In early January of 439 AD, Juqu Wuwei surrounded Jiuquan with his troops. After a few days, he sent his ministers to various places to check on the common people's lives and see if they were facing any hardships. A few days later, Juqu Wuwei captured Yi Yang Gongyuan Jie. One day in February, the court sent Xing Ying as an envoy to Liu Yilong. At the same time, five thousand people were sent from Chang'an to dredge the Kunming Pool. By March, Jiuquan had fallen.
In April, Juqu Wuwei launched an attack on Zhangye, while Tufa Baozhou camped in Shandan. The court then sent Prince Yongchang Jian to attack Tufa Baozhou. In May, the emperor conducted an inspection of the northern territories. A few days later, Juqu Wuwei went to besiege Zhangye, but was unable to capture it and subsequently withdrew his troops. The emperor also made his way back to the palace. One day in June, the emperor's grandson was born, and a general amnesty was declared, along with a change of era.
In July, the emperor went on a recreational trip to the Yin Mountains. Prince Yongchang Jian defeated Tufa Baozhou in Fanhe, and Tufa Baozhou fled. A few days later, Empress Dowager Dou passed away at the palace. After a few days, Tufa Baozhou committed suicide, and his severed head was sent to the capital. In August, Juqu Wuwei surrendered and returned both Yi Yang Gongyuan Jie and the captured soldiers. In September, the emperor returned to the palace. In November, the emperor went on another tour to the north. In December, the emperor returned to the palace. In that year, fifteen states suffered from famine, and the court opened granaries to help the people. The son of Prince Henan Yao was titled Prince Hejian, later renamed Prince Lueyang.
In the second year, in the first month, the court appointed Juqu Wuwei as the Grand General of the Western Campaign, Governor of Liangzhou, and King of Jiuquan. A few days later, the emperor went to relax in the hot springs. In February, the emperor returned to the palace. In March, Empress Hui was laid to rest at Mount Guo. Prince Xinxing Jun and Prince Lueyang Jie Er committed offenses and were both demoted. The Rouran chieftain, Yujulü Qiliegui, was appointed King of Shuofang, and Juqu Wannian was named King of Zhangye.
In a certain year of our era, on April 14th, the emperor sent tribute to Liu Yilong. On the 17th, the emperor ordered General Xi Juan of Zhen Nan to campaign against Jiuquan. On May 8th, the emperor went for a trip in the northern mountains. On August 8th, the emperor ordered Zhang Wei, the Assistant Cavalry Attendant, and others to meet Liu Yilong once again. Then the emperor toured Hexi. On September 26th, General Fu Jun, also known as Wang Jian of Yongchang, passed away. On November 20th, General Xi Juan of Zhen Nan subdued Jiuquan and captured Juqu Tianzhou, Zang Jie, Qu De, and four thousand people, including men, women, and children. On December 17th, the emperor returned to the palace. On the 19th, he sent tribute to Liu Yilong once more.
In the spring of the following year, on the seventh day of the first month, the emperor went to the Daoist Altar, personally received the talismans, and put on a grand display with blue banners everywhere, as recorded in "Records of the Enlightened Lao." On March 9th, Wang Changsun of Beiping got into trouble and was demoted to the rank of Marquis.
In April, a fellow named Wu Hui headed over to the Liushasa area and occupied Shanshan. Li Hao and Sun Bao captured Dunhuang and then sent envoys to surrender. In May, the emperor took another trip north of Yanshan. During the intercalary month, the emperor sent General Longxiang Pei Fangming and Liu Kangzu, the governor of Liangzhou, to launch an attack on South Qin. King Yang Nandang of South Qin was defeated and fled to Shanggui. On June 26th, Yang Nandang came to the temporary palace to pay his respects. Previously, the emperor had built a hall north of Yanshan, and just as the hall was finished, Yang Nandang arrived, so he named it Guangde Hall.
On July 21, the emperor ordered General Anxi, Duke of Jianxing Gu Bi, to lead the troops from Longyou, along with the palace guards and Wang Yang Baozong, to launch an attack from the south of Qishan; he ordered General Zhengxi, Duke of Huaiyang Pi Baozi, and Wang Sima Chuzhi of Langya to lead the troops from Guanzhong to attack from the west of Sanguan, with both armies attacking Qiu Chi simultaneously; he appointed Ma Wensi of the Yu Lin Company as General Zhengnan, elevated him to the title of King of Qiao, and tasked him with leading the troops from Luoyang and Yuzhou to launch an attack on Xiangyang from the south; he ordered General Zhengnan, Duke of Dong'an Diao Yong, to attack Guangling from the east, cutting off Pei Fangming's retreat.
On October 27, the emperor conferred titles on the princes: Fu Luo was made King of Jin, Han was made King of Qin, Tan was made King of Yan, Jian was made King of Chu, and Yu was made King of Wu. On December 16, the palace attendant, Grand Guardian (Taibao), and Duke of Xiangcheng Lu Luyuan died. On the 20th, the emperor returned to the imperial palace. Li Bao sent an envoy to pay tribute, and the emperor appointed him as General Zhenxi, with the title of Governor of Shazhou, and conferred upon him the title of Duke of Dunhuang.
In the spring of the fourth year of the reign, on the second day of the first lunar month, General Zhengxi Pi Baozi and his men decisively defeated Liu Yilong's army at Lexiang. In this battle, they captured enemy commanders, including Wang Huan and Wang Changqing. Qiang Xuanming and Xin Bofen fled in panic, but were soon caught and killed, and their soldiers became prisoners.
The next day, which was the second day of the first lunar month, the emperor made an inspection tour to Zhongshan. By the third day of the second lunar month, the emperor's chariot arrived at the southern foot of Hengshan, and he ordered the relevant departments to carve a stele into stone to commemorate this victory. During this month, Qiu Chi was also captured. On the third day of the third lunar month, the emperor's chariot returned to the palace. On the second day of the third lunar month, the kingdom of Wulou sent envoys to pay tribute.
In April, Wang Yang Baozong from Wudu rebelled but was captured by his subordinates and sent to the capital. The Di and Qiang people proclaimed Yang Baozong's brother, Wende, as their leader and surrounded Chouchi City. On the Dingyou day, the emperor issued a decree of amnesty. On the Jihai day, the emperor went to Yingshan for a leisure trip.
In May, General Gu Bi severely defeated the Di and Qiang people, lifting the siege of Chouchi City. On the Gengyin day in June, the emperor issued a decree that stated: "I have inherited the foundation laid by my ancestors and bear the heavy responsibility of governing the world. I hope the common people can live without worries about their food and clothing, and that social conduct remains good. However, those local officials have not been able to assist me; they not only fail to empathize with the suffering of the people but also oppress them, seize their property, and harm them. This is not how to govern a country! Now, I have decided to exempt the people from taxes for three years, while land rent will continue to be collected as usual. Local officials must diligently govern their regions, promote the development of agriculture and silk farming, and must not conscript the people arbitrarily; relevant departments must conduct strict investigations and must not condone or indulge!" On the Guisi day, the emperor held a grand military review in the western outskirts.
On the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, the emperor once again went on a tour to the south. On the day of Jia Chen, the emperor ordered abandoning supplies and bringing only light cavalry to attack the Rouran, dividing the army into four routes of attack. For more details, refer to "The Rouran Chronicles." General Feng Da of Zhenbei defected and fled to the Rouran. In November, General Pibaozi pursued and defeated Liu Yilong's forces at Zhuoshui. On the day of Jia Zi, the emperor arrived at Shuofang. The emperor issued a decree saying, "I have inherited the glorious legacy of my ancestors, with the aim of further consolidating the nation's foundation and ensuring prosperity for generations to come. Since I have governed the world, pacified rebellions, and removed obstacles, it has been twenty years. Yin and Yang experience cycles of rise and fall, just as the seasons change; allowing my son to take on responsibilities and appointing capable individuals is essential for rest and recuperation. Rewarding those who have served well is crucial for the country's long-term stability; these are the unchanging principles of the past and present. Therefore, I order the crown prince to assist me in handling state affairs and oversee the officials. Those ministers who have contributed to me and have worked diligently for a long time should be allowed to return to their hometowns and can come to see me at any time, participate in my banquets, discuss state governance strategies with me, and no longer bear heavy duties. I intend to reappoint capable individuals to strengthen the ranks of officials. Relevant departments must establish clear selection criteria that align with my vision." On the twelfth day of the twelfth lunar month, the emperor returned triumphantly from the northern expedition.
On the first day of the first month in the year 452, the crown prince finally began managing state affairs. Ministers like Mu Shou, Cui Hao, Zhang Li, and Gu Bi assisted the crown prince in managing various state matters. All who submit a memorial to the emperor must refer to themselves as subjects, and the format of the memorial should follow that of a petition.
A few days later, the emperor issued an edict claiming that the common people were ignorant and superstitious, being superstitious about demons and monsters, secretly keeping sorcerers and monks, and hiding books on fortune-telling and various strange objects. These monks also took advantage of the ethereal stories from the Western Regions to swindle people everywhere, causing widespread panic that undermined the stability and unity of the country. Therefore, from high officials to ordinary citizens, if anyone was found hiding monks, sorcerers, or those skilled in gold and silver craftsmanship in their homes, they must be handed over to the authorities and cannot be hidden. The deadline for this was set for February 15th; if they were not surrendered by then, the monks and sorcerers would be punished with extermination, and their hosts would face extermination as well. This order must be properly announced so that everyone is aware.
A few days later, the emperor issued another edict stating that during this time, national affairs were ongoing, leaving no time to properly educate the people, resulting in poor customs and a lack of rules. It was now mandated that from high officials to ordinary officials, their children must attend the Imperial Academy to study. As for the children of craftsmen, carters, and soldiers, they should follow their parents to learn a trade and are not allowed to set up private schools. Anyone who violates this order will face execution of their teachers, and their parents will face extermination.
On a certain day in February, General Chen of Zhongshan and seven other generals were killed in the southern part of the capital because of delays in the northern campaign. King Le Ping also died. The emperor went to Luque for leisure. In March, a grand banquet was held at the Southern Pool, and sent envoys to the Western Regions. Afterwards, the emperor returned to the palace. Finally, the emperor ordered the summoning of Changsun Daosheng to guard Tongwan.
In April, Yangping King Du Chao was killed by his own subordinates. In May, the emperor went to the northern side of Yin Mountain for a visit. In June, northern ethnic minorities killed Mo Gu and defected to the north with over five thousand people. The court dispatched troops to pursue them, killing their leader, while the remaining people were relocated to Jizhou, Xiangzhou, and Dingzhou, where they became farmers in garrison settlements. King Mu Liyan of Tu Yuhun killed his own nephew Wei Dai. Wei Dai's brother Chi Liyan surrendered with his men and requested the court to send troops for assistance. The court granted Chi Liyan the title of King of Guiyi.
On the Gui Mao day in July, Juqu Bing, the governor of Dongyongzhou, was killed for plotting rebellion. On the Yi Chou day in August, the emperor went to Hexi for inspection. On the Ren Wu day, the emperor sent Gao Ji, an official, as an envoy to Liu Yilong. King Fu Luo of Jin led the troops from Gaoping and Liangzhou to attack Mu Liyan of Tu Yuhun. In September, the emperor arrived at Mayi from Hexi and took in the sights at Guochuan. On the Ji Hai day, the emperor returned to the palace. On the Ding Wei day, the emperor visited the southern desert for leisure again.
On the Gui Wei day in October, King Fu Luo of Jin defeated Mu Liyan in a decisive battle, who fled to Bailan afterward. Mu Liyan's brother Fu Nian, the chief historian Jiu Jiu Li, and the army leader Chong E surrendered to us with thirteen thousand followers. In November, Liu Yilong sent envoys to offer tribute. In December, the Sogdian kingdom also sent envoys to pay tribute. On the Bing Xu day, the emperor returned to the palace.
On the Xin Hai day of the first month of the sixth year, the emperor went to Dingzhou for inspection, met with the local elderly people, and offered them comfort. The emperor also sent envoy Sang Yin, a court attendant, to Liu Yilong as a messenger. In the second month, the emperor went west to Shangdang, where he saw the intertwined trees in Xuanshi. He then continued west to Tujing to suppress the rebellious Hu tribes and divided them among various counties. On the Geng Shen day of the third month, the emperor returned to the palace. The emperor also ordered that all cases with doubts be handed over to the Central Secretariat for judgment according to legal provisions. In this month, Hao Wen, Duke of Jiuquan, rebelled in Xingcheng and killed the defending general Wang Fan. County official Gai Xian rallied his clansmen to confront Hao Wen. Hao Wen fled the city and then committed suicide, and his family members were also executed.
On the Geng Xu day of the fourth month, Grand General Na of Gaoliang led his troops to confront the Tuyuhun leader Muliyan in Yinping Bailan. The emperor also ordered the Qinzhou governor, Duke of Tianshui Feng Chiwen, to go to Fuhan to attack Muliyan's nephew, Shigui; and ordered cavalier attendant Duke of Chengzhou Wan Du to hurry to Liangzhou with the western troops for a surprise raid on Shanshan.
In the sixth month of Ren Chen, the emperor embarked on a northern inspection tour with his retinue. Shigui, upon hearing that the army was coming, quickly abandoned the city and fled under the cover of night. By the Ding Hai day of the eighth month, Feng Chiwen took control of Fuhan and relocated over a thousand households to Shanggui. On the same day of Ren Chen, Wan Du arrived in Shanshan with light cavalry, captured King Zhenda of Shanshan, and escorted him to the capital. The emperor was extremely pleased and generously rewarded him. The emperor camped north of Yinshan at Guangde Palace. He then ordered the mobilization of one-third of the military forces for combat readiness, awaiting further orders. At the same time, more than five thousand households of various ethnic groups were relocated to the northern border. The people were instructed to migrate northward and graze in the vast arid regions to entice the Rouran people.
On the day of Renyin, the army of the Gao Liang King arrived at Mantou City, while Muli Yan led his tribe to escape to the western side of the quicksand, with the general in hot pursuit. At this time, the son of the former Western Qin King Mu Wei, known as Nang, put up a resistance with his forces but was ultimately defeated by the Gao Liang King. Nang fled on a fast horse, while Duke Du Feng of Zhongshan pursued him with elite cavalry, crossed Sanwei Mountain, and pursued him to Xueshan, capturing Nang, Shi Gui, and Cheng Long, the son of Chi Pan, alive, and escorting them to the capital. Muli Yan eventually escaped to the Kingdom of Yutian.
In September, the troublemaker Wu from Lushui Hu led a rebellion in Xingcheng. By the day of Wuzi in October, Yuan He, the deputy general of Chang'an, led troops to suppress him but was killed by Wu. Wu's power suddenly grew, and the locals fled across the Wei River to the South Mountain. The court quickly issued orders for the Gao Ping cavalry to support Chang'an and sent General Shusun Ba to quickly command the troops from Bingzhou, Qinzhou, and Yongzhou, deployed on the north bank of the Wei River. In the eleventh month, the Gao Liang King returned to the capital leading his troops. On the day of Jiwei, the court dispatched Na, along with the Minister of the Interior, Duke Han Mao, to station cavalry in Yangping County of Xiangzhou, and also instructed the people of Jizhou to construct floating bridges at Qiangzhuo Crossing.
Gai Wu dispatched his subordinate, tribal chief Bai Guangping, westward to seize Xinping. The minority leaders in the Anding region rallied to his cause, revolting together and even killing the commander of Qiancheng. Gai Wu subsequently launched an attack on Li Runbao and sent troops to pillage Linjin and Badong. General Zhang Zhi engaged them in battle and secured a resounding victory, resulting in the drowning of over thirty thousand of Gai Wu's troops in the river. Gai Wu also dispatched troops westward to raid near Chang'an, where General Shusun Ba confronted them on the north bank of the Wei River, achieving a significant victory and decapitating more than thirty thousand foes. On the day of Gengshen, Sun Dongwang Dou Loutou died. The young man from Hedong, Xué Yǒngzōng, also gathered a band, stole several thousand horses from the court, and fled to Fenqu with more than three thousand people, colluding with Gai Wu and accepting the official position he was offered. The governor of Qinzhou, Duke Zhou Luguan of Jincheng, led troops to subdue him but returned in failure and disgrace. On the day of Gengwu, the court ordered the palace minister, Duke Yuan Chuzhen of Fufeng, along with Duke Murong Song of Pingyang, to command twenty thousand cavalry against Xué Yǒngzōng; it also ordered the palace minister Yiba to lead five generals and thirty thousand cavalry to suppress Gai Wu, while Duke Kou Ti commanded three generals and ten thousand cavalry against Gai Wu's subordinate Bai Guangping. Gai Wu proclaimed himself King of Tiantai and established numerous official positions. On Xinwei day, the emperor returned to the palace. The court chose the bravest twenty thousand men from six provinces, with King Ren of Yongchang and King Gao Liang each at the helm of ten thousand troops, splitting into two routes to advance southward and assault the regions north of the Huai and Si Rivers, and relocating the populace of Qingzhou and Xuzhou to Hebei. On Guiwei day, the emperor embarked on another western tour.
On the first day of the seventh year of Wuchen, the emperor arrived in Eastern Yongzhou. On the day of Gengwu, the emperor besieged Xue Yongzong's camp. Xue Yongzong led his troops out to fight the emperor and was defeated. The court's army pursued the victory, and Xue Yongzong's army was thrown into chaos. Xue Yongzong's entire family, regardless of age or gender, leapt into the Fen River to take their own lives. On the day of Xinwei, the emperor headed south to Fenyin. On the day of Gengchen, the emperor enjoyed leisure by the Fen River. Gai Wu, seeing the situation was turning against him, fled to the Northern Territory.
In the early days of the second month, I visited my relatives and friends in Chang'an. The next day, I went to Kunming Pool. After that, I went to Zhouzhi and dealt with the rebels Geng Qing and Sun Wen, as well as those who conspired with Gai Wu. When the army marched to Chencang, they killed the Di people responsible for the general's death. Then they returned to Yongcheng and went hunting in the northern foothills of Qishan. The northern army, commanded by Yiba, decisively defeated Gai Wu's forces, causing him to flee. Prince Yongchang Ren arrived in Gaoping, captured Liu Yilong's general Wang Zhang, and relocated more than 5,000 households from Jinxiang and Fangyu to Hebei. Prince Gaoliang Na arrived in Jinnan Dongpingling and resettled over 6,000 households to Hebei.
In the third month, the court ordered the excavation of graves across the country to bury monks and destroy Buddha statues. They also relocated 2,000 skilled craftsmen from Chang'an to the imperial capital. The emperor's procession headed towards the Luoshui and deployed troops to quell the rebellion of the Li Runqiang. During this month, the people of Jincheng, led by Bian Jiong, and Tianshui, led by Liang Hui, rebelled and seized control of the eastern city of Shanggui. Qinzhou governor Feng Ciweng led troops to fight them, killed Bian Jiong, and chose Liang Hui as their new leader.
In early April, the emperor's carriage returned from Chang'an. A few days later, the five-story Buddhist pagoda in Ye City was torn down, and two jade seals were found in the clay Buddha statues. Both seals were inscribed with the words "Received mandate from Heaven, blessed with longevity and prosperity," with one of the seals additionally inscribed with "Seal of the Han Dynasty passed down to Wei." In May, Duke Lu Gen of Anfeng arrived in Shanggui with cavalry, armed with an imperial decree to quell Liang Hui, who fled to Hanzhong. Gai Wu gathered troops in Xingcheng and declared himself the King of Qin, recruiting people from the mountains and strengthening his forces. Therefore, I dispatched King Ren of Yongchang and King Na of Gaoliang to lead the northern army to quell his forces. In June, 20,000 troops from Dingzhou, Jizhou, and Xiangzhou were stationed in the valleys of the southern mountains of Chang'an to prevent enemy escape. A few days later, 100,000 troops from Sizhou, Youzhou, Dingzhou, and Jizhou were gathered to construct a border wall stretching over a thousand miles from Shanggu to the Yellow River.
In August, Gai Wu was slain by his own men, and his head was sent to the capital. King Ren of Yongchang subdued his remaining forces. King Na of Gaoliang defeated Gai Wu's subordinate Bai Guangping, captured the leader Naluo of the Tuge, and escorted them to the capital for execution. The title of Lord Jie'er Wang of Lueyang was restored as well.
In the spring of AD 408, the Hu tribes in the Tuojing area occupied strategic positions and turned to a life of banditry. The emperor ordered Eastern General Prince Wuchang and Southern General Prince Huainan to quell them, but they were met with failure. The Mountain Hu leader Cao Puhun and his men crossed the Yellow River to the west, taking refuge in the mountains and waterways, and incited other Hu tribes in the Shuofang area to join the rebellion. Prince Wuchang led his forces to confront Cao Puhun.
On the sixth day of the second month, King Gaoliang led his troops from Anding, pacified the Hu people's rebellion in Shuofang, and then joined forces with King Wuchang to launch an attack on Cao Puhun, ultimately killing him. Many of Cao Puhun's subordinates fled to dangerous places, and over ten thousand people ultimately died. On the tenth day of the second month, the emperor went on a tour to Zhongshan, rewarding the civil and military officials who accompanied him with rewards of varying amounts. The common people of Gaoyang and Yixian resisted the court's orders and were subsequently subdued, with the remaining common people being relocated to the northern region.
In the third month, Prince Jiuqumujian of Hexi plotted a rebellion and was executed for treason. The court relocated three thousand Dingling families from Dingzhou to the capital. In May during the summer, the emperor returned to the palace. In June, the generals who participated in the Western Expedition, including Fufeng Gongyuan Chuzhen and eight others, were executed for embezzlement of military funds, looting, and plundering. Each embezzled millions, and all were executed. In August, General Wei, King of Le'an, died.
In the winter of October, the Grand Preceptor and Imperial Secretary, King Muzhou of Yidu, died. In December, the countries of Shanshan and Zheyi sent princes to pay tribute. Prince Fulu of Jin also died.
In January of the year 428 AD, Liu Yilong sent envoys to pay tribute to the court. Yang Wende of the Di tribe accepted the official position granted by Liu Yilong, stationed at Jalucheng, and recruited people from Wudu and Yinping, five Di tribes. The court ordered Qiu Chi Zhenjiang Pibaozi to go and attack him. Yang Wende abandoned the city and fled to the south, and his wife and subordinates were captured. Lang Qixuan, the White Water Prefect appointed by Liu Yilong, led troops to rescue Yang Wende, but Pibaozi turned the tide and won a decisive victory. Lang Qixuan and Yang Wende fled back to Hanzhong. The leader of the Dangchang Qiang tribe, Liang Jinci, sent envoys to submit and offered various items as tribute.
On the Gui-Mao day in February, the emperor traveled to Dingzhou for an inspection. The people of Shandong were facing famine, and the emperor ordered the granaries opened to assist the victims of the disaster. At the same time, he ordered to halt military actions at the border. Subsequently, the emperor traveled westward to Shangdang, where he executed more than two thousand households participating in the Shangdang rebellion and relocated over five thousand households from Xihe Lishi to the capital. The emperor ordered the construction of three earth mounds by piling stones on Dawang Mountain in the northeast of Huguan, and he also ordered cutting part of the southern slope of Fenghuang Mountain, north of Dawang Mountain, to cut off the transportation route. In March, the emperor's party returned to the palace.
On the Jia-Xu day in May, the emperor appointed Han Ba, Duke of Jiaozhi, as a temporary general, General of the West, to guard Shanshan and to levy taxes on the people of Shanshan, managing them like counties. On the Xin-You day in June, the emperor went to Guangde Palace. On the Ding-Mao day, the state of Yuebang sent envoys asking to join the court's army in attacking the Rouran, and the emperor agreed to their request. In August, the emperor ordered military preparations across the country. On the Yi-You day in September, the emperor conducted military drills in the western suburbs. On the Bing-Xu day, the emperor inspected Yin Mountain. This month, Duke Wan of Chengzhou won a significant victory against the Yanchi state at Qianli Post, and the King of Yanchi, Jiu Shibeina, fled to Guizi.
On the Xin-Chou day in October, King Xi Jin of Hengnong passed away. On the Gui-Mao day, due to the lavishness of marriages and excessive funerals during that period, the emperor ordered relevant departments to establish stricter regulations to impose limits. On the Gui-Hai day, the court declared a general amnesty across the realm. In December, the emperor ordered Duke Wan of Chengzhou to continue westward from Yanchi to attack Guizi. The crown prince visited the emperor at the temporary residence and then accompanied the emperor northward to campaign. The army reached Shouxiang City but found no Rouran troops, so they stocked up on grain in the city and returned after a short stay. Wang Changsun Dun of Beiping was demoted to duke due to an error.
On the first day of the first month of a certain year, on Wuchen day, the emperor held a grand banquet in the north to entertain his ministers, rewarding the officials differently. "In the tenth year of spring, on the first day of the first month of Wuchen, the emperor held a grand feast for the officials in the south, with different rewards." Then, on Jiaxu day, the emperor set out on a northern campaign. "Jiaxu, northern expedition."
In the second month, the leader of the Rouran tribe, Er Miantaba, led over a thousand households to surrender, causing the Rouran leader Tu Hezhen to flee in fear. "In the second month, the leader of the Rouran tribe, Er Miantaba, led over a thousand households to surrender, causing fear in the Rouran leader Tu Hezhen. See 'The Biography of the Rouran Tribe'." In the third month, the emperor continued search operations in the Hexi region and returned to the palace on Gengyin day. "In the third month, continued search in Hexi. Gengyin, the carriage returned to the palace." On Gengyin day in May, the emperor made a tour to Yinshan. "In the fifth month of summer, on Gengyin day, toured Yinshan."
In the seventh month, the kingdom of Fotusha sent envoys bearing tributes. "In the autumn of the seventh month, the kingdom of Fotusha sent envoys with tributes." In the ninth month, the emperor inspected the troops at Qishang, then went on another northern expedition. "In the ninth month, inspected the troops at Qishang and then went on a northern expedition. See 'The Biography of the Rouran Tribe'." On Gengzi day in October, the crown prince and officials welcomed the emperor back to the palace. "In the winter of October, on Gengzi day, the crown prince and officials welcomed the emperor at the palace." On Rengwu day, the emperor held another banquet, rewarding everyone with varying rewards for the spoils and textiles obtained from the northern expedition. "On Rengwu day, a grand feast was held, with varying rewards for the spoils and textiles obtained." In the eleventh month, the states of Kucha, Shule, Polonan, and Yuankuo sent envoys with tributes. "In the eleventh month, the states of Kucha, Shule, Polonan, and Yuankuo sent envoys to present tributes." On Wushen day in December, the emperor returned triumphantly from the northern campaign. "In the twelfth month, on Wushen day, the emperor returned from the northern expedition." On Jiyu day, the emperor appointed Pingchang Gongyuantuo Zhen King of Zhongshan. "On Jiyu day, appointed Pingchang Gongyuantuo Zhen King of Zhongshan."
On the day of Yiyou in the first month of the second year, the emperor traveled to Luoyang, personally meeting with the elderly in each region he passed through and offering comfort to the lonely and widowed. "In the spring of the eleventh year, on the day of Yiyou, he traveled to Luoyang, and in every county he passed, he personally met with the elderly and provided care for the lonely and widowed." The emperor also appointed Wang Na of Gaoliang as the Deputy Minister of the Three Offices. "Wang Na of Gaoliang was appointed as the Deputy Minister of the Three Offices." On the day of Jiawu in the second month, a large-scale search was conducted in Liangchuan. "On the day of Jiawu in the second month, a large search was conducted in Liangchuan." Unfortunately, Prince Zhen died that month. "Prince Zhen died." That month, the emperor also oversaw extensive renovations of the palace, with the crown prince residing in the Northern Palace. "That month, extensive renovations of the palace were carried out, and the crown prince resided in the Northern Palace." Subsequently, the emperor personally led a campaign against Xuanli and sent envoys to comfort the people outside the borders, executing those who resisted. "The emperor then campaigned against Xuanli and sent envoys to comfort the people outside the borders, executing those who resisted." King Yongchang Ren defeated Liu Yilong's generals Liu Tanzhi and Cheng Tianzuo in eastern Ru, killing Tanzhi and capturing Tianzuo. "King Yongchang Ren defeated Liu Yilong's generals Liu Tanzhi and Cheng Tianzuo in eastern Ru, killing Tanzhi and capturing Tianzuo."
On the day of Guimao in the fourth month, the emperor returned to the palace and rewarded the attendants and officials ranked above Langguan who remained at the court with rations, with varying rewards. "In the summer, on the day of Guimao in the fourth month, the emperor returned to the palace and rewarded the attendants and officials above the rank of Langguan with varying rations." On the day of Jihai in the sixth month, the emperor executed Cui Hao, the Minister of Works. "On the day of Jihai in the sixth month, Cui Hao, the Minister of Works, was executed." On the day of Xinchou, the emperor again conducted a northern inspection of Yanshan. "On the day of Xinchou, he conducted a northern inspection of Yanshan."
In the autumn of July, Emperor Yilong sent his general of the state, Xiao Bin, with an army of sixty thousand to attack Jizhou. Upon seeing the situation unfavorable, the governor of Jizhou, Wang Maide, abandoned the city and fled, which allowed Xiao Bin to capture Jizhou City with ease. Subsequently, Xiao Bin ordered General Wang Xuanmo of Ning Shuo to attack Huatai to the west. The emperor ordered General Fangtou, General Pingnan, and Duke Dudaojun of Nankang to assist the garrison in Yanzhou.
In August on the Guihai day (specific date), the emperor inspected the farmland in the Hexi region. On the Guiwei day (specific date), the emperor conducted military drills in the western suburbs. On the Xinmao day in September (specific date), the emperor personally led an expedition southward. On the Guisi day (specific date), the Crown Prince led the army north and set up camp in the southern desert region. The King of Wu remained in the capital. On the Gengzi day (specific date), the emperor issued a decree pardoning all criminals below the death penalty in the three states of Dingzhou, Jizhou, and Xiangzhou. At the same time, fifty thousand troops were mobilized and distributed to various major armies.
On the Guihai day in October, the emperor's convoy stopped at Fangtou. The emperor ordered Grand Secretary Changsun Zhen to lead five thousand cavalry to cross the river at Shiji to intercept the escape route of Liu Yilong. The next day, on the Yichou day, the emperor's convoy crossed the Yellow River. Liu Yilong was scared to death and abandoned his troops and fled. His army was defeated and scattered; we pursued them and took tens of thousands of heads, and the captured weapons and equipment were piled high. The emperor successfully reached Dongping. Xiao Bin abandoned Jizhou City and retreated to Licheng. The emperor then ordered the various generals to launch separate attacks: General Liu Ren from Luoyang to attack Shouchun; Changsun Zhen to attack Matou; King of Chu Liu Jian to attack Zhongli; and King of Gaoliang Liu Na to attack Xiapi from Qingzhou. The emperor's convoy took the middle road and on the Xinmao day in November, arrived at Zoushan. Liu Yilong, the governor of Lu County, surrendered with all the people of the city. The emperor also offered a grand sacrifice to Confucius. On the Renzi day, the convoy arrived in Pengcheng before continuing on to Xuyi. The nation of Edun also sent a lion.
In the twelfth month of the year of Dingmao, the emperor's convoy arrived at the Huai River. The emperor ordered to cut reeds and to construct tens of thousands of wooden rafts to cross the river. The defender of Xuyi, Zang Zhi, under General Liu Yilong, tightly closed the city gates to resist. General Hu Chongzhi and his men led an army of 20,000 to rescue Xuyi. Prince Yan Liu Tan defeated the enemy army, killed Hu Chongzhi and others, beheaded tens of thousands of enemies, and all of the Huainan region surrendered. This month, Prince Yongchang Liu Ren captured Xuanhu City and escorted Liu Yilong's defender, Zhao Huai, to the capital for execution. After passing through Dingxiang City, the army arrived at Huai West, defeated Liu Yilong's general Liu Kangzu, beheaded him, and captured generals Hu Shengzhi, Wang Luohan, and others, and sent them to the palace. On the day of Guiwei, the emperor's convoy arrived at the Yangtze River. A temporary palace was set up at Guabu Mountain. Prince Yongchang Liu Ren arrived in Jiangxi from Liyang, and Prince Gaoliang Liu Na arrived in Guangling from Shanyang. All the armies arrived at the Yangtze River on the same day, and the cities they passed through had all surrendered, with countless surrendering. On the day of Jiashen, Liu Yilong sent a hundred livestock as tribute and local specialties, and requested to marry the princess to the emperor's grandson for reconciliation. The emperor found the marriage proposal inappropriate and agreed to negotiate peace but not marriage, and sent his reply back through the Cavalry Minister, Xiahou Ye. The emperor also had the prince write a letter to Ma Tong to inquire about the situation. On the first day of the first month in the first year of Zhengping, which was the day of Bingxu, the emperor convened a meeting with all the ministers by the river, distributing rewards, with over two hundred civil and military officials receiving titles of nobility. The next day, which was the day of Dinghai, the emperor returned north with his retinue. This month, the kingdoms of Luona, Jibin, and Mimi sent envoys to pay tribute.
On the fifth day of the second month, a Wu Yin day, the emperor's carriage crossed the Yellow River. On the tenth day of the second month, the day of Gui Wei, the entourage arrived at Lu Kou. The crown prince came to the temporary palace to pay his respects to the emperor. On the ninth day of the third month, the day of Ji Hai, the emperor's carriage returned from the south after engaging in battle, hosted a banquet to celebrate the victory, and reported the battle outcomes to the ancestral temple. The emperor then distributed over fifty thousand households acquired during the southern campaign to live near the capital. The emperor also rewarded civil and military officials who had remained at court with military supplies and captives according to their merits. On the ninth day of the fifth month, the day of Ren Yin, the court issued a decree granting amnesty to all. On the ninth day of the sixth month, the day of Ren Xu, the era name was changed to reflect a new beginning. The king of the Chariots Kingdom sent his son to serve at the emperor's court. The emperor issued a decree saying, "The laws are too harsh, and the number of offenders is increasing, which deeply concerns me! Relevant departments must carefully review the laws to ensure they are appropriate. Any provisions that are unfavorable to the people must be adjusted according to the circumstances." The emperor then ordered the crown prince's tutor You Ya and the Deputy Minister of the Interior Hu Fanghui to revise the legal system. Wang Jiar of Lueyang and Wang Daosheng from Shangdang, who committed crimes, were condemned to death. On the thirteenth day of the fifth month, the day of Wu Chen, the crown prince died. On the seventeenth day of the fifth month, the day of Ren Shen, the late Crown Prince Jingmu was buried in Jinling.
On the tenth day of the seventh month, the day of Ding Hai, the emperor visited Yin Mountain for leisure. At the same time, one-third of the officials across various departments were let go. On the fifth day of the ninth month, the day of Gui Si, the emperor's carriage returned to the palace. On the seventh day of the tenth month, the day of Geng Shen, the emperor returned to Yin Mountain for leisure once more. Liu Yilong sent envoys to present tributes, and the emperor also sent General Lang Fayou from the palace to envoy Liu Yilong. On the twelfth day of the tenth month, the day of Ji Si, the Minister of Works, Wang Changsun Daosheng from Shangdang, passed away. On the fourth day of the twelfth month, the day of Ding Chou, the emperor's carriage returned to the palace. The emperor bestowed the title of King Gaoyang upon his grandson Jun, but later felt that as the legitimate heir to the throne, it was inappropriate for his grandson to be stationed far on the border, so he revoked the title to ensure proper succession. At the same time, he bestowed the title of King Dongping upon Qin Wang Han, King Linhuai upon Yan Wang Tan, King Guangyang upon Chu Wang Jian, and King Nan'an upon Wu Wang Yu.
On the first day of the first month of the second year, on the day of Gengchen, over five thousand households that had migrated from the south conspired to rebel in the Zhongshan region, and the state’s army suppressed the rebellion. Wang Juqu Wannian, the governor of Zhangye, colluded with the rebels and was subsequently executed.
On the first day of March, the emperor passed away in the Yong'an Palace at the age of forty-five. This was initially kept secret and not announced to the public. The eunuch Zong Ai falsely claimed to act on the empress's orders, killed Prince Dongping Liu Han, and then proclaimed Prince Nan'an Liu Yu as emperor. Following this, a general amnesty was issued, the era name was changed to Yongping, and the empress Helian was honored as empress dowager. On March 18, the late emperor was posthumously honored with the title of Emperor Taiwu and was buried in Jinling, known as Yungong, with the temple name Shizu.
By the summer of June, Liu Yilong sent Tan Hezhi to lead troops to attack Jizhou, while Liang Tan and Lu Ansheng also gathered troops near Jingkuo, and Pang Meng and Xue An all attacked Hongnong.
In the autumn, in July, the court dispatched Han Yuanxing, the General of the Southern Expedition and Duke of Anding, to suppress them. Tan Hezhi’s forces were defeated, and Liang Tan and Lu Ansheng also fled. In August, General of Champion Feng Li led two thousand cavalry across the Yellow River from Yanjin to reinforce Hongnong. In September, Sikong and Duke of Gaoping Er Wugan stationed troops at Tongguan, while General of Pacification Nan, Duke of Changli Yuan Liao, stationed troops in the river area, preparing to respond to any military actions.
By the winter, on the first day of October, on the day of Bingwu, Liu Yu was killed by Zong Ai. Chancellor Changsun Kehou and Chancellor Lu Li quickly facilitated the grandson’s ascension to the throne, who later became Emperor Gaozong.
When the emperor was young, he was in poorer health than Empress Dowager Mi. Whenever he had any thoughts, he would burst into tears, which was particularly heart-wrenching. Emperor Taizong praised him upon hearing this. Later, when Emperor Taizong's health declined, he cared for his father day and night without changing out of his clothes. He was known for his integrity and frugality, dressing simply and eating modestly, without a liking for extravagant things; his diet was monotonous, and he never cared for delicacies. The favored consorts and noble ladies also wore clothes that were not particularly colorful. The ministers suggested that the emperor reinforce the city walls, arguing that it was consistent with the principle of "establishing defenses" found in the "I Ching," and even cited the example of Xiao He building magnificent cities to persuade him. The emperor replied, "As the ancients have said, the key lies in virtue, not in strategic geographic locations. Qu Yuan built a city with mud, and I even dismantled it, which demonstrates that city walls are not fundamentally important! The world is not yet pacified, and we need the strength of the common folk; I will not embark on a project like building cities that drains the common people. Xiao He’s reasoning is simply not a good idea." He always believed that wealth was the foundation of the state and never wasted it lightly, rewarding only those who have sacrificed for the country or have achieved great merit; relatives, friends, and favored officials or concubines never received any rewards.
The emperor charged into battle with his soldiers each time, and although many around him suffered death and injury, he showed no sign of distress. Therefore, everyone was willing to risk their lives for him, winning every battle. He dispatched generals to lead campaigns, and those who executed his orders won, while those who defied his commands almost always faced failure. He was very skilled at recognizing talent, able to discover capable individuals among ordinary soldiers, and assigned them suitable positions based on their abilities, regardless of their background. He was also very strict and decisive, with clear rewards and punishments. Those who contributed were rewarded generously; those who committed offenses were punished without leniency, even his trusted favorites were held accountable under the law. He often said, "The law is something I and the people of the world must abide by together; how could I dare to violate it lightly?" Thus, even when ministers broke the law, he would not show favoritism or turn a blind eye to the law. He was good at listening and observing, quickly discerning the schemes of others. However, he sometimes made swift decisions to execute, only to regret them later. After the death of Minister Cui Hao, the emperor launched a northern expedition; at this time, Duke Li Xiaobo of Xuancheng was gravely ill, and someone said he had already died. Upon hearing this, the emperor felt deep regret and said to those around him, "What a shame for Li Xuancheng!" He then added, "I was wrong in what I said before. It is a pity for Minister Cui, but it is tragic for Li Xuancheng!" His praises and criticisms were always heartfelt. Emperor Gongzong, known as Jingmu, was the eldest son of Emperor Taiwu, and his mother was Lady He. On the day of Bingwu in the first month of the first year of Yanhe, he was appointed crown prince at just five years old. He was intelligent from a young age, had an excellent memory, and remembered everything he heard. As he grew up, he enjoyed reading classics and histories, grasping their deeper meanings, and his father, Emperor Shizu, held him in high regard.
Emperor Taizong launched an eastern campaign and appointed Emperor Gongzong to oversee the Ministry of Personnel; when he launched a western campaign against Liangzhou, he appointed Emperor Gongzong as the regent. Initially, when Emperor Taizong wanted to attack Hexi, Li Shun and others claimed that Guzang lacked water and grass, rendering it unsuitable for military advancement. Emperor Gongzong was skeptical about this. When the army arrived at Guzang, Emperor Taizong told Emperor Gongzong, "The springs outside the east and west gates of Guzang City converge to the north of the city, with a strong current, resembling a river. From there, many small streams flow into the marsh, with no dry patches in between. The marsh is filled with lush grass, enough to sustain the army for several years. Those who spread such rumors are truly contemptible! That's why I am telling you this specifically, to dispel your doubts." Emperor Gongzong told the officials in the palace, "How can those who disregard the truth be called loyal subjects! When I first heard that, I had my doubts, but the Emperor had already decided to send out troops. It nearly caused a major blunder; how can those who spread rumors still have the audacity to face the Emperor!"
In the fourth year of the Zhenjun era, Emperor Gongzong followed Emperor Shizu to campaign against the *Ruanruan*. They arrived at Luhun Valley and encountered the enemy, who were terrified and thrown into chaos. Gongzong said to Emperor Shizu, "Now that the main army has arrived, we should launch an immediate attack to catch them off guard; we can surely defeat them." Minister Liu Jie strongly advised against this, arguing that with dust swirling and the enemy being numerous, if we engage them on open ground, we might risk being surrounded. Gongzong replied to Liu Jie, "This dust is swirling because the enemy is scared and the soldiers are in disarray; how could there be such a large cloud of dust in the camp?" Emperor Shizu had doubts about this and did not launch an immediate attack, resulting in the *Ruanruan*'s escape. Later, when the reconnaissance cavalry captured several *Ruanruan*, Emperor Shizu asked them, and they replied, "The *Ruanruan* never expected the imperial army to arrive suddenly; everyone was very scared and fled north with their troops. After fleeing for six or seven days without being pursued, they finally slowed their pace." Emperor Shizu felt deep regret over this. From then on, most of Gongzong's suggestions on military and state matters were accepted, and he gradually learned how to handle national affairs.
Initially, during the reign of Emperor Gongzong, an edict was issued stating: "The Book of Zhou says: 'Those responsible for agriculture must offer nine types of grains; those responsible for horticulture must offer plants and trees; those responsible for handicrafts must offer tools; those responsible for commerce must offer goods; those responsible for animal husbandry must offer birds and beasts; those responsible for textiles must offer cloth and silk; those responsible for mining must offer minerals; those responsible for fishing and hunting must offer aquatic products.'" Then, relevant departments were ordered to assess the people within the capital region, allowing households without cattle to exchange manpower and ox power to cultivate the land. Families with cattle collaborated with those without, with one person cultivating 22 mu of land, receiving 7 mu of land for hoeing as compensation; if cooperating with young or elderly families without cattle, 7 mu of land were cultivated, with 2 mu of land for hoeing as compensation. The standard was based on impoverished families of five. The population of each household and the area of land to be cultivated were separately listed and meticulously recorded. Names were marked on the cultivated land to distinguish the merits of cultivation." He also prohibited drinking, gambling, and people abandoning their professions to engage in business. As a result, the area of cultivated land increased significantly.
On a day in June 344 AD, the Crown Prince died in the Eastern Palace at the age of twenty-four. Two days later, the Emperor issued an edict stating: "Alas! You were born intelligent and wise, displaying extraordinary talents from a young age. You inherited the throne and assumed the heavy responsibility of national construction. The court officials were orderly, and state affairs proceeded smoothly; you governed the country well, remaining steadfast even in times of adversity. You should have enjoyed boundless glory, making our Great Wei prosper even more, but you unfortunately passed away at a young age! I am heartbroken by this! Now, I am sending the Imperial Envoys, the Grand Commandant Zhang Li and the Minister Over the Masses Dou Jin, with my edict to your coffin, posthumously granting you the title of 'Jingmu' to honor your noble character. If your soul is aware, I hope you can feel my sorrow." After Emperor Gaozong ascended the throne, he posthumously honored him with the title Emperor Jingmu and the temple name Gongzong.
Historians comment that Emperor Shizong was smart and decisive, with a commanding presence. Building on the groundwork laid by the two previous emperors and his own military might, he led his troops on numerous campaigns, navigating through dangerous situations. He took Tongwan City, brought peace to Qinzhou and Longzhou, wiped out pirates in Liaodong, suppressed the uprising at the Yellow River's source, conquered the southern tribes, and defeated the northern Rouran. His achievements were truly remarkable! He made the foundation of the Wei state even more glorious, surpassing those of the previous hundred emperors. Was this not due to his wisdom and martial prowess, a testament to the Mandate of Heaven? However, he initially struggled to fulfill his duties as the crown prince in the Eastern Palace and ultimately faced defeat because he underestimated the enemy. He overlooked the basics, leaving potential risks; maybe he just didn’t think it through? Emperor Gongzong was known for his virtuous character and widespread reputation, yet he died young, which is really a shame!
