#prince yongxing

[guesst]

im normal about lien i promise

[werewolves-are-real]

I keep promising myself that ONE DAY, I will do enough research into 1800s China to write a proper Temeraire fic taking place there. But there's sooooo much I would want to research first. Even if I skimmed over court details as much as possible - which I don't want to do, tbh - it would just feel very shallow. And it's hard to properly flesh out any characters without any understanding of court life, dynamics between different classes... also just, you know, common beliefs? Attitudes? Religious beliefs too, etc etc.

One day! Hopefully. And we just get so little of Mianning (much less the other Chinese characters) it's hard to do them justice :( Doesn't help that no one really wants to tell Laurence or the aviators what they're actually thinking lol.

[guzhuangheaven]

What was the prince/princess position during the Qing Dynasty?

During Ruyi's series I noticed how arrogant Jingse was with the concubines and thought she was better than her brothers precisely because she was a legitimate princess and the oldest among them all. I know all princes are supposed to refer to their father's concubines as "mother." This left me intrigued, even though I know this was just for the plot, I can believe that in real life many princesses/princes were like this because of their mothers' position.

Jingse's arrogance is based on a system called di-shu which is a hierarchy between the children born of official wives (di) vs. children born of concubines (shu). See the linked Wikipedia for details, but for reference, of the children who have screentime in the drama, the hierarchy would likely be:

Yonglian (as the eldest di son, whose mother is the official wife, actually the second son)

(Yongcong, second di son, actually seventh son, mother is the official wife)

Jingse (as the eldest di daughter, whose mother is the official wife, actually the third daughter - first and second all died young)

Yongji (as a di son, whose mother was also the official wife when he was born, but she was the second wife, who is considered subordinate to the first, actually twelfth son)

(Yongjing - thirteenth son, Jingsi - fifth daughter, mother is the second wife)

Yonghuang (eldest son, but still considered lower than sons born of official wives because his mother was a concubine. Yonghuang's position is specified a shuzhangzi 庶长子 (aka eldest son whose mother is a concubine, which is a very precarious position as technically he should be ranked on top but can't be because of his mother's position, but being the eldest he is a threat to Yonglian's position which is why Langhua hates him so much.)

Other princes according to order of birth*

Other princesses according to order of birth*

*but also sometimes according to the prestige of/amount of favour enjoyed by their mothers

In Legend of Zhen Huan, the empress' entire villian backstory was rooted in di-shu. A lot of dramas like Story of Minglan, The Sword and the Brocade revolves around the fate of unfavoured shu daughters where a lot of the angst/conflict stems from their inferior position in the household.

In terms of choosing an heir/successor, the three main debates are between choosing the di son 立嫡, the eldest son 立长, or the most talented 立贤. Of course, the perfect choice would be the eldest di son who hopefully would also be talented.

Qianlong due to his (in drama) backstory of his mother being a palace maid has a big hang up regarding the di-shu positions of his children. For a long time he was only in favour of making his di sons successors, and part of the conflict between him and Ruyi later was because Qianlong still wanted to make Yongji his successor despite him being not that suited for the position and Ruyi clearly not wanting him to inherit the throne.

When he chooses Yongqi it was a case of choosing for talent. Although, at the time, Yongqi is also technically the eldest since Yonghuang, Yonglian, Yongzhang have all died and Yongcheng has been disinherited/adopted out.

By the time he choose Yongyan I guess he didn't have that many choices left:

Yonghuang, Yonglian, Yongzhang, Yongqi, Yongcong - dead

Yongcheng - adopted out

Yongrong - probably tainted by association to Luyun and Yongzhang

Yongxuan & Yongxing - tained by association to Yuyan and Yongcheng

Yongji - probably also dead by then

Yongyan

Yonglin - younger than Yongyan so between the two of them obvious Yongyan was the one

For someone who had 17 sons, he really didn't have that many choices for a successor ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[bl-bracket]

Best Siblings Bracket

Round One

Pat & Pa (Bad Buddy) vs Tops & Thunder (Ingredients: The Series)

Prapai & Plerng & Phan (Love in the Air) vs Akira & Hitomi (Life: Senjou no Bokuro)

Akk & Im & Egg (Enchante) vs Koichi & Younger Siblings (Eternal Yesterday)

Siwon & Siyeong (Blueming) vs Day & Night (Love Syndrome III)

Thian & Yang (To Sir With Love) vs Diao & Dao (Rak Diao)

Kuafah & Daonuea (Star in My Mind/Sky in Your Heart) vs Yoo & Vee (Love Mechanics)

Cher & Thoop (A Boss and a Babe) vs Aek & Tho (Don't Say No)

Jiang Yanli & Wei Wuxian & Jiang Cheng (The Untamed) vs Livy & Mikey (Rainbow Prince)

Tankhun & Kinn & Kim (Kinnporsche: The Series) vs Vlad & Judit (Like in the Movies)

Intouch & Ahn (Until We Meet Again) vs Tian & Longtae (A Tale of a Thousand Stars)

Dean & Del & Don (Until We Meet Again) vs Leo & Neo (3 Will Be Free)

Lan Xichen & Lan Zhan (The Untamed) vs Noey & Nidnhoi (I Will Knock You)

Pi & Duean & Wan (Fish Upon the Sky) vs Chien Teng & Yu He (DNA Says Love You)

Korn & Krit & Kard (Until We Meet Again) vs Cairo & London (Gameboys)

Tai & Tien (La Pluie) vs Tan & That (Manner of Death)

Vegas & Macau (Kinnporsche: The Series) vs Mork & Meen (Fish Upon the Sky)

Black & White (Not Me: The Series) vs Shintaro & Sakurako (Minato Shouji Coin Laundry)

Payu & Saifah (Love in the Air) vs Jim & Jam (Moonlight Chicken)

Tonhom & Long Pao & Seeiw (My Only 12%) vs Ritsu & Shuji (Jack o' Frost)

Haoting & Yongxing (HIStory 3: Make Our Days Count) vs Seefoom & Seenam (Ghost Host Ghost House)

Hoon & Teh (I Told Sunset About You) vs Man & Q's Mom (21 Days Theory)

Leo & Leon (Don't Say No) vs Mob & Ayato (A Man Who Defies the World of BL)

Kim & Khett (The Shipper) vs Gu Xiang & Chengling (Word of Honor)

Wan & Win & Wiew (Between Us) vs Tine & Type (2gether: The Series)

Porsche & Porchay (Kinnporsche: The Series) vs Vee & Pan (You're My Sky)

Tang Yi & Zhuo Hongye (HIStory 3: Trapped) vs Kurosawa & Older Sister (Cherry Magic)

Nie Mingjue & Nie Huaisang (The Untamed) vs Bai Qing & Bai Lang (My Tooth Your Love)

Tharn & Thorn & Tanya (Tharntype: The Series) vs Pluem & Prim (Ghost Host Ghost House)

Wen Qing & Wen Ning (The Untamed) vs Tsubasa & Younger Brother (Kabe-Koji-Nekoyashiki-Kun Desires to be Recognized)

Sun & Rain (Dark Blue Kiss) vs Zeshou & Xueching (Plus & Minus)

Jeng & Jaab (Step by Step) vs Gu Xiang & Wen Kexing (Word of Honor)

Minoru & Tane (Our Dining Table) & Sarawat & Phukong (2gether: The Series)

[drifting-knightjar]

Finished Throne of Jade! Overall, pretty good!

I really enjoyed the expansion of the world, and how the differing mythologies around dragons between China and the West irl translated into differing ways of treating dragons in their countries. I definitely did not expect there to be a place in this story where dragons were so integrated into everyday society. I kind of assumed that the author was deliberately keeping the dragons and dragon corps at the margins to help hand-wave the eternal question of alternate-history stories, i.e. 'how can the world possibly have turned out to be so similar to the irl world when there's a new element?'

But no, the author just did NOT care about that, which I hardcore respect. It's a boring question, and trying to keep the new elements in your alternate-history story minimized in order to cater to that question will make a boring story. Presumably the new elements are what you want to focus on, why minimize it to appease the pedants?

And here it paid off quite well! The descriptions of how Chinese society interacts with dragons, and how it's so completely different to Britain was engaging and creative, and made for a believable tension in Lawrence and Temeraire's relationship.

It's pretty difficult to convince me that the bond between dragon and dragon-rider is ever in actual jeopardy because of the way the trope works. I never believed that Temeraire would abandon Lawerence, obviously, but him wanting to abandon England I totally bought.

The story did drag a bit on the voyage, but feeling a little bored and wishing something would happen definitely made me empathize with Temeraire and how bored he was. Poor kid is less than a year old and he's spending 7 months at sea.

I was a bit disappointed in Prince Yongxing. I was expecting there to be a twist at the end where he really wasn't the one trying to kill Lawrence, especially after I learned that he bonded Lien, giving up his throne to do so. That's pretty heroic to me. And while the fight between Lien and Temeraire at the end was both awesome and justified, I still feel terrible for poor Lien. Yongxing could have been a much better man if he'd tried.

[artist-ellen]

Prince Yongxing

Téméraire Series Book 2: Throne of Jade (by Naomi Novik)! My friend and I finished up book 2 (don't look at us like that... library holds and long tbrs were factors) I won't do the whole cast, just a few standout characters that I wanted to challenge myself with.

First up: Prince Yongxing, brother to the Emperor of China (He is based on/named after a real person btw). He arrives in England and sets off the plot of book 2. For his outfit: only Emperors could wear yellow, but apparently Princes could wear orange-y/darker almost yellows in the Qing dynasty. I based his outfit on portraits of Emperors and Young Princes (future Emperors), but as you might have clocked the bright white dragons are a very unusual (read: Unlucky) and are based on a book-specific plot/character detail that he is referenced wearing at New Years. He's also wearing a winter variation of his hat instead of the Summer version bc hats are hard and I had a lot more confidence in drawing this one. He is also described in the book to be wearing the iconic nail guards, and my research confirmed that both genders wore them, I was just much more used to Court Ladies wearing them in photos and cdramas lol. It was a really challenging redesign, but I did my best... oh and I attempted a look of lip-bitting contempt for an expression, but I don't know if I got it quite right.

I am the artist!!! Don’t repost without permission & credit! Thank you! Come visit me over on: https://instagram.com/ellen.artistic

[udaberriwrites]

It's interesting to consider what might have happened if Temeraire had been the elder dragon and the egg Laurence found was Lien's.

Because, just think about it, their lives wouldn't be the only ones affected. Yes, things for Laurence and England would go more or less the same, but Yongxing was set to INHERIT the Emperor's throne, he only gave it up for Lien.

So, would Temeraire (Lun Tien Xiang) still grow up with an interest in exploring other cultures and temper Yongxing's views? Would they care about Lien (Loire??) ending up with the British or would they just shrug and go, 'good riddance'? How would that change the Prussian campaign, and even Iskierka's and Granby's first meeting?

So many possibilities just by shifting two characters...

[theseasideskies]

I find myself with a new appreciation for Lien, rereading the books. A true mirror of Temeraire; equally intelligent, cunning, and distinguished among their peers. But while Temeraire's status as an oddity in the West elevated him to change the world for the better, Lien's "curse" of albinism set her apart and made her resentful and only eager to lash out. The death of Prince Yongxing driving her to enter the war if only to hurt the people she feels are responsible for his death

[usergreenpixel]

MALMAISON MEDIA SALON SOIRÉE 5: TEMERAIRE. THRONE OF JADE(2006)

1. The Introduction

Greetings, Neighbors. Welcome to the Malmaison Media Salon.

So, today’s topic was coming up as I liked the first book of the “Temeraire” series. Therefore, it would only be a matter of time before I reviewed the following installment, as I want to take a look at the whole series.

Like the first book, it can be found online but it was a bit harder for me to find an online version this time than with “His Majesty’s Dragon”.

Anyway, let’s see where this story goes, shall we?

2. The Story

(Spoilers ahead!)

In my first review I mentioned that Temeraire, the titular dragon, is of a Celestial breed, sent by the Chinese Emperor to Napoleon as this breed is intended only for monarchs and their families. Well, now the consequences of having seized Temeraire’s egg have come back to bite Will Laurence right in the ass.

Why? Simple. The Emperor sent his brother, Prince Yongxing, to return Temeraire to China as they deem Laurence (who is not royalty) unworthy of being Temeraire’s companion. The Prince wants the two separated but Temeraire will have none of it so they have to bring Laurence along to China as well.

I actually like this setup because it shows the logical consequences of events from previous installments! Moreover, I like the difference between the treatment of dragons in England and in China, as it reflects real folklore.

In China, dragons are respected so in the universe they have the same rights as humans do. They even write poetry and take imperial exams as human court officials do!

The English, meanwhile, mostly see dragons as beasts at worst and pets at best (the theme of dragons as awful beasts is extremely prevalent in Western Medieval folklore). Naomi Novik is clearly tapping into folklore again and that’s a plus for me because it shows her research! I really like it!

There’s also an interesting piece of possible foreshadowing with Temeraire being sick and the Chinese cooks curing him with specific medicine.

And also the arrogant attitude of the Chinese and the British towards each other’s customs is a nice realistic touch, as are the scenes describing Chinese dishes, Temeraire becoming connected with the customs of China, and, of course, the conspiracies of the Imperial Court! In short, fun stuff!

I don’t have any real complaints about the story, except that perhaps the main issue got resolved too quickly.

For context: Temeraire was one of twin dragons. His older twin, Chuan, went to the heir (Prince Mianning), so giving the other twin to another prince would create competition for the throne. This is why Temeraire was intended for Napoleon, an emperor who is far away from China so they still observe the custom of reserving Celestials only for royalty.

(Spoilers ahead!)

But Laurence is not royalty and Temeraire is way too attached to him to allow anyone to separate them. So, what’s the solution the Emperor has? He adopts Laurence as a son.

No, I’m not kidding. It’s really that simple but I think it resolved everything too quickly.

Moving on!

3. The Characters

(Spoilers ahead!)

Temeraire and Laurence are growing on me! Temeraire is still blunt, curious and protective! Laurence, as we find out in the book, is against slavery and even though he has realistic fears of being abandoned by Temeraire, he is also protective of the dragon! Aww. We also get sweet scenes of Temeraire romancing a Chinese dragon called Mei. For some reason, I find that adorable.

Prince Yongxing... I hate his guts. Arrogant, cunning and a mastermind behind assasination attempts on Laurence, he is the main antagonist and he wanted to use Temeraire in his plot to overthrow the current heir and have a puppet king with Temeraire as said king’s companion.

He does have a redeeming quality though, and to see what it is we have to take a look at Lien. Lien is a Celestial dragon and a cousin to Temeraire (their breed is rare so they’re all connected and can’t breed with each other), but she is ostracized for being an albino, as white is the traditional color of death in China.

Yongxing, to his credit, took pity on Lien and even sacrificed his position as heir to be her handler. This is oddly touching and sets Lien up as a tragic and complex character, especially since Yongxing dies and she is left all alone now.

4. The Setting

I loved the descriptions of Peking in this book! The pavillons, the rooms, the palaces... so gorgeous! And the contrast with smoggy London is well done too, so kudos!

The settings here are described even better than those in the first book, if you ask me, so I think there has been improvement.

5. The Writing

Once again, mostly comprehensible for modern readers but non-native English speakers might struggle with some old words and grammar, so remember that.

In general, though, it’s not a difficult read.

6. The Conclusion

This series is growing on me. Novik knows her stuff about folklore dragons and has beautifully set up what can be interesting plot points, like Lien possibly being an antagonist in the future

I still recommend this series and I will make reviews on the following installments too.

With that, let us conclude the soirée. Wait for updates and stay safe, my dear Neighbors.

Love,

- Citizen Green Pixel

[temeraire-stuff]

Spoilers for Black Powder War Chapters 1-3

Hello everyone,

Well, it’s taken me longer to read then I first expected. While I am under orders to stay at home, I have been working unusual hours and been forced to do things that I usually due instead of getting to read for several hours a day. This is not an excuss just a statement of my facts. But moving on to the spoilers and my gushing will trying not to recap or tell to much of Chapter 1-3. Also, my predictions through out and more at the end!

Okay, so I see that the dragons are going to definitely end up mutinous as they will definitely be demanding pay for their service as Temeraire has suggested. I also see Laurence basically saying I’ve committed mutiny and possibly treason but if it makes Temeraire happy, I will bare this guilt and burden and the consequences.

A quote “Ten thousand li between me and your grave, Ten thousand li more I have to travel. I stretch out my wing and step into the merciless sun.”   I can’t help but feel that this is a message from Lien to her dead prince Yongxing. I’m not sure why but this is just something that I feel makes sense to me. It’s the right distance between Peking and the gate. And yes, I did do some looking via the internet, research the correct names and distance conversion, and then used Google to give me the distance between the places. And given my predictions regarding Lien, it make sense. But then further research leads me to believe that would put the dragon in India and not Europe which is over double that distance. But I’m going to stand by the belief that it is Lien and she just doesn’t understand the distance between Europe and the Jiayu Gate because the maps are so terrible as mentioned by Laurence earlier in the chapter.

Also, Laurence claims he is absolutely awful at Chinese but he does well enough to be able to handle some disagreements even if he speaks in English. This leads me to believe he is better at languages then he assumes and I’m starting to wonder if this will result in only improvement with his language skills as the series goes on. He’s already speaks English, passable French, relearned Latin for the sake of Temeraire, and now Chinese. Based on my knowledge of language learning, he will only be able to learn more languages easier then others who only speak one even if he’s never fluent. 

I find it funny how the cook who thought he’d return is the one that goes missing and the one who thought he never would return is still present. I’m just wondering if Laurence is right about why the one won’t return or if it will be some tragic accident. Only time will tell. 

I have yet to have a solid opinion about Tharkay. He seems to be a reasonable person of travel and a good guide so far. He also has some great connection and world knowledge. And I had though initially he would only hold my attention as potential daydreaming fodder. But the more I read about him and his realistic cynicism the more I come to realize that I can agree with him on many facts. Especially, in regards to the British Ruling parties and on how unjust justice is. I’m also starting to see where he probably likes how Laurence produces similar ideas but holds a less cynic view. Also, Tharkay is a polite snarky bastard. He won’t let himself be held to terms he doesn’t see as fair to himself nor will he apologize for his own actions. I can get behind that and I much approve.

Also, I’m not sure Laurence will keep his opinion about the leaders. Especially if there is something wrong with the dragons and they do something stupid. I’m just waiting to see how this plays out.

I’m also imagining the dragons in their outfits and how much we are already seeing the Muslim and Turkish culture by the end of the third chapters and can imagine it based on photos from the internet. The town was definitely how I expected it to be described and I’m very much glad to have this part of the journey over though I still see more to come.

Here are my prediction for so far:

Laurence will be brought to think Tharkay betrayed them again but be proven time and again to be wrong. Just like what happened in this section of the novel so far.

Also, I think he will end up being around more because they will need a translator until Temeraire speaks more of the languages in the area.

I’m now attached to the man and am predicting him to be around more as well. No, I don’t have a basis for this hopeful prediction.

Based on a not so obvious tension in the book yet, I’m predicting with the eggs being so important that they are going to have issues with either getting the eggs as agreed and/or transporting them back to Britain before they hatch.

Also, I’m predicting something is wrong with the British Dragons as why else were they sent and not a closer dragon. I’m laying bets it’s the illness mentioned in the previous book. But as that is an old prediction.

As such my current predictions after finishing Chapter 3 and now am moving on to Chapter 4.

[werewolves-are-real]

Do you know what always seem weird to me? That in Throne of Jade, the Chinese on the Allegiance didn’t try harder to kill Laurence. There was (1) of Yongxing’s servants who tried to kill him twice. Then Feng Li died and the rest just... never mentioned it, and didn’t try again, I guess. I know there were political differences among Yongxing’s group, but some of them must have supported the prince.

I want to see an escalating, dark romcom of events where the Chinese keep trying to quietly kill Laurence, and the aviators keep tossing the bodies of the assassins overboard. The Chinese can’t bring up their missing members without admitting to the whole “attempted murder” thing, and the English are trying not to cause a diplomatic incident with any accusations, so everyone is just being passive-aggressively civil and pretending that the Chinese party isn’t slowly dwindling.

Meanwhile Riley’s sailors are getting REALLY paranoid about that whole Chinese-ghost thing, because damn, where are the Chinese going. Why are there suddenly so few of them. Why is no one concerned by this

[guzhuangheaven]

There's something that's always confused me in legend of Ruyi, and I don't suppose you would know or be able to explain;

In Ruyi, Jin Yuyan tries several times to get Yongcheng adopted by Fuca Langhua, in order to give him legitimacy in becoming the crown prince, this ends up being her downfall because others clearly see it for what it is, Meiruo even says, that it would make him legitimate.

But one of the major character arc points for Yongqi is that he feels neglected because he's not legitimate and therefore not eligible to be crown prince despite being the most talented, which ends up leading to his death as well. Qianlong says openly to Ruyi that it's a shame he's not legitimate because he's the best choice for crown prince.

But Yongqi is officially adopted by Ruyi both before and after she becomes Empress, so why would Yongcheng being adopted by Empress Langhua, even postmortem, make him legitimate but Yongqi being adopted by Empress Ruyi not also be legitimate?

From my understanding, the two things are different:

Yongqi was raised by Ruyi but in the genealogical records, his mother is still listed as Hailan. As such, he’s still considered shuchu. If Yongqi didn’t die and did become emperor, he would of course be required to honour Ruyi as his foster mother and his official mother/dimu, but he would also be expected to honour Hailan as his biological mother. 

What Yuyan actually wants when she wants Yongcheng to be adopted by Langhua is for the genealogical records to be changed, so that Yongcheng is listed as if he’s Langhua’s biological son, that’s how he becomes dichu/legitimate. This basically means Yuyan would no longer have any official place in Yongcheng’s life (and Yuyan can accept this because she still has Yongxuan and Yongxing). For all intents and purposes, it would be as if Yuyan was never his mother in the first place, and if Yongcheng wants to pay respects to her/honour her in any way, it would look only as if it’s because Yuyan helped raised him, not because she’s his birth mother. 

(In Story of Minglan, it mentioned at one point that Minglan is also listed in the family records as Da Niangzi's daughter, so she could be counted as a di daughter of the Sheng family. Probably they did this to raise her status a little when she married into the family of a Marquis.)

This is different from what actually happens to Yongcheng, where he becomes adopted into the line of Prince Lu (in the drama it’s Prince Li?) who was Qianlong’s uncle. Younger sons being adopted into the lines of their uncles/male line relatives to inherit when their uncles/relative have no male heir is a more common practice, so Yongcheng would still be recorded as Qianlong’s biological son who was adopted by Prince Lu to continue Prince Lu’s family line. It’s a way for family members to express goodwill and take care of each other, and in more normal families would mean that younger sons would have a chance at a larger inheritance. But these kinds of dramas it’s framed more sinisterly as a way to disinherit Yongcheng from the throne.

[fuyonggu]

Biography of Zhang Gui (16 Kingdoms + Book of Jin 86)

Zhang Gui was the first member of the Zhang family to assume power in the northwestern province of Liangzhou. Through several generations, they presided over a de facto independent state there, although most of them continued to pledge their loyalty to the Eastern Jin rump state. Their de facto state would come to be known as Former Liang, to contrast with the many smaller states that formed in Liangzhou after the breakup of Former Qin.

張軌，字士彥，安定烏氏人，漢常山王耳十七世孫。祖烈，魏外黃令，父溫，太官令。母隴西辛氏。軌少好學明經與同郡皇甫士安友善，拜太子舍人，與京兆杜預善，以所注《易》遺之。太康中，為尚書郎、太子洗馬、中庶子，遷散騎常侍，征西將軍司馬。軌以晉室多難，陰圖保據河西，追竇融故事。筮之，遇泰之觀，軌喜曰：「霸者之兆。」乃求為涼州。公卿亦舉軌，拜涼州剌史，課農桑，拔賢才，置崇文祭酒，徵九郡胄子五百人，立學校以教之。永興二年，拜安西將軍，封樂鄉侯。惠帝崩，遣長史北宮純、司馬纂、別駕陰監奉表京師。是歲，大城姑臧，其城本匈奴所築也，南北七里，東西三里，地有龍形，故名臥龍城。永嘉四年十一月，黃龍出于臨羌河，發水昇天，身長十餘丈。五年，帝遣使拜車騎大將軍、開府儀同三司。榮命未至，而劉曜攻陷長安，遷晉帝于平陽。建興元年，晉湣帝即位于長安，遣使者拜軌鎮西大將軍、開府儀同三司、加侍中，封西平郡公，固讓不受。三年，進拜太尉、涼州牧。以軌年老多疾，拜子寔行撫軍，副涼州剌史。五月，軌寢疾，立子寔為世子。己丑，薨於正寢，年六十。葬建陵，册贈侍中、太尉，諡武穆，張祚僭號，追尊武王，廟號太(宗)〔祖〕。

Zhang Gui, styled Shiyan, was a native of Wushi in Anding commandary. He was a seventeenth-generation descendant of the Han dynasty's Prince Jing of Changshan, Zhang Er. His grandfather was Zhang Lie, Cao-Wei's Prefect of Waihuang County. His father was Zhang Wen, who served as the Court Provisioner. His mother was Lady Xin of Longxi commandary.

As a youth, Zhang Gui was well-educated and conversant in the Classics, and he was good friends with his fellow commandary native Huangfu Shi'an (Huangfu Mi). He was appointed as a Retainer to the Crown Prince, where he became friendly with Du Yu of Jingzhao commandary, who gave him his annotations to the Book of Changes as a gift. During the Taikang era (280-289), he was further appointed as a Gentleman of the Masters of Writing, as Horse-Washer to the Crown Prince, and as Palace Bodyguard. He was then transferred to be a Cavalier In Regular Attendance and the Army Director to the General Who Conquers The West.

Zhang Gui could see that the Jin royal family was beset by many difficulties, and he also had the secret ambition to hold and possess the territories west of the Yellow River for himself, following the example of Dou Rong of old. He took a milfoil divination, and the results were the Tai and Guan interpretations as listed in the Book of Changes. Zhang Gui joyously said, "This is the sign of a hegemon." So he asked to be trusted with Liangzhou. The court officials also recommended him, so he was appointed as Inspector of Liangzhou. He oversaw farming and silkworm production, as well as plucking out worthy and talented people. He created the post of Libationer of Sublime Culture, and summoned five hundred boys from nine commandaries and established a school to instruct them.

In the second year of Yongxing (305), he was appointed as General Who Maintains The West and Marquis of Lexiang.

After Emperor Hui passed away (in 307), Zhang Gui sent his Chief Clerk, Beigong Chun, his Marshal, Zhang Zuan, and his Attendant Officer With Separate Carriage, Yin Jun, to present a petition to the capital at Luoyang.

During that year, he expanded the city of Guzang. It had originally been built by the Xiongnu. It was seven li from north to south, and three li from east to west. The land was shaped like a dragon, and so it was also called Wolong City or Sleeping Dragon City.

In the eleventh month of the fourth year of Yongjia (310), a yellow dragon emerged from the Linqiang River; rising from the water and ascending towards the sky, its body was more than ten zhang in length.

In the fifth year (311), Emperor Huai appointed Zhang Gui as General of Chariots and Cavalry, and granted him the authority to establish a Separate Office, with equal ceremonial to the Three Excellencies. But the commendation order had not yet arrived before the Han-Zhao general Liu Yao attacked and captured Chang'an, and Emperor Huai was taken to the Han-Zhao capital at Pingyang.

In the first year of Jianxing (313), Emperor Min ascended the throne of Jin at Chang'an. He sent messengers to Liangzhou appointing Zhang Gui as Grand General Who Guards The West, a Separate Office with equal ceremonial to the Three Excellencies, Palace Attendant, and Duke of Xiping. But Zhang Gui declined these titles and would not accept them.

In the third year (315), Zhang Gui was promoted as Grand Commandant and Governor of Liangzhou. Because Zhang Gui was now old and often sick, his son Zhang Shi was appointed as acting General Who Nurtures The Army and Vice Inspector of Liangzhou.

In the fifth month of that year, Zhang Gui was bedridden with illness; he chose his son Zhang Shi to be the heir to his positions. On the day Jichou (June 19th), he passed away in his main bedroom. He was fifty-nine years old. He was buried at Jian Tomb, and posthumously appointed as Palace Attendant and Grand Commandant. His posthumous title was Wumu ("the Martial and Solemn"). When Zhang Zuo later usurped the throne (of Former Liang), he posthumously honored Zhang Gui as Prince Wu, and gave him the temple name Taizong (or Taizu).

張軌，字士彥，安定烏氏人，漢常山景王耳十七代孫也。家世孝廉，以儒學顯。父溫，為太官令。軌少明敏好學，有器望，姿儀典則，與同郡皇甫謐善，隱于宜陽女幾山。泰始初，受叔父錫官五品。中書監張華與軌論經義及政事損益，甚器之，謂安定中正為蔽善抑才，乃美為之談，以為二品之精。衛將軍楊珧辟為掾，除太子舍人，累遷散騎常侍、征西軍司。

Zhang Gui, styled Shiyan, was a native of Wushi in Anding commandary. He was a seventeenth-generation descendant of the Han dynasty's Prince Jing of Changshan, Zhang Er. His family members had been nominated as Filial and Incorrupt candidates over the generations, and they became prominent for their Confucian learning. Zhang Gui's father was Zhang Wen, who served as the Court Provisioner.

As a youth, Zhang Gui was intelligent and well-educated, and he was both capable and well-known. He conducted himself with all due ceremony, and he was good friends with his fellow commandary native Huangfu Mi, who lived in seclusion at Mount Nüji in Yiyang near Luoyang.

At the beginning of the Taishi reign era (~265), Zhang Gui inherited his uncle Zhang Xi's official position in the Fifth Rank of the Nine-Ranks System. The Chief of the Palace Secretariat, Zhang Hua, discussed the virtues of the Classics and the merits and faults of government policies with Zhang Gui, and greatly appreciated him, saying that the Rectifier evaluating official of Anding commandary had been hiding away a good man and keeping a talented fellow pressed down. He was so impressed by the beauty of Zhang Gui's discussions that he believed that Zhang Gui was worthy of a position of the Second Rank.

The Guard General, Yang Yao, recruited Zhang Gui as his subordinate. After that, he became first a Retainer to the Crown Prince, and then a Cavalier In Regular Attendance and the Army Director to the General Who Conquers The West.

軌以時方多難，陰圖據河西，筮之，遇《泰》之《觀》，乃投策喜曰：「霸者兆也。」於是求為涼州。公卿亦舉軌才堪禦遠。永甯初，出為護羌校尉、涼州刺史。于時鮮卑反叛，寇盜從橫，軌到官，即討破之，斬首萬餘級，遂威著西州，化行河右。以宋配、陰充、氾瑗、陰澹為股肱謀主，征九郡胄子五百人，立學校，始置崇文祭酒，位視別駕，春秋行鄉射之禮。秘書監繆世征、少府摯虞夜觀星象，相與言曰：「天下方亂，避難之國唯涼土耳。張涼州德量不恆，殆其人乎！」及河間、成都二王之難，遣兵三千，東赴京師。初，漢末金城人陽成遠殺太守以叛，郡人馮忠赴屍號哭，嘔血而死。張掖人吳詠為護羌校尉馬賢所辟，後為太尉龐參掾，參、賢相誣，罪應死，各引詠為證，詠計理無兩直，遂自刎而死。參、賢慚悔，自相和釋。軌皆祭其墓而旌其子孫。永興中，鮮卑若羅拔能皆為寇，軌遣司馬宋配擊之，斬拔能，俘十餘萬口，威名大震。惠帝遣加安西將軍，封安樂鄉侯，邑千戶。於是大城姑臧。其城本匈奴所築也，南北七里，東西三里，地有龍形，故名臥龍城。初，漢末博士敦煌侯瑾謂其門人曰：「後城西泉水當竭，有雙闕起其上，與東門相望。中有霸者出焉。」至魏嘉平中，郡官果起學館，築雙闕於泉上，與東門正相望矣。至是，張氏遂霸河西。

Zhang Gui could see that the era he was living in was beset by many difficulties, and he also had the secret ambition to hold and possess the territories west of the Yellow River for himself. He took a milfoil divination, and the results were the Tai and Guan interpretations as listed in the Book of Changes. Zhang Gui joyously cast aside his utensils and said, "This is the sign of a hegemon." So he asked to be trusted with Liangzhou. The court officials agreed, noting that with Zhang Gui's talents, he was well-suited for defending distant places like Liangzhou. At the beginning of the Yongning reign era (301), Zhang Gui was dispatched to Liangzhou as Colonel Who Protects The Qiang and Inspector of Liangzhou.

At this time, the Xianbei had turned against Liangzhou and rebelled, and the whole region was plagued by robbers and bandits. So when Zhang Gui arrived at his post, he campaigned against these threats and routed them, taking more than ten thousand heads. His power was felt throughout the western provinces, and he restored proper behavior to the region west of the Yellow River.

Zhang Gui appointed Song Pei, Yin Chong, Fan Yuan, and Yin Dan as his chief advisors and top men. He summoned five hundred boys from nine commandaries and established a school for them, as well as newly creating the post of Libationer of Sublime Culture, in which role the youths would observe the workings of the Attendant Officers With Separate Carriage and conduct the ceremonies of the Spring and Autumn era at the various archery assemblies.

The Chief of the Imperial Library, Shi Zheng, and the Privy Treasurer, Zhi Yu, were interpreting the stars at night. They said to each other, "With all the troubles facing the realm, the only place one can go to escape from such things is Liangzhou. Inspector Zhang has uncommon capacity and virtue; he must be the one!"

When the Princes of Hejian (Sima Yong) and Chengdu (Sima Ying) were having trouble, Zhang Gui dispatched three thousand soldiers which marched east to the capital at Luoyang.

Zhang Gui also respected worthy natives of the region. There was one time many years earlier, during the last years of the Han dynasty, when a native of Jincheng, Yang Chengyuan, had killed the Administrator of that commandary and rebelled. Another fellow from that commandary, Feng Zhong, encountered the Administrator's corpse and wailed so greatly that he coughed up blood and so died.

At another time, a native of Zhangye commandary, Wu Yong, was recruited by the Colonel Who Protects The Qiang, Ma Xian, and later became a subordinate of the Grand Commandant, Pang Can. It so happened that Ma Xian and Pang Can accused one another of having committed crimes deserving death, and each of them asked Wu Yong to testify on their behalf. Considering that he could not side with either of his superiors at the expense of the other, Wu Yong cut his own throat and so died. Ma Xian and Pang Can were ashamed and regretful at this outcome, and so they made peace with each other and let the matter drop.

Zhang Gui honored these virtuous souls by conducting sacrifices at their tombs and granting honors to their descendants.

During the Yongxing era (304-305), the Xianbei rebelled under the leader Ruoluo Baneng. Zhang Gui sent his Marshal Song Pei to attacked them, and Song Pei killed Ruoluo Baneng and captured more than a hundred thousand Xianbei. Zhang Gui's power and reputation thus made the region tremble. Emperor Hui sent an envoy to Zhang Gui appointing him as General Who Maintains The West and granting him the noble title Marquis of Anlexiang, with a fief of a thousand households.

Zhang Gui expanded the city of Guzang. It had originally been built by the Xiongnu. It was seven li from noth to south, and three li from east to west. The land was shaped like a dragon, and so it was also called Wolong City or Sleeping Dragon City. Many years earlier, during the last years of Han, the Academian Hou Jin of Dunhuang commandary had said to his students, "The western spring behind the city shall dry up, and a pair of watchtowers shall rise there, both of which you will be able to see from the eastern gate. A hegemon will come out of there." During Cao-Wei's Jiaping reign era (249-254), the commandary officials indeed built a school building with a pair of watchtowers placed above the spring, both of which could be seen from the eastern gate. And as predicted, the Zhang clan came to dominate the region west of the Yellow River.

永嘉初，會東羌校尉韓稚殺秦州刺史張輔，軌少府司馬楊胤言於軌曰：「今稚逆命，擅殺張輔，明公杖鉞一方，宜懲不恪，此亦《春秋》之義。諸侯相滅亡，桓公不能救，則恆公恥之。」軌從焉，遣中督護氾瑗率眾二萬討之。先遺稚書曰：「今天綱紛撓，牧守宜戮力勤王。適得雍州檄，雲卿稱兵內侮，吾董任一方，義在伐叛，武旅三萬，駱驛繼發，伐木之感，心豈可言！古之行師，全國為上，卿若單馬軍門者，當與卿共平世難也。」稚得書而降。遣主簿令狐亞聘南���王模，模甚悅，遺軌以帝所賜劍，謂軌曰：「自隴以西，征伐斷割悉以相委，如此劍矣。」俄而王彌寇洛陽，軌遣北宮純、張纂、馬魴、陰浚等率州軍擊破之，又敗劉聰於河東，京師歌之曰：「涼州大馬，橫行天下。涼州鴟苕，寇賊消；鴟苕翩翩，怖殺人。」帝嘉其忠，進封西平郡公，不受。張掖臨松山石有「金馬」字，磨滅粗可識，而「張」字分明，又有文曰：「初祚天下，西方安萬年。」姑臧又有玄石，白點成二十八宿。于時天下既亂，所在使命莫有至者，軌遣使貢獻，歲時不替。朝廷嘉之，屢降璽書慰勞。

At the beginning of the Yongjia reign era (~307), the Colonel of Eastern Qiang Tribes, Han Zhi, killed the Inspector of Qinzhou, Zhang Fu.

Zhang Gui's Marshal to the Lesser Staff, Yang Yin, said to him, "Han Zhi has now violated an imperial order and presumptuously killed Zhang Fu. Your Excellency wields authority over this corner of the realm, and you must punish him without hesitation; this is also a principle of the Spring and Autumn Annals. It was when the feudal lords of old fought and destroyed each other and Duke Huan of Qi was unable to help them that he was shamed by Duke Deng."

Zhang Gui heeded his advice, and sent his Protector of the Center, Fan Yuan, to lead twenty thousand soldiers to campaign against Han Zhi.

Zhang Gui sent a letter to Han Zhi ahead of his army, which read, "The realm today is caught up in a great mess, and governors and administrators must exert their every effort to come to the defense of the throne. I have just received a notice from Yongzhou, stating that you have placed yourself in command of soldiers and are imposing your will upon that territory. Having been entrusted with this corner of the realm, it is just that I march forth to campaign against such a rebel. In my might I have sent forth thirty thousand soldiers, and my dispatch riders are constantly coming and going. But when I consider what must be sacrificed in such a campaign, how can my heart not express itself to you? It was the view of the ancient generals that the security of the state was the highest priority. Sir, if you will come to the gate of my army camp seated on a lone horse, I shall discuss how to settle the troubles of the world together with you."

When Han Zhi received this letter, he surrendered.

Zhang Gui sent his Registrar, Linghu Ya, to visit the Prince of Nanyang, Sima Mo, at Chang'an and make a report. Sima Mo was greatly pleased, and he sent Zhang Gui a sword which Emperor Hui had given him, telling Zhang Gui, "When you are on campaigns west of the Long Mountains, carve everything up into their own pieces, like with this sword."

Not long afterwards, the bandit leader Wang Mi invaded the Luoyang region (in 308). Zhang Gui sent his generals Beigong Chun, Zhang Zuan, Ma Fang, Yin Jun, and others to lead the soldiers of Liangzhou to attack and rout Wang Mi's forces, and they also defeated the Han-Zhao general Liu Cong at Hedong. A song spread through the capital after that: "The great horses of Liangzhou can vault across the realm. Whenever those terrible owls of Liangzhou appear, the bandits and invaders take flight. When the terrible owls are flying about, beware lest they kill you." Emperor Hui appreciated Zhang Gui's loyalty, and advanced his noble title to Duke of Xiping commandary, but Zhang Gui would not accept.

At Mount Linsong in Zhangye, someone found a stone with the characters "Golden Horse" written on it. The rock was rubbed down so that it would be easier to recognize the characters, but this revealed another character, Zhang. And there was even more writing, which stated, "A new throne in the realm; ten thousand years of peace in the West." And there was a black stone in Guzang, with white spots on it which formed the Twenty-Eight Mansions constellations.

At this time, since the realm was in such turmoil, no could could really predict when officials from the various provinces and commandaries would come to the capital. Zhang Gui was the only one to regularly send in gifts and tribute, every year without interruption. The court commended him, and often sent him seals and letters in recognition of his service.

軌後患風，口不能言，使子茂攝州事。酒泉太守張鎮潛引秦州刺史賈龕以代軌，密使詣京師，請尚書侍郎曹祛為西平太守，圖為輔車之勢。軌別駕麹晁欲專威福，又遣使詣長安，告南陽王模，稱軌廢疾，以請賈龕，而龕將受之。其兄讓龕曰：「張涼州一時名士，威著西州，汝何德以代之！」龕乃止。更以侍中爰瑜為涼州刺史。治中楊澹馳詣長安，割耳盤上，訴軌之被誣，模乃表停之。

Later on, Zhang Gui developed a severe illness, and he could no longer speak. He had his son Zhang Mao take charge of the provincial affairs.

The Administrator of Jiuquan, Zhang Zhen, secretly asked the Inspector of Qinzhou, Jia Kan, to come and replace Zhang Gui. He also secretly sent someone to visit the capital, to ask that the Gentleman-Attendant of the Masters of Writing, Cao Qu, be appointed as Administrator of Xiping, planning to provide for mutual support between them.

Zhang Gui's Attendant Officer With Separate Carriage, Qu Chao, wanted to claim power and fortune as well, so he also sent someone to visit Chang'an and inform Sima Mo of the situation; claiming that Zhang Gui was indisposed because his illness, he asked for Jia Kan to come replace him.

Jia Kan was about to accept this proposal, but his elder brother rebuked him, saying, "Inspector Zhang is a respected man of our times, and his might is felt throughout the western provinces. Are you virtuous enough to replace him?" So Jia Kan changed his mind.

Instead, the Palace Attendant Yuan Yu was appointed as the new Inspector of Liangzhou. But the 治中 of Liangzhou, Yang Dan, rushed to visit Chang'an himself. He reported that Zhang Gui had been the victim of slander, and as a sign of his sincerity, he cut off his own ear onto a plate. So Sima Mo sent up a petition asking that Yuan Yu's appointment be halted.

晉昌張越，涼州大族，讖言張氏霸涼，自以才力應之。從隴西內史遷梁州刺史。越志在涼州，遂託病歸河西，陰圖代軌，乃遣兄鎮及曹祛、麹佩移檄廢軌，以軍司杜耽攝州事，使耽表越為刺史。軌令曰：「吾在州八年，不能綏靖區域，又值中州兵亂，秦隴倒懸，加以寢患委篤，實思斂跡避賢。但負荷任重，未便輒遂。不圖諸人橫興此變，是不明吾心也。吾視去貴州如脫屣耳！」欲遣主簿尉髦奉表詣闕，便速脂轄，將歸老宜陽。長史王融、參軍孟暢蹋折鎮檄，排闔諫曰：「晉室多故，人神塗炭，實賴明公撫寧西夏。張鎮兄弟敢肆凶逆，宜聲其罪而戮之，不可成其志也。」軌嘿然。融等出而戒嚴。武威太守張琠遣子坦馳詣京，表曰：「魏尚安邊而獲戾，充國盡忠而被譴，皆前史之所譏，今曰之明鑒也。順陽之思劉陶，守闕者千人。刺史之蒞臣州，若慈母之于赤子，百姓之愛臣軌，若旱苗之得膏雨。伏聞信惑流言，當有遷代，民情嗷嗷，如失父母。今戎夷猾夏，不宜騷動一方。」尋以子寔為中督護，率兵討鎮。遣鎮外甥太府主簿令狐亞前喻鎮曰：「舅何不審安危，明成敗？主公西河著德，兵馬如雲，此猶烈火已焚，待江漢之水，溺於洪流，望越人之助，其何及哉！今數萬之軍已臨近境，今唯全老親，存門戶，輸誠歸官，必保萬全之福。」鎮流涕曰：「人誤我也！」乃委罪功曹魯連而斬之，詣寔歸罪。南討曹祛，走之。張坦至自京師，帝優詔勞軌，依模所表，命誅曹祛。軌大悅，赦州內殊死已下。命寔率尹員、宋配步騎三萬討祛，別遣從事田迥、王豐率騎八百自姑臧西南出石驢，據長寧。怯[祛?]遣麹晁距戰于黃阪。寔詭道出浩亹，戰於破羌。軌斬祛及牙門田囂。

Zhang Yue of Jinchang was a member of one of the great clans of Liangzhou. There was a prophecy which stated that the "Zhang clan" would dominate Liangzhou, and Zhang Jue felt that his own talents and strength fit the prophecy. He had been reassigned from Interior Minister of Longxi to Inspector of Lianzhou. But since his ambitions lay in Liangzhou, Zhang Yue pleaded illness and returned to the region west of the Yellow River, secretly plotting to replace Zhang Gui. He had his elder brother Zhang Zhen, as well as Cao Qu and Qu Pei, spread proclamations announcing that Zhang Gui had been deposed, and that the Military Director Du Geng was the one managing the provincial affairs. He then had Du Geng submit a petition asking that Zhang Jue be appointed as the new Inspector.

Zhang Gui wrote out his views, stating, "I have been in charge of this province for eight years, yet I was unable to pacify the region. Now soldiers ravage across the Middle Provinces, and the regions of Qin and Long are in dire straits. Compound with my illness and infirmity, I really had considered resigning my post and making way for a worthy successor. But burdened as I was with such a heavy responsibility and a vital post, I was not yet at liberty to do as I wished. Yet I never suspected that these people would band together to bring about this development. They do not understand my heart. Would you see me cast out of your province like an old shoe?"

Zhang Gui wanted to send his Registrar Wei Mao to present a petition and visit the palace, to smooth the way for his replacement, and he was about to retire to live out his old age in Yiyang. But his Chief Clerk Wang Rong and his Army Advisor Meng Chang tore down Zhang Zhen's proclamations, barged through the gates into Zhang Gui's office, and told him, "The royal family is experiencing many difficulties, and the people are wallowing in misery. Your Excellency, it is truly your duty to nurture and calm the people of the west. Now Zhang Zhen and his brother dare to act recklessly and become wicked traitors. You must announce their crimes and punish them; do not let them realize their ambitions." Zhang Gui made no reply. Wang Rong and the others went out and set the army in order.

The Administrator of Wuwei, Zhang Tian, sent his son Zhang Tan to rush to the capital, where he presented a petition stating, "In former times, Wei Shang calmed the border regions yet still fell into dishonor, and Chong Guo was fully loyal yet still met with censure. These things are all attested to in the histories, and we may call them a clear mirror for what is happening now. When the people of Shunyang considered Liu Tao's fate (as a victim of slander), there were a thousand people who came to watch for him. 

“When Inspector Zhang came to my province, it was like an affectionate mother caring for her infant child; the common people love him, like dry saplings which have now been soaked in rain. If you plan to put your faith in loose talk meant to mislead you, and have him replaced, the people will cry for him as though they had lost their fathers and mothers. And with the Rong and Yi barbarians already working their cunning on us, you should not further disturb a corner of the realm."

Soon Zhang Gui's son Zhang Shi was appointed as Protector of the Center, and he led troops to campaign against Zhang Zhen. He sent the Registrar to the Greater Staff, Zhang Zhen's nephew Linghu Ya, ahead to persuade Zhang Zhen. Linghu Ya said to him, "Uncle, do you not know the difference between safety and danger, and can you not recognize certain defeat? Our lord's virtue is spread throughout the regions west of the Yellow River, and his soldiers and horses are as numerous as clouds. The fire is already burning this fiercely, and yet you would wait to get water that comes from the Yangzi or the Han River? You are drowning in the floodwaters, and yet you would wait to receive help until someone can come all the way from Yue? How can such things be? Right now, there is an army of tens of thousands already at your doorstep. Only you can ensure the safety of your family, maintain your status, convey your sincerity to return to office, and protect all your good fortune."

Zhang Zhen wept as he replied, "I have been misled by others!" And he pinned the blame on his Merit Evaluator, Cao Lulian, and beheaded him, then visited Zhang Shi to admit to his crime.

Zhang Shi advanced south to campaign against Cao Qu, and drove him out. Zhang Tan then returned from the capital. Emperor Huai had written a special edict commending Zhang Gui's good work, and agreeing with the petition which Sima Mo had written confirming Zhang Gui in his office, further ordering Zhang Gui to execute Cao Qu. Zhang Gui was greatly pleased, and he declared an amnesty within the province for everyone up until those sentenced to death. He ordered Zhang Shi to lead thirty thousand horse and foot under Yin Chun and Song Pei to continue the campaign against Cao Qu, while separately sending his Attendant Officers, Tian Jiong and Wang Feng, to lead eight hundred cavalry from Guzang southwest out through Shilü to occupy Changning. Cao Qu sent Qu Chao to offer battle against Zhang Shi at Huang Slope. Zhang Shi took secret trails to come out through Hao Gorge, and he fought and routed the Qiang. Zhang Gui beheaded Cao Qu and his General of the Standard, Tian Xiao.

遣治中張閬送義兵五千及郡國秀孝貢計、器甲方物歸於京師。令有司可推詳立州已來清貞德素，嘉遁遺榮：「高才碩學，著述經史；臨危殉義，殺身為君；忠諫而嬰禍，專對而釋患；權智雄勇，為時除難；謅佞誤主，傷陷忠賢；具狀以聞。州中父老莫不相慶。」光祿傅祗、太常摯虞遺軌書，告京師饑匱，軌即遣參軍杜勳獻馬五百匹、毯布三萬匹。帝遣使者進拜鎮西將軍、都督隴右諸軍事，封霸城侯，進車騎將軍、開府辟如、儀同三司。策未至，而王彌遂逼洛陽，軌遣將軍張斐、北宮純、郭敷等率精騎五千來衛京都。及京都陷，斐等皆沒於賊。中州避難來者日月相繼，分武威置武興郡以居之。太府主簿馬魴言於軌曰：「四海傾覆，乘輿未反，明公以全州之力徑造平陽，必當萬里風披，有征無戰。未審何憚不為此舉？」軌曰：「是孤心也。」又聞秦��入關，乃馳檄關中曰：「主上遘危，遷幸非所，普天分崩，率土喪氣。秦王天挺聖德，神武應期。世祖之孫，王今為長。凡我晉人，食土之類，龜筮克從，幽明同款。宜簡令奪奉登皇位。今遣前鋒督護宋配步騎二萬，徑至長安，翼衛乘輿，折沖左右。西中郎寔中軍三萬，武威太守張琠胡騎二萬，駱驛繼發，仲秋中旬會于臨晉。」

Zhang Gui sent his 治中 Zhang Lang to lead five thousand righteous soldiers and assorted armor and equipment to the capital, as well as the tribute records and lists of Abundant Talent and Filial and Incorrupt candidates from his local commandaries and princely fiefs. 

Zhang Gui ordered his officials to look into and nominate people who had come to the province and who were honest, faithful, virtuous, and steadfast, praising these unsung heroes: "Those of great talent and broad learning who have compiled classical texts and histories; those who have encountered danger and made sacrifices for justice, losing their own lives in the service of their lord; those who, by offering words of loyal remonstration in the midst of disaster, kept to the right and cleared up threats; those who have used their power and influence, heroism and bravery to do away with the difficulties of the age; and those who have misled and flattered their superiors and brought harm and ruin to the loyal and worthy. All of these things have I heard. There is no one among the fathers and elders of the province who is not congratulating one another."

The Household Counselor With Golden Tassel, Fu Zhi, and the Minister of Ceremonies, Zhi Yu, sent a letter to Zhang Gui informing him of the great hunger and want in the capital region at Luoyang. So Zhang Gui sent his Army Advisor Du Xun to present five hundred horses and thirty thousand rolls of blankets as tribute. Emperor Huai sent an envoy to advance Zhang Gui's rank to General Who Guards The West and Commander of military affairs in Longyou, as well as granting him the noble title Marquis of Bacheng. 

He was then promoted again to General of Chariots and Cavalry and granted the authority to establish a Separate Office, with equal ceremonial to the Three Excellencies. But these notices had not yet arrived in Liangzhou before the rebel leader Wang Mi threatened Luoyang. So Zhang Gui sent his generals Zhang Fei, Beigong Chun, Guo Fu, and others to lead five thousand elite cavalry to guard Luoyang. However, Luoyang fell, and Zhang Fei and the others were lost to the enemy.

People came from the Central Provinces by many roads, every day and every month, seeking refuge in Liangzhou. Zhang Gui split off part of Wuwei commandary and formed Wuxing commandary for these people to live in.

The Registrar to the Greater Staff (of Zhang Gui's status as Commander), Ma Fang, said to Zhang Gui, "All within the Four Seas has been overthrown, and the imperial carriage has not returned. Your Excellency, you should use the full strength of your province to make straight for the Han capital of Pingyang. You shall be like a billowing wind of ten thousand li, and you can campaign without even fighting a battle. What else is there to consider that should make you fear that you cannot achieve this?"

Zhang Gui replied, "You are after my own heart."

When Zhang Gui heard that the Prince of Qin (Sima Ye, the future Emperor Min) had entered Guanzhong, he sent out couriers to spread a proclamation through Guanzhong, stating, "Our sovereign has met with difficulties, and things have gone ill for him; the whole sky is cracked and falling, and all the people are in mourning. The Prince of Qin has the natural qualities of wisdom and virtue, and his martial spirit is in accordance with the age. Furthermore, he is the grandson of Shizu (Sima Yan), and by now is the most senior of the royal princes. We people of Jin are the sort who eat of the earth; let us follow the readings of the tortoise shells and the yarrow stalks, so that this world and the other world shall be in alignment. Let us clear the way for the Prince to assume the imperial title. I am now sending my Vanguard Commander of the Front, Song Pei, with twenty thousand horse and foot to make straight for Chang'an, where they shall serve as wings and guards to the imperial carriage and clear a path for him to either side. The General of the Household Gentlemen of the West, Zhang Shi, is with the Central Army of thirty thousand, and the Administrator of Wuwei, Zhang Tian, has twenty thousand tribal cavalry; their courier horses are constantly setting out, and they shall meet at Linjin in the middle of the second month of autumn."

俄而秦王為皇太子，遣使拜軌為驃騎大將軍、儀同三司，固辭。秦州刺史裴苞、東羌校尉貫與據險斷使，命宋配討之。西平王叔與曹祛餘黨麹儒等劫前福祿令麹恪為主，執太守趙彝，東應裴苞。寔回師討之，斬儒等，左督護陰預與苞戰陝西，大敗之，苞奔桑凶塢。是歲，北宮純降劉聰。皇太子遣使重申前授，固辭。左司馬竇濤言於軌曰：「曲阜周旦弗辭，營丘齊望承命，所以明國憲，厲殊勳。天下崩亂，皇輿遷幸，州雖僻遠，不忘匡衛，故朝廷傾懷，嘉命屢集。宜從朝旨，以副群心。」軌不從。

The Prince of Qin soon became the Crown Prince, and he sent messengers to appoint Zhang Gui as Grand General of the Agile Cavalry, with equal ceremonial to the Three Excellencies. However, Zhang Gui firmly declined these honors.

The Inspector of Qinzhou, Pei Bao, and the Colonel of Eastern Qiang Tribes, Guan Yu, occupied the local passes and prevented the movement of messengers in and out. Zhang Gui ordered Song Pei to campaign against them. A native of Xiping commandary, Wang Shu, and Cao Qu's former partisans, Qu Ru and others, forced the former Prefect of Fulu County, Qu Ke, to act as their leader. They arrested the Administrator of Xiping, Zhao Yi, and then marched east to join Pei Bao. Zhang Shi brought his own army back to campaign against them, and he killed Qu Ru and the others. The Protector of the Left, Yin Yu, fought Pei Bao at Shanxi and greatly defeated him. Pei Bao fled to the Sangxiong Fortress.

During the same year, Zhang Gui's general Beigong Chun surrendered to the Han-Zhao general Liu Yao.

The Crown Prince sent more messengers to once again grant the honors mentioned above to Zhang Gui, but he continued to decline them. Zhang Gui's Marshal of the Left, Dou Tao, advised him, "Zhou Dan of Qufu (the Duke of Zhou) did not decline such things, and Qi Wang of Yingqiu accepted imperial orders, thus making clear the structures of their states and encouraging exceptional service. Now the realm has fallen into chaos, and the imperial carriage is at the mercy of fortune. Although your province is distant and far away, you have not forgotten your duty to guard and protect the dynasty. This is why the court has so cherished your service, and has repeatedly sent you these commendations. You should follow the court's decree, so that you will agree with their wishes." But Zhang Gui would not do so.

初，寔平麹懦[儒]，徙元惡六百餘家。治中令狐瀏曰：「夫除惡人，猶農夫之去草，令絕其本，勿使能滋。今宜悉徙，以絕後患。」寔不納。儒黨果叛，寔進平之。

Earlier, after Zhang Shi had pacified Qu Nuo (probably meant to be Qu Ru), he had relocated away more than six hundred families of the ringleaders of the rebellion. The 治中 Linghu Liu said to Zhang Shi, "You have gotten rid of the main culprits, but that is like being a farmer who merely shears the grass. You ought to root them out entirely, and not give them a chance to sprout again. Relocate every one of the rebels, to deter future threats." But Zhang Shi did not follow his advice. As expected, Qu Ru's partisans rebelled again, and so Zhang Shi advanced and pacified them as well.

湣帝即位，進位司空，固讓。太府參軍索輔言於軌曰：「古以金貝皮幣為貨，息穀帛量度之秏。二漢制五銖錢，通易不滯。泰始中，河西荒廢，遂不用錢。裂匹以為段數。縑布既壞，市易又難，徒壞女工，不任衣用，弊之甚也。今中州雖亂，此方主安全，宜復五銖以濟通變之會。」軌納之，立制准��用錢，錢遂大行，人賴其利。是時劉曜寇北地，軌又遣參軍麹陶領三千人衛長安。帝遣大鴻臚辛攀拜軌侍中、太尉、涼州牧、西平公，軌又固辭。

After the Crown Prince rose to the imperial throne as Emperor Min, he promoted Zhang Gui as Minister of Works, but Zhang Gui still firmly declined such a post.

The Army Advisor to the Greater Staff, Suo Fu, advised Zhang Gui, "The ancients used gold, cowrie shells, and leather currency as means of exchange, in order to lessen the expenditure of grain and silk. During Former and Later Han, the wuzhu currency was established, which allowed for easy exchange without things getting sluggish. But during the Taishi era (265-274), the Hexi region (Liangzhou) fell into waste and ruin (from the tribal revolts), and so the currency was no longer used. The effect was like that of a broken pot. The demand for silk and cloth collapsed, and so markets could no longer remain open; without markets, the women workers of the silk were driven away; there was then no one to make clothing, and so the situation became serious indeed. However, although the Central Provinces are now in turmoil, this region is now in perfect peace and security. You should reintroduce the wuzhu currency here to stimulate market exchanges and facilitate trade." Zhang Gui followed his advice, and he set up a system of exchange for cloth using currency. The currency then went into great circulation, and people praised how useful it was.

At this time, Liu Yao invaded Beidi commandary. So Zhang Gui sent his Army Advisor Qu Tao to lead three thousand men to guard Chang'an. Emperor Min sent the Grand Herald, Xin Pan, to grant Zhang Gui the titles of Palace Attendant, Grand Commandant, Governor of Liangzhou, and Duke of Xiping. But Zhang Gui continued to decline such titles.

在州十三年，寢疾，遺令曰：「吾無德於人，今疾病彌留，殆將命也。文武將佐咸當弘盡忠規，務安百姓，上思報國，下以寧家。素棺薄葬，無藏金玉。善相安遜，以聽朝旨。」表立子寔為世子。卒年六十。諡曰武公。

In Zhang Gui's thirteenth year in Liangzhou, he was bedridden by illness. This was his final testament: "I am a man without virtue. Now this illness has brought me to the verge of death, and I am about to meet my final end. Let all my civil and military subordinates and officers conduct themselves with full loyalty and rectitude. Tend to and comfort the common people, so that you may consider how to repay the state above and secure your families below. Give me an unadorned coffin and a simple funeral, and do not bury me with gold or jade. Work well together with Anxun (Zhang Shi), and heed the imperial decrees." He petitioned to have his son Zhang Shi inherit his positions. He passed away at the age of fifty-nine. His posthumous name was Duke Wu ("the Martial").

[the-met-art]

by Prince Cheng Yongxing, Asian Art

Medium: Eight album leaves from a miniature album; ink and color on paper

Anonymous Gift, 1956 Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/51815

[ao3feed-tgcf]

by LightningStarborne

Captain William Laurence was certain that no one in England, or in the entire world, had ever met a woman quite like Hua Cheng. In the face of the scorn of the Chinese dignitaries and the endless curiosity of his dragon, Hua Cheng is the only one who seems to truly have Temeraire's best interests at heart.

Words: 3060, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Series: Part 2 of Father of Dragons

Fandoms: Temeraire - Naomi Novik, 天官赐福 - 墨香铜臭 | Tiān Guān Cì Fú - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: M/M

Characters: Huā Chéng, Xiè Lián, William Laurence, Temeraire (Temeraire), Emily Roland, John Granby, Tom Riley (Temeraire), Prince Yongxing (Temeraire), Sun Kai, Liu Bao, Arthur Hammond

Relationships: Huā Chéng/Xiè Lián

Additional Tags: Misunderstandings, Dragons, Non-Binary Hua Cheng, Canon Non-Binary Character, Heteronormativity, Sexism, me bullshitting certain things bc i dont want to think abt it, "but LS wouldnt they accuse her of witchcraft", yes - Freeform, but i dont want that, SO, they dont, Religion, Christianity, Polytheism, except kinda not really, bc hua cheng only worships xie lian

[guzhuangheaven]

Legend of Ruyi: princes and princess through the years (not in chronological order)

requested by Anonymous

Second Prince Yonglian poking Third Prince Yongzhang's cheek

Sixth Prince Yongrong

Third Princess Jingse, First Prince Yonghuang and Second Prince Yonglian

Fifth Prince Yongqi

Twelfth Prince Yongji

Fourth Prince Yongcheng playing with Eighth Prince Yongxuan and their mother, Jin Yuyan

Fourth Prince Yongcheng and his mother Jin Yuyan

Twelfth Prince Yongji picking plum blossoms with Ling Yunche

First Prince Yonghuang and Third Prince Yongzhang playing

Twelfth Prince Yongji and Fifth Princess Jingsi

Fourth Prince Yongcheng, Eleventh Prince Yongxing and Eighth Prince Yongxuan

Fifth Prince Yongqi, Third Prince Yongzhang and Fourth Prince Yongcheng prepare to hunt

First Prince Yonghuan, Third Princess Jinge and Twelfth Prince Yongji

Fifth Prince Yongqi teaches Eighth Prince Yongxuan to shoot arrow

Sixth Prince Yongrong

Seventh Princess Jingyuan, Fifteenth Prince Yongyan, Ninth Princess Jingyun

Third Princess Jingse, Fifth Prince Yongqi, Sixth Prince Yongrong, Eleventh Prince Yongxing and Twelfth Prince Yongji prepare to hunt