#ws097

[bookofjin]

Biography of Liu Yilong (WS097)

So-called Emperor Wen of Song. With a focus on his failed wars and one very unfilial son.

(Interestingly, the "five fingers" detail is not in the Songshu that I could find, but is included in the Nanshi.)

Liang and others installed Yifu's younger brother, the Inspector of Jing province, Yilong, and titled the year Yuanjia [“Inaugural Excellence”]. He dispatched envoy Zhao Daosheng to court with tribute.

2nd Year [425 AD], Xu Xianzhi, Fu Liang, and others returned the government to Yilong. He did not allow it.

3rd Year [426 AD], Yilong trusted the words of his Attendant-at-Centre, Wang Hua, and executed Xianzhi and Fu Liang. He dispatched his general Tan Daoji and others to chastise the Inspector of Jing province, Xie Hui. Hui led a multitude down east, planning to depose Yilong while using chastising Wang Hua as his explanation. He routed Yilong's general Dao Yanzhi. When they heard that Daoji was about to arrive, Hui's multitudes ruptured and scattered. Hui fled to Jiangling, and then brought along his younger brother Dun and others to flee north. When he arrived at Yantou in Anling, he was seized by the Defence Master, Guang Shunzhi, and beheaded at Jianye.

8th Month [18 September – 16 October]. Yilong sent his General Within the Hall, Ji Heng, to court with tribute.

2nd Year of Shenjia [429 AD], he again discarding the General Within the Hall, Sun Hengzhi, to court with tribute.

3rd Year [430 AD], he again dispatched the General Within the Hall, Tian Qi, to court with tribute.

Soon after he dispatched his General of the Right, Dao Yanzhi, General who Calms the North, Wang Zhongde, and Inspector of Yan province, Zhu Lingxiu, with a navy to enter the He, and the General of Valiant Cavalry, Duan Heng, to rob Hulao. He also dispatched his Inspector of Yu province, Liu Dewu, and General of the Rear, the King of Changsha, Yixin, to reach Pengcheng and be rear support. Dao Yanzhi robbed Que'ao, and divided off an army towards Hulao and Luoyang. Shizu decreed the various armies south of the He to assemble the multitudes and cross north to make him arrogant. Soon after he decreed the General of the Best of the Army, An Jie, and others, to lead a multitude and cross from Mengjin to attack Jinyong. Yilong's General who Establishes the Martial, Du Ji, set out and fled. Thereupon he exploited the victory to advance and attack Hulao. He captured it and beheaded their Inspector of Si Province, Yin Chong. Shusun Jian greatly routed Zhu Lingxiu, and pursued him until Hulu.

4th Year [431 AD], Jie attacked Huatai. Yanzhi, together with Wang Zhongde and others, burnt his ships and cast of his armour, and fled back to Pengcheng. Yilong again dispatched Tan Daoji to relieve Huatai. Shusun Jian and Zhangsun Daosheng struck him. Daoji arrived at Gaoliang Mountain. Jie and others attacked and overcame Huatai, and apprehended his Central Gentleman Assisting Affairs to the Minister over the Masses, Zhu Xiuzhi. Daoji ran and fled to Licheng, and during the night then escaped and turned back. Yilong's Inspector of Qing province, Xiao Sihua, also abandoned the garrison and ran to Pingchang. His stored up grain at Dongyang was burned by the hundred families.

1st Year of Yanhe, 5th Month [14 June – 13 July 432], Yilong again dispatched Zhao Daosheng to court with tribute.

2nd Year, 2nd Month [7 March – 5 April 433], decreed the Combined Cavalier Regular Attendant Song Xuan as envoy to Yilong, and moreover to make a marriage agreement for the August Heir-Apparent.

9th Month [30 September – 28 October], Yilong dispatched Zhao Daosheng to tribute one tame elephant.

2nd Year of Taiyan, 3rd Month [2 April – 1 May 436], Yilong dispatched as envoy Hui Yuanshao to court with tribute.

Yilong dreaded his Minister of Works, Tan Daoji, and thereupon executed him. When Daoji was approaching death, he took off his head-scarf and threw it on the ground, saying:

So then falls our ten thousand li Long Wall.

3rd Year, 3rd Month [21 April – 20 May 437], Yilong dispatched his Cavalier Regular Attendant Liu Xibo to court with tribute, and moreover to discuss accepting the [marriage] gift.

6th Month [19 July – 16 August], Yilong's daughter died, and they did not as a result make the marriage.

5th Year, 11th Month [22 December 439 – 19 January 440], Yilong dispatched Huang Yannian to present [a] tame elephant.

Beginning of Zhenjun [440 AD], Yilong moved his younger brother, the Great General Yikang, to Yuzhang.

2nd Year [441 AD], his Dragon-Prancing Army Advisor, Fu Lingyu [?] of Badong, went to Yilong to argue for Yikang. Yilong was greatly angered, he arrested Yu and killed him.

4th Month [7 May – 4 June], Yilong dispatched as envoy Huang Yannian to court with tribute.

12th Month [29 December – 26 January 442], Yilong again dispatched Huang Yannian to court with tribute.

This Year [441 AD], Yilong's Inspector of Liang# province Liu Zhendao's general, Pei Fangming, attacked Yang Nandang. Nandang gave up Chouchi, and took with him his wife and children to come fleeing.

3rd Year [442 AD], Shizu decreed the King of Langye, Sima Chuzhi, and others chastise him. The General who Calms the West, Gu Bi, the General who Pacifies the West, Yuan Ji, and others intercepted Yilong's Inspector of Qin province, Hu Chongzhi, at Zhuo River. They routed and seized him, his remnant multitudes ran to Hanzhong. Yilong installed Nandang's older brother's son Wende as Inspector of Qin province and King of Wudu. He made a defence post at Qielu. Bi and others chastised and pacified him. Yilong thereupon killed Zhendao and Fangming.

5th Year [444 AD], Yilong resumed dispatching envoys to court with tribute.

6th Year [445 AD], his Outer Staff Cavalier Attendant Gentleman Kong Xixian, though talented and learned, was not being employed. The Intendant of Affairs to the Heir-Apparent, Fan Ye, since his family was unrestrained and foul, was scorned by his generation. He, together with Xixian and his nephew Xie Zong, planned to kill Yilong and install his younger brother, the former Great General Yikang. The Governor of Danyang, Xu Zhanzhi reported it. He therefore executed Ye and others, and moved Yikang to Ancheng commandery, with a Steering Clerk to oversee and guard.

7th Year [446 AD], decreed the various armies to plunder Jiyin and Jinxiang and others, seven counties, and also chase away their Qing and Ji provinces people and households, and then turn back. A native of Beidi, Gai Wu, assembled a multitude in rebellion. Yilong used Wu as General who Calms the West and Inspector of Yong province, and ennobled him Duke of Beidi, calculating he would make chaos in Yong province. Decreed the various armies to chastise and pacify him.

Yilong was fond of acting on small plan and inciting the border people. Inside he erected mountain parks. [They?] were endlessly extravagant and extremely beautiful. The labour was put on the hundred families, South of the Jiang suffered from it.

9th Year, 1st Month [20 February – 20 March 448], Yilong dispatched envoys to present peacock.

11th Year, 2nd Month [28 February – 28 March 450], Shizu wished to hunt at Yunmeng, and issued out envoys to inform Yilong that he must not be suspicious or obstructive. Yilong requested to receive the decree. Shizu went on a southern tour. Yilong's border cities shut their gates to resist and defend. Shizu was wroth at them, and therefore attacked Xuanhu. He allotted and dispatched envoys to calm and comfort the surrendered people, those who did not submit he executed and slaughtered. Yilong's Grand Wardens of Runan, Nandun, Ruyang, and Yingchuan all abandoned their cities to run and flee. Yilong's General who Calms the North, the King of Wuling, Jun, dispatched the Army Advisers Liu Taizhi and Zang Zhaozhi, the Generals within the Hall, Yin Huaiyi and Cheng Tianzuo, and others with more than 1 000 cavalry to arrive arrive at Ruyang. The King of Yongchang, Wei, struck and routed them. He beheaded Taizhi and Zhaozhi, and seized Tianzuo and others.

Yilong again dispatched the General who Soothes the Boreal, Wang Xuanmo to lead is Colonel of Infantry and Cavalry to the Heir-Apparent, Shen Qingzhi, and the Consultant Army Adviser to the Garrison Army, Shen Tan, and others, to enter the He. The Inspector of Qing and Ji provinces, Xiao Bin, with his cavalry advanced on both water nad land. Leader of the Guards of the Left to the Heir-Apparent, Zang Zhi controlled the General of Valiant Cavalry, Wang Fanghui, the Marshal who Calms the Man, Liu Kangzu, and the Army Advisor of the Right Army, Liang Tan, to aim for Xu and Luo. The General of the Right and Inspector of Yu province, the King of Nanping, Shuo, […] . The Grand Commandant, the King of Jiangxia, Yigong had authority over the various armies. The Inspector of Liang# and Nanqin provinces, Liu Xiuzhi controlled the General Who Assists the State, Yang Wende, and the General who Proclaims Power, Liu Hongzong towards Qian and Long. The General who Protects the Army, Xiao Sihua managed the Dragon-Prancing General, Du Tan, and the Grand Warden of Jingling, Liu Deyuan, towards Wu Pass. Yilong ordered the kings and nobles, consorts and princesses, and his court gentlemen, shepherds and wardens extending down to wealthy people to fully send out their private riches to help with army expenditure. Gentlemen and commoners resented it. Nanyan, Qing, Ji, Yan, Yu, and San Wu selectively sent out, to match military action. Yang, Nanxu, Yan, and Jiang provinces all divided off one out of four. The Marshal who Establishes Power, Shen Yuanji, hastened to Sidu, and Xiao Bin arrived at Que'ao. Wang Xuanmo dispatched the Army Master Wang Baohui to attack Huatai. The Right Army Xiao Shuo [sic.] dispatched the Army Advisor of the Centre Troops, Liang Tan, and others to advance the army to Xiaosuo.

Shizu decreed the various armies to aid Huatai, and greatly defeated Wang Baohui and others. Wang Xuanmo fled back to Que'ao. Xiao Bin dispatched Shen Tan, together with Liang Tan and Yuan Huzhi, to occupy Liangdang City. Si withdrew back to Lixia. When the Chariot Drove across the He, Liang Tan withdrew and fled to Qijia Mountain. The Chariot Drove to issue out from Huatai, and passed Que'ao. Yilong again dispatched the Inspector of Yong province, the King of Jingling, Dan, to lead his generals Xue Andu, Liu Yuanjing, and others to enter Lushi, and advanced to attack Hongnong. Decreed the Inspector of Luo province, Zhang Shi, led the multitudes to cross over Yao. The Garrison Commander of Pucheng, He Nan, forded the He at Fenglingdui, and the Inspector of Qing province, Du Daosheng reached Wenxiang. Yuanjing withdrew and fled.

11th Month [29 December – 17 January 451], the Chariot Drove from Dong'an Mountain to set out for Xiapi. Yilong's Defence Master of Zoushan and Grand Warden of Luyang [sic] and Yangping, Cui Xieli, surrendered. The King of Chu, Jian, and the Marquis of Nankang, Du Daojun, advanced the army [to] Qingxi, reaching Liujian Defence Post. Yilong's Garrison Army Liu Jun's Army Adviser, Ma Wengong reached Xiaocheng. The Army Master Ji Xuanijng, reach Liucheng. Both were scouting, and on seeing the public army they altogether at the time withdrew and fled.

The King of Yongchang, Ren, attacked Xuanhu, took it, and captured Yilong's defending general, Zhao Huai. He passed by and settled Xiangcheng, routed Weiwu Defence Post, and seized its Defence Master. He advanced to attack Shouyang, stationed troops at Sunshu Ao's house, and plundered Matou and Zhongli commanderies. Yilong dispatched the General of the Left Army, Liu Kangzu, to hurry to Shouyang. He and Ren encountered each other, and Ren greatly routed him. He fully buried his multitudes, beheaded Kangzu, sending his head for display at Shouchun, and captured his generals Hu Shengzhi, Wang Luohan, and others. As for the cut off heads, he had the army soldiers drag them, going around the city three times, and piled them up west of the city, to a height uniform with the city walls. Liu Shuo therefore burned on all four sides the outer walls, huts and houses, fortified the inner walls and firmly defended.

The Chariot Drove to arrive at Xuyi, the Huai, and the Si. Yilong dispatched the General who Assists the State, Zang Zhi to lead the legions to reach Xuyu, [and?] halted the army north of the city. The Six Armies were on the bank to sail across the Huai. Zhi dispatched Marshal Hu Chongzhi and others lead his command to set up a camp upon the mountain. The General who Establishes Power, Mao Xizuo occupied [a?] city before the great bank. Decreed to attack the two armies. Beheaded Chongzhi, Xizuo, and others, the other [cut off] heads numbering several thousands. The multitudes fully hurried into the river and died. The people South of the Huai all surrendered to the various armies.

The King of Gaoliang, Na, set out for Shanyang; the King of Yongchang, Ren, set out from Shouyang for Hengjiang. Everywhere they pass through there were none who did not scatter in the wind [?]. The Chariot Drove to climb upon Guabu, cutting reed and tying rafts, and showing intentions of crossing the Jiang. Yilong was greatly afraid, and wished to flee to Wu or Kuai[ji]. In Jianye, gentlemen and women all shouldered the burdens and stood up [?]. Yilong dispatched Huang Yannian to the Acting Palace. He presented a hundred sacrificial animals, tributed the things of his region, and also requested peace and sought to advance a daughter to the august grandson. Shizu considered a marriage among the legions not decorous, he allowed peace but did not allow marriage.

Earlier, when Yilong wished to dispatch an army to invade the frontier, his subjects Jiang Zhan and Xu Zhanzhi praised his affair, but Yilong's Heir-Apparent Shao, together with Xiao Sihua and Shen Qingzhi, spoke to Yilong, saying:

Formerly, Tan Daoji and Dao Yanzhi had no success and turned around. Now the generals, leaders, and multitude soldiers do not reach to before, [we] cannot take lightly moving troops and armour.

At the time Zhan and others were present, and Yilong made them plan and discuss with Qingzhi. Qingzhi said:

Running a state is like running a family. For ploughing ask a slave, for weaving ask a servant girl. Now [you] wish to attack a state, yet are planning it with a group of pale-faced book students. In what way will the affair be achieved.

Yilong greatly laughed, and thereupon did not take in Qinghzi's words.

Reaching this point, he climbed the tall buildings of Shitou Fort and gazed out, and, with very much a mournful appearance, sighed and said:

If Tan Daoji was here, would it have come to this!

Shao then placed the blame on Jiang and Xu. Yilong said:

It was pulled from my ideas. Do not involve the two people.

1st Year of Zhengping, 1st Month [17 February – 17 March 451], Shizu hosted a banquet at Guabu, and when he had allowed peace and friendship, he decreed to turn around the legions. Those people North of the Jiang who had reverted and surrendered numbered several hundred thousand. Altogether he had overcome Nanyan, Yu, Xu, Yan, Qing, and Ji, six provinces. The amount the army spearhead[s] had killed and plundered could not be fully counted.

At the time Yilong's North of the Jiang was barren and bleak, and within his territory there was disturbances and disorder. Yilong was anxious that Yikang might make chaos, and dispatched envoys to kil him, he buried him with the rites of a marquis. Yilong was ashamed and livid, and resorted to putting the blame on his subordinates. He demoted Yigong to Ceremony Similar to the Three Ministers, and Xiao Bin and Wang Xuanmo were both dismissed from their posts.

10th Month [10 November – 8 December], Yilong dispatched his General Sun Gai and others to court with tribute.

1st Year of Xing'an [452 AD, text has “9th Year”], Yilong dispatched the General who Consoles the Army, Xiao Sihua, to lead his general Zhang Yong and others in attacking Que'ao. Decreed the various armies to strike and rout them. Yong and others withdrew and fled. Sihua dispatched the General who Establishes the Martial, Yuan Huzhi, to reach Liang Mountain and confront the army. The Master of Writing Han Mao led cavalry to confront and strike him. Sihua withdrew back to Migou. Yilong again dispatched the Inspector of Yong province, Zang Zhi, towards Yao and Shan; the Inspector of Liang# province, Liu Xiuzhi, and the General who Assists the State, Yang Wende set out for Ziwu. The Inspector of Yu province, Zhangsun Lan, dispatched cavalry to rout them. Jizhi and others only escaped with their lives. Zang Zhi, Liu Yuanjing, Xue Andu, and others reached the Passes, also were continually defeated and fled.

That Year, Yilong's Heir-Apparent Shao and the King of Shixing, Xiuming, had a sorceress, Yan Daoyu, cast a curse on Yilong. The affair came out. Yilong, rankled and abashed, lost himself, and was neglectful in government affairs [?]. He therefore discussed demoting Shao and killing Xiuming. He frequently summoned the Archer-Servant of the Masters of Writing, Xu Zhanshi, the Master of Writing of the Personell Section, Jiang Zhan, the Attendant-at-Centre, Wang Sengchuo, and others to plan and discuss. Sengchuo said:

“One who at the decisive time does not decide, instead receives the trouble.” Indeed, when desiring to cut away affection with righteousness, sketching out minor things is intolerable [?]. Otherwise, [you] readily ought to lay out your innermost feelings like before, without over-much vacillating discussions. [You] cannot make the difficulties give birth to a worries over appearance [?] and be laughed at for a thousand years.

Yilong said:

My Servant can speak of ability to decide great affairs, this one is impossible not to earnestly think thrice about. When Yikang had just died, people said I had not then the Way of compassionate fondness.

Sengchuo again said:

Your Subject fears for the descendants of a thousand years, and tells Your Majesty it is easy to cut away a younger brother, [but] difficult to depose a son.

Yilong fell silent.

Xiuming's mother Pan had favour with Yilong, and Yilong informed her of the plans for deposing and installing. Pan requested a pardon, it was not allowed, and thereupon she informed Xiuming. Xiuming hurried to report to Shao. Shao understood he himself would be deposed, and thereupon at night summoned his left and right company chiefs, Chen Shu'er, and Zhan [Shu'er], fasting leaders Zhang Chaozhi, Ren Jianzhi, and others, controlling more than 2 000 people wearing armour, to guard himself. He also summoned the Leader of Guards of the Left, Yuan Shu, the Central Retainer Yin Zhongsu, and the General of Amassed Crossbows of the Left, Wang Zhengjian, and also shouted for the Senior Clerk of the Left Army, Xiao Bin. Shao said:

The imperial court trusts slander, and [I] will be accused and deposed. After inner examination [find I] have not transgressed, and, unable to accept the injustice, [I] next will enter the halls. You My Servants will surely not be different.

Then all around him made obeisance and announced sympathy. The multitudes were all frightened and did not answer. Yuan Shu after a good long time said:

From old [I] have had nothing of this kind, but have wished to apply good thoughts.

Shao was so angry he changed colour, and so left and right everyone stated they would humbly listen to his commands and directions. Next daybreak they beheaded Shu.

Shao defended the Wanchun Gate, and then announced to those at the gate, saying:

I have received a directive to enter and make arrests. [You] can help me supervise the rear company and order them to make haste.

Shao also faked directives from Yilong stating:

Lu Xiu plans rebellion. You next [?] can defend the barriers. Bring along troops to enter and chastise.

For that reason the officers and men trusted him.

Chaozhi and others led more than ten people to run through the Yunlong Gate, pull out their blades, and head directly to ascend the Hanzhang Hall. Yilong at night had withdrawn from people with Xu Zhanzhi for idle talk, and at the time had still not yet finished. The gate doors equally were without attendant guards. Yilong, hard pressed, used an armrest to shield himself. The troops' blades crisscrossed down and five fingers fell off. Chaozhi chopped down Yilong, Xu Zhanzhi was murdered by the disorderly troops. Shao separately dispatched ambushers on Jiang Zhanzhi, and beheaded him. Xiuming at the time was at the western provincial headquarters, he came to station within the hall. Shao also sent troops to kill Xiuming's mother.

Next day, Shao ascended the hall and accepted the imperial seal and ribbon. He sent down a document which said:

Xu Zhanzhi and Jiang Zhan's murderous treason is indescribable. I guided troops to enter the halls, but there was already nothing to do. Calling out in chagrin and collapsing with heartache, heart and liver are smashed and cracked. Now the criminals have been obtained, and the prime fiends overcome and ended. The divined generations and numinous benedictions are forever appreciated without end. Thinking of it extending here with the myriad millions to once more begin, there can be a great amnesty under Heaven, and change the 30th Year of Yuanjia to be the 1st Year of Taichu [“Grand Beginnings”].

[bookofjin]

Biography of Liu Yifu (WS097)

So-called Emperor of Song

His son Yifu was usurpingly installed. Taizong, since his decorum and respect was insufficient, dispatched the Duke of Shanyang, Xi Jin, and others to lead 20 000 infantry and cavalry to Huatai, and cross the He for a southern chastisement. Yifu's Inspector of Si province, Mao Dezu dispatched Marshal Zhai Guang to lead 3 000 infantry and cavalry to come and resist him. Minister of Works Xi Jin used more than 1 000 cavalry to patrol Chenliu. The Grand Warden, Yan Leng, led the multitudes to surrender. He carried on to attack Huatai. Its commandery Grand Warden, Wang Jingdu, ran and fled, beheaded his Marshal, Yang Zan. Dezu also dispatched his general Dou Yingming to attack the wagon train at Shiji [the “Stone Crossing”]. Xi Jin at Tuluo greatly routed Guang and others, and exploited victory to straight-away arrive at Hulao. Yifu dispatched his general Du Yuan and others, together with the Inspector of Xu province, Wang Zhongde, to stay at Hulu. Taizong decreed the Duke of Anping, Shusun Jian and others with the army at Sidukou. Yifu's Inspector of Yan province, Xu Yan, handed over Yinmao City to run and retreat, and so in Taishan and other commanderies they fully abandoned their defence posts and fled. Taizong decreed the Count of Wuzi, Gongsun Biao, and others, to then to attack Hulao. Yifu dispatched general Tan Daoji to lead the legions to hurry in aid.

8th Year [423 AD], Yifu changed the year to be Jingping [“Shining Peace”]. Xi Jin advanced to attack Jinyong. Yifu's Grand Warden of Henan, Wang Juanzhi, set out and ran. Taizong went on a southern tour, arriving at Ye. Xi Jin turned back from Jinyong to besiege Hulao. Taizong again decreed the Duke of Anping, Shusun Jian, and others to go east and strike Qing province. Its Inspector, Zhu Kui, defended Dongyang City. The Grand Warden of Jinan, Yuan Mao, ran to Kui from Liangzou. Xi Jin divided off an army to attack Yingchuan. The Grand Warden, Li Yuande, and others, ran back to Xiangcheng Jin again dispatched cavalry to rout five counties governed by Gaoping commandery, and carried off the residents, more than 2 000 families. Shusun, since it was the hot season, turned around the legions. Tan Daoki and Wang Zhongde turned toward Qing province, and thereupon did not dare advance. Taizong arrived at Hulao, and following that, favoured Luoyang. Then he went north across the He. Jin overcame Hulao. He apprehended Dezu and his Grand Warden of Xingyang, Zhai Guang, General who Broadens the Martial, Dou Ba, and others. Yifu's Inspector of Yu province, Liu Cui, guarded Xiangcheng, and did not dare to advance. Jin dispatched infantry and cavalry reaching Xuchang. The Grand Warden of Yingchuan, Suo Yuande, ran to Xiangcheng. Thereupon he besieged Ruyang, the Grand Warden, Wang Gongdu, burst through the siege and set out. He continued with routing Shaoling carried off more than ten thousand mouths, and then turned back.

Beginning of Shiguang [424 AD], Yifu's Minister of Works, Xu Xianzhi, Prefect of the Masters of Writing, Fu Liang, Army Leader Xie Hui, and others assembled at his government court, arrested his King of Luling, Yizhen, moved him to Xin'an commandery, and killed him. Yifu was dim-witted, brutal, and neglected morality. Xianzhi and others directed troops to enter the hall. At the time Yifu was on a boat in Hualin [Park]. The soldiers competed to advance and killed his attendants, went along with Yifu to set out from the eastern doors, and deposed him to be King of King of Yingyang. Thereupon they moved him to Wu commandery, and at Jinchang Precinct they killed him.

[bookofjin]

Biography of the island barbarian Liu Yu

[From Weishu 097.]

The island barbarian Liu Yu, courtesy name Deyu, was a native of Dantu in Jinling. It is unknown from where his ancestors set out from. Himself said they were originally natives of Pengcheng in Pengcheng. Some say their original family name was Xiang, and then changed to be the Liu clan, likewise it is not possible to trace them back. For that reasons they and the various Liu of Congting and Anshang are completely without a lineage sequence. Yu's family originally was low and minor, and lived in Jingkou, and routinely considered selling shoes to be their patrimony.

His thoughts and mood were vivid and piercing [?], was only just familiar with writing, and was [among] the times' mean and meagre. He once owed the Consultant of Agile Cavalry, Diao Kui's community 30 000 cash, passing through the season he did not return. Kui considered him without action, recorded and compelled and called him into account. The Senior Clerk of Agile Cavalry, Wang Mi, used cash to replace and return, the affair just then got completed. He was downcast and dispirited, and did not study the angles and corners.

2nd Year of Tianxing [399 AD], bogus Jin's Sima Dezong [Emperor An] dispatched his General who Assists the State, Liu Laozhi, to punish Sun En. Yu responded to the levy, and began as Laozhi's Army Advisor. En went north to rob Haiyan, Yu pursued and won over him. Due to his merits, he was slightly after moved to General who Establishes the Martial and Grand Warden of Xiapi.

Liu Laozhi punished Huan Xuan, Yu advised on his army affairs. Laozhi surrendered, Yu became Xuan's cousin Huan Xiu's Army Advisor of the Central Troops. Sun En died, his remaining multitudes pushed forward En's younger sisters husband Lu Xun as their master. Xuan dispatched Yu to conquer him. Yu routed Xun in Dongyang and Yongjia, Xun sailed the sea to run in flight. Added to Yu Interior Clerk of Pengcheng.

When Huan Xuan deposed Dezong and established himself, Yu secretly plotted with his younger brother Daogui, Liu Yi and He Wuji. to raise troops. Huan Xiu's younger brother Sizu was headquartered at Guangling, Daogui and Liu Yi had previously been subordinates of him.

At the beginning of Tianci [404 – 409], Yu with He Wuji and others waited at dawn for the city gates to open, and led the multitudes to behead Xuan's Inspector of Xu province, Huan Xiu, at Jingkou. That day, Liu Yi, Daogui and others likewise beheaded Sizu, and followed with gathering the multitudes and crossed the Jiang. The Grand Warden of Henei, Xin Huxing, the Grand Warden of Hengnong, Wang Yuande, and the General who Arouses Power, Zhong Houzhi likewise together with Yu overcame that day to defeat Xuan.

Yi's elder brother Mai at the time was at Jianye. Yi dispatched Zhou An to direct him. Mai was afraid and informed Xuan. Xuan dispatched the Grand Warden of Dunqiu, Wu Fuzhi, and the General of Guards of the Right, Huangfu Fu to go north and resist. Yu led the multitudes to lodge at Zhuli. He met Fuzhi at Jiangcheng. Yu held his long sword to enter his formation, and beheaded Fuzhi. He advanced to Luoluo Bridge, and also cut off Fu's head. Xuan sent Huan Xiu to garrison Dongling, Bian Fanzhi to garrison west of Fuzhou Mountain. Yu also routed them. Xuan was greatly afraid, and therefore took his sons and nephews to sail the Jiang and run south.

Yu entered to headquarter at Shitou, he used Dezong's Minister over the Masses, Wang Mi as Recording the Masters of Writing and acting Inspector of Yang province. He established a stay-behind government, and collected the hundred officials. Yu became Envoy Holding the Tally, Commander-in-Chief of Yang, Xu, Yan, Yu, Ji, You and Bing provinces, General of the Headquarter Army, and Inspector of Xu province. He ordered Daogui and others with the multitudes to pursue Xuan.

Yu following that set up fame and rank, he dispatched the Master of Writing Wang Gu and others to welcome Dezong, and burnt Huan Wen's spirit table outside of the Xuanyang gate. Soon after he killed the Supervisor of the Left of the Masters of Writing, Wang Yu, and his sons Sui, Na and others. Yu used Sima Zun as Great General, to inherit authority and enter to stay in the Eastern Palace. Excellencies, ministers and below could not but all do obeisance. Then there was a great amnesty, only Xuan and others were not included.

That night, the Minister over the Masses, Wang Mi, escaped and ran. Liu Yi, since his hands had taken away Dezong's signet and ribbon, [said they] ought to execute him. Yu, due to his kindness in repaying the cash,  requested to dismiss it. He therefore dispatched the Intendant of Danyang, Meng Chang, to welcome him.

Wuji and Daogui arrived at Sangluo Island, and routed Huan Xuan. The various generals advanced to occupy Xunyang. Added to Yu Commander-in-Chief of Jiang province. Liu Yu then defeated Huan Xuan at Zhengrong Island. Xuan therefore abandoned the multitudes, and alone on a single barge ran and fled. He clasped Dezong to run to Jiangling. Yu acted as Inspector of Qing province, and was to enter the hall with a hundred armoured and armed men.

Yi and others pacified Baling. Dezong returned to the rank at Jiangling, and changed the era to Yixi [“Righteous Splendour”]. When he returned to Jianye, Yu advanced to Palace Attendant, General of Chariots and Cavalry, Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs in the Centre and Outside, he made a show of yielding and did not accept. Added Recording the Affairs of the Masters of Writing, again he pretended not to accept.

He therefore set out to headquarter at Dantu, changing [his office] to Commander-in-Chief of Sixteen Provinces, the remainder like before, he also acted as [Inspector] of Yan province, and then gave up Qing province.

Lu Xun routed Guang province. Yu still used Xun as Inspector of Guang province, and his partisan Xu Daofu, a native of Langye, as Chancellor of Shixing. Yu also [became] Commander-in-Chief of Jiao and Guang provinces. Also enfeoffed Yu as Duke of Yuzhang commandery, with an estate of 10 000 households, and 30 000 bolts of tabby silk. Added to him Palace Attendant, and advanced his title to General of Agile Cavalry, Same Ceremonies as the Three Ministers.

Again advanced Yu to Inspector of Yang province, Recording the Affairs of the Masters of Writing, staying in the Eastern Office. Yu dispatched Liu Jingxuan to invade Shu, but he was defeated by Qiao Daofu. Therefore dismissed Jingxuan from office. Yu demoted himself to be General of the Centre Army, Opening Office like before.

At the beginning of Yongxing [409 – 413], Murong Chao greatly plundered north of the Huai, he seized Dezong's Grand Warden of Yangping, Liu Qianzai, and Grand Warden of Ji'nan, Zhaoyuan, Zhao Yuan. He drove away and carried off more than a thousand families and returned home. Yu therefore invaded Chao, and thereupon massacred Guanggu. He seized Chao, and beheaded his kings, dukes, and below, 3 000 people. He took more than 10 000 people and 2 000 horses and exterminated them in the city moat. He sent off Chao to Jianye and beheaded him.

While Yu was acting so, Xu Daofu recommended Lu Xun to bring about exploiting the absence and set out. Xun followed it. Hence the various commandery wardens of Nankang, Luling and Yuzhang all ran in flight. The Inspector of Jiang province, He Wuji, led the armies to arrive in Yuzhang, he was defeated in battle. At that time the crowd's opinion and wish was to cause Dezong to move north and cross the Jiang. Xun thereupon robbed within Xiang, he routed Liu Daogui at Changsha, and defeated Liu Yi at Sangluo Island. He rolled up the mat and went down [river].

Yu's generals Meng Chang and Zhuge Changmin recommended Yu to embrace Dezong and go beyond the Jiang. Yu did not follow. Chang said the affair would surely not succeed, and therefore killed himself. Yu sent out the resident people to rule from Shitou Fort. Daofu and others arrived, and immediately wished burn the ships at Xinting and Baishi Islet, and go up. Lu Xun said:

The great army has not yet arrived, Meng Chang readily disobeyed and killed himself. Using this and then push forward, Jianye soon ought to have a change, and still put on armour and defend it. Do not worry about not succeding.

He therefore garrisoned the army at Cai Islet.

Xun therefore led the multitudes, several ten thousand, to go up on the southern bank, and arrived in Danyang commandery. He thereupon burnt Jingkou, Jincheng and Gushu, and robbed and plundered Tuzhong, reaching Jiangning and Wuhu. Xun used Ruan Ci as Inspector of Yu province. Yu's Army Advisor of the Centre Army, Shang Jing [?], and the Interior Clerk of Xuancheng, Mao Xiuzhi, routed Ci at Gushu, and captured his supply wagons. Ci therefore withdrew.

Again added to Yu Grand Commandant, Overseer of the Palace Writers and Yellow Battle-axe. Yu accepted Yellow Battle-axe. Lu Xun having not fought, therefore announced to Daofu, saying:

The host is old, [we] can turn back and occupy Xunyang, combine power and take Jing provnice, calmly use the strength of two parts out of three to sail down and contend for the balance. We can still thereby succeed.

He therefore withdrew south from Cai Islet. Yu dispatched the General who Assists the State, Wang Chongde, and others to pursue him. Yu also dispatched the General who Establishes Power, Sun Jigao to lead the multitudes over the sea way to assault Panyu. Yu himself used a naval host to invade south. Jigao exploited the sea and combined marches, and soon arrived at Panyu.

Xun did not consider the sea way to be guarded against. As soon as [Jigao?] then [Xun?] was fear-struck. The multitudes therefore were greatly afraid. Jigao went up with all his strength, attacked them on four sides, and followed with massacring their city. Lu Xun's father Gu and the Senior Clerk, Sun Jianzhi both used light ships to run to Shixing.

Xun and Daofu led the multitudes and came down [river]. Yu's multitude armies struck them, Xun and others turned back to Xunyang. Xin wished to escape to Yuzhang, and therefore with all his strength palisaded and cut off Zuoli. Xun on a single barge straight-away turned back to Guang province. Daofu turned back to Shixing. Yu turned back, and became Great General, Shepherd of Yang province, with a squad of 20 swordsmen, original offices like before.

Xu Daofu arrived at Shixing, and still occupied the mountains and brooks. Liu Fan and others attacked him. Daofu first poisoned his wife and children and afterwards killed himself. Lu Xun arrived at Panyu, and gathered the multitudes to attack Jigao. Liu Fan dispatched Shen Tianzi to punish him. Xun ran in flight. His remaining multitudes followed the mountain roads to assault Hepu, they overcame it. He advanced to attack Jiaozhi. The Inspector of Jiao province, Du Huidu, fought again and again, and achieved victory. Xun threw himself in the water and died.

Yu used himself as Grand Commandant and Overseer of the Palace Writers. Yu killed the Supervisor of the Left of the Masters of Writing, Xie Hun, and the Inspector of Yan province, Liu Fan. Yu already had power and esteem, [but] readily in his breast had different aspirations. Since the Inspector of Jing province, Liu Yi quite had brave schemes, and also was occupying up-river, he in his heart feared and detested him. He thereupon himself campaigned against Yu, he dispatched the Army Advisor Wang Zhen'e and others to assault Jiangling.

Zhen'e arrived at Yuzhangkou, and burnt Yi's boats and warships. Yi's troops confronted [him] in battle but were not able to withstand. Zhen'e hurried to enter the outer city. At that time Yi was ill, and therefore was holed up in the inner city. Zhen'e burnt the various gates to attack him, his followers therefore scattered. Yi set out to flee from the northern gates, he hanged [himself] by the road-side. They beheaded his corpse in the market, and executed his sons and nephews.

Yu arrived at Jiangling. He executed the Colonel of the Southern Man, Xi Sengshi, the Army Consultant of Guards, Xie Shao, and others. Yu originally was low and minor, and did not take part in soldier squads. Reaching him monopolizing the times' government affairs, he readily revealed his opinion to kill and massacre, to thereby dominate timid subordinates. Earlier, due to his hatred of Diao Kui tying him up, he executed his brothers. Also, due to Wang Yu, Xie Hun and Xi Sengshi's followers equally all [having] the expectations of the times, he thereupon thoroughly murdered them. He divided off from Jing province to be Xiang province, Yu himself with overall supervision.

Yu turned back to the Eastern Office. He summoned Zhuge Changmin and withdrew from people [?] for idle talk. He secretly ordered strong soldiers, Ding Wu and others, to set out from behind the screen and haul him off from the seat. Changmin fell to the ground and died beside the couch. He likewise was envied due to his talent and valour.

The Inspector of Jing province, Sima Xiuzhi, had quite obtained the multitudes' hearts, Yu inside his breast was envious and frightened. In the 2nd Year of Shenrui [415 AD], he led the multitudes to punish him. He dispatched the Dragon Galloping General, Kuai En, and others as the van army. Yu advanced to acting Inspector of Jing province, additionally with Yellow Battle-axe. The Inspector of Yong province, Lu Zongzhi led his son Gui to meet with Xiuzhi at Jiangling. Gui and others' army was defeated. Therefore he and Xiuzhi together ran to Xiangyang. Yu himself acted as Colonel of the Southern Man. Xiuzhi and others ran to Yao Xing.

Yu became Grand Tutor and Shepherd of Yang province. [He could wear] sword and shoes in the high hall, enter court and not hurry, praise and bow with [saying his] name. He set up Senior Clerks of Left and Right, Marshal, and four Assistant Officer Palace Gentlemen, the remainder like before. Yu also acted as General who Pacifies the North and Inspector of Xu and Yan provinces. Added Controller of Nanqin province, soon after Controller of All Army Affairs in the Centre and Outside.

Yu had aspirations to upset and usurp Jin, and if he did not on the outside establish merit and fame, he feared people's expectations would not allow it. He there went west to invade Yao Hong. He himself acted as General who Conquers the West and Inspector of Si and Yu provinces, and soon after acted as Inspector of Beiyong province, added front and rear sections with feathered tassels, drums and pipes, and increased his squad of swordsmen to 40 people.

His son Yifu became General of the Centre Army, overseeing the stay-behind office affairs of the Grand Commandant, and was given one section of drums and pipes. The Supervisor of the Right, Liu Muzhi became Supervisor of the Left, Leading the Army, Army Minister of the Centre Army's Two Offices, to enter and reside in the Eastern Office, with the overall administration of inside and outside. Muzhi spoke to the Dragon Galloping General, Wang Zheng'e, saying:

His Excellency now has commission you Sir for Guanzhong, Sir should make an effort of it.

Zhen'e said:

[If] I now do not overcome Xianyang, [I] swear not to cross the Jiang. But if His Excellency's Nine Bestowments does not arrive, it is likewise the responsibility of you Sir.

Yu led the multitude armies to arrive at Pengcheng. Added General who Garrisons the North and Inspector of Xu province. He dispatched the Army Advisor of the Centre Troops, Shen Linzi to enter the He from the Bian; the Best of the Army, Tan Daoji with Wang Zhen'e to set out on foot from Huaifei, and Yu's general Wang Chongde to sail the Ji and enter the He. Dezong enfeoffed Yu with ten commanderies as Duke of Song, concurrently Chancellor of State and with the Nine Bestowments, usurping  the model of Wei and Jin in former affairs.

Wang Zhen'e advanced tp arrove at Yiyang, and alone took Tong Pass, Shen Linzhi from Xiangyi garrisoned at Shancheng. Yao Hong's various generals were unable to withstand. Beginning with Yu entering up from Hexi, Taizong [Mingyuan of Wei] dispatched Generals E Qing, Zhangsun Song and others to garrison at Hepan. Yu dispatched Zhu Chaoshi, Liu Rongzu and others to ferry over the He. Zhangsun Daosheng routed them, and seized and beheaded their general Yang Feng and others.

Yu dispatched Generals Wang Zhongde and Zhao Lunzhi to lead Shen Tianzi and others to enter the Wu Pass, and garrison the army at Qingni. Shen Linzi made use of the Qin Peaks to meet with Tianzi at Yaoliu City. Yao Hong led a multitude of several ten thousand, did not fight and turned back. Yu arrived at Guantou. Zhen'e arrived at the Wei bridge and routed Hong's army at Huangmen.

Yu arrived at Chang'an, he seized Yao Hong to thereby return home, beheading [him] in the Jianye market. Yu used his son Yizhen as Inspector of Yong province, headquartered at Xianyang. Advanced Yu to be King of Song, added ten commanderies, set up the hundred officials, singularly modelled after the old system. Yu turned back to Pengcheng.

Helian Qugai [Bobo] plundered Weiyang. Yizhen dispatched Shen Tianzi to led the army and punish him. Tianzi withdrew the army above the defiles. Zhen'e went towards Tianzi to consult with him. Tianzi beheaded Zhen'e outside his tent, and also killed his brothers and accompanying crowd, seven people. Tianzi hurried to turn back and said that Zhen'e had disloyal intentions. Yizhen's Senior Clerk, Wang Xiu seized and beheaded him.

Yizhen and his left and right often did not follow the law. Wang Xiu always disciplined and demoted [?] them. Left and right altogether resented [him] and reported to Yizhen, saying:

Wang Xiu, since Guanzhong is blocked by defiles, and troops and food are also sufficient, wishes to plan to turn rebel. [We] ought soon to plot against him.

Yizhen dispatched left and right to kill Xiu. Yu heard about it, and used Zhu Lingshi as Inspector of Yong province.

Yizhen set out from Chang'an, and wanted to flee to Jiangdong, the various generals competed to gather wealth and riches, they lodged at Bashang. Helian Chang led the multitudes to pursue them, and soon arrived at Qingni. Yizhen was greatly defeated. Kuai En and the Marshal who Calms the West, Mao Xiuzhi both were taken captive. The Army Advisor Duan Heng, his name violates Gaozu's temple taboo, on a single horse carried Yizhen to return home in flight. Zhu Lingshi likewise abandoned Chang'an, and ran to the Dragon Galloping General Wang Jingxian at Excellency Cao's old ramparts. Then the fort was taken, and he was captured and killed.

Dezong died, Yu established Dezong's younger brother Dewen [Emperor Gong]. Yu also added to himself 10 commanderies. Yu dispatched Marshal Fu Liang to proceed to Jianye, and cause himself to be summoned to enter and assist. Dewen abdicated his throne, and thereupon he titled himself as Song, and changed the era to be Yongchu [“Eternal Beginnings”]. At the time it was the 5th Year of Taichang [420 AD].

When Yu had usurped the establishment, he again and again requested peaceful relations. Taizong allowed it. 6th Year [421 AD], Yu dispatched his General of the Centre Army, Shen Fan, Suo Jisun and others to court with tribute. 7th Year, 5th Month, Yu died [on 26 June 422].