Yuwen Tai, born Yuwen Tai, courtesy name Heitan, was from Wuchuan in Dai County. His ancestors are said to trace their lineage back to the Yan Emperor Shennong, who was subsequently defeated by the Yellow Emperor, causing his descendants to retreat to the remote northern regions. Later, a notable figure named Ge Wutu emerged, known for his bravery and wisdom, who was greatly admired by the Xianbei people and was chosen as their leader. Thus, he unified twelve tribes, and his family served as tribal leaders for generations.
One of his descendants, called Pu Hui, came across a jade seal during a hunting trip. This seal had three knobs and bore the inscription "Emperor's Seal." Pu Hui found the seal quite mystical and believed it was a gift from heaven, so he named it "Yuwen State" and took on "Yuwen" as their surname. In their region, "Yu" meant heaven, and "Wen" meant the monarch, hence the name.
Pu Hui's son was named Mo Na, who later migrated south from the Yin Mountains and settled in Liaoxi, where he was bestowed the title of Xian Marquis and became related by marriage to the state of Wei. The Yuwen family continued for nine generations, during which Hou Dougui fell to Murong Huang. His son, Yuwen Ling, took refuge in the Yan state, became an imperial son-in-law, and was granted the title of Xuan Tu Gong. Later, when the Wei army attacked Zhongshan, Yuwen Ling followed Murong Bao to resist, but Murong Bao was defeated. Yuwen Ling then took five hundred cavalry to seek asylum in Wei, where he was appointed as the chief military commander and granted the title of An Ding Marquis. During the Tianxing era of Emperor Xiaowen of Wei, some prominent figures were relocated to Dai Capital, and Yuwen Ling also relocated to Wuchuan.
Yuwen Ling had a son named Yuwen Xi, who had a son named Yuwen Tao, and they were both renowned for their military prowess. Yuwen Tao went on to have a son named Yuwen Gong.
Yuwen Gong was a righteous and charismatic person. During the Zhengguang period of the Northern Wei, a man from Woyezhen named Liu Han Baling led a rebellion, and many people responded to him. At that time, a man named Wang Weike Gu held the most power. Yuwen Gong gathered the villagers and killed Wang Weike Gu, which caused his followers to disperse. Later, Yuwen Gong fled to Zhongshan, where he was captured by Xianyu Xiuli. Xianyu Xiuli then appointed him to lead his own followers. Eventually, in a battle against the troops of Dingzhou, Yuwen Gong was killed in battle. After Emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou ascended the throne, he posthumously bestowed upon him the title of Emperor De.
Emperor Gaozu was the youngest son of Emperor De. His mother, a Wang by surname, dreamed one night, while five months pregnant, that she was holding a child who ascended to heaven, but she stopped short of reaching it. After waking up, she told Emperor De about the dream, and he happily said, "Although we didn't reach heaven, it's still very noble!" When Gaozu was born, he was surrounded by a layer of black mist, like a hat covering him. As he grew, he reached a height of eight feet, had a broad forehead, and was very handsome, with long, beautiful whiskers, hair that trailed on the ground, and arms that hung down past his knees. On his back was a twisting black mole that resembled a dragon coiling; his face also radiated a purple light, which inspired reverence among the people. From a young age, he had a great demeanor, did not engage in the family's daily affairs, was generous and enjoyed befriending virtuous scholars and officials. In his youth, he served in Xianyu Xiuli's army alongside Emperor De. Later, after Ge Rong killed Xianyu Xiuli, at that time, Gaozu was eighteen, and Ge Rong made him a general. Knowing that Ge Rong could not achieve great things, Gaozu discussed their escape plans with a few of his brothers. Before they could put their plan into action, Er Zhu Rong captured Ge Rong and subdued Hebei, and Gaozu subsequently followed him to Jinyang.
Er Zhu Rong believed that Gaozu's brothers were all exceptionally strong and formidable, and worried that they would not submit to him, so he found a pretext to kill Gaozu's third brother, Luosheng, and even wanted to harm Gaozu. Gaozu defended his family's grievances with logical arguments and passionate rhetoric. Er Zhu Rong was impressed by his spirit and chose to spare him, instead respecting him even more.
In the second year of Xiaochang, the rebellion broke out in Yanzhou, and Gaozu led troops to follow Er Zhu Rong to suppress it for the first time. Before this, Wang Yuanhao of Beihai had fled to the Liang Dynasty, where he was proclaimed King of Wei and led an army to attack Luoyang. To evade him, Emperor Xiaozhuang of Wei fled to Henan. Er Zhu Rong dispatched He Ba Yue to attack Yuanhao while welcoming Emperor Xiaozhuang back to Luoyang. Gaozu already knew He Ba Yue, so he followed him, but did not take the position of the main commander. After Emperor Xiaozhuang returned to Luoyang, Gaozu was granted the title of Earl of Ningdu in recognition of his contributions, along with an additional fief of three hundred households, and was promoted to General of Zhenyuan and Infantry Commandant.
Wan Qi Chounu rebelled in the Guanzhong area, and Emperor Xiaozhuang dispatched Er Zhu Tianguang and Yue to suppress him. My grandfather followed General Yue into the pass, and our family's vanguard troops defeated the false acting commander Chi Pusa and others. After pacifying Chounu's rebellion and stabilizing the Longyou region, my grandfather achieved great merit and was promoted to General of the Western Expedition, Grand Minister of Gold and Purple, with an additional fief of three hundred households, and was appointed as the General in charge of the administration of Yuanzhou. At that time, banditry was rampant in the Guanzhong and Long regions, and the people were displaced. My grandfather won them over through kindness and trust, and the people were very pleased and followed his lead. Everyone happily said, "If only we had met Lord Yuwen sooner, we wouldn't have rebelled!" One time, my grandfather was out riding with a few companions in the fields when he suddenly heard the distant sound of flutes and drums. He asked his subordinates, and everyone said they hadn't heard anything.
In the second year of the Pur Tai era, Er Zhu Tianguang went east to confront Gao Huan (the Shun Emperor of Qi), leaving his brother Er Zhu Xianshou to defend Chang'an. Hou Mocheng Yue, the Governor of Qinzhou, was summoned by Er Zhu Tianguang to lead his troops east. General Yue anticipated that Er Zhu Tianguang would likely be defeated and wanted to keep Hou Mocheng Yue to deal with Er Zhu Xianshou together, but he struggled to devise an effective plan. My grandfather advised General Yue, "Right now, Er Zhu Tianguang is not far from here, and Hou Mocheng Yue hasn't changed his mind yet. If we tell him about this, he might be scared. Although Hou Mocheng Yue is the main commander, he can't control the soldiers below him. If we first speak to his soldiers, some will surely choose to stay behind. If we attack, we risk missing the opportunity to strike at Er Zhu Tianguang; if we retreat, we might lose the people's hearts. We should take this opportunity to talk to Hou Mocheng Yue, and we can definitely succeed." General Yue was very pleased and immediately sent my grandfather to persuade Hou Mocheng Yue in his camp. As a result, Hou Mocheng Yue still did not agree. So they launched a joint attack on Chang'an, with my grandfather at the forefront leading the light cavalry as the vanguard. My grandfather believed that Er Zhu Xianshou, being timid, would flee east as soon as he heard the army was approaching. To cut off his escape, they advanced at double speed. Er Zhu Xianshou indeed fled east. When they reached Huashan, they captured Er Zhu Xianshou. In the first year of the Tai Chang era, General Yue was appointed Grand Chancellor of Guansi, and my grandfather was appointed his left chancellor, overseeing the affairs of General Yue's office and was also granted the title of a regular attendant. My grandfather was responsible for making decisions on all matters, both big and small.
After Gao Huan defeated Er Zhu Rong, he took control of the government. My father (Emperor Taizu) went to Bingzhou to meet with him. Upon arriving in Bingzhou, Gao Huan asked about military matters, and my father spoke eloquently. Gao Huan felt that my father was not an ordinary person and wanted to keep him. My father pretended to be loyal, which allowed him to leave Bingzhou quickly. Gao Huan actually sent people to pursue him, but by the time they reached Hangu Pass, they had already lost him.
My father returned to Prince Yue (Yue) and said to him, "Gao Huan is not the kind of minister one wants. The reason he hasn't rebelled yet is because he fears you and your brothers. However, if he wants to achieve great things and support the state, he cannot succeed without utilizing the lay of the land and uniting heroes and talents. Hou Mocheng Yue is a mediocre talent who merely happened to be in a good position at the right time and gained favor; he doesn't care about the country or its people, and Gao Huan will not be wary of him. He’s not hard to deal with. Currently, Fei also has more than ten thousand cavalry, and the governor of Xiazhou, Hu Ba Mi'e, has more than three thousand elite soldiers, along with Cao Ni, the governor of Lingzhou. They all rely on their remote locations and often have dissenting views. The migrant populations in Hexi, like He Dou Ling and Yi Li, are numerous and wealthy, and they haven't submitted to the government yet. If we move our troops to the Longyou region, secure the key locations, intimidate them with our military might, and win them over with goodwill, we can bring their troops under our control and strengthen our own army. Then we can calm the Di and Qiang tribes to the west, stabilize the borders to the north, and return to Chang'an to help the Wei dynasty, just like Huan Wen did when he brought peace to Shu."
Prince Yueyang was very pleased upon hearing this, and he sent my father to the capital to report back, secretly informing Emperor Xiaowu of Wei about the plan. Emperor Xiaowu of Wei greatly appreciated his suggestion, promoted my father to General of the Martial Guard, and instructed him to return to report to Prince Yueyang. Prince Yueyang then led his army westward and stationed in Pingliang, discussing with his subordinates, “Xiaozhou is right next to the enemy and must be pacified; we need a capable Governor to guard it.” Everyone said, “Yu Wen, the Left Chancellor, is the best choice.” Prince Yueyang replied, “Yu Wen, the Left Chancellor, is my left arm and right arm; how can I let him go?” After several days of hesitation, he finally decided to follow everyone's advice. Thus, he submitted a recommendation for my father to hold the title of Envoy with special authority, General of the Martial Guard, and Governor of Xiaozhou. When my father arrived in Xiaozhou, He Douling Yili immediately surrendered, while Cao Ni was still secretly in touch with Gao Huan.
In the spring of the third year of Wei Yongxi, in the first month, General Yue wanted to attack Cao Ni, so he sent Commander Zhao Gui to Xiaozhou to discuss with the Emperor. The Emperor said, “Cao Ni is a solitary city, far away, so there’s no need to be overly concerned. Houmo Chen Yue is powerful and nearby; he’s greedy and untrustworthy, and will surely become a disaster, so we must quickly find a way to deal with him.” General Yue ignored the Emperor's advice and ended up going to Cao Ni together with Houmo Chen Yue.
In February, they arrived at Hequ, and General Yue was indeed betrayed by Houmo Chen Yue. His army collapsed and fled back to Pingliang, with only Commander Zhao Gui bringing back General Yue's body. At this time, the army was left without a leader, and everyone had lost their backbone. The other commanders decided to elect the oldest among them, Commander Kou Luo, to lead the army. Kou Luo was not very capable and didn’t have much respect; he told everyone, “I am not capable enough to lead you all. You only picked me out of necessity, and I only agreed because of that. Now I wish to resign from this position; let’s choose someone more qualified.”
At this time, Zhao Gui said to everyone: "General Marshal Yue was loyal and devoted, having sacrificed his life for the country. His achievements were still unfinished when he met a tragic end. This is not just a loss of a good general for the country; it also means that everyone has lost their support. If we want to unite to seek revenge and settle our grievances, we must choose a capable person to lead the army. If we choose the wrong person, it will be hard to succeed in our great endeavors, and even if we want to serve the country, we won't be able to! I think of Yu Wentai from Xiazhou, who is both impressive and capable, with people from all around rallying to his side, and the soldiers all obeying his commands. Moreover, his commands are strict, and he is clear about rewards and punishments; he is definitely someone we can count on. If we let him know about General Yue's murder, he'll surely come to our aid. If we back him, we can succeed in our great endeavor!" Everyone felt that Zhao Gui was right.
They sent Helian Da riding swiftly to Xiazhou to inform Taizu, saying: "Houmochen Yue has broken the alliance, shown ingratitude, and killed the loyal and virtuous. Everyone is very angry but has no place to appeal. When you ruled here before, your kindness was widespread, and your reputation was renowned. Now, regardless of their rank, everyone is willing to support you. Everyone has long hoped for your return, and we ask that you not delay in fulfilling our wishes!" Taizu was just preparing to go to Pingliang when the officials and common folk of Xiazhou pleaded with him, saying: "We heard that Houmochen Yue is now at Shuiluo, not far from Pingliang. If he has He Ba Yue's army, it will be tough to confront him. We hope you will wait a moment and see the situation before proceeding." Taizu said: "Since Houmochen Yue has killed the marshal, he should pursue the victory and directly occupy Pingliang. However, he hesitates and has stationed troops at Shuiluo; I know he has no real ability. Besides, opportunities are fleeting, and time waits for no one. If we do not hurry now, I fear everyone's hearts will scatter." Commander Mi Jieyuan secretly plotted to defect to Houmochen Yue and conspired to assassinate Taizu. After the plot was exposed, he was executed. Taizu then took light cavalry and quickly headed to Pingliang. At this time, Northern Qi sent Changshi Hou Jing to persuade General Yue's army to surrender. When Taizu reached Anding, he met Hou Jing and said: "Although He Ba Yue is dead, Yu Wen Tai is still around. What are you doing?" Hou Jing's expression changed dramatically, and he replied: "I’m like an arrow; I shoot wherever I'm told." Hou Jing then returned. Upon arriving in Pingliang, Taizu wept for General Yue. The soldiers felt a mix of sadness and joy, saying: "The Duke of Yu Wen is here; we don’t have to worry anymore!"
At that time, Emperor Xiaowu of the Wei Dynasty was planning to attack Emperor Shenwu of Northern Qi, Gao Huan. Upon hearing that Heba Yue had been killed, he sent Wuwei General Yuan Pi to Pingliang to pay respects and ordered Heba Yue's troops to be recalled to Luoyang. When Yuan Pi arrived in Pingliang, he discovered that everyone had already rallied behind Gao Huan as their leader. Houmo Chen Yue also received an edict to return to Luoyang, but he had already defected to Emperor Shenwu of Northern Qi and refused to return. Gao Huan addressed his generals, "Houmo Chen Yue has wrongfully executed loyal officials and disobeyed the imperial decree; this poses a serious threat to the state; how can we allow this to continue?" He then ordered the entire army to be put on high alert and prepare to engage Houmo Chen Yue.
After Yuan Pi returned, Gao Huan reported to Wei's Emperor Xiaowu, saying: "I previously served in the court alongside the Grand General He Ba Yue from Guanshi. He was loyal and steadfast, yet met with misfortune, causing the morale of the troops to plummet, and the court and the people alike are deeply saddened. The generals Kou Luo and others are overwhelmed with grievances and anger, all yearning for revenge. Since I once worked closely with He Ba Yue in the court, our relationship was intimate. On the fourteenth, I hurriedly came to command the troops, and I had already submitted another memorial prior to my departure. I have now been chosen by everyone and have no choice but to temporarily take command of the military. The edict summoning He Ba Yue's troops back to the capital was initially a sound strategy for the country. However, Gao Huan's troops have already reached Hedong, and Hou Mochen Yue is still in the Shui Luo area. Moreover, most of this army is from Guanshi, and they are reluctant to leave their hometown and head east. If we forcibly execute the edict and bring them all back to Guanzhong, with Hou Mochen Yue pursuing from behind while I block in front, we would be caught between two enemies, and the situation would be extremely dangerous. Even if I were to die on the battlefield, I would accept it willingly. But I fear that a defeat would cause severe losses for the country and suffering for the people, leading to even greater harm. I earnestly request a postponement of the edict's execution, to reconsider carefully, and to gradually guide the troops eastward." Gao Huan was contemplating an attack on Hou Mochen Yue, but he had not yet fully grasped the court's intentions, and the army had not fully assembled, so he used this reason to delay. He then conducted a sacrificial ceremony with Yuan Pi and the other generals, swearing loyalty to the court.
Initially, He Ba Yue's troops were stationed at Hequ, and an officer was walking alone when he suddenly encountered an old man with white hair and a beard, who spoke to him: "Although He Ba Yue currently commands such a large force, he will ultimately accomplish nothing. In the future, a descendant of the Yu Wen family will come from the northeast and will surely prosper greatly." After saying this, he disappeared. This officer often told his friends and family about this matter, which has only now come to fruition.
Emperor Wei issued an edict to Taizu, saying: "He Ba Yue is dead, and his troops have not yet found a home. You are to take on the role of Grand Commander and lead them. I know you wish to move east slowly, which is indeed a delicate matter. I am now also ordering Houmo Chen Yue to march his troops to the capital. If he does not come, I will personally punish him. You should understand my intent and not delay too long."
Taizu then submitted another report, stating: "Houmo Chen Yue disrupts the natural order, harming loyal subjects. He believes his crimes are serious and does not obey the edict, blocking the army at Shui Luo and acting arrogantly in the Qin Long region. Although I have already ordered a general amnesty, I continue to suppress my personal grievances and have repeatedly asked when Yue and Commander Zhu Hun Yuan will return to the capital, but Yue has continuously held up the envoys and has not replied. Given his demeanor, he must have other schemes. It is for this reason that I dare not leave. Moreover, to accommodate everyone's thoughts, I request a slight delay."
Taizu wrote a letter to Yue, reproaching him: "Not long ago, at the end of the Zhengguang years, the world was in turmoil, with dust swirling in the north and fog shrouding the south. General He Ba stepped forward, determined to stabilize the world. He led his troops south to save the precarious royal family; he waved his banner westward to save the people from peril. The stability of the western region is entirely due to General He Ba's contributions. His contributions are significant, and his rewards plentiful; later, he was summoned to the Guanzhong region. These are well known, so I need not elaborate."
You, Hou Mochen, were born into a humble background and originally had no grand ambitions. General Heba valued your talents and recommended you to the Longyou Administrative Commission. The court did not agree because your contributions and reputation were insufficient. You requested multiple times, time and again. The emperor, unable to turn down General Heba's recommendation, ultimately agreed. These matters are well-known far and wide, so I need not say more. Even if one were made of wood or stone, they should still know gratitude! How can you, as a human, not feel ashamed? Moreover, the royal family faces turmoil, and the Gao family wields power, while the emperor is open to advice, placing great importance on officials from Jinzhou and Zhengzhou. Like General Heba, you have also received the emperor's imperial edicts and formed alliances multiple times, pledging to do your utmost to support the state. Yet, you appear respectful on the surface while harboring malice within, jealous of victories and resenting the capable. The blood on your lips is still fresh, and you have already drawn your dagger. You have colluded with traitors, jeopardizing the court, betrayed the emperor's grace, and broken your oath—truly, you have no shame to face anyone! Are you not afraid of heavenly punishment and feel no shame before the earth?
My abilities are limited, yet I serve as a frontier guardian, having received the court's promotion and the old general's kindness. On the day I received the order, I was both surprised and delighted, quickly reporting to the court to assume my post, as everyone recommended me, which is why I took on this important military responsibility. Now the court has issued an order summoning me back, while also ordering you to enter the capital. Although my achievements are modest, I am already quite old. Whether I stay or go today depends on your decision. If you lead your troops from the eastern mountains, I will also command the army and return to the court from the north. Let us emulate the legacies of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru, and learn from the styles of Kou Zhun and Jia Yi. If you hesitate and fail to comply with the decree promptly, intentionally defying the imperial order, the country has corresponding laws for punishment, and we will soon meet on the battlefield—do not say you weren't warned when that time comes.
Hou Mochen Yue was afraid that Taizu would harm him, so he forged an imperial edict addressed to the governor of Qinzhou, Wanqi Pubo, requesting his cooperation. Wanqi Pubo suspected that it was a fake edict and reported it to Taizu. Taizu reported, "I have been ordered to lead the troops in Pingliang, and the responsibility is great. I am deeply concerned and have no time to attend to other matters. I am currently training soldiers and preparing war horses, only wanting to do my best to complete the task. Previously, due to the soldiers' longing for home, and because Hou Mochen Yue was indecisive and observing the situation, I felt he should be left there for the time being. Now, if I recall Hou Mochen Yue to serve as an internal official while I lead the army eastward, I fear I may struggle to complete the task promptly. If the court believes Hou Mochen Yue is suitable for guarding the borders, I respectfully request that he be assigned to the regions of Guazhou and Liangzhou. Otherwise, it will only breed suspicion and ultimately be counterproductive."
At first, the governor of Yuanzhou, Shi Gui, was a trusted confidant of General Yue, but after the upheaval in Hequ, he fell under Hou Mochen Yue's control. Hou Mochen Yue dispatched his associates, Wang Bohe and Cheng Ci'an, to lead two thousand troops to assist Shi Gui in defending Yuanzhou. Taizu then dispatched Commander Hou Mochen Chong with a thousand light cavalry to assault Shi Gui, capturing him along with Cheng Ci'an, Wang Bohe, and others, and sent them to Pingliang. Taizu submitted a recommendation to the court for Hou Mochen Chong to act as the governor of Yuanzhou. Wanqi Pubo also sent his general Chigan Baoluo to lead two thousand cavalry to join the army.
In March, Old Zhu arrived in Yuanzhou with his troops. The army had gathered, and he told everyone that they were going to attack the Yuan Dynasty, and the troops were filled with a fervent desire for battle.
Old Zhu presented a petition to the emperor, saying: "I have heard that repaying kindness and avenging one's family is a matter of great importance to humanity, and one should not hesitate to go through fire and water for it. Since the death of the Grand Commander Yue Fei, I have often received orders to return to the capital, to reorganize the troops and prepare to depart, without delay. However, those generals say that the He Ba family (referring to the Yuan Dynasty) treats me like a son; now that the vengeance has not been exacted, what face do I have left to show in this world? If I can avenge this hatred, dying a thousand deaths would be worthwhile! Moreover, these Yuan Dynasty scoundrels pretend to be loyal on the outside while actually defying the imperial edict. I am determined to eliminate the enemy and also satisfy the wishes of the soldiers, hoping to use the emperor's authority to rid the country of this pest. Although this may slightly go against the imperial decree, this is a crucial moment! Once we win the battle, I will accept whatever punishment the emperor sees fit." "I have heard that swearing to die to repay kindness and to cover the clan and repay the lord is an urgent matter of human relations, and one should rush into danger as if returning home. Since the death of the Grand Commander Minister Yue, I have often received orders to return to the capital, preparing my horses and being vigilant on the road, with no intention of waiting for dawn. The commanders below all claim that Lord He Ba treats me like a son; now that the hatred has not been avenged, what face do I have to face the world? If I can clear this injustice, I would die ten thousand deaths without regret! Furthermore, the external strong ministers of the Yuan are internally defying the imperial edict. I aim to eliminate the evil above and fulfill the desires of my fellow soldiers, hoping to rely on heavenly might to rid the country of harm. A small disobedience in the face of a greater righteousness is indeed the case at this moment. After we stabilize the situation, I will await the axe and halberd."
In April, our army set out and advanced towards the Longshan Mountains. I left my brother's son Dao behind to guard Yuanzhou and serve as the commander. The discipline of Taizu's army was strict, with strict discipline, and the common people were quite pleased; those with insight believed he would surely achieve great things in the future. When the army reached Muxia Pass, heavy snow began to fall, with snow accumulating to a depth of two feet. Taizu knew that Yue (referring to Yuwen Tai) was timid and suspicious, so he increased the marching speed to catch him off guard. Indeed, Yue suspected that those around him had ulterior motives, and his subordinates were in a state of panic, resulting in a breakdown of morale. Hearing that the main army was approaching, Yue retreated to Lueyang, leaving more than ten thousand troops to defend Shuiluo. After our army arrived at Shuiluo, we immediately surrounded the city, which was quickly taken. Taizu then led several hundred light cavalry straight to Lueyang to instill fear in Yue's forces. Yue was very frightened and hurriedly summoned his generals to discuss their strategy. Everyone said, "This army is too formidable; we simply cannot withstand them!" They urged Yue to retreat to Shanggui to avoid confrontation. At that time, Li Bi, the governor of Nanjin Province, was also in Yue's army, and he secretly sent someone to coordinate a plan from within. That night, Yue ordered a retreat, and the army descended into chaos, with soldiers surrendering one after another. Taizu ordered a vigorous assault, securing a decisive victory, capturing more than ten thousand soldiers and confiscating eight thousand warhorses. Yue fled with his son and a few dozen cavalry. Taizu said, "Yue originally intended to collude with Cao Ni and then escape to Lingzhou." He then ordered Governor Dao of Yuanzhou to intercept him ahead and commanded Governors Heba Ying and others to pursue from behind. Dao caught up with Yue at Qiantun Mountain and killed him. Taizu entered Shanggui and confiscated the treasury of Yue's residence, where the wealth was piled high, and he distributed all of it among the soldiers, keeping none for himself. A soldier secretly took a silver flowered urn, and when Taizu learned of it, he punished him, then presented the urn to the soldiers, and everyone was quite pleased.
Li Shuren, the governor of Liangzhou, was captured by the local people, and the whole region was thrown into chaos. Liang Qiding, the leader of the Dangchang Qiang tribe, colluded with the Tuyuhun to attack Jincheng. The Di and Qiang tribes in Weizhou and Nanjinzhou also revolted, resulting in uprisings all over the place. From Nanqi to Guazhou and Shanzhou, the number of rebel troops occupying the states and counties was countless. In response, Emperor Taizu appointed Li Bi to station in Yuanzhou, appointed Baye Ehao, the governor of Xiazhou, to defend Nanjinzhou, appointed Ke Zhuhun, the governor of Weizhou, to return to Weizhou for defense, and appointed General Wei Zhao Gui to act on behalf of Qinzhou affairs. He also demanded grain from Binzhou, Jingzhou, Dongqinzhou, and Qizhou to supply the army.
Gao Huan learned that Qinzhou and Longzhou had achieved victories, so he sent envoys to meet with Yuwen Tai, sending flattering words and lavish gifts, hoping to establish a good relationship with him. Yuwen Tai directly refused. By then, Gao Huan had other plans in mind, so Emperor Xiaowen of Wei had a lot of trust in Yuwen Tai. Thus, Emperor Xiaowen dispatched two thousand cavalry to back up Yuwen Tai and ordered Yuwen Tai to gradually move his troops eastward. Yuwen Tai then sent General Liang Yu to lead five thousand infantry and cavalry to station at the confluence of the Yellow River and the Wei River, getting ready to launch an attack on the Hedong region.
Yuwen Tai's action on this occasion was remarkably successful, and Gao Huan sent envoys to request his aid. Gao Huan ordered his governor Han Gui to station ten thousand troops at Pusban, and the governor of Yong Province, Jia Xian, also sent boats to Han Gui, requesting him to take his troops into Guanzhong. Seizing the opportunity presented by Liang Yu's eastward movement, Yuwen Tai forcibly summoned Jia Xian to the army. Liang Yu then entered Yong Province. Emperor Xiaowen of Wei dispatched the court official Yao Youyu to bring the emperor's letter and tokens to comfort the troops, and promoted Yuwen Tai to Shizhong, General of Cavalry, Minister of the Interior, Grand Governor of Guanzhong, and Duke of Lueyang, while allowing him to maintain his previous powers. He then appointed Kou Luo as the governor of Jingzhou, Li Bi as the governor of Qinzhou, and Zhang Xian, the former magistrate of Lueyang County, as the governor of Nangi Province. Lu Daibo revolted against the court, and Yuwen Tai sent light cavalry to capture him; Lu Daibo committed suicide.
At this time, Emperor Xiaowen of Wei was planning to deal with Gao Huan and mobilized troops. Yuwen Tai appointed the former governor of Qinzhou, Luo Chao, as the Grand Governor, leading a thousand light cavalry troops to Luoyang. Emperor Xiaowen again promoted Yuwen Tai to concurrently serve as Minister of Personnel and Grand Chancellor of Guanzhong, while the other official titles and ranks remained unchanged. Yuwen Tai then issued proclamations to military and political leaders in various regions, stating:
"It is said that the interplay of yin and yang dictates the cycles of rise and fall, and according to the cyclical nature of the universe, to endure a hundred and six, there must be no disruption in the cycles of three and five. The imperial family creates history, shaping the lives of the populace, ensuring peace across the seas, and nurturing all things with benevolence. The currents of fortune in Xiaochang are distant, and calamities frequently occur; the regions of Long and Ji are in turmoil, while Yan and He are watchful. Although divine mandates may be renewed and stability achieved in due time, those who seek to exploit the situation will seize the opportunity amid the chaos."
Gao Huan, this treacherous official, is short-sighted, incompetent, and of humble origins. He doesn't understand the principles of propriety, righteousness, integrity, and shame; he only relies on being a lackey, toiling away in the army, and gradually climbing to a high position through favoritism. He never thought of serving the country with loyalty; instead, he engaged in treachery, instigating Er Zhu Rong to rebel. After Er Zhu Rong was killed for his usurpation of power, Gao Huan colluded with the traitors of Shi Long to attack the capital. He also incited Tu Wan'er to continue the brutal killings and supported the ascension of Emperor Jianming to plunge the realm into chaos. On the surface, he promoted Emperor Putai, but in reality, he aimed to usurp power himself. Those deposed emperors were all cruelly killed by him.
Later, Gao Huan led troops to Hebei, pretending to campaign against the Er Zhu clan, and wrote to the court claiming he was eliminating traitors. Once he deposed the emperor, he prepared to seize power and kill. However, fearing a bad reputation and potential retribution, he found a member of the royal family to act as emperor to placate the populace. Ultimately, the Wei state having an emperor was not due to Gao Huan's merits. "Heaven will appoint a ruler for Wei; the one who aids the wise is certainly not due to Huan's doing." Yet he took all the credit for himself; he is utterly shameless! He placed his loyal followers in key positions, controlling prefectures and counties, with his faction everywhere inside and outside the court. These people were greedy and cruel, oppressing the common people to the brink of desperation. Meanwhile, veteran generals and honest officials were routinely framed and imprisoned by him.
For example, General Yilin Wu Wei is known for his integrity and uprightness and is a key figure in the Imperial Guard; General Xianyu Kangren of Zhi Ge is loyal and brave and is a trusted aide to the court. Gao Huan captured and executed them without even filing a report. Sikong Gao Qian, an accomplice of Gao Huan, often conspired with him to harm the country. However, fearing exposure, Gao Huan secretly informed the court and had Gao Qian killed, then feigned grief in front of his brother, claiming the emperor was indiscriminately killing innocents. Gao Huan placed his trusted subordinates, Sun Teng and Ren Xiang, in key court positions to secretly monitor the situation. When they discovered that Gao Huan was planning a rebellion, they fled one after the other, but Gao Huan acted as if nothing was amiss and continued to treat them kindly, never pursuing the issue.
Goodness, Gao Huan was up to no good from the moment he arrived in Luoyang! He first placed his relative Cai Ren in the position of governor in Heji, lavishing him with food and drink, clearly intending for him to be his insider. At that time, the Grand General of Guansi, He Ba Yue, had made significant contributions, and the court's fortunes depended on him. Gao Huan is a pleasure-seeker who loves to stir up trouble, and he particularly resented He Ba Yue, so he secretly teamed up with Hou Mo Chen to plot his demise. He Ba Yue's staff, bound by the law, immediately captured Gao Huan and readied him for execution.
Realizing his plans were exposed, Gao Huan became frantic and quickly sought a way out. He sent Cai Jun to hold the line in Daizhou and enlisted Dou Tai's help. He also sent Hou Jing and his crew to Baima, while Fu Shizhen and his crew made a beeline for Shi Ji, and Gao Longzhi and Pi Lou Zhao stationed at Huguan, while Han Gui and his men took troops to Puban. Then Gao Huan wrote a letter to the emperor, twisting the truth and making unfounded accusations, even cursing the emperor, showing complete disrespect! He intended to use this opportunity to seize the throne! This guy has a wicked heart, and his ambitions are off the charts! Some say he’s planning to head straight to Jingchu and set up a new power base; others say he plans to go to Yiluo to take out those who ratted on him; and still others say he plans to march straight into the passes and face off against the staff.
Now the court is enlightened, the world is at peace, and all officials are united. From all corners, everyone has submitted to the court, and all are loyal and devoted. Who would even dare to create chaos near the emperor? Yet Gao Huan, taking advantage of his overwhelming power, stirs up trouble in the court, distorts right and wrong, and secretly plots to usurp the throne, preparing to seize the imperial power! Can we still tolerate this? It is simply unforgivable! The army of the court protects the nation and is always ready for battle, with a million strong troops, herds of warhorses, and ample supplies, just waiting for Gao Huan to make a move. We have a duty to act, and we will not hesitate to make sacrifices! Moreover, everyone knows of Gao Huan's rebellion, and troops are being raised to subdue him!
Now, we should immediately assign generals to seize the opportunity to march against Gao Huan. Some troops can directly attack his stronghold, while others can launch surprise attacks on his camps, striking as swiftly as lightning and surrounding him like stars in the sky. This scoundrel Gao Huan, who goes against the conscience of heaven and earth, deserves no mercy. This is our chance to eliminate him once and for all! If Gao Huan crosses the Yellow River and threatens the ancestral temple, we will send troops directly to Bingzhou, while the court's army rushes from the east to Yiluo. If he hides and does not come out, we will also dispatch troops from all directions to simultaneously attack, thoroughly eliminating this rebel and providing an account to the world! All states and counties, including local officials and distinguished families, should abandon the darkness and return to the light, submitting to the court and serving in the military. The court will reward those who surrender with generous treatment. Loyal and righteous individuals, why do you not act quickly?
Emperor Taizu said to the generals, "Although Gao Huan lacks wisdom and strategy, he is cunning! He now claims he wants to attack the west, but in reality, he actually intends to attack Luoyang. My plan is: have Kou Luo lead more than ten thousand cavalry and infantry, advancing east from Jingzhou; let Wang Pi lead ten thousand elite soldiers to first occupy Huazhou. If Gao Huan really moves west, Wang Pi will be able to hold him at bay. If Gao Huan attacks Luoyang, Kou Luo will immediately strike Fenzhou and Jinzhou. I will then personally lead our main forces straight to the capital. This way, Gao Huan will be in a dilemma; if he advances, he will have to worry about his rear, and if he retreats, he will be pursued. We can secure a decisive victory in a single blow; this is the best strategy!" Everyone felt this idea was excellent.
In July of autumn, Emperor Taizu set out from Gaoping with his army, and the vanguard reached Hongnong. At this time, Gao Huan, the Divine Martial of Qi, had already approached the capital. Emperor Xiaowu of Wei personally commanded six armies, stationed at Heqiao, ordering Left Guard General Yuan Bin and Leading General Hushi Chun to defend Wulao, and sent messengers to inform Emperor Taizu. Emperor Taizu said to those around him, "Gao Huan can march eight or nine hundred miles in a day; this is what military strategists dread the most. We must seize the opportunity to attack him. However, the emperor is leading so many people and does not dare to cross the river for a decisive battle, only defending along the river. Moreover, the Yellow River is so wide that defending it is extremely challenging; if Gao Huan crosses at any point, it will spell disaster!" Thus, the founding emperor appointed Grand General Zhao Gui as the commander of the separate forces, to cross the Yellow River at Puban and proceed directly to Bingzhou; he also sent Grand General Li Xian with a thousand elite cavalry to Luoyang. At this time, Yuan Bin and Hushi Chun were in conflict over power and interests, and Yuan Bin actually deserted Hushi Chun and fled, deceiving the emperor with the claim that "Gao Huan's army has arrived!"
In July of the Dingwei year, the Emperor finally crossed into the pass with light cavalry from Luoyang. Taizu prepared an official welcome and met the Emperor at Dongyang Post. Taizu took off his hat and tearfully apologized to the Emperor, saying, "I could not stop the enemy's atrocities, which forced Your Majesty to relocate the capital. Please punish me to uphold justice." The Emperor replied, "Your loyalty is well-known throughout the court and the people. It is my incompetence that led to the enemy's invasion. Seeing you today, I truly feel ashamed. The responsibility lies with me, so you need not apologize." The Emperor then established the capital in Chang'an. Taizu overcame numerous difficulties to establish the court, with Taizu making all decisions regarding military and national affairs. The Emperor also appointed Taizu as Grand General, Governor of Yongzhou, and Chancellor, and bestowed upon him the title of Duke of Luoyang, and appointed two secretaries to assist him with government affairs, while relieving him of the position of Deputy Secretary, with other official positions remaining unchanged. Taizu strongly declined, but after repeated persuasion from the Emperor, he finally accepted.
At the beginning, when the Emperor of Wei was still in Luoyang, he promised to marry Princess Fengyi to Gaozu, but before the marriage could take place, the Emperor moved west. Later, the Emperor issued an edict allowing Gaozu to marry the princess, granting him the title of Prince Consort.
In August, Emperor Shunwu of Qi captured Tongguan and advanced to Huayin. Gaozu led his troops to camp at Bashang, preparing for battle. Emperor Shunwu of Qi left his general Xue Jin to guard Tongguan and withdrew his troops. Gaozu then led his army to attack Xue Jin, capturing seven thousand of his soldiers, and then returned to Chang'an, where he was promoted to Chancellor. In October, during the winter, Emperor Shunwu of Qi supported Yuan Shan, the son of Yuan Dan of Wei, to become Emperor, moving the capital to Ye City, which would later be known as Eastern Wei. In November, he dispatched the ceremonial officer Li Hu, along with Li Bi, Zhao Gui, and others to launch an attack on Cao Ni of Lingzhou. Li Hu flooded Cao Ni's camp using river water.
In the second year of his reign, Cao Ni capitulated, and Gaozu moved Cao Ni's commanders to Xianyang. In the twelfth month of the leap year, the death of Emperor Xiaowu of Wei occurred. Gaozu and his ministers held discussions and resolved to support Yuan Baoju, the King of Nanyang in the Wei kingdom, as the successor, who would later ascend the throne as Emperor Wen.
