#js059

[Liang] had five sons: Cui, Ju, Yang, Zong and Xi.

Cui, courtesy name Maohong, passed on early.

Ju [d. 26 July 291], courtesy name Yanming, was designated Heir and became Colonel of Garrison Cavalry. He was murdered together with his father. He was posthumously conferred General who Regulates the Army, with posthumous title as the Mindful [huai] King. His son You was established. This was the Mighty [wei] King.

You [d. 326], courtesy name Yongyou, in the middle of Yong'an [304 AD] followed Emperor Hui on the northern conquest. When the Emperor moved to Chang'an, You returned to his state. When the Emperor returning to Luo, due to the southern conquest 800 troops were given to him, specially to set up four sections of Serrated Gates.

At the beginning of Yongxing [304 – 306], he led the masses to obey the King of Donghai, Yue [JS059]. At the punishment of Liu Qiao he had merits and was designated General who Spreads the Martial, using Yundu in Jiangxia to benefit his fief, combined with the former to 25 000 households.

When Yue conquered Ji Sheng, he petitioned to keep You, leading 3 000 troops, to defend Xuchang, with added drums and pipes, flags and banners. When Yue returned, You returned to his state. At the end of Yongjia [308 – 313], due to the congestion of bandits and thieves, he thereupon went south to cross the Jiang. [In 311, JS005] Emperor Yuan instructed him to be Army Consulting Libationer.

At the beginning of Jianwu [317 – 318], he became General of the Garrison Army. At the end of Taixing [318 -321], he acted as General of the Army of the Left. In the middle of Taining [323 – 326], he was advanced to the title of General of Guards, concurrently Cavalier in Regular Attendance. In the 1st Year of Xianhe [326 AD], he passed away. He was conferred Palace Attendant and Specially Advanced.

His son the Reverent [gong] King, Tong, was established. Due to the King of Nandun, Zong's plan to rebel, he was deposed. Afterwards Emperor Cheng was sad that Liang in one gate [?] had been exterminated and terminated. He decreed Tong again to have his fief, with promotion to Supervisor of the Private Writers and Palace Attendant. When he passed away, he was posthumously bestowed rank of Superintendent of the Brilliantly Blessed.

His son Yi was established. In office he reached Cavalier in Regular Attendance. When he passed away, his son Zun was established. At the beginning of Yixi [405 – 418], the Inspector of Liang# province, Liu Zhi, planned rebellion. He pushed forward Zun as sovereign. The affair leaked and he submitted to execution. Lian, son of [Zun's] younger brother Kai, held on to the establishment. When the Song received the abdication, the state was eliminated.

Yang [b. 284, d. 329] had the courtesy name Yannian. At the end of Taikang [280 -289], he was enfeoffed Duke of Xiyang county and designated Cavalier in Regular Attendance. At the murder of Liang [in 291], Yang was at the time 8 sui old. The General who Garrisons the South, Pei Kai [JS035], was his relative by marriage. He hid them to accordingly escape. In night he moved eight times, fo this reason he managed escape. When Wei was executed, he was advanced in feudal rank to King, successively Colonel of Foot Soldeirs and General of Valiant Cavalry of the Army of the Left.

At the beginning of Yuankang [291 - 299], he was advanced in fief to King of a commandery. At the beginning of Yongxing [304 - 306], he was designated a Palace Attendant. Due [being in] the King of Changsha, Ai's faction, he was deposed to be a commoner. When Emperor Hui returned to Luo, he again enfeoffed Yang, to be General who Calms the Army, also using Qisi and Xiling in Runan to benefit his state.

At the beginning of Yongjia [307 – 313], he was designated General of the Garrison Army, additionally Cavalier in Regular Attendance, acting as General of the Rear Army, again using Zhu and Qichun to benefit him, combined with the previous 35 000 households. Subsequently when the King of Donhai, Yue, set out east to Juancheng, he thereupon went south and crossed the Jiang.

When Emperor Yuan inherited the rule, he was further designated Great General who Calms Army, Opening Office, and given 1000 soldiers and 100 cavalry. It was decreed that he and the King of Nandun, Zong were to command the wandering people to thereby fill [?] the Central Provinces. West of the Jiang was desolate and distressed.

When Emperor Yuan walked the eastern steps, he was advanced to the rank of Palace Attendant and Grand Guardian [on 1 May 317]. Due to Yang's string of honours, when he headed meetings he specially had a raised dais [?]. At the beginning of Taixing [318 – 321], he Recorded the Affairs of the Masters of Writing, was put use to act as Great Master of the Imperial Clan, additionally with Feathered Preserve and Hewing Axes [guards?], a squad of 60 swordsmen, and was advanced to the rank of Grand Steward. At the pacification of Wang Dun, he acted as Grand Commandant.

When Emperor Ming was enthroned [in 323], due to Yang being the elder of the ancestral house, he specially bowed to him. Yang freely indulged  troops and soldiers' forcible confiscation. There were ministerial memorials excusing Yang's officials and, decrees did not inquiring into it.

When the Emperor was bedridden with illness [in 325], Yang and Wang Dao [jS065] similarly received testamentary instructions to assist Emperor Cheng. Since at the time the Emperor was an immature infant, decreed Yang to rely on the former affairs of King Xian of Anping, Fu. He set up a raised dais with screen above the hall. The Emperor personally welcomed and bowed [to him].

At the beginning of Xianhe [326 – 334], he was incriminated with his younger brother, the King of Nandun, Zong, dismissed from office, and demoted to be King of Yiyang county. When Su Jun [JS100] made chaos, Yang paid visit to Jun to make a statement of his merits. Jun was greatly pleased. A false decree returned Yang to his rank and title.

When Jun was pacified, he was given death [on 29 March 329]. His Heir Bo and Bo's younger brothers Chong and Xisong submitted to execution. The state was abolished. At the beginning of Xiankang [335 – 342], once again his dependants were registered, using Yang's grandson Min as Chief Commandant of the Imperial Equipage and Servant at Court.

Zong [d. November 326] had the courtesy name Yanzuo. In the middle of Yuankang [291 – 299], he was enfeoffed Marquis of Nandun county, then promoted in rank to be Duke. During the punishment of Liu Qiao [JS061] he had merits, was advanced in fief to King, adding to his estate 5 000, combined with his earlier 10 000 households, and was General who Conquers the Caitiffs.

He and elder brother Yang together went across the Jiang. When Emperor Yuan inherited the rule, he was designated Cavalier in Regular Attendance. When Emperor Min was at the Western Capital, he used Zong as General who Pacifies the East. When Emperor Yuan was enthroned, he was designated General who Calms the Army, acting as General of the Left. When Emperor Ming walked the eastern steps, he was concurrently Colonel of the Chang River, moved to General of the Guards of the Left. He was together Yu Yin intimate with the Emperor, commissioned accordingly with the forbidden battalion.

Zong, Wang Dao [JS065] and Yu Liang's [JS073] purposes and and inclinations were not similar. He joined and connected knights of little importance, to use as belly and heart. Dao and Liang together accordingly spoke of it [?]. The Emperor, due to Zong being connected by relation, always tolerated him.

Reaching the Emperor's sincere illness, Zong and Yin were privately planning for rebellion. Liang pushed open the door to enter [the Emperor's bedchamber?], rose to defend the bed [?] and with running tears spoke of them, the Emperor started to realize. [Zong] was moved to be General of Agile Cavalry,. Yin to be Great Corrector of Ancestry. Zong thereupon had a resentful appearance in his manner of speech.

At the beginning of Xianhe [326 – 334], the Palace Assistant Safeguarding Clerk Zhong Ya [JS070] impeached Zong with planning to rebel. Yu Liang sent the General of the Guards of the Right, Zhao Yin, to collect him. Zong used troops to resist in battle, and was killed by Yin. Then demoted his family to be the Ma clan, and moved his wife and sons to Jin'an, afterwards the origin for them. His three sons, Chuo, Chao and Yan, were deposed to be commoners.

When the Three King's call to arms to raise troops and punish Lun arrived, Lun and Xiu at first very greatly afraid. They dispatched their Overseer of the Centre [?], Sun Fu#, as General of the Upper Army, the [Generall who] Amasses Crossbows, Li Yan, as General who Brings down Assaults [?], to lead 7 000 troops and set out form Yanshou pass. The [General who] Conquers the Caitiffs, Zhang Hong, the [General] of the Left Army, Cai Huang and the [General of the] Van Army, Lü He, and others to lead 7 000 people setting out from Eban pass. The [General of] the Garrison Army, Sima Ya, the [General who] Spreads Power, Mo Yuan, and others to lead 8 000 people setting out from Chenggao pass. They summoned the King of Dongping, Mao, as Envoy Holding the Tally and General of Guards, to be Commander-in-Chief of the Various Armies and thereby resist the righteous host.

They sent Yang Zhen [?] to day and night go to Emperor Xuan's separate temple to pray and ask, [he] always said Emperor Xuan apologized to His Majesty, and on the appointed day he would rout the traitors. They designated the scholar of the Way Hu Wo as General of Great Peace, to thereby summon happiness and protection. At Xiu's house there daily were irregular sacrifices, making patterns for forcing victory [?], making shamans pray for blessings and pick and chose the days for fighting. He also made close friends display feathered clothes at Mount Song [?], pretending to speak to the transcendent Wang Qiao, making books of spirits and transcendents, explaining that Lun was blessed for a long time [?] to thereby deceive the multitudes.

Xiu desired to dispatch Fu and Qian to lead troops and assist in the battles various armies. Fu and Qian did not consent. Qian habitually was intimate and fond of Liu Yu [JS062]. Xiu therefore sent Yu to advice Qian. Qian afterwards led a multitude of 8 000 to maintain aid for the Three Armies. But though Hong and Ya and others were victorious in continuous battle, the righteous army scattered and immediately combined again. Ya and others did not manage to proceed.

Xu Chao and others fought with the King of Chengdu, Ying's army at the Yellow bridge, and killed and wounded were more than 10 000 people. Hong straight-away made for Yangdi, and again routed the King of Qi, Jiong's baggage south of the city, killing several thousand people, and thereupon occupied the city's defensive residence chambers [?]. But Jiong's army already was at Yingyin, 40 li from Yangdi. Jiong divided the army to cross the Ying, and attacked Hong and others without profit. Hong exploited the victory to arrive at above the Ying, and at night approached the Ying and lined up.

Jiong gave free reign to light troops to strike him, the various did not move. But the armies of Sun Fu# and Xu Jian at night were in chaos, and directly returned to Luo with themselves at the head [?]. At the flight of Fu# and Jian, they did not know the directors of the various armies armies still lived, and therefore said:

The troops of the King of Qi are abundant, and can not be confronted. Hong and others have fallen.

Lun was greatly shaken and secreted them [?], but summoned Qian and Chao to return. It happened that a public announcement of Hong defeating Jiong arrived. Lun was greatly pleased and again dispatched Chao, but Qian on his return had already arrived at Yuchang [?]. Chao turned back to cross the He. Generals and men suspected obstructions, their sharpness and spirit on the inside were pushed down.

Hong and others understood [?] their various armies crossed the Ying, and advanced to attack Jiong's encampments. Jiong sent out troops to strike his separate leaders Sun Mao, Sima Tan and Sun Fu#, and routed all of them. The soldiers scattered and returned to Luoyang. Hong and others gathered the multitudes to turn back to the encampments.

Xiu and others knew the three regions were pressing daily, and falsified transmittals of the routing of Jiong's encampment, and the apprehension and capture of Jiong. They used lies to mislead their multitudes and ordered the hundred officials all to send presents. And Shi Yi, Fu Yin and Sun Hui all had individual tallies, and did not follow each other.

Lun again conferred on the Supervisor of Affairs for the Heir-Apparent, Liu Kun [JS062] the tally, supervising the Generals north of the He, to lead 1 000 infantry and cavalry to urge on the various fighting armies. Hui and others fought with the righteous armies at the Ji river, were greatly defeated, and withdrew to defend Heshang. Liu Kun burnt and cut off the bridge of the He.

From the rising of the righteous troops, the hundred officials, generals and gentlemen all desired to execute Lun and Xiu to thereby apologize to Under Heaven. Xiu knew the multitude's anger was difficult to go against, and did not dare to set out and scrutinize. When he heard the armies north of the He had been thoroughly defeated, he was troubled and distressed, and did not know what to do. The King of Yiyang, Wei, recommended Xiu to go to the Masters of Writing to scrutinize with the eight seats, and discuss preparations for conquests and battles. Xiu followed it.

They made the capital city's 4th grade and below's [?] sons and younger brothers aged 15 and above all to go to the Minister of Retainers, and follow Lun and set out in battle. Inside and outside the various armies thoroughly desired to seize and kill Xiu. Wei was afraid, and fled from the Esteemed Rites Door to return his private house [?].

Xu Chao, Shi Yi, Sun Hui and others' armies had also returned, and therefore planned with Xiu. Some desired to gathered the remaining solders and set out and fight, execute and killed those not adhering themselves, keeping Lun close [and?] go south [with?] Sun Qi [JS060], Meng Guan [JS060] and others. Some desired to sail a ship east, fleeing into the ocean.

Wang Yu turned against them and led troops from the barracks, more than 700 people, to enter from the Southern Annex Gate. [Lun] commanded the troops within the palace all to defend and guard the various gates, the Marshals of the Three Sections to be immediately at the inside. Yu went himself to attack Xiu, Xiu shut the southern gates of the Palace Writers. Yu set loose the troops to climb the walls and burn the buildings. Xiu, Chao and Yi hurriedly fled out. The General of the Guards of the Left, Zhao Quan, beheaded Xiu and others to thereby comply.

They detained Sun Qi in the barracks of the Guards of the Right, and delivered him over to Commandant of Justice to execute him. The arrested the General of the Van, Xie Tan, the Prefect of the Yellow Gates, Luo Xiu and the Controller of the Marshals [?], Wang Qian. All where beheaded in the middle of the hall.

The troops of the Marshals of the Three Sections within the Circulating Reform Door beheaded Sun Bi to thereby comply. At the time Sima Fu was seated by Xiu [?]. Yu sent generals and soldiers to confine him in the Bureau of the Cavaliers, using great halberds to defend the bureau chambers. The Eight Seats all entered within the hall, seated east removing beneath the tree [?]. Wang Yu garrisoned the Cloud Dragon Gate, and made Lun make a decree saying:

I was misled by Sun Xiu and others, thereby angering the three kings. Now [we] have already executed Xiu, thus [we] welcome the Grand Sovereign [Emperor Hui], to return to the throne. I [will] revert in my old age to farming the fields.

[He] transmitted the decree to using grooms and custodians with banners to command the generals and soldiers to loosen the troops. The civil and military officials all fled and ran, and did not dare to be at [their] posts. The Yellow Gates wanted Lun to set out from the Flowery Forest's eastern gate, and him and Kua both to return to the Wenyang village residence [?].

And so accordingly several thousand armoured soldiers welcomed the Son of Heaven at Jinyong, the hundred families all said Ten Thousand Years. The Emperor entered from the main gate, ascended the hall, drove to the broad chamber, and sent off Lun, Kua and others to be delivered to Jinyong fort.

Earlier, Xiu feared the arrival of the western army, and repeatedly summoned Qian to return. That day he stayed  at Jiuqu. A decree dispatched envoys to dismiss Qian from office. Qian was afraid. He abandoning the army and was about to [?] with several tens of people to return to Wenyang village.

The King of Liang, Rong, petitioned that Lun, father and son were murderous traitors, and out to be sentenced to execution. The hundred officials assembled to discuss in the Morning Hall, all followed Rong's petition. They dispatched the Master of Writing Yuan Chang Holding the Tally to bestow Lun death. [He] drank accordingly vinegar [?] with gold bits. Lun was ashamed, and using a towel to cover his face, said:

Sun Xiu misled me! Sun Xiu misled me!

And so they gathered Kua, Fu, Qian and Xu and deliverd them to the prison of the Commandant of Justice, to be examined thoroughly. Fu on approaching death spoke to Qian, saying:

Sitting [?] beside you ruined the family!

Of the hundred officials, those who had been employed by Lun, all were censured and dismissed, those of the guards of the palace bureaus and offices were the only to remain. From the start of the war it had been more than sixty days, the killed and murdered in battle were no more than 100 000 people.

Lun was plain and less than ordinary, without knowledge and plans, and repeatedly granted authority to Xiu. Xiu's power and domination bestirred the imperial court. Under Heaven all served Xiu and made no requests to Lun. Xiu rose from a minor scribe in Langye, amassed to office in Zhao state, and used toadying and flattery to reach his goals. When he had carried out the balancing of the opportunity [?], he thereupon indulged his treacherous plans, killing many loyal and good, to thereby show off his private desires.

The Assistant Officer to the Minister of Retainers, You Hao had a grudge with Yin Hun. Hun lured Hao's slave Jin Xing, to falsely reported Hao had disloyal aspirations. Xiu did not thoroughly investigate, but arrested Hao and the Central Corrector of Xiangyang, Li Mai, and killed them. He greatly entertained Jin Xing, and used him as controller of his private troops. The Forward Commandant of Guards, Shi Chong [JS033], and the Gentleman of the Yellow Gates, Pan Yue [JS055] both were dissatisfied with Xiu. Both were executed. And so the lordly men of the capital district were unhappy in their lives.

The King of Huainan, Yun, and the King of Qi, Jiong, since Jiong and Xiu were haughty and presumptuous, within their breasts were not at peace. Xiu and others likewise were very envious of them. They therefore sent out Jiong to headquarter at Xu, and took away Yun's protective army [?]. Yun set out [?] in anger and raised troops to punish Lun. When Yun had been defeated and wiped out, Lun was promoted to the Nine Bestowments, and added to his fief 50 000 households. Lun falsely was pretending to yield, a decree dispatched the hundred officials to go to his office and earnestly. The Palace Attendants circulated the decree, and afterwards transmitted it.

He promoted Kua to General who Consoles the Army, General who Leads the Army; Fu to General of the Garrison Army and Acting as General who Protects the Army; Qian as General of the Army of the Centre, Acting as General of the Guards of the Left; Xu to be Palace Attendant. He also used Sun Xiu as Palace Attendant, General who Assists the State and Marshal to the Chancellor of State, Leader of the Right as before. Zhang Lin and others all were put in strategic posts.

He increased the troops of the Chancellor's Office to be 20 000, similar to the imperial guard. He also secretly hid soldiers and troops, the multitude exceeding 30 000. He erected at the eastern palace's three gates and four corners flowery oars [?], cutting off the road east and west of the palace to have an outside patrol Someone spoke to Xiu, saying:

The Cavalier in Regular Attendance Yang Zhun and the Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gates Liu Kui desire to serve the King of Liang, Rong to thereby execute Lun.

There happened to be a change in the stars. He therefore moved Rong to be Imperial Chancellor, residing in the office of the Minister over the Masses. He shifted Zhun and Kui to be outer officials.

Lun was without learning and did not know books. Xiu likewise, due to his mean talents for cunning and deceit, was covetous, excessive, and eager for profit. They were together in setting up affairs, both were followers of perverse flattery [?]. They only contended for honour and profit, without deep plans or profound schemes. Kua was shallow, shabby, coarse and crude. Fu and Qian were ignorant, fractious, stubborn and unmanageable. Xu was foolish, talkative, light-weight and tumultuous. Yet they all were exceptionally shrewd, and mutually detested and slandered each other.

Xiu's son Hui, 20 years old, became Colonel who Shoots at Sound. He wed the Emperor's daughter, the Princess of Hedong. Mourning for the Princess's mother had not yet been set, [he?] expediently accepted the engagement rites. Hui in body appeared lacking and crude, beneath that of a slave [?]. Earlier he had sold horses to sons of rich families west of the city [?]. The hundred families soon heard of him wedding the Princess, and could not but be shocked and alarmed. [The Princess of Hedong's mother was a certain Jia Nanfeng.]

Lun and Xiu were both mislead by shamans and ghosts, and listened to advise from the bewitching and evil. Xiu made the Serrated Gates [guard?] Zhao Feng pretend to be Emperor Xuan's spiritual voice, and instructed to soon enter the Western Palace [become emperor]. He also said Emperor Xuan at Beimang was assisting and aiding the King of Zhao, and hence separately set up a temple for Emperor Xuan at Mount Mang. [He?] talked of the rebellious plan being possible to complete [?].

Used the Supervisor of Affairs for the Heir-Apparent, Pei Shao, the General of the Army of the Left,  Bian Cui, and others, 20 people, as Assistant Officer Palace Gentlemen; with subordinate staff also of 20 people. Xiu and others parcelled off [?] the various armies, dispersing belly and heart.

They made the  Cavalier in Regular Attendance, the King of Yiyang, Wei double as [?] Palace Attendant, setting out to receive decrees and instructions, falsely making a decree of abdication. They sent the Envoy Holding the Tally, the Prefect of the Masters of Writing Man Fen, and the Supervisor, Cui Sui, as assistants, to  receive the imperial signet and ribbon of the August Emperor thereby abdicating the throne to Lun. Lun feigned yielding and did not accept. Hence the various kings of the imperial clan and the crowd of excellencies and ministers spoke of auspicious signs and astronomy to accordingly recommend him to advance. Lun therefore accepted it. The [General of?] the Guards of the Left, Wang Yu, with the [General of the] Army of the Front, Sima Ya, led armoured soldiers to enter the hall, explained [?] to the Marshals of the Three Sections, displaying accordingly power and rewards. None dared to disobey.

That night, they sent Zhang Lin others to garrison and defend the various gates. The King of Yiyang, Wei, Luo Xiu and others pressured and took by force the Son of Heaven's imperial signet and ribbon. The drip of the night [clock] was not yet exhausted, when inside and outside the hundred officials used the imperial carriage and regulated cart to welcome Lun.

Emperor Hui drove the Cloud Mother Chariot [?], with an honour escort of several hundred people, and from the Western Gate of the Flowery Forest set out to reside in Jingyong fort. The Master of Writing, He Yu the Combined Palace attendant and Cavalier in Regular Attendance, the King of Langye, Rui, and the Attendant Gentleman of the Palace Writers, Lu Ji [JS054], followed, arriving at the fort and then turned around. They made Zhang Heng guard the Emperor, utterly secluding him.

Lun, accompanied by 5 000 troops, entered the main gate himself, and climbed the Grand Utmost Hall. Man Fen, Cui Sui and Yue Guang advanced with the imperial signet and ribbon to Lun. He then usurped the rank of Emperor. There was a great amnesty, and changed the inaugural to Jianshi [“Establishing Beginnings”].

That year, for Virtuous and Good, Square and Proper, Straight Speaking, Flowery Talent, Filial and Upright, and Good Commander, none were examined. They planned for magistrates to reach the four regions and sent instructions for those being in the capital district [?]. [Those] in the Grand School 16 and above, or in school for 20 years, all were appointed magistrates. The commanderies and counties' 2 000 shi, Prefects, Chiefs and those who had resigned [?], all were enfeoffed as marquises. The commanderies' mainstays and guidelines became Filial and Upright. The counties' mainstays and guidelines became Upright and Loyal.

Used the Heir Kua, as Heir-Apparent; Fu as Palace Attendant, Great Minister of Agriculture, Acting Army-Protector and King of Jingzhao; Qian as Palace Attendant, Great General Leading the Army and King of GuangPing; Xu as Palace Attendant, General who Assists the Army and King of Bacheng; Sun Xiu as Palace Attendant, Overseer of the Palace Writers, General of Agile Cavalry, Same Ceremonies as the Three Ministers. Zhang Lin and others of the various factions all climbed to be ministers and generals, and were also ranked among the great fiefs. The remainder of the co-conspirators all leaped up in ranks out of sequence, not possible to describe them all. Arriving at the slave soldiers, they for their service likewise were promoted accordingly in rank and position.

At every morning assembly, sable-tails and cicada wings overflowed the seats. At the time people were saying of their appearance [?]: “[If there] are not enough sables, continue with dog tails.” [?]

Yet since caution moreover their favour defeated the happiness among the people's feelings [?], storages of the offices and armouries were not filled for bestowals, gold and silver melted and cast were not given for stamping. For that reason there was marquises of white tablets [?], lordly men in shame yielded to their compositions [?], the hundred families likewise knew it would not last.

Lun personally sacrificed at the Grand Temple. Returning, there happened to be a great wind. A whirlwind broke off the flag and cover. Sun Xiu had already set up affairs of the irregular. Lun respected and esteemed him. Xiu lived within the office where Emperor Wen had resided in his time as Chancellor of State. In affairs there was no great and small, he had to be consulted and then they were carried out. [As for] Lun's decrees and orders, Xiu always changed and altered them, had them taken by force, and from books with green paper made decrees. Those sometimes acted on in the morning and changed in the night numbered four [?]. The hundred officials shifted easily and moved with the flow.

At the time there was a pheasant which entered within the halls, and from the eastern stairs of the Grand Utmost went up the hall. They drove it away, it further flew to beneath the western bell. After a moment it flew away. Again when Lun was above the hall he obtained a strange bird, nobody asked knew its name. When the day turned towards evening, west of the palace there was a small boy in white clothes who said this was precisely the Liu bird [?]. Lun sent to record the small boy and together with the bird shut them in and put them the prison room. At daylight when they opened for inspection, the door was like before, but both boy and bird were missing from the place. Above Lun's eye there was a tumour [liu], at the time it was considered to be the strange bird.

At the time the King of Qi, Jiong, the King of Hejian, Yong, and the King of Chengdu, Ying, each embraced stubborn troops, each occupying a single region. Xiu knew Jiong and the others surely had different plans, and therefore selected from his person fraction members and Lun's old magistrates to be aides and assistants to the three kings and as commandery wardens.

Xiu originally had a grudge with Zhang Lin. Although on the outside they pushed each other forward in honour, on the inside he truly hated him. When Lin became General of Guards, he deeply resented not obtaining [the honour of] Opening Office. He secretly sent a note to Kua, drawing up advice that Xiu was monopolizing authority, his actions were going against the hearts of the multitudes, the meritorious subjects were all small men, he disturbed and made chaos in the imperial court, and insisted on a single time [?] to execute him. Kua used the letter to report to Lun, and Lun accordingly showed it to Xiu. Xiu recommended Lun to execute Lin, and Lun followed it. And so he requested the imperial clan to assemble in the  Flowery Forest Park, and summoned Lin, Xiu and Wang Yu to enter. In that way he seized Lin and killed him, and executed his three kindred.

The King of Zhao, Lun, courtesy name Ziyi, was Emperor Xuan's ninth son, his mother was named Lady Bai. At the beginning of Wei's Jiaping [249 – 253] he was enfeoffed Marquis of Marquis of Anle village [in 250 according to JS001]. When the Five Ranks were established, changed his fief to Viscount of Dong'an, he was designated Remonstrating and Consulting Grandee.

When Emperor Wu received the abdication, he was enfeoffed King of Langye commandery. He was incriminated in sending the Cavalier Commander Liu Ji to pay labourers wanting to rob imperial furs [?]. The Commandant of Justice Du You judged Ji to be dumped in the market and that Lun must have the same crime as Ji.

Had the ministers memorialise on since Lun feudal rank's being weighty and belonging to close relatives, he could not be incriminated. The Remonstrating and Consulting Grandee Liu Yi [JS045] refuted, saying: “The kingly laws reward and punish, they are not partial to the worthy or worthless. Afterwards we could thereby uniform the ritual system and clarify the canons of punishment. Lun knew the furs were not ordinary, he hid them and did not speak to the magistrates. He hand Ji have the same crime. Undertaking due to him being a a honoured relative to discus diminish, [I] can not set aside my doubts and not discuss it. [?] We ought at this one instance in the middle of the law go with the judgement of You.” The Emperor at this resolute refutation, affirmed that due to Lun being a relative and for personal reasons [?], sent down a decree to pardon him.

When he went to his state, he acted as Commander of the Palace Gentlemen of the East and General who Proclaims Power. In the middle of Xianning [275 – 280], changed his fief to Zhao, and he was moved to General who Pacifies the North and Controller of the Defences of Ye City, then advanced to General who Calms the North.

At the beginning of Yuankang [291 – 299], he was moved to General who Conquers the West, Opening Office with the Same Ceremonies as the Three Ministers, headquartered at Guanzhong. Lun in punishing and rewarding neglected the middle way, the Di and the Qiang turned to rebellion, and he was summoned and returned to the capital city.

He amassed to be designated General of Chariots and Cavalry and Grand Tutor to the Heir-Apparent. He associated much with Jia and Guo, and flattered in the affairs of the central palace. He greatly had Empress Jia's personal trust. He aspired to Record [the Affairs] of the Masters of Writing. Zhang Hua [JS036] and Pei Wei [JS035] firmly held fast it could not be done. He again aspired to Prefect of the Masters of Writing. Hua and Wei again did not allow it.

When the Heir-Apparent Minhuai was deposed, made Lun to act as General of the Right Army. At the time the Controller of the Marshals of the Guards of the Left, Sima Ya, and the Controller of the Regular Companions, Xu Chao, both once had served in the Eastern Palace. The two men were troubled over the Heir-Apparent being without guilt. They and the Palace Gentleman of the Central Hall, Shi Yi, and others plotted to depose Empress Jia and restore the Heir-Apparent. Due to Hua and Wei not being able to move, they had difficulties with the plan in the balance [?]. Lun held the necessary troops, was by nature greedy and reckless, and could be put to use to thereby aid the affair.

They therefore told Lun's favourite, Sun Xiu, saying: “The Central Palace [i.e. the Empress] is murderous and jealous, and without the Way. [She] and Jia Mi [JS040] and others together deposed the Heir-Apparent. Now the state is without a legal successor, the altars of soil and grain are about to be in danger, the great subjects are about to [?] rise up a great affair [i.e. rebellion]. Yet His Excellency is famous for attending to and serving the Central Palace. He, Jia and Guo are good friends. The deposition of the Heir-Apparent, all speaks with anticipation and expectation, in a single morning the affair will start, misfortune will surely reach each other. How can we not first plan for it?” Xiu promised and assented, and talked to Lun. Lun accepted it.

Thereupon [he?] announced and communicate Zhang Lin and the Officer of Scrutiny Zhang Heng, the Attendant Imperial Clerk of the Central Hall Yin Hun, and the Guard of the Right, Sima Ya, the road was started, causing there to be obedience within [?].

The affair was about to begin, yet Xiu knew the Heir-Apparent was intelligent and bright, if he returned to the Eastern Palace, he would want to chart government affairs with virtuous people. [Xiu] estimated he himself would surely not be able to obtain his aspirations. He therefore once more told Lun, saying: “The Heir-Apparent as a person is rigid and stern, and will not allow secret requests. Your Enlightened Excellency habitually serves Empress Jia, In the discussions of the times, all consider Your Excellency to be of the Jia clan's faction. Now, although you desire to establish great merit with the Heir-Apparent, the Heir-Apparent is stifling a long-held anger, and will surely not add rewards to the Enlightened Duke. Undertaking to speak of pressuring the expectations of the hundred families, flipping and turning over you will thereby be pardoned from crimes, and that is all. [?] This therefore is the means of quick misfortune. Now, however by delaying their affair, Empress Jia will surely murder the Heir-Apparent. Afterwards we can depose the Empress and have it announced [posthumously] to the Heir-Apparent, both sufficient to thereby establish merit. [This is] how to just avoid misfortune and that is all.”

Lun followed it. Xiu therefore made a small leak of their plan, and caused [Jia] Mi's faction to somewhat hear of it. Lun and Xiu because of that recommended Mi and others to soon murder the Heir-Apparent, thereby cutting of the multitudes' expectations.

With the Heir-Apparent being murdered, Lun and Xiu's schemes profited considerably. Yet Chao and Ya feared later difficulties, and desired to repent for their scheme, therefore claimed illness. Xiu again informed the Controller of the Sharpshooter Guards of the Right, Lü He. He followed him. At the 4th Month, the 3rd Day [7 May 300], the third night-watch [2300 – 0100], the first tally, he was to use [a?] drum strike as reply [?].

At the appointed time, they therefore falsely decreed a counsel to the Marshals of the Three Sections, saying: “The Central Palace, together with Jia Mi and others, killed our Heir-Apparent. Now make the [General of] Chariots and Cavalry enter and depose the Central Palace. You all must follow the instructions, and will be bestowed feudal rank of Marquis Within the Passes. Do not follow and be executed with your three kin.” And so the multitudes all followed it.

Lun also falsely decreed to open the gates at night for entering, deploying troops on the road south [?]. He dispatched the Colonel of the Supporting Army, the King of Qi, Jiong, to command a hundred people of the Marshals of the Three Sections, they lined up at the gallery and entered. The Prefect of the Flowery Forest, Luo Xiu, made a reply from inside. They greeted the Emperor favouring the Eastern Hall.

Thereupon they deposed Empress Jia to be a commoner, and secluded her in the Founding the Beginning Hall. They gathered the Grand Consort of Wu, Zhao Can, and Han Shou's wife Jia Wu and others, and delivered them to the Drying Room for thorough examination [?]. They decreed the Masters of Writing, due to the affair of deposing the Empress, to carry on arresting Jia Mi and others, and summoned the Overseer of the Palace Writers, the Palace Attendants, Attendant Gentlemen of the Yellow Gates and the Eight Seats, all at night to enter the hall. They apprehended Zhang Hua, Pei Wei, Jie Jie [JS060], Du Bin and others, and killed them in front of the hall.

The Masters of Writing started to suspect the decree was a forgery. The Gentleman Shi Jing on an open tablet memorialised requesting to hand over [?] the decree. Lun and others used it as dispiriting [?] the multitudes, and beheaded him for his quick wits [?].

Next day, Lun sat at the main gate, garrisoned troops facing north, and dispatched the Master of Writing He Yu, Holding the Tally, to send off the Commoner Jia to Jinyong [the “Metal Walled” fortress]. He executed Zhao Can's junior uncle, the Army-Protector of the Centre, Zhao Jun and the Cavalier Attendant Gentleman, Han Yu, and others. Inside and outside, of the crowd of officials, many were demoted and dismissed.

Lun made use of a false decree to make himself Envoy Holding the Tally, Great Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs in the  Centre and Outside and Chancellor of State; Palace Attendant and King like before, alone relying on Xuan and Wen assisting Wei in former affairs, setting up Senior Clerks of Left and Right, Marshal, 4 Assistant Officer Palace Gentlemen, 19 Adjutants, 20 staff officers and 10 000 troops.

The Hidden [yin] King of Chu, Wei, [b. 271, d. 291] courtesy name Yandu, was Emperor Wu's fifth son. He was first enfeoffed King of Shiping, and successively was Colonel of Garrison Cavalry. At the end of Taikang [280 -289], moved his fief to Chu, to set out and go to his state, [to be] Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs of Jing province and General who Pacifies the South. He then moved to General who Garrisons the South.

When Emperor Wu expired, he entered to be General of the Guards, acting as Centre Captain of Northern Army, concurrently Palace Attendant and Temporary Junior Tutor to the Heir-Apparent.

At the execution of Yang Jun [JS040], Wei garrisoned the Gates of Marshal. Wei for his young age was determined and sharp, and much established power and law. The imperial court feared him. The King of Runan, Liang, and the Grand Guardian, Wei Guan [JS036], due to Wei by nature being very unmanageable, could not greatly rely on [him], and began a discussion to send him and the various kings to their states. Wei was considerably angered by them.

The Senior Clerk Gongsun Hong and the Retainer Qi Sheng, both pushed to act, were intimate with Wei. Guan and others hated his conduct, and worried [it would] cause calamity and chaos, and wanted to arrest Sheng. Sheng knew it, and thereupon planned with Hong. Because of that the General who Amasses Crossbows, Li Zhao, falsely calling it Wei's instructions, slandered Liang and Guan to Empress Jia.

Then the Empres did not have them investigated, but made Emperor Hui issue a decree saying: “The Grand Governor and the Grand Guardian desire to have the affairs of Yi and Huo. The King ought to circulate the decree, ordering the kings of Huainan, Changsha and Chengdu to garrison the various gates of the palace, and depose the two Excellencies.”

At night they sent a Yellows Gates [a eunuch?] to present accordingly assignment to Wei. Wei desired to reply with a memorial. The Yellow Gates said: “The affairs will probably leak and be revealed. Not a private decree's real intention.” Wei therefore desisted.

He thereupon directed his home army [?], and also falsely decreed to summoned the Thirty-Six Armies, with his own hand making an announcement to the various armies saying: “Heaven has brought calamity on the House of Jin, murder and rebellion follow each other. In the period with the difficulties of Yang Jun, truly relied on the various lords to overcome and pacify the calamitous confusion. Yet the two Excellences secretly scheme and do not follow the track, desiring to depose Your Majesty and thereby cut off the sacrifices to Emperor Wu. Now straight away on receiving the decree, dismiss the two Excellencies from office. I now accept the decreeing of Commander-in-Chief of All Armies in the Centre and Outside. The various who are on straight guards all strictly increase the alertness and readiness. Those being in the outside encampments, expediently lead and guide each other, directly pay visit and go to the government offices. Aid and go along with punishing the rebels, by the blessing of Heaven. [I] hold up rewards and open fiefs, thereby receiving loyal results. August Heaven and Empress Earth, truly hear these words.”

He also falsely decreed to make Liang and Guan to send up the seals and ribbons of Grand Governor and Grand Guardian and the sable cicada of Palace Attendant, and go to their states, their subordinate officials all to retire and dispatch them [?].

He also false decreed to pardon the subordinate officials of Liang and Guan, saying: “The two Excellencies secretly planned, desiring to endanger the altars of soil and grain, are now dismissed and returning their ranks [?]. Their subordinate officials and below, as one will not be inquired after. If [you] do not accept the decree, expediently [use] army law in the following affairs. Those able to lead and act first in going out and surrender [?]  by guiding the former to produce the demotion, enfeoffed as Marquis as their reward. We do not eat Our words.” Thereupon he arrested Liang and Guan, and killed them.

Qi Sheng discussed with Wei, that they could, because of power of their troops, execute Jia Mo [JS040] and Guo Zhang [JS040], restore and correct the royal house, thereby calming Under Heaven. Wei hesitated and held off, without deciding. Meeting in the Heavenly Light, the Emperor employed Zhang Hua's [JS036] plan, and dispatched the General of the Palace Halls, Wang Gong to take grooms and custodians [?] with banners to signal the masses. “The King of Chu is falsely decreeing.”

The masses all cast away their sticks and left. Wei left and right was without even a single man. Hard-pressed and pressured, he did not know what to do. With only one slave, fourteen years old, he drove an ox chariot wanting to go to the King of Qin, Jian. The Emperor dispatched an announcer to decree Wei to return to the barracks, holding him at the office of the Rapid as Tigers.  and thereupon sent him down to the Commandant of Justice.

Decreed that due to Wei falsifying authority to murder two Excellencies, fathers and sons, and also desiring to execute and exterminate court officials, his plans and schemes not following the path, therefore to behead him. At the time he was 21 years old.

That day there was a great storm, with thunder and rain, thunderclaps and thunderbolts. A decree said: “The Duke of Zhou decided the execution of the two uncles. Wu of Han cut off the imprisonment of Zhaoping, those not obtaining it [?]. The Commandant of Justice memorialises Wei has submitted to the law, his feelings being sorrowful and sad, I must send out pity. [?]”

Wei when approaching death, pulled out from his breast a decree on green paper, and with flowing tears accordingly showed the controller of punishment, the Master of Writing Liu Song [JS046], saying: “[I] received the decree and acted, and was said to be the altars of soil and grain. Now [I have] changed to become a criminal. Relying on and making allowance for the Former Emperor, suffering uselessly like this, favour [me?] with seeing and rolling out the arrangement. [?]”

Song likewise snorted and sobbed, and was not able raise his head and look at it. Gongsun Hong and Qi Sheng were both exterminated to the third rank.

Wei by nature laid open help and was good at giving, he was able to obtain the hearts of the multitudes. When it came to this, they could not but fell tears, the hundred families had shrines built for him.

Empress Jia's first crime was Guan and Liang. She was also jealous of Wei. Because of that she therefore plotted to execute him next [?].

The Cultured and Complete [wencheng] King of Ru'nan, Liang [d. 26 July 291], courtesy name Ziyi, was Emperor Xuan's fourth son.

[In terms of seniority presumably, in terms of birth order he should be third as both he and his brother Zhou should be born before Gan]

As young he was pure and alert, and had a talent for employing. He served Wei as Cavalier and Attending Gentleman and Marquis of Wansui village. He was designated Commander of the Palace Gentlemen of the East and his fief advanced to Marquis of Guangyang district.

At the punishment of Zhuge Dan at Shouchun, he suffered a setback and was dismissed from office. Soon after, he was designated General of the Left, concurrently Cavalier in Regular Attendance and Acting with the Tally, and was sent out as Overseer of All Army Affairs of Yu Province. When the Five Ranks were established, his fief was changed to Earl of Qiyang. He was moved to be General who Garrisons the West.

When Emperor Wu trod the eastern steps, he was enfeoffed as King of Fufeng commandery, with revenue of 10 000 household's, setting up a Marshal of Cavalry, adding an Adjutant to the categories of officials. [?] Holding the Tally, Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs of Guanzhong, Yong and Liang.

It happened that the Inspector of Qin province, Hu Lie was captured by the Qiang and murdered. Liang dispatched the General Liu Qi and the Controller of Cavalry Jing Yan to go in rescue, and did not advance. He was convicted for this and demoted to be General who Pacifies the West.

Qi accepted beheading. Liang and army director Cao Jiong submitted words to the authorities. Since it was a mistake in controls and measures caused by Liang that made [Qi] set out, he requested to be given Qi's death. [?]

A decree said: “When Gaoping was surrounded and in a critical state, planned inside the city to reach Qi sufficiently to accordingly uprooted each other. [?] He was simply not able to arrive on a narrow path, yet still undertaking a deep advance. Now rushing about has been thrown out, but he is yet convicted of observing failure and defeat, [?] causing to add Qi's great massacre. Now if it can not but be Qi, accept be alive.” [?] [The Emperor] had the ministers also memorialise on dismissing Liang from office and trimming the territory of his feudal title, but decreed however only to dismiss him from office.

Soon after, he was designated General who Calms the Army. That year, the Wu general Bu Chan came in surrender. Liang, Acting the Tally [?] and Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs accordingly admitted him. He was promoted to the concurrent responsibility of Palace Attendant.

At the beginning of Xianning [275 – 280], he used Chiyang in Fufeng, 4 300 households, as Lady Dowager Ms. Fu's bathing town, and set up an Assistant Prefect of the Household and a Coachman. Later changed the revenue to Zhijiang in Nan commandery. The Lady Dowager once had a small illness, and [wanted to] drive it out in the Luo river [?]. Liang and his brothers, 3 people, attended and followed, all Holding the Tally with Drummers and Pipers, shaking and dazzling the banks of the Luo. [?] Emperor Wu climbed the Lingyun Terrace to look at them, saying: “Lady Fu can be said to be rich in worthies!” [?]

[Lady Fu had 4 sons with Sima Yi: Liang, Zhou, Jing and Jun, but Jing had died before the founding of Jin. Sima Zhou was born in 227, so Lady Fu must have been closing on seventy by the time of this episode. In the years before the defeat of Wu, Sima Zhou was headquartered in Xiapi as Great General who Garrisons the East, Acting with the Tally and Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs of Xu Province. Sima Fu had taken over Sima Liang's Guanzhong command as Great General who Garrisons the West, Envoy Holding the Tally and Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs in Yong and Liang and other provinces.]

That year he was advanced to the title of General of the Guards, concurrently Palace Attendant. At the time the imperial clan house was abundant and flourishing, but without uniting in assisting each other. [?] Therefore used Liang as Master of the Imperial Clan, his original office as before. He sent [people] to teach and guide, observe and investigate. When they did not obey the rites and laws, the lesser [offenders] were corrected into using right conduct, for the greater he submitted the affair in a public memorial [?]

In the 3rd Year [of Xianning, 277 AD], moved his fief to Runan and sent him out as Great General who Garrisons the South, Commander-in-Chief of the Army Affairs of Yu province, Opening Office and Acting with the Tally. He went to his state. He was given the Chasing Point Chariot and the Black Wheeled Calf Chariot, 500 000 coins.

Soon after, corrected [?] Liang to be Palace Attendant, Great General who Calms the Army, acting as General of the Army of the Rear, governing the Best of the Army, the Foot Soldiers, the Shooting at Sound, Chang River and other encampments. He was given 500 soldiers and 100 cavalry.

He was moved to Grand Commandant, Recording the Affairs of the Masters of Writings, acting as Grand Tutor to the Heir-Apparent, Palace Attendant as before.

When Emperor Wu was bedridden by illness, he was pushed back by Yang Jun. Therefore used Liang as Palace Attendant, Great Marshal, Acting with Yellow Battle-axe, Great Commander-in-Chief and Controller of All Army Affairs of Yu Province, and sent [him] out to garrison Xuchang, added carriage hoisting his music and dancers in six rows. Enfeoffed his son Yang as Duke of Xiyang.

He had not yet set out, when the Emperor greatly worsened. An edict stopped Liang to appoint him accordingly to later affairs. Yang Jun heard of this, followed the Inspector of the Palace Writers, Hua Yi to demand to look at the edict, and thereupon did not return it.

When the Emperor expired, Liang feared Jun suspected him, claimed illness and did not enter. Only at the outside of the gates of the Grand Marshal did he express mourning, announcing a request to visit the burial.

Jun wanted to punish Liang. Liang knew this, and asked about plans to the Commandant of Justice, He Xu. Xu said: “Now the imperial court turn their hearts to Your Excellency. Your Excellency, why do you not punish the person, but fear punishment by the person?” Some [?] said Liang to lead and act to enter and depose Jun. Liang was not able to use [this]. At night he hurriedly went to Xuchang, and for this reason escaped.

When Jun was executed, an edict said: “The Grand Marshal, the King of Runan, Liang, embodies the Way and is infused with pureness, thoroughly understands the management of government, proclaiming the achievements of his shelter, manifest at the home court, the manners of the Two South, [?] circulating in the quarter of the Xia, wanting to rely on far-reaching plans, using the reforms of King Kang.

Hence [We are] using Liang as Grand Steward, Recording the Affairs of the Masters of Writing, to enter court without hastening, wear sword and shoes in the upper palace, adding to his staff 10 people, and allowing 1 000 soldiers, 100 cavalry; and together with the Grand Guardian, Wei Guan, correct and control the court and government.”

Liang argued rewards for achieving the execution of Yang Jun beyond proportions, desiring accordingly to frivolously please the hearts of the masses. Because of this he let down expectations.

The King of Chu, Wei, was meritorious and excelled at establishing power. Liang dreaded him and wanted to take away his troops and authority. Wei was considerably displeased, and therefore assented to the purposes of Empress Jia. He falsely accused Liang and Guan to have a plan of deposing the established [i.e. the Emperor].

A false edict dispatched his Senior Clerk, Gongsun Hong and the General who Amasses Crossbows, Li Zhao at night to use troops and surround them. The Controller Below the Tents, Li Long reported the outside was rebelling, and asked to resist them. Liang did not listen.

Suddenly the Chu troops climbed the wall and shouted. Liang was frightened and said: “I am without two hearts. Why has it come to this? Suppose you have a written decree, could I see it?” Hong and the others did not allow it, and pressed the troops to attack him.

The Senior Clerk Liu Zhun spoke to Liang, saying: “Observing this there must certainly thus be a villainous scheme. Within the office the talented in government are like a forest. You can still yet resist and fight.” He again did not listen.

Thereupon he was seized by Zhao, and sighing, said: “My loyal heart, can [my?] ruin be shown to all under Heaven? How like without the Way, [I was] vainly killed for no offence?”

At that time there was a great heat. Soldiers seated Liang beneath [?] the chariot. People at the time pitied him, and were handing over fans to him. At the time people pitied him, and handed over fans to him.

The generals had reached the middle of the day, without daring to murder [him]. Wei sent out an order saying: “[He who] is able to behead Liang, will be rewarded with 1000 bolts of cloth.” He thereupon was murdered by disorderly soldiers and cast off the walls of the northern gate. The temple hair, ears and nose all known to be injured on him. [Sima Liang died 26 July 291, JS004]