#zs01

At Xue Shan's using Hedong to respond to Li Bi, Jing Zhen and Jing Xiang likewise led their counties to revert to adherence.

Jing Zhen, courtesy name Guobao, was a native of Puban in Hedong, he was a tenth generation grandson of Han's Inspector of Yang province, Shao. His father Bole was the province's Master of Accounts and Prefect of Anyi. Zhen had an imposing appearance and deportment, was spirited and gallant, and studied and learned riding and shooting. In everything he was acclaimed by the times.

Xiang was Zhen's second cousin. He also had brave forbearance and had great aspirations, and in particular used associating and connecting with the noble and prominent as his activity. Zhen and him were deep friends and fond of each other and always wandered or stayed together.

When Shenwu of Qi hastened to Shayuan, Zhen spoke to Xiang, saying:

When Gao Huan harassed and chased the Driving Carriage, who ran away and moved to Guanyou, who among gentlemen of knowledge did not intend to push a blade into the midst of his belly? It was only that [their] strength has not yet been regulated, that is all. Now he again take up troops for interior bullying, and is about to gratify his nefarious disobedience. This is day for a gentleman with sincere aspirations to hand over his fate. [I] will undertake to lay designs against him with [you,] older brother.

Xiang heard his words and was very pleased. He said:

How might the plan be brought forth?

Zhen said:

Chancellor Yuwen is broad-minded, humane, and has great measures. He has the strategies of a hegemon king, and has held close the Son of Heaven and commanded the various feudal princes already for several years. Observing his government and criminal laws being prepared and instigated, and the generals and soldiers employing his instructions, though Huan has a multitude, in firmness he is not his equal. Furthermore, when management of disobedience and obedience are incomparable, a general will not fight but overwhelm himself.

Suppose we summon and assemble the righteous and brave, cut off his path home, and annihilate and cut off the ears of the nefarious followers. To make not a single wheel turn around would not only wipe away the imperial court's shame, but also be a legacy for strong gentlemen and ennobled princes.

Xiang deeply agreed with him. Thereupon, they, together with the prominent and honoured of the same commandery, Zhang Xiaobai, Fan Zhaoxian, Wang Lüedeng, and others raised troops, and within several days their multitude reached more than ten thousand. When they were about to assail Huan's rear army, the troops had not yet advanced when Shenwu of Qi had already been defeated. Zhen and Xiang intercepted him and subdued and took captive many.

When Li Bi's army arrived in Hedong, Zhen, with Xiaobai and others, led the six Yishi, Nanjie, Beijie, Anyi, Wenquan, and Yuxiang counties with more than a hundred thousand households, to revert to adherence. Taizu commended them, and promptly designated Zhen Grand Warden of Pingyang, acting as Defence Master of Yongning; and Xiang as Dragon-Prancing General and Gentleman-at-Centre to the Acting Tribunal, acting as Defence Master of Xiangli. He also bestowed drums and pipes as an honour special to them. Taizu still holding Zhen's hand, said:

That the house of state has the land of Hedong, my good man, is through the strength of you and your brothers. When turning back with this land delivered to you, my good man, I will have no concerns over the east being looked after.

After a long time he moved to Inspector of Jiang絳 province. He resigned due to illness and passed at home. His son Yuanyao was by nature chaste and proper, had an understanding for studying. His rank reached Publishing and Promulgation Middle Grandee.

Taizu spoke to the various generals, saying:

Though Gao Huan's wisdom is insufficient, he has deceptions to spare. Now he makes noise of intending to go west, but he is thinking about entering Luo. I intend to order Kuo Luo to lead more than 10 000 cavalry and infantry to draw east from Jing# province, and Wang Pi to lead 10 000 armoured soldiers and first occupy Hua province. If Huan comes west, Wang Pi is sufficient to manage to oppose and ward him off. Similarly, if he enters Luo, Kuo Luo will immediately assail Fen and Jin. I will right away quickly harness up and proceed straight towards the capital city. [We will] make him [if] he advances have worries about interior concerns, [and if] he withdraws, to have the appearance of being followed. In a single stirring we will greatly settle [matters], this is the best strategy.

Everyone in the multitude declared it good.

Autumn, 7th Month [26 July – 24 August 534], Taizu led the multitudes to issue out from Gaoping. The van army arrived in Hongnong. But Shenwu of Qi bit by bit put pressure on the capital city. Emperor Wei personally commanded the Six Armies, and stationed at Heqiao [“He Bridge”]. He ordered the [General of] Guards of the Left, Yuan Binzhi, and the [General who] Leads the Army, Husi Chun to garrison Wulao [i.e. Hulao], and dispatched messengers to announce it to Taizu. Taizu spoke to left and right, saying:

Gao Huan in several days has travelled eight or nine hundred li. Discerning what the troops are averse to, the correct thing must be to take the advantage to strike him right away. However the Ruler and Sovereign, due to the weight of the ten thousand vehicles, is unable to decide on battle, and just now hems the fords and occupies defences. Moreover the He is ten thousand li long, and to shelter behind it is difficult. If [someone] at single place obtains a crossing, the great affair is done for.

He promptly used Great Chief Controller Zhao Gui as Acting Tribunal of a Detached Circuit, to cross over from Puban and press on to Bing province, and he dispatched Great Chief Controller Li Xian, with 1 000 elite cavalry, to hasten to Luoyang.

It happened that Binzhi and Husi Chun contended for authority and did not cooperate. Binzhi thereupon abandoned Chun and turned back, lying to the Emperor by stating that Gao Huan's troops had arrived.

7th Month, dingwei [21 August], the Emperor thereupon led light cavalry from Luoyang to enter the Passes. Taizu prepared rites and guards to offer welcome, and presented himself and was received in audience at Dongyang Relay station. Taizu took off his cap, sobbed and wept, and apologized, saying:

Your Subject was unable to put a stop to the bandits and oppressors, and thereupon caused the Driving Carriage to move his favour. [I] request arrest [by] the minister of justice in accordance with the book of punishments.

The Emperor said:

Your Excellency's loyalty and integrity is revealed to court and countryside. We, due to not being virtuous, carry the weight for causing the bandits. Seeing [you] today, [We will] very much make use of [Our] shamelessness. The responsibility lies with Our person, there is nothing to assuage or apologize for.

Then he served the Emperor in making a capital at Chang'an. He flung away the grasses and weed and established an imperial court for the government of army and state. In everything he picked Taizu to decide them. He continued with increasing his conferral to Great General, Inspector of Yong province, and Combined Prefect of the Masters Writing, advanced his fief to Duke of Lüeyang commandery, to separately set up two Masters of Writing and dispose of and allot according to the situation, and to put aside Archer-Servant of the Masters of Writing. The remaining was like before. Taizu firmly declined. A decree sincerely elucidated on it, and he therefore accepted.

Earlier, when the Wei Emperor was at Luoyang, he conferred the Senior Princess of Pingyi as a match for Taizu, but they had not yet reached the joining the together and handing over when the Emperor moved west. Reaching this point, he decreed that Taizu wed her, and designated him Chief Commandant of Escort Cavalry.

8th Month [25 August – 23 September], Shenwu of Qi assailed and captured Tong Pass, and encroached upon Huayin. Taizu led the various armies to station at Bashang to wait for him. Shenwu of Qi kept behind his general Xue Jin to defend the Pass and then withdrew. Taizu therefore advanced to chastise Jin, captured his soldiers, 7 000 men, and turned back to Chang'an. He advanced in rank to Chancellor.

Winter, 10th Month [23 October – 21 November], Shenwu of Qi pushed forward Wei's King of Qinghe, Dan's son, Shanjian as ruler, and moved the capital to Ye. This was Eastern Wei.

11th Month [22 November – 20 December], he dispatched the Ceremony Similar Li Hu, together with Li Bi, Zhao Gui, and others, to chastise Cao Ni in Ling province. Hu guided the He to pour into him. Next year [i.e. 535 AD], Ni surrendered, and they moved his prominent leaders to Xianyang.

At the time the Wei Emperor was just then making designs against Shenwu of Qi, and again dispatched to levy troops. Taizu therefore ordered the former Inspector of Qin province, Luo Chao, to be Great Chief Controller, and lead 1 000 light cavalry to proceed to Luo. Advanced the conferrals on Taizu to Combined Archer-Servant of the Masters of Writing and Great Acting Tribunal of Guanxi, the remaining offices and ennoblement like before. Taizu therefore transmitted a call to arms to the region's garrisons which said:

[I] have heard that yin and yang alternate in usage, growth and decline follow after each other, and if there is hundred-and-six, nothing is heard of three and five. When the august house initiated the succession, they moulded and fashioned the Green Growth, protected and calmed the Four Seas, and benevolently nurtured the ten thousand things. Turning to reach the Xiaochang era [525 – 528], difficulties and disturbance rose up again and again. Long and Ji were agitated and astir, Yan and He turned their heads to look behind their backs. Although the numinous mandate began again, and there was a time for washing away and settling, yet the followers of trouble-makers following that grew feathers and wings.

The traitorous subject Gao Huan, his capability and knowledge less than mediocre, set out from the lackeys and menials having scarcely heard of courtesy or righteousness, and straight-away, as the singular falcon or dog who would put his strength into military action, put on a brave face for kindness and favour, consequently he climbed in glory and honour. Incapable of utter sincerity and full steadfastness, he gave sole attention to and believed in perfidious deviation, and therefore urged Erzhu Rong to act in this way with usurpation and rebellion.

When Rong, due to monopolizing government, had submitted to execution, and [Erzhu] Shilong, due to malignant factions, made an outside rebellion, Huan persistently made vigorous effort, enabling him to gain the Imperial Capital. Again he urged the Tuwan boy [Erzhu Zhao?] to then be a cruel regicide, temporarily installed the Jianming [emperor] [530 – 531], to command Under Heaven, and made use of pushing forward the Putai [emperor] [531 - 532], intending to steal power and authority. Each ended up deposed and repudiated, and both were brutally murdered. Hence he declared to the troops North of the He, making using of chastising the Erzhu, and urgently passed along a petition with proposals, stating he would capture the slanderous traitors. He already has acted to depose and dismiss, and thereupon is about to usurp and regicide.

Since people's expectations have not yet changed, he fears the cauldrons and pots exchanging places, and therefore beseeches the imperial house, to compel indeed people's heart. Heaven just now gives to Wei, which surely will have a ruler, and to assist and support with sagely clarity is sincerely not Huan what gives his strength to. [?] Yet Huan blocks up troops and is at ease with cruelty, and consider himself as meritorious. He broadly spreads out belly and heart to straddle provinces and join up commanderies, among the keys to governing forbidden door none are not in his personal faction. He always acts with covetous cruelty,a yayu窫窳 as a living person[?]. And the old generals and famous subjects, upright people and straight gentlemen, constantly develops sores and bruises, every movement snaring them in entangling nets.

Formerly there was the General of Guards, Yi Lin, pure, chaste, tough, and resolute, one who belonged to the forbidden battalion[?], and the General of the Straight Chamber, Xianyu Kangren, loyal, bright, valiant, and outstanding, among the claws and teeth was he. Huan gathered them up and slaughtered them, not even making it heard in a memorial.

The Minister of Works, Gao Gan was in faction with him, they were always shadows and echoes of each other, and planned to imperil the altars of soil and grain. It was merely due to his perfidious aspirations he was not yet following, and fearing he would be the first to leak and drip, he therefore covertly informed the imperial court, causing Gao Gan to be killed, and only then wailed and replied to younger brother, claiming the Son of Heaven was constantly slaughtering.

Sun Teng and Ren Xiang are Huan's heart and spine, and both were sent to enter and live near the doorpost to wait for gaps and cracks in the state. When they perceived Huan's rebellious plans were about to issue out, they fled back home in succession. Huan more and more consoled and attended on them, and likewise nothing was put forth or reported on.

As such, when first Huan entered Luo, he basically had perfidious plans. Now his intimate Cai Jun has begun to shepherd He and Ji, and is lavishly being kind and supportive to them, so as to become the master of the Eastern Circuit.

Formerly the Great Chief Controller of Guanxi, the Duke of Qingshui, Heba Yue, his achievements and virtue plentiful and weighty, in rise and fall was someone to take refuge in. Huan was fond of chaos and happy with misfortune, and was deeply spiteful and venomous to him. He therefore furtively plotted with Houmochen Yue¤ his ruin and murder. [This?] field headquarters, due to receiving rules be in sole charge of campaigning, right then promptly chastised and slaughtered.

Huan knew his rebellious appearance had already been exposed, and bit by bit held close the battalions to resist. He thereupon dispatched Cai Jun oppose replacement, and ordered Dou Tai to assist him. He also dispatched Hou Jing and others, their stated direction Baima; Fu Shizhen and others to press straight on to the Stone Ford; Gao Longzhi, Pi Louzhao and others to station at and occupy Hu Pass; Han Gui's followers to hold close the multitudes at Puban. Hence he sent up a letter to the Son of Heaven, counting and discussing gains and losses, denigrating and defaming the Driving Carriage, and dominating and disrespecting the imperial court. Alleging those trifling contributions, he looks forward to this great treasure.

Gorges and ravines can overflow, but a mischievous mind cannot be fathomed. Sometimes he tells he will proceed straight to Jing and Chu and expand the border outwards. Sometimes he tells he will separately go to Yin and Luo, and capture those slanderous people. Sometimes he tells he intends to come and enter the Passes, and settle in battle with [this] field headquarters.

Now a sage clarifies and steers the cycles, Under Heaven is pure and unruffled, the hundred companions learn from each other, the Four Peripheries come together. People loyal and good [are?] who should be by the side of the ruler. And yet Huan's power and good fortune is for himself, giving birth this way to the steps of chaos. He joins together the Southern Basket [constellation] and points out deer as being horses. He bundles up and stores nefarious rebels to wait on our divine receptacle. If this can be endured, what cannot be tolerated!

This field headquarters to snap off and wash away firmament will personally accepted sacrificial meat, and with a honed host a million strong, and a thousand groups of horse archers, wrap up food and sit in armour, indeed the opponent is what we wait for, and that which is right-principled, to smash the flesh of this disgrace[?].

Furthermore there has again and again been written decrees, widely announced Under Heaven, declaring Huan a rebellious chaos-maker, and summoning troops to deliver the strike. Now [I] will immediately allot instructions to the generals and leaders, to respond to the moment and advance to chastise. Some will press on to his key points, some will assault his dens and dwellings, [like?] a lightning flashing or snake striking, fog gathering or the stars snaring. And Huan disobeys and burdens Heaven and Earth, the poison cloaking people and ghosts. To take advantage of this to sweep and cleanse away is easy as bowing down and picking up.

If Huan crosses the He to bit by bit pressure the Ancestral Temple, then [I] will allot instructions to the various generals to straight-away capture Bing province. This field headquarters will personally from the eastern camp entrance proceed in a flash to Yi and Luo. If he firms up his nests and caves, not daring to move out, [I] likewise will instruct the crowd of leaders, to go forward together along a hundred roads, to tear and rend apart the traitorous subjects and so apologize to Under Heaven.

Among his provinces, garrisons, commanderies, and counties, leading the land and common people, there are in some provinces and districts caps and crowns, in some achievements mediocre generations after generation. In both cases they ought to renounce rebellion and revert to obedience, and establish results at the army gates. The ordnances for ennoblement and rewards already have a separate framework.

Earlier, the Inspector of Yuan province, Shi Gui, was friends with and trusted by Yue. At the Hequ catastrophe, he turned around to become Yue¤'s defender. Yue¤ dispatched his partisans Wang Bohe and Cheng Ci'an, commanding 2 000 troops, to help Gui with garrisoning Yuan province. Taizu dispatched Chief Controller Houmochen Chong to lead 1 000 light cavalry and assault Gui. He seized him, and also captured Ci'an, Bohe, and others, and sent them off to Pingliang. Taizu petitioned for Chong to Act on the Affairs of Yuan province. Moqi Puba also dispatched his general Chigan Baoluo with 2 000 cavalry to come and accompany the army.

3rd Month [30 March – 28 April], Taizu advanced the army to arrive in Yuan province. When the multitude armies had altogether assembled, he notified them of his thoughts on chastising Yue¤. None of the soldiers had not a heart-held indignation. Taizu therefore petitioned, saying:

Your Subject have heard that to swear to die to requite kindness, and overturn the linage to repay the ruler, is what is pressing in human relationship, with hurried steps like going home. From after the death of the Great Chief Controller, Subject Yue, Your Subject again and again has deferred to the decree to turn back to the palace, feeding the horses and taking precautions for the road, [my] aspiration not to wait for dawn.

It is merely that from the controllers, generals and downwards, everyone declared Excellency Heba looked at us like his children, and now in response the shame is not yet repaid, likewise how [can we] look [people] in the face within the world. If [we] get one wipe at the unjust brutality, [we will] die ten thousand times without regret.

Moreover, while Yue¤ on the outside adheres [like a] steadfast subject, on the inside he disobeys the court's intentions. Your Subject now first consider in order the aspirations of the detestable, and after in order the hearts of steadfast gentlemen, looking forward to brandish Heaven's authority and making the state remove the injury. In a small thing disobedience [but] in the great obedience is the truth of it this morning. After [I have] vanquished and settled, [I will] lay down and wait for the axe chop.

Summer, 4th Month [29 April – 27 May], he pulled the troops up into Long, and kept behind his older brother's son Dao as Chief Controller to garrison Yuan province. Taizu's army orders were strict and dignified, the autumn [grain] was not the least bit trespassed upon, and the hundred families were greatly pleased. The knowledgeable understood his success.

The army set out from Muxia Pass. There was a great snowfall, covering the land 2 chi deep. Taizu knew Yue¤ was timid and had many doubts, he therefore made forced marches to set out from where he was not expected. Yue¤ actually suspected his left and right of having disloyal aspirations, and left and right likewise were not calm. His multitude consequently were astray and of two minds. When he heard moreover that the great army had arrived, he withdrew to guard Lüeyang, and kept behind more than 10 000 people to occupy and defend Shuiluo.

Taizu arrived at Shuiluo. He instructed to besiege it, and the city surrendered. Taizu then led several hundred light cavalry to press on to Lüeyang, to overlook Yue¤'s army. Yue¤ was greatly afraid, and therefore summoned his section generals to discuss it. Everyone said this spear-point could not be taken on, and urged Yu¤ to withdraw to guard Shanggui to escape from it.

At the time the Inspector of Nanqin, Li Bi, also was in Yue¤'s army, and therefore dispatched messengers outside the roads, requesting to be an inside agent. That night, Yue¤'s army set out, but within the army they startled themselves and dispersed. Generals and soldiers, everyone led each other to come and surrender. Taizu let loose his troops to strive and strike, greatly routing them. They took captive more than 10 000 people, and 8 000 horses.

Yue¤, with his child[ren] and younger brother[s] and those closest to his banner, several tens of cavalry escaped in flight. Taizu said:

Yue¤ originally coordinated with Cao Ni, he will not go beyond fleeing towards Ling province.

Therefore he ordered the Chief Controller of Yuan province, Dao, to intercept him in front, and Chief Controller Heba Ying and others to pursue in his rear. Dao had reached Qiantun Mountain when the pursuers caught up with Yue¤ and beheaded him.

Taizu entered Shanggui and gathered together his office treasuries, the valuables piled up mountain. Everything he used as reward for the soldiers, taking not the least wisp [himself]. [If someone] left or right stole a single silver-engraved jar to return home, Taizu knew and punished him, and then split and bestowed it on the generals and soldiers. The multitude was greatly pleased.

At the time the Inspector of Liang province, Li Shuren, was apprehended by his people, stirring up in the province disturbance and distress. The [leader] of the Dangchang Qiang, Liang Xianding, pulled in the Tuyuhun to rob Jincheng. In Wei province and Nanqin province the Di and Qiang joined together, and rose up like wasps in those places. From Nanqi¤ to Gua and Shan, those who took hold of provinces or occupied commanderies were too many to count. Taizu therefore ordered Li Bi to garrison Yuan province. The Inspector of Xia province, Baye Eci [?], garrisoned Nanqin province. The Inspector of Wei province, Kezhu Hunyuan turned back to garrison Wei province. The General of Guards, Zhao Gui, Acted on the Affairs of Qin province. He levied the grain of the four Bin, Jing#, Dongqin, and Qi¤ provinces to provision the army.

Shenwu of Qi head that Qin and Long had been overcome and vanquished, and therefore dispatched envoys to Taizu, with sweet words and lavish courtesy, that they should deeply lean on and connect with each other. Taizu resisted and did not allow it. At the time Shenwu of Qi already had disloyal aspirations, and for that reason the Wei Emperor deeply depended on Taizu. Therefore he levied 2 000 cavalry to garrison Dongyong province and help make voices of support, and continued to order Taizu to bit by bit pull in the army and go east. Taizu therefore dispatched the Great Chief Controller Liang Yu to lead 5 000 infantry and cavalry to garrison the confluence of the He and Wei as a devise against the schemes of East of He.

During Taizu's chastisement of Yue¤, Yue¤ had dispatched envoys to request aid from Shenwu of Qi. Shenwu sent his Chief Controller Han Gui commanding 10 000 troops to occupy Puban. And the Inspector of Yong province, Jia Xian, sent ships to Gui, requesting that Gui's troops entered the Passes. Taizu, following Liang Yu going east, therefore pressured and summoned Xian to proceed to the army. Yu consequently entered Yong province.

The Wei Emperor dispatched the Composition Gentleman Yao Youyu to hold the tally and congratulate the army. He advanced Taizu to Attendant-at-Centre, Great General of Agile Cavalry, Opening Office with Ceremony Similar to the Three Ministers, Great Chief Controller of Guanxi, and Duke of Lüeyang county, receiving the authority to make ennoblements and appointments, and Envoy Holding the Tally like before.

At that time, Emperor Xiaowu of Wei about to plan against Shenwu of Qi. He heard Yue had been murdered, and dispatched the General of Martial Guards, Yuan Pi, to circulate his intentions and console and commiserate, to accompany Yue's army back to Luoyang. When Pi came to Pingliang, it happened that the various generals had already pushed forward Taizu. Houmochen Yue¤ was likewise directed to accompany back, but Yue¤ was adhering to Shenwu of Qi and did not consent to respond to the summons. Taizu spoke to the various generals, saying:

Houmochen Yue¤ unjustly murdered the loyal and good, and then did not respond to the decree's instructions. This is the state's great traitor, how can [we] tolerate him!

Then he instructed the various armies to be on guard and make ready, and was about to chastise Yue¤.

When Yuan Pi turned back, Taizu petitioned to the Wei Emperor, saying:

Your Subject previously, as the old Great Chief Controller of Guanxi, Subject Yue, utterly and genuinely deferred to the state but unexpectedly met an ill fate, the Three Armies were in a despondent mood and the court and countryside bitterly regretted it. Chief Controller Kuo Luo and others gagged their vindictiveness and swallowed their distress, their determination to wipe away and repay the shame. Since Your Subject formerly was in the same tent and office, they persistently bestowed and insisted on tying up. Your Subject right then at the present month's fourteenth day [14 March], made light of coming and proceeded to the army. At the time [I] was issuing out, there already were a separate petition, and then [I] was pressured by the multitudes' feelings to carry the balance in directing military affairs.

The decree summons Yue's army to enter the capital, this thus makes a good strategy for the state. It just that Gao Huan's multitudes have already arrived East of the He, and Houmochen Yue¤ still is at Shuiluo. Furthermore, many of this army's soldiers are people here from Guanxi, and everyone hold dear their home towns and do not wish to go down east. Now they are hard-pressed with the highest instructions. [If they] altogether are ordered to proceed to the Passes, with Yue¤ treading their rear and Huan intercepting their front, head, head and tail will take on the enemy, and their situation will be perilous.

For Your Subject to fall myself in the kingly affairs is genuinely what is sweet to my heart, [but I] fear with a defeated state and used up people, the injury will once more be great. [I] beg a small halt and delay to further ponder later plans, to unhurriedly undertake to persuade and guide, and to gradually go and pull east.

Taizu's aspiration was to chastise Yue¤, but he had not yet appraised the court's intentions, and moreover and the multitude troops were not yet assembled, so he made use of this as his explanation. Following that, he, Yuan Pi, and the various generals sacrificed an animal and swore an oath to together support the royal house.

Earlier, when Heba Yue made camp at Hequ, there was an army functionary who was walking alone. Suddenly he saw one old codger, his beard and eyebrows bright white, who spoke to him, saying:

Though Heba Yue has again taken possession and has this multitude, in the end he will have no success. There will be one of the house of Yuwen coming from the north-east who later is certain to greatly flourish.

Finished talking, he disappeared. This functionary constantly talked about him with his friends, and reaching this point it was just so verified.

The Wei Emperor decreed to Taizu, saying:

Heba Yue has fallen, and the multitude soldiers have not yet somewhere to return. You, my minster, can be Great Chief Controller, to promptly assist with command and leadership. [We] understand the wish to gradually go down east, the goodness cannot be talk about. Now [we] likewise call on Houmochen Yue's¤ soldiers and horses to enter the capital. If they do not come, We will personally deliver the punishment ourselves. [You] ought yourself think of this, and not excessively stall and wait.

Taizu again petitioned, saying:

Houmochen Yue¤ defies Heaven and goes against reason, brutally murdering a good subject. He himself, due to his sole attention to slaughter and the weight of his crimes, will not respect the decree's instructions. He will block up the troops at Shuiluo and stubbornly dam up [?] Qin and Long. Your Subject, as the great pardon has been promulgated, preservers with holding back private regret, and again and again ask Yue¤ and Chief Controller Kezhu Hunyuan and others to revert to the palace morning and evening, but Yue¤ equally ties up and fetters the messengers, and does not heed to turn back and report. Observing his aims and inclinations, in the circumstances he surely has different plans. Your Subject precisely because of this has not dared to pull out himself. As well as to obey the multitudes' feelings, [I] beg a small halt and delay.

Taizu then sent Yue¤ a letter calling him to account, saying:

A while ago, at the end of Zhengguang [520 – 525], Under Heaven bubbled and gushed over. Dust flew in He and Shuo, fog blocked up Jing and Mian. The former General, Excellency Heba, rolled up his sleeves to surge up, his aspiration to soothe the country under the sky. He assigned halberds to point south, rescuing the august sanctified one who had already fallen down [?]. He held close the yak tail to stride west, helping the hundred families who had been submerged altogether. The west looking back without worries, it was His Excellency that they depended on. His accomplishments were blooming and his rewards ascendant, and he thereupon campaigned Right of the Passes. This then is what is known about travelling the road, and not recorded in one or two conversations.

You, my lord, is truly minuscule in fame and meagre in acts, and fundamentally have no far-reaching capacity. The former General had aspirations for subordinates moving high [?], and was dedicated to the management of assembly and campaigning. He therefore declared and put forward to the imperial court, recommending you, my lord, to be Acting Tribunal of Longyou. At the court's discussion, due to the defects in my lord's merit and fame, would not assent to it. Consequently, he frequently requested to pay visit, [these?] arrived again and again. The Son of Heaven repudiated and turned away from the supreme general, and right then heeded and allowed it. This likewise far and near was common knowledge, and he was not again laden with brush and ink. [One who] heedlessly makes wood and stone be his heart still will understand gratitude. Compared with the living souls, how are [you] able to have no shame!

Additionally, the royal house has many mishaps and the Gao clan monopolizes power. The ruler and sovereign with a humble heart confides in and holds high Jin and Zheng. You, my lord, then accepted together the former General the convert intentions, again and again joining to swear a compact to at the appointed time with [you] last strength together rectify the times' difficulties. Yet while your countenance was respectful, your heart was disobedient, jealous of those superior and envying the worthy. The blood on the mouth [from the oath-swearing] was not yet dry when the spoon-head [dagger] was already out. [You] united to make faction with the traitors to the state, together to imperil the foundational court. [You] abandoned kindness to turn your back to the oath, and had shameful face and eyes. How is you do not above shrink from Heaven and below show shame to the Earth.

I, though weak in talent, still will be shepherd of the hinterlands, by the kindness of the humbly being up for promotion by imperial court, and the happen-stance of shouldering the former General's soldiers of state. The day [I] heard the news, [my] soul guarded against startled flight. [I] right then declared and put forward to the Heavenly court, at once came running to attend, was pushed forward by the multitudes' feelings, and consequently took on the weight of warfare.

Side by sider, there are guidance and directives summoning me to return to the palace, and also a separate decree ordering you, my lord, to enter court. Even if the conduct and acts have gained no renown, seniority from age is quite ingrained. Today to advance or withdraw only you, my lord, will assess. Suppose the sections supervised and led by my lord stride east from the mountains in Long, I also will collect and guide the regiments of followers, and from the northern road turn back to the palace. Together [we] will seek after the traces of Lian [Po] and Lin Xiangru, and in the same way long for the manners of Kou [Xun] and Jia [Fu].

1st Year of Taichang [532 AD], Yue became Great Acting Tribunal of Guanxi. He used Taizu as Assistant of the Left, acting as Yue's Marshal of the Office, concurrently Cavalier Regular Attendant. There were no affairs [too] large or small, in everything he was entrusted with deciding them.

When Shenwu of Qi had routed the Erzhu, he thereupon took control over the court and government. Taizu requested to go and observe him. When he had arrived in Bing province, Shenwu of Qi asked about affairs in Yue's army. Taizu's oral answers were gallant and articulate. Shenwu of Qi consider him to be not an ordinary person, and wanted to keep him behind. Taizu pretended to pledge his loyal devotion, and therefore obtained instructions to go back. Thereupon he at starlight proceeded on the road. Shenwu of Qi actually did dispatch [someone] to pursue him, they reached the Passes without catching up.

Taziu returned back and spoke to Yue, saying:

Gao Huan is not someone who serves others. That his disobedient plans have not yet issued out is for fear of Your Excellency and brothers, that is all. However, of everyone who have desired to establish great merit and save the altars of soil and grain, there have not yet been one who did not make use of the circumstances of the land to bring together the noble and gallant, and then was able to achieve success.

Houmochen Yue¤ originally was of truly of mediocre materiel, by coincidence he happened then upon unearned reliance and trust. Just now he is without heart for worrying about the state, and likewise is not hated by Gao Huan. Only be prepared for him, and planning against him is not difficult.

Now the cavalry of the Feiyetou's bow string are not less than ten thousand and the soldiers of the Inspector of Xia province, Huba Mi'etu's victorious troops are more than three thousand. Coming to the Inspector of Ling province, Cao Ni, he also relies on his out-of-the-way remoteness, and often holds close divergent expectations. The drifting people of Hexi, Hedouling Yili and others, their households and mouths are wealthy and prosperous, but not yet receiving the airs of the court.

Now suppose [we] move the army near Long, seize their strategic points, make a display for them with power and defer to them with virtue, then [we] can gather their soldiers and horses to supply our army. To the west [we] arrange the Di and Qiang, to north console the sandy frontier, [then we] return the army to Chang'an to save and assist the House of Wei. This is what Huan and Wen raised up.

Yue was greatly pleased, and then dispatched Taizu to go to the palace to request to render service and in confidence lay out their situation. The Wei Emperor deeply adopted it. He promoted Taizu to General of Martial Guards, and he turned back with orders to report to Yue. Yue thereupon guided the army west to stay at Pingliang. He made plans with his multitudes, saying:

Xia province is in a neighbourhood of bandits and traitors,[we] must increase soothing and consoling. How to obtain a good Inspector to garrison it?

The multitudes all said:

Assistant of the Left Yuwen is precisely that person.

Yue said:

The Assistant of the Left is my left and right hands, how could he be dispersed with?

He was lost in thoughts for a number of days, and then followed the multitudes' opinion. Hence he petitioned for Taizu to become Envoy Holding the Tally, General of Martial Guards, and Inspector of Xia province. Taizu arrived in the province. Yili looked up to his manners and devotedly adhered, but Cao Ni still exchanged envoys with Shenwu of Qi.

Wei's 3rd Year of Yongxi, Spring, 1st Month [30 January – 28 January 534], Yue wished to chastise Cao Ni. He dispatched Chief Controller Zhao Gui to arrive at Xia province and plan out the affair with Taizu. Taizu said:

Cao Ni is in a lonely city blocked off and far away, is not yet sufficient to be of concern. Houmochen Yue¤ depends on the multitudes and is intimate and nearby. He is greedy and untrustworthy, and surely about to become a problem. [I] want to soon plot against him.

Yue did not listen, and thereupon he and Yue¤ chastised Ni together.

2nd Month [1 March – 29 March], they arrived at Hequ. Yue in the end was murdered by Yue¤, and his soldiers and multitudes scattered back to Pingliang. Only Great Chief Controller Zhao Gui led his personal retinue to gather Yue's corpse and return to camp.

And so the Three Armies had not anywhere to belong. The various generals, as Chief Controller Kou Luo was the most senior in age, together were pushing forward Luo to control military affairs. Luo was habitually without gallant schemes, and made imposing orders but did not act. He therefore spoke to the various generals, saying:

Luo's wisdom and ability is fundamentally lacking, and not suitable to command and steer. Those nearby who are pressing it into the crowd's discussion are pushing each other forward to administer and lead. Now [I] request to turn down the position, and furthermore to select a worthy talent.

And so Zhao Gui talked to the multitudes, saying:

The supreme leader was loyal, just, and entirely steadfast. With violence in court and countryside, his meritorious legacy were not attained, and suddenly he suffered a baleful cruelty. How though will the state mourns a good steward, when in fact also the multitudes are without anyone to rely on? Surely [if we] want to bring [us] together in the same oath, and respond in kind to wipe away the shame, [we] must chose someone worthy for overall command of the various armies. If the one raised up is not that man, then the great affair will be difficult to accomplish. Even if [we] want to set up loyalty and establish righteousness, that can be obtained.

I took the liberty to observe Yuwen of Xia province. His noble bearing is not of [this] generation, and his gallant strategies are ahead of the times. Distant and near turn their hearts [to him], officers and enlisted employ his instructions. He applies laws and orders with uniform dignity, his rewards and penalties are strict and clear, he is genuinely enough to trust in. Now if we report our grief, he will surely come and hurry to the difficulties. Following that, if we then respectfully offer him, the great affair will be accomplished.

The various generals all declared it good. They therefore instructed Helian Da to hurry to reach Xia province. He reported to Taizu, saying:

Houmochen Yue¤ did not care about his sworn oath, he threw away kindness and turned his back to virtue, and traitorously murdered the loyal and good. The crowd feel indignant and resentful, and complain and entreat about having nothing.

Your Excellency formerly occupied the control and management, your kindness and trust seen and heard. Now there are none too small and none too great, everyone desire to push forward to defer to [you]. The multitudes' thoughts about Your Excellency stretches the day [to?] a complete year. [I] wish [you] will not delay or stop, but comfort the multitudes' expectations.

Taizu was about to go with him. The magistrates and people of Xia province all sobbingly requested, saying:

[We] hear that Yue¤ now is at Shuiluo, the distance to Pingliang is not far. Suppose he already has Excellency Heba's multitudes, then plotting against him will truly be difficult. [We] wish [you] furthermore to stop and halt, and so watch his changes.

Taizu said:

When Yue¤ had murdered the supreme leader, he ought himself to have exploited the circumstances to straight-away occupy Pingliang. Yet he turns around shifting and stumbling, and stations troops at Shuiluo. I understand there is nothing he is able to do. Moreover, what is difficult to gain and easy to lose is the time, and what not to wait for all day is the moment. Now [if I] do not proceed soon, [I] soon fear the multitudes' hearts will stray away themselves.

Chief Controller Mijie Yuanjin made plans with intention of responding to Yue¤, and covertly plotted against Taizu. The affair came out, and he beheaded him.

Taizu then led his followers and light cavalry, and hurriedly proceeded to Pingliang. At the time Shenwu of Qi dispatched Senior Clerk Hou Jing to recruit and guide Yue's multitudes. Taizu arrived at Anding, and encountered him. He spoke to Jing, saying:

Though Excellency Heba is dead, Yuwen Tai still lives. What will my dear sir do about it?

Jing turned pale, and replied saying:

I am like an arrow, that is all. After being shot out by a person, how might I control myself.

Jing with that promptly turned back.

Taizu arrived at Pingliang, and wept for Yue with considerable grief. The generals and soldiers were both saddened and delighted, saying:

The Grand Ancestor [taizu], the Civil [wen] August Emperor, family name Yuwen, taboo Tai, courtesy name Heita, was a native of Wuchuan in Dai. His ancestors sprung from the Flame Emperor of the Shennong clan. He was wiped out by the Yellow Emperor, his sons and grandsons escaped to live in the boreal wilderness.

There was Gewutu, he was gallant, martial, and with many calculations and schemes. The Xianbei admired him, and received him as ruler. Thereupon he brought together twelve sections groups, and for generations [his family] were chieftains.

His descendant was called Puhui. During a hunt he obtained a jade signet with three knots, it had a pattern which said “August Emperor Seal”. Puhui in his heart marvelled at it, and considered it to be a Heavenly conferral. In their custom they spoke of “heaven” as yu宇, and spoke of “lord” as wen文. Following that he titled it the Yuwen state, and also used his clan.

Puhui's son Mona migrated south from Yin Mountain and first lived in west of the Liao. This was the Offering [xian] Marquis, his became the state were Wei's maternal uncles were born [?].

After nine generations [the lineage] arrived at Houdougui, he was wiped out by Murong Huang.

His son Ling served Yan. He was designated Chief Commandant of Appended Horse and ennobled Duke of Xuantu. When Daowu of Wei was about to attack Zhongshan, Ling followed Murong Bao to hold out against him. Bao was defeated, and Ling led 500 armoured cavalry to revert to Wei. He was designated Master of the Chief Herders, and bestowed the feudal rank of Calming and Settling Marquis. Beginning of Tianxing [398 – 404], they moved the prominent and outstanding to the Dai Capital. Ling followed regulations and shifted to Wuchuan.

Ling begot Xi, Xi begot Tao. Both were esteemed for their martial schemes.

Tao begot Gong. Gong relied on chivalry and had vitality and ability. At the end of Zhengguang [520 – 525], Poliuhan Baling, a native of the Woye Garrison, made chaos, distant and near many responded to him. His falsely appointed king, Wei Kegu's followers and partisans were exceedingly abundant. Gong therefore gathered together his home village to behead Kegu. His multitudes then scattered. Later he abandoned the land [for] Zhongshan, thereupon was captured by Xianyu Xiuli. Xiuli ordered Gong to turn back to control his section's multitudes. Later he was routed by the Ding province army, and perished among the ranks. Beginning of Wucheng [559 – 560], he was retroactively venerated as the Potent [de] August Emperor.

Taizu was August Emperor De's youngest son. His mother was called Ms. Wang. When she had been pregnant for five months, she dreamt at night she held in her arms a child which ascended into the sky, not quite reaching it when he stopped. She woke up and told August Emperor De. August Emperor De happily said:

Although he did not reach heaven, the honour is still at the pinnacle.

When he was born, there was a black vapour like a canopy, cover beneath it his body. Coming of age, he was 8 chi tall, with a square forehead and wide brow, and beautiful beard and whiskers. His hair was long enough to heap up on the ground, his hands hung down past the knees. On his back side there were black spots quite moving as if in the shape of a dragon coiling, and his face had a purple shine. People who looked at him respected and were in awe of him. As young he had great measures, but did not serve in his family people's professions. He made light of riches and was fond of giving, and so made connections with worthy gentlemen and grandees.

As young he accompanied August Emperor De in Xianyu Xiuli's army. At the time when Ge Rong killed Xiuli, Taizu was aged eighteen. Rong thereupon relied upon him as a general and leader. Taizu understood he would have no success, and made plans with his brothers with the intentions to flee and escape. The plans had not yet been acted upon when it happened that Erzhu Rong captured Ge Rong and settled north of the He. Taizu followed regulations and shifted to Jinyang. Rong considered Taizu and his brothers gallant and outstanding and feared they perhaps would have differences with himself. He thereupon relied upon another's crime to execute Taizu's third oldest brother Luosheng, and then intended to murder Taizu. Taizu defended himself that his family had been wronged, and explained his purport with brave forbearance. Rong felt it, and pardoned him, and increasingly treated him with respect.

2nd Year of Xiaochang [526 AD, sic, but Ge Rong was only defeated in 528 AD, and Yuan Hao's invasion took place in 529 AD], Yan province was in chaos. Taizu for the first time commanded an army to follow Rong and look into it. Prior to this, the King of Beihai, Hao, had ran to Liang. The people of Liang installed him as ruler of Wei, and made him lead troops to enter Luo. Emperor Xiaozhuang of Wei set out to live in Henei to escape from him. Rong dispatched Heba Yue to chastise Ying, and to continue to welcome Emperor Xiaozhuang. Taizu was old friends with Yue, and he therefore followed Yue as a detached general. When Emperor Xiaozhuang had been turned back to propriety, he was for his merits ennobled Count of Ningdu with an estate of 300 households, and moved to General who Garrisons the Distant and Colonel of Foot Troops.

Moqi Chounu made chaos in Guanyou. Emperor Xiaozhuang dispatched Erzhu Tianguang with Yue and others to chastise him. Taizu thereupon followed Yue to enter the Passes. As the first spear-point he routed the bogus Acting Tribunal Yuchi Pusa and others. When they had pacified Chounu, and settled Longyou, Taizu had merit in most of it, he moved to General who Conquers the West and Gold and Purple Brilliantly Blessed Grandee, added to his estate 300 households, concurrently General Charged with the Chambers, Acting on the Affairs of Yuan province. At the time in Guan and Long there were bandits and chaos, the hundred families were withering and fading. Taizu consoled with kindness and trust, the people all happily submitted. Everyone joyfully said:

Earlier if only Yuwen had been sent to rule, why would we have taken part in disobedient chaos.

Taizu once accompanied several riders into the wilderness. Suddenly he heard the sound of pipes and drums and so questioned accompanying people. Everyone said they had not heard it.

2nd Year of Putai [532 AD], Erzhu Tianguang went east to ward off Shenwu of Qi. He kept behind his younger brother Xianshou to garrison Chang'an. The Inspector of Qin province, Houmochen Yue¤, was summoned by Tianguang, to bring along the army multitudes and go down east. Yue knew Tianguang would surely be defeated, and wished to keep being Yue¤ to plot together against Xianshou, but nothing came out of his plans. Taizu spoke to Yue, saying:

Now Tianguang is still nearby and Yue¤ is not yet of two mind. If [we] inform him of this affair, [I] fear he will be alarmed and afraid. However, though Yue¤ is the chief commander, he is unable to control things. If [we] first explain to his multitudes, surely people will be in a mind to stay. To advance is to neglect the Erzhu's appointed time, to withdraw is to fear people's feelings will change and move. By taking advantage of this and explain to Yue¤, there is no way for the affair not to succeed.