Emperor Taiwu had eleven sons, including Prince Jin, Prince Dongping, Prince Linhuai, Prince Guangyang, Prince Nan'an, and others. Empress He gave birth to Emperor Jingmu. The Yue family had Prince Jin Fu Luo; the Shu family had Prince Dongping Han; the Fu family had Prince Linhuai Tan; the Fu family had Prince Chu Jian; and the Lu family had Prince Nan'an Yu. The names of the other sons—such as "Cat," "Zhen," "Tiger Head," and "Dragon Head"—are unclear, and their mothers are forgotten; they all died young and left no descendants.
Prince Jin Fu Luo was granted the title of prince in the third year of Zhenjun and was also promoted to Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry. Later, he led the armies of Gaoping and Liangzhou to attack the Tuyuhun ruler Muli Yan. Upon reaching Ledu, he said to the generals, "If we march openly down the main road, the enemy may be scared away before we even fight. We should take a hidden path and catch them off guard, just as Deng Ai had done during his surprise attack on Shu." The generals were skeptical about his plan. Fu Luo said, "As generals, we need to strategize from afar, choose the right moment, concentrate our forces, and we can achieve victory." So they took a hidden path. When they reached Damu Bridge, Muli Yan's army was so terrified that they scattered in all directions, running to Bailan, and Muli Yan's nephew Shi Yin also escaped to Hequ. In this battle, over five thousand enemy soldiers were killed, and more than ten thousand households capitulated. Eight years later, Prince Jin Fu Luo died without leaving a son, resulting in the dissolution of his principality.
Prince Dongping, Wang Han, was granted the title of King of Qin in the third year of the Zhenjun era and appointed as Court Attendant and General of the Central Army, and was involved in court affairs. He was loyal and upright, with noble character traits, earning the respect and awe of all the officials in the court. The Grand Tutor Gao Yun felt that he was young yet held a high position and great power, so he wrote a piece called "Admonitions to the Princes" and presented it to him, which greatly pleased Wang Han after reading it. Later, he was stationed at Fohan, using kindness and justice to calm the people, earning the respect of both the Qiang and Rong tribes. Subsequently, he was re-granted the title of King of Dongping. After the death of Emperor Shizu, many ministers advocated for him to be made emperor, but the palace eunuch Zong Ai was at odds with him, so he falsely claimed to convey the empress dowager's orders to establish Prince Yu of Nan'an as emperor, and then killed Prince Dongping Wang Han.
Prince Dongping's son Daofu inherited the title and became the General of the Central Army. After Emperor Xianzu ascended the throne, he was appointed as the General of Chang'an. In the first year of the Huangxing era, he plotted a rebellion and was attacked and killed by General Sima Duan Taiyang, with his head being sent to the capital.
Prince Linhuai, Tan, was granted the title of King of Yan in the third year of the Zhenjun era, later serving as Court Attendant and participating in the affairs of the capital. He was then re-granted the title of King of Linhuai. When the emperor launched a southern campaign, he was appointed as the General of the Central Army. Earlier, Liu Yilong believed that the terrain of Zoushan was treacherous and that the Rong family had influence there, so he stockpiled grain in preparation for a defense. Tan led his troops to attack Zoushan, seizing 300,000 sheng of grain to replenish the army's supplies. Liu Yilong, relying on the natural defenses of the Huai River, had made no preparations. Tan constructed dozens of wooden rafts and secretly crossed the Huai River. The enemy troops were terrified and fled in all directions, leading to Tan's defeat of the enemy general Hu Chong and capturing over ten thousand enemy soldiers. Later, Prince Linhuai Tan passed away and was posthumously given the title of Xuanwang.
His son Ti inherited the noble title. Later, he served as the Governor of Liangzhou, but was dismissed for corruption and punished with exile to Beizhen. After a long time, his son Ying, the Assistant Minister, voluntarily requested to resign from his official position to take his father's place in guarding the frontier, but Emperor Gaozu did not agree. Later, the court ordered Ti to accompany the emperor on a southern expedition, and upon arriving in Luoyang, he participated in discussions about relocating the capital. Not long after, Ti passed away. Due to his contributions to the relocation of the capital, he was posthumously granted the title of Marquis of Changxiang County. During the reign of Emperor Shizong, he was further posthumously appointed as the Governor of Yongzhou and given the posthumous name Yi.
Ti's son Chang, with the courtesy name Faxian, loved literature. When his parents passed away, he cried deeply, showing great filial piety, which moved many people. During the reign of Emperor Shizong, he was re-granted the title of Prince of Linhuai, but sadly, he passed away before assuming office. He was posthumously appointed as the Governor of Qizhou and given the posthumous name Wang Kang, and posthumously titled Prince of Jinan.
His son Yu, with the courtesy name Wenruo, inherited the title of Prince of Linhuai. He showed talent from a young age and had an excellent reputation at the time. The Palace Attendant Cui Guang, after meeting Yu, returned and told others, "The one who will become a Grand Minister in the future is sure to be him!" When he was young, he was renowned alongside his cousin Prince Anfeng Yanming and Prince Zhongshan Xi, as they were all members of the royal family and well-versed in ancient texts and literature, leaving people at the time hard-pressed to determine who was superior among them.
The Minister of Civil Service, Lu Dao from Fanyang, said to Cui Xiu from Qinghe: "Although these three individuals have no distinction in talent and learning, Prince Anfeng's ability to handle urgent matters is somewhat lacking, and Prince Zhongshan is overly focused on details; none can match the charm, elegance, and calm demeanor of Prince Jiyuan Zi Yu." At that time, people composed a catchy phrase: "The talents of the three princes are like a brilliant display, yet none are as comprehensive and perfect as Prince Jiyuan." Zi Yu's demeanor was graceful and generous, and his speech was smooth and natural; even the esteemed Wang of Langya, after meeting him, couldn't help but be captivated and lost track of his fatigue. He was later appointed as General of the Front Army and Deputy Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, and he had composed lyrics for the sacrificial hymns for Heaven and the ancestral temple, which garnered praise from people for their quality. He was subsequently promoted to Deputy Minister of the Yellow Gate.
Zi Yu's original name was Liang, courtesy name Shiming. At that time, the Palace Attendant Mu Shao was working alongside him. To avoid any offense to Mu Shao's father, Zi Yu petitioned to change his name. The emperor issued a decree saying: "Shiming, your demeanor and spirit, and your extraordinary speech, you often compare yourself to Xun Wenruo; you may change your name to Yu, which will better reflect your elegant character and poise." Zi Yu requested to restore his original fief, and the emperor granted it, so he regained the title of King of Linhuai, but resided in Weijun, Xiangzhou, essentially living there as a guest. He also concurrently held the position of Deputy Censor. Zi Yu saw this as a favor from the court and did not express his gratitude.
General Yu Zhong said to the court: "Although King Linhuai is charismatic and impressive, he lacks the integrity and uprightness; I fear he may not be suited for the responsibilities of the Deputy Censor." Thus, Zi Yu stepped down from his dignified role and returned alone to his fief, prompting the court officials to sigh in sympathy for him. Later, he was promoted multiple times, eventually attaining the positions of Palace Attendant, General of the Guard, Left Minister of Rites, while also serving concurrently as the Deputy Minister of Personnel.
At that time, Xiao Yan sent troops to surround Wentang and appointed Shen Yue as the Eastern Administrative Commissioner with no change in his official position. Just as Erzhu Rong invaded Luoyang and killed members of the Yuan family, Shen Yue clutched his chest and wept, then fled to Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan sent his aide Chen Jiansun to meet him and assess what kind of person Shen Yue was. Chen Jiansun returned and reported that Shen Yue was elegant and handsome. Xiao Yan had heard of Shen Yue's reputation before and highly respected him, so he received Shen Yue at Leyou Garden and hosted a banquet for him. Upon hearing the music, Shen Yue sighed and wept uncontrollably, with tears streaming down his face. Everyone present was moved by him, but Xiao Yan felt a sense of sorrow. From Shen Yue's joining Xiao Yan to his eventual disloyalty to Wei, everyone followed Xiao Yan's lead in calling Wei false, except for Shen Yue, who continued to refer to Wei as the Prince of Linhuai in his official documents. Xiao Yan appreciated Shen Yue's noble character and did not blame him. When he learned that Emperor Zhuang had ascended to the throne, Shen Yue requested to return home due to his elderly mother, submitting a deeply heartfelt resignation letter. Xiao Yan valued his talents greatly but struggled to oppose his wishes, so he privately sent his attendant Xu Mian to persuade Shen Yue: "In the past, Wang Ling assisted the Han Dynasty, and Jiang Wei assisted Shu Han. They both made great achievements in their respective places. Why do you insist on returning to your hometown?" Shen Yue replied, "Even in death, I wish to be buried in the north—how much more so while I am alive!" Only then did Xiao Yan bid him farewell. Shen Yue was extremely filial, wholeheartedly devoted to his parents. Since leaving his hometown, he had not eaten meat or drunk alcohol, which caused his appearance to become haggard, saddening those who saw him. Later, he rose to the ranks of Minister of Writing and Grand Marshal, also serving as a Recorder.
The Emperor wants to posthumously honor the King of Wuxuan with the title of Emperor Wenmu, with the temple name 'Sizu', and posthumously honor his mother, Lady Li, with the title of Empress Wenmu, planning to move their ancestral tablets to the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and also designate the founding ancestor as 'Uncle Father'. Yushang submitted a memorial in opposition, stating, "Emperor Gaozu of Han established the Empress Dowager's Temple in Xiangjie after conquering the realm; Emperor Guangwu revived the dynasty and built the mausoleum in Chongling in Nandun. Emperor Yuan had a somewhat distant relationship with Emperor Guangwu, and his mourning was rather modest, but he still personally served Emperor Guangwu and inherited the imperial line. To the Emperor, the founding ancestor feels more like a son in terms of family ties. You have already inherited the throne, so why would you bestow the title of 'Uncle Father' upon him? Furthermore, Emperor Xuan of Han succeeded to the position from Emperor Xiaozhao, his great-uncle; Emperor Xuan did not neglect to honor his grandparents, all in the name of righteousness. As the Wei and Jin dynasties were on the verge of rising, King Xuan was appointed at a time of crisis, and from then on, the Wei family held power for generations. King Jing sought to dismantle the crown, while King Wen aimed to tear apart the royal diadem; even though they honored the Wei King, true power lay with the Jin dynasty, and the two brothers of the Wei family ultimately fell victim to the Jin dynasty. Moreover, Ziyuan is the legitimate eldest son of King Xuan, and King Wen accomplished great things. Thus, Emperor Wu of Jin inherited the title from the founding ancestor, King Xuan, and that is why King Jing was referred to as 'Uncle Father'. The current situation differs from the past, so it may not be appropriate to make such comparisons."
Yu continued, "Moreover, the officials all follow the old rules, and the order of sacrifices must not be disturbed, or it will tarnish our reputation. The achievements of Emperor Gaozu spread throughout the world; his righteousness surpasses all. Although Emperor Sui had extraordinary merits, he also once paid tribute to Emperor Gaozu. Empress Mu had noble virtues; if she were to be enshrined in the ancestral temple with the emperor, wouldn't that be placing a sister-in-law and an uncle together under the same roof? In all my searches through historical records, I have found no such instance." At that time, the emperor had already made his decision, and none of the courtiers dared to speak; only Yu and the Minister of Personnel, Li Shenjun, submitted a memorial in opposition. The emperor replied, "Emperor Wenmu had outstanding achievements and virtues surpassing all emperors in history, which is why he was posthumously recognized according to the old rules. Your memorial mentioned that the ancestral temple of the Han Dynasty is on Xiang Street, and Emperor Guangwu's mausoleum is at Chongling. Han Gaozu did not inherit his ancestors' foundation, and Emperor Guangwu did not inherit ancestral merits; they both directly received the mandate from heaven, not inheriting their ancestors' foundation, so they built different temples. What's the difference? Emperor Wenmu was destined by heaven, a historical inevitability; my succession to the throne is also in accordance with the will of heaven. Since the throne has been passed down, the circumstances of the Han Dynasty differ from ours. If we measure the present according to the past, we should not relocate the mausoleum. Emperor Taizu of Wei and Emperor Jing of Jin, although their reigns were illustrious, ultimately passed away as subjects; how can they, unlike other emperors, have a mausoleum built solely for them? The temples built in various counties of the Han Dynasty were to honor the achievements of the founding emperor, allowing people from all over the world to worship him, which is different from the ancestral tablets of the ancestral temple; those temples are worshipped separately outside. Emperor Xuan of Han's father had no achievements; although he was not posthumously recognized, isn't that acceptable? The title 'Bo Kang' is inherently one of respect; why must it be compared according to ancient customs? You also mentioned putting them on the same level, with a sister-in-law and an uncle under the same roof; that is because Emperor Wenmu was a subject before, that's why there is such a question. The 'Book of Rites' says, 'The eldest son of the emperor's heir has the same status as an ordinary scholar.' Can't sacrifices be under the same roof? Moreover, Emperor Wen of Jin and Emperor Jing of Jin were in the same era; some say there are at most seven emperors in a dynasty; the number of emperors is not fixed. Since they have similar posthumous titles, it is reasonable to be under the same roof. The 'Book of Rites' also records joint burials; why worry about a sister-in-law and an uncle? The 'Book of Rites' says the ancestors of scholars and the temple are in the same temple; are there no cases of a son-in-law and father-in-law under the same roof? If the only concern is sharing the same roof, then this matter can certainly be discussed further." The emperor acted on the request of his sisters; these words were all written by the Chamberlain for Law Enforcement Chang Jing and the Gentleman of the Palace Secretariat Xing Zi.
The emperor posthumously honored his brother, Prince Pengcheng, with the title of Emperor Xiaoxuan. Wang Yu advised him directly, saying, "Your Majesty, you are now restoring the state and wish to emulate the ancient laws and systems, but this action goes against ancient traditions. How will future generations view this? I have searched through various texts and have never encountered anything like this. I hope you can set aside personal feelings and ensure that titles and objects conform to the rules." The emperor did not heed his advice. When the ancestral tablet was enshrined in the temple, the emperor ordered all officials to accompany him, and the ceremony mirrored that of the emperor's own procession. Wang Yu submitted a memorial stating: from ancient times to modern times, honoring the sovereign and recognizing merits is how the title of emperor is conferred; there has never been a case of using the title "Emperor." Now, if the character "Di" is removed and only "Huang" remains, there is also no basis for it from the ancient perspective. The emperor still did not adopt his suggestion.
After Er Zhu Rong died, Wang Yu was appointed Grand Minister. When Er Zhu Shilong led troops to rebel in the north, the emperor ordered Wang Yu to defend He Yin. Er Zhu Zhao suddenly arrived with a large army at He Yin, and Wang Yu went out through the Eastern Gate but was captured by the rebels. When he met Er Zhu Zhao, he stood firm and refused to yield, ultimately killed by the Hu. The emperor posthumously granted him the titles of Grand Tutor, Grand Commandant, and Governor of Yongzhou.
Wang Yu was handsome and elegant, with a dignified demeanor and a well-groomed appearance. He was well-read and did not get bogged down in textual minutiae. Many of his writings have been lost, but some have survived to this day. However, during his official career, he could not maintain integrity, promoting relatives and friends, which attracted criticism. He had no children.
His younger brother, Wang Xiaoyou, was famous at a young age, inheriting the title of Prince of Linhuai and later promoted to the post of Governor of Cangzhou. He governed gently, liked to do small good deeds, and although he couldn't be completely incorruptible, he didn't engage in any major misconduct, and the common people thought he was a decent guy. Emperor Xiaojing held a banquet in the Hualin Garden to entertain King Qi Wenxiang. Wang Xiaoyou boasted while drunk, saying that the emperor promised him rewards. The emperor smiled and said, "I've always heard you claim to be incorruptible, Lord Wang." King Qi Wenxiang said, "Prince of Linhuai is being modest." So the emperor and his ministers all laughed and did not hold him accountable. Wang Xiaoyou was well-versed in politics and once submitted a memorial saying:
Wow, the ancient administrative system is super complicated! To put it simply, a hundred households form a "party," twenty households make up a "clan," and five households make up a "neighborhood." In a hundred households, there are twenty-five leaders, exempt from military service and all, the disparity in treatment is massive! With few sheep and many wolves, those in power are still backstabbing each other; this problem has long existed. Look at the neighborhoods in the capital; some with seven to eight hundred households only have one magistrate and two clerks, yet everything is in order, not to mention the other areas? So I say, let's stick to the old ways, keep the names of these three leaders the same, but change a hundred households to four "clans," each "clan" further divided into two "neighborhoods." Doing the math here, each "party" can pay twelve fewer tax units and save twelve pieces of silk. Roughly speaking, we oversee roughly over twenty thousand "parties," which could save us two hundred forty thousand pieces of silk each year! With every fifteen people providing one soldier, we could muster up to sixteen thousand soldiers! This is how we can enrich the country and take care of the people!
Once upon a time, princes would take nine wives, while ordinary scholars would take one wife and two concubines. According to the "Laws of Jin," princes could take eight concubines, and marquises and dukes could take six concubines. The "Regulations of Official Ranks" also stated that officials of the first and second ranks could have four concubines, third and fourth ranks three concubines, fifth and sixth ranks two concubines, and seventh and eighth ranks one concubine. In the past, the emphasis was on having many children and grandchildren to continue the family line, which was considered filial piety and proper etiquette.
However, the court has suddenly stopped valuing this, and over time, this has become the norm. Many high-ranking officials marry princesses or daughters of imperial relatives as wives, often without concubines at all, and everyone thinks this is natural. Most women today are fortunate to live in this era, where hardly any official households have concubines, and monogamy is widely practiced. If people were forced to take multiple wives now, there would surely be chaos in their households, resulting in a difficult life and mockery from relatives and friends.
People today lack proper etiquette. When parents marry off their daughters, they teach them to be jealous; when mothers-in-law and sisters-in-law meet, they advise them to be cautious. Being jealous is regarded as a virtue among women, claiming they do not want to be bullied and fear being laughed at. Even if the nobles and ministers are loyal, who among the lower-ranking officials would dare to have ulterior motives? If women are constantly jealous, the etiquette of wives and concubines will be lost, resulting in an increase in infidelity. This is what I truly loathe!
Therefore, I propose that officials of the first rank marry eight concubines to total nine women; officials of the second rank marry seven; officials of the third and fourth ranks marry five; officials of the fifth and sixth ranks marry two. Within a month, they must meet the required number of women, and if they fail to do so or mistreat the concubines, the wife can discipline them and even have them stripped of their official positions. If a wife does not bear children and does not take concubines, she is cutting off the family line herself, unable to worship ancestors, and should be deemed unfilial and divorced.
I speak from the heart: I only wish for the good of the country, with the hope that both national affairs and personal matters adhere to proper etiquette, with different people receiving treatment appropriate to their status. I propose increasing troop numbers and stockpiling provisions, establishing rewards for capturing thieves, and implementing laws and regulations to govern the court, to ensure a strong military and a peaceful life for the people. I even dare to suggest increasing the number of wives and concubines, hoping that nobles, officials, and the descendants of those who have served the state will thrive, with their offspring thriving and the nation lasting forever - this is my wish. However, my proposal was dismissed.
Xiaoyou said: "Some people today are treated like lowly slaves while alive, but upon death, they are given grand burials as if they were nobles or officials. There is a complete lack of moderation, with extravagant tombs and elaborate funeral ceremonies, neighbors competing to outdo each other, praising them as exemplary children! Furthermore, marriage customs are fundamental to national values. In the past, sharing a meal was seen as proper etiquette, but now the wealthy have become increasingly extravagant, serving meals that are more lavish than those offered for sacrifices. Fish piled into mountains, trees on top of the mountains, and phoenixes on the trees, displaying such extreme extravagance. In the end, it all amounts to nothing. Considering the will of the heavens, perhaps this isn't the right approach. Therefore, from now on, if any family's weddings, funerals, or other celebrations are excessively extravagant, they will be treated as if they have violated the law. The government will not investigate, but those who violate this will still face punishment!"
Xiaoyou served as a magistrate for several years, consistently upholding the law and maintaining a good reputation. However, he was smooth-talking and adept at flattering the powerful, which drew criticism from some honest individuals. After Emperor Qi abdicated, his title was downgraded as well.
His younger brother is called Changfu, courtesy name Xiuhe, and he has been talented and well-known since childhood. During Empress Ling's reign, eunuchs wielded significant power, and Changfu compiled stories of renowned concubines and virtuous empresses from both ancient and contemporary times, writing a four-volume book to submit to the empress. After that, he was promoted to the Left Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.
After King Anagai of the Rouran returned to his country, there was a famine, and the common people flocked to the borders seeking refuge from the disaster. Anagai submitted a petition requesting relief from the court. The court then appointed Changfu as the Northern Road inspector to provide aid to the disaster victims. Changfu proposed his suggestions in a memorial: "Those impoverished people can't even afford a meal. We should address their urgent needs according to local conditions. In the past, during the Jianwu period of the Han Dynasty, when the Chanyu came to pay tribute, the court provided him with 25,000 dan of rice and 36,000 cattle and sheep. This exemplified the long-term strategies of previous generations in managing ethnic relations, pacifying newly affiliated groups, and fostering goodwill with distant ones! Now we should give them some cattle and sheep so they can feed themselves. With livestock, they can reproduce and sustain themselves, and they can also sell furs and blood to improve their living conditions, reaping multiple benefits at once."
The Book of Documents says that if we let them continue to live in those seven states, we should treat them with more leniency. I believe that people are attached to their hometowns; how could they possibly want to move inland? If it were up to me, I would provide them with food and livestock, helping them cherish their hometown and appreciate their homeland, and they would surely return to their original places. If we do not do this and force them to relocate, it will only backfire, and the situation won't hold. Why? These people, while appearing decent, actually have ill intentions, and their choices to stay or leave are unpredictable. Moreover, once they leave their familiar pastures, they will fall sick, struggle, and many will likely perish. Additionally, for those still stuck in the desert, if they manage to escape their predicament and return to their old haunts, they will definitely plunder towns and harm the common people. When chaos arises, the borders will become dangerous; it’s better to stop them from moving in the first place. Furthermore, migration for trade has existed since ancient times, with trade interactions occurring for hundreds of years in between. The Han Dynasty and the Xiongnu were able to trade and even established border markets. Now, the people in the north are starving and hanging by a thread; relying solely on the court’s relief just won't cut it, and they will certainly need to trade. If they want to trade, we should let them.
The Book of Documents also states: "Those who pursue great endeavors shouldn't get caught up in small gains; people with a long-term vision won’t be held back by short-term interests. Although the rise and fall of nomadic tribes differs from one dynasty to another, their rebellions and submissions can still be roughly inferred. The Northern Campaign during the Zhou Dynasty achieved only moderate results; the Han Dynasty's military campaigns barely met their objectives. In the past, in the Dai Commandery, there was always strict vigilance, with generals toiling and soldiers exhausted. The previous dynasty made significant sacrifices for this, but the results were not ideal. Now our Wei Dynasty enjoys great fortune, and those rebellions are occurring on their side. The court shows grace and practices benevolent governance, gathering them and respectfully sending them home. We should take this opportunity to think carefully about long-term strategies."
I believe that while principles can change in many ways, there are always patterns to recognize; while the future may be unpredictable, it can be inferred from the past. In the time of Emperor Xuan of Han, when the Xiongnu leader Huhanye submitted to the Han Dynasty, the court sent Dong Zhong and Han Chang to lead troops from the border areas to escort them to Shuofang, while leaving a guard to assist. During the reign of Emperor Guangwu, he also appointed the General of the Cavalry Duan Bin to set up an Anjiyuan historian to follow the chieftain and observe their movements at any time. These were effective strategies for ensuring national security and stabilizing the border. Now the court is strong and better than before; the Rouran state has already declined, just as it was in the past. Therefore, we should learn from past successes and adopt similar measures. We can lend some idle land to them for farming and herding; appoint some officials to show the court's concern and provide reassurance; maintain strict vigilance in the border defense troops, so they know the court is protecting them. By implementing generous and kind policies to manage them and employing long-term strategies to win them over, they will not easily rebel, and there will be no uprisings at the border. Now the generals in the northern garrison used to take turns patrolling outside alone; now we should strengthen our defenses, which embodies the principle that 'a wise emperor ensures stable borders.'
Furthermore, our ancestors have taught us: when dealing with those who wish to surrender, they should not be treated like formidable foes. Military actions shouldn't focus solely on external threats; we must also be vigilant against internal problems. If they have a change of heart and rebel, it could become unmanageable. Additionally, their people and livestock are scattered across the wilderness, and the Rouran are notoriously greedy and will seize anything they can. We need to guard against them while also trying to appease them, and with insufficient military strength, conflicts can easily arise. If we try to send them back to their hometowns, they might resist; and if we relocate them within the states, they'll likely refuse as well. In this case, the costs will surely be high. The court did not agree with this plan.
Fu Chi carried the White Tiger Banner to negotiate with Anagui between the towns of Rou Xuan and Huai Huang. Anagui's subordinates claimed to have 300,000 men, but secretly had other intentions, detaining Fu Chi and transporting him in a prisoner wagon, providing him with just a liter of yogurt and a piece of meat daily. Whenever Anagui summoned his subordinates, he would have Fu Chi sit in the east wing, calling it the "Xingtai" and treating him with great respect. Eventually, Anagui moved south to the old capital, after which he sent Fu Chi and the others back, also submitting a letter of apology. The relevant authorities reported Fu Chi's case to the court, and the Deputy Minister of Justice, Gao Qian, believed Fu Chi had been negligent and sentenced him to banishment.
Later, he became the Governor of Jizhou. He dedicated himself to developing agriculture, and the common folk saw him as a father figure; people from neighboring states and counties even called him "Divine Lord" out of respect. Earlier, in Jizhou, there were eight prominent families: Zhang Mengdu, Zhang Hongjian, Ma Pan, Cui Duliang, Zhang Shuxu, Cui Chou, Zhang Tianyi, and Cui Sizhe, who controlled the mountains, forests, and fields and defied the court's orders, and were all referred to as the "Eight Kings" in the states and counties. Once he took office, these eight families willingly came into the city, pledging their loyalty to the death.
Unfortunately, the good times were short-lived, and later, he was captured by Ge Rong. Ge Rong captured him; at that time, his brother, You, was the governor of Fangcheng, and his nephew, Zili, was a military officer. Ge Rong wanted to kill his nephew Zili first, but he begged to be killed first to save his nephew. He kept kowtowing until his forehead bled before Ge Rong finally let go of his nephew. Then, he gathered the generals and discussed their fates, with him and his brothers shifting blame and competing to take the fall. Zhang Mengdu, Pan Shao, and several hundred others all kneeled down begging Ge Rong to execute them in order to spare the governor. Ge Rong said, "These people are all loyal and honorable subjects of the Wei state!" More than five hundred people who were detained at the time were released as a result. After Ge Rong suppressed the rebellion, he returned and continued to serve as the governor of Jizhou. Later, Yuan Hao attacked Luoyang, and the court appointed him as the governor of Dongdao and Prince of Pengcheng. He brought Yuan Hao's secret letter to the court, and the emperor was greatly pleased. After Yuan Hao was defeated, the court granted him the title of nobleman of Wannianxiang.
The Yong'an era is drawing to a close. Most of the musical instruments in the palace are broken. The Emperor assigned Fu to be in charge of the crafting and oversight of musical instruments. Fu submitted a report, saying, "In the past, during the Taihe era, the Minister of Ceremonies, Gao Lu, and the Director of Music, Gong Sun Chong, took decades to craft musical instruments from gold and stone. Many scholars were summoned to inspect the instruments for quality assurance. The Minister of Ceremonies Liu Fang suggested starting over, and it took a long time to complete. After completion, many ministers were gathered to inspect the instruments, but there were differing opinions. Eventually, the Emperor ultimately approved the use of these instruments. In recent years, the army's invasion of Luoyang resulted in the loss of most palace instruments. When I inquired with the Director of Music, Zhang Qian Gui, he informed me that only four boxes and six instrument racks remained. The instrument racks in the northeast contained fourteen Huang Zhong chimes; though referred to as Huang Zhong, they actually produced the Yi Ze sound, which was out of tune. The Gu Xi, Tai Cu, and Rui Bin were also placed incorrectly, resulting in dissonance. There were also fourteen Yi Zhong, which had never been played and were now removed in accordance with regulations. I have adjusted the instruments following the production methods of the Fu and Qing clans as outlined in the Zhou Li, meticulously checked, and arranged them according to the twelve months, corresponding to the twelve tonalities of the palace, each placed in the correct position. This ensures that the musical scales for each month are complete. When performed, they will reflect the relationships among palace tones and adhere to the principles of musical harmony. I intend to standardize the number of bells and chimes to twelve of each type." The Emperor approved his proposal. Numerous high-ranking officials and nobles attended his musical performance and offered their praise. The Grand Tutor and Chief Imperial Secretary Long Sun Chengye, who possessed a deep knowledge of musical scales, especially appreciated it.
Later, they followed the emperor into Guanzhong. King Guangyang Jian was bestowed the title of King of Chu in the third year of the Zhenjun era and was later renamed King Guangyang. After his death, he was given the posthumous title of King Jian. His son, Shi Hou, inherited the throne and was posthumously honored as King Ai after his death. Shi Hou's son, Yi Xing, also inherited the throne and was posthumously honored as King Ding. He had no sons.
Shi Hou's younger brother, Shi Jia, was intelligent and quick-witted from a young age, maintaining a calm demeanor and possessing great military talent. When Emperor Gaozu first ascended the throne, he appointed him as the Inspector of Xuzhou, where he performed exceptionally well and won the hearts of the people. He was later conferred the title of King Guangyang and continued the imperial legacy. When Emperor Gaozu was campaigning in the south, he ordered Shi Jia to guard Junkou. Shi Jia disobeyed Emperor Gaozu's orders, resulting in the enemy's escape. Emperor Gaozu was furious and reproached him, saying, "Your uncle is not the heir to the throne; why are you lacking ambition?" As Emperor Gaozu lay gravely ill, he issued a will appointing Shi Jia as the Left Minister of the Secretariat, to assist the new emperor along with King Xianyang and others. He was later promoted to Governor of Sizhou.
Shi Jia submitted a memorial to the court, calling for the construction of three hundred and twenty blocks around the capital city, each covering a perimeter of twelve hundred steps, and requested the conscription of able-bodied men to complete this project. Although this project would temporarily burden the people, it would permanently eliminate bandits and thieves. The Emperor granted his request. Later on, he was appointed as the Grand General of the Guards, the Prefect of the Masters of Writing, and was awarded the honorary title of Yitong San Si. Shi Jia enjoyed drinking, sometimes getting drunk. Before Emperor Shizong, he was always at ease and unreserved, and the Emperor, due to his old age and prestigious status, was always lenient with him. He often attended banquets with Prince Pengcheng, Prince Beihai, Prince Gaoyang, and other royal members, partying late into the night, and the Emperor often rewarded them. Sometimes the Emperor would also visit his home. Shi Jia liked to be extravagant, dressed in luxurious attire, with a grand procession when he traveled, gaining the respect of the people. Later, he was promoted to Minister of Works, and then transferred to Minister of Education.
Shi Jia liked to achieve accomplishments that benefited the country and its people, often making suggestions to the Emperor, who often took his advice. He respected talent, and those talented individuals who had yet to be recognized by the court, whenever they were in his presence, he would actively engage in conversation with them and recommend them. Following his death, according to his wishes, he received a simple burial. Emperor Shizong was profoundly saddened and posthumously honored him with the titles of Attendant and Grand Preceptor, granting him the posthumous title of Yilie. Shi Jia's wife was the granddaughter of Prince Yidu Mu Shou and also the sister of Minister of Works Shi Xian, an exceptionally intelligent woman. After marrying Shi Jia, she often assisted him, helping the Shi family thrive and prosper.
Shi Jia's son, Shi Shen, whose courtesy name is Zhiyuan, inherited the title. When Emperor Suzong first became emperor, he appointed him as the governor of Sizhou. He enacted benevolent policies, gaining the support of the local Hu people, which led to a significant decline in theft. Later, he became the governor of Hengzhou, during which he engaged in widespread bribery to manage the region. If a family had over a thousand horses, he would definitely take a hundred of them, which became his standard practice. He rose through the ranks and eventually became the Minister of the Interior, but before he could take office, he was accused by Prince Chengyang of an affair with Princess Yu. The emperor ordered the chancellor and other royal family members, including Prince Gaoyang Yong, to judge his crimes, ultimately permitting him to return home.
The people of Woye Town rebelled, led by the youth Liu Han Baling. Prince Linhuai Yu went to quell the rebellion but was defeated. The emperor then ordered me to be appointed as the Supreme Commander of the Northern Front, and to take orders from Li Chong, the Minister of the Interior. At that time, the Eastern Road Commander Cui Xian also faced defeat in Baidao. I promptly wrote to the emperor, stating:
Rebels on the border have caused chaos; the situation is not a recent development. In the past, the emperor placed great importance on border defense, carefully selecting talented individuals to defend the border, even assigning some nobles and offspring of prestigious families to vow to defend the border at all costs. This not only did not hinder their career advancement, but also often led to promotions. People back then envied them a lot. During the Taihe era, when Li Chong served as the Minister of Works, the people of Liangzhou were exempted from corvée labor, while the offspring of wealthy families in fertile regions still had to defend the border. Unless they committed serious crimes, no one wanted to be associated with them. Those who fought and defended the border often spent their entire lives in minor military positions, reaching at most the rank of military commander. However, those with ancestors in the capital could obtain high positions and lucrative positions, while those on the border found their career paths completely blocked. Some simply fled north to escape the turmoil, but many ended up in lands inhabited by non-Han peoples. Later, border regulations became increasingly strict, with local people being arrested by patrols if found wandering outside. As a result, young people were unable to pursue their studies, and the elderly couldn't hold official positions, eventually resorting to banditry. It's genuinely heartbreaking to discuss this.
Since the court stabilized in the Yiluo region, the emphasis on border defense has been diminishing, only sending incompetent individuals to serve as border commanders, who would learn from each other and focus on exploiting the local populace. There were also corrupt officials from various regions who, after committing crimes, were sent to the border and instructed by these officials to oppress the people, using bribery to maintain control. No one seemed able to change this situation. Everyone said these corrupt officials were the main culprits, and everyone detested them deeply.
Oh no, that ungrateful Anaguai actually led his men to escape! The Emperor sent a senior master with 150,000 troops to pursue them, but returned in just a few days. The folks at the border saw this reinforcement and thought our great China was a pushover. Lord Shangshu Ling Chongshi quickly put in a request to the court to change those garrisons into prefectures. The Emperor was initially inclined to agree with him, which was somewhat prescient, but ultimately did not consent.
As a result, the commander of Gaoque had a falling out with his subordinates, which led to a rebellion! They attacked cities and plundered lands, killing anyone in their way, and the court's army was continuously defeated, with the rebel forces growing increasingly audacious. Initially intending to send troops to quell the rebellion, that guy Cui Xian just wouldn't come back, forcing Chongshi and another minister to withdraw in disgrace. Now we have all returned to Yunzhong, waiting for the next orders to come down. We cannot move westward yet, since the morale among the troops is shaky! My current worry is not just about the northwest; I'm afraid other regions might also rebel. When it comes to state affairs, how can you ever predict anything?
The Emperor did not heed his advice at the time. The Qile tribe in the east and west also rebelled, making the court take this issue seriously. They sent Li Daoyuan, who also served as a Yellow Gate Attendant, as an envoy to propose changing the garrisons into prefectures to appease the people. But just when they thought things would settle, all six garrisons turned against us, which made this plan impossible to pull off. Lord Shenhou submitted another report saying, "Now that all six garrisons have turned rebel, and the two Gaoche tribes have also stirred up trouble, it's definitely not a good idea to send a tired army after them. It would be better to carefully select some soldiers or keep them stationed in key spots like Hengzhou to think ahead."
After Li Chongzheng returned, Guo Ziyi concentrated on military matters. He led troops to attack the city of Balin, defeating the Turks, and then relocated the surrendered population to areas south of the Yellow River. Previously, another general, Li Shuren, had used the tactic of attacking Balin to force the enemy and requested support from Guo Ziyi. Guo Ziyi responded, and around 200,000 people surrendered. Guo Ziyi, together with Xing Tai Yuan Zuan, submitted a report to the court, requesting to establish new counties north of Hengzhou to settle these surrendered individuals and provide relief measures based on the actual circumstances to eliminate their rebellious intentions. However, the court did not agree and instead ordered Yang Yu, a court official, to disperse these surrendered individuals across the three states of Jizhou, Dingzhou, and Yingzhou for them to fend for themselves. Guo Ziyi said to Yuan Zuan, "These people will turn to begging for survival again, and future troubles will start from here." Indeed, not long after, Xianyu Xiuli rebelled in Dingzhou, and Du Luozhou rebelled in Youzhou. Other surrendered families remained in Hengzhou, wanting to support Guo Ziyi as their leader. Guo Ziyi subsequently submitted a request to return to the capital. The court appointed General Yang Jin from the Left Guard to succeed Guo Ziyi as the commander and appointed Guo Ziyi as the Minister of Personnel, General of the Right Guard, and Governor of Dingzhou.
At that time, Zhao Shulong, the governor of Zhongshan, and Cui Rong, the deputy commander, failed to quell the rebel forces, and the court sent envoy Liu Shen to investigate. Before the investigation was completed, the rebel forces approached Zhongshan, and Guo Ziyi ordered Zhao Shulong to defend the borders. Liu Shen hurried back to the capital, claiming that Guo Ziyi had unilaterally allowed the rebels to escape. Prince Li Hui of Chengyang was at odds with Guo Ziyi and seized this opportunity to frame him. Thus, the court summoned Guo Ziyi to serve as the Minister of Personnel while concurrently serving as the Commander-in-Chief. After Guo Ziyi arrived in the capital, Emperor Suzong wanted to prevent Li Hui and Guo Ziyi from harboring mutual resentment, so he ordered them to reconcile during a banquet. However, Li Hui still held a grudge and continued to resent Guo Ziyi.
Later, Li Chen, the King of Hejian, and others were defeated by Xian Yu Xiuli, and the court conferred upon Guo Ziyi the position of Special Advisor to the Court and Grand Commander, appointing Li Rong, the King of Zhangwu, as the Left Commander, and Pei Yan as the Right Commander, all of whom were under Guo Ziyi's command. Li Hui then reported to Empress Dowager Ling that "Guangyang King (Guo Ziyi) has control of the army with his son outside, which makes him unpredictable!" So Empress Dowager Ling ordered Li Rong and the others to secretly guard against Guo Ziyi. Li Rong then told Guo Ziyi about this order. Guo Ziyi became fearful and no longer dared to make any decisions, whether big or small, on his own. When Empress Dowager Ling heard about this, she sent someone to inquire about Guo Ziyi's situation. Guo Ziyi then explained in detail:
In the past, Yuan Zai held absolute power and abused it, while Li Hui attached himself to him, rising quickly. Now the court has restored normal political order, reinstating loyal ministers, but Li Hui is narrow-minded and has always held a grudge against me. Due to my lack of experience and my distance from the capital, he has obstructed me in every possible way. However, I have never wronged him, and since then, our relationship has turned adversarial. Li Hui has been promoted eight times in just one year, eventually becoming the prime minister; while I have been stagnant for many years, not being recognized or rewarded despite my achievements.
It's not just me that Huizong has been targeting since he came to power; all those heroes who went on northern expeditions have been suppressed by him! The soldiers fought victorious battles but received no rewards whatsoever. Even if they submitted requests, most of them were rejected. For example, General Yuan Biao, who was stationed in Shengle before being heavily surrounded by enemies. His father, sons, and brothers all died in battle, and he defended the city alone for two years. After the enemies retreated, he followed protocol and requested a promotion, but Huizong kept stalling and never granted it. On the other hand, the commander of Xiapi in Xuzhou, Jia Xun, was promptly honored as a founding hero after a brief siege during the rebellion of the Buddhist monks. His contribution to defending the city was far less than Yuan Biao's, but he was rewarded right away. Everything is the same in this world—the contributions may be equal, but the rewards are not. Is this fair? Also, General Li Chong, who recruited soldiers from eight provinces during the northern expedition and rewarded them according to the standards of the western regions. I later followed this standard to reward the soldiers, but Huizong insisted that the soldiers of the northern expedition should not be treated the same as those from the western regions. Mount Dingxiang is so important, and Pingcheng is the country's fortress. When it comes to contributions, how can I possibly compare to the states of Qin and Chu? Yet, out of jealousy, Huizong is using every means at his disposal to suppress me.
After Huizong came to power, it wasn't just about suppressing my achievements. Anyone who followed me on expeditions was resented by him. My general Yuan Shu and others once explained the situation to the emperor, and although Huizong initially agreed, his demeanor changed instantly when he learned that I was in command of the northern army. He even had my brother's son intentionally create trouble for me and spread constant slander. Those who spoke ill of me were greeted with a smile by Huizong, while those who praised me were immediately reprimanded. Zhen Chen once spoke up for me, but Huizong treated him as if he were an enemy. Xu He said a few bad things about me, but Huizong treated him as if he were family. Then there was the Chief of the Cavalry Zuying, who had previously fabricated his military accomplishments, disrupted the camp's order, and committed crimes that led to him being wanted by the authorities. He hid in the mountains, yet, because he slandered me, Huizong went so far as to pardon him. My Marshal Liu Jing, after escorting surrendered soldiers to Dingzhou, actually turned against us. The enemy was like a flood that had broken through, and we were utterly powerless to resist. Even the officials in my household were not spared from death. Although Huizong was angry and blamed me, he spared those who were truly guilty, even letting the minor officials off the hook. Everyone who followed me was filled with fear.
In the past, someone from Hengzhou requested the court to appoint me as the governor, but Huizong said it was a tricky matter and uncertain. Later, those who had surrendered started plotting a rebellion. I reported the situation to the court multiple times, and only then did Huizong begin to take the matter seriously. When I finally reached Dingzhou, distancing myself from those troublemakers, he suggested that I might have other intentions. His unpredictability made me suspect he was trying to set me up, and as a result, the court hurriedly transferred me away. How did this mess start, and who’s to blame? With Huizong being so favored and powerful, what does that have to do with his sycophants? Therefore, when I was in the court, there were plenty of people looking for positions back then; but since I moved to the border, visits have dropped off. I’ve been worried this situation might become a problem, so I have been requesting to return to the capital.
Just after it happened, there was a rebellion by the refugees, and the marshal was preparing to mobilize troops. I received orders and had no choice but to deal with the unrest first; I couldn’t refuse. Just after I left the capital, before the dust had even settled, I heard that there were people speaking ill of me behind my back. They said that I took my son with me, which they took as a suspicious sign to accuse me of rebellion. Those gossips were spreading rumors everywhere, saying that the left army commander Rong and the right army commander Yan had received secret orders to monitor my actions. With Huizong treating me this way, how can I possibly feel at ease?!
I personally think the national situation is still shaky, and major national issues have not been resolved. Local officials play a crucial role. Huizong was well-regarded when he served in the local fiefdoms, but he has not gained much reputation since becoming prime minister. Now he wants me to be a provincial official to utilize my talents. If Huizong could see the bigger picture and leverage my strengths, I wouldn’t have any worries. Your help would be greatly appreciated!
Alas, because the soldiers were repeatedly defeated and morale was low, we could only retreat day by day, managing to cover about ten miles each day. Upon reaching Jiaojin, we found ourselves facing the enemy across the river. Ge Rong, who had originally partnered with Xiu Li, later fell for the words of Mao Puxian from Shuozhou, which Xiu Li always resented. Mao Puxian used to be under my command. When we were in Jiaojin, I even sent someone to speak with him, but he surprisingly wanted to surrender. I also sent the registrar Yuan Yan to discuss the matter of Cheng Shagui with Ge Rong, and it actually managed to incite him. Ge Rong killed Mao Puxian and Xiu Li, becoming the leader himself. Just as he rose to power, his subordinates grew unstable, prompting him to flee to Yingzhou. Seeing this, I decided to head north. Ge Rong went to attack King Rong of Zhangwu but lost at Bainiu Luosu, so I had no choice but to flee to Dingzhou. I heard that the governor of Dingzhou, Yang Jin, suspected me of disloyalty, so I stayed in the temple in the south of the state. After three days and nights, I gathered Commander Mao Shi and six or seven others, and we agreed to help each other in critical moments. However, Mao Shi grew suspicious of me and secretly informed Yang Jin that I had ulterior motives. Yang Jin sent Mao Shi to arrest me, so I had to escape, and he chased me all the way. When my subordinates and I reached the border of Boling County, we encountered Ge Rong's spies and were taken to him. Ge Rong's men were surprisingly glad to see me, but feeling insecure as the new leader, he had me killed. Later, the emperor posthumously conferred upon me the title of king, granted me the position of Duke of Situ, and honored me with the title of Loyalty and Martial.
My son Zhan, courtesy name Shishen, has been very charming since he was young. When Emperor Zhuang ascended the throne, he inherited my title. During the reign of Emperor Xiaojing, he was promoted to the Governor of Jizhou, but wherever he went, he squeezed the common folk dry, and his administration was a complete disaster. Later, he entered the court and became a court attendant, and then he was appointed as the Governor of Sizhou. At that time, Prime Minister Qi Xianwu Wang recognized my son Zhan's talents and recommended him for the title of Grand Commandant. After his death, he was posthumously honored with the title Wenxian, and awarded the yellow ceremonial axe, the title of Grand Marshal, and the position of Minister of State. It is said that the higher my son's official rank became, the more he became increasingly debauched. He first gave the maid, Ziguang, to the Minister of State Song Youdao, and later he even began an affair with her; when he was sent to Jizhou, he secretly took her away. The scandal with Song Youdao caused quite a commotion, with rumors that Ziguang had been favored by Zhan's father, and that Zhan's mother had entrusted Ziguang to him before her death, even producing official documents as proof. This scandal eventually blew over, but at the time, many people criticized the two of them. My son Zhan's younger brother Jin served as a junior official in the Ministry of Rites. Later, he even hatched a plot to assassinate King Wenxiang of Qi; when the plot was uncovered, the whole family was put to death. Zhan was born thanks to the auspicious light of the Dharma. The King of Qi originally wanted to exterminate the Zhan family but later had a change of heart and restored their titles and lands.
King Liu Yu of Nan'an was granted the title of King of Wu during the third year of Emperor Zhenjun's reign, but was later renamed as the King of Nan'an. After the sudden death of Emperor Shizu, the eunuch Zong Ai falsely claimed to have orders from the Empress Dowager to enthrone Liu Yu as the Emperor, and then began to take care of the funeral arrangements. He then proclaimed a general amnesty and changed the reign title to Yongping. Liu Yu felt that he unexpectedly became Emperor, so he lavished rewards on his ministers to win their favor. He spent the whole night drinking, with a continuous flow of music and dance, and soon the treasury was empty. He particularly enjoyed hunting and often went out day and night, ignoring all rules. He ignored the border crisis, which angered the people, yet he remained indifferent. Zong Ai grew more arrogant and tyrannical, instilling fear in everyone both inside and outside the court. Liu Yu suspected Zong Ai of plotting a rebellion, so he stripped him of his power. In a fit of rage, Zong Ai killed Liu Yu while he was away on a sacrificial ritual. Emperor Gaozong later honored him with a prince's burial and bestowed upon him the posthumous title of Prince of Yin.
