Once upon a time, Emperor Xiaowen had seven sons, each a dragon among men. The disgraced Crown Prince Xun was born to Empress Lin; Emperor Xuanwu and Prince Huaiguang were born to Empress Wenzhao; Prince Yu of Jingzhao was born to Lady Yuan; Prince Yi of Qinghe and Prince Yue of Runan were born to Lady Luo; there was also a son named Tiao, born to Zheng Chonghua, but sadly he died before he could be bestowed the title of prince.
Let’s first discuss the disgraced Crown Prince Xun, whose courtesy name was Yuandao. His mother passed away shortly after his birth, but thankfully, Empress Wenming raised him and kept him close. In the 17th year of Taihe, Emperor Xiaowen named Xun as Crown Prince. When he reached adulthood and was to hold the coming-of-age ceremony, Emperor Gaozu personally received him in the Guangji East Hall of the palace and offered him guidance, saying: "The coming-of-age ceremony is a tradition of hundreds of years, designed to cultivate proper appearance, harmonious demeanor, and gentle speech. Only with proper appearance, harmonious demeanor, and gentle speech can one foster good relationships between ruler and ministers, father and son, and elders and juniors. Remember, when you see your mother, bow in respect; when you treat your brothers, show utmost respect. You must hold yourself to the standards of an adult. Your courtesy name is 'Yuandao'; it was not chosen lightly. Ponder the meaning of this name and strive to achieve what I have said." Later, his courtesy name was changed to "Xuandao."
After the emperor moved the capital to Luoyang, he ordered Xun to go to Dai Commandery (now around Datong, Shanxi). From the departure to accommodation, all the rituals and rules were personally established by Emperor Gaozu. Before Xun set off, he took leave of the emperor, who replied, "Actually, you don't need to go to Dai Commandery. It's just that the Grand Tutor—your maternal grandfather—passed away in Hengzhou, and as the emperor, it is inappropriate for me to hastily attend the funeral. Therefore, I want you to go pay respects to your grandfather and also visit your mother's grave, to show your filial piety. Once you are there, after the Grand Tutor's funeral is over, go to pay respects at the royal tomb. After that, visit your clan ancestor, King Nan'an, and extend your greetings. On the way, read more books to increase your knowledge." From then on, every year when the emperor went on a tour, Xun would stay behind in the capital, responsible for the sacrificial activities.
This guy Yang Xun, who wasn't studying properly, was both hefty and strong, and especially dreading the hot summers in Luoyang, always thinking about running off to the north for fun. An official close to Gaozu, Gao Daoyue, tried several times to reason with him, but Yang Xun was quite annoyed. Later, when Gaozu went to Mount Song for a visit, Yang Xun stayed in Luoyang to guard the city and plotted with his men inside the West Yi Gate, planning to mobilize light cavalry to head to Daizhou and assassinate Gao Daoyue in the palace. Fortunately, at that time, Commander Yuan Yan had the city gates tightly secured, preventing the situation from escalating. The next day, Minister Lu Xiu quickly reported this to Gaozu, who was horrified to hear it. He pretended everything was fine but he still rushed back from Bianzhou.
Gaozu enumerated all of Yang Xun's offenses, and then personally, along with Prince Xianyi and others, gave Yang Xun a severe beating. He had them take turns pummeling him, hitting him over a hundred times, before dragging him out, leaving him unable to get up for several days. Then he was locked in a small courtyard west of the city. Gaozu called the ministers to Qinghui Hall to discuss stripping him of his crown prince title. Sikong Muliang, Crown Prince Tutor Muliang, and Minister of Works Li Chong all knelt down to plead for his life. Gaozu said, "Your pleas are for personal reasons, but I am considering the greater good of the country. As the ancients wisely said, 'the greater good must outweigh personal ties.' This brat Yang Xun dared to defy his father's orders and proclaim himself king. How can a country exist without a father? His intentions were downright treacherous! If we don’t deal with this brat today, the country could face chaos down the line. If I die, it may even repeat the tragedy of the Yongjia Rebellion!" Therefore, Gaozu stripped Yang Xun of his crown prince status, exiled him to Heyang, stationed soldiers to guard him, and provided him with enough food and clothing to prevent him from starving or freezing to death.
After his exile, Yang Xun had second thoughts and started reading Buddhist scriptures and practicing Buddhism. Gaozu went to Daizhou, and then to Chang'an. Captain Li Biao secretly penned a letter to Gaozu, saying that Yang Xun was conspiring with his subordinates to rebel. While in Chang'an, Gaozu sent Xing Luan, Deputy Director of the Imperial Secretariat, and Prince Xianyi to Heyang with food and wine, and ordered Yang Xun's execution, who was just fifteen at the time. He was hurriedly buried in a rough wooden coffin in Heyang City. One winter, Ling Wen, a clerk at the Imperial Censorate, committed an offense and was sentenced to death. He reported to the Court of Judicial Review that before Yang Xun was arrested, he had written a confession, but Captain Li Biao and Assistant Imperial Censor Jia Shangqin had concealed it. Jia Shangqin was imprisoned by the Court of Judicial Review. Li Biao had been dismissed and returned home at the time, while Gaozu was in Ye City. The Ministry of Personnel requested the arrest of Li Biao to bring him back to Luoyang, but it coincided with a general amnesty, so the issue was dropped. After Jia Shangqin was released from prison, he died of a sudden illness.
Initially, Gaozu planned to have his son Xun marry the eldest daughter of Situ Fengdan, but because the daughter was still young, he decided to wait. Xun was first given in marriage to the daughters of Liu Changwen from Pengcheng and Zheng Yi from Yingyang as attendants when he was just thirteen or fourteen. Once, Gaozu was boating in Tianyuanchi with Guo Zuo, Cui Guang, and Song Bian, and said, "In life, you’ve got to enjoy yourself and not just study all day. I want Xun to come out in the morning to study the classics and history, return to the palace after lunch, come out again in the afternoon, and finish work in the evening. What do you all think?" Cui Guang replied, "Confucius said 'when the blood is not yet settled, beware of lust,' and the Zuo Zhuan says 'in the day inquire about affairs, in the night rest the body.' The Crown Prince is still young, and he shouldn’t be studying during the hottest part of the day. Stopping his studies and heading back to the palace isn’t a good way to take care of his fragile health and extend his life." Gaozu agreed with Cui Guang and did not let Xun return to the palace during the day. Xun later did not have any sons.
King Yuxi of Jingzhao, known by his style name Xuande, was granted the title of king in the twenty-first year of Taihe. He was appointed as the commander and governor of Xuzhou, and appointed Lu Yangwu, the chief of staff for the King of Pengcheng's army, to handle state affairs. When Shizong just ascended to the throne, Yuxi was appointed as the General of the Guard. Shizong was very fond of his brothers, and Yuxi and his brothers often entered and left the court, accompanying Shizong day and night, like a family. Shizong would practice archery in Huayin Garden every day, dressed casually and riding horses, and his brothers would come and go with complete freedom. Later, Yuxi was promoted to the Director of the Palace Library.
Emperor Shizong wanted Empress Shun's younger sister as a concubine, but he didn't pay her much attention. While in Xuzhou, he took a concubine named Li, originally surnamed Yang, a native of Dongjun. One night, he heard her singing and took a liking to her and favored her. After returning from Xuzhou to the capital, he wanted to elevate Li's status, so he entrusted her to General Zhao Jun Li Shixian as her adoptive father and formally married her following the proper customs. Li gave birth to a son named Baoyue. Empress Shun summoned Li into the palace, gave her a harsh scolding, and forced her to become a nun, handing the child over to the concubine for upbringing. More than a year later, Empress Shun's father, Yu Jing, since the empress had not borne any children, petitioned Emperor Shizong to favor Consort Guang. Thus, Emperor Shizong returned Li to Yu, and Yu's love for Li deepened.
I enjoy writing and have written quite a few poems and essays. I often invite talented friends such as Song Shijing, Li Shenjun, Zu Ying, Xing Yan, Wang Zunya, and Zhang Shijun to get together for food and drinks to celebrate. I also invited dozens of Confucian scholars from across the regions, including Yan Huaizhen, and treated them with hospitality. Most of the grain and cloth I received were distributed to others. I particularly believe in Buddhism and Taoism, so I often end up in financial trouble. My relationship with my brother, Prince Guangping, is not on great terms; we're always comparing ourselves to each other, chasing a lavish lifestyle, living it up, and ignoring the rules. Later, Emperor Shizong summoned me to the palace for questioning, gave me fifty hard lashes, and then demoted me to governor of Jizhou.
At first, I was determined to serve as an official in the court and serve the emperor, but later I realized that I was not as powerful as my two younger brothers, which made me feel wronged, and it was evident on my face. Moreover, my concubine frequently faced bullying, and things were not going well at home or outside. While I was in Jizhou, I plotted a rebellion, killing Chief Historian Yang Lingyin and General Li Zun, and falsely claimed to have received a secret letter from Prince Qinghe, alleging that Gao Zhao was plotting to assassinate the emperor. Then, I performed a sacrifice to heaven south of Xindu City, declared myself emperor, changed the era name to Jianping, established the Li family as the empress, and granted amnesty to the world. Emperor Shizong sent Minister Li Ping with troops to attack me. I went out of the city to face the battle, suffered a series of defeats, and in the end, could only shrink back into the city to defend it.
I knew the situation was lost, so I fled with Empress Li and my four sons, along with dozens of cavalry. The pursuers quickly caught up with us, captured me, and escorted me to the capital. The emperor issued an order to properly educate my family. Every time I stopped at a post station to rest, I held the Empress's hand tightly, conveying my emotions. Even when imprisoned, I ate and drank freely, not afraid in the slightest. When we reached Yewang, I said to those around me, "Although the emperor is merciful and cannot bear to kill me, what face do I have to meet him?" After saying this, I wept bitterly and then passed away; I was only twenty-one years old that year. Some also say that Gao Zhao sent someone to kill me. I was buried in haste, and my children were later pardoned. Later, Empress Dowager Ling ordered that my four sons be registered, and I was posthumously titled King of Lintao, with my son Baoyue inheriting the throne. Baoyue later reburied his parents and mourned for three years.
My younger brother Baoyu was frivolous, reckless, and indulged in wine and women. During the reign of Emperor Xiaozhuang, he was titled King of Nanyang. Later, he accompanied Emperor Chui to Guansi. Yu Wenheidang killed Emperor Chui, and Baoyu proclaimed himself emperor, asserting his kingship and dominance.
Prince Yì of Qinghe, also known as Xuānrén. He was intelligent and clever from a young age, and also good-looking. Emperor Gāozǔ had a particular fondness for him. Prince Xì of Péngchéng highly valued him, saying, "This child is elegant, noble, and deeply knowledgeable. If heaven blesses him with a long life, his future achievements will definitely not be inferior to the virtuous men praised in the Book of Songs." He was well-versed in history and various disciplines, highly capable in writing, skilled in debate, kind and benevolent, keeping his emotions well-hidden. In the twenty-first year of Tàihé, he was granted the title of prince. After Emperor Shìzōng ascended the throne, he was appointed as a court official, and later promoted to the position of Minister of Works.
Yì was highly capable, adept at handling political affairs, decisive in his actions, and excelled in various matters, earning a good reputation. Sīkōng Gāozhào, relying on being the Emperor's uncle, wielded great power and sought to eliminate loyal officials in the court, repeatedly framing Yì and others. Fed up with it, Yù eventually rebelled and attacked Jìzhou. Taking advantage of Yù's rebellion, Gāozhào framed and killed Prince Xì of Péngchéng. Yì feared that he would also not be able to escape trouble. Gāozhào also released prisoners without authorization to win people's favor and gain support. Once, while drinking with Emperor Shìzōng, after a few rounds of drinks, Yì said to Gāozhào, "There aren’t many brothers of the Emperor, yet their rivalries have never stopped. In the past, Wang Mang went bald, relying on the power of Wèiyáng, and eventually usurped the throne of the Han Dynasty. If you continue to be so arrogant, it could very well lead to great chaos in the end."
He said to Emperor Shizong again: "I heard that talent and reputation cannot be borrowed by others. Therefore, when the Ji family in Lu indulged in luxury and debauchery, Confucius criticized them severely; when Zhong Shu Duan in the State of Qi was arrogant and tyrannical, Zuo Qiuming took it as a grave lesson. We must recognize the distinction between heaven and earth and the roles of ruler and subject, prevent even the slightest overreach, and avoid being presumptuous. As for reducing penalties and releasing prisoners, this is a duty that only a sovereign can fulfill, yet it is now being handled by the Minister of Works. How can this be the role of a subject? Moreover, Your Majesty, by governing with diligence and resolving disputes, the country will be prosperous, the people will be safe, and the realm will be at peace. How can we let the authority of a wise ruler fall into the hands of treacherous officials? The root cause of the country's turmoil lies here!" Emperor Shizong smiled and said nothing.
When Emperor Suzong took the throne, Li Yi was promoted to Grand Commandant, and he also kept his position as an attendant. The emperor also tasked him with managing the affairs of the Secretariat and annotating the classics. At that time, there was a monk named Hui Lian who claimed he could chant spells to cure diseases by blessing water. Every day, thousands sought his treatment. Empress Dowager Ling even ordered that he be given special treatment, providing him with clothing and food, and allowed him to treat the people in the south of the city. Li Yi submitted a memorial advising against this, saying, "I have heard that the law imposes severe penalties on those who deceive the public, and the system of rituals strictly forbids demonic practices, all to uphold righteousness and prevent evildoers from causing chaos. In the late years of the Han Dynasty, there was a man named Zhang Jiao who also used such sorcery to deceive the people of that time. His actions mirrored exactly those of this monk today, inciting the people to rebel, causing the Yellow Turban Rebellion, and bringing suffering to the people for decades. All this was a result of Zhang Jiao! In the past, Xinyuan Ping was denied entry to the bright hall because of his deceit, and Wuli Jiao ultimately met a fatal end."
Empress Dowager Ling entrusted all political affairs to Li Yi because he was Emperor Suzong's virtuous uncle, known for his noble character and reputation. Li Yi devoted himself to assisting the emperor and took on the heavy responsibilities of the realm. At that time, the military general Yuan Cha was Empress Dowager Ling's brother-in-law and was arrogant because of his royal connections. Li Yi handled him according to the law, always suppressing him, which made Yuan Cha hold a grudge against him. Yuan Cha's accomplice, a court official named Song Weixi, falsely accused Li Yi of treason at Yuan Cha's behest and surrounded Li Yi's home. They questioned Li Yi's family and court ministers, who all came forward to testify on his behalf, allowing Li Yi to finally clear his name. Despite his loyalty and dedication to his duties, Li Yi faced slander, so he gathered honest officials and compiled a twenty-volume work called "Records of Loyalty" to express his thoughts.
In the first year of Zhengguang, in July, Yuan Cha and Liu Teng forced Emperor Suzong to the Xianyang Hall, confined Empress Dowager Ling to the inner palace, and imprisoned Li Yi in the Ministry of War. They fabricated charges against Li Yi and ultimately executed him at the age of thirty-four. The entire court was shocked and mourned deeply for his loss, whether they knew him personally or not. Even the foreigners in the capital, including those who had just returned, wept upon hearing of Li Yi's death, with hundreds of people wailing.
Prince Huaiping, along with other princes of the Wei kingdom, were summoned to Hualin Villa and were forbidden to leave, while the scholar Dong Zheng instructed them in the classics and history. They were permitted to return home only after the death of Emperor Shizong.
Prince Yuan Yue of Runan, who had a particular fondness for reading Buddhist scriptures and historical texts, was known for his eccentric personality and erratic behavior. His wife, Lady Lu, the daughter of the Duke of Donghai, gave birth to a son, but Yuan Yue ignored them completely. There was a man named Cui Yanxia, who practiced some unorthodox methods and associated with Yuan Yue, taking elixirs together. They often carelessly ventured out to gather herbs and stayed in the homes of poor people outside the city. As a result, Yuan Yue abstained from alcohol, meat, and rice, subsisting solely on wheat porridge. He also abstained from marital relations, instead developing an attraction to men, expressing disdain and contempt for his concubines and wives, even resorting to violence and treating them as if they were mere servants. Every time Yuan Yue went out, his wife would live in a separate household. Empress Dowager Ling, upon hearing of this, ordered an inquiry and summoned Yuan Yue's wife for interrogation. His wife was bedridden and injured as a result of the abuse. The Empress Dowager then issued a decree forbidding such conduct, stipulating that if a prince's consort fell ill for more than one hundred days, it must be reported to the court. Anyone who dared to abuse their spouse would lose their titles. Later, Prince Yuan Yi of Qinghe was killed by Yuan Cha, but Yuan Yue felt no animosity and instead sought to curry favor with Yuan Cha by offering fine wine, doing his best to flatter him. Yuan Cha was very pleased and appointed Yuan Yue as a court official and Grand Commandant. On his first day in his new position, Yuan Yue outrageously demanded valuable possessions from Yuan Yi's son, Yuan Yan, and kept nitpicking, unsatisfied. He then called Yuan Yan over and mercilessly lashed him a hundred times. Yuan Yan's father had not even been buried yet, and his body was weak, but Yuan Yue's brutal beating nearly cost him his life. However, Yuan Yue then referred to him as "son," personally comforting and caressing him. Yuan Yue also set up a massive millstone at the entrance of the provincial government building, decreeing that thieves caught would have their hands amputated. People at the time lived in fear of his unpredictability, thinking he was capable of bizarre acts, and thieves kept a low profile for a while.
When Erzhu Rong raised his troops to attack Luoyang, Yuanyue was still considering becoming a mediator. He soon heard that Erzhu Rong was carrying out a massacre in Heyin, so he quickly fled south to seek refuge with Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan proclaimed himself King of Wei and changed the era name to Xingnian. Xiao Yan sent General Wang Bian to escort Yuanyue to the border, hoping to use this opportunity to launch an invasion of Northern Wei. When Qi Xianwu King eliminated Erzhu Rong, he believed that Yuanyue, being the son of the founding emperor, should inherit the legacy, so he hinted at it. After Yuanyue arrived, he was still so erratic that he made mistakes almost immediately, unable to support him in any way, so he had no choice but to give up. During the early years of Emperor Xiaowu of Northern Wei, Yuanyue was appointed as Grand Marshal. He later passed away.
