Grand Commandant. On May 13th, the emperor was appointed Minister of Works and concurrently served as Director of the Palace Library, while retaining his other official titles. The emperor began to participate in handling government affairs. Wei Jing was appointed Grand Marshal, Ku Diyu as Grand Tutor, Sun Teng as Grand Preceptor, He Ren as Grand Protector, Han Gui as Minister of the People, Ke Zhuhun Daoyuan as Minister of Works, Gao Longzhi oversaw the affairs of the Ministry of Works, Murong Shaozong as Deputy Director of the Left of the Secretariat, and Wang Bin of Gaoyang as Deputy Director of the Right of the Secretariat. On May 17th, Grand Marshal Wei Jing died. In June, Han Gui, Ke Zhuhun Daoyuan, and others returned to court from Yingzhou. In early June, the emperor held an elaborate mourning ceremony for King Xianwu of Qi in the East Hall, dressed in mourning attire. The emperor also ordered Wang Bin of Gaoyang to also serve as Grand Herald, in charge of funeral arrangements in Jinyang; King Xu of Xucheng was also appointed Minister of Works, responsible for offering condolences.
On a certain autumn day in the seventh month of a specific year, the emperor issued a decree posthumously bestowing the title of King Xianwu upon Wang Jia, awarding him a series of esteemed titles including the Yellow Battle-axe, Imperial Commissioner, Chancellor, and Commander-in-Chief of all military forces, along with the Seal and Ribbon of the Prince of Qi, chariots, yellow canopies, banners, feathered fans, musicians, and attendants. This was a grand ceremony of the nine bestowments, executed to perfection!
Next, the emperor appointed King Qi Wenxiang as envoy, Grand Chancellor, Commander-in-Chief of all military forces, Chancellor of State, Grand Commander, and King of Bohai. These positions kept getting bigger and bigger! On the Renyin day in July, the emperor issued an edict appointing King Qi Wenxiang as the temporary regent in charge of military affairs and sent messengers specifically to inform him. In August, King Qi Wenxiang arrived in the capital, where he humbly declined the position of Grand Chancellor. The emperor then reappointed him as Grand General while retaining his other titles. On the Jiashen day, King Qi Xianwu was buried northwest of Ye City, and the emperor personally attended his funeral at Zhangbin. In September, King Qi Wenxiang returned to Jinyang. On the Xinyou day in October, the emperor appointed the Supervisor of the Left, Murong Shaozong, as the Chief of the Southeastern Road, to collaborate with General Gao Yue of the Valiant Cavalry, Secretary of the Three Excellencies, and Pan Xiangle to attack Yuan Ming. In November, they secured a decisive victory, resulting in the deaths or capture of over fifty thousand individuals. In December of Yihai, Xiao Yuanming was brought to the capital, where the emperor graciously pardoned him. Gao Yue and his forces then moved to quell Hou Jing. In that year, emissaries from Goryeo and the Wujin Kingdom came to pay tribute.
In the spring of the second year, on the first day of the first month in the Ji Hai year, Grand General Gao Yue and his forces defeated Hou Jing in Guoyang, capturing and killing over fifty thousand people, with the rest drowned in the Guo River after the water was blocked! Hou Jing fled to Huainan. On the first day of the Ji Wei year, King Wenxiang of Qi entered the capital to pay respects to the emperor, requesting to reward the soldiers captured at Hanshan to the officials and generals, with different levels of rewards. On the second day of the Ji Mao year, Xiao Yan sent envoys to seek peace and also wrote a letter to comfort King Wenxiang of Qi. King Wenxiang later returned to Jinyang. On the seventh day of the third month, in the Gui Si year, the emperor appointed Tai Wei Xun as Grand Marshal and appointed General Gao Yue as Tai Wei. On the tenth day of the Xin Hai day in the third month, due to a severe drought during the winter and spring, the emperor ordered the pardon of some criminals, with varying degrees of clemency.
In a certain year, on the first day of the fourth month, Zhang Yonghe, a minor official from the Ministry of Personnel, and Cui Kuo, a man from Qingzhou, dared to forge official positions. When this was exposed, over sixty thousand people were implicated! These guys really pushed their luck!
On the eighth day of the eighth month in autumn, the court appointed Murong Shaozong as Grand Councilor, leading Gao Yue, Han Gui, Liu Feng, and others to attack Wang Sizheng in Yingchuan. They even flooded the city, diverting the Wei River to flood the city! On the second day of the ninth month, Xiao Yan from the south sent envoys for tribute, truly making people laugh and cry.
On a certain day in October of winter, Hou Jing crossed the Yangtze River and supported Wang Zhengde, a disciple of Xiao Yan, in rebellion to attack Jianye. That year, countries like Goryeo, Silla, Rouran, and Tuyuhun all sent envoys for tribute, making it quite a spectacle.
On a certain day in the spring of the second year, another disciple of Xiao Yan, Xiao Zhengbiao, surrendered to the court and was granted a title. On a certain day in the third month, Hou Jing captured Jianye and reinstated Xiao Yan. Several other sons of Xiao Yan also surrendered, and the territories in the north of the Yangtze River all submitted to the court.
In April during the summer, Murong Shaozong and Liu Feng, the two officials, drowned in a storm! Heaven truly envies exceptional talent! One day in April, the court appointed Qi Wenxiang as the Prime Minister and King of Qi, granting him many privileges: "green silk sash, no need to bow, no need to hurry to court, wear sword and shoes in the hall," and also granted him many territories, governing 150,000 households, with his other privileges remaining the same. However, King Qi was quite humble and initially declined. In that month, Hou Jing killed Xiao Yan and crowned his son Xiao Gang as emperor. In May, Qi Wenxiang set out with his army from Ye City to Yingchuan. One day in June, he captured Yingzhou, arrested Wang Sizheng, Huangfu Sengxian, and several others, along with tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians. Then Qi Wenxiang went to Luozhou.
In the autumn of July, Qi Wenxiang returned victorious from his southern campaign, requesting that the court pardon Wang Sizheng's crimes. One occasion in August, the court issued a decree appointing the crown prince, Changren. However, Qi Wenxiang passed away at home, and the court kept it a secret at first. On another occasion in August, the court issued a general amnesty, promoting all officials by two ranks. On another occasion in August, King Qi went to Jinyang.
In the year of a certain AD October, the emperor appointed the Grand Tutor, or Tai Fu. The next day, Pan Xiangle was appointed as the Minister of Public Works. On a day in December, Prince Xiao Zhengbiao of Wu passed away. A few days later, the emperor appointed Peng Le, the Inspector of Bingzhou, as the Minister of War. That year, envoys from countries such as Rouran, Goguryeo, and Tuyuhun came to offer tribute.
In the second year of the spring season, on the first day of the lunar New Year, the emperor held a mourning ceremony for King Wenxiang of Qi in the Eastern Hall. A few days later, the emperor issued an edict posthumously conferring numerous titles and honors upon King Wenxiang of Qi, including "Bearer of the Imperial Yellow Battle Axe, Imperial Commissioner, Prime Minister, Commander-in-Chief of all military forces, Qi King's Seal and Sash, Carriage and Horses, Yellow Canopy, Left and Right Banners, Front and Rear Feathered Banners, Musicians, and Light Chariot Attendants," and conducted the funeral according to the highest standards of the Nine Bestowments, posthumously naming him "King Wenxiang." The emperor subsequently issued another edict appointing King Qi's son as Imperial Commissioner, Prime Minister, Commander-in-Chief of all military forces, Chief of the Imperial Secretariat, Grand Chancellor, and Prince of Qi County, granting him a fief comprising ten thousand households. Shortly after, the Khitans and the Rourans sent envoys to pay tribute. On a day in the second month, King Wenxiang of Qi was buried, and the emperor personally escorted the procession to Zhangbin. Afterwards, the emperor appointed the Prefect of the Masters of Writing, Gao Longzhi, as Grand Preceptor. On a day in the third month, the title of Prince of Qi County was elevated to King of Qi. In the summer, on a day in the fourth month, the Rourans sent envoys to pay tribute. On a day in the fifth month, the emperor issued another edict appointing King Qi as Prime Minister, with authority over all officials, and granting him twenty thousand households in the counties of Jizhou, Yingzhou, and Dingzhou, following the Nine Bestowments ceremony. At the same time, King Qi's Empress was titled as Queen Mother and Queen. A few days later, the emperor issued another edict abdicating the throne to King Qi and moved to another palace on the same day. In the first year of Qi Tianbao Yuan, on a specific day in the fifth month, the emperor conferred him the title of King of Zhongshan, with a fief comprising ten thousand households. When he submitted a memorial, he did not refer to himself as a subject, and when the emperor replied, he did not use the term "edict." When he traveled, he carried the emperor's banners, followed the calendar of the Wei Kingdom, rode in the chariot of the Five Seasons, and traveled with great pomp and circumstance.
He appointed his sons as dukes, with each receiving a thousand households. The emperor rewarded him with thirty thousand rolls of silk, ten million copper coins, twenty thousand shi of grain, three hundred servants, a water mill, a hundred acres of land, and a garden, truly extravagant! He also established the ancestral temple of the Wei Kingdom in Zhongshan, thus solidifying his foothold in the region.
In the twelfth month of the second year of his reign, the Zhongshan King died at the tragically young age of twenty-eight. In the second month three years later, he was posthumously honored with the title Emperor Xiaojing and buried on a hill west of Zhangshui. Tragically, his tomb later collapsed, leading to the deaths of sixty people, which is a great tragedy.
The emperor was fond of literature and was quite handsome. He was strong enough to lift stone lions over walls and had exceptional archery skills. During festivals, he often had the county officials compose poems, creating a refined and elegant atmosphere reminiscent of Emperor Xiaowen's court. When King Wenxiang ascended the throne, he appointed General Cui Jishu as the Yellow Gate Minister in the Imperial Secretariat to keep a close eye on the emperor's every move and report back to him. King Wenxiang even wrote to Cui Jishu, asking, "How's that idiot doing? Has he gotten any less foolish?"
Once, the emperor was hunting to the east of Ye City, galloping on horseback. The guard commander, Wulanluo, saw this and shouted after him, "Your Majesty, stop galloping, the Grand General is angry!" Another time, King Wenxiang accompanied the emperor for a drink, raised his cup and said loudly, "I toast Your Majesty." The emperor, displeased, said, "There has never been a country that did not perish since ancient times; why should I care about these things?" King Wenxiang was furious, cursed, "Your Majesty! Your Majesty! You dog!" and then ordered Cui Jishu to punch the emperor three times before leaving in a huff. The next day, King Wenxiang sent Cui Jishu to comfort the emperor, who expressed thanks and granted him silk. Cui Jishu hesitated to accept it and rushed to inform King Wenxiang, who told him to accept a portion. The emperor then granted him a hundred bolts of silk, saying, "This is just a fraction!" Unable to endure this humiliation, the emperor recited a verse by Xie Lingyun: "Han Wangzi was determined, Qin Emperor Lu was ashamed. Originally people of the rivers and seas, loyalty and righteousness move gentlemen." The eunuch Shi Jian Xunji grasped the emperor's sentiments and secretly plotted with Wang Daqi and Yuan Jin from Huashan to build a fake mountain in the palace, digging a tunnel leading to the north city. Upon reaching Qianqiu Gate, the guards heard disturbances from below and quickly reported to King Wenxiang. King Wenxiang rushed into the palace with his soldiers and confronted the emperor, "Your Majesty, are you planning a rebellion? My father and I have made great contributions to the country; how have we wronged you?" He even threatened to kill the palace concubines. The emperor said sternly, "If the king is planning a rebellion, what does that have to do with me? I don't even care about my own life, let alone the concubines!" King Wenxiang got out of bed, knelt, and tearfully begged for forgiveness. They then drank heavily until dawn.
Three days later, King Wenxiang of the State of Wei placed the emperor under house arrest in Hanzhang Hall, and Daqi, Yuanjin, and others were executed. When King Wenxiang was about to abdicate in favor of Emperor Wenxuan, Prince Xuxi of Xiangcheng, Sima Panxiangle, Shizhong Zhang Liang, Huangmen Lang Zhao Yanchen, and others requested an audience. The emperor received them in the Zhaoyang Hall. Prince Xuxi of Xiangcheng began, "The cycles of the five elements dictate that prosperity and decline are inevitable. King Qi is known for his virtue and wisdom, earning the respect of the people. We venture our lives to speak, hoping Your Majesty will follow the example of Emperor Yao in abdicating to Emperor Shun." The emperor responded solemnly, "I have considered this matter for a long time, and I am prepared to abdicate." He then said, "If that is the case, we will need to prepare a decree." Attendants Cui Shao and Pei Rang reported, "The decree has been written." It was then handed to Yang Yin, who presented it to the emperor, consisting of ten articles. After the decree was written, the emperor inquired, "Where will I be accommodated? And how shall I depart?" Yang Yin replied, "There is another residence prepared in the northern city, and a procession will be arranged to escort you out in accordance with tradition." The emperor then descended from the throne, walked towards the east corridor, and recited Fan Ye's "Praise of the History of the Later Han" softly to himself: "Offering my life at the right moment, my body will be enshrined in the land. After my four hundred years, I will forever be a guest of Yu."
Officials requested the emperor to grant rewards, to which the emperor responded: "The ancients considered leaving behind their hairpins and worn-out shoes, saying goodbye to the six palaces, is it possible?" Gao Longzhi said: "Today, the world still belongs to Your Majesty, not to mention in the harem." So the emperor bid farewell to the empress and concubines, and everyone wept uncontrollably. Concubine Li from Zhao recited the poem by Prince Chen Si, Cao Zhi: "May the king cherish the jade body and enjoy a long life." Everyone in the empress's court wept uncontrollably. The steward Zhao Deyong waited at the East Shangge with an old ox cart, and the emperor got on the cart, with Zhao Deyong following him to offer support. The emperor pushed Zhao Deyong with his elbow and said: "I fear the mandate of heaven and follow the will of the people, passing the throne to the prime minister. Who do you think you are, trying to force me?" Zhao Deyong still did not get off. At the Yunlong Gate, the royal officials all knelt in their formal court attire to bid farewell. The emperor said: "Today's situation is just as significant as that of Changdao Xianggong and Emperor Xian of Han." Everyone was in deep sorrow, with Gao Longzhi crying bitterly. The emperor then entered Sima Ziru's residence in the North City. After Emperor Wenxuan ascended to the throne, he often accompanied him on outings. Later, the emperor was granted the title of Princess Taiyuan, and Emperor Wenxuan frequently sent people to deliver food and care for him. Ultimately, the emperor died from poisoning.
