In the spring of the year 535, in the first month of the year, Emperor Xiaowu of Wei appointed Gao Huan as the supreme military commander of the national army, concurrently serving as the Minister of State, overseeing national affairs, and also granted him the title of Prince of Anding. Gao Huan firmly declined the position of Minister of State, which Emperor Xiaowu accepted, and he was subsequently granted the title of Duke of Anding. At that time, the Eastern Wei dispatched General Sima Zirou to attack Tongguan, and Gao Huan's troops were stationed at Bashang. Noticing this, Sima Zirou withdrew his troops and launched an attack on Huazhou from Pujin ferry. Wang Pi, the governor of Huazhou, defeated Sima Zirou's forces. In March, as the ongoing wars were wearing down both the people and officials, Gao Huan directed the relevant departments to draw on both ancient and modern experiences, adapt flexibly, and create twenty-four new policies that would benefit the state and its citizens, reflecting the current circumstances, and then submitted them for Emperor Xiaowu's implementation. The following spring, in March, the Eastern Wei army suddenly occupied Xiazhou, leaving Generals Zhang Qiong and Xu He to defend it. In May, the governor of Qinzhou, Wang Mòqí Pǔ, rebelled and joined Eastern Wei. Gao Huan led his light cavalry in pursuit, chasing them over a thousand miles into Hebei but ultimately failing to catch up and having to turn back.
In the first month of the year 550, the Eastern Wei army launched an attack on Longmen, set up camp at Puban, and constructed three floating bridges to cross the river. They also sent General Dou Tai to attack Tongguan, while Gao Ao Cao surrounded Luozhou. Our Emperor led the troops and, upon reaching Guangyang, gathered the generals to hold a meeting, saying, “The enemy is now attacking us from three directions and has built bridges over the Yellow River, clearly intending to cross. They aim to tie down our army, allowing Dou Tai to launch an attack from the west. If we stay in a prolonged standoff, their plan will succeed, and that’s not a smart move. Moreover, since the uprising began, Dou Tai has always been at the forefront; his troops are elite forces, having won battles repeatedly and become proud and complacent. A surprise attack now will surely defeat him. Once we defeat Dou Tai, Gao Huan will likely run.” Everyone felt it was a bit risky: “The enemy is nearby, yet we plan to go far to attack him. If things go wrong, it’ll be too late to regret it!”
The emperor said, "Gao Huan has attacked Tongguan twice before, and our troops have never gone beyond Bashang. This time, he comes with a strong force, and even before his army has fully moved out of the outskirts, he thinks we will shrink back and hasn't considered that we would take the initiative to strike. Moreover, he is overconfident from his past victories and underestimates us. Now is the perfect time to press our advantage; we can win no matter where we strike! Although the enemy has built a bridge, they won't be able to cross it anytime soon. Within five days, I will capture Dou Tai! Do not doubt it!" On the Gengxu day (the 27th day of the first month), the emperor led six thousand cavalry back to Chang'an, claiming it was to defend Longyou. On the Xinhai day (the 28th day of the first month), he first went to pay respects to the emperor and then secretly set out with his troops. On the Guichou day (the 30th day of the first month) in the morning, the army arrived at Xiaoguan. Upon hearing that the army had come, Dou Tai was so frightened that his complexion changed, and he hurriedly deployed his troops along the mountain. Before he could get his troops properly lined up, the emperor ordered an attack, causing them to fall apart, capturing more than ten thousand people, and Dou Tai was beheaded, and his head was sent back to Chang'an. Gao Ao Cao happened to break through Luozhou and captured the governor of Luozhou, Quan Qi. Upon hearing that Dou Tai was dead, he quickly burn
On August 14 of a year in the Common Era, our forefathers, accompanied by twelve great generals including Li Bi, Dugu Xin, Liang Yu, Zhao Gui, Yu Jin, Ruogang Hui, Yifeng, Liu Liang, Wang Zhao, Hou Mochen Chong, Li Yuan, and Daxi Wu, set off with great fanfare to wage war in the east. Upon reaching Tongguan, our ancestor took an oath before all the soldiers, saying: "Soldiers, we are fulfilling the heavenly mandate to quell the rebellion, and you must listen up! Prepare your armor and weapons, and get yourselves ready for battle. Don’t get greedy, underestimate the enemy, or bully the common folks. Those who listen will be rewarded, and those who don’t will face military discipline! Everyone needs to give it their all!" He then sent Yu Jin to lead the vanguard, and they fought their way to Pandou. The Eastern Wei general Gao Shuli held the city stubbornly and wouldn’t surrender. Yu Jin launched a full-on assault, resulting in Gao Shuli’s surrender and the capture of a thousand prisoners, and took Gao Shuli back to Chang'an.
On the fifteenth, the army arrived in Hongnong. Li Huibo, the governor of Shanzhou, and the Eastern Wei general Gao Gan were defending the city fiercely. At that time, it had been raining heavily, and the emperor ordered the entire army to attack the city in the rain. On the seventeenth, the city was captured, Li Huibo was killed, and eight thousand captives were taken. Gao Gan fled across the Yellow River. The emperor then dispatched He Baisheng to pursue him, capturing Gao Gan and sending him to Chang'an. Consequently, both Yiyang and Shaojun surrendered voluntarily. Previously, many heroes from Henan had come to surrender with their forces to Eastern Wei, but this time they all brought their troops to surrender. The Eastern Wei Emperor Qi Shenwu grew fearful and led a hundred thousand troops out of Hukou, planning to cross at the Yellow River ferry. He also sent the general Gao Ao Cao with thirty thousand troops from Henan. That year, Guanzhong experienced a famine. After the emperor secured Hongnong, he remained there for over fifty days, waiting for grain supplies. At that time, our army had less than ten thousand men. Upon hearing that Qi Shenwu was going to cross the river, the emperor led his troops back to Guanzhong. Qi Shenwu indeed crossed the Yellow River and approached Huazhou. Wang Pi, the governor of Huazhou, was holding his ground, and realizing he couldn't capture it, Qi Shenwu crossed the Luo River and camped west of Xuyuan. The emperor occupied Weinan, but the reinforcements from various places had not yet arrived.
The emperor then gathered all the generals and said, "Gao Huan has crossed the mountains and the Yellow River and has come here; this is a sign from heaven that he is doomed! I want to attack him, what do you all think?" The generals all said we are outnumbered and cannot defeat them, suggesting they wait for Gao Huan to move further west and reassess the situation. The emperor said, "If Gao Huan reaches Xianyang, the people's morale will be even more unsettled. He has just arrived, and now is the ideal moment to strike!" Thus, the emperor constructed a floating bridge over the Wei River, ordered the soldiers to pack enough provisions for three days, and sent the cavalry across the Wei River while the supply troops advanced west along the southern bank of the Wei River.
On the day of Renchen in October, our army arrived at Shayuan, about sixty miles from the camp of the Qi Divine Martial Army. Upon hearing of our arrival, Qi Shenwu quickly led his troops to engage us.
The next day, on Guisi, scouts reported that the Qi Divine Martial Army was nearing. I quickly gathered all the generals to discuss our strategy. Li Bi said, "The enemy outnumbers us; we can't set up formations in the open. There’s a bend in the Weishui River ten miles east; we can take that position and wait for them." So we marched to the Weishui River bend, positioning ourselves with our backs to the river and our formation arranged east to west. Li Bi took command of the right wing, while Zhao Gui took command of the left wing. I ordered the soldiers to hide their weapons in the reeds and to charge out only when they heard the drumbeat.
At Shenshi, Qi Shenwu arrived. Seeing we were outnumbered, he rushed in without forming up, charging straight at our left flank. As the two armies clashed, I ordered the drums to sound, and our soldiers fought bravely. The six armies under Yu Jin fiercely engaged the enemy, while Li Bi and his cavalry executed a powerful flank attack, achieving a decisive victory, killing over six thousand enemy troops and forcing more than twenty thousand to surrender. Qi Shenwu fled at night, and we chased him to the riverbank, securing another significant victory. In total, we captured seventy thousand enemy soldiers, leaving behind twenty thousand elite troops, while the rest were released. We seized a vast amount of military equipment and supplies and escorted the captives to present them in Chang'an.
The army returned to Weinan, and at this time, the troops recruited from various places began to arrive one after another. On the battlefield, we planted a tree for each soldier present to commemorate this military success. The emperor promoted me to the rank of Grand General of the State and increased my fief by five thousand households, in addition to my previous holdings. Twelve generals, including Li Bi, were also promoted and granted titles, along with increased fiefs. The rewards for the other soldiers varied significantly. The emperor dispatched the Left Minister, Wang Yuanji of Fengyi, to serve as the commander-in-chief, along with Dugu Xin, who led twenty thousand infantry and cavalry to lay siege to Luoyang; Li Xian, the governor of Luzhou, proceeded to Jingzhou; and He Ba Sheng and Li Bi crossed the Yellow River to besiege Puban. The gatekeeper, Gao Zixin, opened the gates to welcome He Ba Sheng's forces. The Eastern Wei general Xue Chongli abandoned the city in retreat, and He Ba Sheng and his men pursued and captured him. I marched on Puban and captured Fenzhou and Jiangzhou. At this time, Xu He killed Zhang Qiong and secured the surrender of Xiazhou.
At the beginning, after I had entered Guanzhong from Hongnong, the Eastern Wei general Gao Aocao besieged the city of Hongnong. Upon hearing that our army had defeated Qi Shenwu, he retreated back to Luoyang. Upon Dugu Xin's arrival in Xin'an, Gao Aocao fled across the Yellow River once more. Dugu Xin then entered Luoyang. The Eastern Wei chief historian of Yingzhou, He Ruotong, along with Zhang Jian from Mixian, secured the surrender of Governor Tian Xun. Zheng Rongye, Zheng Wei, and others from Xingyang attacked Liangzhou and captured the governor of Liangzhou, Lu Yongji. Cui Yanmu and Tan Chen from Qinghe attacked Xingyang and captured the county magistrate Su Ding. All of them came forward to surrender. From Liangzhou and west of Chenzhou, the surrender of generals and officials continued unabated.
At this time, the Eastern Wei generals Yao Xiong, Zhao Yu, and Shi Yunbao came out from Yingchuan, intending to reclaim lost territories. I dispatched Deputy Yitong Yuwen Gui, Liang Qian, and others to confront them, inflicting a crushing defeat, and Zhao Yu surrendered. Eastern Wei sent General Ren Xiang to join forces with Yao Xiong and his troops from Henan. Deputy Yitong Yifeng, together with Yuwen Gui and Liang Qian, scored another victory. I also dispatched Commander Wei Xiaokuan to seize Yuzhou. Shi Yunbao killed the Eastern Yangzhou governor Na Chun and led Yuzhou to surrender.
In the spring of the fourth year of the reign, in March, Emperor Taizu brought the generals to the capital to pay homage to the emperor. After paying their respects, they returned to Huazhou. In July, Eastern Wei dispatched generals Hou Jing, She Digan, Gao Ao Cao, Han Gui, Ke Zhu Hunyuan, Mo Duo Lou Daiwen, and others to besiege Dugu Xin in Luoyang. The Qi Emperor Shenzu subsequently led his army to provide reinforcements. Prior to this, Emperor Xiaowu of Wei planned to go to Luoyang to pay respects at the imperial tombs, just as Dugu Xin was being besieged, so he issued an edict for Taizu to take command of troops to rescue Dugu Xin, while Emperor Xiaowu himself headed east.
On the day of Gengyin in August, the Founding Emperor arrived at Gucheng, where Modolou Daiwen and Kezhu Hunyuan came to intercept him. As a result, the Founding Emperor immediately executed Modolou Daiwen, while Kezhu Hunyuan escaped alone on horseback. The Founding Emperor captured all their troops and took them to Hongnong. Then, the Founding Emperor continued to lead his army to advance to the eastern bank of the Chanshui River. That night, Emperor Xiaowu of Wei came to the Founding Emperor's camp, which allowed Hou Jing and his men to slip away under the cover of darkness. Early the next morning, the Founding Emperor led his cavalry to pursue them, reaching the banks of the Yellow River. Hou Jing and others occupied the bridge over the river and set up formations using Mangshan Mountain as a stronghold to engage in fierce battles with the Founding Emperor's army. During the battle, the Founding Emperor's horse was struck by an arrow and bolted in fear, causing him to lose his footing and leading to momentary chaos among his troops. At this moment, the commander Li Mu dismounted to support the Founding Emperor, which boosted the army's morale, ultimately leading to a great victory. In this battle, Gao Ao Cao and his officer Li Meng, as well as Song Xian, the governor of Xiyanzhou, were killed, and 15,000 enemy soldiers were captured, with over ten thousand enemy soldiers drowning in the river.
This battle was extensive, stretching across a long front, lasting from morning until afternoon and involving dozens of rounds. The battlefield was shrouded in smoke and dust, with thick fog rising, making it difficult for both sides to see each other. Dugu Xin and Li Yuan fought on the right wing, while Zhao Gui and Yifeng fought on the left wing, but the situation was not looking good for them, and they did not know where Emperor Xiaowu of Wei and the Founding Emperor were, so they abandoned their troops and fled. The rear army led by Li Hu and Nian Xian, seeing Dugu Xin and the others ret
During the great army's campaign to the east, the forces left behind in Guanzhong were minimal. The Eastern Wei prisoners captured earlier had dispersed among the populace, and they began to conspire to revolt. When Li Hu and his men arrived in Chang'an, they couldn't come up with a good plan and discussed with the court officials about escorting the Wei crown prince to the north bank of the Weishui River to avoid the turmoil. Guanzhong was suddenly thrown into chaos, with the populace turning against each other in panic. At this time, Zhao Qingque, previously captured at Shayuan, along with the common people of Yongzhou such as Yu Fude, rose up in rebellion. Qingque occupied the sub-city of Chang'an, while Fude defended Xianyang, each gathering defectors to prepare to resist the court's forces. Most of the common people in Chang'an united to resist Qingque, with fierce battles erupting daily. Wei Xiaowu Emperor remained in Wanjiang and sent Taizu to quell the rebellion. When the common people of Chang'an saw Taizu arrive, they wept and rejoiced, saying, “We never expected to see you again today!” Men, women, and children in the city congratulated each other. The governor of Huazhou led troops to launch a surprise attack on Xianyang, killing Murong Siqing and capturing Yu Fude, then crossed the Weishui River to join Taizu in attacking Zhao Qingque, ultimately defeating him. Taifu Liang Jingrui, who had stayed in Chang'an due to illness, colluded with Zhao Qingque and was subsequently executed. It was only then that stability returned to the Guanzhong region. Wei Xiaowu Emperor returned to Chang'an, and Taizu stationed troops in Huazhou.
In November that year, the Eastern Wei general Hou Jing seized Guangzhou. In December, Yun Bao attacked Luoyang, and the Eastern Wei general Wang Yuanguo abandoned the city in haste. Commander Zhao Gang then captured Guangzhou. Towns to the west of Xiangyang and Guangzhou surrendered to the court.
In the winter of the fifth year, a grand military parade was held in Huayin, featuring a grand spectacle.
In the spring of the sixth year, General Hou Jing of Eastern Wei set out from Sanhe, planning to attack Jingzhou. Emperor Taizu dispatched Governor Li Bi and Dugu Xin, each leading five thousand cavalry to launch a counterattack from Wuguan, prompting Hou Jing to retreat. In the summer, the Rouran crossed the Yellow River and reached Xiazhou. Emperor Taizu gathered the army and civilians to station troops at Shayuan to prevent Rouran invasion.
In March of the seventh year, Liu Ping, the leader of the Qihu and governor of Xiazhou, rebelled in Shangjun. Emperor Taizu sent Governor Yu Jin to quell the rebellion, and it was quickly suppressed. In November, Emperor Taizu reported to the court, implementing twelve new systems. Worried officials wouldn't enforce them properly, he ordered a reiteration of the importance of these systems.
In the summer of 546 AD, in April, Gao Huan assembled all his forces at Mamu. By the winter in October, Emperor Gao Yang of Qi led troops to attack Fenzhou and Jiangzhou, besieging Yubi City. Gao Huan (Emperor Taizu) set out from Puban, ready to confront him. Upon reaching Zaojia, Gao Yang retreated. Gao Huan crossed the Fen River to pursue, and Gao Yang ultimately escaped. In December, the Emperor Xiao Wu of Wei went hunting in Huayin and lavishly rewarded the soldiers. Gao Huan brought his generals to pay their respects to the emperor.
In the spring of 547 AD, Gao Zhongmi, the governor of Beiyuzhou in Eastern Wei, surrendered to Gao Huan along with his entire command. Gao Huan personally led troops to welcome him and appointed Li Yuan as the vanguard. Upon arriving in Luoyang, Gao Huan sent Yu Jin to attack Baigu Fort, which fell quickly. In March, Gao Yang arrived in Hebei. Gao Huan withdrew his troops to the banks of the Chan River, intending to lure Gao Yang over. Gao Yang indeed crossed the Yellow River and took position on Mang Mountain, setting up camp without moving for several days. Gao Huan left the supplies by the Chan River, ordered the soldiers to bite their tongues and remain silent, and climbed Mang Mountain quietly under the cover of night. Before dawn, he launched an attack. Gao Yang fled on his own and was pursued by He Ba Sheng, narrowly escaping. Gao Huan led several commanders from the right flank, including Rui, to defeat Gao Yang's forces, capturing all the infantry. However, the left flank, commanded by generals such as Zhao Gui, faced significant difficulties. Gao Yang's army regrouped, and Gao Huan's side also encountered challenges, leading to a nighttime withdrawal. Upon returning to Guanzhong, they camped by the Wei River. Gao Yang pursued to Shan Zhou but was blocked by troops led by Da Xi Wu and others, forcing him to retreat. Due to the mistakes of the generals in the battle of Mang Mountain, Gao Huan submitted a request for self-demotion. Emperor Xiaowu of Wei replied, "You bear the heavy responsibility of assisting the state, and your contributions are great. You have never miscalculated in leading the army into battle. I have been able to reign peacefully for nine years, thanks to your assistance. The stability of the nine provinces is also due to your merits. Now that the great enemy has not yet been eliminated, it would be too ungrateful to the state for you to seek a demotion because of your generals' mistakes. You should set aside this humility and take care of your health." Thus, Gao Huan extensively recruited influential figures from the Guanzhong region to bolster his military strength. In October of that winter, Gao Huan held a grand military review in Liyang before returning to Huazhou to set up camp.
Ten years ago in May, our founding Emperor entered the capital to attend court. By July in the autumn, Emperor Xiaowen of Wei felt that the twenty-four articles previously submitted by the founding Emperor and the twelve newly added rules were well-suited as permanent laws for the state's revival. Therefore, he ordered Minister Su Chuo to revise and improve these regulations, which were eventually compiled into five volumes and distributed nationwide. Following that, a nationwide selection process for talented individuals began to appoint them as administrative heads of provinces, prefectures, and counties, all according to the new regulations. After a few years, the common people found the new system to be quite effective. By October that year, Emperor Xiaowen of Wei conducted a large military review at Baishui.
In March of the eleventh year, the Emperor issued a decree that stated: Why did ancient emperors grant titles to feudal lords and appoint officials? It wasn't to enjoy luxury for themselves, but because the world was too vast for one person to govern alone, so they needed to gather talented individuals to assist in governing the country. If the emperor valued someone, he would officially appoint them. Upon hearing this, the person might feel somewhat apprehensive, thinking, "Why should I give up my life to take on someone else's responsibilities and serve them?" But then they would encourage themselves, thinking, "I was born with talent; I should contribute to my country! The emperor wants me to help him govern the country; how can I refuse?" Thus, they would put aside their concerns and accept the appointment.
After becoming an official, he couldn't eat during the day and couldn't sleep at night, constantly thinking about how to help the emperor and ensure that the common people can live and work in peace and contentment. He hardly paid attention to his personal matters and family affairs, so his wife and children might go hungry or suffer from the cold, but he remained indifferent. The emperor rewarded him with salary and titles, but he didn't see it as a favor; wise ministers accepted these without considering them their own achievements. Positions should not be given without merit, and salaries should not be awarded indiscriminately. If emperors could select officials this way and ministers could fulfill their duties responsibly, then the world would be peaceful, and there would be no need for further debate. In the past, when Yao and Shun were emperors, and Ji and Qi were ministers, they used this method. However, as dynasties fell into decline, this practice was lost. Official positions became personal favors, and titles and salaries became synonymous with wealth and nobility. When the emperor appointed officials, he entrusted important tasks to those he favored; ministers pursued positions that would elevate their own status by any means necessary, while things that would harm their own interests but benefit the country were cleverly declined. As a result, the principles of fairness and justice vanished, and treacherous individuals emerged. The chaos in the world is due to this reason.
Now, with the emperor's revival, there is a determination to eradicate those hypocritical elements. All officials in the court should remember the hardships of their work and the responsibilities they bear, working diligently day and night, as cautious as if walking along a cliff's edge. Those who are capable should fulfill their duties; those who are not should recognize their limitations and refrain from overreaching. Positions should no longer be granted arbitrarily, and titles should no longer be falsely acquired. In this way, an atmosphere of integrity can be restored.
In the tenth month of winter, a grand military review was held at Baishui, followed by a western expedition in Qiyang.
In the spring of 554 AD, the governor of Liangzhou, Yuwen Zhonghe, revolted. Zhang Bao, a commoner in Guazhou, also killed the governor Cheng Qing and joined Yuwen Zhonghe's revolt. Our Emperor sent Duke Dugu Xin to suppress them. At the same time, the Eastern Wei sent the general Hou Jing to invade Xiangzhou, and our Emperor again sent Duke Ruo Jian with light cavalry to engage him. When they reached Rang County, Hou Jing retreated. In May, Dugu Xin pacified Liangzhou, captured Yuwen Zhonghe, and relocated more than six thousand households from Liangzhou to Chang'an. The Guazhou governor, Linghu Yan, also rebelled and killed Zhang Bao, thus restoring order in Guazhou. In July, our Emperor held a military conference in Xianyang. In September, Gao Cheng, the Emperor of Qi, besieged Yubi, where the Grand General Wei Xiaokuan held firm and resisted fiercely. Gao Cheng besieged for sixty days without success, suffering tens of thousands of casualties among his soldiers. Later, Gao Cheng himself fell ill and had to burn his camp and retreat.
In January 555 AD, the Rouran tribes invaded Gaoping and reached Fangcheng. That month, Gao Cheng died, and his son Gao Yang ascended the throne, who would later be known as Emperor Wenxiang. Gao Yang had a poor relationship with Hou Jing, the Grand Chancellor of Henan, who, feeling anxious, sent a messenger to request surrender, offering to hand over the six states of Henan to Gao Yang. Gao Yang dispatched Han Gui, She Digan, and others to lay siege to Hou Jing in Yingchuan. In March, our Emperor sent Duke Li Bi with troops to provide support, prompting Han Gui and the others to retreat. Hou Jing requested to remain behind to consolidate the remnants of Henan's defeated troops and was subsequently assigned to an official position in Yuzhou. Then our Emperor sent Duke Wang Sizheng to guard Yingchuan, while Li Bi returned with his troops. In July, Hou Jing secretly plotted to defect to the Liang dynasty. Our Emperor became aware of his conspiracy and recalled the troops previously sent to Hou Jing. Fearing repercussions, Hou Jing turned traitor. In winter, our Emperor took Emperor Wei Xiaowu to Qiyang for safety.
In the spring of 556 AD, Emperor Xiaowu of Wei issued an edict to confer the title of Duke of Ningdu County on Yuan Yu, the eldest son of our Emperor Father, with a fief of three thousand households. Initially, our Emperor Father was granted the title due to his success in quelling the Yuan Hao Rebellion and supporting Emperor Xiaozhuang. Now, the county was upgraded to a commandery, and this title was given to Yuan Yu to recognize his contributions in supporting the court. In May, our Emperor Father was promoted to Grand Preceptor. He followed the orders of Emperor Xiaowu of Wei to inspect the western borders, starting from Xinping, passing through Anding, and ascending Mount Long, where he carved a stone inscription. Then he arrived at Anyang and Yuanzhou, inspected the Northern Great Wall, and conducted a large-scale hunt. As he prepared to head east to Wuyuan, he learned upon reaching Puchuan that Emperor Xiaowu of Wei was ill, so he hurried back. By the time he returned to Chang'an, Emperor Xiaowu's illness had improved, and he then returned to Huazhou.
That year, the Eastern Wei Dynasty sent generals Gao Yue, Murong Shaozong, Liu Fengsheng, and others, leading over a hundred thousand troops to besiege Wang Sizheng in Yingchuan. In the spring of the fifteenth year, Emperor Taizu dispatched General Zhao Gui to lead troops to Rang, while urging the armies from various southeastern states to support Wang Sizheng. Gao Yue built a dam to divert the Wei River to flood the city, which turned the area north of Yingchuan into marshland, making it impossible for reinforcements to arrive.
By June in the summer, Yingchuan city fell. Initially, Hou Jing defected from Yuzhou to the Liang Dynasty, later crossing the Yangtze River to besiege Nanjing. Liu Zhongli, the governor of Sizhou in the Liang Dynasty, led troops to rescue the court in peril. Sun Kuo, the governor of Jingling Commandery in the Liang Dynasty, surrendered the commandery. Emperor Taizu sent Grand General Fu Gui to garrison the area. After Hou Jing captured Nanjing, Liu Zhongli returned to Sizhou and led troops to invade, and Sun Kuo rebelled again. Emperor Taizu was furious. In November during the winter, Emperor Taizu dispatched Minister of State Yang Zhong to lead troops alongside Chief of Staff Changsun Jian in an attack, capturing Suizhou. Yang Zhong continued the siege against Ma Xiu, Liu Zhongli's chief clerk, in Anlu.
In the same year, Emperor Wenxiang of Qi was assassinated in Ye City. His brother Yuan Lang quelled the rebellion, captured the assassin, and succeeded him as Emperor Wenxuan. In the first month of the sixteenth year of his reign, Liu Zhongli led an army to rescue Anlu, and Yang Zhong confronted him at Xutou, achieving a decisive victory over Liu Zhongli and capturing him along with his entire army. Ma Xiu also capitulated. In March, Emperor Wei conferred the title of Duke of Wuyi on the second son of the founding emperor, Yuwen Zhen, granting him a fief of two thousand households. Prior to this, Xiao Cha, the Governor of Yongzhou in the Liang Dynasty and Prince of Yueyang, and his uncle, the Governor of Jingzhou, Prince of Xiangdong, Xiao Yi, had a strained relationship, leading them to submit and send Xiao Yi's son, Xiao Li, as a hostage. After Yang Zhong captured Liu Zhongli, Xiao Yi, fearing for his safety, sent his son, Xiao Fangping, to pay his respects. In May, Emperor Wenxuan of Qi deposed Emperor Yuan Shanjian and proclaimed himself emperor. In July, the founding emperor, Yuwen Da, led various armies eastward, appointing Duke of Zhangwu, Yuwen Dao, as the Grand General, overseeing the military stationed in various regions, and stationed in the north of Jing to defend Guanzhong. On Ding Si day in September, the army set out from Chang'an. It had been raining continuously for several days, and many horses and donkeys died from autumn to winter. Thus, they built a bridge in the north of Hongnong to cross the Yellow River and returned from Puban. Consequently, the regions of Henan, east of Luoyang, and Hebei, east of Pingyang, were all incorporated into Northern Qi. In the spring of the year 17, in March, Emperor Wen of Wei died, and his son ascended the throne as emperor. My grandfather (the founding emperor) was then the chancellor, managing the national affairs. The Prince of Shaoling of the Liang Dynasty, Xiao Luan, traveled to Anlu to stir up trouble, and Grand General Yang Zhong led troops to capture him. By winter, in October, my grandfather sent Grand General Wang Xiong from Ziwugu to launch an attack on Shangjin and Weixing; he also dispatched Grand General Daxi Wu from Sanguan to assault Nanzheng.
In the first spring of the reign of the Deposed Emperor of the Wei Dynasty, Wang Xiong captured Shangjin and Weixing, renaming that area Dongliangzhou. In April, Daxi Wu besieged Nanzheng. Just over a month later, Xiao Xun, the Marquis of Yifeng, the governor of Liangzhou, surrendered. Daxi Wu took Xiao Xun back to Chang'an. In August, the common people of Dongliangzhou rose up in rebellion, surrounding the provincial capital. My grandfather sent Wang Xiong to quell the rebellion.
After Hou Jing captured Jianye (Nanjing), he put on a facade of supporting Emperor Wu of Liang. A few weeks later, Emperor Wu of Liang died from rage. Hou Jing then proclaimed Xiao Gang as emperor. Shortly after, Hou Jing deposed Xiao Gang and declared himself emperor. More than a year later, Xiao Gang's brother, Xiao Yi, led a campaign against Hou Jing, capturing him and sending his subordinate Wei Yan to report the news. Xiao Yi then declared himself emperor and ascended the throne in Jiangling, becoming the Liang Yuan Emperor.
In the spring of the following year, the Emperor of Wei ordered my grandfather to step down as Chancellor and Grand Commandant, appointing him as the commander of military affairs both within and outside the capital. In February, the rebellion in Dongliangzhou was suppressed, and I relocated the leaders of the uprising to Yongzhou. In March, my grandfather dispatched Grand General Wei Chiqiong, known as Wei An Gong, to confront Xiao Ji, the King of Wuling of the Liang Dynasty. In April, my grandfather led thirty thousand elite cavalry over the Long Mountains, crossed the Jincheng River, and arrived at Guzang. Tuyuhun, alarmed, quickly sent envoys bearing gifts to express their submission. In May, Yang Qianyun, the governor of Tongzhou under Xiao Ji, surrendered and led Wei Chiqiong's army to Chengdu. In July, my grandfather returned to Chang'an from Guzang. In August, Chengdu was captured, and the Jian'nan region was pacified. In November, the Minister of State, Yuan Lie, conspired to rebel; when the plot was uncovered, he was executed.
In the first month of the year 690, Wu Zetian established a "Nine Lives" system, establishing a hierarchy for officials both inside and outside the court. The highest rank was Nine Lives, while the lowest was One Life. Officials outside the central court were also assigned a new system called "Nine Ranks," which was also a nine-level system, with the highest rank being Nine. She also made significant changes to the names of states, prefectures, and counties, with a wide range of changes: Dongyongzhou was renamed Huazhou, Beiyongzhou was renamed Yizhou, and Nanyongzhou was renamed Caizhou... (Many name changes omitted here, as they have been listed in the original text and will not be repeated.) In total, she renamed forty-six states, established a new state, renamed one hundred sixty prefectures, and renamed two hundred thirty counties.
After Wu Zetian killed Yuan Xuan, Emperor Wei felt very displeased and couldn't shake it off. The Prince of Huai'an, Li Yu, and the Prince of Guangping, Li Zan, cried and pleaded with Wu Zetian, but she did not listen at all. Later, Wu Zetian discussed with her ministers and decided to depose Emperor Wei and establish Prince Qi, Li Xian, as emperor, who later became known as Emperor Zhongzong of Tang.
In the spring of the year 452, Emperor Wei held a grand banquet to entertain his officials. The historian of Wei, Liu Qiu, delivered a memorial in front of everyone, saying: "The deposed emperor is the son of Emperor Wen. When he was seven years old, Emperor Wen entrusted the child to Duke Anding, saying: 'This child has potential; it is your merit if he succeeds; if he does not, it is your responsibility; you should educate him well.' Duke Anding, you have taken on such an important responsibility, held the position of a minister assisting in governance, and even married your daughter to the deposed emperor as empress, yet you failed to educate him properly, which led to his deposition and a betrayal of Emperor Wen's trust. If the responsibility doesn’t fall on you, then who else could it possibly be?"
Thus, the Emperor Taizu ordered the Grand Minister Lu Bian to draft a decree, admonishing the officials of the court: "Alas! All you concubines of the harem and noble ministers, Emperor Wen entrusted his son, still an infant, to me for guidance, hoping he would achieve greatness in the future. Yet I have been unable to change his character, which led to his deposition and disappointed Emperor Wen's expectations. Alas! How can I possibly escape this responsibility? I know this all too well, and you all understand it too. My reputation is not only tarnished at this moment, but I fear I will be mocked by future generations." On the same day, Emperor Taizu issued a decree, granting his son Yuan Yong the title of Duke of Fucheng and Yuan Xian the title of Duke of Ancheng, each receiving two thousand households. Meanwhile, the Rouran general Yizhan led troops to attack Guangwu. In May, Emperor Taizu dispatched the Grand General Zhao Gui to pursue the Rouran army, killing thousands and seizing a vast amount of supplies before returning to the capital. In July, Emperor Taizu went on a western hunting expedition and arrived in Yuanzhou. Emperor Yuan of Liang sent envoys to request the redefinition of borders according to the old maps, while secretly colluding with Northern Qi and speaking arrogantly. Emperor Taizu said, "The ancients said, 'If heaven wants to abandon someone, no one can save him,' referring precisely to Xiao Yi, isn't that right?"
On the Renxu day in October, Taizu dispatched General Yu Jin of Zhu Guo, Duke Hu of Zhongshan, General Yang Zhong, Wei Xiaokuan, and others to lead an army of fifty thousand infantry and cavalry to campaign against the Liang Kingdom. On the Guiwei day in November, the army arrived at the Han River. Duke Hu of Zhongshan and Yang Zhong led the elite cavalry ahead to set up camp outside the city, securing the critical route at Jiangjin to prevent the Liang army from fleeing. On the Bingshen day, Yu Jin arrived at Jiangling and arranged the formation to besiege the city. On the Xinhai day, the Wei army attacked the city and breached Jiangling that very day. The Wei army captured Liang Yuan Emperor Xiao Yi and had him executed, as well as capturing many officials of the Liang Kingdom and a large number of common people. More than a hundred thousand were captured and reduced to slaves, with only a little over two hundred households spared. Taizu appointed Xiao Cha as the King of Liang, allowing him to stay in Jiangling as a vassal of Wei. Meanwhile, the Liang generals Wang Sengbian and Chen Baxian supported Xiao Fangzhi, the ninth son of Emperor Liang Yuan, as emperor in Danyang.
At first, the Wei state governed thirty-six states and ninety-nine notable clans, many of which eventually faded away. Now, the generals who achieved great merit were used to name the descendants of these thirty-six states and ninety-nine clans, and the soldiers who fought alongside them also changed their surnames accordingly.
The following year, Wang Lin, the Liang Dynasty's governor of Guangzhou, came to attack the border. In November during the winter, the emperor dispatched General Dou Lu Ning to lead troops against him.
On the first day of the first month of the third year, the Zhou Dynasty's ceremonial system was officially put into practice, and six official departments were established. The founding emperor was appointed Grand Master and concurrently served as Grand Chancellor, Li Bi was appointed Grand Tutor and concurrently held the title of Grand Minister, Zhao Gui was appointed Grand Guardian and concurrently held the title of Grand Zongbo, Dugu Xin was appointed Grand Marshal, Yu Jin was appointed Grand Inspector, and Hou Mochen Chong was appointed Grand Minister of Works. Initially, the founding emperor thought the official titles of the Han and Wei Dynasties were overly numerous and complicated, and he wanted to reform the previous shortcomings. During the Datong period, he had Su Chuo and Lu Bian reform according to the Zhou Dynasty's system and established the six ministers' positions, but because the organization and arrangements were not yet complete, many matters were still handled by the emperor's secretariat. Only now was everything complete, which is why it was finally implemented. In April, in the summer, the founding emperor inspected the northern regions. In July, during the autumn, he crossed the North River. Wang Lin sent envoys to surrender, and the emperor appointed him Grand General and Duke of Changsha. Emperor Wei also bestowed the title of Duke of Qin upon the founding emperor's son, Yuwen Zhi, and Yuwen Zhao the title of Duke of Zhengping, each receiving a fief of one thousand households. In September, the founding emperor fell ill and returned to Yunyang, appointing Duke of Zhongshan Yuwen Hu to assist the heir. On the Yihai day in October, during winter, the founding emperor passed away at Yunyang Palace at the age of fifty-two. On the day of Jia Shen, he was buried in Chengling, and he was posthumously honored with the title Wengong. After Emperor Xiaomin ascended the throne, he posthumously honored him as Wenwang, granting him the temple name Taizu. In the first year of Wucheng, he was further posthumously honored as Emperor Wen.
The founding emperor was adept at recognizing and utilizing talent, able to listen to others' opinions, and revered Confucian teachings. He handled state affairs wisely and decisively, spreading kindness and integrity throughout the realm, and was able to command those brave generals. Everyone who met him was willing to serve him. Those captured in the Battle of Shayuan were released and employed; in the Battle of Heqiao, he personally led the troops into battle, and the soldiers fought valiantly against the enemy. Whenever the generals went out to fight, he would devise battle strategies for them, and there was not a single defeat. He was unpretentious and shunned luxury, always thinking about changing the social atmosphere of the time and restoring the good customs of ancient times.
The historical records say: When a dynasty is about to end, evil people run amok; some threaten the emperor's authority, while others commit atrocious acts. Everyone believes that the throne can be seized by force, and divine artifacts can be obtained through schemes. One by one, they secretly scheme to seize the Nine Tripod Cauldrons, coveting the imperial palace, and kill each other off, leading to their quick demise. It's clear that those who seize the throne often become founding emperors; those who are brutal ultimately seize power. The mandate of heaven is set in stone; how can it be altered?
At first, the founding emperor had nothing—neither land nor army. He rose through the ranks in the heat of battle, learning the ropes in military camps. When destiny called, he gathered loyal volunteers and formed alliances to defeat the enemy in one fell swoop, and once again assisted the emperor. Thus, he consulted internal strategists and military generals, relied on talented commanders externally, treated talents with the greatest sincerity, and guided the people with profound benevolence and righteousness. The Gao clan, boasting a formidable army and top-notch horses, repeatedly invaded near the capital, attempting to conquer the world. However, the founding emperor's brilliant strategies struck like lightning, and his army advanced as quickly as the wind, achieving victories in Hongnong similar to those in the Battle of Chengpu, and in Shayuan akin to the Battle of Kunyang. With his formidable power, he triumphed over the weak, inherited the faltering legacy of Emperor Yuanzong, and established a thriving era reminiscent of the Zhou Dynasty.
The south secured peace in the Jianghan region, the west conquered the Bashu region, the north controlled the desert region, and the east occupied the Yiluo region. He rejected the failings of the Wei and Jin periods, drew inspiration from ancient laws and systems, restored the old system of the six ministries, and crafted an ambitious vision for the future. He simultaneously practiced benevolent governance and enforced the law, rewarding both loyal officials and learned scholars, bringing peace and stability to all, and fostering harmony among the populace. The entire nation rallied to him, and a peaceful realm was established. His accomplishments were so remarkable that even serving as a minister would be a fitting end! How magnificent! If not for his exceptional talent, remarkable presence, divine favor, and dual mastery of civil and military affairs, who could accomplish such feats? In the past, Emperor Xian of Han was deceived, allowing Cao Cao to assist the Han dynasty; during the chaotic reign of Emperor An of Jin, Emperor Wu of Song was able to restore the state. In comparison, Taizu's merits and contributions surpass those of his predecessors. However, incidents such as the massacre at the Battle of Zhugong and the genocide against the Ruzhu tribe, though they may have been pragmatic decisions, contradicted moral principles. The downfall of the Zhou dynasty may have stemmed from this very reason.
