#yong fa brothers

[noonecaresaboutmyreview]

The Double - Cdrama Review

Hi everyone! I am back again with another historical chinese drama review! I first saw The Double on Netflix with only 12 episodes released. After binge watching all 12 episodes in 1 day, I was hooked and immediately re-subscribe to Youku for the full 40 episodes. Personally, no regrets there.

My all time favourite drama will always be Love Like the Galaxy and The Double have come close to being second. There are a lot of similarities between the two dramas that I am not mad about.

The Double is about Xue Fang Fei (Wu Jin Yan) who was betrayed by her husband Shen Yu Rong (Liang Yong Qi). He, along with the eldest princess, Princess Wanning, plotted to annihilate the Xue family (her father and younger brother). She was saved by the daughter of the Secretariat Director, Jiang Li would was sent away in the mountains due to a false accusation. There original Jiang Li died and Xue Fang Fei took over her identity for her own revenge and to avenge original Jiang Li's death. She meets Duke Su (Wang Xing Yue) who took her as his pawn to fight against the corruption in the imperial court and defeat a potential rebellion that was bound to happen.

This review is going to be a long one, with spoilers.

Story: I love that there was no boring episodes. Each episode moved quickly and the revenge plot remained the main plot. I have a habit of fast-forwarding scenes especially for cdramas but I barely did it here. Each episode kept me at the edge of my seat. I love how each scheme, both from the good and bad side of the drama is cleverly plotted. No lazy plots here.

The romance in this one is slow-burn but not boring. Each interacting Xue Fang Fei had with Duke Su was intense. I am impress by how we could see their chemistry without them even physically touching or using romantic words. The drama is also good at showing us stories about the villains. They all have back stories and reasons to why they turn out that way. Of course, it didn't evoke sympathy when they finally got their retribution but it is good to know that no one was born evil.

Characters:

My favourite character in this drama is Xue Fang Fei. She was a good wife to her husband until he decides to murder her. When she came back with a vengeance, she did not hesitate to scheme and take opportunities. She is not too proud to ask help from Duke Su as she knows that she alone is not influential enough to carry out her plan. Every action she makes serves a purpose, but she always make sure that she doesn't hurt the innocent.

Wu Jin Yan was the perfect Xue Fang Fei. It was my first time watching her and she impressed me. Her eyes showed a lot of anger and pain yet her demeanour is always calm. She is eloquent and has a sharp tongue. I love that she is not so blinded by her revenge that she becomes reckless.

Oh Duke Su, Duke Su. He reminds me so much of Ling Bu Yi from Love Like the Galaxy. He is a loyal servant of the Emperor whom he's friends with since childhood. He is ruthless and always alone with his two trusted guards. He always carry this ice cold stern expression. Nothing seems to amuse him other than his own play that he orchestrate with his own pawns.

Wang Xing Yue as Duke Su is the perfect casting. I watched him in Story of Kunning Place and wasn't too wow-ed by him there. But here, his acting is so mature and strong; I am surprised by how young he really is. And thank you to whomever who thought his character needed eyeliner cause it make him look more vicious and charming.

Their relationship and how it developed was everything. They didn't even kiss till the last episode but I could feel the love and trust they had for each other. Their conversation turns from a push and pull to full on flirting. They never hide their attraction and worry for each other. Duke Su never tried to "baby" Xue Fang Fei in the name of protection. He trust that she is capable enough. When there are scenes of jealousy, Duke Su was never aggressive nor blame Xue Fang Fei. He was her safe place where she knows she could go to. Duke Su was a whole green forest.

Just simple gestures like this was enough to make my own heart flutter. Ah the chemistry.

Xue Fang Fei + Duke Su love story is very much on par with Cheng Shao Shang + Ling Bu Yi to me.

Special mentions to Princess Wanning and Shen Yu Rong. Their scenes together make me so uncomfortable, like I am watching a man cheating on his dead wife.

Princess Wanning as a character was complex. She was a hostage princess before she was rescued. When she was a hostage, she was tortured and beaten to the point where she cannot bear children anymore. When she is finally free, she feels the need to overpower everyone. She will get rid of anyone that gets in her way. She would make the perfect evil princess, except, she fell in love.

Out of all the villains in this drama, the one I hate the most and have zero sympathy for is Shen Yu Rong. He was a poor scholar who wanted to work for the imperial court. He had to work really hard to get to his position and he always blamed his poor background for the disadvantage he faces. When Princess Wanning took a liking towards him and ordered his family to kill his wife, he did it with the excuse that he is powerless to go against the royal family. When Xue Fang Fei came back as Jiang Li, he kept his head down and went with it because he doesn't want to face the guilt of killing his own wife.

To me, where he lost it all was when he got angry that Xue Fang Fei likes Duke Su. He started to plan and scheme and kill, with the excuse to protect Xue Fang Fei. He truly lost his way and had a terrible case of victim mentally.

But I got to praise Liang Yong Qi. He acted very well as Shen Yu Rong. It was very hard to tell how he truly feels. It was hard to tell if he truly cares about Xue Fang Fei, if he did like Princess Wanning or he was just became a terrible person. Shen Yu Rong always had this dead eyes with no emotions, it was creepy. Amazing.

Overall, this drama was surprisingly impressive. The costumes, make-up and accessories were all so charming. The scenes are shot beautifully. With a good script, plot and good acting, The Double is a good drama to watch.

Rating: 4.9/5

-- Fary

[olgapoppyfield]

[bookofjin]

From the Annals of Guangwu

[From HHS001. Commentary in (italics) by Li Xian (655 - 684)]

The Generational Founder [shizu](1),the Shining and Martial[guangwu] August Emperor, taboo Xiu, courtesy name Wenshu, was a native of Caiyang in Nanyang(2). He was a ninth generation descendant of Gaozu, springing forth from Emperor Jing who begot King Ding of Changsha, Fa(3). Fa begot Marquis Jie of Chongling, Mai (4). Mai begot the Grand Warden of Yulin, Wai(5). Wai begot the Chief Commandant of Julu(6), Hui. Hui begot the Prefect of Nandun, Qin(7). Qin begot Guangwu. Guangwu was aged nine sui when he became an orphan [in 4 AD], and was raised by his junior uncle Liang.

He was seven chi, three cun tall. He had a beautiful beard and eyebrows, a big mouth, arched nose, and a “sun horn” forehead(8)[A]. He was by nature attentive to sowing and harvesting(9). However his older brother Bosheng was fond of gallantry and supporting gentlemen, he often frowned at Guangwu's affairs and farming activites, and compared him to Gaozu's older brother Zhong(10). Middle of Wang Mang's Tianfeng era [14 – 19](11), he therefore went to Chang'an. He took in the Highest Documents and roughly gained access to their great righteousness.

(1: The rites: “A Founder has merit, and an Exemplar has virtue.” Guangwu was a restorer, and for that reason his temple was called the Generational Founder. The rules of posthumous titles: “To be able to carry on a prior legacy is called Shining. To overcome and settle calamity and chaos is called Marital.” Marquis Fu's Commentary on the Past and Present says: “The character of xiu秀 refers to the blooming and accomplished. Bo 伯 [lit. “Elder”], zhong仲 [“middle”], 叔shu [“third”], and ji季 [“last”] is the sequence of older and younger brothers. The oldest brother was Bosheng, and next was Zhong. For that reason his courtesy name was Wenshu.)

(2: Nanyang was a commandery, now a county in Deng province. Caiyang was a county. The old city is now south-west of Sui province's Zaoyang county.)

(3: Changsha was a commandery, now a county in Tan province.)

(4: Chongling was the name of a district, originally belonging to Lingling's Lingdao county, which is located now north of Yong永 province's Tangxing county. In the time of Emperor Yuan they moved to Nanyang, but kept the title Chongling. The old city is now east of Sui province's Zaoyang county. The affair is drawn up in the Account of Four Kings from the Ancestral House.)

(5: Yulin was commandery, now a county in Gui貴 province. The Former Book says: “Commandery Warden was a Qin official, his salalry was two thousand shi. Emperor Jing altered the name to Grand Warden.)

(6: Julu was a commandery, now a county in Xing邢 province. The Former Book says: “Chief Commandant, originally Commandery Commandant, was a Qin official. He was in charge of aiding the Warden, and directed military duties. His salary was equal to two thousand shi. Emperor Jing altered the name to Chief Commandant.)

(7: Nandun was a county belonging to Nan commandery. The old city is now west of Chen province's Xiangcheng county. The Former Book says: “Prefects and Elders were both Qin officials. [Counties] ten thousand households and above had a Prefect, his salary was between a thousand shi and six hundred shi. [Counties] not fully ten thousand households had an Elder, his salary was between five hundred shi and three hundred shi.)

(8: “Arched” is high. Xu Fu states: “The nostril tip is the nose.” Zheng Xuan's Commentary on the Middle Marquis of the Highest Documents states: “With 'sun horn' one speaks of the bones in the middle of courtyard [?] rising up, shaped like the sun.)

[A: In physiognomy, a “sun horn” refers to the centre of the frontal bone being raised into a sun-like shape.]

(9: Planting is called “sowing”. Collecting is called “harvesting”.)

(10: Zhong is the Marquis of Heyang, Xi, his abilities were in the profession of production. See the Former Book.)

(11: In Wang Mang's 6th Year of Shijianguo [14 AD], he changed [the era] to Tianfeng.)

(12: The Records of the Eastern Watchtower says: “He took in the Highest Documents from the Middle Grandee Xu Ziwei of Lujiang. When his wealth was spent and gone, he and his fellow resident scholar Master Han combined their money to buy a donkey. They made it move for hire, and used it to provide for their various public expenses.)

At the end of Mang there were Under Heaven continuous years with calamities and disasters, robbers and bandits rose up in swarm(1). 3rdYear of Dihuang [22 AD](2), Nanyang was desolated and hungering(3), and many of the various families' retainers became minor bandits. Guangwu escaped the magistrates in Xinye, and following that sold grain in Wan(5). Natives of Wan, Li Tong and others, used maps and prophecies to advise Guangwu, stating:

The Liu clan rises again, the Li clan will help!(6)

Guangwu at first did not dare to attend to it, however alone he recalled his old brother Bosheng had a long-standing connection with carefree guests, and would surely raise up the great affair. Moreover, Wang Mang's defeat and destruction was already foretold, and Under Heaven would soon be in chaos. Thereupon he and them settled their plans, and he hence traded for military crossbows.

10th Month[A], he and Li Tong's junior cousin Yi and others rose up at Wan. At the time he was aged twenty-eight.

(1: The text tells that the thieves pointed鋒 and sharp contended to rise up. The character is sometimes written 蜂, the analogies are many.)

[The characters 鋒,“spear-point”, and 蜂,“bee”, “bee-swarm”, have the same sound. I have therefore chosen to translate 鋒起 as synonymous to 蜂起 “rose up in swarm”.]

(2: 6th Year of Tianfeng [19 AD], changed [the era] to Dihuang.)

(3: The Outer Accounts on the Han Poetry says: “The first time the grain does not ripen is called a dearth. The second time the grain does not ripen is called a hunger. The third time the grain does not ripen is called a scarcity. The fourth time the grain does not ripen is called a desolation. The fifth time the grain does not ripen is called a great famine.)

(4: Xinye belonged to Nanyang commandery, now a county in Deng province. The Continued Book of Han says: “Bosheng's retainers plundered people. The Sovereign escaped the magistrates at the house of Deng Chen of Xinye.)

(5: The Records of the Eastern Watchtower says: “At the time there was in Nanyang drought and hunger, and the Sovereign's fields alone were harvested.” Wan was a county belonging to Nanyang commandery. The old city is now Deng province's Nanyang county.)

(6: “Maps” is the River Map. “Prophecies” are books of auspicious fate. The prophecies were proof. The text tells that one who is king accepts verified proofs of fate. The Map of the Spirit of the Changes' Kun [hexagram] says: “Han's subject Li Yang.”)

[A: It's not entirely clear to me if the text is using the Xin calendar, or retroactively the Han calendar. The 10th Month was 15 October – 12 November 22 in the Xin calendar and 13 November – 12 December in the Han calendar.]

11th Month [A], there was a comet in the Extension [lunar lodge](1). Guangwu thereupon brought along his retainers to turn back to Chongling. At the time Bosheng had already assembled the multitudes and risen with his troops. Earlier, the sons and brothers of the various families were apprehensive and afraid, everyone absconded and fled to hide themselves, saying

Bosheng has killed us!

When they saw Guangwu's scarlet clothes and great cap(2), all in surprise said:

The prudent and solid one is also then doing it.

Then they somewhat calmed themselves. Bosheng hence summoned the Xinshi and Pinglin Troops(3), and together with their leaders Wang Feng and Chen Mu went west to strike Changju [“Chang Settlement”](4).

Guangwu at first rode an ox, he killed the Commandant of Xinye and therefore obtained a horse(5). He advanced to slaughter Tangzi district(6), and also killed the Commandant of Huyang(7).

Within the army they allotted the wealth and things unfairly. The multitudes were livid and resentful, they wished to turn around and attack the Lius. Guangwu collected the things obtained by the people of his clan, and fully gave them out to them. The multitudes were therefore happy.

He advanced to take Jiyang. He and Wang Mang's Grandee of the Van Passage[sui隊](9), Zhen Fu, and the Subordinates Corrector Liangqiu Ci(10) at Xiao-Chang'an [“Little Chang'an”](11). The Han army was greatly defeated and turned back to protect Jiyang.

[A: 13 November – 12 December in the Xin calendar, 13 December – 10 January 23 in the Han calendar.]

(1 The Former Book's Sounds and Meanings says: “A comet shines rapidly and short, in a tumble-weed way. “Extension” is the lunar lodge of the souther region.” The Treatise of Continued Han says: “Extension is the land of Zhou. The comet was in Extension, and travelled south-east to precisely the division of Wing and Chassis. Wing and Chassis are the land of Chu. Thus the land of Chu was about to have warfare and chaos. One year later, in the 1st Month, Guangwu rose with troops in Chongling, attacked Nanyang, beheaded Fu, Ci, and others, and killed their multitude soldiers, several ten thousand people. Guangwu's capital was Luoyang, which is located in the land of Zhou. It was an apparition of removing the overgrown and spreading out the new.”)

(2: Dong Ba's Treatise on Carriages and Dress says: “The 'great cap' refers to the military cap, The cap of military officials.” “The Sovereign at the time [wore] scarlet clothes and great cap, a General's dress.”)

(3: Xinye was a county belonging to Jiangxia commandery. The old city is now south-east of Ying province's Fushui county. Pinglin was the name of an area, it is now north-east of Sui province's Sui county.)

(4: The Guangya says: “jù 聚 [“settlement”, MC: dz- + -ju C] is a location. Pronounced cí 慈[MC: dz- + -i A] +yù 諭 [MC: (y- + -ju C].” The Former Book's Sounds and Meanings says: “Smallerr than a district is called a 'settlement'”.)

(5: The Former Book says: Commandant was a Qin official, his salary was between four hundred shi and 200 shi.)

(6: The Norms says: “When many are executed and killed it is called “slaughter”. Tangzi district has Tangzi Mountain. It is now south-west of Tang province's Huyang county.)

(7: Huyang belonged to Nanyang commandery, now a county in Tang province. The Records of the Eastern Watchtower says: “Liu Zhong falsely claimed to be a magistrate of Jiangxia, and persuaded them to kill him." [that is, the locals to kill the Commandant])

(8: The name of a county, belonging to Nanyang commandery, it was on the sunny-side of the Ji River. The ancient state of Xie. The old city is now north-west of Tang province's Huyang county. Jí棘 [MC: k- + -ik D] is pronounced jǐ己[MC: k- + -i B] + lì力[MC: l- + -ik D].)

(9: Wang Mang set up six passages[sui隊], and in [each] commandery set up one Grandee with duties like a Grand Warden. Nanyang was the Van Passage. Henei was the Rear Passage. Yingchuan was the Left Passage. Hongong was the Right Passage. Hedong was the Altar Passage, and Xingyang was the Prayer Passage. 隊 is pronounced suì遂.)

(10: Wang Mang in each passage set up one Subordinates Corrector with duties like a Chief Commandant.)

(11: The Continued Book of Han says that Yuyang county has a Xiao-Chang'an Settlement. The old city is now south of Deng province's Nanyang county.)

[the-archlich]

What would be you ideal roster for Shu be for Dynasty Warriors?

DW9 gives Shu 24 characters so:

Liu Bei

Lady Gan

Empress Wu

Zhuge Liang

Zhuge Zhan

Lady Huang

Guan Yu

Zhang Fei

Zhao Yun

Fa Zheng

Jian Yong

Ma Liang

Ma Su

Liu Feng

Wei Yan

Yang Yi

Ma Zhong

Wang Ping

Zhang Ni

Fei Yi

Jiang Wei

Zhang Yi

Liao Hua

Wu Yi

Most of these should be fairly obvious. For the others, I want to highlight conflicts. Either conflicts within a character (so you’ve got guys like Fa Zheng and Yang Yi to draw out the worst in people like Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang) or within the faction (so you’ve got Empress Wu and Wu Yi to represent the Yi side of the Yi vs. Jing conflict within Shu). Some are here mostly because they’re good foils for others (the Ma brothers and Zhuge Liang, Liu Feng and Liu Bei, etc.) All of them (with perhaps one or two arguable exceptions) are here because of historical merits or importance, aside from what they provide in terms of character dynamics.

[writinggeisha]

Aiguo                   love country; patriotic

An                        peace

Angúo                  protect the country

Bai                       white

Bingwen              bright and cultivated

Bo                        waves

Bohai                   elder brother sea

Bojing                  win admiration

Bolin                    elder brother rain

Boqin                   win respect

Changpu              forever simple

Chanming            forever bright

Chao                    surpassing

Chaoxiang            expecting fortune

Chen                    vast or great

Cheng                  accomplished

Chenglei               become great

Cheung                good luck

Chi                       the younger generation

Chongan              second brother peace

Chongkun            second brother Kunlun mountain

Chonglin              second brother unicorn

Chuanli                transmitting propriety

Chung                  intelligent

Délì                      virtuous

Déshì                    a man of virtue

Déwei                  highly virtuous

Da                        attainment

Dai                       martial arts sword technique

Delun                   virtuous order

Deming                virtue bright

Dingbang             protect the country

Dingxiang            stability and fortune

Dong                    east; winter

Donghai               eastern sea

Duyi                     independent wholeness

Enlai                     favor coming

Fa                         setting off

Fai                        growth; beginning of fly

Fang                     honest and upright

Feng                     sharp blade; wind

Fengge                 phoenix pavilion

Fu                         wealthy

Fuhua                   fortune flourishing

Gan                      dare; adventure

Gang                    strength

Geming                revolution

Gen                      root

Genghis                just, righteous; true

Guang                  light

Guangli                making propriety bright

Gui                       honored; noble

Guiren                  valuing benevolence

Guoliang              may the country be kind

Guotin                  polite, firm; strong leader

Guowei                state preserving

Guozhi                 the state is ordered

Hai                       sea

He                        Yellow river

Heng                    eternal

Ho                        for the good

Hong                    great; wild swan

Honghui               great splendor

Hongqi                 red flag

Hop                      agreeable

Huan                    happiness

Huang Fu             rich future

Hui                       splendor

Hulin                    people of the Marrim city clan

Hung                    flood; great

Huojin                  fire metal

Jaw-long              like a dragon

Jian                       healthy

Jiang                     Yangtze river

Jianguo                 building the country

Jianjun                  building the army

Jianyu                   building the universe

Jin                        gold

Jing                      capital city

Jingguo                administering the state

Jinhai                    golden sea

Jinjing                  gold mirror

Jun                       truth

Junjie                    handsome and outstanding

Kang                    well-being

Keung                  universe

Kong                    glorious, sky

Lì                         strength

Lei                        thunder

Li                         upright

Liang                    bright

Liang                    good, excellent

Liko                     protected by Buddha

Ling                     compassion or understanding

Liu                       flowing

Liwei                    profit and greatness

Lok                      happiness

Longwei               dragon greatness

Manchu                pure

Ming-húa             brilliant, elite

Mingli                  bright propriety

Ming-tun              intelligent; heavy

Minsheng             voice of the people

Minzhe                 sensitive and wise

Nianzu                 thinking of ancestors

On                        peace

Park                      the cypress tree

Peng                     Roc - the bird of legend

Pengfei                 flight of the roc

Ping                      stable

Qi                         enlightenment; wondrous

Qianfan                thousand sails

Qiang                   strong

Qingshan              celebrating goodness

Qingsheng            celebrating birth

Qiquiang              enlightenment and strength

Qiu                       autumn

Quan                    fresh water spring

Quon                    bright

Renshu                 benevolent forbearance

Rong                    martial

Ru                        scholar

Shàoqiáng            strong and profound

Shìlín                    intellectual

Shan                     mountain

Shanyuan             mountain source

Shen                     cautious; deep

Shen                     spirit; deep thought

Shi                        front horizontal bar on carriage or cart

Shing                    victory

Shining                 world at peace

Shirong                scholarly honor

Shoi-ming            life of sunshine

Shoushan             longevity mountain

Shunyuan             follow to the source

Shu-sai-chong      happy all his life long

Siyu                      thinking of the world

Sueh-yén              continuity; harmonious

Sying                    star

Tao                       great waves

Tengfei                 soaring high

Tingzhe                may the court be wise

Tsun-chùng          middle village

Tung                     all, universal

Wang                   hope, wish

Wei                      greatness; impressive might

Weimin                bring greatness to the people

Weisheng             greatness is born

Weiyuan               preserving depth

Weizhe                 great sage

Wencheng            refinement accomplished

Wenyan                refined and virtuous

Wing                    glory

Wuzhou               five continents 

Xiang                   circling in air like a bird

Xianliang             worthy brightness

Xiaobo                 little wrestler

Xiaodan               little dawn

Xiaojian               little healthy

Xiaosi                   filial thoughts

Xiaowen              filial, civil

Xiasheng              little birth

Xin                       new

Xing                     arising

Xiu                       cultivated

Xue                      studious

Xueqin                 snow-white celery

Xueyou                studious and friendly

Yang                    model; pattern

Yanlin                  swallow forest; Beijing forest

Yaochuan             honoring the river

Yaoting                honoring the courtyard

Yaozu                  honoring the ancestors

Ye                        bright

Yi                         firm and resolute

Yingjie                 brave and heroic

Yingpei                should admire

Yong                    brave

Yongliang            forever bright

Yongnian             eternal years

Yongrui                forever lucky

Yongzheng          forever upright

You                      friend

Yuanjun               master of the Yuan river

Yunxu                  cloudy emptiness

Yusheng               jade birth

Zedong                east of the marsh

Zemin                   favor to the people

Zenguang             increasing brightness

Zhìxin                  a man of ambition

Zhìyuan                ambition

Zhen                     greatly astonished; shake

Zhengzhong         upright and loyal

Zhensheng           may the government rise

Zhihuán                ambitious

Zhiqiang               the will is strong

Zhong                  loyal; steadfast

Zian                      self peace

Zihao                    son heroic

Zixin                    self confidence

[dethdealer12345-blog]

The Hanzhong Campaign (217-219) and the ‘Battle of Han River’.

The battle of Han River is a strange thing in history.

Set during the early Three Kingdoms period, before the Three Kingdoms had even formed proper. The battle takes place in Hanzhong Commandery between the warlords Cao Cao and Liu Bei. To anyone who knows of the time period, be it through historical texts, games, novels, etc this should be sounding familiar.

I myself love the time period, and it was while looking through historical sources that I noticed a discrepancy.

The following is what I have found as well as my thoughts.

The Hanzhong Campaign according to Sanguozhi

Liu Bei's Biography

In 215 AD, Liu Bei had conquered Yizhou, Sun Quan sent an ambassador to him to ask for Jingzhou. Liu Bei replied:

"I need to conquer Liangzhou before I can offer Jingzhou."

Sun Quan was angry and asked Lu Meng to attack Changsha, Guiyang, and Lingling. Liu Bei led fifty thousand troops to Gong'an and asked Guan Yu to station in Yiyang. During this year, Cao Cao settled Hanzhong while Zhang Lu escaped to Ba Xi.

When Liu Bei heard of this, he asked for peace with Sun Quan and offered to divide up the Jingzhou prefecture: Jiangxia, Changsha, and North Guiyang were given to Wu, while he kept Nanjun, Lingling, and West Wuling.

Liu Bei then returned his troops to Jiangzhou and sent Huang Quan to accept Zhang Lu. But Zhang Lu had already surrendered to Cao Cao. Cao Cao asked Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He to station in Hanzhong and attack the Ba (Shu) border. Liu Bei ordered Zhang Fei to lead troops to Yanchu and fight Zhang He at Wakou pass. Zhang He was defeated and retreated to Nanzheng, capital of Hanzhong. Liu Bei returned to Chengdu.

In 218, Liu Bei took all his subordinates to attack Hanzhong and asked Wu Lan and Lei Tong to conquer Wu Du. However, they both were defeated and killed by Cao Cao's troops. Liu Bei stationed at Yangping Pass and confronted Xiahouo Yuan and Zhang He.

In the sping of 219, Liu Bei at the south of Yangping Pass passed across the Mian river and camped at Dingjun mountain. Xiahou Yuan came to take the area of Zou Ma valley. Liu Bei ordered Huang Zhong to attack Xiahou Yuan at the height of the battle drums. Xiahou Yuan as well as Ci the Inspector of Yizhou Zhao Yu, were defeated and killed by Huang Zhong. Cao Cao led his troops south to attack Liu Bei. Liu Bei said:

"Cao Cao is now coming but he is no threat to us anymore. I will soon have Han Chuan within my grasp."

When Cao Cao arrived, Liu Bei did not attack but continued to defend his camp. Many troops were deserting away from Cao Cao's side. By the time of summer, Cao Cao finally retreated and Liu Bei conquered Hanzhong. Liu Bei sent Liu Feng, Meng Da, and Li Yan to attack Shen Dan in Shangyong who later surrendered.

Zhang Fei's biography

Cao Cao defeated Zhang Lu, and left Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He to defend the Han valley. Zhang He led several battalions separately down to Baxi, intending to evacuate the locals to Hanzhong. He advanced to Dangqu, Mengtou, Dangshi, and opposed Zhang Fei for some fifty days. Zhang Fei directed more than 10,000 elite soldiers through an alternate route to intercept Zhang He. In the narrow and treacherous mountain paths, without any chance of aid from either van or rear, Zhang Fei subsequently defeated Zhang He. Zhang He abandoned Mount Mayuan and retreated with little more than ten men through a minor path, leading the troops back to Nanzheng. The land of Ba was thus able to gain peace. Liu Bei became King of Hanzhong and assigned Zhang Fei General of the Right, with insignia bestowed.

Huang Zhong's biography

In 219, Huang Zhong attacked Xiahou Yuan at Mount Dingjun in Hanzhong. Xiahou Yuan's troops were elite but on every charge Huang Zhong was at the forefront, to rouse his soldiers. The drums roused the Heavens and the roar of the soldiers resonated through the gorges. At the first clash Xiahou Yuan was beheaded and his troops greatly defeated. Huang Zhong was promoted to the position of General who Subdues the West. That year, Liu Bei became King of Hanzhong and wished to make Huang Zhong General of the Rear. Zhuge Liang advised Liu Bei saying:

"Huang Zhong's presitge never matched that of Guan Yu or Ma Chao. But now he is their equal. Ma Chao and Zhang Fei are by your side, have seen his meritorious service and will understand your choice. But when Guan Yu hears from afar, I fear that he will not be happy. This cannot be had."

Liu Bei said:

"I will resolve this myself."

Then Huang Zhong was promoted to the same level as Guan Yu and the others, and was enfeoffed as a Marquis of the Imperial Domain.

Fa Zheng's biography

In 217, Fa Zheng said to Liu Bei:

"With one blow Cao Cao compelled Zhang Lu to surrender and settled Hanzhong, but he did not follow up his advantage by invading Ba and Shu. All he has done is leave Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He to guard the place, while he himself suddenly goes back to the north. It is not that he is foolish, nor that he is weak. He must have some secret cause for anxiety. Now think about Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He. They are no match for our officers. If you raise an army and attack, you will surely defeat them."

"When you have done that, encourage farming and build stores of grain, look for some grievance and await opportunity. At best, you will overturn the enemy and preserve the royal house; at the second level, you may nibble away at Yong and Liang provinces ans so extend your territory; and at the very least, you can set a firm guard on the strategic points and secure yourself a long time to come. This is a chance from Heaven. You must not let it pass!"

Liu Bei was delighted with his plan. He then led all his officers and troops to Hanzhong. Fa Zheng also traveled with. In 219, Liu Bei from Yang Ping crossed the Mian River. He entered the mountain range and set up an encampment at Dingjun. Xiahou Yuan brought his troops to contend this ground. Fa Zheng said:

"We can strike."

Liu Bei then instructed Huang Zhong beat the drums and ride the cavalry to attack them. He greatly defeated Xiahou Yuan's army and took his head.

Cao Cao brought the army west. When he heard of Fa Zheng's plan he said:

"I knew Xuande (Liu Bei) was unable to accomplish this, someone else was teaching him."

Liu Bei made himself the King of Han Zhong and set up Fa Zheng as Prefect Imperial Secretariat and General who  Protects the Army. That year he died at age 45.

A note at the end of his biography tells the following story.

Liu Bei and Cao Cao fought and the progress was slow. The idea to withdraw was voiced. Liu Bei then became very angry and would not withdraw and no one would dare object. The arrows poured down like rain so Fa Zheng stood in front of the Liu Bei. Liu Bei said:

"Xiaozhi (Fa Zheng) avoid the arrows."

Fa Zheng said:

"My enlightened lord braves the arrows and stones himself, so how can a servant like me not do so?"

Liu Bei responded:

"Xiaozhi, you and I will leave together."

And so they withdrew.

Liu Feng's Biography

In 219, orders sent Meng Da from Zigui to go north to attack Fangling, and Administrator of Fangling Kuai Qi was by Meng Da's troops killed. Meng Da was about to advance and attack Shangyong, But Liu Bei secretly feared Meng Da was difficult to be entrusted alone, and therefore sent Liu Feng from Hanzhong to ride the Mian river down to join Meng Da's army, with Meng Da meeting at Shangyong.

Shen Dan, Administrator of Shangyong, led his army to surrender, sending his wives and children and clansmen to Chengdu as hostages. Liu Bei added office to Shen Dan as General who Conquers the North, with office as Administrator of Shangyong and fief as Marquis of Yuanxiang as before, and appointed Shen Dan's younger brother Shen Yi as General Establishing Faith and Administrator of Xiheng, and sent Liu Feng as General of the Assistant Army.

Zhou Qun's Biography

Liu Bei wished to fight with Cao Cao over Hanzhong, and asked Zhou Qun. Zhou Qun answered:

"You can obtain its land, but not its people. If you send out a separate supporting army you will certainly be unsuccessful. You must be cautious!"

At the time Yizhou's Rear Division Major Zhang Yu of Shu-jun was skilled with weather based divination, and his innate talent surpassed Zou Qun, and he remonstrated Liu Bei:

"You cannot fight for Hanzhong. The army will certainly be unsuccessful."

Liu Bei did not use Zhang Yu's words, and indeed obtained the territory but not its people. Generals Wu Lan, Lei Tong, and others entered Wudu as a separate supporting force, and all died and did not return, all as Zhou Qun had said. Therefore Zhou Qun was nominated as Maocai "Abundant Talent."

Wang Ping's Biography

Followed Cao Cao on campaign to Hanzhong, and because he surrendered to Liu Bei was appointed Ivory Gate General and Supplementary General.

Cao Cao's Biography

Liu Bei sent Zhang Fei, Ma Chao, Wu Lan, and others to garrison Xiabian. Cao Hong was sent to counter them.

Cao Hong defeated Wu Lan and beheaded his general Ren Kui and others. In the third month, Zhang Fei and Ma Chao fled to Hanzhong. The Di of Yinping, Qiang Rui killed Wu Lan and presented his head.

In the seventh month, autumn, there were held military exercises for the subsequent western campaign against Liu Bei. In the ninth month, he reached Chang'an.

In 219, in the first month, Xiahou Yuan battled with Liu Bei at Yangping and was killed by Liu Bei.

In the third month, Cao Cao advanced from Xie Gorge, ordered his army to secure strategic points, approached Hanzhong and subsequently reached Yangping. Liu Bei held out in the defense of the difficult terrain.

In the fifth month, summer, he led the army in withdrawel to Chang'an.

Xiahou Yuan's Biography

When Zhang Lu surrendered, Hanzhong was pacified, and Xiahou Yuan was appointed Acting General of Regional Defense with command over Zhang He, Xu Huang, and others to pacify Ba Jun. Cao Cao returned to Ye, leaving Xiahou Yuan to defend Han Zhong and appointed Xiahou Yuan General who Conquers the West.

In 218, Liu Bei' army entered Yangping pass. Xiahou Yuan sent the officers to resist him, and they faced one another and defended through the year.

In 219, first moon, Liu Bei in the night set fire to the camp barricades. Xiahou Yuan sent Zhang He to defend the eastern side, and personally led light troops to defend the southern sides. Liu Bei advanced and battled Zhang He, and Zhang He's army was unsuccessful. Xiahou Yuan divided his troops and sent half to assist Zhang He, but was attacked by Liu Bei. Xiahou Yuan therefore died in battle.

Cao Xiu's Biography

Liu Bei sent his General Wu Lan to camp at Xiabian, Cao Cao sent Cao Hong to attack them, with Cao Xiu as Cavalry Commandant and Adviser to Cao Hong's army. Cao Cao said to Cao Xiu:

"Though you are the army's advisor, in fact you are the commander."

Cao Hong heard this order, and also entrusted matters to Cao Xiu,

In 218, Liu Bei sent Zhang Fei to camp at Gushan, wishing to cut off the army's rear. Everyone discussed and was unsure, and Cao Xiu said:

"If the rebels truly were cutting off the road, they would hide troops and move secretly. Now instead they first make noise  to show strength, so this cannot be. We should while they are not yet gathered, urgently strike Wu Lan. If Wu Lan is destroyed then Zhang Fei will himself flee."

Cao Hong followed this, advanced troops to strike Wu Lan, greatly defeated them, and Zhang Fei indeed fled.

In 219, Cao Cao evacuated Hanzhong, the various armies returned to Chang'an, and appointed Cao Xiu as Central Manager of the Army.

Cao Zhen's Biography

As an Assistant-General he commanded troops to strike Liu Bei's separate division Generals at Xiabian, defeated them, and was promoted to Central Firm General. He followed to Chang'an, with command as Central Manager of the Army.

At that time, 219, Xiahou Yuan perished at Yangping, and Cao Cao mourned him. Cao Zhen became Protector of the Army campaigning against Shu, commanding Xu Huang and others to defeat Liu Bei's seperate division General Gao Xiang at Yangping.

Cao Cao reached Hanzhong, pulled back the various armies, sending Cao Zhen to Wudu to call back Cao Hong and the rest to return to garrison Chencang.

Xu Huang's Biography

Cao Cao returned to Ye, leaving Xu Huang with Xiahou Yuan to resist Liu Bei at Yangping. Liu Bei sent Chen Shi and others with over 10 battalions to cut off Mamingge road, bu Xu Huang separately campaigned and defeated them, and the rebels threw themselves into the mountain valley, and many died.

Cao Cao heard of this and was deeply pleased, gave Xu Huang a Staff of Authority, and the Order said:

"This road is Hanzhong's vital throat. Liu Bei wished to cut off the outside and inside, in order to capture Hanzhong. You General in one move overcame and defeated the rebel plans, and are the greatest of the great."

Cao Cao then himself reached Yangping (219), and led back Hanzhong's various armies.

Xin Pi's Biography

Long afterward, (217) Cao Cao sent Regional Protector Cao Hong to pacify Xiabian, and sent Xin Pi and Cao Xiu to advise him. The Order said:

"In the past Gaozu (Liu Bang) was greedy and lecherous, but Zhang Liang and Chen Ping rectified his faults. Now Zuozhi's (Xin Pi's) and Wenlie's (Cao Xiu's) worries are not light."

In 219 the army returned, and he became Chief Clerk to the Chancellor.

Zhang He's Biography

Zhang He leading an army, captured and received the surrender of the two commanderies Ba Dong (Eastern Ba) and Ba Xi (Western Ba); adding the two populations into Hanzhong. Advancing towards Dang Qu, he met resistance from Zhang Fei, and withdrew to Nanzheng. Zhang He was promoted to General who Agitates Bandits.

Liu Bei had over ten thousand elite troops under his command, divided into ten divisions, and quickly attacked Zhang He at night. Zhang He lead some personal troops to engage thus preventing Liu Bei. Afterwards, Liu Bei set fire to Zou Ma valley encircling the area. Xiahou Yuan who was putting out the fire confronted Liu Bei and fought a battle. Lacking in troops and continuing on, Xiahou Yuan died.

Zhang He returned to Yangping. Due to the recent death of their commander Xiahou Yuan, the three armies all lost complexion in their faces. They were fearful of the rising in power of Liu Bei. Xiahou Yuan's second in command, the Major Guo Huai ordered the remnants of the army thus:

"General Zhang He is  a renowned general in the kingdom; one that Liu Bei fears. Today we are in a perilous state, if not for general Zhang He, we would not be safe."

Thus Zhang He was made the commander of the remaining army. Zhang He straightened out the army, tightening the troops. The various officers complying with his orders felt at eased. Cao Cao was in Chang'an, he dispatched orders to help relieve Zhang He.

Cao Cao personally arrived in Hanzhong. Liu Bei didn't dare to do battle so he stayed defending at Gao Shan. Cao Cao withdrew the various generals out of Hanzhong while Zhang He returned to station at Chencang.

According to Wei Lue: Although Xiahou Yuan held the rank of Chief Controller, Liu Bei feared Zhang He then Xiahou Yuan. After killing Xiahou Yuan, Liu Bei remarked:

"After acquiring the chief, who can do evil!"

Thus according to the Sanguozhi the Hanzhong Campaign appears to go as follows.

Fa Zheng advises Liu Bei to invade Hanzhong, to which Zhou Qun and Zhang Yu object.

Liu Bei listens to Fa Zheng and prepares an army to invade.

Zhang He attacks Ba Dong and Ba Xi, moving its citizens north to Hanzhong when Zhang Fei attacks him and defeats him, destroys him according to Zhang Fei's bio.

Zhang He returns and is promoted, thus he must not have been destroyed in battle, down to ten men or so, or the civilians he brought were enough to counterbalance the loss. Either way it should be noted that he was promoted despite losing. Something that not even Cao Ren could avoid when he was forced to flee from Zhou Yu in Jing.

Cao Cao then sends Cao Hong, with Cao Xiu, Cao Zhen, and Xin Pi under him to help defend Hanzhong.

For the next year Shu and Wei battle it out.

Liu Bei sent Zhang Fei, Ma Chao, Wu Lan, Lei Tong and others to attack Cao Hong. The Shu army attempts trickery to defeat them but is found out by Cao Xiu. Cao Hong, Cao Xiu, and Cao Zhen then attack and defeat Wu Lan and Lei Tong, leading to the death of Lei Tong, Ren Kui and others.

Zhang Fei and Ma Chao are forced to fall back while Wu Lan is killed by the Di tribes who present his head to Wei.

Liu Bei also sent Chen Shi with 10 battalions to cut off the roads leading out of Hanzhong but Xu Huang attacked and defeated him.

Liu Bei then moves to Yangping to attack Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He.

At first Liu Bei attacked Zhang He, but could not overcome him at first.

Liu Bei then set fire to Zou Ma valley, putting Zhang He in a bad spot.

In response Xiahou Yuan sent half his troops to aid Zhang He. When he did, Huang Zhong beat his drums, made a great noise and attacked, defeating and killing Xiahou Yuan. The reason for Xiahou Yuan's death seems to be his lack of troops, due to his sending half his force to aid Zhang He, which appears to have been the plan as stated in Fa Zheng's bio.

Zhang He then gathered the remaining armies and pulled back to Yangping where he is placed in charge by Guo Huai and the other commanders.

Cao Cao mourns Xiahou Yuan's death and orders Cao Zhen to take command and order Xu Huang to attack Shu's separate division commander Gao Xiang at Yangping. Xu Huang defeats him.

Cao Cao then arrives to provide aid, at which point he attempts to battle with Liu Bei who, according to the biographies of Liu Bei, Cao Cao, Zhang He, Xu Huang, and Cao Zhen.

Cao Cao and Liu Bei stay in a stalemate for two months, something that happened many times between the nations throughout the Three Kingdoms period, during which Cao Cao's army starts to abandon him, including Wang Ping who surrenders and joins Shu.

Cao Cao then packs up his army and returns to Chang'an.

Only Fa Zheng's bio mentions any fighting between Cao Cao and Liu Bei, though it is only in a note at the end. The note makes no mention of where or when the fighting takes place, and while it says the fighting is between Cao Cao and Liu Bei, Cao Cao's own bio states that Liu Bei killed Xiahou Yuan, despite the fact that Huang Zhong killed him. It thus appears that the armies in question could not in fact be Cao Cao and Liu Bei but instead Cao Cao's army and Liu Bei's army.

After Cao Cao leaves, Meng Da and Liu Feng march on Shangyong and force the surrender of Shen Dan. Thus ends the Hanzhong campaign.

Fa Zheng, Ma Chao, Zhang Fei, and Huang Zhong are given ranks for their success, as well as a few other civil officers and Guan Yu (For holding Jing).

Thus we come to the problem I found while researching the battle. And that is the battle of Han River.

The battle itself is not mentioned in any of the relevant Sanguozhi biographies of the people involved, it is however mention in the Zhao Yun Biezhuan as follows.

In 219 AD, Liu Bei and Cao Cao were battling over the control of Hanzhong. Cao Cao had huge supplies of rice stocked up near the North Mountain. Zhao Yun sent his soldiers with Huang Zhong, one of Liu Bei's great generals, to attack Cao Cao's army and to take the rice. Huang Zhong did not return on time. Along with dozens of men, Zhao Yun went out of his camp to look for Huang Zhong. Cao Cao's main force was marching at that time.

Zhao Yun ran into Cao Cao's vanguards. Not soon after the two sides commenced to engage in battle, Cao Cao's main force arrived. The situation became very perilous for Zhao Yun, as he and his men were greatly outnumbered. He decided to attack the frontline of Cao Cao's army. Cao Cao's men were surprised by the attack and momentarily dispersed. However, they soon regrouped and surrounded Zhao Yun. Zhao Yun fought his way out toward his own camp. When he found out his lieutenant general Zhang Zhu was wounded and fell behind, he went back to rescue him.

Cao Cao's army pursued Zhao Yun to his camp. At that time, the Administrator of Mianyang, Zhang Yi, was at Zhao Yun's camp. Zhang Yi thought it best to have all the gates closed in order to defend the camp. However, upon entering the camp, Zhao Yun ordered all the flags to be dropped and hidden, all drums to be silenced, and the gates to be left open completely.

Suspicious of an ambush, Cao Cao's army hastily retreated. Zhao Yun ordered his drummers to beat drums as loudly as they could, and his archers to rain down arrows on Cao Cao's men. The stunned Cao army was completely routed. Trying to escape, Cao Cao's soldiers rushed toward the River of Han, and in confusion and panic many were pushed into the river, and drowned.

The day after the battle, Liu Bei arrived and inspected the battlefield. He exclaimed:

"Zilong (Zhao Yun) has valor through and through." He ordered a celebration, complete with wines and music until late that night, in honor of Zhao Yun. From then on, Liu Bei's army called Zhao Yun General Huwei, "The General with Courage of a Tiger."

The author of the Zhao Yun Biezhuan or Unofficial Biography of Zhao Yun is unknown and the entire bio seems to be made of folk tales or stories told about Zhao Yun collected into one long tale. The following is not uncommon, especially for the people of Shu, as has been seen with the way that Guan Yu and Zhuge Liang have been twisted throughout history. With Guan Yu being worshipped as an unstoppable 'God of War' and Zhuge Liang being praised as an unparalleled genius, able to easily outsmart everyone, who also uses and knows magic.

Oddly enough, the details of the battle, wherein Zhao Yun leads a dozen men to single handedly ride through the Wei army, rescuing the mighty Huang Zhong in the process, seem entirely fictional at first glance. As not only do none of the Sanguozhi's mention it, including Zhao Yun's himself, but at the end of the campaign, Zhao Yun is given no promotion, despite supposedly earning praise and a night long party by Liu Bei himself.

The battle also includes mention of the Empty Fort Strategy, a strategy which seems to have mostly been made up and is only mentioned in fictional accounts of battles such as with Zhuge Liang, Cao Cao and Wen Ping.

Which is another thing I find odd with the story, as, if it were retold in modern days would sound something like Zhao Yun rides out with a handful of men, saves a mighty general who had just earned his greatest fame, attacks and defeats the Russians singlehandly throwing them into confusion, and when they march against him he tricks and defeats them, this time routing the army, which is personally led by Putin himself, killing thousands. And the next day President Trump arrives shakes his hand, grants him an awesome nickname and throws a party for him through the night.

It sounds absolutely ridiculous. Like one of those bragging posts people post online, where they do something everyone cheers, and then Albert Einstein slaps them on the back tells them good job before giving them a million dollars. It sounds that rediculous.

And yet the battle is mentioned by both Pei Songzhi and Rafe de Crespigney for reasons I cannot see.

Again sourced only from Zhao Yun's unofficial biography. The two seem to have taken the approach that while it is not mentioned anywhere, it is also not not mentioned anywhere and thus might have or in fact did happen. Which I find odd.

They are of course only human after all, as I and everyone else is, and perhaps they have made a mistake or perhaps I have.

Either way while some might criticize Chen Shou for any faults he might have had as a person and/or historian, I do not believe any would say the man would forget a battle.Especially a battle of such magnitude and which involves not only Cao Cao, but also Huang Zhong, Zhao Yun, and even Liu Bei at the end.

And yet their is no mention of it anywhere in Chen Shou's works.

Thus I can only conclude that one of four things happened.

Either A

The battle did not happen and is completely made up, as every mention of Cao Cao's involvement only mentions him arriving, Liu Bei refusing to give battle, his army starting to desert, and Cao Cao retreating.

B

The battle did happen but it was not as important as Zhao Yun's unnoficial bio states, and or the victory and results were exaggerated

C

The battle did happen but Cao Cao was not there himself and instead only 'Cao Cao's army.'

D

The battle happened exactly as detailed and Chen Shou just forgot to mention it. Ever.

While I will never know what happened, as it happened 2000 years ago, I must say that without supporting evidence beyond an unofficial biography written by someone, sometime, somewhere, that I must then conclude that it did not happen or at the very least did not happen as described.

Which while taking away from possibly Zhao Yun's greatest military achievement, personally almost single-handedly defeating and routing one of it not the greatest military mind at the time. (On a personal note, it sounds incredibly ridiculous the more times I type it out.) It should not take away from Zhao Yun that much, as the man was still praised by Chen Shou as being firm, courageous and of immense service alongside Huang Zhong. He then compares the two to Guan Ying and Xiahou Ying, either separatly with Huang Zhong being compared to Guan Ying and Zhao Yun being compared to Xiahou Ying, or both being compared to both.

Either way, Chen Shou seems to hold the two in high regard, while he does not hold Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, or Ma Chao in high regard.

In conclusion my thoughts on the Battle of Han River lean towards option A or C, wherein Zhao Yun did in fact attack Cao Cao's forces, securing a minor victory, one not big enough to be mentioned anywhere, and was just a minor thing. Or it did not happen at all.

[wiane-therru]

I made a full body screenshot of this FINE brothers~ :D

P.s.: Besides the Yong Fa brothers (as name) they also were called "The Blasting B-da Brothers".

By the old man who fixed their b-daman - Episode: FOOD FIGHT

[olgapoppyfield]

[bookofjin]

Rise of Sixteen States: 301

Li Te declares himself Great General who Garrisons the North.

Elsewhere around this time, Zhang Gui is appointed Inspector of Liangzhou while Liu Yuan gets a new job.

26 January 301 – 13 February 302

(Jin's 1st Year of Yongning)

1st Year of Yongning, Spring, 1st Month, yichou [3 February], the King of Zhao, Lun, usurped the throne.

3rd Month [26 March – 24 April], the General who Pacifies the East, the King of Qi, Jiong, rose with troops to thereby punish Lun, transmitting a call to arms to the provinces and commanderies, and garrisoning at Yandi.

The Great General who Conquers the North, the King of Chengdu, Ying; the Great General who Conquers the West, the King of Hejian, Yong; the King of Changshan, Ai; the Inspector of Yu province, Li Yi; the Inspector of Yan province, Wang Yan; the Commander of the Palace Gentlemen of the South, the Duke of Xinye, Xin; all rose with troops to obey him.

Summer, 4th Month, guihai [1 June], executed the King of Zhao, Lun and others of Lun's faction.

(Li Te)

1st Year of Yongning, Spring, 1st Month [26 January – 24 February], Zhao Xin feared the Imperial Court would chastise him. He dispatched the Senior Clerk Fei Yuan, the Grand Warden of Qianwei, Li Bi and the Controller-Protector Chang Jun to supervise more than ten thousand people to block the northern road, staying at Shiting in Mianzhu. Te covertly collected and gathered, and obtained more than 7 000 people (HYGZ08: more than 700 people). At night he assaulted Yuan's army. Yuan's army's greatly dispersed. Following that, he let lose fire and burnt them, the dead were eight or nine out of ten.

He advanced to attack Chengdu. Xin heard the troops had arrived, he was frightened and afraid and did not know what to do. The Palace Gentleman Chang Mei together Fei Yuan, Li, Bi, Zhang Zheng and others at night cut the gate bar, fled and set out. The civil and military officials altogether scattered. Xin on his own, together with his wife and children, sailed a small boat along the river until Guangdu, and was killed by his subordinate Zhu Zhu.

Xin, courtesy name Heshu, was originally a native of Anhan in Baxi. In his grandfather's generation they accompanied Zhang Lu to move inside, and had his family in Zhao. The King of Zhao, Lun, appreciated him. He was successively Prefect of Chang#'an, Grand Warden of Tianmen and Wuling, and came to preside over the province. His son Bing was in Luo, and also was executed.

Te and Liu arrived at Chengdu, they set the troops loose for a great plunder, murdered the Army-Protectors of the Western Yi, Jiang Fa and Gong Ni, and killed Xin's Senior Clerk (HYGZ: Prefect of Chengdu) Yuan Qia, and the wardens and chiefs set up by Xin. He dispatched his Serrated Gates Wang Lu and Li Ji to go to Luoyang and lay out the circumstances of Xin's crimes.

Earlier, the Inspector of Liang# province, Luo Shang, heard that Xin had rebelled, and petitioned:

Xin is not an outstanding talent, and also the people of Shu do not desire to make chaos, they certainly have nothing in common. The affair in the end will have no success. [We] can plan for the day of his defeat and destruction, and wait.

Emperor Hui following that designated Shang General who Pacifies the West, Acting with the Tally, Nominal Colonel who Protects the Western Yi, and Inspector of Yi province, looking after 1 000 tally guard troops, 2 000 Liang# province troops, and also matched with the Chief Commandant of Shangyong's right-principled section 1 500 people, for a combined 4 500 people. Moved the Grand Warden of Zitong,Xu Jian of Leling, to be Shu commandery, the General who Spreads Fervent, Xin Ran to be Grand Warden of Guanghan. Shang also petitioned to request the Commander of the Serrated Gates, Wang Dun, to enter Shu with 7 000 troops.

Te and others Shang was coming, and was very afraid. He sent his younger brother Xiang# to receive and welcome him on the road, and also offer as tribute precious things. Shang was very pleased, and used Xiang# as Cavalry Controller. Te and Liu then used cattle and wine and alcohol to entertain Shang at Mianzhu.

Wang Dun advised Shang, saying:

Te and others are robbing and plundering thieves from the frontier of Longshang. [We] ought when [we] meet to kill him, and the army will have no later worries.

(HYGZ08: Xin Ran had originally been employed by the King of Zhao, Lun, he was not depended on in turn and had been summoned to return back [?]. He wished to use chastising Xin to gain merit for himself, and also talked to him.) Shang did not accept. Ran previously had been familiar with Te, and following that spoke to him, saying:

When old acquaintances happen on each other, if it is not auspicious, it must be inauspicious.

Te was deeply wary and fearful for himself.

3rdMonth [26 March – 24 April], Shang arrived at the provincial seat. The Qiang of Minshan rebelled at Tianshi Mountain in Du'an. He dispatched Wang Dun to chastise them. [He? They?] killed several thousand people, and greatly took away women and youths as live captives. Dun galloped on a single horse, and was killed by the Qiang.

Soon after there was a tally sent down to Qin and Yong provinces, and all the drifting people who had entered Hanchuan had sent down to them where they were summoning them to return back. The Steering Clerks Feng Gai and Zhang Chang acted as Assistant Officials of Qin and Yong provinces, and supervising relocating back the drifting people. Those who were moved were more than ten thousand families.

But Te's older brother Fu, who was used to remaining behind at their home village, as pretext said he was welcoming his family, and then when he arrived in Shu spoke to Te, saying:

The Central States just now are in chaos, and are not fit to return back to.

Te considered it to be so, and therefore had thoughts of ruling and occupying Ba and Shu.

The Imperial Court for his merit in chastising Zhao Xin, designated Te General who Spreads Domination, ennobled Marquis of Changle district, and Liu as General who Arouses Domination and Marquis of Wuyang.

A letter with the imperial seal was sent down to Yi province, to list and classify those among the drifting people of the Six Commanderies who chastised Xin in cooperation and together with Te, wanting to add to them rewards for their merit. It happened that Xin Ran, since he had been summoned out of turn, did not look into responding to the summons, and also wished to use the wiping out of Xin to gain merit for himself. He therefore slept on the court's instructions, and did not actually send them up. The multitudes all resented it.

Luo Shang dispatched an Assistant Officer to urge on dispatching the drifting people, marking off the 7th Month for going up the roads. Te and others firmly requested, seeking to extend it until the autumn harvest. The drifting people were scattered around in Liang# and Yi, and had been hired by people to work. When they heard the provinces and commanderies were pressuring to dispatch them, everyone were anxious and resentful, and did not know what to do.

Again, when they knew Te and his brothers again and again had requested and sought a delay, everyone were moved and relied on them. Moreover the rains were about to come down, and the year's grain were not yet ripe. The drifting people had nothing to provide for them on the march, and thereupon went with each other to Te.

Te dispatched Yan Shi of Tianshui to frequently go to Shang to seek to loosen the guidance and argue it was opportune to delay until autumn. He also dispatched goods and gifts to Shang and Gai. They allowed it. Reaching autumn, he again sought to extend it until winter. Xin Ran and Li Bi considered it impossible, and certainly wished to relocate them.

Shi made the Separate Carriage Du Tao explain the gains and harms of forcing a relocation. Tao also wished to let go of and disperse the people for one year. Xin Ran and Li Bi considered it impossible, and Shang followed them. Tao delivered his Flowering Talent wood board and set out to return to his family, knowing the reasons for his plans and strategies not being acted on.

At the time there was a white nimbus, the head was in a well village, the tail was in the eastern mountains, and it trailed over the greater city. The Assistant Officer Within the Seat, Ma Xiu of Baxi asked Yan Shi about it, saying:

What omen is this?

Shi said:

The divination tells that below it there is a vapour of ten thousand corpses. Its very closeness to the city is not an auspicious response. Can a Heavenly affliction be disobeyed? If the [General] who Pacifies the West is able to let go of the dispersed people, the calamity will dissolve itself.

Xin Ran was by nature greedy and brutal, he wished to kill the drifting people's heads and leaders, acquire their wealth and goods. He therefore circulated incitements to send them out and dispatch them. He also ordered the Grand Warden of Zitong, Zhang Yan, to arrange for barriers at the various strategic places, and search out and exhort treasure and goods. Ran and Li Bi again declared to Shang:

The drifting people previously during of Xin's chaos very much were unjustly confiscating. [We] ought to take the opportunity with the relocating to build barriers to take away and seize it.

Autumn, 7th Month [21 August – 18 September], Shang sent a document to Zitong, for them there to hold close the barriers.

8th Month [19 September – 18 October], the barriers were all walled up. Li Te dispatched Yan Shi to go to Luo Shang, seeking to stretch out the date. When Shi had arrived, he saw Ran was keeping watch over and palisading the thoroughfares and strategic places, planning to ambush the drifting people. He sighed, and said:

When there are no bandits but there are walls, an enemy must be protecting them. Now he is yet speeding it up, chaos is about to be created.

He also knew that Ran and Li Bi's opinion could not be turn around, and therefore bid farewell to Shang to return back to Mianzhu. Shang spoke to Shi, saying:

You Sir are about to report to the various drifting people my thoughts, [I] am now accepting tolerance.

Shi said:

You, Enlightened Excellency, has been misled by perfidious advise, and [I] fear will have no tolerance and reason. Those who are weak but cannot be taken lightly are the hundred families, and now [you] press them unreasonably. The multitudes' anger is difficult to transgress, [I] fear there will be a disaster of no small depth.

Shang said:

However, I do no deceive you Sir. Sir should go.

Shi arrived at Mianzhu, and talked to Te, saying:

Even though Shuo stated this, he cannot necessarily be trusted, why so? Shang's authority to punish is not established, Ran and others each hold close strong troops, and in a single morning [can] make a mishap. They also are not someone Shang is able to control. [We] really ought to be prepared.

Te accepted it.

9th Month [19 October – 16 November], [Shang?] dispatched an army to Mianzhu, spreading word they were planting wheat, but in truth preparing for them to disperse and flee.

Te sent to Ran seeking extension for himself. Ran was greatly angered, he dispatched people to distribute placards and make public at the crossroads, putting a bounty of a hundred bolts for the heads of Te and Liu. Te saw it, and was greatly afraid. He thoroughly took them and brought them back. Together with Xiang# he changed their bounty to state:

[He who] is able to send off the Six Commanderies' great families, Yan, Zhao, Ren, Yang, Li, and Shangguan, and the marquises and kings of the Di Sou, Liang, Dou, Fu Wei, Dong, Fei, and others, for each heads a hundred bolts.

The drifting people were already unhappy about relocating, and all went to revert to Te. They galloped their horses and collected their quivers, and with a single voice assembled like clouds. Between a ten-day and a month the multitudes exceeded 20 000. Liu also gathered a multitude of several thousands.

Winter, 10th Month [17 November – 16 December], Te and Liu therefore guarded Chizu, and made two camps. Te resided in the eastern camp, and Liu in the eastern camp.

Ran and Bi planned with each other, saying:

Marquis Luo is greedy but makes no decisions, and from day to day the drifting people get to extend their perfidious schemes. Li Te and his brothers all have outstanding talent, we are about to be made captives by nobodies. We ought to make a decisive scheme, and not be satisfied again with asking about it.

They therefore dispatched the Chief Commandant of Guanghan, Zeng Yuan, the Serrated Gates Zhang Xian, and others to covertly lead 30 000 infantry and cavalry to assault Te's camp. Luo Shang heard about it, and likewise dispatched the Controller-Protector Tian Zuo and Serrated Gates Liu Bing to assist Yuan. Te habitually knew about it, he therefore repaired his armour and readied the troops, and warned them strictly to wait for it. Yuan and others arrived. Te calmly laid down and did not move. He waited for half of their multitudes to enter, and then issued out from the ambush to strike them, the killed and wounded were a considerable multitude. Zuo was also defeated.

He murdered Tian Zuo, Zeng Yuan, and Zhang Xian, and transmitted their heads to be shown to Shang and Ran. Shang spoke to his generals and aides, saying:

These miscreants had completely left, but Guanghan did not heed my words and so expanded the thieves' power. Now what should we do about it!

Hence the drifting people of the Six Commanderies pushed forward Te to be their ruler. Te instructed Controller of Private Troops of the Six Commanderies, Li Han, the Prefect of Shanggui, Ren Zang, the Prefect of Shichang, Yan Shi, the Remonstrant Grandee Li Pan, the Prefect of Chencang, Li Wu, the Prefect of Yinping, Li Yuan, the Chief Commandant Commanding Troops Yang Bao, and others to send up a letter, requesting to rely on the old affairs of Liang Tong serving Dou Rong, and push forward Te as Acting Great General who Garrisons the North, to carry on the authority to ennoble and designate, and his younger broth Liu to be Acting General who Garrisons the East, to assist in quelling and governing.

Te and others advanced the troops to attack Ran at Guanghan. Ran's multitudes set out to fight, Te routed them every time. Shang dispatched the Grand Warden of Qianwei, Li Bi, and Senior Clerk Fei Yuan to led a multitude and save Ran, but they dreaded Te and did not dare to advance. Ran put the blame on the Prefect of Mianzhu, Qi Bao of Nan commandery, and beheaded him. Then he broke through the encirclement and ran to Deyang (JS: Jiangyang).

Te entered to occupy Guanghan, and used Li Chao as Grand Warden. He advanced the troops to attack Shang at Chengdu. [Shang] wrote a note of denouncement and accusation to Yan Shi. Shi replied, saying:

Xin Ran pour out swindles. Du Jing [textual error for Zhang Xian?] set forth in madness. Zeng Yuan is a small upstart. Tian Zuo's blood and spirit is not in order. Li Shuping has not the spirit of someone commanding regiments. To chastise exhausted and poor Qiang can be said to be their strong point.

Shi previously was discussing with the Beneath the Tally and Du Jingwen [I.e Du Tao] the propriety of halting and migrating. People hold close their mulberry trees and catalpa trees, who do not wish for them? Moreover, formerly when they began to arrive, following the grain to work for hire, a single family would be divided in five. Then they were faced with torrential rain. They begged to wait for the winter harvest, and yet they were not heard. Certainly a destitute deer will defy a tiger.

Moreover [I] fear with the great excesses of the measures, the dispersed people will not willingly extend their necks and accept the blade, and perhaps the troubles will be later. Had [you] listened to Yan's words, and released them to make arrangements, it would not have gone past the 9th Month before they were fully assembled, on the 10th Month advanced on the road, and by now reached their home villages. Why would it have to be like this?

[You] courteously listened but did investigate, and empathized with others' excessive words. Now Xin Ran is an absconded slave, Shuping excels at hiding, [your] branches are divided and [your] might unravelled, affairs are gradually catching up with yourself. It is what is spoken of as not being aware of bending the smoke-hole and keeping distant the firewood, and having your guests be burnt by them.

(JS: Yan Shi conveyed a letter to Shang, calling him to account for his trust in and usage of slanderous plots, and wish for chastising the drifting people. He also put forth how Te and his brothers had established merit on behalf of the kingly house by soothing the lands of Yi.)

Shang looked at the letter, and understood Te and others were about to have great aspirations, he walled up the city and strengthen the defences, and sought help from Liang# and Ning provinces.

Te declared himself Envoy Holding the Tally, Great Commander-in-Chief, Great General who Garrisons the North (HYGZ: and [Inspector of] Yi province), to carry on the authority to ennoble and designate alone, relying on the former affairs of Dou Rong in Hexi. Liu became Great General who Garrisons the East. Their older brother Fu became General of Agile Cavalry, their younger brother Xiang# General of Valiant Cavalry, Te's oldest son Shi became General of Martial Domination, his second son Dang became General of the Garrison Army, his youngest son Xiong became General of the Van, Li Han became Colonel of the Western Yi, Han's sons Guo and Li, Ren Hui, Li Gong, Shangguan Jing, Li Pan, Fei Tuo (HYGZ: Fei Ta) and others became generals and leaders, Ren Zang of Tianshui, Shangguan Dun, Yang Bao, HYGZ: Yang Fa, Yang Gui, Wang Da, Qu Xin and others became claws and teeth, Li Yuan of Yinping, Li Bo of Wudu, Xi Bin of Lüeyang, Yan Cheng, Shangguan Qi, Li Tao, Wang Huai and others became staff members, Yan Shi became master of plans, He Ju and Zhao Su became belly and heart.

At the time Luo Shang was greedy and ruthless, and was a worry of the hundred families. Yet Te gave the people of Shu a moderate law in three chapters, gave alms and relieved debt, was courteous to the worthy and raised up the blocked, and his army and government were respectful. The hundred families made a song about it:

Li Te is still allowable, Luo Shang kills us.

Shang led his people to fully cross the Pi River and southward, blocking a long circumference and building camps hemming the river, from Du'an until Qianwei, 700 li. Te and others guarded Guanghan.

Yongning era (301 – 302)

(Liu Yuan)

The King of Chengdu, Ying, was headquartered at Ye. Beginning of Yongning [301 – 302], he petitioned for Liu Yuan to act as General who Soothes the Boreal and Overseer of the Army Affairs of the Five Sections.

(Murong Hui)

Middle of Yongning [301 – 302], Yan was on the brink of great floods. Murong Hui opened the granaries to relieve and provide, and You region obtained help. The Son of Heaven heard and praised him, and as commendation bestowed award clothes.

(Zhang Gui)

Zhang Gui considered the time was on the brink of many difficulties, and secretly plotted to guard and occupy Hexi, and pursue the former affairs of Dou Rong. He cast the diving slips and got Contentment and Surview. He therefore threw the slips and joyfully said:

The omens of a hegemon.

He then sought to become [Inspector] of Liang province. The excellencies and dignitaries also recommended Gui as talented and capable of steering far-away lands.

Beginning of Yongning [301 – 302], he set out to be Holding the Tally, Colonel who Protects the Qiang, and Inspector of Liang province.

At that time the Xianbei turn to rebellion, and robbed and stole everywhere. When Gui arrived in the province he promptly chastised and routed them, the cut off heads numbered more than ten thousand. Thereupon his domination was evident in the western provinces, and is reforms acted on in Heyou. He gave lessons in farming mulberry trees, and pulled up the worthy and talented.

He used Song Pei, Yin Chong, Fan Yuan and Yin Dan as thighs and forearms, and masters of planning. He summoned the head sons, 500 people, and established schools to teach them. He started to set up Libationers of Revering Culture, their ranks were treated as Separate Carriages. Spring and autumn they acted out the rites of district archery meetings.

The Overseer of the Private Writers, Mou Shizheng, and the Junior Treasurer Zhi Yu at night observed the star constellations. They talked to each other and said:

Under Heaven is just now in chaos, of states that are avoiding the difficulties there is just the lands of Liang, and that is all. Zhang of Liang province's virtue and capacity are not ordinary, he is likely that person.

[bookofjin]

Biography of Liu Hu of the Tiefu

[And his descendants. From WS095]

The Tiefu Liu Hu was a descendant of the Southern Shanyu, the grandson of the Worthy King of the Left, Qubei, and the nephew of the Leader of the Northern Section, Liu Meng. They lived north of Lüsi in Xinxing. Northern people speak of someone with a Hu father and a Xianbei mother as “Tiefu”. Because of that he used it as the title. Meng died, his son Fulun came running. Hu's father Gaoshengyuan led the section groups in replacement.  Gaoshengyuan was also named Xundou. Gaoshengyuan died. Hu replaced him.

Hu was also named Wulugu. At first he was a subject and adherent to the state, but since his multitudes and family groups were rather many, he instigated troops in an outer rebellion. Pingwen and the Inspector of Bing province, Liu Kun together chastised him, and Ku fled to occupy Shuofang. He resorted to adhering to Liu Cong. Cong, since Hu was of his lineage house, designated him General who Calms the North, Overseer of All Army Affairs of the Xianbei, and Commander of the Palace Gentlemen of the Dingling. He then crossed the He to invade the Western section. Pingwen, confronted, struck, and greatly routed him.

At the beginning of Zhaocheng, Hu again robbed the Western section. The Emperor dispatched the army, to confront and chastise, and again greatly routed him. Hu withdrew and fled, and set out for the frontier. Hu died, his son Wuhuan led the section groups in replacement. He dispatched envoys to revert to obedience.

Wuhuan, also named Baozi, summoned and assembled the family groups of his kind, and had the valiant of the various sections. He secretly communicated with Shi Hu, and Hu designated him as General who Pacifies the North and Worthy King of the Left.

Wuhuan died, his younger brother Eloutou was installed in replacement. He covertly planned to turn to rebellion, it is spoken of in the Preliminary Annals. Later Wuhuan's son Xiwuqi chased out Eloutou and installed himself. Xiwuqi died, his son Wuchen was installed in replacement.

Wuchen was Wuhuan's third son. After he had been installed, he dispatched his son to present at court. Zhaocheng used a daughter as wife for Wuchen. Wuchen secretly communicated with Fu Jian. Jiian used him as Worthy King of the Left. He dispatched envoys to request from Jian, seeking farm land within his territory. In spring he would come, and in autumn depart. Jian allowed it.

Later he carried off from Jian's border population more than 50 people as slaves and servants to offer to Jian. Jian chided [him] and returned them [home]. He therefore betrayed Jian, focused his heart on reverting to the state, and raised up troops to attack Jian. Jian dispatched his General who Establishes Steadfastness, Deng Qiang, to chastise and seize him.

Jian himself arrived in Shuofang, he used Weichen as Duke of Xiayang and controlled his section groups. Weichen, since Jian had turned around and restored his state, again adhered to Jian. Although the tribute envoys to the state were not cut off, actually his respectfulness was inconsistent. The Emperor chastised Weichen, greatly routed him, and gathered from his section groups six or seven out of ten. Weichen fled to Fu Jian. Jian sent him off to return to Shuofang, and dispatched troops to defend him.

At the end of Zhaocheng, Weichen guided Fu Jian to come and rob the southern region. The kingly host achieved defeat. Jian thereupon divided the state's population into two sections, westwards from the He belonged to Weichen, eastwards from the He belonged to Liu Kuren. It is spoken of in Yan Feng's Biography. Jian later used Weichen as Western Shanyu, to supervise and administer the sundry kinds west of the He, and to station at Dailai City.

At Murong Yong's occupation of Changzi, he designated Weichen Envoy Holding the Tally Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs West of the He, Great General and Shepherd of Shuo province, to settle in Shuofang. Yao Chang likewise dispatched envoys to join together on good terms, and designated Weichen Envoy Holding the Tally, Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs of the Sundry Barbarians in the Boreal North, Great General, Great Shanyu, King of Hexi, and Shepherd of You province. He continuously was robbing and murdering.

Middle of Dengguo [386 – 395], Weichen dispatched his son Zhilidi to rob the southern section, his multitude was eighty or ninety thousand. Taizu's army was five or six thousand people, and he became encircled by him. Taizu therefore used chariots as the sides of his encampment, equally fighting and moving ahead, he greatly routed him to the south of Tieqi Mountain. Zhilidi fled on a single horse. Captured more than 200 000 cattle and sheep.

He exploited the victory to pursue him, crossed the He from Jin Ford in Wuyuan, and entered his state. The resident people were terrified and in chaos, the section groups ran and scattered. Thereupon he arrived at Weichen's residence, Yueba City. Weichen, father and son, were frightened and escaped. He therefore separately dispatched various generals to pursue them with light cavalry.

The Duke of Chenliu, Yuan Hu, went south until Baiyan, and took prisoner Weichen's family. General Yi Wei arrived at Mugen Mountain, seized Zhilidi, and fully joined together his multitudes. Weichen escaped and ran on a single horse. He was killed by his section subordinates who transmitted the head to the Acting Palace. Captured more than 4 000 000 horses, cattle and sheep. Prior to this, the water of the He had turned red like blood, and Weichen had been repulsed by it. When Weichen had perished, they executed his family and kindred, and also threw them in the He. Weichen's third son “Bent Dregs” absconded and ran to the leader of the Xuegan section, Taixifu.

Bent Dregs [qujie] was originally named Bobo, Taizong changed his name to Bent Dregs. “Bent Dregs” is someone lowly and inferior. Taixifu sent him off to Yao Xing. Xing's Duke of Gaoping, Poduoluo Meiyiyu married him to a daughter. Bent Dregs was 8 chi, 5 cun tall, Xing saw and marvelled at him. He designated him General of Agile Cavalry, concurrently Chief Commandant of Imperial Chariots. He often assisted in the great debates on army and state, and his favour happened to go beyond [those] with achievements of old. Xing's younger brother, the Duke of Jinan, Yong, talked to Xing, saying:

Bent Dregs' Heavenly-[given] nature is not to be humane, and so he sis difficult to personally nurture. Your Subject has the audacity to be confused with the grand extend of his favour.

Xing said:

Bent  Dregs has talent for aiding his generation, I am just now gathering his arts and usefulness, and together with him uniting and pacifying Under Heaven.  What is impossible with that?

He therefore used Bent Dregs as General who Calms the Distant, ennobled Marquis of Yangchuan, and sent him to assist Meiyiyu garrisoning Gaoping. He debated using multitudes of the sundry barbarians of Yucheng and Shuofang, and Weichen's section, 30 000, to pair with him, so as to watch for dissent at the border. Yong firmly admonished that it could not be done. Xing said:

How can you know, Sir, what his manners and nature are?

Yong said:

Bent Dregs serves his sovereign sluggishly, drives the multitudes ruthlessly, is greedy, brutal, and without friends, and he is quick to come and go. Favour him with more than his allotment, and in the end he will be a harm for the border.

Xing therefore desisted, and used Bent Dregs as Holding the Tally, General who Calms the North, and Duke of Wuyuan. He paired him with the five Xianbei sections of Sanjiao, more than 20 000 family groups, to garrison Shuofang.

At the end of Taizu's reign, Bent Dregs assaulted and killed Meiyiyu joined together their multitudes. He usurpingly declared [himself] Heavenly King of Great Xia, titled the year Longsheng [“Dragon Rising”], and set up the hundred officials. Xing then regretted it. Bent Dregs was ashamed of his family name Teifu, and thereupon changed it to be the Helian clan, and spoke of himself as a signal made vivid [he] and connected [lian] with Heaven. He also titled his family's offshoots and baseborn as the Tiefa clan, saying that his lineage and clan was hard and sharp like iron [tie] and always capable of hacking [fa] people.

Liu Yu attacked Chang'an. Bent Dregs heard and happily said:

How will Yao Hong be able to resist Yu, Yu is sure to exterminate him. [I] will wait until after Yu has left, and take it like picking up something thrown away, that is all.

Hence he feed the horses and sharpened the troops, and rested and reared the officers and soldiers. When Yu had seized Hong, he kept behind his son Yizhen to defend Chang'an. Bent Dregs attacked him, and greatly routed Yizhen. He piled up people's heads as a raised mound, calling it the “Skull Terrace”.

Thereupon he usurpingly declared himself August Emperor at Bashang, titling the year as Changwu [“Splendid Martiality”], and settled the capital at Tongwan. He directed to engrave to the south of he city, lauding his merits and virtue. He used Chang'an as the Southern Capital.

He was by nature haughty and cruel, and looked on the population like straw and seeds. Steamed earth was used to build his capital's walls. If an iron awl could be stabbed one inch into it, he would killed the craftsmen and rebuild it. When fashioning armaments for the troops, the artisans who presented them would surely die. If he shot at armour and it did not penetrate, he promptly beheaded the bow man, similarly if it did penetrate, he quickly beheaded the armourer, altogether he killed several thousand workers and artisans.

He often stayed on top of the city, and set up a bow and sword by his side. If there one who he hated and was angry with, he killed him by his own hand. Among the crowd of subjects, those who had a defiant look, he pierced their eyes. Those who laughed, he severed their lips. Those who admonished, he spoke of as libellous slanderers. He first cut of their tongues, and then afterwards beheaded them.

He debated discard his oldest son Gui. Gui raised troops from Chang'an to attack Bent Dregs. Bent Dregs' middle son, the Duke of Taiyuan, Chang, routed Gui, and killed him. Bent Dregs used Chang as Heir-Apparent. 2nd Year of Shiguang [425 AD], Bent Dregs died. Chang was usurpingly installed.

Chang, courtesy name Huanguo, also named Zhe, was Bent Dregs' third son. When he had usurped the throne, he changed the year to Yongguang [“Eternal Brilliance”]. Shizu heard that Bent Dregs had died, and his various sons were attacking each other, and Guanzhong was in great chaos. Hence he went on a western attack. He therefore crossed the He with 18 000 cavalry to assault Chang. At the time it was the day of the winter solstice, and Chang was just then hosting a banquet when before long the kingly host arrived. High and low were frightened and agitated. The Chariot Drove to stay at the Hei River, 30 li distant from the city. Chang therefore set out to fight. Shizu swiftly went to strike him, and Chang withdrew and ran into the city. He had not yet reached to close the gates, when the army's soldiers exploited the victory to enter into his Western Palace, and burnt his Western Gate. At night they lodged north of the city. Next day, divided the army to set out in four directions and carry off the resident population. They killed and captured several ten thousand, the live captives, cattle and horses were several hundred thousand. Moved more than 10 000 families and turned back.

Later, Chang dispatched his younger brother Ding for a stand-off with the Minister of Works, Xi Jin, at Chang'an. Shizu exploited the absence for a western attack. He crossed at Junzi Ford with 30 000 light cavalry for combined marches over multiple roads. The crowd of subjects all together remonstrated, saying:

Tongwan's walls are firm and cannot be taken in ten days. Now if a light army chastise them, advancing they cannot overcome, withdrawing they will have no wealth. It is not as good as an infantry army with attack tools all going at the same time.

Shizu said:

In all cases, among the arts of employing troops, attacking cities is the very worst, if it cannot be avoided then do it. If they attack with tools, all going at the same time, the thieves will surely be afraid and defend firmly. If the attack does not take it at time, the food will be gone and the troops tired, and outside there will be nothing to plunder, not the best strategy.

We will use light cavalry to arrive beneath their walls. That one will first hear there is an infantry army, and then his followers will see the cavalry arrive, he will surely bar the gates. We will moreover will entice him with a haggard host. If we get a single battle, we are certain to seize him.

This being so, with the soldiers in the army 2 000 li away from their families, and also having the dangers of the Yellow He, can be said to set them up on deadly ground and afterwards they live. If we in this way decide the battle, we will have the rest. If we attack the city, it will not be enough.

Thereupon he acted. He stayed at Hei River, he divided of part of the army to hide in a deep valley, and used the smaller multitude to arrive beneath their city.

Chang's general Di Zhiyu came to surrender, he explained:

Chang sent people to chase after his younger brother Ding. Ding said: “The city is already firm and steep and cannot be taken by assault. Wait [for me] to seize Jin and others, afterwards we will proceed calmly, and strike them from inside and outside, how is that of no help. Chang considered it to be so.

Shizu detested it, and withdrew the army north of the city, to show weakness to Chang. He dispatched the King of Yongchang, Jian, and E Qing, and others, with a division of 5 000 cavalry, to go west and plunder the resident people.

It happened that a soldier in the army took responsibility for a crime, absconded and entered Chang's city. He told that the official army's provisions was exhausted, the officers and men were eating vegetables, the supply wagons were in the rear, the infantry troops had not yet arrived, and striking them would be easy. Chang trusted his words, and guided the multitudes to set out from the city, 30 000 infantry and cavalry.

The Minister over the Masses, Zhangsun Han, and others said:

Chang's infantry deployment is difficult to destroy. We ought to avoid their spear-point, and moreover give free reign to the infantry troops, and [all] at the same time rise up and strike.

Shizu said:

Not so. [We have] come from far away to seek out the thieves, fearing they would not set out. Now to avoid them and do not strike, that one will rise up at our weakness. It is not the plan.

Thereupon he gathered the army and pretended to go north, to draw out and exhaust him. Chang considered him to be withdrawing, advanced with drums and commotion, and spread out the deployment as flanks. When they had travelled five or six li, Shizu surged up at them, the thieves' deployment did not shift, but rather resumed the forward march.

There happened to be a rising wind, the methods specialist officer [eunuch?] Zhao Ni recommended Shizu that it was expedient to wait for a later day. Cui Hao reviled him. Shizu therefore divided the cavalry into left and right so as to grab hold of them. Shizu fell off his horse, the thieves were already pressuring and coming into contact.

Shizu mounted  his horse, stabbed and killed their Master of Writing, and also killed ten of the cavalry thieves. A fleeting arrow hit his palm, he strenuously struck and did not stop. Chang's army was greatly scattered, he did not manage to enter the city but ran to Shanggui. Thereupon vanquished his city.

Earlier, Bent Dregs was by nature extravagant, and fond of managing palace houses. The city walls were 10 ren tall, and 30 bu thick, on top they were 10 bu wide. The palace walls were 5 ren tall, their firmness could used to sharpen blades and axes. The towers and eyries were tall and great, the lofty chambers connected to each other, and all of them were carved and inlaid with pictures and drawings, covered in lace-work and embroideries, decorated in red and green, to the utmost end ornamented and selected. Shizu looked around, spoke to left and right, saying:

An inconsequential small state, yet employing the population like this, even if they intended not to perish, did they among them obtain it?

Later the Attendant Imperial Clerk An Xie seized Chang. Shizu sent Palace Attendant Gu Bi to welcome Chang on his arrival at the Imperial City, and housed him inside the gates of the Western Palace. He gave him a set of vehicles and carriages, and also decreed Chang wed the Princes of Shiping. He was made use General of Frequent Loyalty and Duke of Kuaiji, and was ennobled as King of Qin. He was convicted of planning rebellion, and submitted to execution.

Chang's younger brother Ding, child name Zhifen, was Bent Dreg's fifth son, he was fiendish, brutal, and unreliable. When Chang was taken, Ding fled to Pingliang. He declared himself with the venerated title and changed the year to Shengguang [“Surpassing Brilliance”].

Ding climbed Yinpan Mountain, looked towards his home state, wept, and said:

The Former Emperor used Us to inherit the Great Legacy, how has it come to the present day's affairs! To cause Heaven to make use of Our years, it must be so that [We] and you Sirs can establish a legacy of a last flourishing.

Suddenly there were a crowd of foxes making a hundred cries to his side. Ding instructed to shoot them but none were captured. Ding detested it, and said:

This is also greatly unfavourable. Tut-tut, Heaven's Way, again what does it say!

He and Liu Yilong joined in friendly relations, and from great distance divided [the land] north of the He. Eastwards from Heng Mountain would belong to Yilong, westward from Heng Mountain would belong to Ding.

He dispatched his generals to rob Lincheng. The Duke of Shiping, Wei Gui chastised and routed him. Ding again brought along several ten thousand people to go east and strike Gui. Shizu personally led light cavalry to assault Pingliang. Ding went to aid Pingliang, he deployed in a square and strengthened himself. Shizu besieged him on four sides, and cut off his water and grass. Ding could not get water, he guided the multitudes to go down from the plains. Decreed the General of Martial Guards Qiu Juan to strike him, his multitudes scattered. Ding was wounded, and escaped and ran on a single mount. He collected his remaining multitudes and then went west to protect Shanggui.

4th Year of Shenjia [431 AD], he was assaulted by Mugui of the Tuyuhun. He seized Ding and sent him off to the Imperial City were he submitted to execution.

[bookofjin]

Annals of Emperor An, Part 1

[The Long’an era. JS010]

The Calm [an] August Emperor, taboo Dezong, courtesy name Dezong, was Emperor Xiaowu's eldest son.

12th Year of Taiyuan, 8th Month, xinsi [16 September 387], he was established as August Heir-Apparent.

21st Year, 9th Month, gengshen [6 November 396], Emperor Xiaowu expired.

On xinyou [7 November], the Heir-Apparent was enthroned as August Emperor, a great amnesty.

On guihai [9 November], used the Minister over the Masses, the King of Kuaiji, Daozi, as Grand Tutor, to administer the government.

Winter, 10th Month, jiashen [30 November], buried the Filial and Martial August Emperor at the Prosperous Peace [longping] Mound.

Great snow.

[Long'an 1, 13 February 397 – 2 February 398]

1st Year of Long'an [“Prosperous Calm”], Spring, 1st Month, jihai [13 February], New Moon, the Emperor put on the inaugural clothes. Changed inaugural. Conferred on the civil and military officials rank, 1 grade. The Grand Tutor, the King of Kuaji, Daozi, touched head to ground and returned government affairs. Used the Supervisor of the Right of the Masters of Writing, Wang Xun, as Prefect of the Masters of Writing; the General who Leads the Army, Wang Guobao, as Supervisor of the Left of the Masters of Writing.

2nd Month [15 March – 13 April], Lü Guang's general Tufa Wugu declared himself Great Commander-in-Chief and Great Shanyu, the state titled Southern Liang. He struck Guang's general Dou Ji at Jinchang, and greatly routed him.

On jiayin [28 February?], venerated August Empress Dowager Ms. Li as August Empress Dowager.

On wuwu [4 March?], established the August Empress Ms. Wang.

3rd Month [14 April – 12 May], Lü Guang's son Zuan was defeated by Qifu Qiangui. Guang's Grand Warden of Jiankang, Duan Ye, titled himself Shepherd of Liang province.

Murong Bao defeated the Wei host at Ji.

Summer, 4th Month, jiaxu [19 May], the Inspector of Yan province, Wang Gong, and the Inspector of Yu province, Yu Kai, raised troops, using punishing the Supervisor of the Left of the Masters of Writing, Wang Guobao, and the General who Establishes Power, Wang Xu, as their fame [?].

On jiashen [29 May], killed Guobao and Xu thereby please Gong. Gong therefore dismissed the troops.

On wuzi [2 June], a great amnesty.

5th Month [12 June – 10 July], the former Senior Clerk to the Minister over the Masses, Wang Xin, used Wu commandery to rebel. Wang Gong punished and pacified him.

Murong Bao's general Murong Xiang usurped the throne as August Emperor in Zhongshan. Bao ran to Huanglong.

Autumn, 8th Month [8 September – 7 October], Lü Guang was attacked by his Supervisor, Yang Gui, and Cavalier in Regular Attendance, Guo Nen. Guang's son Zuan struck and ran them off.

9th Month [8 October – 5 November], Murong Bao's general Murong Lin beheaded Murong Xiang in Zhongshan, and following that usurped the throne as August Emperor.

Winter, 11th Month [6 December – 3 January], Murong Lin was defeated by the Wei host.

[Long'an 2, 3 February 398 – 21 February 399]

2nd Year, Spring, 3rd Month [3 April – 1 May], two dragon boat calamities.

Summer, 5th Month [1 June – 29 June], Lan Han regicided Murong Bao and declared himself Great General and King of Changli.

Autumn, 7th Month [30 July – 28 August], Murong Bao's son Sheng beheaded Lan Han. He usurpingly declared [himself] King of Changle, administering with the rank of the Son of Heaven.

The Inspector of Yan province, Wang Gong, the Inspector of Yu province, Yu Kai, the Inspector of Jing province, Yin Zhongkan, the Inspector of Guang province, Huan Xuan, the Colonel of the Southern Man, Yang Quanqi, and others raised troops in rebellion.

8th Month [29 August – 26 September], the Inspector of Jiang province, Wang Yu, ran to Linchuan

On bingzi [13 September], the General who Soothes the Boreal, Deng Qifang, and Murong De's general Murong Fa fought at Guancheng. The kingly host achieved defeat.

On bingxu [23 September], Murong Sheng usurped the throne of August Emperor at Huanglong.

Huan Xuan greatly defeated the kingly host at Baishi.

9th Month, xinmao [28 September], added to the Grand Tutor, the King of Kuaiji, Daozi, yellow battle axe. Dispatched the General who Conquers the Caitiffs, the Heir to the King of Kuaiji, Yuanxian, the General of the Van, Wang Xun, and the General of the Right, Xie Yan, to punish Huan Xuan and others.

On jihai [6 October], routed Yu Kai at Niuzhu.

On bingwu [13 October], the King of Kuaiji, Daozi, garrisoned the Central Hall. Yuanxian defended Shitou.

On jiyou [16 October], the General of the Van, Wang Xun, defended the northern suburbs. The General of the Right, Xie Yan, prepared at the Xuanyang gate. The General who Assists the State, Liu Laozhi stayed at Xinting. He sent his son Jingxuan to strike and defeat Gong. Gong ran to Qu'e's Changtang Lake. The lake commandant seized and sent him off to the Imperial City. Beheaded him. Hence dispatched the Grand Ordinary, Yin Mao, to notify Zhongkan and Xuan. Xuan and others fled to Xunyang.

Winter, 10th Month [27 October – 24 November], Xinye said a zouyu was seen.

On bingzi [12 November], a great amnesty.

On renwu [18 November], Zhongkan and others swore at Xunyang, pushing forward Huan Xuan as Master of the Covenant.

11th Month [25 November – 24 December], used the King of Langye, Dewen, as General of Guards, Opening Office with the Same Ceremonies as the Three Ministers; the General who Leads the Army, Wang Ya, as Supervisor of the Left of the Masters of Writing.

12th Month, jichou [24 January], the King of Wei, Gui, was enthroned with the venerated rank, the year titled Tianxing.

Wei Li, a native of Jingzhao, led drifting people from Xiangyang in rebellion, and surrendered to Yao Xing.

On jiyou [13 February], the former Grand Warden of Xin'an, Du Jiong, rebelled at Jingkou. The Heir to the King of Kuaiji, Yuanxian, punished and beheaded him.

Tufa Wugu declared himself King of Wuwei.

[Long'an 3, 22 February 399 – 10 February 400]

3rd Year, Spring, 1st Month, xinyou [25 February], enfeoffed imperial clansman Yun as King of Huailing.

2nd Month, jiachen [9 April], the King of Hejian, Guozhen, passed away.

Fan Huda of Linyi captured Rinan and Jiuzhen, and thereupon robbed Jiaozhi. The Grand Warden Du Yuan punished and routed him.

Duan Ye declared himself King of Liang.

The Duke of Chouchi, Yang Sheng, dispatched envoys to declare allegiance, and present the things of the region.

3rd Month, jimao [14 May], posthumously venerated the birth mother, Lady Chen, as the Virtuous [de] August Empress Dowager.

Summer, 4th Month, yiwei [30 May], added to the Prefect of the Masters of Writing, Wang Xun, General of Guards. Used the Heir to the King of Kuaiji, Yuanxian, as Inspector of Yang province.

6th Month, wuzi [22 July], used the King of Langye, Dewen, as Minister over the Masses.

Murong De captured Qing province, and murdered the Dragon Galloping General, Pilü Hun. Thereupon he usurped the throne of August Emperor at Guanggu.

Autumn, 8th Month [16 September – 15 October], Tufa Wugu died. His younger brother Lilugu inherited the bogus rank.

Winter, 10th Month [15 November – 13 December], Yao Xing captured Luoyang, and seized the Grand Warden of Henan, Xin Gongjing.

11th Month, jiayin [15 December], the bewitching traitor Sun En captured Kuaiji. The Interior Clerk, Wang Ningzhi, died there. The Interior Clerk of Wu state, Huan Qian, the Grand Warden of Linhai, the King of Xincai, Chong, and the Grand Warden of Yixing, Wei Yin, all appointed officials and escaped. Dispatched the General of Guards, Xie Yan, and the General who Assists the State, Liu Laozhi, to confront and strike. They ran him off.

12th Month [13 January – 10 February], Huan Xuan assaulted Jiangling. The Inspector of Jing province, Yin Zhongkan, and the Colonel of the Southern Man, Yang Quanqi were both murdered.

Lü Guang established his son Shao as Heavenly King, and titled himself Grand High August.

This Month, Guang died. Lü Zuan killed Shao and established himself.

This Year, in Jing province great floods, covering the land 3 zhang high.

[Long'an 4, 11 February 400 – 29 January 401]

4th Year, Spring, 1st Month, yihai [5 March], a great amnesty.

2nd Month, jichou [19 March], there was a star comet in the Strider and Harvester lodgings, advancing to arrive at the Purple Tenuity.

3rd Month [10 April – 9 May], a broom star in the Grand Tenuity.

Summer, 4th Month [10 May – 7 June], the earth shook.

Sun En robbed Jiakou.

5th Month, bingyin [24 June], the Cavalier in Regular Attendance and General of Guards, the Marquis of Dongting, Wang Xun, passed on.

On jimao [7 July], the Interior Clerk of Kuaiji, Xie Yan, was defeated by Sun En, and died there. En moved to rob Linhai.

6th Month, gengchen [8 July], New Moon. The Sun was eclipsed [OK]. Drought.

The Marshal who Assists the State, Liu Yu, routed En at Nanshan.

En's general Lu Xun captured Guangling. The dead were more than 3 000 people.

Used the King of Langye's Teacher He Cheng as Supervisor of the Left of the Masters Writing.

Autumn, 7th Month, renzi [9 August], the August Empress Dowager, Ms. Li, expired.

On dingmao [24 August], a great amnesty.

This Month [6 August – 4 September], Yao Xing attacked Qifu Qiangui. He surrendered to him.

8th Month, dinghai [13 September], the Supervisor of the Right of the Masters of Writing, Wang Ya, passed on.

On renyin [28 September], buried the Civil Empress Dowager at the Refined Peace [xiuping] Mound.

9th Month, guichou [9 October], the earth shook.

Winter, 11th Month [2 December – 31 December], the General who Soothes the Boreal, Gao Yazhi, and Sun En fought at Yuyao. The kingly host achieved defeat.

Used the Inspector of Yang province, Yuanxian, as General of the Rear, Opening Office with the Same Ceremonies as the Three Ministers, Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs of Yang, Yu, Xu, Yan, Qing, You, Ji, Bing, Jing, Jiang, Si, Yong, Liang#, Yi, Jiao and Guang Provinces; the General of the Van, Liu Laozhi as General who Quells the North. Enfeoffed Yuanxian's son Yanzhang as King of Donghai.

12th Year, wuyin [2 January], there was a comet star in the Heavenly Market.

This Year, the various commanderies Right of the He received King Wuzhao of Liang, Li Xuanshe, as Shepherd of Qin and Liang provinces, and Duke of Liang, the year titled Gengzi.

[Long'an 5, 30 January 401 – 17 February 402]

5th Year, Spring, 2nd Month, bingzi [1 March], Sun En again robbed Jiakou.

Lü Chao killed Lü Zuan. Used his elder brother Long to usurp the bogus rank.

3rd Month, jiayin [8 April], multitude stars flew west, passing through Grand Tenuity.

Summer, 5th Month [29 May – 26 June], Sun En robbed Wu state. The Interior Clerk, Yuan Shansong, died there.

Juqu Mengxun killed Duan Ye, and titled himself Great Commander-in-Chief and Shepherd of Beiliang province.

6th Month, jiaxu [27 June], Sun En arrived at Dantu.

On yihai [28 June], inside and outside stern precautions. The hundred officials entered to stay at the precincts [?]. The General of the Best of the Army, Gao Su, and the General of Guards of the Right, Zhang Chongzhi defended Shitou. The General who Assists the State, Liu Xi palisaded to cut off Huaikou. The Intendant of Danyang, Sima Huizhi guarded the southern bank. The General of the Best of the Army, Huan Qian, the General who Assists the State, Sima Yunzhi, and the General who Roams and Strikes, Mao Sui prepared Baishi. The General of Guards of the Left, Wang Gu, and the General who Leads the Army, Kong Anguo, garrisoned the Central August Hall. Summoned the Inspector of Yu province, the King of Qiao, Shangzhi to guard the Imperial City.

The General who Soothes the Boreal, Gao Yazhi, struck Sun En at Guangling's Yu Island. He was seized by the traitors.

Autumn, 7th Month [27 July – 28 August], Duan Ji killed Murong Sheng. Sheng's uncle Xi completely executed the Duan clan. Following that he usurpingly declared the venerated title.

9th Month [23 October – 21 November], Lü Long submitted to Yao Xing.

Winter, 10th Month [22 November – 20 December], Yao Xing's host invaded Wei, was greatly defeated and turned around.

This Year, a famine. Banned alcohol.

[bookofjin]

Annals of Emperor Xiaowu, Part 3

[From JS009. Xie An dies on 12 October 385. Just 4 days later Fu Jian is killed by his former subordinate Yao Chang. For the next decades a dozen contenders will struggle with each other and the Jin armies for dominion over North China.]

[Taiyuan 10]

[27 January 385 – 14 February 386]

10th Year, Spring, 1st Month, jiawu [11 February], paid visit to the various tombs.

2nd Month [26 February – 26 March], established the State School.

The Grand Warden of Shu commandery, Ren Quan, beheaded Fu Jian's Inspector of Yi province, Li Ping. Yi province was pacified.

3rd Month [27 March – 25 April], Zheng Xie, a native of Xingyang, used the commandery to come and surrender.

The state of Fu Jian was in chaos, he sent envoys, to offer a petition, requesting to be received.

The General who Gallops like Dragon, Liu Laozhi, and Murong Chui fought at Liyang. The kingly host achieved defeat.

Summer, 4th Month, bingchen [4 May], Liu Laozhi and the Grand Warden of Pei commandery, Zhou Ci, fought with Chui at the Five Bridges Marsh. The kingly host again achieved defeat.

On renxu [10 May], the Grand Guardian, Xie An, led the multitudes to rescue Fu Jian.

5th Month [26 May – 23 June], great floods.

Fu Jian detained [his] Heir-Apparent Hong to defend Chang'an, and fled to Wujiang Mountain.

6th Month [24 July – 21 August], Hong came in surrender. Murong Chong entered Chang'an.

Autumn, 7th Month [22 August – 20 September], Fu Pi ran westward from Fangtou. The General who Gallops like Dragon, Tan Xuan, chased him, but was defeated by Pi.

Drought and famine.

On dingsi [2 September], the Old Man Star was seen.

8th Month, jiawu [9 October], a great amnesty.

On dingyou [12 October], the Envoy Holding the Tally, Palace Attendant, Overseer of the Palace Writers, Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs of 15 Provinces, General of Guards and Grand Guardian, Xie An, passed away.

On gengzi [15 October], used the King of Langye, Daozi, as Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs in the Centre and Outside.

This Month [21 September – 19 October], Yao Chang killed Fu Jian and usurped the throne of August Emperor.

9th Month [20 October – 18 November], Lü Guang occupied Guzang, calling himself Inspector of Liang province.

Fu Pi usurped the throne of August Emperor at Jinyang.

Winter, 10th Month, dinghai [1 December], a debate on the achievements of the Huai and Fei. Posthumously enfeoffed Xie An Duke of Luling commandery. Enfeoffed Xie Shi Duke of Nankang, Xie Xuan Duke of Kangle, Xie Yan Duke of Wangcai.

This Year, Qifu Guoren called himself Grand Shanyu and Shepherd of Qin and He provinces.

[Taiyuan 11]

[15 February 386 – 4 February 387]

11th Year, Spring, 1st Month, xinwei [15 March], Murong Chui usurped the throne of August Emperor at Zhongshan.

On renwu [28 March? 2nd Month], Zhai Liao attacked Liyang, and captured the Grand Warden, Teng Tianzhi.

On yiyou [29 March], paid visit to the various tombs.

Murong Chong's general Xu Mumo killed Murong Chui at Chang'an.

3rd Month [15 April – 14 May], a great amnesty.

The Grand Warden of Taishan, Zhang Yuan, used the commandery to rebel, surrendering to Zhai Liao.

Summer, 4th Month [15 May – 12 June], used the King of Baiji's Heir, Yuhui, as Envoy Holding the Tally, Commander-in-Chief, General who Garrisons the East and King of Baiji.

The King of Dai, Tuoba Guishi, changed to call [himself] King of Wei.

On guisi [5 June], used the Supervisor of the Masters of Writing, Lu Na [JS077], as Supervisor of the Left of the Masters of Writing, the King of Qia, Tian, as Supervisor of Right of the Masters of Writing.

6th Month, jimao [21 July], the earth shook.

On gengyin [1 August], used the Forward General who Assists the State, Yang Liang, as Colonel of the Western Rong and Inspector of Yong province, headquartering and guarding the mountains and hill [?].

Autumn, 8th Month, gengwu [10 September], enfeoffed Kong Jingzhi as Marquis of Fengsheng [“Serving the Sage”] village, to offer sacrifices of Xuanni [Confucius].

On dinghai [27 September], the King of Anping, Suizhi, passed away.

Zhai Liao robbed Qiao. The General who Gallops like Dragon, Zhu Xu struck and ran him off.

Winter, 10th Month [8 November – 7 December], Murong Chui routed Fu Pi in Hedong. Pi ran to Dongyuan. The General of Spreads Power, Feng Gai, struck and beheaded him, and sent off his head to the Imperial Capital.

On jiashen [23 November], the Duke of Haixi, Yi, passed away.

11th Month [8 December – 5 January], Fu Pi's general Fu Deng usurped the throne of August Emperor in Longdong.

9th Month, gengwu [24 October], used the Supervisor of the Left of the Masters of Writing, Lu Na, as Prefect of the Masters of Writing.

[Taiyuan 12]

[5 February 387 – 24 January 388]

12th Year, Spring, 1st Month, yisi [12 February], used the Inspector of Yu province, Zhu Xu, as Inspector of Qing and Yan provinces, headquartered at Huaiyin.

On dingwei [14 February], a great amnesty.

On renzi [19 February], a violent storm, turning over houses and snapping trees.

On wuwu [25 February], Murong Chui robbed east of the He. The Grand Warden of Jibei, Wen Xiang, fled to to Pengcheng.

Zhai Liao dispatched his son Zhao to rob Chen and Ying. Zhu Xu struck and ran him off.

Summer, 4th Month, wuchen [6 May], honoured the Lady Ms. Li as August Grand Consort.

On jichou [27 May], rain and hail.

Zhai Chang, a native of Gaoping, captured the Grand Warden, Xu Hanyuan, and used the commandery to surrender to Zhai Liao.

6th Month, guimao [9 August? 7th Month], bundled silk to invite the retired scholars Dai Kui [JS094] and Xi Xuanzhi.

Autumn, 8th Month, xinsi [16 September], established imperial son Dezong as August Heir-Apparent. A great amnesty. Conferred on the civil and military ranks 2 grades, a great celebration for 5 days, and bestowed on the hundred officials cloth and silk each proportionally.

9th Month, wuwu [23 October], restored the King of Xinning, Zun as King of Wuling. Established the King of Liang, Jin's son He as King of Liang.

Winter 11th Month [27 November – 26 December], the Grand Warden of Songzi, Wang Xiazhi, punished Zhai Liao at Luokou, defeating him.

[Taiyuan 13]

[25 January 388 – 11 February 389]

13th Year, Summer, 4th Month, wuwu [19 June], used the Inspector of Qing and Yan provinces, Zhu Xu, as Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs of the Nine Commanderies of Yong and Liang# Within the Mian [?] and Inspector of Yong province; the King of Qiao, Tianzhi, General who Garrisons the North and Inspector of Qing and Yan provinces.

Summer, 6th Month [20 July – 18 August], drought.

Qifu Guoren died. His younger brother Qiangui inherited the bogus rank. He usurped the title of King of Henan.

Autumn, 7th Month [19 August – 16 September], Zhai Liao's general Zhai Fa robbed Luoyang. The Grand Warden of Henan, Guo Ji, resisted and routed him.

Winter, 12th Month, wuzi [15 January], a surge of water entered Shitou, destroying the great cross-beams and killing people.

On yiwei [22 January], a great storm, from dawn to dusk. Calamity of the Hall of Extended Worth.

On bingshen [23 January], locusts, the hundred halls, guest houses and the Armoury of Agile Cavalry all had calamities.

On jihai [26 January], added to the Prefect of the Masters of Writing, Xie Shi, General of Guards, Opening Office with the Same Ceremonies as the Three Ministers.

On gengzi [27 January], the Prefect of the Masters of Writing, General of Guards, Opening Office with the Same Ceremonies as the Three Ministers, Xie Shi, passed away.

[Taiyuan 14]

[12 February 389 – 31 January 390]

14th Year, Spring, 1st Month, guihai [19 February], decreed those prisoners of war obtained in south of the Huai which had been captured and handed over to the various construction sections [?] one and all to be dispersed and released, men and women mutually matched and mated [?], and bestowed hundred days from the stores. Thus for those following circumstances being the army's reward, fully ransomed and sent out [?]. Used the abundantly irrigated land in Xiangyang and south of the Huai to in each case establish a single county to thereby settle them.

The bewitching traitor of Pengcheng Liu Li usurped the title of August Emperor at Huangqiu. The General who Gallops like Dragon, Liu Zaizhi, punished and pacified him.

2nd Month [13 March – 11 April], Funan presented the things of the region.

Lu Guang usurped the title of King of Sanhe.

Summer, 4th Month, jiachen [31 May], the King of Pengcheng, Hongzhi, passed away.

Zhai Liao robbed Xingyang, and captured the Grand Warden, Zhang Zhuo.

6th Month, renyin [28 September], the Envoy Holding the Tally, Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs of Jing, Yi and Ning provinces and Inspector of Jing province, Huan Shiqian, passed on.

Autumn, 7th Month, jiayin [9 August], calamity of the four pillars of the Xuanyang Gate.

8th Month [7 September – 5 October], Yao Chang raided and routed Fu Deng, capturing his bogus Empress, Ms. Mao.

On dinghai [11 September], the King of Runan, Xi, passed away.

Winter, 12th Month, yisi [27 January], rain. Ice on the trees.

[Taiyuan 15]

[1 February 390 – 19 February 391]

15th Year, Spring, 1st Month, yihai [26 February], the General who Garrisons the North, the King of Qiao, Tianzhi, passed away.

The General who Gallops like Dragon, Liu Laozhi, fought with Zhai Liao and Zhang Yuan in Taishan. The kingly host again achieved defeat. The General who Conquers the Caitiffs, Zhu Xu, routed Murong Yong at Taixing.

3rd Month, jiyou, New Moon [1 April], the earth shook.

On wuchen [20 April], a great amnesty.

Autumn, 7th Month, dingsi [7 August], there was a comet star in the Northern River [?].

8th Month [27 August – 25 September], Li Dan, a native of Yongjia, raised troops in rebellion. The Grand Warden Liu Huaizhi, punished and pacified him.

On jichou [8 September], in the Imperial City the earth shook.

There was a comet star in the Northern Dipper, in conjunction with the Purple Tenuity.

In the various commanderies within the Mian and in Yan province great floods.

The General who Gallops like Dragon, Zhu Xu, attacked Zhai Liao at Huatai, greatly defeating him. Zhang Yuan came to surrender.

9th Month, dingwei [26 September], used the Grand Warden of Wu commandery, Wang Xun, as Supervisor of the Masters of Writing.

Winter, 12th Month, jiwei [5 February], the earth shook.

[Taiyuan 16]

[20 February 391 – 9 February 392]

16th Year, Spring, 1st Month, gengshen [7 April? 2nd Month], rebuilt the Grand Temple.

Summer, 6th Month [18 July – 15 August], Murong Yong robbed Henan. The Grand Warden, Yang Quanqi [JS084], struck and routed him.

On jiwei [4 August], the King of Zhangwu, Fanzhi, passed away.

Autumn, 9th Month, guiwei [27 October], used the Supervisor of the Right of the Masters of Writing, Wang Xun, as Supervisor of the Left of the Masters of Writing. Used the Overseer of Affairs for the Heir-Apparent, Xie Yan, as Supervisor of the Right of the Masters of Writing.

The new temple was completed.

Winter, 11th Month [13 February – 10 January], Yao Chang defeated Fu Deng in Anding.