In the spring of the year 618, on the Wuchen day of the first month, the court appointed Xin Wei as governor of Ningzhou and Wang Kang as governor of Xiangzhou. Xin Wei was a pillar of the state, known as Duke of Fuhan, while Wang Kang was Duke of Taiyuan. At the same time, the court established a new institution called the Military Equipment Supervision Office, specifically responsible for managing military equipment.
On the day of Renshen, the emperor issued an edict stating: "Now is the time of spring, when the earth returns to life and all things revive. We should seize the opportunity to educate the people well and encourage them to work hard to produce. Doesn't the Book of Songs say: 'If one does not personally attend to it, the common people will not trust'? The inspectors and county magistrates across the regions must personally visit the fields to encourage the people to farm, and all departments should take turns leading and demonstrating personally. Non-urgent matters should be postponed until autumn. For the elderly and those who cannot take care of themselves, appropriate assistance should be provided based on local circumstances. Those overdue rents, unresolved taxes, and remaining labor obligations from military service should be exempted."
On the day of Guiyou, the emperor visited Tongzhou incognito. In February, on the day of Bingxu, which was the first day of the month, a solar eclipse occurred. On the day of Xinmao, the court adjusted the appointments of the guards. On the day of Jiyou, Li Yi, Duke Guangde, a pillar of the state, was dismissed for committing a crime.
In March, on the day of Bingchen, the court dispatched the Minor Minister of Justice, Duke Yuan Wei of Huainan, and Minister Yilou Qian to the State of Qi. At the same time, each prefecture and county dismissed one chief scribe. On the day of Bingyin, the emperor safely returned from Tongzhou. On the day of Jiaxu, the court appointed Zhao Wang Zhao as governor of Yongzhou; Zhao Wang Zhao was also a pillar of the state.
On the day of Jiawu in the fourth month of summer, Yu Shi, the pillar of the state and Duke of Yan, was dismissed for committing a crime. On the day of Dingyou, the court ordered that from now on, anyone submitting a memorial must write it in a formal report format, and all below the crown prince must refer to the memorials as "Qi." In June, the court issued an edict commanding that households newly registered in the four governor jurisdictions in the southeast since last year would be exempt from taxes for three years.
In the seventh month of autumn, on the day of Bingchen, the emperor visited the Yunyang Palace. On the day of Jiwei, the court issued an order prohibiting the entry and exit of large Five Elements cloth money at the border; however, cloth spring money could be brought in but not taken out of the border. On Dingmao, the emperor returned to the palace from Yunyang. On Jiaxu, Chen sent envoys to pay tribute. On the day of Bingzi, the emperor summoned officials of the rank of Grand General and above to the Taide Hall. The emperor said, "The Taizu Emperor was divine, martial, and wise, following the mandate of heaven to establish the foundation of the Great Zhou. Wherever the army went, it instilled awe in all directions, often subduing enemies without battle. Only that false Qi remains arrogant and overbearing. Although we have dispatched troops multiple times to subdue them, we have yet to achieve final victory. I possess mediocre talent, having inherited the foundation left by my ancestors, and previously left political matters to the chancellors, which has left me feeling quite uneasy. Since taking charge of state affairs, I've started planning to subjugate the false Qi. I wear rough clothes, eat simple meals, repair weapons, and train the troops. After several years, our military preparedness has steadily improved. Meanwhile, the emperor of the false Qi is foolish and tyrannical, acting recklessly and harming the people. Now is the right time to suppress tyranny and stabilize the realm. I now intend to deploy troops from several directions, advancing by land and water, blocking the false Qi army from entering the Taihang Mountains from the north and securing the strategic terrain of Liyang to the east. If we can capture Heyin, then Yanzhou and Yuzhou can be swiftly pacified with proclamations. We will then rest the troops, reward the soldiers, and await the arrival of the false Qi army. As long as we can engage them in a decisive battle, we can thoroughly defeat them! Gentlemen, what a
The Gao clan took advantage of the turbulent times to occupy Fenzhou and Zhangzhou, illegally minting coins and committing heinous acts for years. I have always thought of the common people and maintained a stance of tolerance, striving to make peace with them in hopes of stabilizing the populace. However, they have not changed their vicious ways, continuously stirring up trouble, invading our territory, betraying our trust, and secretly scheming against us. Previously, our army engaged in battle at Yiyang, and it was they who instigated the conflict; the conflict in the Fen River basin was not initiated by us either. We returned all captured prisoners of war with honor; yet, none of our people captured by them were released. They have also resorted to torture and raised taxes, inflicting immense suffering on the people of Qilu, while the people of Youzhou and Bingzhou eagerly awaited our swift action to suppress the rebellion. Given that their crimes have reached an extreme level, with betrayal and isolation from allies, how can we restore peace without a decisive battle?
It is now autumn, and the weather is cool, making it the perfect time to mobilize troops against the rebellion. I plan to personally lead the army to carry out divine retribution. With the protection of our ancestors and the bravery of our soldiers, I aim to swiftly crush the rebellion. I am now issuing orders to all commanders to finalize the date of advance.
I appoint Chen Wangchun as the Chief Commander of the Vanguard, Xingyang Company’s Ma Xiaonan as the Vanguard's Second Commander, Duke Zheng Guo Da Xi Zhen as the Vanguard's Third Commander, King Yue Sheng as the First Commander of the Rear Guard, Duke Zhou Chang Gong Hou Mo Chen Qiong as the Rear Guard's Second Commander, and King Zhao as the Third Commander of the Rear Guard. King Qi Xian will command twenty thousand troops to advance on Liyang, Yang Jian and Xue Hui will command thirty thousand naval forces to navigate from the Wei River into the Yellow River, Duke Liang Guo Hou Mo Chen Rui will command ten thousand troops to secure the Taihang Mountain route, Li Mu will lead thirty thousand troops to guard the Heyang route, and Yu Yi will lead twenty thousand troops to advance to Chenzhou and Ruzhou. On Renwu Day, I will personally lead sixty thousand troops straight to Heyin.
On the Gui Mao day in August, we entered the territory of Qi. Cutting down trees and trampling crops is strictly prohibited; violators will face military penalties. On the day of Ding Wei, I personally led the army to attack He Yin City, capturing the outer city, but the inner city remained unconquered. I fell ill during this time. On the night of Xin You in September, we returned to the capital city. The navy burned their ships and retreated. King Xian of Qi, Yu Yi, Li Mu, and others achieved victories on their respective battlefields, capturing over thirty cities, but these were left unguarded. Only Wang Yao City held significant strategic importance, so I assigned Han Zheng to defend it. Han Zheng later surrendered the city to the State of Qi. On the day of Wu Yin, we returned from the eastern battlefield. On the day of Ji Mao, I appointed Bi Wangxian as the governor of Jingzhou.
On Wu Zi day in October, the court established the titles of Upper Pillar State and Upper General, renamed the title of Opening the Mansion and Equating with Three Departments to Opening the Mansion and General, and renamed Equating with Three Departments to Equating with the General, also establishing the titles of Upper Opening the Mansion and Upper Equating. On the day of Jia Wu, I went to Tongzhou for an inspection. In the intercalary month, Qi general Wei Xianggui attacked Daming, and the governor of Yanzhou, Wang Qing, repelled him. I awarded the titles of Upper Pillar State to King Xian of Qi and Wei Chijiong, appointed Dai Wangda as the governor of Yizhou, and appointed Ma Xiaonan from Xingyang Company as the governor of Liangzhou. At the same time, I instructed all counties to recommend virtuous individuals.
On the day of Ji Hai in November, the court reformed the internal officials. In December, on the first day, a solar eclipse occurred. On the day of Geng Wu (the fifth day of the first month), I arrived in Tongzhou. On the day of Bing Zi (the eighth day of the first month), the State of Chen sent envoys to offer their respects. This year, the people of Qizhou and Ningzhou faced famine, and I ordered the granaries to be opened to aid the disaster victims.
In the fifth year of the spring season, on the Guiwei day of the first month (the seventh day of the first month), I traveled to Tongzhou for an inspection. On the Xinmao day (the fourteenth day of the first month), I went to Suxuan in Hedong, accompanied by troops from Guanzhong and Hedong for a hunt. On the Jiawu day (the seventeenth day of the first month), I returned to Tongzhou. On the Dingyou day (the twentieth day of the first month), I issued a decree, saying: "I strive to restrain myself and wholeheartedly wish to govern the country well, but the social climate has not fully improved. I often reflect on the governance practices of ancient times, constantly reminding myself to be prudent and vigilant. I have decided to send envoys to various regions to conduct inspections, investigate lawsuits, listen to the people's grievances, and understand the hardships faced by the common people. If any officials are found not acting according to regulations, oppressing the people, they will be held accountable, and detailed reports will be submitted. If any region demonstrates outstanding governance, or if officials are honest and upright, that too will be recorded and reported. We must also provide assistance to the elderly and the impoverished to ensure their livelihoods." Then, I ordered the discontinuation of cloth currency and Quanzhou coins. On the Wushen day (the twenty-fifth day of the first month), I ordered the execution of those responsible for minting counterfeit currency, and their accomplices were to be exiled to remote areas for military service.
On Xin You day in February (the eighth day of the second month), I sent Crown Prince Yang Yong to inspect the western border and also to launch a campaign against Tuyuhun, giving him full authority over military operations and the flexibility to respond to circumstances as they arise. On Geng Zi day in March (the seventh day of the third month), the moon blocked the first star of the Eastern Well. On Ren Yin day (the ninth day of the third month), I returned from Tongzhou. After Empress Wenxuan's mourning period ended, on Wu Shen day (the twenty-fifth day of the third month), I held a sacrificial ceremony. On Yi Mao day (the fourth day of the fourth month), I went to Tongzhou for an inspection. Duke Yuwen Shenju of Qinghe captured five cities, including Luhun, from the State of Qi. On Ren Chen day (the ninth day of the fifth month), I returned from Tongzhou. On the first day of June, a solar eclipse occurred. On Xin Hai day (the eighth day of the sixth month), I offered sacrifices at the Grand Ancestral Temple. On Bing Chen day (the thirteenth day of the sixth month), the governor of Lizhou, Prince Ji Yang Kang, was convicted of a crime and sentenced to death. On Ding Si day (the fourteenth day of the sixth month), I went to Yunyang Palace. The moon blocked the second star of the Heart constellation. On Geng Wu day (the seventeenth day of the sixth month), Mars moved into the Yu Gui constellation. On Yi Wei day (the sixth day of the seventh month), the capital faced a drought. On Wu Shen day (the eighth day of the eighth month), the Crown Prince campaigned against Tuyuhun and returned after reaching Fushi City. On Yi Mao day (the fifteenth day of the eighth month), I returned from Yunyang Palace. On Yi Chou day (the seventeenth day of the eighth month), the State of Chen sent envoys to pay their respects to me. On Ding Chou day (the fourth day of the ninth month), I hosted a large sacrificial event at Zhengwu Hall to pray for the success of the eastern campaign.
In November, the emperor said to his ministers: "Last year, I was in poor health, so I wasn't able to completely eliminate those rebels. Previously, I personally went to the enemy's territory to observe their situation and found that their military actions were like children playing make-believe. I also heard that their court is in utter chaos, with power in the hands of some petty individuals, and the common people are suffering greatly, worrying every day about whether they will survive until tomorrow. This is a great opportunity right in front of us; if we don't seize it, we will definitely regret it later. If we, like in previous years, only fight north of the Yellow River and then withdraw, that would just be a minor inconvenience for them, not a real blow. However, Jinzhou is where Gao Huan made his name, and its strategic position is extremely important. If we attack it, they will surely come to rescue. If we prepare well and wait for their rescue, we can definitely defeat them. Then we can chase them down, advancing eastward to completely eliminate them and unify our culture and system." Many generals were hesitant to deploy their troops. The emperor said: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity we absolutely can't miss! If anyone dares to obstruct my military actions, I'll make sure to deal with them according to military law!"
On December 27, the Emperor personally led the army on an eastern expedition. He appointed King Sheng of Yue as the commander of the First Army on the right flank, Duke Gongliang of Qi as the commander of the Second Army on the right flank, Duke Yang Jian of Sui as the commander of the Third Army on the right flank, King Jian of Qiao as the commander of the First Army on the left flank, General Dou of Gong as the commander of the Second Army on the left flank, Duke Qiu Chong of Guanghua as the commander of the Third Army on the left flank, and Kings Qi Xian and Chen Chun to lead the vanguard. On December 28, the planet Mars passed over the constellation Taiwei. On December 31, the planet Jupiter passed over the constellation Tailing. On the ninth day of the first month, the Emperor arrived in Jinzhou and dispatched King Qi Xian to lead 20,000 elite cavalry to guard Que Shu Valley, sent Duke Da Xi Zhen of Zheng to lead 10,000 infantry to guard Tongjun Chuan, sent General Han Ming to lead 5,000 infantry to guard Qizi Ridge, sent Duke Yin Sheng of Wu to lead 5,000 infantry to guard Guzhong Town, sent Duke Xin Shao of Liang to lead 5,000 infantry to guard Pujin Pass, sent Zhuguo and King Zhao to lead 10,000 infantry to attack various cities of Qi State in Fenzhou from Huagu, and sent Zhuguo Yuwen Sheng to lead 10,000 infantry to guard Fen Shui Pass. He appointed Minister Wang Yi to oversee the six armies attacking Jinzhou City. The Emperor set up camp at Fenqu. King Qi Xian successfully captured the cities of Hongdong and Yong'an.
That night, a rainbow appeared over Jinzhou City, with its head facing south and its tail pointing towards the Purple Micro Palace, stretching over ten zhang long. The emperor traveled daily from Fenqu to the city to personally oversee the battle, leaving the people in the city terrified. On the thirteenth day of the first month, the Left Chancellor of Qi, Hou Ziqin, surrendered. On the fifteenth day of the first month, the Jinzhou governor of Qi, Cui Jingsong, secretly sent a messenger with a peace letter, and the emperor dispatched Wang Gui to lead the army in response. Before dawn, the city erupted in chaos as the Qi army was routed; we captured Jinzhou and took prisoner the Qi city lord, Tejin, the governor, and King Weixiang of Haichang, along with eight thousand soldiers, escorting them back to Guanzhong. On the seventeenth day of the first month, the emperor appointed Liang Shiyan as the Governor of Jinzhou and bestowed upon him the title of Grand General, leaving ten thousand elite soldiers to garrison Jinzhou. He also dispatched various troops to attack other towns in the Qi State, which subsequently surrendered one after another.
On the day of Jia-Mao in November, the emperor of Qi personally led an army gathered from Bingzhou to rescue. The emperor felt that their troops had just assembled and wanted to avoid confrontation, so he ordered all troops to return to the capital, leaving only King Xian of Qi to cover the rear. That day, the emperor of Qi arrived at Jinzhou, but King Xian chose not to engage him in battle; instead, he led his troops across the Fen River. The Qi State emperor then surrounded Jinzhou and launched relentless day-and-night assaults. King Xian stationed his troops at Sushui to support Jinzhou. During this time, an earthquake struck the Hedong region.
On the day of Gui Si, the Emperor returned triumphantly from the eastern front, bringing the captives to the Grand Ancestral Temple for a ritual. On the day of Jia Wu, the Emperor issued a decree stating: "The false Qi has been untrustworthy and treacherous, guilty of countless crimes and bringing disaster, which is why I personally led six armies to attack Fen Prefecture and Jin Prefecture. Wherever our troops went, the enemy was defeated. The rebel soldiers were panicked and shrank back into the city, afraid to come out. Only when our troops returned to the capital did they dare to gather. Those who dared to resist, the defeated soldiers, do they still dare to hesitate? I am now leading the army once again to completely eliminate them!"
On the day of Bing Shen, the Emperor released the residents of the Qi towns who had surrendered, allowing them to return home. On the day of Ding You, the Emperor set out from the capital. On the day of Ren Yin, the Emperor crossed the Yellow River and joined forces with the various armies.
On the day of Wu Shen in December, I traveled through Jin Prefecture. Earlier, the Qi state attacked Jin Prefecture, fearing our army might suddenly arrive, so they dug a trench from Qiao Mountain all the way to the banks of the Fen River, south of the city.
On the day of Geng Xu, the Emperor led an army of eighty thousand, arranging their ranks that stretched over twenty miles from east to west. The Emperor rode his trusted horse, accompanied by a few people to inspect the troops, calling out the commanders' names to encourage them as he went. The soldiers felt the Emperor's care, and they all felt invigorated. As the battle was about to begin, someone suggested that the Emperor change horses, but the Emperor said, "Where would I go on a good horse alone?" The Emperor of Qi also arranged his troops on the north side of the trench. After the hour of Shen, the Qi army filled in the trench and advanced southward. The Emperor, filled with joy, commanded the army to attack, causing the Qi army to retreat immediately. The Emperor of Qi fled back to Bing Prefecture with dozens of his cavalry. The Qi army suffered a great defeat, with discarded military supplies and equipment piled up like mountains across hundreds of miles.
On Xinhai day, the emperor was stationed in Jinzhou, continuing his pursuit of the Emperor of Qi. The generals strongly urged him to return to the capital, but the emperor said, "If we let the enemy go, there will be endless future troubles. If you still have doubts, I will go alone." The generals didn’t dare to say anything more. On Jiayin day, the Emperor of Qi sent his chancellor Gao Anagong to defend Gaobi. The emperor led the army straight to Gaobi, and when Gao Anagong realized the situation was turning against him, he fled. On Bingchen day, the army arrived at Jiexiu. Qi general Han Jianye opened the gates and surrendered, and the emperor appointed him Grand Minister and made him Duke of Xun. On Dingsi day, the main army reached Bingzhou. The Emperor of Qi left his cousin King Ande Yanzong to defend Bingzhou, while he himself fled with light cavalry to Yecheng.
On that day, the emperor issued a decree to the officials below the princes of Qi:
To establish a ruler over the people, to govern the common folk, is to eliminate their harshness and relieve their suffering. As the ruler of all nations, I aim to bring peace to the seas and help the people everywhere, placing them in the realm of benevolence and longevity. Alas, Qi and Zhao are just bandits, looking east, weighed down by their own thoughts. The false lord Liang De is notorious for his vile reputation, indulging in wine and women, reveling in feasts and games. The eunuchs hold important positions, while the Hu people are entrusted with power. The pillars of the state are being cut down by enemies; the fox and Zhao Xu have been turned into slaves. The people see no virtue, only hear of cruelty. I have taken this oversight into account and set it aside, determined to stabilize the borders and alleviate the people's suffering.
Alas, your commander and chancellor never really intended to fight seriously, hoping to strike it rich in one go, they ended up digging their own graves. Meanwhile, our army is itching for a fight, ready to rush in and take them down! The strategists are devising plans, and the soldiers are fighting like it’s personal, fighting desperately. Therefore, in the first battle, we took Jinzhou, and in the second, we completely crushed those traitors.
The imposter Prime Minister Gao Anagong, along with his remnants of defeated soldiers, cowered behind high walls; the imposter Southern King Han Jianye, holed up in Jiexiu, trying to confront us head-on. When we displayed a bit of our military strength, they were terrified and panicked. Gao Anagong fled on horseback overnight, and Han Jianye directly knelt down to surrender. Your deserters all witnessed this.
If you people could use benevolence to win over the people from afar, then you could govern the common folk with benevolence; if you could treat neighboring countries with justice, then you could conquer them with justice. However, failing to seize the good opportunity granted by heaven is the greatest taboo in Daoism; using deceitful means to invade and insult a nation is the most cunning military strategy. I am now personally leading a great army, sweeping through the land, hundreds of thousands strong, with an imposing momentum like thunder and lightning, swift like the wind and clouds. Our army has already reached the outskirts of your city, and the common folk are overjoyed, eagerly anticipating the arrival of peaceful days, hoping you will sincerely submit.
If your imposter emperor can recognize the situation and understand the mandate of heaven, he should quickly come with gifts to surrender; I will grant you generous terms and bestow titles and ranks. Those impostor generals, ministers, nobles, and well-dressed commoners, as long as you grasp the bigger picture and contribute, will receive corresponding rewards. If you stubbornly refuse to listen and remain oblivious, then we will have no choice but to use the law against you. Alas, you common folk, why do you choose to bring about your own downfall? If our soldiers flee to your court, regardless of their official rank, we will capture them back. Think it over carefully, and don’t end up regretting it! Let the people know wherever the imperial edict reaches.
From that point on, the generals of the Qi state surrendered one after another. We conferred the title of Duke of Gao upon He Ba Fuen, and other official positions and titles were assigned accordingly.
In the year 558, Gao Yanzong usurped the throne and declared himself emperor, changing the reign title to Dechang. By 559, our army had arrived in Bingzhou. In 560, Gao Yanzong led his forty thousand troops out of the city to resist. The emperor personally led the army to fight him, and the Qi forces were defeated. The emperor pursued the victory, charging through the eastern gate of Bingzhou with over a thousand cavalry, and then ordered the entire army to position themselves outside the city. By night, Gao Yanzong again led his troops out to form a battle line, but the soldiers inside the city fell back, trampling one another, suffering heavy losses and being utterly defeated by Gao Yanzong, resulting in countless casualties. The Qi forces attempted to close the city gates, but the entrance was blocked by a pile of corpses, and the gates could not be shut. The emperor, along with a few cavalrymen, managed to escape through the city gate despite great peril. The next morning, the emperor led the main army to a decisive battle against Gao Yanzong's forces and thoroughly defeated them. Gao Yanzong was captured, and Bingzhou was pacified. In 560, the emperor issued a decree stating: Previously, Heaven had forsaken the northern Qi's advantage in water transport, much like a dragon battling in the wilderness, with the two capitals—Dongjing Luoyang and Xijing Chang'an—isolated from one another for forty years. Since I ascended the throne, I have governed the realm, stabilized the populace, and achieved peace and unity throughout the land; any slight mistake could have a significant impact. I aim to use benevolence to win over the disobedient and justice to punish wrongdoers.
The false Emperor Gao Wei of Qi has been acting recklessly in Yan and Qi, ignoring laws and disrupting the order of the world, betraying the grace bestowed upon him, angering neighboring countries, and being untrustworthy and ungrateful. I am acting under the mandate of heaven to punish evil and stabilize the people; in the first attack, I pacified Pingyang, and in the second attack, I defeated the strong enemy. Those false Qi nobles and ministers were captured one after another. That guy Gao Wei, with nowhere to turn, could only hide in the grass. Gao Yanzong took advantage of the chaos to usurp power, gathering the remnants of the defeated troops with the false Qi Prince Modolou Jingxian and others, resisting from the city. However, my royal army is imposing, and the enemy was routed easily, as easy as cutting through dry grass. Gao Yanzong's army collapsed, casting aside their armor and surrendering. When the tree falls, its roots are severed, and the branches will inevitably fall. Youzhou, Qingzhou, Haizhou, and Daizhou all came to submit; with just a command from me, the regions north of Jizhou and Henan could be pacified. The entire country was unified, and I was about to stop the war and enjoy an era of peace and prosperity; this supreme merit is not just my achievement alone.
The Emperor abolished the harsh laws of the Han and reduced the punishments for the Ji surname princes to ensure the newly submitted states can live and work in peace. The Emperor hopes that blessings will spread throughout the country, allowing all new and old subjects to receive forgiveness and purification. Therefore, he decided to grant a general amnesty! Gao Wei and officials below the nobility, as long as they lay down their weapons and submit, will be granted a fresh start. Those who once relied on Northern Qi will also receive lenient treatment. Official positions and titles will be arranged according to the original rules, with no changes whatsoever. The laws and institutions of Northern Qi must be abolished immediately. The gentry of Shandong and the knights of Youzhou and Bingzhou, provided they are commendable individuals, will be employed. Although it is difficult to completely eliminate the killings of a hundred years, I hope to achieve some results within a month; this is still an achievable goal.
On the Bingyin day, the emperor bestowed gold and silver treasures, jewels, luxurious clothing gathered from the Northern Qi palace, as well as two thousand palace maids, to the soldiers. At the same time, he promoted Zhao Wang Zhao, Chen Wang Chun, Yue Wang Sheng, Liang Shiyan of Qi, Hou Mo Chen Rui of Liang, Wang Qian of Yong, Kou Shao of Bei Ping, and Da Xi Zhen of Zheng to the rank of Shang Zhuguo. He conferred the title of Hejian Wang on the son of Qi Wang Xian, Ancheng Jun Gong Zhi, and promoted Grand General Guanghua Gong Qiu Chong to Lu Guo Gong, Shen Shui Gong Ji Yuan to Yuan Guo Gong, and Guangye Gong Wei Chi Yun to Lu Guo Gong. Other soldiers who had earned merit were also rewarded with titles based on their contributions. On Guiyou day, the emperor led the army directly to Ye City and appointed Shang Zhuguo Chen Wang Chun as the governor of Bingzhou province.
In the spring of the sixth year, on the day of Yihai in the first month, Gao Wei, the ruler of Qi, abdicated in favor of Crown Prince Gao Heng and changed the era name to Chengguang, taking the title of retired emperor. On the day of Renchen, the emperor arrived at Ye City. Gao Wei had dug trenches and set up barriers outside the city in preparation for defense. On the day of Guisi, the emperor led a large army to besiege Ye City. The Qi army resisted fiercely, and our forces launched a fierce assault, ultimately defeating the Qi army and capturing Ye City. Gao Wei had already sent his mother and wife and children to Qingzhou; after the city fell, he escaped to Qingzhou with just a handful of cavalry. The emperor dispatched General Yuchi Qinqin to lead two thousand cavalry in pursuit. In this battle, the Qi King, Modolou Jingxian, was captured. The emperor questioned him, saying: "You have committed three capital offenses: first, you followed Gao Wei to Ye City, abandoning your mother while taking a concubine, which is unfilial; second, you pretended to serve Northern Qi while secretly colluding with me, which is disloyal; third, I have already accepted your surrender, yet you continue to waver between both sides, which is dishonest. With such fickleness, what reason do you have to keep living?" He then ordered the execution of Modolou Jingxian. On that day, a loud sound like thunder came from the western sky.
In the year of Jiawu, the emperor entered Ye City. At that time, Gao Shen, the King of Rencheng of Qi, was already in Jizhou. When the Qi King reached the Yellow River, he sent his attendant Huli Xiaoqing to deliver the imperial seal and abdicate the throne to Gao Shen. However, Huli Xiaoqing was captured before he could reach Ye City and was taken there.
The emperor ordered that in places where last year's amnesty had not yet been implemented, it should be implemented in accordance with the amnesty provisions. He also bestowed the title of Duke of Ying upon Dugu Yongye, the Governor of Qi and the Inspector of Luozhou. On the day of Bing Shen, he appointed Shang Zhuguo and King of Yue, Sheng, as the governor of Xiangzhou. On the day of Ji Hai, the emperor issued a decree stating, "From the great battle in Jinzhou to the capture of Ye City, the soldiers who died on the battlefield, their sons will inherit their fathers' official positions." Yechi Qun captured King Qi and his son Heng in Qingzhou.
On the day of Geng Zi, the emperor issued another decree stating, "At the end of the false Qi, treacherous ministers held power, abusing their power and frequently framing others. For example, the false Right Chancellor, King Huli Mingyue of Xianyang, the false Chamberlain, Special Advisor, and Governor Cui Jishu, among others, including seven specific individuals; some faced punishment for their achievements that alarmed the ruler, while others were killed for their candid advice. I deployed a just army to punish and eliminate these violent offenders, and erected monuments at their graves and sealed them, which is what should be done. They should be granted posthumous titles and properly buried. Their descendants should be given corresponding official positions according to their merits. Those who had their homes confiscated should have their lands and properties restored to them."
In the year of Xin Chou, the emperor issued a decree stating, "The false Qi rebelled, occupying the banks of the Zhanghe River, long indulging in extravagance, and as they reached a dead end, they still desperately concealed it. Some dug ponds and transported stones to build artificial mountains and seas; some constructed towering platforms that reached the clouds. They engaged in extremely luxurious activities with a mindset of rebellion, and none who engaged in such acts could escape destruction. I eat simple meals and wear plain clothes to promote good values. I constantly consider the financial burdens of the common people and their hard labor. Now is the time to change this negative trend and encourage a return to frugality. I order the total demolition of Dongshan, Nanyuan, and Santai. All usable materials such as tiles and timber should be distributed as rewards to the common people. The farmland in the mountain gardens should be restored to its original owners."
On the Bingwu day in February, the emperor discussed and determined the merits of various armies, hosting a banquet at the Taiji Hall in Qi, summoning all generals above the rank of soldiers to reward them according to their contributions. On the Dingwei day, the emperor of Qi arrived, personally descending the steps to welcome him, meeting as both host and guest. Gao Shen was holding troops in Jizhou and refused to surrender, so the emperor dispatched Shangzhuguo, Qi Wang Xian, and Zhuguo, Sui Gong Yang Jian to lead troops to quell and pacify him. The governor of Dingzhou in Qi, Wang Gao Shaoyi, defected to the Turks. All the various provincial towns in Qi surrendered, and the eastern region was pacified. A total of 55 prefectures, 162 counties, and 385 districts were recovered, with 3,302,528 households and a total population of 20,068,886. Subsequently, administrative offices were established in Heyang, Youzhou, Qingzhou, Nanyanzhou, Yuzhou, Xuzhou, Beishuozhou, and Dingzhou, with palaces and six official offices set up in the administrative offices of Zhangzhou and Bingzhou.
In the year 577 AD, the emperor issued a decree stating: Do not bully the lonely and helpless; this has been clearly stated in earlier decrees; show compassion to the unfortunate, and bestow kindness in accordance with past teachings. The rule at the end of Northern Qi was marked by extreme tyranny and cruelty, with disasters so severe they were beyond description, poisoning every household. Many innocent people were captured and enslaved, and countless others starved or froze to death. As the people's caretaker, I have a duty to support the populace, and the plight of these wronged commoners deeply saddens me, leading me to reflect on my own faults. It is now essential to abolish these harsh policies, change the current situation, be more forgiving, and provide relief and assistance. Beginning from the third year of Wuping in Northern Qi, all those from Henan who were captured as slaves by Northern Qi, regard
In the year 577 AD, the emperor returned to the capital from Yecheng. On the same day, he appointed Yang Jian, Duke of Zhu Guo and Sui Guo, as the governor-general of Dingzhou. In March, the emperor issued an edict, ordering each state in Shandong to recommend two worthy individuals who were proficient in classical studies and capable of managing affairs. If particularly outstanding individuals were found, they should be recommended regardless of their number. In April, the emperor returned triumphantly from his eastern military campaign. The emperor of Northern Qi was brought before him, followed by his nobles and ministers, with vehicles, flags, and various items arranged in order. The emperor rode in his royal carriage, the six divisions were lined up, and a victory song was played as prisoners were presented at the Grand Ancestral Temple. The crowd in the capital cheered, "Long live!" In the same month, the emperor bestowed the title of Duke of Wen upon the Northern Qi emperor. Afterwards, the emperor hosted a banquet for his officials and guests from various regions at Luchin Hall. Subsequently, the emperor abolished the governors of the four states: Puzhou, Shanzhou, Jingzhou, and Ningzhou. After that, the emperor performed a sacrificial rite at the Grand Ancestral Temple.
The emperor then issued another edict stating: "The Eastern Xia has been pacified, and the Way of the King is beginning to be implemented, but the corrupt practices of Northern Qi have not yet been completely eradicated. I work day and night handling state affairs, always thinking about how to ensure the people live and work in peace and contentment. However, I worry that my clear and benevolent intentions have not yet spread throughout the world, and the suffering of the people cannot be promptly conveyed to me. I cannot sleep at night, and during the day I am overcome with worry, feeling very urgent about this matter. Therefore, messengers should be dispatched to visit various regions, comfort and inquire about the people, understand local customs and conditions, and promote the Way of the King. Relevant departments need to establish clear regulations to benefit the people."
In early May, the emperor appointed Qiao Wang Jian as the chancellor. A few days later, he appointed Duke of Qi Guo Liang as the Grand Minister of Education, Duke of Zheng Guo Da Xi Zhen as the Grand Chancellor, Duke of Liang Guo Hou Mo Chen Rui as the Grand General, Duke of Ying Guo Du Gu Yong Ye as the Grand Defender, and Duke of Yun Guo Wei Xiao Kuan as the Grand Minister of Works. Following this, a large-scale sacrificial rite was held at the Zhengwu Hall to express gratitude to Heaven for its blessings. Afterwards, he also conducted a ritual at Fangqiu.
The emperor also declared that he was committed to frugality and lived in a very simple residence, much less to build luxurious palaces. Previously, the ministers had indulged in extravagant construction, building palaces that were excessively lavish, which was unacceptable. Now that the world was initially settled and the people's lives were still very difficult, he should take the lead in being frugal. Therefore, he ordered the demolition of some palaces, with the materials to be distributed to the poor. During the slack farming season, some simple palaces would be constructed, sufficient to provide shelter from the wind and rain.
A few days later, the emperor stayed at Yunyang Palace for several days. He then issued another order confirming that the demolition of the palaces in the capital had already begun, and the palaces in Bingzhou and Yecheng were even more excessively luxurious and must be torn down, with the materials to be distributed to the poor. During the slack farming season, simple structures could be rebuilt. This month, the State of Chen sent envoys to pay their respects, and curiously, the Qingcheng Gate collapsed unexpectedly.
In June, the emperor returned from Yunyang Palace. He held hearings for prisoners at Zhengwu Hall. Afterwards, he established three prefectures: Xuzhou, Fangzhou, and Hongzhou in Hezhou. The emperor embarked on his eastern tour. The emperor issued another decree stating that people of the same surname, even if separated by hundreds of generations, could not intermarry; this was the rule since the Zhou Dynasty. Now, some who took wives and concubines had even married descendants of the same ancestor, which was a disorderly situation. From now on, it is prohibited to marry anyone of the same surname, whether as a wife or concubine, and those already settled must change.
During the Yonghui period of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, on the seventh day of the seventh month, the emperor ordered the appointment of Prince Qi, Li Xian's fourth son, Duke Guangdu, Li Fu, as Duke of Ju, inheriting the title of Duke Zhuanggong from Li Luosheng. On the thirteenth of the same month, Yingzhou presented lingzhi. On the sixteenth, the emperor went to Luozhou for inspection. On the nineteenth, the emperor issued an edict for each state in Shandong to recommend talented individuals: six from the upper counties, five from the middle counties, and four from the lower counties, all to convene at the emperor's temporary palace to deliberate on the merits and drawbacks of governance. On the twenty-seventh, the emperor appointed Wang Qian, Duke Yong of Shangzhuguo, as the governor of Yizhou.
On the ninth day of August, the court decided on new standards for weights and measures, which were issued nationwide. Anyone who did not implement the new standards would no longer be allowed to use them. The emperor also issued an edict stating: "The use of punishment to deter crime has varied in severity throughout the ages. There are clear regulations that do not hold descendants accountable for the crimes of their ancestors. Only these laborers are uniquely subjected to extraordinary punishments, suffering generations of penalties, never able to change their fate. Punishments are endless; how can we enforce these punishments? The legal system will change with the times, and lenient policies should be adopted." Thus, the emperor ordered the release of all laborers, restored their civil status, and abolished punishments against them. On the tenth, Zhengzhou presented a nine-tailed fox, which was decayed, with only the skeleton remaining. The emperor said: "The appearance of auspicious signs must be due to the court's virtue. If the court officials could maintain proper conduct and there were peace throughout the land, then families would honor their parents and everyone would practice courtesy. Only then could such auspicious signs appear. However, we have not yet reached this state, so I fear this nine-tailed fox is not a true auspicious sign." He then ordered it to be burned.
On the seventh day of September, the emperor promoted Duke Deng Chi of Zhuguo and Duke Li Mu of Shengu to the position of Senior Duke. On the thirteenth, the emperor ordered that henceforth, common people could only wear clothes made from nine types of fabric: silk, cotton silk, silk cloth, round silk, gauze, fine silk, and hemp. Other fabrics were prohibited from production and wear. However, clothes used for sacrificial offerings to the court are exempt from this rule. On the seventeenth, Jiangzhou presented a white bird. On the twenty-third, the emperor ordered that Confucian scholars from the eastern states who were proficient in at least one classic text could be recommended, and the local governments should treat them with respect and send them to the court. On the twenty-fourth, the emperor made General Wang Gui the Duke of Tanguo. The Tuyuhun sent envoys with various treasures.
On October 27, the emperor visited Ye Palace. On November 1, the emperor reinterred Emperor Dezong in Jizhou. The emperor wore coarse linen mourning attire and wept inconsolably in the Tai Chi Hall, while all the officials also wore mourning attire and cried together. This month, the emperor also executed Gao Wei, Duke Wen of Guo. On the day of Gengwu in November, the kingdom of Baekje sent envoys bearing various treasures. On the day of Renshen, the emperor conferred the title of Dao Wang to Prince Chong and the title of Cai Wang to Prince Dui. On the day of Guiyou, Wu Mingche, the general of Chen, attacked Lüliang. The governor of Xuzhou, Liang Shiyan, led troops to resist but was forced to retreat to Xuzhou City. The court then sent Grand General Wang Gui, Duke of Tan, to lead an army to attack Wu Mingche. This month, the Qihu people rose in rebellion, and the emperor also sent Prince Xian to lead troops to suppress the uprising. The emperor issued a decree stating: From July of the third year of Yongxi to October of last year, those common people who had been plundered in the eastern regions and enslaved, as well as the good people who were captured and enslaved after pacifying Jiangling, are to be set free. They are to return to their original household registration and be treated as ordinary citizens. If their original masters still wish for them to continue living together, they may retain them as household servants or maids.
The emperor issued a decree saying: "To govern the country, one must adhere to the proper way and refer to the wise precedents and systems of history. As times change, situations are also constantly changing, so systems must be adjusted accordingly. During the era of the Five Emperors, systems were established based on the movements of the Four Stars; in the era of the Three Kings, the harem was organized based on the systems of the Six Palaces. Since the times of Liu Bang and Cao Cao, the royal relatives and officials have increased in number, talent selection has spread across the nation, and official positions have proliferated. The harem has many concubines, gathering like a mass of clouds. This is driven by the emperor's personal desires, rather than practices aligned with social norms. During a time of social unrest, I wish to emulate the ancient kings by reducing the number of concubines in the harem to avoid chaos caused by excessive personnel. I have decided to streamline the harem and reduce expenses by keeping only two consorts, three ladies of the house, and three imperial wives, while the rest will be cut down."
On the last day of the month of Ji Hai, a solar eclipse occurred. On this day, the new *Criminal Code* was implemented. Armed robbers who steal more than one horse, unarmed robbers who steal more than five horses, supervisors and responsible personnel who steal more than twenty horses, thieves and fraudsters who steal more than thirty horses, those who conceal five households or more, or conceal more than three acres of land, shall all be executed. If the *Criminal Code* does not specify, punishments will be based on other legal provisions.
On the Wu Wu day in December, the Tuyuhun sent envoys to pay tribute with various treasures. On the day of Ji Wei, the locals of Dong Shouyang revolted, attacking Bingzhou City with over five thousand people. Duke Yuwen Shenju, the governor of Bingzhou, defeated them. On the day of Geng Shen, the emperor went to inspect the palace in Bingzhou. Forty thousand military households in Bingzhou were relocated to the Guanzhong region. On the day of Bing Yin, Zhu Guo and Teng Wang You were appointed as generals of Heyang. On the day of Ding Mao, Zhu Guo and Duke Sui Yang Jian were appointed as the general of Nanyangzhou, while Senior Zhu Guo and Duke Shen Li Mu were appointed as the general of Bingzhou. On the day of Wu Chen, the Bingzhou Palace and the Six Mansions were dismantled. This month, Gao Baoning, the governor of Beiyingzhou, seized the state city and led a rebellion.
On the eighth day of the first month in the year 574, the pretender Zhao king Taluo Tun of Tuyuhun came to surrender. On the tenth, the emperor went to the palace in Ye City and stayed for several days. He then carved out Guangping County from Xiangzhou to establish Mingzhou; carved out Qinghe County to establish Beizhou; carved out Liyang County to establish Lizhou; carved out Ji County to establish Weizhou; carved out Changshan County from Dingzhou to establish Hengzhou; and carved out Shangdang County from Bingzhou to establish Luzhou. On the eighteenth, the emperor went to Huaizhou again. On the twentieth, he arrived in Luozhou and ordered the construction of a palace in Huaizhou.
On the fourth day of the second month, the Grand General Qiao Wang Yuwen Jian died. On the seventh, the emperor wrapped up his eastern tour and came back. On the ninth, the emperor appointed King Yuwen Sheng of Yue as Grand General and King Yuwen Chun of Chen as Governor of Yongzhou. On the eighth day of the third month, they built a palace in Puzhou, and at the same time, Tongzhou and Changchun Palace were abolished. On the thirteenth, the Turks sent gifts. On the fifteenth, the emperor wore regular clothes for the first time, made of black gauze, wearing a pin and no tie, resembling the current folded corner scarf. The Grand General, Duke Wang Gui of Tan, defeated the Chen army at Lüliang, capturing Chen army leader Wu Mingche and others, executing over thirty thousand captives. On the eighteenth, the emperor issued an order stating: "The Grand General Dou Lu Ning had previously fought in the southern regions like Wuling and Nanping, and those commoners treated as slaves should be freed according to Jiangling's regulations." On the twenty-third, the era name was changed.
On the eighth day of the fourth month, a new regulation came into effect: parents of the deceased can complete their mourning period before resuming their duties. On the sixteenth, the Turks invaded Youzhou, slaughtering and pillaging the populace. The court discussed sending troops to quell the invasion. On the sixth day of the fifth month, the emperor personally led the army to the north, dispatching Duke Ji Yuan of Zhu Guo and Duke Yu Wen Shenju of Dongping, among others, to lead five armies into battle. All the donkeys and horses from local officials and commoners in the Guanzhong region were mobilized to support the army. On the tenth, the emperor fell ill and took a rest at Yunyang Palace. On the thirteenth, he ordered the cessation of all military actions. On the fourteenth of June, the emperor's illness worsened, and he returned to the capital city. That night, the emperor died in his carriage at the age of thirty-six. The will stated:
A person is like heaven and earth, born with the five virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and faith. The length of life is predetermined by fate. I have been emperor for nineteen years, yet I have not been able to provide the common people with a peaceful life. The various laws and policies I enacted have proven ineffective, so I wake up every day worrying about basic necessities, and I cannot sleep well at night. When the Wei Dynasty was on the verge of collapse, the nation was in turmoil. It was the founding Emperor Gao who turned the tide and established our family's rule. The people of the Yan and Zhao regions have long occupied titles that do not belong to them. I inherited my ancestors' aspirations and aligned with the people's wishes, which is why I, along with the princes and generals, settled the Eastern Xia. Although the world is now peaceful, the common people have yet to regain their strength. Whenever I think of this, it feels like I've fallen into an icy abyss. I originally wanted to unify the country and standardize the cultural and institutional practices, but now I have fallen seriously ill, and my health is deteriorating. Many of my wishes remain unfulfilled, and reflecting on this truly makes me sigh in despair.
There are many important matters of state, and handling various affairs is not easy. All the princes, ministers, and subordinate officials must assist the crown prince well, fulfill my wishes, and ensure that the country does not betray the foundation laid by the founding emperor. You must also uphold your responsibilities as subjects. In this way, even if I die and go underground, I will have no regrets.
I have lived a simple life throughout my life, maintaining this way of living not just to educate future generations, but also because it truly resonates with me. My funeral must be simple and respectful. The burial site should not be overly grand, as this is an age-old custom. Select an auspicious day for the burial, and once the funeral is over, officials can resume their normal duties. People nationwide should observe a three-day mourning period. Concubines without children should be sent back to their families. He was posthumously titled Emperor Wu and given the temple name Gaozu. In the year of Jiwai, he was buried at Xiaoling.
The emperor is a calm and decisive person with a strategic mind. At first, when Duke Jin was in power, he kept a low profile, and no one could see how deep he really was. After he got rid of Duke Jin, he began to take charge of state affairs. He sets very high standards for himself, works diligently, and never slacks off in managing state affairs. He enforces the law with an iron fist and has executed quite a few people. Yet his commands are genuine and heartfelt, as he only wants to govern the country well. The ministers fear him greatly, and they all behave themselves. He is quite astute but lacks sentimentality. In everything he does and in every ambition he sets, he strives to surpass those of old. He wears coarse cloth clothing, sleeps under a coarse cloth blanket, and wears no gold, silver, or jewelry. All the lavish decor in the palace has been stripped away, replaced by earthen steps just a few feet high, and there are no decorations on the roof. All carvings, brocade, and textiles have been banned. He has merely a dozen or so concubines. He is humble and cautious, always striving for progress. Because the country has not yet stabilized completely, he is especially focused on training the army. He personally leads the troops in drills, marches through valleys, and endures hardships that would be tough for most people. During the campaign to pacify the State of Qi, he noticed soldiers walking barefoot and promptly took off his boots to give to them. Every time he holds a banquet for the soldiers, he always personally lifts a wine cup to toast or hands out rewards to them himself. In battle, he always leads from the front. He is decisive in character and able to make major decisions quickly. This is why he can motivate soldiers to fight for him, winning against the odds. After defeating the State of Qi, he aimed to push forward and completely eradicate the Turks, pacify the south, and planned to unify the country within a year or two; this reflects his grand ambition.
The historian commented: Since the two sides have been cut off from each other, the two countries have been engaging in fierce rivalry, with constant warfare at the borders, daily clashes, and a continuous cycle of conflicts and calamities. Both sides are evenly matched, resulting in recurring border skirmishes. Emperor Gaozu inherited the throne and initially did not personally handle state affairs, but he considered issues deeply and crafted meticulous plans, quietly fostering a sense of righteousness. Once his valor and might became apparent, the court experienced a revival, internal rebellions were quelled, and external conflicts were just starting. He contemplated deeply, practiced self-discipline for the benefit of the people, worked diligently, and always led from the front among the soldiers, leading a simple life just like ordinary folks. He implemented policies aimed at enriching the populace and focused on strengthening the military. He capitalized on the prevailing trends and seized opportunities when the enemy had vulnerabilities, eliminating the enemy. Within five years, he accomplished remarkable feats, resolved grievances that had lingered for generations, and rescued Eastern Xia from danger. His achievements are truly outstanding! If he remains healthy in the future, his grand ambitions could be fulfilled. Even if his warmongering tendencies may draw criticism from principled historians, his grand vision and ambitious strategy would rival those of ancient rulers.
