Emperor Taiwu, whose name was Tuoba Tao, was the eldest son of his father Emperor Mingyuan, and his mother was Lady Du. He was favored by fate, and he was born in the Eastern Palace and was exceptionally good-looking even at the age of five. His grandfather Emperor Taizu immediately took a liking to him, saying, "This child will surely achieve great things for our empire in the future!" In the seventh year of Taichang, in the fourth month, he was granted the title of Prince Taiping; in the fifth month, he was appointed as regent. When his father Emperor Mingyuan fell ill, he entrusted court affairs to Tuoba Tao, who was smart and decisive. On Ren Shen day in the eleventh month of his eighth year, he officially became emperor and issued a general amnesty! In the twelfth month, his grandmother was posthumously titled Empress Mi, his grandfather's grandson Song was appointed as Prince Beiping, Xijin was appointed as Prince Yicheng, and his other ministers were promoted to various ranks. He then removed restrictions, rectified injustices, opened the state treasury, provided relief to the poor, and many refugees from Henan came to seek his help.
In the first month of Shiguang, on Bing Yin day, Prince Anding Mi died.
In the fourth month, on Jia Chen day, the emperor went on an eastern tour to Daming.
In July, the emperor returned to the palace. In August, the Rouran tribe launched an invasion of Yunzhong with sixty thousand cavalry, killing civilians and even storming Shengle Palace. Puwen, the magistrate of Zheyang County, led light cavalry to fight them, and the Rouran tribe retreated in the end. The emperor ordered Pingyang Wang Changsun Han and his men to engage the other Rouran forces, resulting in a resounding victory, with thousands killed and over ten thousand horses captured, as noted in the "Chronicles of the Rouran." In September, the emperor began to restructure the army, conducting training exercises in the eastern suburbs with a total of fifty thousand cavalry, preparing to march north to attack the Rouran tribe. In December, the emperor dispatched Pingyang Wang Changsun Han and his men to fight the Rouran, while the emperor himself led troops to Zuoshan. The Rouran tribe retreated northward, and our forces caught up with them and achieved a significant victory before returning. That year, Liu Yifu of the Southern Song Dynasty was overthrown and executed by his ministers Xu Xianzhi, and Liu Yifu's brother Liu Yilong was made emperor. In the spring of a certain AD year, on the day of Jimo, the emperor returned in triumph from the northern front, rewarding the soldiers with the captured livestock, distributed in varying amounts.
In February, Murong Ke led a rebellion in Beiping, capturing the county office, but was defeated by the governor and his generals. On the third day of the third month, the emperor honored his biological mother, Dou Shi, as Empress Dowager. On the fourth day of the third month, the emperor appointed Prince Long Sun Song as Grand Commandant, Prince Pingyang Long Sun Han as Minister of Rites, and Prince Yicheng Xi Jin as Minister of Works. On the seventh day of the third month, the emperor ordered the old Eastern Palace to be transformed into the Palace of Ten Thousand Longevity, and constructed the Hall of Eternal Peace, the Hall of Peace and Joy, the Hall of Far Sight, and the Nine Flourishing Halls. He also created over a thousand new characters and issued an edict stating: "In ancient times, the Yellow Emperor created all things, while Cangjie developed characters based on the footprints of birds and beasts. Since then, characters have continuously evolved with the changing times, leading to the coexistence of seal script, clerical script, cursive script, and regular script. However, over time, many characters have become distorted, leading to errors in form and meaning, which is not conducive for future generations to follow. Confucius once said, 'If names are not correct, then language cannot align with the truth.' This is the principle. Now I have established new characters as the national standard, distributing them to all regions to serve as a lasting model."
In April, the emperor ordered General Longxiang Bu Dui and Minister of Rites Hu Jian to embark on a diplomatic mission to Liu Song. In May, the emperor ordered every ten households in the country to contribute a large ox to transport food to the frontier. In September, the Hall of Eternal Peace and the Hall of Peace and Joy were completed, and on the fourth day of the ninth month, the emperor held a grand banquet to celebrate the completion.
In October, the emperor trained the army in the western suburbs. On the seventh day of the tenth month, the emperor launched another northern campaign, with Prince Pingyang Long Sun Han and others pursuing the Rouran people deep into the desert as they fled north. (For details, see "Rouran Chronicles"). That year, Helian Qugai died, and his son, Helian Chang, usurped the throne, declaring himself emperor.
In the first month of the second year, on the day of Ren Shen, the emperor returned from the northern battlefield. He rewarded the soldiers with war booty, offering varying rewards to those stationed and those in the field. Qifu Chipan sent envoys to pay tribute and requested the emperor to launch an attack against Helian Chang. In the second month, a Confucian academy was established to the east of the city, with sacrifices made to Confucius and Yan Hui. On Xin Mao day in May, Duke Yuan Zuan of Zhongshan was elevated to king, and Duke Yuan Su of Nan'an regained his former title as King of Changshan. In June, the emperor went to the old palace in Yunzhong to pay respects at the ancestral temple; then he went west to Wuyuan for hunting in the Yinshan Mountains; finally, he went east to Hedu Mountain.
In July, a horse archery platform was constructed in Changchuan, and the emperor himself went up to the platform to watch the horse races; princes, ministers, and nobles rode horses and shot arrows on the platform, and those who hit the target received rewards of gold, silver, silk, cloth, and cotton based on their performance.
In August, the emperor's carriage returned to the palace. Liu Yilong sent an envoy to pay tribute. Upon hearing that Qu Gai had died and his sons had begun fighting among themselves again, he dispatched Sikong Xijin, along with General Feng Li of Righteousness and Inspector Yan Pu of Yongzhou, to attack Puban in September; simultaneously, he sent General Zhou Ji of the Song Army and Inspector Yu Lidi of Luozhou to assault Shancheng.
The battle unfolded quickly. In October of the Ding Si year, the emperor personally led his troops on a western campaign, reaching Yunzhong and even Junzi Jin. As a result, they encountered extremely cold weather, and within a few days, the river had frozen. In November of the Wu Yin year, the emperor, with twenty thousand light cavalry, launched a surprise attack on Helian Chang. By the day of Ren Wu, they had arrived at Helian Chang's city and moved over ten thousand households before returning. This is all documented in the "Chronicle of Chang." On the way back through Zuo Mountain, the emperor rewarded the soldiers with the spoils of war, varying each person's reward. Before Xi Jin even reached Puban, the city guard, Helian Yisheng, abandoned the city and fled west. Helian Chang's brother, Helian Zhuxing, was guarding Chang'an, and Helian Yisheng fled west to Anding with Helian Zhuxing. It was then that Xi Jin was able to successfully occupy Puban. By December, the emperor ordered Xi Jin to take up garrison duty in Chang'an. The Di and Qiang tribes in Qinzhou and Yongzhou defected from Helian Chang and surrendered to Xi Jin. The Di king of Wudu, Yang Xuan, and Juqu Mengxun also sent people to express their submission.
In the spring of the following year, on the first month of the Yi You year, the emperor's western expedition troops returned. The emperor rewarded the civil and military officials and soldiers who remained in the camp with rations, cloth, and horses and cattle, with each person's reward being different. However, many soldiers had perished along the way, and only about one-sixteenth of the soldiers were able to return to the capital. On the Ji Hai day, the emperor went to Youzhou again. Helian Chang sent his brother, Duke Pingyuan, to lead twenty thousand troops to attack Chang'an. Upon hearing this, the emperor dispatched workers to Yin Mountain to cut timber and mass-produce siege weapons. In February, the emperor's entourage returned to the palace. In March, on the Bing Zi day, the emperor sent King Gao Liang, Li, to garrison in Chang'an. He also commanded Zhi Jinwu Huan Dai to construct a bridge at Junzi Jin. On the Ding Chou day, King Guangping passed away.
On the day of Dingwei in April, the emperor ordered the officials Yuanwai Sanqi Changshi Budui and Hu Yezhe to meet Liu Yilong. In the same month, military training commenced, dividing the army into several divisions. Sima Changsun Han, Tingwei Changsun Daosheng, and Zongzheng Eqing led thirty thousand cavalry at the forefront; Wang Su of Changshan, Taipu Qiu Dui, and General Yuan Taipi led thirty thousand infantry serving as the rear guard; Wang Fu of Nanyang, Zhijinwu Huan Dai, and General Yao Huangmei led thirty thousand infantry equipped with siege engines; General He Duoluo led three thousand elite cavalry as the vanguard for reconnaissance.
In May, the emperor personally led the army westward to campaign against Helian Chang. On the day of Xinsi, the army crossed the Junzi Ford. The Hu tribal leaders from three cities, including Quezi, surrendered in succession. The emperor set up camp at Balin Mountain, constructed fortifications, left the supplies behind, and took only thirty thousand light cavalry to advance first. On the day of Wuxu, the army arrived at the banks of the Heishui River, where the emperor personally conducted a sacrifice to heaven, prayed to the ancestral spirits, and motivated the troops.
In June of the Jia Chen year, Helian Chang led a large army out of the city to meet us in battle, but we achieved a great victory over them. The details are chronicled in "The Biography of Helian Chang." Helian Chang fled with a few hundred cavalry to the southwest, escaping to Shanggui. Our army pursued and caught up with them just north of the city, killing more than ten thousand enemy troops, including Helian Chang's brother, Duke Man of Henan, and his nephew Meng Xun. As nightfall drew near, Helian Chang's Minister of Works requested that the city gates be opened and secretly sent Helian Chang's mother away. On the Yi Si day, the emperor's army entered the city of Shanggui, capturing Helian Chang's brother, mother, sisters, wife, concubines, palace maids, and many others—totaling over ten thousand people—along with countless treasures, chariots, banners, and weapons from the treasury. At the same time, we also captured Helian Chang's Minister of Works Wang Mai, Xue Chao, as well as several thousand people from the region of Qin Yong, seizing more than three hundred thousand warhorses and tens of millions of cattle and sheep. The emperor rewarded the soldiers with Helian Chang's palace maids, captives, gold and silver treasures, precious items, fabrics, and other spoils of war, with varying amounts of rewards for each.
Helian Chang's brother, Duke Pingyuan Ding, resisted Sikong Xijin in Chang'an, while E Qing led five thousand cavalry to confront him. Duke Pingyuan Ding fled to Shanggui. On the day of Xin You, the army marched back to the capital, leaving Prince Changshan Su and the Chief of the Imperial Guard Huan Dai to guard the city.
In early July, we erected an altar at Zuoling and held a horse racing and archery competition, rewarding those who hit their targets with gold, brocade, fabric, and cotton; the rewards varied based on their accuracy. Upon hearing of our victory over Helian Chang, the Rouran tribe quickly fled.
In early August, the emperor returned from the western front after fighting, and at a banquet to reward the soldiers, the emperor made a special trip to the ancestral temple to pay his respects. Then he rewarded the officials in the capital city with different amounts of spoils from this battle. On the first few days of September, the people of the An Ding region surrendered the city. In November, we appointed the king of the Di tribe, Yang Xuan, as the military commander of the four provinces of Jingzhou, Liangzhou, Yizhou, and Ningzhou, and also gave him the titles of Acting General of the Southern Conquest, Governor of Liangzhou, and Prince of South Qin. In December, the emperor inspected Zhongshan and uncovered over ten corrupt local officials, all of whom were dismissed. In December, the emperor returned to the palace and reduced the land rent of the people along the way by half.
In the first month of the first year of the Shenyou era, because most local officials across the country were corrupt, the emperor carefully selected a group of loyal and reliable people and replaced those who were incompetent. On the first few days of the first month, King Jingzhao, Li, passed away. In February, the era name was altered. Heli Chang retreated to Pingliang, while Sikong Xijin led troops to attack An Ding. General Qiu Dui suffered defeat at the hands of Heli Chang, and the military officer An Jie took it upon himself to capture Heli Chang. The remaining followers of Heli Chang proclaimed his brother Heli Ding as king and fled back to Pingliang. On the first few days of March, the emperor ordered the attendant Gu Bi to welcome Heli Chang. On the first few days of March, Gu Bi and his men brought Heli Chang back to the capital. Sikong Xijin pursued Heli Ding at Maimaoling in Pingliang and was taken captive by Heli Ding. Qiu Dui, who was originally guarding the logistics in An Ding, abandoned his armor and made a hasty retreat to Puban after hearing that Xijin had been defeated. The emperor was furious upon hearing this news and ordered Qiu Dui's execution.
In April, Helian Ding sent representatives to pay tribute, and the Emperor received them. In early April, the Emperor embarked on a western tour and went farming in Hexi. Following that, a general amnesty was declared. Prince Yang Xuan of Southern Qin also sent envoys to pay tribute. In early June, a Hu leader in Bingzhou, Butian, rebelled and was killed, leaving the remaining people fearful and unsettled. The Emperor sent Wang Beijin of Huainan to maintain order and reassure them. In early June, the Emperor conducted an inspection of Changchuan.
In July, the Emperor returned to the palace. In August, he traveled to Guangning for leisure and to enjoy the hot springs. He made special offerings of the finest sacrifices at the temples dedicated to the Yellow Emperor, Yao, and Shun. At this time, the Rouran Chanyu sent his son with tens of thousands of cavalry to invade the border; for more details, see "The Rouran Chronicles." Jinyan, the chief of the Xiu Tu Hu in Shangjun, submitted to the imperial court along with his followers. In September, the Emperor returned to the palace. Over ten thousand households from Baqu, Quanwu, and other regions in Shangluo also surrendered.
In the tenth month on Jiachen day, the emperor set out on a northern expedition. On Renzi day, he went hunting in Niuchuan. At this time, Liu Yilong sent Wang Zhongde, the Huainan commander, to lead more than two thousand infantry and cavalry to attack Jiyang and Chenliu. This month, the emperor returned to his palace. On Xinsi day in the leap month, Liu Yilong sent Wang Xuanmo and the governor of Yanzhou, Zhu Lingshow, to lead two thousand infantry and cavalry to attack Xingyang, hoping to seize the opportunity to attack Hulao. The Yuzhou troops counterattacked and drove them off. Tuge Kuwei Jie of Shangjun also brought more than ten thousand households to surrender. The Dingling, led by Xianyutaiyang and Zhaiqiao, rebelled with over two thousand households in Dingzhou and ran to the western mountains to plunder the counties. The local forces were dispatched to suppress them, but were defeated. The emperor commanded General Zhen Nan, Shouguang Marquis Shusun Jian, to go and fight them. In the eleventh month, the emperor undertook a grand hunting expedition in Hexi. On Jiashen day in the twelfth month, the emperor returned to his palace. That year, Prince Huang was born. Qifu Chipan died, and his son Mu Mo usurped the throne and became emperor. Juqu Mengxun sent envoys to present tribute. In the second year, in the first month, Heliand Ding's brother, Jun, the Duke of Jiuquan, surrendered from Pingliang. The Dingling, including Xianyutaiyang, also confessed their crimes, and the empero
In the autumn of July, the emperor led his troops eastward. Upon reaching Black Mountain, the emperor took stock of his troops and supplies, and then rewarded nobles, ministers, and generals based on their contributions. In August, the emperor ordered Left Servant An Yuan to lead over ten thousand cavalry to attack the Gaoche tribe camped at Sini Po. For more details, see the "Biography of the Ruru."
In the winter of October, the emperor returned to the capital in triumph with his army, reporting on the campaign to the ancestral temple. We resettled the new arrivals in the Mo Nan region, extending over three thousand li from Ruyuan in the east to Wuyuan and Yinshan in the west. The emperor also ordered Minister of Works Wang Changsun Han of Pingyang, Prefect Liu Jie, Left Servant An Yuan, and Palace Attendant Gu Bi to pacify the people there. In November, the emperor embarked on a hunting expedition in the Hexi region, returning after reaching Zuoshan.
In the third year of spring, on the seventh day of the first month, the emperor returned to the imperial palace. On the ninth day of the first month, the emperor issued a general amnesty. On the tenth day of the first month, the emperor went to Guangning and visited the hot springs, and even composed a song titled "Ode to the Hot Springs." On the sixth day of the second month, Minister of Works Wang Changsun Han of Pingyang passed away. On the seventh day of the second month, the emperor returned to the imperial palace. On the ninth day of the third month, the emperor conferred the title of King of Qin upon Huan Jing. On the tenth day of the third month, over a thousand households of the Xiongnu tribe in Yunzhong and Hexi rose in rebellion. Prefect Liu Jie led his troops to quell the rebellion. Upon hearing that Liu Yilong intended to invade the border, the emperor ordered the building of three thousand ships in the provinces of Jizhou, Dingzhou, and Xiangzhou, and mobilized the garrison troops from south of Youzhou to the Yellow River banks for defense.
On the first day of April in the summer, the emperor went to the cloud. Over ten thousand households of the Chieh-le tribe rebelled and fled. The emperor then ordered Minister Feng Tie to pursue and eliminate them. On the eighth day of May, the emperor issued a decree saying, "As a soldier, one must be filial to their parents at home and loyal to the emperor in the court; only then can one achieve glory in life and be remembered after death. Recently, I have sent Minister Feng Tie to eliminate the fugitives. Those who have shown loyalty and sacrifice will be awarded posthumous titles; those who have fought bravely will be promoted in rank according to their merits; those who violate military discipline and leave the army without permission will face execution under military law. Rewarding merits and punishing crimes are the country's norms and cannot be changed. From now on, those who have erred can still make amends. Spread this order to everyone so they all know." In June, the emperor ordered General Pingnan, the so-called Prince of Danyang, Taipi, to station troops by the Yellow River and appointed Sima Chu as the Grand General of Annan, the Prince of Langye, to station troops in Yingchuan. On the seventh day of July, the emperor issued a decree saying, "In the past, when the founding emperor pacified the world, the system was just established and relatively rough; after the succession of the second emperor, he was busy with state affairs and did not have time to refine it, leading to many vacancies in official positions and many things not being handled properly. Now, those generals and princes stationed on the border are allowed to establish mansions and recruit officials; officials should also be increased in other places." On the ninth day of July, the emperor appointed the Grand Herald Du Chao as a special envoy, concurrently serving as the military commander of Jizhou, Dingzhou, and Xiangzhou, as well as the Grand General of Conquest of the South, the Grand Preceptor, and was promoted to a prince, stationed in Yecheng to command the various armies. In August, a band of bandits emerged in Qinghe County and murdered the magistrate. Liu Yilong sent Dao Yanzhi to lead the army, entering the Yellow River from Qingshui and advancing westward against the current. The emperor felt that the military forces in Henan were insufficient, so he ordered the mobilization of troops from four military garrisons. He then began reorganizing the army in preparation for a westward campaign.
On August 23, Da Yan sent troops across the Yellow River to attack Yeshan. General An Jie led the army and defeated them, killing more than five thousand foes, and many others jumped into the river to commit suicide. On August 29, the emperor went to Nangu to relax and went hunting on Nanshan. On September 2, the emperor ordered General Changsun Daosheng to deploy troops along the Yellow River. On September 6, Helian Ding sent his brother to lead the Dai army to attack Fucheng, while General Pingxi and Duke Shiping, Kui Gui, led their forces on an expedition, capturing the rebel leader Wang Bei and killing over ten thousand foes, while Helian Ding's brother fled. On September 10, a temple dedicated to Empress Dowager Mi was built in Ye City. On September 11, the emperor visited Tongwan to conduct an inspection and then went to conquer Pingliang.
On a certain year, October 3, Da Yan and Wang Zhongde were stationed by the river and then returned to Dongping. On October 4, General An Jie crossed the Yellow River to attack Luoyang. On October 5, Luoyang was captured, and twenty commanders of Yilong were taken prisoner, with five thousand killed. At that time, troops from various forces from Hebei gathered at Qinuo Crossing. Da Yan grew concerned about the troops advancing southward, so he sent General Wang Panlong to attempt to seize the official boats, but he was defeated by General Du Chao and his forces, and Wang Panlong was killed. On October 6, An Jie captured Hulao, and Yin Chong, the governor of Sizhou province in Yilong, fell from the city and died.
On the Yiyou day of November, the emperor arrived in Pingliang. Before this, Helian Ding led tens of thousands of troops to resist east of Fucheng, leaving his brother Shanggu to guard the isolated city of Shanggu. After the emperor arrived in Pingliang, he ascended to the Northern Plain and sent Helian Chang to convince the Sheyu people to surrender, but the Sheyu refused to capitulate. He then ordered General Gu Bi and others to attack Anding and to capture Pingliang. Upon hearing this news, Helian Ding abandoned Fucheng and fled to Anding, personally leading thirty thousand infantry and cavalry from Chungu Yuan to rescue Pingliang, where he ran into Gu Bi. Gu Bi defeated Helian Ding, killing several thousand men, causing Helian Ding to flee. The emperor ordered troops from all directions to encircle Helian Ding. On the Jiawu day, Duke Shouguang, Shusun Jian, and Duke Ruyin, Zhangsun Daosheng, made their way across the Yellow River. Yan Zhi and Wang Zhongde entered Jishui from Qinghe and fled eastward to Qingzhou. The governor of Yanzhou, Zhu Lingxiu, abandoned Shunchang and made a southward escape to Hulu.
On the day of Dingyou, Helian Ding was cut off from water while leading his army down the mountain. The emperor ordered General Qiu Juan of the Imperial Guard to attack him. Helian Ding's army suffered a crushing defeat, with more than ten thousand soldiers killed. Helian Ding sustained serious injuries and fled alone. We captured Helian Ding's brother, Duke Wushi Ba of Dan Yang, Duke Tugu of Wuling, and over a hundred other nobles. That day, various generals pursued their victory and took Anding. Helian Ding's cousin, Duke Yisheng of Dongping, abandoned the city and fled to Chang'an, looting thousands of households before fleeing west to Shanggui. On the day of Wuxu, Shusun Jian achieved a great victory over Zhu Lingxiu at Huluk, killing over five thousand captives. On the day of Jihai, the emperor arrived at Anding, capturing the hostage of Qifu Chipan and Helian Ding's battle standard, counting the captured population and livestock, and rewarding the soldiers based on their merits. On the day of Gengzi, the emperor returned from Anding to Pingliang, then dug trenches to lay siege to Pingliang. The emperor also inspected Niucheng, reassuring the newly surrendered people, granting amnesty to the people of the Qin and Yong regions, and exempting them from taxes for seven years. The commander of Helian Ding's garrison in Longxi and several thousand soldiers came to surrender.
On the day of Xinchou, General An Xie led his forces to attack Huatai. Wang Sima Chu of Langya achieved victory over Liu Yilong's forces at Changsha. Juqu Mengxun sent envoys to offer tribute. On the day of Renyin, Shusun Jian was granted the title of King of Danyang. On the day of Dingmao in December, Helian Ding's brother, She Yu and Duoluo, arrived to surrender with their hands tied, and Pingliang was taken, and we confiscated their treasures. The garrison commanders in Chang'an, Linjin, and Wugong all fled, and the Guanzhong region was pacified. On the day of Renshen, the emperor's entourage returned east, leaving Duke Yanpu of Badong and others to secure Anding. That year, Feng Ba passed away, and his brother Feng Wentong seized the throne, declaring himself emperor.
In the spring of the year 418 AD, on the Renwu day of the first month, the emperor arrived at Mugen Mountain to hold a grand banquet for his ministers, bestowing varying amounts of cloth upon them. On that day, the emperor also sent Liu Yilong with Tan Daoji and Wang Zhongde to rescue Huatai at Qingshui, but they were blocked by Sun Jian, the King of Danyang, and Dao Sheng, the Duke of Ruyin, preventing their advance. Later that month, Qifu Muma was defeated by Helian Ding.
On the Xinyou day of the second month, An Jie and Sima Chuzhi captured Huatai, capturing the generals Zhu Gizi and Li Yuande under Liu Yilong, as well as the governor of Dongju, Shen Mo. On the Guiyou day, the emperor's carriage returned to the palace, celebrating the victory with a banquet, reporting their achievements to the ancestral shrine, rewarding the officials who remained in the capital, and exempting the soldiers who fought in the battle from ten years of corvée labor. On the Dingchou day, the emperor visited the Southern Palace for leisure. Upon hearing that the people of Dingzhou were suffering from famine, the emperor ordered the granaries opened to provide relief to the victims. Tan Daoji and Wang Zhongde fled eastward under Liu Yilong's orders, with other generals in pursuit, returning only after chasing them as far as Licheng.
On the Gengxu day of the third month, General An Jie presented the emperor with over 10,000 captives and 30,000 troops. In the summer, on the Gengyin day of the fifth month, the emperor embarked on a tour of Yunzhong. In the sixth month, Helian Ding launched a surprise attack from the north on Juqu Mengxun, but was captured by Mu Gui of the Tuyuhun. On the Yiwu day of the intercalary month, envoys from the Rouran Kingdom arrived to pay tribute. The emperor also sent the Cavalier Attendant Zhou Shao as an envoy to meet Liu Yilong.
In the autumn of a certain year (the specific year is not mentioned), on the 7th day of the month Ji You in July, the Emperor went on a tour of the Hexi region and stayed at Chenghua Palace. On the 2nd day of the month Yi You in August, Juqu Mengxun sent his son Anzhou to serve the Emperor. The envoy from Tuyuhun, named Mu Kui, came to present a memorial, requesting the Emperor to send him Helian Ding. On the 19th day of the month Ji Chou, the Emperor appointed Mu Kui as the Grand General of Western Qin. On the 2nd day of the month Gui Chou in September, the Emperor returned to the palace. On the 7th day of the month Geng Shen in October, the Emperor promoted the Grand Minister Changsun Song to the position of Grand General of the Pillar State, and specially appointed the Left Minister Cui Hao as Minister of Works, and the Grand General of the West, Changsun Daosheng, as Minister of Construction. On the 9th day of the month Gui Hai, the Emperor issued a decree, appointing the Grand Minister Li Shun to hold the seal and conferred upon Juqu Mengxun the title of Acting King of Hexi, added the title of Palace Attendant, and made him the Commander of the military affairs in Liangzhou and the Qiang and Rong tribes of the Western Regions, acting as Grand General of the West, Grand Tutor, Governor of Liangzhou, and King of Liang, greatly expanding his official titles.
On the 13th day of the month Ren Shen, the Emperor issued a proclamation stating: "In recent years, wars have been incessant, and the country has been unstable. I have personally led campaigns many times without proper rest. Now that the two strong enemies have been eliminated, the army can be reorganized. I plan to cease military operations and promote peace, to rectify the officials, attract talents, promote those who are obscure, and re-employ those who are capable. Isn't it said in the Book of Songs, 'The crane sings in the nine marshes, its voice heard in heaven'? I hope to find suitable individuals to help in governance and jointly create a favorable situation. The Book of Changes also says: 'If I have good officials, I will give them to you.' Talents like Lu Xuan from Fanyang, Cui Chuo from Boling, Li Ling from Zhao County, Xing Ying from Hejian, Gao Yun from Bohai, You Ya from Guangping, Zhang Wei from Taiyuan, and others who live in seclusion and do not seek fame or profit, I have instructed the states and counties to extend formal invitations to them." Thus, the Emperor summoned Lu Xuan and others as well as talents recommended by various states and counties, and several hundred came, all assigned official positions according to their abilities.
On the tenth day of the tenth month of the lunar calendar, Cui Hao, the Minister of Works, was ordered by the emperor to revise the laws. Then the emperor went on a southern tour. On the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Mo Fuku Ruo, the chief of the Northern tribes, led tens of thousands of cavalrymen driving hundreds of thousands of deer to the emperor's palace. The emperor seized the opportunity to host a grand hunt, distributed the game among his attendants, and had inscriptions carved on stones to commemorate the achievements in the south. Prince Yicheng Xijin was stripped of his title and demoted to duke for his error. On the twelfth day of the twelfth month, the emperor made his way back to the palace.
In the first month of the year 474, the emperor bestowed the title of Empress Dowager upon Empress Dowager Bao, enfeoffed Helian as Empress, and designated Prince Huang as Crown Prince. He then went to the ancestral temple to offer sacrifices to his ancestors, while simultaneously issuing a decree of amnesty for the entire realm and changing the era name. A few days later, the emperor issued an edict stating: "As a person of little significance, I have the fortune to serve the ancestral temple, and I have always thought about promoting the royal foundation and thoroughly pacifying the realm. However, in this chaotic end of an era, the realm is in disarray, and thus I have been compelled to repeatedly mobilize troops for battle, without ever achieving peace. From my ascension to the throne until now, in the past nine years, I have fought ten wars. All the generals and civil and military officials have donned armor and faced the elements, risking their lives, sharing both hardships and joys with me. Thanks to divine protection, our soldiers have bravely fought the enemy, allowing us to vanquish formidable foes and root out great treachery and evil. The wars did not resort to excessive force, yet we vanquished two strong enemies; our military actions adhered to regulations, and stability was achieved in remote areas as a result. Furthermore, the weather is favorable now, and auspicious signs abound across the nation, countless in number. This blessing is not mine alone; it is the result of the collective efforts of all my consorts. Therefore, the ministers believe that, considering favorable timing, geographic advantages, and harmony among the people, deputy officials should be established. Holding a celebration and bestowing rewards is intended to commend both the meritorious veterans and the capable officials, so that they may forever enjoy wealth and nobility. Thus, from princes and generals downwards, all will be promoted in rank, some previously abandoned positions will be reinstated, outstanding talents will be selected, burdensome and harsh laws will be abolished, legal texts will be revised to strive for simplicity and ease of implementation, old evils will be eradicated, and systems will be reformed to strengthen unity. All officials should seriously consider how to serve, uphold their conduct, strive to achieve merit, and avoid negligence to meet my expectations."
On a certain day in February, the emperor went to the South Palace to have fun. On a certain day in March, the emperor posthumously named He Shi as empress. A few days later, King Tu Gu Hun Mu Wei of Western Qin sent He Lian Ding to the capital. In May, the emperor held a large military review in the southern suburbs, preparing to attack Feng Wentong. Emperor Liu Yilong of Liu Song sent envoys to pay their respects. On a certain day in June, the emperor led troops to attack He Long. The emperor ordered the Minister of Works, Zuo Pushe An Yuan, and others to station in the northern desert to guard against the Rouran. A few days later, the emperor sent his attendant Deng Ying as an envoy to Liu Song.
On the seventh day of July, the emperor's convoy reached Ru Shui. The next day, the emperor sent General Andong and Duke of Yicheng, Xi Jin, along with over ten thousand commoners from Youzhou and the Dingling tribe from Miyun, to carry siege equipment along the southern route to meet the main forces at He Long. When the emperor arrived in Liaoxi, Wentong sent his attendant censor Cui Ping to deliver beef and wine. On July 21, the emperor's convoy reached He Long and camped by the city. Li Chong, the governor of Shicheng, Wang Rong, the governor of Jiande, and officials from over a dozen counties surrendered. They also sent thirty thousand people to dig trenches and build defenses. This month, the emperor also began constructing the Eastern Palace.
On August 6, Wentong sent tens of thousands out of the city to challenge, but they were defeated by Yuan Qiu of Changli and Qi of Hejian, which led to over ten thousand casualties. Wentong's minister Gao Shao fled to Gu Cheng with over ten thousand Qiang and Hu people. On August 11, the emperor ordered an assault against Gao Shao. On August 13, Gao Shao was beheaded. The emperor then ordered General Pingdong, He Duoluo, to attack Murong Xuan, the governor of Daifang under Wentong, at Hougu; General Fu Jun, Wang Jian of Yongchang, to attack Jiande; and General Biao Qi, Wang Pi of Leping, to attack Jiyang. All these campaigns ended in victory, capturing many prisoners, and the emperor divided the prisoners and spoils among the soldiers based on their contributions.
On September 2nd, the emperor's convoy headed westward. Thirty thousand households in total were relocated from the six commanderies: Yingqiu, Chengzhou, Liaodong, Lelang, Daifang, and Xuantu to Youzhou, and granaries were opened to provide them with relief.
On the Guiyou day in October, the emperor's convoy arrived at Rushui. A messenger from the Tuyuhun, Mu Zui, came to offer tribute.
On the day of Yisi in November, the emperor's convoy arrived at Zifa and Long.
On the day of Jichou in December, Feng Wentong, Duke of ChangLe, brought his uncle Lang, as well as Lang's younger brother Miao, to bring Liaoxi under court control. Feng Wentong also sent General Feng Yu to besiege Liaoxi.
Before this, the court issued an order summoning virtuous individuals, but many states and commanderies pressured common people to comply. The emperor issued a decree stating: “I have quelled rebellions and campaigned for many years, always wishing to find outstanding talents to govern the country. Therefore, I order the states and commanderies to seek out reclusive scholars and recommend excellent individuals. In ancient times, some scholars secluded themselves in the mountains and forests, only coming out to serve the world after achieving virtue and accomplishments; others traveled far and wide, striving for opportunities and ultimately achieving success. Although their methods differ, their aim is to serve the country. All those summoned should be informed politely, allowing them to decide whether to come; how can we force them? This is due to the inspectors and governors failing to convey my intentions properly, which not only brings no benefit but also exposes my shortcomings. From now on, local villages should nominate talents, and governors should simply promote my humble intention of seeking virtuous individuals. Those who come after being summoned should be given suitable positions according to their talents, regardless of whether they are civil or military. This decree must be communicated clearly so that everyone knows.”
That year, Bao Zhou, the son of Tuoba Sengtang, left Juqu Mengxun to seek refuge at the court and was granted the title of Duke of Zhangye.
In a certain year of the Gregorian calendar (specific year to be inferred from the original text), in the spring, on the second day of the second month of the lunar calendar, the Grand General and King Yongchang Jian led an army to rescue the west of Liao. On the third day of the second month of the lunar calendar, the emperor appointed King Le'an Fan as acting commander, added him as a palace attendant, and commanded the military affairs of the five provinces: Qin, Yong, Jing, Liang, and Yi, as well as the Guard General and the Supervisor of the Three Offices, letting him guard Chang'an.
On the fifth day of the second month of the lunar calendar, the emperor ordered Li Ji, who also served as the Minister of Rites, to appoint Feng Chong as the Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry and granted him the title of King of Liaoxi. Feng Chong was given the authority to appoint officials below the rank of Minister. At the same time, Feng Chong and his meritorious subjects were rewarded with titles and official positions of different levels. General Jin Ya, along with the Garrison General of Anding Town Yan Pu and the Inspector of Jingzhou Di Ziyu, clashed over a power struggle. Jin Ya attacked Yan Pu but was unsuccessful and retreated to Hukong Valley, looting the locals and fortifying their position. The emperor ordered the Cavalier Attendant, General of the West, and Garrison General of Anding Town Lu Si to suppress them. On the sixth day of the second month of the lunar calendar, the emperor went on a tour of the Hexi region. The emperor also ordered the Cavalier Attendant, Song Xuan, to meet with Liu Yilong. On the third day of the third month of the lunar calendar, Feng Chong's younger brother Lang came to see the emperor.
In March, Tian Zhu, the son of General Sima Yuanxian of the Imperial Guards, surrendered. On the ninth day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar, the emperor returned to the palace in his chariot. In the summer, on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, the emperor toured the northern mountains. In June, the emperor sent Grand General Jian and Left Supervisor An Yuan to launch an attack on Helong. General Lou Bo led five thousand cavalry to surround Fancheng, and the defending general, Feng Yuli, surrendered, resulting in the capture of over three thousand households. On the tenth day of the tenth month of the lunar calendar, the emperor ordered King Le'an Fan to mobilize ten thousand troops from Qin and Yong provinces to construct a small fort within Chang'an.
In August during the autumn, Wang Chong of Liaoxi submitted a memorial requesting the emperor to allow him to persuade his father to surrender, but the emperor refused. In September, Liu Yilong sent envoys to offer tribute, presenting a tamed elephant. On Wuwu day, the emperor ordered Cui Ze, who concurrently held the position of Grand Minister of Ceremonies, to bestow the title of General Who Subdues the Enemy to Yang Nandang, General Who Pacifies the South, and to grant him the title of King of Southern Qin.
In winter, in October, King Yang Nandang of Southern Qin besieged Hanzhong with his troops. On Jia Yin day in November, the emperor returned to the palace from the northern mountains. On Ji Si day in December, a general amnesty was proclaimed! On Xin Wei day, the emperor traveled north of Yin Mountain again. Wang Hongzu, the King of Xiu Tu of Longxi, surrendered to the court with his people. After the death of Jin Ya, his brother Dang Chuan took over his followers. The emperor also sent Palace Attendant Lu Xuan to deliver a message to Liu Yilong. That year, Juqu Mengxun passed away, and his son Mu Qian was appointed as General of Chariots and Cavalry and was later regranted the title of King of Hexi.
In the spring of the third year of the reign, on Yi Wei day in the first month, the emperor's carriage halted by the Nushui River, where a grand banquet was held to entertain the officials, offering various rewards. On Wu Xu day, Feng Wentong sent his attendant Yichen, the Huangmen Shilang, to seek peace, but the emperor did not agree. On Bing Chen day, Jin Dang Chuan rebelled. Yang Nandang seized Hanzhong and relocated 7,000 refugee households from Yongzhou to Chang'an. In February, on Ding Mao day, Ruanruo Wuti arrived to pay tribute, accompanied by his sister, half-brother Tulu Kui, and several hundred followers, offering two thousand horses.
On the day of Wuyin, the emperor issued a decree saying: "Since I ascended the throne, bandits have been rampant in various places, rebellion is everywhere, the Rouran are causing chaos in the north, and the Tiefu are causing trouble in the Sanqin region. Therefore, I have been working tirelessly, unable to find rest, with the sole desire to quell the rebellion and bring peace to the world. For this reason, I have sent troops to the northwest for several years, transporting military supplies, resulting in great hardship for the people, neglect of agriculture, and suffering from floods and droughts, leading to a huge gap between the rich and the poor, making it hard for the common people to live and work peacefully. Many poor people even struggle to make a living, which pains me greatly! Now that peace has been restored in all directions and the war is gradually subsiding, it is necessary to reduce the burden of labor and taxes on the people and allow them to recuperate. I order the provinces and counties to categorize the people into three tiers based on wealth: the wealthy should pay taxes as usual, the middle tier should be exempt from taxes for two years, and the poorest should be exempt from taxes for three years. Governors and local officials must implement this policy seriously, without favoritism or deceit towards the court. Everyone should understand this policy." On the day of Xinmao, the emperor returned to the palace.
On the first day of the third month, the emperor conduc
On the eighth day of April, the Emperor ordered General-in-Chief Wang Su of the Western Army to campaign against Jin Dangchuan. On the tenth day of April, the Emperor went to inspect the Hexi region. On the fifteenth day of April, Jin Dangchuan was captured and publicly executed in Chang'an. On the first day of June, the Emperor returned to the palace. On the tenth day of June, General-in-Chief Prince Yongchang Jian, Minister of Works Changsun Daosheng of Ruyin, and Palace Attendant Gu Bi led an army to suppress He Long, devastating their crops and displacing the local populace.
On the eighth day of July, the Eastern Palace was completed, with a garrison one-third the size of that in the Western Palace. On the ninth day of July, the Emperor inspected Meiji and then went to Xicheng. He ordered the army to attack the Mountain Hu led by Bai Long in the West River. On the fifth day of September, they won the battle, killing Bai Long and his generals, and the city was thoroughly sacked.
On the tenth day of October, envoys from the Rouran Kingdom came to pay tribute. On the eleventh day of October, the remnants of Bai Long's forces were routed in Wuyuan. The Emperor decreed that those Mountain Hu who surrendered under Bai Long's pressure could reclaim their civilian status. Those who killed thousands and captured their families were rewarded differently for the soldiers. In November, the Emperor returned to the palace. On the first day of December, the Emperor went to inspect Yunzhong.
In the first month of the first year of Taiyan, the Emperor reduced the sentences of criminals below the death penalty by one level. The next day, the palace granted permission for the palace ladies from the eras of Emperors Taizu and Taizong to marry. Subsequently, there was a general amnesty, and the era name was officially changed.
In the second month, envoys from the Rouran, Yanqi, and Cheshi countries came to pay tribute, expressing their submission. The Emperor also ordered the relocation of the common people from Chang'an and Pingliang to the capital, but elderly widows unable to care for themselves were permitted to return home. After a few days, the Emperor returned to the palace. In the third month, Feng Wentong from the Western Regions sent General Kezhu to pay tribute, but he claimed his son was ill and returned home first.
In early May, the emperor appointed Mu Shousheng as King of Yidu, Chang Sun Daosheng as King of Shangdang, Xi Jin as King of Hengnong, and Lou Fuli as King of Guangling, with their original titles remaining the same. The emperor then sent out a total of twenty batches of envoys to the Western Regions. Later on, the emperor went to Yunzhong for inspection.
On the sixth day of the sixth month, the emperor issued a decree saying, "Recently, the bandits have been pacified, and the realm is gradually becoming more stable. I intend to further promote good governance and develop strategies for governing the country. Therefore, I have issued several decrees to officials, promoting benevolence and reassuring the officials. However, some ministers and local officials may not have performed adequately in some areas, leading to a disruption of the natural balance, abnormal weather, and even a minor drought during spring, resulting in poor crop growth. Everyone is very worried, making efforts to be self-disciplined and praying to the heavens for blessings, sincerely and earnestly. Unexpectedly, my earnestness has touched the heavens, and retribution has come so quickly, with heavy rain soon pouring down, nourishing the land everywhere. A rural woman brought a small jade seal to the home of the Marquis of Luxian in Lü County, but then vanished without a trace, and no one knows where she has gone. This jade seal is pristine white, gleaming brilliantly, with three characters and a dragon and bird pattern engraved on it, exquisitely crafted, unlike anything that could be crafted by human hands. It bears the inscription 'Drought and Epidemic Eliminated.' Upon careful consideration, this is undoubtedly a divine response! I am truly delighted by this."
During this period, auspicious signs have been continuous: nourishing dew has fallen in various places; a rare spectacle of twin melons growing together has appeared in the Zhongshan region; branches joined together have been seen in Weijun; in the hometown of the late emperor, flocks of white swallows have gathered in the old capital of Shengle, accompanied by swallows, numbering perhaps in the thousands; in the Hengnong region, good harvests have continued for several years; in the Bohai region, white pheasants and white rabbits have appeared simultaneously, with three white pheasants flying to the temple of Emperor Taizu in Pingyang. Heaven has granted us so many good omens; how should we repay this? I feel a mix of excitement and fear, a blend of joy and concern. Therefore, I command a five-day amnesty throughout the realm and to offer sacrifices to the hundred deities; officials in various places should also offer sacrifices to the famous mountains, rivers, and streams within their territories to show gratitude for Heaven's grace and pray for blessings.
On the eighth day of the sixth month, envoys from Goryeo and the Shanshan Kingdom came to pay tribute. On the tenth day of the sixth month, the emperor ordered General Cao Pi, the Prince of Le Ping, and four other generals to lead forty thousand cavalry to the east to conquer Wentong.
In July, the emperor cultivated fields in the Qianyang region. On the sixth day of July, Cao Pi and the others arrived at Helong and moved six thousand men, women, and children back to their base. On the sixth day of August, the emperor went to inspect Hexi. The Sogdian Kingdom also sent envoys to pay tribute. On the seventh day of September, the emperor's carriage returned to the palace.
On the day of the Gui Mao in October, the left chancellor of the Ministry of Revenue in Anyuan was executed for treason. The next day, the emperor went to Dingzhou, staying overnight at the Xincheng Palace along the way. On the day of the Yi Chou in November, he went to Jizhou. On the day of Ji Si, he went hunting in Guangchuan. On the day of Bing Zi, he arrived in Ye City and offered sacrifices at the temple of Empress Dowager Mi. Wherever the emperor went, he spoke with local elders of high virtue and reputation, and he also acknowledged and rewarded those with talent.
In the 12th month of the Jia Shen year, the emperor issued an edict, saying: "Holding six types of power is the foundation of an emperor's governance; handling political affairs and lawsuits is the responsibility of the officials and ministers; promoting agriculture and alleviating taxes is the urgent duty of local officials; ensuring that the common people can live well all year round is a goal they must strive for. Everyone fulfilling their own responsibilities is known as each performing its own duties, so that society can be orderly. The current situation is not like this; how can the country be properly governed? Overstepping authority leads to interference and disrupts order; without clear laws and regulations, how can the common people know what to do? From now on, those who have fled from disasters and are living in exile must return to their hometowns, and past offenses will be forgiven. Those who kill each other among the common people should be judged by local officials according to the law, and not allowed to retaliate privately. Anyone who dares to retaliate privately will face the extinction of their entire family; neighbors who assist each other in wrongdoing should also face punishment. Prefectures and counties must not arbitrarily send troops to harass the populace. If there is a need to requisition and allocate materials, the county magistrate should gather the village elders to collectively assess their property, then, based on the actual circumstances, any surplus should be distributed fairly, and those in need should be treated equally by officials of all ranks, not favoring the rich and oppressing the poor. The governor should evaluate their capabilities, assess their political achievements, and then submit the assessment results to the court annually. The governor should carefully examine their good and bad points, suppress the corrupt officials, elevate the honest and virtuous officials, and report the assessment results to the court at the end of each year. Local officials bear the responsibility of governing the people, should uphold the court's benevolence, abide by the laws, share the joys and sorrows of the country, restrain themselves with upright character, maintain integrity in the official field, isn't that a good thing?" On the day of Gui Mao, the emperor sent someone to offer sacrifices to Beiyue with a grand ceremony.
In the first month of the second year, the emperor's carriage returned to the palace on the day of Jia Yin. In the second month, Feng Wentong sent envoys to offer tribute and requested to send his son to serve in the court as an attendant, but the emperor did not agree. On the day of Ren Chen, the emperor sent over ten envoys to Goryeo, Dongyi, and other countries to proclaim imperial edicts. On the day of Bing Chen in the third month, Liu Yilong sent envoys to offer tribute. On the day of Xin Wei, General Pingdong E Qing and General Anxi Gu Bi led ten thousand elite cavalry to attack Feng Wentong, while Governor of Pingzhou Yuan Ying led the army of the Western Liaoning General to support them. Feng Wentong was in a critical situation and sought help from Goryeo, which sent General Gemalulu to lead twenty thousand infantry and cavalry to assist Feng Wentong. On the day of Jia Xu, the emperor ordered guards to be stationed at Hulao Pass.
In the early days of the fourth month, my sons, the little prince and Miao'er, both died, which was truly heartbreaking. In the early days of the fifth month, that rascal Feng Wentong ran off to Goryeo. After a few days, the emperor ordered envoys to be sent to Goryeo to bring him back. Later, the emperor went on a tour to Hexi. As a result, Helian Ding moved westward, and Yang Nandang occupied Shanggui.
In the early days of the seventh month, the emperor ordered Prince Leping Pi to lead troops to Hexi and Gaoping to deal with Yang Nandang. At the same time, envoys were sent to Liu Yilong. In the early days of the eighth month, the emperor sent several envoys to the Western Regions. During this time, the emperor was out hunting in Hexi! The emperor also ordered Zhang Li to transfer twelve thousand men from Dingzhou to repair the Tongshaquan Road. In this month, Gaoche country also sent envoys to offer tribute.
In the early days of the ninth month, Prince Leping Pi arrived in Lueyang, and Yang Nandang obediently acted as the acting defender of Shanggui. Goryeo flatly refused to send back Feng Wentong and even sent a national letter, expressing their desire to submit to the court along with Feng Wentong. The emperor initially planned to attack Goryeo, but after hearing Prince Leping Pi's advice, he decided against it.
In early November, the emperor went hunting again in the poplar grove and even built a wild horse park in Yunchong. After a while, the emperor returned to the palace. After this, the King of Yingchuan was reappointed as the King of Wuchang. The King of Hexi, Juqu Muqian, also sent envoys to pay tribute. That year, the king of Tuyuhun, Mu Wei, died.
In a certain year (the exact year can be inferred from the context), on the first few days of the first month, the King of Zhongshan, Zuan, passed away; he was the Grand General of the Eastern Expedition. In the same month, the King of Beiping, Changsun Song, also died; he was the Grand Minister. A few days later, the King of Danyang, Shusun Jian, also passed away; he was the Grand General of the Southern Garrison. Wow, several prominent figures passed away in just one month!
On the first few days of February, the emperor visited Youzhou, checked on the elderly and those living alone, and learned about the people's hardships. He also went to Shanggu and finally arrived in Dai County. In the areas he passed through, he reduced land rent by half. Both Goguryeo and Khitan sent envoys to pay tribute, which shows that our country is quite impressive now! On the first few days of March, the emperor appointed the King of Nanping, Hun, as the Grand General of the Eastern Front, and also made him concurrently serve as the Minister of State Affairs, stationed in Helong. A few days later, the emperor returned to the palace. After a few more days, countries like Kucha, Yuyuan, Yanqi, Cheshir, Sogdiana, Shule, Wusun, Kapan, and Shanshan all sent envoys to pay tribute; truly, they came from all corners! Even more impressive, the emperor of Liu Song, Liu Yilong, also sent envoys to pay tribute! On the first few days of May, the emperor issued a decree stating: "Now that the external enemies have been eliminated, the world is peaceful. In recent years, I have repeatedly ordered officials to serve the people well, so everyone can live and work in peace and happiness. However, many officials, including local ones, have failed to fulfill their duties, failing to investigate illegal activities, engaging in favoritism and corruption, covering for each other, and being negligent in their responsibilities. The law isn't enforced because those at the top are the first to break it, so I’m ordering all citizens to report any incompetent officials!" A few days later, the emperor went to Yunchong again.
In early July, the Emperor sent Prince Yongchang Jian and Prince Changsun Daosheng of Shangdang to the Western River to suppress the remnants of the Shan Hu's Bailong forces, and completely eliminated them. In early August, the Emperor toured the Hexi region. In early September, the Emperor returned to the palace. A few days later, the Emperor appointed Muliyuan, the brother of the King of Xiqin, as the Grand General of the Western Garrison, concurrently serving as the Minister of Ceremonies, and also conferred upon him the title of King of Xiping.
In early October, the Emperor went to Yunzhong. On a specific day in November, the Emperor returned to the palace. A few days later, the states of Luona and Zheye sent envoys to pay tribute, and even gifted sweat-blooded horses! That year, Juqu Mujian, the son of the King of Hexi, also came to pay tribute.
On a specific day in spring of the second year, the brother of the King of Shanshan, Suyan Qi, came to pay tribute. In the same month, the Emperor decreed that no monk under fifty could serve. Prince Gen of Jiangyang passed away. In this month, Goryeo also killed Feng Wentong. On a specific day in May, the Emperor decreed a general amnesty. A few days later, the Emperor went to Wuyuan.
In the autumn of a certain year, on the Renwu day in July, the Emperor led his troops northward to campaign. For specific details, you can refer to "The Biography of Ruru".
On the Yichou day in October, winter, the Emperor held a grand ceremony to reward all the soldiers in Luoyang. On the Dingsi day in December, the troops returned triumphantly from the northern expedition. The officials from Baquan and Xian who had gone to Luoyang all pledged loyalty to the court. The Emperor also sent Cavalier Attendant Gao Ya to visit Liu Yilong.
In the first month of the second year, on the Gengyin day of spring, the Emperor went to Dingzhou for inspection. On the Dingmao day in March, the Emperor ordered the General of the Guard, Prince of Le'an, Fan, to send the Inspector of Yongzhou, Gena, to take control of Luoyang. However, the Prefect of Luoyang, Zhaisheng, was too cowardly to stay and fled, abandoning his post. On the Xinwei day in March, the Emperor returned to the palace. On the Gengyin day of spring, the Emperor appointed the eldest son of the former Prince of Southern Qin, Yang Baozong, as the Grand General of the Southern Expedition, Governor of Qinzhou, and King of Wudu, stationed in Shanggui.
In April during the summer, on the Dingyou day of the lunar calendar, envoys from the countries of Shanshan, Kuche, Shule, and Yanqi came to pay tribute. On the Dingchou day of May, the emperor practiced military drills in the western suburbs. On the Guiwei day of May, the kingdom of Zheyi presented a prized blood-sweat horse. On the Jiachen day of June, the emperor personally led a large army westward to campaign against Juqu Muqian, while appointing the Chamberlain and King Mu Shou of Yidu to assist the Crown Prince with the administration of the capital; General Ji Jing, King of Chang Le, and General Chong, King of Jian Ning, led an army of twenty thousand stationed in the southern desert to guard against Rouran attacks.
On the seventh day of July, the emperor arrived at the vassal city of Shangjun along with his entourage, hosting a grand banquet to entertain his officials and conducting military exercises to demonstrate archery skills. On the ninth day of July, the emperor left the supplies behind and divided the army into several routes: General Fu Jun, King Jian of Yongchang, and the Minister of Works, Duke Liu Jie of Julu, led the various armies, advancing alongside King Su of Changshan as the vanguard; General Biaoqi, King Pi of Le Ping, and Grand Chancellor Du Chao of Yangping led the troops from Pingliang, Fucheng, and other regions as the rear guard.
On the fifth day of the eighth month, King Jian of Yongchang captured over two hundred thousand cattle and horses belonging to Muxian. Muxian sent his brother Dong to lead more than ten thousand men to resist in the south of the city, but upon seeing our overwhelming numbers, they fled in panic. On the seventh day of the eighth month, the emperor arrived in Guzang, and Muxian's nephew Zu Yu surrendered to the emperor. The emperor then split his forces to lay siege to Guzang. On the third day of the ninth month, another nephew of Muxian, Wannian, also led his subordinates to surrender. On that same day, Muxian surrendered without resistance, accompanied by five thousand civil and military officials. The emperor untied his ropes and treated him with the respect befitting a feudal lord, then incorporated over two hundred thousand households from the city, along with vast wealth from the storerooms! The emperor also elevated Zhangye's Duke Tufa to a king and dispatched General Longxiang Mu Pi and General Anyuan Yuan He to recover other counties, with the number of surrendering individuals totaling in the hundreds of thousands. Muxian's brother, Yide, the governor of Zhangye, set fire to the storeroom and fled to Jiuquan. The governor of Ledu, An Zhou, also ran to Tuyuhun. The emperor sent General Zhennan Xi Juan to chase down the rebel forces in Zhangye, pursuing them all the way to Jiuquan, where Muxian's brother Wu Hui, the governor of Jiuquan, and Yide fled to Jinchang. The emperor then sent Yiyang Gong Yuanjie to guard Jiuquan. General Zhenbei Feng Ta pursued the rebels in Ledu and captured thousands of households before returning. The emperor also rewarded the soldiers based on their merits.
On the seventh day of the ninth month, the Ruruan people invaded the borders once more, reaching Qijieshan, which sent shockwaves through the capital! The Crown Prince quickly dispatched Wang Changsun Daosheng and others from Shangdang to mount a defense. For further details, check out the "Biography of the Ruruan."
On the Xin You day in November, the emperor returned to the capital with over 30,000 Liangzhou locals. He left behind the General of Chariots and Cavalry, Prince Pi of Le Ping, and the General of Westward Expedition, He Duoluo, to defend Liangzhou. A few days later, on the Gui Hai day, the emperor sent Wang Tufa Baozhou of Zhangye to talk to the Xianbei tribes, but Baozhou led a rebellion against Zhangye!
On the Yi Si day of November, Emperor Liu Yilong of the Southern Song Dynasty sent envoys to offer tribute, and even sent a tamed elephant, which was quite a spectacle. This month, Goryeo, Sogdiana, Khotan, Bolon, and Sijabah all sent envoys to offer tribute, making the emperor seem quite impressive!
On the Ren Wu day of December, the emperor returned in triumph from the western campaign. After rewarding the soldiers and officials, he went to the ancestral temple to celebrate his victory. Oh, and this year, the troublemaker Yang Nandang went to Shanggui and was chased away by General Yuan Wutou. In summary, this year, the countries of Shanshan, Kucha, Shule, Yanqi, Goryeo, Sogdiana, Khotan, Bolon, and Sijabah all obediently offered tribute, which made the emperor quite pleased!
