Real Histories
Emperor Xiaowen, whose name was Yuan Hong, was the son of Emperor Xianwen, and his mother was Lady Li. On the eighth day of the eighth month in the first year of the Huangxing era, he was born in the Imperial Palace in Pingcheng. At that time, the palace was shining brightly, and the air was filled with a harmonious atmosphere; it was truly remarkable! Yuan Hong was born with fair skin and strikingly handsome features. He was intelligent and sensible from a young age, and as he grew older, he was known for his benevolence, righteousness, and filial piety. It was clear that he was fit to be an emperor, and his father, Emperor Xianwen, especially liked him. In the third year, during the summer of the sixth month, he was appointed as the Crown Prince.
In the fifth year, during the autumn of the eighth month, he ascended the throne at Taihua Hall and became emperor. He declared a general amnesty and changed the era name to Yanxing. On that day, Liu Yu even sent envoys to pay tribute. In the ninth month, he ordered that all officials and common people in the country could directly present their suggestions to him. Good suggestions that benefited the people and the governance of the country should be spoken out boldly, while bad suggestions that harmed the interests of the country and the people should also be voiced. In the same month, there was a man named Feng Bian in Gaoyang, Qingzhou, who claimed to be the Prince of Qi and incited over a thousand people to rebel, but they were eventually quashed by the local military forces. Some slaves from Goguryeo also surrendered, and the emperor granted them land and houses as rewards.
In the winter of the tenth month of the year Dinghai, the Chikole tribe in the Woye and Tongwan regions rebelled. Emperor sent Grand Commandant Wang Yuanhe of Longxi to suppress the rebellion, marching to Fohan and defeating the rebels, killing more than 30,000 and resettling the remaining rebels to Jizhou, Dingzhou, and Xiangzhou to serve in the military. In the tenth month of the year Gengyin, the Emperor appointed General Who Conquers the East, Prince Zhen of Nan'an, as Acting General, Commander of Military Affairs in Liangzhou and the Western Rong Tribes, leading the Protector of the Western Regions and the Three Excellencies to guard Liangzhou. During this time, a man named Cao Pingyuan from Shuofang also gathered a group of rebels, attacked Shilou Fortress, and killed a few military officers. Yuan Chongzu, under Liu Yu, led 20,000 soldiers from Yuzhou to attack Dongyanzhou and camped in Nancheng. After eleven days, Inspector Yu Luohou defeated them, and Yuan Chongzu fled back to Yuzhou. There was also a bandit named Sima Xiaojun who rebelled in Pingling, and the Qizhou Inspector, Prince Pingyuan of Wuchang, captured him. In the twelfth month of the year Yiyu, Emperor appointed Marshal Mu Liang as King of Zhaojun. On Renchen, the Emperor ordered the search for the descendants of Shun, finding Guigouzhi from Donglai Commandery, restoring his family's title for generations to come to honor Shun's great merit. He also restored the title of the Peacock. On the day Xinchou, King Mu Liang of Zhaojun was changed to King Changle. On the second day of the first month of the year 465 AD, the Hu people in Tongwan collectively rebelled and fled north. The Emperor ordered General Han Ba of Ningnan to lead troops to suppress the rebellion. At the same time, the leader of the tribes in Dayang, Huan Dan, submitted to the court, and the Emperor appointed him General Who Conquers the South and King of Xiangyang. The court granted amnesty to all criminals from the capital to the Hexi Corridor, south to Qinzhou and Jingzhou, west to Fuhang, and north to Liangzhou. The Emperor also sent Court Gentleman Xing You of the Cavalry as an envoy to Liu Yu.
On the second day of the second lunar month, the emperor issued an edict, saying: "Confucius, he was born extremely intelligent and was exceptionally wise, with a thorough understanding of principles. His thoughts shine brightly across the world. However, recently, the regions of the Huaihe River and Xuzhou have not completely submitted, and the temples of Confucius have also fallen into disrepair, which has led to the halt of sacrificial ceremonies, the disappearance of traditional rituals, and even the appearance of witches and evil spirits engaging in illegitimate sacrificial practices, killing and dancing. Those performers are also acting shamelessly. This is no way to honor the deities and uphold the sacred teachings! From now on, when making sacrifices at Confucius' temple, only wine and dried meat are allowed, women are not permitted to participate, and praying for unrealistic requests is strictly forbidden. Violators will be punished in accordance with the edict. As for the formal sacrificial activities of the court, they will continue as usual, with the sacrificial items being rich and clean, and the ceremonies being solemn. Local officials must strictly enforce the law, ensuring that the bans are truly effective." During this period, the Rouran tribe launched another invasion at the border. The emperor personally conducted a heavenly sacrifice in the northern suburbs and then ordered various generals to attack them. As a result, the Rouran forces retreated, and one of their generals, named Ada Gan, brought over a thousand households to surrender. The Eastern Xianbei tribe, after rebelling, sought refuge with the Rouran, and the emperor took command of the troops to pursue them, reaching Shiqi but ultimately returning empty-handed. On the twenty-seventh day of the second month, envoys from Goguryeo arrived to present tribute. In the third month, the emperor returned from his northern campaign. On the seventh day of the third month, the emperor appointed Wanan Guo, the Cavalry Commandant and Marshal, as the Grand Marshal and Grand General, granting him the title of Prince of Ancheng. On the ninth day of the third month, the emperor personally went to the fields to plow, symbolizing the significance of agriculture. Cao Pingyuan was captured by Shicheng County, escorted to the capital, and subsequently executed. Even the Chis and Xianbei tribes from Liangchuan plotted rebellion, and as a result, the court exiled them to the four provinces of Qingzhou, Xuzhou, Qizhou, and Yanzhou, becoming soldiers tasked with farming duties.
In April of the year 465, on Gengzi day, the emperor issued an edict ordering all businesspeople and acrobats to return to farming. The states and counties were told to urge the common people to plant more vegetables and fruits. After Gengzi day, on Xinhai day, Liu Yu sent envoys to pay tribute. On Guiyou day, the emperor issued another decree stating that monks were not allowed to leave the temples to wander around, and anyone going out must carry official documents. That month, Liu Yu died, and his son Liu Yu took the throne for himself and became emperor.
On Dingsi day in May, the emperor ordered that the military and guards were allowed to have seals and official documents, as well as horse seals. In June, the common people of Anzhou faced a hail disaster and requested tax relief and aid. On Bingshen day, the emperor issued a proclamation saying: “Recently, many tribute items selected by various states and counties do not reflect the actual situation. This has resulted in truly talented individuals being overlooked while mediocre ones are promoted. How can this be considered a selection of virtuous talents and the establishment of role models? This year's tribute selections are even more a mess. From now on, the selected personnel must be individuals of high moral character and outstanding abilities from each state and county.” On Runyue Renzi day, the Rouran tribe invaded Dunhuang, but the garrison commander Wei Duohou sent them packing. They then invaded Jinchang, where the defending general Xue Nu also repelled them. On Wuwu day, the emperor took a trip to the Yin Mountains.
In July, the common folk of Gwangju, led by Sun Yan and others, gathered more than a thousand people to revolt and colluded with Liu Yu. Governor Shusun Hui suppressed the uprising. On the day of Xin Chou, envoys from the Goryeo Kingdom came to pay tribute. On the day of Ren Yin, the emperor ordered each state, prefecture, and county to select two outstanding individuals who were distinguished and capable of addressing various inquiries to take part in military exercises in September, during which he would personally inquire about local customs and practices. On the day of Bing Chen in August, the Baekje Kingdom dispatched envoys to request military intervention against Goryeo. On the day of Xin You, envoys from the Didao Kingdom and the Kumohe Kingdom came to pay tribute, and envoys from the Changting Kingdom presented Shu horses. Fei of Hexi rebelled, but the commander of Bogulu Town defeated him. On the day of Xin Si in September, the emperor's entourage returned to the palace. On the day of Wu Shen, Wang Luhu, the commander of Tongwan Town and of Hejian, was executed for corruption and bribery. On the day of Ji You, the emperor ordered that the taxes from eleven provinces be allocated for the relief of disaster-stricken people and that granaries be opened for disaster relief. He also ordered that the displaced people return to their hometowns, with violators facing exile to the frontier.
In October, the Rouran once again invaded the borders, advancing to Wuyuan. In November, the retired emperor took personal command of the troops to confront them, preparing to cross the desert for a surprise attack. Upon hearing that a large army was coming, the Rouran people were frightened and fled north for over a thousand miles. Because the enemy fled too far to be caught, the troops were subsequently withdrawn. On the day of Ding Hai in the lunar calendar, the emperor bestowed the title of Prince of Guangchuan upon his uncle. On the day of Ren Chen, he sent envoys to various regions to assess conditions and inquire about the struggles of the common folk. The emperor attended court at Chongguang Palace once a month.
On the Gengxu day in December, the Emperor issued an edict that said: "The Book of Documents says: 'Examinations are to be held every three years, and after three examinations, promotions or demotions should be based on the results.' Recently, officials have been promoted too quickly, and officials have been replaced frequently in a short time. Local officials are not focused on serving the common people, only concerned with amassing wealth. The constant turnover of officials is not a good way to consolidate the hearts of the people and develop the country! From now on, local officials who are honest and selfless can remain in their positions for a long time, and if their achievements are outstanding, they can be promoted one rank. Those who are corrupt and exploit the people, even if they have just taken office for a short time, must be punished. These regulations should be written into law and followed forever." The edict also stated that the situation in Dai Commandery was similar to that in Fengpei Commandery, and the commoners who were sent to guard the border from Dai Commandery would be exempt from service.
On the Gengchen day in the third month, the Emperor sent the Assistant Gentleman of the Imperial Guard, Cui Yan, as an envoy to Liu Yu. On the Dinghai day, Chongguang Palace was renamed Ningguang Palace. On the Wuxu day, the retired Emperor returned from the northern campaign, hosted a victory banquet, and then went to the ancestral temple to offer sacrifices and restore the family status of those who lost their lives in battle. The Emperor also ordered that those who died for the country in the capital region should be honored by all counties and districts with their coffins and receive funeral expenses.
On the Wushen day in February, both Goryeo and Khitan sent envoys to pay tribute. On the Guichou day, the Emperor ordered local officials to lead the people diligently, without delaying the planting season. Neighbors should help each other, with the wealthy assisting the poor, and those with several cows can lend them to those without. If any area does not implement this order, no one in the family will be allowed to hold an official position. Local officials who fail to supervise and inspect will be removed from office.
On the Jiaxu day, the Emperor issued another decree stating that any county magistrate who could effectively deal with the bandits in their county would be allowed to oversee two counties and enjoy the salaries of both. Those who could manage two counties would be allowed to oversee three counties and be promoted to governor after three years. Officials of the second rank, who could manage two prefectures, would be allowed to oversee three prefectures and be promoted to inspector after three years. On Renwu day in March, the Emperor ordered that the grain stored in various warehouses be distributed as rewards to the impoverished people.
On the Wushen day in April, the Emperor ordered Lord Changsun Guan, the Minister of Works, along with others, to lead troops against the Shiyin of Tuyuhun. On the Renzi day, envoys from the Khitan state came to pay tribute. The Emperor also ordered the appointment of Kong Cheng, the 28th descendant of Confucius from the Lu region, as the Grand Minister of Chongsheng, and allocated him ten households specifically to maintain his residence.
On the Jiazi day in June, the Emperor issued an edict stating: "In the past few years, each county has summoned some common people to inquire about their evaluations of local officials, listening to both positive and negative feedback, intending to reward or punish based on the situation. However, very few received rewards, while many faced punishment. Such abuse of the law has led to the death of many, which is truly heart-wrenching. Now, I specially grant a pardon, announcing the absolution of all those reported by the common people from their crimes."
In July, the Emperor ordered that each household in the six prefectures of Henan was required to pay one bolt of silk, one pound of cotton, and thirty stone of grain. On the Yihai day, the Emperor went on an inspection of Yin Mountain. At this time, the Rouran forces invaded Dunhuang, and the garrison commander Le Luosheng defeated them, as detailed in the "Biography of the Rouran." Liu Yu of the Southern Song Dynasty sent troops to attack various states along the Huai River, and the Inspector of Xu Prefecture, Wei Yuan of Huaiyang, repelled them.
In August of the Jiyou year, Goryeo and Khitan countries sent envoys to pay tribute. On Gengshen, the emperor and the former emperor went on an inspection tour to Hexi. Shiyin of the Tuyuhun requested forgiveness and surrender, and the emperor agreed. In September of the Xinsi year, the emperor and the former emperor returned to the palace together. On Yihai, Liu Yu sent envoys to offer tribute. On Jihai, the emperor issued a decree stating: "From now on, for prisoners in the capital and all over the country whose crimes have not been judged, if they die in prison without any relatives, the government must provide them with clothing, bedding, coffins, and burial plots, and must not leave their bodies exposed." On Xinchou, the emperor ordered ten officials to conduct population inspections across various states and counties. If anyone still conceals information, the states, counties, villages, and household heads must be punished according to the law. The Khitan country sent envoys to pay tribute again.
In October, the emperor personally led troops to the south to fight. He ordered every ten people in each state and county to send one person to serve in the army, and each household to provide fifty stones of grain as army rations. Many, many other goods were sent as tribute by the capital. At this time, the Wudu King rebelled, attacking Chouchi. The emperor ordered Zhangsun Guan to return with troops to quell the rebellion.
On Wuyin in November, the emperor discovered that many officials across seven states in Henan were not adhering to the laws, which prevented the people from voicing their grievances. Therefore, he sent people to investigate and understand the situation, demoting those who warranted it and promoting those who deserved it. Orphans, widows, the destitute, and those unable to support themselves were exempt from their duties; those over eighty with at least one son at home were exempt from military service; those diligent in farming, filial to their parents, talented, and who contributed to the country with a good reputation in their villages were to have their names reported.
On Gui Si day, the Emperor embarked on a southern tour and arrived in Huaizhou. Wherever the Emperor went, he inquired about the hardships of the local people and rewarded the elderly, filial children, and hardworking farmers with cloth. On Geng Xu day in the twelfth month, the Emperor ordered the royal gardens beyond the pass to allow the common people to collect firewood and grass. On Ren Zi day, the Rouran tribe invaded the frontier, and two Xianbei tribes in Rouxuan Town also revolted. On Gui Chou day, the monk Hui Yin conspired to revolt and was executed. That year, many states and counties experienced floods and droughts, so the Emperor relieved the people from taxes and opened the granaries for disaster relief. In Xiangzhou, 2,845 people starved to death. Some Qiang people from the Tuyuhun tribe, led by Zhong Qikai, brought 2,300 households to submit to the court.
That year, a rogue named Liu Ju proclaimed himself emperor. The Governor of Qizhou and Prince of Wuchang, Pingyuan, captured him and beheaded him.
In the spring of AD 444, on Ding Chou day in the first month, the Shizhong, Grand Commandant, and Prince of Longxi, Yuan He, resigned from his post due to illness. On Xin Si day, envoys from the Sogdian country came to pay tribute. On Jia Chen day in the second month, the retired Emperor returned from his southern expedition. On Xin Hai day, the King of Tuyuhun, Shi Yin, sent his son Fei Doujin to serve as a court attendant and offered various precious gifts. On Xin Wei day, the court issued an edict banning the Cold Food Festival. On Ding Hai day in the third month, the Emperor appointed Xuchihu, the Attendant Cavalry Commander, to visit Liu Yu. Envoys from Goguryeo, Tuyuhun, Cao Li, and other nations came to pay tribute.
In the summer, on the Jiaxu day of May, the Rouran sent envoys to pay tribute. On the Yimao day in June, the emperor issued an edict stating: "I have inherited the legacy of past emperors, and we are currently in a time of peace and prosperity. Although I strive to learn, I still worry that my virtue is not broad enough, which could result in situations like the doorkeeper's execution. However, the common people can be cruel and ruthless, disregarding family bonds; when one person commits a crime, the whole family suffers punishment. As a father to my people, I feel deeply pained by this. From now on, unless it is rebellion, treason, violation of laws, or fleeing, the responsibility will only fall on the individual, and family members will no longer be implicated. Now my benevolence reaches far and wide, and cultural education is gradually unified, reducing penalties and loosening prohibitions—how wonderful is that?" The Khitan also sent envoys to pay tribute.
In the autumn, on the Gengwu day in July, the Goryeo sent envoys to pay tribute. On the Jimao day, the court announced a general amnesty. On the Guisi day, the Rouran invaded Dunhuang, and the garrison commander Wei Duo suffered a great defeat. On the Gengzi day in August, the Tuyuhun also sent envoys to pay tribute. On the Wushen day, a large-scale military review was conducted in the northern suburbs. In September, following a conflict between Liu Yu and court officials, the court ordered General Yuan Lan and four other generals to lead thirty thousand cavalry, with Prince Pi of Dongyang as support, to launch a campaign against Shu Han. On the Bingzi day, envoys from the Khitan, Kumo Xi, and other nations came to pay tribute.
In the winter, on the Gengzi day in October, Liu Yu sent envoys to pay tribute. In November, the court sent officials to inspect the seven provinces of Henan, to learn about local customs and reassure the newly loyal populace. On the Wuyin day, the Tuyuhun sent envoys to pay tribute. That year, thirteen provinces suffered from a severe famine; the court waived land rents for the people and opened granaries to aid the disaster victims. In December, the court ordered the execution of soldiers who had revolted in Julu City during the western campaign against Tuyuhun, while the other soldiers were reassigned to the towns of Rouxuan and Wuchuan. Over a thousand soldiers were executed.
In the spring of the year 618 AD, on the Gengzi day of the second month, Goguryeo sent envoys to offer tribute. On the Guichou day, the court ordered the establishment of an evaluation system, specifying reward and punishment criteria. On the Wuwu day in the intercalary month, the Tuyuhun country also sent envoys to offer tribute.
By summer, on the Dingchou day in the fourth month, Kucha sent envoys to offer tribute. On the Guiwei day, the court ordered all regions of the country to pay taxes as required, with each county strictly supervising and collecting them, and governors and officials personally inspecting and sending them to the capital. Violators will be dismissed and investigated. At the same time, the court also ordered the prohibition of breeding falcons and hawks, and permitted mutual reporting. On the Dingyou day in the fifth month, the Khitan and Khumo Xiongnu both sent envoys bearing prized horses. On the Bingwu day, the court appointed the Cavalier Attendant Xuchihu to go on a mission to Liu Yu. On the Dingwei day, the Emperor visited Wuzhou Mountain. On the Xinyou day, the Emperor visited Chelun Mountain. On the Gengwu day in the sixth month, the court ordered a ban on the slaughter of cattle and horses. On the Renshen day, the court granted clemency to all death row inmates in the capital and dispatched troops to prepare to deal with the Rouran.
In autumn, on the Dingmao day in the eighth month, Goguryeo, Tuyuhun, Doudouyu, and other countries all sent envoys to offer tribute. On the Guimao day in the ninth month, Jia Bonu from Luozhou and Tian Zhidu from Yuzhou gathered more than a thousand followers to rebel. Jia Bonu proclaimed himself the King of Hengnong, and Tian Zhidu the King of Shangluo. They attacked Luozhou at night. Officials and soldiers from the prefectures rose in resistance, and in Goushi they killed Jia Bonu and captured Tian Zhidu, escorting them to the capital.
In winter, in the tenth month, the Rouran country sent envoys to offer tribute. The Emperor held a grand military review in the northern suburbs. On the Bingyin day in the twelfth month, Prince Jianchang Changle was renamed Prince Anle. On the Jichou day, Prince Chengyang Changshou passed away. On the Gengyin day, Liu Yu sent envoys to offer tribute.
In February of the Chengming era, the second month of spring, envoys from the countries of Rouran, Goguryeo, Khitan, and Persia all came to pay tribute. Oh, in the same month, Sikong, who also held the title of Prince of Dongjun, was demoted to a common soldier due to committing an offense.
By the summer of May, a commoner named Song Fulong from Wuyi County in Jizhou gathered a group of followers and proclaimed himself King of Nanping. He was quickly captured and killed by the local officials and their soldiers. Coincidentally, that same month saw envoys from the Rouran come to pay tribute again. On the first day of June, the court declared martial law nationwide, dividing the troops in the capital into three divisions, with the first division heading out for expedition, and the rest following suit. Oh, misfortunes kept piling up; on Xinwei, the Empress Dowager died. Immediately after, on Renshen, a general amnesty was proclaimed across the nation, and the era name was changed. The Grand Marshal, Grand General, and Prince Ancheng, Wan Anguo, was executed for forging an imperial edict and murdering the Minister of the Department of Gods, Ximainu, in the Imperial Garden. On Wuyin, the Grand General of the Western Expedition and Prince Anle, Changle, was appointed Grand Commandant; the Left Chief Minister of Personnel and Duke of Nanping, Mochen, was appointed Minister of Works and elevated to King of Yidu; the Chief Minister of the Southern Bureau, Li Xin, was appointed Minister of War. The Empress Dowager was honored as Grand Empress Dowager and began presiding over court affairs.
On the first day of July, the court posthumously honored the Emperor's birth mother, Lady Li Guiren, as Empress Si. Prince Tianci of Ruyin was appointed as Grand General of the West Expedition and concurrently as the Imperial Secretary (equivalent to a senior advisor). The Goryeo, Khitan, and Ruru kingdoms sent envoys to pay tribute again. Unfortunately, there was also bad news this month: Prince Kongque of Puyang committed a crime and was sentenced to death. On the first day of August, the Emperor decreed, "I have inherited the legacy and great achievements of my predecessor, and I intend to carry forward the legacy of my predecessor and govern the country better. All ministers, you must work hard to help me address any shortcomings. If you have any good suggestions for the benefit of the country and the people, please bring them forward promptly!" On the day of Renwu, the Ruru Kingdom came to pay tribute again. On the day of Jiashen, many of the silkworms raised in Chang'an died, so the court granted the people a 50% tax exemption. On the ninth day of September, the court issued a general amnesty for the capital's residents. The Goryeo, Khitan, and Qidan kingdoms sent envoys to pay tribute. On the day of Guichou, the Dangchang and Xiwangjin kingdoms also sent envoys to pay tribute. On the day of Dingsi in October, the Emperor ordered the construction of the Qibao Yong'an Hall, which was a significant undertaking. The next day, on the day of Yichou, the Emperor officially promoted the title of Grand General of the West Expedition and the nominal Prince of Dongyang, Yuanpi, to a full prince, which was regarded as a promotion.
On the day of Jiwei, the emperor issued a decree, which stated in essence: "I have inherited the throne and must govern the world well, with the aim of promoting good customs for the common people to enjoy better lives. I hope to hear honest voices in the court, and that the people can speak freely without any reservations. From now on, all officials, including the common people, can now submit petitions to me directly, boldly offering suggestions and freely criticizing my shortcomings. If there are good suggestions that can improve the people's livelihood and improve social customs, all departments must promptly report them to me. I will personally review them and discuss their feasibility with the Minister of Three Affairs, and then adopt and implement them." This decree encourages everyone to actively offer advice and strategies for the country's development.
On the day of Xinwei, the emperor also personally visited the Jianming Buddhist Temple and granted a general amnesty, releasing a group of criminals, which was a good deed. By the way, Lord Luo Ba from Jinan was also promoted to king, truly a series of joyous events! In November, the Rurur Kingdom sent envoys to pay tribute, indicating that our country's prestige is very high! On the day of Wuzi, the emperor appointed several important officials: Grand Chancellor, Prince Anle Wang Changle was made Governor of Dingzhou, Prince Jingzhao Tui was made Governor of Qingzhou, and Minister of Works Li Xin was made Governor of Xuzhou. These three were also granted the title of "Governor with the same rank as the Three Departments," demonstrating the importance the emperor places on them.
On the first day of the first month in the first year of Taihe, the emperor issued an edict saying: "I inherited the throne at a young age and have always been concerned about my ability to fulfill this role, but Heaven has continually bestowed blessings upon me, and auspicious signs have appeared on earth, with favorable weather and harmony between people and nature. How could someone as ignorant as I achieve this? This is the blessings of the deities and our ancestors! Now that the new year has begun, I feel a great responsibility and should seize the opportunity of the coming spring to reform our politics, thereby marking the beginning of the first year of Taihe."
On the Xinhai day of the first lunar month, the emperor issued another decree, saying: "Now those officials responsible for governing the people are working alongside me to manage the realm. Therefore, we should reduce corvée labor, provide more encouragement, inspect the water conservancy situation in various places, fully utilize land resources, encourage farmers to work hard in their fields and women to weave diligently. If labor is conscripted arbitrarily and delays the farming season, those responsible will be held accountable. If the people do not follow education, are lazy and neglect farming and sericulture, they will be punished according to the law." In the first month of that year, the emperor also ordered the construction of the Taihe Hall and Anchang Hall. On the Jiyou day of the first month, the residents of Lueyang in Qinzhou gathered over five thousand households, declaring themselves as the "Rebel King." There was a famine in the Yunzhong area, and the court opened the granaries to provide relief to the disaster victims.
On the Bingyin day of the second month, the people of Quanhui and Tanyou in Hanchuan led a group to pledge their allegiance to the court, and the court settled them in Bingzhou. On the Xinwei day of the second month, the governors of Qinzhou and Yizhou, Wudugong Weiluohou, led troops to subdue Wang Yuanshou, defeated him, captured his wife and children, and escorted them to the capital. On the Guiwei day of the second month, Goryeo, Khitan, and Khumo Xian sent envoys to offer tribute. On the Gengzi day of the third month, the emperor appointed the Grand General of the West, the governor of Yongzhou, and Prince Pi of Dongyang as the Minister of Works. On the Bingwu day of the third month, the emperor issued a decree, saying: "My governance has many shortcomings, which has led to a series of disasters. Last year, there was an epidemic of cattle plague, causing the death of many cattle, which will undoubtedly affect this year's harvest. Now the spring plowing has begun, everyone must work hard. Command all regions to supervise farming in the fields; those with cattle must work harder than in previous years, and those without cattle must put in more effort than in previous years. One person should cultivate forty mu of land, and a man of moderate strength should cultivate twenty mu of land. People shouldn't be overworked, and the land shouldn't be left uncultivated." Khumo Xian and Khitan sent envoys to offer tribute again.
On the Bingyin day in April, the Rouran sent envoys to pay tribute. On the Dingmao day in April, the emperor went to Baideng Mountain for a leisure trip. On the Renshen day in April, the emperor visited Guoshan again for leisure. King Liang of Le'an passed away. The emperor reinstated the title of the former King of Dongjun, Lu Dingguo. On the Yiyou day in May, the emperor went to Wuzhou Mountain to pray for rain, and soon after, heavy rain began to fall. The Rouran sent envoys again to pay tribute.
In the first few days of July, a high-ranking official, a prince who held several important positions, was pushed to his death. What a pity! A few days later, the court officially defined three levels of capital punishment. A few days after that, the Taihe Hall and the Anchang Hall were finally finished, and the Zhuming Gate and the Sixian Gate were also repaired together. This month, Liu Yu also died, and his brother Liu Zhun actually usurped the throne to become emperor.
In the first few days of August, the emperor declared a nationwide amnesty, and everyone was thrilled. A few days later, the emperor spoke again, saying, "Those who engage in trade, those who work, and those who serve should each stay in their own positions. However, some officials are abusing their power, tainting the clean waters. From now on, only the head of the department can arrange those who work at home, and subordinate officials can only arrange in order of rank. Those who have been rewarded for great contributions and defending the country are not subject to this limit." Not long after, the usurper Liu Zhun even sent people to pay tribute, truly shameless!
In the first few days of September, the Rouran also sent envoys to pay tribute. A few days later, the emperor ordered the ministers to discuss and formulate new laws and regulations in the Taihua Hall. A few days later, the kingdom of Goryeo sent envoys to pay tribute as well. A few days later, construction began on the Yongle Youguan Hall in the Northern Garden, and a pool called Shenyuan was also excavated. During this time, countries like Cheduoluo, Xitianzhu, Shewei, and Diefuluo also sent envoys to pay tribute, truly a bustling scene!
On the Guiyou day in October, the emperor hosted a banquet for elderly people over seventy years old in the Taihua Palace in the capital city and rewarded them with clothes. In the same month, both the Khitans and the Qidan sent envoys to pay tribute. The emperor also decreed that the sons of those over seventy would be exempt from military service. The country of Kucha also sent envoys to pay tribute. Yang Shu, the brother of Yang Wendu, the commander of Jalu Garrison under Liu Zhun, was sent to launch a surprise attack on Chouchi.
On the day of Bingzi, the emperor ordered the execution of Li Xin, the governor of Xuzhou. The Khitans and the Qidan sent envoys to pay tribute again. In the eleventh month of Guiwei, the emperor ordered the Western General Pi Huanxi, Duke of Guangchuan; General Liang Chounu of Zhenxi; General Yang Lingzhen of Pingxi; and others to lead a 40,000-strong army to attack Yang Shu. On the day of Yixu, the Tuyuhun country sent envoys to pay tribute. On the day of Dinghai, there was a commoner in Huaizhou named Yi Qigouchu, who claimed to be a descendant of Yao and declared himself king, gathering a group of people in the Chongshan area. The governor of Luozhou, Feng Xi, led troops to pacify him. In the intercalary month, Pi Huanxi and others' army arrived at Jian'an, where Yang Shu, realizing the situation was turning against him, abandoned the city and fled. On the day of Guihai, the country of Sutepo sent envoys to pay tribute. On the day of Gengzi, the emperor ordered Li Changren, the Chamberlain for Imperial Equipage, to be sent as an envoy to Liu Zhun.
On the day of Renyin in December, Pi Huanxi captured Jalu, killed Yang Wendu, and sent his head to the capital. On the day of Jiachen, both Yuankuo and the Tuyuhun country sent envoys to pay tribute. On the day of Dingwei, the emperor ordered that due to floods, droughts, and locust plagues in many states and counties, the people were starving, prompting him to order the granaries opened to provide relief for the victims of the disasters. At the same time, he appointed Prince Xiuxiu as Yitong Sansi.
On the 5th day of the first month in the second year, the emperor bestowed the title of Beiping King on Feng Xi, the second son of Prince Changli. On the 10th day, Tuyuhun sent envoys to pay tribute. On the 12th day of the second month, the emperor visited Tangquan in Daizhou for leisure. Wherever he went, he inquired about the hardships of the people and even rewarded palace maids to the poor and unmarried. On the 16th day, Rouran sent envoys to pay tribute. On the 19th day, the emperor returned to the palace in his carriage. On the 22nd day of the third month, the emperor appointed Liang Miji as the King of Dangchang. On the first day of the fourth month, the emperor visited Guoshan for leisure. The following day, he returned to the palace. On the 6th day, Liu Zhun sent people to present tributes. During this time, the capital experienced a drought. On the 10th day, the emperor personally visited Beiyuan to pray for rain, reduced his meals, and avoided staying in the main hall. On the 12th day, it finally rained heavily, alleviating the drought. As a result, the emperor granted amnesty to the people of the capital. In the month of May, the emperor issued a decree stating that the high cost of marriage dowries has delayed marriages and extravagant funeral expenses burdened the living. Ancient wise kings recognized these issues and employed rituals to regulate them. Nowadays, common people are becoming increasingly extravagant, exceeding the limits in weddings and funerals, leading to a widening wealth gap and loss of distinction between the noble and the lowly. Moreover, the royal family, nobles, and commoners are intermarrying indiscriminately. The previous emperor had issued a decree to prohibit this practice, but the common people have continued this practice without correction. Therefore, I will now reestablish laws based on earlier regulations, and violators will face punishment. On the 6th day of the sixth month, the emperor visited Luye Yuan for leisure. On the 7th day, Prince Ruo died.
On the fifth day of the seventh month, Kucha sent envoys to offer tribute, bringing seventy fine camels. Liu Zhun sent troops to attack Chouchi, but they were repelled by Yang Guangxiang, the Prefect of Yinping. In the eighth month, the emperor sent officials to inspect various regions to gain insight into the struggles of ordinary people. On the twenty-second day of the eighth month, the emperor ordered the end of tributes of rare birds and exotic animals from various provinces. On the twenty-third day of the eighth month, envoys from Wujiguo came to pay tribute. On the fourth day of the ninth month, the emperor granted amnesty in the capital. Kucha sent envoys again to offer tribute, bringing many fine horses, camels, and treasures.
In a certain year, on the day of Renchen in October, the emperor ordered the Imperial Guard Chamberlain, Zheng Xi, to deliver a letter to Liu Zhun. On the day of Gengxu in November, the emperor issued a statement: "The establishment of titles by the court is meant to reward meritorious officials, and the establishment of laws is to punish criminals. This is a timeless principle, both past and present, and the foundation of governing the country. Provincial governors are officials in charge of managing the people, but recently, they have all been negligent, accepting bribes, abusing power for personal gain, leading to rampant theft and frequent robberies. Various misdeeds have reached my ears. I have inherited a time of peace and prosperity, a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity, and I hope to promote and innovate government affairs; I also hope that all officials can fulfill their duties, share my worries, and create a better future together. I hope everyone can restrain themselves, reflect on their mistakes, in order to live up to our ancestors and let the people see the virtuous governance of the court. Relevant departments must set clear regulations to align with my intentions." On the day of Guisi in December, Prince of South County, Li Hui, was executed. In that year, many provinces experienced floods and droughts, causing widespread hunger among the people. The court ordered the opening of granaries to aid the disaster-stricken people.
On the Gui Chou day of the first month in the third year of spring, the Kun De Liu He Hall was completed. On the day of Geng Shen, the emperor ordered the inspectors to be dismissed. On the Xin Si day in the second month, the emperor and the Empress Dowager went to the hot springs in Dai County to learn about the people's hardships and arranged marriages for palace maids with the lonely, elderly, and poor. On the Ji Hai day, they returned to the palace. On the Ren Yin day, the Qian Xiang Liu He Hall was finished. On the Jia Chen day in the third month, the court granted a general amnesty across the capital. On the Wu Wu day, both Tuyuhun and Goryeo sent envoys to pay their respects.
On the Ren Shen day in the fourth month, Liu Zhun sent envoys to pay tribute. On the Gui Wei day, King Le Liang of Le Ping died. On the Xin Mao day, the Rouran state sent envoys to pay their respects. On the Bing Shen day, the emperor visited Guo Mountain for some leisure time. On the Ji Hai day, he returned to the palace. On the Geng Zi day, Duke Wei Yuan of Huaiyang was executed. The Tuyuhun state sent envoys to tribute with fifty yaks. The governor of Yongzhou, Wang Mu Chen, committed a crime and was executed.
On the Ding Si day in the fifth month, the emperor prayed for rain in the Northern Garden and closed the Yang Gate, which brought timely rain that day. On the Xin You day, the emperor ordered, "Ancient emperors respected the elderly and esteemed the virtuous, humbly accepting advice. Although my abilities are limited, I have always valued these good traditions. I’m giving each elder statesman a set of clothes, five pounds of cotton, and five bolts of silk."
On the Xin Wei day in the sixth month, due to famine among the people of Yongzhou, the court ordered the granaries to be opened to help those affected by the disaster. They also built the Wen Shi Pavilion and Ling Quan Hall on Fang Mountain.
On the Ren Yin day in the seventh month of a certain year, the emperor ordered that elderly and sick palace maids in the palace would be exempt from service. On the Ren Shen day in the eighth month, the emperor encouraged ministers to speak freely and express their thoughts without holding back. On the Yi Hai day, the emperor went to Fang Mountain for leisure and had the Si Yuan Buddhist Temple constructed. On the Ding Chou day, the emperor made his way back to the palace.
On the day of Renzi in September, the emperor promoted several ministers all at once: Shizhong, Situ, and Wang Pi of Dongyang were appointed as Grand Commanders (太尉); Shizhong, Right Deputy Minister (尚书右仆射), and Duke Chen Jian of Zhao County were promoted to Situ and also elevated to King of Wei County; Shizhong, Minister, and Duke Gou Tui of Henan were promoted to Sikong and also elevated to King of Hedong; Shizhong, Minister, and Duke Wang Rui of Taiyuan were promoted to King of Zhongshan; Shizhong, Minister, and Duke Zhang You of Longdong were promoted to King of Xinping. On the day of Jiwai, the governor of Dingzhou, Prince Chang Le of Anle, committed a crime and was summoned back to the capital, where he was put to death. On the day of Gengshen, Wang Yuanhe of Longxi passed away. The countries of Goryeo, Tuyuhun, Didaoyu, Khitan, Kumo Xie, and Kucha all sent envoys to pay tribute.
In winter, on the day of Jisi in October, at the beginning of the month, the emperor issued a decree to grant amnesty nationwide. On the day of Guimao in November, the emperor rewarded the poor, elderly, and sick people in the capital—those unable to care for themselves—with clothing and fabric, with varying amounts given based on their circumstances. On the day of Guichou, the emperor promoted Jia Liangjun Gong Yuanjia to a nominal king and sent him with two armies to Huaiyin; Longxi Gong Yuanchen also took three armies to Guangling; and Hedong Gong Xue Huzai took three armies to Shouchun. At that time, the Rouran people launched an invasion from the south with over a hundred thousand cavalry but retreated after reaching the border. In December, the countries of Sogdiana, Zhouyi, He Gong, Diefuluo, Yuan Kuo, and Xi Wan Jin also sent envoys to pay tribute. That year, on the islands, Xiao Daocheng deposed their monarch, Liu Zhun, declared himself emperor, and named his reign "Qi."
In January of the year 454 AD, on the day of Guimao, the Qianxiang Liuhedian was completed. During this time, the Qiang people in Taoyang rebelled, and the general in Fuhan Town suppressed the rebellion. Officials in Longxi, including Yuan Chen, captured the Matou Barracks controlled by Xiao Daocheng. On the day of Yimao, King Guangchuan passed away. The leader of the Di tribe in Yongzhou, King Qinan, rebelled, killed the magistrate of Meiyang County, and was subsequently captured and executed by local officials and troops. On the day of Dingsi, the court ordered the closure of facilities for raising eagles and falcons, and converted the land into the Baode Temple. On the day of Wuwu, Prince Xiangcheng, Han Tui, committed an offense, was stripped of his title, and exiled to the frontier. The Xuzhou governor appointed by Xiao Daocheng, Cui Wenzhong, launched an attack on Huainan and captured Chamei Barracks. In the second month, the court sent the Minister of Personnel, You Minggen, to lead two thousand cavalry south to suppress the rebellion. On the day of Guisi, the emperor issued a decree saying, "I inherit the throne, ruling over the world, rising early and retiring late each day, being cautious and careful, as if walking on thin ice. Now it is the season of spring plowing, all things are growing, but the heavens have not bestowed sufficient rain, fearing a poor harvest and impending famine for the people, I am very worried! Therefore, I command the worship of the mountain and river deities and the rain-bringing gods, repair the temples, and offer sacrifices of livestock and jade discs. We must attend to the suffering of the people and offer comfort across all regions." On the day of Bingwu in March, the court ordered the Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, Feng Xi, to lead the army to welcome back the various troops led by the pretender to the Liang throne, Jia, and others. On the day of Yimao, envoys from the Rouran state came to pay tribute to the court.
On the day of Ji Mao in April, the Emperor personally visited the Tingwei and Jifang prisons to inspect the prisoners. The Emperor decreed, "Tingwei is a symbol of justice in the realm, affecting the life and death of the people. I can only practice benevolent governance thanks to the diligent work of the prison officials. If a man does not plow the fields, he will go hungry; if a woman does not weave cloth, she will freeze. Now is the busy farming season, and the people are all working hard, but there are many people who have been detained. They should be released back to farming based on the severity of their crimes." On Xin Si day, the Emperor visited Baideng Mountain. On Jia Shen day, the court ordered that impoverished families with no surplus food or wealth would receive a year's worth of grain. On the first day of the fifth lunar month, the Emperor conducted an inspection at the volcano. On Ren Yin day, the Emperor returned to the palace. On Ding Mao day in June, due to heavy rain, the court pardoned the prisoners in the capital and distributed millions of pieces of silk, satin, and fabric, along with war trophies from the southern campaign to officials below the royal ministers.
In the autumn of the year 477 AD, on the day of Xin Hai in July (specific date), the Emperor visited the volcano for inspection. The next day, on Ren Zi day, the volcano was renamed Dongming Temple. Then, the Emperor ordered the gathering of the elderly in the capital, rewarding them with brocade, clothing, canes, rice, honey, flour, and exempting their families from labor obligations. In total, the tribute items amounted to tens of thousands of catties! On Ding Hai day in the leap month, the Emperor visited the tiger enclosure, where he personally interrogated the prisoners, releasing those with lesser crimes. On Ren Chen day, Prince Dunqiu, Li Zhongkui, was sentenced to death for his crimes. Xiao Daocheng seized Jiaocheng and requested to surrender to the court.
On the 8th day of the eighth month in the year of Dingyou, the emperor ordered the Xu Zhou governor and the nominal King Jia of Liang to go and meet Xiao Daocheng. General Lang Datan was sent to lead three armies from Qucheng, General Bai Tu led two armies from Haixi, General Yuan Tai led two armies from Liankou, General Feng Pi led three armies from Jiaocheng, and General Zhen Nan He Luo led the army from Xiacao, surrounding the area from all directions. On the Jia Chen day, the emperor went to Fangshan. On the Wushen day, the emperor went to the Stone Cave Temple on Wuzhou Mountain. On the Geng Xu day, the emperor returned to the palace. On the Yi Mao day, the emperor ordered all states to set up ice houses for emergency needs. The Liangzhou governor under Xiao Daocheng, Cui Huijing, sent the chief of staff Pei Shubao to lead the army to attack Wuxing, but was defeated by the Di tribe leader Yang Shu of Guancheng, so Pei Shubao retreated back to Nanzheng. In September, Prefect Chang Yuanzhen of Ruanan and Dragon Cavalry General Hu Qinggou under Xiao Daocheng surrendered to the court along with their troops. On the Yi Hai day, the Siyi Hall was finished. On the Ren Wu day, the Dongming Temple was completed as well. On the Wu Zi day, the emperor issued a decree saying, "In the deep winter season, with heavy snowfall, those imprisoned in jail and those responsible for transporting supplies may freeze and starve, which deeply troubles me. I order officials to visit the prisons and other places where prisoners are held, carefully inspect them, provide food and warm clothing to those in need, and replace heavy shackles with lighter ones." The nominal King Jia of Liang defeated Xiao Daocheng's generals Lu Shaozhi and Xuan Yuandu at Qushan, and the garrison chief of Xiacao deserted the city and escaped.
In the winter of the tenth month of the Dingwei era, the emperor issued an order appointing King Feng Xi of Changli as the governor of the Western Road, to march from Yiyang alongside General Huan Dan, who was leading the Southern Campaign; General He Luo of the Southern Garrison advanced eastward from Xiacai, aiming for Zhongli. Huan Fu of Lanling killed his county magistrate and colluded with Huan He of Changlu and bandits Zhang and Yan, who operated in the Taishan area, occupying Wugu and supporting Sima Lang as their leader. The emperor ordered Wang Wei Yuan and others from Huaiyang to launch a campaign against them. That year, due to floods and droughts in eighteen states and prefectures, the people were suffering from starvation, and the court ordered the granaries opened to provide relief to the disaster victims.
On the first day of the first month in 465 AD, the emperor made a southern tour, which was a momentous occasion! On the fourteenth day, he arrived in Zhongshan. The emperor personally visited the elderly, to understand the hardships faced by ordinary people and to empathize with their plight!
On the first day of the second month, the emperor issued a general amnesty, and this was fantastic news! For those who were filial to their parents, harmonious with siblings, worked diligently, as well as orphans, widows, and impoverished people who could not take care of themselves, food and cloth were distributed in varying quantities. The elderly palace maids and eunuchs were also sent back home to be reunited with their families. On the seventeenth day, the emperor went to Xindu again to assess the people's conditions, just as he did in Zhongshan. On the twenty-first day, he returned to Zhongshan. On the twenty-seventh day, the emperor held a military drill by the Tang River to demonstrate the strength of the nation. On the twenty-eighth day, the emperor returned to the capital. During this time, a notable event took place: a monk named Faxiu plotted a rebellion and was executed! Meanwhile, the troops involved in the southern campaign defeated the guerrilla general Huan Kang of Xiao Daocheng in Huaiyang. The governor of Yazhou, Yuan Chongzu, attacked Xiacai again but was defeated by King Feng Xi of Changli. King Jia of Liangjun was even more formidable, achieving a great victory over Xiao Daocheng's army and capturing over thirty thousand enemy troops, escorting them to the capital.
On the first day of March, the emperor went to Sichuan again. On the third of March, he conducted another military exercise along the banks of Yunshui. The emperor inspected local officials along the way, promoting those who deserved promotion and demoting those who deserved to be demoted, restoring order in the bureaucracy! On the eighth of March, the emperor returned to the palace. The emperor also issued a decree stating that Faxiu had spread heretical words to mislead the public, making baseless claims, along with Inspector Zhang Qiu and over a hundred others, colluding with slaves to plot a rebellion. According to the law, their three clans should be exterminated, but considering their ignorance, the emperor showed leniency, decreeing that if three clans were punished, only the direct descendants would face execution; if one clan was punished, only the individual would be executed.
On the fourteenth of April, the emperor went to Fangshan for leisure. He built a solid stone chamber on the mountain and erected a monument in the courtyard of the stone chamber; he also documented the sacrificial rites for the Empress Dowager in a golden ledger and constructed the Jianxuan Hall. On the seventeenth of April, the emperor rewarded the ministers with over ten thousand captives taken from the southern campaign. On the nineteenth of April, the emperor issued a decree saying, “Recently, the rainfall has been poor, and the crops have withered. All corpses must be buried and cannot be left exposed. In areas with temples, prayers can be offered.” During this time, King Rencheng Yun passed away.
On the seventh day of May, the emperor issued a decree saying, “Recently, border wars have been incessant, and the burdens on the people have been overwhelming. Many have committed crimes due to this, and there are many lawsuits. The common people are unable to live well; I am deeply troubled!” In these times, the lives of common folks were tough too! During this period, there was a rebellion, and the provincial army defeated them, with the leader fleeing to Yuzhou. On the sixth of June, King Zhongshan Rui passed away. On the tenth of June, the emperor conferred the title of Prince of Qijun to his uncle Jian and the title of Prince of Anfeng on Meng.
In the autumn of a certain year, on July 1st, Xiao Daocheng sent people to pay tribute. On July 8th, Ta Ji, the leader of the Ruru tribe, surrendered along with his people. On July 11th, Ban Qiti proposed five suggestions regarding population management and household registration. On September 7th, a military parade ceremony was held in the southern suburbs, and the emperor hosted a banquet for his courtiers. Xiao Daocheng sent Che Senglang to the banquet, but Che Senglang declined because his seat was behind Yin Lingdan, who had been sent by Liu Zhun. Consequently, Liu Zhun's subordinate Jie Fengjun killed Che Senglang during the banquet! The emperor ordered the execution of Jie Fengjun and his accomplices. On July 12th, Feng Dan, Feng Xi's son, was appointed as the King of Nanping. In Yanzhou, Sima Lang was executed, and his head was sent to the capital.
In the winter, on October 10th, the Ruru Kingdom sent tribute again. On December 10th, the emperor ordered the granaries opened to provide relief for the famine-stricken people in the twelve provinces.
In the spring of the second year, on the eleventh day of the first month, a general amnesty was granted. On the eighth day of the second month, the emperor issued a decree stating: "The Lingqiu County is small and barren, located on a major road where officials and people pass through, incurring many expenses. When I toured here before, I saw that the people were very hardworking, so I hereby exempt them from fifteen years of taxes!" On the tenth day of the second month, Prince Bailan of the Tuyuhun was falsely accused and executed. On the fourteenth day of the second month, the emperor issued a decree stating: "Xiao Daocheng has been causing trouble in the Jianghuai region, constantly engaging in battles. The people in seven states are suffering due to forced labor, going against the principle of light taxation. I sympathize with them, so I exempt them from three years of labor service!" On the nineteenth day of the second month, the country of Doudou sent tribute. On the twenty-fourth day of the second month, the emperor rewarded diligent and meritorious nobles with food and cloth, with varying amounts. On the seventh day of the third month, the emperor went hunting in the tiger reserve, then issued a decree: "Tigers and wolves are too vicious, eating meat and harming living beings. During the capture, injuries often occur. It is not beneficial and wastes a lot of money, so hunting for tribute is no longer allowed!" On the eighth day of the third month, the emperor visited the Shanshikou Cave Temple in Wuzhou and gave clothing to poor elderly individuals. On the ninth day of the third month, the emperor went to Fangshan. That month, Xiao Daocheng died, and his son Xiao Ze seized the throne.
In the summer, on the third day of the fourth month, the emperor rewarded lonely elderly individuals in the capital with food and cloth, with varying amounts. In June, the Rouran sent tribute once more.
In the autumn of the seventh month, fifty thousand laborers were recruited from various states to repair the roads in Lingqiu. On the first day of the eighth month, the emperor sent envoys to disaster-stricken areas nationwide to assess taxes from the populace. For those who are poor and struggling to survive, the court distributed food and cloth to assist them. On the day of the eighth month, the emperor lifted the restrictions on mountains and marshes. On the day of the ninth month, descendants of Diyang were appointed as the King of Wudu.
In the winter, on the Yimao day of November, envoys from the Tuyuhun state came to pay tribute. On the Dinghai day in December, the emperor issued an edict stating: "My ability to govern the country is limited, and my policies are not perfect enough. I have failed to heed the heavenly signs and avert disasters. Last autumn, constant rains and floods brought great suffering to the people, who cried out in distress. My heart is deeply pained, so I have sent envoys to various places for disaster relief. However, those local officials do not consider the people's welfare; they only think about completing their tasks, putting on a show while being ineffective, which is utterly unacceptable! Now, the taxes that have not yet been collected and future rents will be exempted for the time being. Officials at all levels must strive to persuade the people to pay taxes and work towards a bountiful harvest; this is the only way to repay my heartfelt concern!"
After the new year, in the spring, on the Gengshen day of the first month, the emperor issued another edict, saying: "I have always wanted to understand the suffering of the people in order to improve governance and better manage the country. However, my perspective is limited, and my understanding is not comprehensive enough. Therefore, I specifically asked the provincial envoys, scholars, and clerks about the harsh and tyrannical practices of local officials, but their responses were mostly false and greatly contradicted my intentions. According to the law, they should be sentenced to death as a warning to others. However, taking their circumstances into account, I will spare them from the death penalty and allow them to return home. This matter must be made known to everyone, so that everyone knows that if the same mistakes are made in the future, they will not be forgiven!" On the Dingmao day of the first month, the emperor ordered the residents of Qingzhou, Qizhou, Guangzhou, and Dongxuzhou to each deliver twenty shi of grain to be sent to Xiaqiu and Langya, and also exempted them from one year's rent. On the Jiaxu day in March, because of famine affecting the people of Jizhou and Dingzhou, the emperor ordered the counties and districts to set up porridge kitchens along the roads for relief and also ordered the borders to be opened to allow the people to come and go freely.
In April during the summer, the Emperor went on an inspection tour to Mount Guo and bestowed clothing and food to elderly and disabled people he encountered along the way. On the day of April, the Emperor returned to the imperial palace. On the day of the intercalary month of Gui Chou, a prince was born, and the Emperor issued a general amnesty. On the first day of May, the Emperor visited the Shishi Cave Buddhist temple in Wuzhou. In June, Dingzhou reported that they distributed porridge to assist famine victims, saving over nine hundred and forty-seven thousand lives.
In July, the Emperor and the Empress Dowager went to Shen Yuan Chi for leisure. The next day, they went to Fangshan. The Emperor then ordered envoys Li Biao and Lan Ying to visit Xiao Ze. Meanwhile, Prince Luoba of Jinan was reappointed as Prince of Zhao Jun.
In September, the Emperor issued another decree, which stated: "I have inherited the legacy of my ancestors, working diligently day and night, fearful of any negligence. Even though I have begun to personally govern, I still feel inadequate in my considerations, especially in handling memorials and cases, always worried about making mistakes. Therefore, from now on, when officials present their matters, they should not only propose feasible suggestions but also point out shortcomings, rather than merely offering superficial agreement. In this manner, my mistakes will be brought to light for all to see." During this period, Jizhou reported that they distributed porridge to famine victims, saving over seven hundred fifty-one thousand seven hundred lives.
In October, the Imperial Shrine was finally completed. In November, Xiao Ze dispatched envoys to pay tribute. In December, the emperor issued another imperial edict, which stated: "Unpretentious social customs existed in ancient times, and ritual education was implemented in recent times. Therefore, the Xia and Shang dynasties did not taboo intermarriage among clans, while the Zhou dynasty began to prohibit intermarriage among those of the same surname. These are examples of education changing with the times and governance changing with circumstances. Our dynasty has just been established; the Central Plains region has not been completely unified, and we have been busy pacifying rebellions, rectifying the court's rules, and dealing with numerous affairs; there simply hasn't been time to address those outdated customs and habits. Later, these customs have been perpetuated and remain unchanged to this day. I have ruled for a century now; it is time to promote benevolent governance, consider changing old customs, and establish new trends. From this point forward, all intermarriage among those of the same surname is strictly prohibited, and those who violate it will be punished for disloyalty and unfilial conduct." On the same day, the emperor also ordered the lifting of restrictions on Linluo Mountain, allowing the common people to use the resources on the mountain together. In addition, hearing that the people of the thirteen provinces were facing famine, the emperor ordered the opening of the granaries to aid the disaster-stricken people.
In the first month of the second year of spring, the emperor appointed Lord Longxi Yuan Chen and Lu Rui, the Minister of the Ministry of Works, as envoys to the east and west, sending them to various places to inspect and commend good deeds, and punish those who do evil. In February, envoys from the Ruru country came to pay tribute.
In early April, I visited Fangshan. A few days later, I returned to the palace. Then I went to Xuanhongchi, followed by Duoshan. Finally, I returned to the palace. In early May, orders were issued to distribute relief grain to the garrison in the seven provinces of Henan. Later, the palace dispatched Li Biao, the Minister of the Guards, and Lan Ying, the Associate Director, as envoys to Xiao Ze.
In early June, the emperor issued a decree saying, "Establishing official positions and the salary system for officials is very important. The 'Book of Rites' already contains regulations regarding salaries, and the Han Dynasty has always had a system of official salaries. During the Wei and Jin periods, they also followed the previous system to govern the country. Since the chaos in the Central Plains, this system has been interrupted, and the previous court has not had the chance to restore it. I constantly think about the suffering of the people, working day and night, with great concern. Therefore, I have decided to restore the old system and begin distributing official salaries. At the same time, in order to simplify civil affairs, various minor taxes on merchants have been abolished. Each household will now contribute three bolts of cloth and two sheng and nine dou of grain as part of the official salary system. The tax per household has also been increased to two bolts of cloth, which can also be used for trade. While there may be some short-term challenges, there will be significant long-term benefits. After the distribution of salaries, anyone caught embezzling or accepting bribes of one bolt of cloth or more will face execution. Now, to reform the system, we should start anew, as if creating the world from scratch, so we should grant amnesty to everyone, giving them a fresh start." There was a flood in Wuzhou, which destroyed many homes of ordinary people. In early July, I visited the Fangshan Stone Cave Temple.
Once, in early August, the emperor proclaimed: “Being an emperor is a heavy responsibility. If I do not broadly listen to everyone’s opinions, how can I govern the country effectively? There are numerous national matters, and without widely adopting suggestions, how can I accomplish great things? Ancient wise rulers recognized this truth, which is why they humbly welcomed advice and thoughtfully reflected on their errors. For instance, during the reign of Emperor Yao, the advisory drum was established, and during Emperor Shun’s reign, the wood of slander was set up, all to gather opinions from all corners and ensure peace in the realm. Now, I have inherited the land established by my forebears and am enjoying a time of peace and prosperity, and I have been endeavoring to learn from the exemplary practices of my predecessors. When I first became emperor, I ordered that people throughout the nation could freely share their thoughts and provide their suggestions to make up for my shortcomings. Although my decree has been conveyed, very few suggestions have truly met the criteria. Therefore, I reformed the system, drawing on ancient regulations to reestablish the salary and penal systems. However, the balance between leniency and strictness has not been well maintained; some people still have differing opinions, those who wish to speak cannot voice their opinions, and those who wish to advise cannot find a way, resulting in my flawed decisions and a lack of clarity below. Now, I decree that all officials, merchants, and common citizens may submit their opinions in writing. Suggestions beneficial to the nation and its people will be accepted; those harmful to the nation and detrimental to the populace will be rejected. Everyone must be bold enough to speak frankly and not hide anything; language should be concise and clear, and reasoning should be practical and solid. I will personally review these memorials to grasp the national situation and public sentiment, ensuring that those who speak boldly are not punished, and that those who hear these words take note.”
On a day in early September, Xiao Ze sent someone to pay tribute. A few days later, the emperor proclaimed another decree: “The salary system has been established and must be distributed promptly, starting in October, with payments to be made quarterly.” As a result, the salaries of officials across the nation were distributed, each varying in amount.
In October, the Goryeo Kingdom also sent envoys to pay tribute. Wang Jizong, the commander of the Shuangcheng garrison under Xiao Ze, submitted to the court. One day in November, the emperor sent Li Biao, the Cavalier Attendant, and Lan Ying, the Attendant Officer, to Xiao Ze. In December, the emperor heard that fifteen states and counties were suffering from drought and floods, causing the people to starve. He sent officials to investigate on-site, understand the people's sufferings, and ordered to open the granaries to provide relief to the disaster victims.
In the ninth year of the calendar, on the Wuyin day of the first month of spring, the emperor issued a decree saying: "The notion of prophecies has been around since the ancient times of the Three Dynasties. It is not the proper way to govern the country, but merely a tool exploited by malevolent forces. From now on, all prophecies, secret texts, and the book called 'Confucius' Closed Room Records' must be destroyed! Those who hide them will be sentenced to death. In addition, sorcerers who make false predictions of good and bad fortune in the name of gods and ghosts, as well as divination activities in the streets and alleys that do not conform to the orthodox scriptures, must be strictly prohibited!" On the day of Guiwei, the emperor invited his courtiers to the Dahua Palace and bestowed upon them the "Imperial Edict." On the day of Jihai in the second month, the emperor ordered that the titles and stipends of princes, grandsons, great-grandsons, and princesses shall be categorized into different ranks. Jia Shao, the second son of Prince Guangyang Jian, was named the heir to Prince Guangyang. On the day of Yisi, the emperor issued another decree saying: "In the past, wise and virtuous rulers have always listened to the opinions of the people, sought frank and honest advice, set up banners and music, and sought the opinions of the people. Although I have already implemented the salary system and reduced some penalties, I may not have considered everything thoroughly, so I am willing to accept honest criticism and aspire to showcase my political acumen. Officials, scholars, and businesspeople and merchants can submit their opinions without hiding anything!" On the Bingshen day of the third month, envoys from Dangchang came to pay tribute. The emperor appointed his brother Xi as the King of Xianyang, Gan as the King of Henan, Yu as the King of Guangling, Yong as the King of Yingchuan, Xie as the King of Shiping, and Xiang as the King of Beihai.
In the fourth month of the summer season, on the Gui Chou day, the emperor visited Fangshan for leisure. On the Jia Yin day, he returned to the palace. In the fifth month, both Goryeo and Xiao Ze sent envoys to pay tribute. On Xin Hai day in the sixth month, the emperor returned to Fangshan for another leisure visit and also visited Lingquan Pool on the way. On the Ding Si day, he returned to the palace.
In the seventh month of autumn, on the Bing Yin day (new moon), the emperor ordered the construction of a new palace gate. On the Gui Wei day, the emperor sent envoys to confer the title of king of Dangchang to Mi Cheng, the nephew of King Liang Miji. On the Wu Zi day, the emperor visited Yuchi for leisure and ascended Qingyuangang. On the Jia Wu day, he returned to the palace.
In the eighth month, on the Ji Hai day, the emperor visited Maze for leisure. On the Jia Yin day, the emperor climbed Niutou Mountain. On the Geng Shen day, the emperor issued a decree stating: "Several states have been hit by floods, famine is rampant, and some are even selling their children. This is a divine condemnation directed at me, and the responsibility rests solely on me. The people are innocent and yet they have to suffer such pain. I am deeply troubled by this and restless day and night, to the point of forgetting to eat and sleep. Since the sixth year of Taihe, I have returned the famine victims purchased from Ding, Ji, You, and Xiang to their families, including those who had been sold as wives. If they do not wish to remain, I have permitted them to leave." On the Jia Zi day, the emperor returned to the palace.
On a day in October in a certain year, the emperor issued a decree stating: "I have been emperor for fifteen years. Whenever I review the classics left by my predecessors and study the experiences of statecraft, I find that although the nation is well-stocked and the people seem to be living in peace and contentment, upon closer reflection, this tranquility cannot last long. Currently, the moral fabric of society is deteriorating; the wealthy and powerful are consolidating land, the poor are left destitute, land resources are wasted, and the common people even lose their lives over a few acres of land or abandon their livelihoods due to famine. How can we expect peace and prosperity for the people? Therefore, I am now sending envoys to inspect various regions, to collaborate with local officials for equitable land distribution, and to hold them accountable for the land distribution, while also encouraging everyone to develop agriculture and sericulture to revitalize the people's livelihood."
The next day, on the day of Wu Shen, the nations of Goryeo and Tuyuhun sent envoys to pay their respects. On the day of Xin You, the court's senior officials, including the Chamberlain, the Minister of Works, and Prince Chen Jian of Wei, passed away. The emperor then appointed the Assistant Gentleman Li Biao and the Secretary Lang Gongsun A Liu to offer condolences to Xiao Ze. By the day of Yi Mao in December, the Chamberlain, Prince of Huainan, was appointed Minister of Works. At this time, the Rouran tribe launched an invasion at the borders, and the emperor ordered King Cheng of Rencheng to lead troops to suppress them. That year, thirteen places in the capital and various states experienced floods and droughts, resulting in poor harvests. The states of Dangchang, Goryeo, Tuyuhun, and others also sent envoys to pay their respects.
Emperor Xianzu Xianwen, whose personal name was Hong, was the eldest son of Emperor Gaozong Wencheng. His mother was Lady Li. He was born in July of the first year of Xinguang, during the autumn season, north of Yin Mountain. In the second year of Tai'an, in February, he was named crown prince. He was intelligent and wise, with a high level of understanding, and showed talents for governing the country and protecting the people since childhood. He was compassionate and filial, and he respected his teachers and friends greatly.
In the sixth year of He Ping, on the day of Jiachen in May, he ascended to the throne, and the world was granted amnesty. He honored the empress as the empress dowager. As a result, General Yihun falsely issued a decree and killed Minister Yang Baonian, Duke Jia Airen of Pingyang, and Duke Zhang Tiandu of Nanyang in the palace. On the day of Wushen, the Chamberlain, Minister of Personnel, and Prince of Pingyuan, Lu Li, returned to court from Tangquan and were also killed by Yihun. On the day of Jiyou, Yihun was appointed as the Grand Minister, responsible for handling affairs of the Ministry of Personnel; Prince Liu Ni of Dong'an was appointed as Minister of Works; and the Left Assistant Minister of Personnel and his subordinate were appointed as Minister of Construction. On the day of Renzi, the Prince of Huainan was appointed as the General Who Guards the West and the Minister of Three Departments, stationed in Liangzhou. In June, Marquis Li Yi of Fanyang was granted the title of King of Danyang, and General Feng Xi of the Eastern Expedition was granted the title of King of Changli.
On the day of Yichou in the lunar calendar, the emperor issued a decree stating: "Heavy taxes leave the common people with no money; light taxes leave the state with no funds. Therefore, taxes should be collected at one-tenth, and the common people will appreciate this. The previous dynasty carefully considered the balance of taxes for the benefit of the people. I inherit the great achievements of my predecessor, always thinking of the teachings of my ancestors, rising early and sleeping late, devoted to the welfare of the people, hoping that everyone in the world can live a peaceful and prosperous life. However, the labor service and taxes are unending. How can we lighten the burdens on the people and help the common folk? Now, there is no war, food reserves are sufficient, and all kinds of miscellaneous taxes should be exempted, and returned to the common people!"
On the day of Guisi in July, Grand Minister Yihun was appointed Chancellor, holding a position higher than all the princes, with all matters decided by him.
In September of the year Gengzi, there was a general amnesty in the capital city. On the day of Bingwu, the emperor issued a decree saying: "The previous dynasty allowed provincial governors to be close to the people. They should be provided with good assistants, so I order the relevant departments to select officials according to nine regulations, allowing former officials to recommend talents. We hope to select excellent candidates, as we believe the selection system is fair and just, ensuring an orderly court. However, the provincial governors and local officials are lazy and complacent, not following the emperor's intentions. The individuals selected are unsuitable and violate the established rules. It is now stipulated that on the day they take office, governors and local officials must recommend prestigious, loyal, and reliable talents from the local area to serve as officials, and former officials are not allowed to interfere. If the recommended candidates are unsuitable, they will be punished for deceiving the emperor." This month, Liu Ziye summoned General Beida and Prince Yiyang, Liu Chang from Pengcheng, persuading him to surrender.
In October, Prince Yangping Liu Xincheng, Prince Jingzhao Zitui, Prince Jiyin Liu Xiaoxin, Prince Ruyin Liu Tianci, and Prince Rencheng Liu Yundu all went to the capital to meet the emperor. That year, Liu Ziye's uncle, Liu Yu, killed him and took the throne.
On the first day of the first month of the Tian'an era, there was a general amnesty and the era name was changed. In the second month of Gengshen, the Prime Minister and Prince Taiyuan Yihun plotted a rebellion and were killed. On the day of Yihai, the attendant Yuen Kongque was named Prince of Puyang, and the attendant Lu Dingguo was appointed as Prince of Dongjun. In the third month of Gengzi, Prince Longxi Yuan He was appointed Grand Marshal. On the day of Xinchou, the spirit tablet of Emperor Gaozong Wencheng was enshrined in the ancestral temple. On the day of Xinhai, the emperor went to the Daoist altar to personally receive the talisman; another general amnesty was declared in the capital. Envoys from Goryeo, Persia, Yutian, Axia, and other countries arrived to pay their respects.
On the Xinhai day in July, the emperor issued a decree, stating that those who obtained titles through improper means might be exempt from punishment in special cases, but would have their titles and official positions revoked. If ancestors or fathers obtained titles through bribery and corruption and then used them to falsely claim legitimacy, they would not be allowed to inherit titles. Those who were promoted not based on merit would also have to return to their original positions. Those who concealed the truth and did not report it would be punished for the crime of insubordination.
In September, Liu Yu's governor of Sizhou, Chang Zhenqi, surrendered with the Xuanhu region. On the Jiyou day, we started to establish schools in the villages, with each county hosting two scholars, two assistants, and sixty students. Xue Andou, Liu Yu's governor of Xuzhou, also surrendered with Pengcheng. Liu Yu sent generals Zhang Yong and Shen Youzhi to attack Xue Andou. The emperor appointed Wei Yuan as the Grand General of Zhen Nan, serving as the Northern Shangshu, commanding various armies, with Kong Bogong, the Duke of Chengyang, as his deputy, to go to the east to rescue Pengcheng; the Central Shangshu, Grand General of Zhen Xi, and Duke of Xihe Yuan Shi led the armies of Jingzhou, Yuzhou, and Nanyongzhou, with the Attendant, Marquis of Jingzhao Zhang Qiongqi as his deputy, to go to the west to rescue Xuanhu.
In October, envoys from Cao Li and Tonghe Kingdoms came to pay tribute. On the Renzi day of November, Bi Zhongjing, the provincial governor of Yanzhou under Liu Yu, also sent envoys to surrender. On the Jiwu day of December, Wei Yuan's army arrived in Shidi, leading to the successive defeats and retreats of Zhou Kai, Zhang Yong, and Shen Youzhi under Liu Yu. The emperor's brother, Prince Anping, died. In that year, eleven states and counties suffered from drought, and the people suffered from hunger, so the court had to open the granaries to help the people affected by the disaster.
In the first month of the Huangxing era, on the Guisi day, General Wei Yuan scored a decisive victory east of the Lüliang Mountains against Zhang Yong and Shen Youzhi, beheading tens of thousands and leaving innumerable others to freeze to death! They also captured Yuan Gongzu, the governor of Qinzhou, and Shen Chengbo, the commander of the Yulin. Zhang Yong and Shen Youzhi managed to escape alone. The spoils of war and military equipment were countless. Liu Yu sent envoys to pay tribute as well. On the Gengzi day, King Daofu of Dongping conspired in Chang'an, killing Deputy General Prince Duhua Wangu Zhen, Duke Li Hui of Julu, and Governor Yu Xuanming of Yongzhou. On the Bingwu day, the Emperor ordered Sikong, Duke Pingchang, and his attendant, as well as Duke Yuan Pi of Dongyang, to attack Daofu. On the Dingwei day, Daofu's general Duan Taiyang betrayed Daofu and killed him, sending Daofu's head to the capital. Daofu's brothers were also executed.
In the leap month, the Emperor appointed Prince Li Jun of Dunqiu as the Grand Chancellor. Liu Yu's governor of Qingzhou, Shen Wenxiu, and governor of Jizhou, Cui Daogu, also sent envoys to request allegiance. The Emperor ordered General Pingdong Changsun Ling and General Pingnan, Duke Hou Qiongqi to support them. In February, the Emperor dispatched an envoy with the authority to command military affairs, General Murong Baiyao, leading fifty thousand cavalry to Qiangzhu, as rear support for the eastern front. Prince Xiaoxin of Jiyin passed away. Countries such as Goguryeo, Kumo Xie, Jufu Fu, Yuyuling, Rilian, Pili Er, and Yutian all sent envoys to pay tribute. Liu Yu's governor of Dongping, Shen Zuan, stationed at Wuyan, blocked the passage of the royal envoys, prompting the Emperor to order General Murong Riyang to march against him. On the Jiayin day in March, Wuyan fell. Shen Wenxiu and Cui Daogu revolted again and rejoined Liu Yu. Murong Baiyao turned back to confront them, capturing Liu Yu's strongholds at Feicheng, Yuanmiao, and Migou.
In April, Murong Baiyao attacked Shengcheng, and the defending general, Fang Chongji, fled. In August, Murong Baiyao attacked Licheng. On the Dingyou day, the emperor went to Wuzhou Mountain Stone Cave Temple to enjoy some leisure time. On the Wushen day, Prince Hong was born, and the emperor granted a general amnesty and changed the era name. On the Renzi day in September, envoys from countries such as Goryeo, Yutian, Pulang, and Sogdiana came to offer tribute. On the Dingsi day, the emperor promoted Li Bai, the Duke of Fengyi, to the title of King of Liangjun. This month, the emperor ordered that impoverished residents of the six towns each received three pieces of cloth. On the Guimao day in October of a certain year, the emperor was working the fields at Nan Chi. King Kongque of Puyang was demoted to duke due to negligence, which drew harsh criticism!
In the spring of two years later, on the Guimao day of February, the emperor went hunting in Xishan again, personally shooting tigers and leopards—what a display of power! During this time, Cui Daogu, Liu Yu, Liang Zoushu, and Pingyuan Prefect Liu Xiubin all surrendered together; it seems that the emperor's reputation is far-reaching! In the same month, the bandit Sima Xiufu in Xuzhou claimed to be the Prince of Jin, but he truly overestimated his own abilities and was quickly subdued by General Wei Yuan. In March, Bai Yao began to besiege Dongyang, while Liu Yu sent envoys to pay tribute, which shows a remarkably quick change in attitude. On the day of Xinchou in April, the emperor appointed Duke of Nanjun Li Hui as Grand General of Southern Expedition, Yitong Sansi, Commander-in-Chief of the military affairs of Guanyou, Governor of Yongzhou, and also elevated him to a king—a true mark of honor and favor! Even more impressively, envoys from countries like Goryeo, Khitan, Jufufo, Yuyuling, Riyue, Pilier, Chiluoshou, Xiwandan, Adahe, Yuzhenhou, Yutian, and the Persian Empire all came to pay tribute; the emperor's face is truly great! In May, on the day of Yimao, the emperor went to Guoshan to farm, and then went to Fanzhi, returning to the palace only on the day of Xinyou. On the day of Gengchen in June, the emperor opened up new land in Henan and pardoned criminals in the capital who had committed crimes below the death penalty—a reason for widespread celebration. At the same time, the emperor also appointed Prince Changli Feng Xi as Grand Tutor, a significant position! On the day of Xinhai in September, the emperor again appointed Uncle Zhen as the King of Nan'an, Changshou as the King of Chengyang, Tailuo as the King of Zhangwu, and Xiu as the King of Anding, adding several new princes to the imperial family.
In October, during the winter, on the Xin Chou day, the emperor was farming at Cold Spring. Eleven months later, due to droughts and floods affecting twenty-seven states and towns, the emperor ordered the opening of granaries to distribute grain to relieve the disaster victims; he truly was a benevolent emperor! On the Jia Wu day in December, the emperor issued an edict stating: “Recently, Zhang Yong rebelled and dared to defy the royal command, resulting in countless corpses strewn across the land and numerous casualties. I am deeply pained by the grievances of these deceased, as do the common people, so I command all counties to allow the disabled soldiers from Zhang Yong's army to return to Jiangnan, and those bodies left in the wilderness must be properly gathered and buried.” This month, envoys from more than ten countries, including Xiwandan, came to pay tribute, indicating that the emperor's prestige is on the rise! On the Yi Chou day in the third year of the reign, Dongyang City fell, and Shen Wenxiu was captured. On the Wu Chen day, the Minister of Works and Duke of Pingchang, passed away. In February, the Rouran, Goryeo, Kumoxi, Khitan, and other nations sent envoys to pay tribute again; the emperor truly commands great authority across the land! On the Ji Mao day, the emperor appointed Murong Baiyao, Duke of Shangdang, as the commander of military affairs in Qingqi, Dongxu, and other three provinces, General of the Southern Expedition, and Governor of the Three Departments, and promoted him to the rank of King of Jinan, which is a recognition of his contributions!
In the year 465, on the eighth of April, Emperor Liu Yu of the Liu Song dynasty sent envoys to pay tribute. On the fourteenth, the emperor named his son Hong and issued a decree of amnesty for the entire world. On the fifteenth, the emperor went hunting in Guo Mountain. In May, the emperor relocated the people of Qingzhou to the capital. On the eighth of June, the emperor declared his son Hong as the crown prince.
In July, the Rouran also sent envoys to pay tribute. In October, Li Jun, the Chamberlain, Grand Chancellor, and Duke of Dunqiu, passed away. In November, the chieftain of Tuyuhun, Bai Yangti Duhuan, led his people to submit to the imperial court. Han Tui was promoted and granted the title of king.
In January of the year 466 AD, the court ordered the granaries to be opened to relieve the famine-stricken people across eleven provinces. In February, Prince Lu Dingguo of Dongju was appointed as the Minister of Works. Goryeo, Khitan, and Kumo Xi sent envoys to pay tribute. Shiyin of Tuyuhun failed to present tribute, so the Emperor sent Changsun Guan to attack him. Prince Shihou of Guangyang passed away. In March, the Emperor issued a decree, stating his deep concern for the people's suffering and calling for the gathering of skilled doctors and valuable medicinal herbs to aid them. In April, a general amnesty was declared. On the 27th, Changsun Guan's forces defeated Shiyin at Mantou Mountain. Shiyin fled with several hundred cavalry. Shiyin's brother Douwu and their leader Pilou Balei surrendered with their troops. In May, the Emperor appointed his younger brother as Prince Jianchang. In June, Liu Song sent envoys to offer tribute again. In August, a group of bandits attacked Pengcheng, killing the general Yuan Jiechou, but the chief of staff led troops to wipe them out. The Rouran people invaded the border. On the third day of September, the Emperor personally led his troops on a northern campaign and defeated the enemy at Nvshui. The Minister of Works and Prince Dong'an Liu Ni were dismissed due to their errors. On the seventh day of September, the Emperor returned from the campaign and hosted a banquet to celebrate the victory, reporting the situation to the ancestral temple. In October, Prince Murong Baiyao of Jinan and Prince Li Fu of Gaoping were executed. In November, the court ordered the restrictions on mountains and swamps to be lifted. On the thirteenth day of December, the Emperor visited Luye Park and Shiku Temple for some leisure time. Prince Xincheng of Yangping passed away.
In the spring of the year 455 AD, on the day of Yihai in the third month, the emperor issued a decree: "Since the establishment of Tian'an, the country has faced ongoing major challenges. The southern region has been pacified in the area of Xuzhou, and the remnants of the enemies in the north have also been eliminated. Soldiers who have deserted are deserving of punishment. Although I have always been lenient, a lenient policy flows like water, and the number of deserters keeps increasing. It is necessary to strictly enforce the law to deter the wicked. Effective immediately, all deserting soldiers and officials who are supposed to serve but are wandering must turn themselves in by June 30th; those who do not surrender will be punished according to the law." The emperor also sent Court Attendant Xing You to see Liu Yu.
In the summer, in the fourth month, the Xianbei tribe in the western region rebelled. The emperor ordered King Tianci of Ruyin and the attendant Luo Yun to suppress the rebellion. As a result, Luo Yun was attacked and killed by the Xianbei tribe, resulting in the deaths of fifteen or sixteen individuals. Prince Changsun Dun of Beiping passed away. On the day of Dingwei in the sixth month, the emperor conducted an inspection tour of Hexi.
In the autumn, on the day of Bingyin in the seventh month, the emperor arrived at Yinshan. On the day of Dinghai in the eighth month, the emperor's carriage returned to the imperial palace. The emperor showed little interest in state affairs and had been thinking of abdicating the throne to his uncle, Prince of Jingzhao, Zi Tui, as noted in "The Biography of Prince Rencheng." The ministers strongly opposed this, and the emperor gave up on the idea. On the day of Bingwu, the emperor formally designated the Crown Prince, saying, "In the past, Yao and Shun abdicated because their sons were unreliable. If they were as capable as Dan Zhu and Shang Jun, who would choose those mediocre individuals? Although you are young, you possess the demeanor of a true monarch. You will surely uphold the royal way and benefit the people. Now I entrust the imperial seal to the Grand Preceptor and Prince Jian'an, who will pass on the throne to you. After you ascend to the throne, you must govern diligently, honor our ancestors, and grant me a peaceful retirement. Doesn't that sound good?"
On the day of Dingwei, the emperor issued a decree again, saying, "I have inherited great authority and am in an era of peace and prosperity; the world is submissive, and the four seas are calm. So I wish to live a quiet and simple life, focusing my efforts. However, dealing with political affairs all day long is taking a toll on my physical and mental health; if one day is delayed, political affairs will accumulate. However, a son should honor his father when taking over the throne; it's only natural for a father to pass his position to his son. Now, according to the mandate of heaven and considering everyone's opinions, I have decided to let you inherit the throne. As for me, I will live quietly, dedicating myself to the country and ensuring its peace and prosperity. Isn't this good? Officials, you must assist the crown prince well to repay the grace of heaven. Spread this news to all parts of the country, so that everyone knows."
Then the ministers reported, "In the past, during the reign of the Three Emperors, they were all quiet and inactive, hence the title 'emperor.' After Emperor Gaozu of Han was proclaimed emperor, he honored his father as the Emperor Emeritus, indicating that the emperor is not the only one in the world. Now that the emperor is still young, the affairs of the state still need you to preside over. We suggest that you be honored as the Emperor Emeritus." The emperor agreed.
On the day of Jiyou, the Emperor Emeritus moved to the Chongguang Palace, that was simple and unadorned, with earth-built steps instead of carved beams and painted rafters. All major state affairs were reported to him. In the first year of Chengming, at the age of twenty-three, the emperor passed away in the Yong'an Hall, posthumously honored as Emperor Xianwen, with the temple name Xianzu, and was buried in Jinling, Yunzhong.
Historians commented: The emperor was exceptionally intelligent, mature and wise beyond his years, decisive and sagacious; that is Emperor Xianzu! He pacified the northern border and expanded the southern territories. However, he grew tired of the throne too early, ultimately leading to a change in the court. Was this truly the will of heaven?
Emperor Gaozong, whose name was Jun, was the eldest son of Emperor Gongzong of Jingmu. His mother was Lady Lu. In June of the first year of Zhenjun, he was born in the Eastern Palace. He was exceptionally intelligent as a child, and Emperor Shizu doted on him, often keeping him close and referring to him as the "heir apparent." When he was five years old, Emperor Shizu went on a northern tour, and the young emperor accompanied him. On the way, they encountered an enemy general who intended to punish a slave. The young emperor addressed the general, saying, "Now that this slave has encountered me, you should let him go." The general complied and freed the slave. When Emperor Shizu heard about this, he said, "Though still a child, he is already contemplating his future as emperor!" and thought he was extraordinary. As he grew older, Emperor Gaozong had a distinctive style. Whenever major political matters arose, he always participated in decision-making and expressed his opinions. On Wushen Day in October of the second year of Zhengping, he ascended the throne at Yong'an Hall, proclaimed himself emperor, granted a general amnesty, and changed the era name.
In the winter of the first year of Xing'an, in October, Emperor Gaozong appointed Cavalry General Yuan Shoule as Grand Chancellor, Commander of Military Affairs both domestically and abroad, and Registrar of the Ministry of Personnel Affairs; Grand Secretary Changsun Kehou was appointed as Grand Secretary and additionally granted the title of Minister of the Three Departments. After eleven months, on the day of Bingzi, these two individuals were both sentenced to death for their power struggle. On the day of Guiwei, Prince Guangyang Jian and Prince Linhuai Tan died one after another. On the day of Jiachen, the Empress Dowager passed away. Grand Marshal Zhang Li and Minister of Engineering Gu Bi were demoted to high-ranking officials in remote provinces for their disagreement with the Emperor. General Pingnan, Lord Zhou Niu, was granted the title of King of Leling, and Minister of the South, Lord Lu Li, was granted the title of King of Pingyuan, while all civil and military officials were all elevated by one rank. On the day of Renyin, the late Crown Prince Jingmu was posthumously revered as Emperor Jingmu, and the Empress Dowager was posthumously honored as Empress Gong; the Empress Dowager's mother, Lady Chang, was honored as Dowager Empress. King Jingwen of Longxi rebelled against the Emperor, and the Emperor ordered General Tongwan, Prince Nanyang Huishou, to suppress the rebellion. On the day of Wushen in the twelfth month, Empress Gong was buried in Jinling. On the day of Yimao, the court restored Buddhism. On the day of Dingsi, King Zhou Niu of Leling was appointed as Grand Marshal, King Lu Li of Pingyuan as Minister of Engineering, and General Du Yuanbao of Zhenxi as Minister of Engineering. Both Ba Da Kingdom and Sha Lie Kingdom sent envoys to pay their respects. On the day of Wuyin, Duke Jianye Lu Si was granted the title of King of Dongping, and Duke Guangping Du Yi was also granted the title of king. On the day of Guihai, in response to a locust disaster in Yingzhou, the Emperor ordered the granaries to be opened to distribute grain to relieve the disaster victims. On the day of Jiazi, Grand Marshal King Zhou Niu of Leling committed a crime and was sentenced to death. Duke Puyang Lu Ruowen was conferred the title of king.
On the eighth day of the first month in the year 454, Du Yuanbao was promoted and granted the title of King of Jingzhao. Unfortunately, King Guangping Du Yi passed away. On the same day, Liu Ni was also promoted and became a king, with the title of King of Dong'an. Additionally, the son of King Jianing, Chong, also received a grant and was titled King of Jinan. On the thirteenth day of the first month, the court issued an order for the citizens and the government to jointly pay a tax of fifteen. On the sixteenth day of the first month, Yuan He was also promoted and granted the title of King of Xiping.
On the sixth day of the second month, Duke Du Yuanbao of Jingzhao rebelled and was killed. As a result of Du Yuanbao's rebellion, Prince Chong of Jianing and his son Prince Li were also executed. On the eleventh day of the second month, the court dispatched five thousand men to construct the Tianyuan Pool. In that month, Liu Jun, the son of Liu Yilong, killed his father and took the throne in his place.
On the eighth day of the third month, the court honored Empress Dowager Bao as the Empress Dowager. Duke Lu Hupi of Anfeng was appointed as the King of Hejian. On the eleventh day of the third month, an envoy from the country of Shule came to pay tribute. On the tenth day of the fifth month, the emperor visited Mount Guo. On the sixteenth day of the fifth month, the emperor returned to the palace. That month, Liu Shao, Liu Jun's brother, killed Liu Jun and took the throne himself. On the twenty-ninth day of the intercalary month, Empress Dowager Helian passed away.
In the autumn of a certain year, on the Xinhai day of the seventh month, the emperor went to inspect Yinshan. Consequently, Prince Lu Ruowen of Puyang and General Ren of Yongchang rebelled. On the Yichou day of the seventh month, the emperor ordered Ren's execution in Chang'an, and Lu Ruowen was also executed. On the Jisi day of the seventh month, the emperor returned to the palace. That month, they also constructed a horse shooting platform in the southern suburbs.
On the Xinyou day of the eighth month, envoys from the country of Kapantho came to offer tribute. On the Wuxu day, the emperor proclaimed, "As someone humble, I have inherited the great achievements of my ancestors, and I am worried that I might not be able to show kindness, rule with compassion, and bring stability to the world. That's why I work diligently day and night, being cautious and careful, as if walking on a cliff's edge. However, since I ascended the throne, the people have enjoyed peace and prosperity, the weather has been favorable, the borders have been peaceful, and auspicious signs have been abundant. Furthermore, I found a small jade seal about the size of a square inch, engraved with the words 'Longevity for descendants.' All the courtiers exclaimed, 'How wonderful!' How could I have accomplished all this alone? This is all thanks to the blessings of heaven, earth, and our ancestors! I want to share this joy with everyone across the nation, so I hereby decree that the common people may celebrate joyfully for three days, and all criminals sentenced to death will have their penalties reduced by one level."
On the Renzi day in September, the emperor reviewed the army in the southern outskirts. In the winter, on the Xinyou day in November, the emperor went to Xindu and Zhongshan to inspect and learn about the local customs. In December, the emperor executed those involved in bandit activities in Hejian's Mao County, pardoning all males under fifteen and rewarding his followers with different amounts. On the Jiawu day in December, the emperor returned to the palace. More than ten countries, including the Khitan kingdom and Jibin, sent envoys to pay tribute. The emperor also restored the title of Wang to Changsun Dun, the Duke of Northern Ping.
In the first year of Xingguang, on the Yichou day of the first month in spring, the emperor appointed Shi Zhong and Duke Yi of Henan as Sikong. On the Jiawu day in February, the emperor went to the Daoist altar and received a Taoist talisman; after the ceremony, the emperor granted amnesty to the capital city, rewarding his ministers with varying amounts. In the summer, on the Bingyin day in June, the emperor went to inspect the Yinshan area.
On the Gengzi day in July, Prince Hong was born into the royal family. The next day, on the Xinchou day, the emperor granted amnesty to the realm and changed the era name. On the Jiaxu day in early August, Prince Zhao Shen passed away. The next day, on the Yihai day, the emperor's carriage made its way back to the palace. On the Yichou day in November, Uncle Hu Tou and Long Tou also passed away.
On the Gengshen day in September, the Khitan kingdom sent tribute horses, one of which had a single horn resembling a unicorn! This month, the palace shut the city gates for three days, conducting a massive search operation that captured several hundred criminals and fugitives.
In November, General Fang Zhang from Beizhen defeated the Rouran tribes, captured their leaders Douhun and Ju, and seized more than a thousand horses. On the Wuxu day, the emperor visited Zhongshan for leisure and then went to Xindu. On the Bingzi day in December, the emperor traveled to Lingqiu and stayed at the Wenspring Palace. On the Gengchen day, the emperor's carriage finally made its way back to the palace. Oh, and envoys from foreign nations, including the Chiman state, also arrived to pay tribute.
In the first month of the first year of the Tai'an era, on the Xinyou day, the emperor enshrined the ancestral tablets of the two emperors, Shizu and Gongzong, in the ancestral temple. On the same day, the Grand General Prince Le Ping was convicted of a crime and executed. On the Guiwei day in the second month, the King of Wuchang passed away. On the Jihai day in the third month, the emperor issued a decree saying: "Today, we have enshrined the ancestral tablets of the two emperors, Shizu and Gongzong, in the ancestral temple and conducted a sacrifice to the gods in the Western Park. To celebrate this joyous occasion, I have granted rewards to all officials. However, those who have committed crimes will still face execution. This isn’t a good way to govern with virtue or show compassion to the people. The teachings of the sages begin with the people closest to them. Even King Wen of Zhou, who was known for his wisdom, strictly disciplined his wife and brothers to govern the country. Since teaching should start with those closest to us, so should kindness! So, I’m granting a pardon to all criminals in the capital who are facing the death penalty."
On the 29th day of the 6th month, the emperor named the prince Hong and granted amnesty to the capital, and changed the era name. On the 30th day, the emperor issued a decree saying, "To govern the country, official positions should be established based on the actual circumstances, and talented individuals should be selected to take up positions. Only then can harmony be achieved between the upper and lower classes, and the common people will not have grievances. If the official positions are not appropriate, corrupt and evil individuals will prevail, resulting in the decline of government authority and a deteriorating society. In order to ensure the country's prosperity, officials must be carefully assessed; demotions and executions should be carried out as necessary. Now, I am sending thirty officials, led by the chief secretary Mu Fuzhen, to investigate local customs and public sentiment in various regions. If they find that in a certain place, farmers are not cultivating the land and fields are barren, it indicates that the labor duties are too burdensome and the people are too exhausted to work; if the elderly are eating wild vegetables to stave off hunger, and the young have no clothes to wear, it indicates that taxes are too burdensome and the people are left with no money; if villages are empty and people are fleeing, it indicates that the government's pacification work is not well done and the people do not feel the benefits; if thieves are rampant and robbery is continuous, it indicates that the deterrent power of the law is insufficient; if grievances are widespread and complaints are everywhere, good people are hiding and corrupt and evil individuals are in power, it indicates that the law is chaotic and politics are dark. In such cases, severe punishment is warranted. Officials who govern well should be commended and rewarded. If someone is wronged and is unable to appeal, they can go to the inspectors to file a complaint, and the inspectors must conduct a thorough investigation. If the inspectors determine that it was a false accusation, they must punish the accuser. If the inspectors engage in corruption, accept bribes, or pervert the law, complaints can be made to the court. Those who are unfilial, disrespectful to their parents and elders, corrupt in office, and those who are thieves, must be recorded and reported to the court. If anyone shelters these criminals, they will face punishment for harboring criminals." This month, the country of Zheyi sent envoys to pay tribute. On the 23rd day, the emperor went hunting at Dunishi Mountain. On the 1st day of the 7th month, the emperor returned to the palace.
In a certain year of the Common Era, on the Bingchen day of July, the emperor made an inspection tour to Hexi. In August, on the Dinghai day, he returned to the palace. In simple terms, the emperor went on a tour to Hexi and then came back. During this time, in October, emissaries from Persia and Shule came to pay tribute, which was a diplomatic highlight. The emperor also promoted and raised the salary of Gongchang Ying from Liaoxi, appointing him as the Grand Chancellor and elevating him to the rank of king, a guaranteed way to rise in rank and wealth.
The following year, in the Yimao month, the emperor established Feng as the empress. In February, on the Dingsi day, he also named his son Hong as the crown prince and granted a general amnesty, sparking celebrations across the nation! However, the good times were short-lived; thousands of households from the Dingling tribe fled to Jingxing Mountain and turned into bandits. The emperor dispatched Xu Zongzhi, the governor of Dingzhou, and Qi Fochenglong, the governor of Bingzhou, to take down the bandits. By summer, in June, a conspiracy by palace guards Yu Pan, Yuan Ti, and others was uncovered, and they were all executed.
In autumn, on the Jiashen day in August, the emperor went hunting in Hexi again. This month, General Pingxi, Wei Juan of Yuyang, defeated Yiyu and returned home with a bounty of spoils. In September, on the Xinsi day, Gong Lupi of Hedong and Gong Luhe of Lingling were made kings.
In October, on the Jiashen day, the emperor was back in the palace. On the Jiwu day, the emperor issued a special pardon for the capital's residents. In November, Wang Yuanhe of Xiping was reappointed as Wang of Longxi, and the shuffling of official positions was routine. At this time, Yeda and Pulang also sent envoys to pay their respects, and the diplomatic situation was very favorable. Additionally, Jiang Longju, the governor of Puyang under Liu Jun, and Yang Bolun, the governor of Xinping, surrendered along with their followers and the local populace to the court.
In the third year, on the first day of the lunar new year, the emperor went hunting in Guo Mountain. On the fifth day, he returned to the palace. The Sogdian and Yutian kingdoms also sent envoys to pay tribute. The emperor also transferred the Prefect of Yuyang, Juan, to the court, appointed him as Grand Commander, and elevated him to the rank of prince, allowing him to handle the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel. On the fifth day of the fifth month, the emperor went hunting in Song Mountain again and returned to the palace on the sixth day. The emperor also conferred the title of Prince of Yangping to his brother, who had just been elevated. On the second day of the sixth month, the emperor went to inspect Yin Mountain. In August, the emperor hunted north of Yin Mountain and returned to the palace on the ninth day.
In the winter month of October, the emperor planned to inspect the eastern regions, so he ordered the Grand Chancellor Chang Ying to build a temporary palace in Huang Mountain, Liaoxi. In November, King Wenhu Long of the barbarians brought thousands of households to submit. In December, due to severe locust plagues in various places, the people were starving, so the emperor ordered opening the granaries to relieve the disaster victims. This month, more than fifty countries, including Yutian and Fuyu, sent envoys to pay tribute, a truly prosperous and peaceful time for the nation!
In a certain year, on the first day of the first month of spring, the emperor decreed a ban on alcohol consumption. A few days later, the emperor visited the Guangning Hot Spring Palace for relaxation, then toured east to Pingzhou. A few days later, he arrived at Huang Mountain Palace in Liaoxi, where he spent several days there and personally met with some elderly locals to understand their hardships.
On a certain day in February, the emperor ascended Jieshi Mountain, looked out at the sea, and held a banquet at the foot of the mountain to host his officials, rewarding them with titles according to their merits. The emperor also renamed Jieshi Mountain as Leyou Mountain and erected a monument by the sea to commemorate the journey. Afterwards, the emperor traveled south to Xindu, hunting and having fun in the Guangchuan area.
On a certain day in March, the emperor watched a polo game in Zhongshan. All the states and counties the emperor passed through were granted a year's tax exemption. Afterwards, the emperor's carriage returned to the palace, and construction on Taihua Palace began. During this period, King Lu Si of Dongping passed away.
One day in May, the emperor issued a decree stating: "Since I ascended the throne, I have issued decrees multiple times to reduce taxes, simplify burdensome regulations, and abolish unnecessary measures, hoping that the people can live and work in peace. However, many local officials have not been able to carry out my will properly, being greedy and pocketing public funds, leading to insufficient tax collection, yet they make up all sorts of excuses to blame the people. To avoid punishment, they don’t even try to hold back. The state’s tax system has always been lenient, and in recent years, miscellaneous taxes have also been greatly reduced, yet there are still cases of tax arrears in various places, not due to the officials' diligence, but because of their corruption. From now on, if the long-term insufficient tax collection leads to the people being unable to live and work in peace, those local officials will be sentenced to death! I want everyone to know my resolve!"
In June, the emperor went hunting in Songshan.
In July, the emperor went on an inspection tour in Hexi. In September, the emperor returned to the palace. The Taihua Hall was finished. Then, the emperor hosted a banquet for the officials and ordered a general amnesty for the world.
In October, the emperor made a northern tour, reaching Yanshan, where he found that some ancient tombs were damaged, so he issued a decree stating: "In ancient times, King Wen of the Zhou buried the bones thickly, and all the people in the world submitted to him, reflecting benevolence and righteousness. From now on, anyone who damages tombs will be executed!" At the same time, Liu Jun sent Yin Xiaozu to build two cities east of Qingshui, and the emperor ordered General Zhenxi and others to mobilize troops against them. The emperor's carriage reached Wheel Mountain, where he piled stones and set up a monument to commemorate the event. In November, the emperor ordered the mobilization of General Pi Baozi and two other generals, leading thirty thousand cavalry to assist in the attack against Yin Xiaozu. The emperor's carriage crossed the desert, and the Wuru people were scared stiff and ran away, with tribal leaders Wuzhu He Tui and Ku Shitui leading their people to surrender. In December, General Zhengdong and Tuo Zhen, the King of Zhongshan, passed away.
In a certain year, during the Common Era, on the first day of spring, General Pibaozi led troops to attack Gaoping, achieving a great victory and killing over five thousand enemy soldiers. In the second month, Duke Yi died. In the third month, the capital city granted amnesty to all criminals sentenced to less than death. Several months later, in the fourth month, the emperor granted titles to royal descendants as Kings of Jingzhao. In the fifth month, emissaries from Juchang State came to pay tribute. In the sixth month, the emperor visited Yingshan. In the ninth month, the emperor issued a decree declaring, "Reward those who merit it, punish those who are guilty; this is a timeless principle that has persisted through the ages. Those local officials who embezzle public funds and line their own pockets, failing to collect taxes properly, will still be held accountable for their past misdeeds and punished according to the law. However, if supervising officials fail to fulfill their duties of oversight and correction promptly, allowing the guilty to evade justice while the innocent suffer, this fosters corruption and breeds greed and tyranny. How can this be justified as punishment meant to correct the world? From now on, all officials must adhere strictly to regulations, rewarding the meritorious and punishing the guilty without leniency, differentiating between the capable and the incapable, with clear distinctions between rewards and punishments. Supervising officials must establish clear rules and regulations to serve as future guidelines." That winter, Li Bao died. In December, the emperor issued another decree, declaring, "I have inherited my ancestors' legacy, ruling over the people of the world, seeking to restore a stable political environment and ensure the people live in peace and contentment. Therefore, taxes and labor services will be reduced, hoping the people can live comfortably without lacking food or clothing. However, regions such as Liuzhen, Yunchuan, Gaoping, Eryong, and Qinzhou have faced drought, leading to failed harvests. Therefore, the granaries will be opened to assist those affected by the disaster, to facilitate the return of the displaced to their homes. Furthermore, food will be sourced from other regions, and trade routes between nearby counties and counties near the passes will be established. If supervising officials neglect their duties, preventing the emperor's benevolence from reaching the people and causing them hardship, they will face severe punishment."
In the first year of the era of peace, on the first day of the first month, a general pardon was declared and the era name was changed. On this day, the emperor sent Feng Chan to meet Liu Jun. In the second month, Prince Liang of Le'an led the armies from Dongyong, Tujing, Liubi, and other regions to advance westward into Hexi, while General Pibaozi led the Hexi armies to march southward towards Shilou to quell the Hu rebels in Hexi.
In a certain year of our Lord, on the day of Wuxu in the fourth month, the Empress Dowager Changshi passed away in Shou'an Palace. On the day of Guiyou in the fifth month, the Empress Dowager was buried at Mingji Mountain in Guangning. On the day of Jiawu in the sixth month, the emperor ordered General Xin Cheng, the Grand General of the West, to lead the armies from places like Wanzhou and Gaoping to depart from the southern front, while Duke of Nanjun Li Hui and others led the troops from Liangzhou to depart from the northern front to jointly confront the Tuyuhun leader, Shiyin. After Cui Hao's death, the position of historian remained abolished until now. The rebellious Hu from Hexi came to Chang'an to plead guilty, and the emperor sent envoys to comfort them.
On the Yichou day of the seventh month, Liu Jun sent envoys to pay tribute. On the day of Renwu in the seventh month, the emperor toured Hexi. In the eighth month, the western expedition army arrived at Xiping, where Shiyin took refuge in the Nanshan Mountains. In the ninth month, the army crossed the Yellow River in pursuit but encountered miasma, causing many soldiers to fall ill, so they had to retreat to the capital; however, they captured over twenty thousand livestock during the campaign. On the day of Gengwu in the ninth month, the emperor returned to the palace in his carriage.
In the tenth month, Prince Juchang presented three trained elephants. In the eleventh month, the emperor ordered the Cavalry Attendant Lu Dushi and the Assistant Minister Zhu Anxing to undertake a mission to Liu Jun.
On the day of Yiyou in the first month of the second year, the emperor issued a decree stating: "The inspector is responsible for managing the people and is the fatherly official from thousands of miles away. Recently, every time taxes are levied, the people are being forced to borrow money, while wealthy merchants are exploiting the situation to hike prices and rake in exorbitant profits, making ten times their investment in just ten days to two weeks. Officials at all levels are colluding to share in this ill-gotten wealth. As a result, the common people are impoverished and struggling to meet their basic needs; meanwhile, wealthy families are becoming increasingly rich, accumulating wealth. This is the most serious flaw in governing the country. All of these actions are strictly forbidden, and those who violate this rule will be executed if they possess more than ten bolts of cloth. This order will be made public for everyone to know." On the day of Xinyou in the second month, the emperor toured Zhongshan. On the day of Bingwu in the second month, he arrived at Ye City and then proceeded to Xindu for another inspection. In March, Liu Jun sent envoys to pay tribute again. Wherever the emperor went, he personally met with elders to ask about the people's hardships. The emperor decreed that anyone over eighty with at least one son would be exempt from military service. To the south of Lingqiu, there's a mountain over four hundred zhang tall. The emperor commanded his officials to shoot arrows at the mountain peak, but no one managed to hit the peak. The emperor took up his bow and shot an arrow that flew over thirty zhang, surpassing the mountain by two hundred and twenty steps, and then he carved an inscription into a stone. This month, the emperor drafted five thousand men from Bingzhou and Sizhou to fix up the hunting roads in Hexi. On the day of Xinsi in March, the emperor's carriage returned to the palace. On the day of Yiyu in April, Lu Pi, the Minister of the Interior, General of the Eastern Campaign, and King of Hedong, passed away. On the day of Guiwei in May, the emperor ordered Ministers Huang Lutou and Li Fu to evaluate the situation in each state.
In July, on the Wu Yin day, the emperor bestowed the title of King of Jiyin upon his younger brother Xiaoxin and also appointed him as the General of the Eastern Expedition, sending him to guard Pingyuan; Tian Ci was granted the title of King of Ruyin and appointed as the General of the Southern Expedition, stationed in Hulao; Wan Shou was granted the title of King of Lelang and appointed as the General of the Northern Expedition, stationed in Helong; and Luo Hou was granted the title of King of Guangping. On the Ren Wu day, the emperor commenced his inspection of the northern mountainous regions. In August, on the Wu Chen day, the Persian Empire sent envoys to pay tribute. On the Ding Chou day, the emperor's carriage returned to the palace.
In October, the emperor issued an edict, sending the official You Minggen, a Senior Attendant of the Imperial Court, along with Yuangweilang Changyi Hou and Tiande to Liu Jun as envoys. In Shenze County of Boling and Shuzhou County of Zhangwu, there were incidents where bandits killed the county magistrates, and the state’s military later quelled these uprisings. Unfortunately, King Luo Hou of Guangping passed away.
On the Ren Wu day in the first month of the third year, the emperor appointed Yi Hun, the General of Chariots and Cavalry and Duke of Dongjun, as King of Taiyuan. On the Gui Wei day, King Wan Shou of Lelang passed away. In February, on the Gui You day, the emperor went on a hunting expedition at Guoshan and then went to Xuanhong Pond to watch fishermen at work. In March, on the Jia Shen day, Liu Jun sent envoys to pay tribute. Countries including Goguryeo, Xiwang, Qie Nie, Si Yan Yu Shi, Shule, Shi Na, Xi Ju Ban, and Ke Pan Ta also sent envoys to pay tribute. In June, on the Geng Shen day, the emperor conducted an inspection tour of Yin Mountain. The emperor ordered General Lu Zhen to campaign against the rebellious Di people led by Qiu Nuo Tan in Yongzhou, ultimately suppressing the rebellion.
In July, on the Ren Yin day, the emperor journeyed to the Hexi region. In September, on the Ren Chen day, the General of the Western Expedition, King Su of Changshan, passed away.
On the Bingchen day in October, the emperor issued a decree saying, "I have inherited my ancestors' legacy and now lead all nations, sitting in the palace managing government affairs, delegating power to various departments, in hopes of establishing a transparent and just political system to bring peace to the realm. The flourishing of the ancient Three Dynasties was due to their respect for the wisdom of the elders. Nowadays, in selecting officials, many do not adhere to qualifications, pushing experienced individuals to the back while newcomers are placed in front. How can this possibly align with ethical standards? When selecting officials in various departments, priority should be given to those experienced and capable old officials." This month, the emperor issued another decree sending the external courtiers You Minggen, Changyi Hou, and Tiande to Liu Jun as envoys. On the Renyin day in November, the emperor returned to the palace. On the Yimao day in December, the emperor devised over ten military strategies. A grand Nuo ceremony was then held to display the military might, featuring auspicious signs like flying dragons, soaring serpents, and beautiful fish. On the Wuwu day, Prince Lu of Lingling passed away. In the spring of the fourth year AD, on the Yiwu day in March, the emperor provided food from the Tai Guan to the citizens over seventy in the capital, which they could enjoy until the year's end. Prince Huren passed away and was posthumously granted the title of Prince of Leling. On the Yisi day, the emperor issued a decree saying, "I adhere to my ancestors' rules and establish various official positions to promote education and ensure the people's peace and well-being. However, those officials entrusted with significant responsibilities by the court must hold themselves to high standards, exerting all their efforts to strive to reduce taxes and labor burdens so that soldiers and citizens can lead easier lives, with harmonious families and prosperity. Currently, officials from various departments, prefectures, and counties often withhold resources and compel soldiers and citizens to labor in various ways. From now on, anyone who unlawfully conscripts labor, coerces citizens into work, or violates regulations will face legal consequences!"
On the Guihai day in April, the emperor went to Xiyuan to hunt and personally shot and killed three old tigers. On the Renchen day in May, the attendant, Prince Wei Juan of Yujian, passed away. On the Renyin day, the emperor went on an outing to Yingshan.
On the Renwu day in July, the emperor issued a decree saying, "Every autumn, I will use my free time to have the ministers drill the army in the Pyongyang area. Every time we go, we have to build palaces and altars, which is costly and burdensome for the people. Let's stick to the old rules; why bother to change?" On the Bingyin day in August, the emperor went hunting in Hexi. The emperor issued another decree saying, "I hunt according to the season, but the officials who follow me kill excessively, not only killing all the prey but also violating the rules of hunting. I order the officials and officers in charge of hunting to stop killing indiscriminately immediately. The meat from the hunt will be distributed separately." On the Renshen day, the emperor issued another decree saying, "In the past, because the people suffered from hunger and cold and couldn't help themselves, some people resorted to selling their children. I ordered them to return home. However, some people abused their power or privately sought favors, sheltering each other, and did not investigate in a timely manner, resulting in respectable young men and women still becoming slaves. Now, I will thoroughly investigate this matter; no ransoms will be permitted, and those who violate will be severely punished. If they still do not be returned in a timely manner, their parents and siblings are allowed to appeal, and they will be punished according to the crime of trafficking in human beings." On the Xinsi day in September, the emperor returned to the palace.
In the winter of October, severe frost hit Dingzhou and Xiangzhou, and the crops all died. The emperor waived the land rent for the people, truly a benevolent emperor! This month, the emperor also sent the External Cavalier Attendant You Minggen, the Valiant Cavalry General, Lou Neijin, and the General of Ning Shuo, Li Wulin, to Liu Jun's place to attend to affairs.
On a day in December of the year of the Ox, the emperor issued a decree stating: "Different statuses and ranks naturally require different rituals and rules, to distinguish social ranks and set a standard. Nowadays, many people do not follow the proper customs for significant events such as funerals and weddings. Those who are wealthy and powerful are particularly extravagant and wasteful, demonstrating a complete disregard for established norms. The relevant authorities should promptly establish regulations to differentiate the rich from the poor and maintain order between the upper and lower classes, and then write it into law." The next day, on the day of the Tiger, the emperor issued another decree, saying: "Marriage is the beginning of human relationships, so the husband-wife relationship is the cornerstone of the three cardinal guides and five constant virtues, and this is the most important aspect of rituals. There should be clear regulations regarding social status and hierarchy. However, in recent generations, many nobles have not followed the rules; some for wealth, others for personal feelings, carelessly mingling without regard for social compatibility, resulting in a blurring of distinctions between rich and poor, mixing good and bad, corrupting societal values. This is unacceptable! From now on, royal families, teachers, nobles, and common people must not intermarry with craftsmen, artists, and families of low status. Anyone who violates this will be punished!"
On the day of the Pig in the fifth year, the emperor granted his brother the title of King of Rencheng. In February, due to the pestilence and floods that affected fourteen provinces the previous year, the emperor ordered the granaries to be opened to provide relief to the disaster victims.
In April, on the day of the Rabbit, Duke Li Jun of Dunqiu was promoted to king. In the intercalary month of the Rat, due to drought, the emperor reduced his meals as a form of self-restraint. That night, a heavy rain fell from the heavens.
In May, on the day of the Monkey, Liu Jun died, and his son Liu Ziye usurped the throne and became emperor. In June, on the day of the Pig, the emperor went to take in the sights of Yanshan.
In July, on the day of the Ox, the northern army faced a significant defeat by the Ruanruan. On the day of the Tiger, the emperor visited Hexi again. In September, on the day of the Ox, the emperor returned to the palace.
In October, King Sima Chu of Langya died. In December, King Yang Nandang of South Qin also died. The kingdom of Tuhuluo sent envoys to offer tribute.
In the sixth year of his reign, in the first month of the Bing Shen year, the emperor issued a decree of amnesty throughout the country. In the second month of Ding Chou, the emperor visited Loufan Palace for a leisure trip. The countries of Goryeo, Xi Wang, and Duiman sent envoys to pay their respects. In the third month of Wu Xu, Tuyuhun Quan, the governor of Xiangzhou and prince of Xiping, passed away. On the day of Yi Si, the emperor returned to the palace.
In April, the country of Luona sent sweat-blooded horses, and the country of Pulan presented a treasure sword. What a string of joyous events! However, on the Gui Mao day in May, the emperor passed away in Taihua Hall. He was only twenty-six years old that year, which was truly a tragedy.
In June, the emperor was posthumously named Emperor Wencheng, with the temple name of Gaozong. In August, he was buried in Jinling in Yunzhong.
What do the history books say? Well, let's say it this way: although this Emperor Shizu waged wars everywhere and conquered many territories, the country actually drained a lot of resources domestically. Back then, the country was in chaos, with problems everywhere and the court in a state of unrest. After Emperor Gaozong took office, the situation improved significantly. He was calm and composed, drawing on his prestige and benevolence to gradually appease both internal and external affairs, governing the country with order. Had he not been intelligent, wise, and dedicated to the people, how could he have accomplished all this? He was undoubtedly a great emperor!
In early January of 439 AD, Juqu Wuwei surrounded Jiuquan with his troops. After a few days, he sent his ministers to various places to check on the common people's lives and see if they were facing any hardships. A few days later, Juqu Wuwei captured Yi Yang Gongyuan Jie. One day in February, the court sent Xing Ying as an envoy to Liu Yilong. At the same time, five thousand people were sent from Chang'an to dredge the Kunming Pool. By March, Jiuquan had fallen.
In April, Juqu Wuwei launched an attack on Zhangye, while Tufa Baozhou camped in Shandan. The court then sent Prince Yongchang Jian to attack Tufa Baozhou. In May, the emperor conducted an inspection of the northern territories. A few days later, Juqu Wuwei went to besiege Zhangye, but was unable to capture it and subsequently withdrew his troops. The emperor also made his way back to the palace. One day in June, the emperor's grandson was born, and a general amnesty was declared, along with a change of era.
In July, the emperor went on a recreational trip to the Yin Mountains. Prince Yongchang Jian defeated Tufa Baozhou in Fanhe, and Tufa Baozhou fled. A few days later, Empress Dowager Dou passed away at the palace. After a few days, Tufa Baozhou committed suicide, and his severed head was sent to the capital. In August, Juqu Wuwei surrendered and returned both Yi Yang Gongyuan Jie and the captured soldiers. In September, the emperor returned to the palace. In November, the emperor went on another tour to the north. In December, the emperor returned to the palace. In that year, fifteen states suffered from famine, and the court opened granaries to help the people. The son of Prince Henan Yao was titled Prince Hejian, later renamed Prince Lueyang.
In the second year, in the first month, the court appointed Juqu Wuwei as the Grand General of the Western Campaign, Governor of Liangzhou, and King of Jiuquan. A few days later, the emperor went to relax in the hot springs. In February, the emperor returned to the palace. In March, Empress Hui was laid to rest at Mount Guo. Prince Xinxing Jun and Prince Lueyang Jie Er committed offenses and were both demoted. The Rouran chieftain, Yujulü Qiliegui, was appointed King of Shuofang, and Juqu Wannian was named King of Zhangye.
In a certain year of our era, on April 14th, the emperor sent tribute to Liu Yilong. On the 17th, the emperor ordered General Xi Juan of Zhen Nan to campaign against Jiuquan. On May 8th, the emperor went for a trip in the northern mountains. On August 8th, the emperor ordered Zhang Wei, the Assistant Cavalry Attendant, and others to meet Liu Yilong once again. Then the emperor toured Hexi. On September 26th, General Fu Jun, also known as Wang Jian of Yongchang, passed away. On November 20th, General Xi Juan of Zhen Nan subdued Jiuquan and captured Juqu Tianzhou, Zang Jie, Qu De, and four thousand people, including men, women, and children. On December 17th, the emperor returned to the palace. On the 19th, he sent tribute to Liu Yilong once more.
In the spring of the following year, on the seventh day of the first month, the emperor went to the Daoist Altar, personally received the talismans, and put on a grand display with blue banners everywhere, as recorded in "Records of the Enlightened Lao." On March 9th, Wang Changsun of Beiping got into trouble and was demoted to the rank of Marquis.
In April, a fellow named Wu Hui headed over to the Liushasa area and occupied Shanshan. Li Hao and Sun Bao captured Dunhuang and then sent envoys to surrender. In May, the emperor took another trip north of Yanshan. During the intercalary month, the emperor sent General Longxiang Pei Fangming and Liu Kangzu, the governor of Liangzhou, to launch an attack on South Qin. King Yang Nandang of South Qin was defeated and fled to Shanggui. On June 26th, Yang Nandang came to the temporary palace to pay his respects. Previously, the emperor had built a hall north of Yanshan, and just as the hall was finished, Yang Nandang arrived, so he named it Guangde Hall.
On July 21, the emperor ordered General Anxi, Duke of Jianxing Gu Bi, to lead the troops from Longyou, along with the palace guards and Wang Yang Baozong, to launch an attack from the south of Qishan; he ordered General Zhengxi, Duke of Huaiyang Pi Baozi, and Wang Sima Chuzhi of Langya to lead the troops from Guanzhong to attack from the west of Sanguan, with both armies attacking Qiu Chi simultaneously; he appointed Ma Wensi of the Yu Lin Company as General Zhengnan, elevated him to the title of King of Qiao, and tasked him with leading the troops from Luoyang and Yuzhou to launch an attack on Xiangyang from the south; he ordered General Zhengnan, Duke of Dong'an Diao Yong, to attack Guangling from the east, cutting off Pei Fangming's retreat.
On October 27, the emperor conferred titles on the princes: Fu Luo was made King of Jin, Han was made King of Qin, Tan was made King of Yan, Jian was made King of Chu, and Yu was made King of Wu. On December 16, the palace attendant, Grand Guardian (Taibao), and Duke of Xiangcheng Lu Luyuan died. On the 20th, the emperor returned to the imperial palace. Li Bao sent an envoy to pay tribute, and the emperor appointed him as General Zhenxi, with the title of Governor of Shazhou, and conferred upon him the title of Duke of Dunhuang.
In the spring of the fourth year of the reign, on the second day of the first lunar month, General Zhengxi Pi Baozi and his men decisively defeated Liu Yilong's army at Lexiang. In this battle, they captured enemy commanders, including Wang Huan and Wang Changqing. Qiang Xuanming and Xin Bofen fled in panic, but were soon caught and killed, and their soldiers became prisoners.
The next day, which was the second day of the first lunar month, the emperor made an inspection tour to Zhongshan. By the third day of the second lunar month, the emperor's chariot arrived at the southern foot of Hengshan, and he ordered the relevant departments to carve a stele into stone to commemorate this victory. During this month, Qiu Chi was also captured. On the third day of the third lunar month, the emperor's chariot returned to the palace. On the second day of the third lunar month, the kingdom of Wulou sent envoys to pay tribute.
In April, Wang Yang Baozong from Wudu rebelled but was captured by his subordinates and sent to the capital. The Di and Qiang people proclaimed Yang Baozong's brother, Wende, as their leader and surrounded Chouchi City. On the Dingyou day, the emperor issued a decree of amnesty. On the Jihai day, the emperor went to Yingshan for a leisure trip.
In May, General Gu Bi severely defeated the Di and Qiang people, lifting the siege of Chouchi City. On the Gengyin day in June, the emperor issued a decree that stated: "I have inherited the foundation laid by my ancestors and bear the heavy responsibility of governing the world. I hope the common people can live without worries about their food and clothing, and that social conduct remains good. However, those local officials have not been able to assist me; they not only fail to empathize with the suffering of the people but also oppress them, seize their property, and harm them. This is not how to govern a country! Now, I have decided to exempt the people from taxes for three years, while land rent will continue to be collected as usual. Local officials must diligently govern their regions, promote the development of agriculture and silk farming, and must not conscript the people arbitrarily; relevant departments must conduct strict investigations and must not condone or indulge!" On the Guisi day, the emperor held a grand military review in the western outskirts.
On the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, the emperor once again went on a tour to the south. On the day of Jia Chen, the emperor ordered abandoning supplies and bringing only light cavalry to attack the Rouran, dividing the army into four routes of attack. For more details, refer to "The Rouran Chronicles." General Feng Da of Zhenbei defected and fled to the Rouran. In November, General Pibaozi pursued and defeated Liu Yilong's forces at Zhuoshui. On the day of Jia Zi, the emperor arrived at Shuofang. The emperor issued a decree saying, "I have inherited the glorious legacy of my ancestors, with the aim of further consolidating the nation's foundation and ensuring prosperity for generations to come. Since I have governed the world, pacified rebellions, and removed obstacles, it has been twenty years. Yin and Yang experience cycles of rise and fall, just as the seasons change; allowing my son to take on responsibilities and appointing capable individuals is essential for rest and recuperation. Rewarding those who have served well is crucial for the country's long-term stability; these are the unchanging principles of the past and present. Therefore, I order the crown prince to assist me in handling state affairs and oversee the officials. Those ministers who have contributed to me and have worked diligently for a long time should be allowed to return to their hometowns and can come to see me at any time, participate in my banquets, discuss state governance strategies with me, and no longer bear heavy duties. I intend to reappoint capable individuals to strengthen the ranks of officials. Relevant departments must establish clear selection criteria that align with my vision." On the twelfth day of the twelfth lunar month, the emperor returned triumphantly from the northern expedition.
On the first day of the first month in the year 452, the crown prince finally began managing state affairs. Ministers like Mu Shou, Cui Hao, Zhang Li, and Gu Bi assisted the crown prince in managing various state matters. All who submit a memorial to the emperor must refer to themselves as subjects, and the format of the memorial should follow that of a petition.
A few days later, the emperor issued an edict claiming that the common people were ignorant and superstitious, being superstitious about demons and monsters, secretly keeping sorcerers and monks, and hiding books on fortune-telling and various strange objects. These monks also took advantage of the ethereal stories from the Western Regions to swindle people everywhere, causing widespread panic that undermined the stability and unity of the country. Therefore, from high officials to ordinary citizens, if anyone was found hiding monks, sorcerers, or those skilled in gold and silver craftsmanship in their homes, they must be handed over to the authorities and cannot be hidden. The deadline for this was set for February 15th; if they were not surrendered by then, the monks and sorcerers would be punished with extermination, and their hosts would face extermination as well. This order must be properly announced so that everyone is aware.
A few days later, the emperor issued another edict stating that during this time, national affairs were ongoing, leaving no time to properly educate the people, resulting in poor customs and a lack of rules. It was now mandated that from high officials to ordinary officials, their children must attend the Imperial Academy to study. As for the children of craftsmen, carters, and soldiers, they should follow their parents to learn a trade and are not allowed to set up private schools. Anyone who violates this order will face execution of their teachers, and their parents will face extermination.
On a certain day in February, General Chen of Zhongshan and seven other generals were killed in the southern part of the capital because of delays in the northern campaign. King Le Ping also died. The emperor went to Luque for leisure. In March, a grand banquet was held at the Southern Pool, and sent envoys to the Western Regions. Afterwards, the emperor returned to the palace. Finally, the emperor ordered the summoning of Changsun Daosheng to guard Tongwan.
In April, Yangping King Du Chao was killed by his own subordinates. In May, the emperor went to the northern side of Yin Mountain for a visit. In June, northern ethnic minorities killed Mo Gu and defected to the north with over five thousand people. The court dispatched troops to pursue them, killing their leader, while the remaining people were relocated to Jizhou, Xiangzhou, and Dingzhou, where they became farmers in garrison settlements. King Mu Liyan of Tu Yuhun killed his own nephew Wei Dai. Wei Dai's brother Chi Liyan surrendered with his men and requested the court to send troops for assistance. The court granted Chi Liyan the title of King of Guiyi.
On the Gui Mao day in July, Juqu Bing, the governor of Dongyongzhou, was killed for plotting rebellion. On the Yi Chou day in August, the emperor went to Hexi for inspection. On the Ren Wu day, the emperor sent Gao Ji, an official, as an envoy to Liu Yilong. King Fu Luo of Jin led the troops from Gaoping and Liangzhou to attack Mu Liyan of Tu Yuhun. In September, the emperor arrived at Mayi from Hexi and took in the sights at Guochuan. On the Ji Hai day, the emperor returned to the palace. On the Ding Wei day, the emperor visited the southern desert for leisure again.
On the Gui Wei day in October, King Fu Luo of Jin defeated Mu Liyan in a decisive battle, who fled to Bailan afterward. Mu Liyan's brother Fu Nian, the chief historian Jiu Jiu Li, and the army leader Chong E surrendered to us with thirteen thousand followers. In November, Liu Yilong sent envoys to offer tribute. In December, the Sogdian kingdom also sent envoys to pay tribute. On the Bing Xu day, the emperor returned to the palace.
On the Xin Hai day of the first month of the sixth year, the emperor went to Dingzhou for inspection, met with the local elderly people, and offered them comfort. The emperor also sent envoy Sang Yin, a court attendant, to Liu Yilong as a messenger. In the second month, the emperor went west to Shangdang, where he saw the intertwined trees in Xuanshi. He then continued west to Tujing to suppress the rebellious Hu tribes and divided them among various counties. On the Geng Shen day of the third month, the emperor returned to the palace. The emperor also ordered that all cases with doubts be handed over to the Central Secretariat for judgment according to legal provisions. In this month, Hao Wen, Duke of Jiuquan, rebelled in Xingcheng and killed the defending general Wang Fan. County official Gai Xian rallied his clansmen to confront Hao Wen. Hao Wen fled the city and then committed suicide, and his family members were also executed.
On the Geng Xu day of the fourth month, Grand General Na of Gaoliang led his troops to confront the Tuyuhun leader Muliyan in Yinping Bailan. The emperor also ordered the Qinzhou governor, Duke of Tianshui Feng Chiwen, to go to Fuhan to attack Muliyan's nephew, Shigui; and ordered cavalier attendant Duke of Chengzhou Wan Du to hurry to Liangzhou with the western troops for a surprise raid on Shanshan.
In the sixth month of Ren Chen, the emperor embarked on a northern inspection tour with his retinue. Shigui, upon hearing that the army was coming, quickly abandoned the city and fled under the cover of night. By the Ding Hai day of the eighth month, Feng Chiwen took control of Fuhan and relocated over a thousand households to Shanggui. On the same day of Ren Chen, Wan Du arrived in Shanshan with light cavalry, captured King Zhenda of Shanshan, and escorted him to the capital. The emperor was extremely pleased and generously rewarded him. The emperor camped north of Yinshan at Guangde Palace. He then ordered the mobilization of one-third of the military forces for combat readiness, awaiting further orders. At the same time, more than five thousand households of various ethnic groups were relocated to the northern border. The people were instructed to migrate northward and graze in the vast arid regions to entice the Rouran people.
On the day of Renyin, the army of the Gao Liang King arrived at Mantou City, while Muli Yan led his tribe to escape to the western side of the quicksand, with the general in hot pursuit. At this time, the son of the former Western Qin King Mu Wei, known as Nang, put up a resistance with his forces but was ultimately defeated by the Gao Liang King. Nang fled on a fast horse, while Duke Du Feng of Zhongshan pursued him with elite cavalry, crossed Sanwei Mountain, and pursued him to Xueshan, capturing Nang, Shi Gui, and Cheng Long, the son of Chi Pan, alive, and escorting them to the capital. Muli Yan eventually escaped to the Kingdom of Yutian.
In September, the troublemaker Wu from Lushui Hu led a rebellion in Xingcheng. By the day of Wuzi in October, Yuan He, the deputy general of Chang'an, led troops to suppress him but was killed by Wu. Wu's power suddenly grew, and the locals fled across the Wei River to the South Mountain. The court quickly issued orders for the Gao Ping cavalry to support Chang'an and sent General Shusun Ba to quickly command the troops from Bingzhou, Qinzhou, and Yongzhou, deployed on the north bank of the Wei River. In the eleventh month, the Gao Liang King returned to the capital leading his troops. On the day of Jiwei, the court dispatched Na, along with the Minister of the Interior, Duke Han Mao, to station cavalry in Yangping County of Xiangzhou, and also instructed the people of Jizhou to construct floating bridges at Qiangzhuo Crossing.
Gai Wu dispatched his subordinate, tribal chief Bai Guangping, westward to seize Xinping. The minority leaders in the Anding region rallied to his cause, revolting together and even killing the commander of Qiancheng. Gai Wu subsequently launched an attack on Li Runbao and sent troops to pillage Linjin and Badong. General Zhang Zhi engaged them in battle and secured a resounding victory, resulting in the drowning of over thirty thousand of Gai Wu's troops in the river. Gai Wu also dispatched troops westward to raid near Chang'an, where General Shusun Ba confronted them on the north bank of the Wei River, achieving a significant victory and decapitating more than thirty thousand foes. On the day of Gengshen, Sun Dongwang Dou Loutou died. The young man from Hedong, Xué Yǒngzōng, also gathered a band, stole several thousand horses from the court, and fled to Fenqu with more than three thousand people, colluding with Gai Wu and accepting the official position he was offered. The governor of Qinzhou, Duke Zhou Luguan of Jincheng, led troops to subdue him but returned in failure and disgrace. On the day of Gengwu, the court ordered the palace minister, Duke Yuan Chuzhen of Fufeng, along with Duke Murong Song of Pingyang, to command twenty thousand cavalry against Xué Yǒngzōng; it also ordered the palace minister Yiba to lead five generals and thirty thousand cavalry to suppress Gai Wu, while Duke Kou Ti commanded three generals and ten thousand cavalry against Gai Wu's subordinate Bai Guangping. Gai Wu proclaimed himself King of Tiantai and established numerous official positions. On Xinwei day, the emperor returned to the palace. The court chose the bravest twenty thousand men from six provinces, with King Ren of Yongchang and King Gao Liang each at the helm of ten thousand troops, splitting into two routes to advance southward and assault the regions north of the Huai and Si Rivers, and relocating the populace of Qingzhou and Xuzhou to Hebei. On Guiwei day, the emperor embarked on another western tour.
On the first day of the seventh year of Wuchen, the emperor arrived in Eastern Yongzhou. On the day of Gengwu, the emperor besieged Xue Yongzong's camp. Xue Yongzong led his troops out to fight the emperor and was defeated. The court's army pursued the victory, and Xue Yongzong's army was thrown into chaos. Xue Yongzong's entire family, regardless of age or gender, leapt into the Fen River to take their own lives. On the day of Xinwei, the emperor headed south to Fenyin. On the day of Gengchen, the emperor enjoyed leisure by the Fen River. Gai Wu, seeing the situation was turning against him, fled to the Northern Territory.
In the early days of the second month, I visited my relatives and friends in Chang'an. The next day, I went to Kunming Pool. After that, I went to Zhouzhi and dealt with the rebels Geng Qing and Sun Wen, as well as those who conspired with Gai Wu. When the army marched to Chencang, they killed the Di people responsible for the general's death. Then they returned to Yongcheng and went hunting in the northern foothills of Qishan. The northern army, commanded by Yiba, decisively defeated Gai Wu's forces, causing him to flee. Prince Yongchang Ren arrived in Gaoping, captured Liu Yilong's general Wang Zhang, and relocated more than 5,000 households from Jinxiang and Fangyu to Hebei. Prince Gaoliang Na arrived in Jinnan Dongpingling and resettled over 6,000 households to Hebei.
In the third month, the court ordered the excavation of graves across the country to bury monks and destroy Buddha statues. They also relocated 2,000 skilled craftsmen from Chang'an to the imperial capital. The emperor's procession headed towards the Luoshui and deployed troops to quell the rebellion of the Li Runqiang. During this month, the people of Jincheng, led by Bian Jiong, and Tianshui, led by Liang Hui, rebelled and seized control of the eastern city of Shanggui. Qinzhou governor Feng Ciweng led troops to fight them, killed Bian Jiong, and chose Liang Hui as their new leader.
In early April, the emperor's carriage returned from Chang'an. A few days later, the five-story Buddhist pagoda in Ye City was torn down, and two jade seals were found in the clay Buddha statues. Both seals were inscribed with the words "Received mandate from Heaven, blessed with longevity and prosperity," with one of the seals additionally inscribed with "Seal of the Han Dynasty passed down to Wei." In May, Duke Lu Gen of Anfeng arrived in Shanggui with cavalry, armed with an imperial decree to quell Liang Hui, who fled to Hanzhong. Gai Wu gathered troops in Xingcheng and declared himself the King of Qin, recruiting people from the mountains and strengthening his forces. Therefore, I dispatched King Ren of Yongchang and King Na of Gaoliang to lead the northern army to quell his forces. In June, 20,000 troops from Dingzhou, Jizhou, and Xiangzhou were stationed in the valleys of the southern mountains of Chang'an to prevent enemy escape. A few days later, 100,000 troops from Sizhou, Youzhou, Dingzhou, and Jizhou were gathered to construct a border wall stretching over a thousand miles from Shanggu to the Yellow River.
In August, Gai Wu was slain by his own men, and his head was sent to the capital. King Ren of Yongchang subdued his remaining forces. King Na of Gaoliang defeated Gai Wu's subordinate Bai Guangping, captured the leader Naluo of the Tuge, and escorted them to the capital for execution. The title of Lord Jie'er Wang of Lueyang was restored as well.
In the spring of AD 408, the Hu tribes in the Tuojing area occupied strategic positions and turned to a life of banditry. The emperor ordered Eastern General Prince Wuchang and Southern General Prince Huainan to quell them, but they were met with failure. The Mountain Hu leader Cao Puhun and his men crossed the Yellow River to the west, taking refuge in the mountains and waterways, and incited other Hu tribes in the Shuofang area to join the rebellion. Prince Wuchang led his forces to confront Cao Puhun.
On the sixth day of the second month, King Gaoliang led his troops from Anding, pacified the Hu people's rebellion in Shuofang, and then joined forces with King Wuchang to launch an attack on Cao Puhun, ultimately killing him. Many of Cao Puhun's subordinates fled to dangerous places, and over ten thousand people ultimately died. On the tenth day of the second month, the emperor went on a tour to Zhongshan, rewarding the civil and military officials who accompanied him with rewards of varying amounts. The common people of Gaoyang and Yixian resisted the court's orders and were subsequently subdued, with the remaining common people being relocated to the northern region.
In the third month, Prince Jiuqumujian of Hexi plotted a rebellion and was executed for treason. The court relocated three thousand Dingling families from Dingzhou to the capital. In May during the summer, the emperor returned to the palace. In June, the generals who participated in the Western Expedition, including Fufeng Gongyuan Chuzhen and eight others, were executed for embezzlement of military funds, looting, and plundering. Each embezzled millions, and all were executed. In August, General Wei, King of Le'an, died.
In the winter of October, the Grand Preceptor and Imperial Secretary, King Muzhou of Yidu, died. In December, the countries of Shanshan and Zheyi sent princes to pay tribute. Prince Fulu of Jin also died.
In January of the year 428 AD, Liu Yilong sent envoys to pay tribute to the court. Yang Wende of the Di tribe accepted the official position granted by Liu Yilong, stationed at Jalucheng, and recruited people from Wudu and Yinping, five Di tribes. The court ordered Qiu Chi Zhenjiang Pibaozi to go and attack him. Yang Wende abandoned the city and fled to the south, and his wife and subordinates were captured. Lang Qixuan, the White Water Prefect appointed by Liu Yilong, led troops to rescue Yang Wende, but Pibaozi turned the tide and won a decisive victory. Lang Qixuan and Yang Wende fled back to Hanzhong. The leader of the Dangchang Qiang tribe, Liang Jinci, sent envoys to submit and offered various items as tribute.
On the Gui-Mao day in February, the emperor traveled to Dingzhou for an inspection. The people of Shandong were facing famine, and the emperor ordered the granaries opened to assist the victims of the disaster. At the same time, he ordered to halt military actions at the border. Subsequently, the emperor traveled westward to Shangdang, where he executed more than two thousand households participating in the Shangdang rebellion and relocated over five thousand households from Xihe Lishi to the capital. The emperor ordered the construction of three earth mounds by piling stones on Dawang Mountain in the northeast of Huguan, and he also ordered cutting part of the southern slope of Fenghuang Mountain, north of Dawang Mountain, to cut off the transportation route. In March, the emperor's party returned to the palace.
On the Jia-Xu day in May, the emperor appointed Han Ba, Duke of Jiaozhi, as a temporary general, General of the West, to guard Shanshan and to levy taxes on the people of Shanshan, managing them like counties. On the Xin-You day in June, the emperor went to Guangde Palace. On the Ding-Mao day, the state of Yuebang sent envoys asking to join the court's army in attacking the Rouran, and the emperor agreed to their request. In August, the emperor ordered military preparations across the country. On the Yi-You day in September, the emperor conducted military drills in the western suburbs. On the Bing-Xu day, the emperor inspected Yin Mountain. This month, Duke Wan of Chengzhou won a significant victory against the Yanchi state at Qianli Post, and the King of Yanchi, Jiu Shibeina, fled to Guizi.
On the Xin-Chou day in October, King Xi Jin of Hengnong passed away. On the Gui-Mao day, due to the lavishness of marriages and excessive funerals during that period, the emperor ordered relevant departments to establish stricter regulations to impose limits. On the Gui-Hai day, the court declared a general amnesty across the realm. In December, the emperor ordered Duke Wan of Chengzhou to continue westward from Yanchi to attack Guizi. The crown prince visited the emperor at the temporary residence and then accompanied the emperor northward to campaign. The army reached Shouxiang City but found no Rouran troops, so they stocked up on grain in the city and returned after a short stay. Wang Changsun Dun of Beiping was demoted to duke due to an error.
On the first day of the first month of a certain year, on Wuchen day, the emperor held a grand banquet in the north to entertain his ministers, rewarding the officials differently. "In the tenth year of spring, on the first day of the first month of Wuchen, the emperor held a grand feast for the officials in the south, with different rewards." Then, on Jiaxu day, the emperor set out on a northern campaign. "Jiaxu, northern expedition."
In the second month, the leader of the Rouran tribe, Er Miantaba, led over a thousand households to surrender, causing the Rouran leader Tu Hezhen to flee in fear. "In the second month, the leader of the Rouran tribe, Er Miantaba, led over a thousand households to surrender, causing fear in the Rouran leader Tu Hezhen. See 'The Biography of the Rouran Tribe'." In the third month, the emperor continued search operations in the Hexi region and returned to the palace on Gengyin day. "In the third month, continued search in Hexi. Gengyin, the carriage returned to the palace." On Gengyin day in May, the emperor made a tour to Yinshan. "In the fifth month of summer, on Gengyin day, toured Yinshan."
In the seventh month, the kingdom of Fotusha sent envoys bearing tributes. "In the autumn of the seventh month, the kingdom of Fotusha sent envoys with tributes." In the ninth month, the emperor inspected the troops at Qishang, then went on another northern expedition. "In the ninth month, inspected the troops at Qishang and then went on a northern expedition. See 'The Biography of the Rouran Tribe'." On Gengzi day in October, the crown prince and officials welcomed the emperor back to the palace. "In the winter of October, on Gengzi day, the crown prince and officials welcomed the emperor at the palace." On Rengwu day, the emperor held another banquet, rewarding everyone with varying rewards for the spoils and textiles obtained from the northern expedition. "On Rengwu day, a grand feast was held, with varying rewards for the spoils and textiles obtained." In the eleventh month, the states of Kucha, Shule, Polonan, and Yuankuo sent envoys with tributes. "In the eleventh month, the states of Kucha, Shule, Polonan, and Yuankuo sent envoys to present tributes." On Wushen day in December, the emperor returned triumphantly from the northern campaign. "In the twelfth month, on Wushen day, the emperor returned from the northern expedition." On Jiyu day, the emperor appointed Pingchang Gongyuantuo Zhen King of Zhongshan. "On Jiyu day, appointed Pingchang Gongyuantuo Zhen King of Zhongshan."
On the day of Yiyou in the first month of the second year, the emperor traveled to Luoyang, personally meeting with the elderly in each region he passed through and offering comfort to the lonely and widowed. "In the spring of the eleventh year, on the day of Yiyou, he traveled to Luoyang, and in every county he passed, he personally met with the elderly and provided care for the lonely and widowed." The emperor also appointed Wang Na of Gaoliang as the Deputy Minister of the Three Offices. "Wang Na of Gaoliang was appointed as the Deputy Minister of the Three Offices." On the day of Jiawu in the second month, a large-scale search was conducted in Liangchuan. "On the day of Jiawu in the second month, a large search was conducted in Liangchuan." Unfortunately, Prince Zhen died that month. "Prince Zhen died." That month, the emperor also oversaw extensive renovations of the palace, with the crown prince residing in the Northern Palace. "That month, extensive renovations of the palace were carried out, and the crown prince resided in the Northern Palace." Subsequently, the emperor personally led a campaign against Xuanli and sent envoys to comfort the people outside the borders, executing those who resisted. "The emperor then campaigned against Xuanli and sent envoys to comfort the people outside the borders, executing those who resisted." King Yongchang Ren defeated Liu Yilong's generals Liu Tanzhi and Cheng Tianzuo in eastern Ru, killing Tanzhi and capturing Tianzuo. "King Yongchang Ren defeated Liu Yilong's generals Liu Tanzhi and Cheng Tianzuo in eastern Ru, killing Tanzhi and capturing Tianzuo."
On the day of Guimao in the fourth month, the emperor returned to the palace and rewarded the attendants and officials ranked above Langguan who remained at the court with rations, with varying rewards. "In the summer, on the day of Guimao in the fourth month, the emperor returned to the palace and rewarded the attendants and officials above the rank of Langguan with varying rations." On the day of Jihai in the sixth month, the emperor executed Cui Hao, the Minister of Works. "On the day of Jihai in the sixth month, Cui Hao, the Minister of Works, was executed." On the day of Xinchou, the emperor again conducted a northern inspection of Yanshan. "On the day of Xinchou, he conducted a northern inspection of Yanshan."
In the autumn of July, Emperor Yilong sent his general of the state, Xiao Bin, with an army of sixty thousand to attack Jizhou. Upon seeing the situation unfavorable, the governor of Jizhou, Wang Maide, abandoned the city and fled, which allowed Xiao Bin to capture Jizhou City with ease. Subsequently, Xiao Bin ordered General Wang Xuanmo of Ning Shuo to attack Huatai to the west. The emperor ordered General Fangtou, General Pingnan, and Duke Dudaojun of Nankang to assist the garrison in Yanzhou.
In August on the Guihai day (specific date), the emperor inspected the farmland in the Hexi region. On the Guiwei day (specific date), the emperor conducted military drills in the western suburbs. On the Xinmao day in September (specific date), the emperor personally led an expedition southward. On the Guisi day (specific date), the Crown Prince led the army north and set up camp in the southern desert region. The King of Wu remained in the capital. On the Gengzi day (specific date), the emperor issued a decree pardoning all criminals below the death penalty in the three states of Dingzhou, Jizhou, and Xiangzhou. At the same time, fifty thousand troops were mobilized and distributed to various major armies.
On the Guihai day in October, the emperor's convoy stopped at Fangtou. The emperor ordered Grand Secretary Changsun Zhen to lead five thousand cavalry to cross the river at Shiji to intercept the escape route of Liu Yilong. The next day, on the Yichou day, the emperor's convoy crossed the Yellow River. Liu Yilong was scared to death and abandoned his troops and fled. His army was defeated and scattered; we pursued them and took tens of thousands of heads, and the captured weapons and equipment were piled high. The emperor successfully reached Dongping. Xiao Bin abandoned Jizhou City and retreated to Licheng. The emperor then ordered the various generals to launch separate attacks: General Liu Ren from Luoyang to attack Shouchun; Changsun Zhen to attack Matou; King of Chu Liu Jian to attack Zhongli; and King of Gaoliang Liu Na to attack Xiapi from Qingzhou. The emperor's convoy took the middle road and on the Xinmao day in November, arrived at Zoushan. Liu Yilong, the governor of Lu County, surrendered with all the people of the city. The emperor also offered a grand sacrifice to Confucius. On the Renzi day, the convoy arrived in Pengcheng before continuing on to Xuyi. The nation of Edun also sent a lion.
In the twelfth month of the year of Dingmao, the emperor's convoy arrived at the Huai River. The emperor ordered to cut reeds and to construct tens of thousands of wooden rafts to cross the river. The defender of Xuyi, Zang Zhi, under General Liu Yilong, tightly closed the city gates to resist. General Hu Chongzhi and his men led an army of 20,000 to rescue Xuyi. Prince Yan Liu Tan defeated the enemy army, killed Hu Chongzhi and others, beheaded tens of thousands of enemies, and all of the Huainan region surrendered. This month, Prince Yongchang Liu Ren captured Xuanhu City and escorted Liu Yilong's defender, Zhao Huai, to the capital for execution. After passing through Dingxiang City, the army arrived at Huai West, defeated Liu Yilong's general Liu Kangzu, beheaded him, and captured generals Hu Shengzhi, Wang Luohan, and others, and sent them to the palace. On the day of Guiwei, the emperor's convoy arrived at the Yangtze River. A temporary palace was set up at Guabu Mountain. Prince Yongchang Liu Ren arrived in Jiangxi from Liyang, and Prince Gaoliang Liu Na arrived in Guangling from Shanyang. All the armies arrived at the Yangtze River on the same day, and the cities they passed through had all surrendered, with countless surrendering. On the day of Jiashen, Liu Yilong sent a hundred livestock as tribute and local specialties, and requested to marry the princess to the emperor's grandson for reconciliation. The emperor found the marriage proposal inappropriate and agreed to negotiate peace but not marriage, and sent his reply back through the Cavalry Minister, Xiahou Ye. The emperor also had the prince write a letter to Ma Tong to inquire about the situation. On the first day of the first month in the first year of Zhengping, which was the day of Bingxu, the emperor convened a meeting with all the ministers by the river, distributing rewards, with over two hundred civil and military officials receiving titles of nobility. The next day, which was the day of Dinghai, the emperor returned north with his retinue. This month, the kingdoms of Luona, Jibin, and Mimi sent envoys to pay tribute.
On the fifth day of the second month, a Wu Yin day, the emperor's carriage crossed the Yellow River. On the tenth day of the second month, the day of Gui Wei, the entourage arrived at Lu Kou. The crown prince came to the temporary palace to pay his respects to the emperor. On the ninth day of the third month, the day of Ji Hai, the emperor's carriage returned from the south after engaging in battle, hosted a banquet to celebrate the victory, and reported the battle outcomes to the ancestral temple. The emperor then distributed over fifty thousand households acquired during the southern campaign to live near the capital. The emperor also rewarded civil and military officials who had remained at court with military supplies and captives according to their merits. On the ninth day of the fifth month, the day of Ren Yin, the court issued a decree granting amnesty to all. On the ninth day of the sixth month, the day of Ren Xu, the era name was changed to reflect a new beginning. The king of the Chariots Kingdom sent his son to serve at the emperor's court. The emperor issued a decree saying, "The laws are too harsh, and the number of offenders is increasing, which deeply concerns me! Relevant departments must carefully review the laws to ensure they are appropriate. Any provisions that are unfavorable to the people must be adjusted according to the circumstances." The emperor then ordered the crown prince's tutor You Ya and the Deputy Minister of the Interior Hu Fanghui to revise the legal system. Wang Jiar of Lueyang and Wang Daosheng from Shangdang, who committed crimes, were condemned to death. On the thirteenth day of the fifth month, the day of Wu Chen, the crown prince died. On the seventeenth day of the fifth month, the day of Ren Shen, the late Crown Prince Jingmu was buried in Jinling.
On the tenth day of the seventh month, the day of Ding Hai, the emperor visited Yin Mountain for leisure. At the same time, one-third of the officials across various departments were let go. On the fifth day of the ninth month, the day of Gui Si, the emperor's carriage returned to the palace. On the seventh day of the tenth month, the day of Geng Shen, the emperor returned to Yin Mountain for leisure once more. Liu Yilong sent envoys to present tributes, and the emperor also sent General Lang Fayou from the palace to envoy Liu Yilong. On the twelfth day of the tenth month, the day of Ji Si, the Minister of Works, Wang Changsun Daosheng from Shangdang, passed away. On the fourth day of the twelfth month, the day of Ding Chou, the emperor's carriage returned to the palace. The emperor bestowed the title of King Gaoyang upon his grandson Jun, but later felt that as the legitimate heir to the throne, it was inappropriate for his grandson to be stationed far on the border, so he revoked the title to ensure proper succession. At the same time, he bestowed the title of King Dongping upon Qin Wang Han, King Linhuai upon Yan Wang Tan, King Guangyang upon Chu Wang Jian, and King Nan'an upon Wu Wang Yu.
On the first day of the first month of the second year, on the day of Gengchen, over five thousand households that had migrated from the south conspired to rebel in the Zhongshan region, and the state’s army suppressed the rebellion. Wang Juqu Wannian, the governor of Zhangye, colluded with the rebels and was subsequently executed.
On the first day of March, the emperor passed away in the Yong'an Palace at the age of forty-five. This was initially kept secret and not announced to the public. The eunuch Zong Ai falsely claimed to act on the empress's orders, killed Prince Dongping Liu Han, and then proclaimed Prince Nan'an Liu Yu as emperor. Following this, a general amnesty was issued, the era name was changed to Yongping, and the empress Helian was honored as empress dowager. On March 18, the late emperor was posthumously honored with the title of Emperor Taiwu and was buried in Jinling, known as Yungong, with the temple name Shizu.
By the summer of June, Liu Yilong sent Tan Hezhi to lead troops to attack Jizhou, while Liang Tan and Lu Ansheng also gathered troops near Jingkuo, and Pang Meng and Xue An all attacked Hongnong.
In the autumn, in July, the court dispatched Han Yuanxing, the General of the Southern Expedition and Duke of Anding, to suppress them. Tan Hezhi’s forces were defeated, and Liang Tan and Lu Ansheng also fled. In August, General of Champion Feng Li led two thousand cavalry across the Yellow River from Yanjin to reinforce Hongnong. In September, Sikong and Duke of Gaoping Er Wugan stationed troops at Tongguan, while General of Pacification Nan, Duke of Changli Yuan Liao, stationed troops in the river area, preparing to respond to any military actions.
By the winter, on the first day of October, on the day of Bingwu, Liu Yu was killed by Zong Ai. Chancellor Changsun Kehou and Chancellor Lu Li quickly facilitated the grandson’s ascension to the throne, who later became Emperor Gaozong.
When the emperor was young, he was in poorer health than Empress Dowager Mi. Whenever he had any thoughts, he would burst into tears, which was particularly heart-wrenching. Emperor Taizong praised him upon hearing this. Later, when Emperor Taizong's health declined, he cared for his father day and night without changing out of his clothes. He was known for his integrity and frugality, dressing simply and eating modestly, without a liking for extravagant things; his diet was monotonous, and he never cared for delicacies. The favored consorts and noble ladies also wore clothes that were not particularly colorful. The ministers suggested that the emperor reinforce the city walls, arguing that it was consistent with the principle of "establishing defenses" found in the "I Ching," and even cited the example of Xiao He building magnificent cities to persuade him. The emperor replied, "As the ancients have said, the key lies in virtue, not in strategic geographic locations. Qu Yuan built a city with mud, and I even dismantled it, which demonstrates that city walls are not fundamentally important! The world is not yet pacified, and we need the strength of the common folk; I will not embark on a project like building cities that drains the common people. Xiao He’s reasoning is simply not a good idea." He always believed that wealth was the foundation of the state and never wasted it lightly, rewarding only those who have sacrificed for the country or have achieved great merit; relatives, friends, and favored officials or concubines never received any rewards.
The emperor charged into battle with his soldiers each time, and although many around him suffered death and injury, he showed no sign of distress. Therefore, everyone was willing to risk their lives for him, winning every battle. He dispatched generals to lead campaigns, and those who executed his orders won, while those who defied his commands almost always faced failure. He was very skilled at recognizing talent, able to discover capable individuals among ordinary soldiers, and assigned them suitable positions based on their abilities, regardless of their background. He was also very strict and decisive, with clear rewards and punishments. Those who contributed were rewarded generously; those who committed offenses were punished without leniency, even his trusted favorites were held accountable under the law. He often said, "The law is something I and the people of the world must abide by together; how could I dare to violate it lightly?" Thus, even when ministers broke the law, he would not show favoritism or turn a blind eye to the law. He was good at listening and observing, quickly discerning the schemes of others. However, he sometimes made swift decisions to execute, only to regret them later. After the death of Minister Cui Hao, the emperor launched a northern expedition; at this time, Duke Li Xiaobo of Xuancheng was gravely ill, and someone said he had already died. Upon hearing this, the emperor felt deep regret and said to those around him, "What a shame for Li Xuancheng!" He then added, "I was wrong in what I said before. It is a pity for Minister Cui, but it is tragic for Li Xuancheng!" His praises and criticisms were always heartfelt. Emperor Gongzong, known as Jingmu, was the eldest son of Emperor Taiwu, and his mother was Lady He. On the day of Bingwu in the first month of the first year of Yanhe, he was appointed crown prince at just five years old. He was intelligent from a young age, had an excellent memory, and remembered everything he heard. As he grew up, he enjoyed reading classics and histories, grasping their deeper meanings, and his father, Emperor Shizu, held him in high regard.
Emperor Taizong launched an eastern campaign and appointed Emperor Gongzong to oversee the Ministry of Personnel; when he launched a western campaign against Liangzhou, he appointed Emperor Gongzong as the regent. Initially, when Emperor Taizong wanted to attack Hexi, Li Shun and others claimed that Guzang lacked water and grass, rendering it unsuitable for military advancement. Emperor Gongzong was skeptical about this. When the army arrived at Guzang, Emperor Taizong told Emperor Gongzong, "The springs outside the east and west gates of Guzang City converge to the north of the city, with a strong current, resembling a river. From there, many small streams flow into the marsh, with no dry patches in between. The marsh is filled with lush grass, enough to sustain the army for several years. Those who spread such rumors are truly contemptible! That's why I am telling you this specifically, to dispel your doubts." Emperor Gongzong told the officials in the palace, "How can those who disregard the truth be called loyal subjects! When I first heard that, I had my doubts, but the Emperor had already decided to send out troops. It nearly caused a major blunder; how can those who spread rumors still have the audacity to face the Emperor!"
In the fourth year of the Zhenjun era, Emperor Gongzong followed Emperor Shizu to campaign against the *Ruanruan*. They arrived at Luhun Valley and encountered the enemy, who were terrified and thrown into chaos. Gongzong said to Emperor Shizu, "Now that the main army has arrived, we should launch an immediate attack to catch them off guard; we can surely defeat them." Minister Liu Jie strongly advised against this, arguing that with dust swirling and the enemy being numerous, if we engage them on open ground, we might risk being surrounded. Gongzong replied to Liu Jie, "This dust is swirling because the enemy is scared and the soldiers are in disarray; how could there be such a large cloud of dust in the camp?" Emperor Shizu had doubts about this and did not launch an immediate attack, resulting in the *Ruanruan*'s escape. Later, when the reconnaissance cavalry captured several *Ruanruan*, Emperor Shizu asked them, and they replied, "The *Ruanruan* never expected the imperial army to arrive suddenly; everyone was very scared and fled north with their troops. After fleeing for six or seven days without being pursued, they finally slowed their pace." Emperor Shizu felt deep regret over this. From then on, most of Gongzong's suggestions on military and state matters were accepted, and he gradually learned how to handle national affairs.
Initially, during the reign of Emperor Gongzong, an edict was issued stating: "The Book of Zhou says: 'Those responsible for agriculture must offer nine types of grains; those responsible for horticulture must offer plants and trees; those responsible for handicrafts must offer tools; those responsible for commerce must offer goods; those responsible for animal husbandry must offer birds and beasts; those responsible for textiles must offer cloth and silk; those responsible for mining must offer minerals; those responsible for fishing and hunting must offer aquatic products.'" Then, relevant departments were ordered to assess the people within the capital region, allowing households without cattle to exchange manpower and ox power to cultivate the land. Families with cattle collaborated with those without, with one person cultivating 22 mu of land, receiving 7 mu of land for hoeing as compensation; if cooperating with young or elderly families without cattle, 7 mu of land were cultivated, with 2 mu of land for hoeing as compensation. The standard was based on impoverished families of five. The population of each household and the area of land to be cultivated were separately listed and meticulously recorded. Names were marked on the cultivated land to distinguish the merits of cultivation." He also prohibited drinking, gambling, and people abandoning their professions to engage in business. As a result, the area of cultivated land increased significantly.
On a day in June 344 AD, the Crown Prince died in the Eastern Palace at the age of twenty-four. Two days later, the Emperor issued an edict stating: "Alas! You were born intelligent and wise, displaying extraordinary talents from a young age. You inherited the throne and assumed the heavy responsibility of national construction. The court officials were orderly, and state affairs proceeded smoothly; you governed the country well, remaining steadfast even in times of adversity. You should have enjoyed boundless glory, making our Great Wei prosper even more, but you unfortunately passed away at a young age! I am heartbroken by this! Now, I am sending the Imperial Envoys, the Grand Commandant Zhang Li and the Minister Over the Masses Dou Jin, with my edict to your coffin, posthumously granting you the title of 'Jingmu' to honor your noble character. If your soul is aware, I hope you can feel my sorrow." After Emperor Gaozong ascended the throne, he posthumously honored him with the title Emperor Jingmu and the temple name Gongzong.
Historians comment that Emperor Shizong was smart and decisive, with a commanding presence. Building on the groundwork laid by the two previous emperors and his own military might, he led his troops on numerous campaigns, navigating through dangerous situations. He took Tongwan City, brought peace to Qinzhou and Longzhou, wiped out pirates in Liaodong, suppressed the uprising at the Yellow River's source, conquered the southern tribes, and defeated the northern Rouran. His achievements were truly remarkable! He made the foundation of the Wei state even more glorious, surpassing those of the previous hundred emperors. Was this not due to his wisdom and martial prowess, a testament to the Mandate of Heaven? However, he initially struggled to fulfill his duties as the crown prince in the Eastern Palace and ultimately faced defeat because he underestimated the enemy. He overlooked the basics, leaving potential risks; maybe he just didn’t think it through? Emperor Gongzong was known for his virtuous character and widespread reputation, yet he died young, which is really a shame!
Emperor Taiwu, whose name was Tuoba Tao, was the eldest son of his father Emperor Mingyuan, and his mother was Lady Du. He was favored by fate, and he was born in the Eastern Palace and was exceptionally good-looking even at the age of five. His grandfather Emperor Taizu immediately took a liking to him, saying, "This child will surely achieve great things for our empire in the future!" In the seventh year of Taichang, in the fourth month, he was granted the title of Prince Taiping; in the fifth month, he was appointed as regent. When his father Emperor Mingyuan fell ill, he entrusted court affairs to Tuoba Tao, who was smart and decisive. On Ren Shen day in the eleventh month of his eighth year, he officially became emperor and issued a general amnesty! In the twelfth month, his grandmother was posthumously titled Empress Mi, his grandfather's grandson Song was appointed as Prince Beiping, Xijin was appointed as Prince Yicheng, and his other ministers were promoted to various ranks. He then removed restrictions, rectified injustices, opened the state treasury, provided relief to the poor, and many refugees from Henan came to seek his help.
In the first month of Shiguang, on Bing Yin day, Prince Anding Mi died.
In the fourth month, on Jia Chen day, the emperor went on an eastern tour to Daming.
In July, the emperor returned to the palace. In August, the Rouran tribe launched an invasion of Yunzhong with sixty thousand cavalry, killing civilians and even storming Shengle Palace. Puwen, the magistrate of Zheyang County, led light cavalry to fight them, and the Rouran tribe retreated in the end. The emperor ordered Pingyang Wang Changsun Han and his men to engage the other Rouran forces, resulting in a resounding victory, with thousands killed and over ten thousand horses captured, as noted in the "Chronicles of the Rouran." In September, the emperor began to restructure the army, conducting training exercises in the eastern suburbs with a total of fifty thousand cavalry, preparing to march north to attack the Rouran tribe. In December, the emperor dispatched Pingyang Wang Changsun Han and his men to fight the Rouran, while the emperor himself led troops to Zuoshan. The Rouran tribe retreated northward, and our forces caught up with them and achieved a significant victory before returning. That year, Liu Yifu of the Southern Song Dynasty was overthrown and executed by his ministers Xu Xianzhi, and Liu Yifu's brother Liu Yilong was made emperor. In the spring of a certain AD year, on the day of Jimo, the emperor returned in triumph from the northern front, rewarding the soldiers with the captured livestock, distributed in varying amounts.
In February, Murong Ke led a rebellion in Beiping, capturing the county office, but was defeated by the governor and his generals. On the third day of the third month, the emperor honored his biological mother, Dou Shi, as Empress Dowager. On the fourth day of the third month, the emperor appointed Prince Long Sun Song as Grand Commandant, Prince Pingyang Long Sun Han as Minister of Rites, and Prince Yicheng Xi Jin as Minister of Works. On the seventh day of the third month, the emperor ordered the old Eastern Palace to be transformed into the Palace of Ten Thousand Longevity, and constructed the Hall of Eternal Peace, the Hall of Peace and Joy, the Hall of Far Sight, and the Nine Flourishing Halls. He also created over a thousand new characters and issued an edict stating: "In ancient times, the Yellow Emperor created all things, while Cangjie developed characters based on the footprints of birds and beasts. Since then, characters have continuously evolved with the changing times, leading to the coexistence of seal script, clerical script, cursive script, and regular script. However, over time, many characters have become distorted, leading to errors in form and meaning, which is not conducive for future generations to follow. Confucius once said, 'If names are not correct, then language cannot align with the truth.' This is the principle. Now I have established new characters as the national standard, distributing them to all regions to serve as a lasting model."
In April, the emperor ordered General Longxiang Bu Dui and Minister of Rites Hu Jian to embark on a diplomatic mission to Liu Song. In May, the emperor ordered every ten households in the country to contribute a large ox to transport food to the frontier. In September, the Hall of Eternal Peace and the Hall of Peace and Joy were completed, and on the fourth day of the ninth month, the emperor held a grand banquet to celebrate the completion.
In October, the emperor trained the army in the western suburbs. On the seventh day of the tenth month, the emperor launched another northern campaign, with Prince Pingyang Long Sun Han and others pursuing the Rouran people deep into the desert as they fled north. (For details, see "Rouran Chronicles"). That year, Helian Qugai died, and his son, Helian Chang, usurped the throne, declaring himself emperor.
In the first month of the second year, on the day of Ren Shen, the emperor returned from the northern battlefield. He rewarded the soldiers with war booty, offering varying rewards to those stationed and those in the field. Qifu Chipan sent envoys to pay tribute and requested the emperor to launch an attack against Helian Chang. In the second month, a Confucian academy was established to the east of the city, with sacrifices made to Confucius and Yan Hui. On Xin Mao day in May, Duke Yuan Zuan of Zhongshan was elevated to king, and Duke Yuan Su of Nan'an regained his former title as King of Changshan. In June, the emperor went to the old palace in Yunzhong to pay respects at the ancestral temple; then he went west to Wuyuan for hunting in the Yinshan Mountains; finally, he went east to Hedu Mountain.
In July, a horse archery platform was constructed in Changchuan, and the emperor himself went up to the platform to watch the horse races; princes, ministers, and nobles rode horses and shot arrows on the platform, and those who hit the target received rewards of gold, silver, silk, cloth, and cotton based on their performance.
In August, the emperor's carriage returned to the palace. Liu Yilong sent an envoy to pay tribute. Upon hearing that Qu Gai had died and his sons had begun fighting among themselves again, he dispatched Sikong Xijin, along with General Feng Li of Righteousness and Inspector Yan Pu of Yongzhou, to attack Puban in September; simultaneously, he sent General Zhou Ji of the Song Army and Inspector Yu Lidi of Luozhou to assault Shancheng.
The battle unfolded quickly. In October of the Ding Si year, the emperor personally led his troops on a western campaign, reaching Yunzhong and even Junzi Jin. As a result, they encountered extremely cold weather, and within a few days, the river had frozen. In November of the Wu Yin year, the emperor, with twenty thousand light cavalry, launched a surprise attack on Helian Chang. By the day of Ren Wu, they had arrived at Helian Chang's city and moved over ten thousand households before returning. This is all documented in the "Chronicle of Chang." On the way back through Zuo Mountain, the emperor rewarded the soldiers with the spoils of war, varying each person's reward. Before Xi Jin even reached Puban, the city guard, Helian Yisheng, abandoned the city and fled west. Helian Chang's brother, Helian Zhuxing, was guarding Chang'an, and Helian Yisheng fled west to Anding with Helian Zhuxing. It was then that Xi Jin was able to successfully occupy Puban. By December, the emperor ordered Xi Jin to take up garrison duty in Chang'an. The Di and Qiang tribes in Qinzhou and Yongzhou defected from Helian Chang and surrendered to Xi Jin. The Di king of Wudu, Yang Xuan, and Juqu Mengxun also sent people to express their submission.
In the spring of the following year, on the first month of the Yi You year, the emperor's western expedition troops returned. The emperor rewarded the civil and military officials and soldiers who remained in the camp with rations, cloth, and horses and cattle, with each person's reward being different. However, many soldiers had perished along the way, and only about one-sixteenth of the soldiers were able to return to the capital. On the Ji Hai day, the emperor went to Youzhou again. Helian Chang sent his brother, Duke Pingyuan, to lead twenty thousand troops to attack Chang'an. Upon hearing this, the emperor dispatched workers to Yin Mountain to cut timber and mass-produce siege weapons. In February, the emperor's entourage returned to the palace. In March, on the Bing Zi day, the emperor sent King Gao Liang, Li, to garrison in Chang'an. He also commanded Zhi Jinwu Huan Dai to construct a bridge at Junzi Jin. On the Ding Chou day, King Guangping passed away.
On the day of Dingwei in April, the emperor ordered the officials Yuanwai Sanqi Changshi Budui and Hu Yezhe to meet Liu Yilong. In the same month, military training commenced, dividing the army into several divisions. Sima Changsun Han, Tingwei Changsun Daosheng, and Zongzheng Eqing led thirty thousand cavalry at the forefront; Wang Su of Changshan, Taipu Qiu Dui, and General Yuan Taipi led thirty thousand infantry serving as the rear guard; Wang Fu of Nanyang, Zhijinwu Huan Dai, and General Yao Huangmei led thirty thousand infantry equipped with siege engines; General He Duoluo led three thousand elite cavalry as the vanguard for reconnaissance.
In May, the emperor personally led the army westward to campaign against Helian Chang. On the day of Xinsi, the army crossed the Junzi Ford. The Hu tribal leaders from three cities, including Quezi, surrendered in succession. The emperor set up camp at Balin Mountain, constructed fortifications, left the supplies behind, and took only thirty thousand light cavalry to advance first. On the day of Wuxu, the army arrived at the banks of the Heishui River, where the emperor personally conducted a sacrifice to heaven, prayed to the ancestral spirits, and motivated the troops.
In June of the Jia Chen year, Helian Chang led a large army out of the city to meet us in battle, but we achieved a great victory over them. The details are chronicled in "The Biography of Helian Chang." Helian Chang fled with a few hundred cavalry to the southwest, escaping to Shanggui. Our army pursued and caught up with them just north of the city, killing more than ten thousand enemy troops, including Helian Chang's brother, Duke Man of Henan, and his nephew Meng Xun. As nightfall drew near, Helian Chang's Minister of Works requested that the city gates be opened and secretly sent Helian Chang's mother away. On the Yi Si day, the emperor's army entered the city of Shanggui, capturing Helian Chang's brother, mother, sisters, wife, concubines, palace maids, and many others—totaling over ten thousand people—along with countless treasures, chariots, banners, and weapons from the treasury. At the same time, we also captured Helian Chang's Minister of Works Wang Mai, Xue Chao, as well as several thousand people from the region of Qin Yong, seizing more than three hundred thousand warhorses and tens of millions of cattle and sheep. The emperor rewarded the soldiers with Helian Chang's palace maids, captives, gold and silver treasures, precious items, fabrics, and other spoils of war, with varying amounts of rewards for each.
Helian Chang's brother, Duke Pingyuan Ding, resisted Sikong Xijin in Chang'an, while E Qing led five thousand cavalry to confront him. Duke Pingyuan Ding fled to Shanggui. On the day of Xin You, the army marched back to the capital, leaving Prince Changshan Su and the Chief of the Imperial Guard Huan Dai to guard the city.
In early July, we erected an altar at Zuoling and held a horse racing and archery competition, rewarding those who hit their targets with gold, brocade, fabric, and cotton; the rewards varied based on their accuracy. Upon hearing of our victory over Helian Chang, the Rouran tribe quickly fled.
In early August, the emperor returned from the western front after fighting, and at a banquet to reward the soldiers, the emperor made a special trip to the ancestral temple to pay his respects. Then he rewarded the officials in the capital city with different amounts of spoils from this battle. On the first few days of September, the people of the An Ding region surrendered the city. In November, we appointed the king of the Di tribe, Yang Xuan, as the military commander of the four provinces of Jingzhou, Liangzhou, Yizhou, and Ningzhou, and also gave him the titles of Acting General of the Southern Conquest, Governor of Liangzhou, and Prince of South Qin. In December, the emperor inspected Zhongshan and uncovered over ten corrupt local officials, all of whom were dismissed. In December, the emperor returned to the palace and reduced the land rent of the people along the way by half.
In the first month of the first year of the Shenyou era, because most local officials across the country were corrupt, the emperor carefully selected a group of loyal and reliable people and replaced those who were incompetent. On the first few days of the first month, King Jingzhao, Li, passed away. In February, the era name was altered. Heli Chang retreated to Pingliang, while Sikong Xijin led troops to attack An Ding. General Qiu Dui suffered defeat at the hands of Heli Chang, and the military officer An Jie took it upon himself to capture Heli Chang. The remaining followers of Heli Chang proclaimed his brother Heli Ding as king and fled back to Pingliang. On the first few days of March, the emperor ordered the attendant Gu Bi to welcome Heli Chang. On the first few days of March, Gu Bi and his men brought Heli Chang back to the capital. Sikong Xijin pursued Heli Ding at Maimaoling in Pingliang and was taken captive by Heli Ding. Qiu Dui, who was originally guarding the logistics in An Ding, abandoned his armor and made a hasty retreat to Puban after hearing that Xijin had been defeated. The emperor was furious upon hearing this news and ordered Qiu Dui's execution.
In April, Helian Ding sent representatives to pay tribute, and the Emperor received them. In early April, the Emperor embarked on a western tour and went farming in Hexi. Following that, a general amnesty was declared. Prince Yang Xuan of Southern Qin also sent envoys to pay tribute. In early June, a Hu leader in Bingzhou, Butian, rebelled and was killed, leaving the remaining people fearful and unsettled. The Emperor sent Wang Beijin of Huainan to maintain order and reassure them. In early June, the Emperor conducted an inspection of Changchuan.
In July, the Emperor returned to the palace. In August, he traveled to Guangning for leisure and to enjoy the hot springs. He made special offerings of the finest sacrifices at the temples dedicated to the Yellow Emperor, Yao, and Shun. At this time, the Rouran Chanyu sent his son with tens of thousands of cavalry to invade the border; for more details, see "The Rouran Chronicles." Jinyan, the chief of the Xiu Tu Hu in Shangjun, submitted to the imperial court along with his followers. In September, the Emperor returned to the palace. Over ten thousand households from Baqu, Quanwu, and other regions in Shangluo also surrendered.
In the tenth month on Jiachen day, the emperor set out on a northern expedition. On Renzi day, he went hunting in Niuchuan. At this time, Liu Yilong sent Wang Zhongde, the Huainan commander, to lead more than two thousand infantry and cavalry to attack Jiyang and Chenliu. This month, the emperor returned to his palace. On Xinsi day in the leap month, Liu Yilong sent Wang Xuanmo and the governor of Yanzhou, Zhu Lingshow, to lead two thousand infantry and cavalry to attack Xingyang, hoping to seize the opportunity to attack Hulao. The Yuzhou troops counterattacked and drove them off. Tuge Kuwei Jie of Shangjun also brought more than ten thousand households to surrender. The Dingling, led by Xianyutaiyang and Zhaiqiao, rebelled with over two thousand households in Dingzhou and ran to the western mountains to plunder the counties. The local forces were dispatched to suppress them, but were defeated. The emperor commanded General Zhen Nan, Shouguang Marquis Shusun Jian, to go and fight them. In the eleventh month, the emperor undertook a grand hunting expedition in Hexi. On Jiashen day in the twelfth month, the emperor returned to his palace. That year, Prince Huang was born. Qifu Chipan died, and his son Mu Mo usurped the throne and became emperor. Juqu Mengxun sent envoys to present tribute. In the second year, in the first month, Heliand Ding's brother, Jun, the Duke of Jiuquan, surrendered from Pingliang. The Dingling, including Xianyutaiyang, also confessed their crimes, and the empero
In the autumn of July, the emperor led his troops eastward. Upon reaching Black Mountain, the emperor took stock of his troops and supplies, and then rewarded nobles, ministers, and generals based on their contributions. In August, the emperor ordered Left Servant An Yuan to lead over ten thousand cavalry to attack the Gaoche tribe camped at Sini Po. For more details, see the "Biography of the Ruru."
In the winter of October, the emperor returned to the capital in triumph with his army, reporting on the campaign to the ancestral temple. We resettled the new arrivals in the Mo Nan region, extending over three thousand li from Ruyuan in the east to Wuyuan and Yinshan in the west. The emperor also ordered Minister of Works Wang Changsun Han of Pingyang, Prefect Liu Jie, Left Servant An Yuan, and Palace Attendant Gu Bi to pacify the people there. In November, the emperor embarked on a hunting expedition in the Hexi region, returning after reaching Zuoshan.
In the third year of spring, on the seventh day of the first month, the emperor returned to the imperial palace. On the ninth day of the first month, the emperor issued a general amnesty. On the tenth day of the first month, the emperor went to Guangning and visited the hot springs, and even composed a song titled "Ode to the Hot Springs." On the sixth day of the second month, Minister of Works Wang Changsun Han of Pingyang passed away. On the seventh day of the second month, the emperor returned to the imperial palace. On the ninth day of the third month, the emperor conferred the title of King of Qin upon Huan Jing. On the tenth day of the third month, over a thousand households of the Xiongnu tribe in Yunzhong and Hexi rose in rebellion. Prefect Liu Jie led his troops to quell the rebellion. Upon hearing that Liu Yilong intended to invade the border, the emperor ordered the building of three thousand ships in the provinces of Jizhou, Dingzhou, and Xiangzhou, and mobilized the garrison troops from south of Youzhou to the Yellow River banks for defense.
On the first day of April in the summer, the emperor went to the cloud. Over ten thousand households of the Chieh-le tribe rebelled and fled. The emperor then ordered Minister Feng Tie to pursue and eliminate them. On the eighth day of May, the emperor issued a decree saying, "As a soldier, one must be filial to their parents at home and loyal to the emperor in the court; only then can one achieve glory in life and be remembered after death. Recently, I have sent Minister Feng Tie to eliminate the fugitives. Those who have shown loyalty and sacrifice will be awarded posthumous titles; those who have fought bravely will be promoted in rank according to their merits; those who violate military discipline and leave the army without permission will face execution under military law. Rewarding merits and punishing crimes are the country's norms and cannot be changed. From now on, those who have erred can still make amends. Spread this order to everyone so they all know." In June, the emperor ordered General Pingnan, the so-called Prince of Danyang, Taipi, to station troops by the Yellow River and appointed Sima Chu as the Grand General of Annan, the Prince of Langye, to station troops in Yingchuan. On the seventh day of July, the emperor issued a decree saying, "In the past, when the founding emperor pacified the world, the system was just established and relatively rough; after the succession of the second emperor, he was busy with state affairs and did not have time to refine it, leading to many vacancies in official positions and many things not being handled properly. Now, those generals and princes stationed on the border are allowed to establish mansions and recruit officials; officials should also be increased in other places." On the ninth day of July, the emperor appointed the Grand Herald Du Chao as a special envoy, concurrently serving as the military commander of Jizhou, Dingzhou, and Xiangzhou, as well as the Grand General of Conquest of the South, the Grand Preceptor, and was promoted to a prince, stationed in Yecheng to command the various armies. In August, a band of bandits emerged in Qinghe County and murdered the magistrate. Liu Yilong sent Dao Yanzhi to lead the army, entering the Yellow River from Qingshui and advancing westward against the current. The emperor felt that the military forces in Henan were insufficient, so he ordered the mobilization of troops from four military garrisons. He then began reorganizing the army in preparation for a westward campaign.
On August 23, Da Yan sent troops across the Yellow River to attack Yeshan. General An Jie led the army and defeated them, killing more than five thousand foes, and many others jumped into the river to commit suicide. On August 29, the emperor went to Nangu to relax and went hunting on Nanshan. On September 2, the emperor ordered General Changsun Daosheng to deploy troops along the Yellow River. On September 6, Helian Ding sent his brother to lead the Dai army to attack Fucheng, while General Pingxi and Duke Shiping, Kui Gui, led their forces on an expedition, capturing the rebel leader Wang Bei and killing over ten thousand foes, while Helian Ding's brother fled. On September 10, a temple dedicated to Empress Dowager Mi was built in Ye City. On September 11, the emperor visited Tongwan to conduct an inspection and then went to conquer Pingliang.
On a certain year, October 3, Da Yan and Wang Zhongde were stationed by the river and then returned to Dongping. On October 4, General An Jie crossed the Yellow River to attack Luoyang. On October 5, Luoyang was captured, and twenty commanders of Yilong were taken prisoner, with five thousand killed. At that time, troops from various forces from Hebei gathered at Qinuo Crossing. Da Yan grew concerned about the troops advancing southward, so he sent General Wang Panlong to attempt to seize the official boats, but he was defeated by General Du Chao and his forces, and Wang Panlong was killed. On October 6, An Jie captured Hulao, and Yin Chong, the governor of Sizhou province in Yilong, fell from the city and died.
On the Yiyou day of November, the emperor arrived in Pingliang. Before this, Helian Ding led tens of thousands of troops to resist east of Fucheng, leaving his brother Shanggu to guard the isolated city of Shanggu. After the emperor arrived in Pingliang, he ascended to the Northern Plain and sent Helian Chang to convince the Sheyu people to surrender, but the Sheyu refused to capitulate. He then ordered General Gu Bi and others to attack Anding and to capture Pingliang. Upon hearing this news, Helian Ding abandoned Fucheng and fled to Anding, personally leading thirty thousand infantry and cavalry from Chungu Yuan to rescue Pingliang, where he ran into Gu Bi. Gu Bi defeated Helian Ding, killing several thousand men, causing Helian Ding to flee. The emperor ordered troops from all directions to encircle Helian Ding. On the Jiawu day, Duke Shouguang, Shusun Jian, and Duke Ruyin, Zhangsun Daosheng, made their way across the Yellow River. Yan Zhi and Wang Zhongde entered Jishui from Qinghe and fled eastward to Qingzhou. The governor of Yanzhou, Zhu Lingxiu, abandoned Shunchang and made a southward escape to Hulu.
On the day of Dingyou, Helian Ding was cut off from water while leading his army down the mountain. The emperor ordered General Qiu Juan of the Imperial Guard to attack him. Helian Ding's army suffered a crushing defeat, with more than ten thousand soldiers killed. Helian Ding sustained serious injuries and fled alone. We captured Helian Ding's brother, Duke Wushi Ba of Dan Yang, Duke Tugu of Wuling, and over a hundred other nobles. That day, various generals pursued their victory and took Anding. Helian Ding's cousin, Duke Yisheng of Dongping, abandoned the city and fled to Chang'an, looting thousands of households before fleeing west to Shanggui. On the day of Wuxu, Shusun Jian achieved a great victory over Zhu Lingxiu at Huluk, killing over five thousand captives. On the day of Jihai, the emperor arrived at Anding, capturing the hostage of Qifu Chipan and Helian Ding's battle standard, counting the captured population and livestock, and rewarding the soldiers based on their merits. On the day of Gengzi, the emperor returned from Anding to Pingliang, then dug trenches to lay siege to Pingliang. The emperor also inspected Niucheng, reassuring the newly surrendered people, granting amnesty to the people of the Qin and Yong regions, and exempting them from taxes for seven years. The commander of Helian Ding's garrison in Longxi and several thousand soldiers came to surrender.
On the day of Xinchou, General An Xie led his forces to attack Huatai. Wang Sima Chu of Langya achieved victory over Liu Yilong's forces at Changsha. Juqu Mengxun sent envoys to offer tribute. On the day of Renyin, Shusun Jian was granted the title of King of Danyang. On the day of Dingmao in December, Helian Ding's brother, She Yu and Duoluo, arrived to surrender with their hands tied, and Pingliang was taken, and we confiscated their treasures. The garrison commanders in Chang'an, Linjin, and Wugong all fled, and the Guanzhong region was pacified. On the day of Renshen, the emperor's entourage returned east, leaving Duke Yanpu of Badong and others to secure Anding. That year, Feng Ba passed away, and his brother Feng Wentong seized the throne, declaring himself emperor.
In the spring of the year 418 AD, on the Renwu day of the first month, the emperor arrived at Mugen Mountain to hold a grand banquet for his ministers, bestowing varying amounts of cloth upon them. On that day, the emperor also sent Liu Yilong with Tan Daoji and Wang Zhongde to rescue Huatai at Qingshui, but they were blocked by Sun Jian, the King of Danyang, and Dao Sheng, the Duke of Ruyin, preventing their advance. Later that month, Qifu Muma was defeated by Helian Ding.
On the Xinyou day of the second month, An Jie and Sima Chuzhi captured Huatai, capturing the generals Zhu Gizi and Li Yuande under Liu Yilong, as well as the governor of Dongju, Shen Mo. On the Guiyou day, the emperor's carriage returned to the palace, celebrating the victory with a banquet, reporting their achievements to the ancestral shrine, rewarding the officials who remained in the capital, and exempting the soldiers who fought in the battle from ten years of corvée labor. On the Dingchou day, the emperor visited the Southern Palace for leisure. Upon hearing that the people of Dingzhou were suffering from famine, the emperor ordered the granaries opened to provide relief to the victims. Tan Daoji and Wang Zhongde fled eastward under Liu Yilong's orders, with other generals in pursuit, returning only after chasing them as far as Licheng.
On the Gengxu day of the third month, General An Jie presented the emperor with over 10,000 captives and 30,000 troops. In the summer, on the Gengyin day of the fifth month, the emperor embarked on a tour of Yunzhong. In the sixth month, Helian Ding launched a surprise attack from the north on Juqu Mengxun, but was captured by Mu Gui of the Tuyuhun. On the Yiwu day of the intercalary month, envoys from the Rouran Kingdom arrived to pay tribute. The emperor also sent the Cavalier Attendant Zhou Shao as an envoy to meet Liu Yilong.
In the autumn of a certain year (the specific year is not mentioned), on the 7th day of the month Ji You in July, the Emperor went on a tour of the Hexi region and stayed at Chenghua Palace. On the 2nd day of the month Yi You in August, Juqu Mengxun sent his son Anzhou to serve the Emperor. The envoy from Tuyuhun, named Mu Kui, came to present a memorial, requesting the Emperor to send him Helian Ding. On the 19th day of the month Ji Chou, the Emperor appointed Mu Kui as the Grand General of Western Qin. On the 2nd day of the month Gui Chou in September, the Emperor returned to the palace. On the 7th day of the month Geng Shen in October, the Emperor promoted the Grand Minister Changsun Song to the position of Grand General of the Pillar State, and specially appointed the Left Minister Cui Hao as Minister of Works, and the Grand General of the West, Changsun Daosheng, as Minister of Construction. On the 9th day of the month Gui Hai, the Emperor issued a decree, appointing the Grand Minister Li Shun to hold the seal and conferred upon Juqu Mengxun the title of Acting King of Hexi, added the title of Palace Attendant, and made him the Commander of the military affairs in Liangzhou and the Qiang and Rong tribes of the Western Regions, acting as Grand General of the West, Grand Tutor, Governor of Liangzhou, and King of Liang, greatly expanding his official titles.
On the 13th day of the month Ren Shen, the Emperor issued a proclamation stating: "In recent years, wars have been incessant, and the country has been unstable. I have personally led campaigns many times without proper rest. Now that the two strong enemies have been eliminated, the army can be reorganized. I plan to cease military operations and promote peace, to rectify the officials, attract talents, promote those who are obscure, and re-employ those who are capable. Isn't it said in the Book of Songs, 'The crane sings in the nine marshes, its voice heard in heaven'? I hope to find suitable individuals to help in governance and jointly create a favorable situation. The Book of Changes also says: 'If I have good officials, I will give them to you.' Talents like Lu Xuan from Fanyang, Cui Chuo from Boling, Li Ling from Zhao County, Xing Ying from Hejian, Gao Yun from Bohai, You Ya from Guangping, Zhang Wei from Taiyuan, and others who live in seclusion and do not seek fame or profit, I have instructed the states and counties to extend formal invitations to them." Thus, the Emperor summoned Lu Xuan and others as well as talents recommended by various states and counties, and several hundred came, all assigned official positions according to their abilities.
On the tenth day of the tenth month of the lunar calendar, Cui Hao, the Minister of Works, was ordered by the emperor to revise the laws. Then the emperor went on a southern tour. On the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Mo Fuku Ruo, the chief of the Northern tribes, led tens of thousands of cavalrymen driving hundreds of thousands of deer to the emperor's palace. The emperor seized the opportunity to host a grand hunt, distributed the game among his attendants, and had inscriptions carved on stones to commemorate the achievements in the south. Prince Yicheng Xijin was stripped of his title and demoted to duke for his error. On the twelfth day of the twelfth month, the emperor made his way back to the palace.
In the first month of the year 474, the emperor bestowed the title of Empress Dowager upon Empress Dowager Bao, enfeoffed Helian as Empress, and designated Prince Huang as Crown Prince. He then went to the ancestral temple to offer sacrifices to his ancestors, while simultaneously issuing a decree of amnesty for the entire realm and changing the era name. A few days later, the emperor issued an edict stating: "As a person of little significance, I have the fortune to serve the ancestral temple, and I have always thought about promoting the royal foundation and thoroughly pacifying the realm. However, in this chaotic end of an era, the realm is in disarray, and thus I have been compelled to repeatedly mobilize troops for battle, without ever achieving peace. From my ascension to the throne until now, in the past nine years, I have fought ten wars. All the generals and civil and military officials have donned armor and faced the elements, risking their lives, sharing both hardships and joys with me. Thanks to divine protection, our soldiers have bravely fought the enemy, allowing us to vanquish formidable foes and root out great treachery and evil. The wars did not resort to excessive force, yet we vanquished two strong enemies; our military actions adhered to regulations, and stability was achieved in remote areas as a result. Furthermore, the weather is favorable now, and auspicious signs abound across the nation, countless in number. This blessing is not mine alone; it is the result of the collective efforts of all my consorts. Therefore, the ministers believe that, considering favorable timing, geographic advantages, and harmony among the people, deputy officials should be established. Holding a celebration and bestowing rewards is intended to commend both the meritorious veterans and the capable officials, so that they may forever enjoy wealth and nobility. Thus, from princes and generals downwards, all will be promoted in rank, some previously abandoned positions will be reinstated, outstanding talents will be selected, burdensome and harsh laws will be abolished, legal texts will be revised to strive for simplicity and ease of implementation, old evils will be eradicated, and systems will be reformed to strengthen unity. All officials should seriously consider how to serve, uphold their conduct, strive to achieve merit, and avoid negligence to meet my expectations."
On a certain day in February, the emperor went to the South Palace to have fun. On a certain day in March, the emperor posthumously named He Shi as empress. A few days later, King Tu Gu Hun Mu Wei of Western Qin sent He Lian Ding to the capital. In May, the emperor held a large military review in the southern suburbs, preparing to attack Feng Wentong. Emperor Liu Yilong of Liu Song sent envoys to pay their respects. On a certain day in June, the emperor led troops to attack He Long. The emperor ordered the Minister of Works, Zuo Pushe An Yuan, and others to station in the northern desert to guard against the Rouran. A few days later, the emperor sent his attendant Deng Ying as an envoy to Liu Song.
On the seventh day of July, the emperor's convoy reached Ru Shui. The next day, the emperor sent General Andong and Duke of Yicheng, Xi Jin, along with over ten thousand commoners from Youzhou and the Dingling tribe from Miyun, to carry siege equipment along the southern route to meet the main forces at He Long. When the emperor arrived in Liaoxi, Wentong sent his attendant censor Cui Ping to deliver beef and wine. On July 21, the emperor's convoy reached He Long and camped by the city. Li Chong, the governor of Shicheng, Wang Rong, the governor of Jiande, and officials from over a dozen counties surrendered. They also sent thirty thousand people to dig trenches and build defenses. This month, the emperor also began constructing the Eastern Palace.
On August 6, Wentong sent tens of thousands out of the city to challenge, but they were defeated by Yuan Qiu of Changli and Qi of Hejian, which led to over ten thousand casualties. Wentong's minister Gao Shao fled to Gu Cheng with over ten thousand Qiang and Hu people. On August 11, the emperor ordered an assault against Gao Shao. On August 13, Gao Shao was beheaded. The emperor then ordered General Pingdong, He Duoluo, to attack Murong Xuan, the governor of Daifang under Wentong, at Hougu; General Fu Jun, Wang Jian of Yongchang, to attack Jiande; and General Biao Qi, Wang Pi of Leping, to attack Jiyang. All these campaigns ended in victory, capturing many prisoners, and the emperor divided the prisoners and spoils among the soldiers based on their contributions.
On September 2nd, the emperor's convoy headed westward. Thirty thousand households in total were relocated from the six commanderies: Yingqiu, Chengzhou, Liaodong, Lelang, Daifang, and Xuantu to Youzhou, and granaries were opened to provide them with relief.
On the Guiyou day in October, the emperor's convoy arrived at Rushui. A messenger from the Tuyuhun, Mu Zui, came to offer tribute.
On the day of Yisi in November, the emperor's convoy arrived at Zifa and Long.
On the day of Jichou in December, Feng Wentong, Duke of ChangLe, brought his uncle Lang, as well as Lang's younger brother Miao, to bring Liaoxi under court control. Feng Wentong also sent General Feng Yu to besiege Liaoxi.
Before this, the court issued an order summoning virtuous individuals, but many states and commanderies pressured common people to comply. The emperor issued a decree stating: “I have quelled rebellions and campaigned for many years, always wishing to find outstanding talents to govern the country. Therefore, I order the states and commanderies to seek out reclusive scholars and recommend excellent individuals. In ancient times, some scholars secluded themselves in the mountains and forests, only coming out to serve the world after achieving virtue and accomplishments; others traveled far and wide, striving for opportunities and ultimately achieving success. Although their methods differ, their aim is to serve the country. All those summoned should be informed politely, allowing them to decide whether to come; how can we force them? This is due to the inspectors and governors failing to convey my intentions properly, which not only brings no benefit but also exposes my shortcomings. From now on, local villages should nominate talents, and governors should simply promote my humble intention of seeking virtuous individuals. Those who come after being summoned should be given suitable positions according to their talents, regardless of whether they are civil or military. This decree must be communicated clearly so that everyone knows.”
That year, Bao Zhou, the son of Tuoba Sengtang, left Juqu Mengxun to seek refuge at the court and was granted the title of Duke of Zhangye.
In a certain year of the Gregorian calendar (specific year to be inferred from the original text), in the spring, on the second day of the second month of the lunar calendar, the Grand General and King Yongchang Jian led an army to rescue the west of Liao. On the third day of the second month of the lunar calendar, the emperor appointed King Le'an Fan as acting commander, added him as a palace attendant, and commanded the military affairs of the five provinces: Qin, Yong, Jing, Liang, and Yi, as well as the Guard General and the Supervisor of the Three Offices, letting him guard Chang'an.
On the fifth day of the second month of the lunar calendar, the emperor ordered Li Ji, who also served as the Minister of Rites, to appoint Feng Chong as the Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry and granted him the title of King of Liaoxi. Feng Chong was given the authority to appoint officials below the rank of Minister. At the same time, Feng Chong and his meritorious subjects were rewarded with titles and official positions of different levels. General Jin Ya, along with the Garrison General of Anding Town Yan Pu and the Inspector of Jingzhou Di Ziyu, clashed over a power struggle. Jin Ya attacked Yan Pu but was unsuccessful and retreated to Hukong Valley, looting the locals and fortifying their position. The emperor ordered the Cavalier Attendant, General of the West, and Garrison General of Anding Town Lu Si to suppress them. On the sixth day of the second month of the lunar calendar, the emperor went on a tour of the Hexi region. The emperor also ordered the Cavalier Attendant, Song Xuan, to meet with Liu Yilong. On the third day of the third month of the lunar calendar, Feng Chong's younger brother Lang came to see the emperor.
In March, Tian Zhu, the son of General Sima Yuanxian of the Imperial Guards, surrendered. On the ninth day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar, the emperor returned to the palace in his chariot. In the summer, on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, the emperor toured the northern mountains. In June, the emperor sent Grand General Jian and Left Supervisor An Yuan to launch an attack on Helong. General Lou Bo led five thousand cavalry to surround Fancheng, and the defending general, Feng Yuli, surrendered, resulting in the capture of over three thousand households. On the tenth day of the tenth month of the lunar calendar, the emperor ordered King Le'an Fan to mobilize ten thousand troops from Qin and Yong provinces to construct a small fort within Chang'an.
In August during the autumn, Wang Chong of Liaoxi submitted a memorial requesting the emperor to allow him to persuade his father to surrender, but the emperor refused. In September, Liu Yilong sent envoys to offer tribute, presenting a tamed elephant. On Wuwu day, the emperor ordered Cui Ze, who concurrently held the position of Grand Minister of Ceremonies, to bestow the title of General Who Subdues the Enemy to Yang Nandang, General Who Pacifies the South, and to grant him the title of King of Southern Qin.
In winter, in October, King Yang Nandang of Southern Qin besieged Hanzhong with his troops. On Jia Yin day in November, the emperor returned to the palace from the northern mountains. On Ji Si day in December, a general amnesty was proclaimed! On Xin Wei day, the emperor traveled north of Yin Mountain again. Wang Hongzu, the King of Xiu Tu of Longxi, surrendered to the court with his people. After the death of Jin Ya, his brother Dang Chuan took over his followers. The emperor also sent Palace Attendant Lu Xuan to deliver a message to Liu Yilong. That year, Juqu Mengxun passed away, and his son Mu Qian was appointed as General of Chariots and Cavalry and was later regranted the title of King of Hexi.
In the spring of the third year of the reign, on Yi Wei day in the first month, the emperor's carriage halted by the Nushui River, where a grand banquet was held to entertain the officials, offering various rewards. On Wu Xu day, Feng Wentong sent his attendant Yichen, the Huangmen Shilang, to seek peace, but the emperor did not agree. On Bing Chen day, Jin Dang Chuan rebelled. Yang Nandang seized Hanzhong and relocated 7,000 refugee households from Yongzhou to Chang'an. In February, on Ding Mao day, Ruanruo Wuti arrived to pay tribute, accompanied by his sister, half-brother Tulu Kui, and several hundred followers, offering two thousand horses.
On the day of Wuyin, the emperor issued a decree saying: "Since I ascended the throne, bandits have been rampant in various places, rebellion is everywhere, the Rouran are causing chaos in the north, and the Tiefu are causing trouble in the Sanqin region. Therefore, I have been working tirelessly, unable to find rest, with the sole desire to quell the rebellion and bring peace to the world. For this reason, I have sent troops to the northwest for several years, transporting military supplies, resulting in great hardship for the people, neglect of agriculture, and suffering from floods and droughts, leading to a huge gap between the rich and the poor, making it hard for the common people to live and work peacefully. Many poor people even struggle to make a living, which pains me greatly! Now that peace has been restored in all directions and the war is gradually subsiding, it is necessary to reduce the burden of labor and taxes on the people and allow them to recuperate. I order the provinces and counties to categorize the people into three tiers based on wealth: the wealthy should pay taxes as usual, the middle tier should be exempt from taxes for two years, and the poorest should be exempt from taxes for three years. Governors and local officials must implement this policy seriously, without favoritism or deceit towards the court. Everyone should understand this policy." On the day of Xinmao, the emperor returned to the palace.
On the first day of the third month, the emperor conduc
On the eighth day of April, the Emperor ordered General-in-Chief Wang Su of the Western Army to campaign against Jin Dangchuan. On the tenth day of April, the Emperor went to inspect the Hexi region. On the fifteenth day of April, Jin Dangchuan was captured and publicly executed in Chang'an. On the first day of June, the Emperor returned to the palace. On the tenth day of June, General-in-Chief Prince Yongchang Jian, Minister of Works Changsun Daosheng of Ruyin, and Palace Attendant Gu Bi led an army to suppress He Long, devastating their crops and displacing the local populace.
On the eighth day of July, the Eastern Palace was completed, with a garrison one-third the size of that in the Western Palace. On the ninth day of July, the Emperor inspected Meiji and then went to Xicheng. He ordered the army to attack the Mountain Hu led by Bai Long in the West River. On the fifth day of September, they won the battle, killing Bai Long and his generals, and the city was thoroughly sacked.
On the tenth day of October, envoys from the Rouran Kingdom came to pay tribute. On the eleventh day of October, the remnants of Bai Long's forces were routed in Wuyuan. The Emperor decreed that those Mountain Hu who surrendered under Bai Long's pressure could reclaim their civilian status. Those who killed thousands and captured their families were rewarded differently for the soldiers. In November, the Emperor returned to the palace. On the first day of December, the Emperor went to inspect Yunzhong.
In the first month of the first year of Taiyan, the Emperor reduced the sentences of criminals below the death penalty by one level. The next day, the palace granted permission for the palace ladies from the eras of Emperors Taizu and Taizong to marry. Subsequently, there was a general amnesty, and the era name was officially changed.
In the second month, envoys from the Rouran, Yanqi, and Cheshi countries came to pay tribute, expressing their submission. The Emperor also ordered the relocation of the common people from Chang'an and Pingliang to the capital, but elderly widows unable to care for themselves were permitted to return home. After a few days, the Emperor returned to the palace. In the third month, Feng Wentong from the Western Regions sent General Kezhu to pay tribute, but he claimed his son was ill and returned home first.
In early May, the emperor appointed Mu Shousheng as King of Yidu, Chang Sun Daosheng as King of Shangdang, Xi Jin as King of Hengnong, and Lou Fuli as King of Guangling, with their original titles remaining the same. The emperor then sent out a total of twenty batches of envoys to the Western Regions. Later on, the emperor went to Yunzhong for inspection.
On the sixth day of the sixth month, the emperor issued a decree saying, "Recently, the bandits have been pacified, and the realm is gradually becoming more stable. I intend to further promote good governance and develop strategies for governing the country. Therefore, I have issued several decrees to officials, promoting benevolence and reassuring the officials. However, some ministers and local officials may not have performed adequately in some areas, leading to a disruption of the natural balance, abnormal weather, and even a minor drought during spring, resulting in poor crop growth. Everyone is very worried, making efforts to be self-disciplined and praying to the heavens for blessings, sincerely and earnestly. Unexpectedly, my earnestness has touched the heavens, and retribution has come so quickly, with heavy rain soon pouring down, nourishing the land everywhere. A rural woman brought a small jade seal to the home of the Marquis of Luxian in Lü County, but then vanished without a trace, and no one knows where she has gone. This jade seal is pristine white, gleaming brilliantly, with three characters and a dragon and bird pattern engraved on it, exquisitely crafted, unlike anything that could be crafted by human hands. It bears the inscription 'Drought and Epidemic Eliminated.' Upon careful consideration, this is undoubtedly a divine response! I am truly delighted by this."
During this period, auspicious signs have been continuous: nourishing dew has fallen in various places; a rare spectacle of twin melons growing together has appeared in the Zhongshan region; branches joined together have been seen in Weijun; in the hometown of the late emperor, flocks of white swallows have gathered in the old capital of Shengle, accompanied by swallows, numbering perhaps in the thousands; in the Hengnong region, good harvests have continued for several years; in the Bohai region, white pheasants and white rabbits have appeared simultaneously, with three white pheasants flying to the temple of Emperor Taizu in Pingyang. Heaven has granted us so many good omens; how should we repay this? I feel a mix of excitement and fear, a blend of joy and concern. Therefore, I command a five-day amnesty throughout the realm and to offer sacrifices to the hundred deities; officials in various places should also offer sacrifices to the famous mountains, rivers, and streams within their territories to show gratitude for Heaven's grace and pray for blessings.
On the eighth day of the sixth month, envoys from Goryeo and the Shanshan Kingdom came to pay tribute. On the tenth day of the sixth month, the emperor ordered General Cao Pi, the Prince of Le Ping, and four other generals to lead forty thousand cavalry to the east to conquer Wentong.
In July, the emperor cultivated fields in the Qianyang region. On the sixth day of July, Cao Pi and the others arrived at Helong and moved six thousand men, women, and children back to their base. On the sixth day of August, the emperor went to inspect Hexi. The Sogdian Kingdom also sent envoys to pay tribute. On the seventh day of September, the emperor's carriage returned to the palace.
On the day of the Gui Mao in October, the left chancellor of the Ministry of Revenue in Anyuan was executed for treason. The next day, the emperor went to Dingzhou, staying overnight at the Xincheng Palace along the way. On the day of the Yi Chou in November, he went to Jizhou. On the day of Ji Si, he went hunting in Guangchuan. On the day of Bing Zi, he arrived in Ye City and offered sacrifices at the temple of Empress Dowager Mi. Wherever the emperor went, he spoke with local elders of high virtue and reputation, and he also acknowledged and rewarded those with talent.
In the 12th month of the Jia Shen year, the emperor issued an edict, saying: "Holding six types of power is the foundation of an emperor's governance; handling political affairs and lawsuits is the responsibility of the officials and ministers; promoting agriculture and alleviating taxes is the urgent duty of local officials; ensuring that the common people can live well all year round is a goal they must strive for. Everyone fulfilling their own responsibilities is known as each performing its own duties, so that society can be orderly. The current situation is not like this; how can the country be properly governed? Overstepping authority leads to interference and disrupts order; without clear laws and regulations, how can the common people know what to do? From now on, those who have fled from disasters and are living in exile must return to their hometowns, and past offenses will be forgiven. Those who kill each other among the common people should be judged by local officials according to the law, and not allowed to retaliate privately. Anyone who dares to retaliate privately will face the extinction of their entire family; neighbors who assist each other in wrongdoing should also face punishment. Prefectures and counties must not arbitrarily send troops to harass the populace. If there is a need to requisition and allocate materials, the county magistrate should gather the village elders to collectively assess their property, then, based on the actual circumstances, any surplus should be distributed fairly, and those in need should be treated equally by officials of all ranks, not favoring the rich and oppressing the poor. The governor should evaluate their capabilities, assess their political achievements, and then submit the assessment results to the court annually. The governor should carefully examine their good and bad points, suppress the corrupt officials, elevate the honest and virtuous officials, and report the assessment results to the court at the end of each year. Local officials bear the responsibility of governing the people, should uphold the court's benevolence, abide by the laws, share the joys and sorrows of the country, restrain themselves with upright character, maintain integrity in the official field, isn't that a good thing?" On the day of Gui Mao, the emperor sent someone to offer sacrifices to Beiyue with a grand ceremony.
In the first month of the second year, the emperor's carriage returned to the palace on the day of Jia Yin. In the second month, Feng Wentong sent envoys to offer tribute and requested to send his son to serve in the court as an attendant, but the emperor did not agree. On the day of Ren Chen, the emperor sent over ten envoys to Goryeo, Dongyi, and other countries to proclaim imperial edicts. On the day of Bing Chen in the third month, Liu Yilong sent envoys to offer tribute. On the day of Xin Wei, General Pingdong E Qing and General Anxi Gu Bi led ten thousand elite cavalry to attack Feng Wentong, while Governor of Pingzhou Yuan Ying led the army of the Western Liaoning General to support them. Feng Wentong was in a critical situation and sought help from Goryeo, which sent General Gemalulu to lead twenty thousand infantry and cavalry to assist Feng Wentong. On the day of Jia Xu, the emperor ordered guards to be stationed at Hulao Pass.
In the early days of the fourth month, my sons, the little prince and Miao'er, both died, which was truly heartbreaking. In the early days of the fifth month, that rascal Feng Wentong ran off to Goryeo. After a few days, the emperor ordered envoys to be sent to Goryeo to bring him back. Later, the emperor went on a tour to Hexi. As a result, Helian Ding moved westward, and Yang Nandang occupied Shanggui.
In the early days of the seventh month, the emperor ordered Prince Leping Pi to lead troops to Hexi and Gaoping to deal with Yang Nandang. At the same time, envoys were sent to Liu Yilong. In the early days of the eighth month, the emperor sent several envoys to the Western Regions. During this time, the emperor was out hunting in Hexi! The emperor also ordered Zhang Li to transfer twelve thousand men from Dingzhou to repair the Tongshaquan Road. In this month, Gaoche country also sent envoys to offer tribute.
In the early days of the ninth month, Prince Leping Pi arrived in Lueyang, and Yang Nandang obediently acted as the acting defender of Shanggui. Goryeo flatly refused to send back Feng Wentong and even sent a national letter, expressing their desire to submit to the court along with Feng Wentong. The emperor initially planned to attack Goryeo, but after hearing Prince Leping Pi's advice, he decided against it.
In early November, the emperor went hunting again in the poplar grove and even built a wild horse park in Yunchong. After a while, the emperor returned to the palace. After this, the King of Yingchuan was reappointed as the King of Wuchang. The King of Hexi, Juqu Muqian, also sent envoys to pay tribute. That year, the king of Tuyuhun, Mu Wei, died.
In a certain year (the exact year can be inferred from the context), on the first few days of the first month, the King of Zhongshan, Zuan, passed away; he was the Grand General of the Eastern Expedition. In the same month, the King of Beiping, Changsun Song, also died; he was the Grand Minister. A few days later, the King of Danyang, Shusun Jian, also passed away; he was the Grand General of the Southern Garrison. Wow, several prominent figures passed away in just one month!
On the first few days of February, the emperor visited Youzhou, checked on the elderly and those living alone, and learned about the people's hardships. He also went to Shanggu and finally arrived in Dai County. In the areas he passed through, he reduced land rent by half. Both Goguryeo and Khitan sent envoys to pay tribute, which shows that our country is quite impressive now! On the first few days of March, the emperor appointed the King of Nanping, Hun, as the Grand General of the Eastern Front, and also made him concurrently serve as the Minister of State Affairs, stationed in Helong. A few days later, the emperor returned to the palace. After a few more days, countries like Kucha, Yuyuan, Yanqi, Cheshir, Sogdiana, Shule, Wusun, Kapan, and Shanshan all sent envoys to pay tribute; truly, they came from all corners! Even more impressive, the emperor of Liu Song, Liu Yilong, also sent envoys to pay tribute! On the first few days of May, the emperor issued a decree stating: "Now that the external enemies have been eliminated, the world is peaceful. In recent years, I have repeatedly ordered officials to serve the people well, so everyone can live and work in peace and happiness. However, many officials, including local ones, have failed to fulfill their duties, failing to investigate illegal activities, engaging in favoritism and corruption, covering for each other, and being negligent in their responsibilities. The law isn't enforced because those at the top are the first to break it, so I’m ordering all citizens to report any incompetent officials!" A few days later, the emperor went to Yunchong again.
In early July, the Emperor sent Prince Yongchang Jian and Prince Changsun Daosheng of Shangdang to the Western River to suppress the remnants of the Shan Hu's Bailong forces, and completely eliminated them. In early August, the Emperor toured the Hexi region. In early September, the Emperor returned to the palace. A few days later, the Emperor appointed Muliyuan, the brother of the King of Xiqin, as the Grand General of the Western Garrison, concurrently serving as the Minister of Ceremonies, and also conferred upon him the title of King of Xiping.
In early October, the Emperor went to Yunzhong. On a specific day in November, the Emperor returned to the palace. A few days later, the states of Luona and Zheye sent envoys to pay tribute, and even gifted sweat-blooded horses! That year, Juqu Mujian, the son of the King of Hexi, also came to pay tribute.
On a specific day in spring of the second year, the brother of the King of Shanshan, Suyan Qi, came to pay tribute. In the same month, the Emperor decreed that no monk under fifty could serve. Prince Gen of Jiangyang passed away. In this month, Goryeo also killed Feng Wentong. On a specific day in May, the Emperor decreed a general amnesty. A few days later, the Emperor went to Wuyuan.
In the autumn of a certain year, on the Renwu day in July, the Emperor led his troops northward to campaign. For specific details, you can refer to "The Biography of Ruru".
On the Yichou day in October, winter, the Emperor held a grand ceremony to reward all the soldiers in Luoyang. On the Dingsi day in December, the troops returned triumphantly from the northern expedition. The officials from Baquan and Xian who had gone to Luoyang all pledged loyalty to the court. The Emperor also sent Cavalier Attendant Gao Ya to visit Liu Yilong.
In the first month of the second year, on the Gengyin day of spring, the Emperor went to Dingzhou for inspection. On the Dingmao day in March, the Emperor ordered the General of the Guard, Prince of Le'an, Fan, to send the Inspector of Yongzhou, Gena, to take control of Luoyang. However, the Prefect of Luoyang, Zhaisheng, was too cowardly to stay and fled, abandoning his post. On the Xinwei day in March, the Emperor returned to the palace. On the Gengyin day of spring, the Emperor appointed the eldest son of the former Prince of Southern Qin, Yang Baozong, as the Grand General of the Southern Expedition, Governor of Qinzhou, and King of Wudu, stationed in Shanggui.
In April during the summer, on the Dingyou day of the lunar calendar, envoys from the countries of Shanshan, Kuche, Shule, and Yanqi came to pay tribute. On the Dingchou day of May, the emperor practiced military drills in the western suburbs. On the Guiwei day of May, the kingdom of Zheyi presented a prized blood-sweat horse. On the Jiachen day of June, the emperor personally led a large army westward to campaign against Juqu Muqian, while appointing the Chamberlain and King Mu Shou of Yidu to assist the Crown Prince with the administration of the capital; General Ji Jing, King of Chang Le, and General Chong, King of Jian Ning, led an army of twenty thousand stationed in the southern desert to guard against Rouran attacks.
On the seventh day of July, the emperor arrived at the vassal city of Shangjun along with his entourage, hosting a grand banquet to entertain his officials and conducting military exercises to demonstrate archery skills. On the ninth day of July, the emperor left the supplies behind and divided the army into several routes: General Fu Jun, King Jian of Yongchang, and the Minister of Works, Duke Liu Jie of Julu, led the various armies, advancing alongside King Su of Changshan as the vanguard; General Biaoqi, King Pi of Le Ping, and Grand Chancellor Du Chao of Yangping led the troops from Pingliang, Fucheng, and other regions as the rear guard.
On the fifth day of the eighth month, King Jian of Yongchang captured over two hundred thousand cattle and horses belonging to Muxian. Muxian sent his brother Dong to lead more than ten thousand men to resist in the south of the city, but upon seeing our overwhelming numbers, they fled in panic. On the seventh day of the eighth month, the emperor arrived in Guzang, and Muxian's nephew Zu Yu surrendered to the emperor. The emperor then split his forces to lay siege to Guzang. On the third day of the ninth month, another nephew of Muxian, Wannian, also led his subordinates to surrender. On that same day, Muxian surrendered without resistance, accompanied by five thousand civil and military officials. The emperor untied his ropes and treated him with the respect befitting a feudal lord, then incorporated over two hundred thousand households from the city, along with vast wealth from the storerooms! The emperor also elevated Zhangye's Duke Tufa to a king and dispatched General Longxiang Mu Pi and General Anyuan Yuan He to recover other counties, with the number of surrendering individuals totaling in the hundreds of thousands. Muxian's brother, Yide, the governor of Zhangye, set fire to the storeroom and fled to Jiuquan. The governor of Ledu, An Zhou, also ran to Tuyuhun. The emperor sent General Zhennan Xi Juan to chase down the rebel forces in Zhangye, pursuing them all the way to Jiuquan, where Muxian's brother Wu Hui, the governor of Jiuquan, and Yide fled to Jinchang. The emperor then sent Yiyang Gong Yuanjie to guard Jiuquan. General Zhenbei Feng Ta pursued the rebels in Ledu and captured thousands of households before returning. The emperor also rewarded the soldiers based on their merits.
On the seventh day of the ninth month, the Ruruan people invaded the borders once more, reaching Qijieshan, which sent shockwaves through the capital! The Crown Prince quickly dispatched Wang Changsun Daosheng and others from Shangdang to mount a defense. For further details, check out the "Biography of the Ruruan."
On the Xin You day in November, the emperor returned to the capital with over 30,000 Liangzhou locals. He left behind the General of Chariots and Cavalry, Prince Pi of Le Ping, and the General of Westward Expedition, He Duoluo, to defend Liangzhou. A few days later, on the Gui Hai day, the emperor sent Wang Tufa Baozhou of Zhangye to talk to the Xianbei tribes, but Baozhou led a rebellion against Zhangye!
On the Yi Si day of November, Emperor Liu Yilong of the Southern Song Dynasty sent envoys to offer tribute, and even sent a tamed elephant, which was quite a spectacle. This month, Goryeo, Sogdiana, Khotan, Bolon, and Sijabah all sent envoys to offer tribute, making the emperor seem quite impressive!
On the Ren Wu day of December, the emperor returned in triumph from the western campaign. After rewarding the soldiers and officials, he went to the ancestral temple to celebrate his victory. Oh, and this year, the troublemaker Yang Nandang went to Shanggui and was chased away by General Yuan Wutou. In summary, this year, the countries of Shanshan, Kucha, Shule, Yanqi, Goryeo, Sogdiana, Khotan, Bolon, and Sijabah all obediently offered tribute, which made the emperor quite pleased!
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