Emperor Daowu, named Tuoba Gui, was the direct grandson of Emperor Zhaocheng and the son of Emperor Xianming. His mother was Empress He of Xianming. When he was young, due to their family's migration, they were playing in Yunze, and Tuoba Gui fell asleep. He dreamed that the sun rose from inside the house, and upon waking, he saw sunlight shining through the window, which sparked a sudden insight in him. On July 7 in the thirty-fourth year of the dynasty, Tuoba Gui was born in Beichenhe. That night, a bright auspicious omen appeared. Emperor Zhaocheng was very happy, and the officials came to celebrate. The court ordered a general amnesty and reported this matter to their ancestors. The nurses remarked that the child was much heavier than average, which they found quite strange. The next year, an elm tree grew where the placenta had been buried, and it eventually developed into a forest. Tuoba Gui could speak from a young age; his eyes sparkled, he had a broad forehead and large ears, making everyone feel he was exceptional. When he was six years old, Emperor Zhaocheng died. Fu Jian sent generals to stir up internal conflict, intending to move the emperor to Chang'an, but he managed to escape unharmed. This matter is recorded in the "Yan Feng Zhuan." After Fu Jian's army retreated, the people scattered and fled. Fu Jian sent Liu Kureng and Liu Weichen to handle state affairs. The southern nobleman Changsun Song, Yuan Ta, and others brought the original inhabitants to Liu Kureng, and thus Tuoba Gui was moved to the Dugu tribe.
In the first year of the new era, Emperor Zhaocheng was buried in Jinling, and when the tomb was built, the persimmon trees planted there grew into a forest. Although Tuoba Gui was very young, he showed remarkable promise. Liu Kureng often told his son, "This child has the ambition to unify the world and will definitely restore the ancestral business and bring honor to the family; this person will surely be the future monarch."
In the seventh year, in the tenth month of winter, Fu Jian suffered defeat in Huainan. That month, Murong Wen and others murdered Liu Kureng, and Liu Kureng's brother Liu Juan took over state affairs.
In the year 8 AD, Murong Chong, the younger brother of Murong Wei, usurped the throne and declared himself emperor. Yao Chang declared himself the Grand Chanyu and the Eternal King of Qin. Murong Chui usurped the throne and proclaimed himself the King of Yan.
In the year 9 AD, Liu Xian, the son of Liu Kuren, killed Liu Juan and took his place, beginning to plot a rebellion. The merchant Wang Ba learned of this and stepped on Tuoba Gui's foot in the crowd, prompting Tuoba Gui to quickly return. At that time, the strategist of Liu Xian, the former senior official Liang Gaipenzi, was aware of Liu Xian's plan and secretly sent their subordinate Mu Chong to inform Tuoba Gui. Tuoba Gui then secretly contacted former ministers such as Changsun Jian and Yuanta. In autumn, he went to the Helan Department. On that day, Liu Xian sent someone to capture Tuoba Gui, but they failed. This event is documented in the "Biography of Empress Xianming." That year, the Xianbei leader Qifu Guoren privately declared himself the Grand Chanyu. Fu Jian was killed by Yao Chang, and Fu Pi usurped the throne and proclaimed himself emperor.
On the seventh day of the first month of the year 386 AD, Tuoba Gui officially inherited the title of King of Dai in the suburbs, held a grand celebration in Niuchuan, and appointed Changsun Song as the senior official of the south and Shusun Prolu as the senior official of the north. Then, according to the size of their contributions, he rewarded the ministers. In February, he traveled to Shengle in Dingxiang, allowing the people to rest and recover and encouraging agricultural production. In March, Liu Xian fled south to Mayi, and his subordinates led by Nu Zhen surrendered to Tuoba Gui.
In April, Tuoba Gui changed his title to King of Wei. In May, he led his troops east to Ling Shi. Consequently, the commanders of the Hufu and Yifu tribes, Hou Chen and Dai Ti, defected. The soldiers pursued them, but Tuoba Gui said, "Hou Chen and the others have served the court for generations. Even if they made a small mistake, they should be temporarily tolerated. We have just established ourselves, and people's hearts are still unstable. Those who are naive and close to us may hesitate, and there is no need to pursue them."
On the seventh day of the seventh month, Tuoba Gui returned to Shengle. Dai Ti led his tribe to surrender, but after a little over ten days, he fled to Liu Xian. Tuoba Gui then entrusted his grandson Beijin with leadership of the tribe. That month, Liu Xian's brother Peini led a cavalry attack against the Nuzhen tribe, subsequently bringing his followers to surrender. Initially, Tuoba Gui's uncle Kuduo was moved to Chang'an by Fu Jian, but later joined Murong Yong, who appointed him as the new governor. In August, Liu Xian sent his brother Kangni to meet Kuduo and accompany him with troops, approaching the southern border of Wei. This stirred unrest among the tribes, leaving everyone anxious and watching the situation closely. Tuoba Gui's close aides, including Huan and several tribal leaders, conspired to rebel in response to Liu Xian. After the plot was uncovered, five conspirators were executed, while the others faced no repercussions. Fearing an internal rebellion, he led his army north across the Yin Mountains to the Helan tribe, using the mountainous terrain for defense. He also dispatched envoys An Tong and Zhangsun He to request assistance from Murong Chui. Murong Chui sent envoys bearing tribute and instructed his son Murong Helin to lead infantry and cavalry to accompany An Tong and his party.
In October of the year 385 AD, before He Xuan's army arrived, the enemy had already drawn near. Thus, thirteen people, including the noble from the north Shusun Puluo and many Wuwan people, sought refuge in Weichen. The emperor himself moved from Dushan to Niuchuan, established his camp south of Yanshui, then crossed Daigu and met He Xuan at Gaoliu, resulting in a resounding defeat of Kudu. Kudu fled to Weichen, where he was killed, and the emperor absorbed all of Kudu's subordinates. By December, Murong Chui sent envoys to pay tribute to the emperor, offering to make the emperor King of Shanggu. However, the emperor declined. That year, Murong Chui proclaimed himself emperor in Zhongshan, establishing the Great Yan. Fu Pi died, and Fu Deng declared himself emperor in Long Dong. Yao Chang declared himself emperor in Chang'an, establishing the Great Qin. Murong Chong was killed by his subordinates, and Murong Yong then usurped the throne and became emperor.
In January of 386 AD, the emperor rewarded seventy-three meritorious officials, including Changsun Song, with varying gifts. In February, the emperor went to Ningchuan. In May, the emperor sent envoy An Tong to Murong Chui to request troops, and Murong Chui sent his son He Xuan to provide support. In June, the emperor personally led his troops to confront Liu Xian south of Mayi, pursuing him to Mizhe, where he inflicted a crushing defeat on Liu Xian, who fled to Murong Yong. The emperor absorbed Liu Xian's entire tribe. In August, the emperor triumphantly returned.
On the Gui Mao day in October 386 AD, the emperor went to Ruyuan and sent the noble Wang Jian as an envoy to meet Murong Chui. In November, the emperor went to Chicheng. In December, the emperor inspected Songmo and then returned to Niuchuan.
In February of 387 AD, the emperor set out on an eastern tour. In April, the emperor went to East Chicheng. On the Gui Hai day in May, the emperor launched a northern campaign against Kumo Xi. In June, he dealt a great defeat to Kumo Xi, capturing over one hundred thousand livestock from their four tribes and crossing the Ruoluo River. The emperor rewarded the soldiers with various gifts.
On the day of Gengshen in July, the leader of the Kumo Xi tribe gathered the remnants of his defeated forces and launched a night attack on the imperial palace. The emperor immediately led his troops to counterattack, killing them all. Later that month, the emperor returned to Chicheng. In August, the emperor sent Duke Yuan Yi of Jiuyuan as an envoy to meet Murong Chui. In November, Murong Chui sent people to offer tribute. On the day of Xinmao in December, the emperor embarked on a western campaign, reaching Nuoshui where he defeated the Jieru tribe, capturing over a hundred thousand people and livestock. That year, Qifu Guoren died, and his brother Qifu Gangui succeeded him, privately calling himself the King of Henan.
In the spring of a certain year, on the first day of the first month, the emperor attacked the Gaoche tribe and defeated them. On the day of Guisi in February, the army arrived at Nuoshui and defeated the Chitu tribe. On the day of Wuxu, the brothers Heran Gan led troops from various tribes to their aid, but they were met with defeat by our army.
After several months, in April, the army returned to Chicheng. In May, Duke Yuan Qian of Chenliu was sent to Murong Chui. By the end of the year in October, Murong Chui sent envoys to offer tribute. That year, Lü Guang of the Di tribe proclaimed himself King of Sanhe and also sent envoys to offer tribute.
In the second year, on the day of Jiaxin in the third month of spring, the emperor launched a western campaign, reaching Luhunhai and defeating the Gaoche Yuanhe tribe and capturing over two hundred thousand people and livestock. Murong Chui also sent his son He Lin to help. On the day of Bingyin in April, the emperor arrived at Yixin Mountain, and together with He Lin, he defeated the Helan, Hetulin, and Hexi tribes, routing them. In June, the army returned to Niuchuan. Wei Chen sent his son Zhilidi to lay siege to the Helan tribe. Herne and others requested to surrender, stating they could not hold out much longer. On the day of Bingzi in July, the emperor personally led his troops to rescue, but by the time they arrived at Yangshan, Zhilidi had already escaped.
In August, the army came back to Niuchuan. The Emperor sent Prince Gu of Qin as an envoy to Murong Chui. On Renshen Day in September, the Emperor defeated the Chinu tribe along the Nangqu River. In October, the Emperor relocated the capital to Yunzhong and defeated the Gaochedouchen tribe at Langshan. In November, the Gexi tribe's leader, Kuhuan, led the whole tribe to surrender. In December, the Getulin tribe's leader, Qudijian, also led the whole tribe to surrender. The Emperor finally set up camp at Baimo.
In February of the third year, the Emperor arrived at Niuyuechuan. In March, the Emperor sent the Duke of Jiuyuan, Yuan Yi, and the Duke of Chenliu, Yuan Qian, to march westward against the Chufu tribe and secured another victory. In April, the Emperor offered sacrifices to the heavens. In June, Murong Helin defeated Hene in Chicheng. The Emperor led troops to rescue, but Murong Helin fled upon realizing the situation was turning against him. On Renshen Day in July, the Emperor conducted military drills in Niuchuan, then returned to Niuyuechuan. Murong Chui detained the envoy Yuan Gu and demanded prized horses, but the Emperor firmly refused his request. So the Emperor sent another envoy to see Murong Yong, who sent his Grand Minister Murong Jun to recommend the Emperor adopt a title. In the same month, Wei Chen sent his son Zhili Di to invade Heicheng from Guyang Pass. In September, the Emperor raided Wuyuan, plundered the city, confiscated their food, and then returned to Niuyuechuan. Finally, he put up a monument north of Guyang Pass to commemorate his achievements.
On Wuxu Day in a certain year, our large army marched north to attack the Rouran. We chased them right to the foot of Chuangshan south of the desert and gave them a serious thrashing! Then, the Emperor rewarded the ministers who fought in the battle based on their merits. The leaders of the two Rouran tribes, Pihouba and Yunjieti, were also killed, and their general, Wujuyu, was beheaded. For more details, you can refer to the "Rouran Chronicles." On Wuchen Day in November, the Emperor returned to Niuyuechuan.
On Wuyin Day, Wei Chen sent his son Zhi Li Di, the commander, to our southern region to cause destruction. On Jimao Day, the emperor personally led troops to wage war. On Renwu Day, in the south of Tieqi Mountain, we achieved a great victory and utterly routed Zhi Li Di's army, capturing their weapons, gear, and supplies, as well as over two hundred thousand cattle and sheep! On Wuzi Day, the emperor crossed the Yellow River at the Jinjing crossing in Wuyuan. On Xinmao Day, he arrived at Wei Chen's stronghold at Yueba City, where Wei Chen and his son, terrified, quickly fled. On Renchen Day, the emperor commanded the generals to pursue them and ultimately captured Zhi Li Di. In December, we found Wei Chen's corpse, beheaded it, and displayed it publicly, eradicating Wei Chen's influence entirely. This event is fully documented in the "Biography of Wei Chen." Wei Chen's youngest son, Qu Gai, escaped and fled to Xue Ganbu. At that time, the emperor was encamped at Yanchi. All the tribes south of the Yellow River surrendered without resistance. After tallying their treasures, livestock, and warhorses, there were approximately three to four hundred thousand warhorses and over four million cattle and sheep! The emperor also rewarded the ministers based on their contributions. More than five thousand relatives of Wei Chen, of all ages, were executed. The leaders of the Shan Hu tribe, such as Da Fan Tui and Ye Yi Yu, surrendered along with over three thousand households, and the emperor resettled them in Mayi. That same year, the emperor also constructed the Henan Palace.
In the first month of the seventh year, the emperor traveled to Muge Mountain and then to Heiyan Pool. The emperor hosted a banquet for the nobles there and also received envoys from various countries. The scenery was stunning, and the water was crystal clear. On the day of Jiazi in the third month, the emperor hosted a banquet for the nobles by the water, and then returned to the palace in Henan. The leader of the western Qili tribe, Maoxian, rebelled and fled, so the emperor sent the leader of the southern tribe, Zhangsun Song, to pursue and bring him to justice. This resulted in a significant victory, defeating Maoxian. In May, the emperor rewarded officials with horses, cattle, and sheep. In August, the emperor traveled to Mo Nan and also constructed a watchtower for patrols. In December, Murong Yong sent envoys to offer tribute. That year, the emperor's son was also born.
In the first month of the eighth year, the emperor went on a southern tour. In the second month, he arrived at Guyang Plain and went to Bailou. In the third month, the emperor led troops on a western expedition, targeting the tribe of Hou Lülin. In April, our army arrived at Kushui and decisively defeated the enemy. In May, the emperor returned to Bailou. Murong Chui was busy dealing with Murong Yong and fighting his eldest son at this time. In June, the emperor's chariot went to the north for inspection.
The situation for Murong Yong was dire, so he quickly sent Prince Chenliu Yuanqian and General Yuyue with fifty thousand cavalry to cross the Yellow River for rescue. They defeated the forces of Liu Yao and others along the way, displacing their tribes. Yuanqian and the others stationed themselves in Xiurong, while Murong Chui proceeded to besiege his eldest son’s position.
In July, the emperor went to Xintan to perform a sacrifice to the heavens. On the day of Gengyin, the emperor hosted a banquet for the nobles and also conducted military drills. Previously, Wei Chen's son, Qu Gai, had fled to Xuegan's tribe, and the emperor dispatched someone to retrieve him, but Xuegan refused to return him.
In August, the emperor marched south to confront General Tai Xifo, who was based at San Cheng. Just as Tai Xifo was launching an attack on Cao Fu, the emperor took advantage of the situation to capture San Cheng, seize Tai Xifo's son, loot many treasures, and relocate the local populace. Upon hearing this news, Tai Xifo was unable to escape in time and had to flee to Yao Xing's territory. In September, the emperor returned to the palace in Henan. That year, Yao Chang died.
In the spring of the ninth year, the emperor again went on a tour to the north. The emperor sent the Prince of Dongping, Yuan Yi, to cultivate land in Wuyuan, Hebei, extending to Gu Yang Saiwai. In May, he continued farming in Hedong. In July, the emperor returned to the palace in Henan. In October, the Rouran chieftain Selun led his tribe westward; for further details, consult "The Rouran Chronicle." That year, Yao Chang's son, Yao Xing, usurped the throne, assassinated Fu Deng; Murong Chui also eliminated Murong Yong.
In the first month of the tenth year, Tai Xifo returned to Lingbei from Chang'an, and the regions west of Shangjun rallied to his cause. In May, the emperor resided in Yanchi for a few days. In June, he returned to the palace in Henan. In July, Murong Chui sent his son Murong Bao to assault Wuyuan and construct ships for logistics. The emperor dispatched Right Sima Xu Qian to Yao Xing for troop recruitment. Prince Dongping Yuan Yi was also transferred to Shuofang. In August, the emperor personally oversaw the organization of the army in Henan. In September, the emperor marched out, erected a platform by the river for sacrificial rites, and then fortified along the Yellow River, stretching over a thousand miles to the east and west. At that time, Prince Chenliu Yuan Qian commanded fifty thousand cavalry in the east, severing the enemy's left flank; Yuan Yi's fifty thousand cavalry were in Hebei, controlling the enemy's rear; and Prince Lueyang Yuan Zun's seventy thousand cavalry blocked the enemy's middle mountain road.
On that night in October of the Xinwei year, Shi Hu burned the ships and secretly fled. In November of the Jimao year, the Emperor crossed the Yellow River with his troops. On the night of the Yiyou day, the army arrived at Canhebei. On the Bingxu day, we dealt them a heavy blow! This is all documented in the "Biography of Shi Hu." We captured a large number of prisoners, including King Shi Shao of Chenliu, King Shi Wonu of Luyang, King Shi Daocheng of Guilin, Duke Yin Guo of Jiyin, Prince Zhong Kui of Beidi, and Prince Yang Er of Anding, along with several thousand civil and military officials and soldiers. The captured weapons, vehicles, and military supplies were countless, amounting to over a hundred thousand! From among these prisoners, we identified some talented individuals, such as Jia Yi, Jia Gui, and Chao Chong, to discuss military affairs together and manage affairs according to established protocols. Then the Emperor rewarded the ministers and generals, each receiving distinct honors. By December, the Emperor returned to the Shengle Palace in Yunzhong.
In the first month of the Emperor's first year, he conducted a major search operation near Tiger Mountain in Dingxiang, and then went east to Shanwu Beibei. In March, Murong Chui led troops to attack Sanggan Chuan. At that time, Duke Yuanqian of Chenliu was defending Pingcheng but had yet to gather his forces, so he took his men to confront the enemy, but they lost the battle, and he was killed. Murong Chui then advanced to the northwest of Pingcheng, crossed the mountain, and set up camp. Upon hearing that the Emperor was approaching, he quickly reinforced the city walls for defense. However, he fell gravely ill and fled, ultimately dying in Shanggu. His son Shi Zun kept this a secret and returned to Zhongshan, where he declared himself Emperor. In June of the Guiyou year, the Emperor dispatched General Wang Jian and others to mount a three-pronged attack against Shi Zun's governor, Liu Kangni, in Guangning, killing him and displacing his tribe. The governor of Shanggu, Murong Pulian, also abandoned the county and fled. On the Dinghai day, Empress Dowager He died. This month, the late Empress Dowager Xianming was laid to rest.
In July, Right Sima Xu Qian suggested to the emperor to accept the title of nobility. The emperor then began to raise the imperial flag and organize guards when traveling, and then changed the era name.
On the eighth day of August, the emperor inspected the army in the eastern suburbs. On the tenth, a large-scale campaign was launched against Murong Bao. The emperor personally led more than 400,000 troops, marching south from Mayi and crossing the Juzhu Mountain. The flags stretched for more than 2,000 miles, and the army advanced with great momentum, terrifying the common folk. In addition, generals like Feng Zhen were ordered to lead three routes of troops to attack from the east, surrounding Youzhou's Ji County.
On the fifth day of September, the army arrived at Yangqu, ascended the western mountain, and looked out at Jinyang City. The emperor ordered the generals to lead cavalry to surround Jinyang and prepare to attack the city, but later withdrew the troops. The Governor of Bingzhou and Prince of Liaoxi, Murong Bao, was terrified and fled the city with his wife and children overnight, heading east, which led to the pacification of Bingzhou. The new imperial province was established, officials were appointed, and titles of nobility, generals, inspectors, and prefects were granted, all positions below the rank of Shangshu were filled by literati. The emperor initially focused on pacifying the people in the Central Plains region. As long as scholars and dignitaries came to the military camp, regardless of age, the emperor would receive them, inquire about their well-being, and allow them to fully express their thoughts. Anyone with talent would be promoted. On the sixth day of September, the emperor ordered the Deputy General Ximu to scout the terrain in the Jinchuan area, resulting in the capture of Murong Bao's son, Prince Danyang, and others in Pingtao City.
In the year 386 AD, on the eighth day of the tenth month, the emperor's chariot left Jingxing, dispatching General Wang Jian and General Li Li of the Left Army to lead the vanguard of fifty thousand cavalry. By the first day of November, the emperor arrived at Zhending. From Changshan to the east, some local commanders abandoned their cities and fled, while others knelt at the military camp to submit. Only the cities of Zhongshan, Ye, and Xindu held out against surrender. The emperor then ordered Duke Dongping, Yi, to lead another fifty thousand cavalry to attack Ye City from the south, while Wang Jian, Li Li, and others were tasked with attacking Xindu. He particularly emphasized that during the army's march, they were to avoid harming the common people's mulberry and jujube trees. On the fifteenth of November, the main army advanced towards Zhongshan; on the sixteenth, the cavalry surrounded Zhongshan City. The emperor said to the generals, "I believe Murong Bao is timid and fearful, and he will definitely not come out of the city to fight, relying solely on the city walls to withstand and delay. If we launch a fierce attack, we will injure our soldiers; if we besiege for too long, we will exhaust our supplies. We should first capture Ye City and Xindu, then return to attack Zhongshan, which would be more cost-effective. If we divert our troops elsewhere, Murong Bao will surely spread his forces to the countryside to pillage food. This will cause the people's support to wane, making it easier to attack Zhongshan later." The generals all felt that the emperor's reasoning was sound. On the twenty-second of November, the emperor's chariot arrived at Lukou City. That year, Sima Changming died, and his son Sima Dezong usurped the throne and sent envoys to pay tribute to the emperor. Additionally, Lü Guang also usurped the throne, claiming the title of King of Daliang, and sent envoys to pay tribute as well.
In the first month of 387 AD, the emperor held a grand banquet in Lukou City to host his ministers. At that time, Murong Bao sent his left guard general Murong Teng to attack Boling, killing the governor of Zhongshan and the county officials of Gaoyang County, and looted a large amount of supplies. At the time, Xindu City had not yet fallen; on the seventh day of the first month, the emperor ordered the army to march towards Xindu. On the ninth day of the first month, cavalry encircled Xindu City. That night, Murong Bao's Governor of Jizhou and Prince of Yidu, Murong Feng, sneaked out of the city and fled to Zhongshan. On the tenth day of the first month, Murong Bao's Assistant General Zhang Xiang and Guard General Xu Chao led their troops to open the city gates and surrender. When Murong Bao heard that the emperor had arrived in Xindu, he hurriedly fled to the Shenze region of Boling, where he set up camp by the Hutuo River, and sent his brother He Lin to attack Yangcheng, killing more than three hundred guards of Changshan. Murong Bao recruited rogues and ruffians from all over by offering treasures and palace maids, and many scoundrels responded to his call.
In the early days of the second month, the emperor ran to Yangcheng. After a few days, the army set up camp at Baisiwu in Julu, right by the Hutuo River. That night, Shi Bao led all the troops to sneak attack the camp, setting fire to the imperial tent, which caused the soldiers to panic and scatter. The emperor was startled, quickly got up, without time to put on clothes or a hat, ran out barefoot to beat the drum and assemble the army. Before long, the guards, generals, and soldiers from the central army arrived in succession. The emperor established a distinctive formation, erected beacon towers outside the camp, and personally led the charge on horseback. Shi Bao's army was routed, suffering over ten thousand casualties, including their general Gao Chang, who was captured along with more than four thousand others.
The next day, Shi Bao escaped to Zhongshan, and we seized his weapons, equipment, and supplies, so many that the number was countless, easily numbering in the hundreds of thousands. Shi Bao's subordinates, including Minister Min Liang, Secretary Supervisor Cui Cheng, Grand Minister Sun Yi, and Palace Attendant Meng Fu, all surrendered. The emperor granted titles and rewards to each of the surrendering individuals. In Pingyuan, a man named Xu Chao led a rebellion and caused a disturbance in Pancheng. The emperor sent General Xi Ru to arrest and kill him. The defending general of Bingzhou, Feng Zhen, rebelled with his relatives, friends, and subordinates, attempting to attack Governor Yuan Yan, who later quelled the rebellion.
Meanwhile, reports of war in Baosi were spreading, with the Helan tribe's General Li Juan, the Hetuli tribe's General Ni Wu, and the Hexi tribe's General Chu Nuge joining forces to rebel at Yinguang. Prince Yuan Shun of Nan'an led troops to suppress them, but failed and lost thousands of men. The emperor then sent General Yue Yu with ten thousand cavalry to defeat Chu Nuge and his allies. In early March, the emperor's forces arrived in Lulu. Shi Bao sent envoys to negotiate peace, offering to present a Yuan Gu (a type of wine vessel) and cede the land west of Changshan to the court, requesting permission to continue guarding the area east of Zhongshan. The emperor agreed. However, not long after, Shi Bao violated the agreement.
A few days later, the emperor's forces arrived in Zhongshan and ordered the generals to surround the city. That night, Shi Bao's brother He Lin fled to the West Mountain with his wife and children. Seeing his brother escape, Shi Bao feared being left behind and fled north that very night, accompanied by his wife, children, and thousands of cavalry. Shi Bao's generals, including Li Shen, Wang Siduo, Zhang Chao, and Jia Gui, all surrendered. The emperor sent General Zhang Sun Fei to pursue them, but he lost their trail in Fanyang and had to turn back. The people of Zhongshan then rallied around Murong Pulin, electing him as their leader.
In April, the emperor ordered Prince Yuan Yi of Dongping to cease the siege of Ye City and move to Julu to station troops, as military supplies were insufficient. Meanwhile, Pulin dispatched over six thousand infantry to ambush our various camps. The emperor commanded General Changsun Fei to lead the light cavalry to confront them, while also dispatching five thousand Tiger Ben troops to launch a rear attack, resulting in the deaths of five thousand and the capture of seven hundred, who were subsequently released. On the Gengzi day in May, the emperor greatly rewarded the soldiers who had served.
The emperor was aware that the people of Zhongshan City were under pressure from Pulin, and our army was pressing them so hard that they had no chance to surrender. Thus, he secretly sent an envoy to reach out to them. On the day of Jiachen, we set up our formation to showcase our strength to the city's inhabitants, then ordered the army to lift the siege and move south to await developments. On the day of Jiayin, the emperor appointed Prince Yuan Yi of Dongping as General of Cavalry, Commander of Military Operations, Governor of the six provinces of Yan, Yu, Yong, Jing, Xu, and Yang, and named him Left Chancellor, and conferred upon him the title of King of Wei. Prince Yuan Ji of Xiangcheng was also elevated in rank and granted the title of king.
In July, Zhang Xiang, a leader of over five thousand of the Pulin people, marched out of the city in search of food, raiding the area around Changshan and Lingshou, killing officials and civilians. He Lin entered Zhang Xiang's army from the Dingling nation, taking advantage of Zhang Xiang's forces to return to Zhongshan, where he killed the Pulin leader and proclaimed himself king. The emperor returned to Lukou and sent General Changsun Fei with a thousand cavalry to attack Zhongshan, but they returned after entering the outskirts of the city. On the new moon of August, the emperor set out from Lukou, marching toward the Nine Gates of Changshan. At that time, a great plague was occurring, causing many deaths among men, horses, cattle, and sheep. The emperor inquired about the situation of the plague, and the soldiers replied, "Only about one-fifteenth of the people are still alive." Zhongshan City was still resisting, and with famine and plague, everyone wanted to retreat north. The emperor sensed their thoughts and said to them, "This is the will of heaven; what can we do? The people everywhere can serve us; what matters is how we can win them over. Are we still worried about not having subjects?" The ministers then dared not say anything further. The emperor also sent General Fujun, Wang Yuanzun of Lueyang, to attack Zhongshan, destroying their crops and vegetables, and returned after breaching the outskirts of the city.
In September, He Lin, due to hunger and poverty, led over thirty thousand people to attack Xinshi. On the last day of the Jiazi month, the emperor personally led a large army to subdue him. The Grand Historian Chao Chong submitted a memorial stating, "This day is considered inauspicious." The emperor asked, "Why do you say that?" Chao Chong replied, "In the past, King Zhou of the Shang was destroyed on this day, and military strategists avoid this date." The emperor said, "Did King Wu of Zhou not achieve victory on the same day King Zhou of Shang fell?" Chao Chong was left speechless.
On the Bingyin day of November, the emperor personally led a large army to attack Xinshi. He Lin retreated to the banks of the Chishui River, using the marshy land for defense, intending to hold his position.
On the day of Jiaxu, the emperor personally visited the Helin military camp, fought a fierce battle against the Helin army at Yitaiwu, resulting in the deaths of over nine thousand enemy soldiers. Helin escaped on horseback to the West Mountain, alone, eventually reaching Ye City, where he was ultimately killed by Murong De.
On the day of Jiashen, more than twenty thousand officials, ministers, generals, and soldiers surrendered to Helin. Among them, generals Zhang Xiang, Li Shen, Murong Wen, and others who had surrendered earlier but then defected were recaptured that day. The emperor generously pardoned them and chose not to hold them accountable. We captured a significant haul this time, including the emperor's jade seal, documents, treasury items, and countless treasures, totaling tens of thousands! The emperor also rewarded the meritorious officials and soldiers based on their contributions. Zhongshan City was thus pacified.
On the day of Yiyu, Prince Xiangcheng passed away. On the day of Dinghai, the emperor sent thirty thousand cavalry to support Prince Wei Yi, preparing to attack Ye City. That year, the Xianbei leader Tufa Wuguo declared himself the Great Chanyu and the King of Xiping.
In the first month of the first year of the Tianxing era, Murong De fled and hid in Huatai. King Wei Yi captured Ye City and seized the warehouses there. The emperor then ordered rewards for the soldiers, with varying levels of rewards for each. Wei Yi chased Murong De to the Yellow River, but he returned empty-handed. On Gengzi, the emperor set out from Zhongshan to inspect Changshan and then Zhending, then went to Gaoyi in Zhaojun County, and finally arrived at Ye City. It was reported that some elderly residents in Ye City were unable to care for themselves, so the emperor ordered local officials to provide them with assistance. When the emperor arrived at Ye City, he thoroughly inspected the palaces and buildings as if he intended to establish it as the capital. Therefore, he established an administrative office in Ye City, appointed General Longxiang, Duke of Rinan, and Ba as officials, and ordered them to lead officials, clerks, and five thousand soldiers to defend Ye City. On the way back from Ye City to Zhongshan, the emperor also inquired about the well-being of the people. The emperor also ordered that in the provinces and counties through which the army passed, the people would be exempt from taxes for a year, and the tax burden for the people in Shandong would be halved.
The emperor prepared to return to the north, so he dispatched ten thousand workers to construct a direct road, from Wangdu Tieguan, cutting through Hengling to Daidi, covering a distance of over five hundred li. The emperor was worried that there would be trouble in the Shandong region after he returned, so he established a provincial government in Zhongshan and ordered the Left Prime Minister, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, Wei Wangyi, to guard Zhongshan, and the Grand General, Lord Yueyang Yuan Zun, to guard the He Kou of Bohai. Right General Yin Guoxian was in charge of tax collection in Jizhou. When he heard that the emperor was going back, he rebelled and planned to attack Xindu. General Changsun Song captured him and handed him over to the court, which resulted in Yin Guoxian's execution. On the day of Xinyou in the lunar calendar, the emperor set out from Zhongshan and arrived at Yaoshan in Wangdu. Then he relocated a total of 360,000 people, including commoners, officials, and several ethnic minorities, such as the Koreans and other groups, as well as over 100,000 skilled craftsmen, to the capital. As the emperor's procession reached the foot of Mount Heng, bandits rose up in Boling, Bohai, Zhangwu, and other areas. Yuan Zun and others pacified them. The Guangchuan magistrate, He Lu, killed the Jizhou governor, Wang Fu, forced the city guards to plunder Yangping, Dunqiu, and other counties, then crossed the Yellow River and fled to Murong De.
In the second month, the emperor moved from Zhongshan to Fan Palace, where he appointed new security personnel. The emperor also ordered that the relocated individuals were to receive farming oxen and land allocated based on population. In the third month, Huyan Tie of Lishi, Zhang Chong of Xihe, and others gathered a few thousand followers to rebel. The emperor ordered General Anyuan, Yu Yue, to quell the rebellion. The bandit Ku Nuo Guan Tao in Yuyang also instigated a rebellion, so the emperor ordered General Zhongjian, Yi Wei, to attack. The emperor recalled Left Prime Minister Wei Wangyi to the capital and ordered Yuan Zun to take his place in guarding Zhongshan.
In the year XXX, on the day of Renxu in April, the emperor granted Changshan to Zun and Piling to Nan'an, Duke Shun, promoted General Zhenglü, Duke Mu Chong of Liyang, to Grand Commandant, and General Changsun Song of Annan to Minister of Works. That day, the emperor also held a grand ceremony to worship the heavens in the western suburbs, on a larger scale than usual. By the way, the Prefect of Guangping, Duke Yuan Yilie of Liaoxi, rebelled and was executed in his county, but the emperor granted clemency to his wife and children. Also, Tuge Dong Qiang of Fucheng, Lu Shui Hanu of Xingcheng, Shu Xue Yu of Hedong, and Fu Xing, the leader of the Di tribe, all surrendered to the court along with their people.
On the day of Bingzi in the sixth month, the emperor asked the officials to discuss how to establish a national title. The ministers responded, "In the times before the Zhou and Qin Dynasties, each state existed on its own territory for generations, with its own nation and lineage. After unifying the country, the original place names became the national titles. However, starting with the Han Dynasty, the system of princes was abolished and prefects were appointed, and those newly rising powers were not based on ancestral lands. Now that we aim for our country to endure for generations and to usher in a new era, we believe that 'Dai' should be adopted as the national title for the long term." The emperor said, "In my time, the world is in chaos, with each region acting independently, and the common people are suffering. Although customs vary across regions, with proper governance, we can earn their support. Thus, I personally led the army to pacify the Central Plains, quell rebellions, and bring all regions under the court’s control. Therefore, we should retain the previous title; let's call it 'Wei'! Announce this decision to the people so they understand my intentions."
In July, during the autumn, we moved the capital to Pingcheng and began building palaces, ancestral temples, and altars. The official Tao from Yuyang Wuhuan gathered a group of bandits, so the emperor dispatched General Wang Jian to quell the rebellion. In August, the emperor ordered officials to reorganize the fiefs, plan the suburbs and outskirts of the city, standardize the width and mileage of roads, and unify weights and measures. The emperor also dispatched officials to inspect various regions, investigate incompetent officials, conduct personal inquiries, and reward or punish accordingly. In September, Zhang Chao, the son of the Wuhuan leader Zhang Xiang, gathered a group of outlaws and occupied Nanpi in Bo Hai with more than three thousand households, who proclaimed himself the Grand General of the East and the King of Wuren, engaging in widespread arson, murder, and looting. The emperor subsequently dispatched General Yu Yue to confront him. In October, the emperor initiated the construction of the Astronomical Hall. On the Xin Hai day in November, the emperor ordered the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Deng Yuan, to oversee the formulation of official systems, noble ranks, and the adjustment of music and rituals for ceremonies; the Deputy Minister of Ceremonies, Dong Mi, to draft rituals for the suburban temples, ancestral altars, court visits, and banquets; the Deputy Minister of Justice, Wang De, to revise laws and issue decrees and prohibitions; the Chief Astronomer Chao Chong to create astronomical instruments and observe celestial phenomena; and the Minister of Personnel, Cui Xuanbo, to coordinate and review all these efforts.
When the leap month arrived, the Chancellor of the Left, the General of the Cavalry, Prince Wei Yi, and other nobles and ministers submitted a joint memorial to the emperor, stating: "We have heard that when the emperor occupies the central position, the stars will move in an orderly manner; when the emperor aligns with the will of heaven, the vassals will respect and follow his example. We believe that Your Majesty's virtue aligns with the harmony of heaven and earth, and your moral integrity is as exalted as that of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. Your benevolence spreads across the world, and the governance of this prosperous era is felt throughout the land, with blessings benefiting all things. The people live in peace and contentment, the hearts of the people are united, and wherever the army goes, it is like grass swaying in the wind, with all the populace looking forward to your leadership. Yet Your Majesty remains humble and cautious, retreating and restraining yourself, and has not yet officially held the coronation ceremony or worn the emperor's robes. This does not align with the will of heaven nor satisfy the expectations of the people. Therefore, it is necessary to solemnly promote your enlightened virtues and establish a model for future generations. We risk our lives to offer this advice and earnestly request Your Majesty's permission." The emperor declined three times before agreeing.
On the day of Jichou in December, the emperor ascended the throne in the Astronomical Hall, where the Grand Commandant and the Minister of Works presented the imperial seal and sash, and all officials shouted "Long live!" On that day, a general amnesty was proclaimed, and the era was changed. The temple names and posthumous titles of Emperor Cheng and the emperors and empresses below him were honored. During the coronation ceremony, the dance known as "Huang Shi" was performed. The emperor ordered the officials to discuss and determine the order of various ceremonies. Minister Cui Xuanbo and others proposed using the earth's virtue, with yellow as the primary color for clothing and five as the foundational number; they did not continue the previous rituals of the Chen and La festivals, and the sacrificial animals were to be white. The sacrifices in the five suburbs were to be conducted according to the solar calendar, promoting seasonal awareness and educating the people on agricultural timing, implementing the calendar of the Xia Dynasty. Simultaneously, two thousand households from six provinces and twenty-two counties, including officials, heroes, and common people, were relocated to the capital.
That year, Lan Han killed Murong Bao and declared himself king, only for Murong Bao's son, Murong Sheng, to kill Lan Han and also declare himself king. Murong De declared himself the King of Yan.
In the spring of a certain year (the specific year needs to be supplemented based on the context), on the first day of the first month, known as Jiazi day, the emperor first went to the southern outskirts to offer sacrifices to heaven and earth, and also paid homage to the founding emperor. After the sacrificial ceremony concluded, the emperor came down from the altar to oversee the fire offerings, and only returned to the palace after all the rituals were completed.
The next day, which was a Yichou day, the emperor ordered the pardon of all offenders in the capital. At the same time, he began to establish a system of three chariots (the specific content of the system needs to be supplemented based on the context).
By the Gengwu day, the emperor personally led a campaign to the north. He ordered various generals to launch a large-scale assault against the Gaoche tribes. General Changshan Wang Zun led three armies from the eastern Changchuan, General Zhenbei Wang Gao Liang led seven armies from the western Niu Chuan, while the emperor himself led six armies advancing from the northwest along Boran Water.
On the first day of the second month, which was a Dinghai day, our army worked together and achieved a resounding victory! We defeated over thirty Gaoche tribes in a single sweep, captured more than seventy thousand captives, and seized more than three hundred thousand horses and over one hundred forty thousand cattle and sheep! Impressive, right? The General of Cavalry, General Wei Wang Yi led thirty thousand cavalry deep into the desert for over a thousand miles from the northwest and defeated the remaining seven Gaoche tribes, capturing more than twenty thousand people, over fifty thousand horses, and more than two hundred thousand cattle and sheep, along with over twenty thousand Gaoche chariots and a variety of spoils of war. They returned triumphantly, passing through Niu Chuan and Bo Shan, where they erected stone tablets to commemorate this glorious victory. The emperor also rewarded the soldiers who participated in the battle, with rewards of varying amounts. On the Gengxu day, General Yinglu Yu Yue defeated Zhang Chao at Bohai Sea. Zhang Chao fled to the plains, only to be slain by his own men.
We utilized the captured Gaochen tribe to build a grand garden in the Deer Garden, connecting to Taiyin in the south, near the Great Wall in the north, surrounding Baideng in the east, and bordering the Western Mountains to the west, covering an area of dozens of miles. We also dug channels to bring in water from Wuchuan to irrigate the garden and constructed three ditches to direct water to the palace inside and outside. We also excavated a Hongyan Pool, which is truly impressive! In March of the Jiwai year, the Emperor wrapped up the northern campaign and returned to court smoothly. On the day of Jiazi, the Emperor officially ordered the appointment of scholars for the "Five Classics" and various other books, and increased the enrollment of the Guozijia Academy by three thousand students. This month, the Di tribe, led by Li Bian, revolted against Murong De and sought help from the Shangs of Ye City. He Jin's cavalry rushed to their aid, took Huatai, and seized the riches from Murong De's palace and treasury; he also defeated Murong De's King of Guilin and over a thousand of his officials and soldiers. On the day of Bingzi, the Emperor sent General Jianyi Yu Zhen and Cavalry Officer Xi Jin to attack the Shidi chief Ye Yigan and the Youlian chief Dou Yuni, defeating them by the Taihun River. The son of Shidi Qinzhi, Ta Yigan, led his tribe to pledge allegiance to the court. Yu Zhen and his men pressed on, taking down the Houmochen tribe, seizing over a hundred thousand horses, cattle, and sheep, and pursuing the fleeing enemy all the way to Dagu Valley. The governor of Zhongshan, Qiu Ru, fled to Zhao County to hide, promoting the bandit leader Zhao Zhun as the boss, claiming the titles of Imperial Envoy, General of the Western Expedition, Governor of Jiqing Provinces, and Duke of Julu, while Qiu Ru acted as Zhao Zhun's chief clerk. They formed factions and incited rebellion everywhere. The Emperor commanded General Zhangsun Fei to suppress the rebellion, and they were quickly dealt with. In the summer of April, the former governor of Qinghe, Fu Shi, gathered over a thousand households to rebel, claiming the title of General of Pacification. On the Guihai day in May, General Yu Yue, the Conqueror of Enemies, put them down again.
In July, the emperor managed state affairs in the Taiji Hall (Tianhua Hall). On Xinyou day, a large-scale military parade was held in the Deer Park, with varying rewards given out. Over ten thousand refugees from Chen County and Henan were settled, and officials were dispatched to offer them assistance. Yao Xing laid siege to Luoyang with troops, and Sima Dezhong sent Xin Gongjing for help.
In August, the emperor appointed Grand Marshal Mu Chong to command six thousand cavalry in a rescue mission to Luoyang. At the same time, twelve city gates in the capital city were opened, the western armory was constructed, and half of the taxes were reduced for ordinary citizens in the provinces. On Xinhai day, the emperor ordered the ceremonial officials to formulate various rites. He instructed that these be incorporated into new laws. Lu Pu from Fanyang gathered people and horses by the seaside, claiming to be an envoy with a mandate, the General of the Northern Expedition, and the Governor of Youzhou, attacking and raiding various counties, and even killing the Governor of Youzhou, Feng Tagan. Li Lang, the Liaoxi governor appointed by Murong Sheng, led the entire prefecture to submit. The Hu chieftain Huno, the Dingling chieftain Zhai Tong, and the Shu chieftain Han Long successively pledged allegiance to the court.
In October, the Grand Ancestral Temple was completed, and the ancestral tablets of the four emperors, Yuan, Pingwen, Zhaocheng, and Xianming, were moved into the Grand Ancestral Temple. On Jiawu day in December, Gao Hu, the General of Pacifying the North and the Governor of Yan County under Murong Sheng, led three thousand families to pledge allegiance to the court. On Xinhai day, the emperor ordered the logistical officials and generals to launch an attack against Lu Pu. The Tianhua Hall was finally finished. In this year, Lü Guang established his son Lü Shao as the Heavenly Sovereign, while he took on the title of Taishang Huang himself. After Lü Guang's death, his illegitimate son Lü Zuan killed Lü Shao and seized the throne. Tuoba Wugu passed away, and his brother Tuoba Lugu succeeded him, sending envoys to offer tribute.
On the Wuyin day of the first month in the third year, He Tu defeated Lu Pu in western Liao and captured Lu Pu and his son Lu Huan alive, and brought them back to the capital for execution. On the day of Guihai, the emperor conducted a sacrificial ceremony in the northern outskirts. The emperor also dispatched officials to inspect various states and counties, to learn about local customs and practices, and to investigate and punish illegal activities. He also rewarded his officials with different amounts of silk and fabric. On the day of Dinghai in the second month, the emperor ordered the appropriate departments to perform a solar sacrifice in the eastern outskirts. The emperor personally plowed the fields to show his commitment to hard work. On the day of Renyin, Prince Cong died. On the day of Wuyin in the third month, the emperor appointed the Murong clan as empress. This month, the southern canal was excavated to link the city, and two fish ponds were built to the east and west.
In April, Yao Xing sent envoys to pay tribute. On the day of Wuchen in May, the emperor sent envoy Zhang Ji to Yao Xing. On the day of Jisi, the emperor embarked on an eastern tour, reaching Zhuolu, and sent envoys to offer a grand sacrifice at the temples of Emperor Yao and Emperor Shun. Afterwards, he traveled west to Mayi to take in the scenery of Liyuan.
On the day of Renzi in the seventh month of autumn, the emperor's entourage returned to the palace. He then began constructing Zhongtian Hall, Yunmu Hall, and Jinhua Chamber.
In November, Li Qian, the leader of the Gao Che tribe, brought over nine hundred tribes to submit to the court.
On the day of December in the year of Yǐwèi, the emperor issued a decree saying: "People often say that Liu Bang, the founder of the Han Dynasty, came from a commoner background yet was able to achieve the empire; this perspective misses the deeper reasons behind it. Liu Bang inherited the imperial legacy of Yao and Shun, continuing the unparalleled virtues, with signs resembling a serpent and a dragon, receiving auspicious omens, the five stars aligning, and harmony between heaven and humanity. This clearly indicates a revolutionary leader, chosen by the Mandate of Heaven, not something that can be attained through mere wishful thinking. However, arrogant and cunning individuals repeatedly fail because they are misled by the notion of seizing the world, losing their understanding of the Mandate of Heaven. Thus, they follow in the footsteps of the fallen, walking the path of rebellion, leading to dire consequences that could topple states and regions, or at best, ruin their localities, ultimately resulting in death and disgrace, bringing ruin to their entire families, following traitorous officials and bandits, and not repenting even after death. Isn't this tragic? The significance of the 'Spring and Autumn Annals' lies in the beauty of great unity. Wu and Chu, who usurped the title of emperor, ultimately faced execution, and gentlemen look down upon their false titles, regarding them as nothing more than dust. If one does not inherit the virtues of the sage kings, achieve harmony between heaven and humanity, and build upon the emperor's legacy, how could such achievements be easily gained? Throughout history, those who unjustly seek positions beyond their means ultimately lose their means of preserving their family fortunes and suffer the punishment of being sawed in half. Those who have a country and a family, if they can explore the principles of rise and fall, recognize the inviolability of the Mandate of Heaven, observe omens and the subtle indications of heavenly will, eliminate evil words of power struggles, cut off the usurpation and folly of power-hungry individuals, and contemplate the benefits of contentment with the status quo, then they are on the verge of wisdom. In this way, they can safeguard their wealth and honor throughout their lives, passing on their good fortune to future generations. Thus, chaos will not occur without reason, and wars will not break out without cause. Future descendants, take this as a warning: shouldn't you be cautious?" At that time, the Grand Historian frequently reported unusual celestial phenomena, and the emperor personally examined the scriptures for divination, most of which foreshadowed a change of dynasty. Therefore, the emperor frequently changed official titles, partly to guard against treachery and partly to avert disasters.
Later, the emperor was worried that the ministers might have doubts and secretly slander him, so on the day of Bing Shen, he issued an edict stating: "In ancient times, governance prioritized morality over titles. There were official positions without noble titles, which made governance simpler and political affairs more orderly, thus evil schemes did not occur, and treacherous actions did not emerge. At the end of the Zhou Dynasty, subordinates overstepped their superiors, establishing their status through titles and obtaining salaries through official positions. The noble officials passed down their positions, while the lords only cared about their own affairs, resulting in a decline of public virtue and conflicts over family property, causing chaos and the outbreak of war. The defects of the Qin and Han Dynasties lay in abandoning morality and valuing extravagance, mixing talent with virtue, confusing the wise with the foolish, leading to disorder among officials and appointing the wrong people. Consequently, the principles of loyalty and righteousness waned, the integrity of honesty and shame was disregarded, the spirit of humility faded away, and the concepts of praise and blame prevailed, all due to an excessive emphasis on titles leading to disaster. In ancient times, the establishment of the Three Dukes carried great responsibilities; hence the term 'guilty prime minister' was used to denote a serious responsibility rather than a false favor. Nowadays, secular people regard the position of assisting the emperor as a symbol of wealth and honor, all vying for it. This position, held in the emperor's hands, appears significant when used and trivial when not. Thus, official titles lack fixed designations, while responsibilities have clear divisions, which are what truly deserve attention; so why fixate on empty titles? Although Jie and Zhou claimed kingship from the south and held high status, they could be overthrown; the son of King Wen of Zhou, Ji Dan, although of low status, could still command respect. An official position can showcase talent, and a humble position can also set an example. If one bases themselves on morality, they surpass those from wealthy families. Therefore, those who can assess themselves will ultimately achieve both fame and fortune; those who only care about immediate benefits will eventually face disgrace and ruin. Interests and reputations, the blemishes of praise and blame, compete with each other; morality and virtue are treasures of the heart. Thus, morality is the foundation of governing a country, while titles are merely the details. Titles cannot be established without morality, or they cannot endure; nobility must adapt to the needs of the times, or it cannot function. If not properly regulated, it can lead to serious issues. Only a sage can navigate change without compromising principles! Future generations should seriously contemplate the reasons for success and failure, investigate the causes of governance and chaos, learn from the failures of the Yin and Zhou Dynasties, and reform the defects of the Qin and Han Dynasties to move towards a prosperous and peaceful era." That year, Qifu Qiangui was defeated by Yao Xing, and Li Mao took it upon himself to appoint himself as the governor of Liangzhou and Duke of Liang.
In the spring of the year 4 AD, the chief of the Gao Che tribe surrendered to the imperial court with over three thousand households. On Dinghai Day in February, the emperor ordered musicians to enter the palace to learn dance and held a sacrificial ceremony at the altars of the ancient sages. On Dingyou Day, the emperor sent envoys to inspect the various provinces and counties, investigate and adjudicate legal cases, and rectify and punish unlawful acts. In March, the emperor personally went fishing and offered the fish he caught as a sacrifice at the ancestral temple.
On Xinmao Day in April, the emperor ordered the abolition of the temporary administrative office in Ye City. At the same time, the emperor ordered relevant departments to actively promote the reclusive scholars who shunned official positions. In May, the emperor ordered the construction of the Purple Extreme Hall, Xuanwu Tower, Cool Breeze Pavilion, Stone Pool, and Deer Garden Terrace.
By the autumn of July, the emperor commanded General Zhenyuan and Changsun Fei, the Inspector of Yanzhou, to lead twenty thousand infantry and cavalry south to conquer the cities of Xuchang and Pengcheng. Meanwhile, the emperor also ordered that silk rewards be distributed to soldiers stationed throughout the country, with varying amounts. In December during the winter on Xinhai Day, the emperor ordered General Zengxi, King of Changshan, Zun, to launch an attack against Mu Yiyu, the leader of the Duolan tribe, while General Caiguan and Tuze commanded six thousand cavalry to raid the Chufu and Suguyan tribes. Afterwards, the emperor summoned scholars and Confucians to organize and categorize the texts of various classics, resulting in a total of over forty thousand characters of text, which was named the "Zhongwenjing." In that year, Murong Sheng died, and his brother Murong Xi seized the throne and proclaimed himself emperor; Lü Guang's son Lü Long also murdered Lü Guang to claim the kingship; the leader of the Lushui Hu, Juqu Mengxun, self-appointed as the governor of Liangzhou and Duke of Zhangye. Juqu Mengxun and Li Ao both sent envoys to offer tribute.
In the fifth year of the era, on the Dingchou day of the first month, Murong Xi sent troops to invade the western part of Liaodong. Our army, led by General Huwei and Su Dagang, among others, faced difficulties in resisting and retreated from Lingshi City. When the Emperor heard that Yao Xing was about to invade the border, on the Gengyin day, he urgently mobilized supplies and labor, ordering the various military forces in Bingzhou to stockpile food in Ganbi, Pingyang. On the Wuzi day, General Cai and Tu launched another attack on the Chufu and Suguyan tribes, capturing over three thousand horses and more than seventy thousand cattle and sheep. On the Xinmao day, Zulun, the leader of the Ruru tribe, sent troops to rescue Suguyan and others. Tu engaged them at Shannan Hequ and defeated them, capturing more than two thousand war horses. Afterwards, the army returned to the capital, where the Emperor rewarded the soldiers in various ways.
In a certain year, on the Guichou day of February, the Grand General of the West, King Changshan, along with his men, arrived in Gaoping, Anding Prefecture. Mu Yi and a few thousand cavalry fled the country with Wei Chen and Qu Gai. We chased them to Wating in Longxi but were unable to catch up, so we returned. Nonetheless, we captured their supplies, warehouses, and valuables, including over forty thousand horses, three thousand camels, yaks, and more than ninety thousand cattle and sheep. These spoils of war were shared among the soldiers. Then, we relocated Mu Yi and his people to the capital. A monk named Zhang Qiao claimed to be the "Supreme King" and colluded with the Dingling and Xianyu Cibao, gathering followers in Xing Tang, Changshan Prefecture. In the fourth month of summer, Governor Lou Fuliand wiped them out.
In May, Yao Xing sent his brother, General Anbei Yiyang Ping, with forty thousand troops to invade. The Ganbi city in Pingyang was breached. In June, we reorganized our forces in the eastern suburbs, dividing them into several units. The Emperor issued a decree for Generals Zhenxi, King Piling, Changsun Fei, and others to lead sixty thousand cavalry as the vanguard.
In the seventh month of autumn, on Wu Chen day, the emperor personally led his troops to the west to confront Yao Xing. In the eighth month, Yi Si day, the army arrived at Chaibi. Ping Gu held the defense at Chaibi while we advanced to encircle it. Yao Xing sent all his troops to rescue it. On Jia Zi day, the emperor crossed Meng Keng and launched an offensive, defeating Yao Xing's army.
By October, Ping Gu was killed in battle, and we captured over thirty thousand of their remaining soldiers. This event is documented in the "Xing Zhuan." We also captured Yao Xing's general of the expedition, the right chancellor, Di Bozhi, the cavalry captain Tang Xiaofang, the crossbow general Yao Liangguo, the loyal general Lei Xing, and Kang Guan, as well as the northern general Kang Wei, and more than forty others ranked above fourth-grade, including Ping Gu's cousin Bo Qin. We also captured the previously escaped officials Wang Ciduo and Jin Qin, and executed them publicly as a warning. Yao Xing repeatedly sent envoys requesting peace talks, but the emperor declined each request. The ministers advised the emperor to take advantage of the victory to attack Pusan, but the emperor was worried that the Ruanruan might seize the opportunity to create chaos, so on Wu Shen day, we returned to the capital. In November, the emperor arrived in Jinyang. The emperor appointed Yu Yue, the governor of Xiangzhou, as the Minister of Works. The emperor also sent General Mo Ti to Hu Guan to crack down on the bandits Qin Po and Ding Ling Zhaidu in the Shangdang region. On Ding Chou day, the governor of Shangdang captured Qin Po and executed him, while Zhaidu fled to Linlu. On Xin Hai day in December, the western expeditionary forces returned in triumph.
That year, the Ruanruan's Du Lun invaded the border regions, and the emperor ordered Wang Zun, the King of Changshan, to pursue them, but he failed to catch up and returned. Yue Qin Mo Fu led over ten thousand households to pledge allegiance to the court, settling in the north of Wuyuan. That year, the chieftain Tu Fa Lu Gu fell ill and died, and his brother Nuo Tan succeeded him, sending envoys to pay tribute.
In a certain year of the Common Era (specific year not mentioned in the text), on the first day of the first lunar month in spring, the general of the Shuofang Yuchi faction led more than ten thousand households to submit to the court and move to Yunzhong. In the summer of May, the court mobilized a large number of troops and transportation tools to prepare for pacifying the Jianghuai region and resolving the rebellions in Jingzhou and Yangzhou. Following that, in the autumn of July, the General of the West, Colonel of the Capital, and Prince of Piling, Shun, was implicated in a crime and was dismissed and returned home. On the Wuzi day, the emperor went on a northern tour, built a palace on Chai Mountain, and organized hunting activities for the soldiers, traveling northeast across the Jiling Mountains to reach the Canhe and Daigu regions. In September, the emperor made a visit to Nanping City and planned to construct a new city south of the Le River, bordered by Xiaowu Mountain to the north and Cucumber Heap to the south. On the day of Xinwei, the emperor returned to the palace. In the winter of October, construction of the Xizhaoyang Palace began. On the day of Yimao, the emperor appointed his son as the Qi Prince and bestowed upon him the titles of Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry and Prime Minister; appointed another son as the Prince of Qinghe and granted him the title of Grand General of Conquering the South; appointed another son as the Prince of Yangping; and appointed another son as the Prince of Henan. At the same time, the emperor posthumously granted the title of Prince of Yuzhang to the son of the late King Qin Min, and appointed the son of the King of Chenliu, General Yue, as the King of Zhuti. On the day of Dingsi, the emperor commanded General Yiwei to lead twenty thousand cavalry north to attack Gaoche. Sima Dezong dispatched envoys to offer tribute. On the day of Gengwu in the eleventh month, Yiwei achieved a great victory over Gaoche. That year, the island barbarians led by Huan Xuan deposed their ruler Sima Dezong and declared him emperor, taking the title of Grand Chu. In the first year of the Tianci era, in the first month of spring, the court dispatched Lishi Guard Liu Tuo to command three thousand cavalry in an attack on Puzi. On the day of Bingyin in March, General Yao Xingning, the Northern General, and Heng Tan, the Prefect of Taiping, were captured, and over three thousand others were taken prisoner. The court also decreed that counties with fewer than one hundred households would lose their administrative status.
In April, during the summer, Gongsun Biao, the Minister of State, was ordered by the court to go on a diplomatic mission to Jiangnan to observe Huan Xuan's movements. Just as Huan Xuan faced defeat in battle, Gongsun Biao returned. Yue, the brother of the rebel leader She Lun, conspired with Da Na and others to assassinate She Lun and install Da Na as the leader. When the plot was uncovered, Yue fled to the court for refuge. In May, the court set up a smelting facility in Shandong, conscripting criminals and refugees from the provinces to manufacture weapons. In autumn, in September, the emperor personally visited Zhaoyang Hall, arranged the positions of officials, gathered civil and military officials, and appointed them according to their abilities; at the same time, he established four ranks of nobility: king, duke, marquis, and viscount, abolishing the titles of earl and baron; he posthumously honored former ministers and conferred upon them corresponding titles. That autumn, Jiangnan was in chaos, with a large number of refugees leaving their homes and fleeing to Huaibei, aiding one another along the journey.
On the Xinsi day in October of a certain year, the emperor granted a general amnesty and changed the era name. Then, the construction of the Western Palace began. In November, the emperor moved into the Western Palace and summoned the court officials to hold a meeting, urging them to expose cliques and recommend talented individuals. As a result, many officials' descendants received titles due to unemployment, totaling over two thousand! By the day of Wuchens in December, the emperor visited Chashan Palace again. That year, a man named Liu Yu, an islander, rebelled and killed Huan Xuan.
In February of the following year, on the day of Guihai, the emperor returned to the palace at last. In April, the emperor went to the western suburbs to offer sacrifices, and all the banners on the carriages were changed to black, though the reason remained unclear. That year, Sima Dezong ascended the throne once more; Murong De died, and his nephew, Murong Chao, ascended to the throne.
On the Jia Shen day of the first month in the third year, the emperor went on a northern tour, hunting at Shanshan Palace and also visited Wugushan. On the Yi Hai day in the second month, the emperor went to Daiyuanshan and built a Five Stones Pavilion. On the Geng Zi day in the third month, the emperor returned to the palace. On the Geng Shen day in the fourth month, the emperor went to Shanshan Palace once more. The emperor also had the scholar Wang Yidi paint a picture titled "The Art of War: Diagram of Solitary Victory," which featured a total of three hundred sixty illustrations! Afterwards, the emperor went to Dingxiang Jiao Shishan and Macheng, returning to the palace on the Jia Wu day. This month, the Ruo Ruo tribe invaded the border, and the emperor summoned the army at midnight; by dawn, the enemy had fled, and the army withdrew. In June, the emperor ordered the young men within a radius of five hundred li from the eight departments to build Lan Nan Palace, with gates and city walls standing over ten zhang high! Ditches were also dug, ponds constructed, parks expanded, and plans made for building an outer city with a circumference of twenty li, as well as markets and streets. The construction took thirty days to complete.
In July, Grand Marshal Mu Chong died. On the Jia Chen day in August, the emperor went to Shanshan Palace once more and then to Qingniu Mountain. On the Bing Chen day, the emperor went to Wuyao Beiyuan, visited the Springs of Ninety-Nine, built a stone pavilion, and finally went to Shimo. On the Jia Xu day in September, the emperor went to the salt ponds located in the southern desert. On the Ren Wu day, the emperor arrived at the desert, saw the Tian Salt Pond, crossed the desert, and reached the northern Tu Salt Pond. On the Gui Si day, the emperor headed south to Changchuan. On the Bing Shen day, the emperor went to Changbo. On the Geng Shen day in October, the emperor returned to the palace.
In the second month of the fourth year, the emperor conferred the title of King of Hejian to his son Ling, King of Changle to Chu Wen, King of Guangping to Lian, and King of Jingzhao to Li. In May, the emperor went on a northern tour. While passing east of Canhebei and through Panyang Mountain, a heavy rain caused floods that swept away hundreds of supply carts and resulted in the deaths of over a hundred people. The emperor then circumnavigated Shimo, arrived at Changchuan, and went to Ruyuan. King Zun of Changshan was found guilty of a crime and was sentenced to death.
In the autumn of a certain year, the emperor journeyed west from Ruyuan to visit the Changhe Palace. The construction of the Beigong walls was halted after three months, and then he returned to the imperial palace. In August, he went to the Chashan Palace. That month, he also had Sikong Yuyue killed. In November, the emperor finally returned to the imperial palace. In that year, Murong Bao's adopted son Gao Yun killed Xi and declared himself emperor, while Helian Qugai also proclaimed himself the Great Chanyu and the Great Xia Emperor, causing chaos in the world.
In the second year, in the spring of the first month, the emperor went to the Chashan Palace again, and then visited the Changhe Palace, where he watched people fishing along the Yanshui River, and finally arrived in Ningchuan. In March, Yao Xing sent people to pay tribute. In that year, the emperor's grandson Taor was born, which was seen as a joyous occasion.
In the sixth year of summer, the emperor's health was failing. In fact, the emperor had previously been taking cold medicine. Since the imperial physician Ling Yin died, the side effects of the medicine had often flared up, and now it had become more serious. Coupled with continuous natural disasters, the emperor was increasingly anxious and restless, often not eating for several days or unable to sleep all night. He began to push blame onto others, became erratic in his emotions, felt that the officials and people around him were untrustworthy, and constantly worried that danger would occur around him like astronomical omens. He spent his days reminiscing about past events, successes and failures, talking to himself endlessly as if there were ghosts speaking to him. When ministers went to see him, if he remembered any past mistakes, they would immediately be killed. Other ministers, if their facial expressions changed slightly, or if their breathing was not smooth, or if their walking posture was incorrect, or if they spoke slightly hesitantly, the emperor would suspect they harbored malicious intentions, and then he would physically assault them, resulting in their bodies piling up in front of the Hall of Heavenly Peace. Therefore, everyone in the court and the country was in fear, with anxiety weighing heavily on their hearts. The various departments' work grew lax, with no one overseeing them; craftsmen cut corners and thieves roamed freely, leading to increasingly deserted streets. The emperor was aware of these issues and declared, "It's all because of my indulgence. After the disaster year passes, we will reorganize properly!"
In July, during autumn, over a hundred families from the Murong clan conspired to escape. As a result, their plot was uncovered, and they were all executed, resulting in over three hundred deaths. In August, Wei Wangyi attempted to rebel and was executed as well.
On the day of Wuchen in October, the emperor died in the Hall of Heavenly Peace at the age of thirty-nine. On Jiayin day in the second year of Yongxing, he was posthumously titled Emperor Xuanwu, and buried in Shengle Jinling, with the temple name Taizu. In the fifth year of Taichang, his posthumous title was changed to Emperor Daowu.
Historical records state that with the fall of the Jin Dynasty, chaos engulfed the land, and the Rongdi seized the opportunity to create turmoil. Various counterfeit and inferior factions emerged like hungry wolves, vying for territory. Emperor Taizu emerged from this turbulent and crisis-ridden environment, at times enduring, at times rising to action, leading the surviving populace. With his courage and wisdom, he ultimately quelled the chaos and unified the Central Plains, gaining the support of the people and heaven, ascending to the throne of the emperor. Though he was constantly occupied with state affairs, traveling far and wide, his governance and achievements are still celebrated today. He was indeed an extraordinary figure, benefiting the people and engaging them in the nation's development, a talent unmatched in history! However, he ultimately faced misfortune, as the calamity was beyond his foresight, demonstrating that human strength can be limited; perhaps this is fate! Oh, how tragic!
